In fact Pittwater had the first 'school boat' which commenced 117 years ago. This was to bring children who lived at Barrenjoey Lightouse, or over at Currawong Beach, Mackerel Beach and the Basin, as well as Scotland Island, Elvina and Lovett Bays to school as there was no school for children after that which had opened for children of lighthouse keepers at Barrenjoey had closed, and although a school opened in the old church at Church Point and later ran in a cottage at Bayview, by 1906 there were simply too many children living here and a school at Mona Vale was built while the other, at Newport, also took in more new students.
The school held in the old church at Church Point commenced from May 1883 and then transferred to a building at Bayview near where The Quays marina is now - this was called the 'Pittwater Public School'. The Newport public school, first run in a tent, began in April 1888 and Mona Vale began in 1906 in temporary rooms in Park street to begin with, while a new and bigger school was built at Mona Vale at the current school site for the Primary school opened in 1912.
Above: 'Church Point, Pitt Water - 20 minutes from Sydney' by A. J. Vogan (Arthur James), 1859-1948, [circa. 1910 - ca. 1915]. Courtesy State Library of Victoria. Image H82.254/8/29 - showing the chapel; Church point was named for - see Methodist Church at Church Point History - 'A Church at Church Point!'
DEMOLISHED METHODIST CHURCH. Erected in 1872 on Church Point, Pittwater, this old building was recently demolished. DEMOLISHED METHODIST CHURCH. (1932, April 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16853823
The the end of year concert when the school was at Bayview:
Country News. Pittwater Public School, Bayview.
The annual concert in aid of the prize fund of the above school was held on Saturday evening, 6th instant. Mr Dugald Thomson, M.L.A. presided. There was a large audience. The programme which consisted of songs, duets, recitations violin and auto harp selections, was well rendered by the friends of the children. A vote of thanks to the chairman and those who contributed to make the entertainment a success was proposed by the teacher. (Mr Morrison).” COUNTRY NEWS. (1897, November 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14112404
Pittwater Public School - Samuel Morrison with his pupils - circa 1898, courtesy Bob Waterer
SKETCH: PICTURESQUE NEW SOUTH WALES — MANLY TO PITTWATER. See Page 1368.] 1. D Y Lagoon. 2. The Coast looking from hill above Narrabeen. 3. Pittwater Basin. 4. Public School, Newport. 5. Long Reef and Collaroy Beach. 6. At Newport. PICTURESQUE NEW SOUTH WALES—MANLY TO PITTWATER.-. (1890, June 21). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 1374. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162074462 - Newport school started in a tent
Newport Public School 1900 - showing the school bell - courtesy Pittwater Local studies - Historical Images, Mona Vale Library.
Newport PS's school bell in 2016
On the 9th of March 1911 Mr. James Booth, the local stonemason, submitted a successful tender for the construction of a tiled two room schoolhouse.
In October 1912 the school left the Stringer premises to the new schoolhouse in Narrabeen Street - a few Mona Vale schoolchildren insights from that time showing the children were kept aware of the world around them and also what was happening locally - such as the opening of the tram line to Narrabeen:
NARRABEEN TRAM. CHILDREN'S ESSAY PRIZES.
Children attending the Narrabeen, Mona Vale, and Newport Public School, at the Invitation of the tram opening celebration committee, wrote essays on 'The Pleasure to be Derived to the District.' The adjudicator, the editor of the 'Town and Country Journal,' has awarded the prizes as follows:— Narrabeen: Gertrude Hirsch. 1; Heather Thackery 2, Clement Snow, 3; Iris Lillington, 4. Mona Vale: Harold Hewitt, 1 : Ruby Kuhlmorgan. 3; Walter Peterson, 3; Richard Blackford, 4. Newport: Isabel Hastie. 1: Vera Russell, 1; John Williams, 3; Vera Lewis, 4. Sixteen competitors sent essays from Narrabeen, 17 from Mona Vale and 19 from Newport. The school masters, Messrs. Thompson (Narrabeen), Morrison (Mona Vale), and Harper (Newport) gave every assistance to the committee, and were complimented on the work of their pupils. NARRABEEN TRAM. (1912, July 19).Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), , p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114480334
Those who were old enough to go to high school still had to travel further away, to Manly or further, as the high schools at Narrabeen, Winnererremy Bay, Pittwater Highs School, and Barrenjoey High School were still decades away from being built and opened.
The Transfer of Samuel Morrison to Freshwater and the new Headmaster's announcements:
School Teacher's Transfer.
Mr. W. I. Ross, the much-respected Public School teacher at Paterson, has received word of his appointment to the charge of the Public School at Mona Vale, near Manly. Paterson people will be sorry to lose Mr. and Mrs. Ross, but will congratulate them on their transfer to a place near Sydney, and amid delightful surroundings. School Teacher's Transfer. (1912, August 23). The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939), , p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123121380
and the same may be said with regard to the Mona Vale community upon the addition of Mr. and Mrs. Ross to its numbers, Mr. Ross, as we intimated yesterday, having been appointed to take charge of the Mona Vale Public school. Branxton Public School. (1912, August 24).The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939), , p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123111143
In the wonderful book compiled by Beverly Lewis for 100th Celebrations 'Mona Vale Public School - celebrating 100 years...' the rooms are described as "22' x 21'6, designed to accommodate 40 primary and 44 infants. A covered verandah, two fireplaces and grounds heavily covered in timber."
And a year afterwards - the first of many improvements to the school.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS' IMPROVEMENTS. TENDERS ACCEPTED.
Mona Vale Public School, alterations to windows. R. Miles. Brookvale (£19). PUBLIC SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENTS. (1913, December 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15481811
In Mona Vale's Centenary year of 2012 the talk given by Margaret Collins at the Launch, a past Infant Mistress and for whom a current Citizenship Shield at MVPS is named, described the environment. Miss Collin’s, whose father was a Principal at the school from 1936, and who was a student herself, saw tall trees and masses of them in Mona Vale, paddocks with horses surrounded the school, some children coming from Bayview and Warriewood on these to attend. She recalled the extension of the school grounds and how Oliver Way, on the southern boundary of the present school, was formed due to land being donated by the Oliver’s of Bayview. Miss Collin’s relating of playing marbles under a Bunyip pine, which also once marked the fences border.
Left to right: Beverly Lewis(who has wrote the book on History of MVPS, Margaret Collins, Richard Hoskins AM, and Beverly Harvey under the Bunyip pine in 2012
The first 'school launch' commenced running in April 1904 - the newspapers of the past tell us:
Bayview School Launch.
(See Illustration on this page.)
The Patonga is a motor launch, engaged, morning and evening, of every school day, to convoy children residing at Barrenjoey, Careel Bay, and the adjoining district, to the Bayview (Central) School. Pittwater, although one of the most beautiful, interesting, and picturesque of Nature's gems, is by the very reason of its loveliness, a difficult place to provide with schools. Until quite recently the only way those children could get-to either Bayview or Newport Public Schools, was by rowing boat, the distance in some cases being nearly eight miles. It will be seen that only in very fine weather was it possible to attend school, and the result, unfortunately, was that the people, by the peculiarity of their location, were practically debarred the advantage of our Public Instruction Act.
Numerous requests were made to have more convenient school accommodation for these children (29 in number), but there was this difficulty--That to give all these families anything like equal opportunities, would have necessitated two or three small schools. Early in the present year, the Hon John Perry, then Minister for Education, Instructed Mr. Senior Inspector Lobban to take the matter in hand, and ascertain the best way in which the request could be treated.
After exhaustive inquiries had been made by that able officer; assisted by Mr. S. Morrison, teacher Bayview Public School, it was proposed to gather together all the children, and take them by launch to Bayview Public School. This idea commended itself to Mr. Perry, and arrangements were made with Mr. William Sykes, the owner of the Patonga, to give the scheme a fair trial. The service was inaugurated in April, and has been running nearly four months.
As this was one of the last administrative acts of Mr. Perry, he may feel proud of the result, which is described in departmental reports as "an .unqualified success".
This, launch, is the first and only school launch in Australia. The boat is a distinct departure from the style usually adopted for motor launches. She is 30ftlong and 8ft beam, the motive power being supplied by a 5 h.p. Hercules engine. She was built specially strong to withstand the rough sea sometimes experienced in the bay, and it is a source of gratification to the department that all through :the recent heavy weather the timetable has been carried out. She is in charge of her owner, and presents an interesting appearance as she comes each morning, with 20 to 30 children, to Church Point Wharf. The Bayview (Pittwater) Public School Launch.
Bayview School Launch. (1904, August 3). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 37. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71512651
The Bayview (Pittwater) Public School Launch. Bayview School Launch. (1904, August 3).Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), , p. 37. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71512651
Images is from a Newspaper cutting held by the State Library of Western Australia:
'This image is part of a collection of 69 albums of pictures, postcards, and newspaper cuttings donated to the State Library of Western Australia in July 1961 by the family of the late Mr Miller. Jack Edward Miller was employed as a boatman and cook by the Harbour and Lights Department in February 1902 and spent some time at Breaksea Island lighthouse near Albany.' Call Number U15g.
William Sykes had land at Newport and applied to have oyster leases on Crystal Bay at Newport from 1905 on - yes, there was once a famed 'Newport Oyster'. At Crystal Bay there was also a boarding house called to begin with 'Collins Rest' and later on, 'Bay View House', probably due to the lovely view over Crystal Bay:
APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR OYSTER CULTURE. (1905, July 25). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5060. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221025971
Green Point (and Crystal Bay) Newport, circa 1890
Bushrangers Hill at Newport (NSW) and Scott's Hotel Bay View House, circa 1900, from NSW State Records and Archives, Item: FL12973
Bushrangers Hill at Newport (NSW) and Scott's Hotel Bay View House, circa 1900, from NSW State Records and Archives, Item: FL12973
William Sykes had bought land at Newport during the earlier land subdivision sales. William Sykes lived on Barrenjoey Road at Newport at the top of the hill that overlaps Bungan beach. He also had a shop of some sort in the vicinity from at least 1905 on as he had to apply to sell tobacco products in that year. He passed away on February 9th 1924 at his home at Newport, aged 65. His first born son, John Sykes, was a foundation member of the Newport surf club in 1909.
NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT.
APPLICATIONS having been made to bring the lands hereunder described under the provisions of the Real Property Act, Certificate! of Indefeasible Title will issue, unless Caveats be lodged in accordance with the Third Schedule to the said Act, on or before the date named opposite each ease respectively.
No. 13,628. County of Cumberland, parish of Narrabeen, 3 acres 2 roods 19| perches, 7 acres 2 roods 191/2 perches, 5 acres 35 1/2 perches, 50 acres 1 rood, 46 acres 0 roods 10| perches, 14 acres 2 roods 4f perches, 41 acres 0 roods 38 perches, 13 acres 1 rood 4 perches* 7 acres 0 roods 36 perches, and 21 acres 1 rood 28 perches, situated in Bassett, Mona, Waterview, and Beaconsfield Streets, Crescent Road, Pittwater Road, Bulgola Road, The Avenue, and Queen's East Parade, Pittwater.—being lots Nos. 33 to 38 of section No. 3, lots No. 3 and 6 of section No. 4, lots Nos. 9, 13 to 23, 25, 26, and 27 of section No. 5, and lots Nos. 1, 1A, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 2a, 5 to 10, 13, 14, and 16 to 20 of section No. 6 of the Mona Vale Estate and part of 700 acres (portion No. 17 of parish) granted to Robert Campbell; adjoining the properties of D. Blundell, W. Rand, L. List, T. C. Calvert, C. W. Poulton, Mrs. Hunter, E. Blackwell, W. Sykes, Mrs. Boulton, J. Porter, R. C. Perry, J. Verrell, G. S. Brock, W. Pollock, E. C. V. Broughton, Mrs. Reid, A, Sturman, and W. Brewer.
Application By The Mona Vale Land Company, Limited. Date up until when caveats may be lodge: March 10, 1905. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1905, January 20). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 379. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220953663
SURF. BATHING AT NEWPORT.
Surf bathers at Newport who recently received financial assistance from the Warringah Shire Council towards accommodation, have now formed a club. At the initial meeting the following office-bearers were elected: — Patron, Dr. Arthur, MLA.; president, Mr. W. E. Trevor-Jones, hon. secretary Mr. Lewis, hon. treasurer. Mr. S. Greig; vice-presidents; Cr. Quirk, C. D. Paterson, J. Barrett, S. Greig. F. Meddows. and Slater; In general committee, Mnsrs. W Boulton, L Scott R. Boulton, T. Bulfin, J. Sykes. SURF BATHING AT NEWPORT. (1909, November 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238240440
The Pittwater School ferry – the Patonga Launch was built by E. Fisk at Penrith in 1903.;
A NEW MODEL LAUNCH
This reminds us of the model oil launch referred to in the heading, and which we were invited to inspect. There is nothing so calculated to push a country forward as private enterprize (although our present Government is not of that opinion), and did we but have more of it, things would soon hum in Australasia as loud as in America. A step or two up the ladder of private enterprize has just been taken in Penrith in connection with water traffic and the result—a splendid launch, built on perfectly modern scientific principles, with all latest contrivances for speed, convenience and comfort. The enterprising proprietor is Mr William Sykes, architect, and the builder Mr E Fisk, well known as a thoroughly efficient and -reliable ship-builder, having served his apprenticeship in Sydney.
Unfortunately for the district this handsome modern launch is not being perfected and expensively finished to float on and grace our deserted waters, but is intended by the owner for service on the Hawkesbury River. Whether this is through the unwillingness of the public to patronise and encourage such undertakings, or whether the proprietor has in view a much more profitable scheme in the locality chosen, is not in our province to say. Anyway, it is clear at-the present time our river has no attraction for its owners, and the cause remains a knotty problem to solve.
The new launch is being built at the rear of Mr Sykes residence in High-street, and is 30ft in length—the beam being 8ft- has a depth of 4ft 6in. and a draught of about 2ft. She is being built especially strong, having 3 lots of frames, and for greater protection is double-planked all over. The engine-house, which is placed centrally, is very neatly constructed and well lighted, the upper part, which is glazed with very thick glass, standing about 2ft above the deck. The motive power will be supplied by a powerful oil engine of latest design. The boat is beautifully fitted up for the accommodation of 16 people, sleeping arrangements being made for 8. For the safety of passengers the floor of the cock-pit and all seats are constituted so as to float in case of necessity, and so be the means of saving life. All this is being done in compliance with the Navigation Department's regulations. The fore cabin is also conveniently arranged and fitted up, and there is a hat oh way on the deck above for the storage of the anchor, &c. The lower parts of the launch are securely covered with copper sheeting, to water mark, the whole of the work being splendidly executed. The boat will have a single screw. Above deck she will be fitted with awnings which may be made entirely water and wind proof when necessary. The launch, when finished, will be a handsome structure, fit to face either a rough sea or smoother waters. The proprietor informs us the boat will be run by his son. A Model New Launch. (1903, May 23). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100916017
Mr Sykes also built boats when he lived in Newport:
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RIVER LAUNCHES. (1907, December 2). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134695906
A description of catching the school boat:
WITH THE CHILDREN. HOMEWARD BOUND.
Some few years ago in and around Pittwater were found many children who could neither write nor spell their own names. The nearest school was miles away, and quite inaccessible to the children living at-the mouth of the bay. Directly the attention of the department was called to this matter it set itself to remedy so great an evil. A trim little-oil launch was requisitioned, subsidised by the Government, and now the visitor to Newport, Bayview, Clareville, or Kurring-gai Chase, may see the unique spectacle of a launch full of children going- to or from the public school at Church Point.
It starts on its way at 7.15 a.m., and gathers the children from the many little bays and inlets that make beautiful that fine stretch of water to the left of Barrenjoey. At 9.30 the pupils are all seated at their desks.
Afternoon is the best time for the visitor to take a trip with the launchman, and see how the State caters for the children.
The launch leaves Newport on the home-ward journey about 3.15 p.m. It heads straight for the point, where the children, some 25 or 30 of them, having left the pretty schoolhouse half a mile distant, have assembled themselves on the jetty. A pretty picture they make, too, as they stand on the steps, white-pinafored, dark coated, rosy-cheeked, with bag in hand or slung over shoulder. The launch draws alongside.
The bigger boys and girls step in, carefully watched by the assistant, who lifts the smaller ones and sets them quickly but gently on the deck of the boat. Another moment and away she goes with her cargo of little souls. A quick steam along the right shore, and a stop is made at one of the pretty bays for which Pittwater is renowned. A curly-headed little girl, some 6 years old, and her bigger brother are landed. They shout a merry "Good-bye" to the other youngsters, and off they go to the big house, where their parents are. Another stop, and three others are landed, along with sundry loaves of bread, and what looks uncommonly like a leg of mutton. Further on a halt is made to deliver the day's paper, a tin of biscuits, three loaves of bread, and two more children.
The launch is slowing down. This landing is not so easy as the last. There is no wharf here. The fisherman pulls out in his boat, draws alongside, and the children step in. A few loaves of bread, a letter, and sundry parcels accompany them.
Many stoppages are made before Barrenjoey is reached. The largest number of children are delivered to here, along with a larger supply of provisions.
It is said that boys and girls of 1-7 living in this lonely, out-of-the-way place had no means of education until the department provided this means of conveyance, and carried them free of charge to the school at the head of the bay. The launch turns homeward, but it is a long run before the four remaining children are landed.
It grows colder. They huddle closer together. The launchman suggests a song. Their willingness to comply proves it to be the usual way they pass the time down the bay after losing their companions. Four shrill little voices pipe "When the Empire Calls," "Three' Blind Mice," and "The Canadian Boat Song." "God Save the King" gives the visitors timely warning that they are nearing home, though there is no sight or sound of habitation. They are landed at last. Their day is a long one. They are the first passengers and the last. They must make an early start, for their home lies three-quarters of a mile from the water. Away they go, each carrying a loaf of broad and their schoolbags. They are a wee bit timid of the walk just yet. An evening or two previous they were in sight of home when two native cats jumped down on the narrow bush track. With one accord they dropped everything, turned themselves round, and never stopped running till they reached the water where 15 minutes previously they had been landed.
A quick run of half an hour with one or two stoppages for the delivery of provisions to the lonely fisherman or selector brings the launch back to its moorings.
Truly we live in wondrous times when the education of the children of the solitary fisherman, the lighthouse keeper, or the caretaker is thought of so much importance that means are found to bring them to the in to whom that education can be obtained.-"Herald." ZAVA.
WITH THE CHILDREN. (1906, December 25). Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1889 - 1915), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61461790
As you can read above, The Patonga was soon owned by A G Stiles and Sons.
A Newport gentleman Mr Barrett, who also had a shop at Newport in Kalinya street where The Mirage now stands, ran his launch all over Pittwater from at least 1906 on:
Mr Barrett's launch at Newport, circa 1906, you can actually see some youngsters in this boat - from NSW State Records and Archives, Item: FL12815
We can also see some of those places the local launches or ferry boat went to in this 1920's sales brochure for land at Great Mackerel Beach.
Sydney, N.S.W. : H. W. Horning & Co., 1920. Copy at Mitchell Library has book plate 'Presented to Mitchell Library by Horning & Co, Ltd'. Mitchell Library copy 2 at Q981.1/H1 transferred from Pittwater subdivision plans P13/85-85f. Online images available via the State Library of NSW at: http://digital.sl.nsw.gov.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?embedded=true&toolbar=false&dps_pid=IE6666410
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Today the school boat is run by the Church Point Ferry Service - and still a great way to get to and from school.
Jetty Changes
And of course, the jetty at Newport, where students disembark, has changed too - this was first built in 1881, in time for the visits of two sons of Queen Victoria, Princes Albert and George, and their trip to Pittwater and up the Hawkesbury. Newport wharf/jetty was originally named after her to honour this visit and the then Queen.
Disembarking at Newport for picnic, circa 1900 (Ferry is the SS Phoenix), 'Newport Wharf '- by Sydney & Ashfield : Broadhurst Post Card Publishers from album: Scenes of Newport, N.S.W, Image No: , curteys State Library of NSW
Newport Wharf No. a106119 ca. 1900-1927 Sydney & Ashfield : Broadhurst Post Card Publishers from Album Scenes of Newport, N.S.W., courtesy State library of NSW
CHURCH POINT IN 1904.
Church Point, c. 31/12/1908, from State Records NSW pictures, Item No.: FL13009
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Church Point wharf in 1918 - from Land sales lithograph
References
- TROVE - National Library of Australia
- Early Pittwater Schools: The Barrenjoey School 1872 to 1894
- To School On The Ferries - Australia's First School Launch Was In Pittwater
- Newport Hotel Wharf Named For Queen Victoria
- Methodist Church At Church Point
- Church Point And Bayview: A Pittwater Public School Set On The Estuary: 1880 To 2016
- The Newport School: 1888 To 2018
- Mona Vale Public School 1906 To 2012
- Pittwater Regattas Dates And Flagships Part I – Steamers and Ferries Of Pittwater
- Church Point Wharf History
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Bayview
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Church Point
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Mona Vale, Bongin Bongin, Turimetta And Rock Lily
- Oystering In The Pittwater Estuary - Oyster Kings And Pearl Kings And When Not To Harvest Oysters
- Collin’s Retreat, Bay View House, Scott’s Sanatorium, Guest And Boarding House: Crystal Bay, Newport
- Trafalgar Square, Newport: A 'Commons' Park Dedicated By Private Landholders - The Green Heart Of This Community
SYKES—CURRY.—April 23, by the Rev. William Moore, Wesleyan minister, William, second son of John Sykes, contractor, Yorkshire, England, to Catherine Robinson, third daughter of Henry Curry, of Balmain. Family Notices (1879, June 14). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 925. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162808260
Children of the union:
SYKES JOHN 3876/1880 WILLIAM CATHERINE R born at: BALMAIN
SYKES FLORENCE G 23885/1882 WILLIAM CATHERINE born at: PENRITH
SYKES WILLIAM THOMAS 27474/1884 WILLIAM CATHERINEPENRITH
SYKES SARAH MAY 1765/1885 WILLIAM CATHERINE RSYDNEY
SYKES AMY 29974/1887 WILLIAM CATHERINE PENRITH
SYKES EDGAR 28375/1890 WILLIAM CATHERINE PENRITH
SYKES EDITH 29342/1893 WILLIAM CATHERINE R PENRITH
SYKES HERBERT 24635/1896 WILLIAM CATHERINE PENRITH
SYKES WILLIAM J 15028/1899 WILLIAM CATHERINE PENRITH
SYKES NORMAN E 6247/1904 WILLIAM CATHERINE R PENRITH
Advertising (1904, March 12). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100950203
Pittwater - erection of a weatherboard cottage at Mona Vale Pittwater. Plans at the office of Messrs. W P Martin and Company, 53 Young street, city, or Mr William Sykes, Newport. ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS. (1906, May 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14770112
PITTWATER REGATTA
A Successful Function
META WINS THE SKIFF CHAMPIONSHIP
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a large number of spectators congregated to witness the second annual Pitt-water regatta. The steamer Narara was flagship, and accommodated a .large complement of sightseers. The Manly Band was 'stationed aboard, and enlivened, the proceedings. The racing was for the most part good.
The regatta officials were;— Sailing: Starters, J. Cronin, S. J. Keegan; judge, B. Cormack; timekeepers, L. Gibbons, D. Henry; umpire, A. May; handicappers, W. Sykes, J. Barnett, junr., J. Booth, E. . Miles, - W. Boulton; hon. treasurer, S. Greig; -hon. secretary, John Roche; assistant hon. secretaries, Miss G. Lloyd, S. B. Bond; committee, Miss G. Lloyd, Messrs. K. Sykes, E. J. Miles, S. Stiles, S. B. Bond, N. H. Graham, 1 J. Booth, J. Duffy, J. -W. Austin, S. Greig, W. Boulton, W. Reid, J. Roche, J. Williams, . C. Hastie. Results of the various contests were:— SAILING EYENTS skiffs champion skiff 1 Meta (E. W. Moppett) "J Nereid (P. Milson) ; I Heather (J. Crouch) SAILING BOATS, 14ft. 10 18ft. Myee (J. Baiter), scr. ' 1 Petrel (H. Wilson), 8min. Dauntless (W. Boulton), 1min. LICENSED FISHING BOATS HANDICAP. Favourite (C. Buchan), 5min j-Winnile (S. Sly), 10-min, Principle (E. S. de Rusett), 8min. ROWING EVENTS BOYS' HANDICAP (14 years and under). H. Sykes, 1, A. Erickson 2, 3sec. F. Fin-ge, 3sec 3 GIRLS' HANDICAP (16 years and under). E. Sykes G. Stiles 3 LADIES HANDICAP. L. Arter, scr ' I E. M. Devlin, 2sec. -2 YOUTHS HANDICAP (18 years and under). E. Devlin, scr 1 E. Sykes, scr ; 2 'J. Hansen, scr 3 ' DOUBLE SCULLS HANDICAP. J. Sykes and C. Hastie, 25sec 1 S. Heaton and D. Fulton, 30sec 2 LADIES AND GENT.'S DOUBLE SCULLS' HANDICAP. E. N. Devlin and E. Devlin, 25sec. 1 L. Arter and W. T. Oliver, scr. 2 SINGLE SCUL',.3 HANDICAP J. Marton, lOsec. 1 J. Hastie, 35seo 2 LADIES' DOUBLE SCULLS HANDICAP. E. Devlin and L. Art jr. s:r 1 G. Lloyd and Mrs. Hill ig, Isec 2 OLD BUFFERS' HANDICAP; F. Erickson, Usee, i 1 M. Linguist, 35sec 2 MOTOR LAUNCH HANDICAP. Greeba (-K. Bennett), 3mtn 1 Hastings (A. G. Stiles), 6min 2 Fairbanks (J. Barnett), scr 3 After the regatta a dinner and dance were held at Newport. PITTWATER REGATTA (1908, February 2). The Sunday Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1903 - 1910), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227131852
SYKES.—February 9, 1924, at his residence, Barranjoey-road, Newport, William, dearly loved husband of Katherine Sykes, aged 65 years. Family Notices (1924, February 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16120612
SYKES.—In loving memory of my dear husband, William, who died suddenly at his residence, Newport, February 9, 1924, aged 65.
No one knows the silent heartache,
No one knows the bitter pain, I have suffered since you left me.
I have never been the same.
My heart just aches with sadness,
And my eyes shed many a tear,
God alone knows how I miss you,
As it dawns this first sad year. Inserted by his loving wife.
SYKES.—In loving memory of our dear father, William Sykes, who died suddenly at his residence, Newport, February 9, 1924.
To-day recalls sad memories.
Of a loved one gone to rest;
And those who think of him to-day
Are those who loved him best.
It s hard to part with one we loved,
But God, who knoweth best,
Held out his loving arms and said,
"Come unto Me and rest."
Inserted by his loving sons, daughters, son-in-law, and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.
SYKES.—In loving memory of our dear father. William Sykes, who departed this life February 9, 1924. Inserted by his son and daughter, John and Sarah. Family Notices (1925, February 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16193967