Pittwater Online News

David ‘Rex’ Hazlewood (1886 – 1968) was born in Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s Inner West and grew up in the suburban/orchard areas around Homebush, Chatswood and Epping. At Epping the family built ' Devon Lodge' - laying the foundations in December 1901 - the home was completed by February 1902. 

Devon Lodge 22/02/1902 - ON 165/406  - Item No.: c07683_0006_c , courtesy State Library of NSW

CHATSWOOD SUPERIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL

On Friday last there was a large gathering of parents and friends of the pupils to witness the annual distribution of prizes. Among those present were Mr. George Howarth, M.L.A., Dr. Crabbe, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Dettmann, and Mrs Ludowici (members of the school board), Rev. D, Murphy, Dr. M'Swinney, Mr. Ward, and many others.

The prizes, models, and trophies were presented by Mr. Howarth and Dr. Crabbe. In the course of his remarks Mr. Howarth referred to the growth of the school. The enrolment was, he said, now over 710, and it had been decided to go on with extensive additions. He hoped to see the new buildings opened in six months time. The gold medal presented by Mrs. W. J. Brennan to the dux of the boys was won by Rex Hazlewood, and the gold medal presented by Dr. Crabbe for the cadet who made the best score at the last shooting competition was won by Harold Charlish...CHATSWOOD SUPERIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL (1901, December 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14429550

He first trained as a tailor in a city clothing warehouse, but in 1909 when he was 23, he began training for the Baptist ministry. His father David was the youngest son of another minister who died before he was born, thus the training to be a minister was a part of his family's culture. 

Rex Hazlewood’s father, David, was a keen amateur photographer and fostered the same passion in his son. Rex spent two years in country New South Wales as student pastor and took numerous photographs of the areas around Yeoval, Manildra and Molong, where he was based.

He also began taking photographs of churches of his own and other denominations in the suburbs of Concord and Epping. His ministry ended in late 1911 when he began working as a professional photographer.

On his return to Sydney in 1911, he took many photographs of the areas around his family home in Epping – including several series of the new developments in the north western suburbs, government works and the newly-built Central Markets (now Paddy’s Markets) in the city. 

His photographs recall the farming days of Sydney’s outer suburbs, including fruit-growing in Epping and timber-hauling in Carlingford. Some time between 1911 and 1916, Rex Hazlewood began to identify himself as a professional photographer and he appears to have gained several contracts to record the progress of large government building projects. He was the first to record the construction of the Commonwealth Government’s first wireless station at Pennant Hills, then the State Brick Works and Timber-Yard, and later many other industrial sites in the Strathfield-Ryde district.

He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 and left for England in 1917. During WWI Rex served in the first AIF. He served at the Western Front, and at the end of 1918 he was appointed an official war photographer until his return to Australia in 1919. 

After the War, he recommenced his professional career, setting up a studio at Epping. His subsequent work included over 2,000 colour photos taken on an extended trip to Europe and Britain. When he died in March 1968, his photographic collection passed to his family, who donated over 1,000 of these, mainly glass-plate, negatives to the Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW. 

In 1995 his son Laurance published a monograph on Hazelwood, inspired by the many researchers, especially local historians, using his photographs. As well as a biography and the reproduction of a selection of his early photographs, it includes an index to the photographs in the Mitchell Library.

Post war studio portrait of 17317 Sergeant (Sgt) 'Rex' Hazlewood, 1st Division Signals Company, probably taken in Melbourne. A photographer from Epping, NSW prior to enlistment, Sgt Hazlewood embarked with the rank of Sapper with the 26th Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Shropshire on 11 May 1917. After serving in France, he returned to Australia on 23 September 1919.

His marriage to Emma 'Robin' Kendall took place on June 19, 1920 (registered at Kiama) - her father had passed away just a few days prior to this:

MR. R. O. KENDALL. 

One by one, the old residents of the district, identified personally and as members of a family, with its progress and history, are passing away, leaving but the memory of what they and theirs have done for it. This was borne home on Wednesday when the sad news became known, Mr. R. O. Kendall had passed away toward mid-night the previous evening, at the Kiama Hospital, where he had been taken for an operation. Temporary relief was given, but the trouble was found to be without remedy, and the following day he passed peacefully to his rest. 

The late Mr. Kendall was in his 81st year, as he was born in Ulladulla in 1839 and coming to Kiama in early years, spent most of his life in this district. His grandfather was the first Missionary who left England for the Southern Hemisphere and first settled in New Zealand afterward coming to Australia - thus it will be seen the Kendall family is one of the oldest established is the State, and the late Mr. Kendall was the youngest and last remaining son of Thos. Surfleet Kendall (who built and established Barroul Estate) son of this valiant soul inspired by the Missionary spirit and that of adventure. In. those early days travelling the seas between the old world and the new was a different proposition to now when the great islands of the Pacific had a greater savage population than of civilised beings. 

After his marriage with Miss Emma Hunt, daughter of the late Mr. George Hunt of Kiama, Mr. R. O. Kendall removed to a farm of his own at Miiton. A few years later he returned to Kiama and started a business as a house land commission and insurance agent, which he carried on successfully until his last illness. He has been a pillar of the Church of England from early man-hood and a church warden for 54 years. In earlier days he often took the church services, and his exemplary life of gentle nature, kind hearted and truly Christian character was in keeping with his church work. Charitable and generous, he was. identified with all that stood for good repute progress, and humanity. He was one of the first to take interest in the establishment of the Kiama Hospital and was one of the trustees.

For several years he was an Alderman and during the year in which the Commonwealth was established was Mayor of Kiama. Be- side his widow, a family of 5 daughters is left to mourn the loss of dearly loved parent, in Mrs. Fleingham, Mrs Stanley Kendall, Mrs. Tress, Misses May and Robin Kendall with them and with the Misses Kendall of "Blake Cottage." his sisters, sincere sympathy is expressed in their bereavement. 

Until some months ago, Mr Kendall enjoyed wonderful health for one of his years and road about each day on business affairs his mentality and wonderful memory making his conversation most interesting especially where the tales of earlier days were concerned. Then he had the misfortune to sustain a fractured thigh through a fall but an indomitable spirit brought him through months of inactivity consequent, and he was able to his joy to get about the house again when the trouble manifested itself from which death ensued. The funeral was largely attended on Thursday, and left "Wingelo" his daughter's residence in the afternoon, for the private cemetery of the family at Marsden Hall the funeral service conducted by Rev. B. Tress (son-in-law). As a last token of respect the town flag hung at half mast on the day of his death and funeral.

OBITUARY. (1920, June 12). The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser (NSW : 1863 - 1947), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104782378

KENDALL.-June 8, 1920, at Kiama, Robert Oscar, beloved husband of Emma Kendall, aged 80 years. Family Notices (1920, June 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15893595

"My mother; my maternal grandfather" Items No.: c07775_0001_c and c07775_0002_c - caption by Laurance Hazlewood, 1992, courtesy State Library of NSW

In early 1921 he is out at Mudgee, his photographs illustrating this article: 

Pioneers Of Mudgee (1921, March 23). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159037778

After the birth of his son in 1922, Rex Hazlewood continued to take photographs, probably on a contract basis and for commercial postcards. Some of these postcards were taken with his rotating panoramic camera – 75 examples of panoramic negatives are held in the Mitchell Library’s collection.

Among those Rex Hazlewood took of Avalon is one showing the Avalon Golf Links which dates from when it was first being formed up:

Grass with sign reading Avalon Golf Links in preparation - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220009h and below FL38047, courtesy State Library of NSW

SEASIDE GOLF

Links at Avalon

People Interested in the attractiveness of seaside resorts are beginning to realise the value of golf links. The latest proposal is to establish a course at Avalon Beach. Avalon is a favorite holiday and week-end resort of the motorist, who enjoys a short run, and when links are in playing order Its popularity, will; increase. The course will be laid out on a sheltered pocket on the Manly side of the beach. The main road to Palm Reach will form its western boundary, so that there will be no question of its accessibility. 

The course will be of nine holes to commence with, and a beautiful site has been reserved for the clubhouse, within one minute of the beach and swimming pool. The ground at present is mostly covered with ti-tree, but clearing it will not be expensive or difficult. Patches have already been cleared, and are well grassed, the soil being sandy and most suitable for golf. The work of laying out the course and getting It In order will be taken In hand almost Immediately, and an effort made to get the links in playing order by next summer. SEASIDE GOLF (1923, February 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223446089 

In 1924 'The Park Estate' Avalon Beach is advertised and in this brochure we recognise many of the Rex Hazlewood photos of an Avalon changing from farm acreage to weekend resort blocks and suburban homes and that the Golf Course is now ready. Most of these subdivisions stemmed from the buying of larger lots by Arthur Jabez Small and subdividing them. His first was pre the name he gave to Avalon Beach, in 'Avalon' and when the beach was still known by the name that harked back to the grant given to Archpriest J J Therry. Mr. Small is listed as bringing more land under the Real Property Act in 1914. He too utilises the proximity and existence of a wharf at Clareville as a means to access the estate.

Visit:  Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your name - Clareville

Newport- Pittwater.
SANDY BEACH FRONTAGES, in the SHELTERED WATERS of PITTWATER HARBOR, opposite SCOTLAND ISLAND, and only 12 MINUTES WALK of the OCEAN BEACHES.
The Clareville Beach Estate.
Adjoining the CLAREVILLE PUBLIC WHARF, and embracing 1
ABSOLUTE BEACH and WATER FRONTAGES, and CAMPERS' SITES, Overlooking the Beach.
TITLE WILL BE TORRENS. NOTE THE TERMS: £2 and £5 per Lot Deposit, balance by quarterly payment extending over 5 years. Interest 5 per cent.
FREE LAUNCHES from BAYYIEW and NEWPORT JETTIES all day of Sale. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS ON THE GROUND.
Lithographs obtainable from the Auctioneers and Local Agent.
INTENDING PURCHASERS ate requested to take TRAM to NARRABEEN, then MOTOR 'BUSES to NEWPORT or BAY VIEW, and catch the FREE LAUNCHES from both these places on day of sale, and attend the Sale of CLAREVILLE BEACH ESTATE, IN PITTWATER HARBOR.
AUCTION SALE, ON THE GROUND, S O'CLOCK,
Anniversary Day, January 26.
RICHARDSON AND WRENCH, LTD., AUCTIONEERS.
— J. WILLIAMS, Bayview, Pittwater, Local Agent. Advertising (1914, January 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (SUNDAY EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221563893

Surfing, Avalon Beach - from album: 'Series 03: Panoramic negatives of Sydney and surrounding suburbs, circa 1919-1925' / photographed by Rex Hazlewood, Item: a1949035h and enlarged sections from to show details, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Mr.  Arthur J. Small, of Royston Park, Asquith, takes exception to the statement last week that Palm Beach Estate, Barrenjoey where land brought £4 per foot, ls Inaccessible to the public, and practically can only be reached as a residential area by persons owning their own car. He draws attention to the fact that there is an hourly service of motor cars from the present tram terminus at Narrabeen to Newport, and a regular ferry service thence to Clareville and Palm Beach of two trips each way daily. This service was Inaugurated by the Palm Beach Co. when they first opened up the estate some five or six years ago. REAL ESTATE. NOTES OF THE WEEK. (1917, March 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28101228

In 1921 the first 'Palmgrove Estate' subdivision was made, with an accompanying brochure that had become a theme for the Willbees annual Short Film Festival at Avalon Beach. 

Cronulla was, Palm Beach is, and Avalon Beach will be. This is the catch slogan which has been adopted by the vendor of the Palmgrove Estate at Avalon, which is to be sold by Messrs. H. W. Horning and Co., on Boxing Day. Judging by the beautiful panoramic views which appear in an attractive booklet, and which also occupy a conspicuous position in Messrs. Horning and Co.'s windows, Martin-place, the scenery surrounding the estate must be exceptionally beautiful. Avalon is the new seaside resort between Newport and Palm Beach. The Palmgrove Estate is on the main Barrenjoey-road, and is right at the beach. 

The owner has evidently had the public good in mind, as the estate has been well planted with Ornamental shade trees, while a section of it known as the Palm Grove, has been presented as a park. This is a remarkable beauty spot, with a wealth of graceful palms, maidenhair, burrawang, and other ferns. The estate is in every respect a most attractive proposition to those looking for week-end and holiday sites. REAL ESTATE NEWS (1921, December 11). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123241058

Most of this brochure includes the wonderful panoramas taken and made by E B Studios during 1917-1921 - and their photography is spoken of in their brochure. The sales pitch speaks of an pool that has been cut into the rocks, which was only a natural formation in 1917. 

A few sections from the Palmgrove Estate 1921 brochure that show image provenance:

Palmgrove Estate, Avalon Beach, new seaside resort between Newport and Palm Beach - December 1921 auction. Item No.: c027560016, [Avalon Subdivision Plans], courtesy State Library of NSW

The 'Park Estate' brochure illustrates more refined dressing sheds on the beach and shows some of the houses that have been built since 1921 - the golf links are finished as well and Refreshment Rooms have been added to Stan Wickham's store. Some of these images are those taken by Rex Hazlewood and others have appeared in sales materials for Clareville. Mr. Hazlewood did take a lot of panoramas himself, many of which can be seen in the State Library of New South Wales, but these are listed in the National Library of Australia as EB Panos:.

Whatley Watson, Ltd., will hold the first seaside subdivision sale of the season on Monday at Avalon Beach, when they will submit about 60 allotments of the Park Estate.

All these allotments are handy to the surf, and command magnificent views of the new golf links and ocean. Judging by the demand for lithogriphs a large attendance is anticipated. REAL ESTATE. (1924, October 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16169775

Park Estate, Avalon Beach 1924 - front page and back pages 1924 Items No.: c027560033h and c027560034h, Subdivision Plans courtesy State Library of NSW - and sections from to show details

Judging by the changes within the images themselves it seems likely Rex made a few trips to Avalon Beach, and his images show those changes within just a few years. He also photographed Clareville and Palm Beach during this period so it is likely these were taken during visits to his land holding or may have been taken during times spent at Avalon Beach. Features in those images date, via newspaper and council records, from the mid-1920's on, so later than the 1921 Avalon Estate land sales or even the earlier from 1914 land sales towards Clareville.

By the late 1920s, Rex was finding it impossible to make photography profitable as a freelance photographer. His brothers owned a nursery in Epping, and Rex worked for them, taking photographs of gardens, plants and animals to illustrate their catalogues and writing articles on plants and garden design. He developed a passion for landscape design and delivered illustrated talks on the topic to interested groups. 

In the Winter of 1932 his father passed away:

IN MEMORIAM
DAVID HAZLEWOOD. 
An Appreciation by Rev. W. Deane, M.A.

On July 20, at Epping, there passed away one whose name recalls fragrant memories in Methodist mission history. The writer refers to David Hazelwood, son of the missionary of the same name, who worked in the early days of cannibal Fiji. The latter was distinguished as the compiler, of the standard dictionary of the Fijian language. Though he died at the early age of 36, he was enabled to accomplish a work that has stood the test of time, and is still the reservoir for all who wish to make themselves proficient in the sonorous Bauan tongue. The debt that we owe to this assiduous missionary the Methodist Church can never repay. The Church will always remember the earnest application which gave Mr. David Hazlewood a good working knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, and of the science of language, preparatory to his making the dictionary. His intimate knowledge of the Fijians also fitted him eminently for his epoch making work. The Fijian Government, in more recent years, invited the late Rev. W. A. Heighway to revise the dictionary, a herculean task which he began, but was not permitted to complete. It is unlikely now that Hazlewood 's work will ever be superseded. 

Mr. David Hazlewood, of Epping, was justly proud of his father's reputation. Born in the year of his father's death, viz., February 11, 1855, he grew up in the Methodist Church, honouring his descent from Hazlewood, the missionary,' with a blame less character and reputation. 

Giving himself to horticulture, he founded the well-known firm of Hazlewood Bros, at Epping, which extends its operations far beyond this State. The writer frequently visited him, and found him to be a man of remark able generosity, and yet one who would on no account have his name published. He gave systematically to missions in the city, charitable institutions, and the trust funds of the church at Epping, and always with the stipulation that no word was to be said about it. To know him was to give complete respect to one who was above reproach. 

Of late years his actual attendance was transferred to another church, but he never forgot the church of his distinguished father, and was always interested in 'its progress. In honouring him, therefore, the Methodist Church honours itself. His family has left its mark on the community in various ways. 

Three of the sons were soldiers — Rex (A.I.F.), Arnold (Original Anzac, three times wounded), and Len (killed at Fleurbaix, 1916). A son George is an orchardist at Bathurst, and a daughter Nell (Mrs. E. Ray) is the wife of a well-known orchardist in the same district. Two brothers (George and Harry) carry on the horticulture business at Epping. Dorothy is the wife of Professor W. L. Waterhouse, at Lindfield, and Mary is the wife of Mr. Stan Carr, at Chatswood South, both prominent workers in the Methodist Church. Louise is unmarried, while Curtis died in infancy. Mr. Hazlewood married Miss S. L. Hodgson at Sydney on the 25th February, 1879, and this excellent lady survives him. IN MEMORIAM (1932, August 6). The Methodist (Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155292408

HAZLEWOOD—HODGSON.—February 25, by the Rev. J. Walkden Brown, David, son of the late Rev. D. Hazlewood, to Louie, daughter of George Hodgson, of Redfern. Family Notices (1879, March 15). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 405. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162808428

The Hazlewood Legacy.

The late Mr. David Hazlewood has left a legacy to the Missionary 'Society to perpetuate the memory of the late Rev. and Mrs. David Hazlewood, who rendered such effective service in the early days of our Fiji Mission. The legacy is governed by the following terms:. ''To the Methodist Foreign Missionary Society of New South Wales the sum of fifty pounds (£50) to be invested Dy it in any trustee investment according to the law in force for the time being, and the income arising therefrom to be used! for an annual prize in connection with mission work in Fiji, and I desire such prize to be called 'The David Hazlewood Prize, in memory of Reverend David Hazlewood and his wife, Sarah, of Feejee . The Fiji District has been requested to recommend to the Board regarding the best method of carrying out the testator's wishes. The Hazlewood Legacy. (1933, July 29). The Methodist (Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155292704

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the matter of the estate of David Hazlewood, late of Epping, in the State of New South Wales, retired estate agent, deceased.

PURSUANT to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898, the Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916, and the Trustee Act, 1925: Notice is hereby given that every creditor or other person having any debt or claim upon or affecting the estate of the abovenamed deceased, who died on or about the 20th day of July, 1932, and probate of whose will was, on the 28th day of September, 1932, granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales to the Public Trustee, is hereby required to send in particulars in writing of such debt or claim to the said Public Trustee, on or before the 30th day of December, 1932, at the expiration of which time the said Public Trustee will proceed to convey and distribute the property and assets of the said deceased to or among the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the debts or claims of 1 which he then has notice; and notice is hereby further given that the said Public Trustee will not be'liable, for the property or assets or any part thereof so conveyed or distributed, to any person of whose debt or claim he shall not have had notice at the time of such conveyance or distribution.

E. J. PAYNE,
St. James Buildings, Public Trustee.
109 Elizabeth-street, Sydney,
12th October, 1932.
Stuart, Osbokne and Simpson,
Proctors for the Executor,
129 Pitt-street, Sydney.

PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1932, October 14). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3828. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220257661

Rex Hazlewood left his brothers’ nursery in around 1935 and undertook various jobs until the end of the Second World War, when he began a business selling wholesale roses to nurseries. 

TAREE PARK SCHEME

POISONING THE CAMPHORS

At Wednesday night's meeting of the Taree Municipal Council a lengthy letter' was read from Mr. Rex. Hazlewood, who designed a scheme for the beautification of the park. He wrote in reply to objections made to the poisoning of surplus camphors …proposal to grow the bougainvilleas on pyramids inside the park area. He said this would have a serious effect on the design. The camphors would eventually have to be thinned out, as they were planted too closely together. His proposal was to destroy only such of the camphors as were unnecessary and to utilise the trunks and branches as a trellis for the bougainvillea. Ii these plants were placed on pyramids they would have to be at least 20ft.' from the camphors to have a chance of thriving, and this would result in the camphors interfering with the general design in the boundary planting. He suggested that eight camphors be killed each year, and if they were spread over the park the blanks would not be very noticeable. The mayor moved that the suggestion to poison' eight trees be adopted, lie felt that council, having obtained expert advice, should follow it right out. If they were not prepared to do that they should throw - his scheme out altogether. The camphors ultimately must go, if his scheme was to be proceeded with, and so he advised council to get on with the work. He admitted he was a party to the variation made at the last meeting. Ald. Chapman said the camphors would be dead long before the bougainvillea's grew. It was futile to plant anything near the roots of a camphor tree — the ground for yards around would be solid wood. In the Queensland parks the bougainvillea's were all grown on trellises.

Motion carried…

…. TAREE PARK SCHEME (1935, December 14). The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW : 1913 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162146898

TREE PLANTING LEAGUE. 

At a meeting of the Tree Planting and Preservation League, held at the Y.M.C.A. building last night, arrangements were made to invite Mr. Rex Hazelwood to give an address on the subject of street, park, and municipal tree planting, and to preservation of trees. It was also proposed to hold an excursion at an early date to an area where members and others interested will have an opportunity to study trees under expert advice. … TREE PLANTING LEAGUE (1936, November 27). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134677755 

GARDEN ADVISER - OFFER TO NURSERYMAN 

The position of honorary garden adviser to Dundas Council will be offered to the well-known Epping nurseryman, Mr. Rex Hazelwood. Valuable work has recently-been done by Mr. Hazlewood in assisting the council in designing gardens in the municipality, and in advising as to the suitability of planting various flowers, shrubs and trees. . 

The council last week adopted a layout and specification of trees for Boronia Park, Epping, which, had been supplied by Mr Hazelwood free of charge. 

"To make Mr. Hazelwood our honorary adviser," said Alderman Noonan, would be some form of recognition of his services He really shows splendid citizenship, and the manner in which he has designed Boronia Park is excellent." GARDEN ADVISER (1938, March 28). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104971126 

MISS MAY KENDALL 

A former resident of this district, Miss May Kendall, died at Pennant Hills last week, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Rex Hazlewood, Miss Kendall was born in Kiama and was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. R . Kendall, of Barroul, Kiama. She left this district about 20 years ago to live with her sister. MISS MAY KENDALL (1953, November 18). Kiama Independent (NSW : 1947 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101650226

His holding at Avalon Beach was sold in August 1945, and bought by Hilary May Rawson, the wife of Claude Cyril Rawson, manufacturer of Sydney.

His last series of photographs recorded a European trip he took with his wife in 1956-57.

But of course, apart from his wonderful photos of Avalon Bach, Clareville and Palm Beach during his time here - the community is most grateful for his photograph of the founders meeting for Avalon Beach SLSC in Bellevue avenue. 

Some of his images of Pittwater - many more have been digitised by the State Library of NSW - run below.

Album Title: Avalon, Pittwater

CREATOR Rex Hazlewood, 1886-1968. Created ca. 1920-1929

1. Holiday group on front of house named Avalon - ON 165/12 

2. Surfing at Avalon Beach - ON 165/8 

3. The palm grove ... Avalon Beach - ON 165/13 

4. Nancy Lea Avalon Beach - ON 165/17 

5. Avalon Beach - ON 165/6 

6. The Stone Woman. Avalon Beach - ON 165/9 

7. The bathing pool Avalon Beach - ON 165/7 

8. The bathing pool Avalon Beach - ON 165/19 

9. West across rock swimming pool and water to timbered ridge with scattered houses - ON 165/10 

10. Dumcriefe Avalon Beach - ON 165/15 

11. Clareville wharf Pittwater near Avalon Beach - Small steam passenger vessel coming in - ON 165/18 

12. Southerly from ridge to beach and park with lone Araucarian pine thence to rocky point - ON 165/11 

13. Looking up from road to house with sandstone and wooden rail front fence - ON 165/168. 

14. Grass with sign reading Avalon Golf Links in preparation

A preliminary listing compiled by Mr Laurance Hazlewood is available in the Mitchell Library Original Materials Reading Room at ON 165

[Avalon II]

CREATOR Rex Hazlewood, 1886-1968
CALL NUMBERON 165/924-930
Photographs - 12 x 16.5 cm.-16.5 x 12 cm. - 7 glass photonegatives

1. The Palm Grove, Avalon Beach 
2. General Store, Avalon Beach 
3. Swimming Pool, Avalon Beach 
4. The bathing pool, Avalon Beach
5. Bathing pool, Avalon Beach 
6. The Hole In The Wall, Avalon Beach
7. The Hole In The Wall, Avalon Beach

Holiday group on front of house named Avalon - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.: c046220007h

                  Surfing at Avalon Beach - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220003h

The palm grove ... Avalon Beach - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220008h

Nancy Lea Avalon Beach - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220012h

Avalon Beach - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.: c046220001h

The Stone Woman. Avalon Beach - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, Item No.:c046220004h

The bathing pool Avalon Beach  - photos by Rex Hazlewood, Images Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, Items No.: c046220002h and c046220014h

The Bathing Pool Avalon Beach  - photos by Rex Hazlewood, circa 1920-1929 Images Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, Items No.: c07771_0004_c, c07771_0005_c and ' Swimming Pool' c07771_0003_c

Dumcriefe Avalon Beach  - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220010h

Geoff Searl OAM, President of the Avalon Beach Historical society, states he has - '“Dumcrief” at 61 Avalon Parade and in 1924 owned by Miss (?) Tarrant. It was demolished to make way for the block of units quaintly named "Tree Tops”. Pretty sure she was member of the Avalon Red Cross and St Marks Church. '

A 1930 version, according to NLA dating: 

(1930). [House, Avalon, New South Wales, 1930, 4] Retrieved December 4, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147288534 - from NLA Album: Prospectus photographs of Avalon, 1930

Looking up from road to house with sandstone and wooden rail front fence - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, Item No.:c046220011h

Clareville wharf Pittwater near Avalon Beach - Small steam passenger vessel coming in - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220013h - The SS Phoenix Steamer Approaching Clareville wharf, circa 1922 - also visit: Pttwater Reserves: The Green Ways Clareville And Taylor's Point Wharves or Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your name - Clareville

Palm Beach: West across rock swimming pool and water to timbered ridge with scattered houses - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, Item No.:c046220005h

The December 6, 1926 Meeting records of the Warringah Shire Council records:

A letter from A. J. Hordern, offering £10 towards stopping the leak in Palm Beach Rock Bath, and clearing, out the stones, provided the work be completed by November 1st. Resolved, - Contrib-  A. J. Hordern . 3.12.26. drawing attention to the fact that on account of the construction work going on in the vicinity of Gow's Store on the Barrenjoey Rod, vehicular access to Palm Beach is likely to be 'cut off during the Xmas holidays. Left with the Engineer to do what he considers best.

OVERSEER WORKS FOR A. RIDING was read and dealt, with as follows :- 6-. Resolved, - (Crs. Simpson, Hitchcock) That £20 extra be voted for making trafficable that portion of Ocean Road (Vote) outside of Gallagher's Contract. 8. Resolved, - (Crs. Simpson, Hitchcock) That the expenditure of £10 for the destruction of the lantana on Wilshire Park be confirmed.9. Resolved, - (Crs. Simpson, Hope) That £38 be voted for repairs  to Clareville Wharf, as recommended in the report, the job to be made an urgent matter. (Vote) 11. Mr. A. J. Hordern's letter of 3.12.26, offering to advance the Council £100 at 4% for the completion of Palm Beach Rock Bath; provided the work be done by Xmas, was read. Resolved, (Crs.. Hope, Simpson) That Mr.  Hordern's offer be accepted, he be told of the Engineer's difficulties in the matter, and that an earnest endeavour will be made to have it done by the time mentioned. 

Alfred James and Caroline Hordern owned Kalua at Palm Beach, alongside current day named Hordern Park - in the corner of Ocean road and directly opposite Kiddies Corner.

In 1927:

A. J. Hordern be informed that the cost of making Palm Beach Rock Bath water-tight is just under £50, and the Council will not require his loan to be of any greater amount.

So this photo of Palm Beach rock pool as it was then is dated around 1926-27 and would have been taken after Mr. Hazlewood had bought the Avalon Beach property and possibly from his and his family's first Summer in Pittwater.

Palm Beach: Southerly from ridge to beach and park with lone Araucarian pine thence to rocky point - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, Item No.:c046220006h

The Palm Grove, Avalon Beach - ON 165/924  Item No.: c07771_0001_c - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, 

Sign reads; 'This Palmgrove Also 10 other Reserves, Are Included to be DEDICATED by the Vendors of the Avalon Beach Estates as Parks for Public Recreation.' -This is A J Small's work, he was the first President of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement, formed after this Subdivision:

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. 
Aims of Movement. 

"That every child shall have a chance to play and every citizen the opportunity for recreation" was adopted as a chief aim in the constitution of the New South Wales Parks and Playgrounds Movement, which held its first annual meeting at the New South Wales Cricket Association's Chambers on Wednesday. "The normal expansion of Sydneys playing fields should be, at a minimum, from 100to 120 acres of level land every year," says the report of the movement. A report on the whole matter by the Surveyor-General, who was being assisted by a committee of the movement, was expected shortly. "In the meantime, the executive of the movement has taken up (as an Immediate measure) the question of pressing for 'Five More Moore Parks."

The meeting, which was a full one, delegates from 30 bodies being present, was concerned largely with the elimination by the Legislative Council of the parks clauses of the Greater Sydney Bill. 'This meant', said Dr. C. E. W. Bean, honorary secretary of the movement, 'that, although the Greater Sydney authority, if established, could plan parks and playgrounds, It would not be able to acquire them, or even to accept them if given to it-powers which were possessed by greater-city authorities all over the world. '

On the motion of the chairman, Mr. A. J. Small, seconded by Mr. D. G. Stead, the meeting expressed its unanimous disapproval of the elimination of these powers from the bill. The liability of all State school playgrounds to taxation while many private school grounds were exempt was also strongly criticised in the report, a case being cited in which public land lying Idle was heavily rated as soon as it was permitted to be used as a play-ground for State schoolchildren. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. R.A. Bennett, it was resolved to urge that, in the bill projected by the Government, exemption should be extended to all school play-grounds. A committee was appointed "to co-operate with the city authorities in their task of re-organising the playground system of Sydney," And It was also resolved, on the motion of Mr. Burrows and Mrs. Wyatt, to urge the preservation by some means of the Pymble State forest. Mr. A. J. Small (president of the Town Planning Association) was elected as first president of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement. PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. (1931, September 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16818070

General Store, Avalon Beach - ON 165/925 Item c07771_0002_c - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW

The Hole In The Wall, Avalon Beach - ON 165/929 Item No.: c07771_0006_c - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW

The Hole In The Wall, Avalon Beach - ON 165/929 Item No.: c07771_0007_c - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW

IN MEMORIAM
MISS SARAH HAZLEWOOD.

The decease, on the 16th May last, of Miss Sarah Hazlewood, revives missionary history. For Miss Hazlewood was the eldest child of Rev. David Hazlewood, of Fiji fame. Her distinguished father was married on February 8, 1844, to Miss Jane McIntyre, by Rev. J. McKenny, in the old Princes Street Chapel. He was ordained the same day as the late Rev. John Watsford. These two missionaries went to Fiji together, and arrived in Viwa on the 10th August, 1844. Miss Sarah Hazlewood was born on December 22, 1844, at Somo-somo, Fiji. 

The Rev. D. Hazlewood made a definite mark on Fiji missions, for it was he who compiled the excellent grammar and dictionary which has been used ever since by Government officials and missionaries alike. No subsequent attempt has ever superseded it. Mr. Hazlewood also was the first to translate the Old Testament (with the exception of Pss. 1-28) into the native tongue. This translation was probably used in the first printed bible, though the latter departed considerably from Mr. Hazlewood 's work. Miss Hazlewood inherited all her father 's missionary zeal. Her ardour displayed itself in wide sympathy for the work of God either abroad or at home. She was well-known as the matron of the C.M.M. Hojne for the Sisters. 

On her retirement to Epping she continued to subscribe liberally from her slender resources to Foreign and Home Missions, besides numerous charities. Towards the end of her life she became very frail, but she had much peace of heart. Her decease came suddenly, as she could have wished, at the residence of her half-brother, Mr. D. Hazlewood, who is the last surviving member of the missionary's family. At the grave-side, the Rev. W. Deane (who married a granddaughter of the Rev. John Watsford) committed the remains to the ground. The Revs. J. W. Collier and G. Cranston (Presbyterian) also took part. There were representatives of six missionary families present to pay their last respects to a worthy daughter of a singularly useful and devoted missionary. IN MEMORIAM (1925, June 27). The Methodist (Sydney, NSW : 1892 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155276336

Vale – Laurance Hazlewood