July 30 - August 5, 2017: Issue 323

Early Pittwater Surfers: Palm Beach I  

John Ralston and Nora McAuliffe
Left to right. Miss Sue Russell, John (Jack) Ralston PBSLSC with Alrema Samuels on right circa 1934-36 with 9 foot surfboard. Image No.: hood_02985, and below: hood_02978h. Titled 'Man and woman with 9 foot wooden surfboard' - Jack and Alrema again. Both courtesy State Library of NSW.


The story of surf board riding at Palm Beach commences at the other end of the peninsula, at Manly. There remains some contention as to whom brought a surf board here for use, one recorded Surf Life Saving entry holding C D Paterson did as a surf life saving device in 1909, another that a Tom Walker did around the same time.

At Palm Beach it is John Ralston to whom is attributed the first surfboard riding, possibly on a board obtained from Manly's Claude West:
Adrian Curlewis (later Sir) was, possibly, the second person to ride a surfboard at Palm Beach. Adrian learned surf-board riding from John Ralston, who had the first surfboard at Palm Beach. 
Later he bought his own surfboard for £5. 
"It had belonged to Manly swimmer Claude West, who put an ad. in the paper reading: 'Surfboard for sale. Owner in hospital through using same'," Judge Curlewis told me. - Judge Curlewis has grown up with the century (1951, February 3). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51595911  

Adrian is supposed to have purchased this board in 1923 while John's (Jack's) first ride at Palm Beach happened in 1919 and he is the gentleman credited with introducing surfboards to Palm Beach

Who came home first with a ride-able plank of wood shaped to flow with waves, was also who taught others what they really needed to learn; how to ''stand up''!

That skill, along with stunts we'd now term 'surfing acrobatics' is attributed to:

DUKE KAHANAMOUKU


The marvellous Hawaiian, undisputed champion sprint distance swimmer of the world, some of whose natatorial feats are said to have astounded the fishes, as did the exploits of Pegoud, the French aviator, in the clouds, cause wonderment amongst the birds of the air. He is here seen performing one of his famous surfing accomplishments. This is not by any means his most daring achievement. Whilst dashing forward at an incredible speed, he stands on his head and does other things of an acrobatic description. Similar boards to the one he is shown using have been imported into Australia, but so far none of our surfing experts have been able to imitate his sensational deeds. 

It is supposed, however, that the breakers that roll in on our shores are of a different formation, and not suitable for the purpose. All doubts on that subject would have been set at rest had Kahanamouku visited here this Summer, as was supposed to have been his intention. He has on several occasions expressed his willingness to come, but the time he originally offered to make the trip was regarded as inopportune by the officials of the Swimming Association who were carrying on the negotiations, and they fell through, owing to the date they suggested as a substitute clashing with the great water festival that is to be held at Honolulu on February 18 and 24 next. Visitors from all parts of the world have been known to go to Hawaii merely to witness Kahanamouku shoot the waves in the extraordinary fashion depicted above. DUKE KAHANAMOUKU (1913, December 14). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 20 (SUNDAY TIMES GLOBE PICTORIAL). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126315151 

SWIMMING: Kahanamouku and 100 yards championship. KAHANAMOUKU AND SURF BOARD. by Cecil Healy.

Representatives of the Press were invited to witness a private exhibition of surf-board riding by Kahanamouku at Freshwater on Thursday. It was to have been held the previous day, but the intention accidentally became public property and as several thousand people were attracted to the vicinity, Association officials decided to postpone it. Business considerations, unfortunately, prevented the writer from being present. Freshwater enjoys the reputation of being, on the whole, the best beach for shootable breakers, but the conditions, I understand, were far from being ideal for the purpose on that particular day. 

The waves, for instance, were breaking too close to the shore to permit of a good 'run' being obtained, and, moreover, were of the 'dumping' variety; also the board itself, which was made locally, was not exactly what was required. It weighed in the neighbourhood of 100lb, whereas those in use at Honolulu, are only a quarter that weight. However, despite the disadvantages mentioned the Duke succeeded in assuming the perpendicular, and negotiating several shoots in his familiar poster attitude. On one occasion, whilst laying flat on the board, with a deft movement he swung the board right about, and proceeded backwards for a while before repeating the action and facing shorewards again. A number of our leading surfers were spectators of the display, and from what I can gather the general impression amongst them was that he did wonderfully well under the circumstances, but they were sure it merely amounted to an indication of what he is capable of doing under more favorable conditions. They have no doubt that when he has had opportunities of adapting himself to the vagaries of our surf, and strikes a suitable day, he will be able to.'do: things of a really sensational nature. The dextrous manner in which he handled the heavy board when taking it out through the breakers would appear to have greatly surprised the Sydney men.

Record entries have been received for the year's State championships. Two  are to be decided at the initial carnival, which is to be held at the Domain Baths next Saturday afternoon lamely, the 100yds and 880yds. The Olympic champion, Duke Kahanamouku, and his brilliant travelling companion, George Cunha, are competing in the former event. It will be their first public appearance in competition. Incidentally, it will constitute the first occasion that an overseas champion has raced in Australia. The visitors will be opposed by the cream of the Commonwealth's sprint-distance swimmers. Australian record-holder Albert Barry will defend his title of 100yds champion of New South Wales W. Longworth, runner-up in both State and Australian 'hundred' championships last season, will also be one of those who will en-deavor to achieve for this State the honor of checking the Hawaiian's triumphant march. SWIMMING : Kahanamouku in 100yds Championship : (1914, December 30). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120278130

Two people likely to have witnessed or heard about these early surfing on a surf board attempts would be Sydney (sometimes spelt Sidney) McAuliffe, a Manly Life Saving Club and Manly Swimming club member to whom were attributed the saving of lives at Manly both before his WWI service and afterwards, and his sister Nora - who was born at Manly in 1906 after her father was took on a job at the Manly Gas company:

Presentations to Mr. J. A. McAuliffe. BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The Mayor and Aldermen of the Grafton Council held a special meeting on Monday night for the purpose of saying "farewell" to Mr. J. A. McAufliffe, who for the past eleven years has held the position of Manager and Secretary of the Grafton Lighting Coy., and who left yesterday to take a similar position in the Manly Gas Works. The Mayor occupied the chair and the aldermen present were Aldermen Bawden, Strauss, Johnson. Trent, Eggins and Shore. Mr. T. Pago, Council's Treasurer, and Mr. A. -McC. Labban, Council's Solicitor also occupied seats at the table. Apologies were received from Ald. C. Page, T. Richards, D. McFarlane and H. C. T. Maxted. The Mayor said he know Mr. McAuliffe perhaps better than most of those present and knew more of the valuable work he had rendered to the Council and the general public weal. He had always admired him as a mechanic. Not only in connection with the Water Supply, but long before, Mr. McAuliffe had rendered in valuable assistance to the Borough in respect to lighting end many other matters. He was net wholly sorry Mr. McAuliffe was going, for, though they were losing a valuable man, it meant promotion and gain to a deserving worker. He wished him a long and prosperous life. Aid. Bawden also spoke in highly complimentary terms of the unostentatious yet valuable work of Mr. McAuliffe. Many times they had sought his advice and profited by it. He felt he was losing a warm personal friend. Aid. Johnson spoke in a similar strain and testified to the splendid help to the Lighting Committee rendered by their guest. Ald. Eggins, as Chairman of the Works Committee, could speak from experience of Mr. McAuliffe's work. Many things his committee has carried out successfully had been suggested and directed by Mr. McAuliffe. Ald. Trent and Strauss also spoke in laudatory terms of the guest. They admired his skilful estimating and his discrimination in nil his work. Mr. J. G. Phillips, Council Clerk, said he had been brought into close touch with Mr. McAuliffe for years and if the latter's work had been rewarded by handsome sums of money it could not have been more faithfully or more perfectly carried out. His kind, unassuming manner had won for him the respect of every man, woman and child with whom he came in contact. _ The Mayor in presenting Mr. McAuliffe with an illuminated address, said he hoped it would adorn the home of McAuliffe's for centuries to come as an example to those that came alter their guest. Mr. McAuliffe rose amidst hearty applause and, in reply, said he thanked the Mayor and Aldermen for their handsome present and for the kindly words spoken. Since his arrival in Grafton, he had been closely associated with the Council and lie had always found his transactions of the happiest kind. He was only too glad to do his best for the District of Grafton. The Council then adjourned. The address, which was prettily designed by Miss E. Williams, and nicely framed, contained photos of the Graf ton Post Office, Council Chambers, Water Supply Tank, and the Water Supply at work in the streets, all the work of Mr. Hy. Jordan, and the recipient's monogram in a shield. It was couched in the following terms: — "Grafton, January, 1906. "To J. A. McAuliffe, Esqr., '-'Dear Sir, — The Mayor and Alder men of the Borough of Grafton desire, on the eve of your departure from the City, to place on record their high appreciation of the valuable services and assistance you have at all times rendered in matters appertaining to the public welfare, and more recently and particularly in the carrying out of the Water Supply Scheme. Your experience and advice have proved of invaluable assistance to the Council in connection with that work. In your capacity as Manager of the Lighting Company, whilst always having the interests of the shareholders at heart you have not forgotten your duty, to the public and consumers. Sufficient evidence of this is furnished by the excellence of the street lighting and gas service in general during the; term you have occupied the position as Manager. We trust the people with whom your future lot may be cast will as keenly appreciate your services as we the citizens of Grafton. With best wishes for many years of happiness and prosperity to Mrs. McAuliffe, your self and family, we are, dear sir, yours very sincerely, Peter Kritsch (Mayor), Harvey C. T. Maxted, W. J. Ernest Johnson,- Tom Richards, D. McFar lane, James J'. Trent, Chas. Strauss, Chas, Page, Albert Eggins R. Dobie Bawden, Geo. Crispin, T. Shore, J. G Phillips (Council Clerk). Presentations to Mr. J. A. McAuliffe. (1906, January 11).The Grafton Argus and Clarence River General Advertiser (NSW : 1874 - 1875; 1879 - 1882; 1888; 1892; 1899 - 1922), p. 4. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234809516 

DEATH OF MR. J. A. MCAULIFFE.

The death occurred at Mosman on Thursday of Mr. James A. McAuliffe, a leading gas manufacturing engineer. He was 76. Mr. McAuliffe was born in Tasmania and served for eight years with the firm of C. and W. Walker, Ltd., an English firm of gas engineers.

Coming to New South Wales, Mr. McAuliffe designed and constructed the Cootamundra and Grafton gas and water works, and then became general manager of the Manly Gas Company which position he held for 20 years. He then went to Fremantle, Western Australia, where he was manager of the gas company for eight years.

Mr. McAuliffe is survived by Mrs. McAuliffe, Messrs. Syd J. McAuliffe and J. N. McAuliffe (sons) and Mrs. John Ralston (daughter). Mr. McAuliffe was privately cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium yesterday. DEATH OF MR. J. A. McAULIFFE. (1939, February 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17558171 

MCAULIFFE.-February 2, 1939. at his residence, 23 Ryrie Street. Mosman. James Aloysius, dearly beloved husband of Ivy Elisabeth McAuliffe, andfather of Sidney John, James Mackay, Ivy M and Nora (Mrs. John Ralston). Privately cremated at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, February 3, 1939. Family Notices (1939, February 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17558474 

A little about her eldest brother:

Among your large circle of readers there are many who hold in kind regard and remembrance Mr. J. A. McAuliffe, who for ten years was manager of the Grafton Gasworks, a position he relinquished some sixteen years ago to undertake his present position as manager of the Manly Gaslight Company. During his residence in Grafton Mr. McAuliffe (or ‘Jim" as he was called) took an active part in many public matters, notably the water supply movement. In the sixteen years he has been with the Manly company the supply of gas has risen from 45,000 to 545,000 cubic feet in 24 hours—a truly marvellous increase, evidencing, not only the rapid growth of Sydney's Brighton, but also the ability of Mr. McAuliffe to cope with the extraordinary demand.

But it is about his son, Syd. J. McAuliffe to write. This young man is now in receipt of a salary approximating £1000 per annum as representative engineer in Australia of the Fuller Engineering Company of Allantown U.S.A.  His case is a most remarkable one, and for downright grit, it reads like a romance. Syd. went to Grafton at the age of two years with his parents from Cootamundra, where his father was manager of the local gas-works. He was educated at the public and Convent schools in Grafton during his residence of ten years. In 1916 he enlisted for War service, and left for the a front as second-lieutenant in the Engineers. In 1917 he gained his second pip or star. He was then transferred to the Pioneers, and in the same year, was wounded at Menin road when preparing to lay a watermain, his injuries resulting in the amputation of his left leg to the knee, the loss of his kneecap of the right leg, and a wound through the foot of the same leg. When convalescent he visited all the large coking and by-product works, making a special study of same. On his return to Sydney he read a paper on the subject before the Engineering Association, and was highly complimented by leading engineers. So good an impression had his paper made, that the  Commonwealth Bureau of Science asked to be supplied with a dozen copies. He afterwards accepted an engagement with Messrs. Gibson, Battle and Co.,  a leading engineering firm in Sydney, and this brought him into touch with the chief engineer of the Fuller Engineering Co., which was visiting Australia with regard to the use of pulverised coal. Young Syd. went to this firm in America, and had nine months experience travelling through a large part of the United States and acquiring knowledge on this special subject of pulverised coal, and now he has returned to Australia as their representative engineer at a salary, as I have already said, of about £1000 per annum. And he is still under 30 years of age: and has an artificial left leg. Surely his record is rather unique! PERSONAL NOTES FROM SYDNEY (1922, June 8). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article194722730 

MANLY'S MOST DRAMATIC LIFE  SAVING FEAT

Two One-Legged Diggers Rescue Bather In Extraordinary Circumstances

PROBABLY a world's record was put up at Manly (N.S.W.) on Sunday when a swimmer in difficulties was rescued from the surf by two men who have but one leg apiece. The two principals in a feat probably unique were "Syd." McAuliffe and "Bill" Beatty. Both fought In the war — McAuliffe with the A.I.F. and Beatty with the New Zealand Forces. Each lost a leg in France. The surf on Sunday at Manly was tricky. The recent heavy weather has altered the conformation of the beach and a deep channel close in added to the difficulties. A bright warm day enticed swimmers into the surf, notwithstanding that officially it is now winter time in the view of the Life Saving Club, a volunteer band Whose members patrol the beach In the summer time and save hundreds from a certain watery grave. They were not there on Sunday. McAuliffe and Beatty were returning from a long swim and were pretty well tired out, when a swimmer called to them, "Take him; I'm done." "Him" was his pal, who was in bad trouble because of cramp. His struggles were violent when the two ex-Diggers grabbed him and for a time they were able only to hold him above the waves which rolled in, threatening to engulf all three. A one-legged man is handicapped more in the water than he is on land. For the purposes of swimming his remaining leg is useless. Kicking with it brings no results. All the work of propulsion is done with the arms. And the arms of the rescuers were otherwise engaged. They lit on a plan effective but discommoding to themselves. Although in deep water they sank to the bottom, where, getting a leverage with the legs left to them, they sprang shorewards. Progress was slow, and they often had to come up for air, but at last they got their man into shallow water. In the process they swallowed a good deal of water. Both men have figured in other rescues, but this was before they suffered any physical disability. On one occasion McAuliffe had a particularly thrilling experience. He donned the belt to go out to a distressed swimmer who was so far out that his head appeared to be no larger than a cricket ball. 

GERMANY'S DIRTY TRICK 

The swimmer was of powerful physique, and when McAuliffe grabbed him . his struggles were like those of a just decapitated fowl. McAuliffe yelled to him to roll over on his back. The giant replied in a language unintelligible. Ills rescuer discovered later that he was a German, a member of a visiting man-o'-war. When McAuliffe did get him as he wanted him the crowd on the beach took a hand. Brushing the few life savers on one side, they grabbed the line and hauled with all their might. Rescued and rescuer then did what to life savers is known as "the submarine act". When the line was drawn in quickly those on the end of it were drawn under the water and were, of course, in imminent danger of drowning. McAuliffe was tempted to let his patient go, but hung on and both reached the beach more dead than alive. The German soon recovered. McAuliffe was unconscious for four hours. In the circumstances, he thinks that Germany played him a dirty trick when it took his leg off during the war. Still, Mac's a philosopher; he consoles himself with the thought that it might have been his head. MANLY'S MOST DRAMATIC LIFE SAVING FEAT (1927, May 7). Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919 - 1950), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234442816 

Nora was a schoolteacher at Manly West PS up until her marriage to John Malbon Ralston, only son of Neutral Bay resident John Thompson Ralston. Edith Marion Ralston(1894-1967), the eldest of the three children of John Thompson Ralston, also became a teacher and headmistress and owner of Wenona school in North Sydney. Mr. Ralston Snr. was an alderman of the North Sydney Council, much interested in all matters affecting the welfare of the Neutral Bay district.

RESIGNATIONS. THE following resignations from the Public Service are hereby notified, the last day of service being indicated within brackets: -

Miss Nora Marie McAuliffe, Public School, Manly West - [31st July, 1934] RESIGNATIONS. (1934, August 24). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3212. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223062990 

John Malbon Ralston, son of John and Henrietta Ralston was born in 1899 at Neutral Bay and would have been going to Palm Beach even before becoming a teenager - his father being one of the Directors of the Barrenjoey Land Company:

RALSTON. — February 8, at her residence, Ranger's-road, Neutral Bay, the wife of J.T. Ralston, of a son. Family Notices (1899, February 18). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 417. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165227654

Barrenjoey Company, Ltd, has been registered with a capital of £6000, In 120 shares of £50 each, the object being to purchase -110 acres of the Bassett Darley subdivision The first directors are - Messrs H. Wolstonholme, 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 

In Jean, Adrian Curlewis sister's book - Beach Beyond (1923), serialised in the Sydney Morning Herald that same year, describes in Chapter 1 the drowning of someone which was witnessed by those 'on shore' and led, ultimately, to those witnesses commencing the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club soon after in conjunction with residents, all members of the Palm Beach Progress Committee, an early form of today's Palm Beach Whale Beach Association. 

Residents referred to the drowning of a young fisherman at the same spot, just a few years before - they wanted an advance in being a part of the sea which surf life saving evidently was, and in the immediate vicinity, and being an industry in/on an island - a place still a marine nation.

These were Palm Beach's fishermen, all founding members of the club, the Gows (Brother lightkeeper at Barrnjoey Lighthouse, father there too) and Carl at Gows/Gonsalves Boatshed, where Palm Beach Jetty and all visitors land, Goddards and Verrills, the people who had been going out rescuing people, and would for a few more decades, at Palm Beach. 

The one lost prior to the two:

While surfing at Palm Beach, near Newport, three men and a young woman were caught in the undertow and were swept out to sea. Two of the men and the young woman eventually succeeded in getting back to the beach, but one of the party, J. V. Caldacott, aged 23, a returned soldier, whose relatives live in the Gosford district, was swept out to sea and was drowned. No title (1918, December 17). The Richmond River Express and Casino Kyogle Advertiser (NSW : 1904 - 1929), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123892826 

Among those on shore was Adrian Curlewis himself and one who dived in to attempt the saving of lives - John Ralston. The party then had to go up and over the hill to the Palm Beach jetty and the Gonsalves/Gow boatshed where a phone could be used to get help. 

Club history records that many early members were actually friends of Adrian's from Sydney University, mostly law students studying to become solicitors - John Ralston was among these, although the friendship may have started prior to university days.

SYDNEY CHURCH OF ENGLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS, NORTH SYDNEY.
Ralston, John Malbon, IB JJ W SA OA 9A. SECONDARY SCHOOLS. (1918, January 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15789368 


PBSLSC Members in the late 1920's, Standing L to R: Norman Brown, Noel Hood Hammond, Adrian Curlewis, Peter Hunter, Bont Hunter, Fred Lamport. Sitting: John Ralston, John Mant, Gordon Morrow, Alex Alexander, Unknown


SEVEN SOLICITORS
Admitted by Full Court
The Full Court, consisting of the Chief Justice (Sir William Cullen),
Mr. Justice Gordon, and Mr. Justice Campbell, to-day admitted seven new solicitors to the Supreme Court of New South Wales … John Malbon Ralston, LL.B. (Sydney), on the application of Mr. Jordan; SEVEN SOLICITORS (1923, May 10). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224106460 

Although Beach Beyond events take place at a fictional beach, most recognise this work as being set at Pittwater's Palm Beach - Jean's Summer playground:

LATEST TELEGRAMS.
Sydney. Monday Evening
DOUBLE SURFING FATALITY.
A double surfing fatality took place at Palm Beach on Sunday afternoon, when Johanna Rogers was caught in the current and taken out to sea. Lieut-Colonel Douglas Marks went to her assistance, but he was also taken out. He has not since been seen. The body of the girl was recovered by a man named Ralston, who nearly lost his life in the effort. LATEST TELEGRAMS. (1920, January 27). The Riverine Grazier(Hay, NSW : 1873 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141022723 

BEACH TRAGEDY.
An epic tragedy, in. which the sadness of death was brightened by cool unflinching heroism, was enacted at Palm Beach,  a seaside resort near Broken Bay, on Sunday afternoon, when Johanna Rogers, 33 years of age, of Leichhardt, and Lieut.-Colonel Marks lost their lives in the surf.
The picnic party arrived at the beach, which is far removed from habitation, about mid-day, and shortly afterwards, several of them went into the surf.
Johanna Rogers got into difficulties and was carried out to sea. It was some minutes before her plight was noticed, when two members of the party unhesitatingly plunged in and attempted to swim, out to her. But the distance was too great, and the would-be rescuers were compelled, by a common sense regard for their own lives and recognition of the uselessness of trying to go further without life lines, to return to the beach, where they fell down helplessly exhausted.
Then a life-line was improvised out of ten ropes and the like, and with this fastened to him, Lieut.-Colonel Marks went out into the breakers. He passed the three lines of surging waves successfully, and was well out into the rolling water beyond, when the line broke. Thereafter 
the gallant soldier was seen no more.
Other members of the party, undeterred by this tragic event, made repeated efforts to rescue the two, fighting for life against current and waves, andeventually a man named Ralston, after a tremendous effort with the pounding waves, reached  the girl. Already very weak from his lone and exceptionally hard swim, Ralston seized the still body and doggedly turned back towards the bench. Then he ran a battle for life such as has never been seen before on the Australian coast. 
Time after time his companions on shore, some already worn out by their efforts, praying for his success, saw him go under, time after time he struggled to the surface again and fought  desperately on towards the shore and safety. Fierce waves rolled him over, tossed him about, played with him and the girl which they had  claimed as their victim, but he plunged on and on. After what seemed an age to the amazed watchers on the shore, he got into the breakers and was swiftly carried into shallow water. Wiling hands pulled him and the girl on to dry sand and feverishly set about trying to restore animation in the still body of the girl. But their efforts were in vain. She was dead. 
Ralston soon recovered from his ordeal and with several others of the party, who narrowly missed drowning themselves, accompanied the saddened party to the nearest habitation where police were communicated with.  BEACH TRAGEDY. (1920, January 30).Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW : 1896 - 1938), p. 32. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102239001 

An extract from Jean's book:

... "Do you know where Beach Beyond is?" he asked.

"I never heard of it, sir," I said, after a minute's vain endeavour to recall the name on any of the office documents. Was my ignorance going to prove that I took no interest in the firm's work. But he did not seem displeased.

"You take a North Coast train," he said, and stared out the window which faced north, as if he were looking a long way off, "and get out at a platform called Finn's Siding. You'll see a sort of store—go in and ask for Old Jimmy. He's got a waggonette of sorts, and he'll drive you to the end of the world. Beach Beyond is twenty minutes farther on."

Not quite knowing the correct response to make when a man of Mr. Massimer's standing gives one directions for a place 20 minutes past the end of the world, and, more over, seems to take it for granted that one is about to proceed thither, I said nothing.

"This is the Beach," continued Mr. Massi-mer, and handed me a framed photograph which had been standing on his desk with its back towards me.

So for the first time I looked at Beach Beyond.

It was a queer photograph—whoever took it was an artist. It was only a cabbage palm, black and lonely against a waste of beach and a tumbling line of surf, but it had caught the atmosphere that later I was to know so well, yet never to be able to describe. ("It's the 'beyondness' of it, as it were" as Egbert said a few months later, with characteristic idiocy, but as a matter of fact that came closer to the mark than anything else I have heard.)

Mr. Massimer went on speaking.

"It's this way, Merrick. At Beach Beyond Sir Julian Whitcombe, Dr. Fenning, myself, and five others have built a small week-end surfing colony. We each have a bungalow, and our wives and children are there most of the hot weather, the rest of us motor down for week-ends. Until last week we have never had even an alarm in the surf, possibly because none of us are sufficiently expert surfers to venture out very far. But last week we had a most ghastly tragedy—the newspapers only gave it three or four lines in the casualty column, but it was none the less horrible."

He paused frowning, as if at an ugly memory.

"All our women folk," he continued, "and the children and luggage had just motored down to take up possession for the summer. One of the chauffeurs went in for a swim, and was snatched off his feet within a few yards from the shore, carried out to sea as if by a mill race, and drowned in a few minutes in spite of the other chauffeurs' extremely brave attempts at rescue. But as they had no surf-line and were all bad swimmers it was hopeless from the first. Apparently a fast-running channel had suddenly appeared in the very spot where we had bathed last year."

"Channels often come and go like that," I remarked. "A storm will dig out a perfect death trap in one night, and even quite a mild wind blowing up a sea from the same quarter for a couple of weeks will have the same effect."

"Apparently it's not the first time a channel has appeared in that particular spot," said Mr. Massimer, "because since the accident we have beard a confused story from neighbouring fishermen that 20 years ago a boy was washed out in exactly the same place. There is some doubt that the story is true, but I owe it to you to tell you."

I said "Yes," though I did not see in the least how it concerned me.

"Naturally," said Mr. Massimer, "we must have a trained life saver at once. I shudder to think of the risks our wives and children have been taking all this time, and I feel almost personally responsible—though legally, of course, no shadow of blame attaches to me —for that poor chauffeur's death. I have sent for you this morning to know if you will take the position of life saver for this spring and summer. I will see to it that you lose no seniority in the office. We are offering eight pounds a week and quarters."

"You can get a first-class professional for four ten," I said. I had to tell him in common honesty.

"Perhaps. But you must remember that very few men would come to Beach Beyond. It's practically cut off from the world, and I'm afraid that there won't be any holidays in the six months. The hours are six to six, with scarcely breaks for meals, and I need hardly tell you the work is monotonous—most of the time you will have to spend on the sand looking at the water without even the pleasure of going in the surf yourself. Your only chance of diversion will be occasions which God grant may never arrive, when you will have to put up a lone hand fight against an ugly current with no trained team on the line behind you like you had last April at Manly." 
I stared a little, and he smiled. ...
BEACH BEYOND. (1923, March 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16064524

One item mentions that John and Nora were 'friends' even in the early 1920's, when both would have been quite young still and both already, apparently surfing. They may have known each other from much earlier though., common interests and relatives may have crossed their paths

MANLY SURF CLUB.
The presentation of first-aid certificates by the St. John Ambulance' Association was made to members of the Manly Surf Club .at the room on Thursday. Mr. /W. A. Kellam presided and there was a large attendance. A creditable display., of first-aid work by members of the Randwick and Glebe divisions St. John Ambulance Brigade, was given. The following received certificates: — Miss Allder, Mrs. Brown, Miss -Cocks, Miss George, Miss Knox, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Marshall, Miss Mephan, Mrs. Filcher, Miss Parker, Miss .Walker, Miss Walts, and Messrs. G. Ardill, A. Curnow, L. Curnow, J. Croall,:R. Clarke, H. Graham, K. Jones, H. Jones, A. Lumsdaine, B. Mack, W. Pigott, H. Phillips, F. Stevens, S. Smith. A concert programme was contributed to by the Misses Duffields, Mr. Burness, Mr. J. Ralston, Miss E. Whiting, Mr. Roy Smith, and Mr. H. Raynor. Mr. Cooper was the accompanist. Presentations were made during the evening to Dr. Bennetts, the honorary instructor to the class, and his assistant, Mr. B. Brownrigg. MANLY SURF CLUB. (1910, October 21). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117959070

UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC SOCIETY.
Under vice-regal patronage, tile Sydney University Dramatic Society will give performances at the Reper-tory Theatre oh Thursday, Friday, and Saturday next, which will take the form of all-Australian entertainments. Three one-act plays by Australian authors will be staged: "Tomorrow," by Professor J. Le Gay Brereton, "Masks" by Miss Helen Simpson, and "Love" by Miss Nora McAuliffe. Mr. Frederick Ward is producer. The music, which will be drawn from the works of Australian composers, is under the direction of Mr. N. S. Pickering. Plan at Palings. UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC SOCIETY. (1921, October 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28083677

The fascination this young crowd of Palm Beach habitues had for those writing gossip columns during gossip column heydays of the 1930's, provides some insights into the rise of the surfboard at Palm Beach with their nuptials:

NEAR AND FAR.
The engagement is announced of Miss Nora McAullffe, younger daughter of Mr. J. A. McAuliffe, of Western Australia, and Mrs. McAullffe, of Mosman, to Mr. John Malbon Ralston, only son of the late J. T. Ralston and Mrs. Ralston, of Mosman. NEAR AND FAR. (1933, June 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16970599 

MISS NORA McAULIFFE, younger daughter of Mr. J. A. McAuliffe, of Western Australia, and Mrs. McAuliffe, of Mosman, whose engagement to Mr. John Malbon Ralston, only son of the late J. T Ralston and Mrs. Ration, of Mosman, was announced at the Palm Beach Surf Club's dance last week.

— Dayne. 
No title (1933, June 5). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12 (LAST RACE EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228886627 

ALL Palm Beach is atwitter over the announced engagement of Nora McAuliffe and John Ralston. Of course, there is no great surprise entailed as these two have been friendly for ages, but it is always exciting when one of that select little surf club goes off the deep end into matrimony. Nora is simply radiant and John, though shy about it, is wearing that cheerfully complacent smile common to young men who have been accepted. Catty Communications (1933, June 10). Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919 - 1950), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235065185 

PERHAPS the smartest of last night's parties was the one staged by the Palm Beach Surf Life-Saving Club in the Paladium, to which over four hundred dancers were attracted, including members of many of the house parties at the popular colony, and carloads from nearby seaside holiday places and from town. It was the biggest and brightest party that has ever been held at Palm Beach, and an orchestra went down from Sydney to play the dance tunes. Now it has become an institution not to wear evening frocks or dress suit to parties at Palm Beach, and the tyD»lroom was full of folk In the gayest of holiday garb— pyjamas and beach suits for the matrons and girls, and shorts of every gay color and equally gay sports shirts—many of the zipper variety— for their partners. Mrs. A. Samuel, who was the leading light behind the dance, looked well in a pair of black trousers and a bright blue and scarlet handkerchief' top. She had been helped in making arrangements by the captain of the club, Mr. Beale, Messrs, Ivan Kell and Paddy Kenny. Among the dancers were Mrs. Pat Levy, who favored blue trousers and a blue and scarlet check jacket, Mrs. Laurie Foster, who danced in a green and lime pyjama suit, Mrs. Alan Waters, who looked cool in a heavy white shantung pyjama suit, Miss Cherry Davies; and a party including Pamela Osborne, Pauline McDonald, who are spending a holiday down there on her yacht, Miss Helen Hughes, who recently returned from abroad and who Is the guest of Dr. and Mrs. Ingram, at Palm Beach, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Dibbs, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Spender, Mesdames Betty Grigson, Bill Hay, Graham Body, John Wardlaw, John Gunning, Favieli, R. A. Eakin, Betty Murray, A. L. Levy, the Misses Peggy Street, Mary Adams, Audrey Peters, D. Pain, Helen Williams Betty Ross Gore, Sue Russell, Peter Stewart, Barbara Smart, Molly Wolfcarius, Elsie McWilliarn, Margaret Hagon, Joan Ord, Mary Wells, the latter two coming up from Mrs. Jack Pratten's house party at Collaroy, Nancy MacNaught, Audrey Connell, Rosemary Shepherd, Agnes Doyle, Sue Westorpe, Gwen Rees, Patricia Minchin, Major Royce Shannon, Dr. Zeelos. Messrs. Angus Mac-pherson, John Woods, Eric and Hugh Luscombe Newman, John Hall Johnson,. E. Ifould, Noel Hammond, Walter Pye, Peter Hunter, C. Cameron, Alan Major, Stewart Jamieson, L Armytage, A. Stephens, D. Hull, R BroWn, Gordon Morrow, Adrian Curlewis and John Ralston. EXIT 1932 (1933, January 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228903474

Everyone loves a wedding!:- 

BRIDE IN BLUE,
Ralston-McAuliffe    
Wedding.
Palm Beach Surf Club, of which the bride-groom has long been a member, was well represented among the guests at the reception given yesterday afternoon at No 11 Onslow avenue by Mr. and Mrs. J A McAuliffe of Mosman, after the wedding of their second daughter Miss Nora McAuliffe to Mr. John Malbon Ralston, only son of the late J T Ralston and Mrs. Ralston of Mosman, and the well-known Palm Beach toast without with no club function breaks up was duly honoured among the more conventional wedding toasts.

The ceremony was quietly celebrated at St. Marks Darling Point by Canon Lee. A reception gown of powder blue cotelle with kilted frills on the corsage and short sleeves  was worn by the bride who added a wide- brimmed hat of powder blue straw and carried an early Victorian posy of pink carnations and blue forget-me-nots. Mr Filsby Arnott was best man. The bride was given away by her  father.


MRS. JOHN RALSTON. (PHOTO)
Mrs JA McAuliffe received her guests wearing a gown of black crepe trimmed with silver braiding on the yoke and collar, and a black straw hat and carrying a posy in golden shades. The bridegroom's mother was in a black and white printed foulard frock and a black coat and black toque, with a cluster of white flowers and she carried red roses.
Among the guests were Sir George and Lady  Mason Allaird, Miss Ralston, Miss Jean Ralston, Miss I McAuliffe, Mr Justice and Mrs F H Markell, Mr and Mrs Arthur Powell  Mr W Kither, Mr and Mrs Ernest Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs W Ralston, Mrs A G Ralston, Mr and Mrs Alec. Ralston, Miss Kathleen Ralston, Mr and Mrs John Mant, Mr and Mrs Adrian Curlewis, Lieutenant Commander W Reilly, Miss Naomi Williams, Mr and Mrs J F Arnott, Mr Eric Luscombe Newman, Mr John Stanton, Mr and Mrs H Mansfield, Mr and Mrs R H Julius, Mr and Mrs David Hunter, Mr Kenneth Hunter, Mr Neville Conroy, Mr and Mrs Blackshaw, Miss Sue Russell.
The bride and bridegroom will sail today by the Monterey for Honolulu where the honey-moon will be spent.  
BRIDE IN BLUE. (1934, August 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17096760 


Palm Beach Pioneer
JACK RALSTON and his bride Nora McAuliffe, after the wedding will go to Honolulu, and doubtless Jack will revel in the long, rolling breakers there. When Jack was only a lad he used to be often seen speeding over the breakers on his surfboard at Palm Beach. The late Mr. J. T. Ralston, his father, was one of the pioneers of Palm Beach, and in the garden around the shack he planted every sort of tropical fruit. He called the place by the longest of Kipling's words, Warragaborrogarooma.
When holidays came, young Jack Ralston travelled to Palm Beach by road and river, and then walked over the hill from Pittwater to the Bay, as that was the only way to go then. The present owner of the garden which Jack's father planted is very proud of the large custard apples that grow so well in that sheltered corner of Palm Beach. Intimate Jottings. (1934, August 25). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47495610

MRS. JOHN RALSTON, Formerly Miss Nora McAuliffe. — (Photo: Falk.)


INSTEAD of conventional bridal array, a gown of A powder-blue cotelle was chosen by Miss Nora McAuliffe, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. McAuliffe, of Mosman, for her wedding at St. Mark's, Darling Point, last week, to Mr. John Malbon Ralston, only son of the late J. T. Ralston and Mrs. Ralston, of Mosman. The frock was trimmed with kilted frills on the bodice and the brief sleeves, and it was worn with a wide-brimmed matching hat. In keeping with the early-Victorian posy of pink carnations and blue forget-me-nots, the bride added long mittens. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. McAuliffe received the guests at No. 11 Onslow avenue, and the next day Mr. and Mrs. Ralston sailed by the Monterey on their honeymoon trip to Honolulu. Mainly Concerning Weddings (1934, August 29). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166105991 

About People 
Miss Nora McAuliffe, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. McAuliffe, Mosman, and grand-daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. McAuliffe, was recently married to Mr. John M. Ralston in Sydney. Among the invited guests were Sir George and Lady Mason Allard, Mr. and Mrs. Alec Ralston, Miss O. McAuliffe, Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs. Windeyer Ralston, Mr. and Mrs. John Mant, Lieutenant-Commander W. Reilly, Mrs. E. Curtis. Mr. Justice and Mir. F. Markell, Mr. Alec Moncrieff. The honeymoon is being spent in Honolulu. About People (1934, October 30). Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), p. 9 (DAILY). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51890109 


MR, and MRS. JOHN RALSTON returned this this week from a glorious honeymoon in Honolulu, where they had one or two interesting experiences and and one unfortunate one, when Mrs. Ralston took a bumper and hit her surf-board the wrong end up. Result, a black eye! One day they witnessed an Amerl can court case, which seems to have been most entertaining. The judge wore an ordinary Assam suit, the jury might have been off surfingor ready for their afternoon siesta, and the prisoner sat u n concernedly between two barristers, who were coatless, with sleeves rolled up above the elbowsl After the jury filed out, the ... and In broad American accents, addressed Mr. Ralston across the court, announcing that he had noticed his and his wife's entry and could pick him as a solicitor in one glance. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston are at present at the Australia whilst busy flat-hunting. SUSAN SAYS SOME MORE (1934, October 14). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 30 (COUNTRY EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230325344

NORA and John Ralston are back in town all tanned and healthy after their Palm Beach holiday, during which they were able to demonstrate how surfboards are managed in Honolulu. They brought one back with them, you know. Did you know also, that they got very friendly with the McMaster family (Boy and Lady M. were on the same ship coming home), and have even been up to Dalkeith for a week-end? I wonder, by the way, did Nora achieve as big a sensation with one of her snappy outfits at the swimming pool, as the now famous Vyner did on the occasion of her visit to Dalkeith? CATTY COMMUNICATIONS (1935, January 19). Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919 - 1950), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234612669

PALM BEACH SURF CLUB.
An inaugural meeting to arrange the Palm Beach Surf Club annual dance look place on Wednesday afternoon at Farmer’s, under the presidency of Mrs John Ralston, and it was decided to hold the dance on Wednesday, May 29, at Farmer’s, included In the newly elected committee are Mesdames Graham Pratten, G C Lamport, Lawrie Seaman, John Ralston, John Mant, and the Misses Stella Hemphlll, Nancy Marcus-Clark, Kath Rutherford, Claire Curlewis, Sheila Pring, Sue Russell, Nancy Withycombe, Ena Edwards, Audrey Peters, Wilga Joyce, Edie Wiltshire, Lawrie Barnes, Hazel Derrin, Marjorie Murdoch, and Eve Wain. PALM BEACH SURF CLUB. (1935, April 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17153896

It would be difficult to imagine a story about recreations in Sydney without surfing being included, and it would also be difficult to find a more attractive follower of that national pastime than Mrs. John Ralston, who, if she isn't on Palm Beach, is at Bondi, getting the best out of a long wave. Most week-ends find her and her solicitor husband at Palm Beach acquiring sun-tan and surfing. Mrs Ralston is also an expert in controlling that most contrary of "steeds," a surf-board, and anyone who has tried to stay on one as it slides down the front of a wave will know that that is no mean accomplishment. 

Splashing out of the surf at Bondi is Mrs. John Ralston, of Point Piper, who has no doubts about surfing being her favorite sport. Her sun-tan is proof of the long hours that she spends an the beach.
Recreations (1936, November 8). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1 (Women's Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230905528

PALM BEACH DANCE
A wreath of tiny flowers worn on the back of the head, two white gardenias placed m the side of the coiffure and covered by a Mantilla veil of black lace, and a single camellia to match the gown worn, were among the hair adornments featured by the women at the Palm Beach dance at the Paddington Town Hall last night.

Flowers were also arranged in novel table decoration. On one table a small doll on a surfboard surmounted the crest of a "wave" of blue and white hydrangea heads.

PRESIDENT ENTERTAINS.
Mr John Ralston, president of the Palm Beach Surf Club, and Mrs. Ralston entertained a patty Mrs. Ralston wore a skirt of lip-stick rea crepe with a tunic Jacket of stiffened lace in the same shade, and a large white flower set at the neckline. A gown of pastel pink crepe with a long cape of the same material was worn by Mrs Laurie Foster, and she wore a wreath of pink roses in her hair. Mrs. H. O. Beale's gown of deep red crepe was embroidered with-tiny silver squares; arctic fox trimmed the gown of white satin "chosen by Mrs. George Cohen.

A gown of royal blue blistered crepe, covered by a silver fox cape, was worn by Mrs. Adrian Curlewis, who came with her husband. Mr. Curlewis is president of the Surf Life Saving Association. 

TINY FLOWERS AND SINGLE BLOOMS (1937, June 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17376005

PALM BEACH is as popular as ever with all the young things, though this year there, have been very.- few, bright parties like there were in former years, and actually most people are down there for a rest. ; The  crowd on the beach usually consists of people like Joscelyn Curlewis and the Mackay Sims, all very nice, but nothing startling, and their male friends who are less so. But there is one umbrella where one can always rely upon a bit of fun and it belongs to the John Ralston — Kitty Hay crowd, who really are very cheery and are splendid surfers into the bargain. Nora Ralston could hold her own anywhere on the surf board, while nice old Johnno for years has been looked upon as an expert in that direction.' CATTY COMMUNICATIONS (1938, January 15). Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919 - 1950), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234539149

Holiday Sport at Palm Beach


The surf-board riders of Sydney's beaches can always be depended upon to demonstrate their skill to inexpert but envious multitudes during the holiday season. Like this exponent of the sport (who is nonchalantly shooting the waves at Palm Beach) hundreds of young men have attained a proficiency that could not be excelled even at Waikiki. Holiday Sport at Palm Beach (1938, December 21). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 13. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166523790

Of course it didn't take long for these lovers of surfing on a board to utilise their plans as rescue equipment and advocate other life savers do the same. The old reels and lines, which could get entangled in seaweed or see the rescuer and rescued being dragged under the water by those trying to 'reel' them in from shore, made the idea of using their equipment for fun for saving lives as well.

Between 1926 and 1929 Palm Beach SLSC members had 16 boards stored at the clubhouse (due to their size and weight of up to 100lbs, with most made from solid American redwood). This surfboard tally was the then highest ratio of surfboard to surf lifesaver at a time when having one built was expensive - expensive to have the work done - then add some for delivery of something that big and heavy. 

Riders who could surf without ending up 'in hospital due to same' could see the surfboard could be used in rescues - Manly Surf Club also calling for them to be used as a device for saving lives in the surf.

Women experts of the surf- board at Palm Beach. 

From Left.-Mrs. Alrema Samuels and Miss Norah Mc Auliffe. SYDNEY TOPICS – photos by S J Hood. (1930, January 11). The Australasian(Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), p. 61 Edition: METROPOLITAN EDITION. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141425116 


This determination was made more urgent by the tragic death of George Greenwell who died when attempting a rescue at Collaroy on April 26th, 1931. A student of Shore, he was known to those patrolling at Palm Beach and his loss strengthened their resolve to find better ways to rescue people while keeping the life savers safer, particularly using the surfboard. 

John Ralston and Peter Hunter were elected to a sub-committee to prepare a submission that would articulate Palm Beach SLSC's endorsement of surfboards as rescue equipment, their Surf Life saving Australia submission stating the surfbard was ...'unequaled as a complete unit of surf-lifesaving...'

A sense of safety for those being rescued by being placed on something that floats, the speed the board can bring a patient back to the sand once a wave is caught, its granting of autonomy to the rescuer surpassed the reel and line. Their report highlighted all these obvious facts and even included how a board offers some protection from sharks - John being able to recount, as well, how in Hawaii surfboards were, and had long been, the 'usual method of rescue'.

To further reiterate the club member's experience with the usefulness of boards, their 1930-31 Annual Report records a rescue being made during that season using a surfboard.


Palm Beach 1930s L-R: C. Shaddock, Lister Ifould, Alrema Samuels, Rex Beale, E. Newman, Richard Mant, Herb Tattesall, John Ralston


Palm Beach 1930s. L-R; ?, ?, John Ralston, Richard Mant, Alrema Samuels, Herb Tattersall, R. Mant, possibly Lister Ifould, ?. Photo is owned by Nicholina Ralston.


Trials at a pool followed and the SLSA thereafter recognised the surfboard as a piece of surf life saving apparatus in 1933. This news item, which will still make you sorry for the family of this child decades later, also underlines that within a few years the waves at Palm Beach were getting crowded with both surf bathers and surf riders. A 'surf-o-plane' business had been allowed by the then council to set up on the beach. This lad was able to hire one, was knocked off it and swept out to sea. He wasn't on a surfboard.

His loss was the first fatality at Palm Beach, despite the efforts of R. M. 'Arthur' Stephens, Alan Major and Adrian Curlewis, and led the club to criticise the surfoplane and surf ski rental system- 'The occurrence again illustrates the danger of allowing inexpereinced swimmers and bathers who cannot swim to use hired surf-o-planes and surf skis'. The council instructed the manager of the hire business to not hire his craft out to the inexperienced:

SURFING MISHAP
SYDNEY, Monday.
In view of the hundreds who were surfing at Palm Beach on Sunday, Vivian Guest, aged 14 years, of Turrawa, north-west New South Wales, was knocked off a surfboard by a wave and drowned.
The boy went out on a surfboard  about 1.50 pm when he disappeared, many surfers tried to find his body, but a choppy sea prevented a successful search. Guest was on holiday in Sydney, and was staying with his brother at Rose Bay. SURING MISHAP (1937, December 28).Daily Advertiser(Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143667024 

The tragedy did not stop the hiring of such equipment. It did, however, spur lifesavers on to make better equipment to save people with, and raise their own standards in using this - one highlight being R Keighley 'Blue' Russell developing the hollow board in 1939, on the club premises. 

It's Not All Glamor For The Surfboard Boys
By Bob Graves.
FIFTEEN years ago surfboard riding on Sydney beaches was considered a playboys' pastime; now the Surf Life Saving Association has taken official interest in it.

THE sport has boomed. More surfboards than ever before will appear on beaches this season, but they won't , all be used for pleasure. Most of surf clubs are now using boards as part of the standard rescue gear, and each patrol will have an experienced board-rider on hand in case he is needed for a long distance rescue. Club officials believe that boards will play a major part in rescues where the victim is washed hundreds of yards beyond the reach of lines. This was proved last season notably at Maroubra, where surf board Captain Frank Adler paddled 600 yards through huge seas to rescue a youth carried out on a rubber float,Adler's Adler's ! experience taught club officials at Maroubra and other open beaches where seas are big and rough, that the board is invaluable.

SO the Bondi, Maroubra, Cronulla and Palm Beach surfboard boys won't be all "glamor" this season. Many board riders may wear "glamor" trunks, but each club member will Have "his turn" on duty, and a board rescue in a big sea takes plenty of strength and courage.Getting through big broken waves and retaining a board is no joke. Experts say ' that the sudden popularity of ' surfboards, particularly among junior members, is due to modern designs. Before the war, most board riders had to be hefty, strong-shouldered men. Some of the 16 foot boards of solid wood weighed more than 200lb. To catch a wave you had to start paddling hundreds of feet before the wave reached you In order to catch it. Few solid boards could ride a "greenback" or unbroken waves. Today, the design is sleek, ultra-streamlined and light. All boards are hollow, and the average 14-foot board weighs about 80lb.. Racing boards are not' much heavier than 30lb, and any can be hauled down to the water's edge by the slightest built man in the club.


CRACKING A WAVE. Surfboard rider and surf skier groove down a big wave.

DICK Chappie, of Bondi, was one of the first men to mass-produce hollow-boards. His example has been, followed by hundreds of amateurs and each . surf club has iIts "board-builders". In several leading surf clubs', the builders have given up jobs and concentrated on manufacturing boards and skis. They are kept busy throughout winter months, and as most boards are made to suit the owner, they have a tough time with surf-club men checking each section of their board design. 

Some old-time board riders would be surprised today, to see slightly-built youngsters' picking up green waves hundreds of yards out without, any great effort. The lightness and streamlining of the boards make it comparatively easy for an expert to get them moving quickly. You can even "chase" a wave and catch it. 

BUT surfboard riding is not easy. It demands skill, balance, and above all, timing. Many experienced surfers cannot get that art of catching a wave at the right time, and 'on the right "angle." If you paddle too soon, the nose of the board "angles" into the water, and off you go. If you move too late, you miss the wave. If you stand up too early, you lose ,the wave, and if you are too late getting on your feet, the nose will dip and over you go. It is no joke when the board is travelling at approximately 25 mph and the nose dips. The board shoots back out of the water, and if you have not fallen, or dived forward, you can be seriously injured when the board, rockets back out of the water, and strikes you. 

THE increasing popularity of boards, and surf skis, has led to many quarrels between riders and municipal councils. Boards have sometimes gone astray among surfing crowds, and bathers have been injured. This season, however, areas will be marked off for boards and skis. Swimmers will be chased out of the area, and most clubs will take strong action against riders who venture near the swimming areas.Majority of clubs have ordered handles to be attached to boards so, the rider can grab and retain it should he lose balance. It's Not All Glamor For The Surfboard Boys (1947, November 7). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 4 (STUMPS EDITION). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230564215

As you can see from above Jack Ralston brought a newer board, probably more adapted to what he wanted to do with it, back in 1934 - just one indication of what has become a long line of evolution in surfboards and how we ride them. More was yet to come that would turn the world of surfing and surfboards on its head:

HAWAIIAN SURF TEAM COMING
A team of Hawaiian surf-board riders and two or more swimmers will visit Australia in December, 1949, or January, 1950
This was stated at last night's annual meeting of the Surf Life Saving Association
Dates for carnivals this summer are -
Dec 5 Garie Dec 26 Whale Beach Dec 27 Collaroy Jan I South Curl Curl Jan 2 North Palm Beach Jan 3 North Narrabeen Jan 8 Maroubra Jan 15 North Steyne Jan 22 North Cronulla-Wanda Jan 29 Manly Jan 31 Freshwater, Feb. 12 Newcastle Feb. 19
Sydney metropolitan elimination carnivals Feb. 27, Tamarama March 5 Coogee
HAWAIIAN SURF TEAM COMING (1948, October 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 7. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18098896 


Adrian Curlewis, circa 1930 

at Palm Beach - photo courtesy Philippa Poole - daughter of the 'Father of Surf Life Saving'

'During the 1930’s our family spent summer holidays at Palm Beach. This photo (above)of my father standing on his head followed him through life  - particularly later in life when his career moved on to the role of a dignified District Court Judge.'  - Philippa Poole, 2011

References and Extras

1.TROVE - National Library of Australia.
2. Beach Beyond - A History of the Palm Beach Surf Club 1921-1996. Sean Brawley. UNSW Press. 1996

Judge Curlewis has grown up with the century. He is a "Federation baby" who has lived 50 eventful years

By HELEN FRIZELL, staff reporter

In January, 1901, most Australians were resolutely celebrating Federation. Ahead lay one hundred un-spoiled years, full of promise for on infant Commonwealth. But for Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Curlewis, of Mosman, N.S.W., January, 1901, meant not only the birth of a nation, but the birth of their son Adrian.

ADRIAN CURLEWIS has grown up with the century. He is one of those who have seen the horse replaced by cars and aeroplanes, the old fuel stove superseded by pressure cookers hissing over electricity or gas. Gone is the plentiful supply of domestic help in the home, and the days are vanished when no gentle-woman would wear lipstick.

The new century marked the end of an era and brought two world wars, the great depression, and the atomic age. In 1951, the Jubilee of Federation, Judge Adrian Curlewis, who has just celebrated his 50th birth-day, looks back at his life.

Today he is straight-backed and suntanned from his favorite relaxation-surfing. A caricaturist drawing his face would show a sharply defined nose, crinkly hair, and a high forehead.

In the evenings Judge Curlewis leaves the New South Wales District Court in the City of Sydney, picks up his car, and drives over the Harbor Bridge on his way home, thankful that the slow ferry to North Sydney has been replaced. Nearing home he calls in to say good-night to his mother, who is known to and loved by Australian children as the novelist Ethel Turner.

Tiny, white-haired Mrs. Curlewis, widow of Judge Herbert Curlewis, still lives in the rambling slate roofed house where her son grew up. Adrian Curlewis and his family live a mile away, in a modern cream house which overlooks the sparkling waters of Middle Harbor and the white sand of Chinaman's Beach.

District changes

MRS. ADRIAN CURLEWIS, 18 year-old Philippa, and 21-year old Ian have heard Judge Curlewis speak of the changes in the district where he grew up.In 1907, when he was six, Adrian Curlewis used to walk down to the beach (where he still swims before breakfast) among wildflowers and gumtrees. His parents' house was the only one standing. Now it is just one of many large homes perched on the hillside.

"I learnt to swim at Chinaman's Beach and the Spit Baths," says Judge Curlewis, now president of the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia. "My sister Jean, who died in 1930, and I used to dog-paddle from one end of the baths to the other."

Surfing was not then a popular sport, but devotees were conquering prejudice. The first Life Saving Clubs had just been formed.

Having an authoress for a mother did not seem a novelty to the young Curlewis'.

"I think we took the books for granted," says Adrian Curlewis. "I remember mother giving Jean and me 5/- each when she finished a book. It was a sort of celebration, and reward for good behaviour on our part."

In those days 5/- was wealth to a child. For a penny or ha'penny you could buy enough sweets to keep chewing for hours. Like other local boys, Adrian Curlewis enjoyed riding in the milk-man's cart, and meeting the electric tram which ran once an hour to the Spit.

Later on Adrian Curlewis went to the Mosman Preparatory School, then to Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore). At Shore young Adrian Curlewis went on to stroke the First Four, captain the Rugby Union Firsts, and to win the Headmaster's Cup for all-round sportsmanship.

He also became Senior Prefect in the middle of World War I.

"The war made a great impression on us all," says Judge Curlewis. "Every morning there was a chapel service for old boys killed in action. Many of these soldiers had been at school only a few years before, and we knew them well. As a prefect I took my turn at reading the lesson from the Bible, and felt moved at the solemn and very beautiful service taking place "

The thoughts that these services conjured up in the mind of the young Curlewis were later to take on harsh reality when, as a captain in the 8th Division, he was taken prisoner by the Japanese in Malaya.

Adrian Curlewis wanted to enlist in World War I, but his parents would not give their consent until he was 18. By then the war was nearly over, so he went to Sydney University to do Law.

During the strike of 1917, with hundreds of other schoolboys, he took an emergency job as an engine cleaner. He was forced to give it up when his father became Presiding Judge at the Arbitration Court. Curlewis the undergraduate was a young man with plenty of enthusiasm. His interests included playing the flute in the University orchestra, hockey, rowing, and swimming.

He revived the University Law Society and enjoyed himself riotously on Commem. Day. Up to 1921 the Sydney Town Hall had been the place where Blues were presented, where undergraduates shouted their faculty songs, where mothers and the girls of the moment came along to watch the celebrations.

"We were not allowed to use the Town Hall after '21," says the Judge Curlewis of to-day. "Something happened to the Town Hall organ, and the undergraduates footed the bill. Flour bombs were hurled down from the galleries, and hundreds of the cane chairs were broken.

"We weren't to blame for the chairs. The women did that when they stood on the chairs in their high heels."

In the 1921 procession law students of Adrian Curlewis' year satirised the Sydney Telephone Exchange. On top of a float a "telephone girl” (alias Curlewis) worked frenziedly at a switchboard, in company with the present Mr. Justice Mansfield, Mr. Justice Herron, and Judge Holt.

In January of the previous year Adrian Curlewis had decided to become a life-saver after seeing a drowning fatality while on holiday at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Palm Beach then was not the luxury resort it is today, but an informal bush settlement where a cluster of doctors' holiday homes marked Pill Hill.

Adrian Curlewis started the Palm Beach Life Saving Club with the late Len Palmer. Since then he has seen many changes in life-saving methods.

"The patient used to be carried from the water face up, and the limbs were rubbed to restore circulation," Judge Curlewis says.

(To-day life-savers carry patients face downwards, and the rubbing method is obsolete.)

"'With other old-timers, I prefer the original surfboats," says Judge Curlewis. "The Johnny Walker class surfboats were more solidly built, and were capable of tackling seas which would swamp the light, fast boats of to-day."

Adrian Curlewis learned surf-board riding from John Ralston, who had the first surfboard at Palm Beach. Later he bought his own surfboard for £5.

"It had belonged to Manly swimmer Claude West, who put an ad. in the paper reading: 'Surfboard for sale. Owner in hospital through using same'," Judge Curlewis told me.

(Surfboard riding was only six years old in 1920. The Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku had introduced it to Australia in 1914.)

Surfboard virtuoso

AFTER mastering the surfboard and being able to ride it on either feet or head, Adrian Curlewis started teaching pretty Betty Carr, whom he had met at a Palm Beach house-party. Betty, who came from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, learned surf-board riding quickly.

Before Adrian Curlewis was through Law they were engaged, and were married at St. Philip's, Church Hill, in December, 1928. Up to date with the fashions, the bride was photographed wearing a short wedding dress, with her hair caught up in a bandeau.

A week before Australia entered World War II, Adrian Curlewis enlisted. In January, 1941, he sailed for Malaya in the Queen Mary.

When Singapore fell the future Judge Curlewis, with thousands of other Australians, was captured and was sent to Changi. He was put to work on the wharves, and in April, 1943, was sent to the dreaded Thailand railway.

In the New Year, on January 26, 1946, Captain Curlewis was discharged from the Army. He is proud of the fact that he became a civilian at 4 o'clock and was in his chambers half an hour later with a brief for the next day. He was appointed a District Court Judge in 1948.

Judge Curlewis is a typical family man. Son Ian is now doing second year Law and is keenly interested in life-saving. Daughter Philippa has just left school after winning the All Schools' Senior Swimming Championship last year.

Judge Curlewis is a man of wide civic interests. They make quite a list:

He is president of the Surf Life Saving Association, chairman of the National Fitness Council of N.S.W., and chairman of the Red Cross Appeals Committee.

Keeping in touch with old school and Army friends, Judge Curlewis is on the Shore Council and the 8th Division Council. 


ADRIAN CURLEWIS at the age of nine. This picture was taken in London when Adrian was travelling with his family. In 1910 nearly all small boys were dressed in sailor suits by their mothers. THE BOY IN SCHOOL BLAZER, Adrian Curlewis posed for group picture of Shore's rowing four. The year was 1919, when boys wore serious expressions and long fringed scarves with their blazers.


IN 1945 Captain Curlewis returned home alter three years in Changi and on the Thailand railway as a member of the 8th Division. TO-DAY, at the age of 50, Adrian Curlewis is a judge of the New South Wales District Court. He has a fine record of achievement.

Judge Curlewis has grown up with the century (1951, February 3). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 17. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51595911 

5-a-day Surf Rescues For 44 Years
Judge Adrian Curlewis, president of the Surf Life-saving Association of Australia, estimated yesterday that an average of one surfer had been rescued every five hours in the 44 years of the association's existence. He was speaking at the third annual meeting of the national council in Sydney.

Official figures state that 77,678 lives have been saved since the inception of the association. Rescues last season totalled 4,407. Meritorious awards in silver were made to three Queensland surfers, T. Gavin Horsley, William Wilson, and Frank Griffin. Horsley rescued club mate Leo Ryan despite shark at-tacks at Burleigh Heads -(Queensland) last year. Wilson and Griffin rescued club mate Des Quinlin, who later died, after a shark attack at Pacific Beach (Queensland). 5-a-day Surf Rescues For 44 Years (1951, November 4). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 5. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18490963

PALM BEACH SURF BOAT


What is claimed to be the most up-to-date surf-boat built in Sydney was launched at Palm Bench on Sunday. Built by W. Holmes, of Lavender Bay, at a cost of £93, it is 21ft overall, with a 5ft beam. It Is the only surf-boat in New South Wales with masts and sails. 
The launching ceremony was performed by Mrs. H. W. Meggitt. Mr. J. Craig referred to the liberality of the residents of Palmi Beach, and to their keen Interest in the Club. The spectators were treated to a first-class exhibition In the heavy southerly swell that was running, and the boat behaved splendidly. Mr. Fred Notting, ex-captain of the Manly Surf Club, took the steering oar. 
Although the Palm Beach Surf Life saving Club was started only in November 1921, it has now 35 active members, nearly all of whom are qualified life-savers. PALM BEACH SURF BOAT (1922, May 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8 (FINAL RACING). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223949070

PALM BEACH AWAKE. 
Palm Beach awoke from its Winter slumber last Sunday, and held its second annual meeting. The following officers were elected : Patron, W. J. Barnes; president, A. J. Hordern; vice presidents, J. Goldsmith, T. Peters, D. B. Wilshire and E. R. Moser; committee, J. Ralston, M. Loxton, A. Goddard, S. Gonsalves, L. Gallagher; captain, Adrian Curlewis; boat captain, A. Goddard; vice-captain, N. Holt ; hon. secretary, L. A. Palmer; hon. treasurer, N. H. Erwin. R. D. Doyle, hon. Examiner in chief S.L.S.A.A., was the guest of the club over the week-end. He made a fine speech at the annual meeting, and later instructed the members on the new R. and R. methods. The club is in a flourishing state. The annual carnival will be held on New Year's Day. Palm Beach will entertain all competitors at luncheon. A fine band has been engaged, and entry to all events is to be free. Mr. T. Peters has presented the club with a 600gal. tank, two showers, a pump, and sufficient guttering and downpipe for the completion of the clubroom. WHAT'S DOING ON THE SURF BEACHES. (1923, December 7). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103537126 



A chit from Palm Beach reveals the simple life doings of the dweller thereon. Two launches a day, and on them the commissariat of the populace. Everyone carts their own bread, milk, meat, &c., per shank's pony, and the welkin is cracked with no less melodious sound than that of the birds of the air and the even song of the community. Mr. Jack Ralston's garden is the show patch of the settlement, and, as an amateur, has surpassed his wildest expectation as a grower of delicious and unfamiliar fruits of tropical flavor and origin. Try to pronounce the name of his shack, "Warrigaborrigarooma." It's the first problem that rags the newcomer, and some of the old hands haven't got past the first two syllables yet. SYDNEY WEEK BY WEEK (1918, January 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221941967 

OBITUARY.
MR. J. T. RALSTON.
The death occurred at his residence, Gulaston, Ranger's Road, Neutral Bay, at about 8 o'clock last night, of Mr. John Thompson Ralston, the well-known Sydney solicitor. Mr. Ralston, who was a son of the late Mr. Alexander James Ralston, the first secretary of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, was admitted as a solicitor in the early Nineties, and had practised his profession in Pitt-street continuously since then.
For some time Mr. Ralston was an alderman of the North Sydney Council, and he displayed much interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the Neutral Bay district, where he has resided for many years. He was a director of several companies in the city, including the Barrenjoey Company, Ltd., of which he had been chairman of directors since its inception. He was also an ex-director of the Co-operative Assurance Company, Ltd. 
The Barrenjoey Company opened up large areas of land in the Palm Beach district, and on portion of this land he carried out the experiments in amateur horticulture. He carried on a correspondence with other parts of the world with the object of advancing horticulture in Australia. Among other Interests he was a member of the Lodge Athenaeum, of which he was a Past Master. He leaves a widow, one son, Mr. John Malbon Ralston (who was in partnership with him), and two daughters. Mr. Acting Justice Ralston is a brother.  
The funeral will take place on Saturday at the Northern Suburbs Cemetery. OBITUARY. (1923, December 28).The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16116882 

OBITUARY.
MR. J. T. RALSTON.
The funeral of the late Mr. John Thompson Ralston left the residence, Gulstan, Rangers Road, Neutral Bay, on Saturday and proceeded to the Presbyterian section of the Northern Suburbs Cemetery. There was a large and representative gathering at the service, which was conducted at the house by the Rev. P. H. Waugh, assisted by the Rev. S. B. Evans. The principal mourners included the widow and two daughters of the deceased, Mr. John M. Ralston (son), Mr. Acting Justice H. G. Ralston (brother), Messrs. A. W., J. W..and Gavin Ralston and Mr. E. R. Raine(nephews), Mr. Tom R. Raine (brother-ln-law),Mr. David Vaughan, and Mr. E. C. M'Mondie and Miss M'Mondie. The service at the grave-side was conducted by the Rev. S. B. Evans. The following Masonic brethren, in regalia, accompanied the coffin to the graveside: Messrs. W. F. Hinton (W.M.), Edmund Read(I.P.M.). E. M. Mitchell, E. A. Scott and H. B. Allard (P.Ms.), H. Beardsmore (S.W.), R. H. Goddard, W. Boyce, C. L. Boyce, Walter F. Gale (Temperance), and Tooso (Athenaeum).Others present Included Messrs. Fred. L. King, A. L. Charlton, E. P. Carr, G. Mason Allard, E. W. de Gyulay, A. E. G. do Gyulay, G. R. Allard, H. Wolstonholme, T. W. "Seaver, Edward L. Ramsay, J. Allen Ramsay, Herman Fawl, Robert Guthrie, J. B. Huntor, W. N. Keast, V. W. Williams, N. L. Gilfillan, A. R.Stafford (Ballata), Frank Saunders, Prof. J. P. Peden, A. D. Peden, H. M'Kinnoy (representing H. G. M'Kinnoy, M.I.C.E.), W. J. Cunningham, W, A. Cunningham, J. T. Kerr, A. Kerr, E. H.E. Lodge, .James Paton, E. R. Scott, J. Nowack, J. H. Beatson, E. Bignold, J. F. South, N. Harding, C. Barker, and T. W. B. Oxenbould. OBITUARY. (1923, December 31). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16119140 

FOR HIS FAMILY
SOLICITOR'S BEQUESTS.
Mr. John Thompson Ralston, solicitor, of Neutral Bay, who died on December 27, left an estate which has been valued for probate purposes at £20,600. Subject to a legacy of £50 to his managing clerk, Alfred Leslie Blackshaw, testator left his estate for the benefit of his widow and children. FOR HIS FAMILY. (1924, March 5). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119216523 

THE REDFERN RAILWAY ACCIDENT.
£3,500 DAMAGES AWARDED.
SYDNEY, THURSDAY.
An action brought by John Thompson Ralston, solicitor, to recover £12,000 damages for injuries caused by the Redfern railway accident, was heard to-day before Mr. Justice Simpson and a jury. It was shown that the plaintiff had received frightful injuries, and was quite a wreck of his former self. His business, which before the accident was worth £700 a year, was now practically ruined. The jury awarded him £3,500 damages.  THE REDFERN RAILWAY ACCIDENT. (1895, August 30). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9372615 


SURF BATHING
MANLY SURF CLUB 
Mr. C. F. W. Lloyd presided over a meeting of the Manly Surf Club at the Steyne Hotel. A letter was received from the Manly Municipal Council In reference to improvements suggested by the club, and stated that the following work had been agreed upon:— The gentlemen's quarters on the southern end of the beach to be divided into 10 divisions by the erection of partitions, 15ft. in length from the wall. A floor of 3 in. by 1in. battens, 15in. in width, to be laid at the bottom of the partitions for the whole length, with a seat 8ft. x. 1 1/2ft. Two shower baths to be fitted, one at the northern end, and one at the southern end. The northern and southern ends to be close boarded to a height of 10ft. The ladles quarters to be divided into three divisions, and an addition made at t'he northern end, 16ft. in length, for children. A shower bath also to be fixed. These are temporary improvements, it being hoped that the Government will soon grant a sum sufficient to build entirely new and up-to-date accommodation. Messrs. W. Tonge and A. W. Relph, the hon. secretaries, are now in communication with the Government in regard to this matter. On Sunday and Monday last, in the presence of a large concourse of people, life-saving drill was practised with, a new reel recently made to the club's order, and which Is the best life-saving apparatus yet seen on the beach. Mr. Len Murray (vice-captain) went some distance out beyond the breakers, C. P. Purcell, the new surf-attendant employed by the club, donning the cork belt, the others taking charge of the line. Everything went well, and the practice will prove of much assistance when real danger happens. There are now over 300 members in the club, and new members coming in every day. SURF BATHING (1907, October 10). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229504004

The North Steyne Surf Club journeyed from Manly to Mona Vale on December 12, and gave life-saving exhibitions on the beach, which proved interesting, as well as instructive. In i he evening, the visitors were entertained at dinner by the Mona Vale Surf Club and residents. The repast was laid at Brock's Mansions. President A. Ralston (of the Warringah Shire) presided, and thanked the visiting life-savers for their beach display. He said the local club bad been doing good work, and would now be better able to cope with accidents. The other speakers included Councillor Powell, Mr. C. D. Paterson (captain North Stayne Surf Club), Mr. S.A. Rigney (secretary N.S.S.C.), Rev. F. R. Ford. Councillor Quirk, and Mr. E. Lincoln. SOCIAL ITEMS. (1908, December 19). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113762480

OLD RESIDENTS DEATH.
The death took place recently of a well-known resident of Bexley in the nineties, Mr. Alexander Ralston, aged 85 years. Then an ambitious, energetic, and affable young Scot, Alick Ralston conducted a dairy in the paddocks near the junction of Wollongong and Forest Roads, then surrounded by huge gum trees, but now the site of hundreds of bungalow homes. Besides milking cows and delivering milk he found time to .be an energetic member of the Bexley Presbyterian Church, After leaving Bexley the late Mr. Ralston went to reside on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, and later became President of Warringah Shire and a member of the Ryde Bowling Club. He is survived by his wife and family. OLD RESIDENT'S DEATH. (1946, November 21). The Propeller (Hurstville, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235351448

MANLY CLUB'S GALA.
NORTH SYDNEY WINS SUPREMACY.
Manly Swimming Club's sixth annual gala was successfully carried out yesterday afternoon, under very favorable auspices.  A pleasing little ceremony was the presentation to the club and unfurling by Mr. W. F. Mitchell of a new flag. Mr Manfield Newton, a very clever veteran exponent of ornamental and trick swimming, who is now well up in the sixties, and wears exceedingly well gave a most entertaining display,: which the spectators applauded frequently. Re6U60S YARDS CLUB HANDICAP.— First heat : N. McMullen, 4sec.,-l; L. Merritt, 13sec, 2; A. Riddington, 9sec, 3. Time, 30 2-5sec. Second Iheat : J: Mitchell/ 2sec, 1 ; A. Buckley, 6sec, 2; J Vernon, 10sec, 3. Time, 25sec. Third heat  R' Beale, Ssec.,- .- 1 ; G. 'Murray, 2sec, 2; 3.. IPJTne 3sec, '3. '' Time, 33 ,4-5sec. Fourth heat : T Culkn, 4sec, 1 ; G'. Reid, Tsec, 2 ; F. McAuliffe, 6sec, 3. Tinie 28sec. Fifth heat : L Develin, lSsoc, 1.; J. Chilaer, €sec, 2; h. Merritf, 6sec, 3. Time, 4^4-5sec. Final : E: Beale 1; L. Deyclin, 2. TTme, 31sec. 100 YARDS ' ESTER.CLUB HANDICAP.— First heat : A. N. Anderson ' (Manly), 17sec., 1 ; J. Vernon (Manly), 24sec, 2 ; S. Riddington (Manly), lisec 3 Time, lmin. 13scc. Second, heat:. E.« Holt' (Man 'vO, 24sec, 1; -A. Stephens (Manly), Ocec 2 ; W Shay (Balmain), 12sec, 3; Time, lmin 22sec. Third heat: J. Gosper (Manly), lose?!, 1/; C- Lindley (N.-&). }^ec; 2 ; ? C. WilOUa'mW (Balmoral), ? !2sec.,' 3. Time,, lmin. 7 -2-Bsec:' ?-? Fourth heat : D. Kelly (Balmoral), Osec, li D.'.McCut(ban (Manly), 21sec., 2 ; W. Piggott (Manly), ISsec., 3. Time, lmin. 9sec. Fifth neat : R. Beale (Manly), 24sec, 1 ; N. Holmes (Manly),. 24sec, 2 ; F. Coulson (Bondi), 5sec, 3. Time, lmin. 23sec. Sixth heat : M. Richardson (Manly), 21sec, 1 ; N. Ratjens (Rechabite), 5sec., 8 ; E. Noakes (Mosman), losec, 3. Time, lmin. 18 2-5sec. Seventh heat : S. McAuliffe (Manly), 14sec, 1 ; J. Warren (Mosman), 14sec.', 3. Time, lmin. 14 2-5sec. Eighth heat : E. Merritt (Manly), 14sec, 1 ; J. Warren (Mosman), 14sec, 2. Time, lmin. 14 2-5sec. Fiaal : R. Beale (Manly), 1 ; S. McAuliffe (Manly), 2 ; L. Richardson (Manly),. -3. Time, lmin. 18 l-5sec. INTER-CLUB HIGH DIVING.— E. Fell (Rose Bay), 1 ; C.' W. Gardey (East Sydney), 2; J. Keddington (Manly), 3. 500 YARDS CHAMPIONSHIP/ OF NORTHERN SUBURBS.— North Sydney Team (S. Wright, H. ?Haig, F. Schwartz, Alan' Wright, and E. C. Fox), 1 (time, 5min. 23 2-5sec); Manly Team (R. McKelvey, J. Mitchell, C. Bue, Gerald Murray, Gilbert Murray, 2 ; Mosman Team (G. Snell, T. Pennyfather, B. Cook, N. Cook, H. Snell), 3. INTER-CLUB HURDLE DIVIN.G.— K. Childera (Manly), 1. INTER-CLUB SPRING-BOARD DIVING.— S. Riddington (Manly), 1 ; E. McKelvey (Manly), 2. SUBMARINE BALLOON RACE.— S. OP. Coulson (Bondi), 1 ; H. Snell (Mosman), 2. 200 YARDS FIRST-CLASS INTER-CLUB HANDICAP.— First heat : E. C. Fox (N.S.), 22sec, 1 ; a Wright (N.S.), 13sec, 2 ; A. Stephen (Manly), sec, 3. Time, 2min. 24 2-5sec. Second heat H. Groffe (Rechabite), 17sec. ,1 ; Gerald Murray (Manly), 13sec, 2 ;Cecil Healy (East Sydney), scr., 3. Time, 2min.' 28 l-5eec. Final : E. C. Fox (N.S.), 1 ; Gilbert Murray (N.S.), 2 ; S. Wright (N.S.), 3. Time, 2min. 83 l-5sec. MUSICAL BUOYS.— H. Hay (N.S.), L… MANLY CLUB'S GALA. (1911, February 26). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120779288 

MANLY LIFE-SAVING CLUB'S SURF CARNIVAL. 
The surf carnival in connection with the Manly Lifesaving Club took place yesterday afternoon in ideal weather, and was witnessed by over 20,000 people. Results :— ' GRAND PARADE (points awarded for neatness, marching &c). — Manly Life-saving. Club and North Steyne Surf Bathers' Club, dead-heat for first prize; Freshwater Surf and Life-saving Club, 3. RESCUE AND RESUSCITATION COMPETITION.— Bondi Surf Bathers' twin, HA) points, 1 ; Manly. No. 1 team, 44.2 points, 2 ; Freshwater team, 43.7 points, 3. WHEELBARROW RACE.— T. Walker and L. Weekes (Bondi Surf and Social Club), 1; J. Morgan and A. Kelly (North Steyne Club), 2. ALARM REEL RACE. — Manly No.. 1 team, lmin 53sec, 1 ; Manly No. 3 team, 2min'2sec, 2 ; Bondi Surf Bathers' team, 2min 4sec, 3. . '? ' j . PILLOW-FIGHT. — W. Neve (Newcastle), 1 ; W. Knight (Little Coogee), 2. OBSTACLE RACE.— Harry E. Davis (North Steyne), 1. THREE-LEGGED RACE.— E. and H. Nicholls (North Steyne), 1. SURF RACE.— G. Hynes (North Steyne), 1 ; E. D. Bull (Manly), 2 ; S. McAuliffe (Manly), 3. TUG OF-WAR.— The final was won easily by North Steyne No. 1 team.  Mr. Fred Notting was very successful in shooting the breakers in his surf canoe 'Big Risk.' MANLY LIFE-SAVING CLUB'S SURF CARNIVAL. (1912, January 7). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126054125 


THE SURF BOARD FOR LIFE-SAVING. Claude West, a life-saver stationed at Manly, is an expert in the use of the surf board, which is sometimes used to go out to a bather in distress. The picture on the left (below)shows the swimmer going out; in the other he is coming in with a 'rescue.'

Life-Savers of the Surf. (1925, February 25). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159720700 

Claude West (1898 - 1980), was apparently taught to surf by Duke Kahanamoku. He may have seen some of the 'surf board shoots' that took place as part of the January 26th Freshwater carnival of 1912, on a board brought back to Australia by Manly's C D Paterson in 1911, or seen the article which appeared later that year in the Sydney Mail or known Tommy Walker - see below.

HEALY'S CONQUEROR. DUKE KAHANAMOKU, THE HAWAIIAN. COMES OF SEMI-AMPHIBIAN ANCESTORS SOME LONG DISTANCE SWIMS

Duke Kahanamoku the winner of the 100 metres race at the Olympic Games and the conquerer of Cecil Healy, Sydney's well-known topnotcher, is one of fastest short-distance swimmers in the world. At the back of the Hawaiian is a long of semi-amphibious humans. From the day he is born till the hour he dies the Hawaiian is never wholly out of sound of the soft lap-lap of the waves on the reefs sur rounding his native islands.The sea is his mother, father, and playmate— hardly ever his enemy. From the time he can walk, and sometimes before he begins to dabble in the ocean, and no enchantment held forth by later sports can wean him away from its lure. Duke Kahanamouku cannot begin to touch, in these games, the long-distance records made by some of his countrymen and countrywomen. Here is a typical Instance says the 'Times's Democrat' of May 26) ... HEALY'S CONQUEROR. (1912, July 13). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114477764


RIDING THE SURF AT HONOLULU.

drawn by Agnes Gardner-King — Copyright. 

EVERYONE has heard of the surfrriders of Honolulu. Sydney got the idea from the South Sea Islands, but Australians, except on rare occasions, dispense with the board, and 'ride' the waves without artificial aid. Miss Agnes Gardner-King, in contributing the above drawing, writes: — 'The natives take a long pointed board and, after giving it the necessary forward motion to start it on its journey on the crest of the wave, are able to enjoy a delicious ride sitting or even standing on their frail support, till the wave either loses itself or breaks on the beach. The exquisite colouring of the blue water contrasting with the rich brown skins of the natives make the scene a lovely one. Note the proud native turning sideways to receive the plaudits of our little group on the beach.' RIDING THE SURF AT HONOLULU. (1912, December 25).Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 30. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158479458 

Two Ways of surfing.

Mr. J. Donnelly (North Sydney) writes:— . In your Issue of January 14 Mr. L. A. Brodd tells us that there are two ways of surfing — American and Australian, and clearly shows, us once more that there is only one way of boosting— American. In asking Australians to imagine 20,000 people bathing on a beach a mile and a half long sets us a severe task. I for one essayed the task, and was completely prostrated to think that there was one person bathing In every square yard for forty-five yards out along one and a half mile of beach, leaving 1200 rash bathers over to go out of sight of land, get drowned, and other silly things. I can quite understand how Australians excel at shooting the breakers. What a lovely building the dressing-shed, house, mansion or palace must be to accommodate 120.000 people, each having a nice room all to himself; and just fancy 120,000 people paying 2b each, totalling the trifling sum of £12.000, for the pleasure of bobbing up and down in a square yard of water. Is Mr. L. A. Brodd trying to Americanise Australians by asking them to "imagine"? I hope you will publish this in, Justice to our life-savers, whom Mr. L. A. Brodd seems to think are a long way behind the Americans, yet in the same breath he says more lives are lost in the Land of Boost. He covers, this with an explanation— viz., when a man calls for help he is so far away that they cannot reach him in time. What powerful voices the Americans must have, or do all bathers carry a megaphone?TWO WAYS OF SURFING. (1913, January 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228713833 

DANGEROUS SURFING BOARDS.

The thousands of visitors who flock to the beaches near Sydney to view the surf bathing are often amazed (says the Sydney 'Daily Telegraph') at the remarkable feats performed by bathers, who shoot the breakers with surf boards. Many expert 'board-shooters' can rise on the crest of breaker a quarter of a mile out and travel to the beach with torpedo velocity. The sport is exhilarating and fascinating, but the practice is roundly condemned by surf bathers who shun the board-shooter as they would a shark. Several accidents have happened in the breakers through a board striking bathers whilst the user of it was performing some daring exploit through the crowd of bathers. So dangerous has the practice become at Manly that the Council's beach inspector reported to the aldermen at their last meeting that some action should be taken in the matter. He suggested that the Council set apart a portion of South Steyne for board-shooters alone, as it was impossible to check the nuisance. The aldermen did not adopt this view of the question. They discussed the matter warmly, arid made it plain that the Council had the necessary power to prosecute offenders. Regulations it had been passed giving the officials power' to warn bathers who indiscriminately used these boards to the danger of other bathers. and to prosecute if necessary. In future a close eye will be kept on bathers who enter the water at Manly armed with the surf board, and if they decline to dispense with the board the offenders are to be prosecuted. DANGEROUS SURFING BOARDS. (1913, February 6). Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 - 1928), p. 4. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152886932 

DUKE KAHANAMOUKU


The marvellous Hawaiian, undisputed champion sprint distance swimmer of the world, some of whose natatorial feats are said to have astounded the fishes, as did the exploits of Pegoud, the French aviator, in the clouds, cause wonderment amongst the birds of the air. He is here seen performing one of his famous surfing accomplishments. This is not by any means his most daring achievement. Whilst dashing forward at an incredible speed, he stands on his head and does other things of an acrobatic description. Similar boards to the one he is shown using have been imported into Australia, but so far none of our surfing experts have been able to imitate his sensational deeds. 

It is supposed, however, that the breakers that roll in on our shores are of a different formation, and not suitable for the purpose. All doubts on that subject would have been set at rest had Kahanamouku visited here this Summer, as was supposed to have been his intention. He has on several occasions expressed his willingness to come, but the time he originally offered to make the trip was regarded as inopportune by the officials of the Swimming Association who were carrying on the negotiations, and they fell through, owing to the date they suggested as a substitute clashing with the great water festival that is to be held at Honolulu on February 18 and 24 next. Visitors from all parts of the world have been known to go to Hawaii merely to witness Kahanamouku shoot the waves in the extraordinary fashion depicted above. DUKE KAHANAMOUKU (1913, December 14). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 20 (SUNDAY TIMES GLOBE PICTORIAL). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126315151 


SURF BOARD RIDING, WAIKIKI BEACH, HONOLULU. 


WAIKIKI BEACH AND MOANA HOTEL, HONOLULU.

No Title (1913, June 3). Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33423081 

ON THE SURF BOARDS. OF HONOLULU.
Surf-bathing as a pastime is not, as we understand it, a new-fangled idea. It is a practice centuries old. The natives of Hawaii many, many years ago, under the giant shadows at Diamond Head, held high carnival in the surf. Perhaps the ideal surfing stretch in the whole world is Waikiki Beach, near Honolulu, Hawaii. Here centuries ago; was born the sport of running footraces upon the crests of the foaming billows, and here bronze-skinned natives vie today with the white man for honors in aquatic sports, once exclusively Hawaiian, but in which the white man now rivals the native. 
There are great, long, regular sweeping billows after a storm at Waikiki, that will carry a surf-rider in from more than a mile out to sea; there are rollers after a big 'kona' storm that sweep across Helo Bay, on the big Island of Hawaii that carry native surf boardriders for five miles at a run, and on the island of Nlihaw, there even more wonderful surf-board feats are performed.
The famous Duke Kahanamoku is a native of this particular spot, and is considered, outside his ability as a swimmer, to be the finest exponent of surf-riding in Hawaii.
Surf-board riding is an art easy to the few and difficult to the many. The natives perform some wonderful tricks on them; however Mark Twain tried to master the surf board many years ago. He describes in vivid pen-pictures the Hawaiian boys and girls, who danced upon the tip of the biggest breakers, and how his board, started by a kanaka, caught a wave and shot with express speed toward the beach, while he shot with equal rapidity down toward the coral bed beneath the waters of Waikiki Bay.
We in Australia do not know surfing as they do in Hawaii.  Our beaches are not adapted to surfing as followed at Waikiki. Our own aboriginals, in some instances, used, to shoot as we do on the beaches around our coast, but most of them, driven by the march of the multitude into the Interior, have ceased to practice it.
SWIMMING IN AUSTRALASIA (1913, September 24).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120490123 

Tommy Walker Says— 'I Brought First Surfboard To Australia'

IN a letter to Harry M. Hay, Australia’s foremost swimming and, surf coach, Tommy Walker, one-time surfboard champion at Manly (N.S.W.), writes: 'I saw an article by you in 'The Referee' re surfboards. so enclose a photo of myself and surfboard taken in 1909 at Manly. This board I bought at Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, for two dollars, when I called there aboard the 'Poltolock.' I won my first surfboard shooting competition at Freshwater carnival back in 1911,and that wasn't yesterday. Regards.'

Walker was a well-known figure at Manly at the time he writes about. He figured in a couple of unusual, if not remarkable, incidents.

Time came when Tommy decided to catch a shark for the purpose of exhibiting it to the public at threepence a head. He brought three other lads into the enterprise and between them they raised the necessary capital to buy a hook and line and to hire a tent in which to install the monster of the deep. But first they 'had 'to catch their fish. They selected Fairy. Bower beach as their base and set a watch on the hill overlooking it. On the second day of their vigil, the required shark was sighted. Like a policeman on his beat, he came leisurely from the direction of South Steyne. And he was a Whopper, a tiger, 14ft 2in in length, as was proved later. He was duly landed struggling on the beach and a curious public had paid £12/10/to view him when the Council's inspector of nuisances intervened to the manifest relief of the residents in the vicinity. But one may ask, 'Where' does the hero stuff come in?' Well, it was this way. When the shark was sighted, the watchers on the. Hill signalled to Tommy (who was waiting on the' beach) and he immediately set out in a small dinghy to drop the bait at the spot it was anticipated the shark would cross. The craft capsized. So Tommy swam with the bait, a -7lb salmon, and literally spilt it into the shark's mouth. The shark grabbed it— and the rest was easy. Someone said, 'I ..wouldn't have done that for £10,000.' ..Tommy replied simply, .''There was no danger — when salmon are about, a shark has no time for anything else.'

IN the other incident Ivay Schilling was the heroine. She Will be recalled as J. C. Williamson's principal dancer. The company was having a successful season at the Theatre Royal. A strong swimmer, she was surfing at South Steyne one morning, when only two others were in the water. Walker was one of them. Miss Schilling had crossed a deep channel and was resting on a sandbank, and was watching Walker shooting. He could swim like a fish. This was at a time when large surfboards were unknown in Australian waters. However, Walker did not need any adventitious aids when shooting, at which he was one of the recognised adepts. It was impracticable, however, to shoot right into the sand because of the channel, which banked the surf up. After his third shoot, Walker appeared to be in sore trouble in the channel. His scream for help galvanised the dancing star into action. -With powerful strokes, swimming trudgeon style, she quickly covered the necessary 30 yards to reach the youth who was sinking for the third time. He appeared to 'be- in a fit- and struggled violently as the gallant lady swam with him to' the shore.

JUST at this moment the professional lifesaver, the late 'Appy Eyre, arrived and he worked on the unconscious form of Walker, who, when he came to his senses, ejaculated, ''Well, that is the last time I'll go surfing immediately after' a heavy' breakfast.' ?

TOMMY WALKER

The evening papers rang with the story, and the performance at the Royal was held up that night when Miss Schilling appeared on the stage. Members of the audience from all parts of the theatre rose and cheered, and cheered, and cheered again. And Tommy — what of him? Just about that time, a week beforehand, in fact, Claude Eric Ferguson McKay had been appointed to the position as Williamson's publicity man. 'Walker, if unwittingly, had brought one of Williamson's stars into the limelight— had given her the opportunity of appearing as a heroine in a drama off the stage. McKay was delighted. He presented Walker with a brand new £5 note. Tommy Walker Says—. (1939, February 23). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127604199 

DEE WHY CARNIVAL. KAHANAMOKU AND HIS SURF BOARD.    

D. P. Kahanamoku, the famous Hawaiian swimmer, gave an exhibition on the surf board at the Dee Why surf carnival on Saturday. The beach was lined with people, all anxious to obtain a good view. The various events were watched with interest, especially the performance of Kahanamoku. He came out with his surf board, plunged into the water and continued to swim out until those watching from the beach wondered when he would stop. After covering nearly half a mile, Kahanamoku turned and prepared for a roller, which came along a moment after ; he caught it, and as the wave carried him shorewards he performed all kinds of acrobatic feats on the board, and finally dived into the water as the roller broke. The  crowd showed their appreciation in a very hearty manner. Kahanamoku remained in the surf for nearly an hour, and he was accompanied at intervals by Miss Letham, of Freshwater, and it was a rare sight to watch both swimmers on the surf board.

The various surf events under the control of the New South Wales Surf Bathing Association were well contested. An open-air concert at night concluded the  day's sport. Details :—    

Grand Parade of Clubs.—Dee Why, 1 ; North Steyne, 2.

Three-legged Race.—North Steyne, 1 ; Collaroy, 2.    

Pennant Rescue and Resuscitation Competition.—  Metropolitan Division, third round ; Bondi A, 57.77points, 1 ; Manly A, 57.47 points, 2 ; Coogee, 56.66points, 3 ; North Steyne, 52.03 points, 4.

Novice Surf Race.—A. V. Rein (Manly), 1 ; C. D. Bell (Manly), 2.

Tug-of-War.—Collaroy, A. L. Melrose, capt. ; C.  Knight, J. Walton, A. Thew, J. Jack, J. Bloomfield, D. Scully), 1.

Beach Relay Race.—First heat : Collaroy, 1. Second  heat : North Steyne, 1. Third heat : Coogee, 1. Final :Collaroy (L. Chinchen, T. V. Smith, A. Sheldon, L.  Sheldon), 1 ; North Steyne (E. Goulding, G. Morgan,O. H. G. Merrett, C .Whitehead), 2.

Alarm Reel Race.—Manly (H. M. May, belt, O.  Mater, H. Buhl, F. Bennett, D. West), 1 ; NorthSteyne (L. Hind, belt, F. Nicholls, B. McEwan, E. Goulding, N. Thompson), 2.  

Cock Fight.—Balmoral ( J. Doudney, C. Walker), 1.Surf Brace Relay Race.—Manly (J. Brown and N.    Smith), 1 ; North Steyne (C. Healy, L Solomon), andBondi (J. G. Brown and H. Fletcher), dead heat.

Novice Alarm Reel Race.—First heat : North Steyne,1 ; North Bondi, 2. Second heat : Coogee, 1. Thirdheat : Bondi, 1. Final : Coogee (J. Leary, H. Mason,H. McClure, R. Harret, M. Reubenstein), 1.

Wheelbarrow Race.—North Steyne (H. Nicholls, F.  E. Nicholls), 1. DEE WHY CARNIVAL. (1915, February 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15549791 

SURF BOARDS PROHIBITED. At the last Meeting of the Waverley Council an application was received from Mr. F. Foran for permission to use  a surf board at Bondi. It was decided to Inform the applicant that the practice of surf shooting by means of a surf board was one that should not be encouraged, as It caused Inconvenience  and annoyance to the public. The Inspectors were ordered to see that The practice was discontinued.SURF BOARDS PROHIBITED. (1916, April 19). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115838277

Why are surfboards registered? EVEN though the 5/- registration fee is such a small amount, I still think it fair that we should know for what reason we register our boards. The "boys from the club" had come round the beach to collect fees, and a conversation along these lines followed:

Us: Why do we have to register boards?

Them: You have to register cars for the use of the road, so you register boards for the use of the beach.

Us: But there is a lot of upkeep as far as the use of roads is concerned. What upkeep, apart from cleaning up, is there on the beaches?

Them: You have to have a beach patrol.

Us: Lifesavers patrol the body-surfing area, not the board area. Boardriders if in trouble rely on other riders. Why not make body-surfers pay a registration fee?

Them: If you hit a bodysurfer and your board isn't registered and a lot of damage is caused you can be sued for everything. Whereas, if your board is registered, you have a fair chance of getting off more lightly.

Us: How ridiculous! Whether or not your board is registered isn't going to make any difference in how much they sue you for. Any-way, it's your job to keep body-surfers out of the board area. We manage to keep out of the body area.

We weren't kicking up a fuss about paying the 5/-,we just want to know why. We never did find out. - "Bilgola Bunny," Beecroft, N.S.W. Letters.(1965, December 29). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 48. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51190827

MANLY MEN OUT.

On Wednesday at 2 o'clock the men employed in the Manly gasworks threw down their tools, and went out. The strikers number 40. Only the manager and foreman remained at their posts. Volunteers were at once available as soon as the manager, Mr. McAuliffe, sent them word. In fact, there was a surplus. So there was no stoppage, and stoking is now proceeding without inconvenience. It is not anticipated that there will be any real difficulties. The three holders being full, there is a three-days' supply in reserve with a reduced pressure. There is also plenty of coal on hand sufficient to keep the retorts fed for several weeks. The manager was greatly surprised when told that the men had knocked off. The spokesman gave as a reason that the coal-lumper engaged unloading the Yullo of coal had stated that they would not have turned to if they had known the gas employees were at work. When the manager inquired of the lumpers, they indignantly denied the statement attributed to them, and added that their union had told them there was no reason why they should black-list the Manly works, as it was understood that the employees were satisfied. The manager said that these strikers were all paid union wages, and had made no complaint . "An impression is abroad," he remarked, "that they are not well paid. No stoker gets less than 10/ per day, with time and a half for Sundays, making the minimum wage £3/15 while some earn £4/0/4. The lowest rate paid to any employee is 8/ per day, although it has been reported that this was the highest wage paid to stokers. Men laying pipes in soft soil received 8/ per day, and rockchoppers 10/4 per day." Directly the men decided to strike they left the works without any ado. So far there has not been any attempt to picket the place and the only evidence of anything unusual happening on Wednesday night was the appearance of a police officer at the gate. MANLY MEN OUT. (1913, March 6). The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121288437 

Social Surf Season Opens at Palm Beach
By NIYA BECKE 
OCTOBER the first Is the official opening day of the surfing season; and from now on the red-gold ocean beaches, so far almost abandoned in the still cool breezes of late spring, begin like magical molluscs, with gigantic invisible shells, to open and tip on the seashore in multi-colored hundreds-and-thousands the' first enthusiasts of surfboards, sun and sea. A foretaste of the striking beach ensembles for this year, has been already enjoyed by many women at recent mannequin parades, and soon the, 'season will be thoroughly and ueHy launched. Palm Beach is one of the - most beautiful of Sydney's surfing places. The wide sweep of bay and free view of ocean, the soft curves of the gum-tree covered hills; the delightful bungalows, the, groves of satin-leaved palms, and stately Norfolk Island nines on the front, make It distinctive and unique, while the many well-known people who are' residents, or-have summer houses or bungalows here lend a greater interest to this attractive- spot-Tucked among the trees is "Bob-stay," the blue and white snuggery of the Lord Mayor Hagon family, whose pretty daughter Margaret' recently spent ' the first days of her honeymoon in these appropriate surroundings, The Horderns' fine house and blossom and shrub-filled grounds on the front are well known. Beside them is the bungalow of Mr. and Mrs. C.-P. Curlewis. Their daughter Joyce arid some' of her girl friends add riding to other seaside joys, and are often seen cantering along Palm Beach roads. Mrs. Harry Wolstenholme, Marjorie and their Sealyham doggie. Jock, live next door in a delightful bungalow, whose garden plots glow with geraniums at the edge of a beautiful lawn. A cosy corner embowers Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Mackay, of "Boanbong," who yearly open their garden to the public to help Kindergarten Union funds. The well-groomed grounds abound in tropical plants and trees. On the saddle of the hill, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Langley have taken a summer cottage with a glorious view of Palm Beach and Pittwater. Lady Maitland’s imposing house and rock-garden are just across the road. At "La Quinta," Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Hooper enjoy sunny days- in a cool cascade of wisteria, and are ardent golfers on the nearby links. Artist Byram Mansell holidays at "Studio Lodge," and favors midget cacti among a rockery, pools, and general garden glory. Dame Mary and Mr. W. M. Hughes are frequent visitors to the Beach. Their friends, the Percy Hunters, have a green painted eyrie next door but one to that of Mrs. A. Samuels, who is one of Palm Beach's, keenest surfboarders, and who already has a goodly brown tinge for to-day's grand opening of the season. "Sammy's" pets include Percy, the lizard, and his little grey wife; while three tame kookaburras and a butcher bird pay breakfast calls each day arid wait patiently for hand-fed soupcons of raw steak and chop. 
Dr. and Mrs. Walter Blaxland's home in Florida-road Is a favorite rendezvous. Captain and Mrs. O. E. Waters, of Darling Point, still stay at Florida House. They came for a fortnight 12 months ago, and liked Palm Beach so much that they have remained ever since. Most of the "permanents" and visitors know each other, so that in summer the atmosphere is one of specially friendly hospitality, plus a pardonable Interest In each other's affairs. House parties, impromptu "hops," when everyone turns up in appropriate Palm Beach clothes, and a couple of Surf Club dances liven up the summer days and nights. The spacious camping area on Pittwater side, the public reserves and palm-grove's where people down for the day may picnic in beautiful surrounding's in sight of the beach, boating, golf links, and a tempting swimming pool in the rooks, electrically lit at night, are strong attractions to this "show" beach Of Sydney, where, also anglers may angle and fishers fish, from the rocks, and waters of adjacent Pittwater and Broken Bay. 
From Palm Beach my idle thoughts fly to beaches in other lands. Of England's well-known watering places one recalls chiefly a conglomeration of promenades and piers, asphalt trimmings too near the shingly shore, an aggravating air of publicity on' the sands, too many dogs, bath chairs; babies and town regimental bands. Kynance Cove, in Cornwall, musters sometimes a respectable fluff of surf, but the beach is small, and even in August the water seems over-cold.' This famous spot is an old-time smugglers' haunt, whose rugged rock formations artists love to paint. Tunnels and spires and arches have been cut by waves from the coast, and strange rocks crop out here and there like trees and faery, growths in an Edmund Dulac garden. A couple of teahouses perch high on the cliffs, which are mostly too rugged to be built upon, for the shore Is treeless and bare, like most of this region from the Lizard to Land's End. Picnic parties over-swarm Kynahce in summer, and the Cornish serpentine-streaked rocks are dotted with those human lizards who, the: world over, revel in the sun. Fashionable Lisbonese go to Estoril, the most favored resort on the "Portuguese Riviera." Here Comes Society to sunbake and bathe in the calm waters of the Tagus. Portuguese girls, pretty, plump and discreetly chaperoned, venture forth to bathe among foreign visitors, most of whom stay at the great. Hotel de Pare. There is no surf; it breaks far in the distance, where, like a more portly Pinchgut, the Bugio lighthouse tower stands 'at the river bar; but bright beach suits are worn, gigantic umbrellas sprout like ' colored toadstools in the air, and there is a cosmopolitan atmosphere of voluble chatter and laughter. An exclusive seaside resort is at Arrabida, where some fortunate Portuguese have summer bungalows just as at Palm Beach here. At the edge of the track that leads down, to the bay, Australian gumtree's grow. The sands are clean and white and the waters crystal clear, but the bay so closely curved that there is no real surf to enjoy. The surrounding hills mount to the Serra d'Arrabida, whence there is a glorious view of' the coast; below lie a Capucin monastery ruins with seven small chapels rising side by side. The estate belongs to Portugal's Duke of Palmella, who permits the monks' cells, kitchen and refectory to be hired by holiday-makers on camping bent. In the crumbling, mosaic- decorated cloisters, enormous saffron roses grow, and greeny-gold grapes hang from sunbathed vines. From huge window embrasures are magnificent views of the Atlantic, where lateen-sailed fishing boats from Setubal float like curious insects in the bowl of a glistening blue flower. 
At Palm Beach kookaburras laugh the dawn into day, and in the heat locusts shrill in the gums.' At Arrabida cicadas chirp in cork tree and olive grove, and nightingales sing in the vale when it is dark. From thoughts of beaches afar, I consider these southern shores, and feel that for beauty, color, waves and a proper surfing atmosphere, as understood out here, the beaches of Australia beat them all. 
Social Surf Season Opens at Palm Beach (1933, October 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229151667 

BARTON HONEY is most attached to his surfboard, 'Honeybee,' which sports an old Spanish galleon decoration.

Palm Beach Letter 
(BY THE INGENUE.)

LAST week-end there was a 'lull before the storm' of festivities. The fortunate people who own, or have rented a residence at Palm Beach, hadn't time for parties. Those 'taking over' or 'dig-ging in' were much too busyputting up extra beds, stocking the pantry, and more importantly, the cellar.
HATS off to Mrs. Neil Ackland. Jean sported the most perfect Edwardian coiffure, set off with a long red comb, to match her red earrings. With them she wore diminutive white rubber balners, sat on a large red and white Indian shawl, and had her 'make-up ' in a led canvas bag— all most striking! It was her last day on the beach after a divine week with Barbara Dare. Quite the 'piece de resistance' on the beach was Gregory Blaxland, who endeavored to change from the legal to the medical fraternity, by doing a spot of massage as he oiled the backs and arms of .several women-folk of the party. It was apparent that the patients enjoyed the fun as much as the masseur. In the party were Mrs. Gregory Blaxland. Mrs. Scotty Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Joachim Meyer, and that alluring sub-deb., Mitzi Lee Brown.
Imagine how surprised the members of the committee for the last Sunday's dance at the Pacific Club were when they were honored by the presence of Mrs. Warwick Fairfax and Pam Osborne. It really is thrilling for P.B. to have Betty Fairfax taking a definite interest in club doings at last, because she is really very devoted to the place. 
'Blue' Russell dashed in late, in shorts and a navy spotted scarf tied cravat fashion around his neck, apologising for coming without a shirt — but he just didn't have one! His endeavors to hide his manly chest with scarf ends was very amusing. 
The Adrian Curlewis pair were down for the day to see what extras they needed to bring for their domicile. Betty, who is a glorious nutbrown, looked delicious in a candy striped beach dress. 
The Hugh Luscombe Newman couple— a P.B. romance if everthere was one — proudly showed off Ian, their young son and heir.

Exotic and glamorous was Constance Rouse, who set off her good looks with masses of frangipanni in her hair, a cross dangling from a chain round her neck, snappy bathers, and a beach coat, patterned in red and green. 
Other well-knowns down for the week-end were the Graham Prattens, Grace Gibson, Hal Cramsie. Bobbie Brasch, Joyce Ruskin-Rowe. and fiancee. Prim Carruthers, Mallard Hagon, Rosemary Waddy, and the John Goodalls. 
A very happy and devoted couple were the newly-engaged Annette Powers and John Riddle, receiving congratulations left and right. 
The Fred Allens and flaxen-haired daughter Ruth Wilson, are evidently not going to picnic, for they have had a frigidaire installed for a month, and I hear a loaded lorry is going down! 
Swarms of people arrived in the last couple of days. Such activity! 
Who's who and where! 
Dr. and Mrs. Geoff Maitland plus three wee daughters are in residence. 'Bing' Carson has a house party at 'Barton.' The American Howards, still in Gearins. Moored to 'The Moorings' are the Stan Cricks, the Laurie-Seamans are in 'The Chalet.' and just over the hill at Whale Beach are the Douglas Doyles, the Bennett Bremmers, and D. C. Camerons. 
After Parliamentary storms, our Premier has availed himself of the calm waters of Pittwater. where he has taken a house, hoping to do a 'spot' of fishing! 
The permanent life-saver is installed and, plus the honorary social ones, everything is ready for a hectic season! 
Tickets for the Boxing night dance are black and gold, most select looking, m' dears!— 7/6 each. An absolute limit of 400, so don't delay if you haven't yours. Such attraction— free beer— think of it! Which reminds me of the story, 'How much can a Scotchman drink?' Answer, 'Any given quantity.' Besides beer, there will be carved 'Ye Olde English roast beef': you can take your pick, rare or otherwise, slap It on some bread and butter, smother It with, what you like, and enjoy yourself. A jolly informal limo will hr had by all. Rather superfluous— but a Merry Christmas!  
The JOTTINGS (1938, December 25). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169086533
Duke Kahanamoku Sitting with his brother Sam, Bronze medallist in the 100 metres freestyle at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Within minutes of the IOC announcing on Wednesday the inclusion of Surfing, along with Skateboarding, Baseball/Softball, and Sports Climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics it was all over the Internet. 

In Australia where so many either go surfing, watch surfing, or pull on a range of surf gear to dive into other sports, those who were right then competing at the Australian Surf Titles at Coffs could be seen form Sydney, dancing all over the sand as well as the waves. Mick Fanning is reported to have immediately stuck his hand up for a coaching position, Sally Fitzgibbons realised a long-held dream of a Gold medal in her sport may be possible, while Patron of Surfing NSW, and Premier of NSW, Mike Baird, a surfer himself and advocate for the inclusion of the sport, welcomed the news.

Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association said after the announcement was made, 
“After decades of hard work and dedication we are absolutely thrilled that Surfing will officially join the Olympic Sports Program at Tokyo 2020. Our Olympic dream has now become a reality and on behalf of the entire Surfing family I would like to express our sincere thanks to the IOC and Tokyo 2020 for their pioneering vision in making this historic decision possible.

The dream of having surfing in the Olympics goes back even further if you take into account the wishes of former Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku a Gold medallist in the 100 metres freestyle at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and Gold again in the same event in Antwerp in 1920, this time adding an extra Gold in the relay.  The gentleman credited with introducing surfing to Australia wrote in his book Duke Kahanamoku’s World of Surfing, 

“Even as early as that day (1918), I was already thinking of surfing in terms of how, one day, it could become one of the events in the Olympic games. Why not? Skiing and diving have taken their rightful place as official Games events. I still believe surfing will one day be recognized, voted in, and accepted.” 

More HERE
Early Pittwater Surfers And Surfing: John Ralston and Nora McAuliffe - threads collected and collated by A J Guesdon, 2017

Previous History Pages:  

Marie Byles Lucy Gullett Kookoomgiligai Frank Hurley Archpriest JJ Therry Sir Patrick Gordon Taylor Bowen Bungaree W. Bradley 1788 Journal Midholme Loggan Rock Cabin La Corniche La Corniche II Lion Island Bungan Beach Botham Beach Scarred Trees  Castles in the Sand Dame Nellie Melba lunches at Bilgola Spring, 1914  First to Fly in Australia at North Narrabeen  Mona Vale Golf Club's Annual Balls  Governor Phillip camps on Resolute Beach  Ruth Bedford  Jean Curlewis  Mollie Horseman  Charlotte Boutin  May Moore  Neville W Cayley Leon Houreux  Frederick Wymark  Sir Adrian Curlewis  Bilgola Heron Cove  Mullet Creek  Shark Point  Woodley's Cottage  A Tent at The Basin  Collin's Retreat-Bay View House-Scott's Hotel  Bilgola Cottage and House  The First Pittwater Regatta  Women Cricketers Picnic Filmed In Pittwater  Governor Phillip's Barrenjoey Cairn Waradiel Season The Church at Church Point  Gov.  Phillip'€™s  Exploration of Broken Bay, 2 €- 9 March 1788   Petroglyths: Aboriginal Rock Art on the Northern Beaches  Avalon Headland Landmarks  Steamers Part I Pittwater Aquatic Club Part I  Woody Point Yacht Club  Royal Motor Yacht Club Part I  Dorothea Mackellar Elaine Haxton  Neva Carr Glynn Margaret Mulvey Jean Mary Daly  Walter Oswald Watt Wilfrid Kingsford Smith John William Cherry  George Scotty Allan  McCarrs Creek Narrabeen Creek  Careel Creek  Currawong Beach Creek  Bushrangers at Pittwater  Smuggling at Broken Bay  An Illicit Still at McCarr's Creek  The Murder of David Foley  Mona Vale Outrages  Avalon Camping Ground  Bayview Koala Sanctuary Ingleside Powder Works Palm Beach Golf Course  Avalon Sailing Club  Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club  Palm Beach SLSC Part I - The Sheds Warriewood SLSC Whale Beach SLSC Flagstaff Hill Mount Loftus Pill Hill Sheep Station Hill  S.S. Florrie  S.S. Phoenix and General Gordon Paddlewheeler  MV Reliance The Elvina  Florida House  Careel House   Ocean House and Billabong  Melrose-The Green Frog The Small Yacht Cruising Club of Pittwater  Canoe and I Go With The Mosquito Fleet - 1896  Pittwater Regattas Part I - Dates and Flagships to 1950 Shark Incidents In Pittwater  The Kalori  Church Point Wharf  Bayview Wharf  Newport Wharf Palm Beach Jetty - Gow's Wharf  Max Watt  Sir Francis Anderson Mark Foy  John Roche  Albert Verrills  Broken Bay Customs Station At Barrenjoey  Broken Bay Water Police  Broken Bay Marine Rescue - Volunteer Coastal Patrol  Pittwater Fire-Boats  Prospector Powder Hulk at Towler's Bay  Naval Visits to Pittwater 1788-1952  Pittwater's Torpedo Wharf and Range Naval Sea Cadets in Pittwater S.S. Charlotte Fenwick S.S. Erringhi  P.S. Namoi  S.Y. Ena I, II and III  Barrenjoey Headland - The Lessees  Barrenjoey Lighthouse - The Construction  Barrenjoey Broken Bay Shipwrecks Up To 1900  Barrenjoey Light Keepers  Douglas  Adrian Ross Newport SLSC 1909 - 1938 Part I Overview  North Narrabeen SLSC - The Formative Years  Bilgola SLSC - the First 10 years   North Palm Beach SLSC    A History of Pittwater Parts 1 and 4 Pittwater Regattas - 1907 and 1908  Pittwater Regattas - 1921 - The Year that Opened and Closed with a Regatta on Pittwater Pittwater Regatta Banishes Depression - 1933 The 1937 Pittwater Regatta - A Fashionable Affair  Careel Bay Jetty-Wharf-Boatshed  Gow-Gonsalves Boatshed -Snapperman Beach  Camping at Narrabeen - A Trickle then a Flood Pittwater's Parallel Estuary - The Cowan 'Creek'  RMYC Broken Bay Boathouse and Boatshed Barrenjoey Boat House The Bona - Classic Wooden Racing Yacht Mona Vale Hospital Golden Jubilee - A Few Insights on 50 Years as a Community Hospital Far West Children's Health Scheme - the Formation Years  The First Scotland Island Cup, Trophy and Race and the Gentleman who loved Elvina Bay Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay NSW - Cruiser Division History - A History of the oldest division in the Royal Motor Yacht Club   Royal Motor Yacht Club€“ Broken Bay€“ Early Motor Boats and Yachts, their Builders and Ocean Races to Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury and Pittwater  The Royal Easter Show Began As the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales   The Mail Route to Pittwater and Beyond  The Wild Coachmen of Pittwater - A Long and Sometimes Bumpy Ride on Tracks Instead of Roads  The Fearless Men of Palm Beach SLSC's Surf Boats First Crews - A Tale of Viking Ships, Butcher Boats and Robert Gow'€™s Tom Thumb 'Canoe'  Furlough House Narrabeen - Restful Sea Breezes For Children and Their Mothers  From Telegraphs to Telephones - For All Ships at Sea and Those On Land Mona Vale Training Grounds - From Lancers on Horses to Lasses on Transport Courses  Fred Verrills; Builder of Bridges and Roads within Australia during WWII, Builder of Palm Beach Afterwards  Communications with Pittwater  Ferries To Pittwater A History of Pittwater - Part 4: West Head Fortress  Pittwater's Lone Rangers - 120 Years of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and the Men of Flowers Inspired by Eccleston Du Faur  Early Pittwater Launches and Ferries Runs Avalon Beach SLSC - The First Clubhouse  Avalon Beach SLSC The Second and Third Clubhouses From Beneath the Floorboards at Hyde Park Barracks  Bungaree Was Flamboyant   Andrew Thompson - 'Long Harry'  Albert Thomas Black John Collins of Avalon Narrabeen Prawning Times - A Seasonal Tide of Returnings   Oystering in the Pittwater Estuary - Oyster Kings and Pearl Kings and When Not to Harvest Oysters Yabbying In Warriewood Creeks  Eeling in Warriewood's Creeks (Includes A Short History of community involvement in environmental issues/campaigns in and around Narrabeen Lagoon - 1974 to present by David James OAM) Eunice Minnie Stelzer - Pittwater Matriarchs  Maria Louisa Therry - Pittwater Matriarch  Katherine Mary Roche - Pittwater Matriarchs Sarah A. Biddy Lewis and Martha Catherine Bens Pittwater Matriarchs  Pittwater's New Cycle Track of 1901 Manly to Newport  The Rock Lily Hotel  Barrenjoey House The Pasadena Jonah's St Michael's Arch  The First Royal Visitor to Australia: the Incident at Clontarf March 12th, 1868  Pittwater: Lovely Arm of the Hawkesbury By NOEL GRIFFITHS - includes RMYC Wharf and Clareville Wharf of 1938 + An Insight into Public Relations in Australia George Mulhall First Champion of Australia in Rowing - First Light-Keeper  at Barranjuey Headland  Captain Francis Hixson - Superintendent of Pilots, Lights, and Harbours and Father of the Naval Brigade  The Marquise of Scotland Island   The First Boat Builders of Pittwater: the Short Life and Long Voyages of Scotland Island Schooner the Geordy  Boat Builders of Pittwater II: from cargo schooners and coasters to sailing skiffs and motorised launches  The Currawong: Classic Yacht  The Riddles of The Spit and Bayview/ Church Point: sailors, boat makers, road pavers winning rowers   VP Day Commemorative Service 2015 –  at Avalon Beach RSL Cenotaph: 70th Anniversary  Captain T. Watson and his Captain Cook Statues: A Tribute to Kindness   Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Hordern or Wiltshire Parks to McKay Reserve – From Beach to Estuary Pittwater Reserves, The Green Ways: Clareville Wharf and Taylor's Point Jetty  Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways Bilgola Beach - The Cabbage Tree Gardens and Camping Grounds - Includes Bilgola - The Story Of A Politician, A Pilot and An Epicure by Tony Dawson and Anne Spencer  Pittwater Reserves - The Green Ways: Mona Vale's Village Greens a Map of the Historic Crown Lands Ethos Realised in The Village, Kitchener and Beeby Parks  Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Bungan Beach and Bungan Head Reserves:  A Headland Garden  Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Green Family  Elanora - Some Early Notes and Pictures  The Stewart Towers On Barrenjoey Headland  Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Williams Family  Early Cricket in Pittwater: A small Insight Into the Noble Game from 1880's On  The Pacific Club's 2016 Carnival in Rio Fundraiser for Palm Beach SLSC Marks the 79th Year of Support  Bert Payne Park, Newport: Named for A Man with Community Spirit   Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Fox Family  Surf Carnivals in February 1909, 1919, 1925, a Fancy Dress Rise of Venus and Saving Lives with Surfboards  Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Paddon Family of Clareville  Mermaid Basin, Mona Vale Beach: Inspired 1906 Poem by Viva Brock  Early Pittwater Schools: The Barrenjoey School 1872 to 1894  The Royal Easter Show and 125th Celebration of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College: Farmers Feed Us!  The Newport School 1888 to 2016 Pittwater's Ocean Beach Rock Pools: Southern Corners of Bliss - A History The Royal Botanical Garden Sydney Celebrate 200 Years in 2016  The Porter Family of Newport: Five Brother Soldiers Serve in WWI Church Point and Bayview: A Pittwater Public School Set on the Estuary  The Basin, Pittwater: A Reprise: Historical Records and Pictures  Lighthouse Keepers Cottages You Can Rent in NSW - Designed or Inspired by Colonial Architect James Barnet: Includes Historic 'Lit' Days records   Bayview Days Ships Biscuits - the At Sea Necessity that Floated William Arnott’s Success  Mona Vale Public School 1906 to 2012   St Johns Camden: 176th And 167th Anniversaries In June 2016 - Places To Visit  Narrabeen Lagoon And Collaroy Beachfront: Storms And Flood Tides Of The Past  Avalon Beach Public School - A History   Muriel Knox Doherty Sir Herbert Henry Schlink  Shopping And Shops In Manly: Sales Times From 1856 To 1950 For A Fishing Village   Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's 150th Sailing Season Opening: A Few Notes Of Old  A Few Glimpses Into Narrabeen's Past Beauties  Dr. Isobel Ida Bennett AO   Taronga Zoo 100th Birthday Parade: 1000 Reasons To Celebrate  War Memorials: Manly, October 14, 1916  Avalon Beach Golf Links: Pittwater Fields of Dreams II  War Memorials - Mona Vale, November 14, 1926  Annie Wyatt Reserve Palm Beach: Pittwater Fields of Dreams II  Tumbledown Dick Hill  Waratah Farm and Narrabeen Plums: Pittwater Fields of Dreams II  Mark Twain, J.F. Archibald And Henry Lawson - Did They Go Fishing At Narrabeen In The Spring Of 1895?: Probably!  Bayview Baths Centenary Celebration in November 2016 hosted by Bayview-Church Point Residents Association  Dr. Jenny Rosen's Historical Timeline  Palm Beach RSL - Club Palm Beach Celebrating 60 Years  Early Years At Narrabeen: The Plane Sailing Day Of 1944 The  Five Ways- Six ways Junction; Kamikaze Corner - Avalon Bilgola  RPAYC Season on Pittwater and coming of Jubilees in Summer of 1938 Local Explorers’ Modern Day Discovery - Governor Phillip’s First Landing site, Campsite and contact with Local Aborigines in Pittwater: The Case for West Head Beach    Rendezvous Tea Rooms Palm Beach: links with 1817 and 1917: Palm Beach Stores  and Fishermen  St Cloud's Jersey Stud: Elanora Heights: Pittwater Fields of Dreams II  Roderic Quinn's Poems And Prose For Manly, Beacon Hill, Dee Why And Narrabeen  A Historic Catalogue And Record Of Pittwater Art I – Of Places, Peoples And The Development Of Australian Art And Artists: The Estuary  Celebrating World Radio Day: The Bilgola Connection With The Beginnings Of Radio In Australia  Emile Theodore Argles - champion of all Australians without a Voice - a very funny Satirist, Manly Poet and Pittwater Prose Writer and Litterateur  Sydney Harbour Bridge Celebrates 85th Birthday: A Few Pittwater Connections  Victor James Daley: A Manly Bard And Poet who also came to Pittwater and the Hawkesbury  Let's Go Fly A Kite !: Palm Beach Whistling Kites Inspire sharing How to Make Standard, Box and Whistling Boy Kites - school holidays fun with a bit of Australian and Narrabeen history  Clifton Gardens Mosman: An Eternal Green and Saltwater Space, and Of Many Captains   Historic Catalogue And Record Of Pittwater Art I: Coastal Landscapes and Seascapes  The Bayview Tea Gardens 1920 to 1923 When Run By Thomas Edward And Annie Newey (Nee Costello) An Australian and RPAYC Commodore Aboard an America's Cup Challenger of 1908 and 1914   Henry Lawson - A Manly Bard and Poet: on his 150th Birthday  Historic Catalogue and Record of Pittwater Art I: Artists and Artists Colonies  Opportunity To Visit Submarine War Grave Renews Memories Of 75 Years Ago  Early Bayview - insights courtesy Don Taylor and Margaret Tink