It may seem it took a long time for a link between Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest to occur but much of the forest itself was all bush until soldiers returning after World War I were given grants and homes and then that led to the building of the first Roseville Bridge, a project that began among those who had moved there.
Manly will be en fete this week-end and the N.R.M.A suggests that motorists visiting the district arrange their trip to Include a visit to the Oxford Falls In French's Forest.
There was a track or road of sorts into Oxford falls but this became a 'dead end' at Middle Creek, as evidenced in a 1912 article and an N.R.M.A. map and article which tells of spots to boil a billy alongside when visiting the Oxford Falls - possibly bad advice given the number and amount of bushfires that followed.
Many, if not all, of these roads followed the original aboriginal tracks as these people knew how to move through their country - the road over The Spit and Pittwater road becoming Barrenjoey road is one such instance, as is Mona Vale road - more on those Roads To Pittwater next. First:
Realism for Picture Shows.
RESIDENTS of Narrabeen and the Pittwater district are enjoying the exciting spectacle in their midst of stuck up mail coaches, galloping bushrangers, and troopers, beauteous heroines on horseback, and other paraphernalia of the good old bushranging days of New South Wales, while the hills around are resounding with the rifle and revolver shots of outlaws and police engaged in mortal combat on the roads, and in the neighboring bush. Alas, it is all make- believe. It is nothing more than the operations of the Australian Biograph Company, who are out on an expedition for film-making, and they have selected this beautiful and picturesque territory as a background for their pictures of Australian life and incident. - A strong cast of leading actors and actresses are engaged in the strenuous work, including Miss Harrie Ireland, Mrs. and Miss Herbert, Messrs. Gaston Mervale, Godfrey Cass, and other well-known artists. Over 40 horses are employed in the operations, which are on an extensive scale., Mr. Clarke is in charge of the camera. The company will work in the district for a week. Out in French's Forest, in the vicinity of the Oxford Falls, the Spencer Biograph Company are also engaged in the same class of task. Realism for Picture Shows. (1911, February 1). Balonne Beacon (St. George, Qld. : 1909 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article215387874
The Oxford Falls at Manly.
Two miles from the terminus of the Manly - Brookvale tram. On the opening of the tram to Narrabeen today the falls will be brought within easy walk of the terminus. These falls, which are little known to the average residents of Sydney, are among the most beautiful scenes to be found in this part of the State. The upper fall is about 200ft crashing into a deep valley, to which access is extremely difficult. The bottom falls continue in a series of cascades, thence continuing over rugged country to Narrabeen Lake.
THE OXFORD FALLS AT MANLY. (1912, August 3). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228826044
OXFORD FALLS.
means of access to them.
Mr: S. Sloane (Brookvale) writes: —
In your Issue of the 3rd August appeared a photo of the Oxford Falls, Brookvale, and as a resident, I thank you for bringing the place before the public. It seems strange that such a beautiful pleasure resort has been so neglected. When I came here about 18 months ago there was not a road to It. I succeeded in getting the shire council 'to make' the road, but they did It in such a way that the ratepayers' money was wasted. Through my agitation another grant from the Government of £250 was got to do work down here, and that has also been wasted, and I have reported it to the Government.
Since your issue of the 3rd inst. large numbers of people have been visiting the place, but they can get on!y to the top of the upper faIls, as no way exists for them to get down to the lower falls. Why Is it thus? This place is only two miles from Brookvale, within easy access of the city, and cheap to get to. But the only way we have to get from Brookvale is up hill called the Beacon HIll, which is a great hindrance to the settlers In this district. The Government have a lot of land here on a road which is a lovely grade that would bring up one and a half miles nearer to Manly, and those who want to settle on the land would, have every opportunity to do so. I hope you will still bring this place before the public. As this new road (which only wants to be formed, all the material being on the road) comes out on Condamine-street, where I see Mr. Griffith intends to run a tram, I am sure he will take the matter of a tram to the Oxford Falls Into consideration. OXFORD FALLS. (1912, August 29). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228821330
SEE AUSTRALIA FIRST-THROUGH FRENCH'S FOREST
1. Oxford Falls, three miles from Brookvale. 2 A short cut near Narrabeen. 3. Ferns us tall as a man, 4, Narrabeen Lake, as seen from the hills. 5. A creek crossed by logs.
"SEE AUSTRALIA FIRST"--THROUGH FRENCH'S FOREST (1922, August 6). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221506510
Decades on the 'road' still ends at Middle Creek:
IN THE MANLY DISTRICT
OXFORD FALLS Short Motor Tour
Manly will be en fete this week-end and the N.R.M.A suggests that motorists visiting the district arrange their trip to Include a visit to the Oxford Falls In French's Forest.In the vicinity of this comparatively little-known beauty spot there are ideal picnic places. The tour planned covers only 30 miles, but it includes, in addition to the falls, fine coastal panoramas and river scenery. It is suggested that the motorist from the city should cross the Harbor Bridge and proceed along Pacific Highway to Roseville, turning off to the right into Boundary-street. From the Highway it Is 2 ½ miles of good road to Roseville Bridge over Middle Harbor one of the beauty spots of the trip. Leaving the bridge, the road wind up into the forest, and, avoiding side roads, the way to the Oxford Falls turn-off cannot be mistaken. From Roseville Bridge to the turn-off is 4.4 miles. A signpost at the Junction of the roads points the way to the falls, but this should be watched for carefully, as It Is not easily visible to travellers going from the direction of Roseville.
DRIVE CAREFULLY
It is about two miles from the turn-off to the falls, and the gravel and clay road, though not difficult, requires careful driving, especially Immediately after rain. A short distance from the turn-off is a hairpin bend, which must be taken with care. From this point It is fairly easy running to the falls. The road leads to the ton of the falls, and the car should be parked just short of the creek, which forms a shallow water splash. There are really two sections of the Oxford Falls, upper and lower end, to be appreciated, a climb down to the creek, about 200 feet below the road, should be undertaken. There is no definite track down the steep and rocky hillsides, but the climb will not prove to be beyond the power of anybody of average ability. At the foot of the falls there are places where a fire may be made to boil the billy and shelter may be had In a large cave.
A DEAD END
Most maps show the road to Oxford Falls as continuing on across the creek to Join the French's Forest-road. This is not the case; the road continues for about half a mile beyond the falls, and then peters out, advises the N.R.M.A. Returning from the falls to the turn-off by the same road, the motorist keens straight ahead to the top of Beacon Hill, leading down to Brookvale. From the top of the hill there are magnificent panorama of beaches and splendid distant views of the coast. Descending the steep hill, the road to the right is taken and the tram line followed Into Manly. From Manly, the Sydney-road is taken, and a return to the city made by way of The Spit Bridge. If the motorist wishes to extend the trip, to Lake in more of the northern beaches, he should keep straight on at the foot of Beacon Hill, and follow the concrete road from the Brookvale Showground to Narrabeen. A tarred surface is passed over beyond Narrabeen to Palm Beach.
IN THE MANLY DISTRICT (1934, November 24). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (CRICKET STUMPS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230166866
As with all developments of infrastructure it is population increases that drives demand - this item allows us to imagine Sydney 'town's outskirts just prior to that stock market crash:
REAL ESTATE
NORTHERN PLATEAU.
A Land of Promise.
Known to-day. as the "Harbour City," there Is no reason why Sydney should not be styled more appropriately the "City of the Harbours." Already the waves of population, to reverse the usual simile, are lapping the shores of four havens-Port Hacking, Botany Bay, Port Jackson, and Middle Harbour-and the more adventurous wavelets touch the Pitt-water and Brisbane Water. There will be intensification of settlement in the central and southern areas, but the National Park will break the line of coastal advance in a southerly direction, and the northern region must exercise its spell.
Leaving the further shores of the Hawkesbury estuary out of the picture, and concentrating on the plateau lying between Middle Harbour and the Pittwater, it might be asked, Where in the world in close proximity to a great city can such a delectable area be found?
Stand on Beacon Hill, Just behind Brookvale, or on Elanora Lookout, or at The Pines, at the back of Narrabeen Lagoon, on a fine day, and it will be agreed that before one a panorama of exhilarating loveliness is spread. From South Head to Barrenjoey a succession of bold headlands interspersed with golden beaches, lagoons, and lakes, unfolds itself. All around in its primitive beauty is the Australian bush, and the air is balm to constitutions vitiated by existence at low altitudes. A land fit for heroes to live in if heroic enough to handle it reverently.
THIRTY MINUTES FROM TOWN.
As the opening of the Harbour bridge will bring the northern plateau within half-an hour's journey by motor from the city, its desirability as a place of residence is already becoming recognised. In the estimation of surveyors the plateau lends itself easily to subdivision into modern residential areas. A glance at the model at the offices of the Water and Sewerage Board shows a deeply indented plateau, with ridges in the back region running, generally, north and south. Towards the coast the formation is less regular, becoming almost chaotic, Indeed, in the vicinity of the Narrabeen lakes, but offering facilities for effective treatment. The area is served by two main arteries, the Gordon-Pittwater-road, traversing the main ridges to Newport, and the road from Roseville bridge through French's Forest, which at present is being relocated and improved. The Pittwater-road, skirting the coast, is also being widened and modernised.
Much of the plateau land has been alienated, but here and there are areas of Crown land aggregating 13,000 acres in the shire, exclusive of reserves for recreation or other purposes. There are in the parish of Narrabeen about 1600 acres between Tumbledown Dick and Church Point, fronting McCarr's Recreation Reserves, and 5400 acres known as Duffy's Forest in the parish of Broken Bay, between Pittwater-road and Kuring-gai Chase Further, there are 260 acres situated to the east of First Rocks, in the parish of Manly Cove, between Pittwater-road and Davidson Park, and 2500 acres in French's Forest, between French's Forest-road and the same reserve. Various areas, including Oxford and Middle Creek, totalling 2600 acres, extend from the neighbourhood of French's Forestroad to Narrabeen Lagoon, while there are 300 acres in the Brookvale district. Inclusive of the half of Kuring-gai Chase which lies within Warringah Shire, there are about 18,000 acres in the shire devoted to reserves.
The plateau is at present practically empty, and it is significant that land is still quoted by the acre in most localities. It is also well held. An offer of £12,000 for 150 acres near The Pines failed to tempt the owner. In general in the coastal region values run from £75 to £200 an acre. With the price of land in the fashionable eastern suburbs around £70 a foot it may readily be seen that it would be less expensive to buy an acre or two and build a good-class house in this region than to acquire land and build at, say, Darling Point.
MODERN PLANNING DESIRABLE.
In that such a vast area is held by the Crown, and, comparatively, but few private owners, this region would seem to call for treatment on modern lines. Sydney has seen much of her beauty frittered away by hap-hazard layout and "development" of a sordid character. Here an opportunity presents itself for regional planning on lines which will be profitable to the Individual and the State. The way has been shown by the company which has laid out Elanora Heights, a portion of this terrain, to great advantage, and another plan for an estate on sound town planning lines was outlined in these columns n August. There is room for the inauguration of a number of schemes if the Crown, private owners, and the different societies interested In regional planning would work In co-operation In carrying them into effect; There is ample room, even, for those re-formers whose Ideas clash to put individual plans into practice.
As is demonstrated in the adjoining column, Germany has put regional planning schemes into effect, to the mutual advantage of Crown and people in urban areas which were as ugly as many of Sydney's suburbs. Two years hence, or earlier If present Indications do not mislead, many now resident south of Port Jackson will trek north, so little time remains to arrange matters that they will settle in an area so adapted to occupation that they will enjoy all Its amenities and get the best out of life. REAL ESTATE NORTHERN PLATEAU. (1929, November 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16605504
The Elanora Heights development referred to actually commenced with a company being formed in 1927, although big splashy advertorials, replete with photographs run from February 1929, are valued now as they give us glimpses of this wonderful place as it was then. See some of these in:
£200,000 TO NOTHING
Golden Chance at Elanora Heights, Narrabeen For Quick Thinkers THREEFOLD SECURITY ON INVESTMENT
INVESTMENT, £100,000; SECURITY, £300,000. 'To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch tho good that is within our reach is the great art of life.'
It is commonly said by those who have consistently failed to take all the swift advantage of the hour, that the opportunities for making money do not present themselves at this present as they did in the early days, but the Spaniards have a wise saying to the 'effect that there is no man whom fortune docs not visit at least once in his life. Opportunity is now knocking at our door if we will but listen, instead of railing on Lady Fortune. . . in good set terms.'
Land Properties and Investments, Ltd., have purchased a property, the Elanora Heights Estate, Narrabeen, consisting of 518 acres of land, Torrens Title. This was purchased for £70,000, and is independently valued to yield a net return of at least £130,000. By a rapid mental calculation it will be seen that the company are liable to make the profits usually associated with a speculation, whereas the security is that of the soundest and most gilt-edged investment. Valued conservatively, the average yield for subdivision purposes will be £3 per foot.
This will yield 100,000ft at £3 .. .'. .... £300,000
Deduct :
Cost of roads . . . . £20,000
Cost of property . . . . 70,000
Cost of disposal and other expenses.. .. 80,000
170,000
£130,000
In allowing the sum of £80, 000 for cost of disposal and- other expenses, it would seem that the directors have made, doubtless deliberately, far more than ample provision for ever possible contingency. Indeed, there can be no possible probable doubt whatever' that no small portion of this £80,000 may be regarded in the light of 'hidden reserves.'
14 PER CENT.
Hence, the estimated sale value of the land may also be deemed to be unduly cautious. This, of course, is an erring on the right side, and exactly what one might reasonably anticipate from such a board of directors. Based on the conservative estimate of the valuators, every £100 invested in the company's shares will yield £230, and, during the five years in which the profit is accruing, interest at the,- rate of 6 per cent, will be earned on the full £230. That is to say, every £100 earns £13/10/ per annum for five years — nearly 14 per cent, on the £100 invested, and at the end of five years, the profit of £230 will he realised. Naturally, the shares are being applied for rapidly by some of the most astute investors in Sydney, and each member of the board has recently doubled his holding in the company.
In regard to the board, Mr. W. A. Freeman is a director of Austral Malay Tin, Ltd. He was a member of the original Malaysia Syndicate, out of which sprang Alluvial Tin, Ltd., with a capital of £25,000. This company was sold the other day for £750,000. Mr. .Tames Crockett has just succeeded in effecting the merger of suburban timber interests, Tanner and Peters, Ltd., and Walters, Middleton, and Eades, Ltd., with a capital of £250,000, without making any appeal, to the public. Colonel T. A. J. Playfair, D.S.O., D.B.E., V.D., has just been made a member of the Legislative Council by the Nationalist Government, is president of the N.S.W. Constitutionalist Association, and Col. Eric Campbell, D.S.O., has, for some years, specialised successfully in company law. So you see, the board — like Caesar's wife — is above suspicion.
INFLUENCE OF BRIDGES.
The opening of the City-Middle Harbor-Manly-Narrabeen railway must coincide with the opening of the Sydney Harbor bridge, and the Warringah Council levies a larger number of rate assessments
(over 27,000 ( than any other council in Sydney or Greater Sydney, and the unimproved capital value of land in Warringah Shire has appreciated in the astounding fashion shown below :
1911 .. .. £363,000
1914 ... 699,754
1917 .. .. .. 976,030
1920 .. .. 1,080,056
1923- ... 2,137,618
1926 .. .. 3,635,983
These figures are most significant. It would be easy to fill several pages of the 'Sunday Times' with confirmatory information concerning this most intriguing and desirable investment, which is no less inviting to the man of small savings as to the wealthy. It is suggested that readers with much or little money to invest should hasten to get into touch with Mr. E. L. Walter, the organising underwriter, 350 George-street (National Mutual Buildings), who will gladly make available all the information about this remarkable investment.
Alas, how often the golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but the sand. Yes, there are opportunities to-day, as ever, for the man with vision and courage, but 'we must take the current when it serves or lose our ventures.' Elanora Heights is a Narrabeen tide in the affairs of Sydney men, which, taken at the flood, must lead to fortune. See Mr. Walter now, while the tide is at the flood.
The Elanora-road, leading from Elanora Heights to the Narrabeen Lake and Narrabeen.
£200,000 TO NOTHING (1927, November 20). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128525257
Same image of that car travelling down same Elanora Rd towards Narrabeen Lake.
As there was clearly a form of road prior to the commencement of building something more substantial that would finally link the 'plateau' with the beach area, driven by the amounts of people pouring across the Spit Bridge, was a logical step.
Although not commenced until the year World War II also began, rapid progress was made during the first few years:
NEW ROAD TO NARRABEEN.
Start on Monday.
WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED.
The construction of a new road from The Spit through French's Forest to Narrabeen will be begun on Monday morning by the Department of Main Roads.
The road, for which the name Warringah Highway has been chosen, will start from a point in the vicinity of the Dalwood Homes, at the top of the hill on the Manly side of the Spit Bridge, and when completed will considerably shorten the Journey from the city to Narrabeen, and relieve the heavy week-end traffic on the existing roads.
The Minister for Labour and Industry, Mr. Gollan, said last night that about 200 men would be employed on rationed work on the construction of the new highway, and it was expected that it would take about two years to complete. NEW ROAD TO NARRABEEN. (1939, November 25 - Saturday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17619360
NEW ROAD TO NARRABEEN
Rapid progress is being made with new cross-country road designed to provide more speedy access to the city for residents of the northern end of Narrabeen Lakes and Palm Beach.
The Assistant commissioner for Main Roads (Mr. Craig) said to-day that the project had been started to absorb unemployed and was being carried out as a relief work. Nearly three-quarters of the work has been done, and the date of completion will depend on the number of men retained on the job. The road will be about seven miles long and will give direct connection between The Spit and the northern end of Narrabeen Lakes. At the northern end of the lakes, the road will join the existing route to Palm Beach just beyond a bridge that crosses the Narrabeen Lagoon. Bitumen will later replace the present gravel surface. NEW ROAD TO NARRABEEN (1940, November 12). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 4 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231157936
NEW ROAD TO NARRABEEN.
In a recent official report received by the N.R.M.A. concerning the new road being constructed from Dalwood Homes near Seaforth to Narrabeen by way of Oxford Falls, it is indicated that except for two short sections the formation is completed from a point one mile beyond Dalwood Homes to Narrabeen Lake at Middle Creek, a distance of approximately six miles.
Gravelling of the pavement has been carried out for a length of four miles. A number of bridges have yet to be built, and it is likely therefore that it will be some time before the road is available for through traffic. A NEW ROAD TO THE NORTH. (1941, August 26). Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 - 1907; 1909 - 1910; 1912 - 1913; 1915 - 1916; 1918 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234472278
There was already a bridge of sorts at Deep Creek.
STRUGGLE IN WATER
Picnickers Rescue Woman
A woman fell into the water near Deep Creek Bridge, Narrabeen Lakes, late yesterday afternoon, and was rescued by a picnic party, one of whom was Mr. John McLean, senr., of the Narrabeen Post Office.
Mr. McLean and the other members of the party were rowing in the lake when they saw a man and a woman struggling in the water. The rowers pulled over to them, but the man jumped out of the water and went away. The woman was helped ashore. On the arrival of Constable Hamer she was taken to the Manly Cottage Hospital, and this morning was able to leave the institution.
STRUGGLE IN WATER (1924, September 4). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222306800
Another bridge was constructed over Deep Creek in 1933 by Edward Giles Stone, an amazing man who constructed a few firsts for Australia and had much to say on dams. He wanted to make more cement. He wasn't the first to apply to use parts of what comes out of the lagoon for building, Charles Schultz, near the entrance to the lagoon, had also applied at one time to collect sand for making cement.
NARRABEEN LAKE.
Mining Lease Applied For.
LOCAL PROTEST
It was stated at a conference between Warringah Shire councillors, local residents, and representatives of public bodies, at Narrabeen on Saturday, that In addition to a dredging lease having been granted for Narrabeen Lake, an application had been lodged for a mining lease on the sand spit at the entrance to the lake.
Mr. F W. Heaton, an ex-Mayor of Manly who stated that the proposal in the first Instance was to dredge a channel 200ft wide from the entrance to the head of the lake, said he lodged a caveat against it as he knew it would destroy the lake, the bed of which was a couple of feet above the ocean. He had no objection If the dredging was confined to the part above the bridges, and an agreement to that effect had been signed. He read a letter from the department, which intimated that Industries and Cements. Ltd. (the company concerned) had been Informed that no mining or dredging operations could be carried on between the two bridges until tide gates had been erected at the entrance to the lake.
' I have lodged an objection to the implication of Edward Garland Stone for a mining lease of four acres of land on the sand spit at the entrance to the lake," Mr H S Harvey, a local resident, stated. He said there was a bar of rock at the entrance, which should only be interfered with by a Government department.
"If the lease Is granted" Mr Harvey stated "the Act allows the lessee to erect any building or machinery, and he could take or divert any stream flowing through it and use the water for mining or domestic purposes "
Mr. A. J. Small (acting president of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement) said that to Interfere with the lake would be a crime against the public. It was one of the beauty spots of the State. The proposal was now to industrialise it, and make it a second Botany Bay. A request had been made to the Government for £14,000, to purchase the land around Deewhv Lagoon and at Narrabeen they had a lake infinitely more beautiful. The safety of it for children would be destroyed just to get a very limited supply of sea shell for cement.
Mr. Edward Giles Stone, speaking for the company concerned, said there was a misconception about the whole matter. The original lease was for the area between the bridge and the side of the cement works at Deep Creek. This had received the unanimous approval of the shire council. Later they found that the bulk of the shell was between the two bridges, and when objection was raised to dredging there, they agreed to erect tide gates. They did not Intend to mine on the spit, or to move a bit of sand from there. They were prepared to abandon the application for the mining lease if they were allowed to build the tide gates
Mr. Small: I am astounded that the council should agree to commercialise this area. If the council compromises, we will tight to get the departmental decision reversed.
Councillor Austin (president of the Warringah Shire) stated that the matter of the mining lease would be brought before the council. NARRABEEN LAKE. (1934, November 12).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17138905
Mr. Stone's bridge at Deep Creek.
WATER SHORTAGE
Sir,-The definite engineering fact that stands out is that only an early start with and ultimate completion of the Warragamba reservoir can materially assist the position. If no rain comes, then nothing that engineers can do with large constructional work can add one gallon to the existing storage. In spite of a full knowledge of the Snowy River and all it means, the Water Board still adheres to the necessity for building first the Warragamba. I must agree that this is sound and in accord with the following facts:-(a), the Warragamba project can be completed in one half the time any other permanent scheme requires; (b), the materials employed In the construction of the dam arc all available and will not weaken our war , effort; (c), the labourers required are very few of them specialists. The mixing and placing of concrete can be carried out by men who are readily trained; (d), at an early stage in the ...nearby existing dams; (e). practically all the Initiatory work is completed and the money has simply to be allocated and the work started; (f), the board's engineers, who are at least equal to any in the world, especially on Australian proposals, have conclusively proved the soundness and sufficiency of the scheme.
Let the board proceed with the Warragamba at once; the Snowy River scheme is useless because of the time factor.
Narrabeen. EDWARD G. STONE.
WATER SHORTAGE (1941, August 12).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17755764
Safeguarding Burrinjuck Dam
Sensational Allegations Concerning National Undertaking
BY E. GILES STONE, CIVIL ENGINEER
Mr. E. Giles Stone, M. Inst. C.E., M.I.E. (Aust.), who claims to be fully qualified to express an opinion, wants the remedial work at Burrinjuck Dam stopped. He asserts that the work now in progress will fail to produce the desired results, whereas his own scheme (which would cost considerably less) would effect a satisfactory remedy.
Mr. Stone writes: —
To the Editor: Sir, — SAFEGUARDING! BURRINJUCK DAM The remedial work upon the Burrinjuck Dam as now proceeding should be stopped. I have emphasised this before and this must be my last warning. The enclosed letter to the Premier has not received any adequate reply and hence, as stated therein, I must forward it to all who may be interested. There is no pleasure or profit to made In taking this stand or writing such letters. You can imagine that it is quite an annoyance and a wearisome business, but you can understand that when one such as myself, takes up a cause it means fighting to the bitter end. " The question- of ' the danger to the Dam is one phase and this depends upon getting a major flood even of less dimensions than that stated to be imminent by the experts. The other phase is' the cost and 'the ability to repair the dam without, maltreating It..I am asking members to secure a complete enquiry. Then the matter will be settled from every aspect and for all time. What is the use of experts telling you with one breath, that; the dam is daily getting worse and is in a dangerous position, and then designing their repair system in such a way as to lessen the stability. I have about completed a small Brochure which I may call: -"The Faults at Burrinjuck — Their Cause and Proposed Remedies!" It is to be written in simple untechnical language and may help you to better understand. It raises items which I 'do not sec in the report and therefore "may open a fresh viewpoint. ' If you apply to my G.P.O. Box ..., Sydney. I will forward you a copy. I cannot close ' without letting you know that I have received a letter recently from Professor (Sir) Robert Chapman from which I give you two extracts: — "And it seems to me that your defence against Mr. Gibson's criticism of what he calls your scheme Is Complete and Final." "I think myself that the relieving Dam Scheme is not only sound but the structures involved are definite and determinable while no one can say what the stresses involved in the patched up Dam would be except that they would be more than' calculated perhaps much more. Professor (Sir)Robert Chapman is not associated . with me in this project. I think him to 'be the most eminent authority in Australia--perhaps in the world. The principle, of the Relieving' Dam scheme and the additional method mentioned in the Premier's letter were both formulated and patented by me. I ask all Members of Parliament to give the matter their most careful consideration. Yours, etc., . EDWARD G. STONE. Copy of Letter to The Honourable, The Premier of New '.South Wales, SYDNEY
Dear Sir,— j.
SAFEGUARDING" BURRINJUCK DAM Your recent letters to me and the reports I have noted in the press impress me with the necessity of handling this matter in a manner ....Safeguarding Burrinjuck Dam (1940, May 15). Crookwell Gazette (NSW : 1885 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221297237
DEMAND FOR HOMES
Prefabricated Methods
Sir,-Mr. Keith Newman's article on the "Prefabrication of Homes," etc., is interesting but hardly correct. He places the pioneering in Australia about 10 years ago with the builders he quotes.
Thirty-five years-and a little more--ago I think I pioneered this type of construction at Emu Plains where there were unlimited supplies of sand and blue metal, not far away was the Commonwealth Cement Works. The only material to be brought there from Sydney was oregon timber (for moulds) and steel for reinforcement. At this place solid sections were made and bolted together on the site,and you will find between Wollongong and Kiama at Yallah, a panelled concrete house built all those years ag0, and another was built at Emu Plains. Other houses were built for pastoralists at Well-ington and elsewhere.
Then a hollow slab was developed with a 4-inch and a 6-inch cavity. The late Hon. G. H. Greens owned the first place built of these slabs at Iandra (now Greenethorpe). The slabs were the full height of walls.
Without complete supervision this type of constitution did not pay. Brick houses were about as cheap.
It seems from the article you publish that slabs are made without hollows or cavities. Unless the concrete is cellular they must be very hot in the summer with exposed walls
I also built sections for silos for ensilage and for wheat. Shark Island light tower was designed and built by the writer in five sections at Miller' s Point and punted down to the site
If precast houses are to be built economically they must be erected in large numbers with special plant. The walls must be heatproof and waterproof. Verandahs help.
E. GILES STONE.
Narrabeen.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR DEMAND FOR HOMES (1945, July 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17945565
Mr. Stone passed away in 1947:
STONE, Edward Giles. - October 16 1947, at Gloucester House, dearly-loved husband of Mary Garland Stone, of Narrabeen, and loved father of Beryl, Isabel, Joan, Margaret, Edward and Katharine, aged 73 years. Family Notices (1947, October 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18043519
Work was progressing well until in March 1942 it was stopped because of the war making attention on other coastal requirements the priority, such as tank traps. Construction was recommenced in March 1945 and opened to traffic in March 1946.
There was also a 1942 'bridge' incident of sorts - and this also indicates men building roads with materials were needed elsewhere;
Bridge Fails At Inspection
When the Director of the V.D.C. (Brigadier T. Weavers) stepped from his car to inspect bridge building near Narrabeen yesterday, half the bridge fell down. Six or seven men who had been working on the bridge floundered round in the water with pieces of the bridge structure. Over their heads another man swung slowly backwards and forwards on the end of a rope attached to a block and tackle.
Brigadier Weavers said: "That's the best fall in I've ever seen."
Brigadier Weavers went to Narrabeen to inspect a V.D.C. engineers' unit. V.D.C. engineers can use only material in the vicinity to build bridges.
Floating Footbridge
They had succeeded in building a 50ft. wide floating footbridge across a deep creek. They then began a more ambitious bridge designed to carry vehicles. One section of the V.D.C. began building out from the east bank and another from the west bank. The idea was to meet in the middle. But a race developed between the men building the east and west sections. The west section was easily leading, and was nearly half-way across the creek. But they had used insufficient stays, and the entire half of the bridge collapsed. In a speech afterwards Brigadier Weavers said the VJD.C. in future would get more equipment, more instructors, and a bigger role to play in the defence of Australia. Bridge Fails At Inspection (1942, October 26). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247893311
And then on Friday march 22nd, 1946:
NEW ROAD LINK WITH LAKES AREA
A new road, officially opened last weekend, from the top of The Spit hill to the north side of Narrabeen Lakes, will provide a fine scenic drive for motorists, reports the N.R.M.A.
Constructed by the Department of Main Roads and officially named "Wakehurst Parkway" the road runs from Seaforth past Dalwood Homes to Roseville Bridge -Dee Why road in French's Forest, thence to the main Palm Beach road, which it joins immediately north of Narrabeen Lakes. The new road will form an important link in the main road system and, when public transport has been instituted, will assist materially in developing the Warringah area from Narrabeen to Hawkesbury River. Ultimately a new bridge will be constructed at The Spit with an improved approach connecting with the new road. NEW ROAD LINK WITH LAKES AREA (1946, March 31). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168768869
NEW SCENIC ROAD from The Spit to the north side of Narrabeen Lakes is shown on this map, compiled by the NRMA. Built by the Department of Main Roads, the road is named "Wakehurst Parkway." It is an important link in the main road system, and will assist in developing the Warringah area. Ideal picnic spots lie along the Parkway, which has five miles of bitumen, the remainder gravel.
No title (1946, April 2). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229459678
The Wakehurst Parkway was named to commemorate the governorship of New South Wales by Lord Wakehurst from April 1937 to January 8th 1946 —then a record term. He was succeeded by (Sir) John Northcott, and was the last non-Australian Governor of New South Wales.
WAKEHURST PARKWAY .
The new main road from Seaforth to Narrabeen was formally opened to traffic and named the "Wakehurst Parkway " by the Premier, the Hon . W . J. McKell , M.L.A. , at a ceremony on the roadside, on the 22nd March, 1940. A commemorative tablet was unveiled by the Premier near each end of the new work.
The naming of the road is an expression of the Government's desire to pay tribute to Lord Wakehurst, who, as Governor of New South Wales from April , 1937, to January, 1946, took a great interest in the development o f the State and in its natural beauty. This is the first road in the State to merit the name "parkway, " a term which is applied to a road of exceptional width, including in its width areas in their natural state Of developed as strips of parkland.
From its junction with Main Road No . 164 (Sydney-road ) in Seaforth, the new road follows fairly closely the alignment of French's Forest road to Mai n Road No . 328 (Rodborough-road), and then proceeds past Oxfor d Falls in a general northerly directioa through the Middle Creek area to the western and northern shores of Narrabeen Lake, which it follows to its junction with Main Road No . 164 (Pittwater-road) at Narrabeen. Throughout its length the road is flanked by natural bushland amid attractive scenery, and it is for the purpose of preserving these that a wide road reservation is being acquired.
T h e length of the road is 9.8 miles, of which 7.75 miles are new construction in virgin country. For the remainder of the total length ( 2 miles at the southern end and 0.05 miles at the northern end ) the existing pavement was resurfaced and incorporated in the new work.
from DEPARTMENT OF MAIN ROADS. - TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT FOR Year ended 30th June, 1946.
A parkway is a broad, landscaped highway thoroughfare. The term is particularly used for a roadway in a park or connecting to a park from which trucks and other heavy vehicles are excluded. Many parkways originally intended for scenic, recreational driving have evolved into major urban and commuter routes.
The work of improving the Wakehurst Parkway continued:
Men working on widening the Wakehurst Parkway near Deep Creek in 1949
Road thefts by motorists.
Motorists are stealing roadmaking materials from Wakehurst Parkway, French's Forest.
Transport Minister Sheahan said this last night. Police assistance had been sought and future offenders would be dealt with as criminals stealing from private property, he said. "It is extraordinary to find a mentality in a so-called respectable section of the community that sees no evil in taking valuable property owned by the department," Mr. Sheahan added. "The offence is more serious, in the case of motorists, because the materials are needed to improve the roadway and give better visibility at corners." Road thefts by motorists (1951, August 19). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 44. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230232351
Ancient Carvings
Sir,-I am told that motorists are destroying ancient aboriginal carvings by driving over them on Wakehurst Park Road in French's Forest.
These carvings, I believe, come under the care of the Crown Lands Department, and this being so it is to be hoped that the Minister will see that these strange and interesting works are preserved.
MICHAEL SAWTELL.
Sydney. Ancient Carvings (1952, June 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18268865
[The opinions expressed in this Journal are not necessarily those of the Master Builders' Association, unless otherwise stated.} WARRINGAH AS A SATELLITE TOWN
The Warringah and Manly district has been in the news of late with the prospect of an upheaval in the local transport services. Without taking sides in the controversy between the State transport authorities and the local residents it is still possible to review the potentialities of this delactable land and engage in a little daydreaming concerning its future. Within the space of little more than one generation there has been considerable residential expansion between Manly and Narrabeen while others have ventured further north establishing popular settlements fronting the ocean beaches all the way to Palm Beach. The bus services from the city have been largely instrumental in converting the area from a series of week-end resorts to established outer suburban areas. Always, however, there has been the promise of a future electric railway to increase public confidence in land acquisition and building construction in the district., Provision is made for such a railway in the four tracks on the Harbour Bridge. While, however, years were wasted in coming to a decision as to the route, residential building has been going on apace and adding greatly to the prospective resumption costs, and in a natural terrain that must inevitably mean high construction costs. First the railway was to go through Mosman to Manly. Then a shorter route through Northbridge was favoured. In either case there was the prospect of a bridge costing a million or two to span Middle Harbour.
On this point is might be noted that recent bridge contracts run to four or five times the pre-war unit rates. An independent and supplementary scheme was also propounded years ago by the late Dr. J. J. C. Bradfield. This was to construct an electric railway branching north of Pymble and passing round the head of Middle Harbour through St. Ives to open up the high ground of French's Forest for suburban development. It was pointed out at the time that the sale of Crown lands could pay for the railway construction. Meantime, apart from the construction of the Wakehurst Parkway, which still lacks the building of the high level bridge over Middle Harbour at Sugarloaf Point, the State authorities have done little for Warringah, leaving the district to the local shire council and to private enterprise. It seems that this condition of affairs is likely to continue as the Cumberland County Council has sidestepped the problem by placing much of the area in its Green Belt. Warringah residents and property-owners must look to themselves for further developments. There would be better prospects of securing a railway connection after the population has considerably expanded to guarantee sufficient density of traffic. It is all bound up with the political history of this State which realists study and carefully observe.
Warringah, nevertheless, has such potentialities in itself that it could be a location for a satellite town, that is to say a largely self-contained population block of at least 20,000 residents, or even several blocks of 10,000 and upwards. For this purpose the locality would require extensive retail business development, schools and high schools and local sources of employment, such as light industries which could easily be tucked away in the numerous gullies intersecting the higher ground. In addition to transport problems another factor has influenced the State authorities in declining to encourage development in Warringah. That is the difficulty in providing water sup' plies with, at a later date, sewerage services. The same would apply, though in lesser degree to the other public utilities. As regards water supply the local Manly waterworks served the whole district for a number of years until supplemented from the metropolitan supply system by pipe mains crossing Middle Harbour at the Spit and later by' larger mains from Pymble. Eventually these led to the closing of the old Manly waterworks. If further extensions from the metropolitan system are considered to be out of the question for the present then a reversion could be made to local supplies. Other dams could be built or well sources adjacent to the lagoons explored. A filtration plant was employed in the case of the Manly works -and such plants would ensure pure water from other prospective sources. Manly also has scope for residential expansion in the quarantine station area. There have been suggestions for removing this area to a site in Broken Bay or elsewhere. About twenty years ago the ocean frontage with its high cliffs was dedicated as a public park. It is worth looking into the prospective value of the quarantine area if subdivided and sold for residential purposes. The return could conceivably prove sufficient for transfer of the quarantine station. Editorial (1952, January 23). Construction Construction (Sydney, NSW : 1938 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223547021
There was a short-lived bus service along the parkway connecting commuters from Palm Beach inwards:
Bus-ferry travel starts today
The reorganised bus - ferry travel plan will operate in the Manly-Warringah area from today.
Passengers south of Dee Why to Manly will travel by feeder buses to Manly Wharf and board ferries for Circular Quay.
Passengers
Passengers using the coordinated service will buy combined bus-ferry tickets, which will cost no more than the total of two separate fares.
Regular travellers will save by buying combined weekly tickets covering five return trips and unlimited ferry travel on seven days a week. Direct buses to Wynyard from the Dee Why-Manly area will cease.
Most buses from the area Palm Beach and Narrabeen in peak hours will travel by Wakehurst Parkway.
New route
In off-peak periods these buses and Wynyard-bound buses from the area between Narrabeen and Dee Why will travel along Roseville Road and Wakehurst Parkway. Within a month the Transport Department will provide co-ordinated bus-ferry services for the North Shore suburbs of Taronga Park and Neutral Bay. A co-ordinated service for the Lane Cove area will follow in a few months. Bus-ferry travel starts today (1952, March 30). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248747062
Major Feature Of Bus-ferry Plan Abandoned
The Commissioner for Government Tram and Omnibus Services, Mr. A. A. Shoebridge, yesterday announced the abandonment of a major part of the Manly bus-ferry diversion scheme. He said that bus routes 150 and 170, now running to Palm Beach through French's Forest, would merge into the old 150 route along Pittwater Road and Condamine street from early in October.
However, buses on journeys to the city would take up passengers from south of Brookvale only when accommodation was available.
"On journeys from the city the selling down of passengers will be as at present." he said.
Mr. Shoebridge first announced the change at a conference of M.L.A.s and Warringah Shire representatives yesterday morning.
He said last night: "The reversion to the old route is necessary because there has been a falling off in patronage.
"We will also save about 10 minutes a trip by using the old route. This means we will save mileage and money."
The routes through French's Forest were part of the Manly-Warringah diversion of bus travellers to Manly ferries. The scheme began on March 30. Route 150 to Palm Beach via Condamine Street and Pittwater Road was diverted at Seaforth to the Wakehurst Parkway and Roseville Road and rejoined Pittwater Road at Brookvale.
A new route, 170, was NEW BUS SERVICE
Mr. Shoebridge said that for the Narraweena area on Deewhy Heights and for points between Narraweena and Bantry Bay a peak-hour bus service would be provided to and from Wynyard, at fares ranging downwards from '1/9.
At other times the normal service between Trench's Forest Post office and Manly wharf (route 154) would be available The extra service would operate from October
The opening of a new DUS depot at Brookvale and the transfer from the Manly bus depot of most of the buses operating in the Manly-Warringah area would be associated with the changes
The manager of the Port Jackson and Manly S S Co Ltd, Mr C Cameron, announced at yesterday's meeting that old-age and invalid pensioners with certificates for concession travel issued by the Transport Department would be able to travel for half-fare on the Manly ferries from next Monday
Last night he, announced that alterations to the bus services in the Manly district would result in one ferry being withdrawn for a morning and evening single peakhour trip
'The ferry was put into service in April at the request of the transport authorities but the expected influx of passengers did not result, consequently it proved unprofitable to make this extra peak-hour trip." he said
The ferry has been with drawn at the suggestion of the Transport Department and will cease to run after September 19 "
Withdrawal of this vessel for one trip will reduce the peak hour traffic service from
10 to 15 minutes
"COMMONSENSE"
The Liberal M.L.A. for Manly, Mr. E. D. Darby, said last night: "The next step should be the ending of the diversion plan altogether.
"Mr. Shoebridge's announcement is a triumph for commonsense.
The president of the Warringah Shire Council, Councillor J. Fisher, said yesterday that Mr. Shoebridge had gone a long way to restoring the original bus services to the shire.
"We expect Mr. Shoebridge to restore the original service." he said. "Our council will never rest until he has made it possible for Warringah residents to travel direct to Wynyard without being forced to travel via the Port Jackson Steamship Company's boats." Major Feature Of Bus-ferry Plan Abandoned (1952, September 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18280340
BIG PLANS FOR FRENCH'S FOREST
Private interests plan to build an open-air drive-in theatre, a restaurant, and a modern hotel in French's Forest.
They also plan to build 60 bungalows, an 0lympic pool, and other amenities. One of the partners in the drive-in theatre venture, Mr. J. McPadden, said last night that the theatre would accommodate at least 500 cars. He said it would be Australia's first drive- in theatre on American lines. Mr. McFadden said that the "theatre" would cover six acres, and the
special screen would be 40 feet square. The Gelbar Import and Engineering N Company plans to build the hotel. Olympic pool, bungalows, arid other amenities as part of a holiday settlement. The company is seeking 28 acres of land between Wakehurst Parkway and Warringah Road. The land is in the city's green belt, and the Cumberland County Council will discuss the proposal next month.
BIG PLANS FOR FRENCH'S FOREST (1953, March 11). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248865551
Dumped Rubbish
Sir,-Cannot something be done to prevent the dumping of rubbish along the scenic drives?
Recently I had the humiliating experience of taking interstate visitors to see the much-vaunted beauty spots of North Head and the Wakehurst Drive, with its by-pass to the aboriginal carvings and was chided for taking them to see nothing but one rubbish dump after another
(Mrs.) A. GRAHAM.
Mosman.
Dumped Rubbish (1953, October 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18394597
Clean up in the forest
Voluntary workers today collected tons of rubbish along the Wakehurst Parkway in Frenchs Forest. Men, women and children took part in the drive. The cleanup was instigated by two interior decorators, Eileen and Joan Bradley of Iluka Rd., Mosman.
"We came up to see the spring flowers in the forest some weeks ago, but we saw more rubbish," Eileen said today. "We decided the only way to clean it up was to do a little ourselves and hope others would do the same.
"Since 8 o'clock this morning the party has collected rags, bottles, old bedding, papers, boots and shoes.
French's Forest fire brigade secretary E. A. Viney said the rubbish was a potential fire hazard. Warringah Shire Council supervised the clean up and made available a truck and driver. Clean up in the forest (1954, November 6).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LAST RACE LATE CRICKET). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230465975
The 'Blinking Light corner' of Wakehurst Parkway and Warringah Rd
Department of Main Roads New South Wales Annual Report 1966-67
In the County of Cumberland, road works completed were principally reconstruction a n d pavement widening to provide additional lanes for traffic, installation of median strips in six-lane carriageways, channelisation of intersections and construction of approaches to bridges. (- page 9.)
WIDENING OF METROPOLITAN MAIN ROADS
During the past year the principal roads on which property was being acquired by the Department for widening purposes were as follows:—
Mona Vale Road in the Shire of Warringah and Municipality of Ku-ring-gai.
Boundary Street and Babbage Road, East Roseville, in the Municipalities of Ku-ring-gai and Willoughby.
Military Road and Spit Road, Mosman, in the Municipality of Mosman.
Barrenjoey Road, Mona Vale to Newport Beach, in the Shire of Warringah.
ROAD WORKS
Lane Cove Road —Ryde Reconstruction and bitumen surfacing to provide a six-lane divided carriageway from Blaxland Road to Quarry Road.
Pittwater Road—Narrabeen Widening, reconstruction and major channelisation of the intersection with Wakehurst Parkway.
Warringah Road—French's Forest Widening from Fitpatrick Avenue to Wakehurst Parkway to provide a six-lane divided carriageway with major channelisation at the intersections with Forest Way and Wakehurst Parkway .
Robertson-road to Neptune-road, Newport - Reconstruction and widening do 53,179
Warringah Expressway—North Sydney Construction of first section from norther n end of Sydney Harbour Bridge to Miller Street, Cammeray. (See also page 20).
Photo: The intersection of Pittwater Road (Main Road No. 164) and Wakehurst Parkway (Main Road No. 397) at North Narrabeen. (From Page 12)
Report freely available at https://www.opengov.nsw.gov.au/publications/16113;jsessionid=92140CF4231C66D19F32491653947E7D
The First Roseville Bridge
The Bridge that came before the forward progression to link Frenchs Forest with Narrabeen had its beginnings in the Frenchs Forest soldier settlement that followed World War I.
The New South Wales government, alike all state governments introduced the Returned Soldiers Settlement Act in 1916. Soldiers were eligible to apply for Crown Lands if they had served overseas with the Australian Imperial Forces or with the British Defence Service. The soldiers also needed to have been honourably discharged to be eligible.
The land was available to the soldiers on affordable terms and they could also receive advances of money to make improvements to the land, which was often in poor condition. They could also use the money for equipment, plants, stock and seeds.
The idea was worthwhile but failed in part due to the grounds allocated being poor for farming, or the size of block being too small to generate enough income to pay off the loans, thus increasing the stress on those who already stressed by the physical and emotional already debilitating those who had served on coming home. Of course, when you can't make a living on a small holding the alternative is to sell it to repay a loan - most of those were around the £500 - but if the land isn't worth that much you must find a way to increase its value and one certain way to do that is to make it more accessible to more people.
You can also take on other work to meet the loan repayments. For that you need a job within reach or to be able to reach where the job is at in a reasonable time frame.
If you have produce you of course need to get it to market, so that too figured in the push for a road and bridge and access to the markets in town. These men didn't want a handout, they just needed a hand getting up and what they came up with was clearly apparent - connection and communication.
As isolation or being cut off from being able to access alternative work or social connection, is another aspect of the need to connect the then rural outposts of Sydney and connect them to the beaches too - already gaining in popularity then.
Many of the men returning from this conflict, in a generation where 'shellshock' was the term applied for what is now named Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), also needed to get together with each other, the only ones they knew had been through a same experience to talk, or not talk, and enjoy being among that wellspring of 'mateship' as a way to ease all they brought home with them - scars that could be seen and all those that remained mostly unseen. They could have 'men's sheds' locally, but getting into town without it being an all-day exercise that left you stranded at night was worth changing too.
There's a lot more to this story, which will run in due course. An overview commences with the mateship that exists at home all during that terrible conflict and shows in the fact that everyone wanted to help of course - to ensure the success of those coming home:
LESSON OF FRENCH’S FOREST.
PREPARING FARMLETS FOR SOLDIERS.
Trifling incidents, as everybody knows, often lead to great discoveries. It was from observing an apple fall that Newton discovered the law of gravitation. In a similarly inconspicuous fashion a little paragraph in the newspapers has disclosed that in the goodwill of the community we have a prodigious wealth of patriotic endeavor, which, if systematised, would make the solution of some of the problems which now weigh heavy upon our statesmen easy of accomplishment.
The lesson of French’s Forest is one that should be taken to heart in every town, village and hamlet throughout Australia. French’s Forest is a rugged plateau on the coastal heights 13 miles from Sydney, where the State Government has made available 40 five-acre blocks for the use of soldiers, already returned from the front, who wish to go in for light farming and poultry-raising. In ordinary circumstances the carving of a home out of this wilderness would have been the work of the settlers themselves. But one good turn deserves another. These citizen soldiers risked their lives for the safety of the nation; it was now the nation's duty and privilege to mark its appreciation of the self-sacrificing patriotism of these gallant men by giving every possible help to re-establish them in civil life.
Thus it was that paragraph appeared in the press over the name of Dr. Arthur, the parliamentary member for the district appealing "not for money or goods but muscle and brains;” in short, for voluntary workers to give up their New Year holidays and help to clear and prepare the settlement for the soldiers. There was no attempt at organising a "working bee” in the practical sense; time apparently did not admit of that.Moreover, French's Forest lies off the beaten track of wayfarers. Yet the response was magnificent. Upwards of 150 workers mustered on the ground, many of them having come long distances, involving four hours' travel by train, ferry and motor boat, with a walk of from 2½ to four miles to finish up with. The volunteers represented all grades of city men. There were contingents of coal lumpers and school teachers, artisans and mechanics business and professional men, journalists and politicians, and a squad of smart Boy Scouts, carrying the Australian flag who, if not exactly "hewers of wood" were certainly "drawers of water" for the hot sun, combined with strenuous and unaccustomed labor necessitated the billies being ever on the boil. Though a hundred mattocks and axes were provided on the ground and some of the workers brought their own, there were not enough implements for the willing hands offering. To leave a tool for a moment was to lose it. Men simply hungered for something to do - a curious spectacle, indicating the fine spirit in which the enterprise had been undertaken. Foremost among the workers were Mr. Ashford, the Minister for Lands, and Mr. J. C. Watson, the hon. organiser of the Federal War Committee.
The trouble was that everybody wanted to swing an axe or wield a mattock; there was nobody anxious to undertake the direction of affairs. In future this is to be remedied. The Minister for Lands has now appointed a surveyor and a foreman to see that the work is carried out systematically and according to plan. Now that voluntary effort has justified itself so excellently, it is intended to continue the enterprise until the whole settlement is cleared and fenced and the homes built for the prospective settlers. There Is not likely to be any lack of volunteers to see the thing through.
At present a large body of school teachers are camped on the ground, putting in a portion of their annual leave for the benefit of the soldiers, and Dr. Arthur has just received a generous offer from Mr. C. H. Griffon, of Bowral, who undertakes to guarantee the labor of a gang of six seasoned bush workers, under his own supervision, for period of a months. Mr. Griffon and his gang will provide themselves with food, tools, tents, everything but water, and give their services free. "As trained bush workers" writes Mr. Griffon. "I think we can make a better job than your city men. Why, poor chaps, their soft hands would blister!” So far as the blisters go there is truth in Mr. Griffen's persiflage, but city men have no reason to be ashamed of blisters which their energy and pluck so nobly earned. LESSON OF FRENCH’S FOREST. (1916, January 11). Daily Post (Hobart, Tas. : 1908 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190981202
Sergeant John Degnin on 17 December 1916, at the presentation to him of 'Mosman Cottage', a house built by volunteers through the Frenchs Forest soldier settlement scheme. Image NRS4481_MS4860P, courtesy NSW State Archives and Records.
On the 20th of January 1917 the last house completed in the Frenchs Forest soldier settlement scheme was handed over to First World War veteran, Alfred Pearce, and his family in a special ceremony. Image No.; NRS4481, courtesy NSW State Archives and Records.
Department of Lands, Sydney, 14th June, 1918.
NOTIFICATION SETTING APART CROWN LANDS FOR A RETURNED SOLDIER'S HOLDING.
IT is hereby notified that, in pursuance of the provisions of sections 3a and 4 of the Returned Soldiers Settlement Act, 1916, the Crown Lands comprised within the area hereunder mentioned are hereby set spurt fur a Returned Soldier's Holding, and shall be disposed of under the prevailing conditions of the law.
This block shall be available only for Frederick Austin Morrison, of Shrapnel Gully, French's Forest, to whom a certificate of preferential right entitling him to the said block has been issued under section 3A of the Returned Soldiers Settlement A«t, 1916.
The area will be available on and after 17th JUNE, 1918.
The application may be lodged by the applicant in person, or by his agent in person duly authorised in writing, pr may be posted to the Crown Land Agent.
An application shall be in Form 3, and shall be lodged with the Crown Land Agent, and shall be accompanied by one half-year's rent in advance and by an instalment of one-tenth of the survey fee. The survey fee shall (unless the holder desires to pay the fee sooner) be paid in ten equal yearly instalments, with interest at the rate of 4 per centum per annum on the amount unpaid.
The Returned Soldier's Holding will be subject to the general provisions of the Returned Soldiers Settlement Act, 1916, and the Regulations thereunder, except that sections 63, 54, 55, 5G, 114, 183, 141, 147, 163, 179, 222, 223, 224, 223, 231, 235, 273r and 274 of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, referred to in amended Regulation No. 11, under the Returned Soldiers Settlement Act, 1916, shpll not be applicable to the areas herein set apart.
The Returned Soldier's Holdings will be subject to the following special conditions :—
(1) Tho title to the land shall be a lease in perpetuity.
(2) The lessee shall reside bona fide on the land as his usual home, without any other habitual residence for a period of five (5) years. Such residence shall commence within six months from date of confirmation of the application.
(3) The annual rent—to be paid half-yearly in advance—shall be two and one-half per centum of the capital value for each and every period of the lease : Provided that the annual rent during any period shall not be less than five shillings.
(4) The first period of the lease shall determine at the expiration of twenty years after the date of the application for the holding, and the second and all succeeding periods shall be each of twenty years, each of such periods commencing at the expiration of the last preceding period.
(5) The capital value of the holding for the first period shall be the capital value as notified by the Minister in the Gazette. The capital value of the holding for the second and every succeeding period shall be determined by the Local Land Board.
(6) Tho lessee shall take such measures as the Minister for Lands may deem reasonable or sufficient to free and keep the land free from rabbits and other noxious animals, and to eradicate and keep the land clear of all prickly-pear, noxious scrubs, undergrowths, and weeds.
(7) The lessee shall not transfer or assign the holding without the consent of the Minister for Lands in writing being first obtained.
The principal conditions which attach to a Holding are residence and payment of rent, but any building erected must conform to the ordinances under the Local Government Act.
After the expiration of five years from the confirmation of application a grant will issue provided all required conditions have then been compiled with.
Where any land contains improvements which are or are not the property of the Crown, the holder shall pay the capital value of such Improvements in accordance with the provisions of Part VIII of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913.
W. G. ASHFORD, Minister for Lands.
Note.—All information mat/ be obtained from, and all form of application will be filled in by, the Crown Lands Agent free of cost, if so desired by the applicant.
RE TURNED SOLDIER'S SPECIAL HOLDING AREA No. 290.
NOTIFICATION SETTING APART CROWN LANDS FOR A RETURNED SOLDIER'S HOLDING. (1918, June 14). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2770. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229427014
FRENCH'S FOREST SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT.
The soldier settlers at French's Forest have obtained permission from the Department of Repatriation to raise the sum of £250 bysubscription for the purpose of erecting a recreation hall. ... of the hall has been supplied free and a member of the Voluntary Associtaion and the soldiers Intend to do the necessary labouring. FRENCH'S FOREST SOLDIER SETTLEMENT. (1919, November 13).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15873217
FRENCH'S FOREST (1922, May 18). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118866946
FRENCH'S FOREST.
SOLDIER SETTLEMENT MISTAKE.
SYDNEY, Monday.— A fear has been expressed that the settlement of soldiers at French's Forest is to be numbered among the mistakes which have been so common in connection with soldier settlement. Some settlers whom Mr. Wearnemot during his trip through the area told him their position was so bad that they were unable to pay off their liabilities to the Government.
FRENCH'S FOREST. (1924, July 7). The Richmond River Express and Casino Kyogle Advertiser (NSW : 1904 - 1929), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122582256
The Bridge:
MIDDLE HARBOUR BRIDGE.
A proposal to construct a properly graded road to the waters of Middle Harbour between Roseville and French's Forest, with a cause-way, and a small bridge across the harbour at Roseville, with a view to opening up communication with the ocean beaches, was approved at the meeting of the Kuring-gai Shire Council, and it was resolved to secure the co-operation of Warringah Shire. The North Shore members have informed Mr. Fitzsimons, the president of the council, that they are endeavouring to arrange a deputation to the Minister of Local Government. MIDDLE HARBOUR BRIDGE. (1921, May 14).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15937087
MIDDLE HARBOUR.
PROPOSED BRIDGE.
PEOPLE OFFER TO PAY HALF COST.
Replying to a deputation, which placed before him the advantages that would accrue to the northern suburbs by the construction of a bridge over Middle Harbour, Mr. Cann, Minister for Local Government, said that the question had- been brought up many times, and It was generally supported. He was not going to give a promise to construct the bridge In order to catch Votes. Nothing would be done this side of the election, but if the deputation would tell him what the councils Were prepared to contribute and what they expected the Government to do, he would give the matter consideration. The members of the deputation pointed out that the bridge would open up to a huge area that reaches from Manly northwards, and that the people were prepared to fund half the cost.
MIDDLE HARBOUR. (1922, January 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15987548
MIDDLE HARBOUR.
FUNDS FOR A BRIDGE
The Government has granted £6000 to the Kuring-gai and Warringah shires and Willoughby municipality for the erection of a bridge across an arm of Middle Harbour at Roseville. Another £6000 will be raised by the three councils, in order to construct a road through Frenchs Forest to Deewhy, which will bring the northern beaches within seven miles of Roseville. Kuring-gai Shire councillors at last night's meeting deseribed the agreement as the best work done by the council for a long time. MIDDLE HARBOUR. (1922, May 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16004426
MIDDLE HARBOR BRIDGE (1922, July 17). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118855277
SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.
French's Forest-Middle Harbour-Roseville-road, Causeway and Bridge.
Proposed Loan of £6000.
IT is hereby notified that the Warringah Shire Council proposes to apply for authority to borrow the sum of six thousand pounds (£6,000) forthe purpose of the construction of a road, causeway, and bridge to connect French's Forest, on the north-east side of Middle Harbour, with Roseville on the south-west side, and thereby to provide improved and more direct road communication between the northern suburbs of Sydney and the various parts of the Shire.
'The estimated cost of the work is £12,000, and the Government, in connection with its scheme for the relief of unemployed returned soldiers, has agreed to contribute £6,000 towards such cost, subject to certain conditions which are duly set forth in an Agreement, already executed, between the Council and the Minister for Local Government, a copy of which may be inspected at the Council's office.
Of the remaining half-cost of the work, the Ku-ringgai Shire Council has agreed to contribute 35 per cent, up to an amount not exceeding £2,100, and the Willoughby Municipal Council, 20 per cent, up to an amount not exceeding £1,200. Such contributions will be paid to this Council in annual instalments extending over a period of years, and synchronising, approximately, with the annual re-payments of loan money by this Council.
The interest payable on the proposed loan of £6,000 shall not exceed 6 per cent, per annum, and it is proposed to arrange the loan upon terms which shall provide for the repayment of principal and the payment of interest combined in equal yearly instalments extending over a period of ten years. It is proposed to repay the loan from the General Fund, and not to levy a loan rate.
Plans, reports, estimates, and agreements respecting the proposal may be inspected at the Shire Hall, Brookvale, at any time during office hours. Within one month of the publication of this notice, any number, not exceeding 25 per cent, of the ratepayers of the Shire may petition the Council to take a poll of ratepayers as to whether the ratepayers approve of the loan.
E. G. JAMIESON,
Shire Hall, Brookvale, Shire Clerk.
17th July, 1922.
SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1922, July 21). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3976. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222083293
ROSEVILLE-NARRABEEN ROAD.
The Kuring-gai Shire Council has decided to approach the Warringah and Willoughby Councils with a view of joint action in the building of a concrete or bitumen main road from the Lane Cove-road at Roseville to the Narrabeen-road, via the new bridge across Middle Harbour at Roseville. The length of the road will be about two miles. The approaches to the bridge site have already been graded. The plans of the Middle Harbour bridge were approved by the Kuring-gai Shire Council, and have been returned to the Public Works Department.ROSEVILLE-NARRABEEN ROAD. (1923, March 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16074802
The official opening took place on Saturday September 20th, 1924:
MIDDLE HARBOUR.
New Bridge Opened.
LOCAL BODIES CONGRATULATED.
Several thousand people attended the official opening on Saturday afternoon of the Middle Harbour bridge, between French's Forest and Roseville. After the opening ceremony, which was performed by the Premier (Sir George Fuller), hundreds of motor cars passed in procession over the bridge. The new structure was crowded, and large numbers of people occupied the vantage spots overlooking the bridge. There were many picnic parties in Davidson Park, which embraces both sides of Middle Harbour adjacent to the bridge, and with the beautiful spring day the scene was a picturesque one.
Councillor A. G. Parr (president of Warringah Shire Council) presided, and a feature of the gathering was the presence of five Cabinet Ministers in addition to the Premier, Sir George Fuller, being accompanied by Messrs. W. E. Wearne (Minister tor Lands), R. T Hall (Minister for Works), T. R. Bavin (Attorney-General), E. H. Farrar (Minister for Labour), and J. C. L. Fitzpatrick (Minister for Local Government). Others present Included Dr. Arthur, and Messrs. R. W. D. Weaver, W. Scott Fell, and C. Murphy, M.L.A., Sir Austin Chapman, M.P., Councillor J. G. Lockey (president Kuring-gai Shire Council), and Messrs. H. W. Clarke (Mayor Willoughby), P. Burrows (Mayor of Mosman), and A. C. Samuels (Mayor Manly).
Councillor Parr reviewed the history of the bridge, stating that the negotiations took practical shape on September 17, 1921, when a bridge league was formed at a meeting hold on the banks of the Middle Harbour, overlooking the spot where the bridge now stands. The result was that three councils Warringah, Kuring-gai, and Willoughby decided to jointly build the bridge. The men of French's Forest had been the mainspring of the movement.
Sir George Fuller, in declaring the bridge open, said that he was glad to know that returned soldiers had played a part in the construction of the approaches to the bridge, for In thus helping the soldiers the Government at the same time helped the community generally. The new bridge would prove an important link between the northern suburbs and the important beaches on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, besides relatively assisting the settlers in French's Forest. The bridge was the result of true co-operation between local governing bodies, and he trusted that the fine example set by the Warringah, Kuring-gai, and Willoughby councils would be followed in other parts of the State. While he remained at the head of the Government he would be pleased to give all the co-operation possible in enabling local governing bodies to carry out similar works.
The Government, Sir George Fuller continued, realised the importance of pushing on with developmental works in the country, and ho Instanced the agreement with the Victorian Government for the construction of bridges over the Murray. These works would assist in developing south-western Riverina, and while is was true that a good deal of the trade of that part of the State would go to Victoria, the result would he more potential taxpayers to New South Wales.
Councillor J. G. Lockley (president of Ku-ring-gai Shire Council) moved a vote of thanks to the Premier, which was seconded by Alderman H. W. Clarke (Mayor of Willoughby).
The Premier and party travelled to the bridge by way of the Spit and French's Forest. At the Soldiers' Memorial Hall in French's Forest Sir George Fuller was welcomed by the soldiers and other settlers, and in the evening a ball was held to commemorate the opening of the bridge.
MIDDLE HARBOUR. (1924, September 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16174126
Above: OPENING OF THE BRIDGE ACROSS MIDDLE HARBOUR. THE CEREMONY NEAR ROSEVILLE ON SATURDAY, AFTERNOON. OPENING OF THE BRIDGE ACROSS MIDDLE HARBOUR. (1924, September 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16174040
Below: OPENING OF THE MIDDLE HARBOUR BRIDGE. Several thousand people attended the official opening on Saturday afternoon of the –Middle Harbour Bridge between French's Forest and Roseville. After the opening ceremony, which was performed by the Premier, Sir George Fuller, hundreds of motor cars passed in procession over the bridge. Sir George Fuller said the new bridge would prove an important link between the northern suburbs and the important beaches on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, besides substantially assisting settlers in French’s Forest. OPENING OF THE MIDDLE HARBOUR BRIDGE. (1924, September 24). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169149144
Mr. Lockley wrote several gardening books and, using the pseudonym 'Redgum', wrote about gardening at the Sydney Morning Herald and also had a very popular radio program on gardening up until he passed away. His brother Robert Lockley also had a long association with Narrabeen and Collaroy, as did Robert's son of the same name, being a member of south Narrabeen SLSC.
LOCKLEY.-January 11, at her residence, Lochwin noch, Stuart-street, Narrabeen, the wife of Robert Lockley, of a son (William Edward).Family Notices (1918, January 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15778985
LOCKLEY-BROWN.-June 6 1941. at St. Andrew's Church, Manly, by the Rev. A. M. Stevenson, Albert James Verdun ( Jim ). R.A.A.F., third son of Mr and Mrs Robert Lockley, Collaroy, to Winifred Schiela, younger daughter of the late Captain A A. and of Mrs I M Brown. Manly, formerly of Collaroy. Family Notices (1941, June 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17761885
More:
MR. J. G. LOCKLEY.
The death occurred suddenly on Tuesday from heart failure of Mr. J. G. Lockley, who was widely known and much esteemed. Mr. Lockley, who wrote garden notes under the nom-de-plume of "Redgum," was a lovable character, radiating cheerfulness, and the column he contributed to the Sydney Morning Herald every Saturday had long been one of its popular features. For years he also gave tireless talks weekly on gardening, and had a very large following. He was a brother of Mr. T. Lockley, of Goulburn.
Mr. Lockley, son of the late Mr. John Lockley, a Welshman, was born at Waterloo in 1865. Most of his boyhood was spent at Redfern and Pyrmont, his parents living in the early seventies opposite Hudson's original timber works. He well remembered the old Exhibition, in Prince Alfred Park, and had a fund of stories about the days when there were Chinese market gardens in the neighbourhood of Cleveland Street, and about old times in Sydney generally. He recollected the days when most of Harris Street fronted paddocks.
Leaving school in 1878, he began work in the bookshop of Mr. William Maddock, in George Street, who at that time conducted a large selling business and the largest of the lending libraries. He stayed there for 17 years, and then joined the book-selling firm of Angus and Robertson. With that firm he remained for some time, and then entered business on his own account, being director for all the years it ran, of the Lockley Library.
Mr. Lockley, a born writer, drift-ed into journalism more than 30 years ago. At first, and for some years, journalism was a sideline, but eventually it became practically his wholetime profession and few wrote more charmingly or talked more interestingly than he did about flowers and trees. His original contributions were made in the old "Evening News" under the pen-name of "Florist." He contributed to the old "Daily Telegraph" and the "Sun" before he became associated with the "Herald" staff in 1929.
Mr. Lockley was a member of the Kuringai Shire Council for 12 years, and was its president for one term. He was mainly instrumental in securing the dedication of Davidson Park, along the shores of Middle Harbour, and in getting approval for the bridge across Middle Harbor at Roseville. Mr. Lockley, who married a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Mills, of Auburn, is survived by his widow and two sons—Mr. Norman Lockley and Mr. Bruce Lockley.
MR. J. G. LOCKLEY (1937, May 20). Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 - 1940), p. 7 (DAILY). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102761127
LOCKLEY.-May 18, 1937, at his residence, 6 Stanhope-road, Killara, John Gilmour Lockley ("Redgum"), loved husband of Lilian, and father of Norman and Bruce, aged 72 years. Family Notices (1937, May 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17369165
MR. J. G. LOCKLEY ("Redgum," of the "Herald"), who died in Sydney this week, was well-known to all local radio people. He gave gardening talks every week, and achieved a wide popularity. Page 2 Mainly about People (1937, May 20). Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162244880
MR. J. G. LOCKLEY
Indicative of the popularity and the high regard in which' he was held by practically all sections of the community was the large gathering that
attended the funeral yesterday afternoon at the Gore Hill Cemetery of Mr. John G. Lockley, better known as "Redgum." Mr. Lockley died suddenly on Tuesday. He was 72 years of age and for the past 30 years had been a writer or gardening notes for several city newspapers. He also spoke on gardening, from the National Broadcasting Stations.
"He will always be remembered as one of Nature's gentlemen," declared Pastor J. Whelan during a' short service at a Chatswood funeral parlor,. "He loved flowers and the touch of nature all about him became part of his fabric."
Chief mourners at the funeral were Mrs. Lockley, widow, Messrs. Norman and Bruce Lockley, sons, Messrs. Edward, Thomas, William andRobert Lockley, brothers, Mrs. J. Hamilton, sister, Mr. and Mrs. H. Walters, brother-in-law and sister, Mr. A. McNab, brother-in-law, and M. Walters; and P. Lockley, nephews. MR. J. G. LOCKLEY (1937, May 20). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236459636
John Gilmour Lockley Photo portrait. Image nla.obj-163023678, courtesy National Library of Australia and part of Fairfax archive of glass plate negatives. Fairfax number: 7261
His Narrabeen songs and connections which underline his wishing to share the beauties of Narrabeen with the wider metropolis:
NARRABEEN.
(By J.G L)
Half an hour on a modern harbor liner, 35 minutes on an electric car, and you are at Narrabeen. , That is the way we do things to-day. Not many weeks since one bad to scramble for a place on a hybrid omnibus, and many a time be content to wait for the most part of an hour until starting time arrived. Then you jogged quietly over the seven odd miles of indifferent road, chatting all the while with your seat mate, wondering every half-mile of the journey on what day. the trams would begin to run, and eventually got off somewhere along the beach road to hump your bundles to the week-end habitation.
If, there was no coach you trammed it to Brookvale, and footed the three or four miles without a complaint. The walk was always a pleasant one, whether you took it in broad daylight or after dark. Those days are over. They will never return. Electricity and steel rails, with comfortable cars, and competent, careful officials, thrown in, have altered every thing. Merely start for Narrabeen, and you will not be long on the Journey.
If you know not the place, make up your mind to find it out. And once you have found It, Narrabeen will call you time and time again. Do you ask why? Because she has many, many charms. Her lovelinesses are such that one could spend weeks in the heart of her, and then, go away having missed much. But let me not travel too fast; for there is quite a lot about Narrabeen that is well worth the telling, especially in those-days when, after fully a quarter of a century of waiting, she has been almost brought within' the gates of the city.
This delightful seaside spot is no new place. Only the rails and trams, and the slugging electricity belong to the present. Every thing else lived a long way back in the past.
The historical records tell a tale of a journey begun by Governor Phillip on April 15, 1788. He was exploring the country between Manly Cove and Pittwater, when Narrabeen Lake was discovered. Three days were spent getting round the swamp and marshes. That was long enough ago, surely. Hawksworth, one of the old-time authorities, says that the great Captain Cook, thought he had discovered an other harbor, when he first saw the "low, broken land like a bay," in the vicinity of Narrabeen.
So our beauty spot has "ancestors." But she has charms enough of her own to be able to do without the scanty references found in the early records. Still, it is well to know what though long past reveals. Working among the records of the first quarter of last century for the purpose of gathering something about the original grants, I find the country on which Narrabeen stands to-day was handed over on August 21, 1818, to John Ramsay. The grant was for 410. acres. It begins at the present Salvation Army-boundary, a few chains on the Sydney side of the present tram -terminus, runs westward on to the high plateau now known as Mount Ramsay, strikes north again to a point which make's about halfway up the lagoon, and then follows what was then only a long sandspit to the mouth.
On this estate the earliest settlement was begun. How long John Ramsay held it I have not yet, been able to discover. There are several stories floating round as to what use the original grantee and his immediate followers put the place. One of these yarns has to do with the origin of the name. Mount Ramsay estate, it is said, was a convict settlement. All the flat land between the foothill and the sand near to the water's edge was under cultivation. The old homestead stood somewhere on the hill where Mr. Haines' "Palm Cottage" now stands. This stone home was built out of the remains of the original structure.
Rumor says that a Captain Reynolds took over the property in the days when servants were assigned to anyone who had need of them, and devoted his attentions to husbandry. Farming, of any sort could never have been a payable proposition on any of the land within his reach. The country is poor to-day. It could never have been anything else. However, Reynolds found the place to his liking, especially as there was plenty of sport near at hand. Fish and waterfowl with bush vermin, too, were plentiful. Perhaps it was the pleasure of the place, and not the farming, that won the heart of the military owner or lessee. How long Reynolds lived at Mount Ramsay is not recorded. His life was cut short by a band of bushrangers and escaped convicts, led by a vagabond, who was known by the name of Big Mick. This ruffianly company worked south from the Hawkesbury, and caught the home stead napping. Every man and woman on the place, with the exception of a black girl, said to be a daughter of the reigning king, and named Narrabine, was killed. The girl made her way across country to Sydney, and piloted a company of soldiers, who were not long in avenging the murders. Rum and riot, got the better of the convicts, and they in their turn passed out to make room for better company. That, I believe, is the true version of how the village gets Its name.
Now skip another big slice of time and let me tell you something of the way the young men of 40 years ago made their way into Narrabeen. I have this Information from one who did the journey scores of times. To Folly Point first. After that a trip by pair-oar skiff to Clear Creek, almost at the head of Middle Harbor. Then a clamber over the hillside, along a well-marked footway— 'this is the track Narrabine was supposed to have taken— over some very rough country, until they came down on to the beach somewhere In the vicinity of Collaroy. The travelling must have, been rough enough for anything. I happen to have made a morning tramp over the Ramsay Mountain, from which some of the old route Is visible, and am of opinion that' the old-time lads badly wanted something to do when they chose Narrabeen for a day's outing. Few of our boys would take such expeditions for pleasure. The next generation will probably tram it all the way.
Today the way is easy and particularly pleasant. From the time the car mounts Farrell's-hill, on the north of Brookvale, until you alight at the water front, the outlook is extremely beautiful. Inland the bush is fine, eastward the sands, the lake, and the sea make pictures that are not easily excelled! The loop by the Salvation Army vegetable patch is on a grant of 200 acres made in August, 1834, to James Jenkins. Lower down the road, between the Deewhy Bridge and the South Creek-road, another grant begins. This one stands in the name of William Cossar, and was for 500 acres. Half of the northern lagoon shore, the- whole of the land up to Long Reef Point, including The Basin and the grass-covered headland, at the beginning of the sands now known as Narrabeen, but properly called Long Reef Beach, comes into this area. Until lately the country was held by the Salvation Army, to whom it was left by Miss Jenkins.
Lately the Government, knowing how popular the new line would become, resumed 171 acres out of the original 500, making in one act the finest sea side park-lands in the whole of the Common wealth. This resumption begins at the mouth of the Deewhy Lagoon, and takes in every square Inch of the country between the present fence and the rocks at the foot of Long Reef Point. Northward the limit-line starts some where about the middle of The Basin, and comes westward to the roadway. That park makes Narrabeen for all time. It is truly a lovely spot.
Wait until the summer comes, and see how the people will appreciate it! "'But we are' not yet at Narrabeen proper. Indeed! some say the train is not there yet! That is one of the sore points with the Lagoon enders. There is plenty of time. The century is still! young. And the influence of Narrabeen is only just beginning. No Government can refuse to extend the tram to the bridge. Just half a mile more and the beach is reached, at a spot which must please every man, woman, and child who gets there.
Is there anything in surf, or shore, in lake or woodland in fern or flower that you are seeking? You will find' it down at the end of the now tramline. Are you looking for peace by the murmuring sea waves? Would you he happy in the heart of .the big bush? Then try Narrabeen. The place is a veritable tonic, a fairyland, where Dame Nature has brought together countless charms for the men and women who know how to enjoy the beauty of their own countryside. For the young folks who like, to romp and revel there are big green swards and lots of tree shade for the tiny toddlers there is plenty of broken waters on the beach; and for the tired city worker In search of peace there is healing In the air, and comfort as well. Putting all political questions aside, and for the time forgetting that there are difficulties over the tram-making, the "coming" of Narrabeen is one of the big good works of to-day that will bring health and pleasure and profit to thousands in need of recreation and rest. NARRABEEN. (1912, August 17). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 14. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238631159
Please note that numerous researchers have yet to uncover the true story of 'Reynolds' and no Sergeant coming out with First Fleeters of that name has yet been identified...most ascribe this to being a 'tale' which contain threads of truths interwoven and applied to a local scenario.
More on 'Palm Cottage' - the first not by Mr. Lockley:
Relics of an Early Settler.
Certainly the most picturesque spot on the road between Manly and Pittwater (Newport) is Narrabeen beach and lagoon, or rather lake, the beach for some time providing a resting-place of the steamship Collaroy. Running behind and parallel with the beach is a strip of level well grassed land, and from the borders of this rises a pretty ridge, heavily timbered at the southern end, but sloping on the north to the beautiful still waters, the meaning of the native name, of Narrabeen Lagoon.
On this slope, commanding a view to the east over a wide expanse of ocean and sea coast, and to the west over Narrabeen, stood some old ruins buried almost in the grassy hillside. The ruins have lain undisturbed for many years, and have formed the subject of many conjectures as to the nature of the buildings which they represented. It is said that in the earliest times a sergeant in His Majesty the King's service, attracted by the beauty of the site, built the place. The escaped convicts were at the time very troublesome, and stealing forth from their hiding places in the rough country between the head of Middle Harbour and the Hawkesbury, gave much trouble to the settlers. The sergeant's house was at one time the scene of an encounter with an ex-convict, in which that officer and his wife were killed, and from that time the house was allowed to fall into ruin, and has gradually been covered by the hillside.
Some little time since, the land was purchased by Mr. Obed West, of Barcom Glen, and on it he had erected a handsome stone cottage. During the course of the work the men engaged dug up a number of coins, both silver and copper all bearing date about 1825. No doubt, it was about this time that the cottage stood inhabited, and it would be then that the tragic event referred to must have occurred. Relics of an Early Settler. (1884, December 13). The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893), p. 13 (Second Sheet the the Maitland Mercury). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18941705
Lockley OPENING OF NARRABEEN TRAMWAY. (1912, May 29). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238747615
Lockley: THE WRECKED THELMA. (1913, March 12). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 9. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117927920
SEASIDE RESORTS.
Two furnished Cottages to Let, fronting ocean; surf and lake bathing; Narrabeen. J. G. Lockley, Moore-street, Sydney. Advertising(1916, August 12). Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 - 1940), p. 1 (EVENING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article98896851
NARRABEEN
How Village Began POACHERS' PARADISE
(By J. G. LOCKLEY.)
Fifteen or so years ago Billy Boyce, of Crow's Nest, and a few of his cronies, who were in the habit of weekending at Narrabeen, decided to strike their tents and put up something In the way of a bungalow that would make their seaside visits more enjoyable. Plans were prepared, and timber and iron and glass sent down by horse- team, and the bricks for the chimneys, too, were delivered on the job. Saturday night saw the Shore party on the scene, ready to get on with the job early next morning, as soon as the breakfast dishes had been washed and stowed away.
A Sunday or two later the head man of the party fell off a ladder and broke a leg. That misfortune kept the early resident quiet in hospital for six weeks or more. In the meantime, and quite unknown to their comrade, the other workers in that company decided to hammer everything into position on their own account. While the boss's leg was healing the house was taking shape. Very soon the place was ready for occupation. Even the window blinds and the doormat were made ready. Beds, too, and kitchen crockery found a place in that well-planned seaside home. Just about the time that the windows were being cleaned for the curtains, Billy Boyce was ready for another run seawards. On the next Saturday night he and the original company set off again for the seaside village, where he expected to resume house making at the point where the tools were laid down on the day when he met with the accident. Shortly after midnight a dozen or so merry workers dropped off a drag a few yards away from the rough home gate, and made their way towards the Boyce allotment And just as Boyce himself was wondering what had happened since his last visit, up went the lights, and the Crow's Nest resident Btepped over the threshold and entered a home which his cronies had built for him, and in which the supper tables were nicely set, and ready for himself and his friends.
That is the story of one of the first bits of voluntary work done along the Long Reef beach coastline, which is now known as Narrabeen. All the week-end the hammers and the saws were kept going. Indeed, it was the Sunday work of the amateur fishermen, the week-ender, and the surf-lover, that put Narrabeen on the map. Baltic weatherboards and corrugated iron took but little handling. Anyone who could hammer a nail or use a chalk line could knock up his own humpy. No one cared whether the style of architecture was Roman, Russian, or Randwickian. The main thing to consider was to get a tin top to the shanty, a galvanised iron tank to catch rain water from the clouds, and an oil drum for a fireplace. Only those who had furniture vans, drags, or sulkies were able to begin the simple life in a big way. Men who travelled by steamer and coach, or had to do the journey from Manly north on a push-bike, had to take whatever came to them.
SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE.
But what did it matter? The sportsmen and the pioneers got their pleasure at a small cost, and had plenty of it. It was a hard job to get there, but once you had arrived there was fun enough to keep you busy all through your holiday hours. Men were not as fussy 25 years ago as they are to-day. They went out to Narrabeen because the wild was still wild, and the big lake still unchanged. Fish were plentiful, game was good. And, best of all, one ran round like a red-shank, without let or hindrance-Life was sweet and very wholesome, and the land was sweeter still. Mr. Ted Atkin, who has been in residence on the Peninsula for nearly 20 years, and was a week-ender under canvas for a long time before he got out of his tents, told me that no one ever went fish-hungry in the days when Narrabeen was only in its infancy. All one had to do was to throw a baited hook and line into the lake or the ocean to get enough whiting, bream, flathead, or flounder for a meat If your fancy ran towards waterfowl, wallaby, gill birds, or even wild duck, the winged things and the fur-coated animals were plentiful enough to please you. Narrabeen was really a sportsman's paradise.
Any of the old-timers will tell you that. No one ever went short of food or fun- Messrs. Tom Le Clerc and Bob Puffett, two of the best-known of the lake and beach fishermen, have many yarns that would take years to write down. These men, with the late Charlie Inder, one of the most lovable men who ever wore shorts on the ocean front, with a handful of other quick-fingered linesmen, had the place almost to themselves for years. Their only worry was the professional fish-poachers, who came early to the lakeside, and stayed, year in and year out, for the good gold they got for the whiting and flathead which, night after night, they stole from the closed waters that were being held as breeding grounds for the tiny progeny of the big fishes that worked their way In from the sea. These men were brazen and Impudent enough to do their bad work even in broad daylight. Fortunately, the low is now too alert, and watchful to allow these men much rope or fishing net. Constable Huckins has the position well in hand.
He has made matters too hot for even the quick-footed fish-stealer. On one occasion, while Mr. Huckins was working the lake during: the small hours of the morning, he rowed straight into a big drag-net. Sensing the situation in a trice, he started hauling the net aboard his boat. That brought yells and unprintable utterances from the owners on the shore. "Stop that blinking net-haulin'," cried one of the fish-poachers. . "If yer don't, I'll bloomin' well punch yer blind!" But the constable went on with his hauling-Then out came one poacher, with his words and his fisticuffs. Little did he think the law was on the .other end of his net rope; "Good for you, Mr. 1" said the constable, when the wild fish-thief came close enough to be identified. "This net belongs, to the Crown. You get back to the shore as quickly as you came!"
A few minutes later the father of the well-known expert came ill towards the net centre, and was almost close enough to be recognised by something more than his voice. But he was wise enough to listen for a word or two before risking his eyes or his reputation. Scenting trouble, he turned his boats shore wards, and was soon lost in the night.
FISH PIRATES.
The best gift that the present Government can give to tho sportsmen of Narrabeen and the district is a lake free from the fish pirates, who for too long a time had everything almost their own way. With my own eyes I have seen men cleaning their nets early in the morning. When I got too close to the homestead an old sail or two was thrown over the net, and every effort made to turn the interest and talk into a safe channel. The minute the law loses interest in the lake the bad work will begin again. Easy money is very hard to turn down. To-day the place is filled with holiday-makers, who are enjoying every minute of their sojourn by the sea. Ocean beach and lake front are being used by those who swim and paddle; the men and the boys who throw out the line spend their days on the waterfront that pleases them.
It might be of interest to many of these people to know that Narrabeen at one time began at the Salvation Army-Jenkins line, near Alexander Street, on the southern end of Long Reef Beach, and ran north to the mouth of the lake, on the end of the peninsula. That patch of country formed part of a 410-acre grant to John Ramsay, who, on August 21, 1818, acquired the lands from the Crown.
It was on part of this country that Captain Reynolds, one of the old-time soldiery, built a shooting-box home, and did some pioneering and pleasuring, before he and his household were murdered by a gang of bushrangers, under a rascal named "Big Mick," who came south from the Hawkesbury. But that is another story. It does not belong to the Narrabeen of my time, or yours. Mr. Ramsay held the country for many years, and eventually saw It pass into the hands of Mr. John Wetherill, who at one time had a big drapery shop in Pitt Street, somewhere near the Strand. At that time much of the land was subdivided under the name of the Mount Ramsay Estate. Messrs. Richardson and Wrench held the first sale of the property on October 28, 1881. It was at that sale that Mr. Obed West, of Barcom Glen, Paddington, purchased a section on the Pittwater Road, Goodwin, M'Tier, and Park Streets fronts.
Four years later, Mr. John West, his son, built the Palm Cottage, which some of the residents still say was the old Reynolds home. A year or so later, Mr. Cyrus E. Fuller acquired the balance of the estate, and sold a lot of it at prices that ran from £10 to £14 a half-acre block. Beach frontages could be had 24 years ago at 10s per foot. Corner lots were offering at from 10s to 20s. During August, 1910, the Crown acquired the rights to the beach, and all the streets in the Mount Ramsay estate. Soon after that, Mr. Arthur Griffith came into the picture. He very quickly set the ball rolling. His trio of big actions altered the whole position. The tram lines were laid down as far as Collaroy, then the iron way was extended to the bridge terminus. Water was taken through to Narrabeen by means of wooden pipes, and the big Griffith Park reservation was acquired at a very low figure.
To complete the tramway, a 33ft. resumption was made from Collaroy corner to the lakeside terminus. That was another wise stroke. Mr. Griffith was more than likely the prime mover in that action. It did not matter to him how many of the old residents had their homes disturbed. Was not the old church cut clean in two for the benefit of the tramway? Yes, and when all the old church timbers were sold by auction, the brass bell and the carved stone font were also knocked down to the highest bidder. I lost the opportunity of a lifetime in not getting hold of those two sacred items. Just now the people of the village are very anxious to know where the bell and the font are in hiding. Can anyone tell me?
All I got at that sale was roof-iron, and long Oregon plates, which were worked into the small seaside home that overlooks much of the land where the earliest of the pleasure seekers spent their happy holiday hours. NARRABEEN (1926, January 4).The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245843909
FOR CITY GIRLS holiday home
MEMBERS of the City Girls Amateur Sports Association have completed negotiations for a week-end holiday house at Narrabeen. "Palm Cottage" is an ideal place for a holiday, with the ocean in front and the big lake at the back. The creeks, too, offer pleasure to those whose fancy turns to quiet, inland waters. Mr. T. West, who built "Palm Cottage," went to Narrabeen in 1884, and from almost the whole coastline chose the site because it provided such an unusual vista of the sea. The house will accommodate 12 girls for each week-end, and it will probably be used for holidays also.
PALM COTTAGE The house at Narrabeen which has been secured by the City Girls' Amateur Sports Association for a week-end resort.FOR CITY GIRLS (1926, March 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 13 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224055821
City Girls
New Holiday House At Narrabeen
PALM Cottage, one of the oldest houses In Narrabeen, Is to be the scene of many happy weekend parties for the City Girls' Amateur Sports Association. The cottage is large, and rambling, surrounded by wide verandahs, and stands on a bill, overlooking the ocean beach on one side and the Narrabeen Lakes on the other. It is an ideal place for large parties of club girls, the ample balcony space making It possible to accommodate unlimited numbers of camp stretchers for sleeping out, while a specially glassed-in portion will lend itself to the use of long, trestle dining-tables, to seat at least 20 girls.
The lawns surrounding the house are excellently suited for circles courts and basket-ball. Already a number of clubs affiliated to the C.G.A.S.A. have booked up week-ends well into the winter, for the colder weather will make no difference, as the charm of boating on the lakes and tramping into the woods surrounding them will afford sufficient interest as a substitute for the joys of surfing. Each girl, with a minimum number of eight, will be charged five shillings for a party. At present there is only accommodation for twelve, but, as the popularity of Palm Cottage grows, the association will be prepared to arrange for further accommodation. City Girls (1926, March 11). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 4 (The Daily Telegraph Woman's Supplement). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245839929
City Girls
EASTER CAMP AT PALM COTTAGE, NARRABEEN
ONE of the campers at Narrabeen writes : — We are having a wonderful time here in our new holiday house at Narrabeen. There are twenty of us comfortably housed in this quaint old rambling home, surrounded by wide verandahs and balconies. You can imagine our excitement over, it all, and our anxiety to take full advantage of every privilege offered. Of course, we decided on sleeping out, and it was not long before we wore in the land of nod.
Waking in the early morning as fresh as daisies, we were confronted with a view of wonderful bounty from either side of the balconies. The wide expanse of ocean on one side, and, in decided contrast, the pretty Narrabeen Lakes on the other, brought forth exclamations of delight.
On our first evening we gave "Father" (that is, Miss Mallard, as you know), a surprise dinner party. We decorated the dining-room with gay-colored streamers and fancy paper and balloons, and placed a lovely box of linen handkerchiefs at "Father's" seat, just to show how much we appreciate her kindness. Speeches wore made during dinner, and "Father" spoke beautifully about the association, and made us all feel very proud of being members. The pictures were the next excitement, followed by a dance, but it was not until the mystic hour that the real fun began. Everyone's bed was short-sheeted, and pillows floured, and some young imps tied a rope to the bed-clothes of "Nurse" and "Purser," and as soon as they were nicely settled in bed the rope was hauled up from the balcony, and away went their bedclothes. Then "Father" took a hand, and gave chase to her naughty children, and you may guess it was some time before peace was restored.
To-day, being Sunday, we are taking things quietly. Some are at church, others are Hurling, while a few are taking a long walk. There is much to make one and all happy, but time is flying, and our holiday is coming to an end. Only a day and a half left. Time rushes on occasions such as these. We are enjoying each minute of our stay. In my wildest dreams I had no idea that a party of girls could have such an enjoyable time together. I am glad I have joined the City Girls' Amateur Sports Association. City Girls (1926, April 15). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5 (The Daily Telegraph Woman's Supplement). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245767682
"SUN" BOYS' PICNIC
"The Sun" copy boys' annual picnic, held at Narrabeen yesterday proved one of the most successful on record, 50 boys and their friends being present. Surfing and cricket occupied most of the morning, and in the afternoon parties rowed up to Deep Creek for swimming. The success of the outing was due, in a great measure, to Mr. J. G. Lockley ("Red-gum"), who placed his week-end home at the disposal of the party, and to Miss Essie Gorrick, the organiser. Results of races held during the afternoon were:— 50 Yards Championship.— S. Pritchard. 75 Yards Championship.— J. Tighe 100 Yards Championship. — B. Sessle. Ladies' 50 Yards Race.— Miss G. Perry. "SUN" BOYS' PICNIC (1927, October 17).The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222426662
An earlier leesee of "Palm Cottage' was the third daughter of Horace B Allard and Maria Cowlishaw (nee Woolnough). H B Allard was a founder member of the Sydney Institute of Public Accountants in 1894, and a council member and later vice-president. He was a member of a delegation to Melbourne in 1903 which sought to establish an institute of Australian accountants. When in 1908 the Sydney Institute was merged with the new Australasian Corporation of Public Accountants, Allard became a member of the general council and also of the NSW council of this body. He was president of the State council between 1916 and 1918. Later when the Royal Charter was granted in 1928 Allard had the privilege of being named in it as a member of the institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia’s first council, and he remained on the council until 1933.*
“Horace Bately Allard was dedicated to his profession and carefully nurtured his directorships and varied business contacts. He was neat and meticulous in appearance, with a groomed moustache, and usually wore a Gladstone collar and bow tie. His office attendances were regular and punctual, and he built a reputation of solid respectability and unimpeachable integrity. In his own way he was clearly a forceful figure, whose expertise was sought on the boards of many large companies, who became one of Sydney’s best known accountants, and who played a leading part in developing the profession of accountancy in Australia. As well as his many directorships he was also for some years auditor to the Bank of New South Wales.”* - * This quote from “Called to Account, A History of Coopers and Lybrand in Australia" by Malcolm Falkus, printed in 1993 by Coopers and Lybrand.
There's a lot more to the Allard family story too, but let's stick to their Narrabeen Holiday. Doris' description lets us envision what this holiday home was like just a little over 20 years after being built - bear in mind Doris is only 13 years of age when she penned this, which was widely published:
A Narrabeen Holiday.
BY Doris ALLARD. .
Instead; of going to Manly, this year for our holiday, as before we had always done, it was decided that we should take a cottage at Narrabeen, which is 7 miles out of Manly. My eldest sister, the maid Nellie, Albert the kanaka boy, and myself, all went down a day before the rest of the family, to get the cottage in order. We caught the quarter past 11 coach, and arrived at Narrabeen about a quarter-past 12. We stopped the coach at the little post-office, as my sister wished to fix up a few things with Mrs. Mc'Lean, through whom we engaged the cottage. She keeps the post office.
We had to retrace our steps for a minute or two, and then we turned off the road and walked up a grassy hill. At the top of the hill, which was only very slight, was the cottage. It looked very small from outside, but when we got inside we saw that it was very large compared with what we thought it was when we were walking up the hill. Another thing about it was this; the outside was of stone, which made it very cosy inside. There was an upstairs, with two large rooms, and a tiny one. Downstairs were a dining room, which had to be used also for a smoking-room, sitting-room; and drawing-room, which was used in many ways it being the only, real sitting room that we had. Of course there were bedrooms, kitchen, and pantry, and there were two other large rooms downstairs, both leading into the dining-room. The kitchen and stairs both led into the dining-room, and the pantry opened into the kitchen. In this room there was such a funny old piece of furniture. Its legs had been sawn off. It was about six feet long, and it was the only table in the kitchen.
The cottage was called 'Palm Cottage’, but I could-not find any palms. I called it the Doll's House, because it was so small.
The grounds were very large and we had plenty of room for our pony Polly. We had to hire a cow, as that was the only way to get any milk. The people were not allowed to sell milk without a license, and none of them had one. Mr. West, our land lord, promised to hire us a cow, and said we would give a bucketful night and morning.
When we arrived, we found that the cow had calved the day before but we could not drink the milk till four days after, so we had to use condensed milk. Even when we got. the cow's, there was only a quarter of a bucket and we could not milk her at night. We had to look after the calf too. We called it Dowie, because it was such a stupid thing. We only once got a bucketful and generally only three quarters of a bucket; and Mr. West promised us we should get a bucketful night and morning.
The beach at Narrabeen is longer than the beach at Manly, and generally we were the only people on it. Fortunately the weather was not wet, as my brother, his friend, and Albert slept in tents outside, and father slept on the front veranda, using for a bed a stretcher called 'the Daisy cot’. The only disadvantage for father was that the sun woke him up so early in the morning. We used to go for a swim, or rather a knocking about of the breakers, every morning, generally after breakfast, as on every day, except Saturday and Sunday, breakfast-was at a quarter-past 7, to enable father to catch the coach, which went at a quarter to 8, but was supposed to go at half-past 7.
The lagoon at the back of us was surrounded by mountains covered with trees, and was really beautiful. It was nearly round, but had several streams running into it from the mountains. In the round part it was only about 2 feet deep (of course there were some exceptions); but the stream, when you had gone a little way, became deeper and deeper and you could have a lovely swim in the water, which had in most places a sandy bottom. In one of the streams branching off at the side was another still smaller stream, which was barely quarter of a mile long, and there there was a most lovely picnic ground. I suppose we were the only people who knew about it because there are only about 20 cottages in the whole of Narrabeen.
We went up there several times, and one day as we were rowing up this stream a big fish jumped light right into the boat.
We had an old coachhouse in the back yard, where we kept the trap, and one day we saw two lizards. My brother shot one through the tail. Jimmy, our dog, also killed an iguana. He caught hold of its tail, which came off, and then he bit it in the head and killed it. It was about 2 feet long.
The boys went out rabbit shooting, and brought me home a dear little bunny, which was lost. We found it again but one night if got away again and we did not find it that time.
The water was very scarce, and we had to be very careful. We never really had a hot day
all the time we were down at Narrabeen, and there always was cool breeze in the evenings. While we were staying at Narrabeen I learnt to ride our pony Polly bareback.
The ticks were very bad, and the cow had about six. Jimmy, the dog had one just over his eye, and it was raised up for a long while. One of my sisters also had one.
All our food had to be sent down by coach, and we had to pay 6d. for every parcel, so we decided to let the M'Leans bring it down for us. There was only one mail a day, .and so we had to go down only once.
The day before we left a large Sunday school picnic party came down to Narrabeen. About 600 were there.
We told the coachman the day before we left to have enough room in the coach for seven "persons." Father was driving up with Polly, and took Jim and the boys on their bicycles, so there were only seven.' When we saw the coach it was full, but we managed to squeeze in somehow. Mother was very angry, for if they had driven the large coach there would have been plenty of room. This was the smallest coach. I had to stand all the way, and my head touched the roof and one man had to stand with his head bent all the way. He was too tall to stand upright, yet really he was very short, but the coach was shorter. We turned away one person, and later on three persons appeared, and they were beckoning to more, but we did not know how many more.
The coach was licensed to carry ten persons inside, and there were 20 and five on the box and there were six, and Albert had to go on the roof. There if were 27 altogether, and they were licensed to carry 14.
When we got home we could not sleep for the heat, and to crown all, our pony Putty got dry gripes. We think that when she was in town the men at the stables must have hosed her before she had cooled down.
We came home thinking that Narrabeen was by far the nicest place we had been to for our holidays, and hope to go there again at some future time.
A Narrabeen Holiday. (1905, February 10).The Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181809253
The 'Palm Cottage' name stems from a few sources - one relating to the massacre perpetuated by various journalists through the 'Narrobine- Narrabeene' legend and another from Mr. Obed West, the gentleman who constructed 'Palm Cottage'.
The bodies of the murdered persons were carefully buried on the side of the elevation upon which their once happy home had stood, and a palm-tree was planted there to mark the spot; and, although all traces of the mouldering heaps had long since disappeared, the palm-tree still stood adjacent to the house erected by the late Mr. Obed West (who in time acquired the property), and was an object of much interest to the visitors to this charming locality until July, 1891, when, during an easterly gale, the noted palm-tree was blown down.
Narrabeen (1913, December 10). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165965405
TO THE EDITOR. OF THE HERALD.
Sir,-I read with a great deal of satisfaction the letter in your columns from Mr. James Norton, in which he directs attention to the wholesale and increasing destruction of our native plants and flowers through the medium of these shows. I deplore with him the rapid extirpation of our beautiful wild flowers, ferns, and indigenous plants in the districts adjacent to Sydney, and think that the show craze is assuming such proportions that it should be restrained.
The floral wealth of our bush is disappearing rapidly enough in other ways without the extravagant appropriation that is made from it every year for these displays. We have not merely to consider the flowers and plants taken away, but it is the quantity, ruthlessly destroyed by the collectors, who care not what damage they do provided they can make up their dray loads.
I have had experience of this on my property at Lake Narrabeen, which I purposely purchased to preserve the beautiful cabbage-trees, ferns, and lilly-pilly trees upon it; and much as I admire the object for which the exhibitions are held, I cannot refrain from expressing the opinion that they are doing a deal of harm in the direction pointed out by Mr. Norton.
The interval between the shows is far too short, and the contributions levied upon our native plants far too exacting in a short time the beauty of the bush and gullies around Sydney and Pittwater, so much appreciated by strangers for their profuse adornment of native flowers and ferns, will be gone, and I think it behoves those profess a love for our indigenous plants to see that the present wanton destruction is stayed.
The mischief is rapidly growing; the example set by Manly Beach is being followed by others, and this month we are having the bush and the gullies ransacked in every direction to supply the shows at North Shore and Kogarah, in addition to the one at Manly. I hope Mr. Norton's protest will have the effect of directing the attention of the promoters of these exhibitions to the injury they are, I believe unwittingly, doing to the beauty spots around their own and other localities near Sydney.
OBED WEST.
Barcom Glen.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. (1885, September 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28364152
Readers should who may find the descriptions of cruelty to local animals by Doris' (known to family as 'Dolly') brother upsetting would appreciate the fact that she became a strong worker for the R.S.P.C.A.:
MISS DOLLY ALLARD
Daughter of Mr. H, B. Allard, of the Appian Way, Burwood, who is a lover of animals and a keen worker for the R.S.P.C.A., whose special appeal for Be-Kind-to-Animals Week will be launched at the Town Hall to-morrow.
MISS DOLLY ALLARD. (1925, February 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222942914
Clearly, too, a quicker route via Roseville and then the old Oxford Falls track along the new Wakehurst Parkway would have been a quicker way for her to visit Narrabeen - and she would have seen palm trees - or cabbage palms a'plenty along its green ways.
A small wending off into the distances that came together to produce one of the links for our area and a road To Pittwater!
