The Narrabeen RSL Club in its present location has been servicing and supporting the community since 1956, which means this year the club and its members are celebrating their 65th year. The club would like to hear from or see any old photographs people have associated with its members and history.
This year, 2021, also marks a centenary for another tribute to those who have served our country from Narrabeen - the installation in October 1921 of a War Trophy, or German Machine Gun captured in France in the triangular reserve at the corner of Ocean street and Pittwater road Narrabeen which today serves as a cenotaph for Narrabeen residents and members of the RSL. At the time of this unveiling ceremony 8 trees were planted, one to honour the gentleman who was performing the unveiling ceremony and 7 to honour those from Narrabeen who lost their lives in World War 1.
Around 1,307 men enlisted as volunteers in the A.I.F. stating their address as 'Manly' or 'Narrabeen' from the broader demographic, which then included the rural villages North to Narrabeen and beyond to Palm Beach. When a search of the National Archives of Australia is done there are numerous residents of Narrabeen who will be represented, not all of them from Narrabeen as the district as a Parish extended into Pittwater and some names are from Mona Vale, Newport and further afield, but of those who are known to have been residents of this place then, there are few families whose sons and daughters served in WWI, WWII and conflicts Australians have served in since.
Each evening between sunset and sunrise names from the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour are projected onto the façade of the Hall of Memory (the dome). The projections are a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Roll of Honour lists the 102,000 men and women from Australia’s defence forces who have died in the service of our nation. This nightly commemorative event, which was initially delivered as part of the Memorial’s program to mark the centenary of the First World War, has been extended to include the names of all Australians who have died during, or as a result of, war service or war-like operations.
Individual names are projected in groups by conflict or operation. Each name is projected once every 3 months. On Friday May 28th at 4:32am the name Joseph Edward Hanson will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory. This tribute honours a 22 year old Narrabeen lad who died as a Lance Corporal at Gallipoli on May 5th 1915 and was buried in Shrapnel Valley, along with 683 other Commonwealth servicemen buried or commemorated in this cemetery.
His grandmother, Maria Megson, owned Megson's Liberty Hall on the corner of King Street and Pittwater road Narrabeen, where he worked as a cook prior to enlisting. When she passed away in 1917 the premises was offered for sale. This hall was one of the first gathering places for Narrabeen residents and later, Anzac gatherings, an RSL of sorts for local servicemen and women. Maria's husband Joseph had purchased Lots 2 and 3 in 1896. He passed away and she discharged the mortgage. One of these lots, and a home constructed on it, was held on to by the family as her daughter Amy lived there with her husband up until he passed away in the 1940's.
NARRABEEN RELIEF G.H.Q.
The branch of the Anzac Relief Division which operates from Dee Why to Palm Beach has acquired Liberty Hall, Narrabeen as headquarters. A free library is being formed by gifts. NARRABEEN RELIEF G.H.Q. (1931, August 19). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246715416
Joseph was born in 1892 in Woolloomooloo, the third son of Hans Peter Hansen and Amy (nee Megson). He enlisted on August 27th, 1914. The summer prior to that he was taking part in the Collaroy Surf Carnival:
STRETCHER RACE.— Collaroy (N. Casey, W. Blakeman, L. Chinchon), 1; Narrabeen (L. Giles, J. Hanson, W. Scott), 2. COLLAROY SURF CARNIVAL. (1915, February 14). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229324364
PRIVATE JOSEPH ED. HANSEN (Narrabeen), killed. HEROES OF THE DARDANELLES. (1915, July 1). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238921751
Lance-Corp. JOSEPH HANSON, Age 22, of Narrabeen, killed in action. "THE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTERY" : BY HAROLD McGRATH (1915, July 10). The Globe and Sunday Times War Pictorial (Sydney, NSW : 1914 - 1917), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100569456
Private JOSEPH EDWARD HANSEN (killed) was born at Woolloomooloo. He was 23 years of age, and a son of Mrs. E. Hinchcliff, of Narrabeen, and grandson of Mrs. Joe Megson, sen. He was formerly a cook, and gave up his position to go to the front. RANK AND FILE. (1915, June 26). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239039724
ROLL OF HONOR
HANSEN.—Killed in action, at Gallipoli, May 7th, 1915, Corp. J. E. Hansen, dearly loved son of Mrs. A. Hinchcliffe, of Narrabeen, age 22 years. Family Notices (1917, May 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221961387
His brother Norman James Hansen, aged 21, 'Motor Mechanic' (enlisted September 14th, 1915) 4th Battalion, B Company, was badly wounded in action, twice, June 8th 1917 Rouen - sent back in and had a fractured rib by October of that year, came home in mid 1919, and his stepfather Ernest Edward Hinchcliffe, aged 36, 'Baker, 2nd Battalion, 8th Reinforcement, also served and came home, severely wounded, in December 1917.
Mr. Ernest Hinchcliffe. We regret to report the death in hospital at Manly, on 7th September, of Mr. Ernest Hinchcliffe, brother of the late Mr. Wm. Hinchcliffe, of Kempsey, and of Mrs. Aub. Reid, of West Kempsey. Deceased, who served his time as a bakers apprentice with the late Mr Alf. Rock, of West Kempsey, left this town about forty years ago and had lived at Narrabeen ever since, except for his period of service with the A.I.F. in the 1914-18 war. He was severely wounded in France and spent many months in an English hospital prior to being invalided home to Australia. His only visit to Kempsey since he first left here was when on final leave prior to going overseas with the A.I.F. He was 62 at the end, and his passing is deeply regretted by many of the elder generation of Macleay folk who remember him as a very bright and active member of a worthy family. He is survived by a widow but no family. Mr. Ernest 'Hinchcliffe. (1941, October 1). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 - 1952), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173021774
Liberty Hall description from the sale notice:
NARRABEEN, NEAR TRAM TERMINUS.
A COTTAGE, known as LIBERTY HALL, fronting the MAIN PITTWATER-ROAD, at the corner of KING STREET, commanding FINE VIEWS of the LAKES, and QUITE CLOSE to the OCEAN BEACH. It is built of weatherboard (wood-lined inside), on brick piers, has verandah in front, and contains hall, 4 rooms, kitchen, with large room attached, Land 50ft11in x 193ft and 183ft.
IN THE ESTATE OF MRS. MARIA MEGSON. RICHARDSON and WRENCH, Ltd., will sell by auction, at the Rooms, 02 Pitt-street, on FRIDAY, 10th November, at 11.30 a.m., The above Cottage, facing the Main Road at Narrabeen, close to the TRAM TERMINUS and the BUSINESS CENTRE at the BRIDGE. Advertising (1917, November 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15735218
Narrabeen Tram Terminus - the Liberty Hall can be seen as the structure on the rise with brick piles still in place just above vehicle roof. from and courtesy D O'BRIEN COLLECTION
Stanley Edgar Stephen Ravell's name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on Tuesday May 25th 2021 at 9:20pm. He enlisted 13th of August 1915, aged 27 and was assigned to the 19th Battalion and died of wounds October 29th 1917. Place of death or wounding; Ypres, Belgium. Buried: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery (Plot XXI, Row DD, Grave No. 10A), Belgium. Parents; David and Lucy Ravell, "Boomerang", Greenhill, Narrabeen. Panel No: 89 in the AWM.
His brother David Ravell was awarded a Military Medal, his foster brother: Michael Noble Smith, was also killed.
SERGEANT RAVELL'S MILITARY MEDAL
Mrs. Ethel Humphreys writes in the "Evening News" of 15th instant there appeared a paragraph reporting the awarding of a Military Medal to a Sergeant David Ravell, owner of the 18ft yacht Kismet. Sergeant David Ravell, son of Captain D Ravell, of Coogee, and a cousin of the Sergeant David Ravell has written to his mother and several of his friends stating that he has been awarded the much coveted award. I would, therefore, suggest that your informant was mistaken in the identity of the recipient of this highly-prized award or did both the cousins receive the same. SERGEANT RAVELL'S MILITARY MEDAL (1917, February 27). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114371623
RAVELL - In loving memory of our dear father. Captain D. Ravell who departed this life July 29, at Narrabeen, also our dearly loved Anzac brother Michael Noble, killed in action July 19 1916 Inserted by L Harvey and S Wintle
RAVELL -In loving memory of Captain D Ravell Who departed this life on July 29 1921 Inserted by his loving son daughter in law, and grandson Dave, Lily, and David
Ravell-In loving memory of my dear dad Captain D Ravell, died July 29 1921 Inserted by his daughter, Ethel
RAVELL- In loving memory of my dear uncle and foster father Captain David Ravell who passed away at his residence, Greenhills Narrabeen by his affectionate niece Phoebe. Family Notices (1922, July 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16016059
RAVELL - In memory of my beloved son, Stanley, killed in action October 29. inserted by his mother, L. Ravell, Narrabeen. Family Notices (1926, October 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16327628
RAVELL.-June 21, 1940, at Narrabeen, Lucy Caroline, widow of David Ravell (master mariner), Coogee and Narrabeen, beloved mother of Mrs. Wintle, Epping, grandmother of Tui. Family Notices (1940, June 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17693600
A little further along this same road from Megson's Liberty Hall, at the 'Bridge House' near the Narrabeen Bridge, another mother, Mrs. Mary Kirkpatrick, had two sons who served in this same conflict - James Hunter, aged 24, 'Leadlight Worker' (enlisted May 25th, 1915) and Richard Sydney, aged 22, 'Motor Mechanic' (enlisted June 15, 1915), both were members of the 1st Battalion, 7th Reinforcement. This numerical name was designated during the First World War, but the 1st Battalion can trace its lineage back to 1854, when a unit of the Volunteer Rifles was raised in Sydney, New South Wales. Attached to the 1st Brigade, the battalion served in Egypt initially before taking part in the fighting in Gallipoli.
This battalion took part in the Landing at Anzac Cove, coming ashore with the second and third waves on 25 April 1915. Following the initial battle for the heights overlooking the beachhead in which the battalion took part in the attack on the hill known as Baby 700, the Turks regained control of the heights and the battalion was forced to withdraw to Russel Top and then later to the southern flank near Gaba Tebe. On April 27th the battalion carried out a desperate bayonet charge for which one of the battalion's officers, Alfred Shout received a Military Cross.
The battalion's first major action in France was at Pozières in July 1916. Later the battalion fought at Ypres, in Belgium, before returning to the Somme in winter. At Bullecourt in May 1917, George Howell became the third member of the battalion to receive the Victoria Cross. In 1918, the 1st Battalion helped to stop the German spring offensive in March and April before taking part in the Hundred Days Offensive that was launched near Amiens on August 8th 1918 and ultimately brought an end to the war. The battalion remained in the line until late September 1918, when they were withdrawn from the front along with the rest of the Australian Corps for rest and retraining in anticipation of further operations.
On September 21st all but one member of "D" Company refused to take part in an attack as a protest against the battalion being sent back into combat when it had been about to be relieved. The members of the company were subsequently imprisoned for desertion; this was the AIF's largest incidence of "combat refusal" during the war and formed part of a general weakening in the force's discipline due to the stresses of prolonged combat. The battalion was out of the line when the Armistice was declared on November 11th 1918. Throughout the course of the war, the 1st Battalion suffered a total of 1,165 men killed and 2,363 wounded.
Both Mary's sons came home in 1919.
Sydney (Sidney) Clifford Hatton, aged 25, 'Driver' (enlisted August 17, 1915) 20th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement, married, Mrs Violet Hatton, Oak Street, Narrabeen got to Cairo, was diagnosed with epilepsy, declared medically unfit as a result and was sent home in May 1916.
Gordon Robertson Mitchell, aged 29, 'Borva', Narrabeen,(enlisted September 14th, 1914) 13th Battalion, wounded May 4th, 1915 at Gallipoli (shot, rifle, entered left side on his back - they could not get it out as too near his heart), also shrapnel, some lodged near his aorta (x-ray 25th of June 1915) - sent to London. By September 25th 1916 he was discharged as 'Medically unfit' - although now as a Lieutenant - he came home.
From the home of Mrs A M Goldsmith, 'Tempus Fugit', Ocean Street, Narrabeen via Manly, her son Frederick Thomas aged 21 (enlisted May 9th, 1916) as a Dental Technician was sent to the AAMC Dental Hospital in Chalmers street Sydney and then to London to serve looking after teeth there too. He was sent home to Australia on the 19th of December 1919.
Robert Lucock Sealby, aged 44, 'Gardener', (enlisted March 16, 1916) 53rd Battalion, 7th Reinforcement, born in Maryport England - came home in 1991 a Sergeant.
Norman Rutledge Plomley, aged 22, 'Clerk' (enlisted August 18, 1914), Next of kin; F J Plomley, The Avenue, Narrabeen, New South Wales, 1 Divisional Train (1 to 4 Coys Army Service Corps) October, 1914, 4th Battalion - Military Cross; Recommendation date: 12 September 1917, Military Cross (Altered from Companion of the Distinguished Service Order). Recommendation date: 12 October 1917". Awarded Bar to Military Cross; 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company with great dash and initiative, and reorganized it after the capture of the objective. Later he took command of the right half of the battalion, and consolidated and secured the position with great skill and energy. When his flank became exposed it was largely owing to his efforts that the unit on the right was able to establish connection. His work undoubtedly saved what might have been a critical situation.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 137, Date: 30 August 1918, Bar to Military Cross - he came home in September 1918, a Captain.
Captain Norman Plomley, who has been awarded the Military Cross, was, before he went to the front, nearly three years ago as a private, a member of the Manly Golf Club. He is the fifth member of that club to be decorated for conspicuous bravery. Captain Plomley is now in an English hospital suffering from gas poisoning. Big Killed and Wounded List New Zealand Sportsmen (1917, December 5). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120290900
In fact, Manly Golf Club, which is where locals went to play this game in the years before Pittwater golf courses eventuated, records:
MANLY CLUB AND THE. WAR. Peculiar interest is attached to the report and balance sheet of the Manly Golf Club. The report points out that 1917 marks an epoch in the annals of the club, inasmuch as the Manly Golf Club, founded in 1906, has merged into the Manly Golf Club registered as a company (under guarantee) licensed to hold land and possessing its own links. The members are specially indebted to those gentleman who so greatly interested themselves in the acquisition of the property, and in particular to Dr. R. J. and Mr. H. N. Pope, who, as vendors, met the club in such a liberal spirit, and to Sir Allen Taylor, Messrs. Mark Mitchell. W. J. Douglass, and C. W. Schrader (hon. solicitor), whose efforts and work have resulted so happily. The subscribers of the capital which enabled the club to secure the links will receive debentures. 'A sub-committee has been appointed to consider the advisability of gelling portions of the links, and also to consider alterations in the course.
The war has taken its toll, as will be seen from the following roll of honor: — Killed in action: Capt. Frank Amphlett, E. A. Roberts, R. E. Hunt, Lieut. Kenneth Taylor, Arthur Mounter, Lieut. J. B. Owen-Tuck, Capt. F. J. O'Brien. Missing: A. V. R.' Lloyd, H. Hepner. Died on active service: Dr. A. Verge. On service: W. P. A. Ascroft, A. L. K. Adam, L. M. Addison, J. M. Arnott, Barton Adams, Dudley Adams, Dr. Holmes a'Court, Malcolm Aeronson, F. G. Blair, P. E. Browne, F. W. Barrett, F. G. Carruthers, R. J. Collins, R. D. Cowper, A. S. -Cotton, R. L. Dawson, J. W. Davis, G. P. Dwyer, G. S. Freeman, D. G. Ferrier, J~ D. Foggitt, F. A. Guy, A. Munro Glen, Lebbeus Hordern, L. G. Henderson, A. E. Bayless, Hathaway, F. S. Hall, John Harding J. P. Hill, Sir N. R. Howse, I. H. Keys, Colin Lindsay, N. C. -Lockhardt, C. R. Maynard, C. Stewart Moore, Charles McMillan, H. I. Newman, N. R. Plomley, Dr. C. C. Ross, B. J. H. Richards, R. L. Sayers, E. Scott Scott, T. G. Slimmon, Dr. Clive Nigel Smith, S. J. Shillington, H. Somerset, F. S. Smith, Mervyn Thomas, J. E. Westgarth, F. W. S. Wade, P. G. White, F. E. Wells, H. S. Wyndham, Rev. Stacy Waddy. The following have returned or are returning wounded, invalided or on furlough: W. P. A. Ascroft, A. L. K. Adam, J. C. Carruthers, R. L. Dawson, G. S. Freeman, L. G. Henderson, Lebbeus Hordern, H. I. Newman, B. J. H. Richards, S. J. Shillington, F. S. , Smith Mervyn Thomas, J. E. Westgarth, R. J. Collins.
Five Military Crosses have been awarded to members of the club— Lieut. J. P. Hill, Capt. F. S- Hall, Lieut. J. W. Davis. Capt. Norman Plomley, and Lieut. Mervyn Thomas, Lieut J. P. Hill and Capt. F. S. Hall have been severely wounded, but latest information states that they are progressing favorably. Others that have been reported sick and wounded are all doing well.
In other occupations connected with war work abroad are the following members: Lieut.-Col. J. A. Murdoch, C.M-G. (Rea Cross), George Hird (inspections), J. E. Tonks, B. M. Welch, and E. J. Bryce (munitions and kindred works). The club membership shows a slight increase, there being now 358 members, which includes 53 members at the front (absentees without fees). GOLF NOTES (1918, March 13). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120313545
William Fred Powell, aged 21, 'Carpenter', Goodwin Street Narrabeen (enlisted December 1st, 1916) Machine Gun Company 2, Reinforcement 15, came home in 1919.
Also on Pittwater road Narrabeen Sydney James Dickens, aged 18, 'Motor Driver' (enlisted July 23rd, 1917) - he came home.
Sydney Courtney, aged 35, 'Cook' at the Royal Narrabeen Hotel (enlisted December 3rd, 1915) and listing as his ''Next of kin; Friend, Mrs Amy Garwood, Royal Narrabeen Hotel, Narrabeen''.
Harold Richard Le Clerc, Chatham, Lagoon Street, Narrabeen, aged 19, 'Motor Driver' (enlisted November 1st 1919), Army Medical Corps, Special Reinforcements, came home in 1919. His brothers Thomas Harrington - came home (eldest son), Arthur Gordon, aged 22, 'Mechanic' (enlisted September 14th, 1914) 13th Battalion, F Company, was killed in action August 14th, 1916, as well as his eldest son:
Mr. T. Le Clerc has received news that his son, Harry Oswald Le Clerc, was killed on August 9. This is his second son to be killed out of four in action. The deceased enlisted three years ago. WAR CASUALTIES. (1918, October 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15805863
Harry Oswald was 24 and 9 months old, 'Plasterer' on enlisting, 7th Reinforcements, 3rd Battalion.
Edgar Frank Norrie, Wife, Mrs Mabel Vera Norrie, c/o Mrs Ellis, Lagoon Street, Narrabeen, aged 27, 'Carpenter' (enlisted May 18, 1916) 56th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement, died of wounds May 17, 1918 - Buried in Vignacourt British Cemetery (Plot II, Row D, Grave No. 14), France.
William Bernard Sullivan, aged 41, 'Grocer' Gunya Street, Narrabeen (enlisted September 6th, 1915) 3rd Battalion, Killed in Action June 25th, 1916, Place of burial; Rue-David Military Cemetery (Plot I, Row E, Grave No. 5), Fleurbaix, France.
By the end of the war in 1919, the following names were listed on the North Narrabeen SLSC Honour Roll: V Trundle, H Ferguson, J Richardson, F Hurst, L Mitchell, C Worboys, C.C Cook, A Watt, K Bowd, H Brown, A Mutkins, C Barnard, A Burchall, C Jarvis, B Anderson, J Knigh, T H Monsey,* E Sjoberg, R Weider, R Neil, A Trundle, I Ives, H Humphries, E Ferguson,*
*Denotes killed in action.
There are others as well, including those born at Narrabeen who had moved to rural areas: John Byers Fisher, aged 21, 'Jackeroo', (enlisted August 28th, 1914) 1st Light Horse Regiment. Killed in Action May 18th 1915, Gallipoli, Turkey - Place of burial; Quinn's Post Cemetery (Row B, Grave No. 6), Gallipoli. Belford Wellington Earl, born at Narrabeen, 'Station Hand', aged 22, (enlisted August 4th, 1915) 3rd Battalion, 11th Reinforcement, 55th Battalion; Died of wounds 1May 11th 1917. Place of burial Bologne Eastern Cemetery (Plot IV, Row B, Grave No. 15), France.
Carl Sidney Smith, aged 21, 'Carpenter' father; Sidney Smith, Greenhill, Narrabeen, New South Wales (enlisted May 30th, 1915) 3rd Battalion, 8th Reinforcement, sent into Galipolli in October 1915, to France - accidentally injured, married a W. M. Evans in Edinburgh (Rev. Fischer) in June 1917, came home in June 1919 with his wife. He hadf been promoted to 2nd Corporal by war's end but reverted, at his own request, to the rank of Sapper.
Carl's was not the only request to 'revert to private' or some lesser rank among the Narrabeen men who served - not too many seemed to want to keep an officer's rank after the conflict; a reflection of the attitude towards 'officers' among those who came home on the lot of the thousands who would not e coming home and the huge losses on the horrific battlefields?
When Britain declared war on Germany on August 4th 1914, most Australians, who had strong ties to the ‘mother country’, responded with great enthusiasm. They had little idea of how long, and how devastating, the war would prove to be or what the attitude towards them was - some of their enlistment papers show their birth listed as 'Colonial' and then this has been struck out and 'Natural Born' put in its place. Others have 'British Subject' as their nationality as, at that time, most people living in Australia were known as British subjects (it was not until 1949 that the status of ‘Australian citizen’ was created under the Nationality and Citizenship Act).
In 1914, the Australian public celebrated its allegiance to the British Empire in a variety of ways. Britain was widely referred to as ‘the mother country’; school children swore allegiance to the King and learned about the Empire and its values through textbooks, songs and plays; and images of the King were displayed in schools and other public buildings. Empire Day was celebrated each year on May 24th – the birthday of Queen Victoria – with gun salutes, displays of the Union Jack, patriotic music and speeches, and street carnivals with bonfires and fireworks.
The declaration of war came in the middle of a federal election campaign in Australia. Even before war broke out, Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher had pledged their full support for the British Empire. In a speech at Horsham, Victoria, on 31 July 1914, Cook said, ‘Remember that when the Empire is at war, so is Australia at war … all our resources in Australia are ... for the preservation and the security of the Empire.’ On the same day, in Colac, Fisher declared, ‘Australians will stand beside our own to help and defend her [Britain] to our last man and our last shilling.’
During the course of World War I, approximately 420,000 Australians volunteered to serve in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), and many more attended medical examinations but were rejected. The AIF’s name acknowledged Australia’s national identity while at the same time declaring its allegiance to the British Empire. Of the 324,000 members of the AIF who served overseas, more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded or taken prisoner.
Those within yards and streets of each other illustrate these young men and their slightly older 'fathers' left the district one after another, month after month, and some did not come home and those that did came back were either wounded physically or in their psyches and most did not recover. Further along the Pittwater road, at Collaroy, were other young men who did not come home or returned with injruies they would carry the rest of their lives. In the valley of Warriewood, were it overlaps with Mona Vale, street by street, or even side by side, neighbours, sons and husbands and even a few daughters as nurses, served in this conflict - as they had in conflicts prior to this one:
BACK FROM THE WAR
A pleasant function took place at Narrabeen on Saturday, when a picnic was tendered by the Progress Association to Sergeant Elias Luke and Mr. John Luke, Sen., to celebrate the safe return of the former from South Africa. Sergeant (then corporal) Luke was among the Lancers who visited England, and was one of the first who volunteered for the Cape. The party proceeded in a yacht up Middle Creek, where luncheon was partaken of. The health of the guests was proposed by Mr. T. J. West, president of the Narrabeen Progress Association, and Mr. D. C. M'Lachlan, Under-Secretary to the Department of Agriculture. The toasts were enthusiastically honored, and briefly responded to. BACK FROM THE WAR. (1901, February 19). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article240119251
Many of the street names of Narrabeen, when these first began to be allocated and then expanded from 1881 on were given to honour the names of famous generals and soldiers of the past by John Wetherill. This was reiterated as the suburb grew and subdivisions followed the 1913 opening of a tramline to the Narrabeen terminus near the lagoon itself.
Narrabeen during this era, so soon after the tramline had opened to the Narrabeen lagoon end of that long flat stretch from Collaroy to the commencement of the runs to Pittwater's valleys, was a place in flux. The availability of access via a tram, along with motor vehicle services and the old coachlines still in place, and with subdivisions that offered terms to pay for these allotments, this was a place where women left without their husbands could forge a life for their children. There were mothers, widows prior to this conflict, who were bringing up families through providing food and accommodation to the holiday makers that came through Narrabeen and many of these young men worked in these businesses.
However, by 1916, among the Family Notices, at the top of the list of the fallen, this ran:
ROLL OF HONOUR.
A tribute by the residents of Narrabeen to the memory of the brave and heroic men from B Riding, Warringah Shire, who were killed at Gallipoli while fighting for their King and country. Family Notices (1916, April 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15641688
The Narrabeen Cenotaph
Those listed above, as stated, were not all those who served whom have a Narrabeen connection. Sarah Downes (nee Clark) gave her address as 'Temora Cottage Collaroy Beach, Narrabeen'. Her husband Albert enlisted on October 2nd, 1917, aged 42 and a half, his occupation given as 'Baker' and an address at Rockdale appears on his form. He made it to the Suez and disembarked at Alexandria but then had enteritis, of the stomach, and ended up in hospital in London, and was returned home later that year, never having reached a battlefield.
SILVER WEDDINGS. DOWNES-CLARK - October 19, 1893, at the Salvation Army Barracks, Grey- street, Auburn, Albert Downes J.P. (on active service abroad), to Sarah E. Clark, eldest daughter of the late W. Clark Burwood. Present address: Collaroy Beach, Narrabeen. Family Notices (1918, October 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15807399
Children of Union of Albert and Sarah:
DOWNES ALBERT EDGAR C 14807/1894 ALBERT SARAH E GRANVILLE
DOWNES MINIA E P M 21822/1896 ALBERT SARAH E GRANVILLE
DOWNES LAWRENCE D W J 24538/1899 ALBERT SARAH E REDFERN
DOWNES SARAH A L M 13539/1903 ALBERT SARAH E MARRICKVILLE
DOWNES NORMAN J G H 40177/1907 ALBERT SARAH E ST PETERS
DOWNES ALICE M 6683/1910 ALBERT SARAH E NEWTOWN
DOWNES ETHEL M 3215/1915 ALBERT SARAH E MANLY
Meanwhile, back in Australia, his wife was an ardent supporter of William Hughes and also working in the Australian Comfort Funds organisation. When war was declared Australia was in the middle of the 1914 election campaign, with both sides committing Australia to the British Empire. Andrew Fisher campaigned on Labor's record of support for an independent Australian defence force. Labor won the election with another absolute majority in both houses and Fisher formed his third government on September 17th 1914. In October 1915, journalist Keith Murdoch, father of Rupert, reported on the situation in Gallipoli at Fisher's request, and advised him, "Your fears have been justified". He described the Dardanelles Expedition as being "a series of disastrous underestimations" and "one of the most terrible chapters in our history" concluding:
What I want to say to you now very seriously is that the continuous and ghastly bungling over the Dardanelles enterprise was to be expected from such a general staff as the British Army possesses ... the conceit and self complacency of the red feather men are equalled only by their incapacity.
Andrew Fisher passed this report on to Hughes and to Defence Minister George Pearce, ultimately leading to the evacuation of the Australian troops in December 1915. The report was also used by the Dardanelles Commission on which Fisher served, while High Commissioner in London.
Fisher resigned as Prime Minister and from Parliament on October 26th 1915 after being absent from parliament without explanation and on that same day William Morris Hughes was elected leader. Known for his pleasant disposition, decency and integrity, Prime Minister Fisher was suffering from deteriorating health at this time and this, along with the terrible losses as well as daily 'Casualty Lists' being printed in all newspapers, and the knowledge the lost would not be brought home, must have paid a huge toll.
Three days later, Labor Caucus unanimously elected Billy Hughes leader of the Federal Parliamentary Party. Hughes was born on September 25th 1862 at 7 Moreton Place, Pimlico, London, the son of William Hughes and the former Jane Morris, both Welsh. When his mother died in 1869 he was sent to live with relatives. At the age of eleven, Hughes was enrolled in St Stephen's School, Westminster, one of the many church schools established by the philanthropist Lady Burdett-Coutts. He won prizes in geometry and French, receiving the latter from Lord Harrowby. He also joined a volunteer battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, which consisted mainly of artisans and white-collar workers. After finishing his elementary schooling, he was apprenticed as a "pupil-teacher" for five years. He had no interest in teaching as a career though, and, at the age of 22, finding his prospects in London dim, Hughes decided to emigrate to Australia.
Hughes moved to Sydney in about mid-1886, working his way there as a deckhand and galley cook aboard SS Maranoa. He found occasional work as a line cook, but at one point supposedly had to resort to living in a cave on The Domain for a few days. Hughes eventually found a steady job at a forge, making hinges for colonial ovens. Around the same time, he entered into a common-law marriage with Elizabeth Cutts, his landlady's daughter; they had six children together. In 1890, he moved to Balmain. The following year, with his wife's financial assistance, he was able to open a small shop selling general merchandise. The income from the shop was not enough to live on, so he also worked part-time as a locksmith and umbrella salesman, and his wife as a washerwoman. One of Hughes' acquaintances in Balmain was William Wilks, another future MP, while one of the customers at his shop was Frederick Jordan, a future Chief Justice of New South Wales.
In Balmain, Hughes became a Georgist, a street-corner speaker, president of the Balmain Single Tax League, and joined the Australian Socialist League. He was an organiser with the Australian Workers' Union and may have already joined the newly formed Labor Party. In 1894, Hughes spent eight months in central New South Wales organising for the Amalgamated Shearers' Union of Australasia and then won the Legislative Assembly seat of Sydney-Lang by 105 votes.
While in Parliament he became secretary of the Wharf Labourer's Union. In 1900 he founded and became first national president of the Waterside Workers' Union. During this period Hughes studied law, and was admitted as a barrister in 1903.
In 1901 Hughes was elected to the first federal Parliament as Labor MP for West Sydney. He opposed the Barton government's proposals for a small professional army and instead advocated compulsory universal training. In 1903, he was admitted to the bar after several years part-time study. He became a King's Counsel (KC) in 1909. (The title changed to Queen's Council (QC) on the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.)
In 1913, at the foundation ceremony of Canberra as the capital of Australia, Hughes gave a speech proclaiming that the country was obtained via the elimination of the indigenous population. "We were destined to have our own way from the beginning..[and]..killed everybody else to get it," Hughes said, adding that "the first historic event in the history of the Commonwealth we are engaged in today [is] without the slightest trace of that race we have banished from the face of the earth."
From March to June 1916, Hughes was in Britain, where he delivered a series of speeches calling for imperial co-operation and economic warfare against Germany. Biographer, Laurie Fitzhardinge, said these speeches were "electrifying" and that Hughes "swept his hearers off their feet".
Hughes was a strong supporter of Australia's participation in World War I and, after the loss of 28,000 men as casualties (killed, wounded and missing) in July and August 1916, Generals Birdwood and White of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) persuaded Hughes that conscription was necessary if Australia was to sustain its contribution to the war effort. In October, Hughes held a national plebiscite for conscription, but it was narrowly defeated. The enabling legislation was the Military Service Referendum Act 1916 and the outcome was advisory only. The narrow defeat (1,087,557 Yes and 1,160,033 No), however, did not deter Hughes, who continued to argue vigorously in favour of conscription.
In reaction to Hughes' campaign for conscription, on 15 September 1916 the NSW executive of the Political Labour League (the state Labor Party organisation at the time) expelled him and other leading New South Wales pro-conscription advocates from the Labor movement. Hughes remained as leader of the federal parliamentary Labor Party until, at the 14th November caucus meeting, a no-confidence motion against him was passed. Hughes and 24 others including almost all of the Parliamentary talent walked out to form a new party heeding Hughes's cry "Let those who think like me, follow me.", leaving behind the 43 members of the Industrialists and Unionists factions. That same evening Hughes tendered his resignation to the Governor-General, received a commission to form a new Government, and had his recommendations accepted. Years later, Hughes said, "I did not leave the Labor Party, The party left me."
The timing of Hughes's expulsion from the Labor Party meant that he became the first Labor leader who never led the party to an election. On November 15th, Frank Tudor was elected unopposed as the new leader of the Federal Parliamentary Australian Labor Party. Hughes and his followers, which included many of Labor's early leaders, called themselves the 'National Labor Party' and began laying the groundwork for forming a party that they felt would be both avowedly nationalist as well as socially radical. Hughes was forced to conclude a confidence and supply agreement with the opposition Commonwealth Liberal Party to stay in office.
A few months later, the Governor-General, Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, persuaded Hughes and Liberal Party leader Joseph Cook (himself a former Labor man) to turn their wartime coalition into a formal party. This was the Nationalist Party of Australia, which was formally launched in February. Although the Liberals were the larger partner in the merger, Hughes emerged as the new party's leader, with Cook as his deputy. The presence of several working-class figures—including Hughes—in what was basically an upper- and middle-class party allowed the Nationalists to convey an image of national unity. At the same time, he became and remains a traitor in Labor histories.
At the May 1917 federal election Hughes and the Nationalists won a huge electoral victory. At this election Hughes gave up his working-class Sydney seat and was elected for Bendigo, Victoria, becoming the first of only a handful of people who have represented more than one state or territory in the Parliament.
Hughes had promised to resign if his Government did not win the power to conscript. Queensland Premier T. J. Ryan was a key opponent to conscription, and violence almost broke out when Hughes ordered a raid on the Government Printing Office in Brisbane, with the aim of confiscating copies of Hansard that covered debates in the Queensland Parliament where anti-conscription sentiments had been aired.
A second plebiscite on conscription was held in December 1917, but was again defeated, this time by a wider margin. Hughes, after receiving a vote of no confidence in his leadership by his party, resigned as Prime Minister. However, there were no credible alternative candidates. For this reason, Sir Munro-Ferguson used his reserve power to immediately re-commission Hughes, thus allowing him to remain as Prime Minister while keeping his promise to resign.
General Monash talking with Prime Minister Billy Hughes, Brie, France, 14 September 1918 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-148391369
In April 1918 Hughes, with former Prime Minister Joseph Cook, travelled to Paris to attend the Versailles Peace Conference. Despite the rejection of his conscription policy, Hughes retained popularity with Australian voters and, at the December 1919 federal election, his government was comfortably re-elected. At the 1922 federal election, Hughes gave up the seat of Bendigo and transferred to the upper-middle-class seat of North Sydney, thus giving up one of the last symbolic links to his working-class roots.
(1919). [Portrait of Hughes being carried by soldiers along George Street Sydney September, 1919] Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-138392239
With his efforts to introduce conscription failing Hughes needed people to go out and speak as recruiters in the 'March to Freedom column' in rural areas to get men to sign up. Employing returned soldiers as well as asking local Mayors to speak and including events along the way, such as football matches and bands, the 'column' went south, west and north from May 1918 onwards. Sarah Downes apparently joined in these rallies and spoke at some of them. A few items from the pages of newspapers printed then:
MARCH TO FREEDOM.
Readers are reminded that the March to Freedom column from Dungog to Brisbane will reach Lismore on Tuesday, 27th August, and the members of it will be present at the reception to returned soldiers in the Federal Hall on that evening. The next morning they will depart by boat for the various towns down the river, and will return by road from Ballina on Saturday, 31st. In the afternoon of that day there will be a sparring exhibition in the Recreation Ground between Jimmy Clabby, American middleweight champion, and Tommy Uren; Australian middleweight champion, who are with the column and are in khaki. In addition to this it is proposed to arrange a football match between a team from the column and representatives of the local clubs. On that night, namely, 31st, a free entertainment will be given in one of the local halls by the visitors. On Sunday, 1st September, Captain-Chaplain -Wilson, "the parson with a punchy" will conduct a religious service. As £40-is required to pay local expenses the committee are anxious to receive donations. In connection with the returned soldiers' reception it is also necessary to remember that cigars, cigarettes, and tobacco or cash to buy them with are required. These may be left at any of the tobacconists' shops in town or with the hon. sec., Mr. E. White, or members of the Girls' Guild. A meeting of both these committees has been called for Monday evening in the Council Chamber. MARCH TO FREEDOM. (1918, August 8). Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92940429
World War I rally from Hood Collection part II, Item: a234030h, from the collections of the State Library of New South Wales.
The March to Freedom.
Recruit.-officer Mulready writes " I beg to draw the attention of residents to the South Coast March to Freedom, which will reach Sutherland on Monday morning at 10.20. There will be about 50 or 60 men, including a band, also a good team of recruiting speakers. The men will stay a day and night at each township, and will have three meals and a bed at each place. I am very pleased with the enthusiastic way in which the matter has been taken. I have to thank the various mayors, aldermen, and patriotic ladies and gentlemen who are helping in the matter. The troops will be entertained with sports during each afternoon. Recruiting meetings will be held from 8 till 10 p.m., and dances from 10 till 12 The march will stop at Sutherland on Monday, September 2nd, Hurstville 3rd, Carlton 4th (10.30 to 12 noon), Kogarah 4lh, Rockdale 5th, and Arncliffe 6th. They will arrive about mid-day and depart about the same time on the following day. They leave Arncliffe on Saturday, September 7, and will proceed direct to Sydney. The teachers at the various schools have been invited to allow the children to take part in the receptions, and I hope the residents will do their utmost to meet and entertain the men, who have had a long journey down the coast. I also hope that the men will join in the festivities and attend the meetings at night. Every house or shop I hope to see flying some of the Allied flags and also putting up decorations." The March to Freedom. (1918, August 30). The Propeller (Hurstville, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234747449
On October 19th, 1920 Sarah Downes received The Order of the British Empire - Officer (Civil) (Imperial) - citation 'In recognition of service to patriotic work'.
INVESTITURE BY LORD FORSTER CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
In a brilliant setting at Government House yesterday Lord Forster, the Governor-General, acting under Royal Letters Patent, invested a number of recipients of orders with the insignia of the rank conferred upon them, and presented decorations to others. The ceremony took place in the drawing room, which the Governor General entered accompanied by Lady Forster, Sir Walter Davidson and Dame Margaret Davidson. The Governor Generals staff were Captain Lord Digby, D.S.O., M.C., A.D.C., Captain Lawrence, A.D.C., Captain A. G. S. Goodfellow, A.D.C. , and Brigadier General G Macarthur Onslow, CMG, DSO, VD, hon ADC. The Governor was attended by Major J. Egerton ADC and Captain d'Apice hon ADC, Vice-Admiral Dumaresq, Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal, Sir Joseph Cook (Acting Prime Minister), and Major General Sir Granville Ryrie(Assistant Minister for Defence) were also present. Full dress uniform was worn by their Excellencies and staff officers.
Passing through a detachment of the First Battery, Field Artillery bearing lances the knights were the first to advance towards the Vice-Regal dais. Each was invested with the ribbon of the order and the star and kneeling, was after being lightly touched upon the shoulder by his Excellency's sword, bidden to rise. Only the knights thus knelt. Those who followed bowed acknowledgement of the honour conferred upon them. With each his Excellency exchanged a cordial handshake.
A guard of honour was furnished by HMAS Brisbane, and the band by HMAS Melbourne. The military officer in charge was Colonel Thornthwaite.
The recipients of honours were -
K.B.E.
Sir ALFRED MEEKS, M.L.C., formerly president of the Y.M.C.A.
Sir HENRY YULE BRADDON, president of the N.S.W. War Chest.
Sir THOMAS HENLEY, formerly Comforts Commissioner.
Sir ARTHUR RICKARD, president of the Millions Club.
O.B.E.
....
Mrs. SARAH ELIZABETH DOWNES, of Narrabeen, who played a prominent part as a speaker during the recruiting and Peace Loan campaigns. INVESTITURE. (1921, July 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15933234
Although Sarah was clearly working hard during this period, the family may have been struggling. Her husband came home an invalid and was made a bankrupt in 1923, another son had had a son in 1922 and they too were living at Narrabeen. DOWNES WILLIAM CHARLES : Service Number - NX111251 : Date of birth - 07 Jul 1922 : Place of birth - NARRABEEN NSW : Place of enlistment - PRESTONS NSW : Next of Kin - DOWNES LAWRENCE – 1939-1948
Prior to this Sarah had been trying to secure work - as this letter from October 1920 shows:
From National Archives of Australia
Unfortunately positions were allocated first to returned soldiers and nurses who had served in this conflict. Mrs. Downes, in documents related to this appeal, is recorded as 'understanding this position'. Council records from this period, and ensuing decades, reflect a similar position:
Grants. Dr. H. Arthur, President V.W.A., (letter dated 5/3/1919) suggesting that this Council's proportion of the Federal vote of £500, 000 to local government areas for employment of returned soldiers be expended in the construction of roads from French's Forest to Middle Harbour. Council Resolved; that he be informed the Council will give his request consideration when official intimation of the grant is received.
Further, at the January 12th, 1920 meeting, W. A. Mays returned soldier and proprietor of motor launch services at Newport is protesting against methods of Messrs. Agar Bros., rival motor service proprietors. Council Resolved; - That a letter.be sent to Agar Brothers requiring them to desist from touting for passengers, and warning them not' to mis-use concession allowed them in the use of the wharf.
There were also numerous examples in the community surrounding here of men coming home who could not settle back into life due to their horrific experiences or could secure work or a home for their young families:
WHY SHOULD THIS DIGGER'S FAMILY LIVE IN A TENT? (1922, July 15). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1 (FINAL SPORTING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221509649
Help for Narrabeen Digger
The Narrabeen Digger whose case was mentioned In "The Sun" last Saturday wishes to thank the editor of "The Sun" for drawing public attention to his requirements, and also for the following generous gifts: — Cheque, £2 2s, Mr. Arthur H. Moveriey, Cowper-street, Randwick; cheque, £5 Os 6 1, , Mr. D. J. Lobban, Grafton; 11s 6d from "A well-wisher, 2s 6d from Another Well-wisher;" anonymous donor, one rug; parcel of clothes, Mrs. W. W. I Stumbles, "Cleveden," William-street, Hurstville; parcel of clothes and 2s In stamps, Mr. Giblett, 31 Spencer-street, Mosman; promise of timber for flooring. H. McKenzie, Ltd., Electric Saw-mills, Glebe Island. Also the Manly Red Cross Branch, for help given. LIVED IN TENT (1922, July 20). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221517437
Something for her to do must have been found as at the Warringah Shire Council Meeting, of 21st February, 1921 a letter from the War Trophies Committee was notifying that a heavy machine gun has been allotted to this Shire. Council Resolved;- That-the trophy be accepted on condition that the Council be appointed Trustees
On the 19th of September 1921 Mrs. Downes. O.B.E., addressed the Council regarding the Shire's war trophy, requesting that it be erected on the triangular reserve opposite the Narrabeen Public School. It was Resolved; (per Crs. Greenwood, Parr) That on receipt of the trophy, arrangements be made to have it installed in such reserve, and that Mrs. Downes be thanked for her activities in this direction.
Further, at the Council Meeting held on November 14th 1921: Re this War Trophy, Council Resolved;- That Proud's be thanked for the gift of an inscription plate for the war-trophy at Narrabeen, and that such plate be put on the gun, and be protected from the weather.
It's worth remembering that Amy's second husband, Ernest Hinchcliffe served in the 2nd Battalion and he too was a Baker.
WAR TROPHY FOR NARRABEEN.
A gun captured in France by the 2nd Battalion will be unveiled next Saturday at 3 p.m. on the reserve opposite the Narrabeen Public School. The ceremony will be performed formed by Brigadier-General Ryrie, Assistant Minister for Defence. A Union Jack will be presented to the Narrabeen Public School, and trees will be planted on the reserve in honour of the Narrabeen soldiers who fell in the war. WAR TROPHY FOR NARRABEEN. (1921, October 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15981572
GERMAN GUN UNVEILED AT NARRABEEN. MINISTERS CRITICISED.
In unveiling a war trophy at Narrabeen on Saturday Major-General C. F. Cox said that some members of the present Government were against the exhibition of such weapons. Let them not make any mistake, the men who won those guns saved Australia, and he hoped the guns would always be kept as a reminder of valour which had preserved their liberty.
They had in the Federal Government the most loyal man the Empire ever knew-William Morris Hughes, one of the great Empire builders. The people who said the sight of the guns hurt their feelings had no patriotic feelings to hurt. Such persons did not offer to help when the country was sorely pressed for men, neither did they give money to sup-port those who volunteered. The death of many men at Gallipoli could be set down to lack of support. If they had had the men Gallipoli would have been saved.
Mr. A. G. Parr, president of Warringah Shire Council, said that the people of Australia would not be moved from their loyalty be-cause of the hostility of members of the Cabinet. It was due to the efforts of Mrs. Downes that Narrabeen had secured a trophy in the shape of a machine gun. Such weapons firmly fixed in beds of masonry were looked upon as trophies, and not as engines of destruction.
Alderman A. A. Reid, M.L.A., said that those who did not like what he had done for the boys and the Union Jack could "lump it." He was sorry they had a Government in power the majority of whose members were not loyal, if one could judge by their actions. If he were General Ryrie, said Alderman Reid, he would take five soldiers up to the Sydney Town Hall on Monday morning and show Alderman Lambert what he would do in the matter of flying the Union Jack. Mr. Nesbitt was loyal, and he had earned the appreciation and respect of all loyal citizens in the matter of flying the Union Jack when the State mourned Mr. Storey.
Mrs. Downes also spoke.
There was a large company present. In addition to the unveiling of the gun, a silk Union Jack, presented by Mrs. Downes, was unfurled, and eight trees were planted, one on behalf of Major-General Ryrie, who was prevented from being present, and the others on behalf of men from the district who had fallen. GERMAN GUN. (1921, October 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15972787
COME TO STAY
THOSE CAPTURED GUNS WHAT OF HURT FEELINGS?
Flag-unfurling gun-unveiling, and tree-planting were three methods employed by the people of Narrabeen on Saturday to commemorate deeds done by the men of the district who had gone to the front.
The whole-heartedness of the people in the programme set out for the afternoon was shown by the immense roll-up, notwithstanding the state of the weather.
After the unfurling of a Union Jack (presented by Mrs. S. Downes) in the school grounds, the attention of the company was directed to the unveiling of an automatic machine-gun, which had been captured from the Germans.
The ceremony of unveiling the gun was, according to Mr. A. G. Parr (president of the Warringah Shire Council), for the edification of the younger people of the district, as the older ones had had an experience extending over seven years which they would never forget. This ceremony of unveiling guns was not acceptable to certain members of certain Governments, but the people of Australia would not (be dissuaded from their policy of loyalty because of that. The people of the district were glad that the King had been pleased to confer upon Mrs. Downes the Order of the British Empire, for it was due to her untiring efforts that Narrabeen had the gun.
"NO BLOOD-THIRSTINESS."
Some critics thought it was wrong to have these guns displayed where they could be readily seen by children, as it was alleged that the sight of the weapons fostered a spirit of blood-thirstiness and desire for war that were to be deplored. The loyal people of Australia looked upon these captured guns as trophies, and not as engines of destruction, as they lay firmly fixed on their bases of masonry. He asked General Cox to do the unveiling.
Major-General C. F. Cox said he felt it a pleasure to be asked to unveil the gun, in the absence of Sir Granville Ryrie. It had been said that some members of the present Government thought that these guns should not be exhibited. He (General Cox) thought that they should be exhibited. Their men had fought for them and won them, and if it was thought good enough to bring them out here, it was only right that they should occupy places of prominence among us.
The men who won these guns saved Australia, and let them, not make any mistake about it. If It had not been for what our men did at the front the Germans would have been controlling things here to-day. He hoped the day would never come when the guns placed in public positions as war trophies would be moved — that they would remain in their places as long as the ages.
THE "MOST LOYAL" MAX.
In the Federal Government to-day they had the most loyal men the Empire ever knew — William Morris Hughes. He was one of the great Empire-builders of the period. Some people said that the sight of these guns hurt their feelings. These people had no feelings to hurt. These gentlemen never went out of the country when the nation was sorely pressed for men, nor did they send their children; neither did they give any money to support those who were there.
"I have no time for these people," said General Cox. They would not stand to us when we were hard up against it. There was many a man who died on Gallipoli whose death can be set down to want of support when men could have been sent to the front. If men had been available Gallipoli would have been saved to us. I have no time for these people. They gave no service to the country, and we do not want them here. If they do not like what we are doing, let them get out."
General Cox then unveiled the gun.
Ald. Reid, M.L.A. (Mayor of Manly), said he was not sorry for anything he had done in the past, with regard to the boys and the Union Jack. Those who did not like what he had done could lump it. He knew that the people of Narrabeen were loyal, and they had shown that while the nation was in need. There were a number of men and women who sought to induce people to think more of the Australian Flag than the Union Jack. He was sorry that, some of them called themselves Britishers, and he was also sorry to see that they had a Government in power at present, the majority of the members of which were not loyal, judging by their actions. "
ACTED LIKE RATS.
" There was a gang in this country who acted like rats— they kept in their holes until dark and then they came out. If he were General Ryrie he would take five soldiers up to the Sydney Town Hall on Monday morning and show Lambert what he would do in the matter of flying the Union Jack. Nesbitt had laid a good trap, for him, and had beaten him on his own resolution. Nesbitt was loyal, and be had earned the appreciation and respect of all loyal citizens in what he had done in connection with the flying of the Union Jack when the State was in mourning for the late Premier.
Mrs. Downes said that the people who talked of forgetting England and breaking away were nothing less than "cold-footers," shirkers, and makeshifts. Eight trees were planted in a small enclosure made for the purpose. The first was planted by General Cox on behalf of General Ryrie and himself, the remaining seven on behalf of men from the district, some of whom did not return. The company was subsequently entertained by the local residents in the school-house. COME TO STAY (1921, October 24). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239716178
Always a consistent war worker, Mrs. S E Downes completed recently a fine record of service by securing a gun for Narrabeen. The gun was recently unveiled in a reserve given by the council. The shire council will care for the reserve, which has been planted with suitable trees. Having a soldier husband and soldier sons, Mrs. Downes has always regarded herself as a fighter In the sphere of women activities, and It was for great services rendered that she received the O.B.E. SOCIAL GOSSIP (1921, December 4). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223489861
No record of what kind of trees were planted could be found. They certainly don't show up in Warringah Shire Council records and don't seem to have survived to have grown to any great height. Although details cannot be found apart from those who show in the records as having been killed, those to whom they were dedicated were those who lost their lives in this conflict.
On August 15th 1922 the Town Clerk of Sydney is reporting that an additional light machine gun has been allocated by the War Trophies Committee to the Shire with Warringah councillors deciding that 'the gun be accepted for Brookvale, and that members of the Council be the Trustees'.
Charles Mitchell (one-armed gentleman in centre) and friends at Narrabeen in circa 1924. National Museum of Australia photo
Council received a letter from Mrs S E Downes. O.B.E, (dated 3/3/25), drawing attention to the dilapidated condition into which the gun in the triangular reserve at Narrabeen is falling : Resolved, War Trophy (Crs. Atkins, Hewitt) That a copy of the letter be sent to Narrabeen Progress Association, asking them if they are prepared to look after the Gun.
April 6th, 1925: That with regard to the Narrabeen Sub-Branch of the R.S. and A.I.L.A., for a site for a Memorial Hall on the Triangular Reserve at the junction of Ocean and Devitt Streets, the Council be recommended to give its sympathy and consideration when more definite information regarding the proposal is available.
The Fire Brigades Board (letter dated 12/11/25) were asking for an extension of the Permissive Occupancy of the Triangular Reserve on which the Narrabeen Fire Station at present stands Council Resolved; - That the occupancy be granted, but at the same time, the necessity for a better Fire Station at Narrabeen be stressed. This would have been the 'shed' phase or temporary station of Narrabeen Fire station. In 1929 the current site of Narrabeen Fire Station in Ocean Street was purchased by the Board. The contract for construction of the station was awarded to the Allam Bros who erected the station for £3,100 (approximately $245,485 today). With the new station also came a change in the command of the brigade with a resident permanent officer appointed. This role was filled by Sub Station Officer Aubrey Gundry who occupied the completed station quarters in the new station on September 25th 1931.
The remainder of the station was completed three days later and became operational on September 28th 1931. To coincide with the opening of the new station and the introduction of permanent staff, Narrabeen Fire Brigade also received a new appliance, the No. 204 Dennis 250 which replaced the old hose reel. The new station was officially opened on September 29th 1931 at 8pm by the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW.
Warringah Shire Council minutes of meetings show that on the 13th of May 1929 the Inspector's recommendation for the improvement of the triangular reserve at the junction of Ocean Street and Pittwater Road was adopted. At the meeting held on the 10th of June, 1929 the Council allowed the Narrabeen' School to obtain one load of black soil for the School grounds where similar soil was obtained for the triangular reserve at Narrabeen.
On Tuesday, 7th. October, 1930 the Council's BUILDING INSPECTOR'S REPORT was read, received and dealt with and it was Resolved; - That the gun and platform top on the Reserves triangular reserve at the corner of Pittwater Road and Ocean Street, Narrabeen, be painted. (Crs. floss, Greenwood)
By November 1st 1932 the Narrabeen Ex-Service Men's Club was requesting that certain repairs, improvements and cleaning up be effected at the War Memorial Reserve at Narrabeen before Armistice Day. The Overseer's report that the matter will receive attention was adopted.
A letter from Mrs. E. Butcher, (dated 16/1/34) was quoting price, with terms, for her land adjoining the North Narrabeen Clubhouse. Referred Reserves to the Parks Committee for report.
At a Council Meeting held on March 12th, 1934: Re painting work carried out at the expense of Mr. P.C. Soutar at the Memorial Reserve at Devitt street, Narrabeen Reserve, Recommending that the Council's thanks be conveyed to Mr. Soutar for his public-spiritedness and generosity; Adopted
Peter Corsar Soutar was born in Scotland, served with the A.I.F. in the Ambulance Division and later settled in Narrabeen.
Also in March 1934, the Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League, Sub-Branch, (letter dated 10/3/34) is requesting permission to conduct Anzac Day Memorial Services and to take up-collections at Harbord, Manly, Narrabeen, Mona Vale-Newport, and at Avalon-Palm Beach. Permission was granted. The Narrabeen Ex-Service Men’s Club, Australian League, 13/3/34, also requesting permission to hold an Anzac Day Memorial Service at the Memorial Reserve, Narrabeen. Permission was granted.
Warringah Sailors & Soldiers imperial league Sub Branch, 21/2/35, requesting that 11,)erpettlel and diligent attention be given immediately to all-avenues, parks and War memorial places dedicated to the men of the A,I.F., and that such work be given to returned soldiers." Resolved, - That the Council agree to the request.
Warringah Sub-Branch R.S. & S.I.L. 22/3/35, requesting Council to give attention, before Anzac Day, to the following Soldiers' places - Soldiers Avenue. Harbord; Condamine Street north from Manly boundary; Anzac Avenue, Collaroy; Narrabeen Memorial Reserve; Memorial Fountain, Deewhy Beach; and Memorial, Collaroy Beach; the work to be done by unemployed returned soldiers. Resolved - That £5 be allowed for
P.C.Soutar, 26/3/35, submitting quote of 15/- by Stewart Signs for painting memorial gun and stand at Narrabeen, and requesting permission to have this done. Resolved, - That his offer be accepted, and a letter of thanks be sent him. (Crs. Ross, Sheppard).
The Minutes of the Meeting of Warringah Shire Council held on Tuesday, 2nd April, 1935 shows a renewed request to put Soldiers Avenue in order, by means of returned soldiers already in the Council's' employ. Council Resolved; - That the desired work in "B’’ Riding be carried out, under the instructions of Overseer Scully, by returned men 'in the employ of the Council, at the discretion of the Overseer. Warringah Sub-Branch R.S.& S.I.L. (letter dated 22/3/35), stating that a number of Councils have adopted the practice of flying an Australian flag at half-mast upon the death of returned Flags sailors or soldiers in the district, requesting this Council to follow the practice, and stating the Sub-Branch will ,supply, for flying with the flag, a pennant with the words - "Lest We Forget". Resolved: - That the practice be adopted by this Council. The Same (23/3/35) suggesting that representations be made to the Narrabeen North Rockbath Committee to employ a returned soldier collector on Lake Park instead of a non-returned man as at present. Resolved, - That the Narrabeen North Rockbath Committee be informed that this Council desires a returned soldiers to be employed as parking fees collector for next season, if a man of suitable capacity can be obtained. Finaly, the Manly Sub-Branch R.S.& S.I.L. (25/3/35) requesting that all ex-service men in the employ of the Council, who would be subject to a reduction of pay for loss of time on Anzac Day, be granted the necessary time off without deduction of pay. Council Resolved, - That the request be granted. The Labour & Industry Dept., (21/3/35) Circular, permitting returned soldiers on relief works time off to attend Commemoration Services on Anzac Day, and to make up time so lost; also similar approval for all relief workers in re; proclaimed holidays at latter end of April and early in May. "Received"
Pittwater Sub-Branch R.S.&.S.I.L. 18/4/35, (a) requesting to be given control of the Mona Vale War memorial, forwarding copies of letters from present trustees agreeing to Sub-Branch taking control; (h) requesting control of Newport Flagpole Memorial as well; and (c) requesting supply of material for repair of Flagpole memorial before Anzac Day. Warringah Shire Council resolved.;- That all the requests be granted.
Later that year the Pittwater Sub-Branch R.S. & S.LL.. writes again (letter dated 14/9/35) re Pittwater memorial, requesting that Mr. Orr be required to move the sign advertising his golf links beyond the bounds of the Mona Vale Memorial of the enclesed ground of the memorial, stating that written requests made of Mr. Orr have been ignored. Council Resolved, - that Mr. Orr be asked to move the sign to a position outside the memorial enclosure. (Ors. Bathe, Mopaul)
At the Meeting held on Tuesday, 23rd July, 1935, by Cr. Sheppard; Will you direct the Electrical Engineer to fulfil his promise to attend to the lighting of the War Memorial at Narrabeen.
Mr. P.C.Soutar, on December 16th 1935 was pointing out that the wire netting around the Memorial Reserve at Narrabeen is rusting away and requesting that repairs be effected. The Council decreed that the whole area be re-netted with 18" and 17 gauge netting.
On September 29th 1936 P. C. Soutar was advising Council that the Hon. W.M. Hughes has promised a new gun for the Memorial Reserve at Narrabeen and requesting that the Gardener give more Narrabeen Memorial frequent attention to the reserve, and that two loads of good black soil be placed on the reserve. Council’s decisions were;- That the Hon H.M. Hughes be thanked for his promise, and that the request be complied with and the loads of good black soil be placed on the reserve.
Newspaper reports of that week show Mr. Hughes visited the site where, 15 years before, the WW1 memorial had been placed while opening a new wing at Furlough House:
MR. W. M. HUGHES.
His 72nd Birthday.
"BACK IN HARNESS."
The Federal Minister for Health (Mr. W. M. Hughes) celebrated his 72nd birthday yesterday in a pleasing manner. He threw off the last traces of a bout of influenza, and regained his happy spirit.
Mr. Hughes cannot hide his feelings. If he is well his face radiates fitness, and his hands move freely; if he Is sick, his face and hands tell the story. Last night Mr. Hughes's face and hands showed that he had fully recovered from his illness.
"Tomorrow I have three engagements, and I am going to keep them all," Mr, Hughes said. "I will be back in harness truly enough. And on Sunday I will be meeting Mr. R. B. Bennett, the former Prime Minister of Canada, on behalf of the Federal Government, when he arrives by the Wanganella. Next week I will be going back to Canberra. Yes, I am feeling all right again."
Mr. Hughes Will open a new block at Furlough House, Narrabeen, at 3 p.m. to-day, after which he will attend functions at the Narrabeen Soldiers' Memorial and at Lindfield Park. MR. W. M. HUGHES. (1936, September 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17286194
"MISFORTUNE" HUGHES.
Speech at Narrabeen.
OPENING WING OF FURLOUGH HOUSE.
Mr. W. M. Hughes believes that in future he will be known as William "Misfortune" Hughes. He said so on Saturday when, as Minister for Health, he opened a new wing at Furlough House, Narrabeen, the holiday home for members of the A.I.F. and their families.
"Some people used to call me William Morris Hughes," said Mr. Hughes, "now they have changed the Morris to 'Misfortune.'
"In the past few months I have been a star performer in a head-on motor collision, I have been violently thrown out of a Ministry, precipitated from an aeroplane, and stricken by influenza. I have survived all these, and here I am, the Minister for Health."
Mr. Hughes said that he was the outward and visible sign of the promise made years ago that Australia would do for the soldiers what the soldiers had done for Australia. He was head of the Government which laid the foundation of a repatriation system which was the best in the world. Re-cent amendments of the Act had brought comfort and happiness to thousands of men afflicted with tuberculosis, prematurely aged, and unemployable. Furlough House, which owed nothing to the Government, had stood for years offering happiness to thousands whose lot was cast In drab and sordid surroundings, where many were struggling desperately to maintain a foothold In this home they received, not the cold bread of charity, but the welcome given to guests. He appealed to the people of the State to give their financial support to the movement.
The wing is the third erected at the home. It includes four self-contained flats, each with a bed-sitting room, bathroom, and wide verandah. Built of concrete, with tiled roof, the total cost was £1250, all of which was subscribed before the wing was opened. "MISFORTUNE" HUGHES. (1936, September 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17272753
Mr. W. M. Hughes, Federal Minister for Health, opens a new wing of Furlough House — a holiday home for soldiers' children — at Narrabeen, near Sydney. No title (1936, September 29). The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), p. 16 (CITY FINAL LAST MINUTE NEWS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197268626
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ABOVE: Mr. W. M. Hughes speaking at the opening of the new wing of Furlough House, Narrabeen, on Saturday. TOP RIGHT: Salvaging the R.A.A.F. training 'plane which fell into the Hawkesbury River last Wednesday. Local Events of the Week (1936, September 30). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 40. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160636371
NSW BDM's records - Death: SOUTAR PETER CORSAR 16234/1939 63 YRS RANDWICK RANDWICK
Peter Corsar Soutar
Service number 303
Rank Private
Roll title Army Medical Corps - Hospital Transports (No 2 Hospital Ship A61, KANOWNA) (n.d.)
Conflict/Operation First World War, 1914-1918
Place of embarkation Brisbane
Ship Embarked On HMAT Kanowna A61
SOUTAR. — The Relatives and Friends of the late PETER CORSAR SOUTAR. late of Narrabeen (late A.I.F.. and Ensign of Salvation Army) are invited to attend his Funeral, to leave T. J. Andrews' Funeral Chapel. 42-44 Walker Street. North Sydney. THIS DAY. after service commencing at 1.45 p.m., for the Salvation Army Cemetery. Northern Suburbs.
SOUTAR.—LODGE PETERSHAM TEMPERANCE, No. 513 -Officers and Brethren of the above Lodge are Invited to attend the Funeral of their late esteemed Member, Bro. PETER CORSAR SOUTAR; to leave T. J. Andrews' Funeral Chapel, 42-44 Walker Street, North Sydney, THIS DAY after Service, commencing at 1.45 p in., for the Salvation Army Cemetery, Northern suburbs. D. McPHEE SMITH, W.M. A. G. DUNCAN. P.M. Secretary Family Notices (1939, August 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17609865
Peter Corsar Soutar, late of Narrabeen, in the State of New South Wales, ex-Salvation Army officer, died on the 22nd August, 1939; probate of the will and codicil thereto was granted to the Public Trustee on the 23 rd October, 1939, limited to the estate of the said deceased situate in New South Wales. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1939, October 27). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5162. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225840696
HEIRS WANTED.— If WILLIAM CORSAR SOUTAR, son of Mrs. Soutar, who resided at 56 Addison place, Arbroath, will communicate with the Subscribers he will hear of something to 'his advantage D. and ,W. CHAPEL. Solicitors. Arbroath, Scotland. Advertising (1914, January 11). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120353704
Narrabeen Ex-Servicemen's Club, 23/3/38, requesting permission to hold a Memorial Service on Sunday, 24th April. Anzac at Narrabeen Memorial on the corner of Ocean Street and Pittwater Road, and to take up a collection on behalf of the Club's Service Distress Fund. Resolved, - That permission be granted. (Crs. Nicholas, Lathan)
58. Narrabeen Ex-Service Men's Club, 16/1/39, requesting the use of the triangular reserve at the junction of Ocean Street and Pittwater Road for Anzac Day Memorial Service. Permission granted. 59. Same, 101/39, stressing the opinion that the time for the exhibition of war trophies has long since passed, suggesting that the gun on the triangular reserve at the junction of Ocean Street and Pittwater Road be removed and that a simple plaque would serve a more Useful purpose in its place; also requesting that the fence surrounding this reserve be painted before Anzac Day. Council Resolved, - That the first request be "received", and that a coat of paint be placed on the fence surrounding the reserve, and the fence be repaired by the maintenance man.
The Narrabeen Ex-Servicemen's Club wrote o the Council on 3.4.39 on desirability of painting Narrabeen Memorial Triangular Reserve at Narrabeen before Anzac Day, and requesting new rope for the flagpole seen on the reserve; and A. S. Stewart, 14.3.39, quoting Reserve £2.15.0 for painting the fence, electric light post, flag-pole and gun. Council Resolved; - That the matter be left in the hands of the President and the Engineer with authority to have the work done if they consider it necessary.
At the Council Meeting held on April 18th, 1939 the matter came again as Cr. Bothaasked if the request of the Narrabeen Returned Soldiers for a new rope for the flag-pole on the Memorial Narrabeen Reserve, and other requests, could be attended to before Anzac Day. The President replied that an instruction had been issued for a new rope to be supplied, but an inspection disclosed that the painting requested was not warranted.
The South Narrabeen Progress Assoc., writes (dated 2/6/39) requesting repairs to Devitt Street; repairs to Goodwin Street; Devitt St. the removal of a tree overhanging the footpath adjoining the Public School; attention to the fence around the Soldiers' Memorial; and that seats be placed on the road-side leading to the War Veterans' Home. Council's decisions were:- that the maintenance staff effect repairs to these roads; and that the tree be inspected by the Works Committee and that two concrete seats, at an estimated cost of £4.10.0 each, be provided in the most suitable places, one in Alexander Street and one in New Street.
Pittwater Sub-Branch R.S.S.I.L.A. 13/1/40, drawing attention to the state of the flag-pole at Newport War Memorial stating if Council will supply a new pole the Sub-Branch will paint and Flagpole erect it to the Council's satisfaction. Resolved,- That a new flag-pole, shaped, cut and pulleyed, be supplied at an estimated cost of £3.10.0.
Narrabeen Ex-Servicemen's Club, 4/3/40, requesting permission to conduct an Anzac Day Memorial Service on Sunday, 21st April, at the memorial opposite the Public School and requesting that the fence around the Memorial Reserve be painted for that occasion; and requesting that the grass be cut prior to that date. Council resolved that the first request be granted, and that the Works Committee make an inspection in regard to the other two requests.
Meeting held 23/7/40: Mrs. S. E. Downes OBE J.P. requesting an audience with the Council at its next meeting regarding the Narrabeen Gun and Reserve Memorial. The Council replied that she be invited to state her case fully in writing.
Warringah Shire Council, after doing its utmost to keep everything going and progressing during the lean years of the 1930's, was then faced with supplies acquiring wartime priorities and a shortage of everything needed, as shown in appeals for metal being met by residents. Although this meant a policy of 'making do' in some areas, such as not painting War Memorial fences annually, other instances show of a display of 'doing their bit'.
At the Council Meeting held on Juen 10th 1941 the 7th Battalion R.S.L. Volunteer Defence Corps, 4/6/41, advising that the Corps has now been embraced in the Australian Military Forces as a Home Guard, the primary function being to defend the beaches, and the frontage allotted to the 17th Sec. 504 Battalion being from Manly to Narrabeen stating the Battalion proposes to erect a concrete machine-gun emplacement at South Curl Curl, and inquiring whether Council would assist by lending a concrete mixing plant and providing the necessary gravel, Machine- steel and cement. It was Resolved; - That the Engineer be directed to co-operate as requested in the building of a gun emplacement at South Curl Curl, but the Battalion be informed the Council considers that this is really a matter for the Defence Department, and the Council is assisting on this occasion to serve as an example to the Department, and that a letter be sent to the Hon. Mr. Spender, Minister for the Army, informing him of the action the Council is taking and that £34, the estimated cost of assistance required from the Council, be voted for the work.
Narrabeen Sub-Branch 10/1/42, requesting Anzac Day permission to conduct the Sub-Branch's usual Anzac Memorial Service at the Memorial Park at Narrabeen on Anzac Sunday. Resolved, That the request be granted. The next year the Narrabeen Sub-Branch R.S. & S.I.L.A 4/1/43, requesting permission to conduct on Anzac Sunday a Memorial Service on the Narrabeen small reserve at the junction of Devitt Street and Ocean Street, Reserves Narrabeen. Permission was granted.
Council's solicitors, I. W. Maund & Kelynack, (documents dated 17/5/43), forwarding for execution by the Council under its common Seals Assignment of the Lease of Jamieson Legacy Park, Narrabeen, granted by the Council to the Returned Sailors & Soldiers' Imperial League as trustees for the Veterans' Zone in 1939, to the War Veterans' Home, the latter having been duly registered under the Companies Act, 1936. The Seal was affixed to the Assignment document.
United Returned Soldiers' Fund, 17/2/44, requesting permission to hold the Annual "Tin Hat’ Day appeal in the Shire on 21st April. Permission was granted.
Narrabeen Sub-Branch R.S A.I.L.A. 13/3/44, requesting permission.to hold a Memorial Service at the Monument near the Narrabeen Ambulance Room, Pittwater Road, Narrabeen on-Sunday, 23rd - also requesting, in the event of permission being granted, that the Gardener trim up the edges, etc, a few days before the date mentioned. Council resolved this year that the desired permission be granted and attention be given to the garden, rails and c.
North Narrabeen Progress association, 19/3/45, requesting that Council ask the responsible authorities to remove an "eyesore" consisting of a small amount of barbed wire and posts left near Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, at the entrance to Mullet Creek. (No action authorised.)
Depicts local citizens decorating Soldiers' Memorial for VE Day (Victory in Europe) celebrations in Narrabeen, New South Wales. Made by Frank Norton 1945
Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
Charles Frank Prees Norton was born in New Zealand in 1916. Norton arrived in Australia with his family in 1917. He studied with Fred Leist between 1931 and 1936 and in London in 1939. He was appointed a Second World War official war artist with the RAN and the RAAF, and later appointed as official war artist in the Korean War. After the war he taught at the East Sydney Technical College between 1945 and 1958. He then became director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia between 1958 and 1976. As Director he concentrated mainly on building up the contemporary, Aboriginal and sculpture collections.
VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day, also referred to as VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, is celebrated on 15 August. This date commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender [made on] 14 August 1945. For Australians, it meant that the Second World War was finally over. The following day, 15 August, is usually referred to as VP Day. In August 1945 Australian governments gazetted a public holiday as VP Day and most newspapers reported it as such.
The Narrabeen Sub-Branch, R.S.S. & A.I.L.A (dated 11/8/45) were requesting permission to hold, in conjunction with Narrabeen Ex-Servicemen's Club, a Public 'Thanksgiving Service at the Memorial Park at the corner of Pittwater Road and Ocean Street, Narrabeen, giving at 3 p.m. Sunday next, 19th inst. should the war terminate within the next few days. They were also inviting Councillors to the Service; requesting permission to erect a 61' x 3' sign at the Memorial publicising the service. Council Resolved that the desired permission be given. Cr. Batho, Deputy President, stated, in response to a request by the President, that he would attend the Service to represent the Council.
Narrabeen Sub-Branch R.S.A.A.I.D.A. 26/9/45, requesting that attention be given to the condition of the fence surrounding the War Memorial Reserve at the junction of Ocean Street and Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. Referred to Parks & Reserves Committee.
The Council Meeting of 23rd of October 1945 records 'That this Council, by public advertisement extend a "Welcome Home" to all returned men and Prisoners of War, and express its sorrow to the relatives of those men who paid the supreme sacrifice. This was Carried. ORDERS OF THE DAY. (1) Legacy Park, Narrabeen - Consideration of Engineer's report to last meeting, viz - "The estimated cost of putting the road in Legacy front of the Home in order is £300. If the complete section from the New Road is intended to be done, with necessary drainage, the cost will be £1500." The Council voted that £300 be given for the work recommended, and the matter be treated as urgent.
Worth noting is the Narrabeen Ex-Servicemen's Club, (letter dated 12/8/45), regarding the Council’s recent action relating to camp sites on Governor Phillip Park, and appealing to Council not to enforce its notice to Mr. Moane, a soldier pensioner, until there is alternative accommodation available for him elsewhere.
Hurley, Frank. (1910 - circa 1947-1953). View over Collaroy and Narrabeen from Collaroy Plateau [Sydney, 5] Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-157529619 - enlarged section from to show gun in place on a stand and Narrabeen fire station with front awning, school with 'Collaroy' steamer ring visible.
15/4/1947 (38) Narrabeen Sub Branch R.SA.A.I.L.A. that Council make available a platform for the purpose of conducting a Memorial Service on Sunday 27th April (Anzac Sunday) at the Memorial Reserve, Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. The request be granted.
At the Warringah Shire Council Meeting held on June 24th 1947 a letter from the Furlough House Committee, (dated 13/6/1947) is requesting the Council's co-operation in connection with the visit of Field Marshall Montgomery to Furlough House on 13th July by having King and Albert Streets and the frontage to Ocean Street cleared, and suggesting that the reserve opposite Furlough House be made a Memorial Park. Council Resolved That this work be carried out; and (b) that the matter be referred to the Parks & Reserves Committee.
Throughout this the Narrabeen Sub-Branch RSSAILA would write to the Council (4/3/48) requesting permission to hold an Anzac Memorial Service on Sunday, 18th April, at 'the Gun Memorial Site opposite Narrabeen School' and Council would resolve that 'the desired permission be given':
Narrabeen Sub-Branch RSSAIIA, 28/3/1949, requesting mission to hold an Anzac Memorial Service on Sunday 24th inst., at the Gun Memorial site opposite Narrabeen Public School. Resolved, - That the desired permission be given
18/4/1950: (21) Narrabeen Sub-Branch RSSAILA, extending an invitation to President and Councillors to attend the Branch's Anzac Memorial Service at the Memorial Gun Site, Narrabeen, at 3 p.m. on Sunday,23rd inst. Resolved, - That as many Councillors as can do so be present, Cr. Walsham sending an apology
Narrabeen Sub-Branch.RSSAILA. Request for permission Anzac to hold Anzac Memorial Service on Sunday, 20th April, 1952, Service at the "Gun" Memorial Site, Narrabeen , at 2.30 p.n. 27. Resolved: That this be approved. (Crs.Berry and Beach).
Worth noting is Manly Council, (correspondence dated 23/10/52), stating that arrangements have been made for the unveiling of 245 names of residents of Manly and the Shire who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in the 1939/45 War, the ceremony to be held at the Soldiers' Memorial, The Corso, Manly, at 3 p.m. on 9th November, and inviting Councillors and the Shire Clerk to be present with the official party on the dais at such ceremony. Warringah Shire Council Resolved; - 'That the invitation be accepted, and all Councillors make an endeavour to be present.'
On March 11th 1953 the Manly-Warringah Branch Air Force Association are applying for permission to hold a Fancy Fair and Carnival on vacant land owned by Mr. R. S. Bryson on the western side of Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, from 27/3/53 to 6/4/53, the proceeds to be devoted to the establishment of the Memorial Centre at Ashburner Street, Manly. The Council resolved it would raise no objection to the holding of this.
The days of the gun being in place at the triangular reserve were becoming short. Ken 'Sava' Lloyd recalled that he remembers it being in place in the early 1950's but that it was increasingly vandalised with paint or damaged and one day just disappeared. The North Narrabeen S.L.S, Club,(letter dated 5/11/53), wrote stating that the Club is alarmed at the continued acts of vandalism which occur through the week when Club members cannot be present, and asking that the Council take steps to prevent any recurrence; stating that various ideas have been put forward by members of the Committee, and should Council wish to hear such suggestions, they will be submitted. 33. Resolved, - That the Club be invited to discuss the matter with the Reserves Supervisor, after which a report to be submitted to the Council.
There were also other factors. Warringah Shire Council records show:
Narrabeen Sub-Branch RSSAILAs 16/6/53, stating the Branch feels that the old gun on the Reserve opposite Narrabeen Public School is not a fitting Memorial, that it is an eyesore and far from a credit to the district, requesting permission to call a Public Meeting with a view to raising funds for the building of a more fitting Memorial, and inquiring as to what assistance could be expected from The Council. Resolved; - That they be asked to send a representative to discuss this matter with the Finance & General Purposes Committee at its meeting to be held on 13th July, prior to holding a public meeting.
On August 31st, 1953, Re the Narrabeen-Collaroy War Memorial Proposal - Reporting in regard to the public meeting which had been convened with a view to the erection of War Memorial at the reserve at the intersection of Pittwater Road and Ocean Street, Narrabeen, when it was decided to launch an appeal for funds the aim of the Committee being £1,000, the proceeds to be paid into the Council's Trust Fund, and the amount paid in to be the total to be expended; and recommending that the Council support the appeal. Concil Resolved;- That the Council make a donation of 100 guineas to this appeal.
In a letter dated October 1st 1953 the Narrabeen-Collaroy War Memorial Fund were advising that former Hon. Sec. Mr. J. G. Lewis has left the District and that Mr. W.J. Dobson of 21 Narrabeen Park Pde., Nth. Narrabeen, Phone 23. XX2 86 has been appointed Hon. Sec. in his place.
Narrabeen Sub-Branch of the R.S.S. and A.I.L.A.: March will leave Narrabeen terminus at 2.15 p.m. on Sunday. A service at the "Gun Site" will begin at 2.30 p.m. ANZAC REUNIONS (1954, April 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18423336
August 30th 1954: Collaroy-Narrabeen War Memorial Appeal - Shire Clerk's report that there is an amount of £205.13.6 in the Trust Fund War for the purpose of putting a new Memorial on land at the junction of Devitt and Ocean Streets and Pittwater Road, Narrabeen: 2. Resolved, - That the Secretary of the Appeal be requested to inform the Council of the Committee's plans in this regard. (Crs. Quinlan, Corkery)
Narrabeen-Collaroy War Memorial Fund, 6/9/54, replying that a meeting of the Executive will be called at an early date to deal with the finalisation of this appeal. "Received".
Narrabeen- Collaroy War Memorial Fund, 5/10/54, replying that the President of the Fund has undertaken to endeavour to collect the only outstanding promised donation, and when that is paid the Fund will be closed and a start made on a new Memorial. "Received"
9/5/1955: Will you arrange for the Engineer to have the Ferguson mower clear the area surrounding the A. Riding War Memorial and Community Centre at Mona Vale prior to Thursday night, 12th inst.? Yes.
Meeting of January 14th, 1957: Narrabeen Sub-Branch RSSAILA, 7/1/57, stating the Sub- Branch is becoming increasingly perturbed regarding the proposed Memorial to be erected at Narrabeen, and is of the opinion that the Committee appointed to handle the Fund and erect this Memorial is more or less defunct, and suggesting that if it could be arranged for the Sub-Branch to have the use of the funds held by Council it would undertake to complete a fitting Memorial immediately. (Note by Shire Clerk: The Council is War holding £205.13.6 in its Trust Fund for expenditure upon a Memorial at the Pittwater Road-Devitt Street corner.) Resolved, - That the Shire Clerk ascertain whether this Committee is still functioning, and if so, inform it of the Sub-Branch's suggestion.
R.S.S. & A.I.L.A., Narrabeen Sub-Branch; 18/1/1960; Re the War Memorial at corner of Devitt & Ocean Streets, Narrabeen, pointing out that the previous Council had intimated that arrangements would be made to have this Memorial floodlit and-that Mr. Lovegrove from Mackellar County Council had ascertained what was required, and had made certain suggestions which were more than acceptable to the Sub- Branch, but nothing more had been heard. Further pointing out that the Memorial is to be unveiled at a sunset ceremony on 12th February, and asking if this matter could be expedited and the work carried out, before this date. letter received on the afternoon of 2.2.1960 from Mackellar Council was read (by consent), stated that the estimated cost 'ng floodlighting from post-type lanterns is £356., but it anticipated the work could be commenced before the beginning Resolved - That Council have the sum of £356. from Ad and that it request Mackellar County Council to make installation and preparation for the Governor's visit; that .1 be approved subject to the Engineer concurring that it is: satisfactory for the corner and in the event of his not concurring, that the plan be modified to suit Warringah Shire Council's developmental purposes.: (Crs. Fisher/Berry.)
Meeting held Tuesday February 2nd, 1960; PRESIDENTIAL MINUTE (VERBAL): VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR-OF N.S.W. ON 12/2/1960, The President stated that the Governor of N.S.W. was coming to the Shire on the 12th February to officially open the new War Memorial at the corner of Pittwater Road, Devitt Street and Ocean Street, Narrabeen; the President sought authority to expend certain money upon the maintenance of roads to be used by the Vice Regal party. 5. Resolved, - That the President be authorised to spend a .sum not exceeding £400 upon the maintenance of these roads.
Lieutenant General Sir Eric Woodward KCMG, KCVO, CB, CBE, DSO, KStJ was the 31st Governor of New South Wales, and in office from August 1st 1957 to August 1st 1965. Lieutenant General Sir Eric Winslow Woodward KCMG, KCVO, CB, CBE, DSO, KStJ (21 July 1899 – 29 December 1967) was an Australian military officer and viceroy. Following long service in the Australian Army, including terms as Deputy Chief of the General Staff and General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, he was appointed as the Governor of New South Wales from 1957 to 1965, thus becoming the first New South Welshman to be governor of the state.
Following the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Woodward joined the Second Australian Imperial Force as Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General for the 6th Division, and left for the Middle East in April 1940. In the Middle East he gained distinction during the North Africa Campaign from December 1940 to January 1941 and was invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire on 8 July 1941. He served in the Greece Campaign from March to April 1941 as a lieutenant colonel on General Sir Thomas Blamey's staff and later served in the I Corps in the Syrian campaign. In May 1942 he was posted to the 9th Division. He fought in both the First and Second Battles of El Alamein and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 11 February 1943. He was twice mentioned in despatches for his work in the Middle East.
Arriving back in Australia in February 1943, in March Woodward was promoted to the rank of brigadier and was posted to the headquarters of the Northern Territory Force until December 1943. He then served in various administrative positions until the end of the war. From July 1945 to March 1946 he was appointed deputy adjutant and quartermaster-general, at headquarters on Morotai.
In 1948 Woodward attended the Imperial Defence College and remained in London as Australian Army representative for the High Commission of Australia in London. In December 1949 he was at Army Headquarters in Melbourne and implemented the new National Service scheme, and fought for improvements in soldiers' pay and conditions. In 1950 and 1951 he reported directly to Prime Minister Robert Menzies as head of a special staff which planned counter-measures in the event of the government's attempt to ban the Communist Party of Australia leading to industrial unrest. On 20 February 1951 he was promoted to temporary major general and made Deputy Chief of the General Staff. Weary of involvement with bureaucrats, he requested not be put forward as a candidate for Chief of the General Staff. In 1952 he was invested as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Appointed General Officer Commanding Eastern Command in December 1953, he was elevated to the same role his great-grandfather Charles William Wall had held from 1823 to 1825. He was invested as a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1956. Woodward was further promoted as a lieutenant general in December 1953.
When Sir John Northcott's term as Governor of New South Wales drew to a close, the Premier Joseph Cahill sought another Australian-born military officer to succeed him and chose Woodward, who assumed office on 1 August 1957. The thirty-first governor of New South Wales, he was the first to have been born in the state. As governor he was invested as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1958 and a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1963. For part of his term in office, as the longest-serving governor, he acted as Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia from 16 June to 30 August 1964 in the absence of the Governor-General of Australia, Lord De L'Isle. In recognition of his service as governor, Woodward was awarded honorary doctorates by various universities, including an honorary Doctor of Science (Hon.DSc) from the University of New South Wales (1958), an honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon.DLitt) on 29 April 1959 by the University of Sydney and New England (1961).
The Narrabeen War Memorial was not the only dedication by this NSW Governor. The St. George Greek Orthodox parish in Rose Bay, Sydney was dedicated as a War Memorial by Woodward on November 25th 1962. On June 30th 1961, he officially opened Vaucluse Boys' High School. He laid the foundation for International House, University of New South Wales on February 13th 1965.
Sir Woodward retired on 31 July 1965 and he and his wife moved to Wahroonga. He passed away on December 29th 1967 at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown and was given a state funeral with full military honours. Lady Woodward survived him, as did their daughter and son, Sir Edward Woodward, who became a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia.
He was cremated with his ashes interred at Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens, North Ryde.
The Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School for children with intellectual and physical disabilities was established in 1971 and named in his honour. In 1970, the Public Transport Commission in charge of Sydney Ferries commissioned a new ship for the "Lady class" of ferries. Launched at the New South Wales State Dockyard in Newcastle in 1970, it was named the "Lady Woodward" to commemorate their service in office. The Lady Woodward was sold in 1993 and now operates as a privately owned craft in Tin Can Bay, Queensland.
At the Warringah Shire Meeting of March 28th 1960 the Narrabeen Sub-Branch, R.S.S. & A.I.L.A., (letter dated 18/3/1960, addressed to the President) were seeking Council's permission for the Sub-Branch to hold its Annual Anzac Day March and Commemorative Service at the Memorial on Sunday, 24th April and requesting that the area be in the order and condition that it was last year. Further inviting Councillors and their wives to attend the service and afterwards join members of the Sub-Branch for refreshments at the Memorial House. Council Resolved;- That the permission sought be granted, that the invitation be accepted and as many Councillors as possible attend.
The R.S.S. & A.I.L.A.. Narrabeen Sub-Branch, 17/3/61 - addressed to the President - extending thanks to Council for work that has been carried out in the beautification of the Narrabeen War Memorial, as with the kerb and guttering now completed this small plot of land is most outstanding and a credit to all concerned.. Noted. (Crs. Wade/Brown).
re Item 33 – Narrabeen War Memorial. During discussion on this item the Shire Clerk read a letter from the Narrabeen Sub-Branch R.S.S. & A.I.L.A. dated 14th November, 1965, Moved by Cr. Lindsay, seconded by Cr. Knight, That the power pole be moved to the site requested by the R.S.S. & A.I.L.A. once the Water Board 17 has finished operations. DEFEATED.
The Narrabeen RSL clubhouses
Despite plans to have a community hall at Narrabeen from at least 1898, it was Megson's 'Liberty Hall', built by 1896, that seems to be the venue for many a Narrabeen Progress Association meeting and, after the death of a grandson, this was offered for rent:
NARRABEEN PROGRESS ASSOCIATION.
At the Inst meeting of the Narrabeen Progress Association, the following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year: — President, Alderman T. J. West; honorary secretary, Mr. T. H. 'Macpherson; honorary treasurer, Mr. George Powell; executive committee. Messrs. M'Lean, Gibbons, Macpherson, and Powell. A vote of congratulation was accorded to the president on his recent election as an alderman of the City Council. Various other matters were dealt with, a good deal of discussion taking place concerning the proposal to build a hall at Narrabeen, the honorary secretary submitting plans and specifications, prepared by himself. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Macpherson, Powell, and Gibbons was appointed to make further inquiries. NARRABEEN PROGRESS ASSOCIATION. (1900, December 22). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237123006
Coincidentally, Tertius Horatio Macpherson, of the Macpherson family from whose family names and heritage we get the name for 'Warriewood' of the Warriewood Estate farmlets sold from 1906, was the gentleman who would later bring the lands on which today's current Narrabeen RSL was built under the Real Property Act in 1929.
NARRABEEN PROGRESS ASSOCIATION.
On Saturday Inst, the fourth annual picnic of the Narrabeen Progress Association took place, when a good programme of sports was gone through. Mr. E. W. Quirk, M.L.A., distributed the prizes to the winners of the children's races. A concert was held in the evening at Liberty-hall, Alderman T. J. West presiding. NARRABEEN PROGRESS ASSOCIATION. (1903, March 5). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237400469
On Saturday, 26th inst, at Megson's Liberty Hall, Narrabeen, Master Harry Hanson's fourteenth birthday was held. The children; performed some very good tableaux, in particular One called "Brotherly love," and another ‘’Over the Garden Wall’’. The arrangements were all under the management of Mrs. Hinchcliffe. Mona Vale, Narrabeen and Pittwater Happenings. (1904, July 9). The Mosman Mail (NSW : 1898 - 1906), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247008321
PUBLIC HALL FOR NARRABEEN.
At the last meeting of the Narrabeen Progress Association it was decided to purchase a block of land situated in the main street In the centre of the town for the purpose of erecting a public hall. The following were appointed-trustees', Messrs. West (president), T. Larkin (vice-president); and Marshall. Mr, A. W. E. Weaver was chosen as solicitor to the trust. A special vote of thanks was passed to Mr. T. Larkin for his services in connection with the matter. PUBLIC HALL FOR NARRABEEN. (1904, September 28). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237832198
The annual banquet of the Narrabeen Progress Committee was held at Liberty-hall, Narrabeen, last Saturday night. The president. Alderman J. T. West, was in the chair, while a large number of representative men of the district were also present. In responding on behalf of the local association, Mr. West pointed out that Independent of the continuation of the recently-constructed tramway to Curl Curl, the motor omnibuses would soon bridge the distance between Narrabeen, Pittwater, etc., and the rapid advance of their beautiful district would then be assured. WRECK OF THE STEAMER CHODOC. (1905, July 28). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237672223
Advertising (1905, September 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14737953
HANSEN.— The Friends of Mrs. M. MEGSON, SEN., late of Narrabeen, are kindly invited to attend, the Funeral of her late dearly beloved grandson, Henry George Hansen, to move from Sydney Hospital This (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, at 1.30, for Rookwood Cemetery. K AY, HARTLEY, Undertaker, 208 King-street, - Newtown, and Kogarah.
HANSEN.— The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. JOE MEGSON are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their late beloved nephew, Henry George Hansen, to move from Sydney Hospital THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, at 1.50, for Rookwood Cemetery. Advertising (1906, May 17). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236835579
To Let or For Sale, House, known as "Liberty Hall" (Megson’s), Narrabeen, good opening. Mrs. Megson, Narrabeen. (Dinners as usual.) Advertising (1906, September 22). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237644776
What Harry, Amy Hansen's (nee Megson) second born son was ill with is unknown. His father, Hans Peter Hansen, passed away in August 1902, the funeral departing from Callan Park Asylum. As tuberculosis became the leading cause of death among the general population of NSW by the early twentieth century, then called 'consumption', and many patients at Callan Park did have this disease, both father and son may have died from it. The fact his father was at Callan Asylum may also lend insight into why Joseph Edward Hansen changed the spelling of his surname to Hanson - or he may just have been misheard when enlisting and misheard when participating in surf life saving carnivals prior to his departure for Gallipoli.
The Warringah Shire Council, once formed, first met in 'Narrabeen Progress Hall' on June 14th 1906:
TEMPORARY SHIRE COUNCILS. THE FIRST MEETINGS.
The following is a list of the dates in June and places fixed for the first meeting of each of the undermentioned temporary Shire Councils appointed by proclamation in the "Government Gazette" :-
Warringah, Narrabeen Progress Association's Hall, 14th, 10 a.m. TEMPORARY SHIRE COUNCILS. (1906, May 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14772727
In 1916, a conference recommended the formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), NSW were admitted following year, in March 1917. The RSL evolved as a direct result of the camaraderie, concern and mateship shown by the "Diggers" for the welfare of their mates during and after WW1 - unable to express what they had experienced to loved ones they returned to, a yarn and a beer with a mate who had gone too was relief. That ethos of compassion and service remains the motivation of the League.
The ideals and objectives which had characterised the initiation of the first state associations in 1916 were correlated and finally adopted, in the following form, as the aims and objectives of the League:
To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or allied forces, to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present serving members of the Defence Force and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour;
To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia;
To provide for the sick and wounded and needy among those who have served and their dependents including pensions, medical attention, homes and suitable employment;
To inculcate loyalty to the Nation, to guard the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Defence Force; and
To promote our policy on national questions, particularly:
the unity of the Commonwealth of Nations,
the Defence of Australia
the maintenance of a sustainable and selective immigration policy
the development of a national Defence infrastructure and Defence industry, and
the promotion and proper employment of the nation's natural resources.
Things have changed since then, along with the name of this organisation:
- November 1940: Name changed to the Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA)
- October 1965: Name changed to Returned Services League of Australia (RSL)
- September 1983: Name changed to Returned Services League of Australia Limited (RSL)
- September 1990: Name changed to Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL)
An Anzac hall of sorts available in the old Megson's Liberty Hall on the corner of King streets and Pittwater roads from 1931, Lots 2 and 3, a captured gun installed and unveiled in October 1921, along with the dedication plaque provided by Prouds and the 8 trees, establishing a Narrabeen cenotaph
The use of Liberty Hall by the Anzac Relief Division begs the question - what was this organisation?:
An Anzac Relief Division
TRUE to the traditions of the A.I.F., a splendid scheme has just been launched by ex-officers for the relief of unemployment and distress among returned soldiers. It is to be run on a military basis, eacli district being subdivided into brigade, battalion, and company areas. It is proposed to mobilise the personal services of every ex-soldier who will, in the cause of his old comrades, guarantee to do what he can in any direction that will prove helpful. There are a thousand and one ways in which such an organisation can bring relief to ex-service men, and the public generally will wish it well. An Anzac Relief Division (1930, June 18). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160631732
ANZAC RELIEF DIVISION.
Organisation on Military Lines.
SYDNEY, June 17.— Known as the Anzac Relief Division, an organisation has been formed to combat unemployment among former soldiers. It has been established on military lines for the purpose of efficiency, with the difference that privates may be leaders. The metropolitan area in Sydney has been divided into areas of brigades and battalions, which will work in co-operation with the Returned Soldiers' League and other soldier organisations to find employment for , former soldiers. Funds raised are to be devoted to promoting employment.The, The, movement was launched at a meeting at Mosman, where Brigadier-General Bennett was one of the speakers. He commended the plan adopted. ANZAC RELIEF DIVISION. (1930, June 18). The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33355147
ANZAC DAY AT N'BEEN
A service will be held at Narrabeen, on Anzac Day. Members of the Anzac Relief Division, D. Company, ask all returned men to parade at Anzac-avenue, Collaroy, at 1.45 p.m., on Monday, April 25. The service will be held at the memorial, and will be followed by afternoon tea, served at Liberty Hall, Pittwater-road, Narrabeen. ANZAC DAY AT N'BEEN (1932, April 14). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 18 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229882915
In the Council meeting held on 23rd of February, 1925 the Warringah Shire Branch of R.S. and .S.I.L. of A. Narrabeen (letter dated 18/2/25) are applying, tentatively, for permission to erect a District War Memorial on the Triangular Reserve at Narrabeen: This was Referred to the representatives of B. Riding, but as it had already been used since October 1921 to Honour those who served, this point was possibly moot, and a new plaque of some kind was installed.
Later that same year a Council Meeting held on April 6th, 1925 records: That with regard to the Narrabeen Sub-Branch of the R.S. and .A.I.L.A., for a site for a Memorial Hall on the Triangular Reserve at the junction of Ocean and Devitt Streets, the Council be recommended to give its sympathy and consideration when more definite information regarding the proposal is available.
This item shows the idea was embraced by the community:
THE WARRINCAH MADCAPS
This little band of performers, formed but eight months ago, has given very successful entertainments for the Returned Soldiers' Memorial Hall at Narrabeen, the Children's Convalescent Home at Collaroy, the Manly District Ambulance Fund, the three local surf clubs, two families in distress, and for a testimonial to the widow of the late president of the Warringah Shire. It is now busy with an entertainment for the Maternity Hospital at Collaroy, and then they will appear for four nights, commencing July 31, in Manly at The Victoria Hall, for the Manly Intermediate High School, the Manly West Public School, and the Native Rose Social Club. THE WARRINGAH MADCAPS (1926, July 25). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 25 (CRICKET STUMPS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222723425
The matter lapsed until a Council Meeting held on April 6th, 1937; The President at this stage stated that Mrs. C.H Sheppard, of Narrabeen was desirous ascertaining whether the Council would raise any objection to a proposal for the erection of a Narrabeen Soldiers' Memorial Hall on the triangular reserve.at the junction of Pittwater Road and Ocean Street; Narrabeen. Council resolved;- That it be pointed out to Mrs. Sheppard that a building at this junction would have the effect of obstructing the view of traffic, that the Council considers it would be very unwise to erect a hall at this spot, and consequently cannot see its way to approve of such proposal.
This may give a further insight into the mood of then - midway through the Depression, with so many people homeless and hungry and the rumblings of war again sounding, and still no meeting rooms for a suburb filled with ex-service people and surrounded by suburbs filled with the same:
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Sir -As a reader of your paper, allow me to voice my opinion on the design of the forthcoming Anzac stamp to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the war, when the Diggers made Australian history. As a member of a R S S I L A sub-branch and one of the Diggers I ask could not headquarters, RSSILA, give us an "Aussie' design? What is wrong with the rising sun badge that all Diggers wore on their uniforms or a reproduction of our own Sydney Cenotaph? Why the London Cenotaph? To me it looks like an English stamp only for the caption there-on. Anyhow, as one of the Diggers, I don't think much of it, and as we all used to say
‘San fairy Anme "
I am, etc.,
NARRABEEN.
Narrabeen, March 12. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. (1935, March 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17163380
The Phrase 'san fairy ann' means ' it doesn't matter'(military slang, obsolete) .
There may have been a connection between that Mrs. Sheppard and Mrs. A. Sheppard (letter of 8/6/45) inquiring whether Council would permit the ladies branch of the Liberal Party at Narrabeen to rent the Surf Club Room at Narrabeen for a couple of hours one afternoon a month for the purpose of a monthly meeting. Resolved, - She be informed the Council will raise no objection provided arrangements can be made with the Surf Club.
A few more years passed and then the Narrabeen Branch of Warringah Patriotic & War Fund, (letter dated 28/5/41) were requesting the use of Council's reserve adjoining Douglass' boat shed at Narrabeen for the purpose of conducting a Carnival from 26th December to 3rd January next. The Narrabeen Sub- Branch R.S. & S.I.L.4. (letter dated 28/5/41) were also requesting permission to use the same ground for the purpose of a carnival proposed to be held from 24th December to the 2nd of January, for the purpose of raising funds for the building of a Memorial Hall at Narrabeen.
Council Resolved; - That a letter be sent to the two bodies pointing' out that they have both applied for the use of the Reserve for practically the same period, suggesting that they come to some amicable arrangement, and that the Council defer consideration of the two letters for three months.
Later that year the Narrabeen Branch Warringah Patriotic & War Fund, (letter dated 2/7/41) replied further in regard to the Branch's request for permission to hold a carnival at Narrabeen Terminus at Xmas time, stating a conference held with the local Sub-Branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. but no finality has been reached, contending that the provision of comforts, etc, for the men overseas should be given first consideration, and stating that the Branch will be pleased to co-operate with the Sub-Branch mentioned with a view of raising funds for the building of a Memorial Hall. The Narrabeen Sub-Branch R..S.I.L.A. (letter dated 8/7/41) also replied further regarding the Branch's request for permission Carnivals to hold a carnival at Narrabeen Reserve at Xmas time, stating the Narrabeen Branch of the Patriotic Fund had turned down a suggestion that the two bodies co-operate on a 50-50 basis, and now suggesting that each organisation be given the use of the ground for five days each.
Council Resolved, - That, as recommended by the Clerk, the Narrabeen Branch of the Patriotic Fund be granted permission to hold the carnival on the Reserve from 26th December to 3rd January, as requested, and informed that its request has been granted in view of the statement that it will later assist in the erection of the Memorial Hall desired by the Narrabeen Sub-Branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. At the same meeting correspondence was read from the "D" Company, R.S. Volunteer Defence Corps, 7/7/41, expressing appreciation of the Council's "patriotic gesture in assisting in the erection of the gun emplacement" and, 5/7/41, further regarding proposed purchase of Lot 17-5 D.P. 6234, Collaroy Beach ("Anglers' Inn" Collaroy property), reducing the price to £1300 and the interest rate Beach to 4.1%, stating that an offer of £1400 come months ago was refused. This was in regard to a Memorial Hall for ex-service people at Collaroy.
The Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen's Narrabeen Branch, (letter dated 7/2/45) are requesting a refund of rates paid on their land in Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. Council Resolved that a report be furnished to the Finance General Committee.
In June the Narrabeen Ex-Servicemens Club, (letter dated 19/6/45), are requesting the Council to resume from the Road Transport Deportment the block of land previously selected by the Club for the purpose of erecting thereon a Club building. (Deferred from last meeting) Resolved, - That the Council adhere to its decision in regard to financial assistance to such bodies.
In 1947 the Narrabeen RSL Branch lost one of their early presidents and a WW1 veteran in Arthur Dawson Clark. He enlisted on January 5th 1916, was sent overseas in May of that year and came home on June 23rd, 1919. Arthur Dawson Clark served with 53rd AIF Battalion. Their first involvement in the fighting came at the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, where the battalion took part in the first stages of the Allied attack and suffered over 600 casualties,a total which equated to around a third of their total casualties for the war. They remained at the front for the next two months, before being withdrawn for a rest. Once that was over, the battalion rotated between manning defensive positions at the front and undertaking training and labouring duties in the rear areas. After spending the winter in the trenches in the Somme Valley, in early 1917 after the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg Line to shorten their lines of communication and free up reserves, the 53rd Battalion took part in the brief Allied pursuit, culminating in them being committed to hold the ground won during the Second Battle of Bullecourt. Later in the year, they were moved to Ypres in Belgium where they took part in the Battle of Polygon Wood in late September. The 53rd Battalion's final involvement in the fighting came late in September 1918 when they took part in the Battle of St. Quentin Canal. During its active service, the 53rd Battalion suffered 2,294 casualties of which 647 were killed.
Arthur Dawson Clark married Lily Hormann just prior to departure but the couple did not have a child until he returned. Pearl was born in 1920, William after her and October 4th 1925 Arthur D Clark junior was born. He would later enlist to serve in WW2 as an 18 year old in 1943. He would serve in the Citizen Military Force (CMF) for six weeks then was into the AIF and by war's end his unit is listed as the 24th Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB). He was sent to the Solomons at the end of 1944 and came home in mid 1946 although he was not discharged until November 14th, 1946.
The photo id from his War record (juniors') is at right.
Arthur senior, born 1882 was the second son of John William Clark, and Mary Eliza Dawson, married in 1871. His youngest brother, Harry Septimius, born 1887, also signed up, became part of the 55th Infantry Battalion - 6 to 9 Reinforcements. He had married Harriet Turner in 1911 and Harry junior was born the following year. He left Sydney on January 24th 1917 and was killed in France later that same year. His place of burial is registered as being at 'Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium'. The 55th battalion played a defensive role in the Second Battle of Bullecourt before moving to Ypres in Belgium where they took part in the Battle of Polygon Wood on September 26th 1917. The battle cost 5,770 Australian casualties. During the Battles of Menin Road and Polygon Wood, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Australian Divisions, suffered more than 9,000 casualties while the four British Divisions had more than 15,000 men killed and wounded. The battles had resulted in an advance of just over a kilometre along a front of almost eight kilometres.
CLARK.—Killed in action in France, September 26, 1917, Private H. S. Clark, dearly loved youngest son of Mary E. and brother of W. J. D., O.S., and A. D. Clark (on active service in France), of Macpherson-street, Mona Vale.
CLARK.—Killed in action in France, September 26, 1917, Private H. S. Clark, dearly loved brother of Blanche and Jim O'Connell, of Merewether, Newcastle.
Return Thanks
Mrs. M E and W J D CLARK, of Macpherson street, Mona Vale, return sincere THANKS for expressions of sympathy received during their recent sad bereavement in the loss of their dear son and brother, Harry Septimus, killed in action in France September 26, 1917
Mrs. HARRIET CLARK and FAMILY of Macpherson street Mona Vale, return sincere THANKS for expressions of sympathy during their recent sad bereavement in the loss of her dear husband and their father, Harry Septimus, killed in action in France September 26, 1917. Family Notices (1917, November 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15742280
Arthur's eldest brother, John William too, born 1877, died in 1931:
CLARK -July 6 1931 (suddenly) at Warriewood, N S W John William Clark of Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board beloved son of Elizabeth Clark aged 56 years. Family Notices (1931, July 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16791775
During the height of the storm late on Monday night John William Clark, 54, a clerk, employed by the Water Board, dropped dead In Macpherson-street, Warriewood, not more than 20 yards from his home. Death, it is supposed, was caused by heart failure. Apparently the long walk home and the battling against the wind and rain had Imposed too great a strain on him. FLOOD AFTERMATH. (1931, July 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16791711
Arthur Dawson Clark was among those residents who persevered in getting a rock pool for North Narrabeen. Although he listed his occupation as 'Labourer' on his enlistment papers, he contributed to the local Warriewood and Narrabeen community in other ways too:
Agricultural bureau at WARRIEWOOD
A branch of the Agricultural Bureau was formed recently in the Warriewood district. Twenty-five names were enrolled, and the following officers were elected:— President, Mr. H. W. May (Manly); vice-presidents, Mr. E. Exley- (North Narrabeen), Mr. D. F. Somerset (Dee Why); secretary, Mr. A. D. Clark (Warriewood). AGRICULTURAL BUREAU AT WARRIEWOOD (1930, December 22). Daily Pictorial (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1931), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246196724
Anzac Day 1947. Members of Narrabeen RSL. My father Keith Crompton is on the left of photo (with the hat on) and Harry Slater is next to him. I'm familiar with the others but can't remember their names. I know they were all Committee members of the Narrabeen RSL at the time. I think the man on far right had the christian or surname Russell and the man at front left I think had the surname Moore.- photo and information courtesy Garry Crompton
CLARK, Arthur Dawson.—October 25, 1947, at his residence, Gondola Road, Narrabeen, dearly beloved husband of Lily Clark, and dear father of Pearl, William, Arthur, and Betty, aged 65 years. At rest.
CLARK.—The Relatives and Friends of the late ARTHUR DAWSON CLARK are advised that his Funeral will leave his late residence, Gondola Road, Narrabeen, To morrow (Tuesday) Morning, at 9.30 o'clock, for Church of England Cemetery, Mona Vale. LABOR MOTOR FUNERALS LIMITED, 401 Pacific Highway. Family Notices (1947, October 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18038116
CLARK -The Officers and Members of the Legion of Ex Servicemens Club Narrabeen are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their late president ARTHUR DAWSON CLARK For details see family notice H C PRANCE Sec. Family Notices (1947, October 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18038784
H C Prance, Secretary of the Narrabeen RSL Branch, is the Howard Prance who served as State President for the RSL's in 1947 and taught youngsters at Narrabeen. He married on his return in 1921. A few snippets from the pages of the past:
Mr. H. Prance, formerly first assistant at Molong Public School, has been transferred from Narrabeen to Brookvale. PERSONAL. (1937, January 30). Molong Express and Western District Advertiser (NSW : 1887 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140095777
RETURNED MEN'S ORGANISATIONS
Co-ordination Needed
To the Editor of the "Herald."
Sir,-The statement of Mr. Justice Simpson, on some form of co-ordination of effort and claims by ex-Service-men's organisations, should commend itself to all whose interest is centred in the well-being of those men. ,
Such a body was established some years ago, called the United Council. This was subscribed to by the majority of the lesser organisations, and much good was done. The three major bodies-Returned Soldiers' League, R.A.A.F. Association, and Legion of ex-Service Men and Women, held aloof, impairing the efficiency of the council. These bodies felt themselves of sufficient strength to tackle alone, separately and independently, the various problems. They are governed by a Federal constitution, and by co-operating with other bodies find themselves in conflict with that constitution, so I have been told.
The R.A.A.F. Association has at times called other bodies to be represented at special meetings.
Mr. Mcinnes, president of the United Council, has made repeated efforts to strengthen and widen the representation on that council without effect. The necessity of such a co-ordinating council should be evident to all.
Major problems which cry out for immediate action are war neurosis, land settlement, housing, repatriation, and rehabilitation, to mention a few. These would have no bearing on the domestic policy of any organisation at all, and could be subscribed to by all.
One could no1 be blamed for assuming that the three organisations named are of the opinion that they singly and separately can secure reforms. The R.S.L., by virtue of its status as the "official" organisation, has the opportunity to show just how big it ¡s by taking steps to co-operate with its fellows, by joining the United Council, or establishing a consultative council with representatives of other bodies for discussion on major general matters and the formulation of a com-mon policy thereon.
HOWARD C. PRANCE,
State President, Aust. Legion of ex-Service Clubs. Sydney.
RETURNED MEN'S ORGANISATIONS (1947, May 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18024633
WAR SERVICE HOMES
Repayment Burden
To the Editor of the "Herald."
Sir,-The war service homes scheme, which was at its inception meant to assure ex-Servicemen taking advantage of its provisions the means of securing a home of their own, has, with the passing of the years, proved to have an entirely different result.
We are now faced with the unassail-able fact that these men, now retiring from industry on service or old-age pension, have repaid practically the entire capital cost of the property, but because of interest, and other charges, are still indebted for an approximate amount equal to the original cost.
The amounts repaid have done little to reduce the capital cost, and these men in ordinary circumstances will never complete the payments and own them. Now that their earning capacity has gone and they are pensioners, the fixed re-payments, assessed actuarially on capital value, arc a pressing burden.
There is no chance whatever of any of these men becoming the owners of their property within their own lifetime nor of leaving it unencumbered to their widows.
Readjustments of capital values have in the past been made regarding soldier settlement farms when the capital cost was too burdensome for economic working. Why cannot the same principle be adopted regarding Service homes? lt can only be lack of interest or desire, as these men are those who defended this country overseas, and deserve the best from it.
If this be the best then they have assuredly suffered in the service of an ungrateful country, as represented by those whose duty it is to administer and apply the Act, but apparently not to amend it.
HOWARD C. PRANCE,
State President, Australian Legion of Ex-Service Clubs. Sydney.
WAR SERVICE HOMES (1947, September 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27896513
23rd ANNUAL CONFERENCE AUSTRALIAN LEGION OF EX-SERVICE CLUBS.
One of the smaller Ex-Servicemen's Groups numerically, it was revealed at the 23rd annual conference of the above Ex-Service Clubs, that the work carried out by this group could equal that of much larger similar organisations. Held at Cabramatta last Saturday, the conference was very successful, and many Important, resolutions were carried.
The conference was opened in the clubrooms of Cabra-Vale Ex-Servicemen's Club on Saturday morning by the State president, Mr. H. C. Prance (Narrabeen). The following clubs were represented: Auburn, Blackheath, Sutherland, Cabra-Vale, Punchbowl. Lakemba, Earlwood, North Strathfield, Narrabeen, Manly, Marrickville, Concord, Illawarra- Bankstown District Council, Mercantile Marine.
Among the motions carried was one: That the conference press for further reduction in War Service Homes payments, and that where a purchaser has paid his original loan, plus 21 per cent interest, payments cease forthwith. One delegate stated that on a War Service Home valued at £790, one occupier had repaid £1150 over 26 years, and according to the W.S.H. Dept. still owed £400.
Other important items on the agenda will be reported next issue.
Pensions officer for over 20 years and foundation member and past president, Mr. George Paterson, in a fine report showed that nearly £300,000 per annum was being paid to numbers of Returned Diggers of both wars through the efforts of the Ex-Service Clubs. We were informed that much of the credit goes to Mr. George Paterson.
The work of the welfare officer, Mr. J. Thatton (?) at the State and various private hospitals was also praised, Mr. W. S. Taylor, and Prance, both presented reports; as did Mr. Wallion, organiser, of "Graythwaite” Hospital, North Sydney. 23rd ANNUAL CONFERENCE (1948, March 11). The Biz (Fairfield, NSW : 1928 - 1972), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76265540
Signaller Joyce Purnell, Awas, only daughter of Mrs. B. P. Robinson, of Hamilton, whose engagement was announced to Able Seaman Vic. Prance, second son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Prance, of Narrabeen, at her 21st birthday party, held at 'Cullinga' guest house, Collaroy. ENGAGEMENTS (1944, November 16). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156590935
MARRIED AT NARRABEEN.— The marriage was celebrated at St. Faith's Church, Narrabeen, by the Rev. Allan Pattison, of Joyce Purnell and A.B. W. Prance, R.N.R, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Prance, of Narrabeen. The bride, daughter of Mrs. B. P. Robinson, was given away by her stepfather, and attended by Misses M. Griffiths and Joy Robinson. The bridegroom was attended by Bdr. N. Slater and Sgt. Noel Hilt, both of the A.I.F. The bride's white Chantilly lace frock had a long train and was worn with a graceful veil and halo. She carried frangipanni and gardenias. The bridesmaids carried carnations and roses with their blue and pink brocaded frocks. Their top-knots matched the bouquets. The reception was at the Tapestry Inn, Manly, where Mr. and Mrs. Robinson received the guests.
Able Seaman V. Prance and Mrs. Prance (Miss Joyce Purnell). Topics For Women (1945, May 31). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156635059
At the Warringah Shire Council Meeting of November 15th, 1949 the Parks and Reserves Committee's report, as contained in the Minutes of that Committee's meeting held on 8th inst, was adopted on the motion of Cr. McKay, seconded by Cr. Bayliss, subject to an alteration in paragraph 10 regarding the proposal by the Australian Legion for a Clubhouse at Ocean Street, Narrabeen, that the area be 150 feet to Albert Street and 100 feet to Ocean Street. Council Resolved; - That the deputation from the Warringah Memorial Park Committee be received at an early date, the Committee to submit its proposals for the improvement of the Park.
This was the first Narrabeen RSL Clubhouse and was next to the North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club. This photo, from North Narrabeen SLSC's history book, 'The Beach Comes First', shows the Narrabeen RSL to the right of the image:
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Although the service personnel now had a premises to meet in and speak to or just be with those who had been through similar experiences, there were still challenges:
R.S.L. THEFT CHARGE
Clerk Arrested
BRISBANE, Tuesday.-Patrick Wallis Burke, 24, clerk, appeared in Brisbane Police Court to-day on a provisional warrant, charging him with having stolen £200, the property of the Narrabeen (N.S.W.) sub-branch of the Returned Servicemen's League. He was remanded on £40 bail until next Monday to enable the original warrant from New South Wales to be produced.
Detective J. McSporran said that yesterday afternoon he saw Burke in George Street, Brisbane. Burke at first said his name was Slattery. He told Burke his description answered that of a man against whom a warrant had been issued in Sydney for stealing £200.
McSporran said Burke replied: "As a matter of fact I am the man."
McSporran said that at the Bellevue Hotel, Burke gave him £234/1/7. McSporran said Burke said he had been working as a clerk with the R.S.L. at Narrabeen. He went to the bank last Friday to pay in about £400 for the league. He banked £140 or thereabout, and kept the rest. R.S.L. THEFT CHARGE (1950, January 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18142110
The Narrabeen RSL club members when not looking out for each other were looking after others:
HOUSES SAVED IN NARRABEEN
NARRABEEN Communists, headed by their secretary, last Saturday shored up the foundations of three houses in Marine Parade after appeals to police and the RSL branch had brought no result. The foundations of the houses were subsiding owing to the heavy rain. Elderly people and ex-servicemen were among the dwellers in the houses. On Monday some RSL members arrived to do the job. HOUSES SAVED IN NARRABEEN (1950, July 29). Tribune (Sydney, NSW : 1939 - 1976), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209397195
Clearly the rain drowned out hearing this report - 'Nareen Parade' Narrabeen exists, but no Marine Parade.
APPEAL FOR CRIPPLED SURFER
KEN WEST, 18-year-old Narrabeen life-saver, in hospital (see story below).
A crippled newspaper vendor has appealed to The Sun to assist in the rehabilitation of a young lifesaver paralysed since last Easter when he fractured his neck in a shallow water dive. Both cripples are lying in adjacent beds at Manly District Hospital. The newsvendor is John Sproston, 38, of William St., Brookvale, who was paralysed when his back was broken in a mine accident seven years ago. He has been selling papers for several years from a motor wheelchair which he drives around Brookvale. The lifesaver is Ken West, 18, who was a prominent member of North Narrabeen Surf Club.
In hospital today, Sproston said. "I know what it is to be suddenly made a cripple. Ken's a great kid, always smiling, never downhearted, and deserves all he can get. "If anyone can help I appeal to them to contact our secretary Mr. T. Bryde at Waterloo St., Narrabeen (XW8082), or our chairman, Mr. Campbell-Bone at the North Narrabeen RSL Club," he added. APPEAL FOR CRIPPLED SURFER (1953, March 9). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230718578
Crippled lifesaver
Former North Narrabeen lifesaver Ken West, 19, who has lain paralysed in Manly Hospital since he broke his neck in a shallow dive last Easter, saved quite a few peoples' lives in the surf, and helped to save many others. He was a great athlete and had a great future as a surfer, and his likeable, happy personality endeared him to everybody. I belonged to the same : club as he did, and he was one of my best pals. He needs help now, and that's why I am urging support for the fund for him. Our secretary, Mr. T. Bone (XW8082). or chairman, Mr. Campbell-Bone, at the North Narrabeen RSL Club, are anxious to receive contributions to the fund. — Mr. K. McGreal, North Narrabeen. SUN Readers Say (1953, April 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 19 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229737029
Clarence William Campbell-Bone was born in London on September 1st, 1898 and came to Australia as a child. He enlisted on May 13 1918, listing his mother as his next of kin; Kathleen Campbell-Bone, "Louraine", Sadleir Cres, Petersham. His Trade or Calling: Clerk. His mother had to give permission for him to go as he was under the age of 21 and one inch over 5 feet tall. She stated in her letter that he was 'quite determined to go', or that there was no way she was going to be able to stop him. He was attached to 15th General Service Reinforcements.
Clarence William Campbell-Bone, image courtesy State Library of NSW
He arrived in London on October 14th, 1918 and was sent to Hurdcott Camp, near Wiltshire in England and then transferred to the 50th battalion on November 10th. He was sent into France on January 25th 1919 until May 23rd 1919, being transferred to the 53rd battalion in February. The 53rd was merged with the 55th Battalion on March 10th 1919. He was then sent home, discharged August 23rd, 1919.
He may have been put on the Graves Detachment while in France. More than 1100 Australians served with the Australian Graves Detachment, which was formed in March 1919. Men in the unit worked in northern France where the AIF fought many of its battles. Their role was to exhume the war dead, identify bodies where possible and re-bury bodies in central cemeteries. The kit for these men included rubber gloves, oil-skin overalls, hundreds of bars of soap, and creosol (an antibacterial disinfectant).
The work was very distressing. Many of the exhumed bodies had been dead between 9 and 12 months and were in varying stages of decomposition. One member of the detachment, typical of many, recalled having felt sick 'dozens of times'. Some members of the detachment were veterans of the fighting on the Western Front who volunteered for the job. Most were men who had enlisted too late in the war to see fighting and had reached France after the Armistice.
Between April and August 1919, the Australian Graves Detachment exhumed and re-buried almost 5500 men. The challenging nature of the work, and the difficulty in maintaining and enforcing military discipline with the war over, led to poor behaviour then and afterwards.
This is his mother - she passed away at 'Los Angelos', Challis Avenue, Turramurra in 1923.
CITIZENS' FUNCTION.
Mrs. K. Campbell-Bone, president of the Sailors and Soldiers' Mothers, Wives, and Widows' Association of New South Wales, writes that her association, unlike other bodies, raises no protest at not being directly represented at the reception to the Governor-General. The members of the association were content to be represented by their menfolk at the function, and in no other way desired to be "in the limelight." The writer adds that the State Commandant, the Premier, and Lord Mayor had all been most courteous, having explained, that the reception was arranged hurriedly. CITIZENS' FUNCTION. (1920, October 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16871479
Her son married in 1922, had two children, but the marriage didn't work. His wife cited all night drunkenness, demanding dinner at 2am and then throwing it out, as well as assault and cruelty during the divorce hearing. They separated in 1938 and were divorced in January 1943.
Clarence remarried and had another child:
CAMPBELL-BONE (nee Peterson).—November 25, at Mater Misericordiae Hospital, to Mr. and Mrs. C Campbell-Bone—a son (William Clarence). (Both well.) Family Notices (1944, November 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17929654
C CAMPBELL-BONE - Service number: 60065 Unit: 53rd BN Service: AIF Memorial Name: Dee Why RSL Roll of Honour Garden
At a Warringah Shire Council meeting held on June 23rd, 1952 Cr. Corkery is asking ''will the footpath slabs be lowered in front of the R.S.L. Club at Ocean Street, Narrabeen, and the roadway raised, to allow small cars to negotiate the crossing, and so obviate the traffic bottle-neck caused by parking at this location?''
The Narrabeen Sub-Branch R.S.L., (letter to Council dated 18/10/52), stating that in front of the Narrabeen R.S.L. Memorial House at 221 Ocean Street, Narrabeen, there is a disused tennis court which the local children use as a playground, and suggesting that the Council install on this area a Slippery Dip and Roundabout.. 23. Resolved, - That this be referred to the Parks & Reserves Committee
Fire Destroys R.S.L. Club
Fire early this morning gutted the clubhouse of the North Narrabeen branch of the Returned Servicemen's League. The clubhouse was a two storey weatherboard building in Ocean Street, North Narrabeen. The fire broke out shortly after midnight and flames quickly spread throughout the building. Firemen fought for nearly an hour to control the blaze and prevent it spreading to clubrooms of the North Narrabeen Surf Club which is nearby. Hundreds of people, many in night attire, watched the blaze. Fire engines from Manly, Narrabeen, and Deewhy fought the fire. Fire Destroys R.S.L. Club (1954, April 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18423039
The arsonist was caught:
MAN COMMITTED ON TWO CHARGES OF ARSON
SYDNEY, Monday;
The City Coroner, Mr. P. L. McNamara, to-day committed a man for trial on two charges of arson. Alexander James Alderdice, 37, moulder, of Malcolm Street, Narrabeen, was charged with setting fire to a dwelling in Malcolm Street, Narrabeen on February 20, 1954, and setting fire to the Narrabeen R.S.L. Club, on April 28.
Detective H. Rogers told Mr. McNamara that Alderdice was suspected of the Malcom Street fire because of ill-feeling between him and the next door neighbour. Rogers said that Alderdice said that after he lit a fire in the neighbour's home and went back to bed, knowing that the people in the house were asleep.
Alderdice also admitted setting fire to the R.S.L. building, Detective Rogers said.
Mr. McNamara allowed Alderdice- £100 bail-on each charge and recommended that he be kept under psychiatric examination. MAN COMMITTED ON TWO CHARGES OF ARSON (1955, January 11). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91201684
This wasn't the first time Mr. Alderice had had troubles with law:
CHARGED WITH HAVING GOODS IN CUSTODY
Alexander James Alderdice, 39, dental mechanic, of 204 Beardy Street, appeared before Mr. T. F. .Henderson, J.P., at the Court of Petty Sessions this morning to face a charge of having goods in custody. Mr. Henderson; remanded him to March 6. He did not apply for bail. Police allege Alderdice had a stolen radio in his possession yesterday. CHARGED WITH HAVING GOODS IN CUSTODY (1952, February 29). The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 - 1861; 1863 - 1889; 1891 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193379014
Despite this, the next day:
Narrabeen Sub-Branch of the R.S.S. and A.I.L.A.: March will leave Narrabeen terminus at 2.15 p.m. on Sunday. A service at the "Gun Site" will begin at 2.30 p.m. ANZAC REUNIONS (1954, April 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18423336
The Narrabeen RSL Club in its current premises has been servicing and supporting the Northern Beaches of Sydney since 1956. Once a limited hole golf course the club has gone through many phases throughout it's 62 years, from boasting one of the biggest women's bowling clubs in all of Australia during the late 1950's and through the 1960's and 1970's to remain a great venue for live music, as it was when it commenced.
Narrabeen RSL in 1956. Possibly P.B. McCauley with his son, son's wife or his daughter Eileen and grandchildren outside the 'Park Inn'.
Narrabeen Memorial Women's Bowling Club, early 1970’s, source Narrabeen RSL
Originally the Sunray Golf Club with a 9 hole golf course, there was also a pool and an extensive structure was built in 1953. The golfing facility and 'Park Inn' was owned by Patrick Bernard McCauley, who had owned the Royal Narrabeen Hotel prior to this, exchanging the licence in 1922, and known for his promotion of the area from then on. He also built a new Narrabeen Hotel in 1927.
This Google overhead image shows the footprint as well as the later roads subdivided in this area, Tatiara Crescent as one example:
He had married the eldest daughter of Edward Atkins, who had been in and around Narrabeen since about 1906:
LICENSING COURT. At yesterday's sitting of the Metropolitan Licensing Court the following applications for the transfer of publicans' licenses were granted:— Royal Narrabeen Hotel, Narrabeen, from Maurice Garwood to Patrick Bernard McCauley: LICENSING COURT. (1922, April 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15999880
Mr. P. B. McCauley, late of Union Hotel, Gosford, has purchased the Royal Hotel at Narrabeen, the popular holiday resort, six miles from Manly. Mr. McCauley takes over to-day. Items. (1922, April 27). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161550334
Mr. McCauley's holdings on the Central coast, including land and buildings, would persist for decades.
The contractor, Mr. B. J. Nicholas, of Manly, is at present just completing a fine hotel building at Narrabeen, for Mr. P. B. McCauley, some few years ago licensee of the Union Hotel at Gosford. Mr. F. W. Thompson is foreman, and Mr. E. R. Justelius, Sydney, is architect. NEW HOTEL. (1927, June 9). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161287513
Warringah Shire council mentions of P B McCauley show that on the 13th September, 1926 – roads - That the tender of P. B. McCauley and A. Spear of £218/15/-for the Lagoon Street Job be accepted and on October 25th, 1926: That the tender of (Vote) Messrs. Spear and McCauley of £120, for the King Street job, be accepted.
On August 5th 1928 P. B. McCauley is requesting permission to obtain 25 loads of clay from Wheeler's Hill Quarries, and later that year the Registrar General(31/12/28) is asking whether the Council has any objection.to PB McCauley's alteration of title to land at the foot of Narrabeen Street.
The name 'Sunray' would appear to stem from a championship grey horse owned by this gentleman which won over 100 blue ribbons throughout its career as a 'Hunter pony' from 1925 to 1941, seemingly commencing at the 1925 Manly Warringah Shire 'Show' as well as taking honours for this same event at successive Royal Easter Shows. After that he is in the countryside. His eldest daughter Eileen took the first honours - a few insights from the pages of the past:
Mr. P. B. McCauley's Sunray, winner of the pony hunting event at Gosford Show, won both pony hunting contests at St. Ives Show last Saturday. Mr. McCauley also won the blue ribbon for best all-round pony with Sunray. News Items. (1925, February 5). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166841703
PONY HUNTERS.
The concluding event of the afternoon was the "H. A. Taylor" pony hunter, 13.2 hands, and of the 15 entries 12 were sent over 11 Jumps. A majority of the ponies were ridden by boys, who were heartily applauded for the handling of their mounts. Generally the jumping was good, and in three cases only were the hurdles knocked down or did the ponies baulk. Mr. P. B. McCauley's' grey gelding Sunray was the first out, and he negotiated, the obstacles in excellent style, and was awarded first prize. Lady Jet also jumped well, and was a close second. Of the others Little Bess did best. HORSES. (1925, April 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16192764
A CHAMPION PONY.
At the recent Sydney Show Mr. P. B. McCauley, of Narrabeen (late of Gosford) won both 13.2 Pony Hunts with his grey pony, Sunray, and was 2nd in the 14.2 Pony Hunt, in this event jumping a hand out of his class and meeting such ponies as Thumbs Up (who jumped 7ft at the Show), and Blue Cam. Mr. McCauley also won both Pony Hunters events at the Manly and Warringah Shire Show the week before. Miss Eileen, daughter of Mr. McCauley, was awarded the red ribbon at Sydney Show for girl rider under 13 years, in which class there were 25 competitors. A CHAMPION PONY. (1925, April 23). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166836894
THRILLING JUMPING
Lady Rider Clears 7 Feet
FINE TROTTING TRIALS
Those who gathered around, the ring were treated to a sparkling and well varied programme, which provided the spectators with all the thrills they could -have desired. The Governor arrived early, and went on to the arena, where he took a keen interest in the displays by the ladies in the hunting competitions. The' ground and the track were never in better Condition, and the slight showers in the afternoon improved the going considerably. A feature of the jumping contest was the splendid display of "horsemanship" by Miss Ruby Wood, of Summer Hill. Her masterful handling of her mount over the obstacle when it stumbled was loudly cheered. The police horsemen, as usual, made a fine showing. …
OVER THE HURDLES. Nearly all those entered for. the 14.2 jump over hurdles took part, and gave a good all-round display. Sunray, owned by Mr. P, B. M'Cauley, of Narrabeen, ridden by Master A. Parr, gave one of the best exhibitions of fencing seen on the ground, and won easily. Second and third prizes went to Mr. A. L. Payne's Hector (M. Garrohy) and J. Chittick's Kitty (N. Powell) respectively. THRILLING JUMPING (1927, September 29). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247926496 - RAS Spring Fair, The Royal Show
OLD SUNRAY GATHERS MORE LAURELS IN THE RING
Horses and Riders Perform Brilliantly on Rapidly-drying Ground
Thrilling contests and close finishes over hurdles and fences maintained interest at the peak. Hunting and jumping and the ever-popular water jumps made a high-class programme, with the actors at their best. The hack is no has been. They appeared in force, and acquitted themselves like the spanking bloods of pre-motor days.
The remarkable recovery made by the Showground, the arena, and trotting track alike, was the subject of much favorable comment. The safety of the hunting course probably never received a better endorsement. Light rain began to fall just after the equestrienne event over hurdles commenced, but the girls faced their job bravely, and their clever mounts made but few mistakes at the small hurdles. After a thorough try-out, the judge's decision was in favor of Miss Emilie Roach, who has been consistently successful this year. Second prize was awarded Miss Nina Clarke, and third to Miss Marcia McKenny.
Pony Jumpers.
Mr. P. B. McCauley's aged grey gelding Sunray again proved his superiority in the 14 hands pony jumping contest. Capably ridden by R. McLeod, Sunray fenced beautifully and the verdict of the judge was forestalled by the public demonstration in his favor. O. R. Lord's Dot (G. H. Jamieson) was second, and K. Aspinall's Skipper (owner) third.
Taking hurdles like a bird….
OLD SUNRAY GATHERS MORE LAURELS IN THE RING (1929, April 5). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246786163
HUNTING CONTEST AT HAWKESBURY SHOW.
Miss Doris Green on Mr. P. B. McCauley's Sunray, winner of the Morgan Ford hunting contest at the Hawkesbury Show yesterday. HUNTING CONTEST AT HAWKESBURY SHOW. (1932, April 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16854527
At the Council Meeting held on April 28th 1952 there's a letter from R. B. McCauley, requesting the construction of a short section of road in extension of Nareen Parade in order to provide satisfactory access and turning space fronting the new Golf Extn. House and Park about to be opened; and report thereon by Nth. Assistant Engineer, Mr. Hembry: Narrabeen, Recommended-That no action be taken.
'R.B' McCauley is Patrick's son Ronald Bernard McCauley; born in Narrabeen, raised in Narrabeen, and returned to Narrabeen after serving in WW2 in whatever capacity he would be accepted for - and somehow this was connected to water, of course:
Despite Council 'take no action' the 'Sunray Golf Course' and soon after 'Park Inn' opened.
We moved nearby in 1953 and I remember the novelty sign for the golf course at the beginning of Nareen Pde.
The original Narrabeen RSL was in Ocean St Narrabeen almost next to the old Nth Narrabeen surf club and was burnt down in very late 50s or early 60s. My Dad Keith Crompton was on the RSL committee that purchased the golf club and 9 hole course, So I would say the RSL has been the owners from the early 1960s - Garry Crompton
I played golf there in the early 50's. It was a great little course and on occasions there would be a wallaby or kangaroo hopping around or perhaps sunning itself on the green of the 2nd hole, that seemed to be their favourite place.
NRS-12951-3-[17/9598]-29914 | Sunray Pty [Proprietary] Ltd [Limited] ,01-1950 to 01-1965
PUBLIC NOTICES- SCHEDULE 5 LIQUOR ACT
1912-1946 PART 171A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT TO SELL LIGHT WINES AND MALTED LIQUORS IN RESTAURANTS
TAKE NOTICE that I RONALD BERNARD MCCAULEY of Nareen Parade North Narrabeen have given notice to the Clerk of the Licensing court for the Metropolitan Licensing District to be holden at Sydney of my intention to apply to the said Court on the 11th day of August 1952 for the grant to me of a permit to sell light vines and malted liquors In a Restaurant known as ‘Park Inn’ and situated on Sunray Park Golf Links In Nareen Parade North Narrabeen in the said District Signed by me At Sydney this 16th day of July 1952 R MCCAULEY Applicant Nareen Parade North Narrabeen. Advertising (1952, July 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18273894
Moss Vale District – A. Division. McCauley, Patrick Bernard, Sunray Golf Course, Nareen parade, North Narrabeen. PASTURES PROTECTION ACT, 1934-1943. (1953, April 2). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1109. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220013345
By early 1953 another big building was advertised for contract:
Brick. additions.—Sunray Park Golf Links, O/B., £5000; SMALL CONTRACTS (1953, March 25). Construction (Sydney, NSW : 1938 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222896296
TEN new law graduates, who received their degrees at a ceremony at Sydney University on Wednesday, later went on to a celebration party at Park Inn, Narrabeen. Learned Indian Beauty Secrets (1953, April 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18364795
Cyril Latona’s Orchestra provided the music:
Advertising (1953, June 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 24 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230730252
E XCELLENT first-class accommodation available overlooking ocean, handy to city. F. J. EGGLESTON, Proprietor, Royal Narrabeen Hotel, Narrabeen. 'Phone XW8211. Advertising (1951, April 20). The Land (Sydney, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 39. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105748758
Swimming and dancing ... The Park Inn Paddle is the name the Scots College Younger Set have chosen for the dance they will hold on December 4 . . . it will be held at the Park Inn, Narrabeen, and guests -have been asked to bring their bathing costumes, as there will be swimming as well, as dancing . . . Barbara Bennett, Alison Williams, Betty MacGee, Diana Bowring, Sue Brunninghausen, and Val Horn are helping to organise the dance. around the Town (1953, November 12). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248732326
MISSES BARBARA BENNETT, ANN DUNLOP and BETTY McGEE, members of the Scots College Younger Set, who are helping to organise the dance and swimming party to be held at the Park Inn, Narrabeen, to-morrow, to raise funds for the school Memorial Chapel. Dates For The Diary (1953, December 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11 (Women's section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18399321
GAY BROWNE and ANNETTE CLAYTON in the swimming pool at the Park Inn paddle party held at Narrabeen on Friday night by Scots' College Younger Set. Magazine for Women (1953, December 6). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248833636
Betty Swinnerton and John Pearsall will celebrate their engagement at a party at The Park Inn, Narrabeen, on New Year's Eve. Betty is the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Swinnerton, and John is the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Pearsall. People, Parties and Plans (1953, December 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 26 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231335540
MEMBERS of the committee of the Anti-T.B. Association's Younger Set, CLAIRE O'SULLIVAN, LORETTA STEPHENSON, MARY JOYCE-BRANDON and MONICA MYERS make plans for the barbecue the younger set will hold at the Park Inn, Narrabeen, to-night. Social News And Gossip (1954, March 21). The Sun-Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1954), p. 29. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12642411
A golf afternoon, followed by a barbecue tea and dancing, will be held by the Australian Association for the United Nations at the Park Inn, Narrabeen, on Sunday. Night and Day (1954, August 18). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 44 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229169157
October 1st and 8th, 1954 advertisements
PARK INN
Narrabeen
The Place that has Everything
GOLF COURSE, SWIMMING POOL, RESTAURANT, CABARET
SUMMER SEASON CABARET COMM. SATURDAY NIGHT
RING XX2016 for Cabaret Bookings, Golf Course Times, Etc.
WANTED: Girl vocalist living in Manly Warringah district. Advertising (1954, October 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229221368
A SUMMER FIESTA
MISS ANN NELSON,. MR. JOHN PEARCE, MISS MARGARET YOUNG and' MISS CLARE NOLAN, members of the Crippled Children's Headquarters younger set who are helping to organise a "Summer Fiesta" to be held at the Park Inn, Narrabeen, on Saturday. A SUMMER FIESTA (1954, October 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6 (Women's Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18454088
AT the Summer Fiesta organised by the Headquarters Younger Set of the N.S.W. Society for Crippled Children at the Park Inn, Narrabeen, last night, the president of the younger set, Miss Beverly Grant, and the secretary, Miss Betty Hepworth, were joint hostesses. Social News, Gossip (1954, October 24). The Sun-Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1954), p. 57. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12647588
Miss Doris Fitton will be guest speaker at a Melbourne Cup party which the Collaroy-Pittwater branch of Torch Bearers for Legacy will give at the Park Inn Golf Club, Narrabeen, on Monday at 1.30 p.m. Details from Mrs. J. Bladon at XW5432. Night and Day (1954, October 26). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 51 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229219034
Miss Doris Fitton was guest speaker at an afternoon tea party given by the president, Mrs. J. Bladon, and members of the committee of the Collaroy-Pittwater branch of Torch Bearers for Legacy at the Park Inn Golf Club, Narrabeen. Cup Parties With Tea Yesterday (1954, November 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18448023
BEVERLEY TAYLOR, a member of the Scots College Younger Set, which is organising the Park Inn Paddle, an informal party to be held on Friday at the Park Inn, Narrabeen. Barbara Still, FM4317, has tickets. People AND Plans (1954, December 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 59 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232000252
There was a lot happening in Narrabeen in 1956. In January a Junior Red Cross camp was held. Anthony Hordern senior and a radio 'star' called Bob Dyer were catching huge bronze whaler sharks off the beach. Tragically a 9 year old boy from Macpherson street, Edward Burns, lost his life in the lagoon through drowning. Mrs. Elizabeth Hutchinson, 47, of Wimbledon ave., North Narrabeen, drowned 100 yards from where this boy was lost a week later.
In February floodwaters sent rats into homes and people sheltered in halls and the 'Park Inn'. Later that same month a years long battle by members of the Wheeler family to stop their land being taken was lost:
Land can be resumed for veterans
Resumption of land by the N.S.W. Government for a war veterans' home, was upheld by the Full High Court yesterday. The Court rejected an argument by the owners of the land, at Narrabeen, that the resumption was not for a public purpose. The owners, Alice Ann Wheeler and Alan George Wheeler, claimed that the Government had exceeded its powers in declaring a war veterans' home a public service. The Court ruled that the Minister who sanctioned the resumption of the land, had the power to declare that the acquisition was for a public purpose. Land can be resumed for veterans (1956, February 24). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72537842
Land was also being resumed for a high school at North Narrabeen:
NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS ACT, 1932, AS AMENDED.
IT is hereby notified and declared by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, that so much of the land described in the Schedule hereto as is Crown land is hereby appropriated and so much of the said land as in private property is hereby resumed, under the Public Works Act, 1912, as amended, for the following public purpose, namely, a Secondary School at NARRABEEN NORTH, and that the said land is vested in the Minister of Public Instruction as Constructing Authority on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
Dated this fifteenth day of August, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-six.
K. W. STREET, Lieutenant-Governor. By His Excellency's Command,
R.J. HEFFRON, Minister of Public Instruction.
The Schedule.
All that piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement 6 acres, be the same more or less, situated at North Narrabeen, in the county of Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, being a strip of land, 100 feet wide, adjoining the left bank of Mullet or Main Creek and extending from the north-western boundary of an area of 38 acres 2 roods 16 perches, shown on plan catalogued Ms. 11,903 Sv. in the Department of Lands, in a south-easterly direction to the north-western and western sides of Pittwater-road. NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS ACT, 1932, AS AMENDED. (1956, August 24). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2430. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220389710
Warringah Shire Council was also resuming land all over the peninsula under the Cumberland County Council scheme, from Palm Beach to Dee Why, all of them for recreation.
Penrith polo people were coming east for games:
Penrith Polo-Crosse Club
(By "Trix")
Two teams from Penrith will journey to Kuring-gai field at Narrabeen next Sunday. Players are asked to be at the Showground by 9 a.m. The teams are as follows: A: 1, Mrs. J. McAuley; 2, Miss T. Sullivan; 3, Mrs. K. Coggins. 1, Mr. T. East; 2, Mr, P. Bolger; 3, Mr. G. Roots. B: 1, Mr. A. Wood; 2, Mr. s. Hudson; 3, Mrs. S. Hudson. 1, Mr. J. McAuley; 2, Mr. R. Fitzgerald; 3, Mr. A. East. Hills District were only able to bring over one team last Sunday; the results being, Penrith 32 goals, Hills District, 16 1/2 goals. Hills District is a new club, with mostly young players, and they played very well. Penrith Polo-Crosse Club (1956, April 26). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101357104
They were back next year too:
Next Sunday the Brownlock trophy will be played for at Kuring-Gai's field at North Narrabeen. A team from Penrith will be sent to represent the club. Players are to see the captain for time of leaving showground and team selection. POLOCROSSE (1957, August 22). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101363883
Polocrosse
(By "Trix")
Although last Sunday was not a pleasant day Penrith club travelled to Narrabeen to take part in the Brownlock trophy. Showers marred the morning's play but the afternoon turned out much better. Kuring-Gai played off the final of the Brownlock trophy with Burradoo whom they defented easily.
Penrith has added yet another cup to their wins this year by winning the beaten teams' cup. The field was in very bad condition, after the day's play but Penrith easily defeated Killara B after giving them six goals start. Practice will be as usual next. Sunday play to commence about 1.30 p.m.. Polocrosse (1957, August 29). Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101363983
Polocrosse is a goal game combining elements of polo, lacrosse, and netball played by teams of six players mounted on horseback and using a sponge rubber ball and a stick with a head like that of a cross and a handle and shaft like those of a polo stick. More here: https://www.polocrosse.org.au/
In 1956 the first 'Outward Bound' event was held at Narrabeen:
THE ROAD TO SOMEWHERE
At many periods in history youth has been seemingly confused as to its ultimate objective. But never more so, perhaps, than during the last decade. The general tendency of youth not to know where it s going has led to an increasing choice of wrong outlets for its natural craving for color and excitement. At worst, this has led to actual delinquency, less harmfully, to the cult of the fast motor-bike, milk-bar braggadocio, and similar outward forms of misdirected energy.
England has already taken a step to-wards turning the forces of youth in a positive direction with its "Outward Bound" Trust, whose patron is the Duke of Edinburgh. The Trust's four schools, with programmes of junior commando activities and accent on character building, seek to reassure boys that they have somewhere to go.
They are outward bound for adult life, with its rewards for the fit, the courageous, and the able.
Australia's first "Outward Bound'' school will be held at Narrabeen, N.S.W., later this year. It will last a little more than three weeks, and 100 boys in their late teens will attend.
Results in England suggest that this could be the beginning of a movement of inestimable value in stemming the alarming figures of the 20(K) young men between the ages of 16 and 24 whom Australia sends to gaol each year.
If the Narrabeen school is successful in proving to its pupils that there is a more rewarding form of toughness than what is at the end of the milk-bar trail, it will have made a valuable beginning. It will then be up to Australians with a social conscience to put their hand in their pockets and see that this salvage of the inexpendabie material of youth is carried on.THE ROAD TO SOMEWHERE (1956, July 25). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41492122
And the resident fairy penguin colonies of Turimetta, Narrabeen and Long Reef were 'doing their thing':
When summer comes . . .
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HE MUST go down to the sea again, the lonely sea and the sky- but only for dinner. This hungry little chap couldn't wait for the rest of the flock that gathers for a nightly 3 a.m. party on the beach. Then they return to their nests to sleep all day.
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HOUSING TROUBLES begin, at Mrs. E. Whittaker warns off a mother bird for squatting with its young beside her shed. But (inset) the penguin family sits tight till ready to vacate.
PENGUINS at the bottom of their garden
Spring comes with a difference to the gardens of waterfront homes in Ocean Street, Narrabeen, north of Sydney. It brings flocks of fairy penguins-the smallest of the breed-sauntering in from the sea to take up residence for their nesting season. As daytime guests they're welcome, but at nightfall they head down to the sea for food-making noises that keen everyone else awake, too. They stay for a few months.
HUNTING for invaders under the house, this family is helped by neighbors. Householders have tried fencing and boarding around their houses, but still the penguins come to nest each year. SIGNAL'S RIGHT, but the bus speeds on. For most people in Ocean Street, Narrabeen, the penguin novelty has worn off. They would rather have their sleep, which the birds' din disturbs. The noises vary from "woo-woo" to loud dog-like barks.
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THE MAN who came to dinner takes it for granted he's welcome as Mr. W. Gillanty greets him. Residents, particularly light sleepers, now have to resign themselves to a trying time while the penguins, which are protected, are in charge. PENGUINS at the bottom of their garden (1956, December 12). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41852332
There's a celebrated drawing by American humorist James Thurber which bears the caption: "We have cats the way some people have mice." The residents of Ocean St., Narrabeen, near Sydney, have penguins the way some people have mice. The difference is that the penguins are protected.
Ron Berg's photographs in this issue show the picturesque side of this summertime invasion highly entertaining to outsiders. However, as we are not wired for sound, we can't bring you the noise the penguins make. This is considerable, and causes residents to take a rather jaundiced view of the wild life at their doorsteps. Our cover: (1956, December 12). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41852287
The Narrabeen RSL Recreational & Memorial Club
August 13th, 1965 advertisement
November 5th, 1965 advertisement
On August 4th 1962 Patrick BERNARD McCauley passed away aged 93. His wife of decades, Evelyn, another Narrabeen girl, had passed the year before him. He witnessed Narrabeen as paddocks and marshlands and women dressed in neck to toes dresses then seeing the 'new fashions' worn in the pool built at the 'Park In'. Born in the country, he maintained those links with rural decency.
That he was willing to make this place the place for service personnel readily available after the North Narrabeen building was burned. Mr. McCauley arrived in the early 1920's when so many young men were returning home looking for some comfort, solace and work and to 'get on with their lives' and he would have been among those who helped them. He built in Narrabeen, farmed in Narrabeen, witnessed two world wars and the aftermath.
He liked constructing BIG NEW buildings. It's more than likely that ex-servicemen met at the Royal Narrabeen Hotel when he ran it and he may even have had a hand in that large building that was once beside the North Narrabeen SLSC, research shows that he did invest in constructing buildings he would never use and had insurance for them should fire or some other mishap occur.
His son grew up seeing these men attend the solemn ceremony at the cenotaph each year, always dressed in suits even though they may have been covered in mud earlier, honouring their mates, and would have seen how they strived to help others despite visible and invisible wounds.
Although his family had had some luck finding gold in the 1880's, it was owning and working in hotels and buying land and working hard that enabled this family to do so much for the community and do so without enormous fanfare - which is still the purer essence of Narrabeen and Narrabeen people today; getting on with it, revelling in the natural beauty of the place they live in without frills or noses in the air, helping each other without having to be asked, like we do in the country areas so dignity is maintained and too heavy burdens eased long enough to exhale.
And that too is what most people 'feel' when they visit the Narrabeen RSL in its current form along the old Nareen Parade track and proves what I've been singing for decades now - you can take the boy/girl/land out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.
Ronald Bernard McCauley passed away June 9th, 2016, aged 89 years, his wife Joan passing before him. His tribute reads;
Strong willed and of sound mind to the end. Dedicated to his family, Joan (deceased), Merryn, Kim, Hannah and Kate.
Privately cremated.
You will remain in our hearts forever Ronnie.
Warringah Shire Council records show that the Narrabeen Sub-Branch &R.&.S.&A.I.L.A, (dated 25/7/57) is applying for permission to sell Lucky Numbers at Narrabeen Terminus on Friday and Saturday of each week, pointing out their heavy responsibilities in maintaining the Branch premises and in assisting distressed Ex-servicemen. Council Resolved that permission would be granted on Saturday morning of each week.
On March 6th, 1964 the R.S.S. & A.I.L.A. Narrabeen Sub Branch are requesting permission to hold their annual Anzac Memorial March and Commemorative Service on 19th April, 1964 to commence at Narrabeen 'Bus Terminus at 2.15 p.m. and proceed to Narrabeen War Memorial where the Service will be held at approximately 2.30 p.m., and extending an invitation to councillors and their husband/Wives to attend and join them at the Narrabeen R.S.L. Memorial House after the Service.
Narrabeen RSL magazine in 1972 showing bowling greens. Cover courtesy Wally Bowles
Narrabeen RSL in 1989 showing original 'Park Inn' cabaret and restaurant wing
Narrabeen RSL in 2019
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Narrabeen Cenotaph and RSL History Resaerch Notes.pdf Size : 2289.956 Kb Type : pdf |
A reminder that WW1 must have been kept in the forefront of the memories of those that resided there, and that this had taken place during the Boer war period too. Even during WW2 the Narrabeen area was used as a training place:
N.S.W. Field Artillery. FIRING EXERCISES NEAR NARRABEEN.
(See illustrations on this page.) The Field Artillery of New South Wales last month formed a camp near Narrabeen, on the road from Manly to Broken Bay, with the object of giving officers and men some practical work in the shape of range and competitive firing. The camp was formed on June 7, and three days later was occupied by the A battery of Permanent Artillery. This battery was in camp continuously for more than a week. The partially-paid batteries also took part in the exercises, but only to the extent of one whole-day parade. B battery (partially-paid) went into camp on June 12, when both gunners and .drivers were given a day of sound work at drill and firing. C battery (partially-paid) were put through similar exercises on June 19. The A battery, (permanent), of course, had daily drills during the period they were camped.
The officers at the camp were as follow: A battery (permanent)-Lieutenant-Colonel H. P. Airey, D.S.O., in charge; Lieutenant E. A. Antill, adjutant, B.D.F.A. ; Lieutenant Christian, B.D.F.A.; Brigade Sergeant-major H. Coleman; Brigade Quartermaster-sergeant Rauchle. B battery, (partially-paid)-Major R. M. S. Wells, and Lieutenants J. H. Plunkett, J. H. Schwabe, V. Airey, and C. Griffiths. C battery (partially paid)- Captains Lenehan and Anderson, and Lieutenants E. A. Pearce, Flannery, and H. G. Shaw.
The chief umpire was Colonel S. C. TJ. Smith, R.A. (commanding N.S.W. Artillery Forces), and the assistant umpires were Lieutenant-Colonel H. V. Savage and Captain Le Mesurier. Major Bridges acted as instructor to the camp, and Lieutenant J. Mair as range officer. A detachment of the Medical Staff Corps, under Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel Dansey, was also on duty.
Field Artillery Exercises-Long Range Firing by the N.S.W. Brigade Division.
* (FROM PHOTOGRAPHS BY 'IMHO CHOWN STUDIOS, SYDNEY.)
Ready for Action.
"B" Battery Firing.
After the Firing.-The Umpires Comparing Notes. N.S.W. Field Artillery. (1897, July 3). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 32. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71275301
GENERAL MOVEMENTS
The 1st and 2nd Anti-Aircraft Batteries recently completed their annual training camp at Narrabeen, firing practice with the three-inch guns being carried out for three days. A day's light automatic practice with the co-operation of the Royal Australian Air Force from Richmond was held in the Narrabeen area, the gunners firing at targets towed by the planes. The 1st Anti-Aircraft Battery took part in the celebrations, and also in the march through the streets the anti-aircraft guns, manned by the Anti-Aircraft Cadre of the Royal Australian Artillery, were on view. MILITARY NOTES (1938, February 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 22 (MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231114030
Anti-aircraft practice, Narrabeen, 26 January 1938 – Item No.: a235062h, from Album Hood Collection part II : [Military: including Army, Air Force, World War I & II, artillery, tanks, parades, farewells, recreation; paramilitary (Guides, Red Cross, etc.), military tattoos], courtesy State Library of New South Wales
- TROVE - National Library of Australia
- Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - Narrabeen
- Furlough House, Narrabeen – Restful Sea Breezes For Children And Mothers
Narrabeen's Community Hall
On October 13, 2018 Council had a great opening for the newly refurbished Tramshed Arts and Community Centre next to Berry Reserve at Narrabeen, stating in their announcement that the origins of the community centre go back to the 1950s when the construction of Berry Hall was partly funded by a generous donation from the Booklovers Club. As seen in the 1931 use of Liberty Hall for veterans, funding a free library for book lovers was part of what they did as well.
A few years ago this story was found and saved and it too points to a love of books associated with the Narrabeen tram terminus and surrounds a few years on from that 1931 project:
SYDNEY GIRL'S REMARKABLE COURAGE.
Faces Life's Problems With a Smile.
BEGAN BUSINESS WITH CAPITAL OF £1.
AT Pittwater Road, Narrabeen tram terminus, next to the spot where the trees hang over two white benches, is a tiny shop with a notice outside reading, "Family Library." It must be the smallest library in Australia. It could hardly be any smaller; but the spirit behind it is grand.
EIGHTEEN years ago a girl of six living at Deewhy was stricken with Infantile paralysis. She recovered, but lost the use of an arm and leg, and grew up to be a cripple. Her name Is Edna Edwards. Mr, Edwards had a small business at Deewhy. Edna was his second daughter, Gladys being her senior by one year. Two boys carne later.
When Edna was 16 her father died, and Mrs. Edwards had to set to and help her eldest daughter support the family. Handicapped though she was, Edna felt her responsibility towards her young brothers and her mother. She also tried to earn a living, and succeeded, as far as she was able, doing domestic work.
Training.
WHEN she turned 21 she applied for the invalid pension, not because she wanted to avoid work, but because she wanted to try and gel training for something. With the help of the New South Wales Society for Crippled Children she went to technical college. She took domestic science and, later, ticket-writing. But she found herself handicapped in both these fields.
Anxious to become self-supporting, and realising the burden her mother was carrying, Edna thought hard about her future. She decided that, as she liked reading so much, she would try to start a library. The point was-how to do li, without any money and without any books?
Library-Rent Free.
AGAIN the Society for Crippled Children came to her help, and arranged for her to do a course of training at the Manly Literary Institute. Armed with this practical experience in library work, she again set about achieving her ambition. It happened that one of her brothers had been working for a bootmaker at Deewhy who had a branch office at Narrabeen. The branch office was a very small shop where orders were taken.
Edna came to an arrangement with the boot-maker to look after his Narrabeen shop, and take his orders, if he would let her start her library there rent free. People had begun to hear about her ambition by now, so there were several friends who gave her books to start the library. Eighteen months ago she began with 400 books in the bootmaker's shop. Her sole capital was her pension of £1 a week, her gentle eyes, her merry smile, and her stout heart.
The day she started she received a letter from the Pensions Department telling her that she had been reported well enough to work, and that her pension was being stopped.
The Society for Crippled Children helped her to apply for an extension of the pension to allow her to get on her feet. This was granted for a period of six months, and Edna set to, as hard as she could go, to build up her library.
A Setback.
THE next setback she had was when the bootmaker, whose shop she used, decided to go somewhere else. This meant she had to take on the rent of the shop. But Edna is one of those dauntless young people who cannot be kept down. She still smiled and carried on. She moved from her home at Deewhy, and went to live with a friend at Collaroy, to save fares. Every penny counts when you try to start a business on nothing.
To-day, if you visit this library, as everybody who needs a tonic should do, you will find a soft-eyed girl behind the counter, who will smile at you brightly as though she did not have a care in the world.
She is optimistic about her prospects because business is increasing. She has got a thousand books now, and her clientele is steadily growing. People like to deal with her; they get something from her besides her books.
Appeal for £40,000.
THE story of Edna Edwards is a simple one of courage and perseverance. It is also an Illustration of the way the New South Wales Society for Crippled Children helps disabled children to take a part in life as useful citizens when they grow up.
This week an appeal for £40,000 to help the society in its valuable work has been launched by the Rotary Club of Sydney. To start the ball rolling, one Rotarian, Mr. Andrew Reid, has given £10,000.
The story of EDNA EDWARDS is a simple one of courage and perseverance. Here she is in her library. Inset, Miss Edwards smiles at the world.
SYDNEY GIRLS REMARKABLE COURAGE. Faces Life's Problems With a Smile. (1938, April 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3 (Women's Supplement). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17453987
Warriewood Memorial for the fallen - a shelter
D. F. Gibson Memorial Fund Committee, 21/11/44, advising that a Memorial in honour of the men from the Warriewood district who have fallen in the war is being erected in the form of a bus shelter at the corner of Macpherson and Garden Streets, Warriewood; that the total cost to date has exceeded the amount covered by the voluntary contributions from residents, and requesting the Council, to provide the lighting for the Memorial. Resolved, --That the Council agree to install the lighting, as recommended by the 'Electricity commission
Veterans Listed on this Memorial, all killed in action:
Rank Given Name Family Name Conflict/s Fate Service No. Service Campaign Link
D F Gibson World War 2 KIA AIF
K Hadley World War 2 KIA RAAF
F W Headford World War 2 KIA AIF
V W Hearne World War 2 KIA RAN
H M F Howlett World War 2 KIA AIF
Warriewood War Memorial Shelter Committee, 21/8/1946 requesting Council to install a bubbler and tap near the recently erected shelter at the corner of Macpherson and Garden Streets, and offering £5.6.1, being the balance of the money held by the shelter Committee, towards the cost. Resolved, - That the offer be accepted and the work carried out at the estimated cost of £15 the Works Committee to select the site for the bubbler.
Patrick Bernard McCauley - Notes
Born in Londonderry, Londonderry, Ireland on 1833 to Bernard McCauley and Cecicilia McCawly. Robert McCauley married Margaret Heffernan and had 11 children. He passed away on 22 Jan 1915 in Currowan, The Clyde Shire, New South Wales, Australia.
Robert McCauley family tree
Parents: Bernard Mccauley 1784 - 1858, Cecicilia Mccawly 1808 - 1885
Mrs. McCauley who passed away on Sunday week, came to reside at Wollongong forty-five years ago, with her husband, the late Mr. Bernard McCauley. Shortly after their arrival from the old country, Mr. McCauley erected the Harp Inn, in Corrimal-street, and established the hotel business that has been carried on so successfully there ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard McCauley were well and favourably known to all the old residents of Illawarra. The former, however died in 1858, at the age of 72 years. Since
then Mrs. McCauley led a quiet, unobtrusive life, residing from time to time with one and another of her family. Of late she lived with Mr. A. Beatson, of this town, whose respected wife is a daughter of the deceased ; as also is Mrs. Davis, for many years the popular hostess
of the Harp Inn, already referred to.
Though feeble of late years, she remained fairly active until within a week before her death, when she became prostrated, as if by paralysis, her ripe old age, 83 years, having exhausted all her physical powers. Her remains were buried on Monday afternoon, in the Roman Catholic cemetery, beside those of her late husband, the Rev. Father Carroll officiating.—Ill. Mercury. News and Notes. (1885, June 10). The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern Coast Advertiser (NSW : 1865 - 1899), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110308619
ILLAWARRA STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY.
AT A PUBLIC MEETING held at Mr. Robert Osborne's, Wollongong, on the 22nd July, for the purpose of forming a Steam Navigation Company, W. D. MEARES Esq., J. P., in the Chair, the following Resolutions, were unanimously agreed to :—
1. That it is essential to the interests of Illawarra, that a Steam Navigation Company be formed, to be called the Illawarra Steam Navigation Company, with a capital of £7000, in 1400 shares, of £5 each.
2. That a Paddle Boat of proper construction, capacity, and power, be obtained by the Company, and that the management and control be conducted and carried on in Wollongong
3. That the following gentlemen be requested to act as a Provisional Committee, to carry into effect the foregoing resolutions ; to prepare a Prospectus, and to transact all other necessary business.
Henry Osborne, Esq.,M.L.C. Alick Osborne, Esq., M.L.C. William Yates, Esq. Mr. Robert Haworth, Charles Newenham, Esq. Mr. Evan Evans Mr. John Cawley, Charles Throsby Smith, Esq., J.P. William D. Meares. Esq., J.P. Frederick R. Cole, Esq. Thomas Atcheson, Esq. Mr. Bernard McCauley.
With power to add to their number.
BANKERS,
The Commercial Banking Company.
4. That a share list be immediately opened, and the Meeting invited to take shares.
(Upwards of 200 shares were subscribed for in the room.)
PROSPECTUS. It is proposed,
1. That a Paddle-boat Steamer, of between 110 and 130 tons, suited to the trade of the District, be purchased, the head quarters and chief management to be in Wollongong.
2. That until after the 1st of October, none but residents, or those having property in the District, shall be allowed to take Shares, or to hold more than fifty, after which time the limit of fifty may be in-creased, and the privilege to hold shares be extended to non-residents.
3. That each Shareholder shall have one vote for one share, two for each five shares up to twenty, and after twenty an additional vote for each ten shares ; but no Share-holder shall have more than twenty votes. 4. That all votes for the election of Directors shall be in writing, signed by the Share-holder.
5. That the Meetings of Shareholders shall be held half-yearly, of which due notice will be given by the Directors.
6. A deposit of £1 per share, to be paid on the shares being allotted, and the balance (or such portions of it) as may be required, when called for by the Directors, of which not less than fourteen days' notice will be given.
7. That six clear days' notice of intention to transfer, to whom, the number of the re-ceipt or scrip and the number of shares, shall be given in writing to the Secretary. 8. A receipt, stating the number of Shares, amount paid, and payable, will be issuable to each Shareholder, signed by the Chair-man when the Shares shall have been allotted.
9. A scrip will be issued for each share, when the full amount shall have been paid.
10. That the Capital and all other moneys shall be lodged in the Bank of the Company.
11. That no payments shall be made without a vote of the Provisional Committee or of the Directors ; each order for payment to be signed by the Chairman, by order of the Provisional Committee, or of the Di-rectors, as the case may be.
12. That the Books of the Company shall be open for the inspection of Shareholders, on the first Tuesday in every month, on payment of Two Shillings and Sixpence each.
13. That no Shareholder shall have a right or claim to have his produce or goods shipped before another, in consequence of his hold-ing a larger number of Shares.
14. That when the Provisional Committee shall have allotted the Shares, a Meeting of the Shareholders shall be convened to elect Directors.
15. That the Directors shall consist of seven Shareholders, who shall, at the time of election and during office, be residents of the District, and be possessed of not less than ten Shares, and that two (2) with the Chairman be a quorum.
16. A Charter of Incorporation, to limit the liability of Shareholders to the amount of their respective Shares, will be applied for.
Circumstances but too well known, seriously affecting the interests of the Shippers and of the District, have rendered it essential to those interests, that a Steamer be provided for the District, to be managed by Local Directors.
Irrespective of the circumstances alluded to, it is both reasonable and legitimate that those by whom a Steamer is principally supported, should reserve to themselves the profits created by their labour, their skill, and their capital.
The motive for raising the capital in £5 Shares is, that the shippers of every rank, class, and degree, and all who have an interest in the welfare of the District, may reap their legitimate portion of the profits, which their labour and enterprise so largely produce, AND THAT THERE MAY BE NO MONOPOLY.
The advantage of having the management in Wollongong is, that the shippers or passengers shall have one local body to address, with some certainty of being attended to, and that there shall be a well regulated system of management, and a scale of charges, equitable to the shipper and profitable to the Shareholder.
Experience has proved that there is no safer investment, especially as the profits arising from the freights and general traffic will be the property of, and principally expended in, the district.
If the will of each be but equal to his ability, there will be no difficulty whatever in procuring a steamer.
What you do, do quickly ; and when done, let it be well done. Wollongong, July 29th, 1852.
Form of Application For Shares.
To the Provisional Committee of the Illawarra
Steam Navigation Company.
Office, Market-square, Wollongong.
Gentlemen, - I request you will allot me
shares, of £5 each, in the above Company, which I hereby agree to accept, or any less number you may please to allot me, and to pay a deposit of £1 per share, and the balance when required, and to hold myself bound by the terms and conditions published in the Prospectus of the Company.
Name in full Address
Usual signature.
Dated day of 1852. Advertising (1852, September 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12939706
GOLD AT BROULEE.—We have been favoured by Mr. B. McCauley with the following extract of a letter from his son, dated Currowan, 12th instant, relative to the recent gold discoveries at Broulee:—"We have been at the Creek (Currowan), and found gold. During last week, we sunk five holes, and found gold in all of them; but from the quantity of water in the creek, I think it can't be worked for some time yet. I have heard from Mogo Creek (five miles north from Broulee, and three from Bateman's Bay); all are doing well; there have been nuggets found as large as beans, and weighing half-an-ounce.—Illawarra Mercury. The Sydney Morning Herald. (1857, September 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13000871
MARRIAGE. By license, on the 12th instant, by the Rev. Mr. Sumner, at the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Wollongong, Mr. James Murry, eldest son of Mr. Charles Murry, Darling Forest, Ulladulla, to Anne, second daughter of Mr. Bernard McCauley, innkeeper, Wollongong. Family Notices (1855, June 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12970991
St. Vincent, lot 3.
188. Bernard M'Cauley, 2 acres 2 roods 11 perches, ditto, lot 38.
189. Ditto, 3 acres, ditto, lot 39.
190. Ditto, 2 acres 3 roods 24 perches, ditto, lot 40.
191. Ditto, 4 acres 1 rood 22 perches, ditto, lot
192. Ditto, 4 acres 6 perches, ditto, lot 42. TITLE DEEDS. (1852, March 9). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 418. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230658278
Robert's Spouse(s) Margaret Heffernan 1841 - 1925, Margaret Ann Jirrawich Nixon 1848 - 1896, Mary Ann 'Currowan Aborigine' 1843 - 1888
Children
Annie Mccauley 1858 - 1943
Robert John Mccauley 1871 - 1950
Patrick Bernard Mccauley 1869 - 1962
Anne Frances Mccawley 1875 - 1951
Marcella Margaret Mccauley 1881 - 1963
Edward Eddie Mccawley 1867 - 1958
Katherine Mccawley 1884 - 1975
Mary Edith Mccauley 1877 - Unknown
Ellen Frances Mccawley 1875 - 1965
Charles Vincent Mccawley 1876 - 1928
Margaret Ann Mccauley 1859 - 1926
Robert McCauley 1833-1915 - Born in Londonderry, Londonderry, Ireland on 1833 to Bernard McCauley (Convict?) and Cecicilia ... Bernard Mccauley (Convict?) ... Patrick Bernard Mccauley.
DEATHS. McCAULEY.— January 22, at his residence, Currowan, Nelligen, Clyde River, Robert McCauley, senr., dearly beloved husband of Margaret McCauley, and father of P. B. McCauley, Bondi Junction. — R.I.P. Family Notices (1915, February 18). The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), p. 28. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105002465
MR. R. McCAULEY, SENR., CURROWAN.
The death of Mr. Robert McCauley, senr., of Currowan, Nelligen, Clyde River, on the 22nd January, removed one of the best known citizens in that part of the State. Deceased was a generous and active worker in all Catholic movements, and his death means a great loss to the community. Mr. McCauley was born in Moville, County Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1832, and was in his 83rd year. He arrived in New South Wales with this parents 80 years ago, when they settled at Wollongong.
Mr. Robert McCauley, senr., Currowan.
Some years later they went to Broulee, where they kept the first hotel in that part of the South Coast. Returning to Wollongong, they purchased the Harp Inn Hotel from Mr. H. Osborne. After twenty years, Mr. McCauley, with his brothers and sister (the late Mrs. James Murray, of Rissmore, Conjola), went to the Clyde River district, where he remained until his death. In all matters which were for the promotion of the welfare of the district the valued services of Mr. McCauley were largely sought after. He acted on many occasions as judge in various competitions connected with the local shows, and, during election periods, he filled the position of Deputy Returning Officer for many years.
Deceased left a family of nine children. The sons are E. McCauley (Tingha), R. and V. McCauley (Currowan), P. B. McCauley (Bondi), and the daughters —Mrs. M.J. Byrne (Coraki), Mrs. Pollock (Brushgrove), Mrs. Taylor (Harris Park), Miss E. McCauley, and Miss Mollie McCauley. (Currowan). One brother is still living— Mr. Charles McCauley, who is 81 years, and resides at Ryan's Creek, near Nelligen. During his illness Mr. McCauley was spiritually attended by the Rev. Father Cassidy. The funeral, which took place on 23rd January, was the largest ever seen in the district. The remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at Nelligen.—R.I. P. MR. R. M'CAULEY, SENR., CURRAWON. (1915, February 11). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115307663
NSW BDM's died: MCCAULEY PATRICK BERNARD 21935/1962 Parents: ROBERT MARGARET MARRICKVILLE
NRS-13660-42-17742-Series 4_552706 | Patrick Bernard McCauley - Date of Death 04/08/1962, Granted on 01/02/1963
BANCO COURT BURRAGORANG CASE BARRALLIER: In the Banco Court, before. Mr. Justice James and a jury, Patrick Bernard McCauley, of Burragorang, sued Paul Burton, of Burragorang , to recover money said to have been advanced by the plaintiff on the settlement of the transfer of a hotel property to the defendant. The defendant did not deny indebtedness, but set up pleas of misrepresentation, and under the Moratorium Act. Defendant did not appear in court to support these pleas, and, by direction, the jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for £132/10/ . BANCO COURT (1931, July 1). Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 - 1940), p. 2 (DAILY and EVENING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99777428
McCAULEY—ATKINS.—July 20, at St. Bede's, Drummoyne, Patrick Bernard second son of R McCauley, of Currowan, Clyde River, to Evelyn Mary, eldest daughter of Edward Atkins, jun., Eulalie, Drummoyne. Family Notices (1904, August 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14623568
McCAULEY—ATKINS.— July 20, at St. Bede's, Drummoyne, Patrick Bernard McCauley to Evelyn Mary Atkins. Family Notices (1904, August 31). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 573. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164909161
Children:
MCCAULEY HAROLD RONALD 2272/1910 PATRICK B EVELYN M BURWOOD - Jack Lang's secretary in 1934?
MCCAULEY EILEEN E 28327/1912 PATRICK B EVELYN M DRUMMOYNE
MCCAULEY MURIEL N 10272/1907 PATRICK B EVELYN M SYDNEY - died 1907
MCCAULEY ROBERT BERNARD 1927 - PATRICK B EVELYN M - NARRABEEN
Girls marriages:
14396/1940 GALL JOHN to MCCAULEY EILEEN ELWIN at SYDNEY
A DRESS of pale pink brocade with a pearl embroidered bodice and bouffant skirt was worn by Miss Joan Spies at her marriage at St. Clement': Church, Mosman, to Mr Ronald McCauley. The bride is the only daughter of the late Mr. S Spies and of Mrs. H. Magill of Mosman. She was attended by Mrs. N. Turner. 'The bridegroom, who is the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. P. McCauley, of Narrabeen, was attended by Mr Noel Turner. MARRIED YESTERDAY: Many Guests From Country (1954, March 7). The Sun-Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1954), p. 52. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28659613
LICENSING COURT.
At yesterday's sitting of the Metropolitan Licensing Court the following applications for the transfer of publicans' licenses were granted:— Royal Narrabeen Hotel, Narrabeen, from Maurice Garwood to Patrick Bernard McCauley … LICENSING COURT. (1922, April 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15999880
LICENSE TRANSFERS. The Licenses Reduction Board yesterday granted the following applications for the transfer of publicans' licenses.— From Robert Wade Hills to Patrick Bernard McCauley, Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, Botany; LICENSE TRANSFERS. (1929, April 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16547984
NRS-13012-1-[6/10293]-PA 25843 | Primary Application - Patrick Bernard McCauley, Narrabeen, Parish of Manly Cove, County of Cumberland, 14-04-1924 to 14-
NRS-17513-22-200-PA 25843 | Primary Application - Patrick Bernard McCauley 2 roods 9 perches in Pittwater Road & on Narrabeen Lagoon at Narrabeen in Parish Manly Cove County Cumberland Shire Warringah Volume 3734 Folio 75, 14-04-1924 to 11-06-1925
No. 25,843. Patrick Bernard McCauley, 2 r. 9 perches in Pittwater-rd., abt. 166 feet south-easterly fr. Narrabeen-st., on Narrabeen Lagoon. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1925, January 16). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 283. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223004887
NRS-12951-3-[17/9598]-29914 | Sunray Pty [Proprietary] Ltd [Limited] ,01-1950 to 01-1965
No. 24,969. Patrick Bernard McCauley. 1 a. 2 r. 3 ½ p., on Gosford-road; at Cockle-Ck. 1st Feb., 1924. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1923, December 28). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5988. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225145603
Land District Milton> Clyde Shire. Parish and town Currowan, county St. Vincents. Special Lease 1920-5. Portion Sp.L. Area, 18 acres 2 roods. Holder, Patrick Bernard McCauley. Rent, £6. [Leases 192649,857] REVERSAL OF FORFEITURE OF HOLDINGS. (1926, November 19). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4957. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223000029
[Notice under Section 11 of the Bankruptcy Act, 1898.]
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. (23,996)
IN BANKRUPTCY.
Re J. L. McMaugh, of Millewa-road, Narrabeen.
NOTICE is hereby given that a Sequestration Order has this day been made against the abovenamed bankrupt, on the petition of Patrick Bernard McCauley, and Mr. W. H. Palmer appointed to be the Official Assignee.—Dated at Sydney, this 11th day of April, 1924. N. C. LOCKHART, Registrar in Bankruptcy. IN BANKRUPTCY. (1924, April 17). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2059. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224631451
MEMORANDUM FOR REGISTRATION OF THE GOLDEN REEF MINING COMPANY (NO LIABILITY).
1. The name of the Company is to be the "Golden Reef Mining Company, No-Liability."
2. The first place of intended operations is near Moruya, in the parishes of Bergalia and Moruya, in the
State of New South Wales.
3. The first registered office of the Company will be situated at 201 Elizabeth-street, Sydney.
4. The value of the Company's intended property is three thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds (£3,750).
5. The amount of money at the credit of the Company or any persons on its. behalf is six hundred pounds (£600), and the total liability of the Company or which the Company is intended to assume or undertake is six hundred and fifty pounds (£650).
6. The nominal capital of the Company is nine thousand pounds (£9,000) in 90,000 shares of two shillings (2s.) each, of which 31,000 shares are to be issued as fully paid up.
7. The number of contributing shares subscribed for is twelve thousand.
8. The name of the Provisional Manager is Charles Oliver Beck, of No. 201 Elizabeth-street, Sydney.
9. Ten per centum of the contributing capital has been duly paid up in cash.
10. The only contract entered into on behalf of the Company is the following:—
Agreement dated the twelfth day of January, one
thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight, and made between John McReon of the one part and Charles Oliver Beck, as Trustee for the Company, of the other part.
Dated this 19th day of January, 1928.
The above are the statements verified by the Statutory Declaration made this nineteenth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight, by me,—
CHARLES O. BECK. Before me,—
R. W. Beck, J.P.
We, the persons whose names and addresses are subscribed, hereby apply tov register the Golden Reef Mining Company as a No-Liability Company.
Signatures, Addresses and Descriptions of Shareholders.
John McKeon, 23 Varna-st., Randwick, miner.
Patrick Bernard McCauley, hotelkeeper, Royal Narrabeen Hotel, Narrabeen.
William David Barnard, 91 Mount-street, North Sydney, dyer.
Ernest Albert Carr, Miller-street, Pvrmont, merchant.
Ernest Arthur Baker, 120 Awaba-street, Mosman, mine manager.
William Glanmore Jones, 20 Schoebe! -street, Marrickville, broker.
Charles Oliver Beck, 201 Elizabeth-street, Sydney, public accountant."
Dated this nineteenth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight.
Witness to all the above signatures,—
R. W. Beck, J.P., 110 The Boulevarde, Strathfield.
Declaration verifying Memorandum for Registration.
I, Charles Oliver Beck, of No. 201 Elizabeth-street, Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, accountant, do hereby solemnly declare and affirm that:—
I am the Provisional Manager of the said intended Company.
The above statements are to the best of my belief and knowledge true in every particular.
And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the pro, visions of the Oaths'Act, 1900.
Declared before me, this nineteenth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight.
CHARLES O. BECK. R. W. Beck, J. P., 110 The Boulevarde, Strathfield. MEMORANDUM FOR REGISTRATION OF THE GOLDEN REEF MINING COMPANY (NOLIABILITY). (1928, February 17). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 875. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223011073
Whole Sub-Branch Takes Digger Bonds
Nundle sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League is 100 per cent, behind the £50,000 appeal for homes for "burnt-out" war veterans. Every one of its 40 members has applied for one of the 6/ bonds prepared by the appeal committee. The bonds, not redeemable, were fixed at a face value of 6/ because that was the amount of pay per day Diggers were receiving at the end of the war. "The Diggers' way, the last day's pay," has been adopted as a slogan. The homes are to be erected at Legacy Park, Narrabeen. Donations may be sent to the honorary secretary (Mr. S. H. Stack), 424 George Street, Sydney. Whole Sub-Branch Takes Digger Bonds (1938, April 14). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247476720
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Narrabeen.
[FOR THE BULLETIN. ]
REAL ESTATE.
Arthur Rickard. and Co., Ltd., reports transactions for the week were up to expectations. There was a good volume of enquiry for every class of require-ment, particularly in residential lots. Buyers chose the outer suburbs, notably. Auburn, Bankstown, Guildford and Hurstville. At Kensington further good business was effected on the newly opened estate between Day-street and Kensington Park. Other lots were sold at Bondi Beach and Yerrinbool, on the southern highlands. The feature of the week was the sale of Beauty Point Estate, Mosman, which attracted considerable attention. Sales by auction and privately to date total about £9000. The firm will shortly submit the Nareen Estate, Narrabeen, water frontages, garden and camp blocks, and residential sites. REAL ESTATE. (1921, October 30). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123237746
Nareen Park - Narrabeen, 1921; Government Rd, Nareen Pde, Alleyne Pde, Powder Works Rd, Pittwater Rd. Item c050370035, courtesy State Library of NSW - Narrabeen Subdivisions folder
REAL ESTATE
Arthur Rickard and Co., Ltd., reports continued activity. The week ended whh very satisfactory results. 1 he return to normal weather helped considerably to swell completed business. In all branches inquiry was fully maintained, especially in the1 homesite department. The new model suburb, Poruco, at Toongabbie station, headed the list of selections. The demand for land there is incessant. At Turramurra, on the Adams estate, similar interest was manifested, good sales being recorded. Other suburbs contributing building lots were Bankstown, Clyde, Merrylands, and Mosman. Spirited inquiry has already set in for seaside blocks, and excellent business was effected at Beach Park, Cronulla, and Nareen Park, Narrabeen. Farmlets found buyers at Boscobel, Richmond. An interesting subdivision at Narrabeen, the Carefree estate, close to the water and the proposed new railway from Gordon to Narrabeen, will be placed upon the market almost immediately. Stanton and Son, Ltd., report the following sales for the week: Cottage, Haberfield, £1250 ; two shops, Redfem, £6750 ; pair of houses, Redfern, £800 ; bungalow, Bondi, £2250 ; building site, Alexandria, £850 ; brick cottage, Ashfield, £1400 ; brick cottage. Summer Hill, £1300 ; residence, Bellevue Hill, £4850. Next Tuesday Stanton and Son, Ltd., and Hardie and Gorman Pty., Ltd., will offer at auction 113 properties on behalf of Bakewell Bros., Ltd. These are terraces and shops in the prominent parts of Redfern, Camperdown, Darlington, Newtown, and Paddington. Five years' terms are offered. At their auction on August 22 Stanton and Son. Ltd., will offer several suburban properties. Mr. Richard Stanton, managing director of Stanton and Son, was on Wednesday elected president of the Real Estate Institute. REAL ESTATE (1922, August 13). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128208567
Warringah Shire Council records show the Meeting held on April 7th 1936 records: Re Camping on Nareen Park Estate, North Narrabeen, during holiday periods, as complained of by Narrabeen North Progress Association: Resolved; - That the planners of the subdivision be requested to erect notices prohibiting camping and damage to trees, etc, as recommended by the Inspector.
Narrabeen Lagoon aerial, from album Milton Kent aerial views of Bondi, Cronulla, Granville, Haberfield, Middle Harbour, Narrabeen, Mascot, Sydney, Sydney Harbour, Tempe, between 1926-1938, Item: c111660015, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales - and sections from to show details; NB - no Bridge from Ocean street across Lagoon present, and old Nth. NSLSC still on beach - so pre-1927 and showing the larger section now reclaimed where Wimbledon Avenue will be formed.
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Striking Aerial Views : Newcastle and Narrabeen
NARRABEEN, BETWEEN OCEAN AND LAKE. This fine strip of ocean beach runs from North Narrabeen through South Narrabeen to Collaroy (on the left). Narrabeen proper is situated on the peninsula in the centre of the picture. The main road from Manly to Newport, Avalon, and Palm Beach runs through the upper portion of Narrabeen, crossing the lake by the bridge, beyond which is seen a portion of low -lying land now being reclaimed. Striking Aerial Views : Newcastle and Narrabeen (1928, August 22). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158401835
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A SECTION OF THE NEW ROAD FROM NARRABEEN TO NEWPORT.
ANOTHER SECTION OF THE NARRABEEN-NEWPORT ROAD.
The trip from Sydney through Manly and Narrabeen to Newport and on to Palm Bead) is a very popular one. The scenery Is indescribably beautiful. A Good Road Performance (1928, November 14). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 47. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158404160
Collection of photographs relating to the Whetton family. circa 1923-24, Items FL15564591 and FL15564563 courtesy the State Library of Victoria.
