Pittwater Online News

Early Mona Vale Constable owned Mona Vale Hotel site: some history

In what’s known as a ‘turn up for the books’ current finalising of a History page on the Black Swamp-Beeby Park- Kitchener Park reserves brought into stark relief the incongruous paradox of the former owner of the current day ‘Mona Pub’ land site as John Thomas Hewitt, Mona Vale’s live-in the area Constable.

Officially opening on November 28th, 1966, just over a fortnight after the Mona Vale Memorial Hall was officially opened on November 12th 1966, the changes between a village surrounded by farms that fed Sydney, and aiming to be a holiday destination through the aspirations of such edifices as the then named La Corniche, which sought to fulfil the gap left when the Rock Lily had its licence to sell alcohol taken away in 1914 under a scheme termed 'Reduction', the changes from green fields to shops and a motel and hotel, and supermarkets, took place quickly in Mona Vale.

Attached to Manly Police Station (No.4), which opened in 1863, J T Hewitt became the ‘go to’ person for accidents, drownings, first aid, domestic violence and anything else that was difficult.  He also served as a Warringah Shire Councillor for years and was at the core of and fundamental to the changes that saw the 'Black Swamp' become Beeby and Kitchener Parks. He was a founding member of the Mona Vale SLSC and Mona Vale Golf Club and helped establish the first Ambulance Waggon and shed for the same at Mona Vale.

John Thomas Hewitt, born 1867, who emigrated from Ireland, arriving in Sydney aboard The Austral on December 8th 1890 as a 23 year old, was a Probationary Constable, and listed as such by January 7th, 1891; Service No: 6122. A probationary Constable earned less than a full Constable for a short period of time. They then earned more each year they served as such.

NSW Mounted Police, Sydney, between 1890-1900 / photographer unknown, SLNSW_FL454132, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

In 1899 he married Annie, born 1869 in Paddington, a daughter of Andrew and Anne Steel, and they had two sons, Harold Steel Hewitt, born 1901 - birth registered at Manly, and John Keith Hewitt, born December 31st 1904 - birth registered at Paddington.

They remained married:

GOLDEN WEDDINGS

HEWITT—STEEL.—March 8, 1899, in the Town Hall, Paddington, by the Rev. J. Fulton, of St. John's Presbyterian Church, Paddington, John Thomas, youngest son of the late Wm. Hewitt, Belturbet, Co. Cavan, Ireland, to Anne, third daughter of the late Andrew Steel, Regent Street, Paddington. Present address: Newport Road, Mona Vale. Family Notices (1949, March 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18106189 

Belturbet is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. It lies around 14 km (8.7 mi) north of Cavan town and 123 km (76 mi) from Dublin.

J T Hewitt became the Constable for Mona Vale and was the gentleman called in when someone drowned, a newly born baby was found dead and abandoned, or someone took their own life, such as then renowned actor George Laurie at the first La Corniche at Bayview, or domestic violence was occurring. It was Constable Hewitt who was called when La Corniche burned down in 1912, when people were lost in the bush, and was called to give testimony in court cases.

It was also Mr. Hewitt who established a much needed Ambulance Waggon in the district and arranged for a shed to house the same at the junction of Pittwater and Barrenjoey roads. This was later used as the Mona Vale Golf Club as their first clubhouse.

The Hewitt home actually shows as 'Police Station' on this 1905 sales lithograph for the Rocklily Estate lots for sale opposite then named Allen Avenue and present day Golf Avenue. Placing these sites on sales lithographs was an asset - as further out, towards Whale Beach and Avalon, indicating on sales lithographs the presence of fresh water in creeks and springs was a  sale asset for hose places in the decades before water could be turned on by turning on a tap.

John Hewitt had purchased acreage himself along the western end of Golf Avenue and over the then 'Road to Newport' (Barrenjoey road) in 1907. More on that below. Where the family were staying in Mona Vale or surrounds prior to having their own home is recorded in Guy and Joan Jennings 'Mona Vale Stories' (Arcadia Publishing Newport NSW, 2007) records:

On the eastern side of Bayview Road here were three cottages. They were built by Tom Arter who was commissioned by the Esbank Estate in Lithgow to build them as Show Houses. Tom's grandson, George Johnson, recalls that the bricks came from the Wilcox family in Bassett Street, however a Mr. Shreinert remembers the bricks coming from the kiln near the Rock Lily (hotel). The roofing iron was delivered by steamer to Bayview Wharf. There is some evidence to suggest the cottages were let for short term holidays. However for most of the time they were associated with a number of permanent residents'.

The northern most at 1686 Bayview road was called 'Eskbank', a name that came from an old house at Lithgow. This is the cottage that Louisa Dunbar came to in 1909 after the death of her husband, with he three children. She ran the bakery there until the Maiseys took over around 1913. The Maiseys stayed until their father George died in 1931 and most of the family returned to Parramatta. Henry 'Joe' Johnson and his family became the residents during 1938-1940 and he worked as a groundsman at Bayview Golf Course for 47 years.

The family that spent the most time in the house were the Lewis' who bought the property in 1946 and stayed until 1973 when they sold to Mr and Mrs Symonds who planned to restore the home. It was demolished in suspicious circumstances in 1978.

The middle cottage, No. 1682, was owned by Sam, and Mabel Perry from around 1916 until the 1960's when it was taken by the Education Department and demolished.

The southernmost cottage, No. 1678, closest to the corner of Mona Street, was first owned by Richard and Margaret Reid. The next resident was John Thomas Hewitt, policeman and Shire Councillor. This was then taken over by the Shreinert  family who at one time ran refreshment rooms here.

In 1961-62 the Education Department resumed around 2 acres each from the three homes; Lewis', Perrys and Shreinerts, leaving around half an acre to each house. When Mabel Perry passed away her house and remaining and were sold to the Education Department and the house was quickly demolished. By 1973 both the Lewis' and Shreinerts were weary of living surrounded by the school yard with no proper fences. The Shreinerts sold to the Education Department, and as recorded above, they sold to the Symonds, who also found the site too much and also sold.'

Local lore states that, keen to stop a heritage listing for this last cottage, which it was of course, the Department knocked down Eskbank on the October long weekend of 1978.

Above: Bay View Road Mona Vale circa 1900-1905(current day Pittwater road right to Bayview and Church Point) looking north from Mona Street. St John's Church can be seen to the left of the photo - this had been moved there from the Mona Vale north headland in 1888. By 1904 the wooden church had deteriorated to such an extent that it had to be demolished and a small stone church was built by James Booth on the present site at 1624 Pittwater Road Mona Vale, much closer to the village centre and was built in 1906 and opened in 1907. The residents raised funds by holding entertainments in the now demolished 'Booths Hall' at Mona Vale as well as by other means. The cottage at the right front, which appears to have a turret, is actually James Shaw's house on the hillside above the corner of Cabbage Tree and Bayview roads. The two Cabbage Tree Palms marked the old border between Bayview and Mona Vale.

Above; the Bayview road looking south towards Mona Vale.  Images from State Library of NSW and State Library of Victoria

Incentives for land sales in the immediate vicinity were made very attractive in this era, and having a Police Officer occupying land those not living in the district were trying to sell would have been an attractive proposition itself.

It's also worth remembering that Mona Vale was also known by the name 'Rocklily' and Rock Lily' during this era - even up to the early 1920's those born in the district could have their birthplace recorded on their Birth Certificate as 'Rock Lily'. Turimetta and Taramatta was also another name given to the area and Village park at Mona Vale around 1900-1906.

Rocklily Estate between Narrabeen & Newport 1905, and section from showing site of Police station as Hewitt home- opposite Turimetta Village Park, now Mona Vale Village Park. Note that the bandstand is already in Beeby/Kitchener Park. Item,: c046820022, from Mona Vale Subdivisions folder, courtesy State Library of NSW.

ROCKLILY ESTATE, NARRABEEN.— Messrs. H. F. Halloran and Co. invite attention to the few remaining unsold blocks in this estate. Rockliy is an experiment in closer settlement, with deferred purchase payments. On account of its proximity to Sydney, and the quality of the soil, it is expected that the last block will soon be taken up for market gardening purposes. No title (1905, December 3). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125858890

Some of the police work he undertook from late 1902 on, after he left serving as a constable in town:

Vide Police Gazette, 1903, page 21. Thomas Buist, for whom a commitment warrant for disobeying a magisterial order for the support of his wife, has been issued by the Newcastle Bench, has been arrested at Narrabeen, by Constable Hewitt, Sydney Police, and returned to Newcastle. Apprehensions, &c. (1903, January 28). New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), p. 51. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251627473 

Ernest Capehorn Walker (48), charged with stealing a 15 foot boat (recovered), the property of A. Adam, at Gosford, has been arrested by Constable Hewitt, Mona Vale Police. Remanded to Gosford. Further charged with having a gent’s bicycle in his possession reasonably suspected of being stolen. Sentenced to one month hard labour. Description of bicycle:— 26-inch frame, painted green over enamel, wooden rims, free wheel (Morrow), Dunlop tyres, bent handles, leather grips, American rat-trap pedals, Brooks’ BIO saddle, has number partly obliterated on backstay believed to be 041440. The machine appears to be a ‘’Red Bird,” altered so as to make it unrecognisable. Now at No. 4 Police Station. An owner required. Apprehensions, &c. (1905, April 5). New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), p. 132. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251629926 

NSW Police (uniform) in 1905. Photo: Justice and Police Museum

Alfred Windle (63), charged with assaulting John Nelson, thereby occasioning actual bodily harm, has been arrested by Constable J. T. Hewitt, Sydney Police. Committed for trial at Quarter Sessions. Bail allowed. Apprehensions. (1907, October 9). New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), p. 357. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251635633 

CASUALTIES.
SHOOTING ACCIDENT.
ARM AMPUTATED.
At about 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon Ernest William Oliver, aged 23, living In Mona Vale, near Manly, was out rabbit shooting with a companion, Frank Johnson. Johnson tried to cock the hammer of his gun: It slipped from his fingers, the charge exploded, and Oliver received it in his right arm above the elbow. Constable Hewitt, of Mona Vale, was informed, and rendered first aid, stopping the flow of blood. Dr. Hall was then sent for, and ordered Oliver's removal to the Manly Cottage Hospital, where he was taken by one of his brothers and Johnson. His arm was then amputated. CASUALTIES. (1908, August 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15012463 

HOW GEORGE LAURIE. DIED. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. 

The circumstance connected with the death of George John Lowe (George Laurie), who was found with his throat cut at Bay view on Tuesday last, were investigated by Mr. Stephen Murphy, Acting-Coroner, at the Manly police Station on Monday afternoon.

Dr. Thomas gave evidence to toe effect that at 10 minutes to 12 on the 6th inst, he was called to Bayview to see deceased. He was then dead, and had probably been so for half an hour. The wound in the throat which caused death had severed the left jugular vein. 'Marietta Constance Lowe, the widow of deceased, said that about 11.45 a.m on the 5th inst. her husband was sitting on the verandah of the boarding-house the witness was inside making the bed. The witness heard deceased call, 'Marie, come here quick. Look— look!' Witness replied, 'All right, dear I'll be out in a minute.' He repeated, 'Come quick ; look at it! She went out, and saw deceased leaning over, and blood was flowing from a wound. She thought at first the blood was only from his nose, but when he turned she saw the razor. Witness called, and Mme. Rainuad came out. Deceased then ran into the room and closed the door, and called out, 'Keep them away; don’t let them came in.' He then opened the the door, and fell outwards into her arms, saying. 'For-give me; I could bear this life no longer. Witness asked, 'Why did you do it?' He replied, 'Forgive me I thought you might not love me.' 

Deceased then asked them to lay him down, saying, 'Marie, I have always loved you.' Witness said her husband had suffered from loss of memory since their visit to Colombo in June. He had been suffering from hallucinations for some time, and had an idea that men were following him about to club him. On one occasion he came in and said that the men were waiting for him at the fence. Deceased a good many times expressed his intention of taking his own life. When his memory returned after lapses of this kind he would say, 'This cannot go on any longer. I am sure I am going mad. Sooner than this I would cut my throat. He had also said toner. 'Why don't you give me poison?' Witness did riot think him bad enough to shut him up. He was 48 years of age, and was an actor by profession. Originally he was an architect. Mme Rainaud corroborated the evidence of Mrs. Lowe. Constable Hewitt, stationed at Mona Vale, gave evidence as to having been called in after the doctor had seen deceased. Witness was handed a razor which was picked up in a pool of blood on the verandah near where the deceased had been sitting. The Coroner found that deceased had died from haemorrhage, caused by a wound in the throat, self-inflicted whilst deceased was of unsound mind. His Last Call. (1909, January 16). The Gloucester Advocate (NSW : 1905 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155601333 

MAN MISSING AT BROKEN BAY. (1910, June 16). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239415467 

Manly Cottage Hospital opened on Saturday December 12th 1896, on the corner of Raglan Street and Quinton Road, to provide life saving assistance for residents. Those living in Pittwater had supported the build and would continue to fund raise through holding concerts, selling eggs, whatever they could do, until the Mona Vale Hospital opened and Women's Auxiliaries formed, later to combine into one, the MVHA, to support that hospital. Mr. Hewitt's work brought him into direct contact with those needing at least basic first aid, sometimes more, so it would be no surprise that he made sure he did something about it - this item, clearly penned by a member of the North Steyne SLSC, lends an insight into early surf club initiatives available to sister club members to equip those on the sand and in the community with life saving skills:

NORTH STEYNE AMBULANCE CORPS

The North Steyne (Manly) Life Saving Club have been devoting the winter months to the formation and instruction of an ambulance corps. An examination was conducted by Dr. A. Neale on Friday last. Altogether, it occupied two and a half hours, and was of a most exhaustive nature. The  maximum number of points to be gained was 60 and the minimum to provide pass 40, it being also necessary to have attended two-thirds of the lectures. The whole of the members present passed satisfactorily. Certificates were issued to the following candidates:— Charles D. Paterson, Oswald G. H. Merrett, Walter C. Fisher, John Chalmers, Herbert Ferrier- Watson, William A. Brown, Rupert N. Beale, Henry G. Taubman, Robert A. L. Ferguson, Harry S. Hind, Darrell E. H. Fowler, William H. Allison, Karl G. Childers, James Wilkins, Sidney L. Kelly (all North Steyne Life Saving Club); Augustus M. Tartakover (Manly Surf Club) ; Constable John H. Hewitt (Mona Vale Surf Club). NORTH STEYNE AMBULANCE CORPS. (1909, August 3). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238316917

For Mona Vale:

AMBULANCE LITTER FOR WARRINGAH.

The ambulance litter which has been purchased by private subscriptions among the residents of the Shire of Warringah was officially handed over at Mona Vale this afternoon. The ceremony was performed by Mr. E. W. Quirk, and Dr. Alfred Neale, who is the honorary medical instructor of the North Steyne Ambulance Corps. delivered an address on 'The Advantages of First Aid.' Mr. CD. Peterson, ambulance demonstrator of the same club, gave, a demonstration of first aid work with improvised materials. Constable Hewitt, of Mona Vale, who is a member of the North Steyne Ambulance Corps, will have the care of the ambulance litter. AMBULANCE LTTER FOR WARRINGAH. (1910, April 23). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115243462 

Ambulance waggon for Pittwater

Pittwater district is now in possession of an ambulance waggon, an up-to-date vehicle having recently been handed over to the residents of the Warringah Shire. Councillor Powell, in congratulating the residents, called upon Dr. Thomas to perform the official ceremony. He paid a warm tribute to the work performed by Constable Hewitt, Councillor Powell, and Mr. Williams. A demonstration in first aid was given by Mr. C. D. Paterson. AMBULANCE WAGGON FOR PITTWATER. (1910, May 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15119197 

What did they look like?:

CIVIL AMBULANCE AND TRANSPORT CORPS.

SEND FOR THE AMBULANCE!  1. Officer  with his kit bag arriving on the scene of a street accident; All the permanent start are specially, skilled in rendering first aid to the injured. 2. There are three horse ambulances available at any hour of the day or night, in case of a number of people being inured in the city.  3. This picture shows a horse which has become specially trained to the work. As soon as the stable door is opened it walks out and stands ready in position for the collar to fall  into place on its shoulders.  The Civil Ambulance Corps have the same apparatus for harnessing as the Fire brigades, and this enables them to turn-out a fully-equipped horse ambulance within 25 seconds of the call being, received.

For many years the Civil Ambulance and Transport Corps has been doing splendid work. The corps receives no Government subsidy, and is dependent almost entirely on public subscriptions and donations. Last year the corps attended 4382  cases and travelled an aggregate of 15 348 miles. If the work increases at its present rate it will be necessary before long to further increase the staff. 

A fully-equipped horse ambulance station is required within the next' year to deal with accidents and other, cases which occur In the vicinity of Circular Quay. This in itself would mean a capital outlay of some £300 and an increased annual expense of £200. The present staff consists of 12 ambulance officers who are specially trained in rendering first aid. They understand how to handle injured persons, and are also skilled in setting fractured limbs or arresting haemorrhage. Where the patients are conveyed to private hospitals, a charge is made for the services of the ambulance but when the sick or Injured person is conveyed to a public hospital or is not in a position to pay, no charge whatever  is made. In this way the Civil Ambulance Corps has done a great deal of good work in an unostentatious manner. CIVIL AMBULANCE AND TRANSPORT CORPS. (1909, August 27). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238337962

Ambulance Cannot Get Permit To Build Station

Delay in issuing a permit for construction of a sub-branch of the Manly and Warringah District Ambulance at Mona Vale is daily endangering the lives of many people.

Sounding this warning today, the superintendent of the station (Mr. H. H. Cox) said that the building materials were ready, but the signal to proceed had not been- given by the Department of Labor and Industry, which controls the permits. Mr. Cox added: "The land has been bought and the builder has agreed to the contract, but we still have no permit. It has been held up for months. 

"We have had 10 babies born in our ambulances in the last month, due to the extra travelling. Three ambulance cars which were being built for the service have been delayed purposely, because there is nowhere they can be housed. The three cars are to be included in the new station. There will also be a launch for transporting cases across Pitt-water, and special sterilising apparatus. The Warringah Shire Council is backing the ambulance in its fight to obtain a permit. The Minister for Labor and Industry (Mr. Hamilton Knight) said today that he was looking into the matter. Ambulance Cannot Get Permit To Build Station (1946, March 2). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2 (LAST RACE ALL DETAILS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228785874 

The Council came to the rescue, the Meeting held 20/8/1946 recording:  

Manly & Warringah District Ambulance, 13/8/46, referring to delay in establishment of an Ambulance Station at  Mona Vale, and requesting as a temporary measure, to be given the use of the Aquatic Club building at Bayview, which will enable them to give a 24-hour service, stating that the Club has agreed, and if Council agrees, they propose to carry out internal alterations and erect a fence around the area. Pittwater Aquatic Club, 10/8/46, advising that the Club is unable to function at the present time, and desires to transfer the tenure of the Clubhouse back to the Council, and recommending that the Council give favourable consideration to the suggestion that the Manly Ambulance be given temporary occupation of the building. Resolved, - That the Council grant permission for a term of two years. 

The club was unable to function at the present time as it took years to remove all the tank traps and trenches that had been dug in that vicinity.

More Constable Hewitt work in his first decade at Mona Vale:

DROWNED IN THE SURF
SYDNEY DOCTOR LOSES HIS LIFE AT MONA VALE.

A sensation was caused at Mona Vale ocean beach, north of Manly, late on Saturday afternoon, « hen fir. Murray Woods, a well-known practitioner of Sydney, was drowned. Dr. Woods, who had resided at Arnott House, Wynyard-square, Sydney, was bathing in the surf. The breakers were beating on the beach with tremendous force, and few dared venture out far. Dr. Woods, however, was amongst the foremost of the bathers, and shortly after 6 o'clock he was noticed to be battling with the waves. He was considered a very good surfer, and, therefore, not many of those present relished the idea of offering help without there was absolute necessity. But one young man named Lloyd recognised the seriousness of the doctor's situation, and hastened to his assistance. After n terrific struggle with the heavy surf Lloyd managed to get within a few yards of the exhausted doctor, who suddenly sank. There was a cry of horror from those onshore as the doctor's body disappeared from view. Endeavors were made to recover the body, but without success. At 10. p.m. it was washed ashore by the fury of the breakers, and Constable Hewitt of Manly, who had been on the scene for some hours, took charge of It The body was subsequently conveyed to the Manly Funeral Parlors for an inquest. DROWNED IN THE SURF (1911, November 14). Wagga Wagga Express (NSW : 1879 - 1917), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article145391796 

Constable Hewitt, of Mona Vale, was telephoned for, as was also the Fire Department. The input did not turn out, as it was out of the question owing to the distance to be covered. FIRE NEAR MANLY. (1912, January 8). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113815982 - Brock’s Mansions

AN UNLUCKY BUILDER.

man who was before his time.

The total destruction of the beautiful "La Corniche," better known as Brock's Mansion', at Mona Vale, in the early hours of this morning robs the naturally beautiful tourist journey from Manly to Pittwater of one of its, leading attractions. This magnificent pile of buildings, with Its charming surroundings, has always excited the admiration of the traveller, and the story of Its building by Mr. Brock, and its passing out or his hands after all his Napoleonic' work, has, always won- the stranger's keen sympathy. Mr. Brock gave the best years of his life to the realisation of his Idea to provide a high-class hotel on the lines of a great country home on this unrivalled site, which provides all the delights of ocean, lagoon, and green hills. His-choice of a spot could not have been Improved on with Its glorious ocean views, and after great work in levelling and draining what was a great swamp he evolved a fine polo ground and racecourse on the flat. Six years ago there were no less than 44 polo ponies on the ground. 

When Mr. Brock started the buildings he set up his own brickyards and sawmills. Everything he used came from his district In this connection he showed his patriotism by employing only local labor, and for several years he was a benefactor to the neighborhood, his expenditure going Into many thousands.

It may he said that before Mr. Brock started his great undertaking he had the assurance of the Government then in power that the tram to Pittwater would be constructed at once. He went on with his work, spent many thousands, and just when he was within reach of his goal his money ran out, and he lost all his claims to the property, and the results of his labor for years. AN UNLUCKY BUILDER. (1912, January 8). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222004175 

Ruins of "Brock's Mansions," at Mona Vale, destroyed by fire on Monday morning. The fate of the handsome pile of buildings is a grim finale to the financial tragedy that overtook the plucky builder, Mr. G. S . Brock, in its erection. No title (1912, January 10 - Wednesday). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222002216

FATALITIES AND ACCIDENTS. (1912, January 25). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239058976 

A Midnight Chase.

EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT FOR GUESTS. ARMED BURGLAR~SURPRI8ED AT MANLY.

Mr. Scott-Scott, of 151 Elizabeth-street, Sydney, has a week-end house at Mona Vale, near Manly, and he usually entertains a few friends from the city from Saturday afternoon until Monday. This week-end, however, Mr. Scott-Scott's friends had a more exciting time than usual. They surprised an armed man in the cottage, and joined in an exciting chase across the sand dunes and ocean beaches in the vicinity. 

The owner of the cottage and his friends were delayed rather later than usual in the city on Saturday evening, and did not reach their week-end retreat until midnight. On entering the cottage and striking a light, the party were surprised to see a man leaving the room by a window, which was open. He was called on to stop, but jumped out the window, and made ocean wards towards a spot where several boats were drawn up on the beach. Mr. Scott and his friends — mostly young active men — were, however, too quick for the escapee, and he had no time to launch a boat. Finding his pursuers close upon him, too man turned and fled along the beach. 

Meanwhile Constable Hewitt, of Mona Vale, had been called up by one of the party, and he joined in the chase on his bicycle. After a brisk run, however, the man pulled up and surrendered. He was conveyed by the constable to the Manly Police Station, and charged with breaking and entering Mr. Scott's cottage with intent to commit a felony. When searched a revolver, loaded in six chambers, was found on him. Several other charges of breaking and entering and stealing are also to be preferred against the man, who is a recent arrival from New Zealand. A Midnight Chase. (1912, June 19). The Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100645876 

REMARKABLE CONFESSION.

THE DOINGS OF NORMAN KEALS. As told by himself to the police.

Norman Edwin Keals, 27 years of age, a native of New Zealand; was before Mr. Smithers, S.M., at the Manly Police Court , this morning on several charges of breaking and entering and stealing. '

on a charge or breaking into Mr. Scott-Fell's house at Mona Vale, on June 16, the evidence of Mr. Scott-Fell showed that the house had been left properly secured on June 3. ' Mary Rose M'Namara, who visited Scott-Fell's house on June 14, for the purpose of cleaning the place, stated' that when she opened the door she found the furniture disarranged and the back door open. She began to work, when a man, whom she Identified as the accused, came In from the courtyard. She asked him, "When did you come here?" He replied, "The day before." Witness asked him if he was sent by the owner, and he said "Yes." Witness started to clean the room, when accused said it didn't want cleaning. He also said the conservatory didn't require any cleaning up. ' (Laughter.) Witness then rang up Mrs. Fell and Constable Hewitt. 

Constable Jones, watchhouse-keeper, Manly, stated that on the 17th, while he had the accused in custody, Keals voluntarily ' made the following statement and signed it:— 

In November last I was In Glenbrook 'looking for work. I came across a tent in Emu Plains camp belonging to Arthur Thompson. I went into the tent and stole a bicycle from there. I rode tile bicycle to Lawson and - exchanged it for another which I found leaning up against a church. I afterwards saw in the papers that a young man named Ellis was fined £10 at Penrith Court for stealing a bicycle from Thompson's tent. I did not know Ellis, and he had no part or share in the stealing of the bicycle. Afterwards I obtained a job on the railway at Glenbrook till February, when I left and went to ' Pittwater. The bicycle I took from the church at Lawson I left In the bush at Glenbrook. When passing the Salvation Army -Industrial Farm at Dee Why I entered the dining-room, where I obtained some food. I afterwards stole a bicycle from the outside of the shed there. I rode the bike the rest of the way to Pittwater. That evening I entered Simpson's store at Bayview, and stole some tinned fish, biscuits, postcards, and about 2s 6d in silver; also some bottles of soft- drinks. These things I put in a boat there, and sailed down the bay. I got into broken water, ' and the boat capsized. I got ashore on to the rocks, where. I spent the night. ' The next day I took a boat belonging to Dr. Stiles from the beach In front of his house (which I entered, and from which I stole some foot) at Mackerel Beach, Broken Bay. I pulled to Careel Bay. I stole two coats, trousers, and shirts from a tent there. I went to Manly that night, and from there to Sydney, where I pawned my . watch. With the money I received on the watch I paid my fare to Woy Woy, and got work at Wyong. I left there, and went to Newcastle, and got work at Hexham on a farm. Then I went to Williams's .place, outside Taree, and stole some clothes and money. Then I boarded a steamer at Newcastle and returned to Sydney. After working at Balmain for a while I went to Seven Hills, with the Intention of leasing a farm there. I failed to get the farm, and on my return to Sydney I bought a revolver at Mick Summons's. with which I Intended to commit suicide. I went to Manly and to the Salvation Army farm at Dee Why, where- I stayed for a few days In a hayloft, and took some food from there, also from the Home of Rest. 

From there I went to Newport, and after a few days I broke Into Scott Fell's house at Mona Vale, and stayed there for a few days, and lived on the food that I found in the house. On June 14 I left Scott Fell's house, and went to another furnished cottage owned by Mr. Edward Scott-Scott, where I broke In, and remained until I was surprised by a party of week-end campers. I jumped out of the window, and ran away, but they caught me, and sent for Constable Hewitt, and gave me In charge. I wish to add that on my way to Pitt-water the first time I entered the Salvation Army premises at Collaroy Beach, and stole a hymn-book. Accused, who had nothing to say, was committed for trial at the Darlinghurst Quarter  Sessions. Accused was also committed for trial on two other charges, one of breaking into and stealing goods and money to the value of £15, from the shop of Arthur Morris Simpson, at Bay View, on February 11; and the other, of stealing a boat from Dr. Stiles, Mackerel Beach, Broken Bay, on February 13. ' Bail was allowed In each case. REMARKABLE CONFESSION. (1912, June 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228856742 

HAWKESBURY SQUIRE.
And His Little Housekeeper. DOUGLASS SUED FOR DIVORCE. NARKS AT MONA VALE AND NEWPORT.
HAWKESBURY FOLK TAKE A TOWN HOLIDAY.
A divorce case from the lower Hawkesbury district occupied the attention of Judge Gordon for the first two days of the week, the petitioner being Sarah Ann Douglass, a little, jaded-looking woman, past middle age, who sought a divorce from her husband, Nathaniel Joseph Douglass, a big fellow with a sanguine look. The grounds were his adultery with a Mrs. Bowen, extending over three years, and desertion for the like period. Mr. James, instructed by Mr. Moseley, acted for the wife; and Mr. Windeyer for the respondent. Mrs. Douglass said that before marrying Douglass on November 4, 1885, she was a Miss Rose, of Webb's Creek, and the wedding was celebrated by Methodist clergyman Hughes at Leet's Vale, where her husband owned a boat, and traded on the Hawkesbury. From the first he neglected her, and instead of remaining home in the evenings he would wander five or six miles off to an hotel and wineshop, and return home in the wee sma' oors as grumphy as a bear. When remonstrated with, he would tell her to mind her own business, as he wouldn't allow her to boss him. 

NATHANIEL DOUGLASS.

In this wineshop were HALF A DOZEN GIRLS, and after they removed to Glenbrook, her husband would frequently have business at Glenbrook. In 1890 he contracted an unmentionable complaint, which caused him bad eyes. He came to Sydney for medical treatment, and stopped at Roberts' Hotel, and there he had a Miss Preston, one of the girls from the old wineshop, looking after him. Again, on petitioner accompanying him to see Dr. Flaschi, and respondent telling the doctor that she was his wife, the doctor remarked, 'You have had three women here already.' Oh, but this one is my wife,' said Douglass. Later on his boat was wrecked on the Gosford bar, and this so scared him that he became contrite, and said his sins were finding him out. He reflected, however, that nobody could be as good as his wife, and fervently promised to regenerate himself, and henceforth live a righteous life. Then he went off to Parramatta looking for work, while she had to scratch as best she could for herself and the three children; and often she had to trudge a matter of three miles with the nippers to procure sustenance at his father's. While she was doing this, he was living like a lord at Harold's Hotel, in Sussex street, with some young woman, and when she dropped in upon him, he confessed that he had the young woman there as his wife, but he had not lived with her, because he took her there only for her own safety. Then, later on, while they lived on a farm at Wiseman's Ferry, Just because a dispute arose over something the boy had done, and she told her husband that the boy was taking after him, he kicked her down the stairs. On another occasion he kicked her out of bed. 

In 1906 she was operated on in the Manly Hospital, and when convalescent went to Neutral Bay, where her husband frequently visited her — because he thought a lot of the lady of the house. Three years later, after she had nursed him through the measles at Newport, SHE TOOK A BUSINESS with her daughter at Narrabeen, and sold milk to give them a bite and sup. Her husband would come at weekends, gather up a cake or a pudding which she had made, and skedaddle without giving her a shilling. For the first three weeks he did pay a few bills, but he soon struck. However, he found fault with her, alleging that she neglected her duty; and in the resultant quarrel, he struck her with a chair, on which her daughter flew to her aid and cannoned him with a teapot. On this he got a whip and threatened to flog the girl, but they both eluded him when a neighbor came over, and he went back to Newport. 

In consequence of this treatment, she became run down, and Dr. Harvey advised her that she was not long for this world unless things altered considerably. So she went to stay at her son's place in the following October, and had remained there ever since. Even here her husband pursued her, and demanded her eleven hens which she had raised. He threatened to flog her within an inch of her life and then the worm turned, she producing an old-fashioned pistol and threatening to shoot him if he attempted the Whipping. He scooted, and since then had left her in peace. Of course she went down to Newport, and made off with her lovely feather bed, the bed which her mother, gave her in her wedding day so many years before. Then she summoned him for support but the magistrate dismissed the case because it was not brought properly. She omitted to sue for constructive desertion.

Mr. Windeyer: Did you offer' Mrs. Bolton half the alimony you would get If she gave evidence which would procure you a divorce, No, only her expenses. I might have said, it for a Joke, but not that I remember. She volunteered it before I told her that.' ' Did you offer Singleton £10 - for a similar thing — No. Did you offer a man named Anderson money to give evidence? — No. Didn't you take a present to Mrs. Bolton?- — Oh, only a little glass I got for coupons; I gave it to her AS A WEDDING PRESENT. Your daughter was charged with stealing'? — I don't know, I wasn't there. Surely you would know? — Well, she took some chocolates from an old woman's shop, but she was privileged, because I kept the book. ' Didn't the trouble between you and your husband arise owing to your fondness for dancing? — No. When there was nothing to pay he would be the first there, but he objected to dances when I had to pay. 

Bribe

Frederick John Singleton, a young nephew from Woy Woy, formerly in partnership with Douglass, In Newport, said that Douglass' housekeeper slept in a room next to the verandah on which reposed Douglass. He saw her sitting- on Douglas knee, kissing him, 'and on another occasion he caught them under the blankets together. She saw witness approaching, and jumped up and ran into her own room. Douglass afterwards warned him not to come into the house that way. but to go around the back. He had also seen her in bed and Douglass sitting alongside, calling her by her pet name of 'Kid.' Mr. Windeyer; Did petitioner offer you money to give evidence for her? — No. Did you write a letter to Douglass last November, in which you said, 'She says money is no object and I could get £10, but I told her that I knew absolutely nothing indecent about that woman, and as far as Douglass is concerned, he is a friend of mine?'' — Yes' I wrote that ' ' ' His Honor: Was it true? — No. Why did you tell him what was untrue? — Because he offered me £5 to say nothing, and I tried to make him raise It by telling a lie. I said I could get £10 from her. 

Frederick Anderson, a Scandinavian dairyman at Newport, said he was partners with Douglass, but bought him out some months later. They quarrelled over a cow which Douglass claimed after witness had bought it and witness lost the case at the police court, Douglass saying the cow was not among the lot purchased. 

He once saw Douglass washing himself In a tub before the kitchen MAID NODDING ON and the housekeeper standing pensive at the table and at another time he saw her jump from Douglass' bed. As he approached she sat alongside the bed, but Douglass' clothing was disarranged. Douglass had told him that he tried long before to make -it so hot for his wife that she would leave him, and at last she had to clear out. Douglass offered him £10 to say he had seen nothing wrong. Edith Jessie Bolton, a buxom matron, jolly and fat, and ready with an answer, told of a couple of visits to Douglass' house, and how, on her knocking, she heard scuffling inside, and there would be a long delay before Douglass would open the door Mr. Windeyer (to witness): Before you married George Bolton, what were you A widow, of course. Were you not a licensed prostitute, at Brisbane? — I defy you or anybody else to say such a thing. No such a thing, there. Did you ever live with a man named Humphries? — Never I never knew any body of that name. Daisy Olive Searle, a married daughter of the parties, described her father as a wife-beater and starver, prone to use cuss words when provoked, and fond of quarrelling' with her mother whenever he was asked to pay his debts. The family couldn't get sufficient to eat, and consequently she went out to service. But she was married now. 

Amelia Douglass. the daughter-in-law, told how she travelled down to Newport the day Douglass killed a pig, and how she espied the housekeeper sitting on Douglass knee, chucking him under the chin and saying, 'You are not a bad old Dug, are you?' 

Edwin Douglass, a son of the parties. CONFIRMED HIS MOTHER'S STORY as far as it related to the cruelty. While they kept the store at Mona Vale his father knocked his mother down by slamming a door In her face. Dr. Harvey, of Manly, said he attended Mrs. Douglass In July, 1909, and found her poor and emaciated, with a weak heart, and her nervous system run down, caused by mental worry and insomnia. No, he was not aware -that she was of an excitable temperament. Giving his side of the question, Doug lass characterised the evidence which had been given against him- as all my eye and Betty Martin. He never suffered from venereal disease, 'he never ill treated his wife, never- lived at -an hotel In Sussex-street, never worked on the wharves, never kept any woman at an hotel, never saw his wife at a Sussex street hotel, and never introduced any woman other than his wife to the doctor as his wife. There was a Miss Preston working at the old Dog and Duck, where he stayed while in Sydney getting medical treatment for a poisoned eye, caused by a splinter of wood flying into it. and Miss Preston was one of the girls from the wineshop. She went with him to the doctor In a cab, but he thought the nurse must have told her to fetch him he was blind, and 'couldn't even see who it was. The whole trouble arose because his wife and daughter loved dances - they actually attended three dances In one week while he was £300 in debt, with a ca. sa. qrder against him. When he remonstrated that they would drive him to the Insolvency Court, his wife replied. 'Oh, I'll drive you farther than that.' Anderson had a grudge against him, and his evidence was absolutely ' untrue. He never had ' a bath in his kitchen, never discussed his wife's welfare with any body, never offered Anderson money TO SHUT HIS MOUTH, never committed adultery with his house keeper, and his wife left because he quarrelled over the grown daughter, who was supposed to be away on a visit to Rooty Hill, and instead she was running about the city. He told his wife to either fetch the girl back home or send her to Rooty Hill, and gave her a sovereign to pay her fare. The next thing he learned was that she had gone to Constable Hewitt's house, a hundred yards off, and stayed the night.- All the' witnesses had given evidence against him in sheer spite, and Anderson had his knife into him over the 'cow business' and Mrs. Bolton had married a Bolton, who never forgave him for opening a dairy, In opposition to the Boltons at Newport five years ago. His wife never threatened to shoot him, and he never threatened to flog her. It was all make up. 

MRS. DOUGLASS.

John C. Ashley, a slim youth, called for the petitioner, said that he and Singleton were mates, and that he often visited the house to see Singleton and play cards with him. He made' himself at home on these occasions and had the run of the house. One night, about 9 o'clock,, on opening a door he beheld DOUGLASS AND HIS HOUSEKEEPER on a bed together. He was so shocked at the sight that he banged the door and scooted, and afterwards whispered to Singleton all about it. Yes, he was shocked, knowing that Douglass was married. Mr. 'Windeyer: Did she not turn you out of the house for using filthy language No. You are a bit pressed for money now, aren't you? — No. Why, haven't you got an unmarried girl into trouble down there?— Yes. And the child Is not yet born That's so. Have you been sued for preliminary expenses Not yet I've agreed to pay. The housekeeper, a young woman of delicate and quiet demeanor, here gave evidence. She said it was untrue that any misconduct ever took place between her and Douglass, who always treated her like a father, and acted as a father to her child. She had been a GREAT SUFFERER FOR FIVE YEARS, and besides patronising an Indian doctor in George-street West, she was operated on twice in hospital. The stories told by the witnesses against her were all false. Indeed, she had more respect for herself than to allow Douglass to bathe in her presence. Singleton was warned away for his dirty tongue, but Douglass always kept a clean tongue, and she still acted as housekeeper for him. To Mr. James, the witness said that she and Douglass did not discuss the evidence given by the witnesses the previous day. As far as she knew, when Singleton wrote her a reference, he knew nothing of the allegations spread about by Mrs. Luther Douglass aspersing the fame of her father and witness. His Honor: How do you explain his inserting in the reference that he never saw anything immoral between you and Douglas That was. just how he put it himself, I didn't suggest that. Reginald Windle, a grey-thatched dairyman with spectacles, said he remembered one day last December, when picking tomatoes in the garden with Anderson, the latter spoke about THE IMPENDING SUIT, and said that he had been offered a fiver to give evidence for Mrs. Douglass, and that witness could get a fiver also if he liked. Anderson grumbled at the price he had paid Douglass for a little farm and fancied he had been taken down. He thought he had a chance to get square. 

John Thomas Collins, an elderly chap, formerly a butcher and baker at Narrabeen, but farming now, said that Douglass always paid his wife's bills, and she got whatever she wanted. It was not true that Douglass paid the bills only for three weeks. James Dewane, who boarded at Douglass' house at Newport for six months, said he saw no kissing or anything that would lead him to believe that Douglass had an unholy passion for his house keeper. Nothing of the sort. ' After counsel addressed, his Honor, reserved his decision. HAWKESBURY SQUIRE. (1913, September 14). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168739353 

In 1913 John Hewitt left the Police Force having served for 23 years in this capacity and became a Produce Merchant between 1915 and 1927 as well as being a storekeeper at Mona Vale. John Keith Hewitt, when enlisting for service during WWII, listed his occupation as 'labourer' and would later be listed as a 'gardener', so the family may have used their acreage on the corner of Darley and Barrenjoey to grow crops. The family clearly wasn't making a large amount of money as their eldest son qualified for a bursary when commencing his senior years at school:

BURSARIES AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

Additional awards have been made by the Bursary Endowment Board. To bursary holders who may have to live away from home in order to attend school the monetary grant is £30 - for each of the first and second years, and £40 for each of the third and fourth years of the school course. To bursary holders residing at home the money grant is £10 for each of the first and second years, £15 for the third, and £20 for the fourth. Each bursary also entitles the holder to an annual supply of text books. In each case the bursary is awarded subject to regulation conditions as to age and Income of parents. 

Following are the additional names: — Tenable at Bathurst Public High School; Robert Charles Patrick Niland (Young); Aileen Ella Treglown (Lagcon). Tenable at Broken Hill District School; Winifred Madeline Brooks (Broken Hill North). Tenable at East Maitland High School for Boys: Herbert Henry Bloomfield (Mulbring). Tenable at Wear Maitland High School for Girls: Myra Avery (Richmond Vale). Tenable at Orange Public High School: Mervyn Simeon Bevan (Carcoar). Tenable at Parramatta Public High School: John Abbott (Parramatta High), George Thomas Audsley (Parramatta High), Arthur Thomas Chapple (Granville), George Frederick Percival Green (Auburn), Elizabeth Craig Shaw (Auburn);- Vera May Shepherd (Parramatta High), Elinor Mildred Madge Smith (Lidcombe), Hermann Bloor Wittig (Riverstone). Tenable at Sydney High School for Boys: Alexander John Fraser (Crystal-street), Harold Steel Hewitt (Mona Vale), Clifton Jack Purnell (Galston). Tenable at Fort-street High School for Girls: Johanna Margarita Hallmen (Tempe), Margaret M'Lennan (Coolamon). Tenable at St Vincent's College, Potts Point: Mary Patricia Gannon (St. John's School, Auburn). Tenable at Our Lady of Mercy's College, Parramatta: Mary Emily Rowe (Convent School, Smithtown). Tenable at Secondary Schools to be selected: Thomas Lynton Albertson (Oak Vale), Amy Elizabeth Blanch (Kundlbakh), William John Dignam (De la Salle School, Surry Hills). BURSARIES. (1915, February 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 6 (FINAL RACING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229312632

He stood for election to Warringah Council to represent A Riding on 31 January 1920. He finished in a tie with George Hitchcock on 161 votes, and was successful in a drawing of lots to decide the outcome. He was again elected in 1922, topping the poll for A Riding with 404 votes. In fact, John Thomas Hewitt was elected from 1920 and served until the late 1930’s. 

Named as a founding member of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, his eldest son Harold Steel Hewitt became a member the next year. He was also a founding member of the Mona Vale Golf Club and his land on present day Golf Avenue was used as the first version of a links from Christmas 1925. Her was the club's first Treasurer in early 1927 while his eldest son was named Captain. Prior to that his lands on current day Golf Avenue were used as the first and second tees for the first rough version of a nine-hole course.

WARRINGAH.

A Riding (3): J. F. Duffy. F. F. Hall, J. T. Hewitt, S. H. Hitchcock, E. W. Quirk, W. H. Rayner, H. T. Sturman.

B Riding (3): H. Atkins, M. J. Corkerv, A. H. Hammond, R. Hopping, J. T. Hunt, R. N. Judd, A. G. Parr.

C Riding (3): F. Acton. D. Campbell. F. E. Elworth, T. Funnell, G. Hayter, R. M'Killop, R. H. Rose. NOMINATIONS RECEIVED MUNICIPALITIES AND SHIRES (1922, November 24). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245783430 

MONA VALE BUSY. The club at Mona Vale is rapidly finding its feet, and its energetic officials are making every effort to bring along members and improve dressing-shed accommodation, etc. Two squads of novices will receive their initial instruction from Palm Beach hon. Sec. L. A. Palmer next Sunday. The Shire Council is providing' a reel, line, and belt, and the locals have visions of a clubhouse within six months. The officials elected are real grafters, many of whom have had much experience in matters natatorial. They are : Patron, Mr. W. Scott-Fell ; president, Mr. F. C. V. Lane ; hon. sec, Mr. Jock Blackwood ; hon. treasurer. Mr. L. Grant ; committee, Messrs. J. W. Austin, H. Hewitt. F. Baldwin, J. Dickson and J. Williams. They expect to be in possession of a reel and line next week. AMONG THE SURFERS (1922, November 3). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103444527 

MONA VALE'S NEW CLUB.

Mona Vale is to have its Surf Club. A largely attended meeting was held at Mr. F. C. V. Lane's residence on Sunday, when a committee consisting of Messrs F. C. V. Lane, W. W. Hill, Councillors Hewitt (and) Ralston, and John Blackwood (acting hon. sec.) was elected. President Parr and Councillor E. W. Quirk of the Shire Council promise the new club every support and informed the meeting that the Council would donate the necessary life-saving equipment. AMONG THE SURFERS (1922, October 13). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103444752 

John Hewitt's land on present day Golf Avenue took until 1946 to sell all of its lots. In the meantime:

MONA VALE GOLF LINKS

A land-owner at Mona Vale has decided to convert an area of 60 acres into a nine-hole golf links. It is expected that the necessary work will  be completed by Christmas. It is hoped to induce other Iandowners to join in the scheme and make a full sized links. MONA VALE GOLF LINKS (1925, June 16). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113924657

GOLF - NEW CLUB FORMED MONA VALE ENTERPRISE

The Mona Vale Golf Club has been formed at Mona Vale. Registration of the club has been applied for, and a constitution and rules have been drawn up. The' club possesses a fine holes course and negotiations are being conducted with a view of obtaining sufficient land to have an 18-holes course at an early date. The club Is situated Immediately behind the La Corniche Hotel, where excellent accommodation Is provided for members. Non-members are also being catered for, and the green fees are very reasonable. Mr. E. H. Carten is president Mr. Hewitt, treasurer, and Mr. Howard Hewitt, captain. A large number of applications for membership has already been received, and those desiring to join are advised to do so as soon as possible. All Information can be obtained from the hon. secretary. Mr. Sydney Horne, care of La Corniche Hotel, Mona Vale. GOLF (1927, March 12). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117697676 

NOMINATIONS
SHIRE ELECTIONS
WARRINGAH (Nine Councillors to be Elected)
A Riding: John Henry Walpole Adams, John Warraker Austin, Frank Ferguson, Frederick Fulgar Hall, John Thomas Hewitt, George William Hitchcock (x), Albert Henry Hughes, Andrew Robertson, William Simpson. 
B Riding: Harold Atkins (x), George Henry Green, Albert Charles Greenwood (x), Arthur George Parr (x), Archie Goswell Priddle, Donald Ross, Edwin Oswald Shaw. 
C Riding; Henry Stanton Babbage, Duncan Campbell (x), Francis Frederick Corkery (x), William Charles Fisher, George Hayter, Thomas Henry MacPaul. NOMINATIONS (1928, November 16). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 14 (CRICKET-STUMPS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223249207 

Warringah Shire Council Minutes of Meetings record J T Hewitt being very active about getting the then named 'Black Swamp', current day Beeby Park and Kitchener Park, drained. He would have been among those who commenced approaching the Warringah Shire Council from its earliest formation to do something - with the initial response being:

MONA VALE DRAINAGE.

The council engineer has come to the conclusion that owing to the towns of the land between Mona street and the outlet, and its being subject to tidal waters, nothing of any practical value can be done without large expense in reclamation. This the council would not be justified in undertaking, and the matter resolves itself into preventing the salt water from flowing up the drains into private property. He holds that owners of the property by a small combined effort should be able to safeguard their own interests by constructed' inexpensive self-acting flood gates. This is done throughout all the country districts.  MONA VALE DRAINAGE. (1909, April 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15047734

MONA VALE DRAINAGE.

A petition, signed by sixty residents, was presented to the Warringah Shire Council at its last meeting. The object was to draw attention to the drainage of Mona Vale. The Black Swamp is nothing more than a pool of stagnant water the greater part of the year, and when not under water is considered a menace to health by reason of the amount of decaying vegetable matter washed into it during every storm. It was suggested that a drain be made from Warriewood and Newport roads to the ocean, via Bayview. If this were done a considerable portion of good residential and agricultural ground would be opened up. The matter is to have consideration. MONA VALE DRAINAGE. (1913, June 18). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113364399 

Some of those old council Minutes of Meetings records:

22/3/1920: In pursuance of Notice, Councillor Hewitt moved and proposed "That this council deems it expedient to acquire or purchase portion of the Salvation Army land situated between of land. Kitchener Park (Black Swamp) and a block of land owned by 8226; Mr. DePossel, on the north, a wire fence or thereabouts on the south, the Pacific Ocean, on the east and the Main Pittwater Road on the west, and that the Salvation Army be approached with a view to ascertaining the amount required." Councillor Quirk seconded, pro forma. The notion was defeated on division. Councillors Hewitt and Parr voting for, the remainder of the Council against.

March 7th, 1921: resolved Hewitt and Quirk – that the Engineers report regarding the draining of the Black Swamp be adopted and £160 be voted therefor – the pipes to be laid only one-half the distance suggested in the report

October 4th, 1921 -that in regard to the drainage of Black Swamp, and to the Engineer’s recommendation, that a new trench be cut across private property for the laying of the pipes, the owner of the property to be communicated with, and if he be agreeable, the work to be carried out as recommended

 6/2/1922: That the Engineer  report on the best means of draining Black Swamp, and if he considers it necessary, he be empowered to call in another Engineer. 

The Overseers report was read and dealt with as follows : f ]. Resolved, - (Crs. Hitchcock, Campbell) That the Black Swamp be let out to-morrow morning. - 19/04/1922

May 1st, 1922; seeing if Salvation army wish to contribute to scheme to drain Black Swamp – consideration of cost/plan deferred until next year Resolved, - (Crs. Parr, Campell) That the' copy of the reports in regard to the drainage of the Black  Swamp, Mona Vale, be sent to each Councillor, and the matter be considered at a later date. Resolved, (Crs, Hewitt, Hitchcock) That a copy of the report be also sent to the Salvation Army, with a letter pointing out the benefit: that would  accrue to! the Army' s property should the Black Swamp be drained, and enquiring whether they would be prepared to contribute the cost. 

May 29th 1922 that the Public Works department be written to and see if they will send an Engineer to consult with the shire engineer on the drainage of the Black swamp

June 22nd 1922:  Black  Swamp: Salvation Army, 9/6/22, declining to promise contribution towards cost of draining the Black Swamp :'Received. 38. Mrs. A I Cox 6/6/22, re land at corner of Darley Street and Stanley Streets, Mona Vale, and enquiring when Black Swamp drain pipes will be put in ; Resolved, - (Cr. Quirk) That she be informed of the council's endeavors to obtain the advice of a Public Works Department Engineer. 

July 10th, 1922 Public Works Department, 4/7/22, intimating that an Enri 252;er had been detailed to report regarding the drainage for Black Swamp, Mona Vale : Received

July 31st 1922; That the council 'deems it expedient to acquire a portion of the Salvation Army land situated between Kitchener Park (Black Swamp) and a block of land owned by Mr. dePossel, on the north, a wire-fence or thereabouts on the south, the Pacific Ocean on the east, and the main Pittwater Road on the west, and that the Salvation Army be approached with a view to ascertaining the amount required. 11 Cr. quirk. seconded. Carried.

'Meeting of 21st August 1922 -  Resolved, - (Crs, Hewitt, Quirk) That the maintenance men when finished spreading the metal on the- main road be set to carry out the work on Bardo Road, in accordance with the Engineer's, report to last meeting, the pipes to be used for the purpose to be obtained from the Black Swamp work. It Was resolved, - (Cr. Quirk, Sterland) That the Works Department again be asked to supply the promised report from its Engineer regarding Black Swamp Drainage, and that the president endeavor to have the matter expedited.

March 26th, 1923: Public Works Department 7/3/23 forwarding copy of report of Department’s Supervising Engineer Mr. H. Leahy in regard to the proposed draining of Black Swamp. Resolved – send a copy to each Councillor. 

23rd. April 1923 Resolved, - (Crs. Parr, Campbell) That Cr. Hewitt. interview Mr. H. E. Ross, Consulting Engineer, with a view to getting some satisfactory report from him on the matter of drainage of Black Swamp, and report to next meeting.

May 27th 1923: Black Swamp. Resolved, - (Crs. Hewitt, Corkery) That in regard to the obtaining of a report regarding Black Swamp Drainage Scheme from Mr. H. E. Ross,- Consulting Engineer, the President interview Mr. Ross instead of Cr. Hewitt as previously agreed,

July 16th, 1923: Professor Vt. H. Warren., 10/7/23, regretting inability to undertake reporting of scheme for Black Swamp  drainage, but recommending Mr James Vicars, U. E. &c' : Resolved,. (Crs. Hewitt', Hitchcock).That Mr.. Vicars be asked what his fee would be;

October 8th 1923; That the Engineer  prepare estimates for draining the Black Swamp, in accordance with the two recently approved schemes. Resolved, - (Ore. Mckillop, Campbell) 

January 7th, 1924: . Florence Lodge, 33, 1/1/24, asking for permission to use two of the pipes lying idle at Black Swamp outlet. Received.

In late 1924 the reserve came under the jurisdiction of the Council, and this allowed them to investigate how to make those reserves more of use to the residents, which included ensuring they did not flood every time it rained - although when it does rain, even today, the original flow of water across Mona Vale Golf Course shows where historical inundations occurred:

Reserve No. 45,244 at Mona Vale, parish of Narrabeen; county of Cumberland, area; 62 acres 2 roods 11 perches, notified 18th May, 1910, for Public Recreation, known as Black Swamp: — The Council of the Shire of Warringah. [Misc. 1924-6,406] NOTICE APPOINTING TRUSTEES UNDER THE PUBLIC TRUSTS ACT, 1897. (1924, September 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4357. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220237593 

June 15th, 1925: The President submitted a report on his interview with the Engineer for the Harbors and Drainage Branch of the  Public Works Department relative to the drainage of the Black Swamp, Mona Vale, and it two resolved, - (Crc. - Hewitt, Hitchcock) that the scheme for draining the swamp into the Ocean, and the erection of concrete works on the shelf of rocks to keep the outlet free from sand, be placed before the Harbors and Rivers Branch, and the Engineer detailed to investigate the matter be asked to call on Councillor Hewitt, who will give him the exact location. 

September 7th, 1925: A. Riding 1.- Resolved, - (Crs. Hewitt, Hitchcock) That the reports and estimates for Black Swamp Drainage and Gladstone Street construction, for inclusion in the A. Riding loan proposal be adopted, and the amount of the proposed loan, as previously approved by increased by £3,000. The notification already published be approved, with the alteration in the amount, giving the other particulars rendered necessary by increasing the amount of the loan.  2. Resolved, - (Crs. McKillop, Hewitt) That the President be authorised to discuss with the Salvation Army authorities, the matter of the drainage of Black Swamp, with a view to obtaining a contribution from them. 

May 2nd, 1927; 12... Mona Vale Progress Association. 11/4/27. Requesting the Council to resume all the lands between Bayview Road and Pittwater from Shaw's creek including Bill’s estate and portion of Roche's Estate. Resolved (Ore .Hitchcock) -That the Association be informed the Council is unable to make any further resumptions this year. 13. Same. 11/4/27.Requesting that a road of access to Mona Vale Beach from Pittwater Road be established between Vineyard Street and Sheep Station Hill. Resolved (Crs; Hitchcock, Hope) They be informed the Council will give consideration to their request when the work of draining Black Swamp is completed. • 14. Same. 11/4/27. Requesting to be furnished with a list of all the works 'carried out last year out of revenue, and the amount expended on each. Received. 15. Same. 19/4/27. Urging that the Council grant the Mona Vale Golf Club a 10 years' lease in Kitchener Park. (Crs. Parr, Hope) -The association be informed the Council will have no objection to the playing of golf on Kitchener park, but cannot grant a lease.

July 11th, 1927; G. W. Dean. Contractor for Black Swamp Drainage. 28/6/27 Pointing out the necessity for extra sub-foundation to beach end of pipe line,, and also for reinforcement of the top of the age pipes through the deep portion of the sand hills. Referred to the Works Committee for report, the Engineer to have ready an estimate of the extra cost involved.

October 17th, 1927;  10. Black Swamp Drainage Contract a Extra work: .Resolved .(Crs.Simpson , Parr) - The matter be referred to the drainage Committee and Contractor Dean be invited to be present when the inspection is made. 

October 31st, 1927;  Cr. Hitchcock requested that it be placed on record that, in reply, to a question submitted by him at the last meeting, the Shire Engineer stated that the position of the pipe-line in the Black Swamp Drainage works had not been altered from that specified in the Contract, but that when the Works Committee made its inspection, he admitted it had-been, and it was resolved (Ore. Campbell, Ryan) - That :the record be made, as requested.

December 12th, 1927:  Item 12. The consideration of the report regarding the mounting the cannon in Kitchener Park  was deferred until next year.  

February 6th, 1928; Black Swamp, G.W. Dean. Claiming without- prejudice, "extras" to the amount of £346 in respect of his Black Swamp Drainage contract. Referred to the Engineer for report.

February 20th 1928; Black Swamp Drainage. Resolved (Crs. Parr, Hope) - That if the Contractor be invited to meet the Works Committee for the purpose of discussing his claim for "extras". 12. Mona Vale Golf Club. 8/2/28. Requesting to be given a grant of the Black Swamp for the purpose of extending their Golf Club links. Resolved (Crs. Greenwood, Parr) ,- That a conference- on the matter take place between the Club's representatives and the Works Committee on the Committee’s next meeting day, and the whole of the Council be invited to be present.

March 5th, 1928: Resolved (Crs. Atkins, Hope) — That the recommendation of the Committee regarding Black Swamp Reserve, and Mona Vale Golf Club's request for a grant of an area for golf purposes be adopted, provided the Engineer's plan and estimate is satisfactory to the Council; the and Engineer to Golf Club treat the matter as an urgent one. .. . Cr. Hitchcock. verbally reported that he and Cr. Simpson in company with the Shire Engineer, made an. inspection of the pathway to Bilgola rock bath from the northern end of Newport Beach, and that they found it inadvisable to construct a path, on account of the danger from overhanging rocks. It was resolved to accept the recommendation, and to inform Mr. Pratten of it. Resolved (Crs. Hope, Hitchcock) - That the approved and "extras" on the Black Swamp  Drainage Contract, amounting to £210, be paid in full, that the contract deposit be refunded, and Mr, Dean, the contractor, be offered, without prejudice, the sum of £150 in full satisfaction of his further claim for. "extras".

March 19th, 1928: 8. Mona Vale Golf Club. 9/3/28. Requesting permission to make use of the old ambulance shed at Mona Vale, and to remove it to their links.8a. Same. 16/3/28. Submitting proposal for erection of Golf House on Black Swamp.- Resolved Crs. Hitchcock, Hope) - That the Cricket Club having failed to make use of the ambulance shed, it be granted to the Golf Club to remove and alter to suit their purposes Resolved (Crs. Atkins,.Hope) ... That the request for permission to erect a Golf House be referred to the Works Committee. GW Dean 19/3/28. Stating, without prejudice, he is prepared to accept £200.in settlement of his claim for Black Swamp "extras" in respect of the Black Swamp Drainage contract. Resolved (Crs. Hope, Hitchcock) - That the Council offer him £200 in full settlement of his claim 

That wasn't the end of drainage works at Mona Vale's 'Black Swamp', but it was the decade a start was made to not only make the land healthier for those living in the vicinity, but more available for use as a recreation ground.

It is also to John Thomas Hewitt that the present name for the greater part of this reserve may be attributed:

Thursday, 29th October. 1935. Cr. Hewitt moved - That the Black Swamp Reserve at Mona Vale Black Swamp be named "Beeby Park". Cr. Nicholas seconded. Carried

Lands Dept., 2/12/35, advising that the Department no objection to the adoption of the proposed name "Beeby Park" for Black Swamp Reserve, and the plans and records of the Department have been noted accordingly. "Received" 

9/2/1937: By Cr. Hewitt - Will the Engineer make an inspection of the pipes leading from Beeby Park (formerly Black Swamp Reserve) to the ocean, the first pipe of which is becoming loose, and furnish a report to the Council as opportunity permits.

27/7/1937: Cr. Hewitt reported that the Mona Vale Golf Club was prepared to plant and protect 120 Norfolk Island Pines and 20 Christmas Bush trees on Beeby Park, provided the Council supplied the trees. Resolved - That consideration of this matter be deferred until the President reports to next meeting. 

10/8/1937: Resolved, - That the-Council purchase for the Mona Vale Golf Club 120 Norfolk Island Pines and 25 New Zealand Jas Trees, at an estimated cost of £9. (Crs. Hewitt, Hughes) 

He was also caught up in one of the early instances of something seemingly untoward going on at Warringah Shire Council, although later court cases would find his neighbour, Mr. Austin, had done nothing wrong:

TRAVELLING EXPENSES
Councillor's Claim Leads To Court WARRINGAH CASE

THE usually peaceful hamlet of Brookvale — it is known to the locals as 'sleepy hollow'— has been roused from its slumbers lately by happenings at the Warringah Shire Hall, situated in Pittwater-road, Brookvale.

Already one councillor has resigned, following an information alleging that he received travelling allowances to which he was not entitled. However, he cleared himself at Manly Police Court last week, when Mr. E. A. May, S.M., dismissed the Information and ordered complainant to pay the defendant's costs. The information alleged that John Warwick Austin, on April 7, while a Councillor of the Warringah Shire, and while subject to a disqualification under Section 31 of the Local Government Act. received moneys for travelling' expenses in excess of the amount to which he was entitled by law. 

ONLY CLAIM 

Nathaniel J. Douglass was the informant, and he had the assistance of Mr W. A. Windeyer to prosecute. Austin was defended by Mr. E. R. Mann, and pleaded not guilty. Robert George Jamieson, Shire Clerk to Warringah Council, produced a voucher signed by Austin for an amount of £5 8s, representing 36 trips at 3s, and covering the period July 1 to December 31, 1935. Austin was a councillor for 'A' Riding for seven and a half years, and president of the council during 1934 and 1936. This was the only claim for travelling expanses Austin had made during the last two years, added the clerk, during which time he would attend at least 100 meetings. At present President of Warringah Shire, Albert Henry Hughes said he had frequently driven Austin to the Council Chambers and back to his home at Mona Vale. Mr. Windeyer: Did he receive an allowance while president in 1934-1935? Mr. Mann objected to the question, but Mr. Windeyer pressed it, to show he said. that Austin was amply paid while president, and that as soon as he lost that office, he put in a claim for travelling allowances. 

PRESIDENTIAL ALLOWANCE 

The question was allowed and it was stated that Austin, while president, received an allowance of £100 p.a. Hughes said he queried Austin's claim when it was submitted, wondering if Austin was entitled to travelling expenses as well as his presidential allowance. He was subsequently completely satisfied that the voucher was in order and he signed the cheque. 

John Thomas Hewitt, a councillor of the shire and a retired police constable, said he often saw Austin in Hughes' car. In fact, he had never seen Hughes without Austin. 

Hewitt was subjected to a severe cross-examination by Mr. Mann, and he hotly denied ever claiming travelling expenses when taken home in council's car. He admitted that he claimed £11 travelling expenses for the period January to June 1935, but could not say why his claim for six months should be more than Austin's for a similar period. 

NO CASE 

Mr. Mann submitted that there was no case against his client, as there was no evidence of what Austin was entitled to. nor the number of meetings he attended. Austin claimed for 36 meetings over a period of two years, although the voucher showed the period July to December, 1935.

Mr. Windeyer contended that the ordnance laid down that the time must be specified in the claim. If what defendant, had done was riant, a man could come along and claim for travelling expenses for two or even twenty years ago. The magistrate said he was not satisfied on the evidence adduced that the allegations in the information had been made out, and he dismissed the case and discharged Austin.

On the question of Mr. Mann's application for costs, the S.M. said he Particularly noticed that the informant, Douglass, did not give evidence and it appeared to him that the word ‘catspaw' might fit the case. Complainant was ordered to pav £4/13/- costs, the alternative being 10 days' light labor. Twenty-one days were allowed in which to pay, and Mr. Windeyer intimated that there would be an appeal. TRAVELLING EXPENSES (1936, May 10). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169578899 

Mr. Hewitt was a very active Councillor, attending anything he could, including the opening of a new clubhouse for South Narrabeen and an extension North Narrabeen SLSC's:

NEW SHEDS ARE TO BE OPENED
Warringah Shire Doing Good Work CLUB NEWS

THREE functions are to take place in the Warringah Shire in connection with improvements to surf clubs before the month ends. This afternoon an opening of the new premises of the South Narrabeen will be officially opened. Tonight the extensions of the North Narrabeen club-house will be declared open by a dance, and on the 23rd Inst the foundation-stone of the new club-house on Harbord Beach for the Freshwater Club will he laid by Councillor McPaull. At South Narrabeen an impromptu carnival will follow the opening proceedings. At North Narrabeen the club will hold one of its celebrated dances. Both these functions are sure to be a success. The South Narrabeen and North Narrabeen Clubs intend to perpetuate the memory of the late Wally Proudfoot, who was fatally injured while returning from Bondi Carnival early In the year. It is understood that both clubs will subscribe to the memorial, and the events to be contested will be decided later on. NEW SHEDS ARE TO BE OPENED (1934, December 15). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 4. from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236477681 

In November 1907 John Thomas Hewitt purchased three blocks of acreage – on present day Golf Avenue, running between the Catholic Church and the Briquet holdings, the site of the present day corner of Harkeith and Darley streets, and that corner of present day Park Street and Harkeith street on which stands the Mona Vale Hotel. He paid a ‘consideration’ of £250 for the blocks, the residue of lands bought by the Mona Vale Land Company from Louis Francis Heydon in July 1897.

John Thomas Hewitt lands, 11 acres, at Mona Vale adjoining GC 1915 sales - from Historical Land Record Viewer (NSW) - details of land sales under References

The Golf Avenue lots, then named ‘Allen Avenue’, changed to present name in 1934, were put up for sale from 1915 on, and those on the other side of Harkeith street, clearly named from the first parts of his sons names, Harold and John 'Keith', and at the western corner of Darley street and Barrenjoey road from 1927 on.

No. 19,316. APPLICANT:—John Thomas Hewitt, Mona Vale. LAND -County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, shire Warringah, 2 acres 27 1/2 perches, 9 acres 8 perches, on Newport-road and in Mona, Allen, and Darley streets,—lots 36, 37, and 38, section 1; and lot 3, lots 8 to 15 inclusive, lots 37 to 48 inclusive, and part lot 2, section 2, Mona Vale Estate, and parts 700 acres (portion 17, parish), granted to Robert Campbell; adjoining properties of — Ackland, A. Kinghorn. — Bridge, G. Oliver, S. Howlett, Roman Catholic Church, J. L. Briquet, and S. E. Austin. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1915, April 28). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2385. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226911713

Panorama View Estate - Mona Vale - Pittwater - Pittwater Rd, Darley St, Allen St - circa 1915, Item: SLNSW_FL9033091, courtesy State Library of NSW Subdivisions folder for Mona Vale

Present day Park Street was named ‘Mona’ street in earlier land records and lithographs for land sales – likely to cause confusion with the Mona street around the back of Mona Vale to Bayview and a good reason to change the name of the street that ran alongside the park, officially opened at Taramatta Park in 1904, to ‘Park Street’. James Booth and Samuel Stringer also lived on Park street – Samuel Stringer bought six lots of land at the other end of the road.

No. 28,171. John Thomas Hewitt, 3 a. 1 r. 15 p., Darley-st. and Newport-rd., Mona Vale. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1927, March 25). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1562. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220252828

Mona Vale - Heart of Mona Vale Estate - Darley St, Newport Road 1928, Item No.: c046820056, from Mona Vale Subdivisions folder, courtesy State Library of NSW.

The Hewitt home was built here, as seen opposite the Howlett store and the first Roman Catholic church version in above section of photo. All references to him during those early 1900’s years as Constable at Mona Vale state he lives at Mona Vale, 'on the Newport road'.

Mona Vale aerial circa 1957 to 1958 - you can see the 'partially constructed' Mona Vale Memorial Hall building installed on the corner of Golf avenue and Barrenjoey road in present day Beeby Park and diagonally opposite this and slightly to the west is the Hewitt home on the verge of that paddock with Harkeith street running behind it and a second lower to the ground structure beside this.

Mona Vale Circa 1961. Photo: Mark Horton

Mona Vale looking South - for Tooth and Co. Ltd. Photographer: Milton Kent, Sydney, date 9.11.1961

Mona Vale Village Park during soccer match, 1966. Photo: Mark Horton - this was taken from his grandparents news agency (The Savage family), from upstairs

The lots on the corner of Park Street and Barrenjoey roads were sold after he passed away by his sons. Probate was granted on January 8th 1953 and they took official possession of the Lots on October 6th, 1954. Harold was listed as a Shoe Shop Proprietor at Parramatta, and later a Boat Dealer, and John Keith as a Gardener of Mona Vale. The land for the Mona Vale Hotel site was sold on June 21st 1956 to Lilydale Investments Pty. Ltd. 

Some other developments that were occurring in Mona Vale and Narrabeen during the 1950's;

S. Fischer, Barrenjoey Road, Newport, is to build new bank premises at Mona Vale for the Bank of New South Wales at a cost of £8000. OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS (1953, September 16). Construction (Sydney, NSW : 1938 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222898496

The above is Sydney Fischer, builder, also a member who helped erect of Bilgola Surf Club's base and was their sweep and later, a sailor.

Delegate To Women's Commission
MRS. HARRY DALY of Mona Vale, will represent Australia at the ninth session of the United Nations Status of Women Commission, to be held in New York in March next year.
She was also the delegate to the fifth session of the Commission at Lake Success in 1951.
News of Australia's re-election to the commission at the 18th session of the Economic and Social Council, and of Mrs. Daly's appointment, was received in a letter to the Australian National Council of Women from the Act-ing Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Spicer.
A prominent social worker', Mrs. Daly was this year elected as the first woman president of the Australian Association for the United Nations in N.S.W. and was treasurer of the U.N. appeal for children in 1948.
Mrs. Daly is the wife of Dr. Harry Daly, of Macquarie Street, and a daughter of the late Mr. Justice Edmunds. Delegate To Women's Commission (1954, September 26). The Sun-Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1954), p. 68. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12646777

Contract for supply of a drying and cooling unit, costing £6145, for Dept. of Supply, New South Wales, has been obtained by Daniel Scott Pty. Ltd. Mona Vale. A brick dwelling costing £7000 is to be erected in Cabbage Tree Road, Mona Vale, by Mr. C. G. Maslin, 18 Mount William Street, Gordon, for Messrs. F. and T. Fox. Narrabeen North. Mr. E. R. Snow, c/' A. C. Browne, Stapletons Building, Pittwater Road, North Narrabeen, is erecting brick shops and flats at corner of Pittwater and Rickard Roads at a cost of £14,000. Collaroy. £15,000 is the cost of five shops and offices, four garages and one residence to be erected in Collaroy Street by L. Burne, "Pines Lodge,'' Mona Vale Road, North Narrabeen.(1954, August 18). Construction (Sydney, NSW : 1938 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224517141

Newport Beach. A blk. of one shop, one flat and four offices costing £10,000 is to be built at cr. Barrenjoey Rd. and Robertson St. for E. J. Hookham, 1340 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen. Mona Vale, £5,000 is the cost of a bk. shop to be built in Pittwater Rd. for J. T. Savage by R. S. Bohm, Bassett St., Mona Vale.  OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS (1954, November 10). Construction (Sydney, NSW : 1938 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224518126

By 1957 a Chamber of Commerce had been established and was asking the Council:

Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce, 10/12/57, asking Council to level and gravel a defined area adjacent to Mona Vale Park for a parking area - Referred to Engineer for a report.

By Councillor S.O. Reynolds: On several occasions over the past seven  months I have stressed the need for the disposal of sullage effluent from this area other than by the present method of disposal by burying at Mona Vale. At my instigation an unsuccessful approach was made to Manly Council for a conference re disposal into the sewer out-fall at North Head. Following this the President, on my request, made an approach to the Minister for the Army (through Mr. Wentworth) asking for a conference to discuss the matter. Mr. Wentworth advised that the Minister had agreed to meet Council and the State Minister for Health, with a view to a full discussion. This was over three months ago but no date has yet been fixed for p this conference. As the matter is of extreme urgency in view of the strong probability that, in wet weather, the waters of McCarr's Creek are contaminated by seepage from the Mona Vale Depot, so constituting a serious menace to the health of the community, will you take immediate steps to ensure that an early date is fixed for such conference? The President stated that he would ask the Shire Clerk to look into this matter and report. SOLICITOR'S REPORT - RE PROPOSED R.S.L. CLUB ROOMS AT MONA VALE (Written) 15. Resolved that the Council enter into an agreement for the transfer at this land, that a condition of the transfer be the continued user of the land by the R.S.L. and in the event of the land not being so used, that provision be made for its reversion to Council.(crs. Reynolds, Wilson) SOLICITOR'S REPORT - STONEY RANGE FLORA RESERVE 16. Resolved that this written report by the Solicitor be received and I' adopted - such adoption including authority for the affixing of the Seal to the Fauna and Flora Protective Society constitution.(Crs. Corkery, Reynolds). This is page Number B of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Warringah Shire Council held on the 16th December, 1957. 

Also worth noting:

December 9th, 1957 Meeting:

The President reported that the Bush Fire Brigade had taken water from three household tanks for the purpose of fighting bush fires recently, the persons concerned being Mrs. Coleman, West Head. Road, Terrey Hills; Mrs. Nixon, ''The Gums'' Mona Vale Road, Ingleside; and Miss Roach, Kanangra Road Terrey Hills. The President stated that the Council adopted a policy at the Ordinary Meeting on 29th January, 1957, that it would not replenish household water supplies in connection with water used in bush fire fighting, but he felt there were occasions when this policy was very harsh especially when applied to Pensioners. The President asked the Council for directions in regard to the three persons indicated, and also to re-examine the policy generally. Resolved - That the Council replenish the tanks of the three persons referred to by providing water approximately equivalent to the quantity which was taken for fire fighting. (Crs.McClelland, Job) 5. Resolved. That it be left to the President's discretion in future cases to determine whether the Council should replenish house- hold tanks where water is taken from them for fire fighting. (Crs. McClelland, Cooper) 

April 15, 1957 Meeting:

development of a hospital of 200 to 250 beds, on the site at Mona Vale acquired for the purpose; and giving an assurance that the Commission, when preparing its loan programme in a few weeks' time, will give every consideration to the inclusion of an item for the Mona Vale project in its draft loan estimates for 1957/8.

Minister for Health, per R. W. Askin, M.L.A.,25/11/57, stating that the Hospitals Commission is at present conferring with the Government Architect regarding the beds and services to be provided in the first stage of the proposed public hospital at Mona Vale, but that he is not able to indicate when it will be possible to provide sufficient funds for this work to proceed. 23. Resolved that the Minister of Health and the Hospitals Commissioner be invited to receive a deputation from Mr. R. W. Askin, M.L.A. and members of the Council to further discuss this matter.(Crs.Jones,Rin1A 24. Resolved that a Hospital Committee be constituted comprising full Council. (Crs. Jones, Job. .) (In reply to questions, the President stated that he would have, placed on the Agenda as an Order of the Day for the first Ordinary Meeting in 1958, the matter of appointment of citizen members to the Hospital Committee.) In Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Warringah Shire Council held on the 16th December, 1957. 

Pittwater Sub-Branch RSL, 15/4/58, thanking Council for its efforts in connection with granting of land in Huxley Street, Mona Vale, that the hall has been transported from Concord to Mona Vale, and progress is being made in putting it in order; that in order to carry out the programme of work It is felt the surrounding area could be greatly improved by having the scrubby growth and rubbish cleared from the Mona and Huxley Street sides of the land, and an area of say 200 ft. on the western side cleared and requesting Council to have such clearing done, the Branch to then keep the area clear. 'Received'

Meeting held 14/4/1958: J. Belli and 6 others, drawing attention to the dense growth of lantana  along the right-of-way at the rear of properties in Dygal Street, Mona Vale, extending into Waratah and Park Streets, and asking for its removal as soon as possible. Resolved: That if this is a Council right-of-way, the Engineer have action taken for removal of the lantana, and if it is a private right-,of-way the owners be requested to take the necessary action. (Crs. Reynolds, Cooper)

G. K. Townshend, Delmar Parade, Deewhy, 10/5/58, requesting permission to erect a notice board at the junction of Church Point and Pittwater Roads, Mona Vale' from 2nd to 7th June, in connection with an exhibition of paintings to be held at the Methodist Church Hall. Resolved, - That the Council raise no objection to erection of the desired notice board. (Crs. Job, McClelland)

Peter Kaye Advertising, 31/7/58, notifying that a new weekly 'Pictorial' newspaper will shortly circulate in Mona Vale Narrabeen Newport, Avalon and Palm Beach. Received. 

On May 25th 1962 Tooth & Co. Limited took possession of the land through a lease. Sections of this were resumed for road widening, a sewerage and water disposal area and an electricity substation from 1964 to 1967, reducing the overall land holding. There was also a section required to be set aside for 'a carriageway'.

ITEM; NRS-17513-24-134-PA 41963 | Primary Application - Mona Vale Rex Hotel Proprietary Limited 2 acres 2 roods 3/4 perch in Darley & Park Streets at Mona Vale in Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Shire Warringah Volume 9735 Folio 131. 20-03-1961 to 25-06-1964

No. 41963 Mona Vale-Rex Hotel Pty. Limited 2 a. 2 r. 0 ¾ p. lots 28, 39, 40 and 41 and part of lot 29 of Sec. 1 of the Mona Vale Est. Darley and Park Sts. Mona Vale. REAL PROPERTY ACT NOTICE (1962, January 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 56. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220245785 

NRS-17513-26-107-PA 44824 | Primary Application - The Mona Vale Hotel Proprietary Limited 2 roods 1/2 perch in Darley Street at Mona Vale in Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Shire Warringah Volume 10372 Folio 248. Date: 17-02-1966 to 12-08-1966

A September 8th 1964 registration shows the name Lilydale Investments Pty. Ltd. has been changed to Mona Vale Hotel Pty. Ltd. On September 4th, 1967 this was again lodged as changed to Mona Vale Rex Hotel Pty. Ltd. although clearly that had occurred prior to being noted in the land records as it shows up as the same in selling off the remnant of land in Darley and Park streets from late 1961.

It's also worth noting that in 1964, REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT For 1963, Ordered to be printed, 17 September, 1964, records ''During the year the following building projects were completed:— Mona Vale—Conversion of residence for Police Station purposes.''

Warringah Shire Council Minutes of Meetings record:

Ordinary Meeting, 20/2/1961. (d) The proposed development would injure the residential amenity of the neighbourhood by reason of the noise, kerbside parking and traffic congestion which it would generate. (e) The subject land is too small for the development proposed in that there is insufficient insulation space between the proposed hotel buildings and the residential development adjoining and also, insufficient off-street car parking space. 10. DEFEATED. re Item 9: Mona Vale Road and Bungan Street, Mona Vale. Applicants, Owners, Woolworths Ltd. Application, 18/11/60, for permission to use Lots A, B and C, resub. 4/5, corner Mona Vale Road and Bungan Street for a Supermarket. 11.Resolved; That an executive representative of the Applicants be invited to confer with the next Town Planning Development Committee. (Crs. Brown/Fisher).

Ordinary Meeting 4.5.64. 9. Moved by Cr. Beckman, seconded by Cr. Mayer, That in respect of the A Riding Combined Progress and Allied Associations be advised on the action Council has taken regarding the Mona Vale Hotel; and in respect of item (2) Council approval has been sought for the-erection of a sign. 'An Amendment was moved by Cr. Wilson, seconded by Cr. Pickett-Heaps, That the Shire Clerk bring forward to the next meeting of the Finance Committee a report on the position as regards the Mona Vale Hotel in respect of this Council. 

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND DEALT WITH SERIATIM Minutes 0.M. 26.4.66. (A1) Mona Vale Progress Association 13.4.66 ; drawing council's attention to the dangers faced at present by pedestrians crossing Pittwater Road in the area between Mona Vale Road and Barrenjoey Road Junction. Asking council to arrange with the Main Roads Board for at least this section of the highway to be provided with a median strip as a safety zone and also widened if necessary. Adding this danger will be increased as a result of the development of Kitchener Park as an Oval and also the opening of the Mona Vale Hotel. 45. Resolved,; That council consults with the Department of Main Roads to provide a median strip and safety zones between Mona Vale Road, Pittwater and Barrenjoey Road junction through the shopping area, and after council receives this report that it be referred to the Transport Safety Committe. (Crs. Knight/ Beckman).

Rex Investments and Hotels were a division of L J Hooker Pty Ltd. which commenced buying lands and old hotels to spruce up from 1950 on. Rex Investments was first registered in 1938 and purchased real-estate agencies and hotels around Australia from then on. It was registered as a Public Company in 1948. 

He gave evidence to the royal commission of inquiry into the liquor laws (1951-54) about his hotel licences and connexion with Tooth & Co. Ltd.:

HOOKER-WHELANS JOIN FORCES' ON HOTEL SITES

Leslie Joseph Hooker, real estate agent, told the Liquor Royal Commission today- that he and the Whelan/family had "joined forces" when they found themselves competing for hotel sites.

Hooker was giving evidence of his interest in 25 NSW hotels. The Whelan family, according to earlier evi-; dence, controlled 35 NSW hotels and was the largest private . hotel-owning group in the State. Hooker, managing director of L. J. Hooker ; Ltd., real estate agents, j said a company in which I he was interested joined jforccs with the Whelans ' after competing for sites at St. Marys and Marou-bra Junction,, where it was proposed to build hotels, using licences transferred from existing hotels through solicitors who, he thought, were the most capable to handle the transfers. 

Mr.' W. R. Dovey, KC (assisting the commission): The lamb lay down with the lion. 

Hooker said that conditional approval for the removal of hotel licences to proposed new sites had been given by the Licensing Court. 

These sites were: — 

St. Marys: Licence to be removed from the Silver Mines Hotel, Yerranderrie, to St. Marys. Cost of hew hotel £66,000 (1949 estimate). 
Windang (near Lake Illawarra): Licence to be removed from Woolpack Hotel, Mudgee. Cost £73,000 (1947 estimate). 
Thirroul: Agreed to buy from Tooth's licence of Tattersall's Hotel, Murrurundi, for transfer to Thirroul. 
Pagewood: Agreed to buy from Tooth's, licence of College Green Hotel, near Central Station, for transfer to Pagewood (land bought for £1317, new hotel to cost £85,000 (1945 estimate). 
Balgowlah: Agreed to buy the licence of the City View Hotel, Redfern, from Tooth's for transfer to Balgowlah. 
Long Jetty: Agreed to buy Ontario Hotel, Bal-dry, from William Angliss Ltd., for transfer to Long Jetty. 
Lindfield: Arrangement to buy from Tooth's the licence of Galway Castle, Redfern, for transfer to Lindfield. New hotel to cost £65,000 (1948 estimate - Greengate) .
Caringbah: Caringbah: Agreed to buy from Tooth's the licence oi Royal Oak Hotel, Pyrmont, for transfer to Car-ingbah. 
Cammeray: Agreed to buy from Tooth's the licence of Sunbeams Hotel, Surry Hills, for new hotel at Cammeray. 
Maroubra Junction: Licence from Golden Grove Hotel. Darlington, to Anzac Parade and Boyce Rd., Maroubra Junction (site bought from Miss J. Whelan for £3500). Cost of new hotel £117,320 (1949 estimate). 
Seven Ways, Bondi: Arrangements to buy licence of Prince of Wales, Hotel, Newtown, for £5000 — to build at Seven Ways for £120,000 on land bought for £10,300. 
Potts Point: Licence to be removed from Morning Star, Redfern, to Macleay St. (site of Oriana Private Hotel, bought for £65,000). Building permit given to remodel and renovate the residential portion. Plans with City Council, and hoped to have work completed within 12 months from next January.

New hotel for Macleay Street

Packed locality 

Hooker, in reply to. Mr. Dovey, said, that he conceived the idea of transferring licences to more suitable sites, offered the suggestion to the breweries and enlisted their co-operation and support. Hooker admitted to the judge that he first picked a locality, then looked around for a licence to move to the new site. Where there was no free licence he asked Tooth's if they would make a licence available to him, 

The Judge: What you mean, I suppose, is that you picked a good site, then looked for a bad licence. You. picked an obviously profitable site, then looked around for an unprofitable hotel to move to that site?

 Hooker: Yes; I selected a site where I thought a new hotel would be a better proposition than where it was at the present, time.

The Judge: Up to now we were under the impression that these hotels came into the new localities because the people were crying out for them,.

Mr Dovey: And they happened to be the solicitors for Tooth and Co.? Hooker: Yes. 

Hooker said he had also retained the services of Mr. Barry McDonald, a solicitor, who, he said, acted for the Whelans. 

Hooker said that he and the Whelan family were interested jointly in the removal of the licence from the Golden Grove hotel, Darlington, to Maroubra Junction, and in the removal of the licence of the Silver Mines hotel, Yerranderrie, to St. Marys. 

Hooker said he had on his staff Cecil Joseph Newsome, who for years had been engaged in promoting the interest of people who sought either new hotel licences or licence removals. 

The judge: The man who discovered the crying local need for new hotels? 

Hooker: Yes, I believe he is very able in that respect. 

After further questions on building and licensing permits, the judge told Hooker that he was not suggesting he was not bona-fide. 

"I am not assuming that this large number of removal orders indicates anything in the way of trafficking," he said. "At present I see no reason to assume that there is anything but genuine investments in these hotels, but I want to make it equally clear that I propose to take nothing for granted. That is one of the evils to which I propose to revert at some stage," added the judge. 

"Disappeared'' 

Barry J. McDonald, solicitor for the Whelan family, gave evidence of the family interest in 35 hotels. McDonald said that at the time the Whelans acquired an interest in the Coogee Bay Hotel, Coo-gee, shortly before last Christmas more than 1000 dozen bottles of beer disappeared from the hotel. McDonald said that when the hotel was inspected before purchase of the lease from the Trautwein family, more than 1000 dozen bottles of beer were on the premises. In the two or three weeks before the sale was completed, the supply had disappeared, he said. Mr. Dovey:- What is the account of the manager? McDonald: He told us the owners took it. Later, McDonald said the amount of beer involved did not exceed 300 dozen bottles. . . . Hearing adjourned until tomorrow. HOOKER-WHELANS 'JOIN FORCES' ON HOTEL SITES (1951, November 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230843027

REX INVESTMENTS DEFERS DIVIDEND

Directors of. Rex Investments Ltd. will await the full -. year's results before making a decision on the dividend.

The company passed its dividend last year after paying 10 pc for the two previous years. Directors report that net profits showed a marked :improvement during the half year ended December 31 last compared 'to "the same 1951 period. The remaining cottages at Lindfield and- Killara have been sold. Only texture bricks, for which there is a better demand, are being produced at the brickworks. The residential section of the Hotel Rex, at Kings Cross, was opened in December. Work on the hotel will be completed in June, when it will operate as a fully-licensed hotel. A new hotel, the Thirroul-Rex, will be operating by the end of 1953. Building will begin this month of a new hotel at Pagewood, which should be completed before December. REX INVESTMENTS DEFERS DIVIDEND (1953, April 20). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 15 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229738876

Besides being the founders of the original 'Mona', Hookers were busy further south building Warringah Mall during this era.

Sir Leslie Joseph Hooker (August 18th 1903 – April 29th 1976) (born Leslie Joseph Tingyou) was an Australian property entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist. He created the LJ Hooker empire and was at one time Australia's largest landholder and the world's largest cattle owner. He was knighted in 1973 for ‘services to commerce’. 

Mr. Hooker was born in Canterbury, Sydney, New South Wales. His mother, Ellen ("Nellie") Tingyou, was 18 and unmarried when she gave birth to him. They lived with their extended family, which included his grandfather, the Chinese-born James Tingyou. Nellie died at age 25 of tuberculosis, leaving Leslie an orphan at just 8 years of age. He was raised by his extended family and attended public schools in Canterbury and Beecroft. He began working at 13 years of age, initially with a Japanese import and export company and later as a ship's purser. 

Hooker the surname: Leslie changed his surname from Tingyou to Hooker in February 1925. He did so to circumvent the White Australia Policy and to be more acceptable to Australians with whom he hoped to do business. Some state the mostly likely reason he selected "Hooker" was because it was an Anglicised version of his step father's name 'Hookin'. Mr. Hooker's Chinese heritage remained a secret until some years after his death. 

By the age of 16, he had purchased two blocks of land in Blacktown. In the mid-1920s he opened his first real estate business in Martin Place in Sydney but it failed. In 1928 he tried again and opened L J Hooker Real Estate in Maroubra using the iconic red and yellow signage. From this beginning LJ Hooker greatly expanded and by 1953 the agency was the largest real estate agency in Australia. In 1963 Hooker House with all the various Hooker enterprises opened in Sydney. Through various companies Hooker's interests expanded to include property investment, new home development, projects, takeovers, finance, trusts, pastoral activities and franchising. He also had interests outside Australia such as in the United States. Sir Arthur Fadden and Sir Neil O'Sullivan were directors of some of his companies. 

With vision and persistence L J Hooker survived bankruptcy, the Great Depression, World War II and the 1960s credit squeeze to build an empire. When he retired from the company in 1974, the Hooker Group had more than 2300 staff and assets of almost $200 million. 

Sir Leslie Joseph Hooker, 1963

On June 23rd 1934, he married Madeline Adella Price. They had three children: Annette Price Hooker, Leslie Ross Hooker, and David Price Hooker. David married Urszula Tomaszewska, and they had two children, Leslie Janusz Hooker, a  former Australian national champion and representative rower who won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and Natalia Hooker. 

In 1985, George Herscu bought the Hooker Group for $450 million. In 1989, LJ Hooker owed $1.77 billion and was purchased by Suncorp Metway. In 2009, Janusz Hooker, Leslie Hooker's grandson, formed a consortium with other buyers and bought the company back from Suncorp-Metway for $67 million. In 2015, Janusz Hooker and other shareholders bought out the minority shareholders to consolidate ownership of the company. Janusz Hooker is currently the Chairman of LJ Hooker, while Natalia Hooker wrote a biography of her grandfather, LJ Hooker The Man in 2011. 

Mr. Hooker was also a very compassionate and community minded man - he was a director and life governor of the Royal New South Wales Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. He was heavily involved in the development of CIDE, now the Shepherd Centre, which assists deaf children. He was on the board of the Sydney Hospital, was Chairman of the Sydney Eye and Ear Hospital Management Committee, and Chairman of the first appeal fund for the Foundation for the Research and Treatment of Alcoholism. He was on a committee to raise funds for the Olympic games of 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972 and a committee to raise funds for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. He also supported churches. 

He passed away from a myocardial infraction on  April 29th 1976 at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales aged 72, just after hosting a dinner for the Royal New South Wales Institute for Deaf and Blind Children:

Founder of Hooker Corporation dies in Sydney
SYDNEY, Friday. — Sir Leslie Hooker, founder-chairman of the $350-million Hooker Corporation, died of a heart attack in St Vincent's Hospital last night, aged 73.
Sir Leslie was having dinner at a Sydney club when he collapsed and was taken to hospital. Only hours before he had attended a charity function at Hooker Corporation headquarters in Pitt Street, Sydney, to raise funds for the deaf.

Sir Leslie was born in  Sydney. He began his working life as an office boy but' left his job for life at sea on an Australian ship trading in the islands. At the age of 22 he became a partner in a building firm, but began his own real-estate business in Maroubra, in 1928. It was from this business that the Hooker Corporation grew.

Network of branches
The original agency business, now L. J. Hooker Ltd, comprised a network of 120 branches throughout Australia.
Since the late 1950s the Hooker group expanded into a diverse range or activities including cattle, hotels, industrial sand, jewellery stores, finance companies and investments, and property development.
Sir Leslie retired from executive duties early in 1969 but remained as chairman and director. In 1974 he relinquished the title of chairman and was then given the title founder-chairman.
The assets of the Hooker group of companies total $200 million, exclusive of interests joint ventures totalling a further $150 million.

Knighted in 1973
Sir Leslie was a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, vice-president of Sydney Hospital Board and a director of the Council for Integrated Deaf Education.
He was knighted in 1973 for services to commerce and the community.
He leaves a wife, two sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren.
A requiem Mass will be held at St Mary's Cathedral at 10.30am tomorrow, followed by ceremony at Northern Suburbs Crematorium. Founder of Hooker Corporation dies in Sydney (1976, May 1). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131814916

The License was transferred from a Tooths owned hotel at Redfern, the Galway Castle. This was a 'return' of sorts to Mona Vale as the company had held one of its annual picnics at the Rock Lily in 1907:

Mona Vale Rex Hotel card. Courtesy The Noel Butlin Archives Centre, Australian National University

As can be seen above, a good amount could be made to slake the thirst of locals once the hotel was opened. Publicity photos, taken a few days later, show the original layout of the bars and a restaurant, with some builders refuse still on the ground, indicating the construction took place predominantly during the same year with an expectation that it would be open for Summer, and just a little over a fortnight after the Mona Vale Memorial Hall opened in the park opposite on November 12 1966. 

Considering Mona Vale Hospital had been finished in 1964, with 'extra' bits still being done in 1965, and that the government had a tender out to demolish a fire affected building at Mona Vale Public School, the Carousel Motel in Bassett street was being constructed, the Council was in talks with a group who wanted to build something that sounded huge out along the Pittwater road towards Bayview via 'Pacific Paradise Pty. Ltd' described through various Meetings as possibly containing 'motel, boatels, tourist lodge, motor court, convention hall and ball room, night club and cabaret, bowling club and petrol station (Council Meeting of Feb. 21, 1966), along with flats being approved or then halted, it was a boom build time in the Mona Vale valley in the early to mid 1960's.

The photos taken a few days after opening show a seaside motif has been used to decorate the interior, with the 'Mariners' bar and the 'Anchorage'. A large restaurant, along with rooms for accommodation on the ground and second floor were positioned to the east, parallel with Barrenjoey road. Having cleaned these rooms as a third weekend job during the 1980's, the image below of one of these shows not much changed between opening day and then - perhaps new beds were installed at some stage, but it was still very similar to that photographed in December 1966. During the 1980's the publican lived on site in an apartment on the second floor over where the then bistro was downstairs. 

Sydney Architects David King, McKiernan and Burgess, designed many of the Tooths-Rex hotels from the mid 1950's through 1960's. The Mona Vale Hotel does look alike many of their buildings and homes designed from that era - The Coolibah Hotel, opened 1964 in west Merrylands, builders J. G. Pettigrey Pty. Ltd. and structural engineers Stanley, Llewellyn and Whitren, was one of their and very similar in design and furnishings to the Mona Vale Hotel; straight up looming walls, a flat roof and recessed murals in bar rooms and large windows to let in natural light.

In 1960s Australia, women couldn't get a chequebook without their husband's permission, apply for a mortgage or even drink in a public bar. It was only in 1965 that Australian women won the right to drink in a public bar. Up until then only certain pubs allowed women entry and they would have to sit in a small area (the ladies lounge) where they were often charged more for their drinks. Although this had been advanced, women still had their own area at Mona Vale.

Fiona Murphy, founder of popular Facebook page 'Narrabeen Reunions and the Northern Beaches' which shares great old photos and memories, says; 'I remember sneaking in underage when M.V. Pub opened. (I’m the first girl, third in from left - in the ‘beer garden’)':

From the album 'New Rex Hotel opens at Mona Vale, 2 December 1966  photographs by David Keith Cumming (1933-2016)', courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales:

The Rex 'Hotels' venture was wound up in 1980 and formally completed the same in 1983.

On September 5th 2014 the Mona Vale Hotel, listed as the 'first time offered', was sold as it hit the market. The listing described; 1.32 acres, 0.54 hectares, 1st time offered, Freehold; 21 poker machines (SIA 25, Band 1 LGA); Adjoins major shopping centre; Land size 5,362m2 approx.; Excellent cash flow/balanced trade to all departments;  Access on title to 280 car spaces; Perfect pub demographic'.

The 'Mona' was sold by Peter Beaumont’s Fernwood Group, along with Northies at Cronulla for $50 million to Arthur Laundy and Fraser Short and now is operated under The Sydney Collective portfolio, which includes hotels, restaurants, bars and pubs across Sydney, The Northern Rivers and now Jugiong in regional NSW. The Fernwood Group, which had called in a management company to run the pubs, retains the Greengate Hotel at Killara in Sydney’s north and Exchange Hotel in inner-west Balmain.

Reports state over $12 million was invested in upgrading the eating area, completed in 2017, and the name was changed to 'The Park House' to reflect the location and the vision of the new owners; 'an open-door, feel-right-at-home social space the community can call its own, reflecting Mona Vale’s hefty food, drink and creative credentials'. 

The Park House Food Merchants, by revised drawings through Architecture firm Alexander & Co. who also did the upgrade of Manly Wharf Bar  and Harbord Hotel, to designs drawn by Swerve, is now a 200 seat restaurant within the newly rebuilt Mona Vale hotel inspired by its 1960’s motel architecture.

The Park House website advises there is no longer any accommodation at the premises but that music persists, along with a great area for eating good food. The stairs from the street to the second floor, which has been a bar, pool hall, a place to see GREAT live bands or used as a nightclub, are no longer open.

John Thomas Hewitt had to deal with the problems that come from too much imbibing of alcohol during his years as the district constable, and may have even enjoyed a tipple himself after a strenuous outing on the Mona Vale Golf Course, or working for decades to get the Black Swamp turned into a healthier place. Whether he’d be pleased a hotel was built on land he once owned is conjecture. 

Given his clear spirit for community, and his long service in helping Mona Vale from his first days there until his last, he would probably like the sense of community that comes when people gather to enjoy each other’s company and form social groups through meeting here, such as the Mona Vale Hotel Social Golf Club, or the Winter Swim group the Pittwater Pirates, who train in Mona Vale's rock pool. In their 2012 Profile they explained many of the local Winter Swim groups are founded through resident surf lifesaving clubs and many raise funds to invest in local institutions. 

The Pittwater Pirates, who are members of the Winter Swimming Association of Australia, have won bronze, silver and gold (2000) in the 50 metre open Handicap Relay Champions at the Australian Winter Swimming Championships held annually, an event they hosted in 2001 at the Warringah Aquatic Centre. 

The Pirates are community minded folk too, raising funds during meat raffles at Mona Vale Hotel, their main sponsors, to donate Playstations, dvd/vhs players and televisions sets to the Children’s Ward at Mona Vale Hospital in 2008. 

The Pirates also asked the Mona Vale Hospital nurses what they needed and 47 Manual Blood Pressure monitors, that could be used in all wards, were provided by these cold water swimmers. The group also raise funds by imposing ‘fines’ for complaints by members about the temperature of the water and by charging $5.00 for the rather large breakfasts each Sunday morning in 2012.  

Mr. Hewitt would undoubtedly be pleased with the continuance of surf club based sports that would save lives and the swinging of a golf club are vested in this local land site and what was built here after his home was removed - the Mona Vale Hotel, or the 'Mona' to older residents. 

Anthony 'Irish' Sully, 2012 Pittwater Pirates President on chef duty at the Mona Vale Hotel

 Pittwater Pirates members after training session at Mona Vale Rock Pool in August 2012. L-R Steve Noel, Jill Jackson, David Macintyre (front), David Stower, David and Alex MacIntyre (Jillian Jackson's children) at front), Bronwyn Dutton, Dave Jeffress, Dave Hanley, Steve Lendill and Trent Kennedy.

Congratulations Mr Thomas on your Great Shave and thanks to the Mona Vale Hotel for your support in such a great cause - MVHSGC, March 2015, Facebook

The Mona Vale Hotel today:

The Shop opposite; notes – Henry Neil & Sarah Howlett

The Howlett store at Mona Vale, opposite the Mona Vale Hotel, commenced trading around 1902-03 on land bought from the Mona Vale Estate. Known as the Mona Vale Store and Post Office, Australian National Archives Records show a F G Bradburn had been receiving mail for local residents on an unofficial basis and became Receiving Officer from July 24th 1905 and continued as Postmaster until June 15th 1907 when the same was moved to Austin's store in Bayview road (now Pittwater road out to Bayview).

Coming still further on the return journey we arrive again at MONA VALE.

A notice in the fine shops there informs us that there is to be a display by the local athletic club, of which Mr. James Booth is honorary secretary, Mr. Paul, honorary treasurer, Mr. S. A. Hewett, captain, and Mr. Bradburn, president.

THE PARK at Mona Vale is opposite the Mona Vale Stores. The athletic club has leased a portion of it for a tennis court and cricket pitch, and on Saturday afternoons there is generally a good game or two. The park is invested in trustees, for whom Mr. Stringer is secretary. Our parliamentary representative for Warringah, Mr. E. W. Quirk, is working to get a grant of money to fence it in completely. ... MOSMAN TO NEWPORT. (1903, December 5). The Mosman Mail (NSW : 1898 - 1906), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247006740

Above Panorama of Mona Vale, New South Wales, ca. 1917 - 1930 [picture] / EB Studios National Library of Australia PIC P865/125 circa between 1917 and 1930] and sections from made larger to show detail and location of cricket pitch and tennis courts. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-162044299

Howlett's store circa 1905. Photo: Olwyn Johnstone, another local family

Marriage:
2191/1892 HOWLETT HENRY NEIL BALL SARAH BALMAIN

Children – all born locally:
HOWLETT HAROLD NEIL 21647/1892  HENRY N SARAH MANLY
HOWLETT REGINALD A 20232/1894  HENRY N SARAH MANLY
HOWLETT IVY M 4594/1897  HENRY N SARAH MANLY
HOWLETT WILLIAM A H 23638/1900  HENRY N SARAH MANLY

Her death – parents:

HOWLETT SARAH 15733/1928  parents: HENRY J MARY A MANLY

Parents marriage:

2469/1865 BALL HENRY to KENWORTHY MARY A registered at MAITLAND

Children of the union:
BALL ALFRED 10267/1866  HENRY MARY A MAITLAND
BALL SARAH 11280/1868  HENRY MARY A MAITLAND
BALL ALFRED 13422/1869  HENRY MARY A MAITLAND
BALL ANNIE 12787/1871  HENRY MARY A MAITLAND
BALL WILLIAM 3386/1873  HENRY MARY A BALMAIN
BALL HENRY J 3535/1876  HENRY MARY ANN BALMAIN

Sarah Howlett – also had store at Church Point for a little while prior to moving to Mona Vale.

Henry Joseph Ball bought land here too:

APPROVAL OF AFTER-AUCTION PURCHASES. (1903, September 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 6787. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220995498 

Her father, Henry Ball – was an early trustee for the MV Cemetery:

Department of Lands,
Sydney, 12th June, 1901.
IT is hereby notified, for public information, that in accordance with the provisions of the 100th section of the Crown Lands Act of 1884, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor,
with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to approve of the appointment of the undermentioned gentlemen as Trustees respectively of the portions of land hereinafter particularised, namely:—
The portion of the General Cemetery at Turrimetta, parish of Narrabeen, dedicated 11th November, 1891, set apart for Unsectarian Burial Ground :—
Messrs. Henry Boulton.
Joseph Baker.
Stuart Greig.
Henry Ball.
James Joseph Roche.
James Symonds.
[Ms. 1901-3,772 Ind.] Government Gazette Appointments and Employment (1901, June 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4597. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226379480 

FUNERALS.

BALL. The Funeral of the late HENRY BALL, of Johnstone street, Mona Vale, Pittwater, will leave his late residence THIS (Friday) MORNING, at 10 o'clock, for the Gordon Road Cemetery, Mona Vale, Pittwater. T. WAUCH and CO., Funeral Directors Tel, 42 Manly. 92 Corso, Manly. Family Notices (1921, April 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28086791 

Henry Ball - Date of Death 20/04/1921, Place of residence Mona Vale

BALL HENRY 9198/1921  parents: JOSEPH SARAH MANLY

Mary Ann Ball - Date of Death 03/06/1922, Place of residence Mona Vale, Granted on 19/07/1922

BALL MARY A 7880/1922  parents: TIMOTHY MANLY

BALL-The Funeral of the late MARY ANN BALL will leave her late residence, Johnston street Mona Vale, TODAY', MONDAY, at 11 o clock, for the Gordon road Cemetery Mona Vale.  T WAUGH and Co. Tel, Manly 42. Family Notices (1922, June 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16006036 

BALL Family in Mona Vale Cemetery:
BALL, ALFRED (unknown–1958)
BALL, AUBREY GEORGE (unknown–1978)
BALL, FRANCES MARY (unknown–1961)
BALL, HELEN - ASH REMAINS (unknown–2012)
BALL, HENRY (unknown–1921)
BALL, JAMES CREIGHTON (unknown–1990)
BALL, MARY ANNE (unknown–1922)
BALL, TERENCE ALBERT (unknown–1985)
BALL, VERA CECELIA (unknown–1975)

MANLY CEMETERY (6)
HOWLETT, ALFRED JOHN (unknown–1939)
HOWLETT, ELIZA (unknown–1905)
HOWLETT, ELIZABETH CHRISTINA (unknown–1938)
HOWLETT, HENRY NEIL (unknown–1919)
HOWLETT, JAMES (unknown–1914)
HOWLETT, SARAH (unknown–1928)

MONA VALE CEMETERY (2)
HOWLETT, HAROLD NEIL (unknown–1973)
HOWLETT, HOPE VIOLET JOSEPHINE (unknown–1983)

One of these gentlemen, Reginald Augustus Howlett was educated at Bay View school when that still existed, listed with his brother William as among those who won prizes in 1905, and his father, Henry Neil Howlett (born 1863), was an early member of the newly fledged Pittwater Progress Committee, a forerunner of the Bayview-Church Point Residents Association, alongside Katharine Roche's husband. 

MUNICIPAL COUNCILS. BAYVIEW, Friday.

A ballot was taken of the electors at Bayview Post-office last Tuesday for the purpose of filling three vacancies in the Pittwater Progress Association. There were six candidates, viz., J. J. Roche, James Booth, Henry Howlett, James Symonds. Leon Houreux and J. W. Austin. The three first named were elected. _ MUNICIPAL COUNCILS. (1902, June 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14437679

Henry Howlett had a store at Mona Vale and was clearly keen on cricket - on a then much larger Mona Vale Village Park:  

CRICKET.

Pittwater club.

At the annual general meeting of the Pittwater Cricket Club held at Howlett's store, Mona Vale, the report showed that the club was in a promising condition. There was a credit balance, and new members were coming forward satisfactorily. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year: — Patron, Colonel Ryrle, M.P.;- president, Councillor A. Ralston; captain, Councillor J. F. Duffy; vice-captain, Mr. J. W. Austin; treasurer, Mr. F. Douglas; secretary, Mr. R. Howlett; selection and subcommittee, Messrs. C. Price, H. Howlett, and F. Douglas. CRICKET. (1912, September 5). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228823584 

Reginald Howlett's uncle, Alfred Howlett, appears in records for Brookvale from at least 1893 and in the earliest 1906 handwritten Warringah Shire Council minutes of meetings as one of the gentlemen working on building roads and the tramway from Manly to Brookvale and then further. He was responsible for finding a metal quarry in the vicinity of Brookvale – metal was used to turn dusty potholed roads/tracks into navigable ways. 

The Howlett family also supported and helped build Methodist churches and congregations wherever they were - whether at Camden, where father of Henry and Alfred, William Howlett lived (born 1832 in Parramatta to William 1877-1833 and Lydia - William Howlett Snr. being one of 250 convicts transported on the ship Larkins, 24 July 1817), or at Brookvale. 

Reginald was living with this uncle and probably working with him as a clerk prior to enlisting to serve in the A.I.F. in World War One, as his enlistment papers dated July 28th, 1915 state. 

On his grandfather:

Luddenham -------

We regret to have to record the death of Mr William Howlett, of Luddenham, the sad event taking place at deceased's late residence, Luddenham, on Saturday last (4th September). The deceased gentleman was one of the grand old brigade of early pioneers, who so staunchly stood by the interior destinies of the country, so to speak, in the rugged formative years, and who, as it were, nurtured the infantile growth of our primary industries. 

Mr Howlett, who was 83 years of age, was a native of Greendale, and practically lived at Greendale and Luddenham District all his life. He married at 22 years of age, the maiden name of his wife being Miss Agnes Ebbs, who predeceased him 29 years ago. 

There are nine children left to mourn the loss of a revered and kindly father, viz : William Thomas Howlett, Greendale; Edwin Charles, Camden; James, Sydney; Alfred John, Manly; Henry Neil, Manly; Robert, Luddenham; George, York Estate, Penrith; and Mrs Robertson, Parramatta; and Mrs J Adams, Luddenham. There are 27 grandchildren and 12 great-grand-children.

The cause of death was, we understand, senile decay, deceased having reached a very advanced age. The interment took place on Sunday afternoon in St James' Church of England burial ground, Luddeham. There was a large attendance, and Rev W M Holliday conducted the burial service.  Luddenham (1915, September 11). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86169646 

Another local marriage:

HOWLETT-HALL WEDDINGS.

HOWLETT — HALL. — Raglan Street Methodist Church. Manly, was the scene of n wedding on January 2:1. when Harold Neil, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. IT. Howlett, of Mona Vale, was married to Hope V. J., youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Hall, of "The Croft’’, Mona Vale, Rev. H. C. Foreman officiating. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a dainty gown of Ivory crepe de chine, trimmed with shadow lace and seed pearls, the court train being finished with silk true lovers' knots and sprays of orange blossom, and outlined with chiffon ruche. She also wore nil embroidered tulle veil lent by her sister, Mrs. A. V. Lanes, and a wreath of orange blossom, and carried a bouquet or white carnations, bouvardias, and asparagus fern, tied with satin streamers, which, with a pearl and ruby brooch, was the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaid. Miss Ivy Howlett, wore a frock of pale pink silk and tulle, with a tulle mob cap trimmed with tiny pale pink roses, and she carried a bouquet of pale pink lilies, snapdragons, and asparagus fern, tied with satin streamers, which, with a cameo ring, was the gift of the bridegroom. Mrs. J. F. Hall wore black cashmere de sole, relieved with white lace, and a black hat with black plumes and a coral pink | posy. Mrs. H. Howlett wore a grey silk and tweed costume with a small black hat. Mr. G. H. Molesworth attended as best man. A reception was held at the Esplanade Café, after which Mr and Mrs Harold N Howlett left by motor, the bride’s travelling costume being of Saxe taffeta worn with a Saxe silk hat mounted with cream roses.  WEDDINGS. (1916, March 13). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238786414 

Howlett family members served in WWI -:

PRIVATE C. H. HOWLETT.

Private Cecil Howlett (killed in action), was the second son of Mr. Robert Howlett, of Luddenham. He was 21 years of age, and went away with the first contingent. THOSE WHO FELL. (1915, June 1). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239041658 

By February 1916 Reg Howlett was in Tel-El-Kabir and was moved from the 3rd Battalion to the 55th Btn. and then sent into France. Carl Beeston Gow, whose family were at this time serving as Light-Keepers at Barrenjoey, was also part of the 55th Btn. Carl was 20 years old, Reginald 21 when they signed up. Reginald's records indicate he was frequently ill - sent to hospital in France a few times during 1916 and 1917 - possibly trying to survive the influenza that killed hundreds of thousands during and straight after WWI.

Both young men were lucky, despite illness, and being wounded in Carl's case, they survived and were able to come home. Unfortunately Henry, Reg's father, died a few days after he disembarked on May 25th, 1919 - he was discharged July 18th, 1919, Carl May 22nd. Reginald also lost an uncle and an aunt within months and another aunt, to the same pandemic, 12 months later:

HOWLETT.—June 11, at Manly, Henry Neil, dearly loved husband of Sarah Howlett, of Mona Vale, and dearly loved father of Harold, Reginald, William, and Ivy, aged 55 years. Interred in Church of England Cemetery, Manly, Thursday, June 12. Family Notices (1919, June 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15851234 

Edwin Howlett, brother of Mr George Howlett, of Hornseywood, and the late Mrs John Adams (whose death was reported in last issue) died at Camden on the 4th instant from pneumonic influenza. Deceased, who was 63 years of age, had lived in the Camden district all his life. He leaves a wife and a large family. The funeral took place on Saturday, the interment being in the Methodist Cemetery, Camden. About a month ago a brother of deceased, Henry Howlett, died at Manly, at the age of 56 years. He leaves a wife, three sons and one daughter. The cause of death was pneumonia. Obituary (1919, July 12). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86191413 

Estate under jurisdiction of Public Trustee - lists his occupation as road ganger and he was employed by Warringah Shire Council and appears in their records form 1907 on being paid for fixing local roads, including clearing and placing metal on the 'Gordon' road, current day Mona Vale road, his son 'A' Howlett (William) appears into the late 1920's doing the same for local developers. The Council sent a lteer of sympathy to Sarah Howlett on the loss of her husband and father during the same period:

Advertising (1919, August 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15863057 

DEATH OF MRS. HOWLETT.

Mrs Mary Ann Howlett, wife of Mr. Robert Howlett, of Epping, and well known in this district, died at her residence, Epping, on Friday of last week, at the age of 59 years. She was the daughter of the late Mr. James Campbell, of Luddenham, at which place she was born. She leaves one brother, Mr. Kenneth Campbell, ex-Mayor of St. Marys and the undermentioned five sons and one daughter. Another son was killed at Gallipoli. Mrs. Howlett was twice married. Her husband is the son of the late Mr. Howlett, of Luddenham, and is a brother of Mr. George Howlett, Alf Howlett (Brookvale), Mr. Jones Howlett and Mr. William Howlett (the latter two in other parts of the State). Two of his brothers died about this time last year from pneumonic influenza, and about the same time he lost a sister-the wife of Ald. J. Adams, of Penrith. The late Mrs. Howlett had been living at Ryde for about five years...St. Marys (1920, June 26). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104927253 

The NSW Public Health Department report that in 1919, almost 40 per cent of Sydney's total population had influenza. In some areas of Sydney, the deaths from influenza accounted for 50 per cent of all deaths and 6000 were lost from influenza across NSW. 

So much loss on coming home, on top of being witness to so much devastation, can make someone reach out for life with both hands. 

The engagement is announced of Miss Katie Chrystal, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G Chrystal, Ormiston, Berowra, and Mr. Reginald A. Howlett, late 55th batt., A.I.F., second son of Mrs. Howlett, Mona Vale. The wedding will take place early in March. WOMEN'S NEWS (1920, February 29).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120515641 

HOWLETT -CHRYSTAL.— A military wedding was celebrated at St. Mark's Church of England, Berowra, between Miss Katie Chrystal and Pte. Reg. Howlett (late 55th Batt, A.I.F.). The Rev. Wade, of Hornsby, officiated. The bride's gown of ivory pailette was hand embroidered and trimmed with silk Maltese lace and seed pearls. Her veil of tulle was encircled with a wreath of orange blossoms, and she carried a shower bouquet tied with ribbons of the bridegroom's colors. The bridesmaid, Miss Maggie Chrystal, wore a frock of cream crepe de-chine, hand-embroidered, and a cream hat, and carried a bouquet of pink roses tied with the battalion colors. Capt. C. B. Gow, M.C. (late 55th Batt.), was best man. The reception was held at the Berowra Hall, where the bride's mother received about 90 guests. Her gown was of silver-grey taffeta, and was worn with a hat to match. Mrs. Howlett, mother of the bridegroom, wore a black pailette costume and a hat en suite.

PRIVATE REG. HOWLETT AND HIS BRIDE.  WEDDINGS (1920, April 25). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120521346 

Carl Gow and Reginald Howlett subsequently went into business together, taking over the original landing place for those thinking of visiting Palm Beach as tourists or holiday makers.

In 1925 Sarah Howlett leased the store to John (Jack) Emil Fischer (born 1893 to Charles B and Emily Caroline nee Usher in Sydney - they married in 1873 here). John Fischer also served in the AIF, embarking July 28th, 1915 for the front, the same date Reg Howlett signed up.  He married Florence Hillier in 1924.

MARRIAGES. FISCHER - HILLIER..-At St. John's, Glebe, August 30, John Emil, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Fischer, Darlinghurst, to Florence May, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Hillier, Wallendbeen. Family Notices (1924, September 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16171288 -

Soldiers settlement scheme of 1916-1925 lists him as living at 202 Palmer Street Darlinghurst. His father passed away in 1931 at Bexley, his age listed as 81 under NSW BDM's, and was interred at Woronora Church of England Cemetery section 4.

In 1928 Sarah Howlett passed away:

HOWLETT.—August 21, 1928, at a private hospital at Collaroy, Sarah, widow of the late Henry Neil Howlett, of Mona Vale, Pittwater, aged 61 years. By request, no mourning. Family Notices (1928, August 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16488404 

The Fischer family continued to hold the lease, making some improvements:

Mona Vale. Erection of a shop and residence. Mr. J. Fischer. Mona Vale. TENDERS. (1929, May 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28047987

The Fischer family were still living in Mona Vale in the late 1930's. 

The store when run by Jack Fischer and family, circa 1930. Photo: Dianne Marshall

Probate for Sarah's will was granted on the 26th of April 1929 and in 1930 the shop and premises was advertised for sale and described as:

IN THE ESTATE OF SARAH HOWLETT (deceased) MONA VALE

PITTWATER ROAD near Reserve and La Corniche, SHOP PREMISES, comprising large shop and storeroom. Dwelling contains living room lounge and 5 bedrooms kitchen boxroom etc with large balcony in front (could easily be converted Into 3 shops) Built of stone and weatherboard Land 101 feet frontage by depths of198 feet and 254 feet rear line about 76 feet. Freehold. PEACH BROS Auctioneers 70 78 Pitt street also at Kogarah- and Rockdale will submit the above Property by Public Auction In their Rooms on MONDAY. 12th MAY 1930 at 11 A M (No 237) CONVEYANCER G G Tremlett of 20 Hunter street city. Advertising. (1930, May 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16700372

Advertising (1930, May 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16700372

Delayed By Bus Cuts

Hundreds of people were stranded between Palm Beach and Manly yesterday because bus services; were not increased during the holidays. Buses' from Palm Beach were fully laden, and did not stop until they reached Manly. Many applications were made to the management of the Narrabeen Hotel for overnight accommodation, but all had to be refused, as the hotel was booked out. Mr. P.; Kenyon, of Collaroy Street, Collaroy, said last night that he could not see how the people were to get home,- "Mothers with young children, tired out after a long day on the beaches, are waiting hopelessly for transport. Several women have collapsed, and, although many cars have passed through, none has stopped to offer a lift," he declared.

Waited All Night"

Mr. A. Howlett, of Howlett's Store, Palm Beach, said that many people who had been spending their holidays at Palm Beach gave up hope of getting hack to the city last night. They had returned to the houses where they had been staying. Others who were at Palm Beach for the day had arranged accommodation, but many would have to wait all night and catch buses in the morning. "People are stranded all along the coast at Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon, Narrabeen, Collaroy, and Dee Why,’' Mr.. Howlett added. 

A woman guest at the Narrabeen Hotel said many people were boarding late "down" buses and travelling to Palm Beach to make sure of a seat on the return trip. "Local residents are helping mothers with children' by allowing them to sit on verandahs and providing tea. It looks as if dozens of people will have to stay here all night," she said. Delayed By Bus Cuts (1941, December 29). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248713108 

Guy and Joan Jennings 'Mona Vale Stories' (2007) states the property did not sell as by March 1939 Cecil Alwyn Humphrey took over the property. He had been running a general store in Belmore and although is parents helped with £850 towards buying the premises it was not until May 25th 1948 that Sarah's executors, Harold Neil and Reginald Augustus Howlett, her sons, granted the deeds. 

During WWII there was a large army gun station, well camouflaged, just to the north of the store. The soldiers lived in one of the back rooms of the store.

Their children, Robert, Kay, Janet and Olwyn, were all born after the family moved to Mona Vale and lived in the rooms upstairs. 

Humphrey's store circa 1950. Photo: Olwyn Johnstone, clearly taken across the road from the Hewitt place

In the mid 1950's someone who had a little too much to drink at the Newport Hotel slammed into one of the posts holding up the front balcony roof, causing the same to collapse. Cecil Humphrey could not get permission to rebuild it and so the building looks today as it did after that episode.

Humphrey's store circa 1955, after the posts were hit. Photo: Olwyn Johnstone

In 1970the Humphrey's closed off the southern section of the store and it was converted to a Chemists, run by Brian Lawler. Many of us will remember this as one that was open late for those times, and where we could get that much needed painkillers for teething babies after hours.

In 1981 Cecil Humphrey sold the store. The Tex Mex restaurant commenced in 1987 and ran under varying owners until the recent Covid lockdowns. The property had been placed on the market in 2019, with offers of $2.39 million wanted. The property, at current day 18 Barrenjoey Road Mona Vale, sold on December 14th 2021 with the first floor residence still in place above the restaurant, only now a verandah is out the back.

Rosa, the name for the restaurant today, still serves the popular Mexican fare with fresh twists in the same room, with the sandstone still exposed. Locals state the food is 'amazing'!.

18 Barrenjoey Road Mona Vale today:

References - Extras

1. TROVE - National Library of Australia
2. State Library of NSW
3. Warringah Shire Council - Minutes of Meetings records
4. Guy and Joan Jennings 'Mona Vale Stories' (2007). Arcadia Publishing, Trevor Road, Newport NSW.
   
5. La Corniche, Bayview
   
6. Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Mona Vale, Bongin Bongin, Turimetta And Rock Lily
   
7. Pittwater Restaurants You Could Stay At The Rock Lily Hotel – Mona Vale
8. Mona Vale SLSC: The Clubhouses - Some History
   
9. A Community Memorial Hall For Mona Vale - A 22 Year Odyssey That Culminated In Victory: November 1944 To November 1966
   
10. Peter Spearritt, 'Hooker, Sir Leslie Joseph (1903–1976)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hooker-sir-leslie-joseph-10537/text18709
    
11. Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Mona Vale's Village Greens A Map Of The Historic Crown Lands Ethos Realised 
12. Leon Houreux 1831 –  27th Of April, 1907
13. Mona Vale War Memorials: A School Honour Board, A Victory Tree, A Cenotaph
14. Brock's The Oaks - La Corniche From 1911 To 1965: Rickards, A Coffee King, A Progressive School, A WWII Training Ground
    
15. Mona Vale SLSC: The Clubhouses - Some History
16. Taramatta-Turrimetta-Turimetta Park, Mona Vale
17. Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Bayview
18. The Oaks - La Corniche
19. Mona Vale's Hales-Smith Haynes Smith, Holding, Brentnall and Roby - A.I.F. Men Of World War One 
20. Mona Vale Training Grounds: From Lancers On Horses To Lasses On Transport Courses
21. Mermaid Basin, Mona Vale Beach: Inspired 1906 Poem by Viva Brock
22. Pittwater Pirates: Winter Swimming Club - Profile

ROCKLILY HOTEL
OLD RENDEZVOUS CLOSED. 
Where Parkes and Dalley Dined. Frenchman's Famous Paintings.

After nearly thirty years cheerful existence, the old Rocklily Hotel on the Pitt-water-road, near Mona Vale, closed its doors a few days ago against the sale of alcoholic liquors. The action of the proprietor (Mr. Briquet) was not voluntary; it was brought about through a decision of the Licensing Court, which selected, the famous tourist rendezvous for slaughter, when the electors of Middle Harbor voted Reduction three years ago. That reduction in Manly or the Pittwater district was never favored locally has been abundantly proved by the overwhelming majority recorded for Continuance at the recent elections. The thousands of voters in residential Mosman who in 1910 were included In the Middle Harbor electorate, are responsible for the closing of the old Rock-lily Hotel In the tourist territory of Pittwater, the absence of which will leave all the route from Narrabeen to Newport without a licensed house of accommodation. At the elections the other day over 90 per cent of the Pittwater people voted Continuance, and the fact that Mosman residents had the power to legislate for the liquor requirements of a holiday area like Pittwater, demonstrates effectively the many absurd and unfair defects of the Liquor Act. 

When Leon Houreaux opened the doors of the hospitable old-fashioned French inn thirty years back, he brought with him from France a first-class knowledge of the cookery of his country, and a fine discrimination regarding the vintage of the grape. Soon the Rocklily Hotel acquired a high reputation amongst tourists for its excellent French dinners, and the superior quality of Its wines. But, besides the reputation reached on account of its attractive cuisine, and cosy comfortableness, the hotel was gradually becoming famous in another direction. Leon Houreaux, who in his days of childhood in France never had a lesson in painting, but who, according to his own words to his daughter, received many thrashings from his parents for disfiguring the neighboring rocks and. fences with colored pictures of man and beast, conceived the idea of decorating the walls of his hostelry with the efforts of his prentice paint brush. Before long, people used to come specially to see the quaint wall paintings, and as he assiduously added picture after picture, the Rocklily Art Gallery became a regular resort of tourists, and brought the painter-proprietor much custom, When Houreaux died several years ago, he had filled every foot of space on the walls, windows, and doors, with his odd oil paintings, representing all kinds of things from battlefields to funny French tit-bits. 

Yesterday, as Madame Briquet, daughter of the late painter proprietor, was removing the family belongings from the old rooms, a "Sun" representative was courteously shown the whole life work of the imaginative old Frenchman. As you enter the hall, the first thing to greet you Is a life-size picture of ex-Licensing Inspector Lenthall, the lucky N.S.W. retired police officer who a few years ago came in for an immense fortune in the old country, and died on his English estate. The Rocklily Hotel was a favorite resort of the licensing inspector. Alongside Inspector Lenthall is a big picture of a Bacchanalian individual, evidently wishing the officer a merry Christmas. 

In the first of the large rooms one wall is completely filled with a brilliantly-colored representation of the 'battle of "Rorke's Drift." Another wall depicts the death of Nelson at Trafalgar, while a third shows a stirring battle scene, "Vive L'Empereur." The fourth wall is delightfully ; Incongruous, devoted as it is to humorous French subjects. In another room the captive Napoleon on board the Bellerophon glares gloomily down at the deck, while on the opposite wall his great rival, Wellington, Is shown riding up to a battlefield camp; and, judging from the cook's operations, to dinner! 

Vividly-hued pictures of French culrasseurs and English lancers in action adorn the remaining walls. There are large pictures in., other rooms of naval reviews, wrecks by the dozen, battles, old-time knights of the road, Australian bush scenes, and pastorals of his own loved native land, all gloriously mixed up with humorous little sketches of the French school. The faces of Generals Hutton and Baden Powell are the most modern additions to the gallery. 

The imagination of the energetic old painter was thoroughly cosmopolitan; he dragged every country and every phase of life Into his productions, which though perhaps not works of art, are very interesting, and are remarkable for their bold coloring. Houreaux was undoubtedly a master of color! 

The old landlord's faith in the future of Pittwater is shown in a picture on the verandah walls. Houreaux was, by-the-way, a valuable pioneer of the district, and ran the coaches from Manly for many years. The painting shows a steam tram passing the doors of the Rocklily Hotel, while a bustled nigger cyclist capsizes In front of the engine. It was painted 28 years ago, and It looks prophetic. The electric tram now comes to within a few miles of the spot, and will assuredly pass the doors of the old building within a very short period, according to Mr. Griffith's promise. 

Old-time frequenters of the hostelry will be pleased to hear that the famous pictures will be preserved. Mr. Briquet, son-in-law of the dead painter, who owns the property, states that he and his wife will keep the place Intact at all costs. 

"It has so many -memories for us," says Mr. Briquet. "Ah, It was a great rendezvous for four great men In the old days," Mr. Briquet went on in his quaint French accent; "Mr. Dalley always dined here on Sundays. He was a grand man. Sir Henry Parkes and the other great members of Parliament often visited us, and Sir George Reid— he was here hundreds of times. How did he like a good dinner! It was a pleasure to see him dine! All the artists and great men used to come and enjoy our dinners, and sit sipping their wine under the old grapevines. The great Phil May loved the place. He lived here for nearly a year. He was the great man, and made such fun. And your brilliant young artists the Lindsays stayed here, too. Everybody from all parts of the world used to come here for our dinners, and to see the paintings on the walls!"

One can easily Imagine Sir George Reid, after a delectable French dinner, seated under the spreading, vines, and lazily reaching up now and then for a bunch of luscious grapes. The grapes at present are nearly ripe, and hang In huge clusters, but there will be no hotel patrons to enjoy them. Thanks to the blundering of the Liquor Act, the career of the old hostelry, with its quaint picture gallery,' has been closed, and the road to Pittwater has lost one of its time-honored and cherished attractions.  

Rocklily Hotel.

ROCKLILY HOTEL. (1914, February 2).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221559251 

Guy and Joan Jennings' great book, ''Mona Vale Stories'' relates that the colonnade and brick signage were added between 1907 and 1912. New timber columns with a connecting cast-iron lacework alike that originally installed were reinstated in 1999.

NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership heretofore subsisting between the undersigned, William Marshall Allan, Shirley Dunsmore Allan, Robert Alexander Croawell and Isabel Maty Croawell, carrying on business as antique and furniture dealers at Pittwater Hall, Pittwater-road, Mona Vale, as Allan's, Has been dissolved by mutual consent as from the expiration, of the 20th August, 1956, and all debts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by Castle, Croawell & Co. Pty. Ltd., which will continue to carry on the business at the same address.—Dated this 29th day of October, 1956. W. M. ALLAN. Witness, J. Wilson. SHIRLEY DUNSMORE ALLAN. Witness, J. WiLSON. ROBERT A. CROAWELL. Witness, F. Ausling. I. M. CROAWELL. Witness. F. Ausling. CASTLE, CROAWELL & CO. PTY. LTD, I. M. Croawell, Director. J. P. Castle, Secretary. 1522—£1 6d. NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership heretofore (1956, November 2). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3231. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220346967

NB; 'Dud' Crane would be Doug Crane:

Five Mona Vale surf boat men rescued in big sea (1950, February 19). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 35. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248998415

After Leslie Hooker passed away the Rex Hotels began to be sold, with one newspaper article claiming the Rex Hotel at Potts Point, the Kings Cross one, was the last to go. Others, including this one, are listed under the below Gazette Notice to wind the holdings up:

Kings Cross Rex sold

The Rex Hotel at Kings Cross in Sydney has been sold for $2.25 million. The hotel was the last of the Rex chain owned by the Hooker group, and was sold at auction. A spokesman for Hooker said the purchaser had particularly asked that his name not be disclosed.

The spokesman said, however, that the hotel has been purchased on behalf of a company to be formed with the object of carrying on business as before. The purchase had been made under "normal conditions", and settlement was due within 60 days. Kings Cross Rex sold (1978, November 29). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 41. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110926109

IN the matter of the Companies Act, 1961, and in the matter of the following companies—
ALA PTY LIMITED
AUSTRALIAN WOOLBROKERS & PRODUCE COMPANY LIMITED
BALARANG PASTORAL CO. PTY LIMITED 
BROOKVALE REX HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED 
CAMMERAY REX HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED
CAMMERAY REX HOTEL PTY LIMITED
F. J. CAMPION PTY LIMITED
GLENROY NORTHWEST PTY LIMITED HOOKER ADMINISTRATION LIMITED
KINGS CROSS REX HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED
KINGS CROSS REX HOTEL PTY LIMITED
MURDOCH TAYLOR PTY LIMITED
PROUDS (1911) PTY LIMITED 
SPRINGBRIDGE PTY LIMITED
R. W. WHITAKER & SON PTY LIMITED
WILEY PARK REX HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED
WILEY PARK 
REX HOTEL PTY LIMITED MONA VALE 
REX HOTEL PTY LIMITED BROOKVALE 
REX HOTEL PTY LIMITED
Notice is hereby given that at an extraordinary general meeting of each of the above companies duly convened and held at 175 Pitt Street, Sydney, on the 19th day of September, 1980, the following special resolution was passed: "That the company be wound up voluntarily and that Robert McKenzie Fisher be appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up." Creditors of the company are required to prove their debts or claims on or before the 19th day of October, 1980, failing which they will be excluded from any distribution made and from objecting to any such distribution. Forms of proxy and proof of debt are available on application to the liquidator. R. McK. FISHER, Liquidator, c.o. Wallace McMullin & Smail, 52 Phillip Street, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000. IN the matter of the Companies Act, 1961, and in the matter of the following companies— (1980, September 26). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5080. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231163797 

IN the matter of the Companies Act, 1961, and in the matter
of—
HOOKER REGISTRY SERVICES PTY LIMITED 
KINGS CROSS REX HOTEL PTY LIMITED 
KINGS CROSS REX HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED 
MONA VALE REX HOTEL PTY LIMITED

Take notice that the affairs of the abovenamed companies are now fully wound up and that in pursuance of section 272 (1) of the Companies Act, 1961, meetings of those companies will be held at the offices of Hooker Corporation Limited, 19th Floor, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney, on 17th June, 1983, for the purposes of laying before the meeting, accounts showing the manner in which the windings up have been conducted, their property disposed of and giving any explanation thereof. R. M. FISHER, Liquidator, c.o. Arthur Andersen & Co., Chartered Accountants, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney. (660) IN the matter of the Companies Act, 1961, and in the matter of— (1983, May 13). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2158. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231361152 

Manly Cottage Hospital notes

Manly Cottage Hospital.
APPOINTMENT OF MATRON.

A meeting of subscribers of the Manly and District Cottage Hospital was held at the Manly School Hall last night. Mr. John Woods presided. It was announced that the Rev. J. Anderson Gardiner's special service would be held next Sunday evening, and that the whole of the proceeds would be handed over to the treasurer of the hospital. The use of the Aquarium Hall has been granted rent free for the occasion. Numbers of contributions were received, one being from the Hon. E. Knox for £10. It was announced that on Thursday evening next Mr. Heilbut's dramatic entertainment in aid of the funds will be held in the Aquarium Hall. 

A letter was read from Mr. Dugald Thomson, M.L.A., notifying the inability of the Premier to perform the opening1 ceremony in connection with, the new hospital building; and it was decided to request Mr. Thomson to undertake the duty. The applications for the position of matron were then considered. Fifteen ladies were desirous of securing the position. This number was reduced to four, and a ballot taken. The result was that Miss Dalrymple secured twenty-four votes, the next applicant (Miss Hewton) seeming twelve. Miss Dalrymple was declared appointed, and a committee of the president, treasurer, and secretary was formed to make all arrangements in connection with the matron's engagement. Manly Cottage Hospital. (1896, October 20). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108220056 

Opened on Saturday December 12th

The Manly Cottage Hospital.
THE OFFICIAL OPENING.

The Manly and District Cottage Hospital was opened on Saturday, the fair sex being present in large numbers. The weather was delightful, and the selections rendered by the Naval Artillery Band, under Mr. J. Charlesworth, much enjoyed. Mr. John Woods, J.P., president of the hospital committee, opened the proceedings by congratulating the people on the completion of the hospital building, the foundation stone of which was laid, read the first balance-sheet, which showed that the receipts up to date were £1311 8s, and the expenditure £1483 12s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £27 15s 9d. 

He moved — 'That a hearty vote of thanks be given to all friends of the cause, and firms who have contributed either money or goods to build and furnish the hospital." 

Alderman W. H. Fletcher (the secretary of the hospital committee) read a lengthy list of persons and firms that had donated money and goods, and he seconded the resolution. Alderman W. H. B German moved a vote of thanks to architect and contractor. Mr. W. J. Douglas seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. F. Trenchard Smith replied for himself and the contractor. Mr. D. Thomson, M.L.A., said he was very pleased to be present to open the hospital that day, al- though he might mention that he had tried hard to get someone else to perform the ceremony. He endeavored to get the Premier to promise to come to Manly, but he had not succeeded. 

There was no doubt the efforts of the Manly people towards federation had been crowned with success, for he looked upon the hospital as the outcome of a federated work of people who were opposed individually and politically. He trusted the institution would bring joy to many a sufferer. He thought the success of the day was due to the noble work done by the ladies. The fact of the building being free of debt reflected great credit on everyone concerned. After Aldermen F. S. Passau and O. Carroll had taken up the collection (which amounted to £33 10s), Mr. Thomson rang the door bell, and the matron (Nurse Dalrymple, late of Prince Alfred Hospital) appeared. He then turned to the assemblage, and declared the hospital open, invited all to make an inspection of the building, and called for cheers for its success. After a tour of the edifice Mrs. John Woods invited all present to partake of afternoon tea. Mrs. J. Dean and Miss May Woods assisted in dispensing hospitality. 

The building, which is of an early English design, and cost £1200, is situated just above the Manly cricket oval and the Presbyterian Church. It has a beautiful view of Fairy Bower and the ocean from the east, while looking to the south the harbor and Watson's Bay are seen. The two wards, which are 26ft long, and face the east, contain four beds and a cot each. The building is fitted with the latest appliances for hot water, &c., and is an up-to-date hospital. The Manly Cottage Hospital. (1896, December 14 - Monday). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108217614 

The Manly and District Cottage Hospital.

(FROM A PHOTO. BY MR. H. S. HILDER, MANLY.)

(See letterpress on this page.)

The Manly Cottage Hospital.

(See illustration on this page.)

Manly now boasts of a cottage hospital, and the building occupies a site second to none from a health-giving point of view. It stands at the corner of Quinton-road and Raglan-street, just above the picturesque Presbyterian Church, and overlooking the cricket oval. The cost of the building was £1200, and the ladies of Manly, who collected subscriptions, are to be complimented on the fact that the committee commence operations with nearly £100 to the good. The architect for the building, Mr. F. Trenchard Smith (a Manly resident) and the contractors, Messrs. A. E. Boroughs and Company, are to be congratulated on the handsome edifice that was recently opened with such eclat. The main wards have an easterly aspect, and take in a very pleasant view of the ocean. In each ward there are four beds and a child's cot. The hospital also boasts an operating) room, an isolated ward, an up-to-date kitchen, with range and water-heating apparatus, and the building is fitted with patent ventilators. Nurse Dalrymple, late of Prince Alfred Hospital, has been appointed matron. The Manly residents are proud of their hospital, and they have every reason; to be. The committee possess an indefatigable secretary in Alderman W. H. Fletcher. The Manly Cottage Hospital. (1897, January 2). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 29. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71288222 

A concert was held in aid of the funds of the Manly Cottage Hospital, at Buist's Hall, Bayview, on Saturday evening. Besides local performers, several ladies and gentlemen vocalists came from Manly and Sydney. Mr. Quirk, M.L.A.. presided, and the entertainment was a great success. Mr. Roach was hon. treasurer, and Mr. Devlin hon. secretary. NATIONAL PARK. (1901, October 23). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112581200  

HOSPITAL CONCERT AT BAYVIEW.

A concert in aid of the Manly Cottage Hospital was held at Bayview on Saturday. The entertainment was organised by Messrs. Roche (hon. treasurer) and Devlin (hon, secretary). A number of Sydney performers attended, and an interesting programme was presented. The Mayor of Manly(Alderman E. w. Quirk, M.L A ) was present. HOSPITAL CONCERT AT BAYVIEW. (1901, October 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14417917  

Concert at Bayview for Manly Cottage Hospital
BAYVIEW, Friday

A successful concert was held in Kuring-gai Hall, Bayview, on Saturday evening, the 1 Ot li instant, in aid of the Manly Cottage Hospital The chair was by Mr. E W Quirk, MLA. A good programme was provided The following artists took part -Professor King, ventriloquist, Messrs Wetherill, Reid, Greig, Tox, White, and Waterhouse, the Misses M and C Reid, E Baker, and E Chave Mr C J Devlin was hon secretary SOUTH COAST. (1901, October 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14418640

 NEW CHURCH AT PITTWATER. A new brick church just completed at Pitt water will be a great advantage to the district, which promises to extend very rapidly, as the land is being taken up and new buildings are in course of erection. The church will be formally opened in the course of next month and dedicated to the Sacred Heart by the Very Rev. Monsignor Verdon, of St. Patrick's Seminary, Manly. It is chiefly to exertions of Monsieur Leon Houreux, of the Rock Lily Hotel, that the Catholics of the district are indebted for the privilege of having a church where they can assist at Mass and fulfil their religious duties. As there is still a heavy debt on the building it is hoped that further contributions will be forthcoming to help the promoters of this good work. The day fixed for the opening will be duly announced. NEW CHURCH AT PITTWATER. (1889, May 4). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 16. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115378440 

In the eighties, Pittwater was a place viewed at by the city folks at a long way past Manly somewhere in the bush. It is refreshing therefore to know that a new church was opened there in May by Monsignor Verdon, the first President of St. Patrick's College, Manly. The church was dedicated to the Sacred Heart. This was the twelfth church which was opened In the Archdiocese of Sydney during the twelve months. Previously Mass had been celebrated in Mrs. Collins' house at Bayview. The older generation will remember the name of Mr. Houroux, who was in charge of the Rock Lily Hotel at Bayview. The Journal mentions: 'To Mr. Horoux, of the Rock Lily Hotel, is due praise for his great energy in promoting the undertaking under many difficulties.' LOOKING BACKWARDS. (1933, September 14). Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1932 - 1942), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146109579 

THE NEW SACRED-HEART CHURCH, MONA VALE.

The new Church at Mona Vale will be solemnly blessed and opened by his Grace Archbishop Gilroy on Sunday next, 12th inst., at 3 p.m. The new building has been a necessity for some time to provide adequate accommodation for the great number of visitors to the district in the Summer months. For this reason a speoial request is made to those who sometimes visit the surrounding seaside resorts to attend the important ceremony next Sunday. A most cordial invitation is extended to all. THE NEW SACRED-HEART CHURCH, MONA VALE. (1941, January 9). Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1932 - 1942), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146368495

John Thomas Hewitt notes

Marriage: 1641/1899 HEWITT JOHN T STEEL ANNIE PADDINGTON

HEWITT—STEEL.—8th March, 1899, in the Town-hall, Paddington, by the Rev. J. Fulton, of St. John's Pres. Ch., Paddington, John Thomas, youngest son of Wm. Hewitt, Belturbet, Co. Cavan, Ireland, to Annie, third daughter of Andrew Steel, Regent-st., Paddington. Family Notices (1899, March 11). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236784456

There were five sons and five daughters according to some records. His wife passed away in 1908:

Family Notices (1908, November 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15007734

Children of John Thomas and Anne Hewitt;
HEWITT HAROLD STEEL 14207/1901 JOHN T ANNIE MANLY
HEWITT JOHN KEITH 6551/1905 JOHN T ANNIE PADDINGTON

Chief Secretary's Office,
Sydney, 18th December, 1918.

HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has appointed the undermentioned gentlemen to the Commission of the Peace for the State of New South Wales, viz.:  ...Hewitt, John Thomas, of Mona Vale...Government Gazette Appointments and Employment (1918, December 18). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 6459. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226995880

STEEL. — December 23, at his residence, 28 Regent Street, Paddington, Andrew Steel, in his 87th year. Family Notices (1923, December 24). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246003634

He was buried in the Presbyterian section of Rookwood cemetery. 

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
PROBATE JURISDICTION.
In the will of Andrew Steel, senior, late of Paddington, near Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, retired plasterer, deceased.
PURSUANT to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1808, and the Testator's. Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Ac|, 1916: Notice is hereby given that every creditor or other person having any claim against the estate of Andrew Steel, senior, the abovenamed deceased, who died on or about the 23rd day of December, 1023, and probate of whose will was on the 9th day of May. 1924, granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales to Andrew Steel, junior, of Kensington, jeweller, and Eliza Hunter, of Paddington, the executor and executrix in the said will named, is hereby required to send particulars in writing of such claim to the said Andrew Steel, junior, and Eliza Hunter, in care of the undersigned Reginald Thornton, at his offices hereunder mentioned, on or before the 25th day of August, 1924, at the expiration of which time the said Andrew Steel, junior, and Eliza Hunter will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice; and notice is hereby further given that the said Andrew Steel, junior, and Eliza Hunter will not be liable, for the assets or any part thereof so distributed, to any person of whose claim they shall not have had notice at the time of such distribution.— Dated this 24th day of July, 1924.
REGINALD THORNTON,
Proctor for Executor and Executrix,
Manchester Unity Oddfellows Buildings.
185 Elizabeth-street, Sydney.
39G £1 12s. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1924, July 25). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3770. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222025743

Their children, Harold Steel Hewitt and John Keith Hewitt - Notes:

Harold went to Brisbane for a while and was a manager of a hosiery venture, his car stolen and burnt there provides a small insight:

STOLEN AND BURNT
FATE OF A MOTOR-CAR

During the night of July 7 last, according to evidence given in the Inquiry Court yesterday, an . Oakland motor-car, the property of Harold Steel Hewitt.' of Langshaw Street, New Farm, was stolen. Three months later It was found burnt in the bush a mile from Oxley. and with the number plate altered. Mr. A. Staines. J.P., heard the evidence, and Sergeant G. Warner examined the witnesses. Ernest Marshall, a miner, residing at Douglas Street.' Oxley. said that on October 10, 1926, he was walking through the bush at Oxley, and when about a mile from the Oxley Hotel, he saw the burnt remains of a motor-car. It was about 100 yards from the side of the road. He considered that the fire had taken place only a few days previously. In the centre of the car there was a petrol tin, which had two holes in the top, and two in the corner. This caused him to form the opinion, that the car had been burnt deliberately. He did not report the matter to the police, as he thought that they must have known by then. Constable R. Gorman, of Oxley, said that on October 24, he met Marshall by accident, and the latter mentioned that he had seen the burnt remains of a car in the bush about a fortnight before. The man accompanied him to the spot, where he saw a burnt car. bearing the number Q51374. The tools were missing, and it seemed to witness that the car had been deliberately burnt. He understood that the car had been reported as missing on July 8, and that when found It had been altered. The number plate was wrong, the correct number being Q52970, and the wheels had been painted a different colour. 

Harold Steel Hewitt, manager of the Banner Hosiery Company, Queen Street, said that on July 7 last he was residing at Miora boarding-house, New Farm. He purchased an Oakland motor-car from the Howard Motor Company, on the hire-purchase system, for £200. As a condition of purchase, it was insured under a comprehensive policy in the Joint names of himself and the vendors for £150. On the night of July 7 lie put It In the garage attached to the Miora hoarding-house. The next morning he was told that It was missing. He immediately communicated with the C.T.B., and it was not until December 20 that he heard anything about ! the car. The police told him that the car had been found burnt at Oxley. The full amount of Insurance had been paid to-the Howard Motor Company, who had deducted the amount owing to them by witness as instalments, and bad then paid the balance of £40 18s. 9d. Plainclothes Constable A. E Woot-ton said that he was satisfied that the car was stolen and burnt. The person or persons, who had stolen It ,had used It for some time before It was burnt. The inquiry was closed. STOLEN AND BURNT (1927, February 24). The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), p. 4 (SECOND EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article179064837 

OAKLAND MOTOR CAR COMPANY EXPANDS PLANT

Fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the world, the Oakland Motor Car Company has recently completed additions to its plants and equipment cost a million pounds for the manufacture of the Oakland Eight and Pontiac Big Six. The plants contain a total of 3,881,534 square feet of floor space under cover. OAKLAND MOTOR CAR COMPANY EXPANDS PLANT (1930, September 4). National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159866717 

The Oakland Motor Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, was an American automobile manufacturer and division of General Motors. Purchased by General Motors in 1909, the company continued to produce modestly priced automobiles until 1931 when the brand was dropped in favour of the division's Pontiac make. The company was created by Edward Murphy who owned the Pontiac Buggy Company and Alanson Brush who was working as a consultant in Detroit after leaving the Cadillac Motor Company. Oakland Motor Company was named for Oakland County, Michigan, in which it was based. As originally conceived and introduced, the first Oakland used a design created by Brush and presented to Murphy who liked the idea and decided to go into business. The vertical two-cylinder engine that rotated counter clockwise was originally presented to Cadillac but was rejected. This design by Alanson Partridge Brush, inventor of the single-cylinder Cadillac and Brush Runabout, also featured a planetary transmission. The 1908 Oakland came in five body styles, designated Model A–E , varying from a runabout to a landaulet. The first year of Oakland production, 1908, had 278 vehicles roll off the line. 

After one year of production, Oakland's principal founder, Edward Murphy, sold half of the company to William C. Durant's General Motors Corporation in early 1909. When Murphy died in the summer of 1909, GM acquired the remaining rights to Oakland. Within General Motors, Oakland was later slotted as their entry-level brand below the more expensive Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac cars. Conventional four-cylinder engined models were introduced shortly after the GM takeover, and GM didn't acquire the volume-priced Chevrolet until 1917, and Oakland found itself competing with the Ford Model T introduced in October 1908. Once GM assumed operations of Oakland, production was moved to the factory that manufactured Cartercar in Pontiac, Michigan, another Durant acquisition that was cancelled while the resources were newly utilized, and the Oakland Model 40 was introduced. Starting with 1910 Oakland was exclusively offering 4-cylinder flathead engines with five different wheelbases and their advertising slogan was "The Car with a Conscience". By early 1920, however, production and quality control problems began to plague the division. In 1921, under new General Manager Fred Hannum, a consistent production schedule was underway and the quality of the cars improved, and Oakland vehicles shared the GM A platform used by Chevrolet. One marketing tactic was the employment of a quick-drying bright blue automotive lacquer by Duco (a DuPont brand product), leading to the slogan "True Blue Oakland Six". The Oakland was built only in Pontiac, Michigan, which is the county seat of Oakland County. The name antedates any GM association with an automobile manufacturing facility in Oakland, California, that built Chevrolet vehicles before Chevrolet joined GM called Oakland Assembly.

Harold Steel Hewitt married Dorothy Hazlette Spence in 1927 and their only child was born in December of that year. Dorothy had been engaged before: 

ENGAGEMENT. The engagement Is announced of Miss Dorothy Hazlette Spence, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Spence of "Merriwa," Longueville (formerly of Bega), to Mr. John Henderson Gavel, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J T Gavel, of Gulgo, Condobolin. ENGAGEMENT. (1924, August 13). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245213299

NSW BDM’s provides:

73/1927 HEWITT HAROLD S SPENCE DOROTHY H SYDNEY

HEWITT (nee Dorothy Spence).—December 5, at their residence, Idaville, Villiers-street, New Farm, Brisbane, to Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Hewitt—a daughter (Patricia Dorothy). Family Notices (1927, December 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16428787 

They moved back to Sydney, settling at 178 Church Street Parramatta. By 1947 he is among the Trustees for the ‘athletic sports ground’ at Parramatta with his occupation listed as Boat Retailer. He stayed a trustee until 1974. This sports ground was resumed by the state government for the Westmead Hospital build.

His daughter ‘Patricia’, their only surviving child, appears in newspapers during 1940’s as visiting her grandmother at Mona Vale and also having the family love of sport:

PAT. HEWITT (Parramatta) is interested in all kinds of sport. She likes spending holidays with her grandmother at Mona Vale.  Jottings from the (1940, July 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUNDAY SUN AND GUARDIAN). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230914537

At her coming of age at Courtlands, Parramatta, on Friday, Patricia Hewitt will cut a birthday cake presented to her by her godparents, Dr. and Mrs. Alex Paterson, of Brisbane. She will wear .. a ballerina length gown of sunset pink lame and marquisette. A diamente necklace has been lent her by her grandmother, Mrs. J. Hewitt, of Mona Vale. Patricia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Hewitt, of Parramatta. Around and About (1948, December 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 14 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228692270 

BIRTHDAY CAKE WAS ICE CREAM Miss Patricia Hewitt, cut a large pink birthday cake made of ice cream at her coming-of-age party at Courtlands. The cake was a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Alex Paterson, of Brisbane. The guest-of-honour, who is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hewitt of Parramatta, is sportsmistress of Penrith High School. At her party, attended by about 60 young people, Miss Hewitt wore a lovely pale pink ballerina frock. The strapless bodice was of pink and silver lame, and the bouffant skirt of pink tulle. She wore an heirloom diamante pendant, lent by her grandmother, Mrs. J. Hewitt, of Mona Vale. The ballroom and reception rooms were decorated with pale pink gladioli and blue delphiniums for the party. Mrs. Hewitt, who was hostess, wore a blue crepe tailored evening gown and a pink orchid corsage. BIRTHDAY CAKE WAS ICE CREAM (1948, December 8). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105744854 

His wife Dorothy passed away on April 6th 1951:

HEWITT. - Dorothy Hazlette. Always remembered by her loving daughter. Pat. Family Notices (1954, April 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18418610 

He would remarry the following year: 27870/1952 HEWITT HAROLD STEEL LINDEMAN THELMA IVY KATOOMBA

Harold Steel Hewitt passed away on March 1st, 1987.

Patricia Dorothy Hewitt married Ian Miles in 1952, the marriage registered at Chatswood. 

MILES-HEWITT -The Engagement is announced of Patricia Dorothy only child of Mr H Hewitt and of the late Mrs Hewitt of Parramatta to Ian younger son of Mr and Mrs D J Miles of Killara. Family Notices (1951, July 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 40. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18223666

Her soon to be husband was clearly a sportsperson too and a legend in Rugby Union with a nickname of 'Bomber'. Born in June 1926 at Strathfield, he went to Berowra then Lindfield public schools. While at North Sydney Boys High, he became part of the Gordon Rugby Football Club, playing weekends in the minor grades and making one first-grade match at the age of 15. While at school he represented in swimming, cricket and featured in rugby, captaining the team, and wearing the number eight jersey, playing at lock-forward.

As he grew to a weight of 15 stone, he shone as one of the stars at the great club and was strongly involved in the Gordon club providing many State and Australian representative players, including Wallabies captain, the great Trevor Allan. He was also up for selection himself in the early 1950's. During 'Bomber's years, in the latter 1940s and through the 1950s, Gordon club captured four Sydney rugby first-grade premierships.

On finishing high school he saw active service in the navy with the seventh fleet in the Pacific in World War Two, serving on the Australian light cruiser HMAS Hobart.

In 1947, after being discharged, he commenced studying physiotherapy at Sydney University, completing his degree in 1949. After graduation he was employed for some time at the NSW Repatriation Hospital in York Street in Sydney before setting up in private practice.

He spent many years as a member of the North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club, where John Hewitt learned his first aid, rowing in the club's boat crews, and was a member of the Mona Vale Golf Club, through which it is likely he met his wife. He served on the board for 19 years and became a Life Member.

Four of Gordon Rugby Club's finest, front left, Ian 'Bomber' Miles, Bevan Wilson. Back, Alistair Sutherland and Trevor Allan with the first-grade shield

TEAM: (back row l-r) Denis Hills, Bill Allison, Terry Munsie, Ian Miles, Ken Lapham and Owen Gallagher. (front) Doug Goldman, Geoffrey Savage, Alan Ting, Paul Montgomery, John Cannen, Terry Trim and M McCormack. Absent: Les Rowe and Terry Windmill.

HANCOCK, MILES STAR IN 14-8 DEFEAT OF MANLY

By PHIL TRESIDDER

Gordon Rugby Union forwards Alf Hancock and Ian Miles yesterday played a big part in Gordon's 14-8 defeat of Manly at Manly Oval. Hancock and Miles were surprise omissions from the Australian team to tour New Zealand this month. They played top-class football in Gordon's tough forward pack, which paved the way for Manly 's defeat. Gordon's win— its second this season against Manly — enabled it to join Manly at the head of the Rugby Union competition table. . The two teams look certain to fight out this year's premiership. Gordon's husky forwards relished the heavy, sodden ground at Manly, and dominated the game. Hancock's bustling play around the scrum-base and Miles' solid rucking were features.

Gordon officials later commented that only a 'super - strength" Australian touring team could afford to leave out these two forwards. 

Coach Alistair Sutherland said : "Hancock did a great job for Gordon by driving Manly's five-eighth Spencer Brown across the field.

"Miles worked tirelessly in' the tight forward play. "I am hoping the Australian selectors will choose both players in the team to tour South' Africa next season." 

Vincent's fries Manly winger John Vincent also might have wondered at his exclusion from the touring team. He scored Manly's two tries in the first half. He scored his first try to finish off a grand backline movement, in which fullback Bill Barry made the extra man. He showed uncanny anticipation to link up with several Manly forwards in a passing rush, and scored a try from loose play over the Gordon goal-line. Vincent is still comparatively raw, but he looks a better prospect than two of the chosen tourist wingers, Garth Jones, of Queensland, and Services player Laurie Johnston. Gordon, leading 11-8 at half-time, ran out convincing winners after a dourly fought second-half, in which there was no score for 37 minutes. Gordon then clinched its win when centre Ken Hopkins booted a ball through, gathered a favorable bounce, and scored three minutes from full-time. The Gordon pack adapted its play to the heavy going better than the Manly forwards, and its hooker. Fred Testoni, won the majority of the scrums. Manly's forwards played into Gordon's hands when they repeatedly knocked the ball back from line-outs. This meant, that Gordon's breakaways, Merv Nagle and Hancock, scouting at the end of the line-outs, were able to keep five-eighth Brown quiet throughout the game.

GORDON Rugby Union forward Ross Hannon gets a "bear-hug" on a Manly opponent holding the ball in yesterday's game at Manly Oval. HANCOCK, MILES STAR IN 14-8 (1952, August 3). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248645647

All three of their sons served in surf clubs, Jeffrey at Collaroy. 

The Miles family of Ian and Pat and sons moved to Yamba in 1968 where they became proprietors of the Blue Dolphin Caravan Park at what was then the entrance into Yamba from the highway. They sold this business in 1979.

Her husband passed away on July 24th, 2018, aged 92, with a celebration of his life held at Yamba Golf Club on July 31st 2018 after a private family service. Patricia passed away in 2019:

MILES, Patricia Dorothy (nee Hewitt)

Dearly loved Wife to Ian (decd). Loving Mother and Mother-in-law to Jeff and Ashlyn, Peter and Jane, Richie and Fiona (decd). Adored Grandmother to Saskia, Elani, Curtis, Blake, Georgia, and Taylor and Great Grandmother to Kiani, Lyla, Cruz, and Rocco. A private cremation has been held. Riverview Funerals Grafton 3-7 Prince St - published in Coastal Views, June 21st, 2019

John Keith Hewitt, born December 31st 1904, stayed in Mona Vale, clearly integral to the family businesses of a store and being produce merchants. He enlisted to serve in WWII but was discharged as 'medically unfit' due to 'chronic traumatic headaches' - which sound like migraines. He also suffered from vertigo. Like most men rejected by the Defence Forces then, duties in their local community were taken up. His enlistment papers do provide a description of him - almost six feet tall, with dark hair and blue eyes.

He passed away in 1980 in Sydney.

Parents and Grandparents Deaths:

STEEL ANNE 14837/1908 parents; WILLIAM HELEN PADDINGTON
STEEL ANDREW 19605/1923 parents: THOMAS ELIZA PADDINGTON
HEWITT ANNIE 27922/1952 Parents: ANDREW ANNIE registered at PARRAMATTA
HEWITT JOHN THOMAS 18737/1952 parents: none listed just 'MONA VALE 85 YRS' registered at PARRAMATTA
They passed away within a month of each other:

HEWITT John Thomas -September 11 1952 at his residence Newport Road Mona vale dearly loved husband of Anne and loved father of Harold and John. Private cremation. Family Notices (1952, September 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18281370

HEWITT, Annie.—October 5, 1952, at a hospital, Newport, late of Mona Vale, relict of John Thomas Hewitt and loved mother of Harold and Jack, aged 82 years. Private cremation. Family Notices (1952, October 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18284979

John Thomas Hewitt - acreage at Mona Vale:

Courtesy HRLV - lands bought November 1st 1907 by John Thomas Hewitt 'for a consideration of £250' - Book and Number 842-467:

Volume – Folio Volume 2601 Folio 173 (Allen - later Golf) brought under Real Property Act in 1915 - lots sold 1917 to 1946:

Panorama View Estate - Mona Vale - Pittwater - Pittwater Rd, Darley St, Allen St - circa 1915, Item: SLNSW_FL9033091, courtesy State Library of NSW Subdivisions folder for Mona Vale

Volume – Folio Volume 3032 Folio 149 (Mona St) – becomes Vol-Fol 6524-221:

Volume – Folio Volume 6524 Folio 221 - pink area showing land resumed for;1. road widening, 2. sewerage and water collection and 3. electricity substation - showing 'Harkeith' street

Volume - Folio 4022 - 107, corner of Darley Street and Barrenjoey Road lots:

No. 28,171. John Thomas Hewitt, 3 a. 1 r. 15 p., Darley-st. and Newport-rd., Mona Vale. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1927, March 25). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1562. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220252828

Mona Vale - Heart of Mona Vale Estate - Darley St, Newport Road 1928, Item No.: c046820056, from Mona Vale Subdivisions folder, courtesy State Library of NSW. Shows 'garage being erected'

No. 30,175. Thomas Whitford Taylor and James William Meader, 3 a. 3 r. 10 ¼ p., lots 24 to 26 (inc.), 43 to 46 (inc.), and pt. 47-, sec. 1, Mona Vale Est., Darley and Park sts., Mona Vale. Diagrams delineating these lands may be inspected at the Land Titles Office, Sydney.

E. E. S. LAYTON,

Registrar-General.

14th June, 1929. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1929, June 14). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2468. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223022324 

Primary Application - Thomas Whitford Taylor & Others 3 acres 3 roods 10 1/4 perches in Darley & Park Streets in Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Shire Warringah. Contents Date Range; 11-04-1929 to 07-01-1942

Primary Application - Thomas Whitford Taylor & James William Meader Mona Vale Shire of Warringah Parish of Narrabeen County of Cumberland. Contents Date Range; 04-11-1929 to 04-11-1929. 

Resumption of easement for Main road purposes Warringah Shire owners Thomas Whitford Taylor and James William Meader. Contents Date Range; 24-07-1935 to 31-10-1935

SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.

Proposed Special Loan of £8,000.NOTICE is hereby given, that it is the intention of the Warringah Shire Council to apply for authority, under section 180, Local Government Act, 1919, to borrow the sum of £8,000 for the purpose of constructing public privies and conveniences, and for installing septic tanks for use in connection therewith, on the undermentioned surf beaches within the Shire, viz.:—

Harbord, South Curl Curl, North Curl Curl, Deewhy, Collaroy, South Narrabeen, Devitt-street (Narrabeen), Waterloo-street (Narrabeen), North Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon, Whale Beach, and Palm Beach, and in the undermentioned parks within the Shire, viz.,

Griffith Park, Lake Park, Tram Terminus Reserve and Governor Phillip Park, and for purposes incidental to the carrying out of such works, and to the raising of the desired loan.

The interest payable on such loan shall not exceed six per cent. (6%) per annum, and it is proposed to arrange the loan on terms which shall provide for the repayment of principal and the payment of interest, combined, in half-year I}7 instalments extending over a period of fifteen (15) years. The amount of each such instalment, if the rate of interest be 6% will be £408 3s. 1d.

It is not proposed to levy a loan rate for the purpose of repaying the loan, but to make the repayments of principal and payments of interest from the general fund of the Shire.

Plans and specifications, giving details of the proposal, may be inspected at the Shire Hall, Brookvale, during office hours.

Within one month of the publication of this notice, any number not less than 25 per cent, of the ratepayers of the Shire, may petition the Council to take a poll as to whether the ratepayers approve of the loan. The number of ratepayers enrolled for the Shire is 12,827.

R. G. JAMIESON,

Shire Clerk.

Shire Hall, Brookvale,

1st November, 1926.

1692 £2 SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1926, November 5). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4739. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222999555

SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. Naming of Roads.

NOTICE is hereby given that the Council has, in accordance with the provisions of section 249 (a), Local Government Act, and with the approval of the Minister for Local Government, given the undermentioned names to the roads described hereunder:— 

SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1934, October 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3758. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223066461

SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.—Renaming of Roads.—Ordinance 30, Clause o6} .Local Government Act.—.Notice is hereby given that the undermentioned roads have been renamed in accordance with section 249 (a) of the Local Government Act:—

Past name and new name. 

Arthur-street, Brook vale—Miles-street.

Arthur-street, Frenchs Forest—Knibbs-street. Boronia-street, Seaforth—Rignold-street.

Currie-road, Frenchs Forest—Kurrali-street.

Elvina-crescent, Scotland Island—Thompson-street. 

Herbert-street, Mona Vale—Foley-street. 

Oak-road, Ingleside—McLean-street. 

Park-lane, Harbord—Lodge-lane.

Eyrie-street, Balgowlah—Sayers-street.

Short-road, North Curl Curl—Molong-street.

Brown-street and Gordon-street west of Brown-street, Manly Vale—Quinlan-parade.

Dunlop-avenue, Dee Why West—Prescott-avenue.

Section of road formerly known as Pymble-road and .unnamed road extending south from it commencing from road known as Pymble-road opposite its junction with Prince Charles road and running southward therefrom—Prince Charles road.

J. MORGAN", Shire Clerk, Council Chambers, Brookvale. 2448—£1 16s. SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.—RENAMING OF ROADS.—Ordinance (1953, August 14). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2653. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220067748

WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL.—Re-naming of Portion of Halesmith Road. Mona Vale.—Notice is hereby given that the Council has decided to re-name Halesmith Road, between Winji Jimmi Park and Rednal Street, as "Rednal Street", in accordance with the provisions of clause 53 of Ordinance 30—Local Government Act, 1919, as amended. J. MORGAN, Shire Clerk, Shire Hall, Brookvale. 4526—16s. WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL.—RE-NAMING OF PORTION OF HALESMITH ROAD. MONA VALE.—Notice is hereby given (1965, December 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4154. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220001479

WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL.—Naming of Lane between Park and Waratah Streets, Mona Vale as "Akuna Lane".—Notice is hereby given that the Council, in accordance with the provisions of section 249 (a) of the Local Government Act, 1919, as amended, has named the lane between Park and Waratah Streets, Mona Vale, as "Akuna Lane". R. M. STUCKEY, Deputy Shire Clerk, Shire Hall, Brook vale. 7282—$2.40 WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL.—NAMING OF LANE BETWEEN PARK AND WARATAH STREETS, MONA VALE AS "AKUNA (1970, March 26). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1075. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220056486

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919

Suspension of the Provisions of the Shire of Warringah Planning Scheme in Respect of Certain Land Within the Shire of Warringah and Notification of Interim Development Order No. 130—Shire of Warringah Made in Respect Thereof

IN pursuance of section 342y of the Local Government Act, 1919, T, the Minister for Planning and Environment, having considered a report furnished by the New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission, do hereby notify that the provisions of the Shire of Warringah Planning Scheme are suspended as respects such part of the land to which such scheme applies as is described in Schedule "A" hereto and do, by this my notification, make an interim development order as set out in Schedule "B" hereto. (78-1253)

PAUL LANDA, Minister for Planning and Environment. Sydney, 27th July, 1979.

Schedule "A"

All that piece or parcel of land situate in the Shire of Warringah in the vicinity of Park, Narrabeen, Waratah and Bungan Streets, Mona Vale, as shown by red edging on plan catalogued number 245:3658 in the office of the New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission.

Schedule "B"

1. This order may be cited as "Interim Development Order No. 130—Shire of Warringah".

2. The provisions of clauses 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 contained in the set of standard or model provisions adopted by the Minister for Local Government on the recommendation of The State Planning Authority of New South Wales and published in Government Gazette No. 88 of the 17th July, 1970, are adopted, by reference, for the purposes of this order.

3. (1) Interim development may be carried out only with the consent of the council for the purposes specified in Columns III and IV shown opposite Zone No. 3 (a) in Column I which Columns are contained in the Table to clause 26 of the Shire of Warringah Planning Scheme Ordinance.

(2) The purposes referred to in the Table shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by clause 4 of that Ordinance.

4. The council shall not grant consent to interim development under this order unless it is generally in accordance with the provisions of plan 77115SD15 prepared by Cunning, Cunningham and Toland, dated February, 1979, copies of which have been submitted to and retained by the council and the New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission.

(4236) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919 (1979, July 27). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3621. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219963452

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919

Shire of Warringah Planning Scheme Amendment

NOTICE is given that the Shire of Warringah Planning Scheme (Amendment No. 12) for Warriewood Valley will be on exhibition for public information and comment for a period of two (2) months from the 25th June, 1980, to the 25th August, 1980.

The Scheme may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission Offices, Fifth Floor, 169-183a Liverpool Street, Sydney; the Warringah Shire Council, Civic Centre, Pittwater Road, Dee Why; and the Public Library, Park Street, Mona Vale.

The purpose of the Amending Scheme is to vary the principal Planning Scheme in respect of the lands within the Warriewood Valley.

Any person who has an estate or interest in any land affected by the Amending Scheme and any Department, Statutory body or Council may object to the Scheme. All objections have to be lodged with the Planning and Environment Commission on the prescribed form by 25th August, 1980. (76-15170, Pt 3)

R. L. PINCINI, Secretary. New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission, Sydney, 27th June, 1980. (2136) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919 (1980, June 27). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3307. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231253061

NOTICE.
The Attention of the Police is especially directed
TO THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS, VIZ. :—

REPORTS for the Police Gazette to be LEGIBLY written.

When REWARDS are offered a written guarantee should be obtained from the person offering the same. HORSES or other stock lost will not be gazetted unless there be reasonable grounds for believing the same to have been stolen.

In making subsequent reports, REFERENCE to be made to the date and page of the Gazette where cases are published, but if not gazetted, then sufficient particulars to be given to identify the case.

In reporting apprehensions, by whom effected to be invariably stated.

In all cases of conviction where a moiety of the fine should be apportioned to the POLICE REWARD. FUND, the officer in charge of the case should apply to the Bench of Magistrates to make an order to that effect.

The non-delivery of the Gazette at any station to be promptly reported, and pressing inquiry made to trace the same. Officers visiting stations to report every instance in which the files of the Police (gazette are incomplete.

Notices respecting petty offences of local interest only will not be published in the POLICE GAZETTE. Crime reports will, however, be transmitted in all cases to the Superintendents of Districts as heretofore.

INQUESTS, &c.

In reporting results of inquests or Magisterial inquiries on bodies or fires, where open verdicts are recorded it is absolutely necessary that the local police express an opinion as to probable cause thereof.

When possible the age and birth-place of deceased persons should be stated, and where property or premises are destroyed by fire, the names of occupiers and owners must be given. All Bank Books and other valuable securities found with the effects of persons who have died intestate may be handed over to the Local Agent to the Curator of Intestate Estates ; the Agent may also be allowed to inspect all other papers, letters, &c., prior to their being for-warded to the Inspector-General of Police, who will transmit them to the Curator of Intestate Estates. Copies should be taken for local or other inquiries or for other necessary purposes.

LICENSES.

The police should satisfy themselves that publicans have duly obtained their licenses at the proper periods, and that any who obtain certificates for Booth Licenses duly remit the fee, and obtain the license before selling.

CARELESS USE OF FIRE.

In view of the probability of bush fires occurring, the police generally should caution persons camping and others to be extremely careful to extinguish fires, and also to affix the calico posters—“Caution, Careless, use of fire,”—obtainable from each Superintendent of Police, in all conspicuous and suitable localities -(See Police Gazette 1905, page 417.)

ARRESTS FROM POLICE GAZETTE NOTICES, &c.

Cases having occurred in which persons charged with minor offences have been arrested from notices in the Police Gazette, at places remote from the stations where the warrant was issued, whereby considerable expense has been incurred, and the prosecutions could not be proceeded with from absence of witnesses or other causes, it is desirable that when the ends of justice are nob likely to be defeated, or in charges of minor importance, a telegram should be sent to the station where the warrant was issued, to ask if the arrest is desirable. Also where offenders are likely to leave the State, the information and warrant should always be drawn in accordance with provisions of the Imperial Fugitive Offenders Act. These instructions will also apply to offenders from other States who may have evaded arrest and have come to this State—see also Service and Execution of Process Act, No. 11 of 1901 (Commonwealth Act).

STOLEN STOCK.

The police generally are directed that when likely to be or service in furthering the ends of justice, the particulars of stolen stock are to be communicated to the District Inspector of Stock.

PRISONERS RELEASED ON TICKETS OF LEAVE.

A record must be kept by the police in districts, where prisoners are licensed to reside (vide Crimes Act, 1900, No. 40, section 463) of the date of their reporting themselves, in accordance with terms of license, together with full information as to place of residence, condition, mode of life, &c. A concise report, containing full particulars, must, on each occasion of their so reporting themselves, be submitted to the Inspector-General of Police. Should any holder of a license fail to report, a notification of the same to be at once forwarded.

RIFLE RANGES.

The police generally are enjoined to keep, as far as possible, all Rifle Ranges and properties connected therewith under observation, with a view to prevent wanton injury to the same.

BIRDS PROTECTION ACT.

The attention oi the police is specially drawn to the provisions of the Birds Protection Act, 1901, No. 26, which is being systematically broken in various parts 8 of the country, game being conveyed to Sydney and   elsewhere by railway.

FRENCH CRIMINALS.

A special record should be kept of all Frenchmen who are charged with criminal offences, their antecedents to be ascertained as far as practicable, and full report with personal description to be made through the proper channel to the Inspector-General. A special report to be made also respecting men suspected to be escapees or expirees from New Caledonia who are resident in the district without, however, interfering with them in any way if engaged in lawful occupation.

CLAIMS AGAINST THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

It is particularly desired that all claims against the Police Department up to the close of last year may be rendered with the least possible delay. Other-wise the Inspector-General cannot hold himself responsible for subsequent delay in payment.

Members of the Force are instructed to use every means in their power to facilitate prompt payment of claims against the Department.

REMOVAL OF WITNESSES.

Attention is directed to General Order No. 687, dated 16th May, 1883. In cases where witnesses bound over to appear at Superior Courts remove from their residence before the trial takes place, a Police report must be submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, when, possibly, in many instances the evidence of such witnesses could be dispensed with under the circumstances, and thus prevent unnecessary expenditure.

INTERPRETERS.

In all cases where an interpreter called at the committal of an offender does not appear competent, intimation To that effect should be made so that some other person may be subpoenaed who can efficiently interpret the evidence at the Superior Court.

CROWN LANDS.

The police generally are directed to assist all Crown Lands Rangers in preventing illegal timber-cutting and removal of material from Crown Lands and Reserves.

FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ACT.

All Benches of Magistrates in this State are furnished with the necessary copies of forms of warrant, &c., under the Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881.

FIRST OFFENDERS DISCHARGED UNDER CRIMES ACT No. 40 OF 1900.

In all cases where offenders are discharged in accordance with the provisions of the Crimes Act of 1900, a Police report containing full particulars must be submitted to the Inspector-General of Police. The removal of a first offender or his sureties must be reported.

POLICE ACTING AS BAILIFFS.

The police generally are reminded that it is illegal for them to act as bailiffs—or in the execution of civil process—except for the Small Debts Court when duly appointed.

BIGAMY CASES.

In all cases of bigamy, when proceedings have been initiated, police reports containing the following information should be furnished: —

1. Where second marriage took place, and where witnesses thereto reside.

2. When first marriage took place, and where wife and witness reside.

3. Where offender now believed to be.

4. As the Crown will not bear cost of witnesses’ expenses in such cases, unless under exceptional circumstances, facts to be fully stated.

NOTICE.

When it is necessary that a Bank officer should attend at a Police Court at a distance as a witness, it is desirable that due notice should be given to allow of arrangements being made For a substitute, and the Bank premises during such absence should be under special observation by the police as far as practicable.

The Attorney-General has directed that in future no  undertaking by a prisoner’s Solicitor is to be taken as to admitting evidence unless signed by the prisoner.

In all cases where subpoenas for the prosecution are applied for after a committal has taken place, a statement of what evidence such person or persons can give should be taken down in writing and signed by such intended witness, dated, and witnessed by the person taking such statement, which will be transmitted to the Clerk of the Peace.

Reports containing all possible information as to the antecedents of witnesses likely to be called for the defence at the trial of prisoners at Circuit Courts and Courts of Quarter Sessions, should also be furnished.

The attention of the Police generally is directed to the following Postal regulation : —Bottles containing fluid,&c., for transmission per packet post must be very securely corked, so that their contents cannot escape, and must be packed in boxes sufficiently strong to prevent breakage of the bottles and damage to the mails. Parcels containing liquids and semi-liquids, such as ink, gum, paste, oils, artists’ colours will be accepted conditionally on their being so securely packed that the contents cannot escape, and the vessels in which they are contained being sufficiently strong to prevent breakage in transmission. All such parcels should be plainly marked or labelled “fragile,” and the nature of the vessel or covering and contents endorsed on the wrapper. When considered necessary by the Department wooden packing boxes must be used.

The attention of the police generally is directed to section 39 of the Old-age Pension Act, 1900, .No. 74, which provides a penalty for supplying fermented or spirituous liquors to Pensioners.

Reports of all deaths of Old-age Pensioners on be-coming known to Police to be submitted to the Inspector-General of Police for transmission to The Registrar, Central Board of Old-age Pensions, Sydney.

LIST OF POLICE DISTRICTS in New South Wales, showing the Rank and Name of the Officer in charge with the Stations comprising each District.

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT.

Superintendent in Charge—Nicholas Larkins.

No. 1 Head Station.

Central Station. Erskine-street. Mint.

Pyrmont.

No. 2 Head Station. Glebe.

No. 3 Head Station. Bourke-street.

Rushcutters’ Bay.

Woolloomooloo.

No. 4 Head Station. Manly.

Mona Vale.

No. 5 Head Station. Camperdown. Cook’s River. Erskineville. St. Peters.

No. 6 Head Station. Greenwich. Lane Cove. Lindfield.

Longueville. Mosman.

Naremburn.

Neutral Bay. Wahroonga. Willoughby.

No. 7 Head Station. Beaconsfield. Botany.

Darlington.

Irish Town.

Mitchell Road.

Waterloo and Alexandria. 

No. 8 Head Station. Drummoyne.

Glebe Island. Rozelle.

No. 9 Head Station. Belmore.

Canterbury. Concord. Enfield.

Five Dock. Homebush. Mortlake. Rosedale.

Strathfield.

No. 10 Head Station. Double Bay. Kensington.

Randwick and Coogee. Rose Bay.

Watson’s Bay.

Waverley and Bondi.

No. 11 Head Station.

Annandale. Ashfield.

Croydon.

Haberfield Estate. Helsarmel.

Leichhardt. Lilly field.

Stanmore.

Summer Hill.

No. 12 Head Station. Arncliffe.

Blakehurst. Bexley.

Dulwich Hill. Hurstville. Kogarah.

Peakhurst. Rockdale.

Brighton Le Sands. Sutherland.

No. 13 Head Station

(Water Police).

…. NOTICE. (1906, January 3). New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251633742