In 2018 Pittwater Online ran the Craig 'Pink' House as one of its 'Summer Houses' celebrations, although the Craig family women would eventually live at Palm Beach fulltime.
Since then a cache of great images of this iconic home have been digitised by NSW State Library and should be added into the Pittwater records for this page.
As we head into the Summer end of year, and visitors move into our area to take up their 'Season' in local homes, another celebration of this wonderful building and the family who had it as theirs for three generations, is shared in the 'Summer Break' Issue for Christmas and New Years 2022-2023.
Set atop Palm Beach on Pacific road is a home that only served as a place to enjoy summer but became a year round residence for this Sydney family and a place in which they entertained many prominent Australian Artists and visiting Artistes. Called by many 'The Pink House' this premises name via its owners was 'The Cabin', indicating its original size and use as a Summer refuge. The original owners were Dr. Robert Gordon and Maria Graeme Craig.
The Craig family were early land buyers in Palm Beach. In 1915 Mary Brown Craig (wife of Francis Brown Craig - youngest son)acquired three blocks on Sunrise Hill (No.s 161, 162, 163) where Craigie-Lee was built. Craigie-Lee was apparently the oldest house in Palm Beach in original condition until a 2002 renovation which maintained the original ideas and was the winner of the 2002 R.A.I.A Greenway Award for Conservation for Rob Brown and Caroline Casey (Casey Brown architecture).
Mary was the daughter of J. H. Maiden, the gentleman in charge of the Sydney Botanic Gardens for 40 years. They married in 1911 and had two sons, Robert Francis brown Craig (born 1912) and Henry Brown (born 1914) and three daughters; Elizabeth (born 1916), Lucy (born 1921) and Anne Brown Craig (born 1921) after he returned from serving during WWI as a medical officer.
They built Cragie Lee on Sunrise road. The home is an "Arts and Crafts Timber Bush Bungalow" designed by James Peddle in 1916. James Peddle co-authored landmark legislation known as the Local Government Building Act in the early 1920's, which governed the erection of buildings in New South Wales. From 1906, Peddle began offering Sydney clients a broader capability. He branched into the planning and supervision of more major public buildings and his work in this period of development included Sydney’s Royal Agricultural Showground buildings, schools for the Kindergarten Union and commercial offices at St Peters.
The original plan form consisted of a modest 2 bedroom cottage built around 1916 with a central lounge/living space with a massive stone fireplace, a pantry/kitchen area, two small bedrooms and a bathroom. A cross hall noted as lobby on the original plans, contained a long row of built in cupboards. The eastern frontage contained a broad curved sleepout veranda with smaller side return on the north. The original design incorporated a large sleepout area rather than number of enclosed bedrooms. Craigie Lee's foundations are of rubble stone supporting a top level of timber stained dark brown with an open verandah. Posts of natural undressed tree trunks support the verandah roof. (Palm Beach, "Craigie Lee" (house), 35-37 Sunrise Road, Lot 1, DP 1024404 - Heritage listed with Pittwater Council). During a 1936 bushfire the verandah was apparently burnt and would have been replaced.
The two major exponents of the 'bush' bungalow style in Sydney were James Peddle and Alexander Stewart Jolly.
Craigie Lee as a name comes from creagach 'rocky place' from Scottish Gaelic; from the word "crag" and Lee from leas 'fields - green open place' also component of 'ray of light' as component of a girl's name.
James Brown Craig, the middle brother who worked at his father's company, Prescott & co. Pty Ltd "Commission Agents, Produce and Wholesale, Provision Merchants, Auctioneers", had title to three blocks on Ocean road in 1921. Here a house named Tigh-Na-Mara (Scottish Gaelic 'the house of the sea') was built next door to The Palladium but no longer exists - a victim of fire. A property given the same name was rebuilt on the same site and rsold in 2016.
SURFING enthusiast at Palm Beach these days is the Hon. W. M. Hughes, who is staying at Tigh-Na-Mara . . . goes for his dip in the early mornings and again in the afternoons. At the same address are Joy Minnett, Betty Oxenham, and Gwenda Ashcroft. ROUND THE TOWN. (1940, January 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29889262
Tigh-Na-Mara. Enlarged sections from EB Studios (Sydney, N.S.W.). (circa 1917-1924). Panorama of Palm Beach, New South Wales, 7 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-162484891
Raine and Horne Ltd at their indoor auction sale next Thursday will submit the following:
Palm Beach Tigh-Na-Mara Ocean road modern bungalow close to beach with five rooms garage etc with or without furniture
Richard Stanton and Sons, Ltd., report that at their next auction sale, to be held in their rooms, Stanton House, 133 Pitt-street, Sydney. next Tuesday, October 18, the following properties will be offered:
Palm Beach, furnished cottage, five rooms,etc known as Miami, Florida-road, REAL ESTATE. (1934, October 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17141623
Tigh-Na-Mara was passed in for private treaty.
Advertising (1947, January 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27904234
NEWEST and smartest playground for the social set is Bob Stephen's Palm Beach Country Club on Ocean Road . . . you may remember the hostelry as former guest house Tigh-Na-Mara. Look Who's Here (1948, October 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 15 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231146714
Set in what is now Canara Place (off Pacific road), Maria Graeme Craig had a cottage (circa 1915-16). Maria was the wife of Dr. Robert Gordon Craig, and graduated from Canterbury College, New Zealand. Dr. R G Craig was the eldest and first son of Captain Robert Craig.
They married in 1895 and had two daughters, Ailsa (born 1898) and Helen Gordon (born 1901), possibly named for Maria's mother. Ailsa as a girls' name is of Old Norse origin meaning "island of Alfsigr". Place name: the tiny Scottish rocky islet Ailsa Craig in the estuary of the river Clyde. Alfsigr is a personal name meaning "elf or magical/divine victory". Use as a given name has been influenced by Ealasaid, the Gaelic form of Elizabeth (Hebrew) "God's promise". Ailsa, after getting honours in French at Sydney University, also gained an Economics Degree, possibly as she was slated to continue the generations of Craigs in charge at Prescott's, and be the thirds generation to do so.
BIRTHS.
CRAIG.-February 5, at Waratah, 1 King-street, Newtown, the wife of Dr. Gordon Craig, of a daughter. Family Notices (1898, February 26). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71283804
Ailsa inherited The Cabin, as did her daughter Juanita (Mitty), representing a first, second and third generation of family members who witnessed Palm Beach turn from a rural idyll to a fashionable resort where holiday cottages have gradually become year-round residences on a grand scale.
It may be supposed this first The Cabin would have been similar to the original definition of the word and with just a few bedrooms and living areas surrounded by bush. A cabin, by definition, when not a room on a boat or ship, is 'a small wooden shelter or house in a wild or remote area.'
Is this cottage (described below) the first Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig home at Palm Beach in what is now Canara Place?; Maria's association with New Zealand may account for the name given to the premises, while a description of being atop a hill with a view over the beach and to the Pittwater estuary on the other, amid gum trees, could be describing any of the places on either 'Pill Hill' (Pacific road) or 'Spin Hill' (Sunrise Road), although more the western end of the former than the western side of the latter. Dr. Craig also had a strong love of the Australian countryside and snippets of his works to help farmers appear in early country-audience aimed journals, which is where this appeared, prior to acquiring land in the west. A family album of photographs, apparently taken by and developed by him, shows images of camping and cars, providing access to Palm Beach - two of his other passions apart from being a superlative golfer and brilliant sailor who was a member of both the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club:
Palm Beach. — — TIMES CHANGES.
Over twenty years ago my mate and I spent a pleasant summer holiday at Pittwater, near to Scotland Island and Kuringai Chase and we thought it was a lovely place. I said it was one of the finest places I had ever seen during my wanderings over the world; but people only smiled sympathetically and said it was nice of me to say so, but now, over twenty years later, we are here again, at Palm Beach, on Pittwater, near to Broken Bay, and it seems lovelier than ever. I wonder if It is because I can see more clearly, or is it because I love this world' and its miracles more deeply than ever of old?
It is not easy to say, but I feel that Pittwater is one of the most picturesque places I ever saw — one of the most wonderful and the most delightful for a summer holiday. But I had better tell you how we came here!
PALM BEACH.
We are living in a friend's 'week-end' cottage, and our friend came down with us, some 20 or 30 miles from Sydney, to show us 'the ropes.' And we found the cottage on a hill, forming the backbone of a peninsula that runs from Newport to Barrenjoey Lighthouse — say six or eight miles long (I'm only guessing at that). And our friend’s cottage is, say, a hundred feet above sea-level, with the broad, blue, mystical Pacific Ocean on one side and the smooth, shining, passionless blue Pitt Water on the other side; and the peninsula is not over half-a-mile wide where we are. As I sit writing I can hear the boom of the Pacific rollers on Palm Beach, and, at intervals, I hear the soft, swish of Pittwater on the long white beach; and the name of the cottage is Wai-ata-rua, which is Maori for 'the voice of two waters' and I can hear them both as I sit here!
Palm Beach is quite a modern settlement of well-to-do Sydney folk, who come here for week-ends, though a good many of them seem to live here all the time. As the crow flies, it is, say, twenty-five miles from Sydney, but apart from the crow it seems at least a thousand miles away, away from its dirt, and rush and worry and politics and selfishness and self-absorption. Sydney seems very far away indeed from Palm Beach. It is a sweetly, restful place with one of the best and safest surf beaches in the world.
...
THE WOODED HILLS.
Our cottage is surrounded by gum trees. My mate declares that we are living in the tree tops. It does seem so! And all the hills, as far as we can see, for miles and miles, are clad in everlasting green. Not the light, emerald green of Ireland, or Europe, but a dark Australian screen, born of drought and heat, of glaring sun and waterless seasons; and if you stop to, think you wonder how all the millions of square miles of Australia came to be dressed in living green, and decorated with lovely flowers. Why, down on the beach line, amongst the sand, you come across lovely flowers of pink and yellow and blue, and you know they were never planted by the hand of man. How came they here ?...
Only the other day I saw the prickly pear growing luxuriantly on the Pittwater coasts, and I wonder how that came here? Surely nobody brought it here? But how did the grass get here? Did you ever think of the miracle of a blade of grass? I know a house where the weak soil, tender grasses shooting .. through the ashphalt path, and the ashphat feels hard as iron. How does the grass do it? The miracle of the trees and the grass and (lowers is too much for me: but at Palm Reach there seems to be time to face all these problems.
THE SUN.
The sun comes up out of the ocean, lies to the east of us, but I never see it rise. The old adage always appeals to me—
'Early to bed and early to rise
Makes you sick and gives you sore eyes.'
I fancy that very few journalists ever see the sun rise, unless they have been out extra late, but I see the sun set! When it sinks over the Hawkesbury hills it seems to plunge into a blazing furnace of molten gold, and it paints all the sky in fairy colors, green and blue and pink and amethyst, and golden green, and crimson and orange, all the colors of the spectrum and all sorts of combinations of colors. I have watched the sun set over the Egyptian desert, over the Cordilleras of S. America, in many lands on this fair earth, but never have I seen more beautiful sunsets than in Pittwater. It is a land of charm and miracle and beauty, and all so close to Sydney and so lonesome and peaceful and restful! And less than 150 years ago Captain Cook sailed past here in the ''Endeavour' on his wonderful voyage of discovery and a few years later came the messengers of Governor Phillip, and then the story of the Hawkesbury farmers. Yes, we've got a little history of our own, after all, and some day it will be told. We are only awaking now to the glory of Australia, and the men who come after us will wonder why we were so blind and foolish. ..
GOSSIP (1916, October 13). The Sydney Stock and Station Journal (NSW : 1896 - 1924), p. 3. Retrieved, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124331238
By 1917 Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig owned seven blocks on 'Pill Hill' (Pacific Road- Palm Beach Road) while
'The Cabin' was offered for sale for the first time in more than 40 years just recently.
The year 1912 saw "Sunrise Hill" Palm Beach land being subdivided and keenly sought by many "Medicos" and earned the nick name "Pill Hill". These elevated sites enjoy a pristine bush environment and glorious Palm Beach, Ocean and Pittwater views. The emphasis was on creating a green oasis amid salt air with Palm Beach further away from the city than other refuges of the same sort and inaccessible to some extent as the roads were non-existent or fairly bad tracks and those who did not have access to a car would arrive via launches from Newport and church point.
There were two 1912 subdivisions, one on Friday January the 26th the other on the 26th of December. The Barrenjoey Palm Beach Estate was promoted as a place of respite where health can be restored or relaxation enjoyed, just under three hours from the city:
Warringah Shire.
There are only some five or six shires that adjoin the municipalities in the neighbourhood of the metropolis, and of these Warringah Shire seems to be one which is rapidly progressing in importance. The opening up of the various seaside resorts has been the means of bringing it into great prominence. It has a long line of sea beaches extending from Curl Curl Lagoon (Manly) to Broken Bay, and includes the now important places known as Brookvale, Freshwater, Narrabeen, Bay View, Newport, and Mona Vale, besides a number of others which at present are not quite so attractive, but their future is to come. At holiday time the various places arc crowded with visitors, and each place hag its attractions for week-enders.
The council is a very progressive one, and at every meeting business is transacted which indicates that the councillors are live men, and study the growing wants of the district. At last meeting important business was transacted which included a decision to hold a conference for the purpose of devising a suitable scheme to place before the Minister in support of the proposed railway line from the Milson's Point line to the coast, at which all the adjoining areas are to be asked to co-operate. The engineer is to report on cost of erecting four jetties on the Narrabeen Lake. On completion of the tram to Narrabeen it is proposed to further advertise the shire. A letter was received from the Chief Secretary's Department, stating that the Narrabeen Lake would be further closed against net fishing for a further term of six months. A proposal is before the council to erect additional lights at Freshwater. Council is taking steps to procure a postal delivery in Freshwater district. The Barrenjoey Company has presented plans of a new subdivision at Barrenjoey-this being only one of a series that are to be presented. The council is presided over by Cr. A. Ralston, president, and the administration is in the able hands or Mr, P. Carew, J.P., shire cleric. Warringah Shire. (1911, December 8). The Land (Sydney, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102902245
Advertising (1912, January 2).Construction : Weekly Supplement to Building (Sydney, NSW : 1909 - 1914), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234759566
BEAUTIFUL PALM BEACH, BARRENJOEY.
How many of the Sydney folk have heard of Palm Beach, situated on the neck of land ad-joining the Barrenjoey Lighthouse reserve and Pittwater Harbor ? One of those most glorious spots, given by Nature to the Sydneyites, where rest from the weary toils of the week may be enjoyed.
As a comparative stranger in your midst, I would never, perhaps, have feasted on its exceptional beauty and the environs surrounding it had I not chanced upon a small red booklet, circulated on account of a land sale held there on Friday afternoon. I took the trip, at a cost of 2/6 return — cheap enough in all conscience ! — and on arrival at the pretty little jetty on the estate was so charmed with the natural beauties and picturesqueness of the scene that I feel it a duty to enlighten others of this most charming spot. A glorious day, one of happy Sydney's best, and the beauty of the scene at Palm Beach will long live in my memory. The harbor, with its beach of sand, hard and white, its clear and placid waters for the children, the wild, natural scenery of the hills, the living fragrance of the bush and the beautiful Palm Beach for the surfers, with its ever sounding ocean roar, contrasting strangely with the harbor's peace, and calm, the stately palms in the numerous gullies, and the whole scene clothed with a sea and sky, of exquisite blue. From the hills cape after cape comes into view, both north and south, and to the west we wee the Pittwater Harbor, with its numerous bays, "The Basin," Kuringai Chase, the majestic and awe-inspiring Lion island, Ettalong, and several other points of interest.
If you have never been to Palm Beach, go. It would be difficult for me to express the treat in store. There is nothing I have seen on your coast to approach it, and it is a matter of much wonder to me that with a splendid service of cars from Manly, and subsidised by a regular launch service (1 1/2 hour from Manly), it has not been availed of ere this. The opening up of the estate will probably attract the populace, and I am informed Palm Beach is an ideal surfing one, and with all its other natural attractions should bring many an advocate to the shrine of its temple. The land facing the beach has been dedicated to the Council as a reserve for a public park. I understand that every lot was sold at satisfactory prices, including the pretty little bungalow residence recently erected, and the vendors must be highly complimented on opening up such a beauty spot for the permanent use of the people. BEAUTIFUL PALM BEACH, BARRENJOEY. (1912, January 28). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126060685
Advertising (1912, December 16).Construction : Weekly Supplement to Building (Sydney, NSW : 1909 - 1914), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234756124
The first home built on the ocean front was Chorley's in 1913:
Chorley's - section from Panorama of Palm Beach, New South Wales, 7, nla.obj-162484891, PIC P865 Enemark collection of panoramic photographs [picture] courtesy of the National Library of Australia.
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
In A Cottage at Palm Beach, 1916, we shared a small insight into life at Palm Beach for all those who had bought land and then built holiday cottages at Palm Beach. Many of those early stories relate a problem of getting access and complain of bad roads. These 1909 photos from the Allen Family Albums give you a better picture of the lay of the land/road of then:
Album 52: Photographs of the Allen family, November - December, 1909 - Pictures are dated 21st of November, 1909, 'Sunday'. All courtesy state Library of NSW, The Mitchell Library. Notice Mr. Allen's spelling of 'Barranjoey';
a1373020h: Description beneath photograph - 'On the Pittwater side, linking the list hill before descent to Barranjoey'.
a1373024h: Description beneath photograph -'Coming up the hill from Barranjoey'
a1373022h: Description beneath photograph -'Barranjoey Lighthouse - Lion Island on extreme left'
a1373023h: Description beneath photograph -'Closer view of Barranjoey Lighthouse'.
Apart from those tracks put through to allow access to the subdivided blocks, more public roads were needed. A road being opened meant more access to build more properties;
Description of Road opened:—Road from Pittwater to Palm Beach at Barrenjoey, parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland, Warringah Shire.
[Registration No. of Papers—Roads 1912-1,091-19; Catalogue No. of Plan—B. II,872-1,603.J
Description of land now returned for the road specified above, and dedicated as a public road.
A proposal to resume the land referred to for the road in question, was published in the Government Gazette of 10th June, 1914, folio 3185.
Reputed Owner. James Naper (grantee);1 The Barrenjoey Co., Ltd. (owner).
Occupier. The Barrenjoey Co.,, Ltd.
Character of Holding. Freehold Width of Land ...100 links...
Area Retained and Dedicated.
Remarks. Part of this resumption (5 perches)is covered by part of private subdivision road in use.
NOTIFICATION, UNDER THE PUBLIC ROADS ACT, 1902, OF RESUMPTION OR WITHDRAWAL AND DEDICATION OF LANDS FOR ROADS. (1915, January 20).Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 334. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227053700 - with section from January 1912 Subdivision cartographic material.
H. A. Wilshire and Day, architects..the following tenders were accepted during the week: Villa residence, Palm Beach, Messrs. Platt and Halstead, builders, Barrenjoey; VARIOUS WORKS. (1915, March 2). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238819964
Mr. Montgomerie Neilson, contractor; villa residence, Palm Beach, Messrs. Platt and Halsted, builders. BUILDINGS AND WORKS. (1915, March 2).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15552964
LANDSLIDE.
The road from Newport to Palm Beach, at the corner of Barranjoey and Sunrise roads, was blocked on Saturday afternoon by the fall of two large pieces of rock, estimated to weigh several hundreds of tons. The mass is slowly slipping further down, and threatens to demolish either the store or the wharf. LANDSLIDE. (1917, May 23 - Wednesday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15722106
Land Slip
(See photo, on page 11)
Henry A. Wilshire sent us the above striking photograph with the following note : — I am sending you a couple of negatives of photos of a land slip or rock slip on the Palm Beach Road, next to the Barrenjoey Road. The rock in measurement would weigh some 700 tons, and a small one next to it, 300 odd tons. The slide was very smooth, the bed being white pipeclay, and since it has been on the road, it creeped 2 feet. It should form an interesting problem for engineers in Shires as how would be the most economic way of removing same, and the quickest way to get rid of such a lot of stone. It seems to me if the earth were removed from the front of it, the weight ma}' take it farther, where it would eventually go into the waters of Pittwater. However, 10 men are starting to blast it and try and remove it for the property owners who are at present cut off from any road communication.
SHIRES (1918, June 4). Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109675349
Among the first structures built at Palm Beach was a boarding house built by the Barrenjoey Company called, wait for it..., 'Palm Beach House'. This was on the corner of what is now Palm Beach and Florida roads and destroyed, seemingly willfully, in 1929.
SYDNEY WEEK BY WEEK
(By Fanella)
Town is empty, except for those who can't get away. All our best families have hied to the fastnesses of the mountains, or are taking their pleasures madly, gladly, or sadly, as the case may be, at fashionable watering places. The ultra correct resort is Palm Beach. Palm Beach, merely a term, a vague sort of haphazard mention a year or so ago, but now — Palm Beach is being spelt in capitals all the way through, and for exclusiveness has got every other swank rendezvous groaning with envy. It's the prize find in resorts, of a few medicos, who set out to keep It from being overrun by the common or garden person. Hence the row of bungalows built in which is known as Harley-street.
Also -just one boarding-house— exclusive house, with exclusive board, and an exclusive tariff, and if your name is in the Australian peerage, you are privileged to book your room quite 12 months ahead of when you'll need it. -Still, Palm Beach is "some" place. It is almost tropical — giant palms, turquoise seas, burnished copper sands, azure skies, and a climate like unto the Garden of Eden. And the paddling gowns, and the nymphs of assorted brands, well, they belong to another story. SYDNEY WEEK BY WEEK (1918, January 13). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221944952
Mrs. Eva Wunderlich and her, little son, Theo, are staying at Palm Beach House. Mrs. Wunderlich was acting as voluntary cook at Rose Hall Convalescent Home prior to her holiday. HOME BEAUTIFUL (1918, January 13).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123138768
There were also a growing number of people filling all those homes being built:
Mr Harold Horsehair is spending the summer with his mother, Mrs Arabella Buckwheat, at her Palm Beach bungalow. The New Order. (1918, January 16). The Kyogle Examiner (NSW : 1912; 1914 - 1915; 1917 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234388323
A chit from Palm Beach reveals the simple life doings of tho dweller thereon. Two launches a day, and on them the commissariat of the populace. Everyone carts their own bread, milk, meat, &c., per shank's pony, and the welkin is cracked with no less melodious sound than that of the birds of the air and the even song of the community. Mr. Jack Ralston's garden is the show patch of tho settlement, and, as an amateur, has surpassed his wildest expectation as a grower of delicious and unfamiliar fruits of tropical flavor and origin. Try to pronounce the name of his shack, "Warrigaborrigarooma." It's the first problem that rags the newcomer, and some of the old hands haven't got past the first two syllables yet. SYDNEY WEEK BY WEEK (1918, January 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221941967
Miss Theo Cowan has returned from a short holiday at Palm Beach. The talented sculptress has a study of an Anzac in bronze, and a memorial panel of Eric Alan Vance, who fell at Gallipoli, in the Loan Exhibition of Australian artists at the Art Gallery. WOMEN'S NEWS (1918, April 7). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123131262
Palm Beach, Five Bungalows (two concrete, one brick, one shingles, and one weatherboard). SYDNEY DEVELOPS (1918, June 17). Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109675779
FILM REVIEW
Just Peggy.
Here is an Australian picture that, thanks to the good sense of the producer, really looks Australian. Mr. J. A. Lipman chose some fine bush settings for his story, and made use of Manly, Palm Beach, and Middle Harbor. Also, he had Sydney photographed at its best angles, and remembered that we had a Centennial Park. At the Movies (1918, August 16). The Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1917 - 1919), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136729222
Above: View of Palm Beach and the Hawkesbury River from the Allen Family Album; Pic: a3296054h1918, Album 68: Photographs of the Allen family, February 1918 - September 1918, Courtesy of The State Library of NSW.
Description on page: "This view was taken by Harold Cockshott on a half plate camera. It is an excellent view of Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Lighthouse… The actual picture was taken from Miss McCarthy’s house. The road winding around the hill is called Sunrise road. The first two buildings, are, I think, boarding houses. The other three houses belong as follows: - the one at the top on the left belongs to Alice Bowman, the one just below that to Miss Garran, and the one on the right to Dr Brown Craig. "
Erection of a concrete bungalow, Palm Beach; Mr. Albert Verrills, builder. GENERAL NOTES. (1918, December 11).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15814998
This Article from 1923 'Lazy Sunlit Days at Palm Beach' encapsulates building homes amid the bush and shows some of the homes there by then:
LAZY SUNLIT DAYS AT PALM BEACH
Residents of and visitors to Palm Beach throw a challenge in the face of the world—it has no equal, go where you will.
On this page to-day the Sunday times photographer shows the magnificent surf inviting all and sundry to test its pleasures, and adds, for full measure, some of the charming homes that fortunate Sydneysiders have built for the Summer months.
These Palm Beach cottages have been carefully planned to blend with the wooded landscape, and visitors come on them unexpectedly nestling against the hillside. Through the years Palm Beach will probably become settled and sophisticated: to-day it is a paradise for the leisured. What other beach can boast such a glistening white curve of sand, such safe waters for surfing ?
The hill which slopes so abruptly down to the shore shelters the little township from the hot winds of Summer.
The mundane wants of the dwellers in this lotus land are catered for by a launch service from Newport; several trips are made daily to the little wharf which juts out into the blue waters of Pittwater.
Does any other seaside resort desire to take up the challenge?
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
On the same page:
Many Well-known Sydney People are at Palm Beach
Palm Beach was named after the famous American resort, and, to the surprise of the uninitiated, there are no palms on this beach. Each year this lovely spot grows more popular socially. This season New Year's Day was celebrated with the first surf carnival. The club has been in existence for eighteen months, and has a big membership, mainly of men, who spend their week-ends at Palm Beach.
Among the many visitors at Palm Beach House are Mrs. Mathieson and Miss Mathieson (of Ashfield), the Misses McNiven (of Alburn), Miss Madden, Miss Stewart, Miss Coleman, Dr and Mrs. Smyths (Warwick, Q.), Mrs. T. W. Pulsford, and Miss Bryan (Strathfield). The house was crowded for the New Year holidays, and there were very jolly dances and other festivities.
In residence at their cottages at the moment are Sir Herbert and Lady Maitland. (with Miss Cook and Messrs. Herbert and Geoffrey Maitland) , Mrs. Chas. Pfeiffer, Judge and Mrs. Ouileiois, Mrs. Lloyd and Mrs. Parkes (Hunter's Hill), Mrs. Spiers (Gordon), and Mr. and Mrs. Barnes.
Palm Beach is always enormously popular with the medical profession. At present occupying cottages with their families are Dr. Blaxland, Dr. Hiring, Dr. Gordon Craig, and Dr. Brown Craig. Mrs. Roger Fitzhardinge and Mrs. Starr are sharing a house, and entertaining many friends. Many Palm Beach residents and visitors journeyed to Pittwater for the regatta, and were present at the dance given on board the flagship Newcastle. SOCIETY'S SURFING RESORT (1923, January 7). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120544984
The Gordon Craig Palm Beach home, built in 1918, although not among those shown in the above article, was clearly in use. As the definition of a 'cabin' is "a small wooden shelter or house in a wild or remote area" - the structure now called 'The Cabin', or Pink House:
MOTOR SMASH
Mr. Mack, K.C., Badly Injured COLLISION AT CRONULLA
Mr. Mack; K.C., one of Sydney's leading barristers, was badly injured in a smash at Cronulla today. He was coming across in his par to the surf, from his home at Burraneer Bay when a steam tram crashed into his car, and knocked it 20 yards along the tram line and into the gutter, and left Mr. Mack tangled up in the debris with a broken thigh, a broken arm, and a broken shoulder. At the hospital it was reported that Mr, Wlspk ws "generally smashed up," and in a serious condition. '
A FRIEND of Mr, Mack's family, Mr. Alan Fuller, and two of the barrister's children were in the car also, hut they came out with only a few scratches. Mr. Mack himself caught the full force of the collision. It happened about 8 a.m.. Mr. Mack and Mr. Fuller got into their bathing costumes, put the children into the back of the car and set off along Burraneer Bay-road for the beach.
… Fuller was driving, and Mr. Mack sat in front alongside him.
MR. MACK'S CONDITION
In reply to inquiries made this afternoon at the Wootton Private Hospital, regarding Mr, Mack's condition, and the extent of his injuries, it was stated that no information was available for the press.
Dr. Gordon Craig, who is at present spending a holiday at Palm Beach, came to Sydney this morning and attended to Mr. Mack, and he left instructions at the hospital that no information regarding Mr. Mack was to be communicated to the newspapers.
MR. MACK'S CONDITION (1922, December 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224165991
That such Sydney luminaries owned homes and property at Palm Beach was used as a means to sell further land parcels;
PALM BEACH
ATTRACTIVE SEASIDE RESORT Incomparable Views
With the rocky headland of Barrenjoey standing guard at the northern extremity, the broad bosom of the Pacific swelling lazily on the right, and the beautiful waters of Broken Bay, on the lett, lies Palm Beach, one of the wonder seaside resorts on the New South Wales coast. From the heights of Palm Beach incomparable landscape and seascape views' are to be obtained. In Broken Bay the many inlets and small islands make a moat charming picture, while the 'Basin' is most popular with yachtsmen. Then there is Careel Bay and Pittwater, affording excellent swimming, boating and fishing facilities, while at Palm Beach itself there is a splendid surfing beach fringed with golden sand. Also, from the heights on Pacific-road, the township of Hawkesbury and Ocean Beach, Woy Woy, are discernible, while Lion Island adds a picturesque touch to the already lavish picture that Nature has painted.
Willmore and Randell, real estate specialists, are offering a limited number of home sites for sale at Palm Beach, and they should appeal to the city business man who is seeking a block of laud in a marine suburb not too close to the city. It must be remembered that Palm Beach is the last of the ocean beaches within reasonable distance of Sydney, and the completion of the North Shore Bridge will result in quicker transit to that popular resort. These home sites front Florida-road, Pacific-road and Palm Beach-road, and are commodious in size and practically all commanding wonderful views. The selling agents arrange motor inspections by Appointment only, and cars leave their office,. 10 Castlereagh-street, daily. To anyone desiring further particulars Willmore and Randell will forward an illustrated booklet upon application. As an indication of the exclusiveness of the locality, the following list of residents' can be cited: Lady Maitland, A. T. Hordern. Esq., Dr. Gordon Craig, Dr. Goodsell. D. B. Wiltshire, Esq.. Dr. Thring, W. H. Rayner. Esq., G: Mason Allard, Esq.. W. Lipscombe, Esq., Dr. Blaxland, W. Chorley, Esq., W. Lewis, Esq., C. P. Curlewis. Esq.. T. Peters. Esq., Dr. Bullmore, Dr. Brown, C. R. Crossman, Esq., E. Gray. Esq., E. R. Moser, Esq., Dr. Brown Craig. PALM BEACH (1925, October 4). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128163200
One such site at 120 Pacific Rd was a large parcel of land over 2,400m² with two-way views over beautiful Pittwater to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and North to Barrenjoey Headland and the Pacific Ocean.
Sitting quietly on this site is the home designed by the first lady Architect to be registered in NSW in 1923 Ellice Nosworthy. Situated in a tightly held prestige location, adjoining McKay Reserve, the architect designed home of approx 253m² positioned on a beautiful garden block keeping it completely private with only the calming sound of the ocean in the background.
2016 Features included:
Double brick with luxurious high ceilings and hardwood floors throughout, Extensive living areas, dining flowing to outdoors, Large courtyard entertaining area with covered balcony, Four bedrooms all with built- ins two with ensuites, Large entrance hall with powder room, Single garage with studio and bathroom plus carport, Floorboards, Built in wardrobes, Fireplace(s), Water Views, Shed.
Ellice and Ailsa probably met at University:
AWARD OF PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS.
ADDITIONAL LIST.
Arts.-Marjorie F Barnard L S Corner, Dorothy E. Edwards, Eva Duhig, Veronica E Moylan, Ellice M Nosworthy, R A. Shiress, G P Stuckey, M. Roddy, J. K. Taylor. THE UNIVERSITY. (1916, March 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15643320
Ellice Maud Nosworthy (February 25 1897 – January 7 1972) was an Australian practising architect for approximately 50 years and graduated as one of Australia's first female architects in 1922 at the University of Sydney, in 1922, and one of the first two to be registered in N.S.W. when registration began in June 1923. She was an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. During her career in Australia and briefly in Britain, the United States, Europe and Scandinavia, she established an extensive practice in domestic architecture.
Born at Neutral Bay, Ellice was the second of four daughters of Robert John Nosworthy, who originated from England and was secretary to Burns, Philp & Co. Ltd, and his native-born wife Maud Jane Eliza, née Smith her mother came from a family of notable academics. She studied high school at Redlands in Neutral Bay. Ellice attended Redlands Girls' School in Cremorne under Gertrude Roseby was dux in 1915. At the University of Sydney she enrolled in arts in 1916. When Professor Leslie Wilkinson arrived at the university the following year to establish the nation's first architecture course, Nosworthy transferred into the new facility with the first group of students then transferred to architecture in 1919 and studied under Professor Leslie Wilkinson. She lived at Women's College, where she won in both 1919 and 1921, the Dickinson Cup for tennis.
Ellice Maud Nosworthy (front, left) in the Sydney University Women's Undergraduates Association Committee in 1918, photo, 'Hermes' June 1918.
Ellice Maud Nosworthy in 1922, photo G3_224_1351, courtesy University of Sydney Archives.
Ellice was employed (1922–23) by Waterhouse & Lake, and she became the first woman registered as an architect on 26 June 1923 in New South Wales. After travelling and working in Europe in 1924, she practised from her parents' home at Treatts Road in Lindfield and focused on domestic architecture, with the clientele consisting largely of north shore friends and acquaintances.
Nosworthy tended to follow contemporary architectural norms: her early houses exhibited Federation-type spaces and details, while her later work showed a preference for non-decorative, functional, modern design. Her architectural philosophy focused on accommodating her client's complex needs rather than imposing stylish aesthetic solutions: 'The more I plan houses for people the more it is brought home to me that there will never be the perfect house, for the very things that one person thinks so desirable—another would not want at any price'.
From 1956, she conducted her practice from her own home built to her specifications. She generally employed women architects, including Barbara Munro, Louise Hutchinson, Libby Hall and Brigid Wilkinson. Nosworthy made several extensive study and working trips to North America and Britain between 1929–38; and was employed by the Department of the Interior during World War II. During World War II, Nosworthy also worked for the Allied Works Council.
Various homes designed by Ellice Nosworthy were documented and published during the 1940s. These photographs show extensive single-storyed houses with minimal aesthetic detail, leaning around courtyards and with an importance on interconnections between interior and exterior spaces.
Her commissions were mostly for new houses for friends and acquaintances on Sydney’s North Shore and the northern beaches. She also became a specialist in renovations and extensions. Several homes designed by Nosworthy were photographed by Max Dupain and Harold Cazneaux, and the photographs were published during the 1940s.
Guests: A Medical, Creative, Cultural And Community-Minded Respite Place
The focus on a Palm Beach home used at first as a summer House and then a year round home offers the opportunity to celebrate the huge contributions the Craig family gave to Sydney and Australia. The records, a scant few below, indicate Dr. R. G. Craig woudl often look after those who could not afford his services at no charge. His wife was similarly inclined and involved in fundraising ensuring the Newtown Free Kindergarten stayed open and entertained visiting Medical conference attendees and their wives. Maria also would have as guests renowned Sydney artists - some of whom she may have become reacquainted with through Ailsa, others she had known when the lass was still a teenager.
Ailsa, clearly encouraged to have steel in her backbone too, and who sailed with her father from an early age and then, alike Helen, took up flying - among the earliest crowd of Australian ladies to do so - similarly did all she could to support others, serving as the Palm Beach red Cross fundraiser in World War II and also entertaining a wide range of people with great talents who may not have had an opportunity to stay at such a place and in such a warming home had not the Craigs been their hosts.
Although some may interpret some of this endless granting of respite to others as shifting a town-bound salon to the seashore, the Craig family read as many a canny Scotch person, in that they invested well in real estate and worked hard to make a quid but on the flipside, that allowed them to be generous in sharing what they had - something that comes from the heart and a good thought followed. The fact that only one granddaughter appears in anything resembling 'studio' portraits regularly, and during an era when there was such an emphasis in newspapers and journals on 'Society at Palm Beach' with a capital 'S', is also an indication of an ethos sprung from getting on and doing something for others without letting the right hand know what the left is doing.
This propensity to accommodate others also allows some insights into a dynamic Sydney and Palm Beach and The Cabin when that shift from being a fishing and rural idyll and a place for recreation was occurring.
In the early autumn of America 1921 Ailsa, Dr. R G Craig's eldest daughter, so soon out of university, married Dr. Robert Kingsbury Lee Brown in San Francisco where he commenced, on August 1st, 1921, as an assistant researching studies in Urology. Their daughter was born the following Autumn and the couple returned home in March 1924. Dr Lee brown was born April 17th, 1895 in Scotland to Australian born parents. They brought him back, first to Victoria where he attended school in Melbourne, and then to Sydney where he attended Sydney University and then spent 12 months working in London hospitals prior to working under Dr. Frank Hinman, a prominent urologist, in San Francisco at the University of California.
He went into partnership with Dr. Gordon Craig in Macquarie-street in 1924 on the couples return from America, a Specialst in Urology. Dr Lee Craig was known as a brilliant surgeon and served at The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, the Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children and became the director of the Department of Urology at the University he began at.
Miss Zilla Thomas, who has been an inmate at "Omrah" Hospit. Darlinghurst, has been successfully operated upon by Dr. Gordon Craig, assisted by Doctors J. Dawson and Lee-Brown, for an injured kidney. Miss Thomas' condition is now considered satisfactory. PERSONAL (1924, May 6). Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 - 1940), p. 2 (EVENING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99287486
Ailsa and Robert had already known each other for years by the time they married:
The committee of the Newtown Free Kindergarten was fortunate in having sunshine for the opening of it's garden fete on Thursday afternoon. The fete, which was opened by Miss Macarthur Onslow, was held in the pretty grounds of The Crossways, Centennial Park, the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig.
Stalls were arranged in the grounds, and there were folk songs and dances on the lawn by the students from the Kindergarten Training College, under the direction of Miss Dumolo. A golf-putting competition arranged by Miss Cook was won by Mr. Lee Brown.
Stall-holders included Mesdames Henry Davis, Brown-Craig, Richardson-Clark, Frank Clowes, MacFarlane, Matthews, Garlein, Hill, J. A. Aspinall, Fraser, Gordon Craig (treasurer), Wilfred Blacket (secretary), Lovegrove, A. G. Gabriel, Misses Gurney, Hobson, Ross, Stella Hobson, Turland, Shepherd-Smith, Margaret Harris (president), Webb, Vallentine, Reid, Ailsa Craig, Curnow, and Curlewis. There were present Lady Maitland, Mr. and Mrs. Boorman, Mesdames Fairfax-Smythe, John Mackay, Dr. Hall, George Lane Mullins, Wilkinson, Dewer-Durie, Smart, Thorpe, Ross (Warwick), Fitzhardinge, Dalton, Lady and Miss Fairfax, Misses Desailly, E. Simpson, M. Windeyer, and Fitzhardinge. WOMEN'S NEWS (1917, April 22). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122784115
The marriage took place in San Francisco last month of Miss Ailsa Craig, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, of Sydney, and Dr. R. K. Lee Brown, son of Dr. Lee Brown, of Sydney. Dr. Lee Brown, Junr., has joined the California University, and will undertake special research work. SOCIAL GOSSIP (1921, November 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved March from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223486262
LEE-BROWN--CRAIG.—September 3, 1921 at San Francisco, Robert Kingsbury Lee-Brown, son of Dr. and Mrs. Lee-Brown, Graystanes, Vaucluse, to Ailsa, elder daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, The Crossways, Centennial Park. Family Notices (1921, November 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15986259
LEE-BROWN-September 19, 1922, to Dr. and Mrs. R. K Lee-Brown, San Francisco-a daughter. Family Notices (1922, September 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16037325
From San Francisco.
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lee- Brown were passengers by the R.M.S. Maunganui, which arrived from San Francisco yesterday. Mrs. Lee- Brown was formerly Miss Craig, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig. Women of Interest And Women's Interests (1924, March 20). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236695258
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lee-Brown were among the passengers by the Maunganui, which arrived from San Francisco. Mrs. Lee Brown will be remembered in society as Miss Craig, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, of Martin-road, Centennial Park. PARTIES OF THE WEEK (1924, March 23). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128148736
Fairfax Corporation. (1934). Dr Lee Brown playing golf near buildings, New South Wales, 12 July 1934 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-160951363 - Courtesy National Library of Australia
He was a brilliant golfer and in 1932, he and Ailsa, and her sister Helen, shared a passion for flying:
A Flying Thrill HAD a great thrill during the week when I went out to Mascot, met Major de Havilland, and was taken for a flight over the city by the gallant major himself. The first person I struck upon relanding (I think that's the term) was Madge Lewis, who is piling up her hours of "solo" work with constant practice and bids fair to be an excellent flier.
From Major de Havilland I learned that two of the most enthusiastic pupils at Mascot are Dr. and Mrs. Lee Brown (she was Ailsa Craig, you know), and both bid fair to become good pilots. SOCIAL SIDELIGHTS (1932, April 3). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229884784
MEDICAL CONGRESS.
Yesterday's Parties.
A big social programme was arranged again yesterday for visitors to the Medical Congress. The morning was devoted to excursions, and members and wives and daughters or members were entertained at tea at the Women's College.
In the afternoon there was a motor excursion to Palm Beach, which was attended by about 200. Cars left Burdekin House, Macquarie-street, after lunch. Tea was served at the seaside residences of Mrs. Bullmore and Mrs. Gordon Craig, which adjoin at Palm Beach. Mrs. H. H. Bullmore, Mrs. Gordon Craig, and Mrs. R. B. Wade were the hostesses. FOR WOMEN MEDICAL CONGRESS. (1929, September 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16581585
AMONG the many outdoor parties was one attended by about 200 of the visitors, who motored to Palm Beach, where they were entertained at tea at the residence of Mrs. Bullmore.
THE B.MA.'S NEW BUILDING.
The foundation-stone of the new B.M.A.'s building in. Macquarie-street tens was laid by Sir Ewen Maclean, in the picture (left to right) are Dr.Crago, Dr.Abbot, Dr. Brown-Craig (president), and Sir Ewen Maclean. Medical Congress Week in Sydney (1929, September 11). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160392124
NB: Dr. R G Craig was President of the British Medical Association, New South Wales branch; 1926 – 1929. This image, stating it is is his youngest brother in the photo, is actually him. The British Medical Association, New South Wales branch was a Professional medical association formed on 16 February 1880 as a branch of the British association; Visit In The Beginning: New South Wales Australian Medical Association (AMA) webpage.. The British Medical Association (New South Wales Branch) House at 135–137 Macquarie Street, Sydney, designed by Fowell and McConnel, was the subject of a design competition in 1928.
By the way, Joan and Betty Rayner, of the T.O.Y. Theatre, tell me they have been invited to give a, performance in the grounds of Dr. Gordon Craig's lovely Palm Beach home this week, after which they will start their country caravan tour by an invitation performance at the Vice-Regal country home at Sutton Forest. They are especially happy over Lady de Chair's kindness in asking them to pitch their camp in the grounds. These semi-private performances at country homes are to be a feature of their* tour, and should prove a most delightful form of entertaining.
Miss Elaine de Chair has been trying her hand with a surf board this week, I hear; if you have ever tried it, you will know how difficult it is. In my dreams I see myself standing erect, like Ajax defying the lightning, as I shoot shorewards at express speed on my surf board, a la Duke Kahanamoku and other Hawaiian experts—in my dreams, I said, for 'tis of such stuff that dreams are made. Dreadful to be so earth-bound, isn't it? A WOMAN'S LETTER. (1930, January 3).The Land (Sydney, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103042764
On Wednesday a large and representative gathering visited the Society of Artists' Exhibition. Among them were Sir James and Lady Fairfax, Sir Thomas and Miss Lees, Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, Judge and Mrs. Docker, Mr. and Mrs. A. Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Lindsay, Dr. Abbott, Mesdames Leonard, Dodda, Herrick Knowles, Maguire, Harold See, Prichard Bassett, Eva Wunderlich, D. H. Souter. Richmond Bryant, Rankin, 'Swanson, C. Lioyd Jones, and Casey. The Misses Florence Rodway and Thea Proctor were congratulated by their many admirers for their excellent exhibits. A fan painted, by the latter was purchased by the Art Gallery trustees. SOCIAL GOSSIP (1912, November 24).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228842115
MISS Thea Proctor, the artist, is spending a week with Mrs. Gordon Craig, at Palm Beach. She left her paints and crayons behind, but at the last minute could not resist slipping in her pencils to do some drawing. IN THE NEWS (1930, January 13). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 17 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226023899
Palm -Beach.— Erection of garage and laundry: E. Nosworthy, architect, 68 Treatts- road. Lindfield. BUILDING (1931, August 24). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224721715
Palm Beach.—Additions, Pacific Road.—E. Nosworthy, 58 Treatts Road, Lindfield. Buildings and Works Approved (1931, November 18). Construction and Real Estate Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1938), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222907190
In 1932 Ailsa commenced building an extention and modification to the house at 120 Pacific road which became known locally as The Pink House due to its exterior colour. The builder was Mr. Noel Lipscombe and architect Eliice Nosworthy. The house is ‘U’ shaped and built around a central courtyard.
Ailsa's house at Palm Beach, New South Wales, approximately 1935-1940 photos by Harold Cazneaux- courtesy National Library of Australia Image No.:http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-140228205 and Image No.: a2058051h, courtesy State Library of NSW, The Mitchell Library
A WELL-KNOWN Melbourne air woman, Mrs. J. F. Chambers, wife of Dr. C. F. Chambers, of Toorak, is the guest of Mrs. Gordon Craig at Palm Beach. Bruters (1933, January 26). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 20 (CRICKET STUMPS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228910835
PALM BEACH LETTER
AN almost holy calm has pervaded the beach all the week, such an exodus has there been, and there is just a sprinkling of gay umbrellas shading the Warwick Fairfaxes, George Campbells, the Dr. Mackays, Dr. Blakemores, the Marcus Griffins, and the erstwhile Gordon Craig sisters, Mrs. Chambers, of Melbourne, and Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen. PALM BEACH LETTER (1936, February 9). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 29. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169594285
Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen has taken Mitzi back to school, and will then head for Brisbane, so we shall not see her for a while. PALM BEACH LETTER (1936, February 16). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169589655
SOCIETY HOMES SAVED AT PALM BEACH
Many society people motored to Palm Beach last night when fierce bushfires endangered several homes.
A special crew was sent out from Fire Brigade Headquarters, and the valuable properties were saved. The homes in peril included those of Sir Ernest Riddle (governor of the Commonwealth Bank), Drs. Bullmore and Godsell, Mrs. Gordon Craig, Captain Blackwood, Mr. Dan Carroll, and Mr. Percy Spender, K.C
The fire got to within a few yards of Mr. Spender's home, which was saved after a stiff fight. Damage was done in the grounds. A large stack of timber and building equipment was destroyed near a home In course of construction on Pacific-road, in which area the fire was fiercest. A violent southerly blow fanned the flames. Firemen and police were still patrolling the area to-day. SOCIETY HOMES SAVED AT PALM BEACH (1936, November 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11 (COUNTRY EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230907834
To Live at Palm Beach.
Mrs. Scottie Allen, whose husband is an aviator on the Singapore route, has decided to leave Ascot, Brisbane, where she has been living, and make her home in Sydney. She intends to redecorate the house at Palm Beach, which used to be the seaside home of her parents, the late Dr. Gordon Craig and Mrs. Craig. VICTORIAN VISITOR. (1937, April 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17360043
Mrs. Scotty Allen is up to her eyes in work, getting reinstalled in her home, which for some time past, has been undergoing extensive alterations. It is very lovely now. Spotlight on Society (1938, October 4).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230815610
Dr. Paton and family from Orange, in Dr. Brown Craig's home, had a thrilling experience. They had to dash away, being unable to stand the heat, and just as well, for the verandah eventually caught fire. The JOTTINGS (1938, December 11).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 57. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169097801
FLED IN SWIM SUITS
When the fire-engine arrived, guests of Mr. A. M. Murdoch, at Palm Beach yesterday, were in their bathing costumes, removing their belongings from the house, which was threatened by the bushfires. From left: Mrs. Jim Davidson, wife of the A. B.C. band leader, Miss Josie Lemon, and Miss Billy O'Connor. FLED IN SWIM SUITS (1938, December 8).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LAT FINASL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231129330
Fight For Homes
Hundreds of valuable homes in the Narrabeen-Palm Beach area were menaced by what old residents described as the worst bushfires in their experience. Several properties were damaged, and one, at Avalon, owned by Mrs. Mann, of Turramurra, was destroyed.
Only the heroic co-operation of fire brigade officers and volunteers saved other houses. The first fire in the Avalon area broke out early this morning, and when owners of properties, most of whom were in the city or in other suburbs, were notified of the danger, they raced to save their properties. Many of them, however, found that travelling along the Pittwater-road, after leaving Narrabeen, was impossible, as flames from burning trees and shrubs were shooting across the road.
Mr, W. J. Spooner, a Parramatta business man, who owns a property at Avalon, finding his way cut off when he reached Narrabeen, took his car across a hazardous bush track, and eventually reached his house.
This was one of the worst danger spots, and volunteer firemen secured a hose from fire brigade officers, who were busy elsewhere, and played water on the burning bush for hours before the danger was ended.
Many Losses
Other places where loss has occurred were: —
Newport, Avalon, Pittwater and Bilgola. — Forty policemen and civilians assisting firemen to quell bush out break on a five-mile front. Three houses at Bilgola destroyed, and many others endangered. DISASTROUS FIRES RAGE IN MANY SUBURBS (1938, December 10). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LAST RACE ALL DETAILS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231124461
Quite the 'piece de resistance' on the beach was Gregory Blaxland, who endeavored to change from the legal to the medical fraternity, by doing a spot of massage as he oiled the backs and arms of several women-folk of the party. It was apparent that the patients enjoyed the fun as much as the masseur. In the party were Mrs. Gregory Blaxland. Mrs. Scotty Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Joachim Meyer, and that alluring sub-deb., Mitzi Lee Brown. The JOTTINGS (1938, December 25).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169086533
At Palm Beach.
Mrs. John Chambers, of Toorak, Melbourne, is spending the Christmas holidays at Palm Beach with her mother, Mrs. Gordon Craig, and her sister, Mrs. G. U. Allan, With Mrs. Chambers are her two schoolboy sons, but her 12 pet cats have remained in Melbourne.
SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. (1938, December 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17542184
Although good exterior photos of The Cabin, Palm Beach at this time are limited to those taken for Home magazine by Mr. Cazneaux, two interior photos featuring Ailsa at work on her woodcuts and her daughter appear within months of each other in 1939, also show the Palm Beach house was Ailsa's year-round home. Ailsa's one may be showing the rather murky (in this picture) studio at The Cabin in the background:
Palm Beach in Winter
MRS. "SCOTTY" ALLEN, wife of the well-known air pilot, who takes a keen and active interest in the arts and crafts, spent the week-end at The Cabin, Palm Beach, preparing woodcuts for her contribution to the Contemporary Art Exhibition. SYDNEY AMATEUR ICE BALLET: PALM BEACH IN THE WINTER. (1939, June 15).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17614457
(Left.)
MISS MITTY LEE BROWN checking the list of guests for the dance which her mother, Mrs. G. U. ("Scotty") Allen, will give for her at her home, The Cabin, Palm Beach, to-morrow night. It will be one of the first parties of Race Week. Miss Lee Brown is a daughter of the late Dr. R. K. Lee Brown. YESTERDAY'S PRELUDE TO "NEXT WEEK'S RACE CARNIVAL. (1939, September 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17631323
...and Mrs. Scotty Allan, with daughter, Mitty Lee Brown, spends most of her time in her pale pink house on the hill. Jottings of the Week (1939, October 21). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51768126
Talking of flying folk . . . it's the done thing to ask. Scotty –Allen how his knitting's coming along. No one has ever , seen Scotty' s knitting, but he's done "a, lot of boasting about taking it up, being first interested by picking up a magazine a woman flying-boat passenger had been engrossed in, and finding it written in a strange language: K. 1, p. 1, k, 2 tog., si. 1, k. 1 .. . k k k
Subsequently he discovered that this type of literature was the favorite among women passengers and thought he might drop Esperanto and take it up, too. But now the opportunity to knit socks has arisen, Scotty's squibbing the issue and says he's "conseedering being a soldier m'self and being kneeted for." General's Family Arrives To Make Home In Sydney (1939, October 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231223500
First-aid class held by locals at P.B. on Thursday nights . . . Mrs. Scotty Allan, Mitty Lee Brown, and Mrs. Jean Renshaw being among those who put their friends in splints. Jottings of the Week (1939, November 4). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 33. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52258174
MITTY LEE BROWN and Bungie Weston were there together, Mitty having been at the first night, and was so keen about 'Paganini' that she came again. Bungie hadn't been and confessed to me as she raced for her seat that she was 'as excited as a twelve year-old.' Miss Pim (1940, January 7). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 31. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169109219
On Tuesday, exotic Madame Piat served drinks in tropical fashion on the verandah of her charming beflowered bungalow at the water's edge of Careel Bay.
At the cocktail hour on Wednesday, cars were seen dashing up to the 'Scotty' Allans — a small but select party. Palm Beach Letter (1940, January 21).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 35. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169112652
Couples seen gossiping on the beach were the Simm Bennetts, Dick Allens, Nola McGregor and Marcel.John Faviells, Commander and Mrs. Alford Rosenthal, from Adelaide, John Goodalls, George Morris. Vernon Dibbs, Professor and Mrs. Briggs, Dr. and Mrs. J, Brennan, from Rabaul, Cedric Swanston and Edgerton Jacombs and the erstwhile Gordon Craig, sisters— Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen, and Mrs. J. F. Chambers, from Melbourne. Palm Beach Letter (1940, January 28).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 35. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169102986
In 1938 'Scotty Allan went to England to study flying-boat techniques and returned to Sydney in the flying boat Coolangatta. His wife, it would appear, went with him and popped 'across the pond' to:
Quite a party with Otis Pearce and Sono Osato doing the Big Apple . . . Hera Roberts, Mrs. Scotty Allen, Arnold Haskell, Roman Jasinsky, Kyra Strakhova, and Jimmy and Prudence Dickson. The Whole Town Goes A-Partying: Off To Melbourne For Big Society Wedding (1938, December 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1 (WOMENS SECTION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231136070
The only ones who seemed unconcerned about the said scare were members of the Ballet. The 'Scotty' Allans entertained a number of them over the Week-end. And can they swim? I was amazed — long, sleek, black hair in their eyes and all — and how natural they all are together. Palm Beach Letter (1940, February 4).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 39. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169104465
Ailsa, as can be read, was in charge of the Red Cross Palm Beach workers, enlisting her daughter's help - something she may have commenced doing with her mother-in-law Mrs. Lee-Brown who was President of The Kensington Red Cross Branch during WWI:
Mrs. Lee Brown presided at the annual meeting of the Kensington Red Cross branch on Tuesday evening. It was stated in the report that the £700 raised enabled the branch to make 2500 garments for the troops. There is still 100 on the credit side. The meeting re-elected : Mrs. Lee Brown as president, Mrs. Scatrce as hon. secretary, and Mrs. Mallinson as hon. treasurer. RED CROSS NOTES (1916, September 10). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121337702
Some added context for ballet dancer visitors at Palm Beach:
War has inevitably brought much of Sydney's night life to a standstill. Large dances and entertainments for our local charities have been shelved. But on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal, Sydney will see its loveliest women and newest frocks, present at the gala ballet performance in aid of Lady Gowrie's Red Cross appeal.
Exclusively pictured on this page, from the studio of John Lee, are four of the girls who will sell flowers in the theatre foyer. Above are MITTY LEE-BROWN and SHEILA TONKIN. Below are ALISON ADAMS and RADA PENFOLD HYLAND. MISS MITTY LEE-BROWN. Jottings (1940, February 11). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 39. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169114848
Last weekend I returned to Palm Beach. That place gets into the hair — with all its temptations. I was staying nice and neighborly to Mrs. Scotty Allen and was lucky enough to be invited to her home, which in my humble opinion is all that is lovely. Her daughter, Mittie Lee Brown, was entertaining some of the ballet, Jazirisky, Lifar and Osato. So, in an atmosphere conducive to intimacy, we all aired our French in its varying degrees of imperfection. Andrea's Page Two (1940, February 25).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2 (WOMENS SECTION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231233362
Ailsa had actually studied French while at Sydney University, gaining Credits and Distinction in 1917 and 1918 - her French was probably excellent.
Anyone who knows Palm Beach will recognise these on the verge of the sand boulders:
Photo: Dancers from the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet with two Australian friends at Bungan (Palm Beach) Beach, NSW, nla.obj-149943380-1 courtesy National Library of Australia - This is actually Palm Beach - Ailsa is the lady sitting on the bench with her back to camera
CALLED FOR HER HUSBAND.
Mrs. G. U. ("SCOTTY") ALLAN called for her husband at the Rose Bay flying-boat base yesterday to drive him back to their home at Palm Beach. He piloted the flying-boat which arrived yesterday. CALLED FOR HER HUSBAND. (1940, April 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17646709
The newly refurbished home appears in:
It could only happen here! : typically Australian in its architecture and its setting is the house of Mr and Mrs G.U. Allen, Palm Beach, N.S.W. / [photographs by Cazneaux] [journal article] - These are the photos above
Author/s: Cazneaux, Harold, 1878-1953.
Subject: Dwellings - New South Wales - Palm Beach
Notes: Ellice Nosworthy, architect.
In : Australia: National journal March-May 1940 pp.38-39
Ailsa's house at Palm Beach, New South Wales, 1941 photos by Harold Cazneaux- courtesy National Library of Australia Image No.:http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-140228205 and Image No.: a2058051h, courtesy State Library of NSW, The Mitchell Library
Palm Beach Prepares For Almost Adam-less EdenA bumper season Is expected this year at Palm Beach, even though numbers on the exclusive stretch of sand in front of the Pacific Club will be depleted by many sun-tanned "handsomes ' who have joined up for service.
THE affiliated clubs of the Surf Life Saving Association have contributed 1300 members to the Navy, the Army and the Air Force and the Palm Beach list has supplied its quota. The popular president of the Palm Beach S.L.S. Club, Captain Adrian Curlewis, whose name has been associated with the Beach for many years, is now with the A.I.F. It sounds like an almost Adam-less Eden, but Palm Beach Eves are not prone to moping. They are putting on their glad rags just the same, and setting up their house (logs as protectors. Life will not be as pleasantly indolent as in previous summers.
The Red Cross branch is very active and all residents and regulars are members. At the branch's meeting on Wednesday members decided to hold a stall in Martin-place on December 6, selling all types of beach wear. Mlle. Piat and Mitti Lee Brown, whose mother, Mrs. Scotty Allan, has that lovely pink rough cast house, The Cabin, on Pacific-road, will be mannequins.
Palm Beach Prepares For Almost Adam-less Eden (1940, October 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231187108
At right, Mitty from Palm Beach Prepares for.
Red Cross Day – 1940:
THE FIRST arrivals in Martin-place to furnish stalls were Mrs. Scotty Allen, Mrs.Georgina Macphillimy and Mrs. Kitty Dalrymple Hay, all of whom motored up early from Palm Beach in Mrs. Allen's utility truck, which was stocked full of goods for the Palm Beach stall.
Attractive among the stall-holders was Miss J. Handley, of Avalon, who wore beach slacks of cream linen with a patriotic red, white and blue floral top. SUE SEES SYDNEY ON (1940, December 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231154888
Like the second act: in Faust was Hyde Park on Red Cross Day. Girls in peasant costume, soldiers, and civilians, fountain playing in centre ? The cathedral over the way, with people going up and down the steps, and a priest or two. The uniformed men who took part in the march swelled the crowd.
The youngest girl could tell at any distance the aviators by their caps, and 'the Darwin soldiers by their shorts. These ' gave a modern realistic touch to the medieval scene of Grand Opera.
Red and white striped tents, and donkey carts helped to remind one of an English fair.
Early Risers
The soldiers did not march down Martin Place as usual. They came right along George Street, which was a good idea, as it dispersed the crowds along the streets. The Scottish contingent got the usual deafening reception. After Lord Wakehurst had taken the salute, lie tried his luck in 'the fish pond at Martin Place. ' Being an author himself, he was delighted to hook a book. Noreen Dangar arrived from Annandale early in the morning, and helped to run the fish pond. Many women rose betimes. Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen got to work at 8 a.m., having driven up from Palm Beach.
Red Cross Day Like An Act From Faust With Color And Uniforms (1940, December 12). The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132628083
Palm Beach is preening itself for a bumper season . . . near competition has already started for the most oomph beach outfit and for novelties in entertaining . . . beds are at a premium . . . even the kind that sag in the middle and defy sleep. The Palm Beach Club offers two gay nights . . . next Saturday and New Year's Eve. Everyone's having Christmas Eve parties, but most of the locals are going to the Scotty Allans', at The
Cabin . . . the dream of a pink house on the hill. Turkey And Pudding At Home (1940, December 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231153850
THE MOST DELIGHTFUL party was staged by Capt. and Mrs. 'Scotty' Allan, who had a huge gaily-lighted tree. Cocktails and savories were followed by a buffet dinner, the dish de resistance being Javanese Ricestafel. At tenish presents for all were cut from the tree. PALM BEACH LETTER (1940, December 29). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169113707
LUNCHING at the Normandie, Mrs. Scotty Allen, with Mrs. Jack Chambers, of Melbourne, whose two Geelong Grammar sons on holiday, were with her.
THE JOTTINGS (1941, January 5). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169760114
The Newcastle club has not always had the best weather for Its carnival. In 1920 bright sunshine prevailed and the spectators were estimated to number 15,000. In 1930 three inches of rain marred the display, but 1931 provided officials with a real headache.
Plane Lost Over City
Three planes brought surfers from Mascot in addition to a special train from Sydney. Ten members from North Narrabeen hiked to Newcastle, while Palm Beach rowed their boat all the way.
Heavy rain during the afternoon caused the abandonment of many events. At night Scotty Allen, piloting a big plane, became lost over the city and eventually landed again at District Park at 8 o'clock, after scores of cars had rushed to the aerodrome and floodlit the area with their head lights.
Rain again marred the carnivals in 1932-33, and while the following three were favored with bright sunshine a heavy surf caused considerable damage to capsized boats. NEWCASTLE SURF CARNIVAL NEXT SATURDAY (1941, February 6). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167434516
P.B. CUPBOARDS were raided for cracked and chipped china for Mrs. Scotty Allan's stall in aid of the Red Cross. You bought four stones for sixpence, and broke all the china you could. 'What a glorious feeling,' said attractive Kitty Paradise as she smashed a plate to smithereens with her first stone. PALM BEACH LETTER (1941, February 2). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169757248
'SOUTHERLY BUSTER' drinks served at Mrs. Scotty Allen's party on Saturday pipemma, while guests waited for nature's buster from the South. Later, Ailsa dashed up to town to meet 'Scotty'— great rejoicings! PALM BEACH LETTER (1941, February 9). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169758720
The Craig 'Pink' Home would feature in many magazines, as well as the snippets of social occasions, and the photographs held by the NSW State Library that follow this article were taken for it, although not all were used. Although the newspaper images have not travelled so well in the time since they are inserted as a reference point for the clear brilliant shots, supposedly taken by Newport 'Summer House' resident Max Dupain.
Lot 35, 15 Calvert Parade Newport, first part of the acreage sold by Thomas Copley Calvert to the Intercolonial Investment Land and Building Company in 1910, and consequently sold to Barbara Wallace Brooks as part of the Calvert Ocean Beach Estate subdivision, was then onsold to Harriet Margaret Wilson in January 1920 and then, on May 3rd, 1920, purchased by Thomasine Jane (Ena) Dupain, and became the weekender and retirement home of the Dupain family. It was only sold out of the family after Max passed away.
That April 1941 Sydney Morning Herald article tells us:
Who'd Live in the City if They Could Live at the Seaside?
Especially in a Home Like This
ON a high headland overlooking the ocean on one side and the calm of Pittwater on the other, this Palm Beach house is ideally suited to its surroundings, and to its role of out-of-town house, to be lived in all the year round..
(Left.) On the end of the living-room. The open fireplace is made of stone specially chosen for its colouring-the faint pink that is in the walls.
THE original cottage on the site was built in the early days when one travelled down by tram, and launch, and parties of sports-men used to take guns and dogs and come home laden with gill-birds which, with other wild things, had had Palm Beach to them-selves till then.
The colonial bungalow in these pictures was designed by a woman architect, who utilised, but added to and improved, the first building. The outside walls, instead of the more usual cream, have a definite pink tinge which emphasises the same tone in the trunks of the red gums that have been left in their natural state, and are decorative is well as useful as a wind-break.
The house is built in such a manner that there is always a sheltered corner whichever way the wind comes. There is plenty of verandah space, the main verandah in front having a jutting wing on each side to protect it. The plain columns were chosen from Tasmania- oak, specially seasoned to withstand all weather conditions.
The outside of the house is lighted by three ship's lanterns, and these give a seafaring touch that is very much in keeping with the background. A barometer set in the blade of a plane Propeller also catches the eye of the visitor, who finds so much to stimulate his interest.
Inside, a long living-room runs from east to rest. Instead of a wall, the whole of the eastern end is formed of glassed doors which will fold back when the weather Is good, and when closed make a frame for the lovely seascape outside. The gate-legged dining table and ladder-back chairs are of oak, which Is also used in a desk and coffee table.
The couch and armchairs are covered with a heavy linen, hand blocked in a checked design, with red and blue predominating. The blue is repeated in the striped curtains, and the low window seat is upholstered in red.
There are a few pictures by modern artists; one, a decorative design by Roi de Mestre, is mounted in an unusual gilt frame once the property of the artist Picasso.
A corridor, glassed on its outer side, leads from the ocean end of the living-room to the main bedrooms, and on the Pittwater side there is a large room, used as a studio, and a sleep-out with Venetian blinds for visitors.
The sleep-out, with one Venetian blind pulled up to show the red gum trees outside.
An exterior view of the house at Palm Beach, which gives an idea of the design.
(Above.) This end view of the house shows the stone wall of the built-up garden..
(Left.) The ocean end of the living-room, showing the outlook through the glassed door and some of the old oak furniture.
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Who'd Live in the City if They Could Live at the Seaside? (1941, April 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13 (Women's Supplement). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17718733
Palm Beach, Mrs Craig's house, [1930s-1980s] / photographed by Max Dupain Additional information on notepaper in envelope read, "Pacific Rd. Palm Beach: Ellice Nosworthy Architect". Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW. Album available at: https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/9O4zMPyn/ll0DPX7GKQR45
The house also hosted many of the guests Artist Ailsa and her daughter Mitty would socialise with - some of these helping with fundraising benefits during World wear Two:
Mademoiselle Jeanne GAUTIER. French violinist, will spend the week-end at Palm Beach, as guest of Mrs. Scotty Allen. From Country Of Slim Women (1941, August 20). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (LAST RACE ALL DETAILS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231635533
Attractive figure at Palm Beach, MITTI LEE BROWN, who is staying with her mother, Mrs. Scotty Allan, for the week-end.
Her gypsy mid-riff frock has a long scarlet sash. Guests at The Cabin, the Scotty Allans' pink house on the hill, are the air-mail's brother and sister-in-law from China, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Allan, Who arrived three weeks ago to live here. The Scotty Allans entertained about 20 of the visiting beachers to cocktails at their home last night. WHO GOES WHERE (1941, October 5).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230955071
All usual holiday parties cancelled at Palm Beach this year; but yesterday some of the regulars in residence, gathered at Mrs. Rudolph Mueller's house where Mrs. Ernest Bennett-Bremner did some good work at a chocolate wheel. . . proceeds for the Red Cross.
Mitti Lee Brown has been home for Christmas and New Year, with her mother, Mrs. Scotty Allan, at The Cabin. . . Mrs. Adrian Curlewis, Mrs. Lindsay Bell, and Mrs. Ken Coles are all there, with their children . . . and Mrs. Percy Spender, who is in her new house. WHO GOES WHERE.. (1942, January 4).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231766179
MRS. SCOTTY ALLEN and daughter, Mitty Lee-Brown, have taken over the Red Cross reins at Palm Beach since Kitty Hay left, and are deep into plans for future fund raising. The Jottings OF A LADY ABOUT TOWN (1942, February 1). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 26. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168974353
And then horribly and suddenly Ailsa was killed when returning from coastal surveillance duty. She was hit by a delivery boy on a bicycle and killed in Pacific Road (some reports state it was the corner of Surf Road and Barrenjoey road - Page 65. Palm Beach 1788-1988. Edited by Joan Steege. The Palm Beach Association, 1984.)
ALLAN - February 9, at Palm Beach, suddenly as the result of an accident, Ailsa, beloved wife of Wing Commander G. U. Allan, A.F.C. Privately cremated. Family Notices (1943, February 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17836678
James Brown Craig, the brother just younger than her father, was named as Executor in her Will. The other Executor, her sister's husband, Dr. John Ferguson Chambers, had already been killed during World War II while on service.
After her death Mrs. Craig, her mother, lived in The Pink House. The Craig property 'The Cabin' was bequeathed to Juanita - who seemed unable to be at Palm Beach after her mother died there and went a little wild:
SEEN at Bondi Surf Club— enchanting Mitty Lee Brown and Major George Berkheimer (U.S.A.). War Work and Women (1944, February 13). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168758007
MRS ANTHONY HORDERN and Mrs. Frank Packer have jointly rented Mitty Lee Brown's' house at Palm Beach for a year while Mitty is in the States. As Celeste Sees Things (1944, November 12). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168756894
Sydney Girl To Make Home In Toorak
Dr. and Mrs. Peter Russo, who were married on Monday, have flown to Melbourne and will make their home at Toorak. He belongs to Melbourne, where he is well known as a writer of special articles in the Melbourne "Herald." He and Mrs. Russo — she was formerly Mitty Lee-Brown— first met about a week ago, and announced the news to Mitty's surprised family on Sunday. Her proposed trip to, further her art studies in America is, of course, now off, and the lovely Palm Beach house Is let to Mrs. Tony Hordern.
Mitty is the daughter of the late Dr. R. K, Lee-Brown and of the late .Mrs. G. U. Allen. Famous airman Scotty Allen is her stepfather. Her aunt, Mrs. J. F. Chambers, has been in Sydney for the past week, and goes home today. She had not met Dr. Russo before. A Woman's Notebook (1944, November 29). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229281780
Women's News
SURPRISE WEDDING
DR. and MRS. PETER VASQUEZ RUSSO, who were married quietly yesterday. Mrs. Russo was formerly Miss Juanita (Mitty) Lee-Brown, daughter of the late Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown and of the late Mrs. G. U. Allan. Dr. Russo is the son of the late Mr. George Russo and of Mrs. Russo, of Ballarat, Victoria. As a Melbourne University scholarship winner, Dr. Russo went to Japan where he became Professor of European Languages in the University of Tokyo. His bride this year was runner-up in the New South Wales Art Travelling Scholarship. Women's News SURPRISE WEDDING (1944, November 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17929416
After their wedding In Canberra, Viscountess Clive and Brigadier Schreiber will occupy the pink house on the hill at Palm Beach, owned by Mrs. Peter V. Russo, formerly Mitty Lee Brown. As Celeste Sees Things (1945, October 21). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169362940
A glamor picture, by Alec Murray, of Mrs. Peter Russo, formerly Mittee Lee Brown, who with her husband, has arrived in Hong- Kong. THE Jottings OF A LADY (1946, April 7).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 45. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168768091
CANDID CAMERA shooting by Alastair Stephen when he and his wife and young daughter Sophia are guests at Palm Beach of Mrs. Peter Russo (right). Mrs. Russo, formerly artist Mitty Lee Brown, spends holiday painting at her home high above the sea.
PROUDLY CLUTCHING their surf-o'-planes Adrienne Hill and Caroline Graham are having a wonderful time at the beach. Mrs. "Chip" Hill (left), of Colley Plains, Quirindi, and sister Mrs. Francis Graham, are sharing a house over Christmas and January.
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PICTURE OF A gentleman saying "Cheese!" Young Anthony Jensen is so camera conscious that he automatically says "cheese" when he's snapped. Sheila Smart, (left), Johnny Hawkes, and Anthony's mother, Josie Jensek, sunbake at Palm Beach. Palm Beach Jottings (1947, January 4). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47507384
Palm Beach playboy Johnnie Hawkes will astonish local farmers when he launches his new business venture "Bucks' Bazaar," a sort of secluded sanctuary where lonely hearts can get fixed up with a new swim-suit or a fresh idea . ... which-ever they need most. MALE CALL (1947, November 2). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230560048
Another 'feature' on the Pink House - this time the cover of the March 1948 Home Beautiful and a story inside:
Juanita sold 'The Cabin' to Eric McIlwraith who, with his second wife, settled there in July 1949, the couple becoming part of the Palm Beach community.
Eric Harold McIlwraith was a naval officer and grandson of the founder of McIlwraith, McEacharn Ltd. He and his first wife divorced in 1940 and he remarried in 1949, travelling from Melbourne each season, to Palm Beach. After his second marriage the couple settled at Palm Beach in 1949. Mr McIlwraith remained there until he passed away in July 1993.
Mrs Eric McIlwraith, formerly Mrs Alison Stuart, returned to Melbourne last week, leaving her husband in Sydney for a few days. He will arrive here today, and on Friday they will motor back to Sydney to settle in their Palm Beach home. . . .
"WHILE here Mrs McIlwraith has been settling her daughter, Anita, at boarding school at St Catherine's, and clearing up matters at her Toorak home, which has been taken by Mr and Mrs "Boydie" Smith. The Life of Melbourne (1949, July 20). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22766030
THE Palm Beach season was officially opened last night with an 'At Home' — which, by the way, was anything but as formal as it sounds-at the Pacific Club in its tropical setting facing the blue Pacific. Guests divided their time between the cool of the patio, under the trees lit with colored lights, and inside the club where savories on banana leaves were circulated.
More than 250 Pacific Club members and their guests chatted with friends and admired the new club decor by Mrs. John Hall Best. The wall or glass of sea blue is particularly charming, contrasting as it does with the other walls of primrose, sage green, burnt orange and terra cotta.
Great bowls of hydrangea, gladioli and Christmas lillies were artistically arranged by Alison McIlwraith, and she also decorated the supper table, which looked beautiful with silver candelabra, and Victorian posies in silver containers. The house committee, under the chairmanship of Mrs. John Halliday, provided a sumptuous dinner of turkey, ham, and 12 different varieties of curry made by a dozen members, including Mesdames Rudolph Mueller, Harry Nott, Dan Fowler, and T. E. Carr. Great wooden bowls of salad added to the color scheme. As clothes worn at this annual fixture are always a pointer to coming beach fashions, it looks as if gay cottons with sun tops and full skirts remain first favorites, with stove-pipe pants and gay blouses a close second. Noticed among those dancing: Ian and Phillipa Curlewis, Ross Stanford and June Finlayson, Alec Shand, and Annette Dunlop, Irving Salter and Mary Carr, Bud Nettleton with Helen Dalziel, who hails from New Zealand, and Will Noble with Jean Longworth, the Pacific Club honorary secretary, who was smart in black and white. Will Noble has a house-party in his home on Sunrise Hill. Among the well-known P.B. identities of a few years standing who took along parties were: Chairman Neville Goodall, accompanied by his wife Rowena, just back from Adelaide, the Noel le Maistre Walkers, whose oversea guest was Mr. John Talbot, who flew into Sydney on Friday from England, and leaves at the end of the week for South Africa. Others dancing the evening away were Ed and Ann Phippard, who took along Alec and Margaret King, and American Gus and Kay Tripps. All roads to Newport will be extra busy today as Doreen and Ashley Buckingham are giving one of their large and renowned luncheon parties under the trees at the water's edge. Roundabout (1954, November 21). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 43. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168411107
Mr. McIlwraith passed away at Palm Beach in 1993.
The Cabin/Pink house had several subsequent owners before becoming the home of Air Commodore Steege RAAF (Ret.d.) and Mrs. Joan Steege in 1974. Joan Steege was the Editor of the book published by the Palm Beach Association - Palm Beach 1788-1988.
They had the property for around 40 years before that gentleman passed away in 2013 and the home came onto the market again in 2015.
Extras - References
The Craig Family
A small insight into a long standing family home used year round by successive generations of the Craig family presents an opportunity to celebrate all achieved by family members. As always when investigating why and what was built it is the personalities and natures of the people associated with such structures that points to what they wanted and how that would suit what would be done there.
The Scottish surname Craig is derived from the Gaelic creag meaning "rocky hill". The surname is a topographic name for a person who lived near a steep rock, and often prefixed to the names of places in hilly or mountainous districts in various parts of Scotland. The name seems to belong particularly to the north of Scotland.
The Craig brothers were the sons of Robert Francis Craig (born August 25th, 1937), sea captain born at Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1837, and his wife Elizabeth, née Brown(daughter of James Brown and Anne Brown, born Abt. 1837 in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland). Saltcoats is a sea-port, partly in the parish of Stevenston and partly in that of Ardrossan; 74 miles wsw from Edinburgh, 30 sw from Glasgow.
Two sons, Robert Gordon (born 24 May 1874, Ardrossan, Scotland) and Francis Brown (born 2 September 1879, Kurraba, Neutral Bay) became doctors while the middle son, James Brown (born 1877), went into business with his father at a business once known as 'Prescotts'. There were also three daughters:
McMILLAN-CRAIG.-March 18, at the residence of the bride's parents, Ailsa, Neutral Bay, by the Rev. W. M. Dill Macky, William, second son of the late Captain Jas. McMillan, Ardrossan, Scotland, to Agnes Gordon, eldest daughter of Captain Robt. Craig. Family Notices (1889, March 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13718004
DAVIDSON—CRAIG.— May 20, at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. W. M. Dill Macky, Alexander, second son of the late Alexander Davidson, of Dundee, Scotland, to Annie Brown, second daughter of Captain Robert Craig, Ailsa, Neutral Bay. Family Notices (1890, June 10). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 1 (FOUR O'CLOCK). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230614380
HAMAND— CRAIG.— July 30, 1901, at Ailsa, Neutral Bay, Sydney, by the Rev. R. H. Waugh, M.A., Henry Charles Hamand, eldest son of Henry Hamand, Plymouth, England, to Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Captain Robert Craig. Family Notices (1901, August 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14402495
HAMAND. - July 24, 1907, at Lana, Neutral Bay, the wife of H.C. Hamand - a son. Family Notices (1907, August 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14906050
At the age of 19, after training as a teacher, Robert Francis Craig went to sea and by 27 (1864) was in command of a steamer. He was in sailing ships until he rose to be master and then joined the Harrison Line as first officer, sailing from Liverpool to New York. In or about 1864 he "ran the blockade" in the American civil war to earn enough money to marry Elizabeth Brown of Irvine Ayrshire. They lived in Ardrossan, Ayrshire for some years while he was in charge of the steamer "Cognac", bringing Brandy from Charente in France, near Bordeaux, to British Ports. In Charente he came in contact to Henry Keigwan who was then clerk to the shipping firm.
After the "Cognac", he commanded the Harrison liner "Arbitrator", then the "Legislator", which was later chartered by the E & A line for one year to take up running between Australia & China.At the end of that year he was asked to join the E & A line to superintend the building of a new ship for them at Jarrow-on-Lyne and to bring her to Australia via Singapore.
This steamer was named the "Queensland" and in 1876 Robert Craig brought her to Sydney. During the (subsequent?) voyage to Melboune she was rammed by the "Barrabool" and sunk with the loss of one man. Captain Craig afterwards became marine superintendent for the E. and A. Company for a few years; then he went to sea again in command of the steamer Guthrie.
About 1885 or 1886 he joined Henry Prescott in business in Sussex-street, and became a partner in the firm. Here he remained for the rest of his career, his second son, James Brown Craig working at the same place and running the company after his retirement.
CRAIG-SIMPSON.— At St. Stephen's Church, Phillip- st., on April 27, by Rev. John Ferguson,, assisted by the Rev. R. U. Waugh, James Brown Craig, second son of Robert Craig, Neutral Bay, to Harriet Mary (Hattie), elder daughter of David C. Simpson, Rose Bay. Family Notices (1908, May 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238141740
CRAIG, James Brown.—January 1, 1947 at Scottish Hospital Paddington beloved husband of Harriett and dearly loved father of David and Frances (Mrs. F. E. Williams) Family Notices (1947, January 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18019131
CRAIG. -October 9th, 1915, at Leura, Blue Mountains, Elizabeth Brown Craig, beloved wife of Robert Craig, of "Ailsa," Shell Cove Road, Neutral Bay, aged 72 years. Family Notices (1915, October 11). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239110938
CRAIG.-The Funeral of the late Mrs. ELIZABETH BROWN CRAIG, beloved WIFE of Mr. Robert Craig, Ailsa, Shell Cove-road, Neutral Bay, will take place THIS AFTERNOON, at 4 o'clock, in Presbyterian Cemetery, Gore Hill. Family Notices (1915, October 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15618486
PROBATE OF TWO WILLS
MRS. BROWN CRAIG'S ESTATE
Probate has been granted of the will of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Brown Craig, wife of Mr. Robert Craig, merchant, Sydney. The net value of the estate was estimated at £18,879. Testator, who died at Leura on October 9, appointed her sons, Dr. Robert Gordon Craig, James Brown Craig, and Dr. Francis Brown Craig, executors and trustees. She bequeathed £1000 to each of her daughters, Annie Brown Craig Davidson, wife of Alexander Davidson, and Elizabeth Hamand, wife of Henry Charles Hamand; £250 to each of two English nieces, and the residue of her real and personal estate to the trustees upon trust, to pay the income to her husband during his life, after whose death the estate is to be held in trust for all her children In equal shares. PROBATE OF TWO WILLS (1915, December 13). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 7 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221920355
LATE MRS H B CRAIG
Probate has been granted of the will of the late Mrs. Eilzabeth Brown Craig, wife of Robert Craig, merchant, of Sydney, who died at Leura, on October 0 lait Testatrix appointed her sons, Dr Robort Gordon Craig, James Brown Craig, and Dr Francis Brown Craig, executors and trustees of her estate She bequeathed £1000 each to her daughters, Annie Brown Craig Davidson, wife of Alexander Davidson, merchant, of Sydney; and Elizabeth Hamand, wife of Henry Charles Hamand, master mariner, £250 each to two English nieces, and the residue of the real and personal estate to her trustees upon trust, to pay the Income to her husband during his life, after his death the estate to be hold in trust for all her children in equal shares. The net value of the estate was estimated at £18,878 15s 6d, of which £16,135 represented real estate. WILLS AND BEQUESTS. (1915, December 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15631114
CRAIG.-November 13, 1917, in his 81st year, Captain Robert Craig, of Ailsa, Shell Cove-road, Neutral Bay. Family Notices (1917, November 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15757727
CRAIG.— The Funeral of the late Captain ROBERT CRAIG, late of Neutral Bay, will leave the Presbyterian Church, Berry -Street, Neutral Bay, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING, after service, commencing at 11 o clock, for Gore Hill cemetery, arriving at cemetery Gates at 12 o'clock noon. Family Notices (1917, November 14). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239243540
DEATH OF CAPTAIN CRAIG.
Captain Robert Craig, of "Ailsa," Shell Cove-road, Neutral Bay, who died early yesterday morning, was one of the older and highly respected type of business men of the city. He was born at Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1837, and after leaving school took up the occupation of a teacher until he was 19 years of age. Then he went to sea, and was in the Allan line of steamships for some years.
During the civil war in, America he ran the blockade-his ship was trading between Glasgow and New Orleans. He afterwards joined the firm of Harrison's, steamship owners. In time he came to Australia and joined the E. and A. Company, which sent him to England to supervise the construction of a steamer known as the Queensland. This vessel, on her maiden voyage, was run into by the steamer Barrabool and sunk. Captain Craig afterwards became marine superintendent for the E. and A. Company for a few years; then he went to sea again in command of the steamer Guthrie.
About 1885 or 1886 he joined the late Mr. Henry Prescott in business in Sussex-street, and became a partner in the firm. Here he remained for the rest of his career. The firm was turned into a limited company, Captain Craig retaining his connection with it and becoming one of the directors. If has now grown to be one of the largest produce merchant concerns in the Southern Hemisphere. Captain Craig kept up an active interest in the business until about a couple of months ago, and then stopped because of failing health and the weight of years. His death followed a surgical operation, from which he had apparently rallied, but complications set in. Mrs. Craig died about two years ago.
Captain Craig was one of the men whose work in the middle of last century helped to make Sydney the commercial centre that it is to-day. It was characteristic of his pluck that, after a thorough sea training, he should relinquish all connection with it and devote his attention to business in quite another sphere; it was characteristic of his thoroughness that he should make a success of the new venture. His career outside business was an unobtrusive one.
He was one of the founders and principal supporters of the Neutral Bay Presbyterian Church, was one of the original members of the League of Ancient Mariners, took a great interest in the Free Kindergarten, and was Instrumental in founding the present fine building at Balmain; with Sir James Burns, he was associated In the Burnside Homes at Parramatta; he was also a strong supporter of the Sydney Soup Kitchen, and in all his benefactions he had a dread of publicity.
One of his sons, Dr. Gordon Craig, of Macquarie-street, served as a surgeon with the Australian forces during the present war, and has lately returned home. Dr. Frank Brown Craig, another son, is at present on active service in France. Mr. James B. Craig, a third son, is a director of Prescott's. Limited: and there are two daughters- Mrs. Davidson, of Neutral Bay, and Mrs. Hamand, wife of Captain Hamand, late of the Union Company's service, whose ship was recently sunk in the English Channel by an enemy submarine. DEATH OF CAPTAIN CRAIG. (1917, November 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15757679
Captain Robert Craig died at a private hospital in Sydney on Tuesday morning. He was chairman of directors of the Sussex-street firm of Prescott, Limited, and was very popular with merchants in the wholesale dairy produce trade, with whom he had been associated for over 32 years. GLEANINGS. (1917, November 15). Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article80707396
THE LATE MR. HENRY PRESCOTT. CAPTAIN ROBERT CRAIG.
The late Mr. H. Prescott, founder of H. Prescott and Company, arrived in Sydney in the forties, and early became associated with the old Illawarra Company. He started in 1851 in Sussex-street as a produce and com-mission agent. Eleven years ago he retired; but he was not long allowed in the evening of life to enjoy a well-earned leisure in the society of his many friends, for nine years ago he was called to his final rest. Captain Robert Craig, senior partner in the firm, is a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to Australia in 1874 as pioneer captain for the E. and A. Company in the steamer Legislator. Mr. J. B. Wright became a partner in 1894; and Mr. J. B. Craig, son of Captain Craig, was admitted into partnership four years ago.
. The Produce Trade of Sydney.—Some Views of Sussex-street (19 pages). (1903, August 12).Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71484758
80 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE
EIGHTY years of service to an industry and with customers whose names have figured on the firm's ledger uninterruptedly for over 40 years, is a record of which to be proud. Yet that is the history of Prescott Ltd., one of New South Wales leading Produce, and Provision Houses. In that period there have been built up agencies and connections in every state of the Commonwealth, New Zealand, England, Canada, the United States, South Africa, China, Japan, and the Pacific Islands. Such a growth would have been impossible had not those directly interested in the business given it their undivided and wholehearted care. Started in 1850 by Henry Prescott, who first saw daylight two years before Waterloo was fought. Sussex Street saw the birth of the firm, which ever since has been closely associated with the history of dairy and agricultural produce. The first progressive movement of note was made in 1881 when the firm, of Henry Prescott and Son moved to 101 Sussex Street., where the shingle bearing, that name was hung out.
Four years afterwards fresh blood was introduced in the form of Captain Robert Craig, the father of the present chairman of directors, who entered into partnership with the original founder, and the business title was then changed to H. Prescott and Co. Two years afterwards the firm was joined by Mr. James B. Wright and he with Captain Craig, well and truly laid the foundation of a business which now has a capital of a quarter of a million sterling. In addition to the head office, the company is represented at Orange, Dubbo, Tamworth, and has stores a' Mudgee, Maitland, Morpeth, Raymond Terrace and Neminghi, Springhill and Marrar.
Beginning with a few storemen and helpers the firm, which is now the company, of Prescott Ltd.— the old business having been floated into a limited liability concern 25 years ago — now has a staff at head office which numbers close on 150, and this includes 14 travelers visiting the various stores throughout the State with the firm 's special lines of Pineapple bacon, hams, lard, smallgoods, butter, Cheddar and Kraft cheese, and a multitude of similar lines of dairy produce. The distribution of the various lines handled has been brought to the acme of perfection, no less than 26 motor cars and lorries, the majority of which are of British make, being used. Tlie annual cost of distribution by these runs into nearly £11,000, while the upkeep of the mechanical part of the fleet costs on an avernge £4,368 annually. In addition - to the fleet of .motors shown in the picture, horse-drawn vehicles are. also used: for heavy produce cartage, and in this form of transportation £2,860 is the annual cost, with an upkeep charge of £780.
Thirty-eight years ago the present chairman, Mr. J. B. Craig, joined the firm as a partner, and one year after...
Part of the Distributing Fleet Handling the Specialty Dairy Products.
80 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE (1930, June 9). Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 - 1949), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192692302
Northern River Trade.
Captain Robert Craig, principal of the firm of Prescott, Ltd., grew reminiscent at the firm's picnic, and told how, over 50 years ago, Captain Prescott, then in charge of a little steamer running to the northern rivers, was prevailed upon to 'go ashore' at Sydney, and act as agent for their produce. A yearly turnover then of £10,000 was looked upon as a big business. The stores in Sussex-street were mostly wooden structures, of one storey, with flat iron roofs, and there was always time for agent and customer to go for a walk ' between the acts.'
Men who were in Sussex-street then and were alive now could not help hut marvel at the wonderful expansion that had taken place in the produce trade of the colony, and particularly in respect to the business done with northern river towns. Their own business, from a turnover of £30,000 in 1885 and an expenditure of £1100, had increased in 1907 to half a million turnover, with an expenses sheet totalling £22,000. That was only one instance of the remarkable expansion of trade in the 'street' during the last 50 years. Northern River Trade. (1908, May 29). The Raleigh Sun (Bellingen, NSW : 1898 - 1918), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127674104
Australian Homes
EASTERN ASPECT OF RESIDENCE, CAPTAIN ROBERT CRAIG,
SHELL COVE, NORTH SYDNEY.
Waterhouse & Lake, Architects. Alex. Dean & Sons, Master Builders. Australian Homes (1916, January 7).Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109635137
The Crossways built in 1908 - from Album 'Domestic architecture in Australia / original photographs by H. Cazneaux, [J.] Paton, J. Kauffmann and J. [i.e. A.] Wilkinson CALL NUMBER PXA 731 LEVEL OF DESCRIPTION Collection DATE 1919 12. "Ailsa" Neutral Bay, Sydney . Courtesy Mitchell Library, the State Library of NSW
Ailsa, No. 33 Shellcove Rd
Ailsa is an exceptionally fine example of the federation arts and crafts style of state heritage significance and which was described by architect Clive Lucas as “an extremely important house and one of the most avant grade houses of its day”.
The house was designed by noted architect B. J. Waterhouse in 1908 and was one of the first two buildings he designed after entering private practice. Ailsa was built for Captain Robert Craig.
LATE CAPTAIN CRAIG.
The funeral of the late Captain Robert Craig took place in the Gore Hill Cemetery. The large and very representative gathering at the graveside and at the service in the Presbyterian Church, Neutral Bay, and the mass of floral tokens, afforded striking proof of the high esteem in which the deceased was held in business and other circles. Officiating at the grave-side and at the service were the Rev. R. H. Waugh, of the Neutral Bay Presbyterian Church, with which the deceased had been prominently connected for about 26 years, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly (Rev. John Paterson), and the Rev. Wm. Bradley, of Mosman. The whole of the employees of Prescott's, Ltd., in which the deceased was a partner, walked in a body from the church to the cemetery. Practically the whole of the Sussex-street houses, as well as shipping firms and institutions in which the late Captain Craig had taken a deep interest, were represented at the graveside.
The chief mourners at the service were Mesdames A. Davidson and Hamand (daughters), and Mesdames Gordon Craig and J. B. Craig, Dr. Gordon Craig and Mr. Jas. B. Craig (sons), Mr. Alex. Davidson (son-in-law), and Mr. Jas. B. Wright, a relation of the deceased and a director of Prescott's.
Others present included Mr. C. A. Grocott, a director of Prescott's; the Revs. J. Chaseling, of St Peter's, Neutral Bay; O. North Ash, M.A., of St Augustine's, Neutral Bay; Keith Miller, of Paddington: and John Edwards, of Rose Bay; the Mayor of North Sydney (Ald. Anderson), the Government Botanist (Mr. J. H. Malden) ; Mr. John Chandler, representing the mayor and aldermen of Katoomba; Messrs, J. F. Mollison, David Carment, J. T. Walker, J. H. Beatson, of Anderson and Co.; R. Sinclair; M'Master, representing Colonel Sir James Burns, with whom the deceased had been closely associated In the Burnside Homes; Alex, and R. Arnon, C. J. and A. M. Loewenthal, .Charles Bradley, C. M'Donell, of Messrs. M'Donell and Moffit; J. Russell; of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency; R. A, Elkin, of Hunter River; and T. S. Elkin; J. T. Kirkwood, of West Maitland; M'lnnes, of the dairy produce section of the Agricultural Department; J. Mackey, of Messrs. J. Mackey and Co.; M. Foley, of Messrs. Foley Bros.; R. iW. M'Fadgen, of Messrs. Cameron and M'Fadgen; Andrew Freebairne Hales, of Hales, Ltd.; Robert Rood, of Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co.; Hugh Massie, representing the Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney; Turnbull, representing the London Bank of Australia, Ltd.; Joseph Wood, of the Inter-national Harvester Co.; O. F. Littlejohn, of Messrs. Scott, Henderson, and Co.; Basche, of Messrs. Basche and Lowney: Thomas Mitchell; Knox, manager of the Berrima District Co-operative Co.; Blackett, of the Coastal Farmers' Co-operative Co.; O'Brien, of. Messers O'Brien and Munro; W. II. Brnln-l wood; C. Craig, of Messrs. Craig and Arnold; G. Stening, of Messrs. J. Mackey and Co.; H. Holmes, manager of J. C. Hutton's Proprietary Ltd.; Hickling, representing Messrs. Foggitt, Jones, and Co., Ltd.; Wilson, of the Adelaide Steamship Co.; H. Priestly, of Messrs. Priestly, Larcombe, and Morris; J. M'Clure, of( .Messrs. J. W. Gray and Co.; M. M'Ilrath, of M'Ilrath's, Ltd.; J. Donnett, of Messrs. J.' [Dennett and Co.; Captain Green, representing the K. and A. Co.. for which at one time the deceased was marine superintendent : and Lieut.-Commander W. Taunton Spain,. R.A.N.R. LATE CAPTAIN CRAIG. (1917, November 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15751217
FLOWER SHOW AT NEUTRAL BAY.
A flower show and exhibition of home industries by the young people in connection with the Presbyterian Church and Sabbath School, Neutral Day, was opened in the hall of the local School of Arts last evening. The blooms entered in the competitions, the non-competitive exhibits of different kinds, and the brightness of the decorations combined to form a very attractive spectacle, and one worthy of the largo attendance. Mrs. Learmonth and Mrs. Beatson had a fancy work stall, at which were displayed, besides articles of this description, sundry ornaments and toys likely to command a ready sale. A flower stall, well supplied, was tendered by members of the Bible class ; a produce stall by Mrs. Bastard, a stall for Preserves by Miss Wright, and a refreshment stall by the teachers.
Several young ladies entered into a competition in table decorations, and, in some instances, artistic skill and very good taste were displayed. The competitors were Miss Anderson, Miss Brown, and Miss Craig, who each had a table, while upon a fourth the combined efforts of the Misses Lyne (2) and M'Causland had been lavished. The competition is to be decided by ballot. Several fine groups of chrysanthemums, grown by the Minister of the church, the Rev. Robert II. Waugh, M.A., were on view, while other collections from the same course were available to be disposed of in augmentation of the funds. Special interest was bestowed upon exhibits consisting of specimens of blooms as ordinarily grown, and of others of the same variety in a state of luxuriance through being forced. This object lessen of Mr. Waugh's was greatly appreciated. Merit was shown by children in the competitions in needlework and cookery, and also in the gardening section. The exhibition was opened by Mrs. W. J. Lyne, who was, on the motion of Mr. J. H. Wood, seconded by Captain Craig, accorded a vote of thanks for her services. In the course of the evening a programme of music was carried out, and Mr. B. Polglase for his song " The Spanish Gipsy," and Miss Solwey, Mr. Holdsworth, and Mr. Selwey, for their instrumental selections, were warmly applauded. Mrs. Albers illustrated attractive means for children's amusement, and Miss R. Snutter supervised a maypole. For the purpose of decoration oil paintings were lent by the Misses Beak and Brewe. Drawn-thread work was shown by Miss Alice Brown, and collections of shells, butternies, and models ware included in the exhibition, which is held in aid of the funds for church purposes, and which will be open again to-day.
In the competitions the following among other awards were made :
Basket of wild flowers. Miss Constance St'Leon : denen in wild flowers, Miss Eva M'Lean; not of maidenhair, Master Keith Wailsh ; collection of chrysanthemums, Master K. Waugh ; collection of ferns, Miss Sylvia M'Rae; ornamental-leaf begonia, Master K. Waiifrh ; collection of begonias. Miss Magpie Wardren ; one coleus, Miss ZilJa Horton; coleus collection, Miss Annie Green; four dulilititi. Master W. Paul ; three sprays fuchsia, Master Poy Kells-; cosiness. Miss M. H'Doaalu ; ribbon grass, Master V. Hawley; best bund bouquet, Master T. Hawley; best shower bouquet. Miss, A. M'Donald buttonhole bouquet, Miss M. Morgan ; basket of cut flowers. Miss M. Morgan : flernl design. Miss ß.M'Itae, also Miss P.M'Donaldlngbly conilucnded: breast sprays, Miss Palsy Glassford ; best darned sock, Miss ll. Glassford ; crochet lace. Miss K. Johnson ; dressed dolt, Miss H. M'Donald; infants' boottees, Miss N". Chuttcrbuck; pincushion, Miss Vera Mergan ; hemming. Miss M. M'Donald ; drawn-thread work, Miss Edith Meggen ; child's pinafore, Miss K. Johnson; workbox, Miss M'Donald; suite of doll's furniture, Miss N. Thomson; and woolwork slippers, Master Keith M'Bae. FLOWER SHOW AT NEUTRAL BAY. (1894, April 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28259396
CRAIG MEMORIAL HALL
The foundation-stone of the "Craig Memorial Hall" was laid yesterday afternoon at the rear of the Neutral Bay Presbyterian Church, Yeo and Barry streets, North Sydney. The memorial will be a school hall for the religious education of the young. It takes its name from the late Captain Robert Craig. When completed the hall will have cost £2590. CRAIG MEMORIAL HALL (1923, August 5).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224098226
Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Poekloy, of Wellington (N.Z.), with their younger son and daughter, will arrive in Sydney by the Maunganul on Tuesday, and will reside in Mrs. Davidson's house, Shell Cove-avenue, Neutral Bay, during the year.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark. Foy, of Sydney, accompanied by Mr. Hughie Foy, are spending a .brief holiday fin the country.- They are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Neville Macken, at their home, "Mani" Station,' Cumnock. Social Interests (1927, January 9). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 37. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223470144
Robert Gordon Craig
Robert Gordon Craig (1870-1931), surgeon, was born on 23 May 1870 at Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Scotland, eldest son of Robert Craig and his wife Elizabeth, née Brown. When his parents settled in Sydney in 1877 he joined them and was educated at Sydney Grammar School and George Watson's College, Edinburgh. After a year in the faculty of arts, University of Sydney, in 1888 he contracted enteric fever. He spent 1889 in a shipping office, probably associated with or in Prescott's, his father's firm.
He returned to university in 1890, was awarded a blue for distance running and graduated M.B., Ch.M. in 1894 with first-class honours and the university medal.
University of Sydney
At the Commemoration on Saturday the following lists were read : CANDIDATES FOB DEGREES. Candidates for degrees were next, presented, Professor Scott introducing those from the Faculty of Arts, Professor Pitt-Cobbett, these from the Faculty of Law and Professor Anderson Stuart, those from the Faculty of Medicine, …
John le Gay Brereton, first-class honours in English, Professor MacCallum's prize for English essays ; James K. Byrne, first-class Honours in English ; David Cowan, first-class honours and Professor Anderson's prize and University gold medal for logic and mental philosophy ; Thomas B. Bavin, first-class honours in logic and mental philosophy; Joseph Finney, first- class honours in history, Frazer scholarship for history; Georgina J. Harriott, first-class honours in history ; Cecil N. Hell, second-class honours in Latin and German ; Ethel M. Maynard, second-class honours in French; John Frazer S. Russell, second-class honours in logic and mental philosophy; Ernest C. Andrews, second class honours in mathematics; James E. Walker, second-class honours in history ; Samuel H. Walker, second-class honours in history ; Kate E. Hogg, second-class honours in geology and , paleontology ; Torrington Blatchford, second-class honours in chemistry ; …
Faculty of Medicine.— M.B. and Ch.M. . Robert G. Craig (first-class honours and gold medal). University of Sydney. (1894, April 16). The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124724936
ChM or CM: Master of Surgery (post-medical degree specialty program). MB: Bachelor of Medicine.
After a year as resident medical officer at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, he bought a practice at Newtown in 1895 and entered into private practice, establishing himself as a Consultant in Newtown. He also became involved in community clubs:
The second annual dinner of Division No. 2 of the Standard Life Association, Limited, was given by the superintendent (Mr. H. Van Dam) at the Tower House, Wilson Street, Newtown, on Friday, 14th inst. Amongst the guests were the Hon. Alex. Kethel, M.L.C. (chairman 'of the company), Messrs. J. Stewart, F.S.I.A., W. R. Day, F.l.A. (executive officers), Dr. Gordon Craig, Mr. H. J. Valentine (superintendent of agents), also the assis tant superintendents of other divisions. Mr. Van Dam occupied the chair. ...
SOCIAL ITEMS (1900, September 23). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126289569
CYCLING.
NEWTOWN BICYCLE CLUB.
The Newtown Club held their, sixth annual meeting at the Bank Hotel, Newtown. There was a large attendance of members. The secretary mentioned In his report that the club had run off 16 events during the season, .. The winner of the points competition in. connection with the club races was C. Tremlett, who receives an open order, value £3 33. The attendance medal for past season was won by J. F. Firkin. During the evening the prizes won at the club's annual championship carnival were presented. The following is the result of the election of officers for ensuing-year:— 'Patron. Dr. Gordon Craig; president, Mr. W. Rigg; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. M. Pacey, F. C. Miller...
CYCLING. (1904, February 3). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229291392
At 1 King Street, Newtown, a place called 'Waratah', both his daughters were born.
On 29 June 1895 at Pymble he married Maria Graeme Connon, a graduate of Canterbury College, New Zealand.
CRAIG— CONNON.— June 29th, at the Presbyterian Church, Pymble, by the Rev. J. Marshall, Robert Gordon Craig, M.B. Ch.M., of Newtown, Sydney, to Maria Graeme Connon, of Christchurch, New Zealand. Family Notices (1895, July 6). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238511610
Maria was the daughter of George Connon and Helen (Hart) Connon, one of four girls and a boy. Her father was a carpenter -builder apparently born in 1825 in India, his father, also named George, was an officer in the East India company. George married Helen Hart in 1854. They emigrated to Australia where George worked as a builder on the gold fields, arriving in Melbourne in 1855 on the "Constant".
In 1863 the family moved to Dunedin where they stayed until 1866. They then moved to Hokitika where George worked as a builder and carpenter. He got a contract to build the Westland Racing Club grandstand. They lived on Tancred Street in Hokitika. The family moved to Christchurch in 1874, where George had the contract to build a new wing on the Christchurch Hospital.
Maria was a graduate of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand's second oldest university. It was founded in 1873 as Canterbury College, the first constituent college of the University of New Zealand. Its original campus was in the Christchurch Central City
Her parents returned to Australia, both passing away here - one at a Turramurra residence, the other at the home of Robert Gordon and Maria Craig, where they moved after Newtown, in 1908 (more on 'Crossways' below). R G and Maria's second daughter was named Helen.
CONNON -July 14. At his residence, Hastings street, Turramurra, George Connon, aged 78 years. Family Notices (1903, July 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14546605
CONNON.-At the Crossways, Martin-road, Centennial Park, Helen, widow of the late George Connon, in her 93rd year. Family Notices (1923, November 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16130185
Maria was a lady who did and did and did for others - decades of fundraising for the Newtown Free Kindergarten among many other ventures into lifting the spirits of others mark her years on this planet. She was a founding member of the Optimists Club:
CORRESPONDENCE.
P G: -you can obtain all information about the Optimists Club from the secretary Mrs Gordon Craig, The Crossways Centennial Park, Sydney. CORRESPONDENCE. (1909, May 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15059295
OPTIMISTS' CLUB. (1909, May 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15055815
THE OPTIMISTS' CLUB.
The annual meeting of the Optimists Club, founded in Sydney by Mrs. Curnow, showed that, if the club has not made much progress in membership during the past year! It Is still-keeping its spirits up. The most striking feature of the meeting on Monday afternoon was the eloquent speech on optimism by the Rev. Andrew Gardiner, of Manly. Those who have been always blind cannot, or one Imagines that they cannot, realise what they have lost. "A linnet born within a. cage" must be, of necessity, ignorant of the delights of freedom. Its Instincts are dulled by a captivity which it can hardly recognise as foreign to its nature. It has known nothing better than the wired walls of its tiny prison. The man who is a scholar, whose life is a success, who attains a high position in his profession, tastes all the sweets of existence. Such a man, struck with blindness as the result of an accident, would, one might suppose, be justified in passing the wrecked remnant of his life in rebellion against the bitterness of his fate. Such a man was the Rev. Andrew Gardiner, in the misfortune which cost him his eyesight. Yet his speech on Monday afternoon touched the heights of philosophic cheerfulness. Ho Inspired his listeners with his own profound belief in the wisdom and beauty of the scheme of creation. Such optimism as breathed in every word of this speaker's address was better than any sermon. It was the practical proof of heroic fortitude which shames the grumbler into silence. THE OPTIMISTS' CLUB. (1910, May 1).The Sunday Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1903 - 1910), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226882444
Lady Poore has a name that is always a "draw" us the theatrical people say. "Whenever the popular wife or the Admiral Is announced to speak, "house full" is the subsequent satisfactory remark. Yesterday a drawing-room meeting was held at the Manly Presbyterian .School Hull, when Lady Poore opened a local branch of thu Optimists' Club. This club has now been In existence about two years, and bus done much In a quiet, unobtrusive way to encourage people to "keep smiling." The club's most sensational action to date has been securing ....
Lady Poore explained the reason of the optimist, and a branch was formed with enthusiasm, all present vowing to smile through thick and thin. Mrs. J. Anderson Gardiner was elected president of the Manly Smilers. Mrs. Curnow, the mother of the movement, spoke, as also did Mrs. MacKinnon, of N.S., one of the best platform speakers in Sydney. Miss Cooper also said a good word for the bright side of things. So Manly is now enlisted on the side of the shining face.
In reading all about the great Florence Nightingale and the veneration in which that noble old lady was held during the latter part of her life. It is quite hard to believe thd fact, of which Miss Muriel Matters reminded-her hearers in her recent lecture, that in the beginning of the movement which was' tho crowning achievement of nineteenth-century woman, the most opprobrious epithets were burled at Miss Nightingale for going out In an unconventional way, which had not then sanctified by tradition, to nurse sick soldiers. The word of all others which was thrown at her sounds amusingly now. She was called "unwomanly," a phrase which has been turned right-about-face in latter-day Judgments of Florence Nightingale's life. IN SOCIETY AND OUT OF IT (1910, August 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229980523
SOCIAL ITEMS
To celebrate the jubilee of Newtown, the Mayor and Mayoress (Alderman and Mrs. William Rigg) held, a reception on Wednesday afternoon in St. George's Hall, Newtown, where nearly 400 guests were entertained. The host and hostess, with their daughter, and assisted by Mr. W. G. Salmon (Town Clerk), received the guests at the entrance to the hall, the interior of which had been converted into a drawing-roo:Ti, witn aeconinons ui large palms and- flags. A musical programme was contributed to by Mr. Arthur Appleby, Miss Vera Latcham, Miss Sparkes, Miss Ethel Hurley, and Mrs. W. B. Rigg. Glass and Tremain's orchestra also added selections. Mrs. William Rigg wore black chiffon velvet, with embroideries and .silk fringe; black velvet hat with wnite lancer plumes, diamond ornaments! Miss Rigg, pale pink crepe-de-chine with silver lace embroideries, black velvet picture hat with ermine and white ospreys.... Mrs. Gordon-Craig, reseda green velvet, vest of Honiton lace; black velvet hat, with black plumes.
SOCIAL ITEMS (1912, May 19). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126057920
The Newtown Free Kindergarten was made the richer by a goodly sum, owing to the kindness of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, who lent their home, The Crossways, for a garden fete. Lady Patey and Lady Cullen were amongst the visitors, and were received by the president, secretary, and officebearers. Lady Cullen laid great stress upon the work of the free kindergartens. She said it was a fact that the police had less work where the kindergartens had been established, and she hoped that Sydney would be able to do without police altogether if the movement increased. She afterwards declared the fete open. Lady Patey was a very interested spectator, and was specially amused in watching some wee kindergarten children threading beadd and washing dolls' clothes and hanging them out. The beautiful afternoon added success to the function. OF INTEREST TO WOMEN. (1914, May 6). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158397164
SOME INTERESTING SNAPSHOTS OF THE WEEK'S FUNCTIONS
'(1) Sweet stall (in charge of Mrs. Purser and Mrs. Gordon Craig), at the fete held on Saturday in aid of the A.M.C. Comforts Fund at Lincluden, Double Bay, the residence of Sir 'Thomas and Lady Anderson Stuart. (2) Sir Thomas and his wife. SOME INTERESTING SNAPSHOTS OF THE WEEK'S FUNCTIONS (1917, October 20). The Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1917 - 1919), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116968711
A Farewell Party.
To say good-bye to Mrs. MacCallum before her departure for Europe, Mrs. MacLaurin and Mrs. Gordon. Craig gave an at home In the drawing-room of the Queen's Club yesterday afternoon. Beautiful pink roses made an effective decoration. The guests included Lady and Miss Fairfax, Mrs. Harvey. Mrs. T. R. Bavin. Mrs. Ralph Worrell. Mrs. Cecil Purser, Mrs. Andrew F. Davidson, Miss Jaxvie Hood, Mrs. Reginald Davies, Mrs. Sinclair Gillies, Mrs. Lightoller, Mrs. M. MacCallum, Mrs. Dodos, Mrs. Bullmore, Mrs. Julius, Miss Curnow, Mrs. Richardson-Clark, Mrs. R. K. Lee Brown, and Miss David. Lady Cullen and Lady David, who are both absent from Sydney, were unable to be present. For Women (1924, November 29). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119970313
NEAR AND FAR.
St. James's Hall was artistically decorated for the fete which Lady Fuller opened there yesterday, in aid of the Newtown Free Kindergarten. Lady Fuller, who was presented with a posy of autumn leaves and berries, spoke of the work of the various kindergartens, and of the helpful and uplifting Influence It had on the lives of the little children who attended. The stalls wore well stocked, and were conducted by Mrs. Gordon Craig, Mrs. G. A. Julius, Mrs. L. Cowlishaw, Miss Langley, Mrs. Clements, Miss Rofe, Mrs. Brown Craig, Miss Valentine, Mrs. Henry Davies, Mrs. Wilfred Blackett, Mrs. Robson, Mrs. David Thomas, Mrs. Thorpe, Miss Helen Craig, Miss Gurney, and Mrs. John Turnbull, Mrs. J. M, Grace, and Mrs. M. Lovegrove. NEAR AND FAR. (1924, July 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16150656
PLAY STOPPED
EYES ON THE 'PLANES
GUESTS at Mrs. Gordon Craig's garden party yesterday afternoon who were playing clock golf, dropped their putters as the Southern Cross Junior and the escorting 'planes roared overhead, and made for the 'vantage ground of the rise on which the house, "The Crossways," Centennial Park, is built, to obtain a better view. It was not until the 'planes disappeared in the direction of Mascot that the players returned to their game, still chorusing their praise of "that perfectly wonderful airman, my dear!" .
Later croquet competitions were also arranged, and the entrance fee for games, as well as the sale of cakes, flowers, and jam, helped to make the cheque for £26 which will go to the Newtown Free Kindergarten, the committee of which Mrs. Craig is president.
Although there was not much need for the sun umbrellas, they made a bright splash of color with the equally gay cloths covering the afternoon tea tables. Among those present were Lady Julius, Mrs. J. N. Grace, Mrs. L. Langdon (vice-presidents of the committee), Mrs. Henry Davis (who is honorary secretary), Mrs. Halse Millett, Mrs. James Wilson, Miss B. Steele, the honorary treasurer (Mrs. J. Turnbull), Miss May Valentine, Mrs. Digges la Touche, Mrs. Lee Brown, Mrs. R. K. Lee Brown, Mrs. F. J. Wallis, Mrs. Loudon, Mrs. M. Lovegrove, Mrs. F. G. Thatcher, Mrs. Carey, Mrs. A. J. Cozens, Mrs. Davidson, Mrs, Richardson Clarke, Mrs. Hurst Seager (Mrs. Craig's sister, who is spending a holiday with her, from New Zealand), Mr. Hurst Seager, Mrs. H. Hobson, Mrs. F. W. Hill, Mrs. J. Lord, and Mrs. Maxwell Allen. PLAY STOPPED (1930, October 23). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 29 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224238992
Charles Kingsford Smith seated in "Southern Cross Junior"
SOUTHERN CROSS JUNIOR CRASHES
WING CRIMPLES
OWNER AND PILOT KILLED.
Crashing from 1,200 feet at Mascot on Sunday when a wing folded inwards, the owner and a pilot in the Southern Cross Junior were killed, and the historic plane was smashed to matchwood. Those killed were: Albert James, of Randwick, married, owner of plane, Leonard Palmer, 29, of Croydon; single, pilot.
Three hundred people saw the crash including Mrs. James.
Palmer had made ten passenger flights in the plane during the afternoon, and was making the last flight of the day. At 5.30 the pilot and owner set out on a trial spin. After being in the air not more than two minutes, the left wing of the plane was seen to collapse, and flying back apparently fouled the rudder. Immediately the plane went into a nose dive, and crashed. The machine hit the ground upside down, and the fuselage smashed and twisted, was on top of the men.
The Southern Cross Junior was flown from England to Australia by Kingsford Smith when he made his record solo flight, which was bettered by Mr. Scott last week. Mr. Guy Menzies later flew the plane across the Tasman Sea, making the first solo flight from Australia to New Zealand. Mr. James bought the plane for a projected flight to Japan.
Was 'Plane Interfered With ?
Sydney, To-day.
Mr., John Bean, of Canberra, has reported to the Air Board that he saw three girls interfering with the Southern Cross Junior just before it ascended on its fatal last flight on Sunday, and that he also saw girls interfering with the Canberra awl ether smaller machines. There did not seem to be any -officials about.
It was suggested by Flight-Lieut. C. T. P. Ulm to-day that one of the lock nuts of the Southern Cross Junior may have been tampered with. This type of Avro Avian has folding wings, and the loosening of a lock nut would allow the wing to fold back. The theory that one of the wings folded back after the machine ascended is supported by other experts. SOUTHERN CROSS JUNIOR CRASHES. (1931, April 14). Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78020367
The Crossways is a fine example of the international design 'Arts and Crafts Movement style' , a house of historical significance that was designed by Waterhouse and Lake and built in 1908. The Crossways was built as part of the subdivision of 1904 that created the suburb, and was the home of physician/surgeon Dr Craig Gordon. It is one of the finest examples of the Federation Arts & Crafts style in Australia, and one of the finest works of architect B.J. Waterhouse of Waterhouse & Lake.
It includes recognisable Arts and Crafts elements such as the roughcast walls and irregular windows, but its style is broad and there is even a castellated section of wall at the side.
The Crossways built in 1908 - from Album 'Domestic architecture in Australia / original photographs by H. Cazneaux, [J.] Paton, J. Kauffmann and J. [i.e. A.] Wilkinson CALL NUMBER PXA 731 LEVEL OF DESCRIPTION Collection DATE 1919 11. "The Crossways" Centennial Park, Sydney. Courtesy Mitchell Library, the State Library of NSW
Eldest daughter Ailsa and her husband lived next door, or on the same compound, in a house with the address 43 Robertson Road, Centennial Park.
The house on the site does not appear until the 1926 Sand's Directory when the occupant is identified by Robert K. Lee-Brown, M.D. The owner at this time was Maria Graeme Craig, the wife of Gordon Craig of Centennial Park.
Dr. R.G. Craig became an honorary assistant surgeon at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1901, honorary surgeon in 1911, honorary urological surgeon in 1926 and consultant in 1930.
In 1908 he relinquished his practice to his brother Francis Brown Craig and visited England and the United States of America, including a visit to the Mayo Clinic. There he learned the technique of open ether administration and introduced it to RPAH on his return. Gordon Craig was most impressed with the Mayo brothers and returned to their clinic about every five years. He was also impressed with Critchley Hinder and his technique of cystoscopy.
On his return he began surgical practice in Macquarie Street, first at Craignish and later at Ardrossan, which he bought. From 1914 he lectured in surgery at the university. In May 1915 he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and in July was commissioned Lieutenant-colonel. He served in No.1 Hospital Ship Karoola in the Mediterranean and Australia until the end of 1916, and from 1917 as surgeon at Randwick Military Hospital, Sydney.
1915: KAROOLA, the first Australian hospital ship - Dufty Collection, GKA
Karoola (Hospital ship). (1918). Souvenir : T.S.S. Karoola, no. 1 Australian hospital ship Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-52805866
Also in 1917, around the time he and his wife were building at Palm Beach, Dr. Craig was disposing of an earlier investment in oceanside land:
Craig Estate Cronulla : for auction sale on the ground Easter Saturday 7th April 1917 at 3 p.m. / C. Monro, auctioneer, Cronulla ; J.G. Griffin & Harrison, licensed surveyors. Subdivision of a site selected years previously by Dr. Gordon Craig. Ocean Esplanade was later renamed The Esplanade. Kurranulla Beach Road was later renamed The Kingsway. Creator Monro, C. O. J. (Cecil Owen James), (auctioneer.) Other Creators J.G. Griffin & Harrison (surveyor.) Creagh & Creach.
Craig's Estate, at Cronulla, will be submitted this afternoon by Mr. C. Monro.
This estate fronts the ocean esplanade, and is only a few minutes from the main surf beach, one minute from tram, and is a sub-division of an early-selected site taken up many years ago by Dr. Gordon Craig. Those who know the position ot this land must admit that it is the pick of this popular surf resort.
REAL ESTATE. (1917, April 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15729934
There is still a Craig street in this suburb - one of many streets in Sydney, and locally, named for doctors.
Dr. Craig established the first urological unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in 1918, and established the Department of Urology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1925. Through his benefactions to the University of Sydney he provided the first professional specialist training of urologists.
He remained active as a consultant until 1908, but in 1901 was also appointed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital as an Honorary Assistant Surgeon.
In the early 1920s Craig endowed a urological fellowship (at the time unique in Australia) at the University of Sydney and at departments of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children. In all he donated some £20,000 in money, laboratory equipment and books to the university.
Exceptionally gifted as a surgeon, Craig was full of confidence in his ability, and was thoughtful and unhurried: yet his speed in operating was surprising. He treated his public hospital patients with the same kindness and care as his private patients received.
In 1927 he successfully operated on a boy (one of whose kidneys had been shattered by a bullet) in a small and almost inaccessible bush hut in the Burragorang valley. Craig presided over the surgical section at the 1928 session of the Australasian Medical Congress, was a council-member of the New South Wales branch of the British Medical Association and president in 1917-18, and a foundation fellow of the College of Surgeons of Australasia in 1928.
Proud of his Scottish descent, he spoke with a burr which varied in intensity with the importance of the occasion.
Sailing was in his blood and he raced with the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. He was a first-class golfer and a vice-president of the Australian Golf Club, a member of the Rotary Club of Sydney and the Australian and University clubs. Fascinated by motor cars, he had a small fleet and once built a steam car in the backyard of his home at Centennial Park.
DR. GORDON CRAIG'S 8 H.P. SPEEDWELL-ROVER CAR.
The following are the main features of which, it is claimed, is the latest and finest specimen of English motor-car manufacture that has been landed in Australia. It is an interesting sample of the enormous strides in the development of the British motor-car industry.
The engine is single cylinder, of 8 h.p., with two large fly wheels of 60lb. weight each. To ensure quietness it is fitted with two silencers. It has a metal-to-metal clutch, which runs in a bed of oil, and has such a perfect action that the car can be started on the top gear without any jar. The gear is of the sliding-pinion type, specially milled and strengthened, three speeds forward and reverse, rates 16 to 24 miles per hour, and can be changed by a lever on the steering column ; the teeth mesh with ease, and are very silent in the change.
The engine clutch and gears are all enclosed in one aluminium case, and run in a bath of oil, thus perfect lubrication is ensured. The ignition is of high tension trembler coil, and two accumulators. It has also high-tension magneto, with two-way switches and two sparking plugs (either of the latter can be used by means of the switch). The Chassis is of the Rover Company's own principle, with three points suspension. The springs at the rear of the cars are extra long. Above the front wheels one spring only is employed, being crossways, and worked on an axle in the centre, thus allowing the front wheels to be raised fully six inches without altering the level of the body. In the body extra room is allowed for the feet in the front seat of the car.
There are several small cupboards under the seat in back tonneau. It has a detachable tonneau, with cape, hood, and folding glass front. Tonneau is easily removed. For cooling an extra large radiator is fitted ; the Rover Co. have a novel idea for water circulation, the water being very rapidly circulated by means of a twoblade propeller running in a tube ; there is also a large fan fitted behind the radiator. The wheels are gun-carriage, 750 by 80, all one size, so that the tyres are interchangeable. The car, which is colored olive green, with black mouldings, has a very smart appearance, and will average 22 miles per hour on the road with ease. It Is capable of climbing any hill almost on the top gear. It is controlled by two expanding side-brakes.
DR. GORDON CRAIG'S 8 H.P. SPEEDWELL ROVER CAR. (1906, April 4).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120327300
Golf Champion: it is a Scotch game after all! Just a few - there are many!;
GOLF GOSSIP. (1912, August 28).Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114481351
IDEAL FOR BUSH TRIPS (1926, June 27).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128122377
Notes on Golf
Dr. GORDON CRAIG has sprained his 'tendo Achillus.' This is an Item of news, with the further merit of being of educational value. How many know that the first word In the Inverted commas has not an 'n' tacked on to it. Correct methods must tell In the long run. When the nervous tension is greatest, a faulty style will flop, a good one will maintain its rhythm. Dr. Craig proves this, for though partially minus one leg. he still plays excellent golf.
BEFORE he attained pre-eminence as a surgeon, he gave promise of being a golfer or the very first rank. He tells or a rather unique experience that happened when playing at Pine Valley with E. B Dewhunt, who is well-known in Sydney, and was at one time a champion tennis player. The course has been described as the most difficult in the world and one or the best laid out Dr. Craig evidently found it so, for he took a bet that he would not break 100 the first time round. Thinking that it was impossible to reach this figure under any conditions, he seemed to have a good thing on. At the end of the third hole he gave up. The fairways are very narrow, and the penalties terrific. Anyone who wants a graphic description of them can get it by reading Bernard Danrin's account of the links.
W. R. OPIE wrote some time ago that one of the main differences In the play of R. T. Jones and J. H. Kirkwood was the fact that the former could place the ball, and the latter could not. Dr. Craig bears out this statement. The fifth at St. Andrews is approximately 550 yards. When the ball is well hit and straight, the second is blind, as the fairway is along a kind of valley. Jones put all he knew into the shot, and played for a sort of plateau off the correct line. He generally reached it, the distance being some 100 yards. This gave him a sight of the phi, 250 yards away, and he often reached the green, on one occasion, at least, holing a 3, while he always obtained a 4. Kirkwood could not get the extra distance necessary to reach the plateau, and so had the hill between him and the green which he was unable to reach in two shots.
A LONG DRIVER
DR. CRAIG considers that B. W Hattersley is as long a driver as anyone he has seen, not even excluding Mitchell. Curiously enough, Battersley It built on very similar lines to Jones. The latter, at 22, had played as much golf as any ordinary man plays In a lifetime, whereas Hattersley hardly plays at all it must make a might; big difference to lour the country, playing championship golf all the season and get practice in Britain from time to time. Lack of this Intensive golf In the correct atmosphere Is one of the reason) why Australians will always find It difficult to hold their own with the world's best, even If they are as good shot makers. SOME "ROUGH " NOTES on GOLF (1928, June 13). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115409820
The pastime of sailing was one he shared with daughter Ailsa, one article, in which she featured for winning an all-women's skipepr race, which she did at the 1928 Pittwater Regatta on Sea Rover, as well as on the harbour with the same yacht, citing her good skills can be attributed to sailing with her father from an early age. This caricature, held by the University of Sydney, like all of the same, epitomises some of his characteristics, especially that of loving being on the water:
In 1916, the student medical society (now known as MedSoc) commissioned Sydney artist and cartoonist, Lionel Lindsay, to produce a series of caricatures to illustrate the pages of their medical journals and other publications. The caricatures were reprinted many times over for decades. - Sydney University archives
PITTWATER.
Anniversary Regatta.
CUP WON BY NORN.
The twenty-first Pittwater Regatta was held on Saturday in the picturesque surroundings of Broken Bay. Glorious weather prevailed, and a north-east breeze made for ideal sailing conditions.
There is probably no more charmingly situated spot in Australia for the holding of a regatta. Tree-lined bays and inlets afford an excellent setting and save for a seaside home dotted here and there, the scene Is one of seclusion. Typical Australian scenery abounds, with Lion Island standing as a sentinal at the approach from the ocean.
On Saturday the placid waters were covered with craft of all descriptions-from the tiny outboard motor boat to the cruising yachts -and at one time it looked as though all the sailing craft of Sydney Harbour had been suddenly transported there. The racing was of a most interesting character. The only accident of note was when a four-oared crew was upset. The coxswain was the most alarmed, but he was held up by the stroke, who with words of humour brought back the colour to the coxswain's pallid checks.
Pittwater Regatta came into being as the result of a private match, in December, 1905 between the Crouch brothers, of Queensland, and W. D. M. Taylor, who sailed the Carella, owned by Lord Forster, and Mr. John Roche, for 21 years honorary secretary for the regatta. An unusual course was chosen, being from Pittwater, where the flagship was moored on Saturday, around Lion Isle and back, a distance of 18 miles. The Crouch brothers won. Local residents became enthusiastic as the result of this match, and the first regatta was held in February, 1906. It catered for local sailing and rowing boats, but there were only six starters for the first motor launch race. Both the entries and prize-money have in-creased annually. This year there were 107 sailing boats. 57 heavy boats, and eight events under New South Wales Rowing Association conditions, with crews totalling 80 rowers. There were also three races for Navy League Sea Cadets.
The regatta is now recognised as one of the most popular and spectacular in Australia. It has, too. many interesting personal characteristics. Among those who were connected with its inauguration 21 years ago, and who are at present taking an active part in it, are Mr. John Williams (the first president), Mr. W. D. M. Taylor, Mrs. E. G. Greig (formerly hon. treasurer and assistant secretary, who has not missed a regatta for 21 years), and Mr. John Roche (secretary from the beginning).
The Governor-General (Lord Stonehaven) was received at the Bayview Wharf on Saturday morning by Mr. Roche, who introduced him to the president of the Warringah Shire Council, to Mr. Archdale Parkhill, M.P., Mr C. A. Le Maistre Walker, C.B.E. (president of the regatta committee), Mt. R. W. D. Weaver. M.L.A.. Mr. John Williams, Alderman S. H. Burns (hon. secretary of Balmain Regatta), Mr. H. G. Alderson (chairman of the New South Wales Rowing Association). Mr. W. N. Cuthbertson (general manager of the Newcastle and Hunter River Steamship Company), and Mrs. E. G. Greig. The Navy League Sea Cadets provided a guard of honour beneath arches of flags and greenery prepared by residents of the district. His Excellency then embarked on the motor cruiser Miramar, belonging to Mr. Stuart F. Doyle, commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club. At 3.30. p.m. Lord Stonehaven was received aboard the flag-ship Newcastle.
Pittwater Aquatic Club, circa 1925-1940 (1928 Regatta). Image a409025 from Hood Collection part II - courtesy State Library of NSW
ANNUAL DINNER.
There was a large attendance at the annual dinner held in the evening at the Newport Hotel. The commodore (Mr. C. A. Le Maistre Walker, C.B.E.), in proposing the toast "The Day we Celebrate," said that Saturday was unique in the history of Pittwater Regatta. They had celebrated their 21st birthday, and for the first time the Governor-General had been their guest. In one race two boats had been sailed by father and son. Lord Stonehaven was so pleased with the victory of the Norn, formerly owned by Lord Forster, that he expressed the intention of immediately cabling the result to Lord Forster. (Cheers.) Pitt-water Regatta had made a name for itself, of which it could rightly be proud, not only in the aquatic world of Australia, but throughout the British Empire. Mr. Archdale Parkhill said that at the first official regatta in 1887, the patron was one of the most distinguished statesmen that Australia had produced-Mr. W. H. Dalley. (Cheers.) The programme intimated that one of the prices was two pairs of fowls, which showed the modest beginning the club had.
.
THE RACING.
Although the start of the morning sailing races was in light and patchy wind from the nor'-east, which contributed to the element of luck, the breeze later on became steady, and then freshened, which put a lot of life into the racing. Notable among the sailing events was the contest for the Pittwater Cup, which ended in a struggle between father and son for first place. The son. Mr. Alexis Albert, sailing the Sayonara Cup representative, Norn, defeated his father, Mr. Frank Albert, in his fine boat, Rawhiti, which always has the post of honour on scratch. Another event of father and son was a race for the 12ft cadet dinghies. In which Mr. Jas. Alderton, Junr., in Bona, secured the prize presented by his father, who was the founder of the class which has done, and is continuing to do, useful work for the future of the sport.
Results were as follow--
SAILING EVENTS.
Scotland Island Trophy.-General Handicap: Hanna (L. Huckle), lim, 1; Apache (J. It. Atkinson), lum, 2; June Bird ..3. other entries were: Sea Rover (Dr. Gordon Craig), ...
PITTWATER. (1928, January 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16431002
The fifth annual meeting of the Victoria Football Club was held on Wednesday evening at the club-rooms. The president occupied the chair. The secretary's report was adopted. The following officers were elected :-Patron, Mr. Bennett ; president, Mr. T. Coogan ; vice-presidents, Messrs. F. Smith, R. Elliott, J. P. Elliott, C. Haughton. J. P. Melville, R. P. Browne, J. P. Bilrell, Dr. Levey, Dr. Gordon Craig, R. Benjamin, J. Davey, G. Ball, and H. Anderson ; delegates to the New South Wales Rugby Union, Messrs. J. P. Melville and J. P. Birrell ; hon, secretary, Mr. W. C. Melville ; hon. treasurer, Mr. M. L. Ingham. The matter of deciding what grade the club will play in next season was deferred to a future meeting. THE WALLAROO CLUB. (1898, March 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14167452
SYDNEY AMATEUR CLUB.
The Sydney Amateurs also held a general handicap race on Saturday afternoon, which was witnessed by a large number of aquatic enthusiasts. The finish was remarkably close, -the order being:— Eva, W. R. Crane, 16'min„ 1; Buttercup, H. Carpenter, 9min., 2; Taipo, Dr. Gordon Craig, 13min., 3. SYDNEY AMATEUR CLUB. (1898, November 28). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228453804
AQUATICS.
Besides those boats previously mentioned, Dr. Gordon Craig's Meteor, Mr. Marks's Culwalla, and Mr. Cutler's Kukuburra will compete in the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron's race to-day. Kukuburra is a Sydney-built boat, and has only just been launched. It is doubtful whether her sails will be stretched until just before the race; so that her chance of winning is not very great.
She and Culwalla have not yet been measured; but their rating will be assumed. Culwalla is a new arrival from Auckland, and has already taken part in one race, but on that occasion her sails were not altogether suitable. AQUATICS. (1901, November 30). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112580219
SAILING.
Dr.. Gordon Craig has disposed of his 30-footer Heather to Mr. Norman Murray, of Manly. He has at present under construction a smart-looking half-decked cruiser at Ford's yard, which It seems is to take the place of Heather. SAILING. (1902, October 11). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228957855
SAILING.
Dr. Gordon Craig's new half- decked cruiser was launched from Ford's yard on Saturday, and was later seen under canvas. She is a craft -almost similar in Construction to Mr. A. E. Heywood's cruiser Mistral and has been named Tartan. She is a varnished cedar boat of 22ft. SAILING. (1902, December 9). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228948168
W. Holmes, of M'Mahon's Point, has in hand a small yacht which is being built after the type of the American knock-about boat. She will be 18ft oa the waterline and 30ft l10in overhaul, with a draught of 5ft, and fined with a web keel. The boat, which is very small for a couple, is being built for Mr. E. M. Barker, of the Prince Alfred Yacht Club, who intends to use her for racing as well as pleasure purposes. The builder expects to have the new boat in the water in about six weeks.
Ford, of Berry's Bay, is building a deep keel cruising yacht for Dr. Gordon Craig, who has disposed of the Tartan. The same builder has also under way a cruising yacht for Dr. Newmarch, who has parted with the Theibe. SAILING. (1904, September 7). Sydney Sportsman (Surry Hills, NSW : 1900 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167248108
MOTORS' FOR SAILING BOATS.— Dr. A. R. Marks' well-known Gadfly is being, fitted with a M.O.C. motor ; Mr. E. A. Laurence's Mistral now carries a five horse-power motor and Dr. Gordon-Craig's new boat is to be provided also with a five horse-power Lozier. SAILING. (1904, November 16). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120127397
Besides sailing and motoring camping holidays, an album has been donated to the state Library of NSW which attributes R G Craig as botht the taker and developer of the images, the Craig family supported the Arts long before Ailsa developed her own creative voice and knew people she woudl later study with:
On Wednesday a large and representative gathering visited the Society of Artists' Exhibition. Among them were Sir James and Lady Fairfax, Sir Thomas and Miss Lees, Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, Judge and Mrs. Docker, Mr. and Mrs. A. Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Lindsay, Dr. Abbott, Mesdames Leonard, Dodda, Herrick Knowles, Maguire, Harold See, Prichard Bassett, Eva Wunderlich, D. H. Souter. Richmond Bryant, Rankin, 'Swanson, C. Lioyd Jones, and Casey. The Misses Florence Rodway and Thea Proctor were congratulated by their many admirers for their excellent exhibits. A fan painted, by the latter was purchased by the Art Gallery trustees. SOCIAL GOSSIP (1912, November 24).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228842115
MEDICAL CONGRESS.
Yesterday's Parties.
A big social programme was arranged again yesterday for visitors to the Medical Congress. The morning was devoted to excursions, and members and wives and daughters or members were entertained at tea at the Women's College.
In the afternoon there was a motor excursion to Palm Beach, which was attended by about 200. Cars left Burdekin House, Macquarie-street, after lunch. Tea was served at the seaside residences of Mrs. Bullmore and Mrs. Gordon Craig, which adjoin at Palm Beach. Mrs. H. H. Bullmore, Mrs. Gordon Craig, and Mrs. R. B. Wade were the hostesses. FOR WOMEN MEDICAL CONGRESS. (1929, September 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16581585
AMONG the many outdoor parties was one attended by about 200 of the visitors, who motored to Palm Beach, where they were entertained at tea at the residence of Mrs. Bullmore.
THE B.MA.'S NEW BUILDING.
The foundation-stone of the new B.M.A.'s building in. Macquarie-street tens was laid by Sir Ewen Maclean, in the picture (left to right) are Dr.Crago, Dr.Abbot, Dr. Brown-Craig (president), and Sir Ewen Maclean. Medical Congress Week in Sydney (1929, September 11). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160392124
NB: Dr. R G Craig was President of the British Medical Association, New South Wales branch; 1926 – 1929. This image, stating it is is his youngest brother in the photo, is actually him. The British Medical Association, New South Wales branch was a Professional medical association formed on 16 February 1880 as a branch of the British association; Visit In The Beginning: New South Wales Australian Medical Association (AMA) webpage.. The British Medical Association (New South Wales Branch) House at 135–137 Macquarie Street, Sydney, designed by Fowell and McConnel, was the subject of a design competition in 1928.
In the late 1920s Rd. R. G. Craig bought Ulinda station, near Binnaway, where he hoped to carry out research into the prevention of the break in wool caused by malnutrition.
Dr. Craig died suddenly at Ulinda of coronary thrombosis on 2 September 1931 and was cremated after a service at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Sydney. He was survived by his wife and two daughters. His estate was valued for probate at £115,555; he left the residue, amounting to about £60,000, to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, which holds his portrait in charcoal by George Lambert.
DR. GORDON CRAIG
ILLNESS IS SERIOUS
Dr. Gordon Craig, one of Sydney's foremost surgeons at the time of his retirement last Christmas, is seriously ill at his station. "Eulinda." near Binnaway. He is being attended by several of his former Macquarie-street colleagues. Dr. Craig was taken ill at the end of last year. He was making a good recovery, but about 10 days ago he suffered a serious setback. He is 63 years of age. Dr. Craig was closely associated in his work with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and he endowed a department of urology at the hospital for the benefit of Sydney University and the hospital's teaching school. DR. GORDON CRAIG (1931, August 25).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224715806
NOTED SURGEON.
Dr. R. Gordon Craig's Death
MUNIFICENT GIFTS.
Dr. Robert Gordon Craig, one of the most distinguished of Australian surgeons, and a noted figure in the medical world, died early yesterday morning at his station, Ulinda, Binnaway, where he was on a visit when he was taken ill.
Dr. Craig crowned a brilliant career with munificent gifts to the University of Sydney, of which he was a graduate, for the advancement of medical education and of research work in the treatment of diseases. To him the University and medical students, and through them the community, owe an incalculable debt for his public-spirited benefactions and services.
DR. GORDON CRAIG.
The board of directors of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, on the retirement of Dr Craig last year as an honorary urological surgeon, placed on record its deep and lasting appreciation of the eminent and untiring services rendered by him to that institution over a long period of years.
Dr Craig was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, on May 24, 1870, and was the eldest son of Captain Robert Craig, who settled in Sydney in 1878. Educated at the Sydney Grammar School, and later at George Watson's College Edinburgh, he entered the University of Sydney in 1888 and graduated MB, Ch M in 1894. During a distinguished academic career, he gained the John Harris scholarship, 1893, and won the University gold medal awarded to the student who exhibited the greatest proficiency at the MB examination (1894). He was elected as honorary assistant surgeon to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1901. Relinquishing general practice in 1908, he removed to Macquarie-street where he practised as a surgeon until the end of 1930. After a serious illness in that year, he retired from active practice and went to live on the station property Ulinda.
He served during the war as Lieut-colonel in charge of the Australian hospital ship Karoola.
GIFTS TO UNIVERSITY.
During practically the whole of his medical career he had been in some degree associated with the work of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital He was a resident medical officer of the hospital for one year, before entering private practice at King-street, Newtown. In 1911 he became honorary surgeon, a position which he held continuously until January 1926 On his own suggestion it was then decided that he should take over the post of urological surgeon To this branch of surgery he subsequently devoted himself entirely In his hospital work until his retirement. In May last year his personal knowledge of this branch of surgery of which he was one of the pioneers in Australia, was widely acknowledged He was then elected an honorary consulting urological surgeon. Dr Craig thus held important positions at the hospital for more than 30 years. He gave his services unstintingly to build up the urological department at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and also, by his own bequest, founded a Fellowship in Urology at the University of Sydney, to enable selected graduates from that seat of learning to attain to special knowledge In this subject He also acted as honorary urologist to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children.
He conferred a great benefit on medical education by gifts to the University of Sydney for the advancement of education and re-search work in the treatment of genito-urinary diseases Included in his gifts to the University was his own private laboratory, fully equipped. This has proved of the greatest service.
In 1928, Dr Craig gave £10 000 to the University of Sydney supplementary to his previous gift of £4300 for research work in urology This was apart from the gift of his private laboratory. The significance of these benefactions was that it served to bring into closer association in a common humanitarian aim university medical schools and hospitals. These gifts, and others on a generous scale, were practical proof of Dr Craig's faith in the value of research In subjects of which he himself was a master In 1926 he gave to the University £300 to cover the cost of establishing that year a post-graduate fellowship In urology and further sums in succeeding years totalling £20 000.
Dr Craig was a distinctive figure at a number of medical congresses and allied assemblages. The annual congress of the International Society of Neurology at Madrid last year elected Dr Craig, among other prominent medical men to the Australasian section of that body. One of the foundation Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of the council of that body, he was nominated as a representative of the University of Sydney at the third Imperial Hygiene Congress in London in 1927, and took the opportunity, while abroad to make a comprehensive study of hospital organisation on behalf of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He was for some years on the council of the New South Wales branch of the British Medical Association being elected president in 1917. He was one of the 25 surgeons in Australia and New Zealand who were made honorary Fellows of the American College of Surgeons in 1924.
Dr Craig's munificence in the humanitarian cause of healing is his most enduring memorial.
NOTABLE OPERATION
A few years ago. Dr Craig was the central figure in an operation which was unique because of its unusual setting. A youth had been accidentally shot while hunting for rabbits The bullet entered his back, and a desperate fight for his life followed. He was so weak that it was impossible to carry him up the rough tracks of the country in which the accident occurred, and an operation had to be performed in a primitive little cottage at the bottom of the rugged Burragorang Valley. Specialists were hastily summoned and it was to Dr Craig that the task of performing the delicate operation was entrusted, without the facilities of the ordinary operating-room The youth's life was saved.
He won his "blue" at the University as a long-distance runner. Dr Craig devoted much of his leisure time to golf, being a member of Bonnie Doon in its early days, and later of the Australian Golf Club. For many years he was a prominent yachtsman, and owned and raced successfully many craft of different classes as a member of the R S Y S , the Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club. He was an active Rotarian, and acted in an honorary capacity on many public committees and was a member of the Australian and University clubs.
Dr Craig is survived by Mrs. Craig, who before her marriage, was Miss Connon, of New Zealand, and two daughters-Ailsa wife of Dr R K Lee Brown of Sydney, and Helen, wife of Dr J F Chambers, of Melbourne. Dr F Brown Craig, of Macquarie-street, and Mr. J B Craig, a director of Prescott, Ltd, are brothers, and Mrs. A Davidson of Sydney, and Mrs. H C Hamand, of Devon, England, sisters of Dr Craig. NOTED SURGEON. (1931, September 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16809295
A Noted Surgeon — And Some Topics of the Week
The Late Dr. Gordon Craig
AUSTRALIA has produced few greater surgeons than Dr. Gordon Craig , whose death last week at his station at Binnaway was sincerely regretted by a wide circle of friends. A native of Ayrshire (Scotland), he was educated at the Sydney Grammar School, George Watson's College (Edinburgh), and the Sydney University, where he graduated MB. Ch.M. in 1894. During a distinguished academic career he won numerous honours, among them the University gold medal awarded to the student who exhibited the greatest proficiency at the M.B. examination.
Brilliant as was his academic work, his professional career was even more so. After a year as resident medical officer at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital he entered into private practice at Newtown, and later moved to Macquarie street. In 1911 he became an honorary surgeon at the R.P.A. Hospital, and later took over the post of urological surgeon. To this branch of surgery he subsequently devoted himself entirely in his hospital work, and performed many notable operations. He also acted as honorary urologist to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children.
During his lifetime he made gifts totalling £20,000 to the Sydney University for the advancement of research work, in addition to handing over his fully-equipped laboratory to that institution. He was a distinctive figure at a number of medical congresses both in Australia and abroad, was a keen golfer, a prominent yachtsman, and an active Rotarian. A Noted Surgeon—And Some Topics of the Week (1931, September 9). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159793173
"PRINCE IN SURGERY'.
LATE DR. GORDON CRAIG
"He was a prince in his realm of surgery, 'and great in the eminence he achieved."- . This was the tribute to the late Dr. Gordon Craig, of Sydney, whose remains were laid to rest yesterday, paid by Rev. Hugh Paton at a memorial service at St. Stephen's Church, : "The dead surgeon arrived In Australia, a little Scottish lad, aged eight, and by Intellect, diligence and ability, he reached the front rank of his profession owing nothing to influence, wealth, or position," said Mr. Paton, who added that both he and Dr. Craig were born in the same year, on the same Scottish coast, a few miles apart, and for a while they wont to the same academy at Ardrossan.
"Love surrounded him, and love cared for him. He was upright, honourable and clean in every way." said Mr. Paton.
Reference was made to the fact, well known to all those who were acquainted with Dr. Craig, that he had done a great deal for the advancement of medical science, had been generous in his benefactions, and, like most doctors, had given his services, time and time again, gratuitously, so that to many his name was very precious to-day. Those who knew him best loved him most, said the preacher. The service held at the church was attended by a large congregation, which included many prominent public men, the medical profession, golf and other sporting bodies and commercial institutions. The chief mourners were Dr. Lee Brown (son-in-law), Mr. A. Davidson and Mrs. Davidson (sister), Mr. James Craig and Dr. Frank Brown Craig (brothers), and Messrs. David Craig and Lennox Davidson. "PRINCE IN SURGERY" (1931, September 5). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236689489
OBITUARY.
DR. GORDON CRAIG.
A memorial service to the late Dr. R. Gordon Craig was held at St. Stephen's Church, city, yesterday afternoon. The Rev. Hugh Paton, In the course of his service, said that the late Dr. Craig had been a prince in the realm of surgery. He had been famous for his skill and knowledge, and for the neatness of his work. He was great in the eminence he had achieved. By the brilliance of his intellect and by diligence he had reached the front rank of his profession. His memory was a very precious thing in the minds of men. There was nothing his friends would wish forgotten. Those who had known him best had loved him most.
Mr. Justice Rich represented the High Court of Australia, the legislature was represented by the president of the Legislative Council (Sir John Peden), the Senate of the University was represented by Sir Mungo MacCallum, and the professorial staff by Professors R S. Wallace (vice-chancellor). A. E. Mills, F. A. Todd, and H. Dew; Dr. F. P. Sandes represented the president and council of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons: Dr. George Bell (president). Dr. C. H. E. Lawes (hon secretary), and Dr. J. C Hunter, the British Medical Association; Dr. S. H Lovell represented the Medical Officers' Club, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Dr. Cecil Purser (chairman), the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr. J. V. Hall Best represented the Australian Dental Association, Mr. H. Earlam (superintendent) the Institution for the Deaf and Blind; Mr. B. J. Waterhouse (president) the Board of Architects of N.S.W. Mr. Claude Pain, the University Club: Messrs. S. S. Cohen (president) and F. Worstend (hon. secretary) the Citizens' Reform Association, Mr. R. C. H. Down and Mr. A. Gale, the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club: Mr. H. B. Treacy, the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club; and Mr. H. J. Fitzpatrick the Royal Motor Yacht Club. The Highland Society of New South Wales was represented by Captain J. K. Morice and Mr. James McCreadle. The session of the Neutral Bay Presbyterian Church was represented by Messrs. J. H. Beatson. W. P. Thomas, and G. Morice. The Australian Golf Club, of which the deceased was a member, was represented by Sir John Vicars, and Messrs. A. W. H. Padfield. D. T. Stewart, H. M. Sandy, A. Spraggan, J. Miller. ,T. Ramsay, A. L Blythe, R. Hill, Captain Walker, and Dr. Spiller Brandon. Mrs. M. Butler represented the Feminist Club.
Others at the service were:-Sir Frederick Waley, Sir Henry Braddon, Sir Thomas Henley, M.L A., Commander G. J Banks, Commander Staunton W. Spain, Lieutenants-Colonel R. H. Beardsmore, P. Flaschl, E. A. Olding. J. Sclater, Colonel A. Spain, and Captain J. D. S. Phillips, and Dr. J. J. O. Bradfield.
Members of the medical profession present were: Sir Charles Clubbe, Drs. W. Wilson Ingram, S. A. Smith. Reginald Bridge. H. G. Howell (Quirindi), A. P. Findlay, Wilfred Vickers, Isblster, C Bickerton Blackburn. H. H Bullmore, Alfred J. Gibson, P. Antill Pockley. S. W. G. Ratcliff, R. J. Taylor, M. S. Veech. E. W. Fairfax, Richard Flynn, Allan B. Walker. Clarence Road, Robert Godsall, Goodwin Hill, H. A. Sweetapple, A. James Flynn, T. W. Lipscomb, Lidwell, Eric M. Fisher, W. J. Stewart McKay, J. Colvin Storey, Arthur Palmer, H. Skipton Stacy, W. H. O'Neill, G. J. O'Neill, W. H. 6. O'Neill, F. E. Wall, M.L.C., J. A. Dick. E. H. Moles-worth, E. J. Jenkins, H. W. Cutler, Holmes a'Court, Eric Susman, R. Angel Money, Frank W. Doak, J. W. S. Laidley. Cotter Harvey. John Maude. T. Farranridge, Herbert Schlink, I. M. Mackerras, Archie Aspinall. John Harris. J. Witton Flynn, R. X. Furber, Wilfred Dight. Brown Craig, G. Shaw, Bvdnev Jones. L. E. Ellis, R. M. Kinross. Scott Skirving, Bellinger. Walker Taylor. Lovell, Lee Brown, William Chisholm, R. J. Millard (Coast Hospital), Coupland Winn, A. Bedford (Liverpool), McMahon (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital). Robert Kendall, R. Davies, E. Ludowici. Rutherford. C. E. Winston, Sinclair Gillies, H. R. Sear, O. H. W. Lawes, H. Foote, O. G. McDonald, Lyle Buchanan, and Kenneth Smith, of the Repatriation Commission.
Others who paid a last tribute were:-Messrs. Alex Davidson (brother-in-law), Sidney Mack, K.C., James G. Laing. C. A. Martin, E. V. Dell. Angus Nugent, R. R. Russell, A. W. Green, H. K. Phillips, Montague G. Taylor, J. McQuean, Prescott, E. H. Alcock, S. R. Dobbie, D. C. Simpson, A. S. G. Henderson, John H. Saunders, A. N. Morris, O. H. O'Brien. R. L. Sayers, W. A. Story, F. Overton, C. H. Pearson, R. A. Shorrls,, H. Griffith, E. J. Moodie, Percy Basche, H. D. Wood, Stanley Spain, A. B. Abel, Stanley Davenport, T. W. Garrett, Alex. Donald, James Davidson, E. W. Buzacott (president of the Rotary Club), J. Mcintyre, R. H. Swainson (secretary of the Y.M.C.A.), Fred A. Carr, B. B. Carr, R. M. Lightband, A. Burch. W. J. Bloomfield. E. P. Houghton, W. H. Douglas, J. H. Worsley, C. L. Parsons, T. M. Banks, E. S. Wollenden, J. Duncan, N. Howells, . Ii. F. Dowling, E. V. Barling, O. Abel, O. V. ' Blackburn, D. Lorimer, E. H. Belrne, A. Amos, P. M. Walton, N. S. Scollle, S. D. Asher, H. Davis, C. R. V Jones, A, Duckworth, and Captains A. Smith and S. G. Green.
Messrs. C. W. Macleod, Halse Millett, F. O. Mulita, W. D. Wharton, C. R. Boyle, J. M. Taylor, D. Howell, Hugh H. Massie, P. McLean Logan, An-drew Wilson, O. H. Warwick, W. G. Cousins, J. E. McCarthy, C. W. Cropper, Livingstone F. , Mann, Russel c. Roxburgh, A. D. Ireland, Charles Trebeck, G. F. Birks, A. M. Eedy, L. T. Macilnnes, F. K. Tlllock, O. M. Grocott, E. J. Mavley Macarthur, J. B. Milne, G. Gordon Russell, . Eldred R. Moser, J. Carruthers, John C. Mccallum, W. Scott Stevenson, A. H. Phillips. R. v. ' Fraser John Denholm. R. Davidson. G. B. Man. nell. James Burns, Robert Kerr, Edwin Olding, H. B. Cowies, J. 8. Duncan, A. McVernon, T. W. Bremner. C. M. McDonald, R. Old, A. J. tangan, -H. P. Daniel, J. C. Bell, D. J. Wright, T. de C. Armstrong, Murray Wilson, E. J. L. Davies, A. P. ' Mackerras. O. U. B. Gurnett. Claude Plowman, S. McCuie, R. A. Dallen, David Maughan, G. C. Phillips, and F O, Ebsworth.
The great bell of the University carillon was tolled from ten minutes to 2 o'clock until 2 o'clock, and the "Dead March" in Saul was played on the carillon by the assistant honorary carillonist (Miss E. Carpenter). OBITUARY. (1931, September 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16810392
FINE BEQUEST.
Late Dr. Gordon Craig.
STORY OF PATRIOTIC VENTURE.
The will of the late Dr R Gordon Craig and the interesting revelation, in the correspondence of a friend, of the public-spirited circumstances In which he purchased a station property, disclose not only the munificence of his bequest but also the spirit of patriotism that was the motive of his pastoral venture. The story of the latter, hitherto regarded as confidential is now told for the first time.
The council of the Royal Australasian College of burgeons has been Informed by the trustees of the estate of the late Dr R Gordon Craig that tile college will ultimately benefit, under the terms of his will to the extent of approximately £40 000.
The late Dr Gordon Craig was a founder of the college and a member of Its council since its inception, and he played a large share in defining its two main objects, namely, the promotion of surgical research and of adequate post-graduate surgical training.
The sum bequeathed to the college Is to be held upon trust One half of the income wherefrom Is to be devoted to the promotion o.' research In surgery and the other half is to be employed In assisting young graduates of exceptional ability and promise to undergo the adequate post-graduate education which is an essential part of the training of a surgeon All research scholarships and training bursaries established under this bequest will seal the name of Gordon Craig and will constitute a lasting memorial of a great surgeon v. ho not only advanced the science of surgery by his own work, but has also made It pos-sible for many others to increase the sum of surgical knowledge by this munificent bequest and by gifts made during his lifetime to found a department of urology in the University of Sydney.
The above provisions in favour of the College of Surgeons are subject to certain annuities and legacies In favour of the members of his family, certain employees, and others with whom he was associated, and also a legacy of £1000 for the benefit of the Burnside Homes at Parramatta.
PASTORAL RESEARCH
Mr. Albert Abel, of Ashfield, has written as follows to Mr. J Craig, a brother of the late Dr. Gordon Craig -"I feel Impelled to write to you in reference to a phase of the doctor's activities at Binnaway which he discussed with me on a number of different occasions during the twelve months preceding his death. To the majority of his friends his decision to purchase a station property probably appeared merely in the light of an ordinary investment. To me he confided on many occasions that his pastoral activities were prompted by patriotic and public-spirited motives, which, now that he has gone, I feel should be made known to his fellow-Australians.
"The doctor was struck by the enormous economic loss to Australia caused by the break in wool occasioned by drought and mal-nutrition, etc., of our flocks. He visualised the wonderful gains to the pastoral Industry and this country as a whole if, by the application of scientific and medical research, a means could be discovered of overcoming this economic wastage. I know that he had decided to direct his trained mind, and devote a portion of his private means, to the solution of this problem. He was greatly interested in similar research conducted by the late Dr. Beresford Robinson, of the Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Adelaide University, with whom 1 believe he collaborated. He discussed with me on various occasions the production of cystlne, a known preventive for break of staple, at a low enough value and In a sufficiently concentrated form to make its use a commercial proposition, and I know his thoughts were directed towards various schemes for the betterment of the wool industry through scientific feeding of flocks, fertilisation of pastures, etc.
"I feel that it would be a tragedy if the work he contemplated should be lost to the nation through his untimely end, and, al-though he asked me to treat his Intentions and ambition as confidential, I am writing you this letter, feeling that the doctor would wish that his work should continue, and that there is no longer any obligation on my part to respect as confidential the numerous conversations we had on this subject, which he had so closely at heart. I hope that some arrangement can be made for the good work to continue, and that the ultimate results will be a lasting monument to his memory."
HIS OBJECTIVE.
A few days before his death, in conversation with his brother (Mr. J. Craig), Dr. Gordon Craig said:-"It was my intention to make this pastoral venture the work of my wife and myself for the remainder of our lives, associated with a practical staff, as a contribution to the advancement In pastoral research, and towards the solution of one of Australia's problems of Increasing primary products at a lessened cost of production. The staff and shareholders in this concern have been chosen after careful consideration, the success of these ventures, in my opinion, being not with the production of any particular object, but the excellence of the human team that are working together with a definite objective." FINE BEQUEST. (1931, October 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16822656
LATE DR. GORDON CRAIG'S MEMORIAL.
From left: Professor Wallace, the Governor (Sir Philip Game), Mrs. Gordon Craig, and Dr. C. Bickerton Blackburn, at yesterday's unveiling ceremony. LATE DR. GORDON CRAIG'S MEMORIAL. (1933, September 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17010955
Pages Of Years Turned Back
This picture, taken yesterday at the University, shows Mr. J. Shewan, first attendant at the Sydney University Medical School, turning over the pages of the original register or class list. The other photograph was taken in the new medical building, following the unveiling of a memorial plaque (over the doorway) to the memory of the late Dr. Gordon Craig. The Ceremony was performed by Dr. Craig's wife (second from right). Standing at her right is the Governor, Sir Philip Game, and Professor Wallace.
Pages Of Years Turned Back (1933, September 29). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237896719
Robert G. and Maria Craig photograph album of camping trips, ca. 1908-1928 / Robert Gordon Craig (not digitised as yet)
Author Craig, Robert Gordon, 1870-1931
Call Number PXB 699, Level of Description Collection
Date ca. 1908-1928
Type of Material- Graphic Materials , Photographs Reference Code 1036919
Physical Description: 1 album (65 photographic prints) - photographs 15.6 x 24.7 cm or smaller, album 18 x 27 cm - gelatin silver, chiefly snapshots
Administrative / Biographical History
For a biography of Robert Gordon Craig, surgeon, and his wife Maria Graeme (nee Connon), see: Australian Dictionary of Biography. http://adb.anu.edu.au/ (accessed May 3, 2013)
The Craigs had property in the central west
Contents: Veteran and vintage motor cars and trucks, some adapted with camping bodies, with numberplates including 23-876, 90-846, 41-981, 40-294, 162, 40294; Camping equipment and meals, Swaggie on the road, Seahorse Inn ruin, Twofold Bay, Large horse team with waggon of sacks Fishing, Swimming, Passenger steam train, Model T Ford wreck, Graham Dodge, Chickens and pigs,
Arrangement: Chronological
Source: Presented by Antoinette Chambers, January 2013
Copying Conditions: Out of copyright Created before 1955
Please acknowledge: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Contributing Creator: Photographed and developed by Craig
Signatures / Inscriptions: "Haec olim meminisse juvabit" - motto on fist page of album, with "GC" mongram
Alphanumeric Designations: Right hand page consecutively numbered
Name: Craig, Maria Graeme, Craig, Robert Gordon, 1870-1931
“Forsan et haec olim meminisse juvabit,” Aeneas tells his exhausted, shipwrecked followers in “The Aeneid,” Book 1. “Maybe someday you will rejoice to recall even this.” Virgil's Aeneid
Francis Brown Craig
Francis Brown Craig (third and youngest son of Robert Craig and Elizabeth Brown) was born 2 September 1879 in Kurraba, Neutral Bay, Sydney Harbour, and died 10 February 1964.
CRAIG—Sept. 2, North Shore, Mrs. Captain R. Craig, son. Family Notices (1879, September 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13445333
He married (1) Mary Emily Eileen Maiden on 22 February 1911 in St. Andrew´s Cathedral, Sydney, Australia, daughter of Joseph Henry Maiden and Eliza Jane Hammond. He married Victoria Ronkins Wilson on 1958.
Francis was the only child of parents Robert Francis and Anne Brown to be born in Australia, all other brothers and sisters born in Scotland and moved to Australia with parents.
CRAIG—MAIDEN.—February 22, 1911, at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, by the Rev. Dr. Lewis B. Radford, Rev. E. N. Wilton, precentor, assisting, Francis Brown, M.B., youngest son of Robt. Craig, Esq., Ailsa, Neutral Bay, Sydney, to Mary, second daughter of J. H. Maiden, Esq., Director Botanic Gardens, Sydney. Family Notices (1911, March 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15248422
In a graceful, long-trained gown of pure white satin, the bodice adorned with beautiful Bruges lace, and finished with yew of transparent tulle, Miss Mary Maiden, second daughter of Mr. J. H. Maiden, director of the Botanic-gardens, made a charming bride on Wednesday afternoon when her marriage to Dr. Frank Brown Craig, of Newtown, took place at St. Andrew's Cathedral. She is a very pretty, dark-haired girl, with a bright colour. The lovely Limerick lace veil she wore was greatly admired. This was lent by Miss Hall, a Hobart friend. The bride's bouquet was of lilies of the valley and white roses and this, with a pendant of blue enamel and pearls, was the bridegroom's gift. The bridegroom is the youngest soil; or Captain and Mrs. Robert Craig, of "Ailsa,"" Neutral Bay. The wedding attracted a large number of guests and spectators to the cathedral which was decorated by the bride's girl' friends with palms and beautiful white flowers. The Rev. D. Radford (warden of St. Paul’s College, Newtown) performed the ceremony assisted by the precentor, Rev. E. Wilton. The service was full choral.
Mr. J. H. Maiden gave his daughter away. There were three bridesmaids, her younger sisters, the Misses Dorothy and Nellie Maiden, and the bridegroom's niece, Miss Agatha Davidson, all being dressed alike in white muslin, finely tucked and inserted with lace; simple hats of cream lace, wreathed with pink roses and dark green leaves.; They carried bouquets of pale pink roses, and wore gold bangles, presented by the bridegroom. Dr. E. H. Molesworth was best man, and the groomsmen were Mr. T. Armstrong and Mr. Willie David.
The guests were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Maiden at a reception afterwards at the director's house in the gardens. Mr. and Mrs. Maiden received on the lawn, and the newly-married pair were congratulated in the drawing room by their many, friends. A large marquee decorated with greenery had been erected on the lawn for refreshments, small tables adorned with ferns and flowers being set about within it. There were no speeches. The presents, which were very handsome, were displayed in the dining room, and included a dessert and fish set from the staffs of the sub-department of the Botanic gardens. Mrs. Maiden wore mauve spotted crepe, with crinoline toque to match, with osprey, and she carried an exquisite posy of heliotrope orchids. Miss Maiden looked nice in ivory spotted net with lace biscuit hat, with apricot-tinted roses, and she carried a bouquet of brown chrysanthemums. The bride and bridegroom left in the bridegroom's motor for a tour, the bride wearing brown silk crepe with bands of silk; high-crowned hat with brown roses.
Captain and Mrs. R. Craig, Dr and Mrs. Gordon Craig, Dr: Radford, Mr and Miss Wilton, Mrs. Edgeworth David. Mr. and Mrs. MacIntyre (Mount Bischoff), Dr. and the Misses Nash, Mrs. and Miss Massie, Rev. R. H. and Mrs. Waugh, Captain and Mrs. Hugh Craig, Dr. Davies, Mr. H. E. Rarff, Mrs. H. RusKU Mr. W. J. Hanna, Mr. and Mrs. Molesworth Mrs. and Miss Storie Dixson, Mr. and Mrs. Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. Hamand, Mrs and Miss Kirkcaldie. Dr. Dansey, Mrs Harrie Wood and Miss Wood, Mr. V. Nathan the Misses Rossitter, Mrs. and Miss Garran, Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie, Mrs. E. Hinder, Mr. Vance, and Mr. Paton. SOCIETY DOINGS IN SYDNEY. (1911, March 4). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), p. 49. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142940337
Before WWI Francis (Frank) was in general practice he bought from his eldest brother, Robert Gordon at 1 King Street Newtown, literally just over the road from Sydney University. The house was initially shared by Tancred de Cartwright-Armstrong who was Bestman at his wedding with Mary Maiden. Tancred moved out but visited family more or less weekly for dinner until his death in the mid-1930´s. The couples' sons Robert and Henry (Harry) were born there.
In 1914 they moved to Atherfield, Eastbourne Rd., Darling Point, Sydney on high ground overlooking Double Bay. Their daughter Elizabeth born here 1916.
At end of 1916 (16.12.1916) went to France from Adelaide as doctor for the Army. He worked in a Casualty Clearing Station for Australian Troops, then at the Military Hospital in Harefield doing surgical work until the end of the war. He was then given a grant by the Army to do a FRCS at Edinburgh. He returned to Australia late in 1919.
While away his brother James arranged for a new house, called "Kurraba", in Edgecliff Road, Woollahara. This was the same name of the house same on the other side of harbour in Neutral Bay where he was born. The original "Kurraba" (Neutral Bay Kurraba) stood nearly opposite where "Apero House" now stands. Lucy and probably Anne were born in the Edgecliff Rd. Kurraba.
Other properties owned - plots 161 - 163 Sunrise Hill (Sunrise Rd.), Palm Beach. (bought in 1916 in name of Mary Emily). Dr. Brown Craig later built a house at McMaster´s Beach and lived there after retirement.
The Children of Francis Brown Craig and Mary Emily Eileen Maiden are:
Robert Francis Brown Craig, b. 24 July 1912, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, Australia, d. 31 March 1994, Orange, NSW, Australia.
Henry Brown Craig, b. 3 October 1914, 1 King Street, Newtown, Sydney, Australia, d. 29 August 1988, NSW, Australia.
Elizabeth Mary Brown Craig, b. 12 July 1916, Atherfield, Eastbourne Rd., Darling Point, Sydney, Australia, d. 28 March 1985, The Ruffett, West Chiltington, West Sussex, England.
Lucy Craig, b. 23 May 1920, Kurraba, Edgecliff Rd., Woolahara, Sydney, Australia, d. date unknown, Disappeared (reported missing in 1940).
Anne Brown Craig, b. 31 January 1922, Kurraba, Edgecliff Rd., Woollahara, Sydney, Australia, d. 1995.
Lucy, who disappeared on her way home from work in 1940, was never found. Conjecture in newspapers appeared for years over what had happened to her.
Even researching this episode in Dr. Brown Craig and his wifes' Mary life is haunting and distressing. They never had closure. They were preyed upon by the unscrupulous seeking money with false claims. It made them both ill.
Such 'history' brings home why such efforts are made to locate loved ones by the police and family members even decades after they have disappeared A sample of just a few of the stories run then (and up unto 1954):
Chief Secretary's Department,
Sydney, 28th February, 1941.
MISSING GIRL—£200 REWARD.
WHEREAS Lucy Brown Craig, whose description appears hereunder, has been missing since the 12th day of April, 1940, notice is hereby given that a reward of two hundred pounds (£200) will be paid by Government on behalf of Dr. Francis Brown Craig, of 333 Edgecliff-road, Edgecliff, Sydney, to any person who first gives such information as shall lead to the where-abouts of the said Lucy Brown Craig being established. This reward to remain in force for a period of three months only, and the allocation of the amount to be at the sole discretion of the Commissioner of Police.
Description.—19 years of age, 5 ft. 3 in. high, medium build, fair to medium complexion, short brown wavy hair, parted on side, brown eyes, blunt nose, good natural teeth, excessive movement at elbows; dressed when last seen in a mauve-coloured-woollen frock with short sleeves, a brooch in the shape of a dog at waist, tan silk stockings, navy-blue shoes, size 3½; no hat; carrying a navy-blue handbag. Left her place of employment at B.M.A. Building, Macquarie-st., Sydney, at 5 p.m. on 12th April, 1940, and at about 6 p.m. was seen to leave a tram at King's Cross in the company of a man, 20-23 years of age, 6 ft. high, thin athletic build, a small tooth brush moustache; dressed in a grey double-breasted suit.
Information as to her whereabouts to be communicated to the Criminal Investigation Branch, telephone B 030, extension 231, or local Police.
Source of information will not be disclosed.
A. U. TONKING. MISSING GIRL—£200 REWARD. (1941, February 28). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 860. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220095840
Lucy Brown Craig Given Up For Dead!
MELBOURNE RUMOR FOUND FALSE
Lucy Brown Craig, whose complete disappearance is one of the mysteries of the century.
Dr. Brown Craig, sorrowing father of the missing girl.
MRS. BESSIE ALLEY ... she had plenty to put up with from Walter Underwood Alley (Al for short).
HOPES aroused in the Dr. Brown Craig household recently, that at last the missing young socialite, Lucy Brown Craig, had been found in Melbourne, proved to be false. Dr. F. Brown Craig, father of the missing girl, is stricken with utter despair. "I have now lost all hope that my daughter is alive!" he said in the depths of his despondency.
Reports of the discovery of the girl only increased the torturing misery of the bereft family. Dr. Brown Craig had just renewed his reward for information when a report came that Lucy Brown Craig had been located in Melbourne.
PUBLIC ADDS TO FAMILY GRIEF
The police interviewed the girl and could not satisfy themselves she was NOT Lucy Brown Craig, though she vehemently denied she was the missing Sydney lass. A relative rushed to Melbourne. The girl was Lucy's double. But it was not her. The news plunged the family into deepest distress.
IT was then that the doctor said he could only suppose his daughter is dead. Detective-sergeant Richards, in charge of the inquiries into the disappearance, does not share the father's fearful theory. Fourteen months ago — on April 12, 1940— attractive, brown-eyed popular young socialite, Lucy Brown Craig, then 19, left the Macquarie Street rooms where she was employed as receptionist by a leading doctor, was seen to enter a King Street tram alone, and then — completely disappeared!
Ostensibly, she was going straight home because she was to be a member of a theatre party that night. When she failed to arrive, her father called in the police. Her description: 5ft, 3in. in height, brown wavy hair, brown eyes, medium figure; wearing mauve frock of woollen material, short sleeves, belt clasped with brooch in the form of a dog, beige silk stockings, navy blue shoes, no hat, was circulated. Then a 'Shore boy who knew Lucy Brown Craig personally reported that he had seen her on a King Street tram on the night she disappeared, and had seen her alight at King's Cross with a young man with a "scrubbing brush moustache." "He was not the sort of chap whom you would expect to see with Lucy," said the college boy. 'He was not exactly showy, but a type who might be associated with the stage,' He had no doubt whatever that the girl was Lucy Brown Craig. The pair, the boy added, linked hands as they crossed towards Darlinghurst Road.
This was a strange thing apparently for reserved Lucy Brown Craig. It was also learnt that Lucy left a girl friend at the corner of Macquarie-and Hunter Streets on April 12, and that at 5.15 p.m. a hospital nursing sister who knew her saw her step into a tram at the Elizabeth Street corner, with a man. This, said Dr. Brown Craig at the time, was inexplicable. If the nurse were not mistaken, he believed that it was a chance meeting with some man whom Lucy must have known well.
With this meagre information, the police have worked tirelessly, investigating thousands of "clues" that have led nowhere. Even the most seemingly fantastic information has been thoroughly sifted. Cables extended the search to New Zealand, England, America — without result. Today, the comfortable Woollahra home where Lucy Brown Craig enjoyed many comforts denied to other 19-year-olds is permanently darkened by the shadow of doubt and sorrow. For even the certainty that Lucy was dead would be easier to bear than the terrible strain of uncertainty and the curtain of silence.
Although the family must now accept the bitter thought that this dearly loved daughter and sister is dead, there must linger the faint hope that she still MAY be alive. Added to the grief of the family is a misplaced interest which some members of the public exhibit. While some genuinely believe they can help, the burden of the family has been heavily increased by others who, inspired by morbid curiosity, contact Dr. Brown Craig at all hours of the day and night. "After every newspaper story, I am dragged from bed by 'phone calls, mostly from people who simply offer fantastic theories without one fact to justify them," he said yesterday.
"In one case a man became so obsessed with the idea that my daughter was being held in a North Shore house that he assaulted the householder, who had to seek police assistance."
Loss of memory is another aspect of the disappearance which has been considered. However, with police constantly searching for her and the wide circulation of pictures and description, together with the £200 reward, there is little likelihood that she would be unrecognised, unless her appearance has been greatly altered. Lucy Brown Craig Given Up For Dead! MELBOURNE RUMOR FOUND FALSE (1941, June 15). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169764902
HANDKERCHIEF NO CLUE
Lucy Brown-Craig Still Missing
Police have solved the mystery of a handkerchief marked "Lucy Brows Craig," found three weeks ago at Toronto, but the whereabouts of Lucy Brown-Craig remain a mystery. She was the 19-year-old daughter of a Sydney doctor. She vanished three years ago after leaving her place of employment in the B.M.A. Building, Sydney. A fruitless world-wide search left the police baffled, and a £200 reward offered by her father remains unclaimed.
The handkerchief was picked up by a woman on Toronto railway station. She was struck by its fine quality, took it home, and boiled it. When ironing it she saw the name "Lucy Brown-Craig" faintly marked on its corner. The memory the name revived was elusive. It was not till she mentioned it to a member of her family that she realised she might hold a clue to one of Australia's deepest mysteries. She handed the piece of linen to the Newcastle police. C.I.B. men in Sydney who had been on the case from the start went to work again on what seemed the most tangible lead since the first days of the mystery. The new trail ended quickly, as had so many others.
Dr. Brown Craig and his wife, it transpired, had given some of Lucy's possessions to a woman. This woman was employed by them, and she had a daughter of Lucy's age. The girl joined the services, and was posted eventually to the Northern district. The police accept it that she lost the handkerchief on the Toronto station.
Miss Brown-Craig was on a tram at King's Cross within a short time of leaving the B.M.A. Building on April 12, 1940. She was with a young man whom witnesses described in great detail. He paid her fare on the tram. She has not been seen since, nor has the young man, whose description has been as widely circulated as the girl's, been found. HANDKERCHIEF NO CLUE (1943, July 22).Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133422553
MISSING GIRL
FATHER DOES NOT THINK SHE IS ALIVE
SYDNEY, Thursday: Dr. Francis Brown Craig, of Macquarie-street, Sydney, does not believe that his daughter, Lucy Brown Craig, aged 20 years, is alive. Yesterday it was reported that the police expected fresh developments In elucidating the mystery surrounding her disappearance on April 12, 1940. Dr. Brown Craig said that the police were keeping him informed on their progress and there had been nothing to indicate the where-abouts of his daughter. The acting chief of the C.I.B. (Superintendent James) said to-day that there was nothing fresh to report on the case. MISSING GIRL (1945, March 23). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144976891
Helen Gordon Craig
second daughter of Dr Robert Gordon CRAIG. Married firstly Dr J F CHAMBERS and had two sons: David Henry CHAMBERS and Peter Graeme CHAMBERS.
Remarried Douglas Mackaen TOOTH,
ST PAUL'S COLLEGE DANCE.
The "Paul's dance, so eagerly looked forward to by the younger members of Sydney society, was held at the college last night when the warden, sub-warden, and students of the college entertained about 400 guests.
Japanese lanterns lighted the avenues leading to the college and adorned the front of the building. Large palms, flags, bunting, and trailing smilax decoratored the entrance hall the corridors, and the dancing marquee, where the warden (the Rev. A. H. Garnsey) anti Miss Garnsey received the guests.
The frocking was extremely youthful and very attractive. A great many white frocks were worn, and the paler shades of pink and blue proved most becoming to some of the fair, young wearers...
Miss Ailsa Craig, rose-coloured georgotte....Miss Helen Craig, pale blue frock...
ST. PAUL'S COLLEGE DANCE. (1920, June 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28091938
St Paul's, founded in 1856, was one of the two earliest university colleges in the Australian colonies along with Christ College, Hobart, which was founded in 1846. Its development followed an unsuccessful attempt by members of the Anglican church to incorporate the earlier St James's College within the new University of Sydney, and was led by Sir Alfred Stephen (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales). The college is independent of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, although the warden must be an ordained Anglican priest.
Founded to promote liberal Anglicanism, St Paul’s College is the oldest community in Australia possessed of a single continuing intellectual tradition. The ongoing liveliness of that tradition and its impact beyond the Church is due to the way old forms are used to engage new energies. It relies on hierarchy but also on collective decision-making, or collegiality. It is therefore extremely well suited to a university college. At St Paul’s this tradition shows itself partly in robust student leadership.
Originally a national and established faith, the teachings of Anglicanism also imply public responsibility (as in the College motto, Deo Patriæ Tibi). Among the college alumni are seven bishops, including two who promoted women’s ordination in the Anglican Church; three High Court judges; Sir Denis Browne, the father of paediatric surgery in the UK; Sir Lorimer Dods, a pioneer researcher in child diseases; W.C.B. Harvey, who first persuaded Australians that smoking was dangerous; and Patrick McGorry, an international leader in the area of youth mental health.
Educators affiliated with the college participated in the founding, in the 1890s, of the adjacent Women's College. The two colleges are still closely linked; St Paul's has remained men-only, since 2000 the two other large former men's colleges have become co-residential. The College has formal dinner five nights a week, to which college members wear tie, jacket and academic gown.
Miss Helen Gordon Craig went over to Melbourne for the racing carnival. She is the guest of Mrs. Alfred Chambers at Toorak. Miss McMoran's Wedding. (1923, November 11). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120547233
Dr. John Ferguson Chambers announced his engagement to a Sydney girl, Miss Helen Craig, last week. He is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred H. Chambers, Woorigolcen-road, Toorak, and his fiancee the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, Macquarie street. Sydney. MELBOURNE SOCIETY (1924, May 4). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128140965
CHAMBERS-CRAIG.
The marriage was celebrated on September 3, by Rev. J. Edwards, at St. Stephen's Church, Phillip-street, of Helen Craig, second daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, of Centennial Park, to Dr. John Ferguson Chambers, only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Chambers, of Melbourne. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a gown of white satin, trimmed with orange blossom. She wore a limerick lace veil. The bridesmaids were Misses Yolande Wansey, Miss Freda Chambers, and Miss Meg Mac-queen. Dr. Lloyd Cameron (Melbourne) was best man, and Dr. C. H. Lawes and Dr. I. Hotton were groomsmen. The bride travelled in a smart black and white frock, and a small black hat.
Family Notices (1924, September 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16171167
CHAMBERS–CRAIG. –On the 3rd September, at St. Stephen's Church, Phillip street, Sydney John Ferguson Chambers, only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Chambers, Kenmore, Toorak, to Helen, younger daughter of Dr. and Mrs. R. Gordon Craig, Sydney. Family Notices (1924, October 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2046738
MR. A. H. CHAMBERS.
FORMER BANKER'S DEATH. FUNERAL AT SOUTH HEAD.
The funeral of Mr. Alfred Henry Chambers, formerly general manager of the Union Bank of Australia, Ltd., and one-time chairman of the Associated Banks, who died in Melbourne on Monday, took place at South Head Cemetery yesterday.Mr. Chambers, was associated with the Union Bank from 1876 to 1928, and served in many parts of the Commonwealth. With but two exceptions, he was in the service of the Union Bank longer than any other officer. Mr. Chambers was born and educated in County Cavan, Ireland, and after having spent three years in the office of the Northern Banking Co., Belfast, came to Australia in 1876, and joined the Union Bank of Australia, Ltd., at Melbourne. Later he was transferred to Deniliquin. He was recalled to Melbourne as first teller. Then he proceeded to Wagga as first accountant, was promoted to relieving manager, and subsequently was appointed to the managership of the Haymarket branch of the bank, Sydney. In 1889 he was sent to Fiji to control the bank's business there. Upon his return to Australia he was manager at Hay, Orange, Rockhampton, and Brisbane. He was appointed resident inspector for Queensland in 1897; in 1902 he was made inspector in charge of New South Wales, and 10 years later he became chief inspector and acting general manager of the bank, with residence in Victoria. In 1916 he assumed control of the bank's affairs in Australia and New Zealand.
Mr. Chambers married Miss Mary Ferguson, daughter of the late John Ferguson, M.L.C., of Queensland, who survives him. He had three children, a son (Dr. J. F. Chambers, of Collins-street, Melbourne) and two daughters. The elder daughter is the wife of Major Oswald Masters, of the Indian Army, and the younger is married to Mr. J. A. Campbell, of Soho Station, Drysdale, and Dungalear Station, near Walgett (N.S.W.).
There was a representative attendance of prominent banking officials at the funeral. The chaplain, Rev. J. F. Cherry, officiated at the graveside, and those present were: Dr. J. F. Chambers (son), Messrs. E. V. Oldham (representing the directors and general manager of the Union Bank), E. C. Riddle (governor) and H. T. Armitage (deputy governor) representing the Commonwealth Bank; H. E. Weston, manager, Commercial Bank of Australia (Sydney); E. H. Matthews, manager, National Bank of Australasia, Ltd.; C. M. C. Shannon, general manager, Australian Bank of Commerce; H. W. Allen, manager, Castlereagh-street branch of the Union Bank; Palmer Kent, inspector, Bank of Australasia; R. T. Hilder, chief inspector, Bank of New South Wales; L. A. Parker, Com-mercial Banking Co. of Sydney; S P. Hooper, George-street branch of the Union Bank; A. W. McNicoll, inspector, Union Bank, A. H. E. Scott, Newcastle manager of the Union Bank, H. G. Cruttenden, E. Reid, representing O. T. Lemprier and Co.; D. L. Dowdell, general manager in Australia, Orient Steam-ship Co.; J. Milliken, representing the directors, Hotel Australia; Nigel Barker, representing W. Tilley and Co.; E. Harpur, representing John Brown and J. A. Brown; Dr. Lloyd Cameron, Dr. W. McMurray, Messrs. J. A. Thompson, W. S. Lawry, Gordon Russell, G. W. Richmond, D. J. Brownhill, James Paxton, Neil Barclay, F. E. Bryant, and Frank E. Tilley. MR A. H. CHAMBERS. (1929, May 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16551225
Jars of nodding daffodils decked the Athenaeum gallery this week for the official opening by Senator Lawson, of the twelfth annual exhibition of the Twenty Melbourne Painters. So many guests accepted the society's invitation that the gallery was crowded from end to end, and seen in the gathering were:—
Lady Moore, Lady Maudsley, Dr Charles Bage, Miss A. M. E. Bale, Mr. and Mrs R. G. McCann, Miss Jo Sweatman, Miss Edith Downing, Dr and Mrs Felix Meyer, Mrs Stuart Love, Miss Dorothy Pucklo, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Tweddle and Miss Tweddle, Miss Rose A. Walker (Mrs. (Hartrick), Miss C. Beckett, Mr. and Mrs. J. Beckett, Miss Evelyn Syme, Miss Blanch Cale, Mrs. Alex Gilfiilan, Miss Grace Yale, Mr. Robert Hamilton, Miss Molly Leeper, Mr. Tarezytihki, Miss P. Hurry (Mrs J Farmer), Mr Percy Leason, Mr. Arnold Shore, Mrs. L. W. Thompson, Dr and Mrs J. W. Springthorpe, Mr L. McCubbin, Mrs J. F. Chambers, Mrs Scantlebury, Miss L. Harvie, Mrs S. Marsden, Mr Rupert Bofmick, Mrs David Stirling, Mrs and Miss Gilfillan (Castlemaine), Mrs Laver, Mrs Edith Smart, Mrs George Bell, Miss Bertha Blair, Miss Margaret Robertson, Mrs. J. F. Rudall, Mr. A. Colquhoun, Mr. Archer, Mrs. Jorgensen, Mr. Basil Murphy, Mr. C. Eager, and Mr. Daryl Lindsay. SOCIAL NOTES. (1930, September 20).The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), p. 10 (METROPOLITAN EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140832958
Dr. J. F. Chambers and Mrs Chambers.
CAULFIELD November Meeting (1931, November 26). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147416683
Mrs J. F. Chambers, Dr. J. F. Chambers, and Mrs P. O'Hara Wood, consulting about a wager.
Hardy Racegoers (1934, December 6).Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149584961
Having served in WWI Dr. Chambers signed up again when war was declared.
DEATHS
On Active Service
CHAMBERS -Major John Ferguson Chambers, beloved husband of Helen killed in action. Family Notices (1941, April 23). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8161869
John Chambers was born in Graceville, Queensland. His father Alfred Henry Chambers was born in Ulster, and his mother Mary, the daughter of John Ferguson, was a Scot. John married Helen Craig in Sydney in 1924. They had two sons. John Chambers was educated at Tudor House Preparatory School, Moss Vale in NSW and Sydney Grammar School. He attended Melbourne University where he achieved his basic medical degree and later his MD. He studied in England and gained membership of the Royal College of Physicians. He later became a foundation Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Chambers served in the AAMC in two World Wars as a captain in the First World War and a major in the Second. In between wars he served as honorary physician in both the Alfred and Heidelberg Hospitals. His Second World War experience led him to the 2/4 AGH where he was a valuable and skilful general physician, as he had been before the War at the Alfred Hospital. He was a quiet doctor, though not introverted, and his conversation was predominently on subjects of importance. In social or professional matters he was not a man to waste words, though he was acknowledged to be an amusing raconteur.
On 10 April 1941 he was doing a medical round in a military hospital when enemy pilots emerged from the sun and bombed the ward. A bomb dropped almost beside his feet and he died immediately. The military unit lost a first grade physician, as well as a socially valuable member. His death was a great loss to the Heidelberg Hospital and the Alfred Hospital, where prior to his enlistment he was chairman of staff.
Author: AJM SINCLAIR - References: [Med J Aust, 1941, 1, 745; 1941, 2, 21-2]
KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Two Melbourne A.A.M.C. Specialists
News has been received of the death in action abroad of two well-known members of the A.A.M.C.— Major John Ferguson Chambers, physician and specialist, and Major Zelman Schwartz, eye specialist, both formerly of Collins-street. Major Schwartz, who was 43 years of age, was born in Melbourne. He was educated at Wesley College and Melbourne University. After graduating M.B. and B.S. at Melbourne, he visited Great Britain, where he became a F.R.C.S. at Edinburgh. Before returning to Victoria he undertook post-graduate work in India. Subsequently he returned to Melbourne, where he has practised for the last 20 years. He volunteered for active service soon after the outbreak of war, but was not called up for some time. He embarked towards the end of last year. He was a fellow of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He leaves a widow and two daughters.
Major Chambers, M.D., B.S., who had practised in Melbourne since 1923, was born in 1894 in Brisbane. He was educated at Sydney Grammar School and Melbourne University. The present war was the second in which he had served the A.A.M.C. abroad. In the war of 1914-18 he served for two years with the A.I.F. In 1921-22 he was attached to St. Thomas's Hospital, London. It was in the following year that he returned to Australia, settling in Melbourne. His private residence was in Toorak-road, Toorak. At Alfred Hospital he was physician in charge of out-patients. In 1924 he married a daughter of the late Dr. Gordon Craig, of Sydney. Like Major Schwartz, Major Chambers offered for service immediately on the outbreak of the present war. KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE (1941, April 23). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205154633
Noted Biochemist Among Tobruk Casualties
MELIOURNE. Thursday. –
Major John Ferguson Chambers, who is reported to have been killed at Tobruk, was a distinguished biochemist. He was educated at Tudor House, Sydney Grammar School, and Melbourne University, where he graduated in science and medicine in 1917. After serving for two years with the A.I.F. in the last war, in which he held the rank of captain, Dr. Chambers was attached to St. Thomas' Hospital, London. While in London he took the degree of M.R.C.P.. and on his return to Australia gained the M.D. (Melbourne) in 1925. Major Chambers, who is survived by his widow and two sons, was 47. Noted Biochemist Among Tobruk Casualties (1941, April 25). Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), p. 6 (LATE NEWS EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52414019
A.I.F. CASUALTIES
(Dickinson. Monteath) MAJOR. J. F. CHAMBERS. Toorak. (killed). A.I.F. CASUALTIES (1941, April 30). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8158670
Helen married again, her second husband was divorcee Douglas Tooth, the fourth and youngest son of Arthur Tooth, who was the son of one of the brothers who started Tooth's beer and brewery. He had previously married Mary F. Kater the daughter of Sir Norman Kater MLC. and Lady Kater in 1929.
MR. ARTHUR W. TOOTH
DEATH OF PROMINENT BREWER.
The death occurred on Friday at Molong Hospital, Darlinghurst, of Mr. Arthur William Tooth, who was for many years chief brewer for Tooth and Company, Limited. He was 64 years of age.Mr. Tooth was the son of the late Mr. Frederick Tooth, who, with his brother, was the founder of Tooth and Company. He was born at Cranbrook, Rose Bay, Sydney, and was educated at Eton (England). After leaving Eton he returned to Sydney, and joined the firm in a clerical capacity. Later he returned to England, and studied the technicalities of brewing at the leading breweries of Kent.
Upon resuming duty with the firm of Tooth and Company he was appointed to the brewing staff. He was subsequently promoted to the position of assistant brewer to the late Mr. Bethel, who was then head brewer. When Mr. Bethel died, in 1889, Mr. A. W. Tooth succeeded him as head brewer, and subsequently reorganised the brewing departments of the company. He remained in charge of the brewing until 1916, when he retired from active participation in the business.
Mr. Tooth married Miss Isabel Gaden, daughter of Mr. Gaden, chief Inspector of the Commercial Banking Company, Sydney. There were seven children. Two sons were killed on active service during the war. The surviving members of his family are: - Mrs. C. W. Rundle, Mrs. H. S. Macneil, Mr. Nevil Tooth, Mr. Douglas Tooth, and Miss Isabel Tooth.
Mr. Tooth had travelled a great deal.
At the time of his death he was a member of the Australian Club, the Union Club, the Royal Sydney Golf Club, the Australian Jockey Club, and the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. His recreations were golf and motoring. He was one of the earliest motoring enthusiasts in Sydney.
The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon from the residence of Mr. C. W. Rundle, Edgecliff-road, Woollahra, to the Crematorium at Rookwood. The chief mourners were: - Mr. A. E. Tooth (brother), Messrs. Nevil and Douglas Tooth (sons), and Mr. C. W. Rundle and Mr. H. S. Macneil (sons-in-law).
Amongst others present were: - Messrs. A. Feez, K.C., A. Consett Stephen, S. E. Laidley. R. L. Massie, Y. G. Lindeman (Commercial Bank), T. R Raine. P. A. Rabett, H. Campbell Munro, Lieut.-Col. W. R. Bertram, Messrs. Sydney Evans, Clifford S. Ross, Charles H. Ross, Edward Hungerford, H. F. Maxwell, C. J. D. Goldie, Francis Bligh, F. W. Hixson, J. W. Street, R. F. Pulsford. H. Dean, E. Watt, A. Jobson, A. J. Jobson. R. C. Stephen, T. R. Stephen, N. F. Stephen, H. M. Stephen, J. R. Taylor, F. Henriques, Captain Green (of Burns, Philp, and Co.), Dr. Guy Pockley, Messrs. Guy Bellsario, H. S. Holt, Douglas L. Dowdall, and Charles J. Henty. Tooth and Co., Limited, was represented, amongst others, by Messrs. W. J. Cleary (general mannger), J. R. Palfreyman, H. C. Forrest, H. L Windon, J. R. Davidson, S. Penton, and H. Jones (manager of the maltings at Mittagong).
The Rev. John Boardman, rector of St. Peter's, East Sydney, who officiated at the crematorium, said that Mr. Tooth was known amongst his friends as a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a good citizen. He bore his last illness with great fortitude, and without complaint. Though taken away in what was the prime of his life, he left behind him a record that would long be preserved in the memories of his relatives, friends, and all with whom he came in contact in public, social, or private life. MR. ARTHUR W. TOOTH (1928, March 5).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16446954
THE marriage of Mrs. Helen Chambers and Mr. Douglas Tooth, whose engagement was announced yesterday, will probably take place before Christmas. Mrs. Chambers, who is the widow of Major F. J. Chambers, and daughter of the late Dr. Gordon Craig, and of Mrs. Craig, of Palm Beach, and her fiance, who is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Tooth, of Sydney, have been spending a few days at Palm Beach.
It is more than 20 years since Mrs. Chambers, who has made her home in Melbourne, lived in Sydney. This Week In Town (1946, December 12).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18014494
MARRIED IN SYDNEY
SYDNEY, Mon: At a quiet ceremony at St Stephen's Church, Macquarie st, this afternoon, Mrs. Helen Chambers, widow of the late Major J. F. Chambers, of Melbourne, was married to Mr. Douglas Tooth, of Sydney.
Mrs. Chambers, who is the younger daughter of the late Dr Gordon Craig, and of Mrs. Craig, of Palm Beach, was given away by her elder son, Mr. David Chambers. She wore a heavy crepe suit and a white hat, trimmed with pastel flowers and blue veiling, and was unattended.
The bridegroom, who is the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Tooth, of Sydney, was attended by Mr. Bill Giles, of Adelaide. A reception was held at Macquarie House. MARRIED IN SYDNEY (1946, December 24).The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22390163
MR and MRS. DOUGLAS TOOTH, of Seven Oaks, Bundanoon, have bought Mr. B. A. Badgery's property Woodside, at Moss Vale, and will move their Polled Hereford Stud over when they sell their Bundanoon property next month. This Week In Town (1950, September 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18175612
MR and MRS. DOUGLAS HYLES, of Urirarra, Canberra, who have been spending a few days in Sydney, dining at Prince's before returning home. Dining, Dancing In Town (1950, October 29). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18482674
Tragedy struck Helen again through the loss of her second husband when he was found dead on December 29th, 1952, apparently by his own hand:
Grazier Found Shot Dead in a City Club At Sydney
SYDNEY. — A Moss Vale district grazier, Douglas McKaen Tooth, aged 54, was found shot dead in a city club this morning. His body was found on the first floor of the Imperial Service Club, Barrack Street, City.
The police believe he was shot in the head with a bullet from a .32 calibre revolver.
WEAPON NEAR BODY
A revolver was found near the body. A club steward, S. Kinross, saw the body on a small verandah leading from the first floor, about 5 a.m. The investigating police said there were no suspicious circumstances attached to Tooth's death. They believe, the gun was fired when a tram passed along George Street, thus muffling the explosion. The police found a note addressed to a relative of Tooth. He is believed to have stayed at the club for a few days, and was last seen on the club premises about midnight. Police this morning were not sure of Tooth's Sydney address. Grazier Found Shot Dead In A City Club At Sydney (1952, December 29). The Evening Advocate (Innisfail, Qld. : 1941 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212580458
TOOTH, Douglas McKaen.-December 29, 1952, of Woodside, Moss Vale, loved husband of Helen. Family Notices (1952, December 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18296981
This image shows a lady determined to get on with running a rural property but it also shows the toll such a life takes. It may also be an indication, to the many of us who know, of how losing a loved one through horrific circumstances is something you never recover from - all those who cannot overcome circumstances they find themselves in, or who suffer from the disease known as Depression and who are not caught as they fall, unable to stand the pain any longer, are and will ever definitely be missed:
LUNCH BREAK: Three competitors in riding events at last week's Berry Show take a few minutes break for lunch. From left to right, they are, Mrs. N. Forster, Miss D. Throsby and Mrs. D. Tooth, all of Moss Vale. No title (1955, February 11). The Farmer and Settler (Sydney, NSW : 1906 - 1955), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117411489
Helen passed away at Moss Vale in 1964. Her mother passed away at Bowral in 1966.
Ailsa
Ailsa is known primarily as a painter and printmaker despite all her other works and talents. Described in a 1929 Ship's Manifest (to America) as being 5 feet 4 inches with brown hair and hazel eyes, her beauty was apparent inside and out.
NB: Trust Our Women: Women Artists in the S.H. Ervin Gallery
Sat 31 March 2018 until Sun 6 May 2018
In 2018 the Gallery celebrates its 40th anniversary and is presenting an exhibition of works by women artists from its collection to mark this important milestone.
The works featured include a marvellous collection of modernist women printmakers such as Margaret Preston, Thea Proctor, Ethleen Palmer, Vera Blackburn, Gladys Gibbons, Ailsa Lee Brown, Jessie Mackintosh, Eileen Mayo, Adelaide Perry & Ethel Spowers. These will be exhibited alongside paintings by artists such as Ethel Carrick Fox, Clarice Beckett, Jessie Scarvell, Portia Geach and others.
Ailsa gained an economics degree from Sydney University.
Her first husband, Dr Lee Brown, a surgeon in partnership with her father and a keen aviator, died in 1934 when he crashed his plane; their daughter, Mitty Lee Brown, was born in 1921 in San Francisco.
From 1927 to 1932 Ailsa studied with Thea Proctor and Adelaide Perry at Julian Ashton 's Sydney Art School and contributed to the student magazine, Undergrowth . She exhibited with the Society of Artists in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Thea, as can be read above, had met the Dr. Gordon Craig family since at least 1912:
MISS Thea Proctor, the artist, is spending a week with Mrs. Gordon Craig, at Palm Beach. She left her paints and crayons behind, but at the last minute could not resist slipping in her pencils to do some drawing. IN THE NEWS (1930, January 13). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 17 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226023899
In 1935 Ailsa married, for the second time, her flying teacher G.U. (Scotty) Allan, a flying ace, and thereafter signed her work 'Ailsa Allan’. They lived in Brisbane for two years (1935-36), then returned to NSW and set up house at Palm Beach. In 1938 Proctor praised her wood engravings, reproducing two of them to accompany her article 'Modern Art in Sydney’ (some stating this was basically a justification of the Contemporary Art Society). Ailsa Allan, she said, had begun wood engraving 'three years ago’ and by then had produced
hardly more than a dozen, so that her technique as yet shows some weakness. Wood engraving is a branch of art in which technique is of great importance, but still not as important as the idea expressed … she has an original vision. Engraved lines in the modern woodcut are not used merely to give tone, but … to assist the general rhythm of the design, and Mrs. Allan has this strong feeling of rhythm. “Open, Please”, is an example of the importance of the idea. Of what value is an assured technique if it is only camouflage for a barren mind?
Allan’s linocuts were reproduced in Manuscripts in the early 1930s, including Waiting 1933 (man at dance waiting for partner), issue 4 (February 1933, p.19: ill. Sydney by Design [ SBD ], 32) and The Mother 1934, published in issue 8 (1934), National Gallery of Australia (ill. Butler SBD , 14).
Ailsa abandoned lino-block printing for wood engraving after 1936 and her later prints are based on everyday experiences rather than decorative images, eg Dressmakers 1937, woodcut 25.2 × 17.2 cm, Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Ailsa Allan - Centre for Australian art list of works:
A visit to the zoo.
At the zoo.
Brisbane backyard.
Bush Path.
Bush Pattern.
Coronation Fireworks.
Dressmakers.
Flying Boat Window.
House next door.
Improvisation.
Invalid.
Moths around the Quay. (1932 - linocut)
Pittwater. (1937 wood-engraving)
Rock Garden. (1928)
Rounding the Buoy.
Sea shore.
Shearing.
Sydney trams. (1937 linocut)
The boat house. (1931 linocut0
The family.
The invalid. (1932 linocut)
The model.
The mother. (1934 linocut)
The Start.
Title unknown.
Waiting. (1933 linocut0
Whale Beach.
Woolloomooloo. (1928 linocut)
Work for the new bridge. (1937 woodcut)
To the above list we can add:
WOODCUTS AND BATIK.
AN INTERESTING EXHIBITION.
There are some exceedingly interesting examples of woodcut and batik in the Christmas exhibition which has been placed on view at the Grosvenor Gallery.
…
Margaret Preston also shows some excellent woodcuts. The best of them is "Bradley's Head," wherein the decorative angularity of the tree branches and foliage has been softened down by the glowing depth of blue in the sky that one sees between them.
Adelaide Perry has been most successful in "Potts Point." This everyday suburb has blossomed forth under her hands into a sort of enchanted region, full of little round trees and houses with curious cupolas. Both "Potts Point" and "South Coast" charm the eye with the gracious suavity and balance of their curves. Ailsa Lee-Brown's "The White Bird" gives a feeling of spaciousness, depth, and stimulating movement. WOODCUTS AND BATIK. (1928, December 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16516548
Society of Artists
Women Love Color
the Rock Garden by Ailsa Lee Brown, … Society of Artists (1928, September 16).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUN). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224681950
Sydney's Youngest Generation of Artists
THE students of the Sydney Art School have once again held their annual show of work. This school, founded and conducted by Mr. Julian Ashton, has been attended at one time or another by most of Australia's leading artists and craftsmen. In whatever direction the student afterwards applies his talents, fine draughtsmanship is here considered the first essential. This year the work of
Harold Abbot, winner of the Society of Artists' Travelling Scholarship, occupies perhaps the most important position. Among the drawings one notices as outstanding the works of Passmore, Bowler, Miss V. Lazarus, and Joshua Smith. Earnest effort is revealed in the works of Clif . Peir, Walter Cunningham, and Brendon Leo
Among the illustrations and black and white one notices the woodcuts of Cunningham and Miss Cornish, some etchings of ships by Richard Ashton, and designs for back drops and mural decorations by Ailsa Lee-Brown and Sylvia Moore-Sims. Sydney's Youngest Generation of Artists (1931, October 7). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159792171
The life and works of Ailsa Craig began in Summer, 1898:
BIRTHS.
CRAIG.-February 5, at Waratah, 1 King-street, Newtown, the wife of Dr. Gordon Craig, of a daughter. Family Notices (1898, February 26). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71283804
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY.
MATRICULATION EXAMINATIONS.
In the list that follows the letter attached to each name signifies that the candidate is qualified for matriculation in one or other of the faculties or departments of the University:— (a) arts and economics;-(b) medicine and science, but not engineering; c) arts, law, medicine, science, economics, but not engineering; (d) arts, science, and economies; (e) engineering; (f) economics; (g) science and economic; (h) science and engineering. ,, , University Lectures commence on Monday, March 20.
Ailsa Craig (c),
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY. (1916, March 10). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238788042
ADDITIONAL RESULTS.
FACULTY OF ARTS,
LATIN I
...Ailsa Craig
Chemistry I
Credit; Ailsa Craig
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY. (1916, December 16). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239431196
University of Sydney.
additional results.
French I
Distinction; Ailsa Craig
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY. (1917, March 28). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239225717
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY.
HONOURS RESULTS.
French, Credit: Ailsa Craig,..
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY. (1918, April 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15787632
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY.
English III
...Aisla Craig
French III
...Ailsa Craig
Philosophy II(ancient Philosophy)
...Ailsa Craig
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY. (1918, December 24). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239572568
In the American Autumn of 1921 Ailsa married a doctor, Robert Kingsbury Lee-Brown who was born April 17th, 1895 in Scotland, although to Australian parents who raised him here - his mother the daughter of a Manly resident. His Enlistment papers of July 1916 described him as being 5 feet 7 and a half inches tall with brown eyes, black hair and a fresh complexion. He is listed as a 'medical student'.
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY.
EXAMINATION RESULTS.
Following are additional results of the examination -
FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Second Degree Examination.
Pass..
..R.K. Lee-Brown
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY. (1916, September 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15693664
His Parents marriage Notice:
LEE-BROWN—KINGSBURY.—May 30, at the English Church, Leven, Fifeshire, Scotland, by the Rev. — Grant, Dr. Robert Lee-Brown, of Birregurra, Victoria, to Ada M. Kingsbury, eldest daughter of John Kingsbury, Corso, Manly. Family Notices (1894, July 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13960074
His sisters:
LEE BROWN.—On the 5th November, at Dandenong, the wife of R. Lee Brown, L.R.C.S.—a daughter. Family Notices (1899, November 7). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9036858
Birth of daughter, Alcyone, on 5 Dec 1899 at Dandenong, Victoria.
Birth of a daughter, Olga, on 1 Jul 1904 at Dandenong, Victoria.
Ailsa and Robert had known each other for years, both attending Sydney University. He studied under her father and shared a passion for golf with him, the two playing together on the same team after the nuptials. He had also been invited to family fundraising events:
The committee of the Newtown Free Kindergarten was fortunate in having sunshine for the opening of it's garden fete on Thursday afternoon. The fete, which was opened by Miss Macarthur Onslow, was held in the pretty grounds of The Crossways, Centennial Park, the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig.
Stalls were arranged in the grounds, and there were folk songs and dances on the lawn by the students from the Kindergarten Training College, under the direction of Miss Dumolo. A golf-putting competition arranged by Miss Cook was won by Mr. Lee Brown.
Stall-holders included Mesdames Henry Davis, Brown-Craig, Richardson-Clark, Frank Clowes, MacFarlane, Matthews, Garlein, Hill, J. A. Aspinall, Fraser, Gordon Craig (treasurer), Wilfred Blacket (secretary), Lovegrove, A. G. Gabriel, Misses Gurney, Hobson, Ross, Stella Hobson, Turland, Shepherd-Smith, Margaret Harris (president), Webb, Vallentine, Reid, Ailsa Craig, Curnow, and Curlewis. There were present Lady Maitland, Mr. and Mrs. Boorman, Mesdames Fairfax-Smythe, John Mackay, Dr. Hall, George Lane Mullins, Wilkinson, Dewer-Durie, Smart, Thorpe, Ross (Warwick), Fitzhardinge, Dalton, Lady and Miss Fairfax, Misses Desailly, E. Simpson, M. Windeyer, and Fitzhardinge. WOMEN'S NEWS (1917, April 22). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122784115
A Ships Manifest shows Ailsa landed in America in June 1921 and stayed until returning to Sydney in March 1924. She left as a Craig girl and returned as a wife and mother:
Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, who are at present in Europe, will proceed later to America, where the marriage of their daughter to tho son of Dr. Lee Brown will take place towards the end of tho year. Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig will then return to Australia while the young couple will remain In America, where the bridegroom will continue the study of his profession for a further period of two years.
THE WORLD OF WOMEN. (1921, June 21). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239751341
St Aloysius' Old Boys
GATHERING OF YOUNG FOLKS.
St. Aloysius' Old Boys held their annual dance on Tuesday evening at Sargent's suite in Market-street. It was a happy function— essentially a gathering of young people —
Others present included Mr. and Mrs Gordon Craig, Mr. and Mrs. Garratt, Dr. Langton, Messrs. Leo Finn, Austin Callachor, Benbow,...
St. Aloysius' Old Boys (1921, June 30). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116743075
LEE-BROWN--CRAIG.—September 3, 1921 at San Francisco, Robert Kingsbury Lee-Brown, son of Dr. and Mrs. Lee-Brown, Graystanes, Vaucluse, to Ailsa, elder daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Craig, The Crossways, Centennial Park. Family Notices (1921, November 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15986259
Soon after their daughter, named Juanita, nicknamed 'Mitty' and 'Mitti' was born;
LEE-BROWN-September 19, 1922, to Dr. and Mrs. R. K Lee-Brown, San Francisco-a daughter. Family Notices (1922, September 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16037325
The couple returned to Sydney in March 1924. Dr. Robert Lee Brown going into practice with her father. They resided in a home on or beside the Crossways house of her parents and were involved in their support, still, of the Newtown Free Kindergarten; a suburb both daughters were born in. Her husband and father played golf together, with great results: Amateur Golf Champions (1924, May 28).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136618960
Dr. Lee-Brown's sisters also became part of the ladies efforst for others;
In aid of .the Newtown Free Kindergarten, a most successful bridge afternoon was held at the Australia on Wednesday. Mrs. Hedley Hardman was the hon. organiser. Seventy-seven tables were occupied, and the proceeds were £100. Mrs. Hedley Hardman wore a frock of black marocain, with a shoulder cape of the same material lined with white. Her black velvet hat was trimmed with ermine, and she added an ermine stole. Among those who arranged tables were: Lady Anderson, Lady Abbott, Mrs. Robert Little, Mrs. Robert Wade, Mrs. Dewar-Durie, Mrs. Wilfrid Blackett, Mrs. Henry Davis, Mrs. Gordon Craig, Mrs. Tertius Robertson, Mrs. Morgan Jones, Mrs. McMaster, Miss Margaret Harris, Mrs. Baxter Bruce, Miss Reid, Mrs. Clive Robertson, Mrs. Purdy, Mrs. McMillan, Mrs. Archie Cox, Mrs. H. Williams, Mrs. F. E. Getting. Mrs. Gordon Craig,
Mrs. Clements and Mrs. Julius conducted the sale of sweets and Mrs. Henry Davis, Mrs. Lee Brown, and Mrs. Hobson were in charge of the cake stall. PARTIES OF THE WEEK (1924, May 11).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128150517
HEARTS ARE TRUMPS Three hundred women played bridge, three hundred women took tea to the accompaniment of music, and in the Intervals the hum of three hundred tongues wore busy at the Australia yesterday afternoon, when the Newtown Free Kindergarten's coffers benefited by the organisation which led to such a splendid response to tho hon. organiser's energetic work. Mrs. Hedley Hardman's efforts succeeded beyond her expectations. Cakes were sold by Mesdames Henry Davis and Hobson. Among those present were Lady Apderson, Lady Abbott, Mesdames T. Houston, Morgan-Jones, Archie Ramsay, Dougall Bowman, Purdy, R. B. "Wadoe, W. A. Parker, Henry Wintor, E. Thorpe, Macmillan, S. Roseby, Stanley Davenport,. Scarlett, Arthur Eady, E. S. Littlejohn, E. Y. O'Connor (W.A.), Hannan, James Bennett, and Misses Bawler, Louden, and Gardiner. Mrs. Turnbull's accurate guess of 331b. won the cake which was tho prize for the guessing competition. Misses Alcy and Olga Lee Brown sold sweets during the afternoon. Mrs. Gordon Craig was president of the committee, with Mrs. Wilfred Blackett and Mrs. Henry Davis hon. Secretaries. EVENTS OF YESTERDAY (1924, May 8).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 13 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223384941
WATCHING THE CLOCK
Miss Lee-Brown, scorer in the clock golf competition at Mrs. Cordon Craig's garden party. WATCHING THE CLOCK (1930, October 23). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118758343 This was another fundraising event for the free Newtown Kindergarten - details above.
Golf Note. Self-confidence is the secret of the success of American golfers in the tournaments, says Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown, who has just returned to Australia. THE MOVING PICTURE SHOW (1929, August 9). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222964373
Ailsa also had a lifelong passion for sailing, first learning how to with her father and remaining part of his crew. The lady also won several times as a skipper:
SEA ROVER (A33) Winning. the F. J.. S. Young. Handicap for Mrs. Lee Brown, the nominated skipper.
Pittwater Regatta: Twenty-first Anniversary (1928, January 4). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158400800
A GREAT DAY Regatta in Brilliant Setting , NORN WINS CUP . Mrs. Lee Brown a Clever Helmswoman
(By Our Special Representative)
The 21st annual Pittwater regatta celebrated its coming of age on Broken Bay yesterday in most glorious weather. 'This is the day I have been looking for since I took on this hobby,' said Mr. John Roche, secretary at the regatta since its Inception.
In the F. J. S. Young general handicap (nominated skippers, women or men), Sea Rover, sailed by Mrs. Lee-Brown, showed its heels to the rest of the field. It was a great feat on the part of the lady skip per. Third boat was also in charge of a member of the fair sex, Mrs. Rylands.
Sportsmen Gather for Pittwater's Coming of Age (1928, January 1). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122812024
Mrs. Lee Brown In winning the nominated skippers' race for the F. J. S. Young trophy proved herself the best of skippers; In fact, her masterly handling of the tiller of C. Plowman's Sea Rover demonstrated that she is one of the greatest women helmsmen in Australia. ALBERT, JR., SAILS TO VICTORY (1928, January 1). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168698139
And later that same year:
Women gave excellent exhibitions at the helm, particularly Mrs. Lee Brown, who brought Sea Rover into third place in the Mischief Memorial race. She won the special prize— the gift of Claude Plowman, the rear commodore of the Amateurs. NO PUFFS PUT POT ON PITTWATER (1928, December 30). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168692751
Mischief Memorial Trophy (for S A S C cruisers to be sailed by nominated or lady skippers) Time at start 11 15 a m
Course From line between starters boat and flagship round mark off Woods Point, Towler Bay thence round mark off Careel Bay Point and finish between mark and flagship
Distance 5 1/2 miles-Wirraminna (J Forsythe) 13m Olive (Miss J Davies) 11m Lena (F de Russet) 11m Wanderer (E Mcrrlngton) 10m Shadow (F Sargent) 8m Sampan (E enfiel) 8m Avona (J Moy) 6m Riawene (J Allsop) 6m Wyuna (Mrs C W Robson) 6m Imp (H Woods)6m Foam (L Buckingham) 6m Down (C Golding) 6m Cutty Sark (K D Stakes) 5m Colleen (Mrs A P Anderson Stuart) 5m Rana (R H Spitwater) 3m Caprice (H Moylan) 2m Nlobe
(E Goldsmith) 2m Culwulla (A Graham) 2m Sea Rover (Mrs R K Lee Brown) 2m Blue Bird (Professor Dakin) 2m June Bird (J Best) 1m Honan (Mrs E C Gale), scr..YACHTING. (1930, December 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16739777
And again:
YACHTING.
LADIES GAVE ORDERS
Mrs. Lee Brown Takes Big-Trophy
THE hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,' so it is said, but yesterday the fair sex came into their own as skippers of the deep keel, yachts, and gave their orders to their men crews in a true yachtsman fashion.
Despite the spiteful southerly and choppy water the boats gave a magnificent display. Though the sail area was limited to fore and aft canvas, the race, which was sailed under the auspices of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, provided a determined struggle. The winner was Claude Plowman's coach-house cruiser, Sea Rover, which was sailed by Mrs. R. K. Lee Brown, the wife of the well-known golf medico, and a daughter of the late Dr. Gordon Craig, a one-time clever yachtsman. Sea Rover had a limit mark, but was never headed.
The craft had a great fight for the leadership, but Mrs. Lee Brown's good work at the tiller managed to shake off Eun-Na-Mara, which fought hard all race. Mrs. Lee Brown will receive a special trophy to mark her success, the gift of Mr. Frank Albert.
Deep Keel Yachts (women skippers) : Sea Rover (Mrs. R. K. Lee Brown), finishing time 4hr 4min. 2Osec.. 1; Eun-na-mara (Mrs Dulde Hill). 4.16.33, 2; Otlekan (Mrs. H. Nossiter), 4.16.46. 3; Sayonara (Mrs. K. Preston), 4 17.8, 4; Windward, sot. (Miss Beralce Agar), 4.17.36, 6: Windward, cutter (Miss F Farrani, 4.17.47, 6; Norn (Mrs. Fred White), 4.18.40, 1: Brand V (Miss I. Lovell), retired. YACHTING. (1933, April 2). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169309717
YACHT RACE FOR WOMEN SKIPPERS.
The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron's race for women skippers was won on Saturday by Mrs. R. K. Lee Brown in Sea Rover. YACHT RACE FOR WOMEN SKIPPERS. (1933, April 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16956108
YACHTING
Sydney Women Excel At the Helm
MRS. LEE-BROWN SAILS SEA ROVER TO VICTORY
WOMEN had charge of the tiller in the deep-keel yachts, and they gave an exhibition of skill that was equal to the best seen on Port Jackson for many years, especially as the sail area on all the competitors was restricted to fore and aft canvas only. The outstanding performance was that of Mrs. R. K. Lee-Brown, the wife of Dr. Lee-Brown, the well-known Australian Club's golfer and a daughter of the late Dr. Gordon Craig, a foremost yachtsman for many years. Mrs. Lee-Brown sailed the smallest boat in the fleet, Sea Rover, owned by an .ex-Tasmanian, Claude Plowman. Off a handicapof 23min Sea Rover led the fleet all round a course of 11 nautical miles, and Mrs. Lee-Brown made some clever moves against the hard southerly and ebb tide that made many an old salt remark. ''By Jove, the fair skipper knows the harbor intricacies better than the average male. Mrs. Lee-Brown is no stranger In boats. As a girl she sailed with her father, and in recent years, was a good performer in the Pittwater regatta events for nominated skippers, and with the Sydney amateurs. YACHTING (1933, April 5). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135312762
Sir Claude Plowman (1895-1954), was born on the 14th of April 1895 in Hobart, eldest of three children of Thomas William Scudder, storekeeper, and his wife Mary Isabel, née Crow. By 1899 Thomas Scudder had changed his surname to Plowman. Claude was educated at Queen's College and Hobart Technical School. During World War I he served at sea as a marine engineer. He was a businessman he established Airzone Ltd in 1931, which built radios at Camperdown. At different stages in World War II the factory produced instruments for testing radar and electrical communications, assembled grenades and made asdic equipment.
Sir Plowman's passion was sailing though. In 1922 he was a director and rear commodore of the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, of which Dr. Gordon Craig was also a member. He sailed Sea Rover until about 1941. In 1929 he joined the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Although he won several of the squadron's trophies in his 6-metre, Sjo-Ro, he was best known for his successes with the cutter, Morna, which he bought from (Sir) Frank Packer. In World War II Morna carried the Royal Australian Air Force roundel as a sign that she was used to instruct members of the Air Training Corps in seamanship. Sir Plowman was deputy-commandant of the Sydney Harbour Bomber Observers and helped to set up a branch of the Royal Australian Naval Auxiliary Patrol in Hobart. He also spent time in England as an Australian Comforts Fund commissioner.
As a senior member of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Sir Plowman was prominent in the 1945 discussions that led to the establishment of the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. He skippered Morna for three successive 'first across the line' wins, from 1946.
Lady Plowman was a notable society hostess and a patron of musicians and painters. Sunday cruises in Morna gave Plowman the opportunity to offer lunch, as a 'polite and gracious' host, to many foreign visitors. He belonged to the Australian, American National and Elanora Country clubs, the Royal Sydney and Australian golf clubs, and the Tasmanian Club, Hobart.
RETURNED WITHOUT THE CUP
The picture arrived from Sydney by air mail on Tuesday.
The Kirk-Windeyer Cup golf team returned to Sydney from New Zealand by the Makura Monday. Sitting: H. W. Hattersly, Dr. Sydney Jones (captain and manager), W. R. Dobson, and Dr. R. K. Lee Brown. Top: R. Plasta (assistant manager), and S. Keane. RETURNED WITHOUT THE CUP (1930, April 30). The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188237597
WIDOW OF DR. LEE BROWN CLAIMS COMPENSATION
Dr. Hall, Solicitor of Sydney, on Monday issued a writ against the Union Steamship Co. of New Zealand, Ltd. on behalf of Mrs. Ada Lee Brown widow of Dr. Lee Brown, who perished in the Greycliffe disaster, claiming £5000 compensation. PILOT CARSON SUSPENDED (1928, January 11). The Corowa Chronicle (NSW : 1905 - 1928), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112160757
WEDDINGS.
LEVERRIER—LEE-BROWN.
The marriage of Miss Olga Lee-Brown, younger daughter of the late Dr. R. Lee-Brown and Mrs Lee-Brown, of Point Piper, to Mr Frank M. Leverrier, only son of Mr Frank Leverrier and the late Mrs. Leverrier, of Vaucluse, was celebrated at St Mark's Church, Darling Point, last night. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. A. R. Rook.
The bride was given away by her brother. Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown. She wore a long-sleeved classical gown of white satin, with a train falling from the skirt. Her veil of cut tulle was held in place with a Juliette cap arranged with orange blossom. She carried a sheaf of lilium auratum with clusters and trails of stephanotis.
The Misses Alcy Lee-Brown (sister of the bride), Lillian Martin, and Juanita Lee-Brown (niece of the bride) were the bridesmaids. They wore frocks of patou pink, with bodices of taffeta and yokes and skirts of chiffon. Pink crinoline straw hats completed the ensembles. They carried armfuls of green hydrangea and tiger lilies, tied with green velvet. Mr. James C. Barkell was best man and Mr. John Herron groomsman.
After the ceremony a reception was held at the Royal Sydney Golf Club, where the bride's mother received the guests wearing a frock of black tucked georgette with a black baku straw hat. She carried a posy of blue delphiniums and pink roses.
When leaving for the honeymoon, which will be spent touring the South Coast, the bride wore an ensemble of brown and white flecked crepe de Chine, with a brown tricorne straw hat. WEDDINGS. (1932, February 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16838946
Ailsa and George 'Scotty' Allan pre a 1933 record flight (details below) - photo:
No title (1933, June 27). Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54723942
RECORD FLIGHT
Mr. Charles Ulm
World-wide tributes are being paid to Mr. Charles Ulm and his companions. Pilot G. U. Allan and Captain P. G. Taylor, navigator, for their record-breaking flight from England to Australia in the face of many hardships. When the monoplane, Faith In Australia, landed at Derby (W.A.) from Sourabaya at 12.15 a.m. on October 20, it was just six days 17 hours 45 minutes out from London — 11 hours less than the recent record of Air-Commodore Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. The airmen's departure from Derby has been delayed to allow of repairs to a cylinder head in one of the engines. RECORD FLIGHT (1933, October 28).Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223206997
The Lee-Browns also came to Palm Beach, perhaps after a party elsewhere the same night:
THERE was a suggestion at the New Year party at the Yacht Club, Kirribilli, that the dining-room as well as the verandah should be used for dancing. It wasn't found necessary, however, although there were about 150 present. Perhaps the moon helped, for it lured many of the revellers into the gardens.
Parties were brought by Vice-Commodore J. L. Milson, Mr. S. Utz, Mrs. Noble Wallace, Mr. D. C. Cameron, Dr. Lee Brown, Mr. J. A. G. Bragg, Mr.
C. Plowman, Mr. R. W. Parkhurst, J. Murray, Miss T. Henriques, H. R. Osborne, Dr. Bligh, and Mr. R. H. Harrowell.
THE MIRROR OF SOCIETY (1934, January 6). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55460644
Palm Beach and Its environs hate been very gay during the week end when many parties were staged to celebrate the passing of the old year and the arrival of 1934. On Saturday night the Palm Beach Life Saving Surf Club held its annual dance at the Palladium when between 300 and 400 guests were present and a great success socially and financially was recorded. Among those present were Mr and Mrs A Samuels, Dr and Mrs Lee Brown, Mrs W Hay, Miss Audrey Peters, Mrs Vernon Dibbs, Mr and Mrs Adrian Curlewis, Mr and Mrs F B Langley, Misses Colleen and Goldie Gray, Audrey Faviell Gwen Howarth, Mary Wells, Captain Tally, Mr G Wray ,Mr B Mowle, (hon treasurer) Mr J Hall Johnston, Captain Rex Bale, Mr D Rohr, Mr Pete Hunter, Mr John Hedge and Mr and Mrs Lane Foster. NEW YEAR PARTIES. (1934, January 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17036803
Easter in 1934 may have ever become a time of added remembrance for Ailsa. While she waited at Palm Beach for her husband to drive out and pick her up, on Easter Monday something horrific occurred leaving the lady a widow and her daughter without her father:
PLANE CRASH.
TWO MEN KILLED. Doctor and Business Man.
Dr. Robert Kingsbury Lee Brown, a well-known Macquarie-street specialist and prominent golfer, and Mr. Thomas Fieldsend, a pottery manufacturer, of East Maitland, were fatally injured when a Moth aero-plane, piloted by Dr Lee Brown, crashed on the banks of Muddy Creek, North Brighton, about 11.30 o'clock yesterday morning.
The 'plane had been in the air only three or four minutes, when, in turning, it went into a spin and crashed on marshy ground with terrific force It crumpled up, crushing both the occupants The two men were extricated and taken to hospital They died during the afternoon.
The aeroplane was new and had been In Sydney only about a fortnight. It was owned by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. It was fitted with a Gipsy Major engine.
Dr Lee Brown drove to Mascot aerodrome yesterday morning with a friend. He supervised the swinging of the compass of the 'plane and later decided to take Mr Fieldsend for a flight. Dr Lee Brown had planned to fly the 'plane to Melbourne tomorrow morning and to take his wife, who is also a keen pilot.
Mr Fieldsend, who was only 27 years of age, left Maitland at 5 am yesterday with his wife. They had been married about seven or eight months. Mrs. Fieldsend remained in her husband's car, while the two men went up for the flight. The Moth ascended to a height of about 600 feet. It was turning when, it is thought the engine stopped. Instead of flattening out, the ‘plane went Into a spin and came down to earth in a spiral It struck the ground near Muddy Creek a tributary of Cook's River, not far from the aerodrome. The crash was not seen by horrified persons at the aerodrome, as their view was obstructed by trees.
Ambulance waggons from the South Sydney branch of the Central District Ambulance and from St George Ambulance hurried to the scene of the accident at high speed Men at the aerodrome boarded motor cars, raced over the Cook's River bridge, and were soon by the wrecked 'plane.
TERRIBLE INJURIES.
Dr Lee Brown was lifted out, but great difficulty was experienced in extricating Mr Fieldsend Part of the fuselage had to be cut away before he could be released Dr Lee Brown suffered a fractured right ankle severe internal injuries and a gash over his forehead. He was conscious He found breathing difficult, for he made several requests for.oxygen.
Dr Lee Brown was assisted out of the 'plane by a lifelong friend to whom he said that he was in great pain and had great difficulty in breathing. Dr Lee Brown told his friend and the ambulance men how to lift him and lay him down to assist his breathing. He was taken to the Royal South Sydney Hospital by Central District Ambulance He was given oxygen Immediately on arrival but his condition was critical. He died at 2 30 p m.
Mr Fieldsend was unconscious when taken out of the 'plane He suffered fractures of the skull and both legs, and his head and face were terribly lacerated He was taken to St George Hospital by the St George District Ambulance, and died two hours after admission.
A tragic part of the accident was that Mrs. Fieldsend although she was at the aerodrome knew nothing about it When the 'plane started its flight she sit down in her car to rest and fell asleep. She was awakened and told of the tragedy.
Dr. Lee Brown was regarded as an extremely good pilot. He and his wife shared a great enthusiasm for aviation. He had arranged to go to Palm Beach yesterday afternoon to bring back his wife from a holiday to prepare for their flight to Melbourne.
DR LEE BROWN'S CAREER
Dr Lee Brown would have been 39 years of age on April 17. He lived in Robertson-road, Centennial Park. He was born in Scotland, although his father Dr Robert Lee Brown and his mother were Australians. Dr Lee Brown senior was one of the passengers who perished in the Greycliffe ferry disaster on Sydney Harbour in 1927. Dr Lee Brown was educated in Melbourne. His father had in extensive practice at Dandenong. His father came to Sydney and practised In Kensington, and Dr Lee Brown graduated at Sydney University. He went to London and did 12 months' work in hospitals there. He later went to San Francisco and worked under Dr Frank Hinman a prominent urologist. He married the daughter of the late Dr Gordon Craig in San Francisco. When Dr Lee Brown returned to Sydney in 1924 he went into partnership with Dr Gordon Craig in Macquarie street. He specialised in urology.
Dr Lee Brown was one of Sydney's most prominent golfers He was a member of the Australian Golf Club (Kensington) for a number of years and was captain of the A grade team. He learned to play in Melbourne at an early age and when still a Junior member of the Australian Club won the club champion-ship at the ago of 17. He earned for himself a high reputation as a player of merit.
Dr S A McPherson of California who is visiting Sydney said last night that the medical profession had been deprived of a leading urologist.
The funeral of Dr Lee Brown will leave St James' Church King-street, to-day for Rookwood Crematorium, after a service, commencing at 145 p m
MR THOMAS FIELDSEND
Mr Thomas Fieldsend was a member of a well-known East Maitland family, and was associated with other members of the family in the management of pottery works at East Maitland which were founded many years ago He was married In September last He was keenly Interested In Maitland affairs and his work for the East Maitland Musical Society and St Peters Church of England, East Maitland was well known. 'PLANE CRASH. (1934, April 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17077466
Efficiency
WITH the death of Dr. R. Lee Brown yesterday when an aeroplane crashed near Sydney, one of Australia's most famous air-pilot combinations has been broken. For Dr. Lee Brown and his attractive wife have made many flights together through bad weather and storms with complete success. They were merely a triumph of efficiency and quiet workmanship which does not startle the public. I met them both when I was in Canberra last year for an aerial pageant. With the other Sydney machines they arrived, and, contrary to so many women who are far less capable in the air, yet more spectacular, Mrs Lee Brown stepped from her cockpit in a smart sports suit without the huge leather coats, trousers and other accessories the average person connects with aviation. Yet I have heard a high civil aviation official call her the best woman pilot in Australia.
For that trip to and from Canberra, she did the piloting while her husband navigated. Then every now and then he gave her a rest taking over the controls. But on the return journey something snapped, leaving her in sole charge of the machine over the mountains through a thunder storm. After a struggle they got through to the Mascot aerodrome, and nothing more was heard about their epic flight.
Mrs Lee Brown has a daughter, Mitty, who is an excellent sport. At the age of 12, she can shoot the breakers at Palm Beach with the best of grown-ups. While I Remember by "Annette". (1934, April 3). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243250058
Dr. R. Lee Brown yesterday when an aeroplane crashed near Sydney, one of Australia's most famous air -pilot combinations has been broken. For Dr. Lee Brown and his attractive wife have made many flights together through ... Melbourne Herald, April 3rd.
KILLED IN 'PLANE CRASH
DOCTOR AND A FRIEND
FORMER RESIDENT OF MELBOURNE
Machine in Air Only Few Minutes
SYDNEY, Monday. - Dr. R. K. Lee Brown, aged 39 years, of Macquarie street, who was a leading golfer, and Mr. Thomas Fieldsend, a pottery manufacturer, of East Maitland, suffered shocking injuries from which they both died when a Moth aero-plane piloted by Dr. Lee Brown crashed on the banks of Muddy Creek at North Brighton to-day.
Dr. Lee Brown had taken Mr. Fieldsend up in the 'plane, and it had been in the air
Dr. R. K. LEE BROWN
only about three or four minutes when, in turning, it went into a spin and crashed on to marshy ground with terrific force. It crumpled up, crushing both the occupants. The men were critically injured. They were rushed to hospital, where they both died this afternoon. The aeroplane was a new one, and it had been in Sydney only about a fortnight It was owned by the De Havilland Aircraft Company and was know n as a DH60G It was fitted with a Gipsy Major engine.
Dr Lee Blown drove to Mascot aerodrome this morning with a friend. He attended to the swinging of the compass of the plane and later decided to take Mr Fieldsend for a flight Dr Lee Brown was to have flown the plane to Melbourne on Wednesday morning. He was to have been accompanied by his wife, who is also a pilot
Mr. Fieldsend left Maitland at 5 am this morning with his wife Mrs. Fieldsend remained In her husbands car while her husband went for the flight
Persons at the aerodrome did not see the plane strike the ground when it crashed as it was hidden from view by trees. After they had hurried to the scene they lifted Dr Lee Brown out but great difficulty was experienced in extricating Mr Fieldsend and part of the fuselage had to be cut away. Dr Lee Brown was conscious but he apparently found breathing difficult as he made several requests for oxygen. He was taken to the Royal South Sydney Hospital, where he died three hours after the accident. Mr Fieldsend was unconscious He was taken to St Georges Hospital. He died two hours after admittance.
Dr Lee Browns father was killed in the Greycliffe ferry disaster on Sydney Harbour some years ago. Dr Lee Brown was educated at Melbourne. His father had an extensive practice at Dandenong but he came to Sydney and practised at Kensington. Dr Lee Brown graduated at the Sydney University. He went to London and did 12 months work in hospitals there. Later he went to San Francisco Ho returned to Sydney in 1924 and went into partnership with Dr Gordon Craig in Macquarie street. KILLED IN 'PLANE CRASH (1934, April 3).The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10924248
Late Dr. Lee Brown
Mourners at St. James Church today, where service was held before the funeral of the late Dr. R. K. Lee Brown, victim of yesterday's ' plane crash. g. (See story Page 17.)
HIGH TRIBUTE
Dr. Lee Brown's Funeral
Medical, legal, business and sporting circles paid a high tribute to-day to the memory of Dr. Robert Kings-burg Lee Brown at a service at St. James Church, King-street, conducted by Rev. A. E. Rooke, assisted by Rev. W. Hume. Dr. lee Brown was killed yesterday in an aeroplane crash at Brighton-le-Sands.
Noted Urologist
Dr. Lee Brown was recognised throughout England and America as an exceptionally competent urologist. He was the senior urological surgeon on the honorary staffs of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, and had done much brilliant research work. Since the death of Dr. Gordon Craig, he had been director of the Department of urology, university of Sydney. He was a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and of the American College of Surgeons. After the service the funeral left for the Crematorium, Rookwood. Chief mourners were: — Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Jeffrey (uncle and aunt). Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Steer (uncle and aunt), Mr. A. Grace (uncle), Mr and Mrs. Evan Lewis (uncle and aunt). Mr. Victor Lewis (cousin), Mr. and Mrs. K. Shipway (cousins), Mr. H. and Miss L. Jeffrey (cousins), and Miss N. and M. Steer (cousins).
Among others present were: Justice Sir George Rich, Sir Thomas Bavin, Sir Samuel Walder, Sir Robert McAnderson, Commander G. J. Banks, Drs. F. A. Maguire, C. K. Parkinson, J. S. Furdy, William Chisholm, C. Verco, R. B. Wade, Sear, Digges la Touche, F. Brown-Craig, R. Stephens, C. H. Jaede, R. Davis, C. G. McDonald, C. K. Shearman, Keith Smith, Selby, Blackburn, Lilley, H. M. Cutter. W. Dight, L. S. Lowenthal, R. Noble, P. Parkinson, E. H. M. Stephen, G. Lindeman, A. J. Collins. A. Walker-Smith, R. Copeland Winn, J. Whitton Flynn, J. V. Hall-Best, Howard Bullock, Cotter Harvey, Cortis R. Hodgson, K. M. Coppleson, D. G. Maitland, H. Norrie, A. J. Gunning, L. E. Ellis, T. Farranridge, A. S. Walker, P. L. Hipsley, H. H. Bullmore, L. H, Hughes, M. McAlister Gregg, C. B. Goodwin, W. A. McDonald. H. V. Treacy, H. Schlink, O. Chapman, M. B. Fraser, W. Vicars, R. Scott-Skirving, L. Dods. Professors Dew and Wilkinson (Sydney University), the Commissioner of Police (Mr. Childs), Lt.-Col. Goldfinch (Salvation Army), Detective-Sergeant Nye, Messrs. A. Gale, J. Eve-Duff. S. H. Brady, J. H. Spark, D. R. Hall, A. W. Juneker, J. Davis, H. L. Brown, V. Selman, J. Travers, J. W. Baldock, A. E. Burgese, A. Davidson, P. R. Esplin, J. Evans. J. Walker, A. Stutchbury.
Messrs. J. E. Bardsley, W. J. Brien, A. L. Blythe, F. S. Steer, J. Wilson; R. Strange, G. Harper, Professor F. A. Todd, Messrs. L. Craig-Davidson, R. W. Nelson, G. Fonce-Allman, Charles Duval, J. B. Nielson, A. D. Swan, A. H. Allum, H. A. Clarke. Rev. A. Butler, Messrs. E. Lashmer, S. Larrln, T. E. Keene, A. J. Chown, J. L. Normoyle, L. V. Nodd. D. T. Hinchin, W. O. Douglass, R. A. Dallen, H. Millett, L. J. Darling, O. W. Rundle. J. J. L. Dunlop, A. T. Barton, D. S. Esplin, jun., J. Stuart Thom, J. B. Cray, D. H. Craig, T. V. Healey, F. Leverrier, K.C., F. & Leverrier, O. B. Hall, C. T. P. Ulm, G. U. Allen, S. J. Moir (president, N.S.W. Aero Club).
F. McMullen, M. D. Passmore, Jim Ferrier, H. Brown, O. H. Wines, Rev. A. W. Tonge, Messrs. John Herron, k. a. Fiavelle, C. W. McLcod, G. Smith, M. Lawson, W. H. L. Walter, G. D. Mac..ab, V. W. Covx, M. P. Allsopp, O. S. Robyns, L. A. Scandrett, W. G. Brown, J. Ewing, C. R. Cornwell. V. E. S. and S. J. Douglass, A. H. H. Padfield, H. L. Cross, J. H. Alvarez, A. H, and F. W. Hattersley, C. M. McDonald (Employers' Federation), H. W. Lloyd M.L.A., A. S. Norris, A. T. Taylor, F. E. Jones, R. T. Hilder, G. H. Smith. F. Walch, A. Duckworth, W. A. Selle, F. I. Williams. L. J. Herron, E. J. L. Davies, A. H. Noble, M. P. Aronson. E. M. Kelly, G. W. Kloster.
Messrs. J. F. Mant, L. R. and O. H. Oswald-Sealy, J. R. D. Scott, W. J. Rumble, J. Sclater. R. Shedden, F. Popplewell, W. Epps, G. L. Edwards, F. C. Miller, G. E. O. Lawless, E. F. Horton, and C. Delohery. HIGH TRIBUTE (1934, April 3). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 17 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230538608
DR. R. K. LEE-BROWN.
St James' Church King-street was crowded yesterday for the funeral service of Dr R K Lee Brown. The service was conducted by the Rev A E Rook of Newtown who was assisted by the Rev W Hume of St James's Church. The remains were cremated at Rookwood.
As the funeral arrived at the crematorium and while the last rites were being observed a squadron of aeroplanes from the Aero Club, Kingsford Smith Air Services Ltd and the De Havilland Aircraft Proprietary Ltd with several private planes manoeuvred in formation.
The chief mourners were Messrs R E Jeffrey, Alan Grace, Evan Lewis, FS Steere (uncles), Mrs. Jeffrey, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Steere, (aunts), Misses Horace Jeffrey and Victor Lewis, Misses Linda Jeffrey and Mavis Steere and Mr. and Mrs. K Shipway (cousins).
The medical profession was represented by Dr A J Collins (president of the NSW branch of the BMA), Drs Goodwin Hill, Lorimer Dods, R Scot Skirving, Alfred J Gibson, D D Loudon, R J Taylor, John Hosts, R Couplard Winn, Reginald Bridge, Grace Cuthbert, R I Furber, G A Hardwicke, F A E Lawes, Sir John McKelvey, Drs G H Abbott, Thos Butler, Raymond Green, RJ Silverton, Temple Smith, J M Banks, L Stanton-Cook G L O'Neill, H Bruce Williams, J Colvin Storey, Cecil B Goodwin, N M Gregg, L H Hughes, A W Morrow, Arthur L Dawson, J C Bellsaris, S H Lovett, F Farranridge, W P Wippell, A P Gunning, V M Coppleson, H H Bullmore, Herbert Schlink, Clement Chapman, M Britnell, Fraser, Wilfred Vickers, Cotter Harvey, H St Leger Moss, C W Bruce, P L Hipsley, J W Flynn, J V Hall Best, F A Maguire, Cortis R Hodgson, D G Maitland, Harold Norrie, F Brown Craig, H M Cutler (representing Dr W B Dight), Wilfred Dight, Philip Parkinson, E H M Stephen, E V Barling, L S Lowenthal, Grant Lindeman, A Walker Smith, C K Parkinson, Allan S Walker, L E Ellis, J S Purdy, H J Daly, Herbert Sear, Digges La Touche, Colin Ross, H C Adams, H T H Wardlaw, E Steigrad, K Maddox, A J Cunningham, T N Bolger, William Chisholm, John Halliday, Bradley W Wood, W A McDonald, H Leadley, L Teece, A Aspinall (Sydney Hospital), T Y Nelson ,V Walker, D Nickey, B Langdon, C L Macintosh, B Blomfield, A L Lyell, W Bye, B Hittmann, W MacDonald, S Selby, Mr Maurice Joseph (representing Sydney Medical Society, Sydney University), Dr A E Allum (represented by Mr A H Allum), Dr J W T Laidley (representing the honorary medical staff Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children), Mr R M Clark (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital), Mr John Travers M L C (Sydney Hospital).
Representatives of golf clubs were Messrs A W H Padfield, J Walker, D Finlayson, Stewart Edwin Davies, A E Burgess, G H Alderton, J Drysdale, and C Maughan (Australian), R Shedden (Concord), Maxwell J Lawson (Killara), T M Fitzsimons (Manly), F Walshe (Moore Park), G Brown (Bonnie Doon), C H Horton (Pymble), A T Barton (Lakes), A H Noble (Royal Sydney), W E Bain and W J Rumble (N S W Golf Council), J C Bell (Golf In Australia), J Irving (representing the golf professionals).
Airmen who attended were Squadron Leader Bell, Mr A W L Ellis (president Australian Flying Corps Association), Flight Lieutenant S J Moir (president Aero Club), Messrs A A Rankin (Newcastle Aero Club), OTP Ulm, G U Allen.
Others present were Mr Justice Sir George Rich, Sir Thomas Havin, Sir Robert Murray Anderson, Sir Allen Taylor, Sir George Julius, Sir John Vicars, Sir Samuel Walder, Mr Walter A Selle (representing Dr Wallace, Vice Chancellor of the University), Professor Dew, Professor Wilkinson, Professor F R Todd, the Commissioner of Police (Mr W H Childs), Alderman Arthur McElhone, Lieut Colonel J Sclater, Messrs W W Hill chairman, T T Manning secretary, and J Saunders (Tattersall's Club), Mrs Henry Davis (Newtown Free Kindergarten), Mr Paul Ross (commodore Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron), Revs A Butler, James Marshall, J Whelan and A W Tonge, Dr R Noble, Messrs Alfred Gale, E P Houghton, R P Walker, C Donoghue, OH O'Brien, C A Hardwick, J E Donoghue, H M Sandy, T G Murray M L C, W G Fisher, H F Odbert, D A Tell, H C Cutler, G Keith Bain, Edward Edwards, E S Wolfenden, L A Scandrett, Claude Healy, Percy Hunter, E A Finlay, John B Joyce, P Spraggon, C A Evans, E J L Davies, B M Welch, A P Mackerras, L R Oswald-Sealy, H B Treacy, J Stuart Thom, Fred Popplewell, T Bowden Newsom, F E Jones, A S Norris, II W Lloyd M L A, E Lashmar, William Epps, R R Bruce, P Sydney Jones jun, Rowley Bull, N S Collie, Alan Box, H C Wilson, J P Hardy, R A Dickson, W Giffney, G J Banks, F J L Dunlop, T O Millln, W C Douglass, A Brown, E R Mitchell, L F Anivitti, Halse Millett, R A Dallen, J R D Scott, J T Mant, C H Oswald Sealy, C Saunders, J B Nelson, G Harper, L J Darling, A Duckworth, F L Williams, L J Herron, M F Aronson, W J O Brien, E M Kelly, G W Kloster, James Wilson, R Stranger, W J Baldock, C Plowman, R W Nelson, Richardson Clark, G H Smith, R T Hilder, F E Jones, A T Taylor, A S Norris, A H Hattersley, H W Hattersley, C M McDonald, J A Alvarez, H L Cross, S J Douglass, VES Douglass, O R Cornwell, H A Clarke, John Ewing, C W Macleod, Mrs Ellen Webster, M L C Mabel, F Spencer (ATNA), Messrs W M Webster, W H Boreham, C H Horton, G M Brown, C Kerr, G O Kelynack, C G Gates, J C Barkell, C M Ryan, J C Henderson, Colin Walker, S E Chatterton, H C Bartley, C A Aikman, F O Ebsworth, W R Bennett, B G Hartman, F H Pearson, R H Carlisle, M P Allsopp, O B Hall, W. Lowe Jun, G E Edwards, R Cran, E Irwin, Eric Bradley, WT O'Mara, W H Eggerton, F C Webb, - Creagh, W H Walter, N Thomas ML A, L Haughton, V Cox, H B Archbold, B J Colvin, A Greenaway, Don Esplín Jun, J Allerton, K McQueen, P Williams, M Farlam, G Dennett, H E Kater, T A Ferguson, Andrew Wilson, A W Gale, H J Hynes, J Ferrier, M Passmore, S H Brady, J H Spark, D R Hall, L Rohner, A W Juncker, R W Winning, H Lindeman Brown, V Selman, P R Esplín, A Davidson, J E Bardsley, J Evans, Arthur Stutchberry, W D Robson, O Duval, N Marsden, A D Swan, S Larrin, T E Keene, A J Chown, J L Normoyle, E C Lawless, J Edye-Duff, S Shipway, Lieut-Colonel Goldfinch (Salvation Army), Detective sergeant Nye. DR. R. K. LEE-BROWN. (1934, April 4).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17072080
Ailsa's mother in law later remarried, wedding a gentleman who had attended her son's funeral. Arthur Earl Stutchbury, a widower, was an auctioneer and dealer in fine arts.
STUTCHBURY-LEE BROWN -October 12, 1939 at St. Stephen's Church, Newtown, by the Rev. A. E. Rook, Arthur Earl Stutchbury of Thalassa, Fitzwilliam Road, Vaucluse, to Ada Mary Lee Brown of Arkay Wentworth Road, Vaucluse. Family Notices (1939, October 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17629936
These photos so soon after the loss of your husband; some with unfeeling headlines, and reported nationwide, must have added more pain for ailsa and the family of her hsuband:
Smashed Near Mascot (1934, April 3). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236634654
FATAL AEROPLANE CRASH AT MASCOT.
Dr. R. K. Lee Brown (pilot) and Mr. T. Fieldsend were killed when this Gipsy Moth 'plane crashed on the bank of Muddy Creek, near Mascot Aerodrome, yesterday morning.
FATAL AEROPLANE CRASH AT MASCOT. (1934, April 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17077390
600FT. CRASH
Moth 'Plane Wrecked
TWO KILLED
Dr. Lee Brown and Maitland Resident
SYDNEY, Monday.
Another fatal air crash occurred today when a D.H. Gipsy Moth crashed into soft ground at North Brighton-le Sands and was wrecked. The victims were Thomas Fieldsend, of East Maitland, and Dr. R. K. Lee Brown, the well-known golfer, who was piloting the machine. Both died after their admission to hospital.
Fieldsend, who lived in Young-street, East Maitland, was 27 years of age. He married nine months ago, and with his wife motored to Sydney this morning. The machine, which had only recently arrived from England, was flying at a height of 600ft. when it fell into a tail spill and crashed at a high speed...
The impact was terrific, and the sound was heard a considerable distance away. The machine was smashed to pieces, and when rescuers reached the spot they had to cut away broken parts 'to release the two men.
Lee Brown had a fractured ankle and fractured ribs, internal injuries, and serious injuries to the head. Mr. Fieldsend, who wore a Newcastle Aero Club badge, received a fractured skull, and fractures to both legs.
While Dr. Lee Brown was being taken to hospital, ambulance officers strapped a special splint to his ankle, the doctor giving them instructions despite his agony. As the journey progressed his breathing became laboured, and he asked for oxygen,' but this could not be given until the hospital was reached. His death occurred some hours later.
CAUSE OF CRASH
When rescuers reached the scene of the crash, Inspector Johnson, of the Civil Aviation Department, who is recovering from a crash from some time ago, asked Dr. Lee Brown how the accident occurred. Dr. Lee Brown replied that he could not get the machine out of the spin.
Some years ago Dr. Lee Brown lost his father in the Greycliff disaster. After studying medicine and surgery in Australia, England and America, Dr. Lee Brown became interested in golf and showing a remarkable aptitude for the game he soon forced his way into the front rank. He had played in interstate and the Kirk-Windeyer matches, and had been captain of the Australian club for a number of years. It was only recently that he became interested in aviation.
It is believed he intended to purchase the machine and fly it to Melbourne. In the crash it was smashed beyond repair, both wings being torn away, the front portion splintered into matchwood, and the cockpits crushed in. the engine became embedded in the ground. 600FT. CRASH (1934, April 3). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139872853
Plane Crash
Dr. Robert Kingsbury Lee Brown, a well-known Macquarie street' specialist and prominent golfer, and Mr. Thomas Fieldsend, a pottery manufacturer, of East Maitland, were fatally injured when a Moth aeroplane, piloted by Dr. Lee Brown, crashed on the banks of Muddy Creek, North Brighton, about 11 . 30 o'clock on Monday morning. 'Plane Crash (1934, April 5). Delegate Argus (NSW : 1906 - 1943), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122880221
AIR TRAGEDY AT BRIGHTON-LE-SANDS.
A little before noon on Monday last, April 2, a new Moth aeroplane, piloted by Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown, crashed into marshy ground at North Brighton-le-Sands, Botany Bay, with fatal results. Both Dr. Lee-Brown, who was well known in Sydney medical and golfing circles, and Thomas Fieldsend, an East Maitland business man, died shortly after the crash, as the result of the terrible injuries they had received.
On the previous day Sunday, April 1 two passengers were killed when an aeroplane crashed into the sand dunes on the beach at Evan s Head, on the North Coast. The passengers were Raymond Woolley (22), and Roy James McGregor Dunn (19), both of Lismore. The pilot, Jason Hassard, was seriously injured. AIR TRAGEDY AT BRIGHTON-LE-SANDS. (1934, April 4). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 60. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166103174
FUNERAL OF DR. LEE BRQWN
BRILLIANT SPECIALIST
Dr. LEE BROWN was known in England and America for his work as a urologist, and he held the senior urologist's position, on honorary staffs of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children. He was director of the Department of Urology at the University.
FUNERAL OF DR. LEE BROWN (1934, April 4). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236638043
Dr. R K. Lee-Brown
Prominent Medical Man and Golfer
THE medical and golfing worlds of Sydney are the poorer by the passing of Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown, whose tragic death as the result of an aeroplane crash was referred to in last week's issue. Dr. Lee-Brown was a brilliant medical man, specialising in urology. He was known for his skill in this department in California also, and a visiting medical man from that country. Dr. S. H. McPherson, said that the profession had been deprived of a leading urologist.
Dr. Lee-Brown was approaching his 39th year, but only his intimate friends would have been aware of his age, as he looked years younger. Born in Scotland, both his parents were Australians. His father, Dr. LeeBrown, senr., was one of the passengers who perished in the Greycliffe ferry disaster in 1927. The younger member of the family was educated in Melbourne, and later, on the removal of the family to Sydney, graduated at the Sydney University, afterwards spending twelve months in hospitals in London. Later he went to San Francisco and worked under a prominent urologist, Dr. Frank Hinman, returning to Sydney in 1924 to go into partnership with Dr. Gordon Craig, of Macquarie-street. The new member of the partnership quickly earned a reputation among his medical colleagues. He subsequently married a daughter of Dr. Craig-
To the sporting public Dr. Lee-Brown won prominence as a leading golfer. He was built on small lines, but few could get the same length from the tees he did with his irons. Unfortunately, his putting was the weak chain in his armour. He was aware of this and spent hours of practice on the greens; but he could not rid himself of the inferiority complex which robbed him of the highest prizes in the golfing world.
DR. LEE-BROWN was a member of the Australian Club at Kensington, and was captain of the A grade team. He learnt to play at an early age, and was only 17 years of age when he won the Australian Club championship. Of late years he has taken a very keen interest in the junior members of the club, and those younger members of the club feel they have lost a very sincere friend. He and Jim Ferrier won the Killara foursome championship last year.
THE late player was of a rather retiring disposition and gave the impression that he was distinctly nervous, though once he was known he was a cheerful personality. He was popular with his own intimate circle of friends, and they feel his loss keenly.
DR. LEE-BROWN was an enthusiastic airman, an enthusiasm which was shared by his wile. He had arranged to fly to Melbourne the day fatal crash. Fellow-airmen paid a tribute to him... during the last rites at Rookwood Crematorium. The medical and golfing worlds were strongly represented at the ceremony.
LATE DR. R. K. LEE-BROWN.
Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown (1934, April 11). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166105065
Dr. Lee-Brown's Death.
"'PLANE IN NORMAL ORDER."
Evidence that the 'plane in which Dr. Robert Kingsbury Lee-Brown, 39, and Tom Biltcliffe Fieldsend, 27, crashed to their deaths near Muddy Creek, off Eve-street, Rockdale, on April 2, was in normal condition on the morning of the accident, was given at the City Coroner's Court yesterday.
Allen Murray Jones, manager of the De Havilland Aircraft Proprietary. Ltd., at Mascot Aerodrome, said that the machine, a new D.H. Moth, was received from England on March 20, Witness had tested it, and it had been flown by a number of pilots.
"I had flown the 'plane twice on the morning of the accident," said witness, "and I tended it over to Dr. Lee-Brown about 11 am. I knew that he had a B class certificate for flying. I did not see him to the machine. He had flown our machines on numerous occasions. The machine was normal when I took it up."
Thomas Edmund Johnson, senior Inspector of aircraft, employed by the Civil Aviation , branch at Mascot, after describing the difficulties in which he saw the 'plane, said he examined all parts possible of the 'plane after the crash, but, apart from the damage due
To the accident, he could find no defect.
“I don't know why the nose went up, but it looked like an Intentional manoeuvre," said witness, "but I cannot think that the doctor would do that from the height. Dr. Lee-Brown was a competent pilot a far as I knew There was no dual-control in this machine."
The Coroner (Mr. H. H. Farrington) found the two men died from injuries accidentally received owing to the aeroplane, of which Lee-Brown was pilot and Fieldsend a passenger, crashing. FATAL CRASH. (1934, April 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17072260
AIR FATALITY
Verdict Of Accidental Death
SYDNEY, Tuesday.
The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death after an inquest on Dr. D. K. Lee-Brown, 39, and T. B. Fieldsend, 27 victims of the 'plane crash at Brighton-le-sands on Easter Monday.
Evidence was given by the senior Aircraft Inspector (Johnson) that the plane commenced to go into a spin at 600 feet and the pilot was unable to correct it. Brown, he said, was a competent pilot. AIR FATALITY (1934, April 11). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2346237
MEDICO-GOLFER KILLED
THE LATE Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown, who was killed when a plane crashed at Brighton. He was a prominent golfer as well as medical man. MEDICO-GOLFER KILLED (1934, April 12).New Call (Perth, WA : 1931 - 1934), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210852710
LATE DR. LEE-BROWN.
The estate of Dr Robert Kingsbury Lee-Brown, who was killed when an aeroplane crashed at Brighton-le-Sands on April 2, has been sworn for probate at £8,094. By a will of a few lines Dr Lee-Brown bequeathed his estate to his widow and appointed her sole executrix. LATE DR. LEE-BROWN. (1934, June 15).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17085183
according to many reports Ailsa rarely flew again.
The Craig family, although clearly quite private, had an ethos of getting on with it; making yourself go through the motions while shock abates or paying tribute to someone who had a passion for life by taking up and continuing a passion for life in their honour through getting on with what had already been set in motion:
MOST of the well-known women painters of all the States will be represented at an interesting exhibition, arranged by the Women Artists of Australia, which is to be held during July at the Education Buildings. Mrs. A. Stephens and Miss Myrtle Innes, are the organising secretaries, and the committee includes Misses Ailsa Lee-Brown, Juanita Job, and Valerie Lazarus.
ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE (1934, June 3). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229214540
The gentleman whom the Lee-Browns had had so much contact, and who apparently was a friend of long-standing of the Lee-Brown family,:
Commencing on Tuesday, 13th March, Mr. O. T, P. Ulm, using his famous monoplane, 'Faith In Australia,' will Inaugurate a new Sydney to Brisbane air service. The 'Faith in Australia' will have accommodation for ten passengers, and pilots for the service will be Mr. C. T. P. Ulm, Mr. G. U. (Scotty) Allan, and Captain P. G. Taylor. The service will operate on a bi-weekly schedule, leaving Sydney on Tuesday and Friday, and returning from Brisbane on Wednesday and Saturday, The fare one way will be £6/10/.Farmer and Settler (Sydney, NSW : 1906 - 1955), Thursday 8 March 1934, page 13
George 'Scotty' Allan was based at Brisbane, but a flight to Sydney on a Saturday that returned a few days later left time to catch up with old friends. Just over a year after she lost her first husband Ailsa married the gentleman she had known for years and learnt to fly through:
ROMANCE OF AVIATION
G. U. ALLAN WEDS MRS. LEE BROWN 'PLANE HONEYMOON
SYDNEY, Saturday.
Mr. G. U. ("Sotty") Allan, the well-known airman, who is now flying the Brisbane-Singapore air man, was married at 11.30 a.m. to day at the Gordon Craig Home-stead at Binnaway to Mrs. Ailsa Lee Brown.
They will have an aerial honeymoon, a flying tour of two States. Mr. Allan for years was a great friend of the Lee Brown family before Dr. R. K. Lee Brown tragically crashed when flying a Moth 'plane over Brighton-le-Sands in April last year. Mrs. Lee Brown, the widow is also a flier, having taken an 'A' pilot's license. She has done little flying since the death of Dr. Lee Brown. Today's wedding was at the Ulinda property, "Yarrogin,'' of Dr. Gordon Craig, whose daughter is the bride. ROMANCE OF AVIATION (1935, June 22).The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166091331
Flying Couple Wed in N.S.W.
SYDNEY, Saturday. — Mrs. Ailsa Lee Brown, the widow of Dr. R. K. Lee Brown, who tragically crashed at Brighton Le Sands in April, 1934, was quietly married today at Binnaway (New South Wales) to Mr. G. U. ('Scotty') Allen, the well-known airman, now flying on the Brisbane-Singapore air mail route. Mr. Allen was a close friend of Dr. and Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Allen is also a flier, having an A pilot's licence, and the pair will have a flying honeymoon in two States. The bride is the daughter of Dr. Gordon Craig, and the wedding was held at his property. Mrs. J. F. Chambers, sister of the bride, was matron of honor, and the best man was Mr. A. Baird, chief engineer of Qantas-Empire Airways. Mr. and Mrs. Allen will make their home in Brisbane. Flying Couple Wed in N.S.W. (1935, June 22). The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57009571
MR. AND MRS. G. U. ALLAN photographed after their marriage at the Gordon-Craig homestead, Ulinda, near Binnaway, New South Wales. The bridegroom is the well-known air mail pilot on the Brisbane— Singapore route, and the bride was formerly Mrs. Ailsa Lee Brown. No title (1935, June 25). The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36771694
One Sydney Mail report states Ailsa is wearing a bright yellow dress in the above photograph.
Ailsa moved north to live in Brisbane after her marriage, completing some fine woodcuts while there. Her husband features in quite a few Brisbane golf articles during this period, and afterwards. He was also among those pilots who went searching for the gentleman whop brought him to Australia in the first place, Charles Kingsford-Smith:
"SCOTTY" ALLAN TO JOIN SEARCH
WILL PILOT QANTAS DH86 RESERVE 'PLANE STILL NO SIGN OF KINGSFORD SMITH
Though three bomber 'planes and C. J. Melrose, in his own 'plane, made another intensive search of the islands and coast between Rangoon and Victoria Point yesterday, they found no sign of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Mr. T. Pethybridge. A Qantas Empire Airways D.H.86 machine, now at Singapore, will join in the search, and will be piloted by Kingsford Smith's old comrade, Captain G. U. ("Scotty") Allan.
Mr. Hudson Fysh, managing director of Qantas Empire Airways, said yesterday that the Controller of Civil Aviation (Captain C. E. Johnson) has requested the company to join in the search, and he had for-warded instructions to Singapore that the reserve DH86 stationed there should begin searching for the missing aviators this morning. Captain Allan would probably pilot the machine.
Old Comrades of Air
It is a coincidence that Captain Allan should be the Qantas Empire Airways pilot to join in the search for Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, for the two are old comrades of the air, and associates in several notable feats of aviation. Chief of these occurred towards the end of 1931, when they were associated in carrying the first air mail to England, and the first return mail in the new year of 1932. It was an undertaking in which perilous incidents occurred on both the outward and the return trips.
Allan left Australia in charge of the Southern Sun, which was wrecked at Alor Star—in the vicinity where Kingsford Smith is now missing—and Kingsford Smith flew to his rescue in the Southern Star. They took the mails on to England in this second machine, and when leaving England had the misfortune to alight in a fog in an orchard. Repairs were effected, and the mails, were brought on to Australia.
Fruitless Search
A message from Singapore yesterday stated that three Vildebeests (bomber planes) and Mr. C. J. Melrose took off at dawn to search all the islands and the coast between Rangoon and Victoria Point. Melrose intended to search the place where he thought he saw the Lockheed Altair 'plane in the Bay of Bengal when he was flying to Singapore. The officer in charge of the Vildebeests sent a wireless message last night stating that the 'planes had ar-rived at Rangoon after having made a thorough search of the Bay of Bengal without success. The Vildebeests and Melrose's 'plane had searched the coast and all islands westward of Siam with-out success, and all would resume the search at dawn. The flying boats were making a wider sweep over the route. The Australian Government has sent a message to Air Commodore Sidney Smith warmly thanking him for his search efforts. Air Commodore Smith says he will continue searching as long as there is the faintest hope of success. The Commonwealth has also authorised the use of a Qantas DH86 'plane now at Singapore, and that 'plane will take off at dawn for Mergui (South Burma).
"Scotty" Allan
The jungle sweeps down to the sea, practically from Java to Calcutta. A typical scene on the Malayan coast.
"SCOTTY" ALLAN TO JOIN SEARCH (1935, November 12). The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article35930170
MISSING AVIATORS
Mr. G. U. Allan Thinks They Are Dead
BRISBANE Monday.—Mr. G. U. Allan, who arrived at Longreach yesterday after-noon, with the Qantas Empire Airways mail plane Melbourne, is of opinion that Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith and Mr. T. Pethybridge are dead. He said that he had taken part in the search for the miss-ing men and he had flown about 3,000 miles. He discounted reports that flares had been seen by various persons, even Mr. C. J. Melrose's report that he had seen fire spurting from the exhaust of Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith's plane. His belief was that the light of a ship on the horizon was probably mistaken for the exhaust trail of an aeroplane. He was convinced that nobody had seen Klngs-ford-Smith's 'plane after it had left Allahabad.
MISSING AVIATORS (1935, December 3). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11860591
There were visits to Palm Beach, her daughter still finishing her schooling years:
PALM BEACH LETTER
AN almost holy calm has pervaded the beach all the week, such an exodus has there been, and there is just a sprinkling of gay umbrellas shading the Warwick Fairfaxes, George Campbells, the Dr. Mackays, Dr. Blakemores, the Marcus Griffins, and the erstwhile Gordon Craig sisters, Mrs. Chambers, of Melbourne, and Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen. PALM BEACH LETTER (1936, February 9). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 29. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169594285
Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen has taken Mitzi back to school, and will then head for Brisbane, so we shall not see her for a while. PALM BEACH LETTER (1936, February 16). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169589655
Pilot Allan Missed Flyers
How close in his search for the missing Rapide plane and its crew, he must have passed to the spot where they were found yesterday in North Australia, was related to-day by Captain G. U. Allan when he arrived at Archerfield in charge of the overseas airmail liner Brisbane.
CAPTAIN C. U. ALLAN photographed to-day on, his arrival a( Archerfield with the air mail liner Brisbane. Captain Allan participated in the search for the missing aviators in North Australia.
With a Qantas-Empire Airways Commonwealth class airliner. Captain Allan assisted for several days in the search for the Rapide. "I must have missed them by a whisker," he told a representative of "The Telegraph" to-day. "The search was divided up between the machines available. 1 was allocated to a triangular area adjoining that allocated to the Hawker Demons of the -Royal. Australian Air Force which Actually made the discovery. According to the bearings given, it must have been just off my section. I could not have actually flown over the spot, but 1 must have been very close, for rt. made several flights out that way. ss well as a number, out from Newcastle Waters. "The country is heavily timbered, and unless one passed exceedingly close to the spot the plane on the ground would escape notice." SKETCHED THE SEARCH. Captain Allan took a pencil from his pocket, and on a pad of paper supplied by "The Telegraph" reporter sketched quickly an outline of the country illustrating 'the situation of the missing plane, which was given as 40 miles on a bearing 300 degrees from Murangai waterholes. H4 also showed roughly the areas covered' by himself and the R.A.A.F, planes during the search, and indicated the flights which he had made from Daly Waters.'
Captain Allan's - own rough sketch of the- allocation of areas for the Searching, for the , missing flyers. The shaded triangle was the area allocated to 'him, that enclosed in heavy black lines being covered by the R.A.A.F. Hawker Demon machines which found the plane. Captaiji Allan also made flights in the directions indicated by light dotted lines.
Pilot Allan Missed Flyers (1936, April 23).The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), p. 8 (SECOND EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183385219
The Allans then moved home to Palm Beach, to The Cabin, and Ailsa returned to her passion for the creative world.
Mrs. G. U. Allan, who is the wife of Captain Allan, the well known aviator on the Singapore route, has since her marriage been residing in Ascot, Brisbane, but has now decided to make her home in Sydney. She intends to refurnish and redecorate the house at Palm Beach, which was the seaside home of her parents, the late Dr. Gordon Craig and Mrs. Craig. A Few Lines to Say. (1937, April 17). The Courier-Mail(Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36887917
WOMEN ARTISTS.
Miss Thea Proctor's Views.
"A woman who has the care of a home and family needs special courage and determination to practise an art which gives her self-expression," said Miss Thea Proctor, in opening an exhibition of water-colours and engravings by Ailsa Allan and Gladys Gibbons at the Macquarie Galleries yesterday.
"An artist's work is often discouraging enough when one can give one's whole life to it," she added.
Miss Proctor attacked slavish devotion to technique, which, she said, was often made such a fetish among art authorities, artists, and students. Technique was placed before imagination, a knowledge of design or taste. In this exhibition, however, there was taste in selection and a knowledge of design as well as sound technique. WOMEN ARTISTS. (1937, May 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17368023
MRS. G. U. ALLAN, (known as Ailsa Allan in the art world), who left Brisbane a little while ago for Sydney, is in the midst of an exhibition of her paintings there at present. She and Gladys Gibbons have combined in a show in the Macquarie Galleries, and Thea Proctor opened it last Thursday afternoon. After the opening Dr. and Mrs. Sweelapple gave a 5 to 7 party at their new home in Double Bay for Mrs. Allan, who is going to live at Palm Bench, and has been having the family home (she was one of the Gordon Craigs) there done up. IN AND OUT OF BRISBANE (1937, May 16). Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97893521
House next door. 1937. Ailsa Allan; wood-engraving, printed in black ink, from one block
MACQUARIE GALLERIES.
Ailsa Allan includes some light and graceful work among the engravings which she is exhibiting at the Macquarie Galleries. A particularly original example is "Open, Please!" The picture shows what meets the eye of a dentist's patient as she leans back in the chair. In the foreground, the dentist's hands, very large, hold the long-handled mirror and the drill. Further one, the patient's left hand clutches the arm of the chair. Further away still, her feet, askew in the agitation of the moment, press against the foot-rest. In the background, through the window, stand two of the Macquarie-street palms.
This engraving strikes the note for all the others; for the series bespeaks an alert mind and a flair for what is pictorially effective.
Sharing the walls with Mrs. Allan's work are 19 watercolours by Gladys Gibbons. Mrs. Gibbons is discreet in her use of colour, and generally harmonious in effect. She does not, however, reveal any particular profundity of thought. The exhibition will be opened to-morrow afternoon by Miss Thea Proctor. ART EXHIBITIONS. (1937, May 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17367352
Pittwater. 1937. Ailsa Allan; wood-engraving, printed in black ink, from one block
Mrs. Scotty Allen is up to her eyes in work, getting reinstalled in her home, which for some time past, has been undergoing extensive alterations. It is very lovely now. Spotlight on Society (1938, October 4).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230815610
Quite the 'piece de resistance' on the beach was Gregory Blaxland, who endeavored to change from the legal to the medical fraternity, by doing a spot of massage as he oiled the backs and arms of .several women-folk of the party. It was apparent that the patients enjoyed the fun as much as the masseur. In the party were Mrs. Gregory Blaxland. Mrs. Scotty Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Hans Joachim Meyer, and that alluring sub-deb., Mitzi Lee Brown. The JOTTINGS (1938, December 25).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169086533
An insight into home life at Palm Beach:
Allan's first wife, Ailsa, was an artist, and his stepdaughter was Mitty Lee-Brown, who was a student of Dobell's when he took a teaching job at East Sydney Technical College. Dobell became a friend of Ailsa's, and he would visit her and Scotty at their home at Palm Beach, on Sydney's northern beaches. Scotty bought a number of Dobell’s London paintings, including an over-the-shoulder observational piece from 1933, Watching Hyde Park Speakers, and Dust Cart created from one of Dobell’s most comfortable positions…
Scotty’s second wife, Barbara, remembers him telling her he bought the paintings when ‘Bill was a bit broke’.
'He got those [paintings] for about £5, or something,’ Barbara Allan says.
In his autobiography, Scotty Allan wrote about how ‘difficult’ it was to buy the paintings, because Dobell ‘wouldn’t sell them, even though he was broke moist of the time. I really had to kid him into selling me some’.
Study for 'Captain G.U. 'Scotty' Allan'- 1941, by William Dobell - 1941 Archibald finalist
One day Dobell asked Richard Kingsland (later Sir)if he could paint his portrait…
He thought no more of it until he was invited to Scotty Allan's Palm Beach home and there, in the dining room, he saw the portrait painted by Dobell. To watch Scotty carving the roast below his own portrait was 'a fascinating sight'. Looking back on his rejection of Dobell's offer, Richard Kingsland ruefully concluded that it was one of ‘the biggest mistakes’ he had ever made.
Allan’s stepdaughter also once owned a significant Dobell – and she almost lost it. One time when Mitty Lee-Brown was moving house, Gwen Friend, Donald’s sister, gave her a hand. After surveying the living room Mitty declared it was empty. Gwen noticed a picture above the fireplace.
‘I said “Mitt, are you going to leave that there?” “Oh, I almost forgot.”
It was the Irish Youth!' Gwen says.
Extracts from Bill: The Life of William Dobell. By Scott Bevan. 2014. Simon and Schuster.
The Irish Youth 1938 - William Dobell Australia
Photo: Dancers from the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet with two Australian friends at Bungan Beach, NSW, nla.obj-149943380-1 courtesy National Library of Australia - This is actually Palm Beach - Ailsa is the lady sitting on the bench with her back to camera
Top: Dancers from the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet with two Australian friends at Bungan Beach (actually Palm Beach), NSW, left to right, Jean (Jan) Hoyer, Anna Skarpa (Skarova) (girl crouching), Nathalie Branitzka, unidentified dancer, the two friends (with hat; Ailsa Allan - nee Craig), and Igor Youskevitch, 1936 or 1937] - Part of Dr Ewan Murray-Will's album of photographs of performers from the Ballets Russes, on tour in Australia, 1936-1937 nla.obj-149943187-1 Courtesy National Library of Australia.
Tamara Tchinarova (left) and Nina Youchkevitch (centre) from the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet standing with an unknown woman at Bungan (Palm) Beach, NSW, between 1936-1937] [picture] nla.obj-149942787-1
The above misnamed photos of Ballet Dancers at Bungan can now be identified as being at Palm Beach. Why - as Aisla's daughter Juanita (Mitty) Lee-Brown was also passionate about the Arts and Ballet Dancers:
Those who recognise the top photo (January 2018 - Palm Beach) will also recognise the location of the photo benaeth it. Add these items (below) and you have the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, staying at The Cabin (known locally as The Pink House).
In 1938 Captain Allan went to England to study flying-boat techniques and returned to Sydney in the flying boat Coolangatta. Ailsa, it would appear, went with him and 'popped over' to New York;
Quite a party with Otis Pearce and Sono Osato doing the Big Apple . . . Hera Roberts, Mrs. Scotty Allen, Arnold Haskell, Roman Jasinsky, Kyra Strakhova, and Jimmy and Prudence Dickson. The Whole Town Goes A-Partying: Off To Melbourne For Big Society Wedding (1938, December 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1 (WOMENS SECTION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231136070
The only ones who seemed unconcerned about the said scare were members of the Ballet. The 'Scotty' Allans entertained a number of them over the Week-end. And can they swim? I was amazed — long, sleek, black hair in their eyes and all — and how natural they all are together. Palm Beach Letter (1940, February 4).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 39. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169104465
Ailsa, as can be read, was in charge of the Red Cross Palm Beach workers, enlisting her daughter's help. Some added context for ballet dancer visitors at Palm Beach:
War has inevitably brought much of Sydney's night life to a standstill. Large dances and entertainments for our local charities have been shelved. But on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal, Sydney will see its loveliest women and newest frocks, present at the gala ballet performance in aid of Lady Gowrie's Red Cross appeal.
Exclusively pictured on this page, from the studio of John Lee, are four of the girls who will sell flowers in the theatre foyer. Above are MITTY LEE-BROWN and SHEILA TONKIN. Below are ALISON ADAMS and RADA PENFOLD HYLAND. MISS MITTY LEE-BROWN. Jottings (1940, February 11). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 39. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169114848
Last weekend I returned to Palm Beach. That place gets into the hair — with all its temptations. I was staying nice and neighborly to Mrs. Scotty Allen and was lucky enough to be invited to her home, which in my humble opinion is all that is lovely. Her daughter, Mittie Lee Brown, was entertaining some of the ballet, Jazirisky, Lifar and Osato. So, in an: atmosphere conducive to intimacy, we all aired our French in its varying degrees of imperfection. Andrea's Page Two (1940, February 25).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2 (WOMENS SECTION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231233362
Roman Jasinski (1907, in Warsaw – 16 April 1991 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) was a Polish ballet dancer who performed from 1933–1950 with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. A premier danseur, he was recognized for his elegance and style. After retiring from performing, he and his wife Moscelyne Larkin founded a ballet school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and in 1956, theTulsa Ballet. It is one of numerous regional companies founded by former members of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.
Sono Osato (born August 29, 1919 in Omaha, Nebraska) is an American dancer and actress of Japanese and European descent.
Tamara Tchinarova Finch (also tr. Chinarova; born Tamara Rekemchuk, July 18, 1919 – August 31, 2017), was a ballet dancer of Armenian, Georgian and Ukrainian descent. During the 1940s Tchinarova contributed significantly to the development of fledgling Australian dance companies, including the Kirsova Ballet and the Borovansky Ballet. After retiring from dancing, she worked as a Russian/English interpreter for touring ballet companies, including the Australian Ballet, and as a dance writer. In 1943, she married actor Peter Finch and worked with him on a number of films. They had a daughter, Anita, born in 1949. Tchinarova and Finch had moved to London, where she was based until 2004, when she retired to Spain to be with her family. They divorced in 1959, after she discovered his affair with actress Vivien Leigh in California.
Dissolution of Ballets Russes and formation of Ballets Russe de Monte Carlo
The company's name is derived from the Ballets Russes of impresario Sergei Diaghilev. The last season of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes was 1929, during which it toured and performed in both London, England, and Paris, France. During the final season, it produced the new ballets The Prodigal Son and Le Bal. The company performed for the final time in London at the Covent Garden Theatre on July 26, 1929. Diaghliev died of complications from diabetes a month later, on August 19, 1929.
In 1931, with the help from financier Serge Denham, René Blum and Colonel Wassily de Basil formed the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. The company toured extensively throughout Europe and Australia, visiting Australia in 1936–37, 1938–39, and 1939–40.[1] During his visit to Australia, de Basil commissioned work from Australians, especially from designers, who included Sidney Nolan and Kathleen and Florence Martin. He also instigated a design competition for an original Australian ballet, which was won by Donald Friend with designs for a ballet based on a fictitious event in the life of Ned Kelly. A number of dancers stayed in Australia, including Kira Bousloff, who went on to found the West Australian Ballet.
Visit: THE BALLET RUSSES AND THEIR FRIENDS IN AUSTRALIA by George Repin - Pittwater Online News, Issue 76, September 2012
That her Summer home became her year round home is established through images and articles such as;
Palm Beach in Winter
MRS. "SCOTTY" ALLEN, wife of the well-known air pilot, who takes a keen and active interest in the arts and crafts, spent the week-end at The Cabin, Palm Beach, preparing woodcuts for her contribution to the Contemporary Art Exhibition. SYDNEY AMATEUR ICE BALLET: PALM BEACH IN THE WINTER. (1939, June 15).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17614457
CAPTAIN G. U. ALLAN JOINS R.A.A.F.
Captain G. U. Allan, the Qantas Empire flying boat pilot, yesterday joined the Royal Australian Air Force with the rank of flying-officer.
He is attached to No. 23, General Purposes Squadron, Archerfield. Allan is one of Australia's pioneer airmen. He joined the late Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith when he formed the original Australian National Air-ways' Company. He was associated with the late Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith in pioneering the direct airmail service between Australia and Eng-land, and later was regularly engaged on the Australian-Singapore section of the same route when it was taken over by Qantas in conjunction with Imperial Airways. Before coming to Australia he served with the Royal Air Force.
Captain Allan
CAPTAIN G. U. ALLAN JOINS R.A.A.F. (1940, September 18). The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article40931458
CALLED FOR HER HUSBAND.
Mrs. G. U. ("SCOTTY") ALLAN called for her husband at the Rose Bay flying-boat base yesterday to drive him back to their home at Palm Beach. He piloted the flying-boat which arrived yesterday. CALLED FOR HER HUSBAND. (1940, April 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17646709
Palm Beach Prepares For Almost Adam-less EdenA bumper season Is expected this year at Palm Beach, even though numbers on the exclusive stretch of sand in front of the Pacific Club will be depleted by many sun-tanned "handsomes ' who have joined up for service.
THE affiliated clubs of the Surf Life Saving Association have contributed 1300 members to the Navy, the Army and the Air Force and the Palm Beach list has supplied its quota. The popular president of the Palm Beach S.L.S. Club, Captain Adrian Curlewis, whose name has been associated with the Beach for many years, is now with the A.I.F. It sounds like an almost Adam-less Eden, but Palm Beach Eves are not prone to moping. They are putting on their glad rags just the same, and setting up their house (logs as protectors. Life will not be as pleasantly indolent as in previous summers.
The Red Cross branch is very active and all residents and regulars are members. At the branch's meeting on Wednesday members decided to hold a stall in Martin-place on December 6, selling all types of beach wear. Mlle. Piat and Mitti Lee Brown, whose mother, Mrs. Scotty Allan, has that lovely pink rough cast house, The Cabin, on Pacific-road, will be mannequins.
Palm Beach Prepares For Almost Adam-less Eden (1940, October 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231187108
At right, Mitty from Palm Beach Prepares for.
Red Cross Day – 1940:
THE FIRST arrivals in Martin-place to furnish stalls were Mrs. Scotty Allen, Mrs.Georgina Macphillimy and Mrs. Kitty Dalrymple Hay, all of whom motored up early from Palm Beach in Mrs. Allen's utility truck, which was stocked full of goods for the Palm Beach stall.
Attractive among the stall-holders was Miss J. Handley, of Avalon, who wore beach slacks of cream linen with a patriotic red, white and blue floral top. SUE SEES SYDNEY ON (1940, December 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231154888
Like the second act: in Faust was Hyde Park on Red Cross Day. Girls in peasant costume, soldiers, and civilians, fountain playing in centre ? The cathedral over the way, with people going up and down the steps, and a priest or two. The uniformed men who took part in the march swelled the crowd.
The youngest girl could tell at any distance the aviators by their caps, and 'the Darwin soldiers by their shorts. These ' gave a modern realistic touch to the medieval scene of Grand Opera.
Red and white striped tents, and donkey carts helped to remind one of an English fair.
Early Risers
The soldiers did not march down Martin Place as usual. They came right along George Street, which was a good idea, as it dispersed the crowds along the streets. The Scottish contingent got the usual deafening reception. After Lord Wakehurst had taken the salute, lie tried his luck in 'the fish pond at Martin Place. ' Being an author himself, he was delighted to hook a book. Noreen Dangar arrived from Annandale early in the morning, and helped to run the fish pond. Many women rose betimes. Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen got to work at 8 a.m., having driven up from Palm Beach.
Red Cross Day Like An Act From Faust With Color And Uniforms (1940, December 12). The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132628083
Palm Beach is preening itself for a bumper season . . . near competition has already started for the most oomph beach outfit and for novelties in entertaining . . . beds are at a premium . . . even the kind that sag in the middle and defy sleep. The Palm Beach Club offers two gay nights . . . next Saturday and New Year's Eve. Everyone's having Christmas Eve parties, but most of the locals are going to the Scotty Allans', at The
Cabin . . . the dream of a pink house on the hill. Turkey And Pudding At Home (1940, December 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231153850
THE MOST DELIGHTFUL party was staged by Capt. and Mrs. 'Scotty' Allan, who had a huge gaily-lighted tree. Cocktails and savories were followed by a buffet dinner, the dish de resistance being Javanese Ricestafel. At tenish presents for all were cut from the tree. PALM BEACH LETTER (1940, December 29). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169113707
LUNCHING at the Normandie, Mrs. Scotty Allen, with Mrs. Jack Chambers, of Melbourne, whose two Geelong Grammar sons on holiday, were with her.
THE JOTTINGS (1941, January 5). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169760114
The Newcastle club has not always had the best weather for Its carnival. In 1920 bright sunshine prevailed and the spectators were estimated to number 15,000. In 1930 three inches of rain marred the display, but 1931 provided officials with a real headache.
Plane Lost Over City
Three planes brought surfers from Mascot in addition to a special train from Sydney. Ten members from North Narrabeen hiked to Newcastle, while Palm Beach rowed their boat all the way.
Heavy rain during the afternoon caused the abandonment of many events. At night Scotty Allen, piloting a big plane, became lost over the city and eventually landed again at District Park at 8 o'clock, after scores of cars had rushed to the aerodrome and floodlit the area with their head lights.
Rain again marred the carnivals in 1932-33, and while the following three were favored with bright sunshine a heavy surf caused considerable damage to capsized boats. NEWCASTLE SURF CARNIVAL NEXT SATURDAY (1941, February 6). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167434516
P.B. CUPBOARDS were raided for cracked and chipped china for Mrs. Scotty Allan's stall in aid of the Red Cross. You bought four stones for sixpence, and broke all the china you could. 'What a glorious feeling,' said attractive Kitty Paradise as she smashed a plate to smithereens with her first stone. PALM BEACH LETTER (1941, February 2). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169757248
'SOUTHERLY BUSTER' drinks served at Mrs. Scotty Allen's party on Saturday pipemma, while guests waited for nature's buster from the South. Later, Ailsa dashed up to town to meet 'Scotty'— great rejoicings! PALM BEACH LETTER (1941, February 9). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169758720
Mademoiselle Jeanne GAUTIER. French violinist, will spend the week-end at Palm Beach, as guest of Mrs. Scotty Allen. From Country Of Slim Women (1941, August 20). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (LAST RACE ALL DETAILS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231635533
Attractive figure at Palm Beach, MITTI LEE BROWN, who it staying with her mother, Mrs. Scotty Allan, for the week-end.
Her gypsy mid-riff frock has a long scarlet sash. Guests at The Cabin, the Scotty Allans' pink house on the hill, are the air-mail's brother and sister-in-law from China, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Allan, Who arrived three weeks ago to live here. The Scotty Allans entertained about 20 of the visiting beachers to cocktails at their home last night. WHO GOES WHERE (1941, October 5).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230955071
All usual holiday parties cancelled at Palm Beach this year; but yesterday some of the regulars in residence, gathered at Mrs. Rudolph Mueller's house where Mrs. Ernest Bennett-Bremner did some good work at a chocolate wheel. . . proceeds for the Red Cross.
Mitti Lee Brown has been home for Christmas and New Year, with her mother, Mrs. Scotty Allan, at The Cabin. . . Mrs. Adrian Curlewis, Mrs. Lindsay Bell, and Mrs. Ken Coles are all there, with their children . . . and Mrs. Percy Spender, who is in her new house. WHO GOES WHERE.. (1942, January 4).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231766179
MRS. SCOTTY ALLEN and daughter, Mitty Lee-Brown, have taken over the Red Cross reins at Palm Beach since Kitty Hay left, and are deep into plans for future fund raising. The Jottings OF A LADY ABOUT TOWN (1942, February 1). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 26. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168974353
Ailsa was killed when returning from coastal surveillance duty. She was hit by a delivery boy on a bicycle and killed in Pacific Road. Page 65. Palm Beach 1788-1988. Edited by Joan Steege. The Palm Beach Association, 1984.
ALLAN - February 9, at Palm Beach, suddenly as the result of an accident, Ailsa, beloved wife of Wing Commander G. U. Allan, A.F.C. Privately cremated. Family Notices (1943, February 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17836678
What marked her decades here was a passion for life, for arts, for Culture, for people. This is something she had imbued in her daughter. Juanita (Mitty), now just a few months she of being 21 years of age, it would seem could not stand to be near where she had lost her mother:
SEEN at Bondi Surf Club— enchanting Mitty Lee Brown and Major George Berkheimer (U.S.A.). War Work and Women (1944, February 13). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168758007
MRS ANTHONY HORDERN and Mrs. Frank Packer have jointly rented Mitty Lee Brown's' house at Palm Beach for a year while Mitty is in the States. As Celeste Sees Things (1944, November 12). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168756894
Sydney Girl To Make Home In Toorak
Dr. and Mrs. Peter Russo, who were married on Monday, have flown to Melbourne and will make their home at Toorak. He belongs to Melbourne, where he is well known as a writer of special articles in the Melbourne "Herald." He and Mrs. Russo — she was formerly Mitty Lee-Brown— first met about a week ago, and announced the news to Mitty's surprised family on Sunday. Her proposed trip to, further her art studies in America is, of course, now off, and the lovely Palm Beach house Is let to Mrs. Tony Hordern.
Mitty is the daughter of the late Dr. R. K, Lee-Brown and of the late .Mrs. G. U. Allen. Famous airman Scotty Allen is her stepfather. Her aunt, Mrs. J. F. Chambers, has been in Sydney for the past week, and goes home today. She had not met Dr. Russo before. A Woman's Notebook (1944, November 29). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229281780
Women's News
SURPRISE WEDDING
DR. and MRS. PETER VASQUEZ RUSSO, who were married quietly yesterday. Mrs. Russo was formerly Miss Juanita (Mitty) Lee-Brown, daughter of the late Dr. R. K. Lee-Brown and of the late Mrs. G. U. Allan. Dr. Russo is the son of the late Mr. George Russo and of Mrs. Russo, of Ballarat, Victoria. As a Melbourne University scholarship winner, Dr. Russo went to Japan where he became Professor of European Languages in the University of Tokyo. His bride this year was runner-up in the New South Wales Art Travelling Scholarship. Women's News SURPRISE WEDDING (1944, November 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17929416
After their wedding In Canberra, Viscountess Clive and Brigadier Schreiber will occupy the pink house on the hill at Palm Beach, owned by Mrs. Peter V. Russo, formerly Mitty Lee Brown. As Celeste Sees Things (1945, October 21). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169362940
A glamor picture, by Alec Murray, of Mrs. Peter Russo, formerly Mittee Lee Brown, who with her husband, has arrived in Hong- Kong. THE Jottings OF A LADY (1946, April 7).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 45. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168768091
Juanita sold The Cabin to Eric McIlwraith who, with his second wife, settled there in July 1949, the couple becoming part of the Palm Beach community:
Mrs Eric McIlwraith, formerly Mrs Alison Stuart, returned to Melbourne last week, leaving her husband in Sydney for a few days. He will arrive here today, and on Friday they will motor back to Sydney to settle in their Palm Beach home. . . .
"WHILE here Mrs McIlwraith has been settling her daughter, Anita, at boarding school at St Catherine's, and clearing up matters at her Toorak home, which has been taken by Mr and Mrs "Boydie" Smith. The Life of Melbourne (1949, July 20). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22766030
THE Palm Beach season was officially opened last night with an 'At Home' — which, by the way, was anything but as formal as it sounds-at the Pacific Club in its tropical setting facing the blue Pacific. Guests divided their time between the cool of the patio, under the trees lit with colored lights, and inside the club where savories on banana leaves were circulated.
More than 250 Pacific Club members and their guests chatted with friends and admired the new club decor by Mrs. John Hall Best. The wall or glass of sea blue is particularly charming, contrasting as it does with the other walls of primrose, sage green, burnt orange and terra cotta.
Great bowls of hydrangea, gladioli and Christmas lillies were artistically arranged by Alison McIlwraith, and she also decorated the supper table, which looked beautiful with silver candelabra, and Victorian posies in silver containers. The house committee, under the chairmanship of Mrs. John Halliday, provided a sumptuous dinner of turkey, ham, and 12 different varieties of curry made by a dozen members, including Mesdames Rudolph Mueller, Harry Nott, Dan Fowler, and T. E. Carr. Great wooden bowls of salad added to the color scheme. As clothes worn at this annual fixture are always a pointer to coming beach fashions, it looks as if gay cottons with sun tops and full skirts remain first favorites, with stove-pipe pants and gay blouses a close second. Noticed among those dancing: Ian and Phillipa Curlewis, Ross Stanford and June Finlayson, Alec Shand, and Annette Dunlop, Irving Salter and Mary Carr, Bud Nettleton with Helen Dalziel, who hails from New Zealand, and Will Noble with Jean Longworth, the Pacific Club honorary secretary, who was smart in black and white. Will Noble has a house-party in his home on Sunrise Hill. Among the well-known P.B. identities of a few years standing who took along parties were: Chairman Neville Goodall, accompanied by his wife Rowena, just back from Adelaide, the Noel le Maistre Walkers, whose oversea guest was Mr. John Talbot, who flew into Sydney on Friday from England, and leaves at the end of the week for South Africa. Others dancing the evening away were Ed and Ann Phippard, who took along Alec and Margaret King, and American Gus and Kay Tripps. All roads to Newport will be extra busy today as Doreen and Ashley Buckingham are giving one of their large and renowned luncheon parties under the trees at the water's edge. Roundabout (1954, November 21). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 43. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168411107
Mr. McIlwraith passed away at Palm Beach in 1993. The Cabin (Pink House) became the home of the Air Commodore Gordon Steege, and his wife Joan (Editor of of Palm Beach 1788-19880) in 1974 and remained their place until placed on the market in 2015.
Although Juanita held promise of becoming a great Artist the loss of her mother as she was coming of age, the loss of her father just prior to becoming a teenager
What stands out through successive generations of the Craig family is an inherent pride in being Scots people. They would write 'Scot' under Ships lists notation, in Ailsa, not 'English' or 'Australian'; they married proud Scots people; named their children after Scots relatives; were generous and community minded and good at making money grow, although not ostentatious about it.
They loved children, they loved sailing and the development of new machine and new ways to cure the ill.
They loved Palm Beach.
Anyone who has walked in Scotland and then along Pacific Road Palm Beach during an early Winter morning, when the mist or fog rolls out so sea from inland and veils the estuary, joining the green headlands of the national park with those of the green headlands of Palm Beach, will mark the similarity in views and feel about the two places and understand why this was a beloved place for successive generations of the Craig family.
George Urquhart (Scotty) Allan
2 February 1900 - 12 August 1996
George Urquhart Allan was born in Bellshill (Forgandenny), Scotland. At 17 years of age, in 1917, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and served on the Western Front. He served in the 71 Sqn RFC and 11, 47, 58 Sqns RAF.
Allan continued his service with the RAF after the war and served in the Middle East. In 1929 he was recruited by Charles Ulm as a pilot, emigrated to Australia to take up a position with Charles Kingsford Smith and Ulm's Australian National Airways. In this company he was highly regarded for his skills flying their Avro X aircraft.
Right: Portrait of Captain George 'Scotty' Allan in Royal Air Force uniform, 1918, nla.pic-vn4925609, Courtesy of the National Library of Australia, 18 years of age!
He flew on the first airmail flights from Sydney to Brisbane with Charles Kingsford-Smith and from Sydney to Melbourne with Pat Hall. Following the collapse of ANA in 1931, Allan acted as co-pilot to both Kingsford Smith and Ulm on various long distance flights.
In 1933 he flew with Ulm and P.G. Taylor on the record-breaking flight from England to Australia in Faith in Australia. In October 1934 he joined QANTAS on the DH86 service between Brisbane and Singapore, this time flying DH86 aircraft.
During this period he also worked as a flight instructor and trained a keen aviator, Dr Lee Brown, a surgeon in partnership with famous surgeon and urologist Robert Gordon Craig, and daughter of this gent and Dr Lee’s wife, Ailsa Craig, also a keen aviator, and artist. Dr Brown died in 1934 when he crashed his self-piloted biplane on a Botany Bay beach. He was 39.
In 1935 Ailsa and George married, living in Brisbane for two years due to his work commitments.
Flying Couple Wed in N.S.W.
SYDNEY, Saturday. — Mrs. Ailsa Lee Brown, the widow of Dr. R. K. Lee Brown, who tragically crashed at Brighton Le Sands in April, 1934, was quietly married today at Binnaway (New South Wales) to Mr. G. U. ('Scotty') Allen, the well-known airman, now flying on the Brisbane-Singapore air mail route. Mr. Allen was a close friend of Dr. and Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Allen is also a flier, having an A pilot's licence, and the pair will have a flying honeymoon in two States. The bride is the daughter of Dr. Gordon Craig, and the wedding was held at his property. Mrs. J. F. Chambers, sister of the bride, was matron of honor, and the best man was Mr. A. Baird, chief engineer of Qantas-Empire Airways. Mr. and Mrs. Allen will make their home in Brisbane. Flying Couple Wed in N.S.W. (1935, June 22). The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57009571
MR. AND MRS. G. U. ALLAN photographed after their marriage at the Gordon-Craig homestead, Ulinda, near Binnaway, New South Wales. The bridegroom is the well-known air mail pilot on the Brisbane— Singapore route, and the bride was formerly Mrs. Ailsa Lee Brown. No title (1935, June 25). The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36771694
The Allans then moved home to Palm Beach, where the Craigs had a house on ‘Pill Hill’ as it was then dubbed.
Mrs. G. U. Allan, who is the wife of Captain Allan, the well known aviator on the Singapore route, has since her marriage been residing in Ascot, Brisbane, but has now decided to make her home in Sydney. She intends to refurnish and redecorate the house at Palm Beach, which was the seaside home of her parents, the late Dr. Gordon Craig and Mrs. Craig. A Few Lines to Say. (1937, April 17). The Courier-Mail(Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36887917
Ailsa's house at Palm Beach, New South Wales, approximately 1935 photo by Harold Cazneaux- courtesy National Library of Australia Image No.: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-140228205
Right: Ailsa Allan's lithograph 'Pittwater' from 1937, Courtesy State Library of NSW
In 1938 Captain Allan went to England to study flying-boat techniques and returned to Sydney in the flying boat Coolangatta.
His home base during these years was Palm Beach where the couple entertained guests such as William Dobell, whom Ailsa had met while studying Art, and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, whom they had met while based in London or visiting New York:
Quite a party with Otis Pearce and Sono Osato doing the Big Apple . . . Hera Roberts, Mrs. Scotty Allen, Arnold Haskell, Roman Jasinsky, Kyra Strakhova, and Jimmy and Prudence Dickson. The Whole Town Goes A-Partying: Off To Melbourne For Big Society Wedding (1938, December 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 1 (WOMENS SECTION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231136070
Talking of flying folk . . . it's the done thing to ask. Scotty Allen how his knitting's coming along. No one has ever seen Scotty' s knitting, but he's done a lot of boasting about taking it up, being first interested by picking up a magazine a woman flying-boat passenger had been engrossed in, and finding it written in a strange language: K. 1, p. 1, k, 2 tog., si. 1, k. 1 .. . k k k
Subsequently he discovered that this type of literature was the favorite among women passengers and thought he might drop Esperanto and take it up, too.
But now the opportunity to knit socks has arisen, Scotty's squibbing the issue and says he's "conseedering being a soldier m'self and being kneeted for." General's Family Arrives To Make Home In Sydney (1939, October 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231223500
Mrs J P Chambers, of Melbourne who is spending a holiday at Palm Beach with her sister, Mrs G U Allan, gave a luncheon at Prince’s yesterday. Her guests were Captain and Mrs Allan, Mrs James Dickson and Mr John McDonnell of Brisbane Mr McDonnell is also a guest of Mrs Allan at Palm Beach. SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. —. (1940, January 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17669557
Ailsa was an artist, and his stepdaughter was Mitty Lee-Brown, who was a student of Dobell's when he took a teaching job at East Sydney Technical College. Dobell became a friend of Ailsa's, and he would visit her and Scotty at their home at Palm Beach, on Sydney's northern beaches. Scotty bought a number of Dobell’s London paintings, including an over-the-shoulder observational piece from 1933, Watching Hyde Park Speakers, and Dust Cart created from one of Dobell’s most comfortable positions…
Scotty’s second wife, Barbara, remembers him telling her he bought the paintings when ‘Bill was a bit broke’.
'He got those [paintings] for about £5, or something,’ Barbara Allan says.
In his autobiography, Scotty Allan wrote about how ‘difficult’ it was to buy the paintings, because Dobell ‘wouldn’t sell them, even though he was broke moist of the time. I really had to kid him into selling me some’. - Bill: The Life of William Dobell. By Scott Bevan. 2014. Simon and Schuster.
Study for 'Captain G.U. 'Scotty' Allan'-William Dobell - Squadron Leader GU 'Scotty' Allan Finalist in 1941 Archibald
In 1941 Allan was a member of the Qantas crew which brought flying boats from San Diego to Sydney for the RAAF. During 1941 Allan was seconded to the RAAF in the 23 Sqn as Wing-Commander and was C.O. of various stations including Rathmines on Lake Macquarie, where he trained Catalina crews, and No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot at Lake Boga.
Below: George 'Scotty' Allan, in centre, watching Charles Kingsford-Smith, on left, shaking hands with James 'Jimmy' Mollison, ca. 1930, nla.pic-vn4925810
In 1943 Ailsa died in a traffic accident as she returned home from volunteer coast-watching at Palm Beach. Some sources state she was struck by a bicycle ridden by a delivery boy and died on Pacific road, Palm Beach. The lady was interred at Manly.
ALLAN.-On February 9, at Palm Beach(as the result of an accident), Ailsa, beloved wife of Wing-Commander G. U. Allan, A.F.C., and sister of Mrs. J. F. Chambers, Toorak. Privately cremated. Family Notices. (1943, February 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17836678
In 1944, whilst serving in England 'Scotty' met and married Barbara Millbourne;
AIRMAN'S WIFE FROM ENGLAND: Mrs. G. U. Allan, wife of the famous aviator, Captain "Scotty" Allan, arrived yesterday from England by Qantas flying-boat. As the guest of Mrs. Gordon Craig, of Palm Beach, Mrs. Allan expects to stay indefinitely in Australia.
Captain Allan, who is with Qantas in Los Angeles, California, is expected to return to Sydney in two on three months' time. Before their marriage in England last year, Mrs. Allan was Miss Barbara Millbourn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Millbourn, of Purley, England. AIRMAN'S WIFE FROM ENGLAND. (1947, July 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18032894
Above: Scotty Allan, Charles Ulm, P.G. Taylor and J.A.W. Edwards in front of Faith in Australia, Avro X monoplane VH-UXX at Heston Aerodrome, England, 25 July 1933, nla.pic-vn3930851, Courtesy National Library of Australia.
After the war Captain Allan rejoined Qantas as London Manager, then as Controller of Technical Developments, where he was chief adviser on aircraft types. In 1957 he was made a Commander of the British Empire for his services to aviation. He retired from Qantas in 1961 as Deputy Chief Executive and Deputy General Manager, but, clearly an active man, he went on after his retirement and held positions on many boards including Fiji Airways, Air Pacific, Polynesian Airlines and Malayan Airways.
Pete Smith of Newport Beach contributes: In 1983 I was a young Army Lieutenant working out of Victoria Barracks (Paddington) and was attached to the Schofields Air Show. At that same time, I was flying around Sydney helping to demonstrate a McDonnell Douglas 500E helicopter as well as promote the Show. The pilot in command of the MD500 was astronaut and commander of Apollo 12, Charles (Pete) Conrad.
Conrad and I landed on what I understand now to be Barrenjoey Beach and walked across the park to pick up Scotty and Mrs Allan and fly them as two of the guests of honour at the show. Scotty was the subject of an Archibald entry by Sir William Dobell and the portrait is described by art critics as one of Dobell’s greatest works.
He was an Ace, a pioneer in Australia’s aviation and huge contributor to the development of our RAAF and domestic air services.
ULM'S ENGLAND-AUSTRALIAN FLIGHT.
Mr. G. P. T. Ulm, accompanied by Capt. Taylor and Mr. J. "Scotty" Allen left Feltham, England, on Thursday, October 12th and arrived in Australia on Wednesday, Oct. 18th, thus beating Kingsford-Smith's records by several hours. The "Faith in Australia" is the largest monoplane in Australia. Originally one of the A.N.A. planes, it was reconstructed and enlarged at Cockatoo Is., fitted with new engines, and Mr. Ulm and drew left Sydney on June 21st. last to endeavour to fly to England in record time. However, the flight was dogged with misfortune and took longer than expected to reach England. Mr. Ulm decided to fly back to Australia in an endeavour to break the existing record.
The Plane.
The "Faith in Australia" is fitted with three Wright Whirlwind — -6 engines, each developing 240 horsepower. Ten tanks, to hold a total of 600 gallons of Plume Motor Spirit are fitted into the wing, two each holding 260 gallons in the cabin and one under the pilot's seat to hold 110 gallons, so the machine has a total capacity of 1240 gallons, giving a range of 3,800 miles. This is the equivalent of three crossings of the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand without refuelling. "The Faith in Australia" has a maximum speed of 126 miles per hour and a cruising speed of 105 miles per hour. The registration letters of the plane are YH-UXX and it is equipped with long and short wave wireless and a full equipment of the latest flying and navigation instruments. The petrol tanks in the fuselage are be shaped as to give free access by a narrow walkway between cockpit and the wireless and navigation departments. This allows the pilots to take turns at resting in a specially prepared sleeping bag which can be placed either between the tanks or on the cabin floor.
Mr. C. T. P. Ulm, chief pilot of the "Faith in Australia," is an honorary Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force. He was associated with Sir Charles Kings ford-Smith in the "Southern Cross" flights from America to Australia, Australia to England and the first flight from Australia to New Zealand and return. With Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith he formed the Australian National Airways, of which he was the Joint Managing Director.
The assistant pilot and engineer is Mr. G. U. ("Scotty") Allan who was senior pilot of the Australian National Airways. "Scotty" Allan was co-pilot with Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith in the flight in the "Southern Moon" from Australia to England and he piloted the machine back to Australia on the return trip. He also acted as assistant pilot to Bertram on his way home to Germany, but when the mishap occurred at Sourabaya, he returned to .Australia and later Bertram continued on his own. Capt. P. G. Taylor, the assistant pilot and navigator, held a commission in the Royal Australian Air Force during the war and was for a long time associated with Australian National Airways as pilot. He navigated the "Southern Cross' to New Zealand and back on the second flight made by Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith. The Vacuum Oil Coy. at Mr. Ulm's request, have arranged supplies of Plume Motor Spirit at all aerodromes and emergency landing grounds on the England-Australian route.
VACUUM -PLUME Service
ULM'S ENGLAND-AUSTRALIAN FLIGHT. (1933, November 3). The Areas' Express (Booyoolee, SA : 1877 - 1948), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218902512
Album: Charles T.P. Ulm collection of historical aviation photographs, ca. 1920-1934, Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW
FILE TITLE: 53. Crew and lady passengers at New Plymouth, Image No.: a1269010h
FILE TITLE: 95. Ulm (seated) with G.U. Scotty Allan testing the wireless in Faith in Australia, 1933, Image No.: a1269014h
On The Airway To Singapore
By Garnsey Potts
III. — Empty North to Teeming East
IT has been said that the finest part of the day I- is the one that most people rarely see — dawn. After watching from the cabin of a Qantas airliner the sun rising over the Timor Sea, flooding sky and water with delicate pastel shades that not even the brush of a Turner could record with full justice, I am convinced that I have seen the finest part of the day in its finest setting and from the finest vantage point. That dawn heralded a day with throbbing interest, a flight from the empty North of Australia, over tropic isles, serried rice fields, towering mountain peaks, and oil fields, to Sourabaya, the city of colour and contrast.
FLOODLIT by the beam of an air beacon the big airliner looked like some strange monster of the deep as we drove on to Darwin aerodrome before dawn, and mechanics appeared and disappeared with eerie suddenness. As the new day rubbed the sleep from its eyes we took our seats, and at 6.30 we were off and up into a perfect morning.
Sunrise Over the Timor
TWENTY minutes later the sun raised its rim over the eastern horizon, and from a height of 5000 feet we looked out on a scene of swift-changing beauty. Rose-pink the skyline, gold-tipped the clouds, and the calm, unruffled water below ribbed and barred with pastel shades of every hue. Suddenly a shaft of dazzling gold light flashed across the sea, routing the more delicate tints, as the sun, full-faced, took command, and low-lying clouds over Bathurst Island, our last glimpse of Australia, seemed to sink even lower under this mighty onslaught. I looked around to see how my fellow passengers were faring. Dr. Lees was reading, Mr. Emerson was asleep. I touched him lightly on the shoulder. 'You have missed the most wonderful sunrise imaginable,' I informed him. I interrupted Dr. Lees's reading, and for the rest of that 'perilous' crossing of the Timor Sea, undoubtedly the most uneventful section of the entire Brisbane-Singapore air route, we discussed the problem of oil search in Australia. A ten-minute flight from the coast of the Island of Timor brought us to Koepang aerodrome, which is situated ten miles from the town of that name. Almost before the airliner had come to rest four natives rushed out with a petrol pump trolley, connected up hoses, and, as we walked across to the rest house for breakfast, we could see these dusky 'service men' working vigorously at the task of replenishing the tanks of R.M.A. Adelaide. These Timor natives are short, stocky people, somewhat reminiscent of the Malaita- 'boys' in the Solomon Islands.
Senator R. D. Elliott, first Australian-born passenger to travel from London to Brisbane by air, goes aboard at Koepang — Next stop Darwin !
Fourteen thousand feet above the Timor Sea! — A peep into the navigating cabin, showing Captain 'Scotty' Allan (left) and First-officer W. Purton.
The few huts we saw adjacent to the landing ground were rather primitive, and their owners appear to share the Australian aborigines' aversion to soap and water. In the matter of headgear they certainly display considerable ingenuity. Millinery varies from a dirty rag, screwed around the head turban-like, to a most imposing straw-plaited 'Stetson' that resembles, more than anything else, an upturned fruit basket. At breakfast we were waited on by two natives dressed in spotless white suits. We found them to be Malays, and our relish of the eggs, fruit, and coffee brought a broad smile of satisfaction. The bananas and mandarins served at Koepang were quite the largest and most luscious I have ever eaten, and the unanimous opinion in the passengers' cabin, after we had taken off for Rambang on the Island of Lombok, was that 'Koepang is a delightful 'refuelling' station.'
On to Rambang
AFTER passing over the little town of Koepang with its small harbour and obviously ancient, close-packed buildings, we struck out over the sea on the 240-mile crossing to Waingapoe, an emergency landing ground on the Island of Sumba, whose terrain is somewhat similar to the red, hilly country in the Mt. Isa district. With no occasion to land at Waingapoe we pushed on over a further sea crossing, eventually making the coastline of the Island of Sumbawa near its western extremity. Clusters of cumulus clouds almost obscured Sumbawa, but through the gaps we could see densely-timbered, mountainous country that continued right to the water's edge. As we left Sumbawa behind and flew over Alias Strait, the tip of Rinjani (12,000ft), the highest mountain in the East Indies, showed as a triangle of. blue above dense white clouds that covered the middle heights of the Island of Lombok. Rambang aerodrome is right on the coast of this fascinating little island, and our wheels seemed almost I to brush the beach as we glided into land.
Bende - Riding an Art
HERE, again, natives displayed amazing speed and j efficiency in refuelling the airliner, while we were j taken off by a most affable Dutchman, with a surprising command of English [ (and not a little Australian) j to a delightful lunch served I in a plaited -palm rest house ! on the aerodrome. Iced drinks were acceptable, for, after the comparative cool of flying, the ground temperature was slightly uncomfortable, but right to the degree we had anticipated. Outside the rest house we discovered a bende (native for cab) drawn by a creamy pony which appeared almost overwhelmed by the magnificence and weight of its gaudy and gaily bedecked harness. Mr. Emerson, keen to 'try anything once,' climbed into the back seat. Up tipped the cab, and it was only the astounding agility of the driver in leaping to the shafts that saved I the pony from the ignominy and discomfort of being suspended in mid-air. Mr. Emerson then moved forward. This time the driver put his shoulder under the shaft, evidently to prevent the spread-eagling of the pony. After this experience we decided that riding in a bende is an art only to be , acquired after long practice.
Over the Ricefields
IN the short flight across the Island of Lombok we were given 'the trailer' of the feature film that was to be screened below us over almost the entire flight from Rambang to Batavia. Ricefields — in the valleys, on the plains, in the highlands, and on the mountain sides. Ricefields— each with a surrounding dyke, each small, but no two alike in shape. Ricefields — green, yellow, black. Ricefields— some flooded with water, some being churned under the slow-moving hoofs of oxen, some showing the green of young plants, some splashed (Continued on Next Page.)
Mr. F. Emerson, aerial globe-trotting American, meets another traveller at Sourabaya, Java. Everyone in Sourabaya seems to own a vehicle of some kind.
cUhc C: 'Airway to Singapore (Continued from Opposite Page.) yellow with ripened growth, some blackened with the ashes of burnt straw. Ricefields — nothing but ricefields, save for the groves of coconut palms that showed up as oases in a patterned desert, and on closer inspection proved to screen the close packed, red-roofed houses houses of the ricegrowers. We were amazed as we proceeded from Lombok along the north coast of the Island of Bali to see the extent ' of these ricefields and the way that every square yard of suitable land has been claimed for the . production of the staple food of the East. Far up the sides of the mountains the natives have persevered with their intensive cultivation, until it seems that to go another foot higher would precipitate the 'grower backwards into the valley thousands of feet below. It is only the ingenious system of terracing that has enabled them to carry their rice-growing into the very clouds.
Temples and Oil Wells
ON this coastal flight we saw, too, the wonderful Ealinese temples, Hinduistic places of worship, with giant, grotesque-faced idols gazing down into sacred bathing pools. The age of these temples no one knows. Their religious origin is also shrouded in the mists of the past. But their beauty was apparent even to us as we sped overhead at 140 miles an hour. Low-lying swamplands mark the eastern end of Java, but a few miles inland there recurs the far stretching pattern of the ricefields. Now, however, a new feature greets the air traveller. Tapering steel towers grouped here and there point to where the liquid wealth of Netherlands India is gushing out from the bowels of the earth. Crude oil, petrol, kerosene! As we drew near to Sourabaya, keeping south to avoid flying over the prohibited area that embraces the Dutch naval base, oil tanks and refineries become a common sight, and prepared us, but only in small measure, for the streaming traffic of this Eastern city.
Nature hung her most striking masterpiece for the benefit of passengers making the Timor Sea crossing by Qantas air-liner.
Sourabaya , City of Contrasts
OUT of the air -liner at Sourabaya aerodrome we stepped into a whirl of colour and contrast. Whitesuited Dutchmen, eager to voice a welcome in their precise English, brushed aside black-velvet-capped Javanese, whose lower limbs were swathed in gaily-coloured sarongs. The Qantas agent, an Australian, who greeted us with homeland warmth, led us to a waiting car driven by a smiling Malay. He, too, wore a black velvet cap. We swept with a shriek of whirring tyres out on to the road leading to the city and into the most extraordinary stream of traffic it is possible to imagine. Bicycles, ridden by young, middle-aged, and old; oxen waggons, weaving and creaking under prodigious loads; gaily-decked ponies drawing quaint bendes; coolies of every Eastern race, of both sex, and of all hues, shuffling along with loaded baskets carried Chinese-wise on poles; three-wheel taxicabs snorting and puffing ; toy-like steam locomotives drawing open-sided white-canopied carriages crowded with natives ; clanging electric trams, honking motor cars. Through this stream our driver burst his way with most amazing and nerve - wracking skill. With one hand he spun the wheel left and right in avoiding by bare inches the multitude of obstacles, both fixed and mobile, that beset our path and threatened us with momentary extinction.With With the other hand he continued a spasmodic squeezing of the bulb of an old - fashioned motor horn with which every car, however modern, is fitted in Sourabaya. I could not fathom the preference for this type, for no one appeared to take the slightest notice of our honking, or that of anyone else, for that matter.
Land of Cheap Servants
HOWEVER, we emerged out of this welter of rip, roaring traffic to arrive safely at the Oraje Hotel, to enjoy our first experience of Javanese service. At dinner there appeared to be a waiter for every course, and while I cannot say I am enamoured of roast beef served with preserved apricots, a most appetising meal was selected from the other ten courses on the menu. To reach for a condiment on the table is possible. To reach it is not, for many dusky hands are sure to forestall yours. The opening of a cigarette case automatically brings the flicking of a lighter, held in the hand of a silent-footed servant. And, strangely enough, cigarette lighters at Sourabaya light the first time! A short after-dinner walk through the city streets gave us a glimpse of many fine buildings, modern shops displaying Parisian — or were they Hollywood? — fashions, and native bazaars, in which all the imaginable, and a number of unimaginable, goods were jumbled up in a positive hotch-potch of colour and odour ! (To be Continued.) On the Airway to Singapore (1935, July 24). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160501467
LIEUTENANT GARNSEY POTTS.
WELCOMED AT H.A. COLLEGE. GREAT 'RECEPTION BY 'DIGGERS.'
The bugles of the Motherland ' Rang ceaselessly across the sea, To call him and his loan, brown band To shape Imperial destiny-; He went by youth's grave purpose willed; The goal unknown, the cost unweighed, The promise of his blood fulfilled — 'The bravest thing God ever made.' — Ogilvie.
Great enthusiasm was displayed at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College on Friday evening last, when Flight-Lieut. Garnsey Potts, son of Principal H. W. Potts and Mrs. Potts, was the guest of the returned 'diggers' at a dance in honor of his homecoming. Lieutenant Potts was the engineer on the 'Kangaroo' flying machine under the command of Captain G. H. Wilkins, which essayed the flight from England to Australia. But, unfortunately, their attempt was frustrated by many mishaps. They progressed' about 40 .miles past Crete on the way to Cairo, when the lubricating system became defective, necessitating a return to' the aerodrome, which was ' made with difficulty with one engine. The ma? chine 'crashed' when landing, and a new engine was necessary. It was then decided to abandon, the flight, and a few' weeks ago Captain Wilkins. and Lieutenant Potts returned home by the steamer Bremen. There was no mistaking the' cordiality of the welcome tendered to Lieut. Potts by the 'digger' students of the College on Friday night, and thanks to the hearty co-operation of the committee, it proved to be one of the most successful functions of the kind ever held at the great institution. Invited guests numbering upwards of 100 were present, including Principal and Mrs. Potts, visitors from various local centres, and the metropolis.
...
Major H. Grabham then proposed the health of Lieut. Potts. -He ''said it .was with great pleasure that he rose to extend on behalf of the returned soldiers a heartywelcome home to their guest, Lieut. Potts. During the war they had the happy knack -of summing up their experiences as a 'something good .time' or a 'something bad time.' That night was one of the really 'something good times,' because they gathered there to welcome a brother soldier, who not only fought with distinction during the warj but, who, after the armistice, was making a name for ' himself in the field of aviation. We first find our guest as a pupil of The King's School, continued the speaker. He left school, leaving behind a' record such as all men do, who, as Henry Newboldt says, 'play up, and play the game.' We next find him in the engineer's shop under our worthy friend,\ Mr. Brebner. I am led to believe that he always worked as hard as some of the returned soldiers and students appeared to do on the day they were cinematographed. (Laughter). Leaving the college, Lieut. Potts joined the General Electric Company, and on the outbreak of war,he enlisted and learnt to fly at the home aerodrome. He went to Point Cook in Melbourne, and from there went overseas to take a hand in the game we are so mightily proud we helped to play. He served with great distinction, and when we were planning and scheming how we could get back to Australia, how we could get on the 'Repat.,' come to the Hawkesbury College, and one or two other minor things, he was preparing' to make the now world famous flight — England to Australia. You all know the details of the flight— how, battling against bad weather and meeting with foul play, he and his fellow aviators were forced to land at Crete. Although, through misfortune, the flight was not the success he would have had it be, it does not detract one iota from the praise due to our guest for the plucky attempt he made, and
for the sportsmanlike way in which he takes his misfortune. Turning towards the brave aviator, Major Grabham said: Lieut. Potts, on belialf of the returned soldiers I wish to congratulate you on your safe return home after the many perilous adventures you have been through. We greatly admire your gallant flight and sympathise with you in your misfortune. In due course you will return to your pre-war occupation, and we wish you every success, and pray that you will enjoy every happiness that this life holds. (Loud applause). The .health of Lieut. Potts was then drunk with musical, honors and cheers. On rising' to respond Lieutenant Potts had a great reception. In a happy little speech he thanked all connected with the function for the splendid reception. During the war, he continued, the man who got the wind up me was the A.P.M. (Laughter). Most 'of you know him, I guess. Well, I might tell you that this speech has got the wind up me more than the A.P.M. ever had. (Laughter).. I can assure you that I appreciate this reception very much, more so on account of it coming from the diggers. I am enjoying myself immensely, and if you are. having half as much fun as I am you are having a 'darn' good time. (Applause). Lieut. Potts appeared to be deeply touched with the magnificent reception given him and concluded with: Thank you all, and I really mean it. (Loud applause) .Further Further applause and cheering followed, and it increased with' great violence till visitors, hardly knew what it was all about. However, Principal Potts was made to realise what was wrong — it was the signal for a speech from him — and it was not until he' rose that the din subsided-;The Principal briefly- thanked all concerned for that (handsome entertainment, which he claimed as a great compliment' to his noble son. He also accepted it as- a keen compliment to Mrs. Potts, himself and family. He dwelt on the ties of friendship which existed among ' returned soldiers in Australia, and hoped they would never be severed. (Applause)
The company then returned to the ballroom and the dance went merrily on till after 5 a.m. All the arrangements in connection with the function evinced the grateful and 'cordial sentiments towards the soldier at H.A. College, and, undoubtedly, it was one of the best and most successful functions ever held at the college, and as a spectacular event it will be long remembered by the joyous band of merry patrons.
LIEUTENANT GARNSEY POTTS. (1920, August 13). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85878141
"Billy Stutt and the Richmond Flyboys" by Neville F. Hayes. - Hawkesbury Historical Society
Garnsey Henry Mead StClair Potts | The Australian War Memorial
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2021852
Final Rank, Second Lieutenant. Roll title, Flying Corps - October 1916 to October 1917 - Reinforcements and 1 and 2 Special Drafts (May 1917 -. Conflict/Operation, First World War, 1914-1918. Date of Embarkation, 11 May 1917. Place of embarkation, Melbourne. Ship Embarked On, HMAT Shropshire A9 .
Garnsey Henry Meade St Clair Potts 1897 - 1959. Category: Other. Description: Photo taken for Garnsey's graduation as a pilot from the New South Wales Aviation School in Richmond.
75 Years Aloft: Royal Australian Air Force Air Training Corps: ...
https://books.google.com.au/books?isbn=1326519832
Matthew Glozier
Flight Lieutenant Garnsey Potts (who worked in the Directorate), formulated plans for a national “Air Force Cadet Corps”, including a unit badge and uniform.38 Flight Lieutenant Potts's Director supported the proposal and forwarded Pott's recommendation to Air Commodore (later Air Vice-Marshal) Henry Neilson Wrigley...
Extras
bungalow residence, Palm Bench, Mr. B. Verrills, Palm Beach; stone retaining wall, Palm Beach; Mr. G. Gallager, Palm Beach; Interior decoration, painting, etc., at Villa, Messrs. James Sandy and Co., contractors. VARIOUS WORKS. (1915, May 11). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239039382
Messrs. H. A. Wilshire and Day, architects, have accepted the tender of Mr. J. Verrills, for converting large residence at Neutral Bay into residential flats. The same architects have also accepted the tender of P. Waugh for Church of England Girls' School at Hunter's Hill, and also the tender of B. Birrills, for concrete bungalow at Palm Beach. GENERAL NOTES. (1915, December 14).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15631111
'Birrils' would be 'Verrills' just misheard/misprinted.
Mrs. R. Spencer Godsall and her children have returned to Kamilaroi, Bellevue Hill, from their visit to Palm Beach. A WELFARE CONFERENCE (1917, May 20). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122790815
ABORIGINAL ART
NEW DISCOVERIES
Rock Carvings at Palm Beach
(By W. M, Sherrie)
In recent years there have been discovered from time to time some rather remarkable examples of the artistic bent and capacity of the 'coastal tribes of blacks which held possession of the eastern shores of Australia before the advent of white melt. As a general thing the art of the blacks seemed to find expression almost entirely in the form of drawings of fish, with an occasional variation towards men, native animals, or birds, such as the kangaroo or the emu. The "Art Gallery" chosen by the blacks in this connection was certainly durable. As a general thing they made their drawings on large fiat-faced rocks. ; Most of the carvings to be found in the vicinity of Sydney have been recorded by Mr. Campbell, engineer and surveyor, but lately a couple of new and altogether excellent drawings have been discovered at Palm Beach, Pittwater, some few miles beyond Newport.
The discoverers in this case were H. A. Wilshire, the Sydney architect, and Mr. Booth, of Palm Beach. Though presumably the work of some aboriginal artist who lived in bygone centuries, the drawings show a clear and well-preserved outline. They have been cut on a very large fiat rock en the top of the hill between Sand Point, Pittwater, and Cabbage Tree Boat' Harbor, Palm Beach, near Barranjoey. The drawings represent two kinds of fish— one being apparently a groper and the other a shark. One is 22ft. long, and the other just 6ft. Within the first is the figure of a man of medium height. Whether the tribe to which the artist belonged had any knowledge of the legend of Jonah and the Whale, and intended the inclusion of the human figure within that of a largo fish to illustrate that legend, Is a matter which may be left to conjecture. The probability is that the drawing of the man in that position was due to considerations of convenience.
The Hawkesbury sandstones, by reason of their comparative softness, offered exceptional facilities to the coastal tribes to display their art. At all events there are many of these drawings in the Port Jackson and Hawkesbury districts. Mr. Wilshire regards the one hero depicted as an exceptionally good outline, and of better shape than any yet recorded. These drawings might he considered clever, in the matter of skilful portrayal of the creatures depicted, even if they had been done with suitable implements. When it is remembered, however, that the work must have been done with the most primitive of stone implements, it will be realised that infinite patience and labor, as well as some considerable artistic ability, must have been brought to bear. In this case a very ' line, clear, and unmistakably expressive outline has been traced of the fish forms in the solid rock. There is nothing to denote the age of these carvings, but it may be surmised to be very great. In all probability they were made many centuries ago. They were discovered by Mr. Wilshire and Mr. Booth in August. Some of the stone excavated in this locality, it may be mentioned, is of very fine quality and beautifully marked, the coloration generally being pink, reddish brown, and grey. The stripes of color stand out as clearly as if hand-painted, and present a very pretty and artistic effect when used for house-walls. The drawings, being the concrete and enduring expression of the artistic ideals and aspirations of a tribe of human beings now extinct, possess both personal and historic interest, if not value; and it is the intention of Mr. Wilshire to have the carvings fenced in and protected.The drawing of the carvings here presented was made by Mr. Wilshire.
ABORIGINAL ART (1917, September 16).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221408011
ABORIGINAL CARVINGS.
Mr. E. de Gyulay, secretary,' Barranjoey Co., Ltd., forwards a copy of some aboriginal carvings found at Palm Beach. The outline drawings represent two kinds of fish and a man, cut on a flat rock on the hill between Sand point. Pittwater, and Cabbage Tree, Boat Harbor, Palm Beach, Barrenjoey. The fish measures 22ft., the man 5ft. 6in., and the smaller fish 6ft. long. They have exceptionally good outlines, and are better shaped than any others yet recovered. It is not known what age these carvings can be, but it is believed that many hundreds of years must have elapsed since they were made. The drawings have only just been discovered by the architect Mr. H. A. Wilshire, and the stonemason, Mr. J. Booth, who were looking for building stone on the company's property at Palm Beach. The company has decided to preserve the carvings for all time. ABORIGINAL CARVINGS. (1917, October 18). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239239677
A School Teacher Drowned.
SURFING AT PALM BEACH.
Leila Barrett, 23, a school teacher, was carried out by the current while surfing at Palm Beach on Tuesday afternoon, and was drowned. Miss Barrett and two friends — Miss Hegarty and Miss Cole — were staying at the Palm Beach Boarding House, about eight miles from Mona Vale. On Tuesday afternoon, while they were in the surf. Miss Barrett was suddenly swept out to sea. Her friends ran for assistance. The life line was taken out by a mile surfer, but Miss Barrett had disappeared. About half an hour later her body was washed up on the beach, but attempts at resuscitation failed. Miss Barrett resided at No. 9 Mosman-street, Mosman. A School Teacher Drowned. (1917, December 20). Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156185205
BARRETT.-December 18, 1917, Leila Winifred, dearly beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Barrett, of Evandale, Mosman, accidentally drowned at Palm Beach, aged 23 years. Family Notices (1917, December 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15784662
PALM BEACH FATALITY.
MISS BARRETT'S DEATH.
Mr. Jamieson, Acting City Coroner, this morning conducted an inquiry regarding the death of Leila Barrett, 23, a school teacher, who was drowned in the surf at Palm Beach, near Mona Vale, on Tuesday last. In evidence Annette Hagarty stated that she, with a girl friend (Miss Cole), and Miss Barrett, went into the water together. Witness went in up to her waist, and the two others into slightly deeper water. Miss Barrett came in on the crest of a wave; but was taken back almost immediately, and appeared to be in difficulties. Witness notice Miss Cole go for the life-line, and she (witness) went to the boarding-house for help. Messrs. Thompson and Marks came down, and Mr. Thompson went in with the life-line, but was not able to reach Miss Barrett. Later Mr. Marks recovered the body as it was being washed in by the tide. Efforts were made to restore animation, but without avail. The Coroner returned a verdict of accidental drowning. PALM BEACH FATALITY. (1917, December 24 - Monday). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113948710
SYDNEY WEEK BY WEEK
(By Fanella)
Town is empty, except for those who can't get away. All our best families have hied to the fastnesses of the mountains, or are taking their pleasures madly, gladly, or sadly, as the case may be, at fashionable watering places. The ultra correct resort is Palm Beach. Palm Beach, merely a term, a vague sort of haphazard mention a year or so ago, but now — Palm Beach is being spelt in capitals all the way through, and for exclusiveness has got every other swank rendezvous groaning with envy. It's the prize find in resorts, of a few medicos, who set out to keep It from being overrun by the common or garden person. Hence the row of bungalows built in which is known as Harley-street. Also -just one boarding-house— exclusive house, with exclusive board, and an exclusive tariff, and if your name is in the Australian peerage, you are privileged to book your room quite 12 months ahead of when you'll need it. -Still, Palm Beach is "some" place. It is almost tropical — giant palms, turquoise seas, burnished copper sands, azure skies, and a climate like unto the Garden of Eden. And the paddling gowns, and the nymphs of assorted brands, well, they belong to another story. SYDNEY WEEK BY WEEK (1918, January 13). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221944952
Mrs. Eva Wunderlich accompanied by her son Theo, is staying at Palm Beach House, Palm Beach. SOCIAL GOSSIP (1918, January 13). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221944957
Mrs. Eva Wunderlich and her, little son, Theo, are staying at Palm Beach House. Mrs. Wundeilich was acting as voluntary cook at Rose Hall Convalescent Home prior to her holiday. HOME BEAUTIFUL (1918, January 13).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123138768
Mrs. H. B. Allard and her family are staying at their seaside home, Palm Beach. HOME and SOCIETY (1918, January 13).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123138832
Mr Harold Horsehair is spending the summer with his mother, Mrs Arabella Buckwheat, at her Palm Beach bungalow. The New Order. (1918, January 16). The Kyogle Examiner (NSW : 1912; 1914 - 1915; 1917 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234388323
A chit from Palm Beach reveals the simple life doings of tho dweller thereon. Two launches a day, and on them the commissariat of the populace. Everyone carts their own bread, milk, meat, &c., per shank's pony, and the welkin is cracked with no less melodious sound than that of the birds of the air and the even song of the community. Mr. Jack Ralston's garden is the show patch of tho settlement, and, as an amateur, has surpassed his wildest expectation as a grower of delicious and unfamiliar fruits of tropical flavor and origin. Try to pronounce the name of his shack, "Warrigaborrigarooma." It's the first problem that rags the newcomer, and some of the old hands haven't got past the first two syllables yet. SYDNEY WEEK BY WEEK (1918, January 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221941967
Miss Theo Cowan has returned from a short holiday at Palm Beach. The talented sculptress has a study of an Anzac in bronze, and a memorial panel of Eric Alan Vance, who fell at Gallipoli, in the Loan Exhibition of Australian artists at the Art Gallery. WOMEN'S NEWS (1918, April 7). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123131262
LANDSLIDE.
The road from Newport to Palm Beach, at the corner of Barranjoey and Sunrise roads, was blocked on Saturday afternoon by the fall of two large pieces of rock, estimated to weigh several hundreds of tons. The mass is slowly slipping further down, and threatens to demolish either the store or the wharf. LANDSLIDE. (1917, May 23 - Wednesday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15722106
Land Slip
(See photo, on page 11)
Henry A. Wilshire sent us the above striking photograph with the following note : — I am sending you a couple of negatives of photos of a land slip or rock slip on the Palm Beach Road, next to the Barrenjoey Road. The rock in measurement would weigh some 700 tons, and a small one next to it, 300 odd tons. The slide was very smooth, the bed being white pipeclay, and since it has been on the road, it creeped 2 feet. It should form an interesting problem for engineers in Shires as how would be the most economic way of removing same, and the quickest way to get rid of such a lot of stone. It seems to me if the earth were removed from the front of it, the weight ma}' take it farther, where it would eventually go into the waters of Pittwater. However, 10 men are starting to blast it and try and remove it for the property owners who are at present cut off from any road communication.
SHIRES (1918, June 4). Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109675349
Palm Beach, Five Bungalows (two concrete, one brick, one shingles, and one weatherboard). SYDNEY DEVELOPS (1918, June 17). Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109675779
FILM REVIEW
Just Peggy.
Here is an Australian picture that, thanks to the good sense of the producer, really looks Australian. Mr. J. A. Lipman chose some fine bush settings for his story, and made use of Manly, Palm Beach, and Middle Harbor. Also, he had Sydney photographed at its best angles, and remembered that we had a Centennial Park. At the Movies (1918, August 16). The Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1917 - 1919), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136729222
Erection of a concrete bungalow, Palm Beach; Mr. Albert Verrills, builder. GENERAL NOTES. (1918, December 11).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15814998
Three men and a young women were caught in the undertow while bathing at Palm Beach. One of the former, J. V. Caldacott, returned soldier, was carried out to sea and drowned. The others eventually succeeded in getting ashore on the rocks after a hard struggle, during which they were badly knocked about. BATHING FATALITIES. (1918, December 12).Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195550399
ROLL OF HONOR.
CALDECOTT.— A tribute of remembrance to Gunner Jack Caldecott, accidentally drowned at Palm Beach, December 10th, 1918. Inserted in sorrow by Gerty Seaton and Dina Leigh, Gwynd, New South Head Road, Double Bay
CALDECOTT.— A tribute of remembrance to Gunner Jack Caldecott, accidentally drowned at Palm Beach, Dec. 10, 1918. Inserted by his sorrowing comrades. Private Jensen, Private E. Sharpe, Randwick Military Hospital. Family Notices (1918, December 17). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239571645
CALDACOTT. — In sad but loving memory of our dear husband and father, Gunner J. Caldacott, who was drowned at Palm Beach on December 10,1918. Inserted by his loving wife, Maud Caldacott, and baby daughter, Doris.
CALDACOTT. — In loving memory of Gunner J. Caldacott, who was drowned at Palm Beach on December 10, 1918. Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Harry Wiles, and sister-in-law Louie Beckensall.
CALDACOTT. — In remembrance of Gunner J. Caldacott, who was accidentally drowned at Palm Beach, December 10, 1918. God knows best. Inserted in sorrow by Gerty Beaton. Family Notices (1919, December 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28093147
WOMEN PAINTERS
THEIR ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The Minister for Education, Mr. James, paid a doubtful compliment to the Society of Women Painters on Tuesday afternoon, when he opened their annual exhibition at the Education Building, by preaching a mild sermon to critics, and expressing his dislike of those amongst them who judged a picture by its bad points and failed to pick out its merits. The compliment was doubtful, seeing that the exhibition is one of the least successful yet held by this Society. The work on the whole is poor and uninteresting, and, judging by the standard of former exhibitions, is surely not representative of the highest efforts of our women painters. For one thing Florence Rodway is not showing, a circumstance which robs the exhibition of much of its interest and merit. A. Hedley Parsons scores easily first, both in the water color and oil sections. There is imagination and feeling in her work, and at times fine power of expression. A group which also demonstrates her powers of versatility with the brush is The Beach at Narrabeen, Church Interior, Autumn Leaves, Rock Pools, Old Sydney, and Trees at Palm Beach. A particularly fine work in oils is The Entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon, in which the artist has admirably caught the effect of glittering breakers and sun-bathed sand. WOMEN PAINTERS (1918, March 17).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123136619
PALM BEACH DROWNING
Colonel Marks' Bravery Evidence at Inquest
The circumstances surrounding the fatality at Palm Beach on January 25 were recalled this morning at an inquiry by the City Coroner (Mr. Jamie-son) into the deaths of Miss Johanna Mary Rogers and Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Marks. The latter lost his life in an attempt to save Miss Rogers, who had been carried out by the surf. His body has not yet been recovered. Dr. S. N. Bray said he was bathing at Palm Beach when the life-savers brought in Miss Rogers' body. Witness tried unsuccessfully for an hour to restore animation. Herbert Leslie McDonald, an accountant, living at Moruben-road, Mosman, stated that Colonel Marks was his brother-in-law. He was 24 years of age, and was a company manager. Marks was fair swimmer and had been decorated with the D.S.O., M.C., and Order of the White Eagle of Serbia. He arrived home from the war in December 1918, and was unmarried.
Story of Tragedy
"I was with him at Palm Beach on January 25," continued witness. "About 3 p.m. I heard a commotion, and, looking round, saw a woman a long way out in the surf, and two men holding her up. I ran towards the beach. Looking to the sea, I noticed that the men had had to leave the woman, and were coming back. "Going along the beach, I saw my brother-in-law with a piece of clothes line, with a knot in it, wound round his waist. He was about to go out to the woman, and was accompanied by Messrs. Bromly and Hendry. After they had gone about twenty-five yards the three got into difficulties.
"The current was strong. Bromly called out a warning to the other two. Hendry evidently heard him, and made back for the shore; but Marks went on about another ten yards. He then threw up his hands. Hendry and Bromly had to be assisted out.
Where was the Life Line?
"I rushed in with my clothes on to go to Marks. The proper life-line could not be found. The crowd was holding on the line round Marks. There was a lot of excitement. I got more than half-way to Marks, when I was compelled to re-turn as I was hopeless trying to reach him. By the time I had turned to come in he had disappeared. It was not the usual bathing place."
Edward James Rogers, a butcher, of Leichhardt, said that Miss Rogers was his sister. She could swim, and had been in the habit of going surf bathing. Horace James Hendry, an accountant, residing at Chatswood, said that he got within 20 yards of Marks when he lost sight of him. "Marks," added witness, "had on sand-shoes, trousers, and shirt, and was sucked down."
Holland Hodgson Wright, a wool appraiser, of Cremorne, stated that he re-covered the woman's body. Witness, who is a member of the Cronulla Life Saving Club, said the whole of Palm Beach was dangerous to strangers who did not know it.
The Coroner's Remarks In recording a verdict of accidental death by drowning in each instance, the Coroner said
"I feel sure that every-body concerned did their utmost to rescue this unfortunate woman. Unfortunately one of the bravest, Lieutenant-Colonel Marks, lost his life.
"It seems particularly sad that one who performed such glorious deed at the war and came through safely should have lost his life in this manner, but though it is sad in one way in another it appears to be a not unworthy end to a glorious career."
The Coroner also remarked that something should be done to warn visitors of the dangers existing at the beach. PALM BEACH DROWNING (1920, February 25). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115869886
Palm Beach Progress : Competitions to be Faster : The South Coast Visit : Resuscitation of Thirroul Club
(By THE STARTER.)
Palm Beach followers assembled in force at the first annual meeting last Sunday. Everything is well with the Woop Woops, as the metropolitan clubs dub them. In their first season Palm Beach have handled no less than £201, purchased a surf boat for £93, acquired a clubhouse and all necessary gear. The disbursements amounted to £164, and the balance in hand is £.35.
The following officials were elected : — Patron, Sir Herbert Maitland ; president, Mr. Thomas Peters ; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. J. Barnes, J. W. Brown, Dr. H. H. Bullmore. Messrs. J. M. Craig, H. K. Crossman, Judge Curlewis, W. Goddard, W. Chorley. E. D. Gray, A. I. Hordern, H. W. Meggitt, R. B. Orchard, M.H.R.. T. Peters. W. H. Raynor, F. Spier, H. A. Wilshire and W. W. Woodley; contain. A. Goddard ; vice-captain, E. H.' Sheedy: hon. secretary, L. A. Palmer ; hon. treasurer. E. H. Sheedy ; hon. instructor, A. Dellit ; delegates to S.L.S.A.. E. H. Sheedy and L. A- Palrrer ; hon. auditors, Messrs. Goldsmith and W. H. Raynor ; trustees of club property. Councillor G. W. Hitchcock. Messrs. H. W. Meggitt, T. Peters, W. H. Raynor. and H. A. Wilshire ; committee. Messrs. K. Oatley, L. Gallagher, W. Goddard. A. Curlewis, H. Holt.
The club is keen on surf-boat work this Summer, and the following have been chosen to man the craft pending a final selection : H. Holt, A. Goddard, A. Curlewis, A. Dellit, T. Gonsalves, and J. Ralston. Holt and Curlewis are Varsity senior oarsmen. The next move of Palm Beach is to erect a boathouse in a suitable position. Meanwhile great preparations are being made for the carnival on Jan. 1. at the double. THE LIVELY WOOP WOOPS (1922, December 1). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103446181
Dr Herbert Henry Bullmore
DR. H. BULLMORE.
Death Announced.
Dr. H. H. Bullmore, a well-known Macquarie Street physician, died suddenly at his home in Wunulla Road, Point Piper, yesterday. Dr. Bullmore took a leading part in the foundation of the Australasian College of Sur-geons. At the time of his death, he was honorary physician to the Prince Henry Hospital. He had previously held similar posts at the Royal South Sydney and St. Vincent's hospitals.
A native of Queensland, he entered a legal office after a brilliant scholastic career, and studied law for three years before deciding to enter the medical profession. He then en-rolled at Edinburgh University, obtaining his M.B. and Ch.B. degrees in 1902, and his M.R.C.P. (Edin.) in 1904. After graduating he was appointed House Physician to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, and later settled in Somerset. He remained there only a short time, however, before he came to Australia, and commenced practice in Woollahra.
KEEN SPORTSMAN.
Dr. Bullmore will also be remembered as a keen sportsman. Before going to Scotland he represented Queensland at Rugby Union, while at Edinburgh University he gained the distinction of a "double blue" for rowing and football. Later, he played for Scotland in international Union matches, and was also a member of the famous University XV., cap-tained by A. B. Flett.
He is survived by his wife, one son, James, and four daughters, Mrs. Frank Packer, Mrs. Douglas Henty, Mrs. Anthony Hordern, and Mrs. George Campbell.
After a service in All Saints' Church, Woollahra, at 2 p.m. to-day, the funeral will proceed to the Rookwood Crematorium.
DR. BULLMORE.
DR. H. BULLMORE. (1937, December 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17442533
Ellice Nosworthy
AWARD OF PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS.
ADDITIONAL LIST.
Arts.-Marjorie F Barnard L S Corner, Dorothy E. Edwards, Eva Duhig, Veronica E Moylan, Ellice M Nosworthy, R A. Shiress, G P Stuckey, M. Roddy, J. K. Taylor. THE UNIVERSITY. (1916, March 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15643320
LILIES OF THE FIELD
A meeting was held at the Women's Club of the committee which is arranging a performance of 'The Lilies of the Field'; for the Forest Lodge Day Nursery, and the Rachel Forster Hospital.
Mrs. Wilfred Fairfax: presided, and the following ladies were present: Mrs. W. H. Read, Macdonald, Louis Phillips, Misses Lorna Robinson, Sylvia Ducker, Susan Spencer, Katherine Ogilvie, Kathleen Robinson, Ellice Nosworthy, and Mrs. Hugh Massie. The performance will take place at the
Maccabean Hall, Darlinghurst on November 23 and 24. Tickets are obtainable at Paling's. The box plan opens at Paling's on November 9. Flowers and sweets will be sold, and orders for flowers may be given beforehand by. ringing JX2103. The 'Lilies of the Field,', which has not been performed in Australia, had a very good run in London. It is by Hastings Turner, and is a comedy, of modern life. The play will be produced by Mr. Douglas Calderwood, who played in Sydney in 'Bulldog Drummond,' and he will be assisted by the following caste: Miss Beryl Lynan, Miss Kathleen Robinson, Miss Barbara Allen, Miss Molly Street, Mrs. Hector Clayton, Miss Madeline Macrae, Miss Katharine Coard Square, and Mr. E. Penfold. LILIES OF THE FIELD (1927, October 23).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128511640
THE ARCHITECTS
Institute of Architects of New South Wales A general meeting of the Institute of Architects is to be held on March 2 at 7.30 p. in , when A S. Hook, A.R.C.A., London, will present his presidential address. The ballot will be taken for the new members, Miss Ellice Nosworthy of Treatts Road, Lindfield and Finlay E. Munro, of 133 Darling Point Road. Members have the privilege of bringing interested lady or gentlemen friends to the meeting. The address will be followed by refreshments, to which all are invited.
Obituary
The death occurred recently of Mr. Maurice B. Halligan, architect, of the 'firm of Halligan and Wilton. Mr Halligan has Been a prominent figure in the architectural world for many years, and amongst the more important buildings with which he has been connected are the Royal Sydney Golf Club-house at Rose Bay (the most pretentious club-house in Australia), the' British-Australasian Tobacco Co.'s premises at Kensington, and Tooth's brewery and some of Tooth's hotels. He specialised in domestic architecture, however, and most of his work is to be seen in suburban residences, . more especially in the Bellevue Hill district. Architects, Builders and Engineers (1926, February 24). Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109641073
Turramurra.-Erection of a residence at Turramurra. Mr. E. Nosworthy, architect, Treatt's-road, Lindfield.
Palm Beach,-Erection of a residence at Palm Beach. Mr. Virgil D. Cizzio, architect. 8s Castlereagh-street. TENDERS. (1928, January 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16434724
Re will of ELLICE MAUD NOSWORTHY, late of Lindfield, retired architect, deceased.—Probate granted by Supreme Court of New South Wales on 8th May, 1972.—Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1965, Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1954, and Trustee Act, 1925-1942, Rudolf Gunz and Victor Donald Alcock, the executors of the will of the said Ellice Maud Nosworthy, who died on 7th January, 1972, hereby give notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send particulars of their claims to the said executors, c.o. Downie & Quinn, Solicitors, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney, on or before the 15th day of February, 1973, at the expiration of which time the said executors will distribute the assets of the said deceased to the persons entitled, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.—Dated this 4th day of December, 1972. DOWNIE & QUINN, Solicitors, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney. 2691—$4 Re will of ELLICE MAUD NOSWORTHY, late of Lindfield, (1972, December 8).Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4986. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220149640
Throughout WWII, Nosworthy also worked for the Allied Works Council. From 1941 to 1972 she was the Honorary Architect for the Women's College at the University of Sydney, providing free advice for the maintenance of its buildings and designing several substantial additions, among them an air-raid shelter (1942) under the cloister and the (Mary) Reid wing (1958) which accommodated thirty-one students. She frequently donated her fees for such work to the college's building appeal. [ In the late 1950s she collaborated with Wilkinson on additions to St Andrew's College, University of Sydney.Furthermore, apart from her domestic practice, she designed childcare centres for the Sydney Day Nursery and Nursery Schools Association at Erskineville, NSW(1945) and Newtown, NSW(1955), and for the Ku-ring-gai Council at Gordon, NSW(1950) as well as the construction of Karitane (the Australian Mothercraft Society, derived from the New Zealand organization). Her family has donated of a large archive of her drawings and professional documents to the National Library of Australia.
She became a member of the Royal Australian Institute of architects and a fellow associate. During this time she also became a member of the British Institute of architects and the Australian Federation of University women. Ellice was a fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. A member of the Australian Federation of University Women, she attended the international federation's conference in Mexico City (1964) and visited South America.
Ellice Nosworthy, photo G3_224_1672, courtesy University of Sydney Archives.
1917 Commenced an Arts degree at the University of Sydney in 1917 before transferring into the newly established architecture course under Professor Leslie Wilkinson in 1918.
1923: Nosworthy became one of the first women registered architects in New South Wales.
1941–1972: She was the Honorary Architect for the Women's College at the University of the Sydney.
1948: Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
1958–1959: The Young Women's Christian Association.
1957–1958: The Reid wing of The Women's College.
1964: A member of the Australian Federation of University Women, she attended the International federation's conference in Mexico City and visited South America.
1970: A fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and an associate.
Notable projects
Nosworthy worked for the Architectural Association along with other young Australia architects in the 1930s, such as Robert Cummings, Winsome Hall Andrew, Roy Prentice and Robert Atkinson. The peninsula was the setting for other iconic works of the 20th-century residential architecture by Australian architects, including Nosworthy herself. The Women's College Reid wing was designed by Nosworthy along with, common and music rooms in a two storied face brickwork and terracotta-tiled addition. Due to the financial constraints of post-war conditions, aluminium-framed windows were a necessary addition instead of traditional timber-hung sashes, followed by her additions to the Williams Wing and Staff accommodation on the Campus. In 1960 Leslie Wilkinson and Nosworthy added a new dining call to St Andrew's College which included a spacious Junior common room below, situated between St Andrew's North Wing and Missenden road.
As one of the interwar generation of women architects, Norsworthy along with other significant Australians, made a significant contribution to Australian architecture, from domestic projects through to large institutional and industrial complexes, demonstrating what A.G. Stephenson had stated 'there's nothing in architecture a man can do that a woman can't do.’
1922 and 1923: Worked for Waterhouse&Lake.
1942: Four blocks of community housing for the Kuringgai Older Peoples's Welfare Association.
1945: Childcare centres for the Sydney Day Nursery & Nursery Schools Association at Erskineville.
1950: The Kuringgai Municipal Council at Gordon and alterations to St Andrew's College at the University.
1955: Childcare centres for the Sydney Day Nursery & Nursery Schools Association at Newtown.
1956: She conducted her practice from her own home, built to her specifications in her parents' orchard.
1959–1960: Nosworthy made additions to Williams Wing of The Women's College.
1960: St Andrew's College, Nosworthy and Professor Leslie Wilkinson cleverly inserted a new dining hall seating over 300, with a spacious Junior Common Room below.
1960: Community housing for the Kuringgai Old People's Welfare Association.
1960s: A late but major project in the 1960s was the design of 'Arrunga', four blocks of the flats for single elderly people for the Kuringgai Old People's Welfare Association (KOPWA) at Lindfield, New South Wales, a rare and still successful community-based housing initiative.
Achievements
Ellice Maud Nosworthy was one of the first eight graduates of the Faculty of Architecture and one of its first three women graduates, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1922. While a student at the University, she was Treasurer of the Sydney University Women's Undergraduates Association Committee in 1918, and lived at the Women's College where she won the Dickinson Cup for tennis in 1919 and in 1921. She was one of two architects to be the first registered in New South Wales when registration began in June 1923 and one of the first women to set up their own architectural practices.
