Pittwater Online News

Max Dupain of Newport: Pittwater Photographer

Maxwell Spencer Dupain took thousands of photographs during his life, ranging from landscapes, to portraits, natural and informal scenes of people, and still life to nudes and architecture, along with a vast body of works taken for commercial use – the State Library of NSW holds almost 54 thousand of his images; a testament not only to his appetite for work but also the longevity of his career. 

However, the subject he took many photos of was Newport Beach where the Dupain family had a holiday home, and here all of the genres that featured in his work can be seen, along with Newport ‘happenings’ – such as the launch Aklavic that was driven ashore in October 1954 by 20 year old Robert Michael Brown, ‘fugitive’ – who was eventually caught on Bushrangers Hill - or the storm of May 1974 that demolished the 'ablutions' block on Newport beach.

Aklavic ashore at Newport Beach, October 1954. Photos by Max Dupain, courtesy State Library of NSW, The Mitchell Library

Demise of Newport ablutions block, May 1974 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19504814, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Erosion, Newport beach, Aug '74 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19504591, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Newport, Easter [March-April], 1978 / photographed by Max Dupain, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Max Dupain’s photos record visions of light through the seasons right along our beaches and estuary from that era between when this place was still an outpost for holiday makers from the city of Sydney and when it had started to become an affordable place for families and retirees after WWII, increasing the spread of suburbia. 

Driven and prolific, his work across the spectrum of commercial and art photography literally charts the changes he was a witness to.

His 'Newport Story' begins in 1920.

Lot 35, 15 Calvert Parade Newport, first part of the acreage sold by Thomas Copley Calvert to the Intercolonial Investment Land and Building Company in 1910, was subsequently sold to Barbara Wallace Brooks as part of the Calvert Ocean Beach Estate subdivision, then onsold to Harriet Margaret Wilson in January 1920. On May 3rd, 1920, this was purchased by Thomasine Jane (Ena) Dupain, and became the weekender of the Dupain family. The Dupain home at Newport was only sold out of the family after Max passed away.

A simple cottage was constructed in 1920 and Alterations and Additions commissioned by George Dupain in 1950. When the property was sold after Max's death it was listed as a 3-bedroom, one bathroom premises with no parking and a land size of 706 m². Family records indicate the back room or '3rd' bedroom was George, Max's fathers' study and where Max slept. A sunroom fronted the oceanside.

Although the Dupains would later rent the home out, during the six weeks over Christmas and at other times during the dead of winter or at Easter, this was where they spent their time. This included coming into contact with the other locals, there being fairy penguin colonies at Turimetta Beach and Long Reef as well as on Lion Island during this era - this is likely to be one of the first photos taken by Max sent into a newspaper:

In George Dupains' later years the Newport cottage became his permanent address when sending out letters:

Australian Posture

Sir,-Your article of Jan l8, "Australians are not an Up-standing Race," was highly commendable Mr Macgraith (' Herald " January 21) has completely misunderstood the data it contains. 

It was a dissertation on posture, not physical development The two need not be synonymous. Many a man has a well developed physique but an atrocious posture, and this is quite a common phenomenon amongst any modern population.

Our occupations to day from factory work to indoor clerical pursuits make us continually bend forward. Our bodies are always more or less flexed. Unless this is corrected by adequate physical education, in time various "stoops" develop.

GEORGE Z. DUPAIN.
Newport Beach. Australian Posture (1954, January 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18406375

Max’s photos of Newport date from 1923 on, when he was just into his teenage years. Most biographies of him state he was given his first camera, a Box Brownie, by his uncle Clarence Farnsworth in 1924. This was followed in 1926 by a Vest Pocket camera from his great-grandmother.

Newport in 1923 by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19500636, Image is published on p. 14 of Dupain's Beaches titled, 'Newport panorama' 1923. courtesy State Library of NSW from: https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/YRlBD8ln 

Max at Newport as a teenager, circa 1925

Farnsworth family at Newport - all from File 13: ''4 [four] generations'', circa 1925-1945 / photographed by Max Dupain (and obviously someone else for those he appears in). Items: SLNSW_FL19433469, SLNSW_FL19433467, SLNSW_FL19433468 and SLNSW_FL19433466- NB: Maxs' Mum is second from the left, and SLNSW_FL19433470 (Great-grandmother ?), courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW 

Max when he would have been in final school years- pictured here with his maternal grandmother Farnsworth and cousin. Below: his great-grandmother (?)

Early negs - taken with V.P. Kodak, Landscapes (Newport SLSC Members - probably Cotton family members in this picture as well), 1920-30s / photographed by Max Dupain, Item: SLNSW_FL19493603, courtesy State Library of New south Wales

Newport house, chair on landing, circa 1920s / photographed by Max Dupain. courtesy State Library of NSW   from: https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/1bGW4emY

Newport cottage gate, 1935 / photographed by Max Dupain, Item: SLNSW_FL19508266, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Milk Can and bottle, 1930's, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales {Still Life photography}

Portraits, Ma and Pa, dated June 1943 / photographed by Max Dupain, Item: SLNSW_FL19433290, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Max Dupain spoke with Helen Ennis at his home in Castlecrag, Sydney, on 1 August 1991. His reply to the query: ''Did you go to the beach house at Newport very often?'' was:

Yes, we did. The house at Newport was built when I was about ten. A timber house, very elemental. It's still there, it's had additions to it and some renovations. 

I can remember the weekends were sacrosanct and more often than not they were spent at the Newport cottage. We lived at Ashfield and we used to take a bus, tram, the boat, the tram and the bus to Newport. It took three hours and we considered this a long time but well worth it. I can remember when I was a small boy arriving there just before lunch, slipping into a costume and diving down the cliff into the surf on a beautiful sunny day. I wish to hell I could do that now.

Born April 22nd 1911 at Ashfield the only child of Sydney-born parents George Zephirin Dupain, physical culture expert, and his wife Thomasine Jane (Ena), née Farnsworth, Max had French, English and Irish heritage.

DUPAIN. - On April 22, 1911, at "Symington" Parramatta-road, Ashfield, the wife of George Z. Dupain, jun.— a son. Family Notices (1911, April 29). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239105146

DUPAIN—FARNSWORTH.—April 30, at St. John's Church, Ashfield, by the Rev. A. Yarnold, George Zephirin, eldest son of George Zephirin Dupain, of Charenton, Ashfield, to Ena, only daughter of Susan and the late Henry Farnsworth, Rothsay, Ashfield. Family Notices (1910, May 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28142722 

DUPAIN — FARNSWORTH. — At St. John's Church, Ashfield, on April 30, George Zepherin, eldest son of Mr. George Zepherin Dupain, of "Charenton," Ashfield, was married to Ena, only daughter of the late Henry Farnsworth and Mrs. Farnsworth, of ''Rothsay," Ashfield. The church was decorated by the church committee and girl friends of the bride, a wedding bell being suspended from an arch. Rev. A. Yarnold performed the wedding ceremony. The bride, who was given away by her eldest brother, wore a trained gown of ivory Indian silk over glace, with a yoke and collar of point lace, and trimmed with pearl and chrystal embroidery. She also wore an embroidered Brussels net veil over a coronet of orange blossoms, and carried a bouquet of heath and Eucharis lilies. The bouquet and a pearl and peridot pendant were the gifts of the bride-groom. There were two bridesmaids, Miss Sylvia Jones and Miss Jeannie Dupain. They wore dresses of pale blue crepe-de-chine over paillette, and black picture hats with black and blue plumes. They carried bouquets of dark red cactus dahlias and autumn leaves, and wore earrings, both the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. Cecil Norton was best man. 

Mrs. Farnsworth, the bride's mother, wore black paillette over glace, trimmed with jet, and carried a posy of mauve orchids and chrysanthemums. Mrs. Dupain, mother of the bridegroom, wore black satin charmeuse over glace, trimmed with jet. At the conclusion of the ceremony a reception was held at "Rothsay," the residence of the bride's mother. The wedding breakfast was held in a large marquee erected on the lawn. Later the newly-married couple left for Kiama on the honeymoon, the bride wearing a grey coat and skirt, and a blue moire hat with white wings and velvet. WEDDINGS. (1910, May 21). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239411075 

His father George, a pioneer in the physical fitness movement in Australia, had founded the Dupain Institute of Physical Education, Sydney, in 1900, and wrote extensively on physical education, diet, and nutrition. As a boy Max worked out at his father’s gymnasium. He later attributed his Romantic nature to the combination of his father’s French and his mother’s Irish ancestry. The family lived on Parramatta Road, close to other members of the Dupain and Farnsworth families. Max accompanied his mother to Church of England services at St John’s Church, Ashfield, but as an adult was not religious, attributing his views to his father’s scientific rationalism.

Educated at Ashfield Preparatory and Sydney Grammar schools, Dupain did not thrive academically, and did not complete the Leaving certificate. He enjoyed athletics, rowing, and the arts. 

His creativity in photography was recognised at Grammar through the award of the Carter memorial prize for the productive use of spare time in 1928. That year he joined the Photographic Society of New South Wales and presented his early works in the prevailing soft-focus Pictorialist style in the society’s exhibitions. His contribution to the society’s 1932 Interstate Exhibition of Pictorial Photography attracted praise from the eminent photographer and critic Harold Cazneaux.

Leaving school in 1930, Dupain was apprenticed to the photographer Cecil Bostock. His three years with Bostock gave him a rigorous technical training. At the same time, he attended evening art classes at Julian Ashton’s Sydney Art School and East Sydney Technical College, where he developed basic skills in drawing. 

In 1934, with financial support from his family, he opened a modest studio with a shared darkroom at 24 Bond Street. The timing was auspicious as Australia was recovering from the Depression and the demand for advertising, society, and celebrity photography was growing. Following his move to larger premises in the same building, he employed Geoffrey Powell (1937–38) and Damien Parer (1938–39). Damien and he were clearly instant great friends - their photos of models on Bungan Beach sandhills, as well as each other, shows Parer was welcomed into the Newport family home.

Photographer Olive Edith Cotton joined his studio in 1934 and worked as the general assistant until 1939. Olive did produce works during this time, including Glasses (1937) a picture ostensibly taken as a commercial commissioned work.

Max Dupain had met Olive in 1924 through his father’s business partnership with her uncle Carl ''Max'' Cotton (1887- April 3,1967), the second son and one of three boys and three girls of NSW Politician Francis Cotton (May 5, 1857 – November 28, 1942) and his wife Evangeline Mary Geake Lake. 

Olive Edith Cotton, born on July 11 1911, was the eldest child of Leo Arthur (1883-1963) and Florence (née Channon). This was an artistic, intellectual family. Her parents provided a musical background along with political and social awareness. Her mother was a painter and pianist while Leo was a geologist, who took photographs on Sir Ernest Shackleton's expedition to the Antarctic in 1907 and was appointed Professor of Geology and Physical Geography at the University of Sydney 1925-1948 after being associated with the department from 1908. The Cotton family and their five children lived in the then bushland suburb of Hornsby.

The Cotton family also had a holiday home in Newport, where the pair would take photos on the beach together. 

Olive [Cotton], 1930s / photographed by Max Dupain - at Newport north end rocks section between the pool and Bungan Beach. Item: SLNSW_FL19407864, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

One brother, Professor Frank Cotton, was renowned for his developments of studying physical strain on the human body. Prof. Frank Cotton was also responsible for the ergometer, a machine to test the athletic potential of sportsmen and women. Frank Cotton claimed through this machine to have discovered the swimmers Jon Henricks and Judy-Joy Davies. The Australian swimming coach, Forbes Carlile, began his career as an assistant to Cotton and Newport SLSC benefitted from his work with them on developing surf boats.

Portrait of Max Dupain by Olive Cotton (1936) with his 'Yellow Terror' car (Silver gelatin print, National Gallery of Australia, gift of Gael Newton 2018) - This is Max at the age of 25 during a fashion shoot using his recently purchased Chevrolet roadster convertible, his first car acquired for £275, more than an average annual salary. 

Helen Ennis writes in her biography of Dupain; "the Chevrolet roadster was the showiest purchase of Dupain made in his entire life. It reveals much about the self-fashioning he had pursued since opening his studio two years previously and his self-transformation from a shy, introverted and unconfident young man into a dashing young man about town. A man who, as the choice of the bright yellow car demonstrates, wanted to be noticed". 

On a more practical level, a vehicle was required to get to and from jobs, and. aside from being a great 'prop' in some of these shots, it would also allow access to the Newport cottage.

Max Dupain by Olive Cotton 1937, Item: a9668032h, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Olive Cotton 1937 by Max Dupain, Item: a9668062h, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales - from album Camping trips on Culburra Beach, N.S.W., 1937 / Max Dupain and Olive Cotton. SLNSW admin note on this album; 

The "Vandyke Album" is of exceptional importance in Australia's photographic history. It gives context to Australia's most iconic photograph, The Sunbaker by Max Dupain. Dupain's preferred version had clasped hands. The sole print of this version is in this album and the negative is lost. There are thought to be about 200 signed prints of the better known version where the right hand lies with fingers extended on the sand.

Harold Salvage sunbaking, "The Sunbather" by Max Dupain, Item; a9668019h, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Publisher Sydney Ure Smith was crucial in establishing Dupain’s career. In 1935 Ure Smith featured his work in Art in Australia and invited him to review J.T. Scoby’s book on the international surrealist photographer Man Ray for The Home magazine. Some of the portraits used in The Home magazine even featured other Pittwater locals, such as the wife of Bill Wentworth, the first Mackellar MP, who married a Mona Vale girl, Barbara Baird before they too moved to Newport:

The Home : an Australian quarterly. Max Dupain portrait of Barbara Baird. Vol. 16 No. 12 (2 December 1935). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-384653156

By the late 1930s Dupain was recognised as a leading modernist photographer whose work responded to the realities of contemporary life. He experimented with different techniques, including photomontage and solarisation, and developed a style characterised by a dramatic use of light. Throughout his career his preferred medium was black and white photography. His subject matter was diverse, encompassing still lifes, landscapes, and cityscapes, and he was one of the first Australian photographers to focus on studies of the nude, both male and female. Ure Smith would later publish the first monograph on Dupain in 1948.

Dupain’s passionate advocacy of modernist photography extended beyond his own commercial and personal work. From the late 1930s he played an important role as a commentator in photography magazines and later as photography critic for the Sydney Morning Herald. He was a founding member of the Contemporary Camera Groupe in 1938, formed to counter the prevailing conservatism of Australian photography. 

Max's outlook was shaped by his self-declared heroes in literature, music, and the arts: Beethoven, Shakespeare, D.H. Lawrence, Llewellyn Powys, and the Australian artist Norman Lindsay, whose book Creative Effort was particularly influential. His pantheon of photographers at that time included Man Ray, George Hoyningen-Huene (whom he met in Sydney in 1937), and Margaret Bourke-White.

With George Hoyningen-Huene in 1937 - photo by Olive Cotton. Item: SLNSW_FL19507770, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Max and Olive married on 29th April 1939 in a simple Methodist service at her home, a quiet ceremony with no published photos appearing in any newspapers of that time.

Mrs. P. N. Harrison left for Sydney on Friday to attend the wedding, on Saturday next, of her sister, Miss Olive Cotton, to Mr. Max Dupain. PERSONAL (1939, April 24). The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 - 1861; 1863 - 1889; 1891 - 1954), p. 4 (FINAL EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193660593 

Social and Personal.

Married on Saturday.

The marriage was quietly celebrated on Saturday morning of Miss Olive Cotton, elder daughter of Professor L. A. Cotton, of Hornsby, and of the late Mrs. Cotton and Mr. Max Dupain, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Z. Dupain of Ashfield. The ceremony took place at the bride's home. SOCIAL AN PERSONAL. (1939, May 1- Monday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17588638 

Olive was instantly relegated to being a housewife by her marriage, women being unable to work in many occupations during this time after they married, which must have been a drag on her creative spirit.          

Among the few photographic items dating from their married years is a study of Olive, possibly taken at Newport. 

Max included this and other portraits of her in an album they compiled in late 1940 as a Christmas present for their friend and fellow photographer Damien Parer, who was then on the other side of the world with the 6th Division of the Australian Army. Inscribed, “A few shots from home for Damien Parer to look at occasionally”, the album is the Dupains’ morale booster for their friend. Her portrait depicting Max sitting on the doorstep of their home, at the top of this page, is a study of relaxed intimacy. 

There are also incidental pictures among this batch - one of these of boys and boats, with Max stating it is a 'quick shot while doing a job at The Spit' - tells us he not only looked around while working, he bothered to take those images and make that record. Many photographers, years after taking photos of a place or event, realise they should have taken everything around that spot and happening as well. In doing so they are making a record of that place and time which will disappear without their eye trained on it and that shot taken. The background and surrounds are important - there is much to be seen in them - and this also allows the photographer to immerse themselves and be present in what they are trying to capture and communicate, succinctly, articulately. 

The photographer who will take a picture, even while working on another assignment, does so because they have a passion for their work, for communicating through images, and in Maxs' case, they also have what is called 'the eye' - knowing how to capture what they are seeing so a sense of what is happening is communicated, so you may be immersed.

Olive Dupain, by Max Dupain, circa 1938-1940 - note wedding ring - this looks as though it is at Newport. Item: SLNSW_FL431565. From: Album of photographs / photographed by Max Dupain- Black, leather bound album, sent to Damien Parer whilst in service by Max Dupain for Christmas 1940. https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/n7oVMPMn, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The album also contains a portrait of Olive, opposite which Max wrote an incomplete, suspenseful inscription, “Fancy a sweet innocent thing like this marrying a – ”, and was followed by Olive’s portrait of him and the closing inscription, “bastard like him!”

Biographers of the pair during this period, scrutinising what little Olive shared with friends, opine they had been friends for so long that any romance may have not been alike that Olive sensed in Max when he was photographing new models for commercial work, or the nudes he was taking during the late 1930's, for artistic works. To be so familiar with someone for so long can make a relationship comfortable to the point where the presence of another may be taken for granted and the fact that they too are developing not just aging, disappears.

They separated in August 1941, and divorced in February 1944. Having known each other since they were teenagers, and had been friends since then, they would remain friends with Olive returning to run the studio when Max served in WWII.

Left Husband For School

Well-known city photographer, Max Dupain, said in the Divorce Court today that his wife, Olive Edith Dupain, daughter of Sydney University professor, L. A. Cotton, wanted an independent life and left him to become maths mistress at a country school.

They were married in 1939, he said, when his wife was 27 and he 28. She was working at his studio before their marriage, and after 12 months' married life got restless and returned to her old job. Six months later she took the country teaching job and came home to him for week-ends.

After another two months in August, 1941, she told him she must give up coming home, as she did not love him any more Dupain said he repeatedly wrote asking his wife to come back. "Life has never really been the same to me since you left," one letter read. "I've missed you and your funny little ways It was good Just to see you again the other day. You fairly shone in your new blue frock and buff coat." 

Dupain is how engaged on defence work. His wife has returned to his studio at a fixed salary, plus a share of the profits. Mr Justice Edwards ordered Mrs. Dupain to return to her husband within 21 days. Mr. E. Little for Dupain. Left Husband For School (1943, February 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231751749 

HIGH-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS

1941 Exhibition

BY OUR ART CRITIC

There are almost 400 exhibits in the 1941 exhibition of photography conducted by the Photographic Society of N.S.W., and opened by the Minister for Education, Mr. Clive Evatt, Farmer's yesterday.

The general standard is surprisingly high and the works gathered from almost every State, make up an exceedingly varied and interesting show.

Besides exhibiting works by its own members, the society is showing a number of specially invited prints by leading photographers and a group from the F. C. Tilney collection, which includes photographs taken almost 50 years ago.

Among the most outstanding exhibitors are Max Dupain, Dr. Julian Smith, John L. Wray, Charles Walton, Paul Horne, and John Berney. HIGH-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS (1941, October 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17769851 

Diana Illingworth (on Bungan Beach), dated 1941 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item c28929_0002_c, courtesy State Library of NSW

In November 1944 Max married Diana Palmer Illingworth at the registry office in Chatswood. Diana was born in 1922, the birth registered at St Leonards, to Nelson and Rita Rose nee Palmer (Rita died June 27 1960 - parents Ernest and Mary). 

Her father, Nelson Illingworth, was a well-known musician (Baritone singer) of that era, and son of the sculptor Nelson William Illingworth (1862-1926) who had lived at Harbord prior to passing away there on June 26 1926. The Sydney Morning Herald reported he was working on plans for the Henry Lawson statue competition at the time. His son did not come home for his funeral, being overseas still when this occurred, although Rita Illingworth, then Mrs. Nelson Illingworth junior, did.

Nelson Charles Illingworth (1885 -1957) taught at Sydney Conservatorium from 1916 to 1920, then went to America. He had been divorced from his first wife in 1919, a marriage that had been made in 1918, on the grounds of desertion. 

This snippet from The Bulletin shows Diana's mum came home to give birth:

Mrs. Nelson Illingworth, who was Rita Palmer, of Lane Cove, had been concentrating  on social-service work in Chicago for two years with the idea of coming back and putting experience to use in Pyrmont, when her marriage with singer Nelson intervened.  

Illingworth, in planning the programme for his first recital in New York, put in the numbers he really liked himself, and so unusual and ambitious was the ensemble that the public unanimously stayed away, but every musical critic in Manhattan rolled up.  

The next morning the papers came out with glowing head-lines. From Henry Finck, of the  Evening Post down, they hailed the Sydney man as an interpretative genius. His  resemblance to the portraits of Lincoln was commented on in every critique, and he  hadn’t finished reading the last notice when  a ’phone call came asking him to play the  name-part in the film “Lincoln.” He is busy  on that now, during the slack concert time.  

When the season recommences he and Percy  Grainger will tour the West and East under  the management of Wolfsohn. After that  Nelson will leave America, under contract,  for England. Mrs. Illingworth reports the  safe arrival of the Philip Newbury couple in  the Dry States, and the good luck of Philip,  who is singing with almost his pristine  freshness, after having his throat overhauled  by Caruso’s own specialist. When she left  John McCormack was simply wallowing in  success, crowding the enormous Hippodrome  at every recital. He has had a certain  amount of throat-trouble since then, however.  Vol. 43 No. 2205 (18 May 1922) A WOMAN'S LETTER ROGER & GALLET Perfurnes Soaps Powders, The bulletin Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-632686320

Records would indicate Nelson Illingworth never returned to Sydney. He lived in London from 1924, apart from tours, with an Australian woman named as 'Kay Murphy' in some records coming out to America to meet him before they went to the U.K.. He worked for Linguaphone and became a director. He is attributed in the New York Times (Nov 6 1920) as singing in a song recital at the Princess Theatre in New York on the previous afternoon. He passed away in London in April 1957. His Probate register shows he left £2065 10s 6d to 'Kathleen Mary Murphy, spinster'. There is no indication he ever met his daughter.

Australian baritone singer Nelson Charles Illingworth (1885-1957), courtesy Library of Congress (USA),  Forms part of: George Grantham Bain Collection (Bain News Service).

Diana Ill. [Illingworth], 19 November 1944 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19433618 courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

In 1942 Max Dupain volunteered to join the newly formed Camouflage Unit that was part of the Department of Home Security established after considerable lobbying by Professor William Dakin, a marine biologist at Sydney University. 

Max Dupain in his service gear before going anywhere near the conflict and war zones, self-portrait, 1942, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

A number of Australian artists also joined the Camouflage Unit including William Dobell, Robert Emerson Curtis and Clem Seale. After training in Sydney, Dupain was sent by Dakin to Darwin via Alice Springs in 1943, and then to New Guinea for four months. Dupain was not an official war photographer like his close friend Damien Parer who was killed in action in Peleliu in September 1944.

The Camouflage Unit headquarters was on Goodenough Island. Dupain also worked at Tami Island and Finschafen as well as Port Moresby with the Royal Australian Airforce and the American forces. 

Goodenough Island, New Guinea. 1943. Three companions of the photographer Max Dupain looking out from the balcony of their hut. Left to right: Clement Seale, a soldier artist; Robert Emerson Curtis, Camouflage Officer attached to the RAAF and later an Australian Official War Artist; and George Adams. (Donor: R. Curtis) Photo by Max Dupain, courtesy Australian War Memorial.

New Guinea, 1943 / photographed by Max Dupain, Items: SLNSW_FL19461214 and SLNSW_FL19461217, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Murry, Cram, etc, Newport (above: the beachfront sunroom), June 1944 / photographed by Max Dupain, Items: SLNSW_FL19434344, SLNSW_FL19434333, SLNSW_FL19434342 and SLNSW_FL19434327, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Portraits, Ma and Pa and Diana at Newport, August 1945 / photographed by Max Dupain, Item: SLNSW_FL19433290, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

In early 1945 Dupain transferred to the Department of Information which was already preparing for a post-war immigration drive. In 1945-46 he travelled across Australia documenting the country for  promotional purposes. The Sate library of New South Wales holds some photos of he and Diana camping out along the routes they may have chosen, her face lit up with joy.

Helen Ennis, in her insights for 'Max Dupain Photographs Exhibition 16 Nov 1991 – 27 Jan 1992, at the National Gallery of Australia, states: 

In 1941 Dupain entered into a partnership with the photoengraving firm Hartland & Hyde that was to last for fifty years, and relocated to 49 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Olive Cotton, Dupain's first wife, ran the studio during Dupain's extended absence. In the early years of the war Dupain was a camouflage officer in the Royal Australian Air Force; he was involved in designing and building camouflage screens to cover new oil tank installations in Darwin, and in the research and reporting on the camouflage work being done in the New Guinea area by the Americans and Australians.

In early 1945 Dupain resigned from the Department of Home Security and joined the Department of Information as a photographer 'covering as much of Australia's way of life as possible for overseas publicity. My work was to be directed at potential migrants' . He travelled extensively and visited all the capital cities except Darwin to compile images for 'Australia and You'.

correspondence on Australia and You booklet, courtesy National Archives of Australia

At the conclusion of the war Dupain, as haunted as everyone who had been sent into conflict zones was, as can be seen in the difference between the photo of him from 1942 and that of 1945 with his parents, returned to the studio and changed his direction: 

'the unstable war-time years, the grudging adaptation to ever-changing surroundings, the thousands of impressions … of varying environments, all added up to long-term shock. I did not want to go back to the "cosmetic lie" of fashion photography or advertising illustration' 

As a result of his war-time experiences and contact with documentary photographers and filmmakers (especially his now killed in action friend Damien Parer), Max became committed to documentary photography, to making it count. He adopted the credo put forward by British documentary film-maker John Grierson and gave Grierson's now famous statement — ‘the creative treatment of actuality' — a particular Australian inflexion. 

In 1947 Max wrote: 

'l want to use more sunlight in my work. The studio has an odd flavour about it now and the artificial quality of half-watt lighting does not ring true alongside sunlight. We have it here all the year round — so why not make use of it! . . . 

The point is that photography is at its best when it shows a thing clearly and simply. To fake is in bad taste. The studio is synonymous with fake. 

He wanted a national photography that; 'will contribute greatly to Australian culture. Let one see and photograph Australia's way of life as it is, not as one would wish it to be'. 

Concurrent with this, he stepped up his support of Australian photography and made himself available for other photographs groups, along with releasing works to support his shift in focus:

Max Dupain To Select Booklet Prints

Mr. Max Dupain, well-known Australian photographer, will arrive in Newcastle on Friday, to select pictures from local photographers for use in 150th Anniversary publicity booklets.

Mr G.D. Mitchell, organiser of the celebrations, said today that Mr Dupain would confer with the Newcastle Photographic Society, but would consider work by other photographers of standing.

Mr Dupain is well-known abroad and in Australia, and has had much of his work exhibited overseas. He was for some time attached to the R.A.A.F. as a special photographer and later was retained by the Department of Information to make pictures of Australian capital cities for publicity abroad. Mr Dupain will take scenes not covered by available prints. Max Dupain To Select Booklet Prints (1947, January 28). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158248486

Book Review
Photographs by Max Dupain

Fifty-one full page plates on heavy art paper comprise a striking cross-section of the artistry of the modern camera in the hands of well known Sydney photographer, Max Dupain.

The edition is limited to 1000 copies, each signed by Dupain who, for some years, has been in the front rank of Australian photography. For the purpose of his collection he has made a selection of photographs taken since 1935, when he was in his early twenties. In that period he served with the R.A.A.F. 

In 1945, he returned to his Sydney studio. His most recent work with portraits, landscapes, nudes or documentary subjects reflects the degree to which he has perfected his art. It is no longer photography in the accepted sense of professional or commercial work, but something with the deeper understanding that is the hallmark of the finished artist. Perhaps the foreword note by Dupain pin-points exactly his aim with his camera. 

He says: "Modern photography must incite thought and, by its clear statements of actualities, cultivate a sympathetic understanding of men and women and the life they create and live. I profoundly believe it can accomplish this'." 

The collection justifies his belief. — D.C.M. (Max Dupain Photographs, published by Ure Smith Pty. Ltd. Price 35/-.).Book Review (1948, March 30). Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved March 7, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225787546

Max Dupain, ca. 1948 / photographed by Olive Cotton - paradoxically this was a David Jones advertisement/ window display job. Item: SLNSW_FL14227719, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Although he disdained the artificiality of the studio, he continued working in advertising and increasingly focused on architectural and industrial photography. 

He stated:

'l always had a hankering for architecture. In my youth I made drawings from reproductions of Greek temples and capitals' . Although he seriously considered becoming an architect; 'mathematics and physics were my undoing. I was thrown at any attempt to understand either. But eventually there developed another way of getting involved — through photography'. 

Max established close working relationships with eminent architects including Samuel Lipson, John D. Moore, Walter Bunning, and, in later years, Sydney Ancher and especially Harry Seidler. 

As a result of the collaboration with Seidler, Dupain made his first, and only, trip to Europe in 1978 to photograph the Australian Embassy in Paris. He also worked in Bangkok, where he photographed Ken Woolley's Australian Embassy. 

Max chose not to be a traveller as;

'Working as a professional photographer in insular Australia has been my self-chosen lot' ...

'So one is thrown up against one's inner resources … Direct influential impact is at half-strength capacity. I think this is a good thing if you have the courage and endurance to sustain and promote your individuality by sheer brute assertion of belief in yourself. God help those who can't muster this will unless they migrate, absorb and return to us, temporarily stimulated and refreshed, but possibly as other human beings lost to their real selves in the wilderness of the world's pictorial paradise' (Light Vision, 1978).

Pittwater resident, an Architect and Photographer Adrian Boddy,  who interviewed Max for his thesis, asked:

One of the things I wanted to ask you from the beginning was: with whom did you commence your architectural photography? How did it all start? 

''It started as a reaction against advertising illustration and fashion photography which was my long suit in the 30's and 40's. I got very sick of the superficial, whereas with architecture you were dealing with totally different people, 109 creative people, and on the whole, interesting and approachable people. That was the start. 

Now applying photography to architecture is so different to applying it to fashion for instance, one is highly creative and the other is superficially creative. One [architecture] is involving the people and creating an environment, an atmosphere in which the people live - even though you are not aware of it probably. Nevertheless it's there and having an influence. Well I figure that's a value; any contribution one can make towards that effort is worthwhile. And photography is bloody useful, I don't think we can do without it.'' [10.]

In 1949 Max and his wife Diana commissioned a home for them to be built at Castlecrag, moving in during 1953. They lived at The Scarp, Castlecrag, a house designed by the modernist Australian architect Arthur Baldwinson, and surrounded by a native garden cultivated by Dupain, until Max passed away. 

Progress at Castlecrag, June 4th, 1952 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19454174- SLNSW

House at Castlecrag for Mr & Mrs Max Dupain, 1952 - an Arthur Baldwinson designed home. Item: SLNSW_FL1502206 , courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

During the same period he and Diane's children Danina and Rex were born:

DUPAIN (nee Illingworth)-November 22 at Crown Street Hospital to Diana and Max-a daughter. Family Notices (1950, November 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18188131 

DUPAIN -March 30 at Crown Street to Diana and Max-a son. Family Notices (1954, March 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 36. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18417459 

The joy this must have brought to the family was tempered in 1952 by Maxs' mum Ena passing away:

DUPAIN, Ena.—October 28, greatly loved wife of George and mother of Max. Privately cremated. Family Notices (1952, October 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18288692 

Ena Dupain portrait circa 1950, by Max Dupain, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

His father George Zephirin Dupain passed away on December 18 1958

Portrait of my father, ca 1930 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19398925, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

George Dupain (at right) at Newport circa 1955. Photo by Max Dupain

Geo. [George] Dupain library - Newport, December 1958 / photographed by Max Dupain - this is where Max slept as a youngster, in his dad's study, at the back of the Newport Cottage. Item: SLNSW_FL19433199, courtesy State Library of New South Wales.

In 1971 Dupain formed Max Dupain and Associates, initially located at Artarmon. He worked from 'Max Dupain and Associates' during his remaining 20 years. Here Jill White, a photographer who had first worked with him in 1958, returned as manager of that studio and its photographers, as well as continuing her own work in photography.

During the 1970s Max Dupain emerged as a key figure in the Australian art photography movement following his retrospective exhibition at the Australian Centre for Photography, Sydney, which introduced his now best-known photograph, Sunbaker, to the public. This image encapsulated his interest in body culture and embrace of the outdoors, and came to be identified with a characteristically Australian way of life. 

Described by his second wife Diane as a ‘complex character', Max was not a social person and was intense, single-minded, and disciplined. His approach to photography was predicated on his belief that the viewer must be involved both emotionally and intellectually, and he devoted his life to achieving excellence in his practice.[1., 9.]

“I remember the words of the Belgian photographer by the name of Leonard Bresson…”It is not the subject matter that counts, it is the light.”

This influenced me quite a lot in my work. The more you realise this and orientate those thoughts, the more you realise that it is the light that matters…..I think we all prefer to use available natural light if possible but its not always the case.” - Extract from interview between Dupain and Hazel de Berg 1975.

'… there are photographers with a great sense of discipline, who work with unsophisticated equipment and who possess an acute sense of selection and spontaneous composition. They are able to extract every ounce of pictorial sensibility from their subject, and I support their doctrine to the last. Sensitivity, piercing awareness, emotional and intellectual involvement, self-discipline are some of the elements which create that rapport with the subject…  — Max Dupain, 1978

Helen Ennis, states in her 2024 book, Max Dupain: A Portrait (Fourth Estate), Max cited a career highlight as his Mother and Child, 1952, a portrait of Diana and their first child, Danina, dozing together. Apparently their daughter had kept them all up much of the night teething.

Mother and Child, 1952, by Max Dupain Item: SLNSW_FL19398918 courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Helen Ennis' interview with Max records he revered his photograph was Meat Queue, 1946, taken in a butcher’s shop, the most-:

''I was doing a series of pictures for the Department of Information at the time. We were doing a story on queues after the war. They were all over the place — queues for buses, vegetables, fruit. 

I just happened to come across this butcher shop in Pitt Street, I think it was. Here they were all lined up, and I went around it, took a number of pictures, ultimately ending up with this sort of architectural approach with four or five females all dressed in black with black hats, not looking too happy about the world. 

Suddenly one of them breaks the queue when I'm focused up all ready to go, pure luck. She breaks the queue and the dame next to her gives her a pretty demoniac look wondering why, and we took a picture. That was it, it broke up. 

There's an awful lot of luck in photography. Sheer luck! It sort of makes the situation. That's photography, you couldn't do it any other way.''

Meat queue, [1946] / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19507505, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

In attributing the capture of that moment to 'luck' Max Dupain demonstrated the reserve and genuine self-doubt any good photographer is plagued by. You can have an 'eye' for capturing something, anticipate what may unfold in a few seconds and hope the frame clicks at that precise moment to catch that, but any photographer worth their salts will tell you a lot of what you work and plan for also comes down to 'getting it' and still knowing if you have that doing so was a fluke. Others may think you're wonderful and brilliant and displaying in your personality all the attributes of a 'good Australian' in your choice of subjects and the epitomical captures gained, but your own assessment is usually 'they're ok', or "lucky shot - a fluke'. For any 10-20 pictures you take to 'get it' - what you have in your minds' eye is there to be communicated - one or two may be close to what you were aiming for.

Despite his own feeling about his work, Max was awarded an OBE for his outstanding services to photography on December 31st 1981 and an AC in the Australia Day Honours list of 1992 -  'In recognition of service to the visual arts, particularly through photography'. His passion for Architecture photography meant he became an honorary fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in 1980.

The other aspect of this statement about a photograph printed years after it was first taken, sees this particular image, when signed by Max, still changing hands for almost 5 thousand dollars even today. Max may have been a photographer who was always unsure of his work achieving what he set out to get, but iconic photography, when taken by an iconic photographer, retains its value.

The images taken for the queues series also features lines for buses and those routes he would have known existed; commuters catching one of these would have had Narrabeen, Palm Beach or Newport as their destination. In knowing to hone in on these he is using his knowledge of his 'other home'  to 'get' what he knows will be there. Interestingly then, as now, a lot of people are boarding the bus that goes north of Newport - the amount of weekender cases being carried by some passengers would indicate Max chose a pre- holiday occasion to 'get the shot' - the first two were taken at Wynyard Square, the third version of bus queues at The Spit:

Newport Bus and Palm Beach Bus queue 1946 SLNSW_FL19476735

Narrabeen bus queue SLNSW_FL19492687

Bus queue, the Spit, 1946 / photographed by Max Dupain  SLNSW_FL19400124

However, it is clear from the enormous cache of informal images of his family members, that his loved ones were what mattered to Mr. Dupain the most. Some people aren't verbose; they articulate themselves and what they feel inside through other means. For Max Dupain that was through the medium of photography, to the point where this was a constant other breath in him and from him and by him, even if part of that was a persistent 'could have done it better' anchor to living a grateful and real life. 

It is worth noting that despite his prominent career, and that of his father, the Dupains did not feature in 'society' pages or images throughout their lives; Max stayed behind the camera, not in front of it, unless he was a subject for photography by his peers during their student years and early ventures into commercial photography. The Dupains on both sides of the family, maternal and paternal, especially during their 'other home' at Newport decades, were a group of people immersed in family with little or no need of others, despite their hosting of many at the seaside cottage.

Their daughter Danina, who has her dad's nose, married Malcolm Anderson in 1974, soon making her parents grandparents - their son Duncan has the Dupain talent for creativity. 

Diana and Maxs' son Rex became an Artist and is another great Photographer. is mother's nature shines from him, as much as his own.

Maxwell Spencer Dupain passed away July 27, 1992, aged 81. Diana, passed away March 3rd, 2012, aged 90. 

Max on Bungan Beach, circa 1938, all lit up with sunshine. Photo courtesy State library of NSW

How can Pittwater best celebrate and honour this great gift of these glimpses into his and our past? He did, after all, give us a glimpse into Newport and Pittwater from 1923/24 on.

By sharing a sample of the thousands of photos he took of our area, commencing with another of his photos many in Pittwater have said surpasses 'Sunbaker' and which they have a framed copy of in their own home - which is the greatest compliment you can give to any artist; house their works in your home.

All these are among his whole gamut of subjects and the photographs, along with the thousands of Newport and Pittwater to Manly captures, available online in the State Library of New South Wales, and well worth a peruse for their charting the changes of the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula.

In closing, a few more Pittwater visions from the work of Max Dupain:

At Newport, 1952 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19493488, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Pittwater, 1930-1949 / photographed by Max Dupain, courtesy State Library of NSW, The Mitchell Library

Sundown at Mona Vale Marshes, 1932

Bungan Head, early 1930s and other Bungan beach shots below - clearly taken during cooler months / photographed by Max Dupain. Items: SLNSW_FL19497872, SLNSW_FL19497873 and SLNSW_FL19497875

'After the Picnic at Narrabeen Lake, 1937' / photographed by Max Dupain. Additional information on glassine bag read, "Near Narrabeen Lake, 1937" and "MD Land p 24/25". Item: SLNSW_FL19487903, courtesy State Library of NSW

Camping scene at Narrabeen, shows David Moore, [circa 1937] / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19438543 and SLNSW_FL19438534, courtesy State Library of NSW

 Narrabeen, Deep Ck [Creek, 1930s-1940s] / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19428804, courtesy State Library of NSW

September 1938 Advertisement in Pacific Islands Monthly magazine - the image is from a series taken of the school and the children 'at work' by Newport Photographer Max Dupain. This series may have been taken soon after Quest Haven Schools P/L was established

Primary School, Mona Vale, photographed by Max Dupain, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales Items: c22451_0006_c to c22451_0016_c. Sample of these shared here:

Primary School, Mona Vale, photographed by Max Dupain, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Primary School, Mona Vale, photographed by Max Dupain, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Mona Vale landscape, 1939 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19489391, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Narrabeen camp site, 1940s / photographed by Max Dupain, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Item: SLNSW_FL19437581

Warriewood, 1940-1949 / photographed by Max Dupain, courtesy State Library of NSW, The Mitchell Library

Newport Beach, circa 1935-1940 SLNSW_FL19501137, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales - Max also took a photo of the old pool near crossways at Newport reef:

Newport, 1950s / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19500752, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Palm Beach golf course, and surrounds circa 1934, by Max Dupain. Items: SLNSW_FL19439419 and SLNSW_FL19493408, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

 Palm Beach,1930s / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19501367, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Palm Beach, [1940s] / photographed by Max Dupain. Items:SLNSW_FL19493046,  SLNSW_FL19493047, SLNSW_FL19493049, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Palm Beach camping area in Gov. Phil. Park, circa 1945-1950. photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19437580, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Barrenjoey from air, December 1953 / photographed by Max Dupain. Items: SLNSW_FL19440144, SLNSW_FL19440134, SLNSW_FL19440143 and SLNSW_FL19440148

 Black and white of North Narrabeen Beach Team (Juvenile), shows boys in surf lifesaving squad, ca. 1950 / photographed by Max Dupain & Associates. Item: SLNSW_FL14224683, courtesy Stte Library of NSW

Picnic at Mona Vale and horse at Narrabeen, ca. 1954 / photographed by Max Dupain

References - Extras

1. Helen Ennis, 'Dupain, Maxwell Spencer (Max) (1911–1992)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/dupain-maxwell-spencer-max-27243/text34760
2. TROVE - National Library of Australia
3. Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Newport
4. 'Longa Linga' at Church Point - the John Lander Browne Pre-WWII designed linear home for an aunt
5. A Historic Catalogue and Record Of Pittwater Art I – Of Places, Peoples And The Development Of Australian Art And Artists: Artists and Artists Colonies
6. Famous Detective Stories: True Tales Of Australian Crime
7. The Baird family of Mona Vale - the Wentworths of Newport
8. Ennis, Helen. Interview with Max Dupain at his home in Castlecrag, Sydney, on 1 August 1991. Max Dupain Photographs Exhibition 16 Nov 1991 – 27 Jan 1992, National Gallery of Australia. Retrieved from: https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/max-dupain/
9. Newton, Gael. “In Search of the Native: Photographs by Max Dupain and Eduardo Masferré and Their Contemporaries.” Artonview, no. 26 (2001): 51–56.
10. Max Dupain and the Photography of Australian Architecture https://eprints.qut.edu.au › ...  PDF by A Boddy · 1996 
11. Adrian Boddy, PON Profile of the Week, June 2015, Issue 219
12. Damien Parer – a Bungan Beach and WWII War Photographer
13. Brock's The Oaks - La Corniche from 1911 to 1965: Rickards, A Coffee King, A Progressive School, a WWII Training Ground
14. The Black Swamp Camping Reserve becomes Kitchener Park, Beeby Park & Mona Vale Golf Course
15. The Mona Vale-Bungan Beach-Bayview tank traps: Coastal Defences of Pittwater during World War Two - Some History
16. Pittwater Summer Houses: The Cabin, Palm Beach - The Pink House Of The Craig Family

Some of Max Dupain's 'jobs' on Pittwater Architecture

Sample only - there are a LOT more of these in the archives - NB: the 'Job No' increments - thousands of commissions completed. 

House at Clareville for Mr & Mrs Richard Foot, 1948, Items: SLNSW_FL1502261, SLNSW_FL1502263 and SLNSW_FL1502269, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

House at Narrabeen Heights for Mr Louis Clay, 1948 Photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL1502203

At Palm Beach, Mrs Craig's house, [1930s-1980s] / photographed by Max Dupain Additional information on notepaper in envelope read, "Pacific Rd. Palm Beach: Ellice Nosworthy Architect". Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW. Album available at: https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/9O4zMPyn/ll0DPX7GKQR45 

Ashley Buckingham's house, Mitala Road, Newport (next door to RPAYC), ca. 1954 / photographs by Max Dupain, Items: SLNSW_FL16322095 and SLNSW_FL16322094, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Dr S. Fink house, Queens Parade, Newport, colour, ca. 1950 / photographed by Marcell Seidler of Max Dupain & Associates Ltd, Items: SLNSW_FL14229151 and SLNSW_FL14229150, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. Marcel Seidler (1919 -1985) was the son of Max Seidler and Rose Seidler and brother to Harry. Dr. Fink's Newport house was designed by Harry.

Harry Seidler AC OBE (25 June 1923 – 9 March 2006) was an Austrian-born Australian architect who is considered to be one of the leading exponents of Modernism's methodology in Australia and the first architect to fully express the principles of the Bauhaus in Australia. Harry Seidler designed about 119 buildings, with as many as 96 being built in his home state of New South Wales in Australia.

Harry was born in June 1923 in Vienna Austria, the son of a Jewish clothing manufacturer Max Seidler (1888-1971) and his wife Rose nee Schwarz (1892-1967). He fled as a teenager to England soon after Nazi Germany occupied Austria in 1938. His brother Marcel Seidler (1919-1977) was already living and working in England at this time and helped arranged for his brother and later his parent's refugee status in England.

 Taylor house ‘Moonya’, Palm Beach Road, Palm Beach, ca. 1953 / photographs by Max Dupain. Items: SLNSW_FL16319450 and SLNSW_FL16319451

Job no. 2952: Eurobodalla Home at Barrenjoey Road, Newport, June 1957 / photographs by Max Dupain, Items: SLNSW_FL16358229 and SLNSW_FL16358221 , courtesy  Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. See: Eunice Minnie Stelzer

Job no. 4750: Duffield-Young home units at Mona Vale (at end of Golf avenue on beach), exteriors and interior, May 1962 / photographs by Max Dupain. Photographs taken for: JW Thompson / CSR (BMD). Items SLNSW_FL16364214 and  SLNSW_FL16364213 - interestingly in one of the interior shots you can see, in the3 distance, the Mona Vale Hospital construction occurring:

Flats at Newport photographed by Max Dupain:

Family Notes, Notices and Incidentals

Max's Marriages:

9007/1939 DUPAIN MAXWELL SPENCER COTTON OLIVE EDITH HORNSBY

22138/1944 DUPAIN MAXWELL SPENCER ILLINGWORTH DIANA PALMER CHATSWOOD

DUPAIN—FARNSWORTH.—April 30, at St. John's Church, Ashfield, by the Rev. A. Yarnold, George Zephirin, eldest son of George Zephirin Dupain, of Charenton, Ashfield, to Ena, only daughter of Susan and the late Henry Farnsworth, Rothsay, Ashfield. Family Notices (1910, May 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28142722 

DUPAIN — FARNSWORTH. — At St. John's Church, Ashfield, on April 30, George Zepherin, eldest son of Mr. George Zepherin Dupain, of "Charenton," Ashfield, was married to Ena, only daughter of the late Henry Farnsworth and Mrs. Farnsworth, of ''Rothsay," Ashfield. The church was decorated by the church committee and girl friends of the bride, a wedding bell being suspended from an arch. Rev. A. Yarnold performed the wedding ceremony. The bride, who was given away by her eldest brother, wore a trained gown of ivory Indian silk over glace, with a yoke and collar of point lace, and trimmed with pearl and chrystal embroidery. She also wore an embroidered Brussels net veil over a coronet of orange blossoms, and carried a bouquet of heath and Eucharis lilies. The bouquet and a pearl and peridot pendant were the gifts of the bride-groom. There were two bridesmaids, Miss Sylvia Jones and Miss Jeannie Dupain. They wore dresses of pale blue crepe-de-chine over paillette, and black picture hats with black and blue plumes. They carried bouquets of dark red cactus dahlias and autumn leaves, and wore earrings, both the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. Cecil Norton was best man. 

Mrs. Farnsworth, the bride's mother, wore black paillette over glace, trimmed with jet, and carried a posy of mauve orchids and chrysanthemums. Mrs. Dupain, mother of the bridegroom, wore black satin charmeuse over glace, trimmed with jet. At the conclusion of the ceremony a reception was held at "Rothsay," the residence of the bride's mother. The wedding breakfast was held in a large marquee erected on the lawn. Later the newly-married couple left for Kiama on the honeymoon, the bride wearing a grey coat and skirt, and a blue moire hat with white wings and velvet. WEDDINGS. (1910, May 21). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239411075 

DUPAIN, Ena.—October 28, greatly loved wife of George and mother of Max. Privately cremated. Family Notices (1952, October 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18288692 

Deaths:

Dupain Francois Hypolite 1809? 21 Sep 1869 60 son of Jaques & Marie A; born in France. Interred at Rookwood Anglican NSW Zone B A, 0974

Dupain Ann 1826? 5 Jul 1875 49 dau/George; b. France; wife of Francois Hypolite. Interred at Rookwood Anglican NSW Zone B A, 0974

Dupain Dorothy 14 Aug 1953 dau/Thomas F Edgar & Grace (Littler)

Dupain Francois Henri (Harry) 19 Aug 1889 24 Sep 1959 70 son of George Zephirin & Emily Janet (Mortley); b. Ashfield NSW; husband Dorothy (Edgar) & Edith Clarice (Astridge) Unknown Private Cremation

Dupain George Zephirin 1882 18 Dec 1958 76? Son of George Zephirin & Emily Janet (Mortley); b. Burwood NSW; h/Thomasine Jane (Farnsworth) Cremation

Dupain (Ena Farnsworth) Thomasine Jane 1884 28 Oct 1952 68? daughter of Henry & Susan; b. Newtown NSW; w/George Zephirin - Cremation

Parents Marriage: 467/1876 FARNSWORTH HENRY to HAWTHORNE SUSAN A at SYDNEY - Henry's father was Andrew William Farnsworth. Henry passed away in 1904 - Notice below. 

Susan born: HAWTHORNE SUSAN A41/1854 V185441 53 to JAMES and JANE registered at: JP(Presbyterian Sydney, St Lawrence's).

Susan passed away in 1940: FARNSWORTH SUSAN AMELIA 14931/1940 JAMES JANE at PETERSHAM

Dupain,  Maxwell Spencer 22 Apr 1911 27 Jul 1992 81 son of George Zephirin & Thomasine J (Farnsworth); b. Ashfield NSW; husband of Olive Edith (Cotton) & Diana Palmer (Illingworth)

DUPAIN—September 21st, at his residence, Newtown Road, after a long and painful illness, François Hypolite Dupain, aged 60 years, native of France. Family Notices (1869, October 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13193150 

THE FRIENDS of the late Mr. FRANCIS HYPOLITE DUPAIN are invited to attend his Funeral, to move from his late residence, Newtown Road, on THURSDAY AFTERNOON, at half-past 2 o'clock. J. and G.  SHYING, Undertakers, 719, George-street, opposite Christ Church. Family Notices (1869, September 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13179497 

DUPAIN.—July 5, at her residence, Newtown Road, Ann, the widow of the late Francois Hypolite Dupain, of La Mothe, St. Hêraye, Deux Sêvres, France, aged 49 years, of disease of  the heart. Family Notices (1875, July 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13356938 

THE FRIENDS of Mr. GEORGE DUPAIN are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his late beloved MOTHER, Ann, to move from her late residence, Newtown Road, Darlington, on WEDNESDAY MORNING, at half-past 8 o'clock, for the Necropolis. SHYING and CO., 719, George-street ; 120, Oxford-street. Family Notices (1875, July 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13356585 

PUBLIC NOTICES. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES. ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION.

In the Estate and Effects of ANN DUPAIN, late of Sydney, in the colony of New South Wales, Widow, deceased, intestate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, after the expiration of fourteen days from the date of the publication thereof in the New South Wales GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. application will be made to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, that Administration of all and singular the estate and effects of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to GEORGE ZEPHIRIN DUPAIN, son and next of kin of the said deceased.

Dated this twelfth day of July, An. 1879.

SPAIN and SLY, Proctors for the Applicant, 6 and 3, Exchange, Sydney. Advertising (1875, July 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13356998 

GILES—DUPAIN.—July 11, at St. James's Church, by the Rev. W. Hough, Arthur Lewis, eldest surviving son of John Giles, of Sydney, to Marie, eldest daughter of the late Francois Hyppolite Dupain, of Stanmore. Family Notices (1879, August 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28390104 

FARNSWORTH.—July 9, at Newtown, of meningitis, Elsie Jane, beloved infant daughter of Henry and Susan A. Farnsworth, aged 8 months. Family Notices (1879, July 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13438462

On Wednesday afternoon the funeral of the late Mr. Henry Farnsworth, of Rothsay, Altstreet, Ashfield, and a member of the firm of Farnsworth and Co , Sussex-street, took place. The remains were conveyed first to St John's Church, where the Rev Alfred Yarnold conducted a short service Afterwards the funeral party followed the body to its last resting place at Rookwood, where it was interred The attendance of mourners was very large, and every produce business in Sussexstreet almost without exception, was represented Great numbers of wreaths were sent by city business houses 

Mr Andrew Farnsworth, sen., father of deceased, was chief mourner, and amongst others who attended were Messrs Gordon, Clarence, and Andrew Farnsworth sons of deceased, Messrs W and R Farnsworth (brothers), Messrs J Stuart Hawthorne, M L A , S Hawthorne, and T Halloran (brothers-in-law), and a large number of well-known commercial men. The Rev J S Cawte officiated at the graveside The deceased was a widely known and popular man in the commission agency business, and was as widely respected. He leaves a widow, three sons, and a daughter. PERSONAL. (1904, February 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14602470

FARNSWORTH.—August 31, 1910 at his residence, Melrose, Renwick-street, Marrickville, Andrew William Farnsworth, senior, aged 85 years At rest. By request, no flowers. Family Notices (1910, September 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15183398

FARNSWORTH. - September 4, 1940, at Braeside, Stanmore, Susan Amelia, widow of the late Henry Farnsworth, of Ashfield, in her 86th year. Privately interred. Family Notices (1940, September 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27947124

FARNSWORTH.—The Funeral of the late ANDREW WILLIAM FARNSWORTH, of "Maroomba," 108 Edinburgh-road, Marrickville, will leave W. N. Bull's Funeral Parlours, 164 King-street, Newtown, THIS (Monday) AFTERNOON, at 1.30, for Church of England Cemetery, Rookwood (via Newtown Station). Friends alight No. 1 Platform. W. N. BULL, Funeral Director. Family Notices (1924, April 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28074016

RE will of ELIZABETH MAUD FARNSWORTH, late of Strathfield, but formerly of North Sydney, widow, deceased.— Probate granted by Supreme Court of New South Wales on 25th February, 1955.—Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1940, Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1938, and Trustee Act, 1925-1940, Perpetual Trustee Company (Limited), the executor of the will of the said Elizabeth Maud Farnsworth, who died on 8th September, 1954, herelty gives notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased axe required to send particulars of their elaims to the said executor of 33-39 Hunter-street, Sydney, on or before the 3rd day of June, 1955, at the expiration of which time the said executor will distribute the assets of the said deceased to the persons entitled, having regard only to the claims of which it then has notice.—Dated this 15th day of March, 1955. HENRY DAVIS & SONS, Proctors for Perpetual Trustee Company (Ltd.), A. G. Armytage, Managing Director. 936—£1 5s.RE will of ELIZABETH MAUD FARNSWORTH, late of (1955, April 1). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 942. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220300004

George Zephirin Dupain (1850 - 1927)

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on 1850 to Francois Hypolite Dupain and Ann Hunt. George Zephirin Dupain married Emily Janet Mortley and had 4 children. He passed away on 16 Dec 1927 in Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia.

Parents: Francois Hypolite Dupain (1809 – 1869) born in  St. Heraye, Deux Sevres, France – married Ann Hunt (1826 – 1875) born in Long Crendon  in Buckinghamshire, England

DUPAIN—MORTLEY.—Jan. 18, Ashfield, by the Rev. Dr. Corlette, George Zephirin Dupain to Emily Janet Mortley. Family Notices (1882, February 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28379478 

DUPAIN—MORTLEY.—January 18, at St. John the Baptist's Church, Ashfield, by the Rev. Dr. Corlette, assisted by the Rev.J. Barnier, George Zephirin, only son of the late Francois Hyppolite Dupain, of La Mothe, St. Heraye, Deux Sevres, France, to Emily Janet, eldest daughter of Joseph William Mortley, of Ashfield. Family Notices (1882, January 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13504116 

Children:

• George Zephirin Dupain 1882 - 1958 - father of Max
• William Mortley Dupain 1887 - 1959
• Jeannie M Dupain 1884 - Unknown
• Francois Henri Dupain 1889 - 1959

Zephirin Surname Meaning​​ French and West Indian (mainly Haiti) (Zéphirin): from the French personal name Zéphirin from Latin Zephyrinus based on Greek Zephyros and borne by an early pope (served from 199 to 217) who became a saint of the Catholic Church.

DUPAIN.—December 5, at her residence, Crendon, Parramatta-road, Ashfield, the wife of G. Z. Dupain, of a daughter. Family Notices (1885, January 3). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 43. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163274704 

LOST, getting out of tram, Lady's WATCH and Railway Season Ticket; reward. Mr. Dupain, W. Gardiner and Co., York-st. Family Notices (1896, December 3). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108213980 

BURNE - DUPAIN. - On January 18, at St. John's, Ashfield, by the Rev. Alfred Yarnold, B.A., Dangar, eldest son of Dr. Alfred Burne, Waverley, to Jeannie, only daughter of Mr. G. Z. Dupain, Ashfield.  Family Notices (1912, February 17). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239060063 

DUPAIN- The Funeral of the late Mr GEORGE ZEPHIRIN DUPAIN, Sen, will leave his late residence, Rose Bank 158 Parramatta-road, Ashfield, THIS DAY SATURDAY, at 2.45, for Church of England Cemetery (Section AAAA), Rookwood. Motor Funeral. W. CARTER, Undertaker, Waverley. Family Notices (1927, December 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16427246 

HARRIS. - The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. W. T. HARRIS, of Victoria-road, North Sydney, are invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved HUSBAND (late of Dupain Institution); to leave Christ Church, Lavender Bay, THIS DAY, after service commencing at 2 p.m., for Church of England Cemetery, Northern Suburbs. T. J. ANDREWS, Funeral Director. 94-96 Walker-street, North Sydney.  Phones L2873, X3033.  Family Notices (1936, April 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17322599 

DUPAIN.—August 21, 1944, at a hospital, Emily Janet, relict of the late George Z. Dupain, beloved mother of George, Jeannie (Mrs. Burne), William, and Harry, aged 83 years. Privately interred August 22, 1944. Family Notices (1944, August 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17918171

The first Mayor Camden, Frederick Henry Burne, who bought the land alongside Avalon Beach during the sell off of J J Therrys' holding, had a brother who was a member of the RPAYC and whose son was a visitor to Pittwater as a member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and who competed in Pittwater Regattas. His son also married the sister of George Zephirin Dupain, father of Max:

The Prince Alfred' Yacht Club held their annual meetings in the Club Rooms, Moore street, on Thursday evening last, Mr. W. M. Marks, vice-commodore presiding. The annual report and balance sheet showed that the club was still flourishing. The number of yachts-on the register was 39, and the membership' roll showed 210. Bona was the most successful yacht, winning the cups presented by the ' vice-commodore and rear-commodore, the championship of club and prize money ,pf . £47 5s. Among the other' 'Successful ones were Petrel, £43 Is ; Fleetwing, £34 13s ; Culwulla, £30 9s ,; Heather, £27 6s ; Aoma, £ai. The Fleetwing holds the Commodore 1OQ Guinea Cup. The receipts for the season amounted to £2638 9s 2d. Of this sum the takings of the bar, billiard tables, etc., in the club -rooms was £2010 1s 9d, and subscriptions and entrance fees £242 1s. The expenditure totalled £2213 2s 8d, the principal items being liquors, etc., £928 5s 5d, club room furniture £120 Is 9d, rent, wages and steamer hire -£898 7s, prize money' £252. 

It is very interesting to note that out of a total income of £2038 the subscriptions and entrance fees' for races' only provided the insignificant sum of £242, and the prize money paid only amounted to £252, out of a total expenditure of £2213. 

The club has outgrown the primary objects of its formation— that of promoting the interests' of yachting in our waters, and as the work of managing such a gigantic concern in clubdom, it was found necessary to engage the services of a secretary who will be in receipt of a salary, to which office Mr.. L. H. Wyatt has been appointed. Mr. Sid Dempster, who has been a tower of strength to the club as house secretary, and Messrs. A C Jewett and L. C. Waterman, both good men, have retired from their various positions, owing to the appointment of the salaried official. The following are the officers for the ensuing season :— Commodore, S. Hordern, vice commodore W. M. Marks ; rear-commodore C. T.Brockhoff ; hon. treasurer, J. J. Rouse ; general committee S M Dempster, C. L. Garland. A. W. Crane, A. R. Marks, C. E; Waters, L C Waterman ; handicap committee, F. S. Adams, W. M. Calvert, F. W. J. Donovan; House committee; Dr A Burne, W M: Marks, S. M. Dempster, T. E. Tillock, J. Macintosh ; library committee. F J. Empson, L: C. Waterman, E. E. Gray, auditors; J R Stutter and L. Tange. SAILING. (1902, September 17). Sydney Sportsman (Surry Hills, NSW : 1900 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167263507 

SYDNEY WEDDING.
DR. A. DANGAR BURNE TO MISS J. DUPAIN.

At St. John's Church, Ashfield, on Thursday afternoon, Miss Jeannie M. Dupain, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Z. Dupain, of "Charenton," Ashfield, was married to Dr. A. Dangar Burne, elder son of Dr. and Mrs. A. A. Burne, of "Kinella," Waverley, Rev. Alfred Yarnold being the officiating clergyman. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a beautiful gown of ivory white satin charmeuse, with an overdress of ninon. Her shower bouquet, which, with a rubv and pearl pendant, was the bridegroom's gift. Miss Fairy Bvrne, who was bridesmaid, wore a pretty frock of white Organdi muslin over satin, inlet with Valenciennes and Cluny lace. Her white lace hat was trimmed with pink roses. Her bouquet of pink roses and diamond ring were the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. C. B. Dibbs was best man. 

After the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Dupain entertained the guests' at their residence. Those present included—Dr. and Mrs. A. A. Burne, Mr, and Mrs. H. T. Morton, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jones, Mr. H. Dupain, Mr. and Mrs. Yarnold, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Mortley, Mr. and Mrs. A. Fisher, Mr. E. Fisher, and Miss Belshaw. Later the bride and bridegroom left on their honeymoon, the bride wearing a coat and skirt of blue silk crepe, and a white and green hat. SYDNEY WEDDING. (1912, January 25). Punch (Melbourne, Vic. : 1900 - 1918; 1925), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175614397

PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

REMEDIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL.

HOMES VISITED. C. ‘’MAX" COTTON, B.Sc.,

LATE ASSISTANT DUPAIN INSTITUTE.

Write for particulars. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY. Advertising (1913, July 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15437598 

THE DUPAIN INSTITUTE (Founded 1900)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND MEDICAL GYMNASTICS.

Devoted to the Scientific Study of Health and Nutrition. Curriculum for men, women, and children embraces:-Normal Physical Education: Medical Gymnastics for skeletal, muscular, and organ lo deficiencies: natural and recreational gymnastics; games: indoor athletic training, fencing, boxing, etc. Special exercises for women and exercise« and treatment for men and women over 50. All treatment supervised and planned scientifically.

Individual and group tuition.

Dietetic and Nutrition Service: Consultative and Professional Training. Diet« and nutritional «tandan!« checked.

PRINCIPAL: GEORGE Z. DUPAIN.

Manning Building. 449a Pitt Street, Sydney._'Phone, MA3344. Advertising (1942, January 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17782932 

Old Ships and Old Times.
Mr. Farnsworth's Recollections.

Another veteran of ' the Street ' is Mr. Farnsworth. He went to sea in New South Wales in 1840, and later he gravitated into business. Mr. Farnsworth's sailorising was done around the coast, and in those days the trade of the coast was with Wollongong, Kiama, the Hawkesbury, the Hunter, and the Macleay. The Clarence River was known as the Big River, and there was a little done with it, the South Coast being the chief trade. A few years after Mr. Farnsworth began Shoalhaven and Moruya came into prominence, and presently a number of settlers migrated from the Paterson and the Hunter to the Manning, which thus entered the race. 

The fleet consisted almost entirely of small sailing vessels that dodged along the coast, bringing produce to Sydney, as well as cedar, which came from all sorts of places then, and taking back stores. The vessels were from 14 to 40 ton cutters, ketches, and schooners. What they were like Mr. Farnsworth illustrates from the fact that when he walked down a plank extending from a heap of stones where Huddart Parker's wharves now are, on to the schooner Lark, upon which he was about to ship, that packet heeled over with his weight to meet him, and he had some qualms as to going to sea in her. The Lark, 14 tons, commanded by Daniel Angus, was the first vessel to go over the Tweed bar, and when she got into that beautiful river — which by the way ought to be much more visited by those who revel in glorious scenery - Captain Angus found the district already occupied by timber-getters who had worked over from the Richmond.

SOME EARLY STEAMERS. 

The steamers that were running in the colony when Mr. Farnsworth's experiences commenced were the Maitland of 150 to 200 tons, the Sophia Jane of smaller tonnage, and the William IV., of about 100 tons. About 1840-41 Mr. Kough built a steamer called the Victoria, up the Hunter, a mile or two above Raymond Terrace. One very old identity in the trade of those days was Laurence O'Toole, who ran the cutter Bee, of about 13 tons, to Kama, and about '43 Mr. John Kellick put a natty schooner from England, of abont 50 tons, in the Wollongong trade. The coal seams could be seen in the cliffs along the coast, but no one thought of using them. There were no lighthouses on the coast then, but at Newcastle there was a coal fire, kept going by Government men, on the top of the hill, as a beacon for vessels. Besides this there was a light on the South Head of Port Jackson. Large supplies of potatoes were brought up from Wollongong, and when that supply began to die off, from Shoal haven and Moruya. From the Hawkesbury and the Hunter the boats brought in maize and melons. When this produce did come, it was taken, as now, to Sussex-street. A great deal of maize, and a great many pigs, came then from New Zealand, the maize grown by the Maories coming in flax kits. 

There were no forts in Sydney harbour when Mr. Farnsworth began sailing in and out of it, and it was not till some time later that the picturesque martollo tower of Fort Denison was erected on Pinchgut, as the result of a scare. Of course there were no docks then, and where the Circular Quay is now were the rock-bound shores of Sydney Cove. When ships wanted to land cargo or passengers, long stages were run out to these rocks, and over them everything had to be taken. There were rough wharfs belonging to Walker, Lamb and Parbury, Aspinal and Brown, and Moore. The chief business was done about Walker's and Lamb and Parbury's wharfs, and at Circular Quay, where on the west side was what was known as tie Queen's Wharf. OLD-TIME OCEAN LINERS. Of the larger vessels of the day were three or four vessels belonging to Daniel Egan, which used to trade to Hobart. The Marian Watson, a schooner of about 180 tons, was one. The only holiday that was observed by the few people in Sydney was the Anniversary Day, which then, as now, was the great regatta day. On that day the mosquito fleet came in from the coast and raced against each other, or took picnic parties round the wild shores of the port, while the rest of the population flocked down to the point at Fort Macquarie to see the racing. The largest ship Mr. Farnsworth can remember in those days was the Alfred, of 700 odd tons, which came from England, and half Sydney used to go down to gaze on the mammoth:. 

The average of the big home ships then were from 300 to 500 tone. Governor Gipps, who ruled when Mr. Farnsworth began his career, went home in the Euwereta, of about 350 ton6. Though Anniversary Day was the only holiday popularly celebrated at the time of his beginning his sea life here, Mr. Farnsworth says that, soon after, the celebration of St. Patrick's Day was begun, and later still that of St. Andrew's Day. But, he adds, no one thought of honouring St. George. 

THE BIG BUILDINGS OF THE PAST. 

It was just before he came that Hyde Park ceased to be used as the racecourse, though it was still the great sports ground. The races had been removed to Petersham. As to the buildings of the city, when the still occupied Lyons' -terrace was being built in -Hyde Park, people used to come down and marvel at the folly of a man who could think of putting up so ' colossal ' a building and wonder what would be done with it. It was much the greatest building of it6 day. The building at the corner of Charlotte-place and George-street, erected by Mr. Sam Lyons as an auction mart, was another wonder. Where the police office is now in Lower George-street, Wilt shire's-buildings, just below Bathurst-street, put up in the middle of the thirties, were the biggest of their time. The public buildings were very ordinary affairs. It was not till the inauguration of the goldfields era and about the middle aud later fifties that the present style of building began to make its appearance. 

PIONEER SYDNEY TRADERS. 

So great and so overwhelming are the differences between the business and the city of to-day and that of the forties that Mr. Farnsworth pro fesses himself quite unable to attempt their description. Business then dealt- only with a few staples. The wants of the community had not developed, neither had its productions. Among the chief dealers of the earlier times he remembers were Thacker, Mason, and Co, general importers ; and Daniel Egan, largely engaged in the inter colonial trade. A Frenchman, M. Girard, whose mill was where the A.U.S.N. Co.'s place is, and. whose later premises passed into the hands of his / successor, M. Breillat, another miller, and, finally, Mr. Farnsworth believes, became a tobacco ' factory. Of the men of Sussex-street, Mr. Farnsworth mentions as pioneers Thomas M. Magner, a very old identity ; George Rattray and Henry Ferris, who came down from the Paterson. Later were G. D. Craig, and Grenfell and Sawkins. George Rattray was one of the earliest of the Sydney business men to earn the tribute of general f respect. 

Of a later but still past generation were Messrs. 'William Wright, a great shipper of maize to Melbourne in the sixties ; 0. B. Bond, who shipped butter to Melbourne, and was largely engaged in supplying the Hokitika rush with produce ; H. H. Beauchamp, who shipped maize largely for the Victorian market ; John Walter, also a maize shipper ; the brothers John and Robert Campbell, and Mr. Robert Campbell's old time partner Samuel Anderson, all big shippers ; Samuel Priestly, who dealt entirely in potatoes at first and then in general produce ; William Short, Thomas Bowman, Henry Prescott, who gave up business in '53, but went back to it again about 1866 and established the present firm ; and Nipper and See, who began about 30 years ago and went largely in for shipping and maize, and who are represented now by Mr. John See, late Colonial Treasurer. Then there is Mr. Henry Clarke, M.P., the oldest commission agent in Sussex street, and, it is said, the first in Sydney. Old Ships and Old Times. (1896, October 24). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 884. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163786748

The Produce Trade of Sydney.—Some Views of Sussex-street.

[Photo caption] SUSSEX-STREET, SHOWING THE GRAFTON WHARF AT NORTHERN END.

SUSSEX-STREET, THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS. ITS HISTORY AND PRESENT POSITION. 

Two landmarks of olden times are still to be seen in Sussex-street, near the eastern approach of the new Pyrmont Bridge. Thirty yards north of Market-street stands a one-storeyed brick cottage on the original solid rock. This dwelling is perched on a foundation far higher than that of the modern, up-to-date business premises, it being a height of 20ft from the level of the path-way of to-day to the floor of the verandah. The kitchen is at the rear, detached by several yards from the main building. The garden is formed of black soil, covering the original stratum of sandstone, and most of this earth and loam was carted over 40 years ago from Blackwattle Bay. The garden, which is approached from the street by a steep ascent of very broad steps cut in the pre-historic sandstone, shows in season the rich-ness of the imported soil by a lavish display of Jacarandas, red-rose climbers, ferns, bouvardias, carnations, chrysanthemums, scented green-flowered lilies, pink camellias, cockscombs, and scented verbena.

A few paces further north, in Sussex-street, are two cottages adjoining, also set on the original rock, the foundation being a moss-grown wall of sandstone, 7ft 6in higher than modern Sussex-street. These two cottages are built of the sand stock bricks, which were made by hand.

"THE STREET" IN 1837.

At the time of Queen Victoria's accession to the Throne, Sussex-street presented a long, rambling, and unfinished picture, as compared with the well-paved, though alternately very dusty and muddy, thoroughfare of to-day. This is now the great centre of dairy produce, fodder, and various other commodities, for New South Wales. Popularly it is known in the metropolis as "the street," and a busy scene it presents from early morning until midday on ordinary week days. There is a lull in the traffic during the dinner hour, and afterwards the hum of wheels is heard until 6 or 7 p.m. The traffic on Saturdays is almost nominal after 1 or 2 p.m. Few of the fashionable people of Potts' Point have any conception of the volume of business in Sussex-street. 

The procession of drays, waggons, and lorries north and south along the thoroughfare, or crossing it at right angles east and west, is unceasing in business hours; and sometimes during weeks at a stretch, in busy seasons, blocks are almost as frequent as those of hand-some equipages in Oxford-street, London. In the year 1837, only one market a week was held in Sydney, and markets were held in Parramatta only two or three times a year. Twenty-six years ago there were 23 commission and produce agents in Sussex-street; to-day there are about 130. Twenty-six years ago there was no produce store to speak of south of the corner of Market and Sussex streets. The store at the south-west corner of those streets is on the site of promises then occupied by Messrs. Gar-rad and Booth, commission agents and produce merchants. The capacious cellar beneath, and the adjoining ground at the back, were used as a timber yard by Messrs. Miller and Harrison. Mr. Andrew W. Farnsworth's recollections of "the street" go back sixty-one years. Fifty-six years ago there were only two Sydney agents in Sussex-street, namely, Mr. Thomas Magner and Mr. George Rattray. In 1879 several now places of business came into existence, owing to the great drought of that period causing de- mand for imported produce. Some of those started south of the Market-street intersection of Sussex-street. But the bulk of the business was formerly transacted north of Market-street, where are now abundant evidence of expanding trade in commodious buildings.

TRADE PRIOR TO WATERLOO. 

[Photo caption] NORTHERN END OF SUSSEX-STREET, LOOKING FROM MARGARET-STREET.

[Photo caption] SUSSEX-STREET, LOOKING SOUTH FROM THE UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY'S OFFICE.

The experience of the late Hon. George Thorn-ton, M.L.C., extended further back than that of any other Sydney merchant. He once informed a "Town and Country Journal" reporter that commercial life dawned in Sydney about 1815, the year of Waterloo. Before that the trade was in the hands of Government officers, military and civil.

The currency was limited, and rum was its basis. Business was carried on by slips of paper—usually "I promise to pay on demand. " There were no banks, the Bank of Australia not being instituted until 1826; but those slips, when signed by men of position, were as negotiable as bank notes. The scarce money currency was in Spanish dollars, valued each at 4s 4d, and in rupees at 2s 2d. The export of dollars threatened a currency famine, and a convict conceived the idea of punching out the centre of the Spanish dollar. His idea was adopted by Government, and he was rewarded with his freedom. The dump, or centrepiece, was placed in circulation as worth 1s 3d, and the perforated dollar was value for 3s 9d. These '"holey dollars" were secure from exportation, as no other country would take them. Thus a currency famine was averted.

TRADE IN HUMAN HEADS.

Although the subject does not appertain peculiarly to Sussex-street, it is of interest to state that human heads, beautifully tattooed, were articles of export in the early days. Some specimens even preserved the lifelike expression of the original owner. These gruesome articles of commerce came from New Zealand, and, in order to keep pace with the demand, some of the Maori chiefs made raids for the capture of slaves. These were artistically tattooed alive and then killed for the Sydney market, which in its turn supplied some of the museums of Europe.

BEFORE THE RAILWAY.

Strings of woodcarts came into "the street" to supply Sydney with fuel before the railway was built. This business is now conducted by auctioneers alongside the railway trucks, Darling Harbour Station. In those early days, the Hay-market was a large open area, where carts drove in from the country and drew up for the disposal of their loads.

The Produce Trade of Sydney.

1—Portion of Darling Harbour, Showing Wharf Loaded with Potatoes from Tasmania being Reshipped to Coastal Ports. 2, 3, and 4.—Unloading Produce from Interstate Steamers.

The Produce Trade of Sydney.—Business Premises in Sussex-street.

[Photo/caption] BUSINESS PREMISES OF MR. W. HERMON SLADE.

SYDNEY'S WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS.

The turnover in Sussex-street at present in maize is about 5000 bags per week, this being the average weekly complement when there is, as now, an abundant growth of grass over practically the whole State. During the exceptional dearth of grass and general hay-crops last season, the weekly turnover of maize in Sussex-street was no less than 12,000 to 15,000 bags. There are times when Sussex-street is supplied with potatoes locally grown, such as from the Clarence and other northern rivers, as well as from Ballarat, Colac,

[Photo/caption] THE N.S.W. PRODUCE COMPANY'S ESTABLISHMENT.

[Photo/caption] MESSRS. JAMES FAY AND COMPANY'S ESTABLISHMENT.

Warrnambool, New Zealand, and (packed in cases) from California; but at this season "the street's" sole source is Tasmania. Current values being low, Sydney's weekly consumption of Circular Head tubers is 20,000 bags; but in a dear July or early August, when these far-famed redskins and dark skins have risen to £5, £6, and £7 per ton, the weekly consumption by Sydney dwindles to 8000 to 10,000 bags. No very large figures can be adduced in the normal course of trade from Sydney inland for deals in local or interstate lucerne, chaff, or fodder generally, because it is customary for Sussex-street agents to catch the cheap six-ton rates by consigning to the country districts in "mixed trucks;" and of this loading it is not uncommon for household groceries to form a part. When eggs are cheap in Sussex-street— say, 7d to 9d per dozen wholesale—the weekly turnover is about 1200 cases, going 36 dozen to the case, or a little over half a mil-lion eggs; when of moderate price—say, 10d to 1s per dozen—only two-thirds; and when exceptionally dear, only one-third. When eggs are cheap in Sussex-street, by no means the whole of the purchases goes into immediate consumption, a large percentage being preserved and cold-stored—or the shells broken, and the contents frozen in tins—by private speculators, grocers,  pastrycooks, and biscuit-makers, until prices harden. Sydney's weekly requirements in but-ter total about 6000 boxes (of 56lb net in each box), or 150 tons. One of the largest high-class grocers' shops in Sydney retails about 500 dozen eggs per week when thEy are dear, and about 750 dozen when they are cheap. The same house retails from one and a half to two tons of the choicest fresh creamery butter per week, all in single pounds, in printed wrappers.

[Photo/caption] MESSRS. C. W. McFARLANE AND COMPANY'S PREMISES.

The Produce Trade of Sydney.—Some of the Representative Men of Sussex-street. [with photos] MR. N. HERBERT THROSBY. MR. W. C. ROBINSON. MR. HENRY PATESON. MR. GUSTAVE BOEHME. MR. T. C. DAVIS. MR. ANDREW WILLIAM FARNSWORTH.  MR. HENRY FARNSWORTH. MR. W. GRAHAM. MR. HARVIE COBCROFT.  MR. DANIEL GARRAD. MR. J. S. DAVIS. MR. VALENTINE HEATON. MR. ALFRED TAYLOR. MR. BARTHOLOMEW W. FOLEY. MR. C. E. D. MEARES. MR. JOHN SHEARWIN. HON. NICHOLAS HAWKEN, M.L.C. MR. PATRICK HOGAN. MR. JOHN CAMPBELL. MR. ROBERT LITTLE. MR. J. FOSTER. MR. THOMAS BOULTON PERRY. MR. THOS. DENT. MR. H. C. MATTHEWS. MR. GEO. WELLS. MR. F. J. McDONALD. SIR JOHN SEE. MR. W. WALKER. MR. H. J. FAIRBAIRN. MR. HARRY FOSTER. MR. JOSEPH BROADBENT  MR. WILLIAM OXBY. MR. J OWN McCLURE, MR. WILLIAM TAYLOR. MR. JOHN T. BARRETT. THE LATE MR. HENRY PRESCOTT.  MR. DONALD McFADYEN. MR. HENRY CLARKE, M.L.A. MR. FRANCIS CROCKER. CAPTAIN ROBERT CRAIG. MR. G. E. BRYANT. MR. W. HERMON SLADE. MR. M. SHEPPARD. MR. THOMAS McHUGH. MR. FRANK IRELAND. MR. S. J. OXLEY.  MR. JAMES FAY. MR. G. W. WALKER. MR. THOS. CLARKE. MR. CHARLES McFARLANE. 

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.

Mr. Henry Clarke, M.L.A. for Bega, is the "father" of the Sussex-street merchants, and attained his eighty-first birthday on June 22. He was born in a village called Maghera, in the county of Londonderry, Ireland, 10 miles from the River Bann; and sailed from Liverpool, England, in 1841, arriving in Sydney after a voyage of about 100 days. His son, Frederick Rayner Clarke, now carries on the Sussex-street business, under the style of Clarke and Company. Mr. John Campbell is a Highlander, from the Isle of Skye, and left Scotland in 1837. He started business in Sussex-street in 1853. Mr. Camp-bell explains that the reason why the produce business was first located in Sussex-street was because the Hunter River Company, which sub-sequently became the A.U.S.N. Company, com-menced operations at the foot of Margaretstreet. Nearly all the produce at that time came to Sydney from the Hunter, and the agents in Sydney who had the disposal of that produce started stores along Sussex-street, because it was convenient to the Hunter River Company's Wharf. Mr. Campbell rises daily at 6 a.m. at latest, commencing the day, winter and summer, with a cold bath, and indulging in another cold bath on returning home from business. He is a total abstainer, believing that the use of in-toxicating liquors should be restricted to ex-ceptional cases of sickness. 

Mr. Andrew William Farnsworth went to sea as a boy, and was at sea for 25 years. He arrived in Sydney from Hampshire, England, in 1840, and started here as a commission agent and produce merchant in 1864. Over 50 years ago, he was trading to the northern rivers in his own vessel, the schooner Susannah. His eldest son, Mr. Henry Farnsworth, has been in business with his father for 36 years.

[Photo/caption] MR. D. R. HUNTER.

[Photo/caption] MESSRS. D. R. HUNTER AND SON'S PREMISES.

Sir John See was born in Yelling, Huntingdonshire, England, and came from London to Sydney in October, 1852, with his parents, settling on the Hunter. In 1867 he migrated to the Clarence, and engaged in farming pursuits. Sir John returned to Sydney with Mr. George Nipper In 1864, when they started business as Messrs. Nip-per and See. Mr. Nipper, of North Botany, is no longer connected with the business, which has long been known all over Australia as John See and Company. Mr. Joseph Broadbent, the manager, was born in Parramatta-street, Sydney, and has been closely identified with the firm for twenty-five years.

[Photo/caption] MESSRS. CROCKER AND BARRETT'S BULK STORE. [Headline] The Produce Trade of Sydney.— Business Premises in Sussex-street.

The late Mr. H. Prescott, founder of H. Prescott and Company, arrived in Sydney in the forties, and early became associat-ed with the old Illawarra Company. He started in 1851 in Sussex-street as a produce and com-mission agent. Eleven years ago he retired; but he was not long allowed in the evening of life to enjoy a well-earned leisure in the society of his many friends, for nine years ago he was called to his final rest. Captain Robert Craig, senior partner in the firm, is a native of Ayr-shire, Scotland, and came to Australia in 1874 as pioneer captain for the E. and A. Company in the steamer Legislator. Mr. J. B. Wright became a partner in 1894; and Mr. J. B. Craig, son of Captain Craig, was admitted into partner ship four years ago. Mr. Bartholomew W. Foley is senior partner of Foley Brothers, the other brothers in the business being Mr. Michael Stephen Foley and Mr. Wm. A. Foley. Mr. Bartholomew Foley was born in Wollongong, Illawarra, the pioneer district of dairying industries in New South Wales, and, in fact, in the Commonwealth of Australia. Wollongong butter was a household word in New South Wales and Victoria when the diggings broke out in the early fifties. The business was started in 1864, in Sussex-street, at the northern end, near King-street; and a move was made eleven years ago to the present site in Sussex-street, near Liverpool street. Mr. Foley states that 39 years ago one could buy unimproved freehold land in Sussex-street at £15 to £20 a foot, some of which is held at the present day for £125 a foot. He relates that butter in the early days was mostly packed in kegs of a shape peculiar to New South Wales—white-bottomed tubs, narrowed at the top.

Mr. George Wells left Yarmouth, county Nor-folk, England, as a lad of 10 years, and led a seafaring life for nine years, trading first to China, India, Honolulu, and California. Later on, he sailed out of Sydney Harbour from Market Wharf, with Captain Roundtree, in the brig Lizzie Wobber, built in England by Mrs. Round-tree's father. Captain Roundtree, who died recently, was well-known in Balmain as a dock owner and contractor. The Victorian Gold Diggings rush was on when Mr. Wells was sailing in the Lizzie Webber, and she traded to Melbourne as a passenger boat. There were then only a couple if steamers doing the trip between Sydney and Melbourne. Mr. Wells started as an auctioneer at Redfern in 1860, and as a commission agent in Sussex-street in 1862. Six years ago, he entered into partnership with his son-in-law, Mr. H. C. Matthews, who was for fifteen years proprietor of the Acme roller flour mills in Bathurst. Mr. Wells occupied a seat at the council table of the Glebe for nine years, and Mr. Matthews was twice elected a member of the Council of Bathurst. Mr. Thos. H. Dent was born at Penrith in 1853, and began business as produce auctioneer and general selling agent in Sydney in 1875. He is the oldest selling agent at Redfern, having continuously sold without a break for

[Photo/caption] MR. WILLIAM HUNTER.

twenty-eight years. He joined with Mr. Thos. Boulton Perry, in 1882. Mr. Dent has often been asked to enter political life, but considers it interferes too much with business prospects. Mr. Perry was born in York-street, Sydney, near the site of the old barracks, in 1831. He started business as a storekeeper and forwarding agent in Murrurrundi thirty-two years ago. He related the following experience:—"My father John Perry, a Londoner—and Henry Rotton, of Bathurst, had the mail contract from Govern-ment, running from Sydney to Bathurst. This, of course, was before there was a railway in New South Wales. When the diggings broke out—Tu-ron, in 1851—my father and Rotton obtained the mail contract to the Turon. My father used to do his share, from Sydney to Hartley; and Rot-ton his, from Hartley to the Turon. The Turon diggings necessitated a special coach for the gold escort from Penrith to Sydney. There used to be four escorts, namely, a sergeant of police and three policemen, and no one else. The escort coach received the gold boxes in Phillip-street, Sydney, at the office. That particular coach was made specially. The hind seat lifted up, and there was a case made to contain three or four gold boxes. They took specie, and brought back gold. The gold included dust, splinters, and nug-gets. No passengers travelled from Sydney to Penrith with the gold escort, or back again in the morning, for some time. The first morning the gold escort left Penrith—from the Rose Inn—I drove it into Sydney, to Phillip-street. Yes, I can claim to have driven the first gold escort into Sydney."

[Photo/caption] MESSRS. CROCKER AND BARRETT'S OFFICES AND SALEROOM. The Produce Trade of Sydney.—Business Premises in Sussex-street.

[Photo/caption] MESSRS. T. C. DAVIS AND SON'S BUSINESS PREMISES.

Mr. W. C. Rollinson first put his name over a door in Sydney on June 20, 1810. He and Sir John See were playmates as children. Mr. Robinson's managing salesman, Mr. Wim. Graham, has been an alderman of the Borough of Darling-ton for 17 years consecutively, and has been identified with Mr. Robinson's business for 26 years. Mr. Thos. McHugh was born in Tuam, County Gal-way, Ireland, in 1835, and arrived in Sydney in 1859. He was employed for 4½ years in Sussex street, and then started business there with his brother, as T. and M. McHugh. The latter died in 1874. Mr. Patrick Hogan was born in the South of Ireland in 1835, within four miles of the cor-porate town of Nenagh, County Tipperary, and left home for New South Wales in 1861, by the Ironsides, a merchant ship. His first start was as assistant to a storekeeper at Hursley, on the Hastings. He commenced in Sussex-street in 1865. He first entered Parliament in 1884, for the Richmond River electorate, subsequently he was elected for the Macleay, and later for the Raleigh electorate, north of the Macleay and south of the Clarence. He was for seven years alderman and Mayor of the Borough of Waterloo.

[Photo/caption] PRODUCE DEPARTMENT OF MESSRS. DALGETY AND COMPANY, LIMITED. MESSRS. WALKER AND OXBY'S BUSINESS PREMISES.

[Photo/caption] MESSRS. PATESON AND COBCROFT'S BUSINESS PREMISES.

The Hon. Nicholas Hawken, M.L.C., was born in 1836, at Boscoppa, in the parish of St. Austell, Cornwall. England. He left Liver-pool in 1855, arriving in Melbourne after a pas-sage of ninety days by an American clipper, the Blanche Moore. He went to the Shoalhaven district, where he lived at a place then called Sweep's Paddock, now Pyree, on the banks of the Crookhaven River, which is an affluent of Shoalhaven Harbour. Since 1856 he has been identified with the produce trade in Sydney. He entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Joseph Edmund Vance, thirty-one years ago. Mr. Vance is a native of the Kiama district. Mr. Hawken was member for New-town from 1887 to 1892. Mr. J. Foster was 

The Produce Trade of Sydney. [Photo/caption] AN OLD HOUSE IN SUSSEX-STREET, SHOWING THE ORIGINAL LEVEL OF THE STREET.

born near Blandford, in Dorsetshire, England, and left London by the ship Parramatta in 1869, for New South Wales. He began business in Sussex-street twenty-five years ago. His eldest son, Mr. Harry Foster, is second senior partner and assistant manager. Messrs. P. and A. Foster, two younger sons, were admitted as junior partners in 1901. Mr. Thos. Clarke was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1846, and left for New South Wales in 1861. He commenced business in Sydney as commission agent and produce merchant in 1873. He has been an alderman for Redfern for twenty years. He first entered municipal life in 1873, when he was elected alderman for Broughton Vale Municipality. He was Mayor of Redfern for two and a half years, and was returned to Parliament in 1898 for Darlington as a freetrader. Mr. Valentine Heaton was born at Frogmore, near Penrith. This fine estate has been owned by the Heaton family for seventy years, and is still retained by them. He founded the firm of Heaton Brothers in 1863, in conjunction with his late brother, Edward Heaton. 

Mr. John Shearwin, manager of the Bodalla Company, left Ilkley, Yorkshire, in 1858 for New South Wales, coming out with the late Mr. T. S. Mort, and has been identified with the business ever since. The estate, which is 200 miles south of Sydney, is vested by special Act in a limited liability company, the sole share-holders in which are members of the late Mr. Mort's family.

Mr. Daniel Garrad, who was horn in Milton, in the Ulladulla district, started business in Sussex-street early in 1878 with Mr. Thos. Booth as Garrad and Booth. Two years ago Mr. Garrad accepted his present position as managing salesman for the N.S.W. Creamery Butter Company. Mr Booth, who retired from active business, now resides in the Liverpool district, on the southern line. Mr. Donald McFadyen, for 21 years connected with the Farmers' Co-operative Company, and its predecessors,-re- signed in 1902, in order to accept the position of manager of the Fresh Food and Ice Company. He was born in 1863 at Morpeth, on the Hunter. The Sydney branch of R. Hall and Son was opened in Sussex-street in 1890, under the management of Mr. Samuel James Oxley. He hails from Richmond, New South Wales, and was taken to Mud-gee when an infant. He was reared at Mudgee, and there acquired a knowledge of the milling business, which he followed until 1884, when he left for Sydney, and he has been in Sussex-street ever since.

[Photo/caption] HANDLING A BIG SHIPMENT OF CHAFF AT HUDDART, PARKER, AND COMPANY'S WHARF. (From a Flashlight Photo.)

The trustees of the estate of the late Jesse Ireland, of Newcastle, handed over to his son, Mr. Frank Ireland, who was born in Newcastle, the Sydney branch of the firm's business, previously managed by him on behalf of the trustees. Mr. Frank Ireland carries on the produce and agency business in Sussex-street on his own account, and acts as agent for the Newcastle business of the estate. Mr. George E. Bryant, a native of Liver-pool, New South Wales, senior member of the

[Photo/caption] ANOTHER RELIC OF THE PAST.

firm of Messrs. John Bridge and Company, Sus-sex-street, began his career in Sussex-street, in 1882, as manager of the grain, produce, and live-stock department for the late Mr. John Bridge, Mr. Bryant having previously occupied the post of sugar-salesman at the Circular Quay head of-fice. Seven years later, when the Sussex-street business was separated, Mr. Bryant and Mr. F. J. Gow became sole proprietors, and it remains the same to-day, but simply trading under the old name, as agreed upon. Mr. Robert Little, head of the firm of Messrs. Robert Little and Company, is a native of New South Wales, having been born in the Hunter River district, near Maitland. He started business in the grain trade 22 years ago, in Sussex-street. The firm, under the present name, has been in existence for 16 years.

Born at Kiama, and grandson of Rev. M. Devonish Meares, first Church of England minister in the Illawarra district, Mr. C. E. D. Meares is at home in the management of the Coastal Farmers' Co-operative Society. Twenty-two years spent in Sussex-street, in the co-operative movement, entitles him to a prominent place in our collection. Mr. N. Herbert Throsby, manager of the Berrima District Farm and Dalry Company, was born at Bong Bong, New South Wales, and was for a time a pupil at King's School, Parramatta. He left New South Wales in 1861 for England, continuing his education at Cheltenham College, under Bishop Barry. Mr. Throsby was articled to Mr. George Berkley, consulting engineer to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, and visited India as secretary to Mr. Berkley, when reporting on losses sustained by the company through the col-lapse of viaducts on the Ghauts, and bridges de-stroyed by floods. Mr. Throsby returned to New South Wales in 1868, and took up grazing and dairy-farming in the Berrima district. He was one of the first in this State to make ensilage on a large scale, to secure winter-feed for his dairy stock, etc. Mr. Throsby was for several years Mayor of Moss Vale. He took an active part in the formation of the Berrima District F. and D. Company, in 1891, and was a director up to 1898, when he was appointed manager. 

Mr. R. J. Fairbairn, manager of the Farmers' and Settlers' Co-operative Society, is perhaps best known in Sus-sex-street as an exponent of the co-operative movement amongst farmers and dairymen. He commenced his career with the Co-operative Wholesale Society of Great Britain, serving them in the dairy and produce trade for over 20 years in his native town. The history of the firm of Messrs. J. W. Gray and Company covers half a century of colonial experience, the original firm being founded in the fifties in Ballarat. Mr. John McClure is a native of Morryland, County of Down, Ireland, and was born in 1803, arriving in New South Wales in 1886. Outside business, Mr. McClure takes a keen interest in bowling, and he is a life member of St. George's Club. Mr. Wm. Taylor, founder of the Sydney business, was born in 1860 on the ship Atalanta, bound for Melbourne, and spent the early years of his life in Ballarat. Mr. Tay-lor has been an alderman of Rockdale for the past fourteen years, and during three terms held the position of Mayor. He is a vice-president of St. George's Club.

DALGETY AND COMPANY.

Mr. Gustave Boehme is the manager of Messrs. Dalgety and Company's Sussex-street branch, which is devoted to selling on consignment produce of all kinds, both locally grown and inter-state. This branch has transacted a large busi-ness during the past abnormal season in Argentine and other wheats. Mr. Boehme has been identified with the firm for the past twelve years. The Sussex-street promises were opened on October 1, 1902; but, of course, the farmers' produce business was conducted prior to that time from the central office in Bent-street. A special feature in connection with the produce trade is that the company advances on shipments of butter to London and elsewhere, to be sold on account of manufacturers. As one of the leading wool-broking and shipping houses, Dalgety and Company, Limited, are known far and wide throughout Australasia, the ramifications of their business extending to all parts of the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Founded in 1843, the firm pro-gressed continually, the success of its infancy and earlier years being eclipsed bv the largely in-creased business transacted during the closing years of the last and the opening years of the present century. The conversion of the firm into a limited liability company took place in 1884, the subscribed capital being £4,000,000 and the paid-up capital £1,000,000. 

Mr. Edmund T. Doxat took up the reins of government in 1880, and since that year has guided the destinies of the com-pany with great skill and most marked success. The managing directorship in Sydney is in the bands of Mr. T. F. Knox, who joined the service of Dalgety, Blackwood, and Company in 1881, becoming a partner in the following year. Mr. William Kilgour is the manager. Among the many interests of the company, those of wool, stock, and shipping loom very largely; to which may be added those of grain and farm produce. The grain selling part of the company's operations is expanding with the forward movement in grain production throughout these States; and though the great strides which wheat-growing specially promised to make a few years back have been retarded for a while by adverse sea-sons, the future of the industry is now practically assured.

N.S.W. PRODUCE COMPANY.

The business of the New South Wales Produce Company has been established for eleven years. The turnover for the first year was about £3000, and for the past year about £38,000. The man-ager, Mr. Alfred Taylor, is also the proprietor. He has had a wide experience in the trade, ex-tending over twenty years, nine years of which he was with one of the largest firms then in the trade. Mr. Taylor attributes a great measure of his success to constant watching of the markets, keen and careful buying, and attention to the wants of customers. He devotes the whole of his time to his business. About 75 per cent. of the New South Wales Produce Company's goods is imported. Hence Mr. Taylor claims that he is able to sell at lowest possible rates, from a bag to any quantity required. The pre-mises are new, absolutely rat-proof, and thoroughly up to date. In addition to a fine display of produce, Mr. Taylor makes a speciality of agri-cultural seeds. The selection of seeds for the farmer is one of the most responsible branches of a Sussex-street merchant's business, as the buyer has necessarily to depend implicitly on the seller's integrity and judgment. Wheat, maize, and potato growers throughout New South Wales have repeatedly suffered irreparable loss through consignments of poor quality of seed grain and tubers. Mr Taylor safeguards the farmer in this important respect.

PATESON AND COBCROFT.

The firm of Messrs. Pateson and Cobcroft, auctioneers, commission agents, and live-stock salesmen, has been in existence for 12 months, and the business has grown apace. Mr. Henry Pateson was born at Preston, Lancashire, England, and was well known throughout New South Wales through having been manager of the New South Wales Fresh Food and Ice Company, as also for having taken the initiative in the pro-motion of the factory system of butter making, a system which was promptly followed in all the sister States and in New Zealand. Every dairy-man in this country knows to what extent the system revolutionised Australian dairying. Mr. Harvie Cobcroft is a native of the Hawkesbury district, and is well known throughout New South Wales. His knowledge of the poultry, eggs, and general produce trade is born of long experience, and is up-to-date. Mr. Cobcroft acts as the firm's auctioneer. Thus it will be seen that the experience and judgment of one partner supplement those of the other, and clients can depend on obtaining skilled advice, as well as satisfactory sales and goods from this firm. Poultry-raisers, dairymen, and agriculturists, often lose money through not knowing the right way to make their purchases economically.

CROCKER AND BARRETT.

The business of Messrs. Crocker and Barrett, produce merchants, of Sussex-street, also importers and exporters, has been established ten years, and is steadily progressing. Mr. Francis Crocker was born in St. Feok, near Truro, in the County of Cornwall, and left England in 1884 for New South Wales. He first commenced his produce career about 20 years ago in the employ of the firm of Messrs. Thomas Edginton and Company, where he gained extensive knowledge as an expert salesman. He, later on, managed seve-ral large grain establishments for the same firm. Mr. John Barrett, who is a Sydney native, has had thirteen years' experience in Sussex-street. He also was employed by Messrs. T. Edginton and Company. The turnover by Messrs. Crocker and Barrett last year was about £70,000. The firm makes a special feature of seed potatoes and agricultural seeds generally. Both partners have a wide range of personal knowledge, as to the climatic conditions and capabilities of the agri-cultural areas of New South Wales, and under-stand what particular variety of seeds to crop, according to locality.

JAMES FAY AND COMPANY.

The firm of Messrs. James Fay and Company, grain and produce merchants, of 276 Sussex-street, Sydney, and also at Wellington, New Zealand, consists of four partners, viz.: Messrs. James Fay, F. J. McDonald, Anthony Fay, and George McDonald. The two former gentlemen are the resident partners in Sydney, while the two latter control the New Zealand business. The rami-fications of this firm's business connection are very wide, which brings them in touch with the world's principal markets in grain, wool, skins, etc., besides which they are the proprietors of the well-known food for calves, "Buttercup Calf Milk," in which a very large business is being done throughout Australasia and South Africa. The Sydney house conducts a grain and produce business on a large scale, and on a principle that must find favour with growers generally, as they buy outright for cash all kinds of grain, etc., do-ing away with the commission to sellers altogether, which is a much more satisfactory mode of transacting this class of business. All the members of the firm are New Zealand born, and have had a wide and varied experience in grain and wool, and have an expert knowledge of these lines. The firm are large importers from New Zealand in grain, etc., and export from New Zea-land wool, skins, and grain to various parts of the world.

W. HERMON SLADE.

Mr. Hermon Slade for nearly ten years has been connected with the produce trade in Sussex-street, and nearly five years have elapsed since he launched out on his own account. The business has advanced with rapid strides, as evidenced by the fact that already he has had to take over additional premises, and even with this enlargement it looks as if a further extension will become necessary very shortly. Already the employees are ten in number. Mr. Slade's special training and qualifications respecting the produce trade have already placed him in the front rank, and he prides himself upon retaining by strict attention and fair dealing the patronage of any clients who have once entrusted him with business. Mr. Slade has gathered about him a large country trade, and has established several branches and agencies of his rapidly expanding business. During the last season of drought his importations of inter-state and New Zealand produce for the convenience of his clients in the country were necessarily extensive. In seasons of plenty in New South Wales, he devotes special attention to the exportation of farm produce, being in close touch with outside information that enables him to place such produce on the markets in the sister States to the best advantage of his country clients, who are kept well posted as to the possibilities and probable trend of the future markets in various lines. A pleasing feature showing Mr. Slade's sympathy with his em-ployees is an annual reunion of them and their friends.

C. W. McFARLANE AND COMPANY.

Mr. Charles McFarlane, the proprietor of the business carried on under the style of C. W. McFarlane and Company, is a native of Plumb-bridge, county Tyrone, Ireland, and arrived in this State on June 26, 1874. He followed farm-ing pursuits very successfully for a number of years. He commenced business in Orange and Millthorpe, in 1894, as a wholesale produce mer-chant, which business he carried on most successfully. He has lately established his head office at 144 Sussex-street, Sydney, so as to get into direct touch with the import and export markets of the other States. He imports produce of all kinds very largely from South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, and is also a very large keeper of the products of this State. He should therefore be in a position to put his clients, both city and country, on the very best footing. Farmers visiting Sydney are wont to make the remark that it is a pleasure to consult Mr. McFarlane, himself a practical farmer, on matters appertaining to the land. They confidently interview him, to obtain and not to im-part knowledge, for Mr. McFarlane is a stranger to the trick of "drawing" the farmers, and then, with a learned air, returning them their own ideas, clothed in new language. Mr. McFarlane wastes no time in talking, and makes no delay in posting cheques.

T. C. DAVIS AND SON.

This well-known firm was established in 1898 in a small store immediately opposite their pre-sent extensive premises. Mr. T. C. Davis was brought up to farming, and in 1881 went into the general storekeeping business at Brushgrove, Clarence River, where for 21 years he traded with and gained the confidence of the farmers on the coastal rivers, and met with considerable success. The experience he acquired as a store-keeper, and the many friendships he made, have proved very helpful in advancing the interests of his present business. Mr. Davis disposed of his business at Brushgrove in order to join his son (Mr. J. S. Davis), whose business had made rapid strides, and necessitated additional assistance to successfully operate. Messrs. T. C. Da-vis and Son are now known to have an extensive and growing business, made by up-to-date and honest business methods. We are informed that Mr. J. S. Davis controls all the outdoor sales, to which he gives his personal attention.

D. R. HUNTER AND SON.

The portraits of D. R. Hunter and William Hunter, as represented in the foreground, comprise the firm of D. R. Hunter and Son. William Hunter manages the grain, produce, and forage department, at 243 Sussex-street, and D. R. Hunter manages the business at 218 Pitt-street, comprising seeds, plants, trees, and manures. The firm's chief object is to trade with only goods of the first quality in everything. For years past they have held a very high reputation for quality in horse feed, and racehorse owners and trainers, who are the best judges of what is really good, give them the highest praise. Mr. D. R. Hunter informs us that all their seeds are of the first grade, new, and of high germinating power, imported from the most reliable seed-growers in Europe and America, their anxiety being to minimise disappointment that sometimes befalls gardening operations. They can produce a pile of testimonials, from both professional and amateur gardeners. Hunter's B.B. manure is a natural fertiliser for lawn grass, plants, trees, and flowers. Their beautifully-illustrated catalogue contains valuable information, and comprises long lists of vegetable and flower seeds, flowering bulbs, plants, and trees, and should be in the hands of all who devote attention to their gardens.

WALKER AND OXBY.

The business of Messrs. Walker and Oxby may be taken as typical of Sussex-street "now," for this young and vigorous firm has been conducting business for three years only, yet, owing to their thorough grasp of the details of their busi- ness, and the up-to-date and energetic manner in which they discharge their responsibilities, they now have control of one of the finest com-mission businesses in Sussex-street. Mr. William Walker, a Londoner by birth, left England in 1880, and before residing in Sydney, was connected for a considerable time with the business of the largest produce merchant in one of our country towns, which position he vacated in order to take up the responsible post of salesman to one of the oldest established grain and com-mission agents in the metropolis. With this firm he remained for 16 years, conducting their auctions daily at Redfern, so that altogether he has had over 19 years' experience of selling at the Redfern produce auctions; and his capabilities in this respect have deservedly earned for Mr. Walker the reputation of being one of the best auctioneers in the trade. Mr. William Oxby, a native of Timaru, New Zealand, before arriving in this State was for many years connected with the Timaru Milling Company, large flour and grain merchants of Canterbury, where he gained a thorough knowledge of that business. His advent to Sydney was followed closely by an engagement as accountant with the same firm for whom Mr. Walker acted as auctioneer, and those two gentlemen worked amicably together in their respective positions for over 10 years, with credit to themselves and advantage to their employers. Upon the temporary withdrawal from business of their principals, Messrs. Walker and Oxby commenced operations on their own account, and, although their partner-ship is young, their former experience is as ex-tensive as that of most of the older established firms. Both gentlemen had a complete knowledge of their business, and had gained the confidence and respect of the trade, so that their connection increased rapidly, and now the firm is doing one of the most flourishing local and intercolonial businesses in Sussex-street, while their operations in New Zealand produce are extensive.

SHEPPARD, HARVEY, AND WALKER.

Included in our collection of portraits is that of Mr. Michael Sheppard, senior partnor in the firm of Messrs. Sheppard, Harvey, and Walker. Mr. Sheppard was born near Rathkoale, in the County of Limerick, Ireland, in 1856. At the age of 17, being then possessed of a great deal of practical knowledge of farming life, he went for a year to the Royal Agricultural College in Limerick, and thence for two years to the Royal Albert Agricultural College at Glasnevin, near Dublin, which was under the care and management of Professor Baldwin, the author of several agricultural works which are now used as text-books by the British Government. Mr. Sheppard returned to his fa-ther's farm for some time, and in 1880 came out to Sydney. After two years he engaged in the produce business, at first in Woollahra, and then in Sussex-street. It is now going on for five years since he entered into partnership with Mr. J. F. Harvey, formerly of the Country Milk Com-pany, and with Mr. G. W. Walker. The business has been carried on from that time with success, and is now one of the largest grain and produce agencies in the city. The junior partner, Mr. G. W. Walker, is a native of the Liverpool Plains district, New South Wales. He devoted himself to agricultural studies, and gained certificates for a practical and theoretical knowledge of agricul-ture. During his analytical studies at the Tech-nical College, he made a special feature of wheats and flour, and this knowledge now stands him in good stead amongst wheatgrowers throughout the State.

OTHER HOUSE'S IN THE STREET.

Besides those already mentioned, there are many other well-known firms who do business in Sussex-street. To mention a few of them, these include Messrs. Clarke and Company, Prescott and Company, John Campbell, Farnsworth and Company, John See and Company, Foley Brothers, Wells and Matthews, Dent and Perry, W. C. Robinson, T. McHugh, P. Hogan, Hawken and Vance, Foster and Sons, Thomas Clarke, Heaton Brothers, the Bodalla Company, the New South Wales Creamery Butter Company, the Fresh Food and Ice Company, R. Hall and Son, Sheppard, Harvey, and Walker, John Bridge and Company, Robert Little and Company, the Coastal Farm-ers' Co-operative Society, the Berrima District Farm and Dairy Company, the Farmers and Settlers' Co-operative Company, Frank Ireland, and J. W. Gray. Such a long list of firms, each with a very big business, indicates the huge dimen-sions of the produce business in Sydney, of which Sussex-street is the principal head centre. The Produce Trade of Sydney.—Some Views of Sussex=street. (1903, August 12). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71484758

Newport, shells + surf, November 1953 / photographed by Max Dupain. Item: SLNSW_FL19501028, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales.