In these photos taken Sunday November 21st 1909 by car enthusiast and solicitor Arthur Wigram Allen, later involved in Bilgola Beach sales, you can see Snapperman Beach as it was when owned by Charles John Edward Forssberg but before other sections of this land had been purchased by John Ralston and become part of the Barrenjoey Land Company's subdivisions in 1912.
Description beneath photograph - 'A better view of the same beach'
During the 19th century, a few Europeans and Chinese lived at Snapperman Beach catching and drying fish, ergo the 'snapper man's beach' and earlier 'Chinamen's beach.
The landscape is flat alongside the estuary beach, supporting reports from the Hawkesbury River floods of earlier times that bequeathed the name 'Haystack Point' to the bank of land that projects into the Pittwater estuary at Newport, and one storm of June 24, 1867 that recounts of this location;
The sea at Barranjoey washed away the flower garden in front of the Chinamen's huts, taking soil and all, so that the beach comes close up to their door. There must have been awful havoc in the Hawkesbury, for all the beaches from Barranjoey to the Long Beach are strewn with fragments of houses, boxes, chairs, door frames, dead pigs, hay, wheat, broken bedsteads, weather-board sides of houses, oranges with large branches, pumpkins, melons, corn cobs, and other debris, that scarcely any portion of the beaches can be seen. Mr. Conolly picked up a workbox, in which was contained a number of receipts and letters directed to Mr. Moss, Windsor. The beaches on which are the debris is Barrenjoey, Whale Beach, Collins's Beach, Mick's Hollow Beach, Farrell's Beach, Mona Beach, and Long Beach, so it may be imagined the great extent of destruction. BROKEN BAY. (1867, June 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13144304
Ray Henman's photos, archived by William J Goddard just recently to support Ray's recounting of life and growing up at this location while his father had the Palm Beach Garage, shows how a combination of very high tides and creeks coming down the heights alongside the Snapperman flat can fill the land:
In Mr. Allen's photos no jetty nor structure mars the landscape, not even the 4th Barrenjoey School can be spotted - the boards and remnant foundations gone. The Barrenjoey Road, (road to Barrenjoey) as it was then, is rough, strewn with rocks and hardly suitable for horse and cart, let alone the new vehicles then becoming popular with those who could afford them in Sydney.
Accessing this end of Pittwater was still more an aquatic affair and adventure; locals commuted across the estuary by rowboat, fishing vessel, skiff, coaster, yacht and scull, not around it.
There were public or 'government' wharves at Church Point, Bayview, Newport, and Clareville serviced by steamers (ferries) carrying both people and produce to and from Pittwater. In 1912 the state government would proclaim these to be under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Warringah Shore Council, adding Careel Bay and Mackerel Beach.
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However, although at the Barrenjoey peninsula end of Pittwater only the Broken Bay Customs Station, 'neath Barrenjoey', had a wharf on Station Beach to access the deeper waters of the estuary so those aboard deeper draught vessels could access the shore, and those once stationed at the Customs Station and the Lighthouse could row out and monitor or inspect vessels mooring in the estuary or rush to save those caught up in challenges wrought by seas, this was a commonwealth wharf - and located too far north from where the Barrenjoey and Company had its first subdivisions of estuary, beachfront and hill view lots of land.
They needed their own wharf to give potential clients direct access onto the lands of the estate. By September 1911 the wharf had been built - and this would later become the first wharf for the public's use at Palm Beach - allowing them to step on to the land now called 'Palm Beach'.
'Barrenjoey Beach, Pittwater' 1912. Government Printing Office 1 - 12139 Item: FL2703347, courtesy NSW State Records and Archives
'View on Pittwater' [Pittwater (NSW) bays beaches] 1912; first wharf at Snapperman can be seen through the trees. Government Printing Office 1 - 12140, Item: FL2703035, courtesy NSW State Records and Archives
The First Palm Beach Public Wharf
In June 1911, just after the tramline to Brookvale opened, a group of businessmen registered the 'Barrenjoey Company', and led by John Ralston, succeeded in purchasing the Bassett-Darley Barrenjoey acreage. Some sources state they paid a whopping £500 - the proprietors apparently wanted at least £1900.00 but settled for what they could get:
Barrenjoey Company, Ltd, has been registered with a capital of £6000, In 120 shares of £50 each, the object being to purchase 410 acres of the Bassett Darley subdivision. The first directors are Messrs H. Wolstenholme, E T Jones, J T Ralston, J Young, and H R Nolan. NOTES AND COMMENTS. (1911, June 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15239859
They applied to install a jetty and later a swimming area, which was netted against sharks around this, which Warringah Shire council later required them to maintain and make available for students to use.
The lease, applied for in July, post-dates what had been installed by September:
TENDERS are invited to UNDERSCRUB about 30 to 40 acres of land at BARRENJOEY. Apply at Cottage, near new wharf, on the land, after 20th instant, or now to the Secretary, The Barrenjoey Co., Ltd., 1 Moore Street, City. Advertising (1911, September 22). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166925116
APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL LEASES
Attention is directed to the notification in the "Government Gazette" of this date of applications made for Special Leases, as hereunder mentioned. Any objections lodged in writing at this office on or before 13th December, 1911, or before the Local Land Board shall have concluded its inquiry at the hearing of the respective applications for such Special Leases, will be duly considered; and any objections lodged after that period will not be entertained.
ARTHUR SHARP. Chairman.
Applicant: THE BARRANJOEY COMPANY, Limited (S.L.), 11.7, Metropolitan). Locality: Pittwater, Parish of Narrabeen, County of Cumberland. Area: 32 perches; for wharf. Advertising (1911, November 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15290140
The length of 32 perches is 160.934 metres in today’s measurements – the wharf needed to extend to deep enough water, taking into account the low and high tides of an estuary.
APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.
The Barrenjoey Company (Limited). S.L. 1911-7, Metropolitan. Pittwater, parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland For: Wharf. Objections to be lodged by - 13th December, 1911. APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. (1911, December 6). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 6534. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226918390
Special lease applications: Barrenjoey Co.. Ltd., S.L. 11.7; recommended annual rental £3 LOCAL LAND BOARD. (1911, December 22). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239186973
And how many would be disembarking here on January 26th 1912?:
TO LIVERY STABLE PROPRIETORS, MOTOR CARS and TAXI CAR PROP.-TENDERS are invited for the Conveyance of about 100 to 150 people on January 26 next, from Manly Pier to Bayview, Pittwater, and return, leaving at 10 a.m., arriving at Bayview Wharf at 12; return at 5 p.m. Subsidy, 2s per bead each way. Tenders will be received up to December 4. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted THE BARRENJOEY CO., Ltd., 1 Moore-street. Advertising. (1911, December 1). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15293434
Although stated by early land owners to have been constructed by James Booth, no definitive records have been located to attest to these anecdotes.
These early lithographs show the position of the Palm Beach Wharf and the cottage just up the embankment from it. This cottage was later purchased and used by the Verrills family and moved across the road to the Barrenjoey House site - which had formerly and originally been owned by the Verrills. The site itself was then the site of a boatshed leading more directly onto the beach and wharf area - :
Barrenjoey - Palm Beach Estate - Pittwater - Barranjoey Rd 1912 - part of brochure. Item: c052700024, courtesy State Library of NSW
Barrenjoey - Palm Beach Estate - Pittwater - Barranjoey Rd 1912 - part of brochure. Item: c052700025, courtesy State Library of NSW
Barrenjoey - Palm Beach Estate - Pittwater - Barranjoey Rd 1912. Item c052700030, courtesy State Library of NSW - H. Wolstenholme, solicitor to the estate. Showing site of original wharf and cottage. Note the second 'proposed wharf' further down the Snapperman beach stretch towards Sandy Point.
The company shortly added a bathing place on the estuary and alongside the jetty. This was one of the first public baths on the Pittwater estuary:
Department of Lands, Sydney; 30th January. 1913 Extension of Term of APPLICATION FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE. It is hereby notified for general information that an application by the Barrenjoey Company, Ltd., has been received for a Special Lease for a bathing place, under the provisions of the 89th Section of the Crown Lands Act of 1884, of 1 rood 20 perches, Parish of Narrabeen, County of Cumberland, at Pittwater, north of, and adjoining the Special Lease for Wharf of the Barrenjoey Company, Limited, on frontage of portion 18 of 400 Acres. Any objections will receive due consideration, if lodged in writing with the Metropolitan District Surveyor, on or, before the 5th March. 1913. (6b-3S9)_J. L. TREFLE. Advertising. (1913, February 15). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15398401
First Palm Beach wharf at Snapperman Beach North end - the Barrenjoey Company wharf in 1913. Note the meshed swimming area. Photo courtesy Milton Family and Goddard Family history researcher W. Goddard
Hilda and Fanny Milton with unknown Boys on Palm Beach Wharf, 1913. Photo courtesy Milton Family and Goddard Family history researcher W. Goddard
The wharf was a meeting and farewell place for the community...;
At 7.30 on Monday morning a. very enthusiastic crowd of 80 to 100 friends assembled on the wharf at Palm Beach, Barranjoey, to bid farewell to Mr. W. Chorley and Mrs. Chorley and their daughters, of 'Mount Pleasant,' Cheltenham. The family have been staying over the holidays at 'The Rest,' which is their pretty seaside residence facing the ocean, and situated at Palm Beach. At 'The Rest' friends were right royally entertained, and received the Chorley family's usually abundant hospitality. Croquet tournaments were played, surf parties and plenty of music were indulged In, and altogether the holidays were very delightfully spent.
There was great rejoicing when Mr. Chorley's private launch came alongside the wharf, which was overcrowded with sincere friends. The Hon. W. Tyler, of South Australia, made a most humorous speech; and Mr. Chorley responded in his usual happy way, and hoped that they and their friends would all be spared to meet again next Christmas. All joined hands and sang 'Auld lang syne' whilst the launch drew out from the wharf and steamed down the river. PERSONAL PARS. (1915, January 13). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86103157
Observation Point, Palm Beach, Newport Digital Order Number: a106120 circa 1912, Broadhurst Image, courtesy State Library of NSW.
The meshed bathing area lease extended:
EXTENSION OF TERMS OF SPECIAL LEASES. County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, below high-water mark, Pitt water, portion Sp. L. 1912 4 ; Ms. 3,922 Sy. Area, 1 rood 20 perches.
1917 -1176 Barranjoey Co., Ltd., 14 Castlereagh-st., Sydney. No. of Application – 1912 – 4, Metropolitan Bathing Place – from 1 Jan. 1917 to 31 Dec. 1921
Special Lease 1912-4, Metropolitan. Barrenjoey Company, Limited.—The lease shall be subject to subsections 1, 3, 4, 6 to 9, 11, and 13 of Regulation No. 106 (notified 20th April, 1917), and to the following special conditions:—
(a) The lessees shall permit children attending any school in Warringah Shire, and in charge of teachers, to have the free use of the baths without payment on one day in each week between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., such children to provide their own towels and bathing costumes. (b) The lessees shall have not less than three life-buoys readily available at all times. (c) The lessees shall be responsible for the proper conduct and cleanliness of the baths, and shall compel bathers to wear suitable bathing costumes, (d) The lessees shall, after determination of the lease by forfeiture, effluxion of time, or otherwise, and within such time as may be given, remove the structure or all or any material from the land at their own cost, and without compensation, if required by the Minister in writing to do so. (e) The lessees shall, within six months from the date of notification in the Government Gazette of the granting of the extension of the term of the lease, enclose the land with a shark-proof fence, and maintain such fence in efficient repair throughout the currency of the lease. (f) A breach of any of the conditions, or the occurrence of any indecent or disorderly conduct, will render the lease liable to forfeiture. EXTENSION OF TERMS OF SPECIAL LEASES. (1917, November 2). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5968. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227328341
PB Wharf – sections from panorama; note this shows a ferry-launch with a flag stating 'Palm Beach Ferry'.
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 copy showing Palm Beach Ferry flagged at Barrenjoey Land co wharf.jpg?timestamp=1729039987746)
EB Studios (Sydney, N.S.W.). (circa 1917). Panorama of Palm Beach and Pittwater, New South Wales Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-162483141
Barrenjoey Road, Pittwater Park prior to being resumed and named as such and Palm Beach Wharf - with Pool or 'bathing-place' area shown, circa 1917. Gow-Gonsalves-Verrills family photo
The Phoenix and the SS Eringhi also made regular trips to the Palm Beach wharf. The Phoenix was a wooden screw steamer of 46 tons, Length 68.2 ft or 20.7 metres. She was built in 1903 at Newcastle by William Sangford and seems to be the only vessel registered as built by him on records at present. A screw steamer or screw steamship is powered by a steam engine, using one or more propellors, also known as ‘screws’, to propel it through the water. The term is usually used to differentiate these vessels from paddle steamers, an earlier form of steamship that was mostly superseded by the screw steamer. Her life in Pittwater and the Hawkesbury seems to begin at the end of World War I.
The s.s. Erringhi is now being run by the 'Charlotte Fenwick' syndicate, with Captain Archie Jurd in command. The 'remains' of the 'Charlotte Fenwick' were towed to Brooklyn last week. Week to Week. (1920, June 11). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85878505
The very next day another accident occurred;
STEAMER ERRINGHI STRIKES BARRANJOEY ROCKS. On one of her usual trips from the Hawkesbury River to Sydney the coasting steamer Erringhi struck Warner's Rock, near Barranjoey during the early hours of yesterday morning. Later in the day another river steamer, the Kallawatta, succeeded in dragging the Erringhi off, and towing her to the Jetty at Palm Beach. Captain Jurd, the master of the Erringhi, stated that hazy conditions prevailed when the Erringhi commenced her voyage This probably accounted for the vessel losing her course and striking the rock. The Barrenjoey lighthouse-keeper discovered the plight of the Erringhi, but in answer to a question Captain Jurd reported that the crew were in no immediate danger. The sea was calm Between 9 and 10 o'clock the Kallawatta arrived. Some of the Erringhi's cargo was jettisoned, and shortly before 8 o'clock she was towed off into deep water, and afterwards to Palm Beach. An examination revealed the fact that the damage was not extensive. The timbers of the vessel had been strained by contact with the rocks sufficient to cause a leakage. At low tide this morning an attempt will be made to effect temporary repairs, and it is hoped that the vessel will resume her voyage at 7 o'clock or shortly afterwards.
The Erringhi is a wooden vessel of 96 tons, built In 1907 at Clarence Town. Her principal dimensions are - Length, 101ft,' breadth, 21ft, and depth 7.5ft. She is owned by a syndicate, who suffered the loss of the coaster Charlotte Fenwick by fire a few weeks ago and replaced that steamer by the Erringhi. The vessel is insured with the United Insurance Company for £3589. STEAMER ERRINGHI. (1920, June 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15893744
This image depicts the Hawkesbury Steam Navigation Company's ferry SS ERRINGHI at Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River. ERRINGHI was purchased by the company in 1912, by the syndicate Captain Jurd was part of in June 1920 and traded on the Hawkesbury River up to the late 1930s. The vessel was scuttled off Sydney Heads in 1951. Image no 20579 courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum and by Samuel Hood.
DAMAGE TO ERRINGHI. An examination at Mort's Dock of the steamer Erringhi showed that about 14 feet of her keel was badly damaged, and it was decided to put in 36 feet of timber. Work on the Erringhi will probably take a fortnight to complete. DAMAGE TO ERRINGHI. (1920, June 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15894285
THE 'ERRINGHI' ON THE ROCKS. Bad luck seems to be pursuing the company which recently purchased the steamer Erringhi from the Hawkesbury River Navigation Company. Quite recently the Charlotte Fenwick was burnt to the water’s edge at Sackville, and now the Erringhi is in trouble. :The Erringhi had loaded a full cargo of maize, fruit, etc., at the various river wharves .and was passing out to sea with her engines running full speed when she ran on to Warner's Rock at Barrenjoey at 1a.m; on Friday. The lighthouse keeper(Mir. J. L. Warren) missed the vessel after she had passed through the heads, and going into the tower saw that she was high and dry . on the rocks, her propeller being several feet out of water. He immediately communicated with Captain Archie Jurd, the master of the vessel, and ascertained that she was held fast. There was no danger of her breaking up, and the lives of the crew were not imperilled. The steamer Erina later passed out of the Hawkesbury River on her way to Sydney, and stood by the Erringhi, but as her assistance was not required she went on her voyage. At 9.30a.m. the company's other steamer, Kallawatta, arrived on the scene, and preparations were made to refloat the Erringhi during high tide. Portion of the fruit cargo was jettisoned. Maize and other cargo was transhipped to the Kallawatta and the launch Enchantress. This considerably lightened the stranded vessel, and a towline was taken by the Kallawatta. Shortly after 2 p.m. the Erringhi showed signs of shifting with the tide, and half an hour later the Kallawatta pulled her off the rocks. The bottom of the Erringhi was damaged, and she was found to be leaking slightly. The Kallawatta towed the damaged vessel up the river to Palm Beach, where temporary repairs were effected and the voyage to Sydney resumed. The Erringhi is now owned by a syndicate of which Mr. A. J. Ellerker is chairman. She is 101 feet long with a 33 h.p. engine. Captain Jurd has been engaged in the river trade for upwards of 20 years. THE "ERRINGHI" ON THE ROCKS. (1920, June 18). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85877282
The steamer 'Erringhi' which' met with such an unfortunate accident on the way to Sydney some weeks back, has not yet resumed her regular trips on the river. Her absence has been a source of inconvenience to river1 folk, as the company was unable to charter a suitable steamer to run regularly in- her place, and the 'Kallawatta,' of course, hasn't the carrying capacity for the .whole of the cargo going off the river in a busy time, such as it has been lately. However, the 'Kallawatta' company, and the 'Erringhi' company (the latter with the old 'Seagull,' under charter sometimes), have done their best under the circumstances, and orchardists are disposed to accept the position philosophically and’ make the best of things. Several photos relating to the Royal visit down the Hawkesbury, appeared in a recent issue of the 'Sydney Mail.' One showed a crowd waiting on the Wiseman's Ferry wharf for a glimpse of the Prince as the 'Premier' steamed by. Another depicts an incident at Lower Portland, depicting Councillor Lowe in a rowing boat with some friends, passing a cluster of oranges up to the Royal visitor. It is said that quite a lot of fruit found its way aboard the 'Premier' in the course of the trip, and products from our orange groves must have secured a good advertisement on the occasion. The Prince did not land anywhere en route till he reached Brooklyn, but at the different centres where there was a crowd waiting- to greet him, the 'Premier'—that is the steamer, not the Premier, Jack Storey, although he was aboard — slowed down, and many folk managed to get a closer and better view of the distinguished visitor, than would have been the case in a big crush in the city. RIVER NEWS. (1920, July 23). Windsor and Richmond Gazette(NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85877143
With the advent of better roads and railways to transport goods these fine ferries ceased to be used to get the produce or fish to market in time for early morning trading. The Erringhi who ran twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays to Pittwater in 1912 had her services by the Erringhi reduced as the Kallawatta’s runs were increased;
HAWKESBURY RIVER (all parts) -TUESDAY and FRIDAY (PITTWATER FRIDAY ONLY) - Cargo daily S S ERRINGHI Albion Wharf Day street Telephone MA581B Advertising. (1929, November 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16599856
HAWKESBURY S.S. CO., LTD.. Tel., City 1838. S.S. KALLAWATTA, for BAYVIEW, NEWPORT, CHURCH POINT, PALM BEACH, MACKEREL BEACH. EVERY MONDAY and THURSDAY, at 6 p.m. S.S. ERRINGHI, HAWKESBURY RIVER, PATONOA, MANGROVE, M'DONALD and COLO RIVERS, EVERY TUESDAY and FRIDAY, at 5 p.m. Advertising. (1921, February 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15957554
A few insights from the pages of the past on the SS Phoenix:
EXCURSION TO NEWPORT. s.s. PHOENIX WILL run a two days' excursion to Newport and back on FRIDAY and SATURDAYAPRIL 11 and 12 Leave Sackville 'Wharf 10 a.m., Friday, 11th April; Wiseman's Ferry, 12.30; arrive Newport about 5.30 p.m. Leave Newport Saturday, 12th April, 8.30a.m. Dancing hall will be arranged at Newport. RETURN FARE, 3/6. Hot water on board free. Don't miss the Fishing Excursion to Brooklyn. Leave Sackville 4.30 p.m. Easter Saturday (April 19), returning Easter Monday morning. HALL & JONES, Owners. Advertising. (1919, March 28). Windsor and Richmond Gazette(NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86150171
Messrs Hall and Jones' steamer Phoenix runs a fishing trip down, the river on Saturday, returning on Monday evening. Week to Week. (1919, April 18). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86152148
Messrs. Hall and Jones' fine little steamer Phoenix took a party of holiday makers from Sackville to Brooklyn during the Easter holidays. At Brooklyn parties from the trains were taken outside the heads to the fishing grounds, and had good sport. Some 'nice bags of fish were caught. The Phoenix is a trim little craft, and looks really well as she ploughs through the waters of the Hawkesbury. The owners should be encouraged in their pleasure trips down the grand old river. Lots of Windsor people who have never seen the river below Sackville don't know what they are missing. Week to Week. (1919, April 25). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86150728
STEAMER PHOENIX SOLD. Mr A J Ellerber shipbroker, reports having sold the steamer Phoenix to Mr Izzard, of Brooklyn, who will place this handy little vessel in the Hawkesbury River trade. The Phoenix is a vessel of 46 tons register, with a speed of 10 knots. She has accommodation for 300 passengers. She left for the Hawkesbury river yesterday afternoon. STEAMER PHOENIX SOLD. (1919, May 24).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15840012
Messrs. Hall and Jones have discontinued trading on the river with the 'Phoenix'. The trim little steamer has been purchased, by Mr. Joe Izzard, the Brooklyn boat-owner. LOWER PORTLAND. (1919, May 30). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86149631
Newport wharf and Steamer 1925. Item: FL3839193, courtesy NSW Records and Archives
Clareville wharf Pittwater near Avalon Beach - Small steam passenger vessel coming in - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220013h - The SS Phoenix Steamer Approaching Clareville wharf, circa 1922
Joseph Izzard was born in 1848 at Lower Hawkesbury, New South Wales, Australia. He was the son of William Izzard and Jane Hewett. An A J Smith had the ferry next and also ran her to Patonga, reinstating the old connections via ferries between the Barrenjoey Peninsula and Pittwater that commenced with small coasters, fishing vessels, and men in longboats rowing people across before the establishment of the 1879 mail run via the Florrie:
WHARF AT PATONGA BEACH.
To the Editor.
Sir, — In reply to Messrs C. G. Liebau and E. W. Williams. The Progress Association carried the resolution in favor of the wharf being leased to Mr. A. J. Smith, the proprietor of the present ferry service, conditionally upon the wharf being kept in adequate repair, and that ocean-going steamers be given the same freedom of landing goods as. has been the case in the past; and also that timetables and fares be adhered to. In so doing they had in mind the fact that the said proprietor has at all times studied Patonga Beach by running winter and summer, calling in with one passenger and sometimes none. This is particularly the case from May to November, when travellers are few, except at week-ends. The people of Patonga Beach also have in mind the fact that as Mr. Smith runs the Hawkesbury Newport tourist trip and return, he can afford to run into Patonga during off days when a profitable service from Hawkesbury River to Patonga only could not be supplied. It is noticeable that the present ferry service could not be made to pay only for the week-end loading; and if this were cut into, it might mean plenty of week-end boats heading off on the same trips and let i ting the unproductive trips pass. In short the people of Patonga Beach are out for a guaranteed service at reason able fares. The practice of privately leased wharves has been in vogue on Sydney Harbor for many years, such as Milson's Point, Manly, &c. The resolutions carried are almost unanimously in accordance with the opinions of Patonga people, except perhaps a very few. Another important' point is that being run in conjunction with the Newport service assures a proper rough water sea-going steamer, and an additional route via Manly. In regard to the statement made by the signatories that anyone is eligible for membership of the P.B.P.A., provided they are proposed and seconded by financial members, it must be understood that a meeting may reject a proposal. — Yours, &c., PERCY W. PALMER, Secretary, P.B.P.. Assn. WHARF AT PATONGA BEACH. (1926, February 25). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161110707
Phoenix at Patonga. Image 106160h, Courtesy State Library of NSW.
HAWKESBUBY-NEWPORT FERRY. Daily Excursions to Patonga Beach, Palm Beach and Newport. S.S. Phoenix leaves Hawkesbury Railway at 11 a.m. Special trips to Patonga, Thursday 4.30pm., 8.30 p.m., 10.15 p.m.: Good Friday, 9 a.m. 8 p.m. A. J. SMITH. Advertising. (1925, April 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16214103
The Phoenix pulling into Palm Beach wharf, pre 1931 - circa 1925, from John Cowper's family albums.
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Palm Beach showing wharf in centre of picture, 1925. Item: FL4900302, courtesy NSW Records and Archives
View from road to Barrenjoey, Lion Island on left - From NSW Government Printer series Palm Beach views 1925. Item: FL3839467 courtesy NSW Records and Archives
View over Snapperman in 1925 from Barrenjoey Road. Item: FL3839120, courtesy NSW Records and Archives
The wharf remained one of the most used access points for Palm Beach due to the state of the roads:
LAZY SUNLIT DAYS AT PALM BEACH (1923, January 7). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120544978
The Broken Bay Customs wharf was also being used at this stage:
This 1925 advertorial for the Palm Beach Land Co records they still have the north Snapperman Beach wharf as part of the estate:
PALM BEACH (1925, April 9). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 19 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224048275
Barrenjoey Land co wharf 1925, when part of Palm Beach Lands sales of lots - Note the pool meshed and bathing place is now gone and no sign yet of Goddard's wharf - soon to come. Item: FL3839441, courtesy NSW Records and Archives
With the Barrenjoey Land Company have been wound up in 1924 and the Palm Beach Land Company having taken over what was left of the land sales, and Palm Beach becoming the 'go to' place for society and those who liked watching 'society', the need to have good public access to Palm Beach increased in importance.
Warringah Shire Council was working hard to ensure the beach reserve promised by the Barrenjoey Land company was handed to them for custodianship, formalising this in 1919, and adding further large chunks of land for parks, persisted in trying to get funding from the Local Government Department of then to make Barrenjoey road more passable, requests which were continually declined until the 1930's and the road was declared a public road, and talking up the beauty of the area in an effort to attract not only tourists during the 'Season' (Summer) but attract more permanent residents.
By mid 1928 the Palm Beach wharf was placed under the council. Other public wharves on the estuary had been placed under the council in 1912.
The Minutes of the Warringah Shire Council meeting held on June 25 1928 record:
16 H J. Aspinall and Son 12/6/28. Inquiring if the Council is prepared to take the necessary steps to have Palm Beach Wharf proclaimed a public wharf. Resolved (Crs. Parr, Campbell) That the Council make application, under Seal if necessary, for the wharf to be proclaimed a public wharf. 17. Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 15/6/28. Requesting that the Council adopt an active policy in regard to the animals wandering about the roads of the Shire. Received, . 18. W. J. Goddard. 9/6/28. Expressing regret for the encroachment on the public road at Palm Beach, and inquiring if there is any way out of the difficulty for him. Resolved (Crs. Campbell, Ryan) - That he be charged a nominal rental of £1 for the .Laase 01 the area encroached upon, for the term of the Council's pleasure., 19. M. R.Mann. '6/6/28. Objecting to the proposal to place an invert crossing at his entrance from Barrenjoey Road inst of a pipe culvert. Received.
The Minutes of Meeting of 9th July, 1928, record:
(Crs. Hitchcock, Ryan) That £87 be voted for repairs as recommended to Palm Beach Wharf. 12. Resolved (Crs. Hitchcock, Parr) That the Engineer’s plan of Black Swamp plan of 60 acres of Black Swamp Reserve be approved as an area serve to be granted to the Mona Vale Golf Club for golfing purposes.
A map from later states Palm Beach wharf was Proclaimed a Public Wharf on October 19th 1928 and vested in Warringah Shire Council [MS 3609 Sy].
Soon after - although they may have landed at the Customs wharf at Barrenjoey - the fact this wharf was known as a public oe, and had been since its outset, is associated with the loss of one of the ferries that used to land people there:
KALLAWATTA LOST
FOUNDERS OFF PALM BEACH VETERAN OF THE HAWKBSBURY
WITH dramatic suddenness the well known coaster steamer, Kallawatta, which has been a familiar figure on the Hawkesbury River for many years, sprang a leak off Bungan Head early on Friday morning last. SHE filled rapidly and sank with-in half an hour, barely giving the crew time to collect a few of their belongings and take to the boat. Then began a long row to safety, the men eventually landing at Palm Beach wharf, five miles distant.
VIVID stories of the foundering were told by the crew, one member saying that there were some anxious moments in get-ting the boat clear. Captain Doyne was too upset to be interviewed. The mishap has come as a great shock to him. He has been in charge of the vessel for many years, and according to members of the crew, it was almost a home to him. Together with the engineer, Captain Doyne is a heavy loser as far as property is concerned, for they both left the vessel with only the clothes they were wearing. The one bright aspect of the foundering, however, was that all hands reached safety. Bungan Head is on the ocean side of Newport, and Captain Doyne said they had rowed right round the headland into Pitt water, as the sea was calm, and there was no necessity for an urgent landing.
The crew of the Kallawatta comprised:-— . George Doyne (60), captain. Percy Butler (35), Camperdown, engineer.. J. Lockrey (48), Earlwood, super cargo. D. McKellican (60), Leichhardt, fireman. S. Lucca (30), Darlinghurst, deckhand. Alf. Walsh (22), Leet's Vale, deckhand. It was Percy Butler, the engineer, who raised the alarm at 5.30 a.m., when water began to find its way into the little steamer. All hands were quickly called, and the lifeboat was got ready. The men gathered all the belongings they could before the order came to man the boat. All the crew praised Captain Doyne for the capable manner in which he handled such a ticklish situation. He placed the men first, paying every attention to them personally. As one of them said: 'The old man was a real man.
SANK IN HALF AN HOUR
Fifteen minutes after Butler raised the alarm all hands were safe in the boat, and within half an hour after they abandoned her the Kallawatta took the final plunge. 'The lighthouse keeper at Barrenjoey (Mr. Russell) reports that the sea was calm at the time of the mishap. For 20 years the Kallawatta has been on the Hawkesbury River run, and has been singularly free from mishap. She was a wooden steamer of 68 tons gross. Built in 1906, she was owned by the Hawkesbury Steamship, Coy., Ltd. The vessel left her wharf near Pyrmont bridge at 2.15 a.m. on Friday with 1200 empty fruit cases for distribution along the river. The loss of the vessel will first be inquired into by the Superintendent of Navigation (Captain Morris). The inquiry will take place at an early date.
Captain Jurd, manager of the company, is inclined to think that something unusual happened — that the vessel hit some submerged wreckage, which started the leak. ''The Kallawatta has made this trip countless of times,'' he said in an interview. ''She has come down in all sorts of weather, and has caused the master not the least bit of anxiety. All the conditions were favorable to an easy trip — a calm sea and clear night — and the unexpected happened.''
''FLOOD OF WATER FROM AFT.''
Captain Doyne; when seen on his arrival in Sydney, was disinclined to discuss de-tails of the mishap to his ship, pending the making of his report. Other members of the crew were also reticent. The master emphasised, however, that all had behaved splendidly. ''They are all well now, and that is the main thing,'' he added. "We were bowling along smoothly,'' said Mr. Percy Butler, the engineer, describing how he gave the alarm, ''when suddenly I saw a flood of water pouring down the ship from aft. To give the alarm and man the pumps was the work of seconds, but it was quickly seen that the ship would have to be abandoned.''
Joe Lockrey, prior to shipping out of Sydney in the Erina on Friday afternoon, told a graphic story of the foundering. He said that after they had left the Kallawatta, they stood by in the lifeboat and watched her dying. When the water was level with the deck, the old steamer took a list to port, then tried to stand on her end, before taking her last long plunge. Lockrey was on the bridge when the engineer raised the alarm. ''It took us no time to warn all hands, and to don lifebelts," he said. 'We got the pumps going, but they could not cope with the inrush. ''Our first thought was to beach the steamer, but it was quickly obvious that that would be impossible. ''My chief anxiety when I saw that the steamer must go was that something might happen to the boat; but it was safely lowered, and the transfer to the boat was a smart piece of work. 'We lost our gear, and it was a long, hard tow, but we're lucky to be here.' KALLAWATTA LOST (1928, September 28). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1971), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85925693
The first general store was at Palm Beach, on the Pittwater side near the jetty, as early as 1914, and was known as Booth's store. Later it became Ellis' store, and then after the last war two returned Diggers, Mr. Fred Howlett and his partner, Gowe, took it over.
Their general supplies came by ship from Sydney by the Erringhi and the Kallawatta, and meat and bread came by launch from Newport. They made their own ice-cream in those days, and froze it in old fashioned freezers with coarse salt. It was just as popular as the well known brands are today. It was not until 1929 that Howlett's store was established on the beachside of Palm Beach. Before that there was no road through from Pittwater, and the top road was used by residents. Palm Beach setting for smartest sea and sun togs. (1946, January 12). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47245736
However, with storm surges then, as now, causing the quick deterioration of jetties and wharves around the estuary, a lot more usage of several 'daily trips' for commuters, and this wharf having been fairly spindly to begin with, the WSC Records show in the meeting held Monday 24th of February 1930:
58. Lands Department. 17.2.30. (I) Stating that C. B. Gow; has been granted a Permissive Occupancy for site for boat- shed on opposite side of road to. Lot 10 in private sub- division of part of Portion 18, Palm Beach, and (2) stating that it has been reported to the Department that Palm Beach wharf is in a bad state of repair. Received.
As the years progressed it became obvious that a new wharf, which went out deeper, was needed along Snapperman beach as a public wharf for Palm Beach.
The Warringah Shire Council Minutes of the Meeting held on September 3rd, 1935 records:
20. Palm Beach Progress Assoc., 15/8/35, drawing attention to the unsound condition of the public wharf at Palm Beach, and requesting that repairs be effected. Resolved; That the Matter be deferred for six months on account of lack of funds. (Ors. Hewitt, Hughes)
The disrepair of the first Palm Beach public wharf became so bad that once the WSC moved to do something about it in their cash-strapped 1930's they requested the use of Goddards wharf for landing people in the meantime.
In 1932 William Goddard commenced a regular ferry service to the western foreshores of Pittwater, running from Palm Beach to Coasters Retreat, The Basin, Stiles’ Wharf at Little Mackerel Beach and Great Mackerel Beach Wharf.
Goddard's wharf, of 30 perches (150.876 metres) – and the Permissive Occupancy for this, first taken out by William Joseph Goddard in 1926 (Lease: 1926-10) – was renewed in 1934 until December 31, 1940;
EXTENSION OF TERMS OF SPECIAL LEASES. (1934, February 16). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 830. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223050881
At the Meeting held on September 17, 1935:
3. Recommending that E G. Stone's offer to dredge a channel through the sand-bank in Narrabeen Lagoon at the entrance to Deep Creek be accepted on the conditions agreed to by him that the channel measurements shall be 27 to 30 feet wide at the top, with 3 to 1 slopes in the sides of the excavations: Resolved, _That the Engineer's recommendation be adopted. (Crs. Hewitt, Sheppard) ... 5. Submitting estimate for repairing Palm Beach wharf: Resolved, That consideration-of the report be deferred, and Mr. Goddard, Boatshed, Proprietor, of Palm Beach, be written to, inquiring what fee he would .require for the use 'of his wharf. for the public for the next three months.'..(Crs. Hughes Hewitt) 34. Barrenjoey Peninsula Advancement League, 5/9/35, forwarding copy of letter sent to Minister for Transport, requesting deputation on matter of lack of up-to-date transport facilities facilities in the Shire, particularly to the northern portion of the Shire; requesting that the Council arrange to be represented on the deputation. Cr. Hughes moved, Cr. Sheppard seconding, that the President and Cr. Hewitt represent this Council on the proposed deputation. Cr. Nicholas moved, as an amendment, Cr. Ross seconding, that the letter be sent to the Warringah Transport League for consideration. The amendment was carried. The motion was amended was thereupon put and carried. 35. A.B.Byles, 6/9/35, further re condition of public wharf at Palm Beach, and urging that something, even of a temporary nature, be done to make it safe for use without delay. 35a. Palm Beach Progress Assoc., 11/9/35, re: same matter. (Dealt with in conjunction with Shire Engineer's report to this meeting.)
On October 1st 1935 WSC Minutes of Meetings records another patch-up:
18. A. Dangar-Browne & 9 others, 21/9/35, submitting an emphatic protest against the proposal to use Goddard's wharf Palm Beach at Palm Beach in lieu of the public wharf, and setting out reasons for the protest. 18a. C.B.Gow, 23/9/35, regarding condition of wharf, and stating he is prepared to repair and maintain it in a state of good repair for In period of 12 months for the sum of £20, the money t o be paid at the end of the 12 months. Resolved; That the offer of Mr. C. B.Gow be accepted, (Crs. Austin, Hewitt)
Pittwater regattas were also run, attracting hordes of visitors to the estuary, with some positioned off Goddard's' wharf as marker there for the 'plane exhibitions aspects of the regattas during the 1930's included those pilots rounding that marker.
A feature of the regatta will be an Aerial Derby, in which five aeroplanes of the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales will start from Mascot aerodrome at 3.15 p.m., thence race round a mark on Goddard's wharf at Palm Beach, to finish at the flagship Gloria, a distance of 28 miles. The prize for the Aerial Derby will be a silver trophy value £10/10/, presented by Mr. Chas. E. Blanks. ....MAMMOTH REGATTA AT PITTWATER (1935, December 28). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246589589
More in: Pittwater Regatta Air Race Trophies: from 1934 and 1935 and The Pilot Who Saved William Hughes
The WSC Meeting held on November 26 1935 records a curious approval considering what it had been preceded by; near misses with planes landing on Palm Beach itself - more of these 'incidents' and A A Barlow under 'Notes':
Palm Beach Reserves. 20. A. A. Barlow. 11/11/35, requesting permission to use at weekends, a small portion of the beach about 300 yards north of the wharf, for joy-riding purposes with his amphibian aircraft. 20a. Vacuum Oil Co. fly. Ltd., 11/11/35, recommending granting of Mr. Barlow's application, stating his machine has proved an excellent attraction on the various beaches at Melbourne. Resolved; That permission be granted. (Crs. Hughes, Campbell)
Snapperman Beach Palm Beach circa 1935-1936. Postcard from PON Editors collection and held by Geoff Searl OAM, president of Avalon Beach Historical Society (ABHS).
The plane shown here on Snapperman beach has wheels, so may not be that granted permission to conduct joy flights from that location, and could be just another 'drop in'. Research shows that Dr. Robert Gordon Craig bequeathed the block of land directly beside Pittwater Park to his daughter Ailsa Craig-Brown and that she sold that lot in 1929.
Both Ailsa and her first husband, Robert Lee Brown, had a passion for flying. Tragically he was killed in a plane accident in 1934. Ailsa later married Scotty Allen. So this plane may even be his when they lived atop this hill in what has been called The Pink House. In fact, one of her early lithographs dated 1937, as an Artist, shows an aspect of Pittwater from that hill.
Geoff's copy is a little clearer:
One from the Goddard Family Albums:
The Second Palm Beach Public Wharf
Despite the financial strictures of the 1930's on most of the population, the coast along Barrenjoey was busy and full. Those who could not afford to rent a home were living in tents in the camping areas along the coast, that in Governor Phillip Park, overseen by the Palm Beach Golf Club committee, being one of the most popular, especially with families that could then put a shelter over children and go fishing to provide them with food.
The 1930's also saw the state government step in to provide 'unemployment relief' for families by men being employed on local infrastructure projects - everything from roads to pools to wharves and reclamation works was built in Pittwater along these lines.
Some local examples include:
PREVENTION AND RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT ACT, 1930-1932.
DECLARATION OF WORKS TO BE WORKS FOR THE RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT.
(L.S.) .
PHILIP GAME,
Governor.
IN pursuance of section nine of the Prevention and Belief of Unemployment Act, 1930-1932, I Sir Philip Woolcott Game, Governor of the State of New South Wales, on the advice of the Minister for Labour and Industry, being the Minister for the time being administering the said Act, do hereby declare the works enumerated in the Schedule attached hereto to be works provided for the relief of unemployment.
Dated, at Sydney, this twenty-ninth day of March, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-three.
By His Excellency's Command,
J. M. DUNNINGHAM,
Minister for Labour and Industry.
Schedule.
(U.R.C. 251) Ku-ring-gai Municipality,—Construction of swimming baths at Ku-ring-gai Chase, Roseville, erection of caretaker's residence and dressing sheds, including excavating, concreting, brick laying, carpentering and" joining, plumbing, glazing and painting, and such other works as may be undertaken by the Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council in connection therewith.
(U.R.C 252) Nambucca Shire.—Improvements to re-serve at Bowraville, including grubbing, clearing, forming, top-dressing, fencing, and such other works as may be required in connection therewith.
(U.R.C. 249) Warringah Shire.—Stormwater drainage construction, Barrenjoey-road, Forssberg's Flat, Palm Beach, including excavating, filling, concreting, water-tabling, footpath forming, reinforced concrete culvert construction, and such other works as may be required in connection therewith.
(U.R.C. 204) Callan Park Mental Hospital.—Erection and completion of three new buildings, one to be of single-storey and the others of two stories, all being of brick construction with tile roofs, including foundation, excavations, drainage, concreting, paving, bricklaying, carpentering and joining, plumbing, tiling, plastering, glazing, painting and mechanical and electrical work, etc., and such other works as may be required in connection therewith. PREVENTION AND RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT ACT, 1930-1932. (1933, March 29). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1159. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223046329
PREVENTION AND RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT ACT, 1930-1935.
Declaration of Works to be Works for the Relief of Unemployment.
(L.S.)
P. W. STREET,
Lieutenant-Governor.
IN pursuance of section nine of the Prevention and Relief of Unemployment Act, 1930-1935, I, Sir Philip Whistler Street, Lieutenant-Governor of the State of New South Wales, on the advice of the Minister for Labour and Industry, being the Minister for the time being administering the said Act, do hereby declare the works enumerated in the Schedule attached hereto to be works provided for the relief of unemployment.
Dated at Sydney, this twenty-sixth day of February, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-six.
By His Excellency's Command,
J. M. DUNNINGHAM,
(5) Minister for Labour and Industry.
SCHEDULE.
(r) Shire of Warringah—Water extension known as Palm Beach Water Supply extending from Mona Vale northwards, and such other works as may be required in connection therewith. PREVENTION AND RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT ACT, 1930-1935. (1936, February 26). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 971. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224754345 The Council applied for a loan, which was approved, to do the new Palm Beach public wharf build. The full list of works to which these funds would be allocated was advertised as:
SHIRE OF WARRING AH.
Special Loan, £21,000—"A'' Riding.
WARRING AH Shire Council hereby gives notice, in accordance with the provisions of Local Government Act, 1919, that:—
1. The Council proposes to raise a Special Loan of twenty-one thousand founds (£21,000) for the purpose of carrying but in Biding "A" of the Shire certain public works, the acquisition of certain lands for public recreation purposes, and the acquisition of certain lands for road purposes; and for the purpose of paying expenses incidental to the carrying out of such works and acquisitions.
2. The Council proposes to expend the loan money as follows, but reserves the right to utilise the surplus or saving on any one item in paying the excess cost of any other:—
(a) In Palm Beach-Whale Beach District: £
Public Reserve on shore of Pittwater, Palm Beach — Filling, levelling, and construction of retaining wall 1,000
Ocean Beach Reserve, Palm Beach—Making parking area and constructing pipe-line in southern portion 250
Governor Phillip Park — Erection of public lavatories 500
New Wharf—Construction of, at Palm Beach, Pittwater side 500
Improvements to roads, viz.—Florida-road, £1,000; Pacific-road, £405; Palm Beach road, £500; road from Barrenjoey-road * to Whale Beach, £500; road from Whale Beach to Palm Beach, £500
Total 2,905
(b) In Avalon-Bilgola-Clareville District:
Public rock-bath at Avalon Beach—Enlargement of 250
Avalon Flat Drainage—Construction of concrete culverts 700
Avalon Beach Reserve, Extension, etc.— Acquisition of lot 26, Pittwater Estate, with exception of small portion at south western corner 2,750
Bilgola Beach Reserve—Construction of retaining wall 100 Improvements to roads, viz.—Central-road, £600; George-street, £300 900
(c) In Newport District:
Newport Ocean Beach Reserve — Levelling sand, and top-dressing, on northern portion 700 Newport Recreation and Sports Ground—
Fencing and other improvements BOO Queen's-parade drainage % 300
Improvements to roads, viz.—Ocean-avenue, £400; Foam Crest avenue, £220; Myola-road, £270; Bungan Head road, £400; Beaconsfield-street, £200; Karloo-parade, £200; Robertson-road, £150; Bardo-road, £300; King-street* £150; Queen's-parade and Stuart-street, £250
2,540
(d) In Mona Vale-Warriewood District:
Mona Vale Park—Culvert across park from Park-street to Newport-road 200
Drainage works, Bassett-street, at eastern end 600
Footpath formation—Gravelling footpath on Pittwater-road, Mona Vale 100 Improvements to roads, viz. — Darley-street, £400; Bassett-street, £220; Noble-street, £100; Bungan-street, £320; Allen-street, £160; Rickard-avenue, £100; Mona-street and Waterview-street, £250; Vineyard-street, £150; Seaview-street, £126, Hillcrest-avenue, £200 : 1,826
(e) At Bay View—Church Point:
Bay View Park Construction of pavilion and boat-shed 750
Church Point-—Reclamation and parking area near public wharf 200
(f) In North Narrabeen District:
Lake Park Extension, and new road—Acquisition of land for enlargement of Lake Park and for new road connecting Narrabeen Park parade and Collins-street ... 1,075 Improvements to roads, viz. — Kobado and Elanora Estate roads, £750; Powderworks-road, £200; Deep Creek road, £200;- Warraba-road, £120; Gardenstreet, £200; Taiyul-road, £200; Collins avenue and Walsh-street, £250 1,920 (g) Incidental and contingent expenses • 634
Total £21,000
3. The Council proposes to carry out most of the abovementioned works under the Government's Emergency Relief Scheme. The proposed allocations to those works as set out above, are consequently allocations of loan money only and do not include the wages of the relief workers payable from grants receivable from the Government.
4. Plans and full details of the works to be carried out and of the lands to be acquired by means of the loan money may be inspected at tlie Council's office during the ordinary office hours.
5. The rate of interest on the loan will not exceed four per centum (4%) per annum, and the loan will be issued at par.
6. It is proposed to repay the loan over a period of twelve (12) years by 24 equal half-yearly instalments of principal ai^d interest combined. The amount of each such instalment will be £1,110 os. 10d., or thereabouts.
7. For the purpose of repaying the loan and paying the interest on the loan the Council proposes to levy a rate of two-fifths of a penny (2/5d.) in the £ on the unimproved capital value of all ratable lands in the "A'' Biding of the Shire. (Total u.c.v., £1,326,723.) Should the proposed rate not provide sufficient for the purpose the deficiency will be paid from the General Fund of the Shire and charged to "A" Hiding's portion of that fund. (Nom—The loans of £28,200 and £3,500 raised ten years ago or thereabouts for the carrying out of public works in "A" Biding will be entirely repaid this year, and the present loan rate of 4/5d. in the £ levied in respect of them will not be levied after this year, but will be replaced by the proposed rate of 2/5d.).
8. Within one month of the date of the publication of this notice any number not less than twenty-five per centum (25%) of the ratepayers enrolled for "A" Riding may petition the Council to take a poll of the ratepayers, either as to whether the ratepayers approve of the loan or as to whether the loan rate shall be on the unimproved capital value or improved capital value, or on both questions. The number of ratepayers on the Roll of Electors for "A"' Riding is 5,421.
A. H. HUGHES, President. R. G. Jamieson, Shire Clerk.
Shire Hall, Brookvale, 20th July, 1936.
358 £7 10s.
SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1936, July 24). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3236. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223038435
Further loans to enable employment for those without a job and to progress the busier than ever Barrenjoey peninsula, with news reports about 'Palm Beach' appearing every day or week critiquing not just the fashions and fashionable people but the state of the roads, parking, water and electricity supply:
SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.
Special Loan-Four Thousand Six Hundred Pounds
(£4,600).
THE Warringah Shire Council hereby gives notice, in. pursuance of the provisions of section 180, Local Government Act, 1919-1935, that:—
1. The Council proposes to raise a Special Loan of four thousand six hundred pounds (£4,600) for the purpose of carrying out improvements on the ocean beach reserve at Palm Beach, and for the payment of expenses incidental thereto and incidental to the raising of the loan.
2. It is proposed to expend the loan approximately as follows (the Council reserving the right to utilise any surplus on any one item in paying the excess cost of any other):— £
(a) Construction of surf building, comprising - public dressing accommodation, accommodation for surf life-saving club, and public lavatories, including water supply and septic tanks 3,300
(b) Reclamation and improvement of portion of beach reserve, including filling, levelling, top-dressing and walling 913
(c) Extension of existing stormwater pipes across beach reserve a distance of about 180 ft. seaward 350
(d) Contingencies .. 37
3. The rate of interest on the loan will not exceed four and one-quarter per centum (4 ½ %) per annum, and the loan will be issued at par.
4. It is proposed to repay the loan* over a period of ten (10) years by twenty equal half-yearly instalments of principal and interest combined. The amount of each instalment will not exceed £284 14s. 6d.
5. It is not proposed to levy a loan rate but to repay the loan and to pay the interest thereon from the General Fund of the Shire, charging the half-yearly instalments thereof to "A" Riding's portion of that fund.
6. Plans, specifications and reports of and relating to the proposed works may be inspected at the office of the Council during the ordinary office hours.
7. Notice is hereby given that one month from date of publication hereof is allowed in which any number, not less than twenty-five per cent. (25%) of the ratepayers affected, may petition the Council to take a poll of those ratepayers as to whether the ratepayers approve of the loan.. The number of ratepayers on the roll of the Shire is 14,323, ,
E. G.JAMIESON, Shire Clerk. Shire Hall Brookvale, 27th June, 1935. 1 . £2 16b. SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1935, July 5). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2772. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223080859
SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.
Proposed Electricity Works Special Loan. £2,500.
THE Warringah Shire Council hereby gives notice, in accordance with the provisions of sec. 180, Local Government Act, 1919, as amended, that:—
1. The Council proposes to raise a Special Loan of two thousand five hundred pounds (£2,500), for the purpose of augmenting the supply of electricity to the Barrenjoey Peninsula, that is, to the portion of the Shire extending from Newport to Palm Beach, by the erection of high-voltage distribution mains and equipment.
2. The rate of interest on the loan will not exceed five per centum (5%) per annum and the loan will be issued at par.
3. It is proposed to repay the loan over a period of eight (8) years by sixteen equal half-yearly instalments of principal and interest combined. The amount of each instalment will not exceed £191 10s. Od,.
4. For the purpose of paying the instalments of principal and interest mentioned above, the Council proposes to levy a loan rate of one-fifth of a penny (]/5d.) in the £ on the unimproved capital value of all ratable land within the boundaries described in the subjoined Schedule. The total unimproved value of such land is £492,231.
5. Particulars of the proposed works and a plan of the area which will be subject to the loan rate may be inspected at the Council's office, at Brookvale, during the ordinary office hours.
6. Within one month of the date of this notice any number, not less than twenty-five per centum (25%) <>f the ratepayers affected, may petition the Council to take a. poll (a) as to whether the ratepayers approve of the loan, or (b) whether the loan rate shall be on the unimproved capital value or the improved capital value, or (c) on both* questions. The total number of ratepayers affected is 2,190* ,
Schedule.
Commencing at the high-water mark of the Pacific Ocean at a point on Newport Beach Reserve opposite the north-east corner of Ocean Beach Estate, deposited plan No. 6,248 (parish portion 23); thence northerly by the said high-water mark to Barrenjoey Head; thence generally westerly by the high-water mark of Broken Bay and generally southerly by the high-water mark of Pittwater to the north-western corner of Green Point Estate, d.p. 4,689 (parish portion 36) ; thence easterly by the northern boundary of that estate to the western boundary of the aforementioned Ocean Beach Estate, d.p. 6,248; thence northerly by the western boundary and easterly by the northern boundary of that estate to the point of commencement. '
G. H. GREEN, President. R. G. Jamieson, Shire Clerk.
Shire Hall, Brookvale, 8th January, 1938. 2073 - £3. SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1938, January 14). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 135. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228136763
The newspapers of then also carried lengthy lists of land/lots the Warringah Shire Council was going to sell 'for failure to pay rates' - with some of these showing large amounts that had not been paid for years. Some listed owners were far away, even overseas residents in some cases. These continued even during World War Two, when some of those named may have been serving overseas and unlikely to see the Notice, and continued until quite recently.
The 1930's would have definitely have left those who had placed a minimal deposit on a lot in Pittwater's land sales of the 1920's unable to meet the costs of paying them off or/and the rates due. This too was a source of income for the WSC. One example of someone losing - and more than just undeveloped land bought as a camping spot, investment or future dream come true home:
In the District Court of the Metropolitan District, holden at Sydney;
No. of Plaint, 6,043 of 1936. No. of Writ, 229 of 1937.
Between the Council of the Shire of Warringah, plaintiff, and Chester A. Clarke, defendant.
ON Wednesday, the fifteenth day of September, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven, at 4.15 o'clock in the afternoon, unless the writ of fieri facias issued herein* is previously satisfied, the Registrar will sell by public auction, at the Court-house, Queen's Square, Sydney, all the right, title and interest (if any) of the above-' named defendant of, in, and to all those pieces or parcels of land described as follows:—
1. Land having a frontage of about fifty-seven feet to Sunrise-road, Palm Beach, being lot 145, deposited plan 6,937, having an area of about thirty-nine and one-half perches and being the whole of the land in Certificate of Title, volume 3,837, folio 6, on which land is erected a weatherboard and fibro cottage, containing about five rooms and garage, etc.
2. Land (vacant) having a frontage of about seventy four feet six inches to Ocean-road, Palm Beach, being lot 24, deposited plan 11,552, having an area of about twenty-six and three-quarter perches and being the whole of the land in Certificate of Title volume 3,784, folio 31, and the rear of which adjoins the rear of the land hereinbefore firstly described.
(Terms, Cash.)
Dated the sixth day of August. 1937.
J. A. FRIENDSHIP, Registrar.
L. W. Jones, Solicitor for Plaintiff, 14 Martin-place, Sydney. 322 £1 10s. Between the Council of the Shire of Warringah, plaintiff, and Chester A. Clarke, defendant. (1937, August 13). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3353. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224748249
Chester, Public Accountant, had bought the land in his wife Eva's name from the Palm Beach Land Company in March 1926. The lots eventually changed hands in 1941 and 1944.
The following year, with the loan granted, the Tender was advertised with a stipulation to use men needing wok under the Unemployment Relief Scheme:
TENDERS CALLED
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
August 10—Warringah Shire Council, Brookvale—1. Alterations to concrete- bridge over Manly Lagoon at Bridge Road, Queenscliff; 2. Erection of Wharf at Palm Beach.—Ninety per cent, of the labour to be engaged through the State Labour Exchange. TENDERS CALLED (1937, August 4). Construction and Real Estate Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1938), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222922962
The WSC Meeting held 10th August, 1937 records the Tender was awarded the same day it closed:
2. Erection of new public wharf at Palm Beach: Three tenders were received, viz - A. G. Larkin, £847.15.0; O.B. Hellings, £951.8.3; and, J. S. Duffy, £995.16.4: Resolved, That, subject to the Minister’s approval as required by the Agreement respecting Loan/Grant works in C. Riding, the lowest tender, that of A.G. Larkin, be accepted. (Crs. Campbell, Nicholas)
The Specifics of the contract were never advertised, nor do they form part of the Minutes of WSC Meetings, so the length, width, for a wharf on piles – and what wood was used remains lost. However, some specifics turn up in Tenders advertised – 40 piles need for example, indicating a fair extension into the Pittwater estuary, nominally to overcome the low tide extremes that used to strand larger ferry vessels off Newport from the late 1870’s on:
PRICE. Driving 40 piles at Palm Beach, Pittwater. For particulars A. Larkin, Wetherill Street Narrabeen. Y8050. Advertising (1937, September 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17419354
The preferred timber used locally both then and now was Turpentine Syncarpia glomerulifera due to its resistance to water and pests. The three main species used for wharf piles in Australia are Turpentine, Red Ironbark, and in the south west Jarrah due to its proximity. However Turpentine was similarly close-by for use in Pittwater wharves and jetties construction.
This type of Australian wood was so good for wharves it was still being exported well after so many of our Australian forests were cut down and shipped to England for ship-building by the first colonists:
AUSTRALIAN TIMBER PILES
Turpentine plies from Queensland to the value of some £30,000 recently arrived at Falmouth for use In the construction of the new Empire Wharf of the Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company. Hitherto this wood has been but little used in Britain, although employed extensively in Australia, Northern Europe and elsewhere, but after very extensive comparative tests ranging over several years had been conducted with it and American "greenheart," the "Empire" wood was found to be both more durable and cheaper. The Queensland turpentine has proved impervious to the attacks of submarine boring pests and the tests carried out suggest that it should give some forty years' service.
Owing to the size and weight of the plies — more than 800 were shipped in lengths up to 75 feet, some of which weighed 8 tons— one of a fleet of locomotive carrying vessels built by Sir W, Armstrong Whitworth and Co. Ltd., the Belpariel, was chartered for their conveyance from Brisbane. The cross ties and beams for this wharf came from Vancouver, so that it is constructed entirely of British Empire material. AUSTRALIAN TIMBER PILES (1933, May 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228897620
The Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is, as of 31 May 2019, last updated: 04 Mar 2024, listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community in NSW but is not listed at all at the Commonwealth level.
In Sydney what still stands is heavily fragmented, with only 0.5 percent its original extent remaining intact. Remnants mostly occur in the Baulkham Hills, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, Parramatta, Ryde, Sutherland and Hurstville local government areas.
Arthur George Larkin, (October 28 1896- 29 December 1984) was the third child and second son of Isaac and Florence Larkin (née Bailey) of Waratah Farm at Ingleside – site of the Narrabeen Plum. Isaac Larkin came to Australia in 1887 aged 22, worked to become an orchardist at Ryde and then was employed doing this and as a handyman/caretaker for the man behind the Ingleside Powder Works.
Arthur’s older sister Florence was born in 1893 and elder brother Robert in 1894. Leslie (born 1899), Harold (born 1901) James (born 1903) and Eva (born 1907) would have their births at Narrabeen and recorded at Manly as well.
Visit: Waratah Farm: Ingleside - The Narrabeen Plum And: Ingleside Powder Mill - Pittwater Fields of Dreams I
And: BIG CHEQUES FROM A SMALL ORCHARD. (1912, June 12). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160341519
In August 1916, aged 19 and 10 months, and needing his parents written permission, Arthur would sign up to serve in World War One. His enlistment papers state his occupation was then ‘Driver’ and describes Arhus as being 5 feet 10 and ¼ inches tall with brown hair, hazel eyes and a ‘medium’ complexion. He weighs 138 pounds, or almost 10 stone or 62.5957 kilograms.
Although initially tasked to the 15th Tng. Battalion he would serve with the 5th Division 59 Battalion 1st A.I.F. from March 19th 1917 until February 23rd 1919. Service Number: 2937. Unit; 5 D. Traffic Dept.
The Australian War Memorial states:
The 59th Battalion was raised in Egypt on 21 February 1916 as part of the expansion of the AIF. Approximately half of its recruits came from the veteran 7th Battalion, and the other half were fresh reinforcements from Australia. Reflecting the composition of the 7th, the 59th was predominantly composed of men from rural Victoria. The battalion became part of the 15th Brigade of the 5th Australian Division.
On 19 July 1916, the 59th became embroiled in its first major battle on the Western Front, less than a month after it arrived in France. The battle of Fromelles was a disaster for the 59th. Attacking in the first wave, the 59th suffered heavy casualties at the hands of German machine-gunners, and its advance faltered far short of its objective. Despite grievous losses, the units of the 5th Division manned the front line around Fromelles for a further two months.
The 59th spent the winter of 1916-17 rotating in and out of the front line. In March 1917 the battalion participated in the advance that followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, but was spared having to assault it. It did, however, defend gains made during the second battle of Bullecourt. Later in the year, the AIF's focus of operations switched to the Ypres sector in Belgium. The 59th's major battle there was at Polygon Wood on 26 September.
Soldiers of an Australian 4th Division field artillery brigade on a duckboard track passing through Chateau Wood, near Hooge in the Ypres salient, 29 October 1917. The leading soldier is Gunner James Fulton and the second soldier is Lieutenant Anthony Devine. The men belong to a battery of the 10th Field Artillery Brigade. Australian War Memorial E01220. Frank Hurley Photograph.
With the collapse of Russia in October 1917, a major German offensive on the Western Front was expected in early 1918. This came in late March and the 5th Division moved to defend the sector around Corbie. During this defence, the 59th Battalion participated in the now legendary counter-attack at Villers-Bretonneux on 25 April.
When the Allies launched their own offensive around Amiens on 8 August 1918, the 59th Battalion was amongst the units in action, although its role in the subsequent advance was limited. The battalion fought around Peronne in the first days of September and entered its last battle of the war on the 29th. This operation was mounted by the 5th and 3rd Australian Divisions, in co-operation with American forces, to break through the formidable German defences along the St Quentin Canal. The battalion withdrew to rest on 2 October and was still doing so when the war ended. The 59th Battalion disbanded on 24 March 1919. Ref: Australian War Memorial., 59th Australian Infantry Battalion, retrieved from: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51499
INJURED.
Pte. ARTHUR GEORGE LARKIN, Narrabeen. 466th CASUALTY LIST. (1919, June 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15850712
He returned to Australia on June 16 1919 – and soon became engaged:
Miss Olive Ware, The Pines, Thornleigh, with Mr. Arthur G. Larkin, of Lark Farm, Narrabeen. ENGAGEMENTS (1920, December 12). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120517390
Olive’s parents, James and Selina Ware, had a holiday home in Collaroy. They married in 1923 and had two children, a darling little son who tragically survived just two days, and Olga, who would later marry into one of the early Mona Vale families, the Johnsons:
LARKIN (Olive Ware)-July 28, 1927, to Mr and Mrs. A. G. Larkin of Wetherill street Narrabeen - a son (Arthur James). Survived two days. Family Notices (1927, August 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16395089
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Larkin Family Headstones in Mona Vale Cemetery. Photos: AJG/PON, onsite investigations for Pittwater History pages.
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Obviously Arthur would have worked on the farm, as well as a driver - the Larkin family were among locals employed building the tramlines pre WWI and for fun was among those residents who liked cycling:
MANLY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP.
The Manly Bicycle Club will decide the 20 mile club champion next Saturday over the Narrabeen course. The following are the starters A. Larkin, J. Price, A. Jones, S. Luker, R. Larkin, H. Howlett, R. Howlett, L. Brown, M. M'Mahon, C. Cunningham, G. James, H. Heaton, and C. Whitney. MANLY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP. (1913, September 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15453283
MANLY CLUB.
The result of the annual 20 miles championship of the Manly Club over the Brookvale- Narrabeen course was -A M'Mahon, 1 A Larkin, *, R Larkin, * - * Dead heat Time, 57s 50s. The winner of the point score competition will receive a silver cup, presented by Mr Les Luker. The position of the riders is as follows -A M'Mahon, 29 points, 1, A Jones, 28 points, 2, Stan Luker, 3. MANLY CLUB. (1914, October 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15571885
Bob (Robert) and Arthur Larkin riding bikes on the Larkin farm at Ingleside. Photo: courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies and Larkin family.
Left to right: Bob (Robert) and Arthur Larkin in 1916. Photo: courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies and Larkin family.
His brother Robert, 5 foot 10’ with fair hair and complexion and blue eyes, also served, as a member of the 1st Battalion Pioneers and would later be part of the 55th Battalion as well; Service Number - 3856. He enlisted on December 7th 1915 aged 22 and 5 month, his Occupation listed as; ’Orchardist’.
The 1st Pioneers were raised in 1916 and were engaged in every action undertaken by the 1st Division, starting at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm in mid 1916 through Bullecourt and Third Ypres in 1917, the stemming of the German tide in the Spring Offensive of 1918, action in the north of France during June July 1916 around Merris culminating in the final stages of the Hundred Days campaign in late 1918.
Pioneer Battalions were essentially light military combat engineers organised like the infantry and located at the very forward edge of the battle area. They were used to develop and enhance protection and mobility for supported troops and to deny it to the enemy. They constructed defensive positions, command posts and dugouts, prepared barbed wire defences and on occasion breached those of the enemy using devices like the Bangalore Torpedo.
Their skills and capability were broad from building, construction and maintenance to road and track preparation and maintenance. They could also, and did quite often, fight as infantry.
Although they had existed in the Indian Army before 1914, pioneer battalions were used on a large scale by Commonwealth forces on the Western Front during the First World War. Because of its largely static nature, there was a much heavier reliance on field defences and the provision of mobility support to get people weapons ammunition rations and stores up to the front and casualties out. Roads and railways needed to be built maintained and repaired.
While these were also Engineer tasks, Engineers alone could not meet the heavy demand, while riflemen were always needed at the front. Therefore, pioneer battalions were raised to meet the needs of both and trained to support both engineers and infantry. From Virtual War Memorial, Australia
After losing his right foot (wounded in action September 1st 1918 – foot amputated September 16th 1918), he returned home on June 10 1919 to begin a car hire service. .
The farm, after WWI had a name change to 'the Pines', which was also the name given to the farmhouse. The Larkin farm, 'The Pines' orchard was on the corner of Mona Vale Rd and Powderworks Road, Ingleside.
One of Robert’s earlier experiences:
BAILED, UP AT NARRABEEN.
YOUNG GIRL'S EXPERIENCE.
MAN COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.
At the Manly Police Court yesterday, before Mr., Payten, S.M., George Richard Filby was charged with having, on April 12, at Narrabeen, while armed with a loaded revolver, robbed Jessies' Powell of a bag and £1, her property. ....
Constable Miller stated that on Saturday afternoon last he was at Mona Vale, and received a message to go to Narrabeen. There he met Miss Powell, who informed him that she had been robbed. There were a number of people scattered about, the roadway, amongst them being accused, about 100yds. down the roadway. Witness cycled in their direction, and on his approach accused bolted for the bush, but witness chased him and caught him, and took him back to Miss Powell, who said, "That's him. In the presence of Miss Powell v witness said to accused, ''This lady charges you with bailing her up with a revolver and stealing her bag and money a little. while ago, down the road. Filby made no reply, and witness told him he was under arrest for highway robbery. On searching accused's pocket he found a six-chambered revolver, loaded in every chamber.
When asked what his name was, he replied, "That you will never get. You are not going to drag my people Into this disgrace."
When asked what he did it for, accused replied, "I wanted money to go up north, and this was my only chance of getting it. I suppose I will get a few years for this.".
On being searched at the Manly police station, 33 small cartridges were found in his trousers pockets.
Jessie Powell, a young woman, who lives in Gordon-road, Narrabeen, stated that she was walking along Pittwater-road towards Narrabeen, and when she had arrived between the two bridges she observed a man standing on the side of the road, with his back towards the road. As she came up he turned round and pointed a revolver at her. Keeping the revolver pointed at her, he snatched the bag and then ran away.
Evidence was given by Robert Samuel Larkin to the effect that he had found Miss Powell's bag and purse in the bush. Thomas Henry Thatcher stated that he was on the Pittwater-road, near Narrabeen, when his attention was attracted by a scream, and looking in the direction from where the sound had come he saw a man and a Woman in the road. The man was holding something. against the woman's face and was trying to snatch something from her. Witness then started to run down the road when he saw the man, whom he. now identified as Filby, grasp something and rush into the .bush. ' Accused reserved his defence, and was committed for trial, bail being fixed at £100. BAILED,UP AT NARRABEEN. (1913, April 19). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238945270
Arthur set himself up as a contractor, laying roads or installing bridges and jetties for the Council and construction works for Architects with local projects - skills possibly achieved during the laying of what would become the Narrabeen Tramway and furthered during Service, and backed up by the team of horses he kept and the hauling wagons and farm utensils he would have owned. Plant, Equipment, and in these days, Horses were what helped win contracts.
Arthur Larkin in 1924 with his horse 'Captain' - he had stables and horses at his home with Olive and daughter Olga in Wetherill street, Narrabeen. Note the change in the young man of 1916-17 and this year, when he is just 26 years of age. Photo: courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.
Arthur Larkin and his team, for instance, won the contract to build the second Narrabeen Bridge over the lagoon towards the ocean side in 1927 and won the Tender, with a J. McDonald, to build the rockbaths at North Narrabeen in October 1933.
Narrabeen Lagoon bridge - ocean end, circa 1928-1929, Samuel Wood - postcard photonegatives of Narrabeen, ca. 1928. Item: SLNSW_FL986627, courtesy State Library of New South Wales.
Arthur Larkin had been working at Palm Beach earlier that year as well, for architect H. Glencoe Williams, who had at least three projects in the Barrenjoey peninsula that year – at Palm Beach, Clareville and Bilgola Beach, and had employed Mr. Larkin in similar works in the years prior to this:
H. Glencoe Williams to A. Larkin for the construction of a sea wall at Pittwater. NEW WORKS. (1935, August 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17203937
TENDERS AND CONTRACTS
PLANS IN PREPARATION
CONTRACTS LET Palm Beach, — Erection retaining walls, steps, paths, etc., at Palm Beach. H. Glencoe Williams to A. Larken TENDERS AND CONTRACTS (1937, January 5). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247386668
H. Glencoe Williams, to Chegwin Brothers for erection of residence at Bilgola Beach; to H. A. Tritton for residence at Palm Beach and residence at Clareville. Shark meshing of beaches and estuarine waters between Port Hacking and Broken Bay. for a period of two years from December 1. 1937; five tenders. CONTRACTS LET. (1937, August 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27985669
Some others works undertaken by Larkin at the same time, along with Unemployment Relief works, are recorded as:
At the Meeting of Warringah Shire Council held on 19th October. 1937:
82 34. Collaroy Progress Assoc., 8/10/37, (a) advising that tenders for construction, from parking fee funds, of rock Collaroy gardens on the Beach Reserve have been called, and recommending that the tender of Mr. A. G. Larkin for £48. 10.0 be accepted; (b) requesting Council to make available from parking fees the sum of £100 towards construction, preparation and completion of this work, Resolved, - That the Council approve of the acceptance. of Mr. A.G. Larkin's tender of £48.10.0. (Crs.. Green,Ross) Resolved, - That no action be taken in regard to the other request.
Recorded in the WSC Meeting held on 24th August. 1937:
..to put a drainage pipe line along the northern boundary of Palm Beach 8 his property, the centre of the pipe to be 3 ft. from the boundary? By Cr. Hitchcock - Bou/pipe culverts are to be installed in Central Road. Are there drainage easements leading from these culverts? The Engineer replied that there. were drainage easements and that the culverts would take the place of existing causeways. By Cr. Hewitt - Could an instruction be issued for blackberries on the footpath on the eastern side of Princes Street, Newport, to be removed? By Cr. Hewitt - Is a report yet available regarding the proposed dressing, sheds, for lady swimmers in Deep Creek Road: The Engineer stated he would submit a plan to the next meeting of the Council. By Cr. Hewitt - When is the authorised work in front of the store at Whale Beach to be started? The Engineer stated that the work had already been taken in hand. By Cr. Green – Workers Encampment Regarding the construction work being carried out by the Government at McCarr's Creek for the relief of unemployment, I am informed there are no proper sanitary Relief arrangements for the campers, who number 200, that the water supply is unsatisfactory, and that there have been two or three cases of infectious diseases. Could a letter be written to the Department on the matter? By Cr. Green - Could attention be given to defective re-instatement of road openings for the Water Board's pipes adjacent to Knight's Store, Ocean Street, and Atkins' start' C. in Lagoon Street? By Cr. Green - Regarding the drainage construction works to be carried out in conjunction with Griffin Road Extension, Boronia st.coUld the two watertables in Boronia Street on the eastern. side of the pipe line be connected to the pipe line? The £ra inane .ngineer replied that it was not provided for ir.the Loan proposal, but that he would get out an estimate of the cost. By Cr. Batho - Has the Engineer any idea when the Queenscliff Bridge widening job will commence? The Engineer stated that application had been made to the Local Government Department Bridge for approval to the acceptance of A. G. Larkin's tender, and he’d been in touch with Chief Engineer for Local Government Works, and he would get in communication with him again.
Later that same month:
57. Neagher. Sproule & Co., Solicitors, 28/9/37, of the Newport Beach Improvement Committee, under instructions from Messrs. Blake, Moss--and- Jeffery, re the Council's action in divesting the Committee of the control of the Newport Surf Building, pointing out that their clients have, already entered into current contracts for the letting of the hall, hold and moneys for -contributions collected by them towards -a the cost of the maintenance of the hall;- stating the committee intends to continue actioning in connection with the management of the building, and to contest the divesting of its powers;' requesting advice as to the Council's intentions without delay. ;Received;. ;. 14 Maund & Kelynack, Shire solicitors, re. proposal to acquire Narrabeen Progress Association’s land at Narrabeen, pointing out that Mr. Larkin, sole remaining trustee, has no power to give good title, and recommending the land be 'acquired by the resumption method. Resolved, - That the Council make application for the resuniption of the land, and give the usual undertakings and that the Seal of'. the Council be affixed to the ap1ioati'i, and the necessary surveys be made as soon as possible. (C s.-'Ross; Hewitt)
On the 18th of January 1938 WSC's Minutes of Meetings records:
9a.Reporting that Contractor Larkin's contract for the widening of the Queenscliff Bridge, and the re-erection of a footway on the eastern side had been completed, and recommending payment of the balance of the contract money, and refund of the Contractor's deposit: Resolved, - That Engineer's recommendation be adopted.
In the Minutes for the Council Meeting held 29th March.1938:
TENDERS: 1. Construction of concrete pipe line, open concrete drains and agricultural pipe drains on the section of Collaroy Park Estate, bounded by Anzac avenue, Pittwater Road, Ocean Grove and the Pacific Ocean (provided for in B. Riding loan): Three tenders were received, viz - A.G.Larkin, a lump sum of Collaroy £1238.4.6; Concreters Ltd, a lump sit of £169.14.6; and drainage G.4.B±yant Pty. Ltd., a lump sum of £1814.5.0, each tenderer also quoting schedule rates for each class or section of the work. Resolved, - That the lowest tender, that of A. G. Larkin, be accepted. 2. Construction, in brick, of public privies, two sets for Public each sex, on McKillop Park, Harbord : Two tenders were received, viz - Vennard Bros. £105; and B .Joy £140. The Council resolved to defer consideration of the tenders. Resolved, - That the acceptance of A.G.Larkin's tender for the drainage works on Collaroy Park Estate be conditional upon the Council obtaining the consents of the owners of the various allotments through which it is proposed to construct the drain. The meeting thereupon terminated at 12.45 p.m. Palm Bch. By Cr. Latham - Could the erection of a dwarf wall be preferred Wall to in a letter from Mr. McKay of Palm Beach, be expedited.? By Cr. Lathan - The Palm Beach Surf Club complains of the incompleteness of their boat shed. Will you instruct that a Boat-house hasp and staples be placed on the door, and that an oar-rack be erected inside. By Cr. Latham - when will the Ocean Road work at Palm Beach be completed? The Engineer stated that he would report on the matter to next meeting, and also on the statement that some stone from the rockbath was being taken to the top of the hill. By Cr. Lathan .- Some time ago I asked for an estimate for a pathway leading from Bayview Road to Fermoy Avenue. Could the furnishing of this estimate be expedited? Bayview By Cr. Lathan – Will you direct that a couple of sleepers be Wharf placed under the public wharf at Bayview? By Cr. Latham - would it be possible to have a man with a scythe put on the road to cut out the grass along Bayview Road on the other side of Riddle's, around the water front? Lisle St.- By Cr. Butcher - till you direct that the pipes at the Touramline junction of Lisle Street and Tourmaline Street be extended St. Junction immediately in order to get rid of a danger? The President stated the danger would be instructed to treat the matter as urgent? By Cr Butcher - Some time ago £3 was voted for providing a Narrabeen hand-rail down the steps at the North Narrabeen Rockbath Could this work be expedited?
The Minutes from the Meeting held 12th of April 1938 record:
2. Manly- Warringah district Park - Construction of a retaininq wall of random rubble, laid in 12 inch courses, and a concrete-lined catch drain: One tender only was received., that of A.G.Larkin, the lump sum amount .being £277.10.0. It was decided that fresh tenders be called for, and Manly- Warringah district Park Joint Committee informed accordantly.
The April 1938 WSC records show the new public wharf for Palm Beach is nearing completion or is complete. The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12th of April 1938 records:
29. C.B.Gow, 25/3/38, requesting permission to take over the old wharf at Palm beach stating he is prepared to reconstruct it to the Engineer's satisfaction and take over the lease from the Lands Department. 29a. A.Danvtar Burns, suggesting that Palm Beach the old wharf be allowed to remain for the convenience of the boating men. Resolved, - That Mr. Gow be informed the Council proposes to terminate the occupancy of the site of the wharf, and will Permit him to take it over provided that the public will have uninterrupted use of the wharf and he complies with whatever conditions the Lands Department may lay down. (Crs. Hitchcock, Savage)
By April 26 1938:
Palm Beach Wharf 5. Government Tourist Bureau, 7/4/38, replying that the firm operating the Bureau's Hawkesbury-Newport Round Trip has been requested to make use of the new wharf at Palm Beach in future. Resolved, - That the Bureau be thanked for its co-operation. (Crs. Hitchcock, Campbell)
The Warringah Shire Council Meeting held on 7th of June 1938 records the Permissive Occupancy then and now required and the fee charged annually – a whole £1:
34. Lands Dept., 25/5/38, offering Council a Permissive Occupancy of the site of the new wharf at Palm Beach at an annual rental of £1, and submitting, for completion by the Council under its Seal, formal agreement respecting the occupancy. Resolved; That the offer be accepted, and the Occupancy agreement completed under Seal of the Council. (Crs. Nicholas, Hitchcock) 35. Same, 30/5/38, advising that Council's request for a grant for the purpose of acquiring land along The Strand Reserve Whale Beach, will be given consideration after the passing extension of the Estimates for the next financial year, when it will know what funds are available for such purposes. Resolved,- That the Department be thanked for the consideration it has given the Council's requests. (Crs Nicholas, Hitchcock)
Palm Beach Public wharf and Pittwater Park circa 1938 from beside Barrenjoey House. Milton-Crowley Family records state Mr Crowley was allowed to form a vegetable garden in the land behind Barrenjoey House and did so for a few years, which is the aspect from which this image has been taken. The Norfolk pines are already in place.
Milton Kent aerial views of Avalon, Bronte, Palm Beach and Sydney, ca. 1931-1935 (must be 1938 or post-1938 as the new Palm Beach public wharf can be seen – along with Goddard’s wharf) and sections from. Items; SLNSW_FL20059969 and SLNSW_FL8804640, courtesy State Library of New South Wales:
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Gows and Gonsalves boatshed taken from Carls originals courtesy Peter Verrills, circa 1939-1940. NB: newly and finally sealed Barrenjoey road and electric poles instead of telegraph lines
Meanwhile, down the road, the Council Meeting of 19th of July 1938:
28. J.L.Sleeman, 2/7/38 complaining that the views from cottages in Forssberg Estate, Palm Beach, have been spoiled by the construction by Mr. Goddard of another wharf and lavatories across the beach, and requesting, Council to take action in the matter. Resolved, - That a copy of the Inspector's report be sent to the writer. (Cr. Latham, Cr. Campbell).
Goddard's Boatshed and Wharf. From Album Palm Beach, December 1 1937 and January 6 1938 / photographed by Ray Olson - these are Pix magazine photographs, and taken or published in 1937 and 1938, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and courtesy ACP Magazines Ltd.
Saturday 6 March 1937 W Goddard advert in The Daily Telegraph
View from the water of Goddard's Boat Shed at 118 Iluka Road, Palm Beach - About 1939-40
Recorded in the WSC Meeting held on 2nd of August 1938:
By Cr. Hitchcock; Could a letter be sent to Mr. Gow asking what his intentions are in regard to the old Pain Beach wharf? Could I have an estimate of the cost of scooping an area at Palm Beach for parking purposes? The President replied that the Engineer would be instructed to meet Cr. Hitchcock on the ground in order that he could point out what he desires.
During the WSC Meeting held on 16th of August 1938:
40. Department of Works & Local Government, 3/8/38, advising that in connection with the construction of e road from Church Point to McCarr's Creek it was necessary to demolish the brick lavatories at Church Point, that the bricks are at the site, and a local resident has made an offer of £1 for them, inquiring whether such offer is acceptable to the Council. Resolved, - That the Works Committee arrange an inspection as an urgent matter, with a view of arrangement of the erection of fresh lavatories to meet the Present need, (Cr. Lathem) that the matter of whether the bricks should be removed or not be left to the President to decide. 35. James Wheeler,..per, complaints regarding the notice served upon him by the Council in reference to drainage matters at No. 15 Waterloo Street, Narrabeen. Resolved, - That this matter be dealt with in Committee. 36. Main Roads Department, 9/8/38, re representations made by the Narrabeen Progress Association for widening of Narrabeen Bridge, Pittwater Road, stating that Department considers the risk of accidents would be lessened if a second footway Bridge approximately 4 – 6’’; wide were placed on the western side of the bridge at an approximate cost of £178, inquiring whether the Council is willing to bear half the cost. Resolved, - That the Department be requested to make a new bridge across the lagoon. (Crs. Nicholas, Butcher) 38. Percy C. Spender, M.H.R., 8/8/38, supplying information regarding the lease granted by. the Commonwealth Government to F. J. Terry of an area of about 70 acres, comprising part of the defence and Lighthouse Reserve at Barrenjoey. Resolved, - ____ That a copy of Mr. Spender's letter and of the conditions of the lease be sent to each Councillor. 41. N.V.Menlove, Solicitor, 9/8/38, applying for a Certificate of Compliance under Section 317, Local Government not, in respect to the residence ‘Koorawathe', owned by Mrs. Mary Larkin, and situated on Lot, 50, D.P. 7794, Beach Parade, Clareville. Resolved, - That a Certificate of Compliance be granted as requested. (Crs. Campbell, Nicholas) The following questions, submitted without notice by the Councillors made, were answered by the President in the affirmative unless otherwise stated. Palm Bch. By Cr. Hitchcock - There are three or four moorings which block Wharf the access to the Palm Beach wharf: Could an investigation be made regarding them?
October 11th 1938
45. A. Hope, 5/10/38, requesting permission to lop some gum trees on the reserve in front of his property at Taylor's Pt. Road which obstruct the view of Pittwater. The Overseer's recommendation that permission be refused was adopted. P. C. Spender, 3/10/38, objecting to the erection and position of an outhouse on land in front of his house at Ralston Road, Palm Beach. The Inspector's report that no nuisance existed in regard to the earth closet was adopted . 49. Land Board. Office, 4/10/38, re Permissive Occupancies at Church Point which were terminated on account of the construction of the new road along the foreshores of McCarr's Creek, explaining what is being done in regard to granting fresh occupancies in lieu of these, and stating Council's wishes are being observed in connection with applications for new Permissive Occupancies. ;Received.; 50. Petition from17 residents and ratepayers that the Public Works Department be asked to retain ;the original position of the steps which serve zs an entrance to the public wharf at Brown's Bay along the Church Point-Pymble Road now under construction;, stating that the suggested new entrance would be most inconvenient. 51. G. Bushnell, 4/10/38, making similar request, stating he is a boat-shed proprietor at Brown's Bay, and that during the past six months he has been deprived of his business. 51a. E. McClelland, 10/10/38, protesting similarly against removal of entrance to steps to the water at Brown's Bay. Referred to the Works Committee. 48. Newport Bowling Club, 4/10/38, requesting permission for a deputation from the Club to wait upon the Council for the Newport purpose of discussing the matter of the construction of a Bowling green at Newport. Resolved, - That a deputation from Green the Club be heard for a short time at next Finance Committee meeting.
The WSC Meeting held on 20th December 1938 records:
2. Lands Department, 7/12/38, replying that it offers no objection to the leasing of the old wharf at Palm Beach to Mr. C.B.Gow, provided he undertakes to repair and keep it in good order and allow the public free use of it at all times. Resolved, - That the Council agree to the lease to Mr. Gow, provided he first places the wharf in good order to the Shire Engineer's satisfaction.
On Snapperman in front of Goddard's in late 1930's - early 1940's. Photo: Verrills and Goddard's Family Albums
Further 'old wharf' records:
Reporting that the old structure of Palm Beach Wharf Beach should be demolished: Resolved - That Mr. C.B. Gow be given two months in which to complete the restoration work to the Shire engineer’s satisfaction. (Crs. Latham, Savage) 24/1/1939
Reporting that Mr. Gow has ceased his improvement operations on the old public wharf at Palm Beach: Resolved, That Mr. Gow be required to finish the whole of the work within two months. (Crs. Butcher, Campbell) 11/7/1949
Gow & Gonsalves, 12/7/52, drawing attention to the state of the Council's wharf adjacent to Gow's boatshed and suggesting that it be repaired or demolished, but if the Council is not prepared to do this, stating that they are prepared to take over the structure. Resolved: that this wharf be demolished (Crs. McKay and Berry).
C. B. Gow, 18/9/52, regarding the old wharf at Palm Beach, contending that it would be more expedient to re-build the old wharf than to demolish it, pointing out that a wharf has been at this site for about 40 years, and is greatly used by local residents; and stating that he would be prepared to build and maintain a new wharf or pull the old one down. 22. Resolved, - That he be informed that Council adheres to its previous decision, and the Engineer be instructed to demolish this wharf at. the earliest possible Opportunity.- (Crs. McKay, Berry)
CARRIED. (b) Cr. Berry moved, Cr. McKay seconding, that the decision of 21/7/52 to demolish Mr. C.B. Gow's wharf at Palm Beach be rescinded, and he be allowed to rebuild the wharf at his own expense and that the Council be relieved of any legal Wharves responsibility as to the management of this wharf. Cr. Horn moved as an amendment, Cr. Quinlan seconding, that this matter be referred to the Finance & General Purposes Committee, with a report by the Shire Engineer and Legal Officer, and in the meantime Mr. Gow be asked to confer with the Engineer and submit a proposal as to what he is prepared to do to reinstate the wharf to good condition., and the terms under which he desires to be allowed to use the wharf. The amendment was carried, and on becoming the motion, was again carried. (c) Cr. McKay moved, Cr. Berry seconding 30/3/1953
The old Palm Beach Public Wharf and surrounds were used as a feature for this Jantzen swimming costumes fashion shoot at Palm Beach, with the images taken on 25 March 1940 / photographed by Grimes - photos courtesy State library of NSW. By the look of the poles Carl Gow and the Gonsalves have only recently done repairs:
In the above photo you can see the fairly brand new Palm Beach Public Wharf in the background. Along with the shelter shed at the end of the walkway you can see other structures have been erected.
In 1941 Goddards sold their business to the Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company. Included in the sale were a general store with a liquor licence, marine repair facilities and ferries. The general store which could sell alcohol was a first at Palm Beach and was run by William’s wife Ada.
Also included was a small motor launch “Falcon” (which was later known as “Elvina”) built by William in 1928 (and later sold to the Church Point Ferry Service). “Elvina” provided a very important service to the people of Pittwater at the time, delivering supplies and mail. She is the longest serving passenger ferry in NSW and still comes out for service when needed. She is currently moored over near Lovett Bay, owned and run by the Church Point Ferry Service.
'Pittwater' Palm Beach, 1945. Item: FL3735011, courtesy NSW State Records and Archives
Palm Beach Fisherman's Fleet
As can be seen above and from one of the photos from the Goddard family albums, fishing nets are draped over the rails of the new Palm Beach public wharf, as this was once one of the place fish were landed – Gow’s jetty was another, but the Palm Beach Public wharf allowed for slightly deeper water access for the larger trawler vessels of the local fishermen.
Top; 'Gow's' Palm Beach public wharf with a fishing trawler tied up alongside it, and view down Snapperman Beach showing new Palm Beach public wharf with fishing nets draped over and further away Goddard's Boatshed wharf and, below, one showing the end of the new Palm Beach public wharf and shelter shed thereon. Photos courtesy Goddard Family Albums
More in: William (Bill) Goddard shares family insights at Avalon Beach Historical Society's 2022 AGM
However, post World War Two, a shift towards keeping the public wharf for the public meant eventually denying local fishermen the use of the wharf for this purpose.
A February 1943 WSC Meeting records:
COMMITTEE'S REPORTS on (a) Report by Chief Health Inspector relating to the depositing of bait and fish on Pittwater Reserve, Palm Beach, and on alterations by G. Stringer to a building in Nabilla Road, Palm Beach, without authority; (b) building applications and letters received since the compilation of the last report; and (c) chemical closets applications. The whole of, the recommendations in the Committee's report were adopted, viz - (i) that the Inspector's recommendation that Palm Bch. Messrs, Gow and Gonsalves, as representative fishermen, be warned regarding the unsatisfactory practices, and that the Council's Overseer and Wharfinger be directed to forthwith remove any such tins or receptacles for custody by the Council, and that any, owner claiming any such receptacle or article be required to pay all reasonable expenses incurred by the Council in the matter, be adopted; (ii) that the, Council require G. Stringer to demolish all unauthorised-work within 14 days, and that failing compliance with this requirement, legal proceedings be immediately 2/2/1943
At the WSC Meeting held on December 4th, 1945 the Minutes record:
(3) Submitting estimate, £125, for drainage improvements at The Avalon Cabbage Trees, Avalon Parade, Avalon: Referred to the Works Drainage Committee. (Crs. Green, Raffo) (4) Advising that in connection with the fishing industry, the estimated cost of constructing a ‘’1’’ head wharf and putting the stone approach pier at Careel Bay in order, is £650. Resolved, That the Parks & Reserves Committee make an inspection, Cr. Morrow Beach and any other Councillors so desiring to be present.
December 18th, 1945:
The PARKS & RESEFCVICS ,COMMITTEE'S REPORT, as contained in the Minutes of that Committee's meeting held on 13th inst. was dealt with as renown:, 04 Avalon Surf Club request that Council purchase a lorry for the purpose of transporting members of the Club from Sydney, Council to be reimbursed by the sale of the lorry to the Club: Resolved, - That the Committee's recommendation be adopted, and Az912n Council make application to the War Disposals Commission for a lorry at a cost not exceeding £250, and the lorry be sold to the Club on the following terms - (a) a deposit of £120 from the Club;- (b) balance to be paid in 18 equal monthly instalments bearing interest at 5% per annum; and (c) a full comprehensive insurance policy to be taken out by the Club. (Crs Forster, McLean) (2) Careel Bay & Pittwater Fishing Depot Site: Cr. Forster moved, Cr. Walsham seconded That the fish depot be either at Palm Beach or Newport. Cr. Morrow moved as on amendment, seconded by Cr. Dunbar, that the matter be deferred pending receipt of the letter from the Fishermen's League Industry referred to in the report. The amendment was carried, and on becoming the motion, was also carried, Cr. Forster recording his vote against it. Resolved, - That the fishermen be advised the Council will not put into operation the notices they have received, pending Council's further decision. (Crs. Forster, Batho)
By January 8th 1946:
(6) Palm Beach & District Fishermen's Co-operative Society, 19/12/45, requesting Council to build a wharf at the site recently inspected at Careel Bay for handling fish, and desiring, at a later date etc discuss with Council the possibilities of control and financing the project, stating if the request is granted, it is proposed to erect by the Society buildings for handling and holding all fish caught. (7) W. G. Stix/Blix, 19/12/45, protesting against the proposal to move the trawler fish base from Palm Beach to Careel Bay. 47a) Miss G. Smith, 20/12/45, making a similar protest. (7b) Avalon Ratepayers' Assoc., 4/1/46, also protesting. Resolved, -that this matter be referred to the Parks & Reserves Committee and ;A; Riding Councillors, the survey and information regarding the wharf to be made available to the Committee. (Crs. Forster, Green) (8) F. Scharer, 18/12/45, (as a ratepayer and returned soldier from both wars on a full pension) requesting consideration of a scheme for repairs to the wharf at Careel Bay and the erection of a boat-shed and dwelling combined, for the purpose of a public Careel boat-shed, stating he would be prepared to finance the work over a period; that he is known to a number of residents in the Wharf locality, and feels sure there would be no objection. Referred to Parka & Reserves Committee. (Crs. Morrow, Dunbar)
By March 5th 1946:
(38) Palm Beach Branch United Fishermen's League, 27/2/46, protesting against Council's decision to reaffirm its resolution in regard to the cessation of fishing activities at Pittwater Palm Beach, pointing out that access to the old public wharf site is impracticable, as a 60-ft. drop prevents egress from the wharf to the main road, and that motor traffic is not possible owing to buildings and a slipway obstructing the way. (38a) United Fishermen's League, and (38b) Palm Beach Fishermen's Co-op. Society, to same effect. Referred to Parks & Reserves Committee.
On 30th of April 1946:
Correspondence was submitted and dealt with as (I) Palm Beach Progress Assoc., 11/4/46, forwarding copy of Constitution, and giving list of Officers and Executive Committee. ;Received; (2) L. W. Jones, 16/4/46, advising that Mr. Weston is not interested in the offer of £80 for his Lot 50, Bungan Head Road, and that the acquisition should now proceed by way of resumption. Resolved, - That they now proceed to resume this land at the expense of. Mr. Albert.
The Minutes from the Meeting held on 28th of May 1946 record WSC has, by then, its own pile driver and was working to meet requests from Great Mackerel Beach residents to save their wharf from collapse - included are other Barrenjoey-Palm Beach items of interest and the Council's responses:
(7) The Vintage Sports Club, 13/5/46, requesting permission to hold hill climbing competition at Foley's Hill on the old main road on zings Birthday, 17th June, they having applied to the Commissioner of Police for police sanction. Resolved,- That permission be granted under the usual conditions provided that they arrange with the Manly and District 4mbuslence to be present. (Crc. Itaishem, Dunbar). (8)Mona Vale Community League, 13/5/46, requesting to be supplied with up to one hundred guards before the month of August for their tree planting programme in local parks and streets. Resolved, - That the tree guards be provided, subject to timber being available. (9) Police Traffic Branch, 13.5.46, re Council's letter regarding traffic conditions at the intersection of Gordon and Pittwater Rds. Mona Vale, (a) stating that the conditions existing do not warrant the installation of a marked foot crossing or Caution Notices; as the intersection does not present any undue hazards; (b) stating it has been arranged to alter the omnibus stopping points in Gordon Rd. approximately 40 ft. further west, but in order to give effect to this it will be necessary for the bitumen surface to be extended to the full width of the roadway to 70 ft. west of Pittwater Rd. and requesting Council to have this done. ;Received;: (b) Referred to the Works Committee. (a) (10) Great Mackerel Beach Progress Assn.. 15/5/46, (4) urging the seawall at Great Mackerel Beach be erected as a matter of urgency, and that the use of discarded rail sleepers be acceptable, and unless proper access is provided to some of the properties involved, there is a likelihood of-legal claims; (b) warning Council that unless immediate attention is given to the public wharf there appears to be a Likelihood of collapse at any time; (c) stating it is felt Council is wrong to carry out works simply in the order in which they are voted, and urgency should decide order of works; (d) inquiring the nature of the Electrical Engineer's report on the subject of the possible supply of electricity. Resolved, -(a); They.be informed the Council regrets it is not in a position to carry out the work at present (Crs. Forster. Morrow); (b) Resolved- that the work be carried out immediately the pile driver is available. (Crs. Forster, Morrow): (c) Resolved, - That the voted works be done as soon as possible (d) Referred to the Electricity Manager for report. (11) S. G. Robertson, 14/5/46, stating he has applied to the Dept. of Lands Department, for a Permissive Occupancy at Church Point, and trusting it will receive a favourable reception from Council. Referred to the Works Committee. occupancy (12) The Tea Bureau, 17/5/46, offering to make the sum of £2100 available to erect a fireplace shelter shed at Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, in accordance with their plans, and to supply 100 billycans provided the Council supply wood and water free to the public, and maintain the structure and signs in good order and condition, stating that similar proposals have been agreed to by the Blue Mountains, Randwick and ???? Councils. Referred to the Parks and Reserves Committee.'- ' (13) Palm Beach and District Citizens, forwarding List of 175 financial-members of their association.
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 3rd of September 1946 record:
(28) Great Mackerel Beach Progress Assoc., 26/8/1946 (a) suggesting that when the Brookvale tram lines are pulled up the sleepers be made available for the sea wall; (b) urging ear]y repairs to the public wharf; (c) stating that the road work does not seem to be completed, and goes only as far as the bridge; and (d) requesting that for the purpose of controlling the lighting of fires the Association be given power to act as a Fire Committee. Council's decisions:- (a) that the Shire Engineer arrange for the use of any sleepers available; (b) that this work be treated as urgent; (c) to be informed that the work provided for has been completed; (d) that a Bush Fire Brigade be established and the necessary equipment supplied by the Council. Palm Beach(29) Palm Beach Golf Club, 27/8/46, requesting a renewal of the Club's lease in connection with the golf links on Governor Phillip Park, which expires in October next. Referred to the Parks & Reserves Committee. (30) Mona Vale cricket Club, requesting the use of Mona Vale Park for the coming season. Referred to Parks & Reserves Committee. (31) J. T. Avery 28/8/+6, requesting permission to establish on his land near Deep Creek, Narrabeen, a kiosk for the needs of picnic parties and campers, to allow campers at the rate of 5/- per week, to allow parking at the rate of 1/- per day or 6th per half day, and to allow picnickers and boating parties at Deep Creek 6d. per party, and if permission is granted, undertaking to erect lavatory accommodation, etc. Referred to the Parks & Reserves Committee. (32) R. S. Blair Pty. Ltd., 27/8/1946, requesting permission to use the small area of 50-ft. frontage on the Mona Vale Park for the purpose of displaying beach equipment, boat covers, sails, camping outfits, etc, and requesting permission to discuss the matter. Resolve, - That the Parks & Reserves Manager obtain further information for consideration by the Parks & Reserves Committee. (33)Newport S.L.S. Club, 28,8/1f6, stating that Mr. Edwards desires to rent the Club's Dance Hall for be showing of motion pictures three nights a week, which would be a source of Newport revenue to the Club, stating Mr. Edwards is prepared to comply surf with all Fire Brigade regulations. Referred to Parks and house Reserves Committee. (27) Main Roads Department, 23/8,146, regarding Mr. Hancock's complaint re stormwater drainage at Avalon, advising that the Main Department will form the watertable southerly from Central Road, Road provided the Council forms the footpath over this length. Resolved, - That a copy of the Engineer's report contending that this is a matter for the Department be sent to the Department. (Crs. Forster, Dunbar) (35) Collaroy Community League 29/8/k6, requesting Council to take steps to have the debris from the area affected by erosion at Collaroy Beach, where the homes have been demolished, removed. Referred to the Chief Health Inspector for report to Health & Building Committee.
On 17th of September 1946:
(3) Miss W. Henderp, 1/9/16, requesting (a) that consideration be now given to changing the name of Cynthia Road Palm Beach, and suggesting it be called Boanbong Road; and b) that attention be given to the surface of Cynthia Road. Resolved; That the name be not changed and that £30 be voted for blind-' in the surface of the street. Palm Beach Fishermen's Co-op Limited, 21/8/1946 regarding the Council’s direction that the fishermen vacate the wharf at Palm Beach used by them, contending that great inconvenience will be caused until alternative arrangements have been made for landing fish stating that the Co-op. is prepared to erect its depot at either Careel Bay or Barrenjoey, and asking that Council forward advice to the Chief Secretary's. Department intimating the extent it is. prepared to assist by the provision of a necessary road access to the wharf. () Palm Beach Branch United Fishermen's League, 21/8/1946 supporting the proposals of same.
November 26th 1946:
PRESIDENTIAL MINUTES. (1) The President reported the death of Alexander Ralston, an ex-President of the Shire. Resolved, - That a letter of sympathy Condolences be sent to his relatives, the motion being carried by all present standing in silence. (2) Palm Beach Fishing Industry; The President reported on the Conference held at the Chief Secretary's Office on 22nd inst. Palm Beach when it was agreed that the site at Barrenjoey Headland be used by the fishermen. Resolved - That the Engineer prepare an Industry estimate of the cost of making the road to this site, and for the extension of the jetty.
From same meeting;
Fishing Industry (83) E, E. Watson, 19/11/46, again complaining in regard to Palm Bch operations of fishermen at Palm Beach, and requesting that action be taken for the discontinuance of the practice. Resolved, That the Chief Health Inspector report on conditions at the Pittwater and Ocean Beach Reserves. (Crs. Forster ,Morrow)
The fish in the boat is mullet – the photo taken 'at South Palm Beach'; left to right: Bob Robinson Snr., Clarrie Witchard (brother in law) Jack Robinson, Henry Robinson (brothers) and Bob Robinson (Henry and Jack’s dad – Peter’s grandfather). Clarrie married Eunice ‘Tippy’ Robinson, Henry’s sister - photo courtesy Robinson family, who were one of the early fishing families on Pittwater and have family members who still operate from Careel Bay wharf today.
The Council Meeting held 10th of December 1946 records:
At this stage the Ordinary Meeting was adjourned for the purpose of holding the Special Meeting for the election of President Deputy President and Committees On resuming the Chair was taken by the new President, Cr. Batho. The PARKQ& RE as contained in the Minutes of that Committee's meeting held on 4th Inst. at Palm Beach was adopted, with the exception that in Item 13 the Parks & Reserves the Fishing Manager be instructed that If the notice is not complied with in the stipulated time all unauthorised and illegal obstructions must be removed from the reserve. (Crs. Harris, McLean)
The following year, the Minutes of a Council Meeting held on June 24th 1947 records:
F. J. Finlay, 9/6/1947, complaining that tradesmen are making a thoroughfare of the footpath in front of his residence at Seabeach Avenue, Mona Vale, and asking that steps be taken to stop the practice. Resolved; That the Engineer's recommendation that Mr. Homer be informed any further use of the footpath by his carts will be seriously viewed be adopted. .. (Crs. Forster, Dunbar) (7)Palm Beach & District Citizens' Assoc., 10/6/1947, (a) requesting kerbing and guttering and footpath along the western side of Barrenjoey Road from the southern end of Iluka Road to the northern end of the path; (b) requesting kerbing and guttering and footpath on western side of Ocean Road from the turning-point to the junction of Palm Beach Road; (c) requesting the construction of Waratah Street; (d) requesting that a road east of the camping area from the beach to the surf sheds with a turning-point, be built before December to relieve parking congestion; (e) requesting repairs and surfacing of Bynya Road; (f) requesting regular and more frequent cleaning of the rockbaths; (g) asking for more practical garbage containers and a greater number of them so made to allow for drainage and fastening to posts; and (h) requesting that consideration be given to provision of additional, car-parking areas, either by rental of vacant land opposite the present bathing area or resumption of this property. Council's decisions were; (a) to be informed that this included in the Loan; (b) aId. (a) referred to Works Committee; '(d) to be informed that an estimate is being prepared; (e). to-be informed that this will be done from the current tarring vote; (f) Parks & Reserves Manager to report (g) to be informed that this will, be done, and an estimate to be submitted for providing receptacles on swivels, as previously recommended; (h) referred to the Works and Parks & Reserves Committee. (8) Same, regarding fishing industry at Palm Beach stating that a Special Committee, consisting of Mr. Russell - Kent (of the Association), C. Morgan (Co-operative), C. Gow Palm Beach.(Licensed fisherman), Mr. Paddon (United Fishermen) W. Ollins. Fishing (Property Owners), has been set up to co-operate with the Council.
Record in the Meeting held July 8th 1947:
(6) Chief Secretary's Dept., 26/6/47, regarding plan for enlarging the public wharf at Palm Beach for joint use by private craft and the fishing industry, stating that the President of the Palm Beach Fishermen's Co-operative Society has indicated that no meeting of the Society has been held to allow of an opinion being expressed concerning the merits of the two wharves but he is of the opinion that the Society will be quite satisfied to use the public wharfs requesting to be industry furnished with an estimate of the cost of the reconstruction of the wharf as soon as possible, and pointing out that the Council will be expected to bear a proportionate amount of the cost. Resolved, The Department be informed of the Engineer's report that the present structure is adequate for use by private craft and that any alterations should be paid for by the fishermen. (Crs. Harris, Dunbar)
Postcard of Palm Beach looking south towards Gow's wharf, Palm Beach public wharf and Goddard's/Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company Ferry terminal, circa 1950. Image: Goddard Family Records
Minutes written tor the Council Meeting held February 4th 1952:
(6) Randwick Auxiliary Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, 21/1/52, stating it is proposed to conduct their Annual Carnival and Fishing Competition at Palm Beach on Sunday, 36th March, for the raising of funds for the Hospital, requesting permission to erect marquees, and that the Council provide additional sanitary facilities. Resolved, That approval be-given and the necessary-facilities provided' CCTS::McKay,-Berry
Tom Gilbert (in middle - his photo) atop Carl Gow's/Gonsalves Boatshed, 1949. Annual fundraisers were held in the park near the ferry wharf to raise funds to support the Randwick Hospital with the Carl Gow/Gonsalves Boatshed put into use as the 'Beer House'. This became an annual event:
HOSPITAL BENEFIT AT PALM BEACH. The Randwick Auxiliary Hospital will benefit from a deep sea fishing and sporting day at Palm Beach tomorrow. Professional fishermen operating from Palm Beach and private owners are providing the trawlers. HOSPITAL BENEFIT AT PALM BEACH. (1950, March 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27575067
Gonsalves Boatshed aerial - courtesy Beryl Driver OAM
By June 10th 1952:
(7) Chief Secretary's Department, 30/5/52, stating that the Department proposes to assist the Palm Beach Fishermen's Co- op. Ltd. financially in the construction of the wharf at Palm Beach; that the conditions laid down by the Council are acceptable in the main, with the exception of No. 2, which purports to vest the new section of the wharf in the Council as owner, but does not give any security of tenure to the Co- operative; suggesting that if the new wharf were now vested in the Council as owner it would become a public wharf, which could lead to friction between the Company and the public, and suggesting, as an alternative, that the Council give consideration to the wharf being erected by the Company as a private wharf, with the following qualifications - (a) the new wharf to be used only for the purpose of the Company and not to be leased or otherwise dealt with without the consent of Council; (b) in the event of the Company Palm being wound up, the Company to have the right to remove the buildings and appurtenances, provided this would not interfere with the stability of the wharf structure; and (c) that the wharf then become the absolute property of Council. 30. Resolved: That the submissions of the Department be agreed to. (Crs. McKay, Berry)
The same time the following year, June 6th 1953:
Palm Beach Wharf: Chief Secretary's Department, 22/5/53, stating that it is not now the intention of the Department to proceed with the construction of the proposed new wharf at Palm Beach for the use of the Palm Beach Fishermen's Co-op. Ltd., this decision having been made following a decline in the quantity of fish either caught or landed in the Pittwater area in recent years. Resolved, -.That the Shire Engineer report to the. Finance &-General Purposes Committee as to any way in which the fishermen may use part only. of the wharf. :(Crs. Berry, Wheeler).
Soon after, at the Meeting of June 22nd 1953:
MOTIONS IN PURSUANCE OF NOTICE.
Palm Beach Wharf (a) By Crs. McKay, Hewitt and Corkery - That the resolution of Council dated 8/6/53 - ;That the Engineer report to the Council as to means by which the Palm Beach fishermen could use the Palm Beach public wharf; - be and is hereby rescinded. 22. CARRIED. (b) By Crs. McKay, Hewitt and Corkery - That in respect of the public wharf at Palm Beach, the Shire Clerk report as to the method by which use of the wharf by fishermen could be so controlled as to permit use by the fishermen in restricted periods and ensure the unrestricted use by the public outside those hours.
Fisherman Wins Appeal Against Crown.
The Court of Criminal Appeal decided yesterday that it, is not an offence for a professional fisherman to have in his possession fish irrespective of whether he proposed to sell it in the established market or not. The decision arose out of an appeal by Carl Beeston Gow. Gow was convicted by a magistrate under the Fisheries and Oyster Farms Act of having fish for sale which had not been brought to and sold in the district market. The fish was seized and forfeited to the Crown. Gow appealed unsuccessfully to Quarter Sessions. Government inspectors saw Gow's truck in front of a fish shop at Narrabeen. There was a large quantity of fish in the truck, a set of scales, and newspapers.
MEANING OF DECISION.
A legal authority said yesterday that the practical effect for fishermen of the Court's decision is that a Fisheries inspector will have to detect a fisherman in the act of disposing of his catch outside the legal market before he can be convicted of an offence. The Chief Justice, in a reserved judgment, said it clearly would be nonsense to suggest that in all cases the mere possession of fish intended to be sold before they had been sold in a market would constitute an offence. Every licensed fisherman obviously intended to earn a livelihood by disposing of his catch by selling it. But as soon as he, took the fish into his boat or' otherwise reduced it into possession then he had it in his possession for sale, not immediately, perhaps, but at some subsequent time. He must then send the fish to the market in order that it might be sold in compliance with the requirements of the Act, and to suggest that the section of the Act was to receive a construction which would make that an offence was clearly absurd. It was clear that no offence was proved against Gow, his Honor said, because, although he announced his intention of selling some of the fish no sale in fact took place. The Chief Justice added: "It may possibly be that there is a gap in the Act, but that must be attributed to the language which the Legislature has used, and the Court cannot remould it."
UPHELD
The appeal was upheld with costs. Mr. Justice Owen and Mr.Justice Herron, in separate judgments, concurred. [Mr. J. W. Smyth, Q.C.. Mr.G. Carmichael and Mr. A. V. Maxwell (by Bartier, Perry and Purcell) for appellant; Mr. H.A. Henry (by the Crown Solicitor) for the Crown.] Fisherman Wins Appeal Against Crown. (1952, May 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18263362
PITTWATER FISHING PTY. LIMITED—Application having been made to the Directors of this Company to issue to Eric Charles Starkey, 33 Pearl Bay avenue, Mosman, the registered holder, a duplicate share certificate in respect of five hundred and one (501) shares in the Company, Nod. 2 and 25 to 524 inclusive, upon the statement that the original certificate has been lost, notice is hereby given that if within twenty-one (21) days from the date of publication hereof no claim or representation in respect of the original certificate is made to the Directors, it is their intention to issue a duplicate thereof.—Dated this 14th day of December, 1953. E. G. CONEN, Secretary, Iluka-road, Palm Beach. 3760—£1 1s. PITTWATER FISHING PTY. LIMITED.—Application (1953, December 18). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4189. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220299495
In the WSC Meeting held October 11th 1954:
item 18 - Proposed Additions to boatshed, Lot 9, Iluka Road, 6. Palm Beach) by Pittwater Fishing Pty. Ltd. Cr. Simmonds moved, seconded by Cr. Jones, that the original application be granted. An amendment was moved By Cr. Quinland, seconded by Cr. Hewitt that this matter be referred back to the Town Planning Committee for consideration. Carried
In WSC Meeting held March 6th 1963: Skiers want the fishers out -
PETITIONS - RECEIVED AND: DEALT WITH SERUM, (A) E.W.Daniell. 281 Barrenjoey Road; Newport ' Beach, 22.1.63 Drawing Council' s attention to fact that Sand Point is the ONLY beach on Eastern foreshores of Pittwater where skier's can be landed and boats beached at any tide whilst navigating within regulations Requesting Council to investigate (a) The Council erecting a suitable notice indicating a prescribed area for water skiers. (b) Whilst skiers are operating from Sand Point they have priority over subsequent arrival of bathers and fishermen. ,(3) The small fishing launch moored directly off the point and restricting movement of boats be removed north or south to general moorings. 34. Resolved,- That this matter be referred to the Parks and Reserves Committee. (Crs. Beckmanaons)
In the Meeting held on November 25th 1963:
PUBLIC WHARVES IN THE SHIRE. Cr. Pickett Heaps moved in pursuance of notice, That the sum of £10,000 be set aside in the 1954 Estimates for the extension of the Public Wharves at Careel Bay and Palm Beach, and the establishment of a Public Wharf south of Sandy Point, at the end of Nabilla Road, Palm Beach, to replace that now closed and being removed by the Port Jackson & Manly S.S. Company at the northern end of Iluka Road, in order to adequately accommodate the ferry and goods transport services essential to the Western shores of Pittwater and the growing demand of the public for these facilities, and to properly cater for the fishing industry in the general interest of the ratepayers and residents. The motion was seconded by Cr. Miles. An Amendment was moved by Cr. Gold, seconded by Cr. Mill, That an application be made to have the Governor proclaim Public Wharves as a National Work. 34. The AMENDMENT was CARRIED, and as the MOTION was again CARRIED.
When Goddard's Boatshed was purchased by the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company on December 24th, 1941 and formally handed over on February 18th 1942, it continued to operate from that northern end of Iluka road site for some years.
PALM BEACH PLANS
ACTIVITIES of the Port Jackson and Manly SS Co in Palm Beach and Pittwater areas are causing much appreciative speculation among local landholders.
The FERRY company in the last two years has acquired Goddard's boatshed and general store at Palm Beach and an area of 48 acres on Little Mackerel Beach, adjoining The Basin, popular yachting rendezvous. It has also taken over the Narrabeen iceworks, and recently opened a new store at Newport. This week the company has completed time-tables for a series of ferry services, weekly and daily, from Church Point and Palm Beach to resorts in Broken Bay which were indifferently served before. Next month it will have a 53-foot launch running on the Bay. An even bigger one is planned later. PALM BEACH PLANS (1946, January 19). Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919 - 1950), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article240007470
Across the blue water for a camping holiday: 1950 on
Across the blue water for a camping holiday
PACKING LINEN in the aluminium bath at home in Willoughby, Sydney, are Roy Dutch, his wife Olive, daughters Eileen and Lois. In adjoining room, packing cutlery and kitchen utensils, are daughters Mavis and Enid. Mrs. Dutch takes 10 pairs of sheets, washes a sheet a day during holiday.
LOADING UP THE TRAILER. Years of camping have taught the Dutch family discrimination in packing. They take only what is needed for comfort, leave behind non-essentials, which add to the burden of travelling and clutter up the camp. To pack and load the trailer takes more than two hours.
Camping these days does not mean roughing it, with ants in the jam and sour milk in the tea. Modern campers take with them all kinds of amenities. Here is the holiday story of one of the thousands of IMAtralian families who camp at the seaside.
FREEDOM AHEAD. With luggage for their summer camping holiday piled on the cabin-top of the launch-ferry Rambler, the Dutch family and other holiday-makers wave good-bye to Palm Beach wharf as they set off across Pittwater for The Basin, on opposite shore, 20 miles from Sydney. The Basin is a favorite ground for hundreds of camping fans, and the Dutch family have spent holidays there for years. Ferry trip - only connection with mainland - is highlight of annual pilgrimage.
DOWN THE JETTY. Before casting-off children ride on rail-trolley at Palm Beach, where car, trailer are garaged.
WHEN THE TENT IS PITCHED, Enid, Mavis, and Eileen fill their palliasse with straw. They take pillows from home, sleep under six long blankets sewn together. The long bed, which stands firmly on pipe legs, is divided into six compartments for daughters. Palliasse hay is brought in bale from home.
FIRST SWIM. While Mr. and Mrs. Dutch, and married daughter Joan, rest on the grass after making camp, the five other Dutch daughters race off for a swim in the shark-proof pool, enclosed by steel mesh. Pool is shallow for many yards from the shore, is considered perfectly safe for children.
From Across the blue water for a camping holiday. (1950, December 30). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47806278
In December 1948, the PJMSC bought the business of Hawkesbury River Tourist Services, which ran ferry services between Brooklyn, Berowra, Bobbin Head and Patonga using the ferries Swanhilda and Hawkesbury.
By the late 1940s the over-extending itself PJMSC was being challenged. With petrol no longer rationed, the growing use of cars, and the increase in bus services to meet a post-war development boom in the area, declining patronage on ferries meant declining income for the company. The PJMSC scaled back its activities on Pittwater and the lower Hawkesbury, even though they were more successful than its services on Port Jackson.
It then began liquidating assets.
The first asset to go was the 23ha estate at Little Mackerel Beach, which was sold in 1949 to the NSW Labor Council for ₤10,000. The Labor Council established a resort for workers called Currawong for union members to use for low-cost holidays.
The sale of Little Mackerel Beach was followed by the sale of some of the retail businesses at Palm Beach. The Church Point ferry service was sold in 1951, along with the ferries Falcon, Currawong and Swanhilda, although the Currawong and Swanhilda returned to the ownership of the PJMSC when the company foreclosed on its mortgages to the new operator of the Church Point ferry service.
These sales were followed by those of the Newport stores in 1952 and the ferry service to Coasters Retreat and The Basin in 1953, including the ferry Swanhilda.
The four blocks of waterfront land in Beaconsfield St, Newport, bought from the Bulfin family, were sold in January 1954.
Although the PJMSC began excursions between Sydney and Broken Bay in 1953 to increase its return on the grand dame of the Manly fleet, the South Steyne, the company continued to scale back its other operations in the area.
Three of the company’s ferries, the Seeka, Rambler and Currawong, were sold between 1956 and 1959, followed by the sale of the Narrabeen Ice Works in 1960 and the ferry Patonga in 1963. The South Steyne excursions to Broken Bay ceased in 1973.
However, the remnants of Goddard's wharf were moved around the corner....
On December 8th, 1959 Goldthorpe and Smith sold their boatshed at the northern end of Sand Point to Palm Beach Marine Service Pty. Ltd. with the sale formally registered on February 17th, 1960.
Geoff Searl OAM, President of Avalon Beach Historical Society, explained that when Goldthorpe and Smith sold one Charles ('Chick') Witchard was the last manager at Goddard's, by then owned by the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship company, the PJMSC wanted him to move around the corner to what had by then become the 'Palm Beach Marine Service Pty. Ltd'.
''PJMSC took everything from Goddards shed, including the full conventional slip-cradle, which they shipped by barge. The slip had 3 rails compared to the two already in place at Goldthorpe and Smith's boatshed.'' Geoff explained
''This enabled them to slip larger vessels like the 20 metre long ferry 'West Head'. They even managed to slip the 40-metre Fairmile class cruiser 'Ajax' which was slipped off Sand Point for some years.
''When the champion ocean racer Ondine II needed some work, she had to be attended to on the water as she was too deep in the keel to slip at PBMS.
'Chick' and his wife and family of 3 sons moved into the 'house' within the back of the boatshed and he remained manager until he retired in 1981. Their son John recalled how happy their mum was to leave the 'shed' and move into a house they had bought in Central Road, Avalon Beach. John was a part of the business and had begun as a deckhand on the ferries from the age of 12 up until 1972 when he left for a trip overseas.
Lindsay Wellings (stated in 2012/13 chat): After PJS it went to Brambles then to John Andrews, then Jimmy Richards and Mick Donaldson, then Dennis O’Neil and John David, and then John David alone.
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Charles 'Chick' Witchard in the tender with his best mate 'Becky'. Photos courtesy Avalon Beach Historical Society, Geoff Searl OAM
Architect John Andrews bought Palm Beach Marine Service and while his partner ran the boatshed, John converted the upper part of the Witchard 'house' into his drawing office. Later, the eastern side of the boatshed became drawing offices as well.''
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The 'Barrenjoey' originally launched in 1913, was rebirthed from a wreck, but it cost a whole year in the boatshed. She was once called 'a horrible old ferry' but at times she served as a relief for the 'Hawkesbury' on the Dangar Island to Brooklyn run when required.
AUSTRALIAN MADE. FERRY ENTERPRISE. THE BARRANJOEY LAUNCHED.
AUSTRALIAN MADE. (1913, May 8).Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), , p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113371261
Don McKay took over the Barrenjoey end of the local ferry services and Peter Verrills took over from him and ran the Palm Beach Ferry Service.
Church Point Ferry Service continues at the southern end of the Pittwater estuary, serving Scotland Island, Lovett's and Elvina Bays and doing the school run from Church Point to Newport public wharf on school days for Newport primary school students.
The Barrenjoey and West Head moored on Pittwater,1965. Photo Graeme Andrews Collection, City of Sydney Archives
Peter Verrills Myra
Eventually a move to Careel Bay Boat boatshed and wharf was made and this is where local fishermen will offload their catch today. Careel Bay is also where ferries were moored when not in service on their routes from Palm Beach to the Western shores and Central Coast.
Peter Robinson at Careel Bay Boatshed. December, 2013. Photo: AJG/PON.
Left to right: Ted Allan, Peter Verrills, Ray Gascoigne, John Arblaster. Picture by A J Guesdon, December, 2013.
The other aspect of this was, with the Customs Station closed in 1901, and the Lighthouse Keepers gone after Barrenjoey Lighthouse was put on an automatic light system, it was the local fishermen were those who went out and risked their lives saving others in peril at sea.
Those recorded incidents show the Goddards, Gows, Gonsalves, Arblasters and Verrills show up in these time and again, along with members of the local surf clubs on weekends and during the 'Season'. But the fishermen and their trawlers could go further out to sea, and this, and the once thriving fishing industry, was another reason to ensure the fishing fleet was accommodated on the wharves.
The state government did have a rescue vessel, but this was stationed on Sydney Harbour, so the local men were called out time and again to save lives, due to their equipment, skills, knowledge of the local seas and hazards, and proximity.
A few examples:
FISHERMEN RESCUED IN HEAVY GALE. ABOVE: Two elderly fishermen, who refused to give their names, photographed in their launch last night, after it had been towed into the shelter of Pittwater from four miles off Palm Beach, where the craft had been caught in a 50-miles-an hour gale. AT RIGHT (Above photo is a copy of this): Two of the three rescuers, Messrs. Arthur Goddard (left) and Charles Pritchard. FISHERMEN RESCUED IN HEAVY GALE. (1946, July 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17985621 Photo courtesy Peter Verrills.
There were also tragedies associated with the wharves
MAN DROWNED NEAR PALM BEACH WHARF
The body of James Alexander Grant (39), Crossland St., Merrylands, was found by fishermen floating near the public wharf, Palm Beach, yesterday afternoon. Grant was last seen going for a swim near the wharf about 15 minutes before his body was seen. Lifesavers from Palm Beach applied artificial respiration, and later Manly Ambulance officers attempted to revive him without success. MAN DROWNED NEAR PALM BEACH WHARF (1947, January 12). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 44. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169371343
Ropes sever man's leg
Mooring ropes severed a fisherman's left leg at Palm Beach yesterday. The fisherman is Albert Singleton, 46, of Whale Beach Road, Avalon Beach. Manly District Ambulance took him to Manly Hospital where doctors admitted him in a serious condition. Singleton was mooring his trawler to a Palm Beach wharf, when the engines suddenly reversed. Police said Singleton then accidentally put the engines to "full speed ahead" instead of stopping them. Ropes which he had tied to the wharf twisted around his left leg, severing it at the knee. The Red Cross rushed blood plasma to the hospital for Singleton, who suffered loss of blood. Ropes sever man's leg (1953, September 28). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248757296
Ray Henman, who moved as a youngster to Snapperman Beach in 1950, shared in his Profile:
Ray, you have seen a few changes between the Palm Beach of your youth and today – what are the starkest changes?
The increase in population and the prices, particularly in the last couple of years. When that house in Iluka Road recently went for 27 million dollars just around the corner that just stopped everybody in their tracks. Avalon, now an agents paradise !
Local commercial fishing has virtually dried up, the daily crayfish catch has long since gone, spear fisherman saw to that. As a kid I used to go out with the fishing parties just down from where we used to live. There were two boats and the Gonsalves and the Gows and the Goddards – the Caroline H and the Mary Jane. I used to go out fishing on them quite a lot, we were catching red snapper.
I also used to go out with an old fisherman who fished for prawns and crayfish. We’d go to the back of Lion Island, put a dozen crayfish pots down there and then out the back of Palm Beach and Whale Beach, off those headlands – and they would be full of crays every morning. You’d throw back the females and the little ones and still have a heap of them.
Then spear fishing came along; they allowed that to happen, and that’s what killed off all the life along those rock shelves. They were plentiful prior to that.
The fish we caught were larger too, and more plentiful – lots of big flathead – and large snapper, up to six pounds or more – and they take a long time to reach that size, and those are a bit further out too.
The fish used to come in and be weighed down on the old public wharf at Palm Beach, they had scales up there. One of the captains of the boats was very badly injured. Doctor Joan Beatty came down and actually did everything on the wharf itself. She had a practice in Avalon, above the French restaurant on Avalon Parade. She drove a Triumph Stag that dad used to service.
The ferries have changed too – there was the Swanhilda, the Rambler, the Currawong, West Head and the Brooklyn ferry. Heritage houses are being knocked down everywhere too, which is a shame.
Ferry at a Palm Beach wharf. Photo: Ray Henman
The Caroline H at Palm Beach public wharf. Photo: Goddard Family Albums
The Caroline H with Jimmy Goddard (father of William (Bill) Goddard), with a fishing party aboard. Photo: Goddard Family Albums
photo of Madge Gonsalves (Married Arthur Goddard) with Custard the Dog and Jack the Horse. Rendezvous Tea Rooms behind. Photo: Goddard Family Albums
Arthur and Madeline had two sons – Donald and Jimmy. Jimmy also continued on in the business, becoming a boat builder himself and doing maintenance for Palm Beach Ferries at Careel Bay. Peter Verrills owned and ran Palm Beach Ferries, recommencing the trips across to the Central Coast from much earlier days. Jim and Pete were like brothers while growing up - many a tale of mischief achieved all over Palm Beach echoes, like their laughter, through the green hills of Palm Beach still.
Jimmy and Madge Goddard: Jimmy was Arthur's son. Photo courtesy Peter Verrills
The most recent Renewal - Extension
A complete refurbishment and extension took place in 2014 – completed in 2015.
View from the hill going up to Observation Point in 2013. Pic: AJG/PON
May 2013 again, from another angle a bit further down the hill. Pic: AJG/PON
Palm Beach public wharf in 2013. Pic: AJG/PON
The view north at same time, towards' Gows'-Gonslves jetty and old Palm Beach public wharf
in 2014. Pic: AJG/PON
in May 2014. Pic: AJG/PON
While out photographing regattas on the estuary a few photos were taken each time the opportunity presented itself - these were taken on November 22nd 2014:
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The report that ran in Pittwater Online News then of the official opening for the renewed and extended Palm Beach public wharf:
In August 2016
In 2017
On February 2nd, 2018
During Winter 2019
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World Oceans Day 2020
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On Sunday October 13, 2024
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the old and first Palm Beach public wharf, became Gow's and now Gonsalves jetty
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References - Notes - Extras
- TROVE - National Library of Australia
- Warringah Shire Council - Minutes of Meetings archived in NB History Hub
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Bilgola
- Roads In Pittwater: The Barrenjoey Road
- Broken Bay Customs Station At Barrenjoey - 2013 version
- Broken Bay Customs Station At Barrenjoey: 2023 Reprise
- Station Beach, Barrenjoey - Circa 1879
- Avalon Beach Historical Society's September 2024 Meeting speaker: Ray Henman ACS on 70+ years of living in Pittwater
- Palm Beach Jetty - Gow's Wharf
- Carl Gow and Frank Gonsalves Boatshed, Palm Beach
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Palm Beach
- SS Phoenix
- The SS Erringhi
- Pittwater Regatta Air Race Trophies: from 1934 and 1935 and The Pilot Who Saved William Hughes
- MILTON FAMILY PROPERTY HISTORY – PALM BEACH by William (Bill) James Goddard II, Photos courtesy of the Milton Family
- William (Bill) Goddard shares family insights at Avalon beach historical society's 2022 AGM
- Boost For Pittwater’s Boating Facilities - officially opened the new Palm Beach Ferry Wharf/Public Wharf - April 2015, Issue 203
- Landing in Pittwater: That Beach-Estuary-Lagoon looks like a great place to touchdown!
- Palm Beach Golf Course 1924 to 2024: some 100th year history celebratory insights
- Pittwater Summer Houses: The Cabin, Palm Beach - the Pink House of the Craig Family
- Waratah Farm: Ingleside - The Narrabeen Plum
- Barrenjoey House Celebrates its Centenary in 2022
- Carl Gow’s WWI Service in AIF
- Albert George Verrills 1886-1960
- Peter Verrills - Profile
- Ray Henman ACS - Profile
- Fred Verrills – Builder Of Bridges and Roads Within Australia During WWII – Builder Of Palm Beach Thereafter
- George Urquhart (Scotty) Allan
- Goldthorpe & Smith Boatshed Becomes Port Jackson & Manly Steamship's Palm Beach Marine Service: Palm Beach Boatsheds
- Careel Bay Steamer Wharf and Boatshed - 2103 version
- Careel Bay Steamer Wharf and Boatshed - 2024 updated version
- Woodley’s Cottage - Broken Bay Customs Station, Station Beach, Barrenjoey
PROCLAMATION
New South Wales, to wit.
(L.S.) Chelmsford, Governor.
By His Excellency The Right Honourable Fredrick John Napier, Baron Chelmsford, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor of the State of New South Wales and its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth of Australia.
I Frederic John Napier, Baron Chelmsford, the Governor aforesaid, with the advice of the Executive Council, in pursuance of the powers vested in me by the ''Local Government Act, 1906," and Acts Amending the same, by this my Proclamation, apply Ordinance No. 81, regarding the regulation and control of public wharfs and jetties, published in the Government Gazette No. 57 of 14th May, 1908, together with all amendments thereof subsequent to the aforesaid date, to the public wharves named in the Schedule hereto, situated within the Warringah Shire, and vested in the Council of the said Shire: — [1912-1.31-272- 486]
SCHEDULE.
Church Point Wharf, Pittwater. Bayview Wharf, Pittwater. Newport Wharf, Pittwater. Clareville Wharf, Pittwater. Coal and Candle Creek Wharf, Cowan Creek.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of the State, this sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twelve, and in the second year of His Majesty's Reign.
By His Excellency's Command,
FRED. FLOWERS.
[4566] GOD SAVE THE KING! PROCLAMATION (1912, January 31). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 590. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226770470
BROOKVALE-NARRABEEN TRAMWAY. (1911, July 30). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120689220
A MAGNIFICENT VIEW OF THE HAWKESBURY ENTRANCE, SHOWING PALM BEACH (ON THE RIGHT), BARRENJOEY LIGHT - HOUSE, AND LION ISLAND IN BROKEN BAY. Palm Beach is a favourite rendezvous for motorists, but the road from Newport needs attention. SYDNEY'S WOMEN ROWERS—BEAUTIFUL BROKEN BAY—HISTORIC PORT MACQUARIE (1921, April 13). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159037391
NB: this provides some estimate of the date of this EB Panorama for the Palm Beach Barrenjoey Land company sales.
The first general store was at Palm Beach, on the Pittwater side near the jetty, as early as 1914, and was known as Booth's store. Later it became Ellis' store, and then after the last war two returned Diggers, Mr. Fred Howlett and his partner, Gowe, took it over. Their general supplies came by ship from Sydney by the Erringhi and the Kallawatta, and meat and bread came by launch from Newport. They made their own ice-cream in those days, and froze it in old fashioned freezers with coarse salt. It was just as popular as the well known brands are today. It was not until 1929 that Howlett's store was established on the beachside of Palm Beach. Before that there was no road through from Pittwater, and the top road was used by residents. Palm Beach setting for smartest sea and sun togs. (1946, January 12). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47245736
From the first the estuary had many applications for jetties, bathing places and boatsheds - which eventually blocked a seamless stroll around the foreshores - although this as not meant to occur:
FRONTAGE THREATENED
Palm Beach Anxious
Lovers of Palm Beach are becoming concerned at the threatened marring of one of its chief beauty spots, the delightful run of gently shelving beach in Pittwater running from the jetty south to Careel Bay, the play-ground and paddling area designated by nature for the use and pleasure of child and grown-up. It appears that the wooded triangular area bounded on two sides by Palm Beach this beach and by the main Sydney-Newport-Palm Beach-road on the third, is shortly to he sold by auction subdivisiorially. With the water frontage alienated, Palm Beach would become shorn of one of its jewels, and all Sydney may be said to be interested in the avoidance of such vandalism. There is an urgent duty to be per-formed. The public must accept the trusteeship of nature's gifts. The alienation of such beauty spots must be prevented, and for all generations their charm should be preserved as far as may be. It is understood that the Warringah Shire Council is moving in the matter, and has arranged a conference with the owners of this land — trustees in a deceased estate. That the interests of the many should be sacrificed to the casual interests of a few — that the public should be barred for all time from this beautiful natural playground, to allow a few to erect their boatsheds and slips across the beach, and in so doing convert a thing of beauty and delight into a broken shoreline of sheds and shacks, is unthinkable. A compromise, a give and take arrangement of some sort, must surely be arrived at. FRONTAGE THREATENED (1922, February 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 10 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225218892 - photo is of the Snapperman to Sandy Point bend
The WSC Meeting of 8th October. 1929 :
Main Roads Board. 4/10/29. Advising of grant of £5404 for Condamine Street, Pittwater Road, Newport Road and Barrenjoey Road, subject to execution of (Agreement grant).. that conditions of grant shall be complied with, Resolved (Ore. Campbell, Greenwood) - That the grant be executed and the required undertaking furnished under Seal of the Council. .. 67.Same 4/10/29. Advising that Board is prepared to make final payment on A..T. Keirle's contract for widening & formation at north end of first bridge, Narrabeen Lagoon, provided an requirements of Council are fulfilled Dredging. To be informed the Council laid down no requirements, but the Roads Department may have done so. 68. A. J. Hordern, 3410/29. Forwarding cheque for £350 as a loan for construction of Palm Beach Surf Clubhouse, Rate Payers' rd payable in 3 years, interest at 4%. Resolved, That the loan be accepted on the condition that it be repaid by three equal annual instalments, plus interest at 4 on the unpaid balances.
The Turn of The Century
By Percy Hunter
The development- of the coastline from Manly to Barren joey in the past fifty years has been rapid and spectacular; but crowded into the last forty years the growth of the popular Palm Beach has transformed virgin bush into, a crowded, fashionable resort.
In the initial stages it was the introduction of surf bathing that led to the settlement on the ocean beaches. Before that time it was the harbor or inlet beaches that attracted the home or; the holiday cottage. Newport was a good instance of this. Whatever settlement there was in the nineties at Newport, was clustered round Pitt-water and the ocean front was merely one of the tring of superb beaches which fringe the coast between Manly and Broken Bay. It was probably the surf bathing cra2£ -which induced the Barrenjoey Land Company . which owned the whole of the Palm Beach peninsula to open up their district, build roads and offer the land for sale. Before that time, about . 1912, Palm Beach was uninhabited except for the cottage of the light-house keeper at Barrenjoey. The first roads - made were Pacific and Florida Roads on the ocean front and a road over the hill from Pittwater, Palm Beach Road. The Company built a wharf which Is still in service at Gow's boatshed, and supported a launch service from Newport which remained the only means of access until the old dray road from Newport was reconstructed some years later. The land when offered for sale was snapped up and houses quickly appeared, one of the first places built being the late W. Chorley's house on the beach front. This is now the headquarters of the Palm Beach Surf Club, one of. the most prosperous and most efficiently run life saving clubs on the coast. The Turn of the Century (1953, September 3). Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), p. 30 (Cable Edition 2). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277628133
More on Percy Hunter in: The First Weekenders On The Palm Beach Beachfront + A Look Into Palm Beach SLSC Clubhouses In The Club's 101st Season
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.—PROCLAMATION.
(l.s.) J. NORTHCOTT, Governor. 19th August, 1953.
ORDINANCE No. 35a, as proclaimed in the Government Gazette of 12th November, 1920, and subsequently amended, is hereby further amended in clause 1 by inserting under the heading "Shires" after the words "Coal and Candle Creek Wharf, Cowan Creek" appearing opposite the word "Warringah" the words "Palm Beach Wharf in Pittwater Park, Salt Pan Wharf, Taylor's Point Wharf, Great Mackerel Wharf, four wharves on Scotland Island".
(S. 53-787)
By His Excellency's Command,
J. B. RENSHAW. [7199] GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.—PROCLAMATION. (1953, August 28). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2736. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220068015
NRS-21554-1-2-PLAN14/7054 Title; Hawkesbury River - Plan & Elevation - Palm Beach Wharf Pittwater - Wharves - Plan Type : Engineering (Harbours & Rivers). Contents Date Range: 01-01-1953 to 01-01-1953
FIGHT FOR LIFE.
Yacht Mischief Lost.
CREW SEVEN HOURS IN WATER.
Four yachtsmen battled for their lives against a gale-ridden sea at Broken Bay on Sunday night.
While one of them succeeded in reaching land on lonely Lion Island by means of a small dinghy. The other three remained in the water-logged boat, and after seven hours' exposure landed on Pearl Beach, Woy Woy, where their boat was smashed to pieces.
Seen at his home last evening, Captain Stanley Spain, of Wharf-road, Neutral Bay, although suffering considerably from the effects of immersion, narrated the story of his perilous experience.
Accompanied by Messrs. Harry Chisholm, Mark Young, and Noel Toohey, he beat down from Pittwater, where he had taken part in the regatta of the previous day, to Barren- joey, which he cleared at 1 o'clock, and with a nor'-west wind sailed as far as Foleys Head, where a nor'-easter was picked up. With the nor'-easter the 20ft yacht Mischief bowled along with a ballooner set until almost abeam of Long Reef, where with very little warning the southerly blow struck the boat.
Captain Spain lowered away, and ran under bare poles before it until the sails and gear were squared up, and then he set a spitfire jib, under which he was able to carry on comfortably to Barrenjoey. Under Barrenjoey a reefed trysail was added, and Captain Spain endeavoured to make Palm Beach or Pittwater. The gale proved too fierce inside for this to be accomplished, and the crew of the jib blowing out, it was decided to run for Peats Ferry.
Everything went well until off Flint and Steel, where the boat was hung up in a clock calm. Advantage was taken of the calm to repair the jib for use again, and Captain Spain went forward to set up the main hal-yards. Before he had time to get aft and take the tiller, which had been handed to one of the crew, one of those peculiar squalls which appear to come from the clouds struck the craft, capsizing the dinghy and filling up the Mischief, which also capsized. The sail was taken off her and she was righted and the dinghy bailed out and Toohey placed in her.
Mr. Charles Hayes came along with his boat, and after several unsuccessful attempts to place a line on board, on account of the big sea running, sailed for Refuge Bay to try and obtain a motor launch to assist.
In the meantime the Mischief with Captain Spain and two of his companions aboard was being carried to sea by the ebb tide. The anchor was dropped off Lion Island, but the coir carried away, and she continued to drift until about two miles to eastward of Lion Island before she lost the influence of the tide, and was taken to leeward in the direction of Ettalong Beach.
Captain Spain managed to manoeuvre her clear of a pile of rocks between Ettalong and Pearl Beaches. At the latter they landed at 11 o'clock, after about seven hours in the water, but the boat was smashed to pieces.
They were hospitably received by Mr. Payne and his family at their week-end cottage, and provided with nourishment, beds, and hot bricks. Mr. Payne also sent for medical assistance, and through the agency of the police had messages sent to the respective homes.
In the earlier part of the evening the distressed party were gratified to see lights on Lion Island, notifying that Toohey, the fourth member of the party, had made a safe landing.
At about 1 o'clock in the morning Toohey improvised a rowlock in place of the one lost in the capsize, and rowed to Patonga Beach. FIGHT FOR LIFE. (1928, January 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16431295
Some of those early 'plane mishaps at Palm Beach:
Upended plane at Palm Beach PALM BEACH EXCITEMENT (1926, February 15). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 10 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224060139
PLANE NOSE DIVES.
On Palm Beach.
OCCUPANTS' LUCKY ESCAPE.
As it was about to land, an aeroplane, in which Captain E. W. Percival was conducting passenger flights at Palm Beach yesterday, nosedived into the sand. The pilot and two lady passengers escaped injury. Damage to the machine was estimated at several hundreds of pounds.
Captain Percival was about to taxi along this stretch on the completion of a flight when a boy ran across the path of the 'plane. The pilot skilfully raised the machine, and flew well clear of the boy's head.
Just as the 'plane made a re-descent it struck loose sand, into which the nose dipped, throwing the body of the machine almost upright.
Captain Percival drew himself clear and assisted the ladies to alight. No sooner were they free than the 'plane toppled over. 'PLANE NOSEDIVES. (1926, February 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16273960
AT PALM BEACH
AIRMAN'S LANDING
When a 'plane landed on Palm Beach early this afternoon rumor ran high that the pilot had had to make a forced landing. Flying from Newcastle, where he is aviation representative of the Vacuum Oil Co., Pilot Nicholls made a perfect landing on the beach, "just to see some friends who were staying there," it was explained.
Mr. Nicholls. it is understood, will stay until to-morrow with his friends. He anticipates no difficulty in taking-off with his Moth 'plane from the beach. AT PALM BEACH (1935, January 3). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 17 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230266855
'Plane Mishap at Palm Beach.
A new Avro passenger 'plane struck a soft patch of sand and tipped on its nose when attempting to take off at Palm Beach at dusk. The hundreds of picnickers on the beach were amazed to see the pilot and a woman passenger emerge unhurt. The propeller of the 'plane was smashed. Life-savers towed the machine to the clubhouse, where it will remain until repairs are effected. PLANE MISHAP AT PALM BEACH. (1936, April 15). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article194268336
'PLANE DAMAGED LANDING AT PALM BEACH.
A Moth 'plane, which Mr. A. L Needham, of Australia-street, Camperdown, had flown from Sydney, when landing at Palm Beach yesterday morning, struck a hollow in the sand, which had been dug by children. The 'plane pitched forward on its nose, and one of the metal blades of the propeller was bent. A spare propeller was brought from Sydney, and Mr. Needham was able to take-off at 5 p.m. on his return to the city. PLANE DAMAGED (1937, January 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17309660
Chevrolet Club Outing at Palm Beach
Some few weeks ago a band of owners of the popular Chevrolet cars, formed themselves into a ''Chevrolet Club.' Outings are arranged by the club as occasion offers, last Sunday's trip being to Palm Beach. About thirty 'Chevs,' old and new. but mostly new, attended, each 'Chev' filled with human freight, who enjoyed the outing even more than did the 'Chevs' themselves. Withers & Head Photo. Service.
Chevrolet Club Outing at Palm Beach (1923, December 7). The Sydney Stock and Station Journal (NSW : 1896 - 1924), p. 7 (Magazine STOCK & STATION JOURNAL Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128171995
Another section from an EB Pano?:
PALM BEACH VIEWS (1925, April 24). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224043905
Notes about Alec Barlow
FOUR PILOTS
To be Added to Airways' Staff
MR. A. A. BARLOW
Four new pilots will join the flying staff of Holyman's Airways in September in anticipation of the opening of a daily service between Melbourne and Sydney in October. The appointments include Flying-Officer Alec A. Barlow, C.A.F.R., who was previously chief pilot on the Hart Aircraft Services' monoplane, Tasman, on the Bass Strait service. The other appointments are: Mr. Max W. Brown, of Longford. Mr. D. A. Ditchburn, of Victoria. Mr. Donald McMaster, of New South Wales.
Learning to fly with the Lasco School of Flying at Coode Island, Melbourne, Mr. Barlow later had flying experience in England and America. Returning to Australia he became associated with the Citizen Air Force, and also conducted an extensive joy-riding tour of Victoria. He was connected with the Hart Aircraft service as a pilot for a number of years, and in 1929, flying a tiny single-seater de Havilland 53, fitted with a 30 h.p. engine, he won the Victorian Aerial Derby. Mr Barlow was placed on, the limit mark, and he successfully kept ahead of the bigger and faster machines, to win at an average speed of 73 m.p.h. After considerable experience on the Bass Strait service, Mr. Barlow be-came a partner in Pioneer Air Services, a Melbourne firm which dissolved this year. He bought the amphibian Cutty Sark from the firm. This year he has been joy riding the Catty Sark from St. Kilda beach and has on occasions flown the amphibian Windhover on flights from Melbourne to King Island. He will sell the Cutty Sark before joining Holyman's staff. His flying experience exceeds a total of 2000 hours.
Mr. Max Brown is a son of Mr. A. Brown, of Longford. He learnt to fly In Victoria, and his 600 hours flying experience has been obtained mainly in joy-riding operations on the mainland. He flew his Avro Avian machine to Tasmania for the 1933 series of aerial pageants.
All four pilots will join the staff of the company in September as junior pilots, but it seems certain that at least one will receive an appointment as a senior pilot. FOUR PILOTS (1935, August 8). Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), p. 8 (DAILY). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51949015
Alec Barlow (1907–1972)
by Mark Lax and Peter Barlow
Born 23 December 1907 at Ballarat, Victoria and educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School.
Alec’s father was a motor vehicle dealer representing Bean Vauxhall from the UK and Stutz from the US. Aviator Ray Parer was often employed by Barlow Motors Pty Ltd and gave Alex his first taste of flying.
In 1926 Barlow Motors organised and promoted a record breaking run with a Bean touring car from Darwin to Melbourne. Alec Barlow and Francis Birtles were to drive the car.
The party left Melbourne on 20 September 1926 and drove to Sydney where the car was shipped to Darwin. On 22 October, Barlow and Birtles left Darwin and arrived at Melbourne’s Post Office on 30 October covering the 3380 miles (5439 kms) in 8 days 13 hours averaging 400 miles (643 kms) a day. The record was established.
The Bean 14 hp, two-seater is now on display at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
By this time, Barlow had gained his flying licence and in the same year set off to the USA and UK to learn more about the motor and aviation business.
On return to Australia after an absence of just over 12 months, he purchased a de Havilland Moth (VH-ULW), which was used for servicing country owners of Stutz and Black Hawk cars – he named the aircraft Black Hawk Moth.
In 1930 he graduated from the RAAF No 1 Citizen’s Air Force pilot’s course at Point Cook. In 1932, Barlow was the Victorian aerial derby flying a tiny single-seat de Havilland 53 (VH-UAD) fitted with a 30 hp engine.
With Keith Farmer, he formed Pioneer Air Services Pty Ltd, which performed charter work and the new concept of aerial advertising.
Barlow was kept busy flying in the early 1930s not only with Pioneer but also with Hart Aviation fulfilling the air mail contract from Melbourne to Tasmania and privately with the Royal Victorian Aero Club for medical emergencies and search and rescue. One major search he participated in was the search for the Southern Cloud.
As the economic fortunes of the country changed, Barlow purchased an Avro Saro B Cutty Sark amphibian (VH-UNV) for barnstorming from Melbourne and Sydney beaches.
In 1936, he joined Holyman Airways (forerunner of Australian National Airways) as a captain. In 1937, he was appointed senior route captain at Adelaide. With the outbreak of war in 1939 and as an officer in the reserve, he was called into the RAAF fold. Barlow had a large number of postings. He was with 2, 6, 7 and 8 Squadrons, had various commands including No 6 squadron, No 1 SFTS at Laverton, No 6 SFTS at Mallala (then the largest in the RAAF) and finally No 7 OTU (Liberators) at Tocumwal.
He led No 6 Squadron Hudsons from Richmond to New Guinea where the Squadron played a vital role in keeping the enemy at bay, particularly at Milne Bay. The operational record of the Squadron was so good that Lieutenant General George Kenny; Commander Allied Air Forces SW Pacific Area sent a signal to Barlow praising him and his Squadron for their valuable contribution.
On 5 June 1945, Barlow was honourably discharged for the RAAF with the rank of Group Captain.
He rejoined Australian National Airways as senior route captain, Brisbane, in charge of flying operations until 1946 when he was transferred to Melbourne as assistant flight superintendent.
In August 1947, he was appointed General manager of British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines. Barlow and his staff were to establish the Southern Cross Route from Australia to the United States and Canada.
Arthur Coles (the late Sir Arthur) was appointed Chairman (also Chairman of ANA Commission). This appointment was to have a political impact on the future of BCPA as Coles and Alan Wilson, as MPs had crossed the floor of the House of Representatives in September 1941, which brought down the Fadden Government.
BCPA leased DC-4’s from ANA, then purchased four pressurised DC-6s.
BCPA travelled three times a week from Sydney and once from Auckland to North America. With just four aircraft and 13 crews, it was the smallest international airline in the world.
The pioneering work done by Barlow and his BCPA staff has led to the establishment of the most important air route for Australia.
In May 1954, the political reality of the times hit BCPA and the Menzies Government approved its merger into Qantas.
Alec Barlow was appointed Manager Eastern Division. During his time with Qantas, Barlow continued his pioneering work, leading the first round-the-world flight of any airline carrier, negotiated rights for Qantas to fly across America, opened up air routes to Mexico, Tahiti, Malaysia and Thailand.
Barlow is remembered as a founding member of Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) in January 1952. PATA is now known as Pacific Asia Travel Association and has played an important role in developing travel and tourism within the region.
Barlow and other former pioneers are honoured in the ACT suburb of Scullin which as a collection of street names of aviation pioneers.
Alec Barlow retired from Qantas in August 1969 and died in December 1972.
Mark Lax and Peter Barlow, 'Barlow, Alec (1907–1972)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/barlow-alec-15942/text27166
COLLAPSE IN AIR Ten Persons Aboard ALL ESCAPE
MELBOURNE. Friday.
While the Holyman air-liner Lepena was flying over Hunter Island, off the north-west of Tasmania, about 11 a.m. today, a wing collapsed, and the machine crashed on the land and was totally wrecked. No one was injured.
The pilots of the wrecked machine were Chief Pilot Alec Bayne and Pilot Desmond Ditchburn. The passenger list of eight is not yet available. The wrecked plane, a DH86, left Launceston on schedule with a heavy load in consequence of the shipping strike and made off rapidly over Hunter Island on the King Island route to Laverton, where she was due at 12.30 p.m. The first news of impending dis aster came with a frantic message from the pilots that one of the wings was collapsing, and all preparations were being made to bring the machine safely to land.
Brilliant Airmanship
By remarkable navigation Pilot Bayne crossed the strip of ocean to the island and gently manoeuvred the plane toward a level stretch of land. The inevitable crash came a moment later, when the disabled machine plunged down on the ground and only, skilful piloting broke the shock sufficiently to enable the passengers to get clear of the wreckage without serious mishap. Luckily the wireless broadcasting equipment escaped serious damage, and the pilots were able to rig it up in a few minutes beside the broken machine. Operators anxiously waiting in Melbourne after the last dramatic call of the plane from the air soon picked up the messages. Piloted by Alec Barlow, a Dragon Rapide rescue plane left Laverton for Hunter Island at 12.25 p.m. with first aid supplies and food. Immediately the Rapide had left Laverton, a launch at Smithton, the nearest Tasmanian town to Hunter Island left, and she is now racing through light seas to the island where the marooned pilots and passengers will be awaiting its arrival on the beach. The launch is expected back at Smithton at 8 p.m. The latest reports from the island state that Chief Pilot Bayne first noticed the danger when one of the bracing wires broke and the wing but-tressed by it began to crumple. Only minutes could elapse before the disabled machine would crash. The only hope of bringing such a plane down, experts ex-plain, would be for the pilot to send it into a sideslip, with the crumpled wing on the inside. The good fortune of the passengers and crew may be judged from the fact that King Island, the next landfall, lay 45 miles away, and the crippled plane could have continued for only a few miles at the most.
Prompt Inquiry
The Controller of Civil Aviation (Captain Johnston) said that he would discuss with the Minister today what action should be taken concerning all other DH 86 air craft in use in Australia. Captain Johnston said that two members of the Air Accidents Investigation Committee and two technical officers of the Civil Aviation Branch had already left for Smithon in a R.A.A.F. Rapide. From Smithon they would travel by boat to Hunter Island to carry out an immediate investigation into the smash. In all previous losses of DH 86 ma chines, he said, there had been no survivors to assist the investigation committee to determine the cause of the disasters. In this case there would be ten witnesses, including the two pilots, who would be able to give valuable information.
CERTIFICATES SUSPENDED
MELBOURNE, Friday. After a conference with the Controller of Civil Aviation (Capt. Johnston) late today, the Minister for Defence (Mr. Parkhill) announced that it had been decided to suspend the certificates of airworthiness of all DH86 aircraft in use in Australia. Mr. Parkhill said that it was to be regretted that this decision would have a serious effect on the air-mail services, particularly at present, when a tremendous amount of Christmas mail was being carried.
THE DH86 AIR LINER LEPENA, in which official tests of airworthiness were made recently, and which crashed today when a wing crumpled in mid-air. Another D.H.86 Plane Crashes (1935, December 13). The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1955), p. 1 (LATE CITY). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85749018
Church Point and Scotland Island works - jetties and wharves 1930's
Hebden lease: NOTIFICATION OF GRANTING OF SPECIAL LEASES. (1937, February 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 721. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224742371
Parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland; Special Lease 27-9, Metropolitan, for boatshed. Land applied for— about 26 perches, below high-water mark of Pittwater, fronting Quarter Sessions road, Church Point. Applicant—Charles Wymark. Objections may be lodged at the Land Board Office, Sydney. APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. (1937, March 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1154. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222068352
Parkhill Speaks Out: Addresses 21 Meetings In A Week
The Minister for Defence (Sir Archdale. . Parkhill) completed a strenuous week's campaigning in Warringah last night with meetings at Palm Beach, Mona Vale and Newport. He addressed 21 meetings in the week.
Sir Archdale said that tenders were being called by the Government for the supply of shell bodies, primers and bombs. These would test the extent to which commercial industry could assist, should the necessity arise. Parkhill Speaks Out: Addresses 21 Meetings In A Week (1937, October 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229446128
A place that inspires artists, photographers:
LISTER LISTER'S PICTURES
SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION OPENED
Mr. John Lane Mullins opened an exhibition' of pictures by Mr. Lister Lister, in the Art Gallery of Anthony Hordern and Sons, Ltd., on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Lister Lister's work is too well known to the Sydney public to need much comment. The collection now on show includes nine oil paintings and fifty-three water-color sketches. Of the former, perhaps the most striking is a study of the Kangaroo Valley. In this the artist has succeeded admirably in expressing on canvas the subtle mystery and sadness of the Australian bush at twilight. The Jetty, Palm Beach, is a distinct contrast, showing, as it does, the bush on sunny day, when sunlight is streaming through the branches of the trees and flecking he water with gold. In the water-color section the finest piece of work is undoubtedly, a comparatively small study entitled. The Smooth Apple Gum. The subject is simply one of our tall giant gums seen against a background of saplings and scrub, but it is the wonderful life and color with which the artist has imbued it that make this picture the gem it is. As you watch the tree you imagine you can see the rich, red sap oozing from its bark and feel the soft bush wind. Nothing Mr. Lister Lister has ever achieved in art is finer than this one study.
The soft Summer Evening Stole Over The Land, reveals the artist in a soft restful mood. Narrabeen Lagoon is another effective study, in which Mr. Lister Lister has caught with marked success the peculiar atmosphere of calm and melancholy that broods over this spot. Anyone who has ever enjoyed a holiday on one of the northern surf beaches will recognise the familiar sand spits, and the winding road at the foot of the shadowing mountains.
Quite a number of pictures in the exhibition have been taken from scenes around this district and as far as Barrenjoey, whilst Bega and other places on the South Coast have supplied the inspiration for the majority of the remainder. The exhibition will remain open for a month. LISTER LISTER'S PICTURES (1917, May 13). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 26. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122798208
Possibly Mr. de Mestre's feeling for solidity makes against his satisfactory treatment of water -sometimes. Even when it is blue, as in 'Blue Water,' ' Pittwater,' 'Looking North to Broken Bay’ and 'The Great Tree, Palm Beach,' which all show glimpses through patterns of twisted tree-trunks and green foliage, there is little translucence. One could walk on it confidently. And in 'Boat Sheds, Rushcutter Bay,'' it is thickly soupy. There is, however.' a vigorous painting, unnumbered, of sea surging against a breakwater; and in 'The Jetty, Palm Beach’ with its toy houses and the wharf obliquely jutting up' into the curve of grey waters, the swirling lines of movement give life. This last is an extraordinarily attractive design. …. Oil Paintings and Drawings (1928, July 25). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158402865
