In 'What the trees see: A wander through millennia of natural history in Australia' [Monash University Publishing (2023)] Dave Witty researches and shares knowledge of a landscape much changed and species now extinct in their historic natural range along with others that are still standing, having witnessed the huge changes wrought on each place since 1788. One example is the Bennelong Twins, two closely entwined forest red gums located on the Tarpeian Lawn at Bennelong Point in Sydney, near the Sydney Opera House, thought to be 300 years old and recognisable in early settler paintings as saplings. Other little recognised treasures are the dendroglyphs or carved ‘old grey’ cypress pines of the Pilliga, the stories of the forest wars over old growth forests and the recovery of the Wollemi pine, and chapters on low profile species such as mangroves and casuarina.
A local species referred to is the Cabbage Tree Palm - once prolific in Pittwater - but destroyed en masse because it made a great early hut, and latterly, got in the way of the view or the cheek by jowl perimeter to perimeter installation of concrete that will, sooner or later, landslide into the sea.
The scale, or size of the trees that grew here may be approximated in those sketches made by Lieutenant Bradley when he accompanied the first Governor of New South Wales, Captain (Admiral) Arthur Phillip, RN, in their March 1788 exploration of Pittwater.
Figure 1 `View in Broken Bay New South Wales. March 6, 1788' Courtesy Mitchell Library, Image No.: a3461013. The earliest depiction of Pittwater. Note the size of the visitors and their hosts compared to the trees. Made at today's Taylor's Point.
In April 1788 Australia's first Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip, led a reconnaissance party from Manly Cove upstream through the Stoney Creek (St Ives) area, seeking fertile land for growing crops. On this journey, he noted the tall trees which were to provide timber for the growing colony.
By December 8 1795 there was a prohibition on timber cutting on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, an Order that was issued by Captain John Hunter, RN, who took office as the second Governor of New South Wales on September 11, 1795.
By October 1803, just 15 years after Europeans began living here, so many trees along the Hawkesbury river had been removed that the floods along the Nepean-Hawkesbury floodplain Sydney is still dealing with today, and which caused Andrew Thompson of Scotland Island to die years before his time - in rescuing others from these floods and becoming ill as a result - the third Governor, Captain Philip Gidley King, RN, ordered settlers to desist and commence re-planting.
The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser published the orders, along with some others that relate to what trees were being cut down for - to send them to England to build wharves and ships - and some outline of the volume of the losses.
A few of those Notices and those Orders:
General Orders.
Hɪꜱ Exᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴄʏ having appointed Mr. Thomas Moore, Master Boat Builder, to be Surveyor of Timber throughout the Colony for Naval Purposes, neither him, or any Person employed under his direction, is to be hindered or molested in marking, cutting down, and removing such Trees and Timber as he may fix on.
By Command of Hɪꜱ Exᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴄʏ
W. N. Cʜᴀᴘᴍᴀɴ, Sec. Government House, May 7, 1803. General Orders. (1803, May 15). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625575
Proclamation
Bʏ Hɪꜱ Exᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴄʏ Pʜɪʟɪᴘ Gɪᴅʟᴇʏ Kɪɴɢ ESQUIRE, Captain‐General and Governor in Chief in and over Hɪꜱ Mᴀᴊᴇꜱᴛʏ’ꜱ Territory of New South Wales and its Dependencies, &c. &c. &c.
THE great consumption of Timber, and the Requisition made by Government for as much as possible being reserved for the Use of the Navy, The following Regulations are to be observed by all and every His Majesty’s Subjects resident or stationed in this Territory, Masters of Ships, and all Others.
Timber in this Colony includes She and Swamp Oaks, Red, Blue, and Black‐butted Gums, Stringy and Iron Barks, Mahogany, Box, Honeysuckle, Cedar, Lightwood, Turpentine, &c.‐‐‐ The Property of all which, and every other kind of Trees fit for Timber, or likely to become so, lies in the Proprietor of the Land, either by Grant or Lease, excepting Timber fit for Naval or other Public Purposes, which those authorised by the Gᴏᴠᴇʀɴᴏʀ may mark, cut down, and remove, in and from any situation public or private.
Any person cutting down, barking, damaging, or destroying any Timber or Trees, fit, or likely to become fit for Ship‐building, Buildings, Masts, or Mechanical Purposes, without the Permission of the Proprietor, or of the Gᴏᴠᴇʀɴᴏʀ if on any of the Crown Lands, will be answerable to the Laws provided in that behalf, and according to the local situation of the Inhabitants of this Colony.
This Regulation is not to preclude the Inhabitants from getting such Fuel from Fallen Woods as they can remove with Wheelbarrows, or Carts drawn by One Horse, excepting Fuel requisite for Government Uses. Masters and Commanders of Ships will be informed by the Naval Officer where they may procure Fuel for their Ships ; and those who may obtain the Gᴏᴠᴇʀɴᴏʀ’ꜱ and Proprietor’s Permission to cut down and re-move Timber fit for the foregoing purposes, or for sale at any other Port, are to pay a Duty of Three Pounds Sterling to the Treasurer of the Orphan Fund for every Thou-sand solid Feet taken on board, of which they are to give Notice to the Measurer (John Thompson), as often as they receive it, and before it is hoisted into the ship, on pain of forfeiting Five Pounds Sterling for each Neglect, on Conviction before two Magistrates.
This Regulation to commence from the 26th Day of June, 1803.
Given under my Hand, at Government‐House, Parramatta, this 21st of June, 1803.
(ꜱɪɢɴᴇᴅ)
PHILIP GIDLEY KING.
Gᴏᴅ Sᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ Kɪɴɢ !
(By Command of His Excellency) W. N. Cʜᴀᴘᴍᴀɴ, Secretary. Proclamation (1803, June 26). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625640
SYDNEY.
Since the Duty of 31. per 1000 solid feet of Timber has been assessed to the Orphan Fund, the Cato has received on board 461 logs of beautiful she‐oak, measuring 1774 feet solid; and 81 spars and masts of stringy bark, containing 1231 feet ; making together 3005 feet solid measurement.
The Bridgewater has also taken in 18 handsome logs of she‐oak.
On Monday and Tuesday the center or mould of the arch was erected for the New Bridge. It is of sufficient height to raise the communication of the opposite sides nearly to a level. The passage over the old mound is now totally cut off, by the removal of the earth, rubbish, &c. of which it was composed, for the purpose of filling up the vacuum between the walls of the Bridge.
At the Sales by auction on Monday last, pursuant to advertisement, articles sold as follows :‐‐‐
Six mahogany chairs, with two elbow to match 20ℓ.
A set of mahogany folding dining tables 16ℓ.
A mahogany round table 5ℓ. 5s. A Chest of Drawers 21ℓ. 1s.
Average price of Cheeses per lb. 1s. 6d. Some Brick ditto per ditto, 2s. 1d.
Laycock’s and Cardel’s Farms, situate near to South Head, consisting together of 130 acres, were sold for 100ℓ.
The Range of Houses occupying a Lease of ground near to Mr. Jamison’s, went at 128 guineas, and The Roan Horse sold for 117.
A Punt, or Lighter is now nearly compleated in the Dock Yard, at the Order of Hɪꜱ Exᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴄʏ, to be used in bringing round Timber for the use of Government. The planking is chiefly of English deal; the floor measures 36 feet in length, and upwards of 11 in breadth. The construction of the vessel appears thoroughly adapted to the purpose for which it is intended, and is likely to be productive of a considerable saving of labour to Government.
The corner of South Row next to Pitt’s Row is compleated on the principle lain down in the Printed Regulations issued by the Gᴏᴠᴇʀɴᴏʀ. The back of the Red Lion, which lies next the Spring, extends the paling without the ditch, and adds considerably to the appearance of the Walk.
Last week the cloaths of a young child caught fire, owing to the carelessness of its nurse, and had not the accident been timely noticed, it would probably have terminated fatally to the infant. Happily, the injury extended only to the wearing apparel, which was so much burnt as to render the child’s escape almost incredible. It is unnecessary to offer any remark on a species of negligence the dangers liable to result from which have on many doleful occasions been too manifest.
The Albion’s Whale‐boat, advertised in our last Week’s Paper to have been taken away from the ship on the morning of the 11st ult. was picked up the following day by the Bee Colonial vessel, with the lad on board mentioned to be missing. SYDNEY. (1803, July 31). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625702
Farm, Boat, and Timber For Sale.
TO be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT, an Allotment of Ground desirably situated, adjoining Long Cove, known by the Name of DRUMSEYLLA FARM, with a very considerable quantity of valuable standing and fallen Timber thereon, all which will be disposed of (except such as may be required for Government purposes).
ALSO
A Staunch well built BOAT of 18 feet Keel, Copper fastened, and very little the worse of wear ; and about 80 Logs of barked OAK, now laying near the Hospital Wharf.
For particulars apply to Mr. Wm. Bennet, Commissary's Office.
‡ An unexpected disappointment is the sole motive for disposing of the above, therefore good bargains may be expected.
Sydney, Sep. 24th. Classified Advertising (1803, September 25). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625793
Farm, Boat, and Timber For Sale.
TO be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT, an Allotment of Ground desirably situated, adjoining Long Cove, known by the Name of DRUMSEYLLA FARM, with a very considerable quantity of valuable standing and fallen Timber thereon, all which will be disposed of (except such as may be required for Government purposes).
ALSO
A Staunch well built BOAT of 18 feet Keel, Copper fastened, and very little the worse of wear ; and about 80 Logs of barked OAK, now laying near the Hospital Wharf.
For particulars apply to Mr. Wm. Bennet, Commissary's Office.
‡ An unexpected disappointment is the sole motive for disposing of the above, therefore good bargains may be expected.
Sydney, Sep. 24th. Classified Advertising (1803, September 25). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625793
The wages of cutting down all the trees, and those General Orders:
General Orders.
FROM the improvident method taken by the First Settlers on the Sides of the Hawkesbury and Creeks, in Cutting Down Timber and Cultivating the Banks, many Acres of Ground have been removed, Lands inundated, Houses, Stacks of Wheat, and Stock, washed away by former Floods which might have been prevented in some measure, if the Trees and other Native Plants had been suffered to remain ; and instead of cutting any down to have planted others to bind the Soil of the Banks closer; and rendered them less liable to be carried away by every inconsiderable Flood ; nor is this the only evil :‐‐‐ The Public convenience having suffered by the numerous large Trees lying in the Stream, and fallen across, rendering water-carriage on the Creeks almost impracticable, and in some Part of the Hawkesbury very dangerous.
As several Settlers have been, and are now fixing on the Lower Part of the Hawkesbury, along the Nepean, South Creek, and George’s River, in Situations where the above Evils may be prevented, It is hereby directed that no Settler or other Person, to whom Ground is Granted or Leased on the Sides of any River or Creek where Timber is now growing, Do on any account Cut Down, or Destroy by barking or otherwise, any Tree or Shrub growing within Two Rods of the Edge of the Bank, except for an Opening, One Rod wide, to have Access to the Water.
Mr. Eᴠᴀɴꜱ, Acting Surveyor of Lands, is directed to communicate this Ordinance to those lately settled; and to give the Gᴏᴠᴇʀɴᴏʀ a List of those who have not yet cut any Timber down in the above Situations, that it may be made a Condition in their Grant ; And should they not be sufficiently sensible of the general and individual Benefit arising from this necessary Regulation, the Magistrates are hereby required to Levy a Fine of Fifty Shillings for each Tree cut down; the Penalty to go to the Informer prosecuting to Conviction before two Magistrates.
Within the two Rods of Timber left on the Banks, another Rod is to be left for a Public Road along the Sides of the River or Creek ; which three Roads are not in future to be measured in the respective Allotments.
It is earnestly recommended to those who already hold Farms by Grant, situated on the Side of any River or Creek liable to Floods, and which have been cleared of Timber, to Replant the Banks with such binding Plants and Trees as they can procure.
By Command of His Exᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴄʏ, W. N. Cʜᴀᴘᴍᴀɴ, Sec. Government House, Sydney, Oct. 4, 1803. General Orders. (1803, October 9). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625810
The cutting down and clearing continued:
ᴘᴏꜱᴛꜱᴄʀɪᴘᴛ.
On Monday Hɪꜱ ExᴄᴇʟʟEɴᴄʏ made a visit to Parramatta, and the day following returned to town.
The whole of the ship timber procured by the convicts at public labour, under the inspection of Mr. Moore, consisting of 160 pieces, estimated to contain above 4000 solid feet consigned to the Navy Board, has been shipped on board the Sydney. This is the best and most valuable collection of timber ever sent from the Colony, being for the major part well calculated for the most important uses in ship building.
The Sydney has also received a quantity of iron stone in order that a fair experiment may be made in England of the quality of that native production. POSTSCRIPT. (1805, September 22). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626915
ᴀᴄᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴛ.
On Friday last a lascar belonging to the Sydney unfortunately had his leg broken in stowing the Government timber on board that vessel. He was immediately ordered to be received into the General Hospital, where every possible attention is paid to his recovery. ACCIDENT. (1805, September 22). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626922
𝑆𝑌𝐷𝑁𝐸𝑌.
Yesterday His Exᴄᴇʟʟᴇɴᴄʏ issued directions for a gang of men to be employed at the North Shore in procuring ship timber from among the range of woods there. In consequence of which a timber carriage with 8 draught bullocks were under the directions of John Hᴀʀʀɪꜱ Esq. yesterday conveyed across in the Government punt, attended by a competent number of hands. SYDNEY. (1805, November 17). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626963
There is no doubt early colonists to this country were literally stealing the bush to build here or to ship massive trees back to England to build the wharves and ships that would transport more convicts and colonists to these shores. There was no taking into account tree species revered as Mother Trees, or those used to make canoes by taking a little, not felling the whole tree, or those which are Food Trees which marked the verges of the Seasons and landscape, telling indigenous peoples where and when fruit and seed and fish will be found. This robbed everyone of a knowledge of these 'tree songs', apart from the obvious reasons to retain those trees, as pointed out by the earliest Governors.
However, those granted land were required, under the conditions of those grants, to clear a certain amount of land, the trees, and cultivate food crops or for livestock grazing. This was referred to as 'improving the land'. Those who had not made 'improvements' would forfeit their holding.
In one instance they're told to replant - on the other hand they're told to cut down or lose their foothold in autonomy.
A few local land grants and one associated court case illustrates how quickly the local would have disappeared in some places:
Sir Thomas Mitchell sketchbook - Careel Bay 1828 (flat area leading north towards; where present day Careel Creek is) - Item c03082_0024_m, courtesy State Library of NSW
Further west of Pittwater there was what we today call 'Frenchs Forest' and 'Duffys Forest'.
James Harris French (1817 - 1893) junior arrived in Sydney on the Alfred in January 1841 at the age of 23 and married Mary Tiffin, a daughter of Jamaican 'Billy' Blue on 10 August 1842. To Mr. French is also ascribed the development of Forestville.
'Duffy's Forest'. was a land grant to Patrick Duffy and he too was a timber-getter who cleared a road through the bush to Cowan Creek, where he built a stone wharf for transporting timber. The wharf is still known as 'Duffys Wharf' and the road as 'Duffys Track'.
By the 1850's millions of tonnes of trees were being cut down locally and used in local building as well as still being shipped out of Australia. One of the earliest photos available of the changes wrought on the western shores of Pittwater shows an aspect of Rocky Point and the William Oliver land grant after it had been cleared of the original giant trees and an orange orchard has been put in – soon afterwards it is sold to developers and will be subdivided into lots where artists, many with a connection to music, will build holiday homes.
These images capture the difference between those 1850 records of tonnes of trees being shipped Sydney-wards and the circa 1880 to 1900 photos, just 100 years after 1788:
Henry King photo, circa 1880, courtesy Powerhouse Museum
New South Wales. Department of Lands. (December 16, 1886). Parish of Narrabeen, County of Cumberland Metropolitan Land District, Eastern Division N.S.W Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-233833505
Rocky Point Kerry photo a few years later, circa 1885 – orchard trees grown slightly
Kerry photo a few years later, circa 1885 – orchard trees grown slightly. Note the building to right showing felled tree trunks lining the bay below dwelling. This was, by then, the Andrew Hardie McCulloch jun. 50 acres alongside William Oliver's acres and Frederick Fahl further along. The 30 acres on other side of Oliver's Rocky Pont peninsula acres was Arthur Branscombe Woods' land by 1898 - the other 20 acres remained with the Oliver family. Mr. Woods would sell his by then 33 acres to Herbert Fitzpatrick and Arthur Ducker in 1924, when the subdivision of Lots on that side of Elvina Bay would take place.
Section from above Kerry photo- note the trees along the bay edge.
This 1900 photo, shows a section from a Lovett Bay - Ku-Ring-Gai Chase panorama which shows more land cleared on that peninsula alongside Rocky Point and with McCarrs Creek on its other side:
Lovett Bay - Elvina Bay View 1900 Mr Dyer in foreground. Item: FL3593105, courtesy NSW State Records and Archives
Lovett Bay Elvina 1900 section from panorama - western edge of, and after Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park has been established. Note the dwelling is no longer present on the point at Elvina Bay but another further west is. Item: FL3592991
The published in 1861 account in Charles De Boos of ‘My Holiday’ describes over and over the landscape and trees thereon:
''On the other side of this gully we commenced mounting the side of a gently-sloping hill, that had at one time been very heavily timbered, though all the best and largest of the trees had long since fallen beneath the axe and saw.
We followed along the top of on ironbark range, heavily though not closely timbered, for about half a mile, and during the whole of the distance we could see below us the dense and impassable scrub that lined the gulley intervening between the range on which we stood and that which we saw towering up opposite to us. We were about to descend the range in order to cross the gulley at its only practicable point, which was where it came down upon the beach in one of the many coves that are contained in Creel Bay, when we heard yelp ! yelp ! yelp ! behind us, accompanied by a crashing and cracking through the bushes down into the gulley that left no mistake as to what was going on. Spanker made a spring forward, as he heard the other dogs in full cry, and descended the hill so persistently that Frank, who held on manfully to the handkerchief was carried a considerable distance down with him, until finding that either he must go with the dog, or let the dog go by himself, for stop him he couldn't, he adopted the latter alternative, and loosed his hold, whereupon Spanker flew down the hill, his "streamers waving in the wind," as Tom's silk handkerchief caught the breeze in the dog's rapid progress.
In these gullies, protected by the huge rocks and the giant timber of the range from the burning heat of the sun…
Ferns and palms of numerous varieties startup around; lichens and mosses, of every form and hue, spring up from rocks, or droop from trees and shrubs; parasites, of strange grotesque or monstrous shapes, batten upon the dead or fallen timber, or draw life from the juices of living trees; whilst shrubs and plants of the most varied and beauteous foliage are bound up and interlaced together by an infinity of creeping plants, some of vast proportions hanging and twisting amongst the tree tops like fabled serpents; others, minute and delicate, clinging bashfully to the support that upholds them.
We followed a broad and well-defined cart track leading northerly, which mounted and crossed the range that terminates in the bold rocky headland, called Bulgola Head. Keeping for about half a mile along the crest of the ridge, which, with the exception of a few dwarfed and stunted honeysuckles, and occasional tufts of coarse wiry grass, is entirely denuded of verdure, the road at length takes a sweep down along the inland fall of the ridge, through a beautiful open forest of fine lofty and heavy timber. Here we see that the road has been cut out, with evident care, from the side of the range, the earth dug out in levelling the upper portion of the road serving to raise up the lower half. Upwards the enormous trees, their trunks black with age and bush fires, towered up in gradually decreasing size as they reached the top, where the cutting breezes from the ocean reached and kept them down. Below, the open forest changed progressively, from the park-like wood to the thick bush and the dense and tangled jungle; whilst from the heavy brush of the bottom rose up the notes of the feathered songsters, for it is a libel to say that we have no song birds in Australia, and the sharp whistle of the coachman, the mocking tones of the gill bird, the liquid note of the bell bird, and the song of many other denizens of the scrub, mingled with the drowsy hum of a running stream that occasionally sent up sounds like far off bells, as its waters struck the air in descending the many crannied rocks that lined its course.''
'Giant Cedar 350 years old' - Photo: Powerhouse Museum, NSW State Records and Archives
The Sydney journals of the 1840's to 1850's record the staggering amounts of timber and what species were coming in and from where, on a daily basis. The records show people were carting off the shell middens made by indigenous peoples - these being used to make cement to construct buildings and taking just a few decades to remove all of these from the coastal landscapes.
Just three examples of those records provide an insight into how many trees were being felled:
Coasters, inwards.
May 1. Bet, 20. Toole, Timber, Kiama, Fly, 39* Williams, Timber. Brisbane Water ; Suteri.49, Port, Coals, Newcastle; Dolphin, 16, Ferrissons Shells, Brisbane Water. May J. Mermaid, H, Doora, Maire, Hawkesbury t Endeavour, 10, Shake shaft. Timber, Hawkesbury ; Betsy, 14, Jones, Timber, Brisbane Water; Breiten, 44, Millie, Coals, Newcastle ; Gtoryiana, 25", M'lntlre, Grain, Morpeth ¡ Louisa, 26, Legge, Shells, Brisbane Water ; Mary Ann,15, Brenan, Maize, Hawkesbury... 27, Laverick, Timber, Brisbane Water ; Star, 12, Bryant, Shells, Brisbane Water.: ; R,m, 28. For*1 Maize, &c., Paterson River ., ...Moor, Coals, Newcastle t Star, 20. Thompson' ' Grain, Hunter's River 'I May 4 Roar.., 16, ...Hawkesbury River. J May 5. Samson, 26, Bradly, Cedar, Broken Bay; 'Mary Ann, 6, Shaw, potatoes, &c. Pitt Water ; Dove, 13, Hart, Shells, Botany Bay ; May 6. Torrington. 22, Woodlands, Coals, Port Stephens.
The brig Eleanor, from the Mauritius and Hobart Town, reports the schooner Velox and the brig Dovecot, both from Sydney, having arrived at the former port, and sailed again, the Velox for the Cape, and the Dovecot for London. COASTERS INWARDS. (1841, May 7). The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28652041
View on the lower Hunter / painted by Joseph Docker, 1840’s – shows pumpkins and farming alongside the water. Item: SLNSW_FL1110182, courtesy State Library of NSW - the Mitchell Library
COASTERS INWARDS.
June 24.--Harriett, 29, Lowe, from Newcastle, with coals; Currency Lass, 16, Edwards, from Brisbane Water, with 2000 feet timber, 50,000 shingles; Flu, 20, Williams, from Brisbane Water, with 10,000 feet timber; Currency Lad, 19, Stephenson, from Brisbane Water, with 8500 feet timber, 5000 shingles; Henry, 15, Brown, from Lake Macquarie, with coals; Shamrock, steamer, 200, Gilmore, from Morpeth, with 12 bales wool, 100 bushels wheat, 20 trusses hay; Mary Ann, 52, Williams, from Port Macquarie, with 20,000 feet timber, 800 bushels maize, &e.; Dove, 15, Heart, from Brisbane Water, with shells; Paterson, 40, Burcham, from Port Albeit, with 5 tons bark; Acme, 18, Legge, from Kiama, with 10 tonse potatoes; Louisa, 10, Pennington, from Brisbane Water, with 500 feet timber, 10,000 shingles, 12 cases oranges. 26.-Sophia Jane, steamer, 156, Wiseman, from Wollongong, with sundries ; Thistle, steamer, 12 7 Patttisono, roti' Morpeth, with 12 bales wool, 2.000 sheep skins, 90 bushes maize, and 4 horses ; Maitland, steamer, 103, Parsons, from Port Macquarie, with 400 bushels maize; Sisters, 48, Porter, from Newcastle, with 60 tons coals ; Lucy Ann, 36, Parry, from the M'Leay River, with 18,000 feet cedar;. Selina, 32, ,Clugstone, from Broulee, with 30 tons potatoes, and 150 bushels wheat ; Hondes, 30, Stewart, from Kiama, with 14,000 feet timber and 1 ton potatoes'; Adventure, 22, Law, from Broulee, with 20 tons potatoes and 300 bushels wheat; Emma, 22, Johnson, from Wollongong, with 10,000 feet timber, four tons bark, and 10 bushels maize ; Eclipse, 21, Sullivan, from East Gosford, with 6,000 feet timber and 20,000 shingles ; Harriett, 16, Crause, from Brisbane Water, with 30.000 shingles and 3000 feet timber; Newport Packet, 14, Leftwitch, from Brisbane Water, with 34,000 shingles and 14,000 feet timber'; Fly, 10, Shaw, from the Hawkesbury, with 26,000 shingles and 400 feet sawn timber. COASTERS INWARDS. (1843, June 27). Australasian Chronicle (Sydney, NSW : 1839 - 1843), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31740314
COASTERS INWARDS.
December 7. — Mermaid , 20, Murray, from Brisbane Water, -with 6000 feet sawn timber, 22,000 shingles ; Traveller , 8, M'Cormack, from Brisbane Water, with 3000 feet timber, 5000 shingles ; Mary Jane , 32, Walker, from Newcastle, with coals ; Sophia Jane , steamer, 156, Stericker, from Morpeth, with 71 bales wool, 12 cases tobacco, 10 bags corn, 11 trusses hay, &c. ; Sampson , 30, Milne, from the Lochend Mines, with 30 tons coals ; Harriett , 15, Crause, from Brisbane Water, with 25,000 shingles, 4000 feet timber ; Mary Ann, 12, Farrier, from the Hawkesbury, with 500 bushels shells ; Currency Lad, 19, Stevenson, from Brisbane Water, with 5000 feet timber, 200 bushels shells ; Rose, steamer, 172, Pattison, from the Hunter, with 30 bales wool, 20 casks tallow, 30 kegs tobacco, 100 hides ; Louisa , 15,Settrce, from Brisbane Water, with 50,000 shingles, 800 feet timber; Ellen 11, Lane, from Brisbane Water, with 300 posts and rails, 1000 pailings, 1500 shingles, 300 feet sawn timber; Lady of the Lake, 20, Hockings, from Brisbane Water, with 7000 feet timber, 1000 palings, 1100 laths; Mary Ann, 9, Black, from Pitt Water, with 250 bushels shells, 1 cwt. onions,
December 9. — Roubulla, 16, Stewart, from Kiama, 2000 feet cedar boards, 1000 feet hard wood, 34 casks colonial ale, &c. ; Bee, 12, Sugden, from Kiama, with 6500 feet cedar; Challenger, 31, M'Fayden, from Port Macquarie, with 9000 feet cedar, 12 bales wool ; Isabella, 21, Barnett, from the M'Leay, with 700 bushels maize, 1000 feet cedar; Comet, 34, Thrower, from the William River, with 45 tons coals, &c. ; Cricket Player, 12, Loutit, from the Hawkesbury, with 60 bushels maize, 450 bushels shells; Currency Lass, 16, Bowden, from Brisbane Water, with 5000 feet timber, 100 bushels shells ; Henry, 16, Brown, from Lake Macquarie, with 16 tons coals ; Dolphin, 16, Nicholson, from Wollongong, with 10 tons potatoes, &c, ; Rainbow, 20, Cox, from Brisbane Water, with 8000 feet timber, 25 000 shingles, 1 ton onions ; Emma, 22, Johnston, from Kiama, with 9000 feet timber, 2 tons potatoes ; Traveller's Bride, 30, Brown, from the Paterson, with 1240 bushels maize, 180 bushels barley, 15 kegs tobacco ; Thistle, steamer, 127, Mulhall, from Morpeth, with 400 bushels maize, 15 casks tallow, 60 hides, 10 bales wool, 40 bags onions, & c.
December 10. — Bard's Legacy, 31, Williamson, from Camden Haven, with 10,000 feet cedar ; Harriet, 30, Evans, from Broulee, with 14 tons bark ; Rose, 30, Cameron, from Broulee, in ballast ; Newport Packet, 7, Lowry, from Brisbane Water, with 10,000 feet sawn timber, 200 posts and rails, 26,500 shingles.
December 11 .—-Dove, 13, Hart, from Port Hacking, with 450 bushels shells ; Rose, steamer, 172, Pattison, from Morpeth, with sundries ; Jane, 42, Steele, from Moreton Bay. with 20,000 feet cedar ; Northumberland, 44, Chandler; from the Richmond, with 20,000 feet cedar ; Trial, 30, Cullum, from the Hunter, with 1270 bushels maize.
December 12. — Mary, 14, M'Kennon, from the Hawkesbury, with 500 bushels lime ; Triton, 160, Browning, from the Manning, with 20,000 feet timber; Brothers, 27, Campbell, from Newcastle, with 35 tons coals; Mary Ann, 20, Bunker, from the Bellinger, with 8000 feet cedar ; Lucy Ann, 37, Sheridan, from New castle, with 40 tons coals ; Neptune, 15, Horpin, from Brisbane Water, with 30,000 shingles, 2000 palings ; Sophia Jane, steamer, 156, Stericker, from Morpeth, with 82 bales wool, 7 casks tallow, 49 hides, 51 bags bran ; Ariel, 72, Collins, from Newcastle, with 80 tons coals ; Willo'the Wisp, 16, Johnson, from the Lochend Mines, with 15 tons coals; Matilda, 16, Ward, from the Hawkesbury, with 600 bushels maize; Gleaner, 14, Beazley, from Port Aiken, with 300 bushels shells, 2000 feet timber ; Thistle, steamer, 127, Mulhall, from Morpeth, with 50 bales wool, 10 tons tallow, 60 bags onions, &c. ; Defiance, 16, Jerrard, from the Hawkesbury, with 500 bushels maize.
December 13 .—Lark, 18, Ford, from Wollongong, with 8 tons potatoes; Pedlar , 18, Lesslie, from Wollongong, with 240 bags potatoes ; Tam o' Shanter, 12, Laverick, from Brisbane Water, with 2000 feet sawn timber, 100 posts and rails, and 500 palings ; William the Fourth, steamer, 53, Wiseman, from the Clarence, with 68 bales wool, &c.
December 14. — Thomson, 37, Steele, from the Richmond, with 20,000 feet cedar; Trial, 12, M'Keon, from Brisbane Water, with 3400 shingles, 2000 feet timber ; Harriet , 15, Crause, from Brisbane Water, with 4000 feet timber, 25,000 shingles ; Elizabeth, 32, M'Cartney, from Newcastle, with 38 tons coals ; Brothers, 12, Mahon, from the William River, with 100 hides, 100 bushels com, &c.
December 16. — Bee, 12, Sugden, from Kiama, with 6000 feet timber, &c. ; Roubulla, 16. Stewart, from Kiama, with 5000 feet cedar, 3 tons potatoes ; Lucy Ann, 36, Parry, from the Bellinger, with 17,000 feet cedar ; Edward, schooner, 57, Tallan, from Boyd Town, with 33 bales wool, 9 cwt. whalebone, & c. ; Sophia Jane, steamer, 156, Stericker, from Morpeth, with 80 bales wool, 4 casks tallow, 78 bags bran, 39 bags barley, &c. ; Young Billy , 18, Carbuss, from the Hawkesbury, with 50,000 shingles, 4000 feet sawn timber ; Louisa, 15, Settree, from Brisbane Water, with 40,000 shingles, 26,000 feet sawn timber ; Georgiana, 25, Thompson, from Wollongong, with 475 bags potatoes, 3 tons butter ; Mary Jane, 32, Sommerville, from Newcastle, with 45 tons coals. Thistle, steamer, 127, Mulhall, from Morpeth, with 70 bales wool, 30 bags flour, 80 hides, 70 sheep skins, 30 bags onions, &c. ; Black Swan, 19, Fuller, from Pampoola and Twofold Bay, with 30 hides, and 2 cwt. whalebone, &c.
December 17. — Lapwing, 24, Noon, from Shell Harbour, with 5 tons potatoes, 1 ton bark; Bride, 19, Mackenzie, from the Hawkesbury, with 60,000 shingles, 2000 feet timber.
December 18. — Rose, steamer, 172, Pattison, from Morpeth, with 91 bales wool, 20 casks tallow, 40 bags maize, & c. ; Dove, 13, Hart, from Port Hacking, with 450 bushels shells ; Susan, 6, Ainswoxth, from Twofold Bay and Broulee, with 2 tons wattle bark.
December 19. — Maitland, steamer, 103, Parsons, from Port Macqurie, with 2500 feet cedar ; Thistle, steamer, 129, Mulhall, from Morpeth, with 90 bales wool, 20 casks tallow, &c. ; Sophia Jane, steamer, 156, Stericker, from Morpeth, with 102 bales wool, &c.
December 20. — Waterwitch, 37, Millie, from the Bellinger, with 13,000 feet cedar; Neptune, 15, Horpin, from Brisbane Water, with 3000 feet timber, 20,000 palings, 100 posts and rails, 10,000 shingles ; Rover, 15, Shaw, from the Hawkesbury, with 580 bushels maize ; Rainbow, 18, Cox, from Brisbane Water, with 70,000 shingles, 3000 feet timber ; Jane, 26, Hutton, from the Bellinger, with 15,000 feet cedar ; Currency Lass, 16, Bowden, from Brisbane Water, with 150 bushels shells, 1600 feet timber, 4000 shingles, 1 ton bark, 10 cwt. onions ; Mary Ann, 9, Black, from Pitt Water, with 200 bushels shells, 2 tons onions ; Brothers, 21, Campbell, from Newcastle, with 35 tons coal ; Comet, 34, Thrower, from William River, with 48 tons coal, &c. ; Ariel, 72, Collins, from Newcastle, with 80 tons coal. December 21. — Mary Jane, 32, Sommerville, from Newcastle, with 45 tons coals ; Henry, 16, Brown, from Lake Macquarie, with 16 tons coals; Harriet, 15, Crause, from Brisbane Water, with 21,000 shingles, 4500 feet timber ; Gleaner, 14, Alexander, from Brisbane Water, with 250 bushels shells ; Currency Lad , 19, Stevenson, from Brisbane Water, with 5000 feet timber, 1200 shingles, 1 ton onions ; Sarah , 49, Anderson, from Lake Macquarie, with 50 tons coals ; Sisters, 45, Korff, from Newcastle with 61 tons coals ; Ellen, 11. Lane, from Brisbane Water, with 3600 feet sawn timber, 50 billets of staves, 60 rails, 25 posts, and 6500 shingles ; Lucy Ann, 37, Sheridan, from Newcastle, with 40 tons coals ; Sampson , 40, Milne, from the Lochend Mines, with coals ; Elizabeth, 32, M'Cartney, from Newcastle, with 38 tons coals ; Petrel, 63, Tait, from the Bellinger, with 32,000 feet cedar ; George , 38, James, from the Bellinger, with 13,000 feet cedar ; Mary Ann , 52, Williams, from Port Macquarie, with 11,000 feet cedar, 50 bushels maize, 4 casks lime ; Trial, 12, M'Keon, from Brisbane Water, with 3000 feet timber, 20,000 shingles, 400 treenails; Will-o'-the-Wisp , 16, Johnson, from the Lochend Mines, with coals ; Mermaid, 20, Owens, from Brisbane Water, with 1000 feet timber, 20,000 shingles ; Traveller, 8, M'Cormick, from Brisbane Water, with 2000 feet timber, 300 staves, 300 palings ; Rose, steamer, 172, Pattison, from Morpeth, with 79 bales wool, 800 bushels wheat, 14 bales sheepskins.
December 23. — Thistle, steamer, 127, Mulhall, from Morpeth, with 100 bales wool, 400 bushels wheat, 20 bags onions, 30 hides, &c. ; Bee, 12, Sugden, from Kiama, with 6000 feet timber; Pedlar, 18, Lesslie, from Wollongong, with 286 bags potatoes ; Lark, 18, Ford, from Wollongong, with 200 bags bark, 100 bags potatoes, 1 ton leather; Dove, 13, Hart, from Port Hacking, with 450 bushels shells ; Georgiana, 25, Thompson, from Wollongong, with 337 bags potatoes ; Charles Webb, 23, Robinson, from the Bellinger, with 10,000 feet cedar ; Stranger, 27, Croad, from Morpeth, with 28 tons coals, 2 tuns black oil ; Ann, 45, Beneaud, from the Bellinger, with 15,000 feet cedar.
December 24. — Young Queen, 31, Scott, from the Paterson, with 900 bushels wheat, 300 bushels maize, 100 bushels barley ; Alexander, 10, Dryden, from the Hawkesbury, with 350 bushels shells, 8000 shingles; Bard's Legacy, 31, Williamson, from Wollongong, with 10,000 feet hardwood ; Louisa, 15, Settree, from Brisbane Water, with 30,000 shingles, 280 feet timber ; Thistle, 30, Thompson, from the Bellinger, with 15,000 feet cedar; Rosalind, 12, Busby, from Morpeth, with 400 bushels wheat, 100 bushels com ; Eliza Ann, 33, Ilnnter, from Richmond, with 15,000 feet cedar; William, 14, Beazley, from Port Aiken, with 210 bushels shells.
December 25. — Resolution, 49, M'Veigh, from the Richmond, with 1900 feet cedar; Sophia Jane, steamer, 156, Stericker, from Morpeth, with 14 casks tallow, 65 bales wool, 32 bags wheat, 16 bags bran, &c. ; Lucy Ann, 37, Sheridan, from Newcastle, with 40 tons coals ; 1 Mary Ann, 12, Farrier, from the Hawkesbury, with 400 bushels shells, 80 bushels wheat ; Samson, 30, Milner, from the Lochend Mines, with 30 tons coals ; Hope, 49, Cullen, from the Richmond, with 22,000 feet cedar, 1000 feet boards ; Ranger, 49, Burcharn, from the Richmond, with 46 bales wool, 9000 feet cedar ; Ariel, 72, Collins, from Newcastle, with 80 tons coals ; Jane Williams, 33, Sinclair, from the Bellinger, with 11,000 feet cedar; Emma, 22, Johnston, from Kiama, with 8800 feet timber, 27 bags potatoes.
December 28. — Maitland, steamer, 103, Parsons, from Port Macquarie, with 59 bales wool, 1000 feet cedar; Rose, steamer, 172 Pattison, from Morpeth, with 116 bales wool, 11 casks tallow, 175 bushels wheat; Rainbow, 18, Cox, from Brisbane Water, with 11,000 feet timber ; Gleaner, 14, Greer, from Brisbane Water, with 250 bushels shells.
December 30. — Thistle, steamer, 127, Mulhall, from Morpeth, with 70 bales wool, 600 bushels wheat, 40 trusses hay, &c. ; Flying Fox, 18, Harwood, from Shoalhaven, with 400 bushels maize, 1 ton potatoes ; Alfred, 10, Davenport, from Brisbane Water, with 13,000 shingles, 200 bushels shells ; Georgiana, 25, Thompson, from Wollongong, with 5 tons potatoes ; Highland Lass, 21, Halcrow, from Shoalhaven, with 560 bushels maize, 12 kegs butter, &c. ; Susan, 52, Freeburn, from the Clarence, with 6000 feet pine, 69 bales wool, 1 cask sperm oil ; Sophia Jane, steamer, 156, Stericker, from Morpeth, with 47 bales wool, 13 cases tobacco, 60 hides, 220 bushels wheat, 93 bushels barley ; Pedlar, 18, Lesslie, from Wollongong, 3 with 200 bags potatoes, 1 ton bark ; Roidndla, * 16, Stewart, from Kiama with 3000 feet cedar, 4 tons potatoes ; Neptune, 15, Horpin, from Brisbane Water, with 40,000 shingles, 400 feet posts and rails, 1600 laths.
December 31. — Tam o' Shanter, 15, Laverick, from Shoalhaven, with 2 tons bark, 4 tons of potatoes; Ellen, 11, Lane, from Brisbane Water, with 3000 feet timber, 300 rails, 100 rail posts ; Ellen, 8, Bradley, from Port Aiken, with 3000 feet sawn timber ; Newport Packet, 7, Lowry, from Brisbane Water, with 1200 feet sawn timber, 400 palings, 10,000 shingles, .. 150 bushels shells ; Ruth, 12, Bloxham, from Jervis Bay, with 10 bales wool, 20 hides, &c. ; Star, 12, Sopps, from Broulee, with sundries.
January 2.— -Somerset, 9, Prankard, from the Hawkesbury, with 160 bushels corn and oats, 1200 feet sawn timber; Jane Ann, 16, Goldworthy, from the Moruya, with 21 bales wool, 30 bushels barley, 1 ton bark ; Waterlily, 155, Hayle, from Newcastle, with 100 tons coals ; Sophia Jane, steamer, 156, Stericker, from Morpeth, with 70 bales wool, 10 casks tallow, 193 hides, 36 bags bran, 15 trusses hay, &c. ; Traveller , 8, M'Cormack, from Brisbane Water, with 15,000 shingles, 600 feet timber, 400 palings, 100 posts and rails ; Union, 32, Thom, from Shoalhaven, with 7 casks tallow, 14 bales wool, 14 casks butter ; Thistle, steamer, 127, Mulhall, from Morpeth, with 80 bales wool, 24 casks tallow, 20 trusses hay, 400 hides, &c. ; Currency Lass, 16, Bowden, from Brisbane Water, with 4000 feet timber, 12,000 shingles, 50 bushels shells ; Mary, 14, Hawke, from the Hawkesbury, with 20,000 shingles, 300 bushels shells.
January 3. — Harriet, 15, Crause, from Brisbane Water, with 4500 feet timber and 20,000 shingles ; Endeavour, 1 0, Milham, from Brisbane Water, with 250 bushels shells ; Bee, 12, Sugden, from Kiama, with 5000 feet timber and 1 ton potatoes ; William, 27, Williams, from Kiama, with 8000 feet timber ; Ariel, 72, Collins, from Newcastle, with 80 tons coals ; Isabella, 21,Barnett, from the M'Leay, with 700 bushels maize ; Mary Ann, 9, Black, from Pittwater, with 250 bushels shells, 2 tons onions, 7000 shingles; Echo, 21, Johnson, from the Hunter, with 800 bushels barley and maize. COASTERS INWARDS. (1845, January 4). The Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List (NSW : 1844 - 1860), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161166745
Shingles were used in the type of dwelling built in Pittwater at this time as well. Broken Bay Customs Officer (at Barrenjoey) John Broadley Howard received his appointment as 4th Clerk to the Collector of His Majesty’s Customs in Sydney in 1836. Following the Fair Barbadian smuggling incident, it was resolved to open a Customs Station at Broken Bay, and on 1 November 1842 Howard wrote to His Excellency the Governor, soliciting the appointment as Customs Officer.
From the Customs House, Sydney, he wrote that; “I have been upwards of six years a Clerk in this Office, and that previously I had been many years engaged in Maritime pursuits abroad & am well experienced in the management of Boats and affairs of shipping generally.”
He was also intimately acquainted with all the vessels belonging to the port at Sydney, and their owners, which he thought would give him an advantage over a stranger in the job. His appointment was recommended by Colonel Gibbes, the Collector of Customs on 23 January 1843. Gibbes described him as being the “third clerk in the Long Room” at the Customs House.
Howard was given his orders by Colonel Gibbes on 15 April 1843. [AO 4/5113];
“Three tents will be lent, one for the Officer, one for the Coxswain, and one for the five men until such time as the Huts are erected. The men’s Huts are to [be] built on the Green mound at the foot of the Mountain called Barrenjuee to the Northward and Westward of the Creek and not to extend to the Southward of a supposed line drawn from a large rock on the western Beach, directly East to the Sea. These Huts to be formed of Slabs, with Shingle Roofs - a door - window - and fire place. The Main Hut to be fourteen feet by ten and the Coxswain’s Hut ten feet by eight exclusive of the fire places.
The Officer to place his House on such Spot as he may select - but not more than 400 yards from the men. The first point to be attended to will be to lay down the moorings for the large Boat near the Beach, but where she will not ground at low water and to which she is to be chained and locked.
The next to deepen the water hole up the mountain by which a constant supply will be insured. The third to form a winding path up the South face of the Mountain (by clearing the bushes and making steps where required) to a flat space on the top near the western end where a Sentry Box, or watch Hut is to be built, and a flag staff erected. The Commander of the Cutter will point out the several sites. The Coxswain and two hands should be sent to procure slabs, posts, and ground plates and Bark. Two men should first clean the water Hole and afterwards clear the Path.
Shingles and battens will most likely be bought cheaper than the men can split them; I should think from 7/- to 10/- the thousand and 3000 will do the two Huts. Stone enough can be procured for rough chimneys and some shells burnt for lime. The Carpenter should put up the bark watch Box and then proceed with the Huts, assisted by the two men who will have finished the Path. When all these matters are finished, all hands can go on with the Officer’s House, store and kitchen.”
Extract from Shelagh and George Champion's, Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater pages 66-67: 2013 Revision copy.
Barrenjuey [i.e. Barrenjoey], Broken Bay 1869 Jan. 16 by George Penkivil Slade. nla.pic-an6454687, courtesy National Library of Australia.
A few past insights from the periodicals of then tell us tree-felling, or 'timber' as trees were referred to, was a lucrative way to make a living:
BRISBANE WATER.
[from a Correspondent ]
It is between forty and fifty years since timber was first exported from Brisbane Water, the Laura was one of the first boats, and belonged to the late Mr Donnison. Timber is very low in price now, being only 6s the hundred feet at the pit, and sawyers have a great difficulty in making a living. Eight hundred feet is about the number of feet cut in the week by an ordinary workman, but an unusually good man will cut twelve hundred fee, and even much more. Some years ago, soon after the gold discovery, timber was as high as £3 per hundred feet, and I have heard of two young men earning as much as £50 a week each by sticking to their work, but even when timber was so high, the sawyers (at least their wives and families) were not much better off than they are now, for the men generally only worked half their time, and drank the rest. Before the year 1851 timber was about the same price as it is at present.
Blue gum, black butt, and ironbark are the principal trees felled in this district. Blue gum grows to a very large size, and the best variety is found in rich alluvial flats. Trees from six to nine feet in diameter are not uncommon and one thirty seven foot in circumference and one hundred feet in the barrel grows near the Orimbah Steam Saw Mills, which belong to Messrs. Jolly and Scott. Blue gum is used for the planking of vessels, felloes, and waggons, and is much used in the manufacture of railway carriages. Black butt grows in stoney ridges, and is particularly used for flooring boards, as it is a clear white wood, and retains its colour better than any other. It is a durable elastic wood, and the best trees are from 3 to 6 feet in diameter, and the barrel as long as 70 feet. Ironbark is principally found higher up on the ridges than blackbutt, and seldom exceeds 3 foot In diameter, with a barrel of about the same length as black-butt, the grey variety it is almost Impossible to split, and is exceedingly durable, the red variety splits easily, and is used for railway sleepers, posts, rails, &c.
Frequent accidents, often of a dreadful nature, happen to the sawyers in falling the timber in the ridges, and some time ago a log rolled over a young man and broke all his lower ribs close to the back bone. Our local doctor succeeded in setting the bones, and in three weeks after the young man was going about again. In September last, an old man named Jones, a sawyer, was killed at Kincumber by a log rolling over him. The bones of his head, across from the forehead to the back, were completely fractured and driven into the brain. Death must have been instantaneous.
Altogether, there are nearly forty varieties of timber growing in the district of Brisbane Water, many of which are valuable. Messrs Jolly and Scott have been very instrumental in bringing the timber of this district into favourable notice for cabinet work, coach building, and a variety of purposes.
Red and white cedar grow at the head of Wyong Creek, but it is difficult to get at, and the distance of land carriage is a great drawback. Yellow pine grows in all the scrubs and is a fine working wood, possesses a beautiful grain, and in wall suited for veneering. The pine grows as large as 3 feet 6 inches in diameter. The turpentine tree and swamp mahogany are used for the piles of wharves, and the barrel of the former tree grows as high as 70 or 80 feet. For making American buggies, watergum would do in the place of hickory wood and blue gum, black butt, and Australian beech would well complete the vehicle.
It is difficult to arrive at the exact amount of timber cut in the year, but at least three millions of feet of sawn timber are exported annually from Gosford alone. Two hundred and fifty thousand feet are used in Brisbane Water in ship-building, and from the other parts of the district. At Lake Macquarie and Mangrove Creek, beside a sawn timber, an immense number of forest oak shingles are sent every year. All the timber sent from Gosford is cut within a circuit of seven miles from water carriage, and for the last fifteen years at least a similar amount as l have mentioned has been exported annually. In speaking of the barrel of the tree, of course I mean that portion of the tree which is clear of limbs.
ELECTORS-In my last communication I mentioned that there are 630 electors in the police district of Brisbane Water, but you have made the number only 230. The exact number is 639, but this may be slightly increase or decreased at the Revision Court. BRISBANE WATER. (1867, March 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13144562
Shingle splitting Middle Harbour, ca. 1870s. Pic. SLNSW_FL1074956 courtesy State Library of NSW. From album: Sydney Harbour : views of Middle and North Harbour bays and foreshores, including Quarantine Station, North Head Date approximately 1870s - Includes a series, probably taken by amateur photographers, showing their portable darkroom and boat;
Collins Flat, Near Manly Beach picture: SLNSW_FL1074958 courtesy State Library of NSW
SPLITTING SHINGLES.
I'VE split shingles in Brisbane Water, Victoria. South Australia, and Tasmania,' said old Jim, 'and the best splitting wood of all was the Tasmanian stringy bark. But now the good old shingle roof has gone out of fashion, and a man has to turn his hand to splitting fire wood blocks instead.'
This is how the shingle-splitter went to work in the old days:
— He could generally tell a good splitting tree by the look of the bark. If in doubt he would cut a chip out about a foot and a half long and three or four inches deep in order to test its grain. After felling the tree he would saw it into the required lengths, split it into halves and quarters with maul and wedges, then divide it into billets of the right width for shingles. Then the splitting-knife' — or 'throw,' as it is called-— is used. This is a thick-backed blade- twelve or fifteen inches long, with a strong handle about the same length as the blade fastened at right angles to the knife.
A mallet was used to start the knife, which was always inserted in the centre of the billet, and as the knife was worked downwards a piece of wood was inserted to keep the cut open. As the pieces got thinner the splitter kept them apart with his hand. The freshly-cut shingles were then stacked in square heaps, and log weights laid on top to keep them in shape. After drying for a while they were tied with strands -of -bark - in neat -bundles, ready to be sent to the builder. — 'Hay.' SPLITTING SHINGLES. (1920, August 18). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159040235
BRISBANE WATER.
Old Kincumber Church.
(BY T. S. CHAMPION.)
Brisbane Water, in the Gosford district, known to most of our Sydney dwellers as a pleasant waterside resort, was one of our earliest settlements. Governor Phillip him-self with a party crossed the Brisbane Water bar on June 9, 1789, rowing up the eastern side to the head of the channel, Cowan Creek, returning in the afternoon and camping at Woy Woy. Next morning he examined the Gosford Broadway. This was the preliminary to the third settlement in the colony, and a decade later Brisbane Water became a regular supplier of wheat, maize, and other commodities to the growing town of Sydney.
Another industry flourished here which had a great effect on the early opening up of localities approachable only from the water. Captain J. H. Watson, writing on "Shipbuild-ing" in the "Australian Encyclopedia" states that: "At Brisbane Water shipbuilding was a thriving trade, several yards turning out great numbers of small coasting vessels; in 1895 Rock Davis launched from his yard near Woy Woy the 120th vessel built there."
Even as early as 1806 Sir James Banks in some observations in his handwriting amongst the Banks Papers predicted that ships would be built in New South Wales. "Timber costs nothing there, and ship timber of excellent quality is believed to exist on the coast not far to the north of our settlements. Ships will in consequence be soon built there, not-withstanding the high prices that labour must for some time continue to bear."
Not only were the blackbutt, turpentine, white mahogany, and other fine trees utilised for shipbuilding, but much found its way to Sydney for building purposes, to say nothing of the enormous quantities sent for firewood and fencing. Brisbane Water became an industrial centre with a fairly considerable population, and later the great fruit-growing district it is to-day. In 1835 a post-office was established, the mails being conveyed at casual times by the trading vessels. In 1838 an overland mail came once a week from Windsor, via Wiseman's Ferry, and in 1841 the name of the post-office was changed to Gosford. In November, 1836, by proclamation, a police Court had been established at Brisbane Water.
BUILDING THE CHURCH.
The two historical links between present day Brisbane Water and the early days, are the old stone church at Kincumber, and the graveyard alongside. Up to 1838 services of the Church of England were held in private houses, the minister then dwelling in a bark hut on Narara Creek (immortalised by Henry Kendall in his poem of that name). On February 1 of that year, however, a meet-ing was held in the Gosford police office, which resulted in two churches and a parsonage being eventually built. The Lord Bishop of Australia, Bishop Broughton, having intimated that "the provision of a dwelling-house would be a neces-sary preliminary to his appointment of a resi-dent clergyman," the meeting was faced with the necessity of building a parsonage as well as a church. Those present decided not only to do this, but also to erect a second church, as they considered that owing to the scattered nature of the district one church would be insufficient; one church to be at Kincumber and the other church at Peek's Point, nearer Gosford. This building scheme was a great burden for such a small community to carry on, notwithstanding that under the Church Act then existing the Government could grant a sum "not exceeding £1000 to-wards the building of any church, chapel, or parsonage equal to that raised by private contributions," as well as "an annual stipend varying from £50 to £200 to every minister with a fixed congregation."
By November, 1839, sufficient funds were in hand to make a start, and an ad-vertisement was inserted in the "Australian," inviting tenders for the erection of the parsonage. The successful tenderer was W. Side-bottom, though the names of Michael Nealy and John Cousley also appear on the vouchers later, possibly in connection with one of the churches. The work proceeded slowly, and the parsonage was not ready till about the middle of 1843. The total cost was £ 656, and on the certificate of the Colonial Architect, the Government paid half that sum.
The Gosford Church (Christ Church), the total cost of which was £1200, was not com-pleted till 1858. This church had rather a chequered career. In the first case it was not of solid stone, as at Kincumber, but stone and rubble, and eventually showed signs of decay. For 10 years it was closed, and about 30 years ago it was taken down and rebuilt on its present site, together with the parsonage.
Kincumber Church was probably opened for service late in 1847. The "Australian," of June 15, 1841, contained an auctioneer's ad-vertisement of land at Kincumber (Kincumber), which stated that lot 14 was "near the Kincumber village reserve (where a church is being erected)." In 1847 the minister was married in the school-hall. Had the church been ready, no doubt, the ceremony would have been performed there. Rev. Dr. (Professor) Elkin, in his "Records of Gosford" in the Newcastle Diocesan Churchman for 1925, intimates that the Rev. E. Rogers was transferred to Camden on January 1, 1848, "but he must have seen be-fore this the completion of the substantial stone church at Kincumber."
THE OLD CHURCHYARD.
The graveyard at Kincumber contains many early remains. Perhaps the most important person buried here is Astronomer James Dun-lop, who died in 1848. The tablet to his memory is within the porch of the church, and can be discerned in our picture taken a few weeks ago. Mr Dunlop was one of the two assistants brought out by Governor Bris-bane in 1821, and employed at the Parramatta Observatory. Good work was done in star cataloguing, the discovery of the return of Encke's Comet, etc., the value of which was recognised by European Observatories. Rumker, the first assistant, after a disagreement with Governor Brisbane, left the Observatory in June, 1823, but re-turned in May, 1826, and held for about a year the position of Government Astronomer conferred upon him by Governor Darling. Dunlop carried on his work in his own house, but early in 1827 returned to Scotland and worked at Brisbane's new Observatory at Makerstoun on the Tweed. Honours fell thick upon him, and in 1831 he returned to Sydney, having received the appointment of "Astronomer Royal of N S W." He continued his work under many difficulties, and at last in 1847, in failing health, resigned, and retired to his farm at Boora Boora in the Kincumber dis-trict. The farm of 50 acres on the western shore of Cockle Creek Broadwater was pur-chased by Dunlop in 1842 from the original grantee, Joseph Spears, for the sum of £250. It is a delightful place, containing much tall timber, a good soil, also splendid boating and fishing facilities. The farm homestead is built on the foundations of the original cottage, and after over 90 years, the estate is still in possession of the family.
RELICS OF THE PAST.
The present owner, John Dunlop, a grand nephew of the astronomer, was born on the estate over 60 years ago. On a recent visit to the homestead he produced with natural pride relics formerly belonging to his dis-tinguished relative. The principal one is of great historic value. It is an astronomical clock of the grandfather type, 5ft high, which Dunlop used in his computations at the Parramatta Observatory. It bears no date, but merely the names of the makers, Grimald and Johnson, London. It is probably much over a century old, but still ticks merrily in its beautiful case. Another relic is the bank pass book which shows that he opened an account with the Bank of New South Wales on the 10th August 1824, by a deposit of 468 Spanish dollars, the colony's only currency, and of the nominal value of /.
In the auctioneer's advertisement regarding land for sale at Kincumber in 1841, in-tending purchasers are advised that they will be amply repaid for taking a trip from Sydney by the William the Fourth steamer for purposes of inspection. Mr. A. B. Portus, whom I remember well as the officer in charge of the State Dredge Service, read a paper before the Australian Historical Society 30 years ago on "Early Australian Steamers," in which occur interesting particulars of this steamer built at Clarence Town in October 1831, and familiarly known as "Billy," to distinguish it from the imported vessel known as "King William the Fourth " A good description of its passenger carrying capacity, was given to Professor Elkin by an old resident of the district, when referring to the "Sir Robert Peel," wrecked near Avoca at the end of the thirties:-"The 100 soldiers who were on board coming from New Zealand got off the vessel safely, and were camped just across the creek from Kincumber school awaiting their turns to go to Sydney in batches of ten on the William the Fourth." As the time taken by this our first Australian-built ocean-going steamer, between Sydney and Kincumber was three hours, it must have been many days before the last batch reached Sydney.
Such is a brief history of some of the early days of the district It is to be hoped that the tiny church of Kincumber (and its his-toric churchyard) will be with us for many years to come as a reminder of the not in-conspicuous part taken by the early settlers in the building up of the colony. BRISBANE WATER. (1934, February 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17049045
Pittwater's landmark known as 'Haystack Point' derives from an 1867 flood that carried hay and pigs into the Pittwater estuary. The landscape away from the waters edge is still described as holding towering trees by one who visited 'Log Beach', today's Clareville, just over a decade later.
This storm and flood was when changes happened to a landmark that then formed part of today's North Avalon Beach. The reports on the loss of the arch and the impact on Pittwater's estuary and coastal beaches:
ST. MICHAEL'S ARCH.
This beautiful Arch is situated on the estate of the late Very Reverend J. J. Therry, about three miles south of Broken Bay. As the scenery along. the coast from Manly Beach to the Bay is of the loveliest description, we advise all lovers of the picturesque to hire a spring cart from Mr. Miles - who lives about half a mile from the Pier Hotel - and proceed, early in the morning, to Mr. Collins' house, about thirteen miles distance, so as to be able to inspect this extraordinary specimen of natural architecture, and to return to Manly the same day if necessary.
As this excursion may gradually become fashionable, we quote a description of the places on the road from the late Postmaster- General Raymond's valuable work, the "Post Office Directory for 1855."
"Seven and a half miles from North Harbour, - Jenkins' house ; the road for the last mile along a level sandy beach. On the left is Narabeen lagoon. Mr. Jenkins has a snug house here, and much land in cultivation, which is an agreeable prospect - from the sea.
Eleven and a half miles from North Harbour -Hut on the sea shore. The path from the Pennant Hills Road reaches the sea, and joins this coast road at the farm of one Foley - a tenant of. Mr. Wentworth's ; the distance from thence being twelve miles.
About half a mile further on is the south-east arm of Pitt Water, on which there are some small cultivated farms. The head of Pitt Water as seen from the heights along which the road or path leads, is equal to any lake scenery, and there are many romantic spots, with good land, on its banks, which might be converted into good farms.
Thirteen miles from North Harbour - Several farms and cottages.
Fourteen miles- The Rev. Mr. Therry has a grant here. Fourteen and three-quarter miles - The Hole-in-the-Wall, being a rocky projection forming a rude archway with the shore."
The arch mentioned by Mr. Raymond is about twenty-two feet across the inside, and between thirty and forty feet high underneath. The rocks, of which it forms a part, are seventy feet in height - the colours of these rocks are exceedingly beautiful. At low water the visitor can pass through the arch.
Ascending the cliffs, a view of Pitt Water is beheld, being the harbour belonging to this estate. If an arrangement were madeto have a small steamer plying along the beautifully wooded, lofty, and precipitous shores of the Hawkesbury River, parties of travellers could meet it at this spot, avoiding the disagreeable sea voyage by coming from Manly by land. The steamer could convey them from Mr. Collins' house to Windsor, and the train would take them back to Sydney - it being understood that the Windsor railway will shortly be completed.
Illustration: ST. MICHAEL'S ARCH.
ST. MICHAEL'S ARCH. (1864, October 15). Illustrated Sydney News (NSW : 1853 - 1872), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63512130
W.H. Raworth (Brit./Aust./NZ, c1821-1904). St Michael’s Arch, NSW [Avalon] c1860s. Watercolour, signed lower left, obscured title in colour pencil verso, 34.2 x 56.5cm. Tear to left portion of image, slight scuffs and foxing to upper portion. Price (AUD): $2,900.00 at:https://www.joseflebovicgallery.com/pages/books/CL181-53/w-h-raworth-c-brit-aust-nz/st-michaels-arch-nsw-avalon
St. Michael's Arch 1867 - The storm that turned an arch into a pedestal:
BROKEN BAY.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT]
June 24 – We have had tremendous weather, but, as far as Pitt Water is concerned, no damage has been done with the exception to one of our picturesque curiosities, St. Michael’s Arch. It has at length to the too mighty elements and the destroying influence of time, that which was the admiration of all who have beheld it is now almost baseless fabric-there is only about one half of the outer support left, looking at it at a distance it has the resemblance of a coloured pillar. In its fall it carried a large portion of the overhanging rock with it, a thousand tons of gigantic boulders, and in such masses that I think it will stop the ingress from that part to the cave, but at yet we have had no close inspection for the rollers are dashing to the height of the stupendous rocks. The only idea I can give of the gale is that the froth of (not spray) the sea came over Mount St. Joseph, opposite the house, half a foot in size, and spread itself down to the dam, at times shading the heights of the mountain,-its resemblance was that of an overwhelming snow storm.
The sea at Barranjoey washed away the flower garden in front of the Chinamen's huts, taking soil and all, so that the beach comes close up to their door. There must have been awful havoc in the Hawkesbury, for all the beaches from Barranjoey to the Long Beach are strewn with fragments of houses, boxes, chairs, door frames, dead pigs, hay, wheat, broken bedsteads, weather-board sides of houses, oranges with large branches, pumpkins, melons, corn cobs, and other debris, that scarcely any portion of the beaches can be seen. Mr. Conolly picked up a workbox, in which was contained a number of receipts and letters directed to Mr. Moss, Windsor. The beaches on which are the debris is Barrenjoey, Whale Beach, Collins's Beach, Mick's Hollow Beach, Farrell's Beach, Mona Beach, and Long Beach, so it may be imagined the great extent of destruction. BROKEN BAY. (1867, June 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13144304
BROKEN BAY. [From the Herald's Correspondents.]
June 24. — We have had tremendous weather, but, as far as Pitt Water is concerned, no damage has been done, with the exception to one of our picturesque curiosities, St. Michael's Arch. It has at length yielded to the too mighty elements and the destroying influence of time,— that which, was the admiration of all who have beheld it is now almost a baseless fabric,— there is only about one half of the outer support left, looking at it at a distance it has the resemblance of a colossal pillar. In its fall it carried a large portion of the overhanging rock with it, a thousand tons of gigantic boulders, and in such masses that I think it will stop the ingress from that part to the cave, but as yet we have had no close inspection, for the rollers are dashing to the height of the stupendous rocks. The only idea I can give of the gale is, that the froth of (not spray) the sea came over Mount St. Joseph, opposite the house, half a foot in size, and spread itself down to the dam, at times shading the heights of the mountain, — its resemblance was that of an overwhelming snow storm.
The sea at Barranjoey washed away the flower garden in front of the Chinamen's huts, taking soil and all, so that the beach comes close up to their door. There must have been awful havoc in the Hawkesbury, for all the beaches from Barrenjoey to the Long Beach are strewed with fragments of houses, boxes, chairs, doorframes, dead pigs, hay, wheat, broken bedsteads, weatherboard sides of houses, oranges with large branches, pumpkins, melons, corn cobs, and other debris, that scarcely any portion of the beaches can be seen. Mr. Conolly picked up a workbox, in which was contained a number of receipts and letters directed to Mr. Moss, Windsor. The beaches on which are the debris is Barrenjoey, Whale Beach, Collins's Beach, Mick's Hollow Beach, Farrell's Beach, Mona Beach, and Long Reach, so it may be imagined the great extent of destruction. BROKEN BAY. (1867, June 29). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1860 - 1871), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166799304
A decade later, the poor access to the higher up trees of what we today call Avalon Beach saved them - whereas at Ingleside and in Warriewood's valley, men like Leon Houreux, swapped his skills as coachmen or hairdressing to 'improve' the land and earn enough money to buy the land on which he built the Rock Lily Hotel.
A TRIP TO PITTWATER.
Some friends of mine having purchased part of the Pittwater estate recently offered for sale, were anxious to see the land, and they invited me to accompany them. Saturday last was fixed for the trip. On that morning we were all up betimes. The night before we agreed that whoever rose earliest should call the others. Being known to rise on the first sound of the ' cock's shrill clarion,' I was expected to rouse my friends. At 5 o'clock when I went to do so I found that one of them had been up two hours, the others even longer. They had evidently worried themselves into wakefulness all night, for which there was no necessity, as a late sleeper might catch the first Manly boat, by which we were to leave Sydney.
Saturday morning broke in smiling silence on the city and suburbs, it was one of those mornings which call forth praise and prayer to heaven for the blessing of such a climate as we enjoy in this Southern land. The waters of the harbour from our point of view (the heights of North Shore) looked like several lakes which were as calm as millponds. Our unrivalled harbour, it appears to me, presents scenes at, daybreak and by moonlight that cannot be viewed at any other time. In summer mornings, before the sun rises, you may sec creeping over the waters of its various nooks and bays gauzelike exhalations, which magnify the ships and boats in the stream. On the appearance of the great, vaporizer the mist is dispelled and the grand picture we all admire is unveiled. The nocturnal beauty of Port Jackson one never ceases to admire. Music only is wanted to make a moonlight view of it one of the most pleasurable sensations. Another harbour, ' pre-eminent for its capacity and safety,' and no mean rival of our own is more blessed in this respect, for the melody of the Shandon Chimes supplies the void felt here.
On this I ponder,
Where'er I wander,
And thus grow fonder,
Sweet Cork, of thee ;
Why thy bella of Shandon,
That sound so grand on
The pleasant waters Of the river Leo.
On board the Royal Alfred we were joined by a young gentleman who was also a guest. There were not more than half-a-dozen other passengers besides our party. Some of them looked sleepy and sullen, and appeared as if they had parted on bad terms with Morpheus. One of them who was late had to jump on board. The unamiable mood in which he appeared soon gave way to perfect equanimity, the effect, as one observed, of the soothing influence of the incense from the North Shore gums. Arrived at Manly, we had an appetite for breakfast which many might, envy. This watering place reminds one of Passage, which Father Prout describes as situated Upon the say ;
'Tis nate and dacent,
And quite adjacent
To come from Cork,
On a summer's day.
The 'trap' which was awaiting us at the hotel door, and which had been bespoken, was certainly not one of Kearey Brothers'. It had the appearance of a disused milk-cart, or a superannuated costermonger's conveyance. Our young companion did not like the look of it, but on being told there was no other available for our journey, he had sufficient of the Stoic in him to sink his personal feelings. Needs must when a Manly coach proprietor commands the drive to Pittwater. There is nothing very charming in the neighbourhood of the Pittwater road from Manly. Ducks and water fowl might find it a suitable abiding locality, but Manlyites, if they have any regard for the future repute of their rising suburb, will extend it on the higher ground Spitwards.
Some four or five miles out of the township we overtook the 'royal mail coach' with its convoy conveying the mails and passengers to Boulton's or Newport at the head of the navigation of the Pittwater harbour. We sailed alone in this company until we crossed the Narrabeen Lagoon. As we emerged therefrom we descried a church, which appeared to be as well supported as the Smithy described in one of Swift's anecdotes. Seeing no residents around, we inquired where the congregation carne from, but our Jehu was not a Matt Ryan. Indeed he was the most taciturn ' whip ' I ever travelled with.
Shortly after we entered upon the estate at Bilgola beach, where there is a deep leafy glen well adapted for the growth of bananas. On ascending to Bilgola Head a splendid view of the coast from Cabbage Tree Head to Barranjoee is obtained. The broad Pacific lay on our right at that moment as placid as Farm Cove.
A splendid valley lay before us with the homestead of the patriarch of Pittwater, Mr. John Collins, in the distance; on the left, undulating land, well timbered.
Even the 1871 land sales lithograph described 'undulating timber atop the valley:
Marine Village of Brighton - John St, William St, George St (the Parade), Joseph St, Therry St, Patrick St, Elizabeth St, Queen St, [1871]. Item No: c053460043, courtesy State Library of NSW. Map 2
Descending to the valley, we crossed the farm purchased by Mr. Canty, which is believed to be carboniferous. Some years ago competent judges gave it as their opinion that coal existed there. A bore of four hundred feet, made in the ground many years ago, when an attempt was made to test it, passed through strata that indicated the immediate vicinity of the black diamond. Mr. Coghlan's diamond drill would soon settle the question whether coal could be struck there. Mr. Collins's farm is situated in the valley, being flanked on the east by St. Michael's Cave and the South Head of Broken Bay, and on the West by Mount St. Mary.
After doing full justice to Mr. Collins's hospitality, we sallied forth under his guidance to survey that part of the estate in which we were interested. We directed our steps towards Long Beach, nearly opposite Scotland Island, Pittwater Harbour. The land improved as we receded from the valley. Indeed we were agreeably surprised at finding soil and slope not excelled by any locality we had seen on the coast, except Irishtown, Lane Cove. My friends were delighted with their investment, and were only sorry they had not purchased more of the land,
Pittwater estate belonged to the late Very Rev. Archpriest Therry, who bequeathed it to the Society of Jesus. It is surrounded on all sides save one by water ; and it has been highly praised for its salubrity. It has a Catholic church, at which the Rev. Dr. Hallinan officiates once a month, it has also a Provisional school, attended by some twenty children. There is an incipient town called Brighton at Careel Bay, north-west of Barranjoee. The site is eminently unsuited for a township, and the sooner it is abandoned the better. A low swampy beach from which the water recedes at ebb tide, is not well adapted for settling on.
A better site is that on the harbour higher up at Long Beach, where there is 'ample room and verse' enough, besides a moderately elevated coast and deep water. West Carbery, as we christened the place, is the site for a township. A large block of land at Stokes's Point is reserved for a College. The scenery at Pittwater and on the greater part of the way thither is simply grand. When the road is better — (Mr. Collins informed us there is money on the estimates to form it all the way), and when a better style of conveyance io available, I know of no place or drive that will present so many attractions to the invalid, the pleasure or holiday-seeker. Everything conspires to quiet the anxieties of the mind and invigorate the body. Wooded slopes and deep ravines, picturesque views of ocean, beach, and headland, are features that would dissipate the megrims of a miser or restore peace to the mind of a rejected swain. Notwithstanding the discomforts we laboured under from the vile vehicle we had, we enjoyed the trip to and fro uncommonly well, and arrived at 7 in the evening at Manly without any mishap beyond that which a little application of Australian Ointment will remedy, as our young friend of bills and briefs said. CRUIG BARRY. 11th May, 1880. A TRIP TO PITTWATER. (1880, May 22). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133488037
Almost another decade later, "Viator", a nom de plume for Patrick Edward Quinn, of Manly, states the trees along the roadside to Pittwater have already gone, although he still finds giants tucked away at today's named Church Point, Bayview and Elvina Bay:
A RUN TO PITTWATER
BY VIATOR.
"For what reason do the tall pine and the white poplar love to associate their branches in a hospitable shade?" was the question put by one of old who knew how to enjoy the good things of life to his friend Dellius. To the epicurean no verbal answer was necessary. The friendly trees made this grateful shade so that he might lie upon it in remote gramine per dies festos and drink the good Falernian. This is the true way to look at life, as only the men of a fairer day knew it. For them — true beauty worshippers — the sea danced and laughed in the sunlight, the fleecy clouds were blown across the clear blue of those astounding skies, and the winds made a pleasant susurrus in the deep woods, and the birds sang, and the bees made sleepy music and sweet store of honey: for them the cataract roared, the grass grew and the violet crept across it, and the whole world lightened on its way simply to add to their pleasure. And all the wisdom garnered since by this wise old world shows that they were, in this right, by reason of philosophy, as simpler people were by intuition, who did the same. The other day I had an opportunity of spending a few dies festi on one of the many arms of Broken Bay.
To those who have not journeyed to Pittwater it is, perhaps, necessary to say that the route via Manly Beach is the most convenient way of reaching it. When the passenger arrives at Manly the Pittwater coach awaits him, and a drive of an hour and a half will land him at his destination. If the weather is gray and cold the trip should not be at-tempted. To be seen at its best Pittwater should seen in sunlight. There are several houses of accommodation about, which offer the traveller all the necessary comforts. For my part I put up at the house of a friend who has one of the loveliest spots on the coast. Part of his land forms a peninsula, with deep, rich soil, in which the fig, the lemon, the orange, the olive, and the vine flourish to full perfection.
There was at one time some excellent timber growing along the Pittwater road, tall, straight, sound, close-growing trees, which have for the most part disappeared under the woodman's axe within the last five years. This is a pity, but perhaps it could not be otherwise. The forest was too close to Sydney to escape the attention of wood merchants. There is still, however, quite sufficient native woodland to give the proper rustic air to these regions. How long this will be so under our present reckless system of forest destruction it is impossible to say, but those at least who own mighty tracts of virgin land along this road should endeavour to protect the native growths as far as possible from annihilation.
We will regret our apathy in the matter of preserving our woods some day, when it is too late, perhaps, as the Herald has often pointed out, for anything but regrets. Something at least may be said in favour of the sense of beauty of the inhabitants of this district. Along the road every now and then the traveller may catch a glimpse of the graceful aspiring crown of tall, slender cabbage palms, which have been spared by the ruthless hands which have destroyed so much besides that was beautiful. Two or three handsome growths stand like sentinels on either side of the road, though the army which they guarded has long since faded away — ended in smoke probably. The cabbage tree splits easily into light serviceable planks, and this made it much sought after for the gunyah of the early settler. When dry it burns like tinder, and these two fatal qualities have been its ruin. A few, as I have said, still remain. One magnificent specimen, standing back some distance from the road, must be from 80 to 100ft in height, and with its plumy head and symmetrical trunk visible among the amorphous forest shapes about it, is full of graceful tropic suggestiveness. There are one or two other species of dwarf palms scattered about, which have failed to attract the attention of "flower show" prospectors — a class of people whose ruthless hunt after specimens is responsible for a large proportion of the destruction which has visited our most ornamental native plants.
Above: [Livintonia Australis ] Whale Beach, Pitt Water, N.S.W. by A. J. Vogan (Arthur James), 1859-1948, photographer. [ca. 1910 - ca. 1918] - courtesy State Library of Victoria - Image No.: 0_306842
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The road traverses the Narrabeen lagoon, an imposing marine "billabong," such as our coast has several notable examples of. These are connected with the sea, either by a shallow channel with a sand-bar across it, or as in the case of the Narrabeen lagoon and that of Curl Curl nearer Manly, are severed from the sea, by a sandbank, which, however, offers no impediment to the influx of the sea under the influence of a spring tide or a heavy easterly wind. These are the true nursing grounds of our young fish. Within those charmed waters the shark may not enter to disturb their peaceful inhabitants. By reason of the clear sand bottom they are beloved of the sole, the sand-flathead, the whiting, and the sand mullet which reproduce in the tender complexions of their bodies something of the transparency of the waters and the whiteness of the sand. Consequently the Narrabeen is a favourite resort of camping parties, which, Rumour hath it, have never yet gone unrewarded from its shores. ...
Not very long ago the coaches had to pass through the water too, and this must have conduced to many a good ducking suffered by the traveller of the past. On some of the lagoons, which are plentiful along this road, the black swans congregate at certain seasons, probably when the hot breath of the drought has made them fearful that the inland waters were about to forsake them altogether, as Lake Albert and other extensive sheets of water actually do in a season of prolonged dry weather. From time to time, from an elevation over which the road passes, the traveller catches a view of the coast as far as the famous headland of Barranjoey. Bluff after bluff fronts the sea in curious and beautiful regularity, now calm and clear in contour as the cuttings in a cameo, now veiled in a light blue mist, which bestows harmony and tone on the scene, and whose impermanent curtain every breath of sea-borne air momentarily dissipates. On a bright, clear day this view, which may be obtained from the hill lying between Fairy Bower and Manly Beach, is superb.
....
In the cool early morning I took a stroll through the garden and orchard surrounding the house, on whose trees late oranges and lemons of unusual excellence were still pendant. Down by the water-side were millions of oysters, whose careless pro-fusion suggested a flouted industry. A well-worn path under giant gums and sassafras trees led to a noted part of the grounds. Here was a waterfall tumbling fifty feet in smoke-like spray. The whole face of the cliff which was watered by the spray was covered with clinging plants, ferns, and funny looking creepers.
About this spot the vegetation was as beautiful and luxuriant as I ever remember having seen it in the mountains. There were fern trees, as tall as the stateliest in the mountain gullies. Bangaloes of magnificent size, and 40ft, upon the trunk of a glorious blue gum there was a mass of Staghorn ferns as big as small cottage. From the trees the rope-like Supple-jack descended, and the bushes about fairly blazed with blossoms. So thick was the growth that it was impossible to force a way through it. A fairer spot there is not on the coast anywhere in the vicinity of Sydney.
A huge Government reserve runs back from the shores of Pittwater to Gordon, and this also was unusually brilliant with all kinds of our beautiful, barbarously-named bush flowers. Tearing through this vegetation was splendid work, if somewhat trying to the clothes; and on reaching the elevated ground overlooking Cowan Creek the guerdon was well worth the pleasant travail. Hundreds of feet below, blue as turquoise, Cowan Creek nestled in dark green environing hills. It is sea-blue in colour as well it might be, for it is an eccentric arm of the sea, which winds its way far into the bowels of the land, being, in fact, the longest arm of Broken Bay. Anyone, however, would mistake it for a fresh-water river. On those breezy heights the draughts of fresh air to be inhaled are delicious. Over miles of eucalyptus leaves a deep balsamic gale rushes up charged with the health-giving qualities that the old settlers found so soon in the eucalyptus woods.
After a long and arduous climb, of several hours I found almost instant recuperation in this elevated air, interfused with forest perfumes. It would be hard to be sick under the influence of this "balsam of the forest." A medical friend informed me that he got rid of an unusually persistent cough of many months' duration by going to the mountains and chewing the young eucalyptus leaves every day. The virtues of the "gum-tree " are not unrecognised, but are not all known yet, and its place in medicine is, perhaps, destined to be one of great importance.
On the rock beneath my feet were some curious drawings. A glance revealed them to be specimens of the initial artistic efforts of the Australian aboriginal. There were two figures — a bird and a fish — clumsy enough in all faith, but not without a close resemblance to the living originals. Some day they will have a deep interest to Australians, as relics of the old inhabitants and their totemistic religion. Beside the art glories of perfect Greece, how poor they are; and yet, as mythologists tell us, many of the religious rites and legends of the despised Australian blackfellow have their counter-parts in Greek myth. Truly, there is nothing new under the sun, and man is always man. The same instinct which moved the chisel of Phidias and the pencil of Apelles directed the pointed flint of the dusky artist of these rude rock sculptures. As the setting sun fires splintering crag and bush-grown hill, and flings a purple glow over far inflowing waters, the birds twitter in one choral burst of song, and then grow still; and all the voices of Nature but one are still. The mists troop forth from their hiding-places and sit on the vacant thrones of the sunlight, and a dull insistent moaning down the bay tells us that the sea's sleep is disturbed by dreams of coming storm. The dawn sees us once more on our way to the "big smoke." A RUN TO PITTWATER. (1889, September 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13739295
Even into 1920’s Warringah Shire Council minutes of meetings issue an order to desist from ripping up the road at Clareville by 'timber getters'. The meeting of July 11 1921 records:
The Assistant report was read and dealt with as follows :-Damage to roads. Resolved, - (Crs. Quirk & Hitchcock) That the attention of the Proprietors of the Saw Mill at Clareville be drawn to the damage being done to roads by timber getters, and they be notified it must be stopped at once, and all litter on the roads cleared up.
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Above: 'Clareville Road' circa 1917 - which will become 'Avalon Parade' in late 1921 per A J Small
'Clareville Road, Pittwater between 1922/1925 and 1930'. My great grandfather's photo Albert Henry Grace. Image shared on local Facebook History pages by and courtesy Helen Grant.
It was only the locking up of the heights of ‘undulating forest lands’, and the formation of the Australian Forest League, Tree Lovers League, and the Rangers League, and the Barrenjoey Peninsula Advancement League - and the formalisation of protections into Law; the Flora and Fauna Act, that saved what was left and commenced a tide turning cultural shift.
In the face of new calls for the use of trees for electricity delivery, just as other uses were elapsing, the fast diminishing suburban bushland, along with what was left of the bush, galvanised a small and then growing group of people:
FOREST AND SAWMILL.
CITY COUNCIL'S SCHEME.
RESISTED BY CIVIC REFORM ALDERMEN.
The City Council, at the next meeting, will, on behalf of the Labour caucus, be asked to send a request to the State Forestry Department that one of the State timber experts be permitted to furnish a detailed report on four of the 22 offers of timber lands and sawmills plant received by the council, as published in the "Herald" last Saturday. The four properties to be reported on are:
Wm, Langley and Sons, Limited, who offer for £43,000 their timber business as a going concern. The property contains 650 acres of freehold land and 16,000 to 18,000 acres, of State forest, on which they have timber rights. The timber consists of tallowood, blackbutt, grey gums, and other hardwoods.
Millar's Timber Company offer for £42,000 their property, situated 11 miles from Stroud, consisting of 16,912 acres of forest lands, the timber being various classes of hardwood. There are various crown lease charges on the property. The offer states that payment will be taken In currency bonds of Sydney Corporation for six years at the rate of 6½ per cent, interest; or, as an alternative, cash, less a discount of 5 per cent.
E. D. Pike and Co. offer for £7000 cash and £20,000 in bonds, 7500 acres of timber land. There is no information regarding the mill in the offer.
Mr. A. C. Brown offers for £35,000, plus £10 per annum on Crown lands, a forest at Herron's Creek, North Coast. There are no particulars in the offer respecting a mill.
The anti-Labour aldermen will move at the council meeting that no further action be taken in regard to the purchase of a forest or sawmill.
It is pointed out that the City Council has already on hand, or on order, purchased at non-competitive prices, more poles than, will be required for the electricity department for the next 20 months. There are under contract, and in process of delivery, nearly 1,500,000 wood blocks. It is argued that these will meet the city surveyor's wood- block requirements for almost 12 months, by which time woodblock paving is to be superseded by asphaltum, so that in future wood blocks will be required only for repair work.
On these grounds the Citizens' Reform aldermen contend that it would be preposterous for the City Council to expend a huge sum in purchasing a sawmill and forest. FOREST AND SAWMILL. (1921, October 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28083666
Annie Wyatt and a host of the who's who of Australian plant experts recognised the unique characteristics of ecosystems were being destroyed irrevocably. In 1924 the Forest League was established to provide a voice for what remained and often worked in concert with the Wildlife Preservation Society and by 1930, were joined by the Rangers League. Although annual meetings were held in 1924 and the second in 1925 it was not until 1927 this was formalised – although this did not stop the group getting results from 1926 on:
AUSTRALIAN FORESTRY LEAGUE.
Annual Meeting.
(By Robt. Kaleski, Hon. Publicity Officer.)
The second annual meeting of the Australian Forest League, N.S.W. branch, was held in the Assembly Hall of the Education Dept., Bridge Street, Sydney, on Thursday evening last. The president, Mr. R. Dalrymple Hay, occupied the chair. Owing to the inclement weather the attendance was small, but representative. Apologies were received from Messrs. Kelso King (Boy Scouts), and Danvers Powers.
The president asked those present, before going on with the business of the evening, to pass a motion of regret for the loss of their Hon. Life President, Mr. J. H Maiden. The motion was passed, all standing in silence.
The minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and confirmed, and the annual report and balance sheet adopted. The president said that members would see from them that the League had done good work for the forests, and the balance sheet showed that the League was in a good financial position.
A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. George Robertson, of Angus and Robertson, for his assistance in giving the League's work publicity. Three new life members were elected, making a total of 31 up to the present. Two important amendments of the rules, giving representation on the Council to life members, were moved by the hon. secretary, Mr. Berman, and carried, Mr. Bennett, secretary of the Boy Scouts' movement, speaking in support. All the former office-bearers were elected unopposed.
Mr. David Stead moved that the Federal Government, in view of the approaching world timber famine, be asked to make a grant to the States of a million pounds for afforestation, on the same principle as the Road Grant. After discussion by Mr. Langley, the President, and Mrs. George Taylor, the motion was passed unanimously.
Mr. Stead gave a lecture on Hawaii, illustrated with lantern slides, Before starting, he spoke of the way other countries, especially California, appreciated our eucalypts. There they have been growing our hardwoods for 90 years, till now they speak of them as their own. In France and Italy it is common to see growing the Cootamundra and Queensland wattles. He must speak a word in appreciation of their president (Mr. Dalrymple Hay's) work as a practical forester, and as Commissioner for Forests for N.S.W. In the earlier stages, when he was only building up his department, he must have felt like a shipwrecked mariner on a sailless sea. (Applause.) No one then had any sympathy for the forests. The despised Eastern races had been doing good forestry work for thousands of years. They loved their forests. In 1909 he had journeyed over vast tracts of Australia. They were then well-timbered. He had been over these areas again recently, and there were practically no trees left. The Forestry League was gradually inculcating a forest sense into the people. Last year he revisited the Hawaiian Islands. Australian trees there were making them much more beautiful. What was described by visitors as the loveliest avenue of trees in the world' was at Honolulu. It was composed of Australian Casuarina, 1 ½ miles long! It gave an Australian a thrill of delight to look at them. (Applause.)
A vote of thanks to Mr. Stead terminated the meeting.
(The following is an extract from the second annual report, signed by Messrs. R. Dalrymple Hay (President), and Fred T. Berman (Secretary):
"An important project has been initiated by the League to have the Great Southern Road tree-planted, from Sydney to Goulburn-spreading operations over about five years. Of the sixteen Local Government bodies concerned, practically all viewed the proposal with favour. One or two, mainly on "safety first" considerations, have felt it unwise to undertake their share; several are giving it more mature consideration. The important districts of Ashfield, Camden and Goulburn have definitely agreed to carry on their share of the work. With this substantial first instalment it is safe to predict that the work will be done.
"Thanks largely to the League's Hon. Organiser, Mr. David G. Stead (who originated the proposal) in co-ordinating the efforts of local enthusiasts and the various bodies affiliated with the League, success has been achieved in the agitation to secure as a National Park Reserve, the glorious natural scrub country on the slopes of historic Mount Warning, in the Tweed River district. This will be not merely a permanent preserve for our wonderful northern flora and fauna, but will stand out as a grand memorial to the great navigator, James Cook, who named it. The area being set aside includes the mountain itself at present a part of the Wollumbin State Forest. It is hoped that this great reservation will given the name of "Wollumbin" (Captain Cook Memorial) Park, Mount Warning. As a crowning effort, there has been secured by the Forestry Commission, the last remaining portion (about sixty acres) of the original Cumberland Forest at Pymble. This will be publicly dedicated early next year as the "Sydney National Forest and Arboretum." AUSTRALIAN FORESTRY LEAGUE. (1925, November 27). The Land (Sydney, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103041841
This is still in place, look left as you're driving to Gordon through St. Ives along the Mona Vale road:
Those who had long come to Pittwater or now lived here permanently had had enough of the destruction. Avalon's Arthur Jabez Small, and Bayview's Mark Foy are among the first people on record during this era of recognising people were destroying the place and used their influence to ensure Pittwater’s beautiful spotted gums an angophoras stayed where they belong;
SPOTTED GUMS AT BAYVIEW.
Bayview, one of the most delightful of the many beauty spots round the waterfront at Pittwater, is more beautiful than usual today because of the presence of numbers of the young and middle-aged spotted gums on the roadside. Anyone, who has an eye for a tree trunk and a shapely headpiece, should see these hardwoods at work on their home holdings, over which Mr. Mark Foy and his neighbours hold sway. The grown trees are 30 and 40 feet in the barrel, and are quite perpendicular. All the young stock are lighter in body and shorter as well, but even the babies among these yellow-stemmed trees are as straight as a plumb line. Young trunks and old trunks, too, are coloured with unbroken bark of yellow-green pastel shade, blotched with spots of dull mauve, which clearly indicate the family to which they all belong. Only lately they were engaged in dropping their old bark in readiness for the work which has to be done during the year.
Thanks to Mr. Foy, Mr. Graham, Mr. Sinclair, and to the other tree lovers of Bayview, who are bent on preserving these native timber trees, visitors are able to enjoy from the roadside pictures which are too seldom seen on or near an outer suburban highway. In too many places all the native trees are cut down to make room for favourites from other continents. None of the Imported trees compare with those of our own wild land. Bayview's spotted gums stand head and shoulders above anything near them. While their present owners have power to protect them they are safe from the axemen. Recently, some splendid trees were taken off the roadside to make room for the electric light wires. Other trees were lopped or shortened for the same purpose. Many a bayside resident was sorry to see that work done. However, the chopping could not well have been avoided. The men who handled those spotted gums did their work feelingly, and saved every tree they could. SPOTTED GUMS AT BAYVIEW. (1930, January 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16615090
Mark Foy was a member of a family who owned one of Sydney's BIG Department stores, had a residence in Pittwater called 'The Cabin' at 28 Bay View Road before this access was renamed 'Pittwater Road' by the State Government. Other family members also purchased property in Pittwater. His youngest sister Sophie, through her marriage to James Joseph Smith, had the family had a property called 'Trincomalee' at Elvina Bay, while sister Alice married James Joseph Macken, a family still well known here, who have been associated with Collaroy and Coasters for many decades.
Arthur Jabez Small and the 'Old Girl' for whom Angophora Reserve is named, pre-1954 - photo courtesy ABHS - Geoff Searl OAM
The Bayview, Barrenjoey and Avalon Tree Defenders were aligned with an organised crew:
TREE LOVERS' LEAGUE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Sir,-In reply to a letter from "Redgum" in your Issue of March 13, headed "Tree Chopping and Tree Spoiling," may I once more ask a little space? _
In November, 1927, The Tree Lovers' Civic League was formed In Gordon with the following objects.
1 To save as many trees already here as possible;
2 To suggest tree and shrub planting, especially Australian natives,
3 To encourage the love of trees; and
4. To foster civic pride.
Our membership fee is one shilling per annum, and we hold largely-attended monthly meetings, to which all are welcomed, and at which many fine lectures have been delivered. We arrange yearly essay competitions on tree subjects in the Public schools of the municipality, and have organised two public lantern lectures In the Killara Memorial Hall, which were largely attended by reason of the fact that the lectures were delivered by such widely known tree lovers as Mr. David Stead, and the late Mr. Cambage.
We work in harmony with our Municipality of Ku-ring-gai, which for the past two years has enclosed with every rate notice one of our tree leaflets, and we are In close touch with the Forest League and the Wild Life Preservation Society. True, our membership has not yet soared above the hundreds, but we do aspire to "Redgum's" 10,000.
Here then is the machinery, already in full working swing, and which has used for three years the very name he suggests. There is a. hearty welcome to our ranks awaiting Mr. "Redgum," and all other tree lovers; and if we get anything like the public backing suggested we will soon have such tree laws as the older countries enjoy, and adequate powers to protect the rich heritage of Australia's beauty.
I am, etc.
A. F. WYATT.
Tree Lovers' Civic League, Gordon, March 13. TREE LOVERS' LEAGUE. (1931, March 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16762724
THE RANGERS' LEAGUE.
(To the Editor).
Sir, — The Rangers' League, which was established for the purpose of giving practical service in its work covering the protection, and preservation of our unique and wonderful Australian Flora and Fauna and the other natural and special features of our country, has already made surprising progress.
Being the first organisation of its kind, the work of the League has been mainly pioneering. Much field work has. been accomplished valuable assistance has been rendered by the Government, and also 'by public and private organisations ; this . has helped in large measure to bring about the success 'which has been achieved. The team work of the members, the general increasing . interest, and the - praise and sympathy received from many sources, are very encouraging.
The' League, is under the control of a Council representative of its manifold, activities, such as ecology, botany, etc!, while the more immediate supervision is entrusted to an executive. The service rendered by the members is given in a purely honorary' capacity, and each member is expected to contribute assistance in some form; this service is supplemented, as far as possible, with available funds.
Several acts, of great interest to Rangers, are in course of amendment by Parliament,- and it is pleasing to note that suggestions by the League for the amendment of the Birds and Animals Protection Act have been accepted and included. The continued success of the League depends upon the individual and united effort of each of us. It is the duty of all Australians to do their utmost to protect and preserve our native birds, animals. plants and flowers, which are becoming more rare and even extinct. In our own interest and in that of our children, these must be regarded as an everlasting heritage to be handed down to future generations: As a means to that end, the -League is commended to you ~f or your generous support. Th secretary will be pleased, to receive inquiries from individual Rangers and all others who are interested. — Yours, etc., J. D, TIPPER, President. THE RANGERS' LEAGUE. (1930, June 21). Molong Express and Western District Advertiser (NSW : 1887 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139979951
THE RANGERS' LEAGUE
protecting native flowers.
PUBLIC CAN HELP
The glorious expanse of virgin bushland throughout the Blue Mountains is the home of some of Australia's most beautiful native flowers. These are a heritage of joy to dwellers among the mists, and
visitors from the ends of the earth. Every true Australian loves his bushland and Its delicate and beautiful flora, and he is ready to protect it, and prevent vandalistic hands attacking It. We have in this State a "Rangers' League," of which Mr. John D. Tipper is founder and president. He and his Rangers are sworn to protect our native plants, flowers, and trees. He writes an appeal to Australians to help preserve our native were and plants.
THE RANGERS' LEAGUE
He says: — "In view of the existence of the Native Plants Protection Act, no doubt many people have been puzzled as to the reason for the very large number of protected native plants and flowers that are from time to time displayed for sale. Even to the casual observer it must be apparent that these flowers cannot always be legitimately obtained from private property, as is invariably represented. As a matter of fact, it la within the knowledge of the Rangers' League that nearly all of these flowers are picked is violation of the law. The apprehension of offenders, however, is attended with difficulty. One of the greatest problems with which the League has to cope is the robbing of our national parks. Crown lands, and private property by well-equipped flower thieves, who operate on an exceedingly large scale,- in conjunction with their commercial associates.
"DON'T "DON'T BUY!"
If the public would refrain from purchasing these flowers of doubtful origin they would help to defeat the unscrupulous dealers, by making them realise that, although they may flout the law, they must respect public sentiment. It should be understood that purchasers of protected flowers become liable, and may be required to establish their bona-fides for having flowers in their possession, and that their In-nonce may not be established by the production of a receipt Issued by the vendor," as numerous fictitious receipts have been, issued, and are being used to deceive purchasers. At the present rate of depletion of our forests, Including national parks, Crown lands, etc., through evasion of the law by commercial interests, the time will not be far distant when the more beautiful of our native plants and flowers will be things of the past.
BUSH FIRE MENACE
The Indiscriminate stripping of all flowers and repeated bush fires are depriving our native plants of all power of seeding and reproduction, and, consequently, are entirely depleting large areas which originally grew plants in profusion. The policy of the League is to encourage the general cultivation of Australian flora, and the practice of dealing with nurserymen recognised by the League as specialists in the cultivation of native plants, the origin and quality of which can be assured, is strongly recommended. It should be realised that financial support would prove much ineffective than pious hopes in the preservation of our fauna and flora, and liberal contributions would enable the League to more effectively continue and develop work already well commenced. THE RANGERS' LEAGUE (1930, November 22). The Blue Mountain Star (Katoomba, NSW : 1929 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190104990
TIMBER THIEVES AT work
Ruining Beauty Of Pittwater, Says Report
SERIOUS VIEW
A SERIOUS view is taken in the annual report of the Barrenjoey Peninsula Advancement League of the depredations of timber thieves who are destroying large numbers of trees In the district. The report states that a great deal of the natural beauty of the Pittwater district Is vanishing through the activities of these men, who, it is stated, are difficult to check. It was explained that a common method was to pay a nominal sum for the right to cut down timber from a single allotment, and then to cut down and steal timber in the neighborhood.
Office-bearers
The report, which revealed a year of progress, was adopted, and the following office-bearers were elected for the year: Patron, Mr. A. Parkhill, M.H.R.; president, Mr. A. J. Small; honorary treasurer, Mr. J. G. O'Brien; honorary secretary, Miss M. Swain; councillors, Messrs. B. W. and W. Ford, Jeffrey, Kenny, Stapleton, Uttley, Todd and Glencoe Williams. TIMBER THIEVES AT WORK (1935, December 31). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237886699
All this long before the Forest wars of the 1970's and 1980's raged across NSW, and particularly on our north coast where Pittwater locals were among those trying to save rainforest - and succeeding.
In 1992, Pittwater Council was formed when the former A Riding of Warringah Shire voted to secede and look after itself - something residents of Pittwater had been agitating and working towards since at least 1908 and which started to appear in local papers by 1911.
One of the first policies Pittwater council formalised was the protection of local trees – a reflection of what was just one of the cultural differences between the then Warringah Shire Council and the residents of Pittwater. On one side, the Pittwater side, banks of hills are covered in trees and streets kept cooler through the height of summer by a many splendored shading from trees - or the green wings as it's known here. On the other side of the Narrabeen bridge ..... not so much.
This 1994 Meldrum cartoon, supplied by Pittwater Forever, visually explained the differences, cultural and environmental, between the councils - with residents stating recent instances of being 'reunited with Warringah' show not much has changed, that cultural difference is still prevalent:
Pittwater Council would also develop a DCP and LEP to guide developers – even in business areas developments were not to exceed the height of trees nor dominate the landscape - and for private dwellings a 50-50 or 50-60% of plantings were required for each block, so the Narrabeen to Palm Beach, the Pittwater end of the Barrenjoey peninsula, would remain enfolded beneath its green wings.
How serious we have become about saving species is illustrated in the incessant call for an end to logging in what remains of our native forests, especially where the killing of trees is leading to the deliberate killing of other species to the point of extinction- the furry, the doe eyed, the scaly, the feathery and all those wonderful plants.
How determined we are to keep these species part of the present and future is illustrated through the example of a NSWRFS 'Arduous' certified volunteers former Prime Minister The Hon. Tony Abbott was a member of during the 2019/2020 fires. They were lowered from a helicopter during the fires to save the Wollemi pine. That crew and NSW NPWS were responsible for the saving of a species that has been around for 200 millions of years but which we only became aware of existing just a few decades ago.
Which makes you wonder; How many more species may be in the bush as yet to be 'discovered' or known?
For those who hear on a daily basis the chainsaws and sound of yet another tree being woodchipped, or witness the nest and eggs falling on the road or the possum fleeing for its life through last-century practices for killing trees, there is some consolation in this serious determination.
Whether that will be enough to save the trees, when 350+ year old beauties are cut down to be replaced with a sapling which will need another 100 years to offer up tree-hollows for birds and possums, has already been witnessed over the past 200+ years - it will not.
The time to avert our eyes and pretend this is not happening, to not stare hard at those cajoling you into allowing your own and countless other species deliberate destruction, ended at least 100 years ago - or 7 years after Europeans landed here according to the records. Local extinctions have occurred since the 1950's and even into the mid 1980's with the loss of Pittwater's last koala.
As it is always a good time to stand on the shores of Bayview and rage like Mark Foy and his neighbours, speak up and out, or stand at Palm Beach, in Annie Wyatt's own reserve, whistle it into the winds there - you will be heard.
It's pretty obvious by now we need to stop stealing the bush - if only so others may get a chance to look upwards through the dappling, get to feel enfolded beneath that great green-blue wing, and marvel at the entwined branches that form this canopy of life.
The transposing of a concrete tomb over the living until even the shape, slope and run of the land beneath disappears seems incongruous when even our species lives enfolded within that great green wing, yet this is what was happening within 7 years of Europeans settling on these shores.
Trees need not become part of history, something long gone.
CAMP, PITTWATER.
So near, so clear, the heavens are,
That, peering through the trees,
I glimpse the shy, small, seventh star,
Among the Pleiades.
The tiny ships at anchor ride,
The tiny sails are furled;
Lo, soft comes in the midnight tide,
From half across the world.
On cliff and shore the bush leans down,
Dim-mirrored in the deep,
Hushed as the sea, this tented town,
Breathes softly, fast asleep.
KAY ELFORD.
CAMP, PITTWATER. (1937, March 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17351501
References - Notes
- TROVE - National Library of Australia
- Shelagh and George Champion, Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater. 2013 Revision copy.
- ‘Elvina track’ photos taken by Joe Mills and Kevin Murray in the Spring of October 2020
- Joe Mills took an earlier stroll the month before to McCarrs/Duck holes ends
- What the Trees See - A wander through millennia of natural history in Australia by David Witty. Monash University Publishing 1 November 2023 / Paperback / 256pp. Dave Witty is a Melbourne-based writer raised in London. A chapter from this book won the highly commended award in the Nature Conservancy’s 2021 Nature Writing Prize. Shortlisted, Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award 2024.
- Roads To Pittwater: The Mona Vale Road
- Broken Bay Customs Station At Barrenjoey: 2023 Reprise
- Leon Houreux ( 1831 – 27th Of April, 1907)
- Yabbying In Warriewood's Creeks
- Waratah Farm: Ingleside The Narrabeen Plum
- Ingleside Powder Mill: Pittwater Fields Of Dreams I
- Stokes Point To Taylor's Point: An Ideal Picnic, Camping & Bathing Place
- Clareville Public Wharf: 1885 to 1935 - Some History
- Annie Wyatt Reserve: Palm Beach - Pittwater Fields of Dreams II
- Stokes Point Careel Bay: The Shift From Warner's Hut In 1813 To Finisterre In 1924; 1934 Additions Probably Designed By Australia's First Female Architect, Beatrice (Bea) May Hutton - A Pittwater Rendezvous Site For Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Members Is Still A Home With A View For Those With A Passion For Sailing
- Manly's Wildflower Shows: Some History
- Pittwater's Lone Rangers - 120 Years of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and the Men of Flowers Inspired by Eccleston Du Faur - 2014
- Leon Houreux
- Pittwater Restaurants You Could Stay At The Rock Lily Hotel – Mona Vale
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - 'Green Hills', Elanora Heights, and Ingleside
Government & General Order re prohibitions on timber cutting on the banks of the Hawkesbury. INX-99-129805. Title Subject: TIMBER Index Name; Index to the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825. Description Name Subject: TIMBER Index Number; 99 . Start Date 08/12/1795 - 1795 December prohibition on timber cutting on Hawkesbury State Records NSW.
Order prohibiting the felling of timber pit for Naval or other public uses without permission Name Subject: TIMBER Index Number 99 Start Date 07/05/1803 Citation: [SZ756], p.638 Reel No 6039, State Records NSW.
GOVERNMENT and GENERAL ORDERS.
CIVIL DEPARTMENT. Sydney, 26th June, 1813. In consequence of Instructions lately received from His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, His Excellency the GOVERNOR has deemed it expedient to lay certain Duties on the under-mentioned Articles of Trade or Merchandize, on their Arrival, and being landed at Sydney; which Duties are to commence on the First Day of July next ensuing, and to be levied on all the enumerated Articles which shall arrive and be landed on or after that Date, whether they shall be destined for Colonial Consumption or for re-shipment to other Markets.
Schedule of Duties :
One each Ton Weight of Sandal Wood— Two Pounds Ten Shillings Sterling;
On each Ton Weight of Pearl Shells—Two Pounds Ten Shillings;
On each Ton Weight of Beeche le Mere—Five Pounds; On each Ton Weight of Sperm Oil, containing, 252 Gallons—Two Pounds Ten Shillings ; On each Ton Weight of Black Whale or other Oil—Two Pounds ;
On each Fur Seal Skin-One Penny, Halfpenny ;
On each Hair Seal Skin—-One Penny ; On each Kangaroo Skin—One Halfpenny;
On Cedar, or other Timber from Shoal Haven, or any other Part of the Coast or Harbours of New South Wales (Newcastle excepted, the Duties being already prescribed there), when not supplied by Government Labourers, for each solid Foot—One Shilling ; On Spars from New Zealand, or elsewhere—for every Twenty, One Pound ; On Timber in Log or Plank from New Zealand, or else where , for each solid Foot, One Shilling and Sixpence.
And the Naval Officer is hereby charged and directed to apportion and collect the said Duties, agreeably to the foregoing Scale or Rate, in like Manner as the present Duties on other Articles are collected. ;
By Command of His Excellency
The Governor,
J.T. Campbell, Secretary.
Sydney, 26th June, 1813.
HIS Excellency the Governor having transmitted to the Right Honorable the Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, for his Consideration, a Schedule of the Fees which he had sanctioned and authorised to be received in the several Public Departments in this Colony, under Date the 12th of October, 1811 :- The same has been fully approved and confirmed by his Lordship, with the single Exception of the Fee on Special Licences for Marriage, which being greater than that paid in England on such Occasions, His Excellency is pleased, in conformity with His Lordship's suggestion, to reduce it to the same Standard.—And Notice is hereby given, that the Fee on Special Licences for Marriages will in future be Four Pounds Four Shillings Sterling.
By Command of His Excellency
The Governor,
J.T. Campbell, Secretary.
Sydney, 26th June, 1813.
HIS Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Thomas Moore, Esquire, of Liverpool, to Superintend and Direct the Making and Construction of the new Turnpike Road, branching off from the present Road to Parramatta and leading to Liverpool, with all the Bridges and Works necessary to its completion.—And it is ordered, that William Roberts, the Contractor for the Making the said Roads and Bridges, and all Persons employed under him in the said Work, shall receive and obey all such Orders as Mr. Moore shall find necessary to give for the more effectual Construction of said Road and Bridges.
By Command of His Excellency
The Governor,
J.T. Campbell, Secretary.
Sydney, 26th June, 1813.
GOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE.
Sydney, 19th June, 1813. VARIOUS Applications having been made, as well to HIS MAJESTY'S MINISTERS in England, as to His Excellency the Governor, soliciting the Removal of that Restriction which has heretofore subsisted in Regard to Foreign Trade, with the Ports of the Derwent and of Port Dalrymple, in that Part of the Territory of New South Wales called Van Diemen's Land ; And His Excellency judging that the Restriction on the Trade of those two Ports is now no longer necessary to be persevered in, is pleased to give this Public Notice, that the Restriction contained in the thirty-third Article of the Port Regulations of Port Jackson, published under Date the 1st of October, 1810, is hereby rescinded, and that Merchant or Trading Vessels from England, India, or other Countries in Amity with Great Britain, are henceforth at Liberty to touch at the Ports of the Derwent and Port Dalrymple aforesaid ; and on due Entry being made of their Cargoes, and the regular Duties paid thereon, the Masters or Supercargoes of those Vessels may proceed to make Safe of such Part or Parts of their Cargoes as may be by their respective Commandants deemed necessary to the Wants or Demands of those Settlements, in like Manner and with equal Freedom as at Port Jackson.
By Command of His Excellency
The Governor, J. T. CAMPBELL, Secretary.
GOVERNMENT AND GENERAL ORDERS, Head Quarters, Sydney, Saturday, 12th June, 1813
His Excellency the Governor, having yesterday by the Arrival of the Ship Fortune with Convicts from England, received a Communication from the Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated Downing Street, 13th October, 1812, announcing that His Royal Highness the PRINCE REGENT had that Day Issued an Order in Council, " That general Reprisals be granted against the Ships, Goods, and Citizens of the United States of America, and others inhabiting within the Territories thereof," and signifying that the same should be made public with-in this Government, He is pleased to direct, that the said Communication, and the Order in Council referred to therein, shall be published herewith in the Sydney Gazette, for the Information and Guidance of all His Majesty's Subjects within this Government.
By Command of His Excellency The Governor, J.T.CAMPBELL, Secretary
(CIRCULAR.)
Downing-street, 13th October, 1812.
"Sir,
"His Royal Highness the PRINCE REGENT, acting in the Name and on the Behalf of His Majesty, having been pleased by an Order in Council dated this day, to order that General Reprisals be granted against the Ships, Goods, and Citizens, of the United States of America, and others inhabiting within the Territories thereof, I here-with transmit to you a Copy, of the said Order ; and I am to signify to you the Commands of His Royal Highness, that you do make the same as public as possible within your Government, in order, that His Majesty's Subjects may do their utmost in their several Stations, to make Capture of the Ships and Vessels belonging to Citizens, of the United States, and to destroy their Commerce; for which purpose His Royal Highness has been pleased to direct Letters of Marque, and Commission of Privateers, to be granted in the usual Manner. "I have the honor to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient, humble Servant,
"Bathurst."
To GOVERNOR MACQUARIE, &c.&c. &c.
At the Court at Carlton House; the 13th of October, 1812;
Present, His Royal Highness the PRINCE REGENT in Council:-
Whereas, in consequence of information having been received of a Declaration of War by the Government of the United States of America against His MAJESTY; and of the Issue of Letters of Marque and Reprisal by the said Government against His Majesty and His Subjects, an Order in Council, bearing date the 31st July last, was issued, directing that American ships and goods should be brought in and detained till further orders ; and whereas His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty , forbore at that time to direct Letters of Marque and Reprisal to be issued against the ships, goods, and citizens of the said United States of America, under the expectation that the said Government would, upon the notification of the Order in Council of the 23d June last, forthwith recal and annul the said Declaration of War against His Majesty, and also annul the said Letters of Marque and Reprisal.
And whereas the said Government of the United States of America, upon due notification to them of the said Order in Council of the 23d June last, did not think fit to recal the said Declaration of War and Letters of Marque and Reprisal, but have proceeded to condemn, and persisted in condemning the ships and property of His Majesty's subjects as prize of war, and have refused to ratify a suspension of arms agreed upon between Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost, His Majesty's Governor-General of Canada and General Dearborn, commanding the American forces in the Northern Provinces of the United States, and have directed hostilities to be recommenced in that quarter.
"His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, and with the advice of His Majesty's Privy Council, is hereby pleased to order, and it is hereby ordered, that general Reprisals be granted against the ships, goods, and citizens of the United States of America, and others inhabiting within the territories thereof (save and except any vessels to which His Majesty's licence has been granted, or which have been directed to be released from the embargo, and have not terminated the original voyage on which they were detained and released), so that as well His Majesty's fleets and ships, as also all other ships and vessels that shall be commissioned by Letters of Marque or General Reprisals, or otherwise by His Majesty's Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, shall and may lawfully seize all ships, vessels, and goods belonging to the Government of the United States of America, or the citizens thereof, or others inhabiting within the territories thereof, and bring the same to judgment in any of the Courts of Admiralty within His Majesty's do-minions; and to that end His Majesty's Advocate General, with the Advocate of the Admiralty, are forthwith to pre-pare the draught of a Commission, and present the same to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent at this Board, authorising the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral, or any person or persons by whom em-powered and appointed, to issue forth and grant Letters of Marque and Reprisals to any of His Majesty's subjects, or others whom the said Commissioners shall deem fully qualified in that behalf, for the apprehending, seizing, and taking the ships, vessels, and goods belonging to the Government of the United States of America, or the citizens thereof, or to others inhabiting within the countries, territories, and dominions thereof (except as aforesaid); and that such powers and clauses be inserted in the said Commission as have been usual, and are according to former precedents; and His Majesty's Advocate General, with the Advocate of the Admiralty, are also forthwith to prepare the draught of a Commission, and present the same to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent at this Board, authorising the said Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral to will and require the High Court of Admiralty of Great Britain, and the Lieutenant and Judge of the said Court, his Surrogate or Surrogates, as also the several Courts of Admiralty within His Majesty's do-minions, to take cognizance of, and judicially proceed upon all and all manner of captures, seizures, prizes, and reprisals of all ships and goods that are or shall be taken, and to hear and determine the same, and, according to the course of Admiralty and the laws of nations, to adjudge and condemn all such ships, vessels, and goods as shall belong to the Government of the United States of America, or the citizens thereof, or to others inhabiting within the countries, territories, and dominions thereof (except as aforesaid) ; and that such powers and clauses be inserted in the said Commission as have been usual, and are according to former precedents ; and they are likewise to prepare and lay before His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, at this Board, a draught of such Instructions as may be proper to be sent to the Courts of Admiralty in His Majesty's Fo-reign Governments and Plantations, for their guidance herein, as also another draught of Instructions for such ships as shall be commissionated for the purpose above-mentioned.
" His Royal Highness The Prince Regent is nevertheless pleased hereby to declare, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, that nothing in this Order contained shall be understood to recal or affect the Declaration which His Majesty's Naval Commander on the American Station has been authorised to make to the Government of the United States of America; namely, that His Royal High-ness, animated by a sincere desire to arrest the calamities of war, has authorised the said Commander to sign a Con-vention, recalling and annulling, from a day to be named, all hostile Orders issued by the respective Governments, with a view of restoring without delay the relations of amity and commerce between His Majesty and the United States of America.
" From the Court at Carlton-House, the thirteenth of October, one thousand eight hundred and twelve,
" Castlereagh. " Charles Long. " Bathurst. " Sidmouth.
" N. Vansittart. " Liverpool." "Melville.
GOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE.
Sydney, 12th June, 1813. HIS Excellency the Governor has observed with much Regret, the Inconveniencies arising from the Want of a Building sufficiently spacious and convenient, for the orderly and public Administration of Justice in this Territory . —Influenced by the most anxious Wishes that the Courts of Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction established in this Colony should not only be looked up to with Confidence for the Impartiality with which Justice is dispensed, but that they should be strengthened and supported by every Circumstance calculated to encrease Solemnity and enforce Respect ; and also, that the Fatigues and Inconveniences to which the Judges of those Courts are exposed in the Exercise of their Functions, should as much as possible be alleviated by every reasonable Atten-tion to their Conveniences and Comforts (Wishes in which the Governor is convinced he must be joined by every reflecting Mind) ; His Excellency now publicly recommends to the Consideration of the Inhabitants of this Territory, the Necessity of erecting a Building, better adapted to the commodious and decorous Meeting of the several Courts of Justice established in this Colony.
His Excellency has no Hesitation in concluding that it must be evident to All, that the Apartment now appropriated to the Purposes above-mentioned, not exceeding the ordinary Dimensions of a private Office (for which alone it was intended), not fitted up with a View to the usual Conveniences of a Court of Justice, and from the Smallness of its Size not capable of being so fitted up, barely affording Space for the Assembling of the Members and Officers of the several Courts, and the Accommodation of a very few indeed of those who may be influenced by a laudable Curiosity to make themselves acquainted with Proceedings in which their Lives, their Liberties, and their Propertes are so deeply interested, and the Publicity of which is inseparably united with public Confidence, and judicial Impartiality, must at once be calculated rather to diminish than increase the Deference and Awe which ought always to accompany the Dispensation of Justice, totally inadequate to the Purposes to which it is applied, and a Reproach to the advanced and still advancing State of this Portion of His Majesty's Dominions.—But though the Governor is most anxious that Accommodations should be provided more suitable to the Solemnity and Importance of the Occasion, and to the Honor and Interests of this Colony, yet he feels it to be inconsistent with the due Discharge of his Duty to His Majesty, to permit the Expences of such a Provision, so exclusively connected with the separate Interests of this Colony, to fall altogether upon His Majesty's Government; the Governor would therefore most forcibly and energetically impress upon the Minds of the Inhabitants of this Territory, the Neces-sity of the immediate Erection of a Court of Justice, on a Plan which will at once embrace the so much required Comforts and Conveniences of the Officers and Ministers of Justice, the Accommodation of the Public, the much wished for Alterations in the Judicial Department, and the rising State of the Colony; and would also, emphatically suggest the Propriety and Honor of their principally owing so proud an Ornament and noble Memorial of the Liberal Spirit of its Inhabitants to their own honorable and unanimous Exertions, and voluntary Contributions.—To assist Efforts so accordant to the Opinion which the Governor has ever entertained of the Inhabitants of this Colony, His Excellency will, on the Part of Government, subscribe the sum of £500, and afford such Assistance of Materials, Mechanics, and Labourers, as the Urgency of other public Demands will enable him to do.—- His Excellency most earnestly calls upon the Magistrates, of the Colony, in their several Districts, to adopt such Steps as may in their Opinion be most calculated to further, and by all possible personal Exertions to promote the Accomplishment of a Plan so loudly called for by the Necessity of the Case, and the Interests and Honor of this Territory.
By Command of His Excellency
The Governor,
J.T. Campbell, Secretary
DEPUTY COMMISSARY GENERAL'S OFFICE, June 24th 1813. His MAJESTY's. Stores at Sydney will be opened to receive Fresh Pork for Salting, from the under-mentioned Persons, on the Days specified against their respec-tive Names, according to their several Applications.—
None but Pigs weighing more than 1000 lbs, without Head or Feet will be taken; and due Notice will be given what Proportion will be received in August.
When to be received. Names. Quantity to be received.
Tuesday, June 29 | George Hall...... | 2,000 Wednesday 30 | Lawrence May | 1,000
Thursday, July 1 | Owen Tierney | 1,000 Tuesday 6 | T. Kershaw | 1,000
Wednesday 7 | George Loader | 1,000
Thursday 8 | N. Bayly, Esq | 1.000 | R. Twyfield | 1,000
Tuesday 13 | Charles Thomas | 1,000 Wednesday 14 | John Pye | 1,000
Thursday 15 | D. Wentworth, Esq. | 2,000 Tuesday 20 | A. Riley, Esq | 2.000 Wednesday 21 | Joseph Stubbs | 1,000 | Thursday 22 | John Watts | 1,000
Tuesday 27 | Samuel Craft | 1,000
Wednesday 28 | James Squires | 1,000 Thursday 29 | James Dunn | 1,000
David Dunstan | 1,000
WILLIAM BROUGHTON, Acting Deputy Assistant Commissary General
COMMISSARY OFFICE, SYDNEY,
19th JUNE, 1813. AS the Receipts given in Payment for Grain and Animal Food delivered into His Majesty's Stores, are directed to be called in and Consolidated at the End of every Quarter, by Bills on His Majesty's Treasury; the Holders there-of are particularly desired to present the same to the Acting Commissary on or before the 6th Day of July next, for the Purpose aforesaid ; and such Persons as shall act in Disobedience to this Order will subject themselves to be paid in Copper Coin, to the Amount of such Receipts as may be so overheld.
All Persons having Claim on Government, on any Account whatever, are requested to present them on or before the above Period, to the End that they may be finally settled; and such Persons as stand indebted to Government are requested to liquidate their respective Debts immediately.
By Command of His Excellency The Governor, William Broughton, Acting Commissary.
PUBLIC NOTICE The under-mentioned Prisoners having absented them-selves from their respective Employments, all Constables and others are hereby strictly required to use their utmost Exertions in apprehending and lodging them in safe Custody.
Patrick Bayland, Captain Glenholme's Servant ; John Wilson alias Teague, Mr Throsby's Servant ; Patrick Fitzsimmonds, from the Bricklayers' Gang ; John Reardon, from the Stone Mason's Gang ; John Madden, from the Gaol Gang ; Dennis Donovan, from Lane Cove; John Neale, Servant to James Mann, Portland Head ; Wm. Sherris, Servant to Mr. Bayly ; George Grover, Servant to Mr. Hobby ; Daniel Donaher, Servant to William Neale, at Bumberry Currant ; Samuel Free, from Dr. Redfern's Farm ; William Vickers, from Newcastle.
Also, the following Prisoners from Newcastle ;
James O'Hearne Patrick Collins James Martin William Farrell John Jones alias Gibber Jack James Camm William Powers Dan. Thurston
Any Person or Persons harbouring, concealing, or maintaining any of the said Absentees, will be prosecuted for the Offence. I. Nicholls, Principal Superintendent.
SALE BY AUCTION
(By Virtue of Execution), On the Premises, at Wilberforce, on Saturday next, the 3d of July, at Eleven in the Forenoon,
The Provost Marshal will Cause to Set up for Sale by public Auction, a Bullock, Cart, and Harness, Twenty-one Pigs, and a Stack of Wheat, the Property of Michael Nowland (unless the Execution thereupon be previously superseded).
By Mr. Bevan, At his rooms in George-street, on Thursday next the 1st of July, at Eleven o'Clock in the Forenoon, Some Table Knives and forks, Door, and Padlocks, and a Quantity of Europe and Bengal Goods.—Prompt Payment will be required.
TENDERS for Fresh Meat, Bread, Shoes , and Firewood for the ensuing Quarter, will be received at the Orphan School, on Wednesday Morning, the 30th Instant, at Ten o'Clock.
All Persons having Claim or Demands on the Orphan Institution, are requested to bring them in on the above Period, in order that the same may be discharged.
S. Marsden, Treasurer. To be sold by Private Contract, with immediate Pos-session, that valuable House and Premises situate No. 78, George-street, having two fronts, one in George-street, and the other in King street, with an excellent Garden and a Well constantly supplied with Water. —Also, two houses situate Nos. 43 and 44, York-street. —Application to be made to Mr.David Bevan. —Payment will be required in Sterling Money. To be Let, or Sold by Private Contract, and immediate
Possession obtained, a neat, commodious, and well built Stone Dwelling House, two stories high, an excel-lent Kitchen, Out-offices a Well constantly supplied with the purest Water, and every other Conveniency adapted to the Reception of a genteel Family ; the Situation is truly, enchantíng, being in Prince- street where on the one hand the Town of Sydney attracts the eye, and on the other the Harbour presents itself to View ; it is also eligibly situate for Trade or Business. —-For Particulars apply to Mr. John O'Hearne, on the Premises. To be Sold, that desirably situated Dwelling House and
Premises . No. 102, Pitt-street completely finished, possessing every accommodation for trade, and fit for the reception , of a genteel family ; an excellent garden containing fruit and vegetables, a good well, stable, pig-styes, and out houses. — Also, the most complete set of tools of the kind ever for sale in this Colony, consisting of a clock engine and cutters, watch engine to cut common, horizontal, and balance wheels, with cutters complete ; a ditto for rounding up and finishing horizontal wheel teeth, with shifting files and burnishers complete ; a fusee engine and cutters; a jewelling and upright tool ditto; a finisher's deepening and upright tool; turning lathes, &c ; jewellery; silver goods, Watches, clocks, time pieces, &c; a quantity of tea, sugar, and other shop goods. — Likewise a Capital young Mare in foal, and a Foal by her side ; and a Cart arid Harness. N. B, —Credit may be obtained on good Security. Classified Advertising (1813, June 26). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article628710
Department of Lands,
Sydney, 7th March, 1900.
HIS Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, with, the advice of the Executive Council, directs it to be notified that, in order to enforce the saving and reservation contained in Crown Grant to William Timothy Cape, of 40 acres, being portion 27, on Pitt Water, parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland, dated the 8th day of April, 1840, and registered volume No. 59 (Register of Grants of Land 33), folio 33, it is the intention of the Crown to take possession of the lands comprised within the said reservation. [Ms. 1900-1,050 Dep.] T. H. HASSALL Government Gazette Notices (1900, March 7). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1917. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221016173
THE BAYVIEW COACHES. The residents of Bayview and Newport want an earlier and a later coach to Manly. The subject was before the last Manly Council meeting, when a petition was read from residents of the district, pointing out their wants. An alderman said that the proprietors of the present line had recently raised the fares. It was thought a great improvement could be .......Superintendent Edwards, of the Traffic Department, forwarded the correspondence on the matter, and asked the council to express an opinion on an application made by the Manly and Balgpwlah Coach Company, to ply a coach leaving Bayview at 7 a.m. and Manly at 5.45 p.m. Mr. Edwards pointed out that some years ago when two lines of coaches were running it was certainly not in the interests of the general public of Manly and the district. The Manly Livery Stable Company, who has the right of the road at present, wrote, saying that they were willing to provide any additional vehicles considered necessary to meet any reasonable regulation of traffic. At the same time the number of passengers at this time of year was very small. The company was willing next summer to make any alteration in the time-table considered justified. The writer trusted that no licence would be granted to any other proprietary. As the matter had been under consideration by the Warringah Shire Council, the aldermen came to the conclusion that it would be wise to await the result of their deliberations. THE BAYVIEW COACHES. (1909, June 16). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115495066
Article: THE BAYVIEW COACH. (1909, June 30). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115499886
MANLY TO BAYVIEW COACHES. At a recent meeting of the Warringah Shire Council a letter was received from the Traffic Branch of the Police Department asking the council's opinion on the question of running another line of coaches from Manly to Bayview and Bayview to Manly- later and earlier than the present coaches run Consideration of the matter was deferred to the last meeting when the council was in receipt of in application from the Balgowlah District and Manly Coaching Company to be allowed to run a line of coaches to Bayview, to leave Manly in the evening at 5.45 and Bayview at 7.45pm.
A letter stated that the company intended to reduce the fares to 1s to Rocklily and 6d to Church Point . A letter was also received from the Manly Livery Stable Company signifying their intention to reduce the fares to residents and to run an earlier and late coach from September 1.
On the motion of Councillor Quirk it was agreed to support the application of the Balgowlah District and Manly Coaching Company on the grounds that a coach at the proposed hours would suit the requirements of the district. MANLY TO BAYVIEW COACHES. (1909, July 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15070033
Bayview to Manly. EXTRA COACHES ASKED FOR.
At a special meeting of the Manly Council, the aldermen dealt with the question of running extra coaches from Manly to Bayview between the hours of 5 and 6 p.m., and from Manly at about 7 a.m. The application is made by the Manly and Balgowlah Coach Company, an opposition line of conveyances to the 'coaches having the present right of the road, the Manly Livery Stables 'Company. There was a large attendance of interested spectators, as the new company is largely composed of Manlyites. At the start of the business Mr. Hogan, the council clerk, announced that he was in the receipt of telephone communication from Mr.Edwards, the Traffic Superintendent, that the matter had been settled by the Inspector General of Police. The request of the people of the district had been agreed to, and that the Manly Livery Stable Company (the old company) had been granted the right of arranging the trips. A couple of letters from residents were also read, pointing out the necessity for better communication with the district. On busy days the present coaches were not able to cope with the traffic. Fully 150 people had walked to Manly on a holiday, after being taken down by the 'buses, or had waited till next day.Alderman Quirk animadverted on , the peculiar message sent to the council by Mr. Edwards, regarding the Inspector-General settling the matter. He moved — -'That the Superintendent of the Traffic Department be informed that, in the opinion of this council, the application of the Manly and Balgowlah Coach Company to run a conveyance from Manly to Bayview, between the hours of 5 and .6 p.m., and from Bayview to Manly about 7 a.m., should be granted, and the resolution dealing with the above matter negatived at last meeting of this council be altered to that effect.' He said it was sufficient for him that the people of, the district of Newport wanted the extra coach accommodation. They were wholly interested, and the residents of Manly only indirectly so the motion were not carried, they would do the residents of Bayview and Newport an injury for which they had no redress.
At present visitors to Bayview were not given time to enjoy the beauties of one of the most picturesque spots in New South Wales. Alderman Mulligan seconded the motion, and Pointed out that he thought the Manly Council should be the body to settle this matter, and not the police authorities. He hoped the council would agree to the new line of coaches, as the easier the mode of communication, the more people would visit the picturesque locality. Alderman Russell moved an amendment, to the effect that no licence be granted to run the extra coaches, and asked how often did the present 'buses run down to Newport only half full. There was always a crowd on holidays and Sundays, and he had no consideration for people left behind. Alderman Patison, who seconded the amendment, had to withdraw a statement styling some of the aldermen renegades. 'The present company, he said, was complying with every wish of the residents, and was quite prepared to give every concession necessary. Alderman Heaton supported the motion, and said every fine Sunday numbers of people were left behind, owing to there being no late coach to Manly. Sometimes conveyances had seven or eight passengers riding on the top. Alderman Ogilvy said he was of opinion that the beauty spots in the district should have better access. '' ,An opponent to the motion was found in Alderman Dargan, who said no one travelled down the district more than he did. There was no doubt the residents wanted the extra coaches. In fact, they wanted all the vehicles on the road they could get. It was the city public that filled the coaches. As a matter of fact; one of the beach donkeys could take all the Manly people who travelled. The Mayor said he had carefully watched the coaches the last week leaving and arriving at Manly, and he had come to the conclusion that a second line of conveyances was not required. On any holiday the company could put on extra buses to meet the rush. He was sorry he could not support the proposal; .. and if he could see any reason for a second -line of coaches he would gladly do so. Alderman Quirk having replied, the motion was put, and the voting was 4 for and 4 against.The Mayor gave his casting vote against it, and declared it lost. Bayview to Manly. (1909, July 16). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114768274
MANLY TO BAYVIEW.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Sir,-Referring to an item of news in your columns, headed "Manly to Bayview," in which it Is stated that the Mayor of Manly gave his casting vote against the proposal of an opposition company to put extra coaches on this most popular run, surely such an act denotes lack of enterprise on the part of the Mayor and a few of the aldermen of Manly. It Is conceded by those who are qualified to give an opinion that Bayview and the beautiful surroundings of Pittwater must continue to 'remain a sealed book" so far as the general public is concerned until better and more 'frequent communication is established. The coach service to-day is the same as it was 10 years ago, sluggish and expensive, and unless the Government comes to the rescue no improvement is possible. If a single concern is allowed to have control of the road under present conditions the coaches will be run to suit those interested, and not the public.
Monopolies do no good for the people. I am of opinion that the Transit Commissioners should consider the interests of the general public, who are clamouring for a better service to Bayview. The old standing complaint of the residents of Pittwater is the want of a later coach from Manly on week days than 4.15 p.m., and one to leave Church Point at about 5 p.m. The proposed now company intended, I believe, to fill the gap by providing coaches about the time stated. Then, what reason could the Mayor have for voting against such a proposal?
I am a supporter of the coaches both in winter and summer, and, with many others, would like to see a change In the time-table to suit present requirements. The one in existence was all right 10 years ago.
I am, etc.,
WM. RUMMELL MANLY TO BAYVIEW. (1909, July 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15077087
Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater page 105:
Mary Oliver died in 1879, and William Oliver died on 15 May 1882. Their memorial is at Church Point. Some interesting statements were made by Thomas Oliver and others in connection with James Macdonald’s grant at Salt Pan Cove. [LTO PA 10712, 26684] In a Statutory Declaration dated 30 April 1891, Thomas Albert Oliver of Pittwater, timber merchant, said he had lived at Pittwater ever since his father took the family there, before he was one year old. (He was born in 1843.) He told how he used to get green wattle bark from Macdonald’s grant, to tie up shingles. Both Oliver and Cario had cut wood on the land, while Thomas Wilson had obtained firewood there. Thomas Oliver rented the land for some years from 1891.
Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater pages 110-111:
The 9 ton coaster Mary Ann, master Black, delivered cargoes of shells, shingles and other commodities such as lemons or onions from Pittwater to Sydney every ten days or so, returning on the same day in ballast or bringing passengers or “sundries”. In October 1844 Poyner (sometimes spelt “Payner” in the Sydney Morning Herald) took over as master of the Mary Ann. On 6 November Poyner arrived in Sydney with 250 bushels of shells from Port Aiken, which is in Sutherland Shire, and was a place where a great deal of smuggling was carried on. Poyner then proceeded to Pittwater with the Mary Ann in ballast. He visited Sydney again on 15 November with 250 bushels of shells from Pittwater, and returned to Pittwater on the same day with “sundries”. He had two passengers, Alan Cook and William Farr, who unloaded from the Mary Ann a copper still and other necessary materials intended for the establishment of an illicit distillery near McCarr’s Creek. It is significant that Poyner, as master of the small 9 ton vessel Mary Ann, would have been well placed to deliver illicit spirits to Sydney. In fact a thirty six gallon still was put into operation, and a quantity of rum from this still was sent by the Mary Ann and sold in Sydney. The illicit distillery was discovered and destroyed by men from the Customs Department.
After the death of John Clarke (Phoenix) in 1847 Poyner went to live with Thomas and Lavinia Collins at North Narrabeen. Lavinia was the daughter of Peter and Susannah Ellery, and Frank Poyner although only three years her senior, was her uncle, As “Fras Hillary” (Francis Ellery) he was cited as a witness for the defence by George Picking and James Heaton, when they were arrested on 1 November 1849. [AO 4/5730] He was evidently prepared to swear an alibi for them, but was not called upon to do so. On 8 November 1849, a mere seven days later, David Foley was murdered, Frank Poyner and Thomas Collins being the chief suspects. Poyner was brought to trial, but the crime could not be proved as his niece, Lavinia Collins, gave him an alibi, or “proved his innocence.” (For greater detail see The Murder of David Foley in 1849 near Bungin by S. and G. Champion).
Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater 121:
SULLIVAN, Michael
Michael Sullivan departed Cove of Cork Ireland in the Minerva on 26 August 1819 and arrived in Port Jackson on 18 December 1819. A native of County Waterford, he was sentenced to seven years at the Waterford Lent Sessions, in 1818. When he arrived he was 27 years old, was 5 feet 5¾ inches tall with a dark sallow complexion, black hair and hazel eyes. In September 1822 he was working as a Government Servant to Matthew Bacon, probably at his Long Reef farm. He obtained a Ticket of Leave. By the time of the 1828 census he had served his sentence and was working as a labourer to John Farrell I. In 1832 surveyor Larmer noted in his field book that Sullivan had been employed by Jeremiah Bryant to clear the land west of McMahon’s Creek at present Newport. In 1837 four bushrangers “piratically seized a boat belonging to a man named Sullivan, with which they crossed the creek [Pittwater] towards the house of a person named Oliver.” [Syd Gaz 6 April 1837] (For a fuller account of this incident see under William Oliver.)
In 1838, visitors reported, “we crossed Broken Bay in Sullivan, the small settler’s boat ... we confess that sailing in such a vessel is somewhat dangerous.” [Colonist 28 Feb 1838] In the 1841 census Sullivan was shown as living at Barrenjoey; he was married, with three children. He was then living on and working the farm which is known to have been on the site of present Palm Beach golf course, but he was probably there much earlier. In June 1842 he was associated with Daniel Farrell in the Fair Barbadian smuggling affair. After finding the smuggled casks of brandy and rum at Cowan Creek on 12 June, Toomey and Farrell rowed back to Pittwater, and Farrell called in at Sullivan’s for a gun. While Toomey rode to Sydney to report the matter, Farrell and Sullivan visited Cowan Creek. Farrell’s servant, Thomas Whitmore, gave evidence that they landed some of the casks and hid them on Sullivan’s farm.
On 2 May 1843 the newly appointed Customs Officer at Broken Bay, John B. Howard, wrote to the Collector of Customs: “Our neighbours the Sullivans are horrid folks, especially the woman - she threatens us with all manner of persecutions - I think she is mad - In order to get some hold of the place I got a written engagement from Sullivan to rent me all the land twixt the Creek and his boundary for £3 a year till his Lease Expires. I gave him £1 in advance and got the Coxswain to witness the agreement.” [AO 4/5113 p.121]
Howard wrote again on 25 May 1843: “There was a most unaccountable and terrific sea running in Pitt Water that afternoon without any wind - Sullivan and the oldest fishermen say they never saw anything to equal it. No boat could possibly have ridden at moorings - indeed all my sawed stuff, shingles &c. were washed off the Beach, some of it as far as Sullivan’s cultivation & the reck of the Rover into Sullivan’s garden.” [AO 4/2606.1]
On 10 June he wrote: “I was surprised to observe in the Herald of the 6th instant Sullivans Farm to Let (it is called Napper’s Grant). I can make nothing of these neighbours - they tell me that they hold a Lease and have paid their rent up one day and then deny it the next.” [AO 4/5113 p.131]
The Sullivans told Howard that they paid £25 per annum for their farm. We also learn from the correspondence that Sullivan had a hut, and that the tide flowed up Sullivan’s Creek. Sullivan was listed in Low’s 1847 directory as landholder, Pitt Water, and in the Sydney Commercial Directory for 1851 as “dealer in shells for lime”. He would then have been aged 63.
Colonial Statistics.
BROKEN BAY AND BRISBANE WATER.
THERE is no part the colony within a hundred miles of Sydney, which has either been so long settled, or so little frequented by travellers from our colonial capital, as the country intervening between Port Jackson and Broken Bay. It is a broken, sterile, and uninteresting country for the most part ; but there are particular spots in it of a much superior character, and the scenery in certain localities, especially along the coast, on the Narrabeen Lagoon and the inlet called Pitt Water is exceedingly fine. We happened to make a pedestrian tour from Manly Cove, on the north side of the harbour near the Heads, to Broken Bay a few weeks ago; and, although we cannot say much either for the country or the road, there is nevertheless sufficient to be gleaned by a careful observer ever in such a tour as to prevent us from saying, " it is all barren."
In fact, as the finest flowers and shrubbery are generally found on the most barren land, it is not always the best land that will furnish the best subject for a good literary article. An ex-tensive bottom, as the farmers would call it, of the richest alluvial soil may be exhibiting to the delighted eye of the settler a splendid crop of maize; or a series of "flats," with not a tree upon them in their natural state, may present the finest wheat land in the world ; but we confess there is very little bottom for a good article in either case, and even a good writer soon becomes flat enough unless he takes a kangaroo leap to some subject of a more interesting or spirit-stirring character. To be threading one's way, how-ever, through a tangled wood while the loud roar of the vast Pacific's big ocean waves breaking ever and anon on the ironbound coast of this vast terra incognita, is sounding in one's ear like distant thunder, or like the roar of artillery — to mount one of those barren hills that stretch along the coast to catch a glimpse of the wild, but romantic scenery around from its rocky summit — to be walking by moonlight along one of the sandy beaches that line the shores of Pitt Water, the exact counterpart of one of our finest Scotch Highland lochs—to be arriving late in the evening at some small settler's farm, who has just been six months on his land, to be regaled with tea without sugar out of a common water-jug, and a piece of a damper—to sleep, or rather to attempt to sleep with a host of active little combatants as numerous and as formidable as a Roman legion— and finally to lose one's way for five or six hours in the bush, and to arrive at the North Shore with one's clothes so torn with the prickly shrubbery of that locality as to render it necessary to bivouac for a time till the sun has gone down on the town of Sydney, and darkness covers the land—these are the subjects which one can either write upon, or read about without getting tired or complaining of flatness.
There is a respectable family of the humbler walks of life settled at Manly Cove whose establishment exhibits in a very strong light, the immense benefits which this colony will eventually derive from the introduction of reputable and industrious families of a similar class in society into its extensive territory, under the admirable system introduced by the Whig ministry, in appropriating for that most important purpose the proceeds of all Crown land sold in the colony. The family we allude to is of the name of Parker. It consists of a husband and wife, rather past the middle age, and two stout young men, their sons. The father is a gardener, who emigrated with his family from England to the Cape of Good Hope a good many years ago, but preferring this colony, from all he had heard and read of it both in England and at the Cape, came on to New South Wales, leaving his third son in business at Cape Town. One of Mr. Parker's other two sons is a stonemason, and the other a carpenter and cabinetmaker, each of whom appears to be as much an adept in his own business as his father, who is a remarkably intelligent, shrewd, and well-principled old man, evidently is in his. Mr. Parker has purchased twenty acres of land and rocks on the eastern side of the cove, part of which he has laid out very tastefully, his two sons having been occupied in the mean time in erecting a neat stone walled cottage with suitable outhouses, part of the walls of both being the solid rock, which has been hewn away in certain places, and allowed to remain in others to suit the taste or convenience of the proprietor. In short the combination of mechanical force which Mr. P.'s virtuous and respectable family have been able to bring to bear on their little property is one of the happiest we have witnessed in the colony, and the result, we are confident, within a very few years hence will be the transformation of their twenty acres of rocks and land, hitherto deemed good for nothing, into one of the best cultivated, most romantic, and most valuable properties of its size within a day's journey of the capital. Mr. P.'s object has been to establish himself as a gardener and nurseryman, to supply the Sydney market with vegetables, fruit, fruit-trees, and shrubs.
As soon as a few small steam boats, such as ply on the river Mersey between Liverpool and the numerous little thriving villages along the Cheshire shore, are procured and set to work in our harbour of Port Jackson to ply between Sydney and the more important localities on the opposite shore, every acre of available land within a reasonable distance of the North Shore, will be increased in value several hundred per. cent. We are happy to find that an experiment of this kind is about to be tried by the establishment of a Steam Ferry Boat between Dawes' Battery and Billy Blue's Point. The establishment of such a boat will not only lead to the formation of several thriving villages on the North Shore, but will set an example which some people will soon follow by placing boats of a similar kind on other short courses within the harbour.
Within a few miles of Manly Cove, from which there is a tolerable road for a considerable distance towards Broken Bay, there is more available land than we anticipated finding, and there is already something doing also in the way of improvement ; the important operations of felling, fencing, and cultivating, being pursued by certain proprietors in that neighbourhood with some vigour. A very large portion of the land, however, is irreclaimably and hopelessly sterile. On the banks of the Narrabeen Lagoon, a pretty extensive and romantic sheet of water situated about nine miles from Manly Cove, and communicating with the ocean in high floods there is a small extent of superior land for cultivation with a considerable tract of very fair pasture land belonging to the family of the late Mr. Jenkins, of Sydney ; and about three miles farther on, towards the head of Pitt Water, there is a very fair cultivation farm leased to a small settler of the name of Foley. But the patches of arable land all along from Port Jackson to Broken Bay, are generally of such limited extent and the pasture land of such inferior quality to the forest land of the interior, that there must always be a very limited and widely scattered population in that part of the territory.
The South Head of Broken Bay is called by its native name, Barranjoey. It is a bold, rocky headland, situated at the extremity of a long narrow strip of land separating the main ocean from Pitt Water, and has evidently been an island at some former period, with a spit of sand running out from it towards the south. This sand-spit would be gradually extended by every gale till the island was at length married indissolubly to the main, the ceremony of joining hands having been performed by Father Neptune himself.
There is a small patch of alluvial land of the first-rate quality near Barranjoey Head, on which a very industrious small settler of the name of Sullivan has set down, within the last few months, on a lease from Mr. Wentworth, the proprietor. The extent of land he has managed to clear and put into crop in so short a time, is as creditable to the settler as the splendid crop of maize and tobacco it bears is to the land.
The neighbour-hood of Pitt Water and Brisbane Water is considered particularly favourable for the growth of onions, and the raising of that useful article of horticultural produce for the Sydney market, is the main dependence of the small settlers in these districts. The past season has been considered rather unfavourable, however, for this crop, the late rains, which have come in such good time for the maize, having been too late for the onions ; but we found a very tolerable crop notwithstanding on various farms in both districts.
The scenery near Barranjoey is romantic and interesting in a very high degree, the land and water being finely disposed for a picture, and the forest trees on the low ground along Pitt Water being remarkably umbrageous and beautiful, while the view from the Head itself — including the vast Pacific ; Pitt Water separated from it by the narrow strip of land above-mentioned, and running up for the remaining part of its extent between two ranges of considerable elevation, and losing itself at length in the distance ; Broken Bay, with the lofty, precipitous rocky island, called Mount Ellis, guarding the entrance of the Hawkesbury, and standing off, like a sentinel on duty, from its opposite shore, while the lower reaches of that noble river are seen stretching far inland between the lofty and barren ranges that line the whole extent of its course from the Blue Mountains to the ocean — all this is uncommonly fine. Second or third-rate writers of literary articles of this kind regularly wish for the pencil of a Claude, or a Salvator Rosa, when they find themselves in such situations as we found our-selves in, to our no small gratification and delight, when we stood perched for a time on Barranjoey Head ; but as such idle wishes would not save any of our readers who might be desirous of experiencing the same pleasurable emotions, the trouble and fatigue of a long pedestrian tour through the bush, we shall not put ourselves to the trouble of uttering them. If any of our readers should be desirous of visiting the district of Brisbane Water, which we can assure them is well worth visiting, we would by all means advise them to postpone their visit till some of our enterprising colonial speculators shall have put a steam-boat on the course between Sydney and Brisbane Water.
For our own part we crossed Broken Bay in Sullivan, the small settler's small boat ; and as there is a large extent of shallow water on the north side of the Bay, on which the sea breaks violently (whence its appropriate name, Broken Bay) whenever there is the least wind from certain quarters, we confess that sailing in such a vessel is somewhat dangerous. Rollers rise instantaneously, even in the mildest weather, in the Bay, and when one of these breaks on a small boat she is almost sure to be swamped, and all on board drowned. Brisbane Water is an inlet from Broken Bay, opening into the land at its north-eastern extremity.
There is a reef of rocks extending for a considerable distance across the entrance from south to north, but the channel is sufficiently wide for those who are at all acquainted with the locality. The inlet, for a considerable distance up, is exactly like the embouchure of a large river, and as there are several other inlets of a similar kind opening into the main one, as Broad Water, Kingcumber or Cockle Creek, the district is a complete alternation of land and water, affording excellent means of communication for the settlers and most delightful scenery. Both along the banks of the main inlet and the other two just mentioned, there are settlers' houses for the most part picturesquely situated with a greater or smaller ex- tent of land in cultivation around them according to circumstances. There is much alluvial land of the first quality in the district, and the crop of maize, wherever we had an opportunity of observing it, was quite magnificent.
Maize, onions, shingles, and sawed timber are the principle productions and exports of the district, and from the large quantity of these articles that have been exported to Sydney during the last few years, the settlers generally, we were happy to find, are in a thriving condition. Indeed, the district of Brisbane Water has sufficient resources for the sustentation and employment of a large population, and its vicinity to the capital will certainly attract numerous and reputable families and individuals as permanent residents in it whenever it is thrown open to the public by the establishment of a steam communication with the capital. From the want of such a communication at present Brisbane Water, although within four or five hours sail of Sydney, is virtually as distant from it as Port Macquarie, and till such a mode of communication with it is established, its re-sources will never be developed nor its rapid advancement both in population and in importance generally secured. It is a matter of astonishment, therefore, to us, that while there is such a rage exhibited in the colony, on the part of certain of our colonial speculators, for the extension of steam communication with Hunter's River, the capabilities of a district, so much less extensive it is true, but so much nearer hand, should hitherto have been so totally neglected. There are at present three steam boats running between Sydney and Hunter's river, and a fourth is expected to commence plying immediately. Now, whether this is over-doing the thing or not we have no means of deter-mining ; but as the smallest and tardiest of these vessels will in all likelihood stand but an indifferent chance of success in competing with the others, we would by all means advise the proprietor to try the experiment of changing her course by causing her to ply alternately between Sydney and Brisbane Water, and Sydney and Illawarra. Neither of these districts is sup- posed to be at present sufficiently advanced to afford constant employment to a steam vessel of the size of the Maitland, but knowing both of them, as we happen to do, we are confident they would afford such employment to any vessel that would make a voyage from the capital to each alternately. The machinery of the Maitland is scarcely powerful enough for her size, and although a good sea boat she is unable to make much progress against a head sea. She will therefore run the risk of being driven off the course when a third powerful vessel, to ply twice a week, is placed on the Hunter's river line. But her slower rate of sailing than that of the other Hunters' river vessels would be no objection either at Illawarra or at Brisbane Water ; and although the proprietor might not realize his expectations by placing her on that course at the very first, we are confident that the rapid ad-vancement of both of these districts, beyond all former precedent would not only be the certain result, but would amply and speedily repay him for all his original outlay. Verbum sat sapienti. The Rev. Mr. Rodgers of the Church of England, and the Rev. Malcolm Colquhoun, of the Church of Scotland, have both recently gone to settle as ministers of the gospel at Brisbane Water. We most heartily wish them both all success. Colonial Statistics. (1838, February 28). The Colonist (Sydney, NSW : 1835 - 1840), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31720524
Andrew Hardie McCulloch:
Andrew Hardie McCulloch (1844 or 1845 – 8 May or 28 May 1908) was an Australian solicitor and politician. His father was a squatter and solicitor also called Andrew Hardie McCulloch and his mother was Elizabeth (née Griffin), but further details of his birth are unknown.
He was a Sydney solicitor, having been admitted in November 1867, and also a pastoralist with runs near Canonbar. He was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Central Cumberland at the 1877 election. He held the seat until financial difficulty forced him to resign it in December 1887. He regained the seat at the resulting by-election, however financial difficulty caused him to resign again in May 1888. He announced his intention to recontest the seat at the May 1888 by-election, however he decided not to stand. He was struck off the roll of solicitors on 29 May 1888.[8]
The Parliament of New South Wales records his date of death as 8 May 1908, however the death notice published in The Argus lists McCulloch as dying at Hawthorn on 28 May 1908, aged 63 years.
He left Sydney soon after 188 debacle – to avoid arrest for taking others money
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Sheriff's Office, Sydney,
18th January, 1889.
A. H. M'Culloch v. Robert Young.
M'Mahon v. same.
ON Tuesday, the 19th day of February, 1883, at noon, unless the writ of fieri facias herein be previously satisfied, the Sheriff will cause to be sold by public auction, at the Courthouse, Hay,—All the right, title, and interest of Robert Young, the defendant herein, of, in, and to all that the equity of redemption, and all oilier the right, title, and interest (if any) of him, the said .Robert Young, of, in, and to,—
All that piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement
1J-3|r acreB more or lees, situate in the county of Sturt and parish of Tom's Point, conditionally purchased by the said Robert Young, on the 3rd August, 1^82, at the Hay Land Ofliec, being measured portion 78 on Uardry Run, and being O.P. No. 155 of 1882.
Also, of, in, and to all that piece or parcel of land containing
by admeasurement 40 acres more or less, and situate in the abovemen'ioned county and parish : Commencing at the north-west corner of my C.P. No. 78 of the 3rd August, 1882 ; thence west 20 chains, 60uth 20 chains, east 20 chains ; thence north adjoining the western boundary of my A.O.P. ar.d. 20 chains to point of commencement on Uardry Eun. Taken up at the Land Office, Hay, by Robert Young, on the 19tli day of October, 1882, and fceing A.O.P. No. 210 of 1882.
Also, of, in, and to all that picce or parcel of land containing
by admeasurement 40 acres more or less, situate in the abovementioned county and parish, adjoining my A.C.P. of the 19th October, 18S2, on its western boundary : Commencing at the north-west corner; thence west, s >uth-east, and north along my A.C.P of 40 acres, being A.C.P. No. 285, taken up the 9th December, 1882, at the Land Office, Hay, by Robert Young.
Also, of, in, and to all that piece or parcel of land containing
by admeasurement 40 acres more or less, situate in the abovementioned county and parish, adjoining Robert Young's A.C.P. of the 7th December, 1882 : Commencing at its north-west corner; thence west, south, east, and north along my C.P. boundary to the point of commencement on Illillawa Run, being A.C.P. No. 295, taken up by Robert Young on the 28th day of December, 1882, being subject to a mortgage by William Wood, of Uardry.
Terms, cash.
CHARLES COWPER, Sheriff,
Andrew Hardie M'Culloch, Plaintiff in person, Sydney and J. F. Willans, Plaintiff's Attorney, Narrandera, 460 16s. A. H. M'Culloch v. Bobert Young. (1889, January 18). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 517. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224312309
Articled to A. H. McCulloch,
A.H. McCulIoch, ex-M.LA.
Mr. A. H. McCulloch the younger, at one time a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and for many years a member of the Legislative Assembly, who absconded from Sydney about twenty years ago to avoid arrest for alleged misappropriation of trust funds and other offence's, died in Melbourne a few weeks ago. This is the gentleman with whom our own Joseph Hector Carruthers, (now Sir Hector, if you please) served his articles to become a solicitor. This fact will establish once more the old adage that he is a poor scholar who cannot beat his master — in time. A.H. McCulloch, ex-M.L.A. (1908, July 4). The Newsletter: an Australian Paper for Australian People (Sydney, NSW : 1900 - 1919), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103247505
NRS-23065-1-209-3771. Title Deposited Deeds 3771 - 6 enclosures - Andrew H McCulloch; Fredk Chave; Chas Munro; Annie Austin; John W Austin. Contents Date Range; 14-09-1885 to 12-10-1925
Frederick Fahl
Freidrich Fahl was born in 1843 in Prussia – before moving to Australia he was apparently a river Captain, an occupation he persisted in here. Freidrich married Margaret Mary Tomlin (1857 - 1941) on 7 Jul 1873 in St. Thomas' Church of England, North Shore, Sydney
Miscellaneous Information.
Sydney.—Lost, about 12*45 p.m. the 10th instant, by Frederick Fahl, of Pittwater, supposed whilst in Lassetters Warehouse, George-street,—A purse with brass clasp containing four half-sovereigns, four sovereigns, some silver (amongst which was a defaced three-penny piece), a few penny stamps, and some bills. Miscellaneous Information. (1880, December 15). New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), p. 463. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251643051
Messrs. Mills, Pile, and Gilchrist have sold by auction and private contract during the week the following properties :—Lots 16, 17, and 18, sec 13, East Brighton Estate, Manly, at 55s per foot—Mr. Tedd ; lot 2, Sydenham-road, Garner's Paddock, Marrickvllle, 33 feet, at 50s, £82 10s—Mr. Simpson ; lot 10, sec. D. Newport, Pittwater, £15 5s—Mr. Fahl ; PROPERTY SALES. (1882, January 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13503999
DISTRICT COURT.
Wednesday, September 7. (Before his Honor Judge Wilkinson.) manning v. fahl.
This was an action between Hannah Mannings, of .Manly Beach." domestic servant, and Frederick Fahl, of Pittwater, storekeeper, to recover £123 for wages due. Mr. Gibson (in-structed bv Mr. W. T. A. Shorter) for plaintiff, and Mr. Mann (instructed by Mr. Carruthers) for defendant. This large sum for wages was alleged to have accumulated during four years and nine months' service a: 10s. per week. The defence was " never indebted" on the ground that plaintiff bad been adopted into the family on condition that she gave her services in return for her board, lodging and clothing. Evidence was heard to show that plaintiff was very poorly clad and that she worked hard, and plaintiff herself explained that she had not left the family- because she was under the misapprehension that she could not legally do so until she became of age. The case stood part heard at the rising of the Court. DISTRICT COURT. (1887, September 8). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236768004
DISTRICT COURT
Thursday, September 3. (Before his Honor Judge "Wilkinson.) mannings v. fahl.
The hearing of this case, adjourned from the previous day, was continued. The defendant, Frederick Fahl, under examination, denied that there had been any contract or understanding between himself and plaintiff that she should, in addition to home, food and clothes, receive wages. He said she had never asked for money, though Mrs. Fahl had at times given her pocket money. That she was badly dressed or ill-treated he utterly denied, and other witnesses were called who deposed that she- was treated as a member of his family. Counsel addressed the Bench.- . His Honor said it seemed quite plain to him that there had been no contract between the parties. What he thought made the case truly removed from doubt were -the letters (produced) from plaintiff to Mrs. Fahl. ; They were so natural and true in their spirit that he could not read them in court. In them there was an amount of affection and confidence which he was afraid did not always exist between mother and daughter. If there was a shadow of a doubt that the Fahls used this girl other than kindly, or treated her other than well, he thought that these letters would, even in the mind of their bitterest enemy, remove it. He thought the case was absolutely free from doubt, and would unhesitatingly give a verdict for the defendant. DISTRICT COURT. (1887, September 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236764563
NOTICE.— My Wife.-Mary Fahl, having left her home without provocation, I will not be responsible for any debts contracted 'by her. F. FAHL, Pittwater. Advertising (1891, April 7). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113884284
death: FAHL FREDERICK J W 11839/1905 father: HERRMANN F registered at: BALMAIN NORTH
DEATHS.
BREWAUR.—December 23, at Kincumber, accidentally drowned, Gustav Brewaur, merchant, age 32, native of Vienna.
FAHL.—December 24, 1905, at his late residence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, Frederick John William Fahl, late captain of harbours and rivers, Germany, aged 66 years. At rest. Family Notices (1905, December 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14750607
Mary Margaret Fahl. Birth/Maiden Name; Tomlin. Birth Date; 1857, Death Date; 30 Sep 1941, Age; 84. Interred Date 1 Oct 1941 – buried at Gore Hill.
Death of son: FAHL PERCY A 1064/1892 FREIDERICK J W MARY SYDNEY
Marriage: 1560/1873 FAHL FREDERICK to TANLIN (also listed as TOMLIN which is the correct spelling) MARY registered at ST LEONARDS
Margaret Mary (Mary) Fahl formerly Tomlin, Daughter of John Tomlin (1820-1904) and Mary Amelia (nee Butler circa 1829-1906) Tomlin- married 7 Jul 1873 in St. Thomas' Church of England, North Shore
Children:
FAHL LILY M12968/1887 FREDERICK MARY ST LEONARDS
FAHL MARTHA ANNIE 10246/1883 FREDERICK MARY M ST LEONARDS – born November 18 was baptised at St Matthews Manly on December 31 1883
FAHL CHARLES WILLIAM J9596/1882 FRIEDRICH MARY MANLY
FAHL EMILY MARY7866/1879 FREDERICK MARY MANLY
FAHL FRIEDRICH J W3359/1875 FRIEDRICH MARY BALMAIN
FAHL ALWINE M T3269/1874 FRIEDRICH MARY BALMAIN
FAHL PERCY A 21554/1892 PATRICK J W MARY M MANLY
A concert took place in the Public School, Pittwater, on Saturday evening last. The proceeds were to purchase a croquet set for the girls and a cricket set for the boys of the school. The programme consisted of HO items, songs, duets, recitations, readings and instrumental music, all of which paused oft' most creditably. Much valuable assistance was rendered by the following ladies and gentlemen of Sydney and the district Miss Buchanan, Miss Chane, Miss Alice Chane (Chave), Miss Elsie Chane, Miss Fahl, Miss Gracie Green, Mr. Ait-ken, Mr. Giles, Master Chane, Mr. F. Chane, Mr. Beverley, Master F. Fahl, Mr. Cox, Mr. Scott and others. The school children sang with great zest. Credit is due to Mr. Morrison, the school teacher, for the manner in which he arranged the concert. AMUSEMENTS. (1888, June 19). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237210628
NB; 'Chane' would be 'Chave' - this has been misspelt.
FAHL.—The Friends of Mrs. MARY FAHL are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly be-loved HUSBAND, Captain Frederick John William Fahl; to leave his late residence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, TO-MORROW (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for the Gore Hill Cemetery. CROCKETT and COMPANY, Undertakers, Leichhardt.
FAHL.—The Friends of Mr. CHARLES FAHL and the Misses EMILY and MARTHA FAHL are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly beloved FATHER, Captain Frederick John William Fahl; to leave his late residence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, TO-MORROW (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, for the Gore Hill Cemetery. FAHL.—The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. DEE are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly beloved FATHER, Captain F. Fahl; to leave his late residence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, TO-MORROW (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for the Gore Hill Cemetery.
FAHL.—The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. F. FAHL, Junior, of Strathfield, are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly beloved FATHER, Captain Frederick John William Fahl; to leave his late residence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, TO-MOR-ROW (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for the Gore Hill Cemetery.
FAHL.—The Friends of Mr. JOHN TOMLIN, senr., are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly loved SON-IN-LAW, Captain Frederick John William Fahl; to leave his late residence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, TO-MORROW (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for the Gore Hill Cemetery.
FAHL.—The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. G. HORNER are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly beloved BROTHER-IN-LAW, Captain Frederick John William Fahl; to leave his late residence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, TO-MORROW (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for Gore Hill Cemetery.
FAHL.—The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. JOSEPH TOMLIN are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of dearly beloved BROTHER-IN-LAW, Captain Frederick John William Fahl; to leave his late resi-dence, Grabow, 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, TO-MOR-ROW (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for the Gore Hill Cemetery.
FAHL.—The Friends of Miss MARTHA TOMLIN …. Family Notices (1905, December 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14750449
THE LATE CAPTAIN FAHL.
By the death of Captain Frederick Fahl, which j took place recently, at 56 Clayton-street, Balmain, an old resident of that suburb passed away and one who was well known in shipping circles. Prior to coming to Australia, Captain Fahl was employed in the Harbours and Rivers Department, Germany. He resided in Balmain for about 30 years, but retired from active business pursuits 15 years ago. For 31 years up to the time of his death, he had carefully kept a daily meteorological record. The interment took place at the Gore Hill Cemetery, in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends. ' THE LATE CAPTAIN FAHL. (1906, January 10). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114226480
FAHL.-February 25, at Oakleigh, Walker-street, North Sydney. Mrs. C. W. Fahl-a son. Family Notices (1908, February 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14934311
PA 24057. Title; Primary Application - Arthur Branscombe Wood 30 acres at Ku-ring-gai Chase in Pittwater Shire Warringah Parish Broken Bay County Cumberland Volume 3364 Folio 67 Contents Date Range; 06-03-1922 to 14-09-1922
Primary Application NRS-13012-1-[6/10275]-PA 24057 - Arthur Branscombe Wood, Pittwater opposite Scotland Island, Parish of Broken Bay, County of Cumberland – 30 acres anear nw creek and Flood and Oatleys. Contents Date Range: 1886 06-03-1922 to 06-03-1922 – includes reference to Andrew Hardie McCulloch and Thomas William Willans – Vol/Fol: 3364-67 for Woods’ 30 acres – prior Vol/Fol was 1256-160 which is Arthur Branscombe Wood buying the 30 acres for 51 pounds, seven shillings and sixpence as confirmed on July 9th, 1898
Residue changed to Vol/Fol: 3364-67 sells on August 21st 1924 to Herbert James Fitzpatrick and Arthur Rowland Wilddash Ducker and becomes Vol/Fol: 3636-107/108
Residue becomes Vol Fol 6352-102 when Herbert Fitzpatrick passes away and Ducker sells residue of Lots.
The other 40 acres alongside McCarrs creek was resumed in 1959:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919
Cumberland County Council: Proposed Resumption of Land at McCarr's Creek, Pittwater
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of the Local Government Act, 1919, has approved of the Cumberland County Council's causing a notice of resumption of the land together with all mines or deposits of coal, ironstone, kerosene shale, limestone, slate or other minerals under the said land (excepting any such mines or deposits as were reserved to the Crown in the original Grant of the said land) described in the Schedule hereto, together with a description of such land, to be published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the land is located, such land being required by the Cumberland County Council for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of the County of Cumberland Planning Scheme. (S. 59-1,773)
J. B. RENSHAW, Minister for Local Government. Department of Local Government,
Sydney, 10th July, 1959.
Schedule
All that piece or parcel of land situate in the Shire of Warringah, parish of Broken Bay and county of Cumberland, containing an area of 40 acres and having a frontage to McCarr's Creek, being portion 2 of parish, being the whole of the land comprised in Crown Grant Vol. 835, folio 235,— said to be in the possession of the estate of the late William Scott Fell, and shown on plan with the Department of Local Government, Sydney. (922). LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919 (1959, July 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2079. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219940470
Vol. 835, folio 235: bought by Emma Frances Bailey, wife of Samuel Bennett Bailey, Certificate of Title stating this is a Grant of Land (land grant) registered May 4th 1887. ‘Forty-six links from north eastern corner of John Alderton’s 40 acres…’
January 1926 land sales record - Clareville:
ON PITTWATER
TUESDAY'S PICNIC SALE
Scenic charm which is a rare blend of sea and bush, an Insurance of beauty by a generous reservation and park, and a situation which makes it a normal week-end resort ono of the attractive points of the Pearl of Pittwater Estate, which Messrs. A. Rickard and Co., will sell on the land next Tuesday.
The wide magnificence of Pitt-water fronts the estate, while a belt of beautiful trees thrusts down to the edge of the wide sandy beach. This long strip of timbered land has been reserved permanently for recreation, and another, a park of 30 acres, straddles the ridge at the rear of the estate.
Situated just past Taylor's Point, and about two miles north of Newport, the estate Is easily reached by road. Motorists, to whom it is more accessible, should turn left at the cross roads at Avalon, and keep to the left. The whole Barrenjoey peninsular Is one big holiday resort. And the Pearl of Pittwater Estate has many attractions. to offer. Fishing, swimming, sailing, boating, all the aquatic sports are at the door. Across the peninsular are the surf beaches. By arrangements . with Messrs. Rickard, a de luxe 'bus service will carry picknickors from Manly wharf to the estate and back at a reduced fare. It Is' to be a picnic sale, as befits a holiday. ' Motorists are expected to join in at any time of the day for lots will be sold privately, not by auction. ON PITTWATER (1926, January 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224062005
Pittwater estate
A SPECIAL private sale will be held on this estate to-morrow, and a few choice lots will be offered. They Include level, grassy and timbered lots fronting a splendid beach, and a few back lots overlooking the water. A. Rickard. Limited, of 84 Pitt Street, have arranged a special free excursion, which will leave their city office at 9.30 a.m. to-morrow. PITTWATER ESTATE (1926, February 26). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239879891 - Pearl of Pittwater estate, Clareville and to Taylors Point.
Pittwater Council Tree Preservation Orders - 1st and 2nd:
PITTWATER Council: Pittwater Tree Preservation Order
NOTICE is hereby given that on the 21st June, 1993 Pittwater Council resolved to make a Tree Preservation Order in the following terms:
(1) Citation
Council considers it expedient for the purpose of securing amenity and preserving existing amenity to rescind all tree preservation orders presently in force in the Pittwater Council area and to make a new Tree Preservation Order to be known as the Pittwater Tree Preservation Order 1993, to apply to the whole area. That all tree preservation orders presently in force in the area are hereby rescinded.
That this Order shall apply to all land being publicly or privately owned throughout the Pittwater Council area.
(2) Land to which this order applies
This Order applies to all land within the Pittwater Council area, which Warringah Local Environmental Plan 1985 applies.
(3) Trees to which the Order applies
The Order applies to:
(a) any tree including shrub, whether endemic, exotic or introduced species, not being a cycad or mangrove which has
(i) a height exceeding 3 metres, or
(ii) a trunk, bole or branch girth exceeding 0.5 metres or which has a combined girth or each of two or more trunks or boles exceeding 0.5 metres, or
(iii) a branch canopy width exceeding 3 metres;
(b) any cycad or mangrove irrespective of dimensions (c) any bushland. (4) Definitions
In this order:
"Council" means the Pittwater Council or any officer or delegated authority authorised to act on behalf of the Council.
"Height" means the distance measured vertically between the horizontal plane of the lowest point of the base of the tree which is immediately above ground and the horizontal plane of the uppermost point of the tree.
Injury* includes the administering of a chemical or artificial substance to a tree or any part of a tree or, the mechanical or physical wounding of a tree or any part of a tree or, the alteration of ground level or water table which causes damage to the tree or any pan of the tree. This to include physical injury especially by machinery on construction sites.
"Lopping" means any act or acts of severing any part of a tree so as to cause reduction by more than 10% of the air space occupied by the branches and foliage of a tree over a period of less than 12 calendar months.
"Bushland" has the same meaning as that defined in State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19 —
Bushland in Urban Areas.
"Owner’’ has the meaning ascribed to it in the Local Government Act 1993, No. 30.
'Topping" means any act or acts of severing any part of a tree so as to cause the reduction of more than 10% of the height of a tree over a period of less than 12 calendar months.
(5) Prohibition
Except as otherwise provided in this order, a person shall not ringbark; cut down; top; lop; remove; injure or wilfully destroy any tree including bushland except with the consent of Council under this order and in accordance with any consent and any
conditions thereof. (6) Consents
(6.1.1) Public Owned Land including Council
Reserves/Road Reserves
An application for a consent to ringbark; cut down; top; lop; remove; injure or wilfully destroy a tree or trees including bushland shall be made on Council's Tree Preservation Order Application form. Only Council or its duly authorised servants or agents are permitted to carry out the ringbarking; cutting down; topping; lopping; removing; injuring or destroying of a tree or trees including bushland from the said public land. Council will only prune or remove trees
for essential tree maintenance Council will not consider applications for the removal trees including bushland on public land solely for the purpose of improving views from properties in the locality any non-essentiar or cosmetic pruning for view or additional solar access will be required to be approved by Council. All work will be conducted to Council's standards and specifications as determined by the Council. The cost of all nonessential works will be the responsibility of the applicant. (6.1.2) Private Property
An application for consent to ringbark; cut down; top; lop; remove; injure or wilfully destroy a tree or trees including bushland shall be made on Council's Tree Preservation Order Application by the owner of the land on which the act of ringbarking, cutting down, topping, lopping, removing, injuring or destruction is to be carried out by any person with the consent in writing of that owner. A fee applies for such applications. Hie amount of the fee is to be resolved by Council from time to time.
(6.2) Any consent issued under this order, other than a consent referred to in clause 6.3 shall be subject to the condition that the consent shall lapse if the works referred to in the consent have not been carried out within 6 months from the date of consent.
(6.3) Any consent issued under this Order in conjunction with a subdivision approval granted under the Local Government Act 1919 or a building approval under the Local Government Act 1993 or a development consent granted under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, shall be subject to the condition that the consent shall lapse if the subdivision approval, building approval or development consent lapses or becomes invalid or void.
(6.4) Any consent issued under this Order shall be subject to the condition that the works the subject of consent shall not be carried out unless the consent or a copy of the consent:
(a) is displayed on the land on which the works are to be carried out in a position so that it is readable from a public road which has a common boundary to the land prior to the commencement of and during the carrying out of the works, and
(b) shall be produced by the person or persons carrying out the work forthwith on demand by Council's duly authorised officers, servants or agents to that officer servant or agent.
(7) Exemptions
(7.1) The owner of the land being private property or any person with the consent in writing of that owner may without the consent of Council on private property only under this order on that land carry out the work of ringbarking; cutting down; topping; lopping; removing; injuring or wilfully destroying a tree including bushland where the tree: (a) is dead;
(b) is of a species that has been declared a noxious plant under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993;
(c) is of a species referred to in the List of Undesirable Plants in clause 8 of this Order;
(d) is of a species Poplar (Populus spp) or Willow (Salix spp) where the trunk of such tree is located within 5 metres of any sewer dwelling or commercial building (not being an out building);
or
(e) is growing within the area of a proposed public work approved by the Council*
(f) is a fruit tree or tree grown for the purpose of fruit production except Acmena species, Syzigium species and Elaeocaipus species.
(8) List of Undesirable Plants in Pittwater Council Area (8.1) The plants identified in clause 8.2 are identified by
the botanical name and the common name is provided as reference only.
(8.2) Non-Indigenous Plants (8.2.1) Undesirable Trees
Botanical Name (Common Name)
Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle)
Acacia salignus (Wattle)
Albizia lopantha (Crested Wattle)
Allanthus altlssima (Tree of Heaven)
Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Laurel)
Erythrina spp (Coral Trees)
Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree)
Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust)
Lagunaria patersonil (Norfolk Island Hibiscus)
Ligustnum lucidum (Large Leaf Privet)
Olea africana (African Olive)
Ricinus communis (Castor Oil Plant)
Robina pseudoacacia (False Acacia)
Scheffiera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree)
Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian Mastic)
8.2.2) Undesirable Aquatic Plants
Cyperus eragrostis (Umbrella Sedge)
Egeria dens (Oxygen Weed)
Elodea canadensis (Canadian Pond Weed)
Ludwigia peruviana (Ludwigia)
Myriophyllum spicatum (Watermilfoil)
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (Water Cress)
Sagittaria sagitti folia (Arrow Head)
Tetrapanax papyrifer (Rice Paper Plant)
(8.2.3) Undesirable Shrubs and Plants
Acetosa sagittata (Turkey Rhubarb)
Agave americana (Century Plant)
Ageratina adenophora (Crofton Weed)
Ageratina riparia (Mist Flower)
Ageratum houstonianum (Ageratum)
Alocasia macrorrhizos (Elephants Ears)
Alstroemeria psittacina (New Zealand Christmas Bells)
Anredera cordi folia (Madeira Vine)
Araujia hortonim (Moth Vine)
Asparagus asparagoides (Asparagus Fern)
Asparagus fleckeri (Asparagus Fern)
Asparagus sprettgeri (Asparagus Fern)
Asclepias spp (Cotton Bushes)
Bambusa spp bamboos)
Bryophyllum tubiflora (Ralanchoe — 2 varieties)
Canna indica (Canna Lily)
Cardiospermum grandiflorum (Balloon Vine)
Cassia floribunda (Smooth Cassia, Arscnic Bush)
Cestrum auranticum (Orange Cestnum)
Cestnim nocturnum (Night Cestrum)
Chamaecytisus proliferus (Tree Lucerne)
Chlorophytum comosum (Variegated Spider Lily)
Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Boneseed)
Chrysanthemoides monilifera rotundata (Bitou Bush)
Conyza cpp (Canadian Fleabane)
Coreopsis lanceolata (Coreopsis)
Cotoneaster glaucophylla (Cotoneaster)
Crocosmia aurea (Crocosmia)
Crocosmia x crocosmiliflora (Crocosmia)
Cynodon dactyion (Common Couch)
Cyperus eragrostis (Umbrella Sedge)
Dipogon liznosus (Pink Coral Pea Creeper) Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) Freesia refracta (Freesia)
Genista monspessulana (Cape Broom) Genista x racemosa (Broom) Hedera helix (English Ivy)
Hedychium gardneranum (Ginger Lily, Wild Ginger) Homeria breyniana (One-Leaf Cape T\illp)
Hydrocotyle bonariensis (Two-Leaf Cape Tkilip) Ipomoea cairica (Morning Glory) Ipomoea indica (Morning Glory)
Ipomoea purpurea (Morning Glory) Lantana montevidensis (Lantana) Leonotus leonurus (Leonutus)
Ligustrum sinense (Small Leaf Privet) Lilium formosanum (Formosa Lily) Lonicera japonica (Honeysuckle)
Macfadyena unguis-cati (Cats Claw Creeper) Mentha x cordifolia (Mint)
Mentha x piperita var piperita (Mint) Mentha x piperita (Mint)
Mentha pulegium (Penny Royal) Mentha x spicata (Mint)
Myrsiphyllum asparagoides (Bridal Veil Creeper) Narcissus spp (Daffodil)
Nephrosis cordifolia (Fishbone Fern) Nothoscordum inodorum (Onion Weed) Ochna spp (Ochna)
Opuntia spp (Prickly Pear)
Passiflora edulis (Passionfruit)
Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu Grass) Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo)
Polygonum capitatum (Japanese Knotweed) Polygala myrtifolia (Polygala) Psoralea pinnata (Psoralea)
Pyracantha angustifolia (Orange Fire Thorn) Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) Rhaphiolepis indica (Indian Hawthorn)
Sansevieria grandis (Mother-ln-Laws Tbngue) Senecio mikaniodes (Cape Ivy) Senna pendula (Cassia)
Solanum pseudocapsicum (Madeira Winter Cherry) Solidago canadensis (Golden Rod)
Stenotaphrum seccundatum (Buffalo Grass) Thumbergia elata (Black-Eye Susan)
Ttadescantia albiflora (Wandering lew) TVopaeolum majus (Nasturtium)
Verbena bonariensis (Purpletop, Verbena) Vinca major (Periwinkle)
Watsonia angusta (Wild Watsonia)
Zantedeschia aethiopica (Arum Lily)
(9) Consents, Approvals, Permission
Any consents, approvals or permission in respect of an application made under Clause 6 of Warringah Tree preservation Order of 20th July, 1990, that is in force shall continue in force and have effect subject to the operation of any provision of the said Warringah Tree Preservation Order governing or relating to the currency or duration or any legal effect of that consent, approval or permission.
(9.1) Where prior to the making of the Pittwater Tree Preservation Order, Council had resolved to commence proceedings for a breach of Clause 5 of the Warringah Tree Preservation Order of the 20th July, 1990 or had already commenced those proceedings, then Clause 5 of the said Warringah Tree Preservation Order shall be deemed to continue in force as if that order had not been rescinded.
Authorised by BRIAN HRNJAK, General Manager, Pittwater Council, P.O. Box 882, Mona Vale, N.S.W. 2103. [03376) PITTWATER COUNCIL (1993, August 6). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4490. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231933324
Updated in 1997:
PITTWATER COUNCIL
Pittwater Tree Preservation and Management Order
NOTICE is hereby given that the Tree Preservation Order resolved by Pittwater Council on 21st June, 1993, is amended in the following terms on 14th October, 1996: alteration of Clause 4 (definitions); alteration of Clauses 8 and 8.2 (undesirable trees in Pittwater); deletion of Clause 9 (application made under Warringah's Tree Preservation Order); and addition of Clauses 9 and 9.1 (desirable trees in Pittwater).
1. Citation
Council considers it expedient for the purpose of securing amenity and preserving existing amenity to rescind all Tree Preservation Orders presently in force in the Pittwater Council area and to make a new Tree Preservation Order to be known as the Pittwater Tree
Preservation and Management Order 1996, to apply to the
whole area.
Tree Preservation Orders presently in force in the area are hereby rescinded.
This Order shall apply to all land being publicly or privately owned within the Pittwater Council area. 2. Land to which this Order applies
This Order applies to all land within the Pittwater Council area to which Pittwater Local Environmental Plan 1993 applies.
3. frees to which the Order applies
This Order applies to:
(a) any tree or shrub, whether endemic, exotic or
introduced species, not being a cycad or mangrove
which has
(i) a height exceeding three (3) metres, or
(ii) a trunk, bole or branch girth exceeding 0.5 metres
or which has a combined girth or each of two or more trunks or boles exceeding 0.5 metres, or
(iii) a branch canopy width exceeding five (5) metres; (b) any cycad or mangrove irrespective of dimensions; (c) any bushland. 4. Definitions
In this Order:
"Bushland" means land on which there is vegetation which is either a remainder of the natural vegetation of the land or, if altered, is still representative of the structure and floristics of the natural vegetation.
"Council" means the Council of the Pittwater area or any officer authorised to act on the behalf of Council.
"Height" means the distance measured vertically between the horizontal plane of the lowest point of the base of the tree which is immediately above ground and the horizontal plane of the uppermost point of the tree.
"Injury" includes the mechanical or physical wounding of a tree or any part of a tree, or the alteration of the ground level or water table which causes damage to the tree or any part of the tree. This includes physical injury especially by machinery on construction sites.
"Owner" has the meaning ascribed to it in the Local Government Act 1993,
"Poison" includes the administering of a chemical or artificial substance to a tree or any part of a tree.
Pruning" means any act or acts of severing any part of a tree so as to cause its reduction by more than 10% of the crown of a tree over a period of less than twelve (12)
calendar months. 5. Prohibition
Except as otherwise provided in this Order, a person shall not poison, ringbark, cut down, remove, injure, prune or wilfully destroy any tree, including bushland, except with the consent of Council under this Order and in accordance with any consent and any conditions thereof. 6. Consents
6.1 Public owned land including Council reserves/road
reserves.
An application for a consent to poison, ringbark, cut down, remove, injure, prune or wilfully destroy a tree or trees shall be made on Council's Tree Preservation and Management Order Application. Only Council or its duly authorised servants or agents are permitted to carry out the poisoning, ringbarking, cutting down, removing, injuring, pruning or destroying of a tree or trees including bushland from the said public land. Council will only prune or remove trees for essential tree maintenance. Council will not consider applications for the removal of trees including bushland on public land solely for the purpose of improving views from properties in the locality. Any pruning for additional solar access will be required to be approved with the cost of these works being incurred by the applicant. 6.2 Private Property
An application for consent to poison, ringbark, cut down, remove, injure, prune or wilfully destroy a tree or trees on private property shall be made on Council's Tree Preservation and Management Order Application by the owner of the land or by any person with the consent in writing of that owner. A fee applies for such applications. The amount of the fee is varied by Council from time to time.
6.3 Any consent issued under this Order, other than a consent
referred to in Clause 6.4 shall lapse if the works referred to in the consent have not been carried out within six-(6) months from the date of consent.
6.4 Any consent issued under this Order in conjunction with
a subdivision approval or building approval granted under the Local Government Act 1993, or a development consent granted under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, will lapse if the subdivision approval, building approval or development consent lapses or becomes invalid or void.
6.5 Any consent granted under this Order can not be carried
out unless the consent or a copy of the consent:
(a) is displayed on the subject land, in a position so that
it is readable from a public road which has a common boundary to the land, prior to the commencement of and during the carrying out of the works; and
(b) shall be produced by the person or persons carrying
out the work forthwith on demand by Council's duly authorised officers, servants or agents. 7. Exemptions
7.1 The owner of the land being private property or any
person with the consent in writing of that owner may, without the consent of Council, under this Order, poison, ringbark, cut down, remove, injure, prune or wilfully destroy a tree including bushland where the tree:
(a) is dead, except in the case of large gums (Eucalypt,
Corymbia and Angophora) that are potential habitat
trees;
(b) is a species that has been declared a noxious plant
under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993;
(c) is a species referred to in the list of Undesirable Plants
in Clause 8 of this Order;
(d) is a Poplar (Poplus spp) or Willow (Salix spp);
(e) is growing within the area of a public work approved
by Council;
(0 is a fruit tree or tree grown for the purpose of fruit
production except Acmena, Syzigiunt and Elaeocarpus species.
8. List of Undesirable Plants in the Pittwater Council Area 8.1 The plants listed below are identified by the botanical
name. The common name is provided for reference only.
BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME 8.2 Undesirable Trees
Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle
Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle Alnus joruUcnsis Evergreen Alder
Araticatia bidwiUii Bunya Bunya Pine A recast rum romanzoffianum Cocos Palm
Brachychiton acenfolium Illawarra Flame Paraserianthes lophantha Crested Wattle Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel Coprosma repens Mirror Plant Cupressus spp Cypress Pine Erythrina spp. Coral Tree
Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig Ficus elastica Rubber Tree
Gkditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Harpephyllum caffrum Kaffir Plum
Lagunaria patersonii Norfolk Island Hibiscus Uquidambar styraciflua Liquidambar Ncrium oleander Oleander
Olea ettropaea africana African Olive Robinia pseudoacacia False Acacia
Schefflera actinophylia Umbrella Tree
Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian Mastic
8.3 Undesirable Aquatic Plants
Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge Egeria desa Oxygen Weed
Elodea canadensis Canadian Pond Weed Myriophyllum crispatum Watermilfoil Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Water Cress Sagittaria montevidensis Arrow Head
Tetrapanax papyrifer Rice Paper Plant
8.4 Undesirable Shrubs and Plants
Agave americana Century Plant Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed Ageratina riparia Mist Flower Ageratum houstonianum Ageratum
Alocasia macrorrhizos Elephants Ears
Alstroemeria psittacina New Zealand Christmas
Bells
Bryophyllum tubiflora Kalanchoe - 2 varieties Canna indica Canna Lily
Cardiospermum grandiflorum Balloon Vine
Cestrum aurantiacum Orange Cestrum Chamaecytisus palmensis Tree Lucerne
Chlorophytum comosum Variegated Spider Lily Conyza spp Canadian Fleabane Coreopsis lanceolota Coreopsis
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Cotoneaster Crocosmia auera Crocosmia
Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Crocosmia/Montbretia
Cynodon dactylon Common Couch Delairea mikaniodes Cape Ivy
Dipogon lignosus Pink Coral Pea Creeper Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Freesia refracta var odoraia Freesia
Genista monspessulana Cape Broom
Genista x linifolia Flax Leaf Broom Hedera helix English Ivy
Hedychium gardneranum Ginger Lily, Wild Ginger Homeria Jlaccida One-Leaf Cape Tulip Homeria miniata Two-Leaf Cape Tulip Hydrocotyle bonariensis Pennywort
Ipomoea purpurea Morning Glory Lantana montevidensis Lantana
Leonotus leonurus Leonutus
Lilium formosanum Formosa Lily
Macfadyena unguis-cati Cats Claw Creeper Mentha x piperita var Mint
piperita
Mentha x piperita Mint
Mentha pulegium Penny Royal Mentha x spicata Mint
Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Veil Creeper Narcissus spp Daffodil
Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone Fern Nothoscordum gracile Onion Weed Opuntia spp Prickly Pear Passiflora edulis Passionfruit
Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass
Persicaria capitata Japanese Knotweed Polygala myrtifolia Polygala Psoralea pinnata Psoralea
Pyracantha angustifolia Orange Fire Thorn Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Rhaphiolepis indica Indian Hawthorn
Sansevieria trifasciata Mother-In-Laws Tongue Senna x floribunda Smooth Cassia, Arsenic
Bush
Senna pendula var glabrata Cassia
Solanum pseudocapsicum Maderia, Winter Cherry Solidago canadensis var Golden Rod
scabra
Stenotaphrum seccundatum Buffalo Grass
Thumbergia olata Black-eye Susan Tradescantia albiflora Wandering Jew Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium
Verbena bonariensis Purpletop, Verbena Vinca major Periwinkle
Watsonia bulbillifera Wild Watsonia Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily
9. List of Desirable Trees in the Pittwater Council Area
9.1 The trees listed below are habitat trees for threatened species. The common name is provided as a reference only. For additional species see Council's booklet Native Plants for Your Garden.
BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME
Angophora costata Sydney Red Gum
Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia
Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia
Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum
Eucalyptus haestoma Scribbly Gum
Eucalyptus paniculata Grey Ironbark
Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum
Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany
A. GORDON, General Manager, Pittwater Council, P.O. Box 882, Mona Vale, N.S.W. 2103. [0335] PITTWATER COUNCIL (1997, March 21). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1625. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231972983
Cedar Getters
Red cedar in Kiama was known as 'red gold' among the first European settlers to the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. In the early days of settlement, it was important to work out which local trees would be durable and useful for building ships, buildings and furniture. The trees around Port Jackson weren't very suitable so they moved to the rainforest areas down south and red cedar was discovered to be the best timber.
Red cedar from the South Coast was delivered to Sydney from around 1810. The first 'cedar getters' were usually convicts and ticket-of-leave men, and they were considered the first explorers of the area.
The men had to remove the timber by hand as there were no roads. A series of ladders was erected up the cliff faces on the escarpment to carry the timber up to the tablelands above for transportation to Sydney. The rainforests were thick with vines and creepers, which had to be cleared before the timber could be felled. The 'cedar getters' were the first to clear the brush, enabling tracks for bullock drays and the early settlers to then access the land.
Thomas Hyndes received permission from the government in 1820 to cut and ship cedar from Gerringong.
David Smith was the first European settler in Kiama. He began cedar cutting in 1821 and ultimately became a landowner and respected townsperson. Smith received a land grant in 1832 of 1/2 an acre on the south-west corner of Bong Bong and Manning streets. He built the first permanent house in Kiama, and in 1837 he opened the first hotel (in his house), called the Gum Tree Inn.
Kiama, Gerringong and Shellharbour were the ports for transporting cedar from this area. Kiama had an enormous amount of cedar, which came all the way down the coastline before settlement. In 1926, Kiama was considered to be supplying 9/10 of the cedar being shipped to Sydney. There were often six or more large boats loading cedar and unloading supplies in Kiama Harbour.
The 'cedar getters' continued to flourish through the 1830s, but had moved to northern NSW by the 1850s when supply started to dwindle.
Retrieved from; library.kiama.nsw.gov.au/History/Photographs-stories-oral-histories-and-more/Local-history-stories/Cedar-Getters
THE ROOTY HILL STEAM SAW MILLS.
Another addition has been made to our powers of pro-duction, by the completion of new steam saw mills at Rooty Hill,- which are now in full operation ; the enter, prising' proprietor's having expended nearly £10,000 in perfecting their arrangements. These mills are situated in the midst of a dense forest of magnificent timber, consisting of iron bark, box, black butt, blue gum, &c., some of the trees being near 100 feet, without a branch. The locality is within 9 miles of the Parramatta railway terminus, with a first-rate road thereto. The machinery consists of a beam engine of 50-horse power, driving 2 sets of vertical frame saws, five or six circular saws, and is capable of turning off from 40,000 to 00,000 feet per week in full play. There is also a machine for the pur-pose of splitting shingles, palings, posts, rails, &c. ; and a morticing machine, all worked by steam. Suitable dwellings for the persons employed, and a good store, are erected on the property. We wish the spirited proprietors success in their undertaking, and trust that ere long Australia may be enabled to supply the wants of her builders from the produce of her own backwoods instead of trusting so much to importation. THE ROOTY HILL STEAM SAW MILLS. (1858, February 10). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60261831
THE NEW BALMAIN SAWMILLS.
A large party of gentlemen among whom were Mr. John Sutherland, M.L.A.; Mr. Fitzpatrick, M.L.A. Mr. Barnett, Colonial architect; Mr. John Young, Mr. S. Bennett, Captain Hixson, R. N., and others, by the invitation of Mr John Booth, M.L.A., visited the new sawmills recently erected at Balmain by that gentleman. It will be remembered that in the month of December, 1874 a most extensive fire totally destroyed the works and premises known as the Balmain Steam Sawmills.
Their erection was commenced by Mr Booth in the year 1855 at which time, so far as the colony was concerned, sawmills were in their infancy. They had grown step by step as trade and enterprise developed to the proportions which they assumed when they were destroyed. At that time Mr. Booth had retired from business, and the mills were under lease to Messrs Taylor, Kethel, and Preddy. On the termination of the lease at the end of last year, Mr. Booth resolved to re-erect the mill on a scale altogether beyond anything then existing in the colony and the new works are now in operation. This site consists of an irregular-shaped block of ground, on the south-east side of Balmain, immediately opposite to Glebe Island.
There is a frontage to Johnston's Bay of about 650 feet with a depth varying from 320 to 160 feet, and a total area of 2½ acres. There are three jetties, running out into deep water, fitted with tramways and cranes for the purpose of handling the incoming logs or shipping the manufactured articles. Tramways also penetrate to all portions of the ground. The mill building is 105 feet long by 108 feet wide, and as seen from the water has a very imposing appearance, the large roof showing 108 feet in one span over 50 feet high, and nearly 70 feet to the vane which surmounts the bell turret. There are eleven windows in front to light the first and second floors.
Inside, the mill consists of three bays — a centre one of 48 feet span and two wings of 10 feet each, the outer wing on the ground floor being taken up entirely by the stokehole, boilers, engine-house and engineers' -shop. The whole is inclosed with stone walls, preventing all risk of fire from that source. Fronting the water, in the western wing, are the boilers for supplying steam. They are three in number, and are of the rnultitubular description Tiny are made of extra thick plate, are double riveted, and have been tested to 140 lbs. to the square inch. They have furnaces specially designed for burning sawdust and mill refuse. The front of the boiler seating is all enclosed with cast iron plates, 27 feet long by 9 felt high, in which are the six furnace doors, ash-pit doors, opening to tubes and flues, &c.; and when these are shut there is no possibility of the fire communicating with anything around, as all around is iron and stone — the coiling being 16 feet high. The flues from the boilers lead underground to the chimney, which is detached from the building. The nominal horse-power of the three boilers is about 100, but the actual power is of course double that at least. The engines are of the modern description known as surface condensing and are the only factory engines of this advanced type, as well as the largest yet erected in the colony. They are of 100 nominal horse power, but can be worked up to 400 when required.
The work they have to do at present can only be called play, as it seems to be barely sufficient to keep them in hand, not-withstanding that they are controlled in their motion by a highly sensitive and beautifully finished governor. Under ordinary circumstances engines of this size would require 600 gallons of water per hour to feed the boilers, a serious item at Balmain, or indeed in Sydney if paid for by meter; but by the surface condenser attached to these engines all the steam used is passed through the hundreds of tubes amounting to 2½ miles, of which it is composed, thus converting it into distilled water to be returned to the boilers, over and over again. The engines stand over 20 feet high from the engine-room floor, and are of massive proportions. The two cylinders are each 2 inches in diameter, and 3 feet 8 inches stroke, and are capable of working to 90 lbs. to the square inch.
They were manufactured at the A. S. N. Co.'s works at Pyrmont, and it is needless to say that for accuracy and workmanship they are of the first class. The engines communicate motion to the joinery department upstairs by an immense pulley 12 feet in diameter, carrying a belt 14 inches wide. The mill proper is put in motion by the main driving wheel, which covers all one side of the engine-room, and is much the largest wheel of its class yet erected in the colony. This wheel, which attracts much attention from professional people, is 18 feet in diameter, 18 inches wide on its face, weighs nearly 10 tons, and is cast all in one piece. It is fitted with 350 cogs or teeth, and, owing to its size, had to be turned up in its place. It was cast by Mort's Dock and Engineering Company. The teeth of this wheel drive into a pinion 4 feet in diameter on the end of a shaft extending under the floor of the mill, and into the engine-room. The crank shafts are 9 inches in diameter, and are supported on heavy masonry piers. The motive power of those new mills as it is at present, is altogether unique so far at least as the colonies are concerned.
The great drawback which most saw mills have had to contend with has been want of power, when their business increased, to drive additional machinery. Mr. Booth, however, has enough power to drive anything that seems likely to be wanted for some years to come. At the same time the engines can be worked at a small power with additional economy by what is technically termed variable expansion gearing, which enables the power to be adjusted to suit the work which has to be done. The two other bays on the ground-floor are occupied by the sawing and planing machinery, and have a cellar underneath excavated in the solid rock, to contain all the shafting and belting which are so much in the way in ordinary saw-mills.
The floor of the engine and boiler house is about 3 feet below the floor of the mill. This allows the main mill-shaft to be kept low enough for the range of belt-pulleys, some of which are up to 6 feet in diameter, and 2 feet wide, to run clear of the floor of the mill, and also permits of the whole of the sawdust and planing-machine refuse being wheeled direct into the stokehole, although it is probable this will be done by machinery soon. This cellar is a perfect labyrinth of belts, and would be a very dangerous place for a stranger to go into by himself; but, as a consequence, the mill itself is so clean as to make it almost a wonder how the machines are driven, and there is nothing in the wavy of moving the timber about. The first machine to notice is the breaking down frame. This machine will cut up a log 6 feet in diameter, and run up to 150 strokes per minute. There are two other frames, a log-frame to take a 4-foot log, and a boarding-frame to take a 3-feet 6-inch log.
Immediately behind the frame saws, which stand all abreast and about 30 feet from tho water's edge, are three circular benches — one rack bench and two tramway or table benches. A tramway from the log wharf runs right into the breaking down frame, and a derrick crane commands all three in front. At the rear three travelling cranes enable the timber to be shifted from one saw to the other in the process of conversion. In the 30-feet wing next the yard, there are two planing-machines for tongueing, grooving, moulding, &c., one powerful circular saw bench about being erected, and a large band-saw for cutting up flitches into thin boards, besides its capacity for curved sawing. There is also provision for running another circular-bench or two outside, provision being made in the shafting, and several saw benches being ready in case they are required.
The first floor occupies the whole size of the mill. It has two rows of columns, and 12,000 feet of floor space. As the second floor is not yet laid, it appears over 30 feet high, on the centre at present, and the lofty church-looking windows make it very light. There are ranged in working order, or being fixed in place, two tower mortice-machines and one foot morticer; two tenon-machines, another band-saw, a curvilinear moulding-machine, boring-machine, a planing-machine to take and finish boards 2 feet wide on three sides at once, small sash-moulding machine, boring-machine, friezing, two sets of grinding-stones for moulding and planing knives, three machines for sharpening saws, two saw-benches for ripping, cross cutting, general joinery, &c., besides all the shafting and belting which is necessary to give them motion. The second floor, when laid, will be 105 feet by 50 feet, and will afford room for joiners' benches, &c., and over all the tíe-beams there is room for an additional light floor the whole extent of the mill to stow light work, timber for seasoning, &c.
Besides erecting the mill proper thus far described, Mr. Booth has completed an additional wharf, and has a second one in hand. A new office has been built to correspond with the mill. A new stone stable and an entirely new road have been made, but another additional building is in hand for the purpose of a seasoning and drying house. It will have two stories to correspond with the mill, and will be connected with a flying bridge on the first floor, fitted with tramways, &c.; the upper portion can be used as a case factory. On the ground at the rear of the mill, and level with the first floor, there is a magnificent site for the erection of a factory for building railway rolling stock, as all the material could be run out on a level, and the finished trucks would run down by themselves on to the punts to float them across the railway wharf.
The whole of the works have been carried out under Mr. Booth's own personal supervision, and according to the results of his many years' experience in the business. Mr. Norman Selfe has assisted him in engineering matters. Messrs. Powes, James, Western, and Company, of Lambeth, have supplied most of the wood working machines. The party of visitors was shown over the premises, and had an opportunity of seeing all the machines in operation. Afterwards they were entertained in a sumptuous manner at Mr. Booth's residence, where success was drunk to the new undertaking. THE NEW BALMAIN SAWMILLS. (1876, August 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13378945
Hand Coloured engraving of Mr Booth’s Saw Mills at Johnson’s Bay, Balmain in 1876. From the original edition of the Town and Country Journal News. References: Bennett, Frank & Christopher, The Australian Town and Country Journal. Sydney. 1881. Artist unknown.
Mr. Booths Steam Saw-Mills,
Johnson's Bay, Balmain.
IT will be remembered that in December, 1874, a dis-astrous fire occurred at Johnson's Bay, Balmain, whereby the extensive saw-mills of Mr. John Booth were entirely destroyed. The erection of these mills was first commenced by Mr. Booth in 1855, at which time saw-mills, as far as this colony is concerned, were in their infancy; but at the time of the destructive fire in 1874 Mr. Booth's business had developed into great extent and effectiveness. At that time, as is pretty well known, Mr. Booth had retired from active participation in the business, and the mills were under lease to Messrs. Taylor, Kethel, and Preddy. On the termination of the lease last year, Mr. Booth resolved to erect another mill on a scale altogether beyond anything existing in the colony; and the works are now so far completed that last week a number of gentlemen were invited by Mr. Booth to be present at the formal opening. The accompanying engraving shows the mill, jetties, wharves, and grounds, and it will at once be seen that a better site for an establishment of the kind could hardly be chosen.
The site consists of an irregular-shaped block of ground on the south-east side of Balmain, immediately opposite to Glebe leland. There is a frontage to Johnson's Bay of about 650 feet, with a depth varying from 320 to 160 feet, and a total area of 2½ acres. There are three jetties running out into deep water, fitted with tramways and cranes, for the purpose of handling the incoming logs, or shipping the manufactured articles; tramways also penetrate to all portions of the ground.
The mill building is 108 feet wide by 105 feet long, and as seen from the water has a very imposing appear-ance, the large roof showing 108 feet in one span, over 50 fest high, and nearly 70 feet to the vane which sur-
mounts the bell turret.
There are eleven windows in front to light the first and second floors, with circular heads, and increasing from 7 feet high at the sides, to nearly 30 feet long at centre of building. The interior of the mil1 consists of three bays - a centre one of 48 feet span, and two wings
of 30 feet each, the outer wing on the ground floor being taken up entirely by the stoke-hole, boilers, engine house, and engineer's shop, and is all enclosed with stone walls, thus preventing all risk of fire from that source. Fronting the water in the western wing are the boilers for supplying steam, three in number, and they are of the multitubular description; they are made of extra thick plate and double rivetted, and have been tested to 140lb to the square inch; they have furnaces specially designed for burning saw-dust and mill-refuse. The front of the boiler seating is all enclosed with cast-iron plates 27 feet long by 9 feet high, in which are the six funace doors, ash pit doors, openings to tubes and flues, &c, and when the whole are shut there is no pos-sibility of the fire communicating with anything around as there is no sign of fire, and all around is iron and stone, the ceiling being 16 feet high. The flues from the boilers lead underground to the chimney, which is
detached from the building. The nominal horse power of the three boilers is about one hundred, but the actual power is of course double that at least. The engines are of the modern description, known as surface con-densing, and are the only factory engines of this ad-vanced type, as well as the largest ones, yet erected in the colony. They are of 100 nominal horse-power, but can be worked up to 400 horse-powor when required. The work they have at present to do seems barely sufficient to keep them in hand, notwithstanding that they are controlled in their motion by a highly sensitive and beautifully-finished governor. Under ordinary circumstances engines of this size would require 600 gallons of water per hour to feed the boilers with, a serious item at Balmain, or, indeed, in Svdney, if paid for by meter; but by the surface condenser attached to these engines all the steam used is passed through the hundreds of tubes, amounting to a total of 2½ miles of which it is composed, thus converting it into distilled water to be returned to the boilers over and over and over again. The engines stand over 20 feet high from the floor of engine-room, and are of massive proportions; the cylinders are each 42 inche-diameter and 3 feet 8 inches stroke, capable of working to 90 lb to the square inch. They were manufactured at the A.S.N. Co.'s works at Pyrmont, and it is needless to say that for accuracy and workmanship they are of the first class. The engines communicate motion to the joinery department upstairs by an immense pulley, 12 feet in diameter, carrying a belt 14 inches wide, the mill proper being put in motion from the main driving wheel, which covers all one side of the engine room, and is much the largest wheel of its class yet erected in the colony.
This wheel, which attracts much attention from professional people, is 18 feet in diameter, 18 inches wide on its face, weighs nearly 10 tons, and is cast all in one piece; it is fitted with 350 cogs or teeth, and owing to its size, had to be turned up in its place. It was cast by Mort's Dock and Engineering Company. The teeth of this wheel drive into a pinion 4 feet diameter on the end of a shaft extending under the floor of the mill, and into the engine room. The crank shafts are 9 inches diameter, and are supported on heavy masonry piers. We have dwelt thus long on the motive power of these new mills, as it is at present unique, so far at least as the colonies are concerned. The great drawback which most raw mills have had to contend with has been the want of power when their business increased to drive additional machinery. Mr. Booth has certainly got power enough to drive anything that seems likely to be wanted for years to come, at the same time the engine can be worked at a small power with additional economy by what is technically termed variable expansion gear-ing, which enables the power to be adjusted to suit the work which has to be done.
The two other bays on the ground floor are occupied by the sawing and planing machinery, and have a cellar underneath excavated in the solid rook to contain all the shafting and belting, which is so much in the way in ordinary mills. The floor of the engine and boiler house is about 3 feet below the floor of the mill. This allows the main mill shaft to be kept low enough for the range of belt pulleys (some of which are up to 6 feet diameter, or 2 feet wide) to run clear of the floor of mill, and also permits of the whole of the saw-dust and planing, machine refuse being wheeled direct into the stoke-hole, although it is probable that this will be done by machinery soon. This collar is a perfect labyrinth of bolts, and would be a very dangerous place for a stranger to go into by himself; but as a conse-quence the mill itself is so clear as to make it almost a wouders how the machines are driven; and there is nothing in the way of moving the timber about.
The first machine to notice is the breaking-down or flitching frame; this machine will cut up a log 6 feet diameter, and run up to 150 strokes per minute. There are two other frames - a log-frame, to take 4 feet log, and a hording-frame, to take 3 feet 6 inches log. Immediately behind the frame saws, which stand all abreast and about 30 feet from the water's edge, are these circular caw benches, one rack bench, and two train way or table benches. A tramway from the log wharf runs right into the breaking-down frame, and a derrick crane commands all three in front; at the rear, three travelling cranes allow
the timber to be shifted from one saw to the other in the process of connection. In the 31 feet wing, next the yard, there are two planing machines for tongue-ing, grooving, moulding, &c,; one powerful circular saw for cutting up flitches into thin boards, besides its capacity for curved sawing; there is also provision being made in the shafting, and several saw-benches being ready when they are required.
The first or joinery floor is a commodious apartment the whole size of the mill, with two rows of columns, and has 12,000 feet of floor space. The second floor is net yet laid, and hence the department now spoken of appears to be over 30 feet high in the centre, and the lofty church-looking windows made it very light-some. There are here ranged in working order, or being fixed in place, two power-mortice machines, and one foot mortiser; two tenon machines, another band saw, a curvilinear moulding machine, a planing machine to take and finish boards two feet wide on three sides at once, smalls sh moulding machine, boring machine, friezing machine, and two sets of grinding stones for moulding and planing knives, three machines for sharpening saws, two saw benches for ripping, cross-cutting, general joinery, &c.; besides all the shafting and belting which is necessary to give them motion.
The second floor when laid will be 150 feet by 50 feet, and will afford room for joiners' benches, &c.; and over all the tie-beams there will be room for an additional light floor the whole extent of the mill, whereon to store light work, timber for seasoning, &c.
Besides erecting the mill proper, thus far described, Mr. Booth has completed an additional wharf, and has a second one in hand. A new office has been built to cor-respond with the mill, new stone stable, and an entirely new road made. Another additional building is in hand for the purposes of seasoning and drying timber. It will have two stories to correspond with the mill, and be connected with it by means of a flying bridge on the first floor fitted with tramways, &c. The upper portion can te used as a case factory. On the ground, at the rear of the mill, and level with the first floor, there is a magnificent site for the erection of a factory, for building railway rolling stock, as all the material could be run out on a level, and the finished trucks could run down by themselves on to the points to float them across to the railway wharf. This work is not being overlooked, and will shortly be fully developed. The whole of the works have been carried out under Mr, Booth's own per-sonal supervision, and according to the results of his many years' experience in the business, and Mr. Nor-man Selfe has assisted him in the engineering matters. Messrs. Powis, James, Western and Co., of Lambeth, England, have supplied most of the wood-working machines.
On Monday, August 21, a number of influential gentleman accepted an invitation from Mr. Booth to inspect his new establishment. A special steamer con-veyed the party from Erskine-street to the Mill-wharf, Johnson's Bay, where they were received by Mr. Booth. They found the whole of the extensive machinery was in full operation, and opportunity was afforded at once, of determining its very great capabilities. In regard to power, the strength and character of the appliances, the effectiveness of arrangements, and general adapta-bility to colonial requirements, the mill was found to be almost in advance of the times. The energy of the proprietor in thus erecting such extensive works on the ruins of the fine establishment destroyed by fire last year, was fully recognised. After inspecting the works the company adjourned to a luncheon provided in excellent style at Mr. Booth's residence, in the vicinity of the mills. The substantial part of the proceedings over, and the usual loyal toasts having been duly honoured, Dr. Evans rose and proposed the health of Mr. Booth. He said they had met
to be present at the opening of Mr. Booth's extensive establishment. That gentleman had been known to most of those present for upwards of twenty years, and they had known him to be the same generous enterprising man in good and in bad times. The destruction of the old establishment, which stood on the spot where the present one had grandly risen up, was undoubtedly a great loss to Balmain, as thereby a large number were thrown out of work; so as the mills had now been resuscitated and provision made for wider operations, Balmain would be benefitted; the new mills had every modern appliance, and be (Dr. Evans) had no doubt they would be as successful as the old ones were. Balmain was much indebted to Mr. Booth for thus again establishing an industry among the people that would afford employment to a large number of its residents and create a trade usually following upon the founding of such an industry. He had extreme pleasure in giving to the company "The health of Mr. John Booth."
The toast was drunk in an enthusiastic manner. Mr. Booth responded. He said he felt very much their cordial reception of the toast, as he saw around him many old and true friends. It had been his lot to project the first successful saw-mills in this country, and that was in the early days, something like twenty one or twenty-two years ago. The work was expensive, and it took some trouble to make it a success, but, as many present had seen, the undertaking at length de-developed into prosperity. And when the disastrous fire took place, he looked on the ruins in two ways. He thought he had money enough and could do without the mills, but as he liked even still to have his hands full of business, and as he looked upon the ruins, and thought how, eighteen years ago, the mill had made him what he now was, he resolved to again erect the works. He resolved on that for the reason, too, that he desired to give employment to the residents, and he thought the wiser course for him to pursue, regarding his own family, was to give them a business rather than money. He determined to construct the works in the most im-proved manner, and to furnish them with the latest appliances, and in that matter he had received the greatest assistance and best advice from his son-in-law, Mr. N. Selfe; in fact, that gentleman had done the whole of the engineering work. The new establish-ment was fifteen years before the times, he might say, and would admit of a very large amount of work being done. He begged heartily to thank the gentlemen present for their good wishes as to the success of the new undertaking. Mr. Johu Sutherland proposed the health of Mr. N. Selfe, and that gentleman responded. Mr. B. James proposed "The Commercial Interest," coupling with it the name of Mr. M'Gregor, and that gentleman replied. The health of Mrs. Booth was proposed by the vice-chair-man, Mr. Hyam, and was responded to by Mr. Booth. The toast of "The Press'' was then proposed by Mr. Young, and having been responded to, the company separated.
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MR. BOOTH'S NEW STEAM MILL AT BALMAIN JOHNSON’S BAY, BALMAIN,
Mr, Booths Steam Saw-Mills, Johnson's Bay, Balmain. (1876, September 2). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70603978
Lady Carrington Drive/road circa 1884. Photography by Kerry & Co. (85/1284-2700), Kerry & Co. photographs Courtesy the Powerhouse Museum’s ‘Tyrrell Collection’
