MARCH 11, AT 8 P.M. in the Annexe at Dunbar Park.
Who'd have thought that the first private residence in Palm Beach was "only" built in 1911?
And that it was constructed to house the surveyors for the first Palm Beach land subdivision and auction sale?
An enthusiastic crowd of 58 people came along to find out more at the latest slide night organised by Avalon Beach Historical Society President Geoff Searl OAM.
The proceedings were in two parts.
Part One
Part One was ably presented by Society member and long time resident Bill Goddard.
He and Geoff have been researching and compiling the history of the first private residence at Palm Beach.
Albert Verrills built SUNRISE COTTAGE in 1911 to accommodate the surveyors for the Barrenjoey Company Limited. The design is likely to be by Henry Austin Wilshire, who owned the blocks opposite before selling this to Lady Maitland, along with the cottage he built there.
Sunrise cottage was a simple design or an east and west facing verandah and rooms around a central fireplace.
Considering that the Government Customs House (to discourage grog smugglers) and its residence was built in the lee of Barrenjoey in the 1840s, 1911 seems almost recent.
The explanation lies in Palm Beach's relative inaccessibility until the (dirt) roads were constructed for early cars. One of the Verrills children recalled that a trip to the doctor meant a sea voyage to Sydney!.. which he could not believe was "real" when he first saw it, having only seen Palm Beach to that time!
Some photos from around 1925 of the ocean beach below the house certainly make the whole area look idyllic.
All lots were sold to buyers in 1912, along with that on which Sunrise cottage had been built, although the Certificate of Tile, given the special terms for purchasing land in this first subdivision, were registered from 1914 on, with most of those who bought those first Lots taking up that option.
Sunrise Cottage was bought by the Robson-Scott family, along with the land beside it - and one of five blocks the family purchased at Palm Beach during these initial subdivisions.
Charlotte and James Robson-Scott, paid £300 for the land and cottage according to some records - comparative to the £100 per much steeper lot on the Sunrise Hill side that faces Pittwater - and which rises behind the cottage. This hill on its Pittwater and Barrenjoey facing sides also became known as 'Spinsters Hill' due to the amount of professional women, doctors and lawyers etc. who bought land there during the first 1912 land sale, Dr. Lucy Gullett being one, and lawyer Marie Byles, whose family bought a lot here facing towards the park lookout at Bouddi National Park named for her and the lighthouse, another example.
The Robson-Scott blocks of land are registered as Certificates of title in Vol- Fol 2451-206 for Lot 29 on which Sunrise Cottage, the Surveyors cottage was built. They also bought and lots 159 and 160 (Vol -Fol 2463-59) on Sunrise road and 3 lots of land No.s 78, 79 for those on Ocean road and 96 ( Vol-Fol 2463-60 for the Florida Road/Ocean road) in the second subdivision:
Barrenjoey - Palm Beach Estate - Pittwater - Barranjoey Rd 1912. Item c052700030, courtesy State Library of NSW - H. Wolstenholme, solicitor to the estate.
Barrenjoey - Palm Beach Estate - Pittwater - Barranjoey Rd 1912 - part of brochure. Item: c052700024, courtesy State Library of NSW
Barrenjoey - Palm Beach Estate - Pittwater - Barranjoey Rd 1912 - part of brochure. Item: c052700025, courtesy State Library of NSW
Looking down Pacific Road north across Palm Beach Road to Sunrise Cottage in the 1930s. Lady Maitland’s house still stands to the right of picture. ABHS photo:
View of the western elevation of the cottage with one of the family and vehicle. ABHS photo:
A great pic with some family members on the western verandah which would have provided marvellous views to Pittwater and West Head. ABHS photo, Captions: Geoff Searl - dated circa 1930:
James Robson-Scott was the second son, and one of four boys of Thomas and Mary Robson-Scott, of Newton, Jedburgh, N.B. His father was an expert on sheep and oversaw thousands of acres in this border region of Scotland. His older brother John Alexander visited Australia prior to returning to Jedburgh to look after the family's estate.
James and his wife Charlotte had a son, Robert Donald (or Roy as he was called by family members), and Lilias, who married Kenneth D C Jones in 1924. Roy married in 1927, to Phillis Constance Ducker, also of Killara where the Robson-Scott main home 'Southdean', at 572 Pacific Highway, Killara, was. Charlotte turns up in golfing records at Killara Golf Club from 1905 on.
Sunrise cottage was inherited by Robert after his parents passed away, James in December 1940 aged 82 and Charlotte Elizabeth in August 1948, aged 73. The cottage was sold after Robert, public servant, passed away, in June 1957 - with the sale confirmed in 1959.
Part Two
Part Two was conducted by Geoff, or Captain Geoff as he is now known in some circles.
He has just returned from an 11-day voyage from Darling Harbour to Hobart as one of the ‘voyage crew’ on the replica HMB Endeavour.
This magnificent wooden vessel is an exact replica, built in Australia, of Cook's Endeavour (except for the galley to seat the modern day crew in some degree of comfort). The rest of the experience was as close to authentic as safety allows... sleeping in uncomfortable hammocks in the dark (to preserve night vision), climbing the ratlines (albeit with a safety harness), hauling sails aloft, helping steer the vessel on the two person ship's wheel, .and experiencing the feel of a sailing ship largely at the mercy of the elements - which was state of the art at the time of Cook's voyage!
Geoff had an amazing voyage and gained some understanding of the comparatively primitive conditions that the ship's crew experienced in the 1768 - 70 era of Cook's outstanding global explorations. His voyages were unequalled to that time and he sailed further north and further south on earth than anyone else. The voyage to Australia was the equivalent at the time of going into the unknowns of space. Indeed one of the replica's wooden nails was carried on the NASA Endeavour Mission into space and back, and is installed in the stern of the vessel. The big difference between Cook and his crew, and NASA and Geoff's modern day crews, is that the latter two at least had some idea of what was ahead of them.
Geoff said he appreciated the comforts of a hot shower and soft bed when they reached Hobart. Geoff's wife Collette said he got seasick, worked hard, didn't get much sleep, and he paid for the privilege!
The audience appreciated his photos and tales of his experience of a lifetime!
Geoff was the oldest crew member on board at 78 years young and even climbed the ratlines up onto the first cross spar to do sailwork (everyone wore a safety harness)..Geoff is an inspiration to all of us.
Captain Cook sailed past Avalon Beach and Palm Beach on 7 May 1770.
Some of Geoff's photos and captions:
Great pic of our lady when she was around 2 years old in a Force 9 gale (approx. 85km/h) down south. Note no topsails so as to keep her from heeling too much.
Using the capstan winch to haul up the anchor after a night’s stop over at Wineglass Bay. The capstan is also nick-named the Hamster’s Wheel by the professional crew members.
Master Andrew Longhurst (call me Ant) has been the Master for some 15 years and is explaining where we will be heading after the morning muster.
Showing the fall-stop harness which every crew member who ventures above the weather deck must don.
A piece of the ballast carried on board recovered from Endeavour River which was heaved overboard along with 6 of the canons to lighten the ship and enable repairs.
Portion of Cook’s Great Cabin:
The next meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held Tuesday 10 June 2025.
To find out more and become a member, visit: abhs.org.au
Notes
Robson - Afterwards Robson-Scott
Jedburgh, was the principal town in the south of Scotland, and had its share in all the vicissitudes of the Border district. It witnessed the strife of between the indigenous inhabitants and the Romans, between the Picts and the Scots who came over from Ireland in the fourth century, and between the Picts and Scots combined and the hordes of invading Saxons.
Robson is a familiar name in Roxburghshire and Northumberland, and is also that of an old Border clan. It appears in charters and documents of the fifteenth century, and also in connexion with Border expeditions. The Robsons for generations have been pastoral farmers, occupying large and important farms, and have aided in the improvement of the well-known Cheviot breed of sheep.
James Robson of Samieston, and tenant of Belford and Chatto, married, in 1769, Sarah Alexander, by whom he had four sons and several daughters. One of these daughters, Frances, married James Douglas,' physician in Kelso; another, Sarah, married Thomas Thomson of Bughtrig. The sons were named respectively Charles, John, William, and Selby.
Thomas Robson-Scott of Newton, second son of John Newton Robson, was born in 1815. In 1857 he married Mary Anne, daughter of the Rev. T Wright, minister of Oxnam. Mr Robson-Scott was a well-known authority on everything connected with sheep farming. He carried on the lease of Lethem, which had been long in the Scott family, besides several other extensive sheep farms. He was a man of unassuming manners; sound in judgment; a good landlord, and a kind master. He died at Newton on the 19th October, 1893 and was buried in the churchyard of Bedrule.
He was succeeded by his son, John Alexander Robson-Scott of Newton and Menslaws ; John was born in 1858, and was educated at Fettes College and the Newton University of Edinburgh. He has visited America, New Zealand, and Australia; and from the latter he has brought home a fine collection of stuffed birds, all shot by himself, among which are some rare and beautiful specimens. Mr Scott farms his own estate, and is a successful breeder of weight carrying hunters. He has now turned his attention to thoroughbreds, with every chance of success. He married, on the 19th October, 1887, Margaret Suter, second daughter of William Lang, and with other children has a son, Thomas Selby, born in 1894.
Thomas Robson-Scott, a younger son of Thomas Robson Scott of Newton, was born at Newton in 1866, and was educated at the Edinburgh Academy. He married, in 1892, Florence Jane, daughter of William Lang. He farms Lethem, of which the Scotts have been tenants for several generations, also Southdean and Peel. Mr Robson-Scott purchased Lanton Tower, with its adjoining lands, in the neighbourhood of Jedburgh. He joined the Jedforest Club in 1898.
Extract from: "The annals of a border club (the Jedforest) : and biographical notices of the families connected therewith" by George Tancred of Weens, 1899. Published in Edinburgh
Scott; Thomas Robson (1815-1893); landed proprietor and farmer
Recorded at Lethem farmhouse, Southdean, Roxburghshire, 1861 Census, aged 43, landed proprietor and farmer of 8,500 acres, with wife Mary Ann, aged 33, and children Mary E, 4, John Alexander, 3, Esther A, 5, and James, aged 1.
Born 27 September 1815 at Morebattle, Roxburghshire, Scotland, and recorded as Thomas Robson, died 9 October 1893 at Newton, Bedrule, Roxburghshire, aged 78. Son of John Robson, farmer, of Belford, and Esther Robson maiden surname Scott. Thomas Robson Scott married Mary Ann Leslie Wight.
Robson-Scott
Motto; Patriam amo - I love my country
Blazon - Family Crest; A Stag Trippant Ppr.
Source; Fairbairn's Book of Crests, 1905 ed.
MARRIAGES.
JONES—ROBSON-SCOTT - July 12, at St. Phillip's Church Church Hill, by the Rev. Canon Bellingham, Kenneth only son of Mr. and Mrs. A T Jones Ilion Leura to Lilias only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J Robson Scott Southdean, Killara. Family Notices (1924, August 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16159289
ROBSON-SCOTT—DUCKER.-March 15, at St. Martin's, Killara, by the Rev. L. Charlton, Robert Ronald Robson-Scott, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Robson- Scott, Killara, to Phillis Constance, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Ducker, Killara. Family Notices (1927, May 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16367142
MRS. J. G. EDWARDS.
The funeral of Mrs. J. G. Edwards, of Killara, who died on Wednesday, took place on Thursday, at the Gordon Cemetery, Mrs. Edwards, who was the widow of the late J. G. Edwards, was born at Pymble in 1851, her father, Mr. B. McKeown, being one of the earliest orchardists to grow citrus and stone fruits and grapes at Lane Cove. As a girl she remembered crossing the harbour in the early waterman skiff ferry, with some of the "old hands" at the sculls. It was then a day's journey to town and home again.
Most of her latter life was spent at Killara, where she was connected with many movements for the development of the village. At Springdale, her home, Mrs. Edwards con-ducted one of the prettiest gardens in the dis-trict, giving prominence to bouvardias, azaleas, roses, and tall begonias. Her last request was for a display of gay portulaca, of which she was fond.
The Rev. L. Charlton officiated at the graveside.
The chief mourners were Dr. J. G. Edwards. Dr. W.A. Edwards, and Mr. Arnold Edwards (sons). Rev. w. McKeown and Mr. G. M. McKeown (brothers) Masters Grey Channon and J. G. Edwards. Jun. (grandsons). Mr. P. Jackson (son-in-law). Messrs. H. E. McIntosh and A. M. McIntosh (nephews).
Among others present were: Messrs. W. Dixson. Charles Danvers. D P. Douglas. Dr. George Green-well. Messrs. J. Robson-Scott. Karl Greenwell. R. Robson-Scott, W. C. Paton. L. Paton. H. Atwlll. S. Harrington, G. Smith, and J. G. Lockley. MRS. J. G. EDWARDS. (1932, January 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28035426
Marriages.
SCOTT— LANG. — May 18, at St. Mark's Church, Darling Point, by the Rev. Canon Kemmis, Thomas William, youngest son of T. Robson Scott, of Newton, and Letham, Roxburghshire, Scotland, to Florence Jane, eldest daughter of the late William Lang, of Wargam, Riverina, New South Wales. Home papers please copy. Family Notices (1892, May 30). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236167885
DEATHS.
ROBSON-SCOTT---August 19, at Lethem Yedburgh, Scotland, Florence, the wife of Thomas Robson-Scott. (By cable) Family Notices (1911, August 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15269845
ROBSON-SCOTT—MOSES.—The Engagement is announced of Prudence, youngest daughter of Mr. R. W. Moses, of Singleton, and Mrs. H. T. Osmond, of Bellevue Hill, to James, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Robson-Scott, of Killara and Willoughby. Family Notices (1952, June 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 34. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18268912
Country wedding
A reception at the Royal Sydney Golf Club will follow the marriage of Singleton girl Miss Prudence Moses and engineer Mr. James Robson-Scott at St. Mark's Church, Darling Point, on Thursday, May 14, at 6 pm. The reception will be given by Miss Moses' mother Mrs. H. T. Osmond of Bellevue Hill. Mr. Robson-Scott is the son of Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Robson-Scott of Willoughby. Country wedding (1953, April 7). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 29 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229737843
Coronation Red for big wedding
PRUDENCE MOSES chose a colour scheme of white and Coronation Red for her marriage to Jim Robson-Scott last night.
The ceremony took place at St. Mark's Church, Darling Point. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Rupert Moses, of Wandewoi, Singleton. Her frock was of white Chantilly lace and tulle. A pleated roll collar of tulle finished the fitted lace bodice and lace flowers were appliqued on the bouffant, tulle skirt. A skull cap of Chantilly lace held her finger-tip-length white tulle veil. Mrs. A. McBride, of Menindee, was matron-of-honor and Jill Officer, of Trangie, was bridesmaid: Their full-skirted frocks of Coronation Red faille had deep round necklines filled in with soft folds of white pique. They wore tiny caps of white feathers. The bridegroom is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Robson-Scott, of Willoughby. More than 100 guests were at a reception at the Royal Sydney Golf Club, Rose Bay.
WHITE LACE GOWN
MR. AND MRS. J. ROBSON-SCOTT leaving St. .Mark's after their marriage yesterday. The bride was formerly Prudence Moses. —Coronation Red for big wedding (1953, May 15). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248693728
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Robson-Scott moved into their new home at Avalon last week when they returned from their honeymoon at Hayman Island. Mrs. Robson-Scott was formerly Prue Moses, of Sydney and Singleton. CANDLES LIGHT SUPPER-ROOM (1953, June 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230727320
Barrenjoey Land Sales
Palm beach land Ltd Volume Folios:
Vol 3758 Folio 71 – 1924 on – Palm Beach Lands Company
Barrenjoey Company Ltd - Vol. 2289 Folio 43 – December 1912 on
Barrenjoey Land Company Vol-Fol 2289-43 from 1922 on – for Palm Beach and Whale Beach;
Palm Beach Lands Ltd: Volumes folio: 4349-80 and also: 3758-71 - Also Whale Beach Reserves title
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Barrenjoey Company, Ltd, has been registered with a capital of £6000, In 120 shares of £50 each, the object being to purchase 410 acres of the Bassett Darley subdivision The first directors are - Messrs. H Wolstenholme, E T Jones, J T Ralston, J Young, and H R Nolan. NOTES AND COMMENTS. (1911, June 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15239859
James Channon who then owned what was left of Nappers Grant, sold to Barrenjoey Company in June 1911, formalised July 14, 1911
LEFT £99,172
A Sydney Manufacturer LATE JAMES CHANNON
The will of the late James Channon, of Hornsby, manufacturer, has, for probate purposes, been sworn at £99,172. Mr. Channon, who died on August 14 last, directed his trustees to permit of his widow residing at "Pakenham," Hornsby, during her life. He further directed his trustees to pay to his widow during her life for the maintenance of herself and the upkeep of her home and the payment of her servants' wages £520 per annum. Mr. Channon bequeathed to his sons, Stanley James Channon and Ernest John Channon, absolutely, in equal shares, the businesses of "Dr. Waugh's Baking Powder," "John Brush Proprietary," and "The United Furniture Factory,' and also the wholesale general grocery business at Henderson Road, Alexandria. Mr. Channon gave his trustees specific directions as to his interests in mining ventures, including the Junction and True Blue mines, Wyalong, Lake George mines, Captain's Flat, Mount Stewart Mines, Leadville, and the Frogmore Copper Mines, Burrowa. Mr. Channon left to his trustees (Stanley James Channon and Ernest John Channon, his sons and Henry Shiers Rishworth, his son-in-law,) upon, trust, all the residue and remainder of his real and personal estate for the benefit of his widow and children and grandchildren, Effie Dowsett being specially mentioned. The codicil also directed his trustees to pay the following legacies:— To his sister, Elizabeth Edith Eyles, £100; to his sister-in-law, Martha Channon, £25 to Henrietta Mary Newbery, his wife's half-sister, £25; and to the following if in his employ at the time of his death:—£100 to James Cooper, foreman of his baking powder factory, Sydney; £25 to William Edgar; £100 to James Larkin, the manager of the baking powder business, Brisbane; £15 to Cyrus Douglas, his gardener; and £15 to Annie Jones, his cook. LEFT £99,172 (1920, December 10). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222655387
OBITUARY MRS. JAMES CHANNON Mrs. Channon, widow of the late Mr. James Channon, died at her residence, Pakenham, Hornsby, yesterday. Both Mr. and Mrs. Channon were well-known in Goulburn, where they lived for many years. Mr. Channon presented an allotment of land in Cowper St. to the Methodist Church and it is on that land that the Cowper St. Methodist Church now stands. Mr. Channon died about five years ago. A family of four survive. They are Messrs. S. J. and E. J. Channon, of Sydney; Mrs. S. M. McCloy, of Wentworth Falls; and Mrs. L. A. Cotton, Hornsby. Mrs Channon and Mrs. Ayling, of Goulburn, who died recently, were sisters. OBITUARY (1930, February 25). Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 - 1940), p. 2 (DAILY and EVENING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104428190
TENDERS are invited to UNDER SCRUB about 30 to 40 acres of land at BARRENJOEY. Apply at Cottage, near new wharf, on the land, after 20th instant, or now to the Secretary, The Barrenjoey Co. Ltd., 1 Moore Street, City. Advertising (1911, September 22). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166925116
TO LIVERY STABLE PROPRIETORS, MOTOR CARS and TAXI CAB PROP. -TENDERS are invited for the Conveyance of about 100 to 150 people on January 26 next, from Manly Pier to Bayview, Pittwater, and return, leaving at 10 a.m., arriving at Bayview wharf at 12; return at 5 p.m. Subsidy, 2s per head each way. Tenders will be received up to December 4. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted, THE BARRENJOEY CO., Ltd., 1 Moore-street. Advertising (1911, December 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15293434
The Barrenjoey Company (Limited). S.L. 1911-7, Metropolitan. For: Wharf – 32 perches - Pittwater, parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland. APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. (1911, December 6). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 6534. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226918390
The Barrenjoey Company has presented plans of a new subdivision at Barrenjoey-this being only one of a series that are to be presented. The council is presided over by Cr. A. Ralston, president, and the administration is in the able hands or Mr, P. Carew, J.P., shire cleric. Warringah Shire. (1911, December 8). The Land (Sydney, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102902245
Advertisement for above stating 'harbour side wharf': Advertising. (1912, January 6). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15300293
The Mountains are not the only place of choice that the buyer of land on Anniversary Day will have Messrs Raine and Horne will offer the Palm Beach Estate at Barrenjoey This is regarded as an Ideal week-end spot with beautiful scenery, surfing benches, fishing, and bunting The land is on the Barranjoey Peninsula at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River It is almost the last, but certainly one of the best, of the ocean beaches There will be special conveyances from Manly on the day of the sale On Saturday Messrs Raine and Horne will sell lands in the township of the Hawkesbury River. REAL ESTATE. NOTES OF THE WEEK. (1912, January 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15303601
Messrs. Raine and Horne did well at Barrenjoey amongst that portion of the community who love surf-bathing and week-ends at the seaside. REAL ESTATE. NOTES OF THE WEEK. (1912, January 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15305550
BEAUTIFUL PALM BEACH, BARRENJOEY.
How many of the Sydney folk have heard of Palm Beach, situated on the neck of land ad-joining the Barrenjoey Lighthouse reserve and Pittwater Harbor ? One of those most glorious spots, given by Nature to the Sydneyites, where rest from the weary toils of the week may be enjoyed. As a comparative stranger in your midst, I would never, perhaps, have feasted on its exceptional beauty and the environs surrounding it had I not chanced upon a small red booklet, circulated on account of a land sale held there on Friday afternoon. I took the trip, at a cost of 2/6 return — cheap enough in all conscience ! — and on arrival at the pretty little jetty on the estate was so charmed with the natural beauties and picturesqueness of the scene that I feel it a duty to enlighten others of this most charming spot.
A glorious day, one of happy Sydney's best, and the beauty of the scene at Palm Beach will long live in my memory. The harbor, with its beach of sand, hard and white, its clear and placid waters for the children, the wild, natural scenery of the hills, the living fragrance of the bush and the beautiful Palm Beach for the surfers, with its ever sounding ocean roar, contrasting strangely with the harbor's peace, and calm, the stately palms in the numerous gullies, and the whole scene clothed with a sea and sky, of exquisite blue. From the hills cape after cape comes into view, both north and south, and to the west we see the Pittwater Harbor, with its numerous bays, "The Basin," Kuringai Chase, the majestic and awe-inspiring Lion island, Ettalong, and several other points of interest.
If you have never been to Palm Beach, go. It would be difficult for me to express the treat in store. There is nothing I have seen on your coast to approach it, and it is a matter of much wonder to me that with a splendid service of cars from Manly, and subsidised by a regular launch service (1 1/2 hour from Manly), it has not been availed of ere this.
The opening up of the estate will probably attract the populace, and I am informed Palm Beach is an ideal surfing one, and with all its other natural attractions should bring many an advocate to the shrine of its temple. The land facing the beach has been dedicated to the Council as a reserve for a public park.
I understand that every lot was sold at satisfactory prices, including the pretty little bungalow residence recently erected, and the vendors must be highly complimented on opening up such a beauty spot for the permanent use of the people. BEAUTIFUL PALM BEACH, BARRENJOEY. (1912, January 28). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126060685
BARRENJOEY
One of the most successful sales ever held in the Barrenjoey district took place on Anniversary Day when the ‘’Palm Beach Estate’’ was offered at public auction by Messrs. Raine and Horne. There was very keen competition for the beach lots which sold from 38/ to 64/ per foot. Every allotment in the estate, which comprised 84 blocks, was cleared and the auctioneer received instructions from the vendors to prepare another subdivision, which will be offered at about Easter. The total sales, including the cottage, realised £2611. BARRENJOEY. (1912, January 30). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239055782
it was actually 88 blocks and all of them sold, obviously a few after the above report. This would, by the time every purchaser paid the average £100 that is recorded as the average for poorer smaller blocks, would have recouped £8800 from the first subdivision - before they commenced measuring out the other lots. This would have been returned to the shareholders, after expenses and the auctioneers margins were taken out - meaning they had recouped their share lots immediately. Sales would persist into the late 1920's.
The first Palm Beach wharf, where they landed those that came to buy their land on site on January 26 1912, was granted its lease a few months afterwards:
Special Lease 1911-7, Metropolitan. The Barrenjoey Company, Limited.—The lease shall be subject to subsections 1, 3, 4, and 7 to 13 of Regulation No. 215 'notified 9th November, 1910, and to the following special conditions :—(a) Upon forfeiture, surrender, or expiration of the period of the lease, all improvements on the land shall become the property of the Crown, and no compensation shall be 'payable therefor, but on application within one month after such forfeiture, surrender, or expiration, the Minister may permit the former lessee to remove any movable improvements effected by him at his expense. In all cases where such permission has been given the improvements must be removed within three months after the date of forfeiture, surrender, or expiration, and should the Minister in writing so desire, the lessee Company shall remove the structure at its own cost, and without compensation, within six months of determination of the lease. (b) A good and substantial structure shall be erected by the lessee Company within six months from the date of notification in the Government Gazette of the granting of the lease, and be kept in good and efficient condition and in a thorough state of repair -and free from rats throughout the currency of the lease to the satisfaction of the Minister for Lands. (c) A breach of any of the above conditions will render the lease liable to forfeiture. NOTIFICATION OF GRANTING OF SPECIAL LEASES. (1912, May 1). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2718. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221606261
As was bringing the land under the Real Property Act:
No. 17,737. APPLICANT:— The Barrenjoey Company, Limited. LAND: — County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, Shire Warringah, 437a. 2r., on Careel Bay, Pittwater, and on South Pacific Ocean, and on road from Manly to Barren joey, — lots 1 to 18. subdivision of Bassett-Darley Estate, and part 400a. (portion 18 of parish), granted to James Napper; — exclusive of road 1 chain wide from Manly to Barrenjoey, the area of which is deducted from the total area; adjoining properties of C. Forssberg and M. M. Jones and Crown Land.
Diagrams delineating these lands may be Inspected at the Land Titles Office, Elizabeth-street, Sydney.
W. G. H- WILLIAMS.
Registrar-General.
17th July, 1912. (ld-3). NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1912, July 17). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4485. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221604355
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