Pittwater Online News

Brown's Bay Public Wharf, on McCarrs Creek, Church Point: Some History

Despite being one of the earliest and smallest jetties on McCarrs creek, and later becoming the same site for the Brown's Bay Public Wharf, the official gazetting of the access way to the waterfront of this tucked away corner of Pittwater came much later than the jetty itself. 

While the terms "wharf" and "jetty" are sometimes used interchangeably, a wharf is typically a long, flat, elevated structure parallel to the shoreline used for commercial docking and loading, while a jetty is a structure extending into the water, often serving as a breakwater or for a walkway, or both. Givcen the size of Brown's Bay Public Wharf most would term it a jetty.

George Brown was granted 41 acres on McCarrs creek with the Certificate of Title registered on 14th of November 1879 and on what is the current site of Browns Bay. 

The George Brown property here was called ‘Waterside’.  

George Brown's 30 acres can be seen in the Certificate of Title Vol- Fol 499-41 - and was then on 'McGaa's Creek':

Within a short time he was obviously setting up on the water as one of several oyster men of the estuary. A photo dated 1890 by the council, and held in the Local History Unit shows 'George Brown's punt' - with a pile of oysters on on end. His neighbours, David Walker and Walter Tibbits, were also going into the oystering business:

Department of Fisheries,

Sydney, 2nd March, 1888.

IT is hereby notified that the Leases for Oyster Culture enumerated hereunder are ready for issue, and on production of receipts showing that the rent due thereon, together with the lease fee of £1, has been paid into the Treasury, the leases will be forwarded to the respective Local Inspectors of Fisheries for delivery.

Particulars as to rent due, which must be paid within thirty days from date hereof, may be obtained by reference to this Department between the hours of XX a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, except on Saturdays.

LINDSAY THOMPSON, 

Chief Inspector of Fisheries.

Lease No: 1868 W. H. Tibbits - Pittwater 200 yards £2

Lease No: 1905 George Brown - Pittwater 300 yards £3

Lease No: 1925 D. W. Walker - Pittwater 100 yards £1

Government Gazette Notices (1888, March 2). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1584. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222121740

George Brown's oyster punt, circa 1900 - courtesy Moore family and Pittwater History Unit, Northern Beaches Council History Hub

Access via a road, to get anything produced to market, was a problem, and during this era, when landholders were required to build the roads themselves, dispute about passageways through others holdings often ended up in court. However, that section of today's McCarr's Creek road, originally called 'Quarter Sessions road, was built through the need for access by George Brown - and was not the only track leading west from the Bayview-Church Point road, with some form of accessway built in 1884 and more in 1887 out to the creek, possibly today's Pittwater road to Church Point:

SUBORDINATE ROADS UNDER TRUSTEES.

PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION FOR 1883.

NORTHERN ROADS.—Road from Willoughby, at Pearce's Corner, to Pennant Hills, £125; Manly and Pittwater Road to M'Garr's Creek, £45; Bobbin Head Road from Lane Cove Road, £30; Wiseman's Ferry Road into Parish of North Colah, £30. SUBORDINATE ROADS UNDER TRUSTEES. (1883, March 24). The Cumberland Mercury (Parramatta, NSW : 1875 - 1895), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248619501

Department of Public Works,
Roads and Bridges,
Sydney, 20th November, 1883.

TENDERS will be received at this Office until 11 o'clock on Tuesday, the 11th December, from persons willing to Contract for—

Buffalo Road, Field of Mars, Contract 30m.

M'Garr's Creek, Road Pittwater, Contract 31m. 

Road Pittwater to Barranjuie, Contract 32m.

Plan, Specification, and form of Tender may be seen at the Office of the Commissioner and Engineer for Roads, Sydney.

F. A. WRIGHT. Government Gazette Tenders and Contracts (1883, November 27). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 6482. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223974514 

Tenders Accepted.

The following tenders have been accepted by the Government: — Turner and Collins, contract 31m, M'Gurr's Creek, road Pittwater … Tenders Accepted. (1883, December 28). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108833790 

SUBORDINATE ROADS UNDER TRUSTEES.
The following is a list of the subordinate roads under trustees, showing the proposed distribution of the vote on the estimates for 1884 : -
Northern Roads.
Roads from- £
Lane Cove-road to Cowan Creek, at Bobbin Head, 2 miles 30
Manly and Pittwater road to M'Gurr's Creek, 3 miles 45 SUBORDINATE ROADS UNDER TRUSTEES. (1884, March 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13548213

SUBORDINATE ROADS.

Following is the classification and proposed distribution for 1887 of votes upon the Estimates for subordinate roads, under officers of the Department :

NORTHERN ROADS.

St. Leonards, via Balgowlah, to Manly, 3 miles, £150 ; Military-road, St. Leonards, 7, £350; Manly Cove to Pittwater, 15, £750; Manly and Pittwater road to McGarr's Creek, 3, £75; Pittwater to Barrenjoey, 4, £200; Balgowlah to Pittwater road, 3, £75; Lane Cove, via Stony Creek, to Pittwater, 14, £350; Lane Cove to Cowan Creek, at Bobbin Head, 2, £50 : Pearce's Corner to Pennant Hills, 6, £250 ; Pearce's Corner to Peat's Ferry, 17, £425 ; Peat's Ferrv-road to Berowra Creek, 6, £60; Wallsend to Gosford-road, at Cooranbong, 18, £900; Wallsend to Lake Macquarie, 8 £400; Warkworth-road to Putty, 43, £301; Plattsburg to Minmi, 3, £150 ; Waratah to Maitland, 13, £650 ; Adamstown to Lake Macquarie Heads, 13, £650; Glebe to Adamstown, 2, £100; Lambton to Charlestown, 5, £250; Wallsend to Sandgate (Cemetery), 4, £200; Minmi to Woodford, 8, £200; Lochinvar to railway station, 2, £50 ; Union Inn, at Rutherford, to Melville Ford, 3, £75 ; West Maitland to Blackwater Hole. 12, £300; Raymond Ter-race to Hexham, 6, £300 ; Hexham to Fullerton Cove, 8, £200; East Maitland to Broken-back Gap, 18, £900; Maitland and Dagworth road to Wallis Creek, 4, £60 ; Raymond Terrace to Stockton, 17, £850 ; Raymond Ter-race to Stroud, 31, £1550 ; .... SUBORDINATE ROADS. (1887, May 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28349702

George Brown's section:

AN ACCOMMODATION ROAD

In conformity with the provisions of the Act of Council, William V , No 11, section 21, George Brown being the owner of portion No 6, parish of Narrabeen, applied to the Chairman of the Quarter Sessions for an accommodation road from his land to run through land supposed to be the property of trustees of the Wesleyan Church, Dr Tibbetts and Alfred McIntosh being part of  Olivers grant, portion 7, until it should meet the road from Manly, at the public wharf Church Point, Pittwater, such being the nearest highway. Evidence was given by the applicant that he had no thoroughfare nor right of away to get to a highway from his land as described consisting of 41 acres, and the accommodation road he now applied for was the best available, considering all the interests. No objection was raised to the road being made and the application was granted by His Honor. QUARTER SESSIONS. (1897, November 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14100043

This was not his only day in court:

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COURT. 
WEDNESDAY.
(Before His Honor Judge WILKINSON.)
SUMMERHILL V. BROWN.
In this case John Summerhill, of Albert-street, Redfern, sued George Brown, of Church Point, Pittwater, for £200 damages for wrongful seizure. Verdict for the defendant, without costs. METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COURT. (1892, May 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13868674 

McCarrs Creek circa 1900, courtesy State Library of NSW. Item: SLNSW_FL1037573 and section from - note the small jetty/landing at extreme right near man standing's feet:

A few descriptions by  frequent visitor to Church Point, and even a guest at the Brown's premises, James Wheeler:

Midway between McCarr’s and Coal and Candle Creeks are some fine examples of blackfellows’ carvings on the wide flat surface of a  bed of sandstone. Not far away is a trigonometrical survey station. It is marked “McCarr” on the map compiled by the Lands Department, and the altitude is 620 feet, and from this lonely bushland vantage point a glimpse of Coal and Candle Creek amid  surrounding green hills may be obtained. The trigonometrical station was placed there in August, 1880.  

“WATERSIDE ESTATE.”  

Just above one of the sandstone jetties previously mentioned are the remains of a wood hut, once the residence of Davy Walker in the ’eighties. Buffalo grass lawns, terraces and fruit trees testify to the amount of labour that was put into his “selection.’’ Half a century ago George Medlock, a farmer, also resided at McCarr’s Creek. On the shore opposite to Walker’s land up to the year 1913 stood the cosy weatherboard residence of the late George Brown, owner of “Waterside Estate,” consisting of forty one acres, a grant made in the year 1880.  

The track that led from Church Point to Brown’s estate was replaced some years ago by a narrow road to the spot where the house stood, now a turning point for motorists. The first half of this road is Quarter Sessions Road, and it may be mentioned in passing that a Quarter Sessions Road is a road established under the Public Roads Act following a reference to the Court of Quarter Sessions. This application is made to the Court by the proprietor of land alienated by the Crown, to no part of which grant any road of access had been provided to the nearest high-way. The portion through the old “Waterside” Estate is named Brown’s Road.  – from The Early Days of Bayview, Newport, Church Point and McCarr’s Creek, Pittwater By J. S. N. WHEELER. NB: Date of Land Grant inaccurate 

Waterside, Brown's Bay, 1890 - courtesy Moore family and Pittwater History Unit, Northern Beaches Council History Hub

"Now we shall go up McCarr’s Creek to a little inlet called Brown’s Bay. George Brown and his family were the owners of the 41 acres estate "Waterside", a grant made in 1880. His house of weatherboard stood on the hillside, reached by a zig-zag path from the little stone jetty. 

The estate extended right to the head of the bay, where there is a gully, clad in various kinds of flora interesting to the botanist. Two old peach trees grew in front of the verandah, which was supported on pillars and at the head of the bay, passion-fruit vines grew over the rocks and trees. 

A track from Church Point led to it and on the way round exquisite glimpses of the creek were obtained through the gum-trees. 

I often stayed with the Browns at this old house and in the years 1909-10, it was a sequested spot, quite isolated even from the few inhabitants of Church Point.

More than forty years ago the visitor drifting along in his boat would have heard the trains of the piano adding glamour to the peaceful night. Our hostess is playing an old hymn or some melody of by-gone days and an atmosphere that is almost Victorian is imparted to the drawing-room. Outside the bush is dark and dreamy and mysterious insect voices accentuate the sense of loneliness. Now that old home has disappeared and the motorist travels to Coal and Candle Creek over its site, quite heedless of those halcyon days." - JSN Wheeler, Some Old Families Of Pittwater, 1925 and The Early Days of Bayview, Newport, Church Point and McCarr’s Creek, Pittwater By J. S. N. WHEELER. Journal and proceedings / Royal Australian Historical Society, Vol. 26 Part. 4 (1940) Pages 88, 7905 words. Call Number N 994.006 ROY Created/ Published Sydney : The Society, 1918-1964. Appears In Journal and proceedings, v.26, p.318 (ISSN: 1325-9261) Published 1940-08-01. Available Online

John Hone Brown, George's older brother (born 1831) at Waterside, 1890. - courtesy Moore family and Pittwater History Unit, Northern Beaches Council History Hub

The family of John Brown and possibly two of George' sisters at Waterside in 1890 - courtesy Moore family and Pittwater History Unit, Northern Beaches Council History Hub

McCARR'S CREEK, PITTWATER

History of a Beautiful and Romantic Spot
(Written for 'The Sunday Times' by J. P. N. WHEELER.)

Where the lone creek, chafing nightly in the cold and sad moonshine, 
Beats beneath the twisted fern-roots and the drenched and dripping vine. -KENDALL

A TRIP to Church Point, Pittwater, in the old days, prior to the ad= vent of tram and motor car, was made by means of the coach running from Manly. Many a traveller by that old -fashioned means of progression was able to study and enjoy the trip of 13 miles perhaps far more than one who makes the journey now by more modern and speedier methods. While the coach bowled merrily along to the clink of the horses' hoofs on a hard road, every ferny dell and bramble, every green-clad hillside, cliff and expanse of ocean could be viewed at leisure until the quiet retreat of Church Point was reached after a journey of two hours. The big Royal Mail coach, which commenced its journey from livery stables next door to the old Pier Hotel, was put into service when a crowd was travelling on holidays. With its two box seats and five horses, it was a 'thing of beauty,' and there were usually among the occupants one or two bright spirits who enlivened the journey with their joviality. On the way down there was usually a break of a few minutes for refreshments at the Narrabeen and the Rock Lily Inns. 

McCarr's Creek is an affluent of Pittwater, flowing into the south-west corner of this arm of Broken Bay. Church Point, ideally situated at the southern entrance of the creek, is the terminus of the old road from Manly, and an old milepost bears the figure 13. At this spot still stand the store and boat-shed once kept by Mr. James Booth, an old identity of the district. Mr. Booth was well known to sportsmen and he kept two yachts, the Claribel and the Menina, in which he used to take parties down the bay on fishing and pleasure excursions. The quaint little wharf where small cargo steamers from Sydney land their goods for local residents is just at hand. A few years ago, so sequestered was this spot, the arrival of the cargo boat from Sydney every Friday night about 9 p.m. created quite a flutter of interest among visitors and residents. 

Church Point derives its name from the little wooden house of worship erected about the year 1872 on the hill slope just above the wharf. In the cemetery lie two of the Oliver family, who passed away over 40 years ago. They were among the earliest inhabitants of Pittwater, when the blacks still lived in the fastnesses of Kuring-gai Chase. Such places enkindle in one's memory the lines of Gray's Elegy: — 

Each in his narrow cell for ever laid. 
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep. 

The well-wooded and precipitous slopes of Scotland Island face the point. McCarr's Creek was first surveyed by Captain Hunter in the year 1789, when Governor Phillip made one of his several excursions to Broken Bay, and it may be mentioned in passing that Phillip named the southern arm Pittwater in honour of William Pitt, then Prime Minister of England. In the year 1792 William Dawes and an exploring party visited the spot now known as Church Point. Later on, in 1830, William Romaine Govett surveyed Pittwater, and mentions in his manuscript, 'Notes,' which are in the Mitchell Library, that 'Pittwater receives a romantic creek.' Later on, the same stretch of water was surveyed by Captain F. W. Sydney, R.N., in the year 1868, and the creek was marked on the chart as Pitt Inlet. The earliest plan on which the name 'McCarr' appears is that of a survey by J. Larmer, dated June 24, 1832. On the plan of a survey of January 13, 1830, by W. R. Govett, the creek in question is unnamed, so it is probable the name was given to it about this time. For some distance from the entrance soundings reveal a depth of six fathoms, and this is a good spot for anglers of red bream and whiting. But in the upper reach among the hills there is only sufficient water for rowing boats at high tide. It is to be regretted that the Government cannot see its way clear to dredge these pleasant waterways, as in course of time the silt from the mountains must choke them altogether. 

The upper portion of the creek is covered to some extent by a forest of mangroves, and is enclosed by hills rising to a height of 500ft. Exposed points of rocks here and there on the summits resemble, as Surveyor Govett observed in his 'Notes,' 'the castellated ruins of a fortress with its dilapidated battlements.' From these heights on a bright day the creek winds its way like a silver ribbon midst its verdant setting of bush flora. There are several fern-clad gorges which pour their tributary streamlets of fresh water into McCarr's Creek. Two of these mountain rivulets have their source near Tumbledown Dick Hill, and met at some distance from the navigable portion of the creek. At this junction is a pool known as the 'Duckhole,' truly a sequestered pool in woodland valley' if ever there was one worthy of Longfellow's verse. The single streamlet forms a cascade over the rocks in the glen, flowing under ferny undergrowth and past mossy boulders. It pursues its tortuous course into a little rockbound basin of sparkling lucidity, finally entering the brackish waters at the limit of tidal action in the creek. This spot is the entrance to the beautiful gorge and forms part of the boundary of Kuring-gai Chase. There is here a pool described as the Silent Pool, where many a sojourner at Pittwater has enjoyed a 'dip' after a pleasant row up stream, and a tiny beach of white sand serves as a mooring place for one's boat. With the blue canopy of heaven above, this is a retreat to dream in, but the ebbing- tide will leave your craft stranded on the shallows for a few hours. 

Although a clearing here and there along the banks and the remnants of a few old fruit trees indicate that there was some kind of settlement a few decades ago, the shores for the most part until of quite recent years retained their pristine virginity. Two old jetties composed of loose blocks of sandstone probably served as mooring places for sailing vessels and dinghies when the earliest settlers made their home at McCarr's Creek. 

The wanderer who cares to explore may find the relics of aboriginal feasts or middens in the rock shelters here and there in the bush, while mid-way between McCarr's and Coal and Candle Creeks are some good examples of blackfellows' carvings on the wide, flat surface of a bed of sandstone. Not far away is a trigonometrical station. It is marked 'McCarr' on the map compiled by the Lands Department, and the altitude is 620 feet, and from this lonely bushland vantage point a glimpse of Coal and Candle Creek, amid the green environing hills, may be obtained. 

Just above one of the sandstone jetties previously mentioned on a grassy eminence are the remains of a wood hut, once the residence of Davy Walker in the 'nineties. Buffalo lawns, terraces and fruit trees testify to the amount of labour that was put into his 'selection. On the opposite shore, up to the year 1913, stood the cosy weatherboard residence of the late Mr. George Brown, the owner of Waterside Estate, consisting of 41 acres. McCARR'S CREEK, PITTWATER END. McCARR'S CREEK, PITTWATER (1925, August 30). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128167425 

Family resources state he was George Bervin Brown, born 3 Oct 1842, at Launceston, Tasmania, son of William Brown and Hannah Hone, who emigrated to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, on the ship "Indiana" with children Mary Ann, William, Emma and John in 1833. His middle name 'Bervin' never seems to be used - his father did have an older brother of the same name.

George's father's occupation is listed as 'Blacksmith' although by the time they moved to Launceston he worked as a postage messenger. They moved to Sydney in 1847 and lived in Walker street, Redfern.

George Brown married in 1902. The NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages register provides:

Marriage: 5015/1902 BROWN GEORGE TAYT EMILY M E ST LEONARDS

MARRIAGES.

BROWN— TAYT.— July 25th. 1902. at St. Thomas', North Sydney, by the Rev. Stephen H. Childe, B.A., George Brown, of Waterside, Pittwater, third son of the late William Brown, to Emily Matilda Eleanor, younger daughter of the late Captain William Tayt, of North Sydney. Family Notices (1902, July 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14471685

NSW BDM's shows a Child being born on June 17 1903: 

BROWN DOROTHY A E W  24933/1903  GEORGE EMILY M E ST LEONARDS

The following birth notice appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday, 1 August 1903:

BROWN. - June 17, 1903, at Woodbine, 45 Victoria-street North Sydney to Mr and Mrs Geo Brown-a daughter (Dorothy A. E. W. ) Family Notices (1903, August 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14537958

Charles Swancott, in 'Dee Why to Barrenjoey and Pittwater' provides;

''There were stone steps leading to a tiny jetty from whence a track amidst the forest flora skirting the shore to a little nook were once known as 'Dorothy's Bower' after a member of the Brown family. There are boulders and dense undergrowth at the head of the bay and a large cave or 'gibbie gunyah'.

Dorothy (now Mrs. Stevens of Avalon) was only seven when an aunt who was staying with them became ill and had to be taken to Sydney for treatment. During their absence their home was completely destroyed by fire and they settled in Cammeray. 

Dorothy's Marriage - per NSW BDM's: 

8592/1949 STEVENS GEORGE FRANCIS BROWN to DOROTHY ADA EMILY W registered at: NORTH SYDNEY

George Brown's farm home, 'Waterside' burnt down in March 1912:

FIRE AT MANLY.

At 9 p.m. on Sunday a seven-roomed weather-board cottage, situated at McCarr's Creek, Pittwater, owned and occupied by Mr. Geo. Brown, was totally destroyed by fire, with all its contents. Mr. Brown was reading in the dining-room at the time of the outbreak, and he tried to put it out himself with buckets of water but was not successful. The damage is estimated at £450, and the house was not insured. The cause of the fire is not known. FIRE AT MANLY. (1912, March 5 - Tuesday). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113820231

FIRE AT PITTWATER. 
SUPPOSEDLY CAUSED BY RATS.

A seven-roomed weatherboard cottage, owned by Mr. Geo. Brown, situated at M'Carr Creek, Pittwater, was on Sunday night destroyed by fire. Mr. Brown was sitting in his dining-room reading, when, at about 9 o'clock, hearing a noise, he proceeded towards the bedroom in order to ascertain the cause, and on going into the passage was met by a shoot of flame. He rushed out of the house, and endeavored to subdue the flames with buckets of water, but, being unaided, was unable to cope with the spread of the fire, which quickly reduced the edifice to ashes. The building, and contents, which were valued at £450, were uninsured. The origin of the fire is unknown, but is thought to have been caused by rats having gnawed loose wax matches. FIRE AT PITTWATER. (1912, March 5). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239145704 

Ruins of Waterside circa 1915 - courtesy Moore family and Pittwater History Unit, Northern Beaches Council History Hub

In 1917 George Brown passed away and after Probate was granted in 1919 his land was placed on the market:

BROWN. —December 28, 1917, at his residence, Kensington, 34 Bellevue-street, North Sydney, George, beloved husband of Emily M. E. Brown, and brother-in-law of Ada L. E. Tayt. Family Notices (1917, December 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15762788 

BROWN. —The Funeral of the late Mr. GEORGE BROWN will leave his late residence, Kensington, 34 Bellevue-street, North Sydney, THIS (Saturday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for Church of England Cemetery, Gore Hill. WOOD, COFFILL, and COMPANY, LTD.

BROWN. —The Friends of Mr. J. S. RICHARDSON are informed that the Funeral of his late beloved UNCLE, George Brown, will leave Kensington, 34 Bellevue-street, North Sydney, THIS AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for Church of England Cemetery, Gore Hill. WOOD, COFFILL, and COMPANY, LTD. Family Notices (1917, December 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15762742 

NSW BDM’s – Deaths: BROWN GEORGE 16924/1917  Parents: WILLIAM HANNAH ST LEONARDS

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the estate and effects of George Brown, late of Kensington, Bellevue-street, North Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, gentleman, deceased, intestate.

PURSUANT to the "Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898" : Notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having any claims or demands against or upon the estate of the abovenamed deceased, who died at North Sydney, on 28th December, 1917, are hereby required to send in full particulars of their claims and demands upon the said estate to the Perpetual Trustee Company,  Limited, 33-39 Hunter-street, Sydney, the administrator of the estate of the said deceased, to whom letters of administration were granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 9th January, 1919, on or before the 7th day of March next, in default whereof the said Perpetual Trustee Company, Limited, will, after the last mentioned date, proceed to administer the estate and distribute the assets among the parties entiled thereto, having regard only to the claims and demands of which they shall then have notice; and the said Company will not be liable, for the assets or any part thereof so distributed, to any person of whose claim they shall not have had notice at the time of such distribution.— Dated this 20th day of January, 1919.

For Perpetual Trustee Company, Limited,

R. COPLAND T.ETHBRIDGE,

Lf.r and Primrose, Manager.

Proctors, Daily Telegraph Buildings, King-street, Sydney. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1919, January 24). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 582. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229604318 

BY Order of the PERPETUAL TRUSTEE CO., Limited,
ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of the Late GEORGE BROWN. 
NORTH SYDNEY.
1-A CORNER BUILDING SITE, part of Lot 17 Section 12, of the St Leonards Township, having frontages of about 58 feet to ALFRED-STREET, about 113 feet 6 in to BENT-STREET, - and about 100 ft to EATON-STREET; width at rear about 113ft 4in.
2-AN ORIGINAL HALF-ACRE BLOCK, Lot 1 Section 33, St Leonards Township, having 66ft, to west side of WEST-STREET and 330ft to PALMER STREET, extending back to FLAT (late Abbott)
STSEET, to which it has 66ft frontage.
McCARR'S CREEK, PITTWATER,
ACRES, being Portion 266 Parish of Narrabeen, FRONTING McCARR'S CREEK, with DEEP WATER OFF PORTION OF THE FRONTAGE.
Only a SHORT DISTANCE SOUTH OF CHURCH POINT.
RICHARDSON and WRENCH. LTD. (in conjunction  with PERCY WOODS, Cremorne Junction), will sell by auction, at the Rooms, 92 Pitt-street, on FRIDAY, 5th SEPTEMBER, at 11.30 a.m.
The above Lands at North Sydney and Pittwater.
Plans on view at the Rooms. Torrens Titles. Advertising (1919, August 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28096809 

The Browns acreage was purchased by George Scales, who also had land in the Ingleside- Elanora area - from that 'Street Names' page:

George Scales worked as a stonemason. Married twice, he had three children by his first wife and three with his second. Although he was a rich man when he passed away, his earnings seem to have come through sheer hard work and living on next to nothing - as a court case brought by his wife, seemingly unnecessarily, reveals. He passed away before the sales of lands at 'Browns Block' commenced:

After George Brown passes away in 1917 the Perpetual Trustee Limited Co. sells his holding to George Scales, who dies on July 20, 1920. A Caveat is placed on this land on August 16 1921 which transfers the holding on August 16 1922 to David Lindsay Aitken Solicitor and Joseph Rupert Wolstenholme Battye, Accountant, his trustees and executors, who then sell the subdivided lots from July 1922 onwards, to 1951, although the owner is once again listed as the Perpetual Trustee Limited Co., George Brown's Executors. 

The wharf itself had been there a lot longer and appears on a map cancelled in 1913 and a 1920 Lithograph for land sales of 'Brown's Block', and from at least the 1930's then Warringah Shire Council records show residents are requesting extensions and repairs to it.

Parish of Narrabeen Map, cancelled in 1913 - section from - courtesy HRLV maps

Browns Block land sale - April 1920, showing location of Jetty - and section from to show detail. Item: c053460032, courtesy of the State Library of NSW, Pittwater Subdivision Plans and Folders

George Scales Browns Block, Warringah Shire Council records provide no record of the accessway or the jetty, however, the plans lodged with the council, which would have required them to build a better track/road, would also have been similar to the Sales Lithograph used for selling the lots, as shown above:

P. S Nott, . 26/11/19, submitting plan of proposed Scales' subdivision of G. Scales land, Portion 26, church Point  Subdivision. Dealt with In Works Committee. .

P. S. Nott, 12/1/20, further re Scales Subdivision,  Church Point.' Dealt' with in Works Committee.

P. S. Nott, 21/1/20, further re Scales subdivision, / Scales Church Point, and forwarding cheque for £90 pounds. Received. George Scales - same matter

P. S... Nott, 5/5/20, submitting amended plan of Scales Subdivision at Church Point, and requesting Council's approval thereto : Referred to the Engineer. 

November 27th, 1922: Browns Resolved, a (Crs. quirk, Hewitt) That, in regard, to the £90 lodged in connection with Browns Block subdivision at  Church Point, to be expended where to Council thinks it should- be left with the Engineer to decide as to where the money should be spent

December 11th, 1922:  'Browns 16, Resolved, - (Cr; Hewitt, Corkery) That the £90.as agreed having been lodged in respect of the road extension in Scale's Browns Block Estate, Church Point, the Seal of the Council, the plan or such subdivision, be now affixed.

The bulk of the Lots sold immediately:

Pittwater This district is fast coming into use as a seaside resort. Brown's Block at Church Point will be offered this afternoon by W. Robjohns, Ltd. These are absolute deep-water frontages. REAL ESTATE. (1920, April 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15870175

W. Robjohns,' Ltd., report having effected the following sales by public auction and private treaty:-Pittwater: 37 allotments of Brown's Block Estate at Church Point at from 16/ to £3 per foot, £4015.  REAL ESTATE. (1920, May 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28090406 

How this spot looked around this time:

Beauty, Peace, and Solitude  — 

This lovely spot may be reached by the motorist in about three-quarters of an hour from Sydney. It is part of Pittwater, just beyond Church Point, and is known to sailing men as McCarr's Creek. Many motorists who go to Church Point are unaware of the fact that the road— somewhat narrow, but with passing places here and there — running up the beautiful scene here pictured may safely be taken. Beauty, Peace, and Solitude (1929, January 16). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166258595 

During the Warringah Shire Council Meeting held December 30 1929 it is recorded:

34. Bayview & Church Point Prog.Assoc..17/12/29.Asking whether the electricity will be extended from Church Point to Brown's Bay. - Referred to the electricity Committee. 

Brown's Bay, May 1928 - Pittwater History unit and Northern Beaches Council History Hub

MCCARRS CREEK, PITTWATER. 

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.  

Sir,-Easter is near at hand, and usually at that time, Sydney yachtsmen make for this splendid sailing area. So I would ask you to give, through your columns, a warning to Intending visitors, that the usually safe anchorage of McCarrs Creek contains a risk of which they cannot possibly have any knowledge. 

Quite recently the Telephone Department has placed across McCarrs Creek at Its entrance, four telephone wires, which stretch from Church Point to the opposite shore, about 550 yards across. These wires are suspended at such a height that no big yacht could possibly avoid striking them, nor could those on board see the wires, till they are quite close to then it and the result of a broken spar falling on the deck might be very serious. 

Only as recently as Sunday a large schooner rigged yacht came up to her usual spot for mooring, quite unaware of the danger, and was warned by people in a launch of the impending danger, just In time to avoid a collision with the wires. 

There is also the risk to pilots in seaplanes, who are not infrequent visitors to these waters, and who descend into McCarr's Creek. I  am not a flier, but I feel confident no pilot in a descent could possibly see the wires till too late, and the result might In the case of a seaplane may readily be fatal. The Telephone Department may have its own reasons for not using a submarine cable. 

I am, etc., PETRON. Church Point, March 19. McCARRS CREEK, PITTWATER. (1929, March 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16539818

At the Warringah Shire Council Meeting held on April 7 1930:

19. Mona Vale Progress Association. 22/3/30. Submitting following requests (1) that the Council lay down the same requirements in regard to the personnel of the Committee of the Mona Vale Golf Club as exists in regard to the Long Reef Golf Club; (2) that the Main Roads Board be asked to widen the bridge on Bayview Road near Cabbage Tree Road; (3) that the protective fence on the net road on Narrabeen Park Estate be extended in a southerly direction for three or four panels, and painted white; (4) that when the electricity wires are extended along Noble Street-the light be installed at the baths and in the dressing sheds; (5) that .the tree planting in Noble Street be extended, and the dead trees replaced with fresh trees; (6), that half a dozen trees be planted on each side-of Allan Street at the Pittwater Road end; (7) that consideration be given to the planting of trees along the centre of' footpaths, or 5 or 6 feet out in the street; (8),that the Main Roads Board be requested to honour its promise to concrete the section between Collaroy and Narrabeen Bridge;; (9) that repairs be effected to the bridge over the gutter at the side of Gordon Road just above Broadfoot's residence,. and (14) that three shelter sheds be erected on Mona Vale Beach, divided into compartments, as in the sheds on Collaroy Beach'. Council's decisions:- (1). The club be informed that the principles will be adopted as far as practicable ..; (2) the Engineer to inspect and furnish report ...to submitting proposal to Main Roads Beard; (3) £3 to be voted for erecting three extra lengths of fencing, and for painting fence; (4) referred to A. Riding Councillors;.. (5) Overseer's recommendation. adopted..; (6) that the request be acceded ... the Associat ion be informed it is the Council's policy to plant the trees outside the footpath area; (8) that no action be taken; . (9) that refixes be effected; (10).Association to be informed the Council cannot see its way. to comply with the request, and that the sheds on Collaroy Beach were erected by the Progress Association not by the Council. (Crs., Hitchcock, Robertson) . . 20.J. Johnson. 21/3/30. Drawing attention to the dangerous condition of the landing stage at the foot of the lane between Lots 19 and 20, Brown's Block Estate, Church Point. Resolved, - That £3 be voted for repairs...

At the Monday May 19 1930 Meeting - 

.. 19.Bayview & Church Point Progress Asso. 10/5/30. .. . Suggesting that the sandy-mud flat adjoining Wymark's new store at Church Point be reclaimed for the purpose of providing a parking area. .Referred to the Works Committee for report. - 20. Same. 10/5/30 Requesting that the jetty in Brown's Bay, Church Point, be slightly raised and lengthened. Referred to A. Riding Councillors, 

September 22, 1930:

11. Bayview &Church Point Progress Association. 8/9/30. -. Referring to movements by the Hornsby and Kuring-gai Gordon Road - Councils to have new roads opened to connect the north shore suburbs with Pittwater, and requesting Council not to lose sight of the proposed road connecting Brown's Bay with the Gordon Road (Mona Vale Road). Resolved, - That the Engineer or his Surveyor investigate the possibility of establishing such a road, as opportunity offers. C. H Helsham. 10/9/30. quoting £10 per foot for -Lot 5, Sec 18, Mt. Ramsay Estate, adjacent to the South Narrabeen Surf Clubhouse. Resolved, - That the Narrabeen- 

On October 6, 1936:

4. Lands Department, 21/9/36, advising that representation. have been made by Messrs. Shipway & Borne, Solicitors, on behalf of two substantial property owners at Bayview protesting against the proposal to erect a pavilion and boat shed on Bayview Parlc; reQuesting particulars of any proposal to erect buildings on Crown land near or below the highwater mark of the foreshores of Bayview. Resolved; that the letter be ‘Received;’ 5. Mrs. E. S. McClelland, 23/9/36, requesting (a) that the unmade road to her property at Browns Bay, McCarr's Creek, be constructed and (b) that failing this, the Council widen the existing road from McWilliams’ place at Church Point. Resolved, - That a survey be made, as suggested by the - Engineer. (Crs. Bess, Hewitt) 6. Palm Beach Lands Ltd., 22/9/36, requesting that the shelter shed proposed to be erected near Surf Road and Barrenjoey Road, Whale Beach, be not placed on the high ground on the western side of Barrenjoey Road, as the Company's lots would be affected; stating there would be no objection to placing the shed on the road in front of Lot 75. but suggesting the Engineer confer with the Company's Road Contractor on the matter. Resolved, - That the Engineer confer with the Company's representative as suggested. (Crs. Hitchcock, Hewitt).

The Warringah Shire Council Meeting held on October 11th 1938 records Brown's Bay wharf is already considered a public wharf, even if not gazetted as such officially:

45. A. Hope, 5/10/38, requesting permission to lop some gum trees on the reserve in front of his property at Taylor's Pt. Road which obstruct the view of Pittwater. The Overseer's recommendation that permission be refused was adopted. P. C. Spender, 3/10/38, objecting to the erection and position of an outhouse on land in front of his house at Ralston Road, Palm Beach. The Inspector's report that no nuisance existed in regard to the earth closet was adopted. 49. Land Board. Office, 4/10/38, re Permissive Occupancies at Church Point which were terminated on account of the construction of the new road along the foreshores of McCarr's Creek, explaining what is being done in regard to granting fresh occupancies in lieu of these, and stating Council's wishes are being observed in connection with applications for new Permissive Occupancies. Received.; 50. Petition from 17 residents and ratepayers that the Public Works Department be asked to retain the original position of the steps which serve as an entrance to the public wharf at Brown's Bay along the Church Point-Pymble Road now under construction, stating that the suggested new entrance would be most inconvenient. 51. G. Bushnell, 4/10/38, making similar request, stating he is a boat-shed proprietor at Brown's Bay, and that during the past six months he has been deprived of his business. 51a. E. McClelland, 10/10/38, protesting similarly against removal of entrance to steps to the water at Brown's Bay. Referred to the Works Committee.  

A caveat on this section of thoroughfare, for the purposes of an easement is taken out by the council in 1942. 

In post-World War Two Pittwater, when this was a place young families could afford to buy a lot and build a home, Warringah Shire Council formalises taking 'a part' in 1947 to provide permanent access to Browns Bay Public Wharf - Vol/Fol: 5661-92. 

This is 16 perches and marked 'Reserve for Access' on the Certificate of Title - worth noting is the aptly named McCarrs Creek Road is still marked as 'Browns Road'. 

Vol/Fol: 5661-92:

Brown's Bay circa 1947 - courtesy Scotchmer family and Pittwater History Unit, Northern Beaches Council History Hub

Late in 1970 all the leases for oysters on McCarrs creek are cancelled:

Chief Secretary's Department, Sydney, 22nd December, 1970.

FISHERIES AND OYSTER FARMS ACT, 1935

Notice of Withdrawal of Oyster Farm Leases

I, Eric Archibald Willis, Chief Secretary and the Minister administering the Fisheries and Oyster Farms Act, 1935, in pursuance of the powers vested in me by section 76 (1) of the said Act, being of the opinion that the whole of the lands comprised in Oyster Farm Leases Nos 47-122 and 47-388, of 520 yards and 100 yards respectively, situated at McCARRS CREEK, PITTWATER, are required for the following public purpose namely the provision of deep water area for boating, hereby withdraw such lands from lease as from 31st December, 1970.

(5090) E. A, WILLIS, Chief Secretary.  FISHERIES AND OYSTER FARMS ACT, 1935 (1971, January 8). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220050493 

Browns Bay rainforest Reserve is also part of this place.

The first edition of the Pittwater Natural Heritage Association's newsletter, October 1, 1994, provides a description of this bushcare site:

Brown's Bay is a 2 hectare pocket of remnant dry and wet rainforest running into the eastern shore of McCarrs creek. It consists of part road reserve and part drainage easement.

5 years ago the site was a weed vine thicket of morning glory and lantana. VoIunteers are restoring tire slopes to original dry rainforest - consisting of Grey Myrtle, Turpentine, Ironbark, Grey Gum and Forest Oak canopy with a wide selection of understorey plants. 

In the gullies the mms plants are Lillypilly, Coachwood, Cabbage Tree Palms, Ferns, with many uncommon species present. Wildlife includes sightings of lace monitors, water dragons, diamond pythons, a lyre bird, long- nose bandicoots, and a list of birds ’as long as your arm’!

Volunteers work on alternate Saturday mornings. for further information, please phone Jill Madden...

Mr. Wheeler also found this part of Pittwater to be a Bird Sanctuary:

A BIRD SANCTUARY. 
McCarr's Creek, Pittwater. 
(BY J. S. N. WHEELER.) 

The upper part of McCarr's Creek, Pittwater, which may be reached by rowing-boat, is a veritable bird sanctuary. The sylvan retreat at the limit of tidal water is one mile from Church Point, and is called the Silent Pool on account of the serenity of the spot.  It is enclosed by steep hills covered with the vegetation of Kuring-gai Chase on one side. Livistona palms grow here to perfection. 

While you glide quietly along there comes the swishing sound of the coachwhip bird from forest brakes, with a final crack like the stockman's whip. At eventide the dominant notes of the bell-magpie or "currawong" ring out a valediction to the visitor.

This spot is only approachable on the floodtide, and the creek should be dredged to keep the channel open (as has been done at Narrabeen lagoon and Curl Curl Creek, near Manly), in order that this bird sanctuary may be rendered more accessible.

To those who seek adventure and exercise a climb up the rugged, picturesque gully is recommended. Through dense bracken and vines, over logs and boulders and waterfalls, a climb of one hour and twenty minutes will lead to the "Duckhole," which is a sequestered pond at the confluence of two mountain brooks, the right-hand branch and the mainstream of the upper reaches of the creek. The calls of magpies, peewees, crows, and currawongs will be heard in this quarter. 

Coming down the gully again, one hears the melodious fluting of bush birds to the accompanying song of small cascades. Further down an exquisite glimpse of the greenish water of the Silent Pool Is obtained from the seclusion of the forest. A BIRD SANCTUARY. (1930, December 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16740448

Taber. Head of McCarrs Creek [From NSW Government Printer series: Kuring-gai Chase No. 68] 1900, courtesy NSW State Records and Archives, Item; FL3592921; Government Printing Office 1 - 08841 

A few years later another describes;

A Pretty Pittwater Retreat
Charms of McCarr's Creek

ONE of the unspoilt bush sanctuaries within a few miles of Sydney is McCarr's Creek, Pittwater. Tucked away in the south-western corner of Broken Bay, it has its source in the hills over towards St. Ives. The salt water meets the fresh in a deep rocky basin, the resort in the season of fat mullet, and thence the stream flows towards Church Point over dark brown beds of reeds and golden sandbanks, past one of the boundaries of Kuring-gai Chase. 

At first it is a mere ribbon of water skirted by virgin bush and gums that stoop over and almost touch the water with their leaves, but it broadens into a wide sheet about a quarter of a mile across at the mouth. It is in this lower portion that you find Brown's Bay, an emerald-green anchorage lying in an amphitheatre of thickly wooded hills, a hint of the tropics given by their towering cabbage-tree palms. 

On one of the headlands of this inlet you may find what are almost certainly the remains of an aboriginal kitchen-midden. The thick layers of shells bear mute testimony to many a feast. It is indeed a delight to see the copper-trunked trees of this section of the creek glowing with the light of the morning sun. 

The wild-life of these parts makes McCarr's Creek more attractive than ever. Possums and koalas forget their shyness sometimes, particularly at night, and give a sense of companionship to those who sojourn there almost within cooee of civilisation, yet at peace with the world. — H.D. A Pretty Pittwater Retreat Charms of McCarr's Creek (1935, March 13). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 43. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166111306

Today Brown's Bay Public Wharf remains one of the smallest jetties among Pittwater's public accessways to water, and would primarily be used by those rowing out to a cruiser, yacht or fishing vessel moored in Brown's Bay itself.

However, it still provides access to a view to the Kuring-Gai Chase National Park and a breath of one of the quietest most peaceful bays of McCarrs creek, Church Point, Pittwater.

References - Notes

1. TROVE - National Library of Australia
2. Oystering in the Pittwater Estuary -Oyster Kings and Pearl Kings and When Not to Harvest Oysters
3. Methodist Church at Church Point - The Church at Church Point
4. Methodist Church at Church Point: The Chapel the Point is Named after - Some History - 2025 full version
5. My Holiday  By Charles De Boos – 1861 - 2024 Version
6. Pittwater Fishermen: Great Mackerel, Little Mackerel (Wilson's Beach - Currawong) and The Basin
7. The Wild Coachmen of Pittwater - A Long and Sometimes Bumpy Ride on Tracks Instead of Roads
8. Barrenjoey Lighthouse - The Construction: 2023 Reprise
9. Historic Photographers Of Pittwater: A. J. (Arthur James) Vogan, 1859-1948
10. Pittwater Regattas Dates and Flagships Part I – Steamers and Ferries of Pittwater 
11. SS Phoenix
12. Pittwater Fire-Boats
13. McCarr’s Creek : Some history
14. Botham Beach by Barbara Davies
15. McCarrs Creek Public Jetty, Brown's Bay Public Jetty, Rostrevor Reserve, Cargo Wharf, Church Point Public Wharf: a few pictures from the Site Investigations for Pittwater Public Wharves History series 2024-25
16. Church Point Wharf - Initial wharf of 1884-85 - 2013 short version
17. Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have your Name – Narrabeen (Macpherson) 
18. 'Longa Linga' At Church Point - The John Lander Browne Pre-WWII Designed Linear Home For An Aunt 
19. Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Fox Family
20. Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Williams Family
21. Roads In Pittwater: The Bay View road

22. Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - Church Point

James Bernard Archer Botham. 1896-1974. When the Bothams purchased their home, the address was No 1 Brown’s Road, later changed to No 12 McCarrs Creek Road. It is the first house on the eastern side of the creek to have deep-water access and adjoins the (Botham) Reserve, which fronts the houses at 2-10 McCarrs Creek Road.

James Botham fished commercially and hired boats from the two jetties adjoining his home. He used a converted 18’ skiff as his fishing boat and learnt how to make the nets from Greek fishermen at Mosman. His catches were sold in the markets and locally to regular customers.

His daughter, Laurel, one of the first licensed fisherwomen in NSW, helped her father from the age of five. During WWII James and Laurel were issued with a permit to be on board any type of boat in Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River Waters. (Barbara Davies)

Pittwater wharves series 2024-2025:

• Palm Beach Public Wharf: Some History
• Clareville Public Wharf: 1885 to 1935 - Some History 
• Boulton's Jetty on 'Old Mangrove Bay' + Newport hotel jetty + Newport Public wharf: Some history
• Salt Pan Cove Public Wharf on Regatta Reserve + Florence Park + Salt Pan Reserve + Refuge Cove Reserve: Some History 
• Bayview Public Wharf and Baths: Some History

George Brown - Family records

His father William Brown was born in 1794 at Stepney, London, England.

Baptism: William Brown was baptized on 23 April 1794 at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, Middlesex, England, "William son of William Brown of Poplar, Tea Dealer, & Mary (22 days old.)1

He was the son of William Brown and Mary Stone.

In February 1833, William gave his age as 38 years in an official letter to the Colony of Van Diemen's Land. The baptism date fits perfectly with this. William's death certificate confirms that his parents were William Brown (gentleman) and Mary, and the baptism of his brother, George Bervin Brown, on 11 Mar 1799, to William Brown, victualler, and Mary also helps confirm this as the correct baptism as an occupation of tea dealer (William, 1794) and victualler (Thomas, 1799) seem consistent. What remains a little confusing is that while William (the father) was a victualler, his sons where blacksmiths and wheelwrights, although his son William is also recorded as a baker in London in 1831, a victualler in Hobart in 1837 and 1840, and a post office messenger in Launceston in 1842 and 1844. In later marriage and death certificates for his family, he is always referred to as a blacksmith though.

Marriage: William Brown married Hannah Hone on 22 July 1821 at St George in the East, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex, England, witness Isaac Hone.

(Witness) Will: William Brown is mentioned in the will of William Brown dated 26 May 1831 at East Ham, Essex, England.

Emigration: William Brown and Hannah Hone emigrated in 1833 to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, on the ship "Indiana" with children Mary Ann, William, Emma and John. William's brother Thomas Bervin Brown and wife Ann with children Ann, Eliza, Amelia, Harriet & Thomas also sailed with them. Also on the ship was Mr & Mrs Collier and 2 children (probably a family relative as their sister Mary Brown had married Stephen Collier). They arrived in Hobart Town on the 9th of September 1833. The Indiana was a 4000 ton vessel with two guns. The ship's master was James Webster. There were 14 passengers and 37 in steerage including 30 children. The Indiana then sailed onto Sydney departing 15th of November and arriving 29th of November 1833. The two Brown brothers and a John Collier (thought to be the brother of Stephen Collier) received £20 each from the Government in Hobart:

Thomas Brown with his wife, one male child, 3 female children. (Thomas was a Wheelwright).

William Brown with his wife, one male child, 2 female children. (William was a Blacksmith).

John Collier with his wife and 2 female children. (John was also a Blacksmith).

Of interest, is the fact that John Collier's brother William was sentenced to transportation for life on 2 January 1834 at the Old Bailey for forgery against the Bank of England. It is thought that John Collier may have been his accomplice but was never implicated by his brother.

A letter written to the colony is dated 6 Feb 1833 and reads:

Downing Street, 6th Feby 1833

Sir, I am directed by Viscount Goderich to request that you will cause to be paid to Mr J Grant the sum of 20 pounds on account of William Brown, who is proceeding to Van D. Land onboard of the "Indiana". Wm Brown is a Blacksmith aged 38 years, & he will be accompanied by the following family: Wife aged 30 years, Mary Brown aged 15 years, Wm Brown aged 10 years, Emma Brown aged 8 years, & an infant. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant, (name indecipherable.)

In Tasmania, the first baptisms of William and Hannah's children occur in the parish of Trinity in Buckingham County (their abode is listed as Hobart Town). The old Holy Trinity church is situated on the corner of Campbell street and Brisbane Street, Hobart. Public services ceased being held there in 1845. Before this date it was used both by the public and inmates of the old Hobart Gaol, after this date it was used only as the chapel to the Gaol. The present church (situated in Warwick Street North Hobart), began in 1841 was opened in January 1848, and consecrated in December 1849. Refer "The Anglican Church in Tasmania, A Diocesan History to Mark the Sesquicentenary: 1992", By Geoffrey Stephens.

Occupation: William Brown was a victualler on 27 November 1837.

Residence: On 27 November 1837 William Brown and Hannah Hone lived at Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. This is not consistent with his letter of introduction as a blacksmith, but it is the same occupation as his father. The father of William's wife, Hannah, is possibly Thomas Hone, a blacksmith of Shoreditch St Leonard, London which would explain the connection to blacksmithing.

William Brown was a victualler on 26 July 1840. On 26 July 1840 William Brown and Hannah Hone lived at Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

William Brown was a post office messenger on 3 October 1842. On 3 October 1842 William Brown and Hannah Hone lived at Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.

At some stage William and Hannah moved to Portland Bay (Geelong) before moving to Sydney in 1847. The date is not known, but it is known that William's brother, Thomas Bervin Brown, a wheelwright, moved from Hobart to Geelong circa 1846 and spent the rest of his life there. William's son John Hone Brown, a wheelwright like Thomas, also remained there and became a farmer, although he did eventually move to Sydney to be with his family.

In 1847 William and family move from Portland Bay (Victoria) to Sydney on the ship "China". It is likely that William's daughter Elizabeth Phoebe Brown moved to Sydney with William and Hannah and appears to have lived with him in Walker St, Redfern, until his death in 1871, after which, in 1872, she married John Skottowe Richardson. Their daughter Rose Hannah probably went with them as well, as her death certificate states 20 years in NSW even though she married Arthur Terrett in Geelong in 1863 and lived in Victoria thereafter. By 30 May 1879 John Hone Brown had moved from Geelong to Sydney, living in Paddington in 1880. His death certificate indicates that he moved to Sydney c1875 (29 years in NSW at the time of his death in 1904).

The following appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday, 15 December 1849:

WILLIAM BROWN, SENIOR, SON OF WILLIAM BROWN, FORMERLY OF POPLAR, VICTUALLER, AND AFTERWARDS OF EAST HAM.

THE above-named party emigrated to Hobart Town in 1833, and subsequently settled in Launceston and Portland Bay, from which latter place he arrived in Sydney by the Ship China, in 1847. The undersigned will be obliged to any party who can give any information respecting the present residence of the above-named individual. MONTEFIORE, GRAHAM, AND CO. 9909

This is probably connected to the death of William's sister Mary Collier (nee Brown) in 1849, as she was executor of their father's will of 1831 and she died intestate.

William Brown was a blacksmith according to John Hone Brown's marriage certificate on 12 June 1854.and Rose Hannah's marriage certificate on 7 October 1863.

William Brown died on 20 July 1871 at Walker Street, Redfern, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, at age 77. The cause of death was disease of the heart, diarrhoea and exhaustion. Age given on death certificate is 81 years. Place of birth given as London and states he was 39 years in NSW (which is not accurate as we know he arrived in Sydney in 1847). His occupation was listed as “Gentleman".

William Brown was buried on 22 July 1871 at Church of England Cemetery, Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

The following death notice appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday 22 July 1871:

On the 20th instant, at his residence, Walker-street, Redfern, Mr. WILLIAM BROWN, in his 82nd year.

The following death notice appeared three weeks later in The Argus (Melbourne) on Saturday 12 August 1871:

BROWN.-On the 20th ult., at his residence, Walker street, Sydney, Mr. William Brown, eldest son of the late William Brown, Esq, Ivey-house, East-ham, Essex, England, father of Mr. John Hone Brown, and only brother of the late Mr. Thomas Bervin Brown, Pakington street, Geelong, aged 82 years. Home papers please copy.

William Brown's death certificate in 1871 says that he had 4 male and 3 female children living, and 2 males and 1 female deceased. Two male children have yet to be found.

Family:

His wife is Hannah Hone b. c 1803, d. 10 Apr 1880. Their Marriage: William Brown married Hannah Hone on 22 July 1821 at St George in the East, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex, England, witness Isaac Hone.

Children:

• Mary Ann Brown b. c 1823
• William Brown b. c 1824
• Emily Emma Brown b. 1 Oct 1826
• John Hone Brown+ b. 28 Aug 1831, d. 11 Oct 1904
• George Frederick Brown b. 28 Feb 1834, d. 23 Jun 1839
• Elizabeth Phoebe Brown+ b. 5 Jan 1837, d. May 1912
• Rose Hannah Brown+ b. 23 May 1840, d. 21 Nov 1898
• George Bervin Brown+ b. 3 Oct 1842, d. 28 Dec 1917
• Charles Adam Brown+ b. c 1846, d. 13 Feb 1922

George Bervin Brown was born on 3 October 1842 at Launceston, Tasmania and was baptised on 17 January 1844 at Parish of St John's, Launceston. 

He died on 28 December 1917 at 34 Bellevue St, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, at age 75. He was interred at Gore Hill Cemetery. 

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION.

In the will of James Ridgwell, late of Dropmore Hill, Belmore, near Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, freeholder, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen days from the publication hereof in the New South Wales Government Gazette, application will be made to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, that probate of the will James Ridgwell, late of Dropmore Hill, Belmore, near Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, freeholder, deceased, who died on the 21st day of November instant, may be granted to George Brown, of Pittwater, near Sydney aforesaid, freeholder, and Mary Ann. Ridgwell, of Dropmore Hill, Belmore, near Sydney aforesaid, spinster, the executor and executrix in the said will named.— Dated this 27th day of November, a.d. 1890.

WILLIAM HENRY MAHONY,

Proctor for the said Executor and Executrix,

142, King-street, Sydney. 9143 6s. 6d.  ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION. (1890, November 28). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 9119. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221647243 

His wife Emily Matilda Eleanor Tayt b. 4 March 1862, d. 12 May 1943

A little about his wife's family:

In the Supreme Court ) No 45 of New South Wales, 

Between William Tayt, plaintiff, and James Arthur and Horatio Frederick William Arthur, defendants.

WHEREAS an Action hath been commenced in this Court, at the suit of the above named William Tayt, against the abovenamed James Arthur and Horatio Frederick William Arthur, to recover the sum of six hundred and ten pounds, and interest, due by the said James Arthur and Horatio Frederick William Arthur, upon and by virtue of two several Promissory Notes made by them, by the name and description of " Arthur and Son" in favor of the said William Tayt or order, and now overdue, and it being alleged that the said James Arthur and Horatio Frederick William Arthur, do not reside within this Colony or its Dependencies, a Writ of Foreign Attachment has been issued, returnable on the thirteenth day of July next, wherein William P. Palmer, at present of Newcastle, master of the ship or vessel called the "Adventure," and Walter Underwood Harris, of Sydney, commission agent, are garnishees: Notice is hereby given thereof, and if at any time before final judgment in this Action, the said James Arthur and Horatio Frederick William Arthur, or any person on their behalf, will give the security and notice and file the appearance and plea required by the Act, intituled " An Act to consolidate and amend the " laws relating to actions against persons absent " from the Colony, and against persons sued as " joint contractors," the said attachment may be dissolved.—Dated this twenty-ninth day of June, a.d, 1853.

BRENT CLEMENTS RODD, Plaintiff's Attorney, 360, Pitt-street, Sydney. Between William Tayt, plaintiff, and James Arthur and Horatio Frederick William Arthur, defendants. (1853, July 1). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1102. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231516121 

South African Newspaper Extracts;  South Africa's first independent newspaper, started publication on the 7th January 1824 but was not published between 5 May 1824 and 31 Aug.1825, or between 10 March 1827 and 3 Oct 1828, periods when the paper was suppressed by order of the governor at the Cape.

Wednesday 18 January 1837 - DEATH Jan 14: John William, son of Captain TAYT of the Brig Galatea, aged 16 years and 4 months. 

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION.

In the will of William Tayt, late of Clermont, Canterbury Road, but formerly of North Shore, in the Colony of New South Wales, Esquire, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given, that after the expiration of fourteen days from the publication hereof, application will be made to this Honorable Court, in its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, that probate of the last will and testament of the above-named William Tayt, deceased, may be granted to Ann Tayt, of Canterbury Road aforesaid, the widow of the said deceased, and the sole Executrix appointed in and by the said will.—Dated this 16th day of September, a.d. 1872.

DEANE & DEANE,

Proctors for the Executrix,

75, Elizabeth-street, Sydney.6s. 6d. ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION. (1872, September 17). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 2376. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230132316 

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales, (9,681)

PROBATE JURISDICTION,

In the will and codicil of William Tayt, late of Claremont, Canterbury road, but formerly of North Shore, in the Colony of New South Wales, gentleman, deceased.

PURSUANT to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act of 1898 : Notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having any debt or claim against the estate of the abovenamed deceased, who died at Claremont, Canterbury Road aforesaid, on the 6th day of September, 1872, are hereby required to send in full particulars thereof to the undersigned, before the 27th day of October next, after which date the Trustees will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the patties entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which they shall then have notice.

DEANE & DEANE,

Proctors for said Trustees,

33, Rowe-street, Sydney. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1900, September 11). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 7084. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224601990 

BIRTHS

On the 22nd November, at Norfolk Villa, Ryde, the wife of Captain William Tayt, late of the ship Orator, of a son. Family Notices (1855, December 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12975653 

On 25th instant, at Norfolk Villa, Ryde, the wife of Captain W. Tayt, of a son. Family Notices (1857, October 31). Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 - 1860), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59867559 

TAYT—March 4th, at Ryde, the wife of Captain William Tayt, of a daughter. Family Notices (1862, March 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13226162 

Children:

TAYT GEORGE H J 11002/1857  WILLIAM ANNE RYDE
TAYT ADA L E 1446/1850 V18501446 39A WILLIAM ANNE
TAYT ALBERT A A 4157/1859  WILLIAM ANNE ST LEONARDS
TAYT EMILY M E 13266/1862  WILLIAM ANNE RYDE
TAYT CHARLES E R 3390/1855 V18553390 42B WILLIAM ANNE
TAYT THOMAS W C 1447/1852 V18521447 39A WILLIAM ANNE

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. (1843, December 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12414882 

DEPARTURE. .

January 28.-Orator, barque, 442 tons, Captain Tayt, for California The list of passengers has already been published. DEPARTURE. (1850, January 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12915318 

TAYT—September 6, at his residence, Claremont, Canterbury Road, Captain William Tayt, in the 76th year of his age, leaving an affectionate wife and six children to mourn their loss. Family Notices (1872, October 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13264370 

TAYT - September 21, in Nagasaki, Japan, Thomas William Ceylon, eldest beloved son of Anne of the late Captain William Tayt, of St Leonards. Family Notices (1878, April 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13410983 

THE FRIENDS of the late Mr. CHARLES EDWARD RYDE TAYT are kindly invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his mother's residence, "Woodbine", Victoria-street, North Sydney. THIS (Thursday) AFTERNOON, at a quarter past 3 o'clock, f or St. Thomas' Church of England Cemetery, St. Leonards. Wood and Co.

THE FRIENDS of Mrs. ANNE TAYT are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her late beloved SON, Charles E. R. ; to move from her residence, Woodbine, Victoria-street, North Sydney. THIS (Thursday) AFTERNOON, at a quarter past 3 o'clock, for St. Thomas' Cemetery, St. Leonards. WOOD and CO., Undertakers. Family Notices (1892, May 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28268685 

TAYT.-June 3, 1925, George H. J., son of the late Captain T. and Anne Tayt. Family Notices (1925, June 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16232157 

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the will and codicil of Anne Tayt, late of North Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, widow, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that ail creditors and other persons having any debt or claim upon or affecting the estate of Anne Tayt, the abovenamed deceased, who died on or about the 27th day of February, 1899, and probate of whose will and codicil was granted by- the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in its Probate Jurisdiction; on the 26th day of April, 1899, to Ada Louisa Elizabeth Tayt, Emily Matilda Elenor Tayt and William Smith Deane, the executrices and executor in the and will and codicil named, are hereby required to send in particulars of their claims to the said Ada Louisa Elizabeth Tayt, Emily Matilda Elenor Tayt- {now Emily Matilda Elenor Brown), and William Smith Deane, care of William Henry Mahony, their proctor, at the undermentioned address, on or before the 8th day of September next, at the expiration of which time the said Ada Louisa Elizabeth Tayt, Emily Matilda Elenor Brown, and William Smith Deane will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased among the persons entitled thereto, having regard to-the debts and claims only of which they shall have had notice; and the said Ada Louisa Elisabeth Tayt, Emily Matilda Elenor Brown; and William Smith Deane will not be liable, for the assets so distributed, to any person of whose debt or claim they shall not have had notice at the time of such distribution,—Dated tins 26th day of July, 1909.

WILLIAM HENRY MAHONY,

Proctor for the Executrixes and-Executor,

60, Castlereagh-street, Sydney. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1909, July 28). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4301. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221614895 

George Francis Stevens appears to have two different birth dates in his World War Two service records - either way, he and his wife, Dorothy Brown, were middle aged when they married:

George Brown's 40 acres- land changing hands:

1943 Church Point to McCarrs Creek Landholders Dept. of Lands map

______________________________________________________

BEAUTIFUL PITTWATER. CHURCH POINT ESTATE. THE WEEK-ENDER'S PARADISE.
ENTRANCING VIEW'S, with a scope of 100 miles of Smooth-water Navigation, suitable for MOTOR LAUNCHES and AQUATIC PLEASURE-SEEKERS. Highly Recommended by the Medical Profession for a Week-end Rest.
AT THE CHURCH POINT WHARF, AND THE TERMINUS OF THE COACHES FROM MANLY. IN LARGE AREAS OP ABOUT THREE ACRES EACH.
Well known as the Property of the late Dr. Tibbitts. General Store and Post-office adjoining the Estate. N.B.-This is the only Land available on the mainland, and will be Sold at Bargain Prices, so the Liberal Terms of 10 per cent, cash, Balance by 12 Quarterly Payments, interest at 4 per cent, per annum-, 5 per cent. Discount for Cash. Mr. A. M. SIMPSON, Storekeeper at Church Point, will point out the Land for Sale.
SALE ON THE GROUND SATURDAY, 20th NOVEMBER, AT 2 P.M. Advertising. (1909, November 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15084034

No. 17,037. APPLICANTS :—George Scales and David Lindesay Aitken, both Sydney. LAND : — County Cumberland, parish Manly Cove, shire Warringah, 96 acres 2 roods 7 1/4 acres, on Narrabeen Creek, near Narrabeen Lagoon,—land granted as 30 acres (portion 51 of parish), to James Wheeler, and 50 acres (portion 48 of parish), to John William Alexander White; adjoining property of estate late T. H. Kelly and Crown Land. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1912, April 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2230. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227591158

Mr. George Scales' Will
Paddington Man Leaves £44,745

Probate has been granted of the will of George Scales, of Paddington, freeholder, who died on July 20 last. The estate was valued at £44,745, of which £32,381 was represented in realty. Mr. Scales bequeathed his two sons by his first wife, Leonard and Ernest Scales, £200 each. The residue of his estate he left upon trust. Out of the Income he directed that there should be paid £2 10s a week to each of his daughters, Marie Garatia, and Elsie Annie during the life-time of his widow, and that the residue of the income should be paid to his widow. After the death of his widow, the trust estate is to be distributed for the benefit of his children. Mr. Scales appointed David Lindsay Aitkin, of Sydney, solicitor, and Joseph Reuben Wolstenholme Battye, of Sydney, accountant, the trustees and executors of his will. Mr. George Scales' Will (1920, December 13). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117300519

PROCLAMATION

New South Wales, to wit.

(L.S.) Chelmsford, Governor.

By His Excellency The Right Honourable Fredrick John Napier, Baron Chelmsford, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor of the State of New South Wales and its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth of Australia.

I Frederic John Napier, Baron Chelmsford, the Governor aforesaid, with the advice of the Executive Council, in pursuance of the powers vested in me by the ''Local Government Act, 1906," and Acts Amending the same, by this my Proclamation, apply Ordinance No. 81, regarding the regulation and control of public wharfs and jetties, published in the Government Gazette No. 57 of 14th May, 1908, together with all amendments thereof subsequent to the aforesaid date, to the public wharves named in the Schedule hereto, situated within the Warringah Shire, and vested in the Council of the said Shire: — [1912-1.31-272- 486]

SCHEDULE.

Church Point Wharf, Pittwater. Bayview Wharf, Pittwater. Newport Wharf, Pittwater. Clareville Wharf, Pittwater. Coal and Candle Creek Wharf, Cowan Creek.

Given under my Hand and the Seal of the State, this sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twelve, and in the second year of His Majesty's Reign.

By His Excellency's Command,

FRED. FLOWERS.

[4566] GOD SAVE THE KING! PROCLAMATION (1912, January 31). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 590. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226770470 

FRONTAGE THREATENED

Palm Beach Anxious

Lovers of Palm Beach are becoming concerned at the threatened marring of one of its chief beauty spots, the delightful run of gently shelving beach in Pittwater running from the jetty south to Careel Bay, the play-ground and paddling area designated by nature for the use and pleasure of child and grown-up. It appears that the wooded triangular area bounded on two sides by Palm Beach this beach and by the main Sydney-Newport-Palm Beach-road on the third, is shortly to he sold by auction subdivisionally. With the water frontage alienated, Palm Beach would become shorn of one of its jewels, and all Sydney may be said to be interested in the avoidance of such vandalism. There is an urgent duty to be per-formed. The public must accept the trusteeship of nature's gifts. The alienation of such beauty spots must be prevented, and for all generations their charm should be preserved as far as may be. It is understood that the Warringah Shire Council is moving in the matter, and has arranged a conference with the owners of this land — trustees in a deceased estate. That the interests of the many should be sacrificed to the casual interests of a few — that the public should be barred for all time from this beautiful natural playground, to allow a few to erect their boatsheds and slips across the beach, and in so doing convert a thing of beauty and delight into a broken shoreline of sheds and shacks, is unthinkable. A compromise, a give and take arrangement of some sort, must surely be arrived at. FRONTAGE THREATENED (1922, February 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 10 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225218892 - photo is of Sandy Point bend 

APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.

THE undermentioned applications have been received for Special Leases of the lands and for the purposes hereunder stated. It is the intention to grant leases should no sufficient objection be found to exist, after inquiry by the Land Board and consideration by the Minister.

Any objections will receive due consideration if lodged in writing with the District Surveyor for the Land Board District in which the land is situated, on or before the date hereunder specified.

E. A. BUTTENSHAW, Minister for Lands.

Parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland; Special Lease 37-81, Metropolitan, for bathing place. Land applied for —the existing public baths, about 60 feet by 140 feet, below high-water mark at Taylor's Point, Pittwater. Applicant—The Warringah Shire Council. Objections may be lodged at Land Board Office, Sydney. APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. (1937, November 26). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4733. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225129670

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT. 1919.—PROCLAMATION.
(L.s.) J. NORTHCOTT, Governor.
1st July, 1953.

I, Lieutenant-General Sir John- Northcott, Governor of the State of New South Wales, with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of the Local Government Act, 1919, do hereby declare to be public wharves the wharves and lands described in the Schedule hereto and vest the control thereof in the Warringah Shire Council. (S. 53-787)

By His Excellency's Command, J. B. RENSHAW.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

Schedule.

Salt Pan Wharf.

Being the wharf and appurtenances thereto and the adjoining land the property of the Crown necessary for the proper working thereof situated on the generally eastern shore of Pittwater about 60 feet easterly from the north-eastern corner of lot 28, deposited plan 13,457.

Taylor's Point Wharf.

Being the wharf and appurtenances thereto and the adjoining land the properly of the Crown necessary for the proper working thereof situated on the generally eastern shore of Pittwater at the northern extremity of Taylor's Point road, Avalon.

Wharves on Scotland Island.

Being the wharf and appurtenances thereto and the adjoining land the property of the Crown necessary for the j)roper working thereof situated on the generally western shore of Scotland Island at the north-western extremity of Fitzpatrick avenue.

Being the wharf and appurtenances thereto and the adjoining land the property of the Crown necessary for the proper working thereof situated on the generally southern shore of Scotland Island at the south-western extremity of Vivian street.

Being the wharf and appurtenances thereto and the adjoining land the property of the Crown necessary for the proper working thereof situated on the generally eastern shore of Scotland Island at the eastern extremity of Lowanna-street.

Being the wharf and appurtenances thereto and the adjoining land the properly of the Crown necessary for the proper working- thereof situated on the generally northern shore of Scotland Island at the northern extremity of Pitt View street. (5781) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.—PROCLAMATION. (1953, July 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2219. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220066563 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.—PROCLAMATION.

(l.s.) J. NORTHCOTT, Governor. 19th August, 1953.

ORDINANCE No. 35a, as proclaimed in the Government Gazette of 12th November, 1920, and subsequently amended, is hereby further amended in clause 1 by inserting under the heading "Shires" after the words "Coal and Candle Creek Wharf, Cowan Creek" appearing opposite the word "Warringah" the words "Palm Beach Wharf in Pittwater Park, Salt Pan Wharf, Taylor's Point Wharf, Great Mackerel Wharf, four wharves on Scotland Island".

(S. 53-787)

By His Excellency's Command,

J. B. RENSHAW. [7199] GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919.—PROCLAMATION. (1953, August 28). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2736. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220068015 

NRS-21554-1-2-PLAN14/7054 Title; Hawkesbury River - Plan & Elevation - Palm Beach Wharf Pittwater - Wharves - Plan Type : Engineering (Harbours & Rivers). Contents Date Range: 01-01-1953 to 01-01-1953

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919—PROCLAMATION

(L.S.) E. W. WOODWARD, Governor.

18th January, 1961.

I, Lieutenant-General Sir Eric Winslow Woodward, Governor of the State of New South Wales, with the advice of the Executive Council and in pursuance of the Local Government Act, 1919, do hereby declare to be a public wharf the wharf and land described in the Schedule hereto, and vest the control thereof in the Warringah Shire Council. (S. 60-1,630).

By His Excellency's Command,

P. D. HILLS. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

Schedule

Being the wharf and appurtenances thereto and the adjoining land, the property of the Crown necessary for the proper working thereof, situated on the southern foreshore of Careel Bay, Pittwater, north of the northern boundary of lot 1, deposited plan 14,882. (3003). LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919—PROCLAMATION (1961, January 27). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 219. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220243157

WHERE TO SPEND TEEHOLIDAYS?

ANOTHER KILLARNEY.

Beauteous Nature loves all lands ; 
Beauty wanders everywhere; 
Footsteps leaves on many strands. 
But her home is surely there. 

The last line of this stanza might be as fittingly need to describe Bayview, Pittwater, as the Lakes of Killarney. Many visitors who have seen most of the beauty spots of the old and new world say that nothing but Killarney can equal Bayview in scenery. Situated about twelve or thirteen miles from Manly, visitors are conveyed thither by coaches, which ply daily, and complete the journey in one and a half hours, and very good accommodation at reasonable rates (a matter of much import nowadays) may be readily obtained. As Bayview extends along the shores of Broken Bay there is plenty of fishing for those who indulge in this agreeable pastime. The New National Park, Kuringai Chase, extends as far as Broken Bay, and may be easily reached in a quarter of an hour by boat from Church Point, the terminus of the coach route, where there is a large boatshed. At the present season of the year ferns of all descriptions, together with flannel daisies, boronia, native heath, &c., may be obtained in abundance in this charming locality. 

One of the chief attractions of this portion of Kuringai Chase is a grand waterfall. No scenery on the Hawkesbary River is equal to the rustic beauty of M'Garr's Creek, one of the many indentations of Broken Bay, and one of the boundaries of the Chase. On both sides the land rises with a steep slope, and is covered with flowering creepers, staghorns, rook lilies, and ferns in profusion. 

In addition to the natural beauties of Bayview, groves of orange, peach, plum and pear tree lend a corresponding charm to the scenery, and visitors would perhaps find as much beauty in a well-cured for orchard as the writer does in the land and water scenes of Bayview. The cost of a trip to this district is nominal, excepting the expenses of living at the boarding-houses or hotels, which range from 30s to £1 23. Coach fares amount to 1s 6d each way, and boats are kept by each of the boarding establishments. — Yum- Yum. WHERE TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS? (1896, December 6). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130411369

David Wilson Walker

At McCarrs Creek David Wilson Walker purchased Portion 1, 40 acres, for £40 on July 25th, 1885 - Vol. 751, Folio 208. He had once been a fireman on coastal vessels. His cottage was simple, buffalo lawns and fruit trees were installed by him. There was a jetty of sandstone blocks used as a mooring place for his centre-board boat and a winding path leading up to the flat portion in front of his cottage. William Boulton of Newport had built him the boat. This was a weatherboard structure with shingled roof and had a sandstone fireplace and chimney. He kept bees, with hives made out of gin cases. His orange trees yielded prolific crops and he also grew large Royal George peaches and mandarins. A passion-fruit vine climbed the old Port Jackson fig tree beside these. He would sail up McCarr's creek to Church Point to meet the Butcher's and Baker's carts for supplies. The current 'Walker Place' at Church Point was named for him and where his farm was.

Vol. 751, Folio 208:

At McCarrs Creek David Wilson Walker purchased Portion 1, 40 acres, for £40 on July 25th, 1885 - Vol. 751, Folio 208. The land was transferred to E. A. Macpherson on October 23rd 1888, which is why a photo of the road out to that point from the members of the Macpherson family exists – and one with women in white frocks getting into and out of a boat – stated to be Narrabeen but possibly taken at the McCarrs creek holding of this family. The land faced McCarr's Creek and then ran around the corner to the head of Brown's Bay.

BULFIN v WALKER

The plaintiff, William Bulfin, of Newport, claimed £25 from defendant, David Walker, Pittwater, being his commission in connection with the sale of a piece of land at Pittwater. The defence was that plaintiff was not entitled to a commission of 25- per cent for simply introducing the purchaser. Verdict for plaintiff £5. METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COURT. (1889, March 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13716077 

DISTRICT COURT.

Friday, March 1.

(Before Judge Fitzhardinge.)

Bulfin v. Walker. This was an action between William Bulfin, of Newport Hotel, Newport, and -David W. Walker, of Pittwater, farmer, to recover £25, commission at 2 ½  per con:., for introducing a purchaser who sub-bought a block of land at Pittwater for £1000. Verdict for plaintiff for £5. DISTRICT COURT. (1889, March 2). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235873392

The land was transferred to E. A. Macpherson on October 23rd 1888, which is why a photo of the road out to that point from the members of the Macpherson family exists, with others like;ly to be among the masses taken by E A Macpherson and ascribed to W J Macpherson. 

The land faced McCarr's Creek and then ran around the corner to the head of Brown's Bay. 

In the Supreme Court of New South. Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the will of David Wilson Walker, late of Manly, in the State of New South Wales, gentleman, deceased.

PURSUANT to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act., 1898: All creditors and others having any debt or claim against the estate of the above named deceased (who died at Manly aforesaid, on the 28th. day of February, 1902), are hereby required to send in full particulars thereof to the undersigned before the 9th day of June next, after which date the executrix will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased amongst the parties entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which she shall then have notice.

J. STUABT THOM,

Proctor for the Executrix,

Athenaeum Chambers, 9, Castlereagh-street,

Sydney. 4107 6s. 6d. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1902, April 29). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3208. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222075879 

John George Doran (40 acres and 92 acres (below) - born November 13, 1832 to Henry and Sarah Doran, nee Graham, a farmer of Liverpool, died June 1899) was the father of Frederick J Doran (born 1864) of Manly Ferries, whose eldest son of the same name was a keen RPAYC member who sailed the ''Inez'' in Pittwater Regattas. 

John's brother Charles Henry Doran (1830–1900) had several children as well, his fourth son being James Graham Doran (1864–1932) who served in WWI when in his 50's and settled at Dubbo afterwards, marrying Margaret Sutton in 1920. Dr Tibbits, who was a resident of Dubbo at intermittent times and also owned acreage at Church Point, and the Doran family, are likely to have known each other.

40 Acres John George Doran – originally Portion 2a changed to Portion 125 Vol-Fol 763-222 – sold by his executors to Henry Arnott Shaw after he passed away – who is a ‘farmer of Paddington’ when he buys the land on June 22nd 1922 and not related to the Shaw family of the same location and to Bayview and eventually Collaroy from earlier era.

Henry Arnott Shaw Lots 6 to 38 in Vol-Fol 3924-84 keeps 35 acres from October 15, 1926. He sells Lots 6 to 27 to Charles Palmer of Newport, retired builder, who onsells to Sarah Crawley of Burwood, widow – who then in 1929 sells to Lillian Tompsitt of Wollstonecraft.

A portion amounting to 15 acres, Lots 6 to 27, are grabbed under the ‘Local Government Act’ County of Cumberland planning Scheme – Vol-Fol 5297-170 DP12164 – and what else was kept is sold by virtue of default on rates payments and sold out from, under them:

OVERDUE RATES.

SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.

Land to be Sold for default.

THE following persons are required to take notice that the Council of the Shire of Warringah has applied to the Public Trustee to sell the land specified below against their names, of which they appear to be the owners or in which they appear to be interested, for overdue rates amounting to the sums mentioned in each case; and that in default of payment forthwith to the Public Trustee of the said rates and all interest charges and expenses in connection with the said applications and proceedings by the Public Trustee, the said land will be offered for sale by the Public Trustee at public auction:

Sarah M. Crawley, of Burwood and Darlinghurst, Lilian Tompsitt, of Wollstonecraft, Arthur Charles L. Palmer and Linden Genge Langley, executors of the will of Charles Palmer, deceased; overdue rates, £173 14s, 7d.; land, lots 6/27, McCarrs Creek and Access Reserve, near Church Point.

Sarah M. Crawley, of Burwood and Darlinghurst, Lilian Tompsitt, of Wollstonecraft, Arthur diaries L. Palmer, and Linden Genge Langley, executors of the will of Charles Palmer, deceased; overdue rates, £85 7s. 10d.; land, lots 28/38, Government-road and Access Reserve, McCarrs Creek, near Church Point. OVERDUE RATES. (1941, February 14). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 687. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220095450 

SARAH M. CRAWLEY, of Burwood and Darlinghurst, LILIAN TOMPSITT, of Wollstonecraft. ARTHUR CHARLES L. PALMER and LINDEN GENGE LANGLEY, Executors of the Will of CHARLES PALMER, deceased, overdue rates £173/14/7; land. Lots 6/27, McCarrs Creek and Reserve, near Church Point.

SARAH M. CRAWLEY, of Burwood and Darlinghurst. LILIAN TOMPSITT, of Wollstonecraft, ARTHUR CHARLES L. PALMER and LINDEN GENGE LANGLEY, Executors of the Will of CHARLES PALMER, deceased, over due rates £85/7/10; land, Lots 28/36, Government Road and Access Reserve, McCarrs Creek, near Church Point. Advertising (1941, February 14). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247505869 

ROBERTS—DORAN.—April 11, at St. James's Sydney, by the Rev. W. Hough. William, only son of the late William Roberts, of the Railway Department, Sydney, to Sarah Elizabeth, second daughter of John G. Doran, Fitzroy Dock, Parramatta River. Family Notices (1883, May 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13533889 

F J Doran owned yacht Inez which sailed in Pittwater regattas;

FOUR BOATS SWAMPED (1922, January 1). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225221655 

Lots 28 to 38 - Vol- Fol 6880-244:

Back of Doran - Portion 72  of 92 acres – Vol- Fol; 1794-153 - a section goes to the Meares family and  – ends up with Thelma Valette Austin: In 1967 – John Nelson takes it (Solicitor) and then it is made into Commonwealth Main Roads land. 

Vol- Fol; 1794-153:

Warringah Shire Council takes 16 acres of this land in 1953 - Vol-Fol: 6758-47:

Doran to Thelma Austin to John Nelson - Vol-Fol 7717-39:

Doran land to Eric Robinson of Manly in 1947 - Vol-Fol 4387-220:

A few notes about Thelma Austin:

Held Dinner To Charge Extra

A cafe proprietress admitted in the Special Federal Court today she had kept a customer waiting so she could charge the maximum dinner price for roast chicken.

The magistrate, Mr. Soilings, commented: "I understand now why I am often kept waiting!" The customer was a prices investigator, Robert James Dixon. 

Thelma Valette Austin, of Macleay-street, Potts Point, proprietress of the New Yorker Cafe, King's Cross, was convicted of charging 5/- for roast chicken, while the maximum price was 4/-, on March 24, 1944. Dixon said he ordered roast chicken and a glass of water. When he showed his docket to Miss Austin, she said: — "That's correct. I'm entitled to charge 5/-. You and your Prices Commissioner can't stop me!

"Austin," Dixon went on, "said she had received two letters from the Prices Commission, but did not reply, because Mr. Dovey, KC, instructed her to take no notice of them." Dixon said he showed Austin a copy of a National Security regulation. 

"Kept Him Waiting" 

After reading for several seconds, Austin allegedly said: "It's a lot of damned rot. The laws of this country won't stand for such bullies." 

Cross-examined by Mr. r. J. Ryan (for Austin), Dixon said he had not taken bread and butter, soup or coffee. Austin, in evidence, said she saw the waitress serve Dixon those items. To Mr. W. J. Dignam, for the Crown, Austin said she kept Dixon waiting until six o'clock so she could charge him the evening meal price of 4/-. Austin admitted telling Dixon she had discussed the letters with Mr. Dovey, KC, but denied saying Mr. Dovey had advised her to ignore them. She also admitted saying the regulations were a lot of damned rot. Held Dinner To Charge Extra (1945, May 3). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230441588 

Thelma Valette Austin, cafe proprietress, 7 Manning St., Darlinghurst, fined £10 on each of four charges of having failed to affix stamps. Employers In Court For Tax Breaches (1945, October 25). Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), p. 2 (Late Final Extra 3). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article272499037 

£98 Fines For Tax Breaches

Six employers were fined a total of £98 in the Central Summons Court yesterday for taxation breaches.

Two had pleaded guilty to having failed zo pay money deducted from employees' wages to the Taxation Department, and four with having failed to affix stamps to the value of the amount deducted.

Mr. Brady (for the Taxation Department) said this was a new kind of tax prosecution.

The six employers fined were:

Thelma Valett Austin, proprietress, New Yorker Cafe and the Arabian Tea and Coffee Cafe, Darlinghurst Road, King's Cross. £40 for failure to affix stamps. £98 Fines For Tax Breaches (1945, October 26). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248025467 

Woman Wouldn't Pay Her Fare

Thelma Austin (55), domestic, Warrington Flats. Manning St., Potts Pt. was at North Sydney Court today, fined 10s. for failing to pay a bus fare and £3 for having used indecent language to an inspector. Joseph Salmond, inspector, said that when he joined a Wynyard-bound bus on Saturday he was told by the conductor that Austin refused to pay. Austin, he said, protested that she had already paid her fare in another bus, and even after he explained that tickets were not transferable, still would not pay. Salmond added that Austin said: "You _____ . I won't pay." Woman Wouldn't Pay Her Fare (1950, June 5). Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), p. 13 (Country Edition). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274135112 

BAYVIEW FIRE

Fire destroyed the Bayview Restaurant in Bayview Road, Bayview, late last night. The owner, Miss Thelma Austin, left for England a week ago. The restaurant had not been used for about six months and there was no one in the building. BAYVIEW FIRE (1951, December 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18242977 

IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.—Probate Jurisdiction.—Re will of THELMA VALETTE AUSTIN, late of 7 Manning-street, Potts Point, spinster, deceased.—Probate granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on the 25th September, one thousand nine hundred and sixty-two.— Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1947, Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1938, and Trustee Act, 1925-1942, John Anthony Park Nelson, the executor of the will of the said Thelma Valette Austin, who died on the 6th February, 1962, hereby gives notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send particulars of their claims to the said executor at c.o. R. A. O. Martin, Nelson & Hinchcliffe, Solicitors, 249-251 Pitt-street, Sydney, on or before the 30th June, 1963, at the expiration of which time the said executors will distribute the assets having regard only to the claims of which he then has notice.—Dated this 4th day of October, 1962. R. A. O. MARTIN, NELSON & HINCHCLIFFE, Proctors, 249-251 Pitt-street, Sydney. 1257—£1 12s. 6d. IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.—Probate Jurisdiction.—Re will of THELMA VALETTE AUSTIN, late of (1963, February 8). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 342. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220331099 

NSW BDM’s; AUSTIN THELMA VALETTE 693/1962 parents; WARWICK and SARAH ELIZABETH SYDNEY

Sydney, 27th February, 1953. IT is hereby notified that, in accordance with the provisions of subsection 1A (b) of section 26 of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, the Mayor of the Municipality of Kuring-gai for the time being and the President of the Shire of Warringah for the time being are hereby appointed (in the places of E. S. Solomon and L. McKay) as trustees of the Ku-ring-gai Chase, Hawkesbury River, area about 35,300 acres, dedicated 14th December, 1894, for Public Recreation, and the following additions thereto, namely:—3 acres 1 rood 20 perches at Towler's Bay, Pittwater, dedicated 12th January, 1934; 7 acres 1 rood and 15 acres at Coaster's Retreat, Pittwater, dedicated 2nd August, 1911; 42 acres 2 roods 7 perches at The Basin, Pittwater, dedicated 31st August, 1917; 3 acres 3 roods at Cowan, dedicated 24th May, 1935; about 980 acres at McCarr's Creek, dedicated 19th April, 1940; 21 acres 2 roods 16 perches at McCarr's Creek, dedicated 29th May, 1942; 1,150 acres dedicated 27th August, 1943; 40 acres, parish of Broken Bay, dedicated 21st April, 1944; about 1,650 acres at Terrey Hills, dedicated 27th October, 1944; about 90 acres at McCarr's Creek, dedicated 27th October, 1944; 422 acres 2 roods 10 £ perches at West Head, dedicated 2nd November, 1945, for Public Recreation; 31 acres 2 roods 6 perches, parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland; dedicated 18th October, 1946, for Public Recreation; 48 acres 3 roods 6 ½ perches, at The Basin, Pittwater, dedicated 18th October, 1946, for Public Recreation; and 217 acres 1 rood 29 ½  perches at West Head, dedicated 30th November, 1951, for Public Recreation. P. 53-680. P. H. HAWKINS, Minister for Lands.  Government Gazette Notices (1953, February 27). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 647. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220006848 

There is more about the Austin family of Bayview available in: Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets have Your Name - Bayview

Vol. 835, folio 235: bought by Emma Frances Bailey, wife of Samuel Bennett Bailey, Certificate of Title stating this is a Grant of Land (land grant) registered May 4th 1887. ‘Forty-six links from north eastern corner of John Alderton’s 40 acres…’

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919

Cumberland County Council: Proposed Resumption of Land at McCarr's Creek, Pittwater

HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of the Local Government Act, 1919, has approved of the Cumberland County Council's causing a notice of resumption of the land together with all mines or deposits of coal, ironstone, kerosene shale, limestone, slate or other minerals under the said land (excepting any such mines or deposits as were reserved to the Crown in the original Grant of the said land) described in the Schedule hereto, together with a description of such land, to be published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the land is located, such land being required by the Cumberland County Council for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of the County of Cumberland Planning Scheme. (S. 59-1,773)

J. B. RENSHAW, Minister for Local Government. Department of Local Government,

Sydney, 10th July, 1959.

Schedule

All that piece or parcel of land situate in the Shire of Warringah, parish of Broken Bay and county of Cumberland, containing an area of 40 acres and having a frontage to McCarr's Creek, being portion 2 of parish, being the whole of the land comprised in Crown Grant Vol. 835, folio 235,— said to be in the possession of the estate of the late William Scott Fell, and shown on plan with the Department of Local Government, Sydney. (922). LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919 (1959, July 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2079. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219940470 

Bailey 40 acres opposite gets resumed and placed into Kuring-gai Chase National Park by the time it is owned by Scott-Fell family - Vol-Fol Vol. 835, folio 235:

David Wilson Walker sells his 40 acres on other side of Brown's Bay to Macpherson family - Vol-Fol 951-208:

McGarr, McCarr, Magarr  or McGaa’s? - Shelagh and George Champion OAM's 'Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater -  page 83  provide:

McCARR, James McCarr is the name used to identify present McCarr’s Creek. However, this man’s real name was almost certainly James McGrath. Aged 35 years, James McGrath was sentenced to 7 years in Dublin in 1805. His occupation was given as labourer. He departed Cork on the Tellicherry on 31 August 1805 and arrived in Port Jackson on 15 February 1806. 

Ann Haynes was sentenced on 24 July 1804 at the Hereford Assizes to 7 years. She sailed from Cork on the William Pitt on 31 August 1805 and arrived at Port Jackson on 11 April 1806. By 1820 she was free by servitude and claimed to be married to James McGrath (spelt as such) but no marriage record has yet been located. It will be observed that both the Tellicherry and the William Pitt departed Cork on the same date. These ships remained together as part of a convoy for a considerable part of their journey to NSW and both arrived in 1806. 

A well-known Irish political exile, Martin Burke, was also on the Tellicherry and had taken up residence in the Pittwater district by 1820. He and James McGrath would have known each other. 

James McGrath was living with Ann Haynes, near present McCarr’s Creek in 1820. James had to go to Sydney, and on his return on Tuesday, 23 May he found that his house had been plundered. He compiled a long list of missing articles, ranging from a feather bed, blankets and a chest full of clothing, through tools, utensils, food and seven goats. His boat, oars and sails, which he had lent to a seaman, James Gribble, were also missing. Ann Haynes had left the house in the evening of 22 May, leaving James Newcombe (or Newcome), who said that James Gribble was his master, in charge. 

Three days later Constable John Williams was going from Broken Bay to Windsor, when two Aborigines informed him that a bushranger, with McCarr’s boat and property, was in Mangrove Creek. With their assistance Williams apprehended Newcombe, who acknowledged he had taken the property. Williams took him to Windsor and secured him in the gaol. William Cox, J.P. described Newcombe as a “Most Notorious Bush Ranger” who had absconded from the Coal River (now Hunter River) for the second time. It was expected that Constable Williams would receive 20/- for his trouble and expense in taking and securing a runaway, namely Newcombe. [AO SZ791; COD451B No.33, p.449-459] 

The Sydney Gazette reported that in the Sydney Court of Criminal Jurisdiction “James Newcome (sic) was arraigned on Tuesday [4 July 1820] for feloniously stealing a book and other property (being the whole contents of his house), from the premises of James McGarr; and being found Guilty was sentenced fourteen years to Newcastle.” [SG Sat 8 July 1820 p.3 col.1] Later, as a runaway from Port Macquarie, Newcombe was sent to Van Diemen’s Land.

The Turn of The Century

By Percy Hunter

The development of the coastline from Manly to Barrenjoey in the past fifty years has been rapid and spectacular; but crowded into the last forty years the growth of the popular Palm Beach has transformed virgin bush into, a crowded, fashionable resort.

In the initial stages it was the introduction of surf bathing that led to the settlement on the ocean beaches. Before that time it was the harbor or inlet beaches that attracted the home or; the holiday cottage. Newport was a good instance of this. Whatever settlement there was in the nineties at Newport, was clustered round Pittwater and the ocean front was merely one of the ring of superb beaches which fringe the coast between Manly and Broken Bay. It was probably the surf bathing cra2£ -which induced the Barrenjoey Land Company . which owned the whole of the Palm Beach peninsula to open up their district, build roads and offer the land for sale. Before that time, about 1912, Palm Beach was uninhabited except for the cottage of the light-house keeper at Barrenjoey. 

The first roads made were Pacific and Florida Roads on the ocean front and a road over the hill from Pittwater, Palm Beach Road. The Company built a wharf which is still in service at Gow's boatshed, and supported a launch service from Newport which remained the only means of access until the old dray road from Newport was reconstructed some years later. The land when offered for sale was snapped up and houses quickly appeared, one of the first places built being the late W. Chorley's house on the beach front. This is now the headquarters of the Palm Beach Surf Club, one of the most prosperous and most efficiently run life saving clubs on the coast. The Turn of the Century (1953, September 3). Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), p. 30 (Cable Edition 2). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277628133 

HA-HA HERO

JACK TO THE RESCUE

Mr. Albert Littlejohn's observation: —My respect' for the laughing jackass was, if possible, increased last Saturday after witnessing an Interesting rescue by one of that family while at McCarr's Creek, Pittwater. Hearing a bird calling, apparently in distress, I turned and saw a crow flying down from a tree holding a Dollar bird in his claws. The crow, which alighted in an angle formed by a rock, was doing his best to destroy the bird, when a jackass flew down, and by frightening him caused the crow to release his victim. All three then went their own ways, and the Dollar bird, although somewhat weak, managed to escape to a place of safety.  HA-HA HERO (1926, February 9). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224067353 

Littlejohns wharf at McCarrs creek Pittwater 1933 by Julian Howard Ashton

The Littlejohn family had a long association with Pittwater - one of the girls, Agnes, writing stories already published here, that feature places from Manly to Palm Beach and all 'ports' in between. Albert :Littlejohn married Emma Linda Palmer Littlejohn (1883-1949), feminist, journalist and radio commentator, fifth child of Richard Teece, actuary and later general manager of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and his wife Helena, née Palmer, in 1907. They had two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Littlejohn was one of the hostesses for the visiting Women's Cricket Team when they were taken to Palm Beach and Whale Beach in 1934. The couple divorced in 1939. 

The Littlejohn family had been a part of Pittwater long prior to this though:

WARRINGAH ELECTORATE.

Mr. Dugald Thomson, a candidate for the representation of this electorate, addressed a meeting of electors at Bayview on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Thomson was accompanied from Manly by Messrs. Alexander Dean, G. S. Littlejohn, Heatherington, Doyle, and J. Duncan. Mr. Thomas Austin occupied the chair, and there was a representative attendance. Mr. Thomson gave his views on the fiscal policy, local government, federation, finance, local option, womanhood suffrage, and other political questions. Mr. Thomson was well received, and on the conclusion of his address a vote of confidence in the candidate was moved by Mr. W. G. Geddes, seconded by Mr. Frederick Chave. Mr. E. S. Littlejohn and Mr. John Duncan spoke in support of the vote of confidence, which was carried unanimously. WARRINGAH ELECTORATE. (1894, May 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28259638

Mr. Thomas Littlejohn (1825–1906)

The death took place on Saturday night, at his residence, "Haughley," Elizabeth Bay, of Mr. Thomas Littlejohn, at the advanced age of 82 years. At the time of his death, Mr. Littlejohn was chairman of the A.M.P. Society, and in the movement for the expansion of the operations of the society he took such a keen interest that the anxiety and strenuous effort hastened the failure of his heart, which had been weak for some time. After a severe attack on Saturday, he rallied, and his family began to hope that he would recover, but early in the evening, his prostration became more severe, and he passed away, without pain, in the midst of the members of his family. His mental faculties were unimpaired to the last moment.

Mr. Littlejohn was a native of Forfar, Scotland, where he was born on June 9, 1825. Early in life he served in a branch bank in his natal place, and afterwards journeyed to London, where he remained actively employed until 1864. Then he came to Sydney to enter, as junior partner, the firm of Scott, Henderson, and Company. In addition to a number of other positions filled by Mr. Littlejohn, he was member of the council of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, and was chairman of that body in 1892-93. He became attached to the board of the A.M.P. Society in 1887, and since that date was a director almost without a break. After the death of Sir Joseph Abbott he was appointed chairman of the board.

The deceased gentleman married in England, his wife being Annie Austen Orsmond, a daughter of the late J. M. Orsmond, M.D., D.D. He leaves a widow, five sons, and three daughters, as follow: Mr. George Littlejohn, senior partner in the firm of Scott, Henderson, and Company, and ex-president of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce; Mr. R. S. Littlejohn, of the Public Works Department; Dr. E. S. Littlejohn, of Croydon; Mr. Arthur Littlejohn, of Messrs. Vindin and Littlejohn, solicitors; Mr. Albert Littlejohn, junior partner in the firm of Scott, Henderson, and Company; Miss A. Littlejohn, Miss Christabel Littlejohn, and Mrs. H. B. Hetherington.

Mr. Littlejohn was for many years a resident of Manly. At the local Presbyterian Church, on Sunday night, the Rev. J. Anderson Gardiner paid a sympathetic tribute to the memory of the deceased. He was for 12 years an elder of the church. At the conclusion of the service, Miss Alice Bryant played "The Dead March." OBITUARY. (1906, January 24 - Wednesday). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71526592 

THE LATE MR. THOMAS LITTLEJOHN

A REPRESENTATIVE FUNERAL.

The respect in which the late Mr. Thomas Littlejohn, president of the A.M.P. Society, had been held through life was abundantly shown by the large and representative gathering of commercial and professional men at his funeral al Waverley Cemetery yesterday afternoon. The funeral left deceased's late residence, "Haughley," Elizabeth Bay, shortly after 2 o'clock. The cortege was an exceptionally long one. The chief mourners were the late Mr. Littlejohn's four sons — Messrs. George S., R. S., A. N., and Dr. E. S. Littlejohn— and Dr. Hetherington (son-in-law). One of deceased's sons is at present on a tour through the East. 

The Australian Mutual Provident Society was largely represented.  The directors present were Messrs. A. W. Meekes, R. J. Black, F. E. Winchcombe, and Colonel Burns. The officials of the institution were represented by Messrs, R. Teece (general manager and actuary), R. B. Cameron (secretary), D. Carment (assistant actuary), James Steel (accountant), H. W. Apperley (manager, Industrial Branch), and A. Duckworth (chief clerk). Among others present were: — Sir William M'Millan, Messrs. P. M'Arthur (president, Chamber of Commerce), H. C. Mitchell (secretary, Chamber of Commerce), M. Gotthelf, A. G. Purves, G. I. Kilgour, Joseph Love, Charles Graham, Pax-ton, W. H. Shortland, Roland Love, P. C. Close, L. J. Bowyer, W. B. Clarke (Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co.), M'Cartney Abbott, A. W. Suitor, A. Nathan, E. Trelawney (P. and O. Co.), William Wood, Rollo A. Cape, J. St. Vincent Welch (Commercial Union Assurance Co.), John Sandes, H. Charles Mitchell, W. F. Mitchell (Department of Public Works), Augustus F. Robinson, C. Churchill Tucker, James Henderson (general manager, City Bank), Hugh Dixson, C. H. Hayes (secretary, Exchange), C. A. Halliday, Alex. Campbell, E. H. Rogers, Francis Lock, Exton, H. W. Carey, F. T. Humphery, Walter Gollin, J. Barre Johnston, W. Crawford, J. Russell French (general manager, Bank of New South Wales), W. C. Goddard (Norwich Union), H. C. Evans (National Mutual Life Association of Australasia), Dugald Thomson, M.H.R., J. Roberts, L. A. Johnston, George Wall (ex-president, Chamber of Commerce), John Paul, J. C. Remington (Mutual Life Association of Australasia), A. W. Gillies, J. F. Hutton, A. H. Moore (president, Employers' Federation), C. Nettheim, W. M. Vindin (Vindin and Little-john), T. F. Waller (Harbor Trust Commissioner), Forbes Angus, Bruce Smith, M.H.R., J. Dalgarno (ex-Deputy Postmaster-General), James Inglis, J. M'Pherson, A. R. Pedley, James Moir, J. B. Christian, P. C. Trebeck, J. G. S. Corns (Railway Department), Dr. Wood-ward, Dr. Cox, Dr. J. R. M. Robertson, and Captain S. G. Green (E. and A.S.N. Co.). 

The service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. J. T. Thorburn, of the Palmer-street Presbyterian Church. The funeral arrangements were in charge of Mrs. P. Kirby and Son. On Sunday next a memorial service will be held at the Palmer-street Presbyterian Church, where deceased had been a regular worshipper for some time, and in which he had shown much practical interest. On Sunday night, at the Manly Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Anderson Gardiner referred in feeling terms to the death of Mr. Littlejohn, a late member and elder of the church. Mr. Gardiner spoke of the good services Mr. Littlejohn had rendered the church, and also of the high esteem in which he had been held as an old resident of the village. At the close of the service the congregation stood while the organist, Miss Alice Bryant, played the Dead March in "Saul." THE LATE MR. THOMAS LITTLEJOHN. THE LATE MR. THOMAS LITTLEJOHN. (1906, January 23). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239436750 

Late Mr. T. Littlejohn’s Will

ESTATE VALUED AT £40,130.

Probate has been granted in respect of the will of the late Mr. Thomas Littlejohn, of the firm of Scott, Henderson, and Company, merchants, of Sydney, who died on January 20 last.

By his will, dated June 29, 1905, the deceased appointed his widow (Annie Austen Littlejohn) and his son (George Stanley Littlejohn) trustees and executors of his estate. He bequeathed to his widow all household furniture, plate, linen, musical instruments, jewellery, and effects, and to his trustees the estates vested in him as trustee or mortgagee, to be held by them subject to the trusts and equities affecting the same. 

The residue of his real and personal estate he devised to his trustees upon trust— as to the land and premises known as 'Hawthorn,' at Manly, to permit his widow to have the use and enjoyment of the same for life; and as to his policies in certain life assurance societies, the payment of all moneys and bonuses in respect of the same to be held by his sons George Stanley and Arthur Nelson Littlejohn, in trust for the benefit of his daughters Agnes and Christabel Rose. He directed that the money, stock, etc., used in connection with the firm of Scott, Henderson, and Company, carried on by him in the co-partnership with his sons George Stanley and Albert Littlejohn, should be valued by two competent persons after his decease, the amount of such valuation to be placed to the debit of his sons, George Stanley and Albert, in the books of the firm, in the event of their carrying on the business. Subject to the payment by the said sons of the interest and moneys on such debit balance, testator devised the business absolutely to them. He directed that his sons George Stanley and Albert, or the one of them carrying on the business, should pay as a first charge against the business £300 a year to his widow for life; subject to such payment, to pay to the whole of his children in equal shares interest at the rate of 5 per cent, on the said debit balance. In the event of neither of his sons deciding to carry on the business, he directed that it should, as conveniently as possible, be sold, and the proceeds arising therefrom, after deducting a sum sufficient at the rate of 3 per cent, to produce £300 a year for his widow, be divided equally among his children. He directed that his sons, George Stanley and Albert, in the event of their carrying on the business, should at the expiration of eight years after his decease, or earlier if they so desired, pay to. all his children in equal shares the amount of the debit balance above mentioned. 

After the death of his widow, he directed that the property at Manly and the part of the debit balance or portion of the proceeds of the sale of business, should be converted into money, and paid to his children in equal shares. He directed that the amount received in respect of his life assurance policies should be held by his sons George Stanley and Arthur Nelson upon trust, and that they should pay the resulting income from the investment of the same to his daughters- Agnes and Christabel Rose in equal shares, until their death or marriage, after which the moiety of the money so invested for his daughters, should be held upon trust for all his children, in equal shares, 'My intention,' testator stating, 'being that each of my daughters shall have the enjoyment of the income arising from the moiety and policy moneys only during her life and spinsterhood, and afterwards all children to share equally in the principal money producing such income.' As to the residue of the estate, deceased directed that it should as early as practicable be converted into money, and the proceeds divided equally among all his children. The net value of the estate for probate purposes was estimated at £40,180 14s 11d. Late Mr. T. Littlejohn's Will (1906, May 1). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114321191 

Sydney, 15th January, 1954.

OBJECTIONS TO SPECIAL PURCHASES.

IT is hereby notified that applications have been lodged for the purchase of the areas particularised below. Any objections should be accompanied by a deposit of £10 and lodged with the Metropolitan District Surveyor, Sydney, on or before 8th February, 1954."

A. R. JONES, Under Secretary for Lands,

Land District—Metropolitan; Shire—Warringah.

Special Purchase 50-57, parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland, of an area of about 4 perches below high-water mark at Taylor's Point, Pittwater, fronting lot 44, deposited plan 13,760; applicant, Sydney Garvin Littlejohn, 12 Wallaroy-road, Double Bay. Tenure 53-8,257.

Special Purchase 52-43, parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland, of an area of about 21/2 perches below high-water mark of McCarr's Creek, Pittwater, fronting lot 22, deposited plan 11,691 applicant, Kathleen Helen Andronicus, 197 George-street, Sydney. Tenure 53-7,508. - Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), Friday 29 January 1954 (No.11), page 294 

Andronicus Brothers Coffee & Tea Shop
197 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 1910s

Andronicus Brothers was one of Australia’s earliest commercial coffee roasting businesses. Residents of Pittwater may recall the Andronicus Cafe in the paving stone passageway at Bungan street Mona Vale leading up to the current Woolworths supermarket which was still there into the 1980's. Serving superb coffee and meals, this light airy eatery was very popular and well-known for excellence in everything produced.

Nicholas Andronicus (Andronikos) arrived in Australia in 1897 – the first of six Kytherian brothers who journeyed to Australia. He was initially followed by Mick (Minas), Charles (Kosmas) and Emmanuel (Emmanouil).

In 1907 Emmanuel and Charles opened a small shop at 127 York Street, Sydney, under the business name Andronicus Brothers, Indent Agents & Importers. They supplied Greek café proprietors with products and items they required, Greek "kafenia" (Greek men’s coffee shops) with roasted coffee, and the general public, primarily with tea and hand-dipped chocolates. Three years later Charles, Mick and Emmanuel, joined by another brother, John (Ioannis), moved the business to 197 George Street, near Circular Quay. At this time they were roasting 90kg of coffee everyday. Their trademark became “AB – Always Best”.

In 1936/7 John bought his brothers out and a decade later he sold the chocolate component of the business to concentrate on coffee, but later diversified with the inclusion of continental food items such as olives, assorted traditional cheeses, halva and sesame seeds. His brother Charles then established a chocolate shop and associated factory to continue the sale of Andronicus hand-dipped chocolates.

In the early 1960s John’s sons, Charles and George, established their own wholesale company, Andronicus Coffee Pty Ltd., opening their first factory in Crows Nest on Sydney’s lower North Shore. Soon, Andronicus Coffee was being stocked by Woolworths and Franklins stores around the country. John, together with his wife, Kathleen (née Gordon), continued at the George Street shop until 1973. After the business’ closure, the building was demolished as part of a major redevelopment. In 1984, Charles sold out of Andronicus Coffee Pty Ltd to his brother, George. Two years later, George accepted a takeover bid from Nestlé.

Photo from J.D. Comino, et al., “Zoi en Australia” (Life in Australia), Melbourne, 1916, p. 131, from the “In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians” National Project Archives, Macquarie University, Sydney

MANY MORE CAFE & MILK BAR STORIES CAN BE FOUND IN "Greek Cafés & Milk Bars of Australia" (Halstead Press, 2016): http://www.cafesandmilkbars.com.au/