Pittwater Online News

Boulton's Jetty on 'Old Mangrove Bay' + Newport hotel jetty + Newport Public wharf: Some history

The installation of jetties and then a public wharf at Newport's Pittwater side provided access for farmers sending produce and goods to market, and provided access for landing to the thousands of excursionists who began arriving via steamers from the late 1860's on.

With roads that were little more than tracks, Pittwater was alike a Venice of the south, with water access providing connections and communication. These also provided access across Pittwater for those who lived here. 

Initially people were using private jetties with those building them having a commercial interest that required a jetty. As time went on, and public wharves were built by the state government, and then maintained by the council, recreation became a primary reason for these, although connection and communication remains at the core of these wharves today.

Pittwater still has children who commute by ferry to school, we still have a connection to Brisbane Water and Patonga, along with all our glorious western shores and Scotland Island, via the ferries. People still need to transport food, themselves and needed items via private vessels and ferries to places where they need access to land via a decent wharf that will not leave them aground at low tide.

Of the four that were originally at Newport, three were for commercial enterprise and one, after they became defunct, was for everyone.

This page shares a few insights into the chronological sequence of those jetties and that public wharf.

According to Alan Sharpe’s Pictorial Memories Manly to Palm Beach (1993), William Boulton arrived from the Kalgoorlie goldfields. Other sources state this was around 1871 or 1872 (Mona Vale Outrages - George Champion OAM) where he took over the lease of what was then called ‘Mona Vale Farm’. 

This was also the site that had been where David Foley had farmed, and not far from where he was murdered on November 8, 1949.

The land was part of the Bassett-Darley Estate. 

On 5 June 1860 the following advertisement appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald:

“TO LET, MONA VALE, consisting of 700 acre grant, but by measurement about 2000 acres [a gross exaggeration - authors]. It will carry about 300 head of cattle, besides the fenced in paddocks, will milk about 60 to 70 cows all the year round. There is coals and a good wharf on the estate, the fire-wood will three times pay the rent, as the wharf and other conveniences are greater than any other place in the colony for the Sydney markets. For particulars apply by letter to H.J.BATE, at Mr. F.R. Robinson’s ironmonger, George-street, opposite Sydney Markets.”

The advertisement was repeated, and by 24th October 1860 Mr Lush, with his family, had been installed as caretaker. The Lushes were in occupation when Charles de Boos and his companions called at the farm in 1861. De Boos described their arrival at the homestead in 'My Holiday' as:

“... it is so nestled down amidst the sand hills that surround it as to be unperceived until you are within a hundred yards of it. We found it a neat looking little place so far as outside appearance went, but evidently the worse for wear, like every building we had then met, and I may add, like every one we afterwards came to in the district. It had, at one time, been a dwelling of some pretension, as was evident from the stabling, fowl-house, and dairy, now somewhat dilapidated; and from the enclosed garden in front of the house, in which flowering plants, roses, pinks and geraniums, struggled manfully for existence with the straggling couch grass, amidst which they were all but buried. 

A large stockyard, in which was a shed, covering in the milking bail and calf pen, lay to the north of the house, the venerable grey hue of the timber speaking for the antiquity of the construction, as well as for the durable characters of our colonial timber, since the posts, though somewhat eaten away by decay below the surface, were still sound and hard as flint above it.

At the back of the domicile, or eastward, the high sandbanks sheltered it from the fierce sharp breezes from the ocean, through the surf, as it curled and dashed upon the long sandy beach, roared and moaned incessantly in such close proximity as to be inconvenient until the ear had got accustomed to the sound. To the right, or northerly, a high range terminating in a rocky headland which jutted far out into the sea, and abruptly ending the long line of beach, arose almost bluffly from the edge of a small paddock reserved for a kitchen garden; whilst southerly a close belt of honeysuckle [i.e. banksia] protected it. To the front or westward, the view was open, extending along the broad clear flat which I have before spoken of as reaching to the head of Pittwater and a large portion of which I could now see was enclosed, thereby forming a vast paddock.”

“Mona Vale” continued to be advertised for lease until July 1862. About this time James Therry arrived in the Colony with his wife Maria Louisa Therry family. He was the nephew of the Rev John Joseph Therry, who had substantial land holdings to the north of John Farrell II. James Therry took the lease of “Mona Vale” and renovated the house for his family. 

However, before they could occupy the residence it was destroyed by fire, on 5 November 1862. Suspicion fell on John Farrell II, as Therry had already had occasion to speak to him about his cattle trespassing on “Mona Vale”, whereupon Farrell had said that Mr Therry would not remain on the farm for six months. At the inquest into the fire, however, the jury concluded that “the said premises, situated at Mona Vale, Pitt Water, were wilfully and maliciously set fire to, but the evidence does not clearly show who the guilty party or parties are.” According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Therry was then threatened that if he did not leave the district he might expect further injury, not only to his property but to his person.

The Therry family persevered, living in tents and a makeshift hovel. A reporter from the Empire, who visited the remains of the ruined homestead, said he saw standing near what had been the hearth of the burnt dwelling-house, a woman, who, from her manners and conversation, was evidently a lady. A number of young children were also gathered round a small hovel which had been erected on a rising ground beyond.

Farrell was eventually found guilty of destroying the property and livestock and persecutions against the Therry family. Maria had already left to operate a boarding house at Manly so their children would have a home and eat.

The tenancy then passed to Thomas Wilson by 1863 who also went through the same, this time through John Farrell III. Although he too was eventually convicted, while attending court the Wilson's toddler Blanche drowned on the property on November 11 1870.

The Wilson family moved to Little Mackerel Beach around 1872 and William Boulton and his wife Sarah, and their sons and daughters, took over the tenancy of the Mona Vale farm.

It was here that a small chapel named St John's was consecrate on September 21, 1871, the papers of the time describing:

ST. John BAPTIST-, PITTWATER.

This school-church, or Chapel-of-ease to St. Matthew's, Manly, was opened by license on the 21st instant, being St. Matthew's Day. It is a neat wooden building, 30 x 16 feet, erected on an elevated site from which there is a very fine view of the ocean. The site was given by Mr. Edward Darley. 

The building is not yet finished, but will be shortly. A considerable number of persons from Manly and Broken Bay-the two opposite extremes of the district-as well as from the immediate neighbourhood of Pittwater, assembled on the occasion. About 100 were present at the church. The license was read by Mr. Joseph Cook. The prayers were said by the incumbent, Rev. E. Smith, and a suitable sermon was preached from John L, 29.' by the Rev. W. C. Cave-Browne-Cave, incumbent of St. Thomas's, Willoughby. The choir of St. Matthew's, Manly, kindly conducted the singing. The offertory amounted to £9 10s 10d. 

This small church, being situated quite in the wilderness, and being the first erected in that part of the colony, is appropriately named after the Baptist and it is the earnest prayer of those through whose exertions the building has been so far brought to completion, that whoever may officiate may, like-the Baptist, preach repentance ; and may also, like him, as the preacher did on that occasion, point always to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world." 

Those who have contributed to this good work have conferred an incalculable benefit upon a locality where, until recently-before a service was commenced there by the late incumbent, the Rev. G. Gurney-lamentable to say, were to be found adults who had never heard the Word of God.-Australian Churchman. The Empire. (1871, September 30). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60876685 

St Johns Mona Vale

ST. JOHN. BAPTIST, PITTWATER. . - This school-church, or Chapel-of-ease to St. Matthew's, Manly, was opened by license on the 21st instant, being St. Matthew's day. It is a neat wooden building, 30 x16 feet, erected on an elevated site, from which there is a very fine view of the ocean. The site was given by Mr. Edward Darley. The building is not yet finished, but will be shortly. A considerable number of persons from Manly and Broken Bay, the two opposite extremes of the district-as well as from the immediate neighbourhood of Pittwater, assembled on the occasion; About 100 were present at the church. 

The license was read by Mr. Joseph Cook. The prayers were said by the incumbent Rev. E. Smith, and a suitable sermon was preached from John i.20, by the Rev. W. C. Cave-Browne-Cave, Incumbent of St. Thomas's, Willoughby. The choir of St, Matthew's, Manly, kindly conducted the singing. The offertory amounted to £ 9 10s 10d. This small church, being, situated quite in the wilderness, and being the first erected in that part of the colony, is appropriately named after the Baptist; and it is the earnest prayer of those, through whose exertions the building has been so far brought to completion, that whoever may officiate may, like the Baptist, preach repentance and may also, like him, and as the preacher did on that occasion, point always to the Lamb of God who taketh away 'the sins of the world." 

Those who have contributed to this good work have conferred on incalculable benefit upon a locality, where, until recently-before a service was commenced there by the late incumbent, the Rev. G. Gurney-lamentable to say, were to be found adults who had never heard the Word of God from Australian Churchman. THE LAND. (1871, October 2). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28414907

Pittwater scenes, 1880 / Harold Brees, Pittwater Church of England and Boulton's farm. Image No.: c13730_0003_c, courtesy State Library of New South Wales.

The farm gave its name to what we now call the suburb of 'Mona Vale', despite being on the hill overlooking Bongin Bongin Bay (Mona Vale Basin) and having its back towards Bungan Beach. Here two of William and wife Sarah Ann (nee Waters) children's births occurred.

The Bassett-Darley holding at Mona Vale and Newport, comprising 700 acres, was sold in two parts. On January 17 1880 a sale was registered to Charles Edward Jeanneret and George Pile paid 732 [pounds sterling] for 118 acres on which to establish the New Marine Township of Newport, (1) while the remaining land, apart from a one acre lot purchased by the Church of England, was bought by John William Cliff for 8000 [pounds sterling] in 1886. (2) - (1) Land Titles Office, Old System Deeds Book 201, No. 916; Book 224, No. 576. (2) Land Titles Office, Old System Deeds Book 340, No. 647. 

A proviso of the Jeanneret-Pile sale was that a large central section be set aside as a 'commons ground' for residents - and what we today call Trafalgar Park in Newport, opposite Newport Primary School.

On the same date was advertised:

January 1880: TO CONTRACTORS – TENDERS are wanted for clearing roads and about forty acres of land at the new Pittwater Marine Township. Apply Mills and Pile, 112, Pitt Street. Advertising. (1880, January 19). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13450418

In August 1880 the Sydney Morning Herald espouses:

We have received from Messrs. Mills, Pile, and Gilchrist, (who have published it for the proprietors) an interesting pamphlet descriptive and illustrative of the beauties and attractions of Newport, Pittwater, and the celebrated Hawkesbury lakes. The work consists of about eight pages of letter-press and nine carefully lithographed drawings, depicting the more important scenes and places of interest in the locality. The description is capably written, and the illustrations, lithographed by Messrs. S. T. Leigh and Co., from water colour drawing- by Mr. H. Brees, are very creditably executed, and give excellent ideas of the places represented. Appended is a plan and local sketch of the new marine township of Newport, and altogether the publication is one which will commend itself highly to all interested in one of the most picturesque spots on the New South Welsh coast. NEW'S OF THE DAY. (1880, August 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13466890

The full 'sales pamphlet' is available in; Brees, Harold & S.T. Leigh & Co & Mills, Pile & Gilchrist. (1880). The Pittwater and Hawkesbury Lakes album Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-460123425

The 1880 sales lithograph for this sale shows a 'wharf' named 'Boulton's wharf' marked on the map layout:

Advertising (1880, October 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13470999

Residents had been writing letters and signed an 1870 petition calling for a mail service to Pittwater. In 1871 a long-called for mail service to Pittwater and beyond was realised, with John T Collins winning the contract initially. The mail run was to extend to the Central Coast in 1879 and was initially won by Rock Davis who had built the 'Florrie' in order to service the tender won. 

See; The Mail Route to Pittwater and Beyond

PITTWATER. The Royal Mail S.S. "FLORRIE, under contract with her Majesty’s Government, will run as follows, commencing on SATURDAY, 2nd August, 1879:-From Gosford Wharf, on THURSDAYS and SATURDAY'S, at 8 a.m., touching at Blackwall, and arrives at the head of Pittwater, at about 11 a.m.; from Brisbane Water, passengers will be conveyed by waggonette leaving Pittwater immediately after the arrival of the Mail steamer from Gosford; and passengers from Sydney will be conveyed by waggonette leaving Post-office, Manly, at 8.20 a.m. for Pittwater, and thence by Mail steamer to Brisbane Water. The steamer conveying the Mails from Sydney leaves Circular Quay at 7 a.m. ROCK DAVIS. Advertising. (1879, August 2). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13448783

The 'wagonette' was originally driven by John Collins of 'Collins Retreat' overlooking Crystal Bay, and then by Boulton. 

The bay where Boulton's jetty was is still marked on maps as ‘Old Mangrove Bay’ and opposite it was ‘Winji Jimmi Bay’. Above t was what is described on the lithograph as a 'valley of palm and fern trees'.

Old Mangrove Bay adjoined and connected with what became known as the 'Newport Maze' which still runs through Winnererremy Bay into Mona Vale and Bayview as a green necklace of mangroves and the estuary today.

John T. Collins, who was associated with the Farrells through marrying Sarah Ann, a daughter of the same family, and leasing the land on which Collins Retreat was built from Daniel Farrell, a son, was being prosecuted around the same time for selling 'sly-grog' from Collins Retreat, which would have negated his ability to get a licence for the hotel. 

Collins was also placed in charge of the Newport Hotel to begin with too, and this would state the wharf adjoining the hotel grounds was already operational by the the next month and the Spring of 1880:

N E W P O R T  H O T EL, PITTWATER.
JOHN COLLINS, Proprietor.
FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATION. BOATS ALWAYS AT THE WHARF.
for Fishing Parties, Buggies for Excursionists at the Hotel. The steamer Florrie starts from the wharf for Gosford and the Hawkesbury. Splendid ocean Beach. Grand Mountain Scenery. Pending the issue of a license the Hotel will be conducted as an Accommodation House. Coaches leave the Manly Wharf and the Colonnade Hotel, Manly, whenever required. Advertising. (1880, September 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13468589

However, he wasn't keen to give up the goldmine the hotel would surely become:

The case of C. E. Jeanneret and Geo. Pile v-John Collins occupied the attention of the Bench in the summons division of the Water Police Court yesterday all the morning. The complainants are the owners of the Newport Hotel, Pittwater, of which the defendant is the lessee. His lease expired on the 21st September last, but although the complainants had declined to grant a renewal, he refused to vacate and give up the premises, contending that he was entitled to hold possession under a verbal agreement, and that certain negotiations for his purchase of the property for the sum of £1100 were still pending. Mr. Lester and Mr. Gooderidge, the sitting magistrates, after hearing the evidence, ordered a warrant of ejectment to be issued unless the premises were vacated in 14 days. Mr. Barton appeared for the complainants, and Mr. Carruthers for the defendant. No title (1881, November 15). The Sydney Daily Telegraph (NSW : 1879 -1883), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238314531

Worth noting, although William Boulton purchasing the hotel wasn't made 'official' in the land titles office until 1887, and was advertised for sale prior to that:

Messer’s Mills, Pile and Gilchrist have sold … Newport Hotel and Grounds, Pittwater, £1100-Mr Boulton, PROPERTY SALES. (1881, December 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13501929

William Boulton was in possession of a licence by January 1882, advertising soon after and had a renewal early in 1883:

Publicans' licenses were granted to R. O'Connor, Illawarra-road, Marrickville ; A. Jarrett, .Leichhardt ; and William Boulton, Newport.  POLICE. CENTRAL POLICE COURT. (1882, February 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13504198 

NEWPORT HOTEL.-WILLIAM BOULTON beg's to inform the public that, having taken the above, he is prepared to offer the best accommodation to pleasure-seekers and others. Choicest Assortment of LIQUORS kept. Coaches run from Manly MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and FRIDAYS, at 8 a.m., for Newport and Gosford ; FRIDAYS for the Hawkesbury River, at 3.30 p.m._
PRIVATE APARTMENTS for ladies or gentlemen. Advertising. (1882, May 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13511809

Renewals of licences were granted to the following -W Boulton Newport Hotel. POLICE. (1883, January 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13526591

MANLY TO NEWPORT AND PITTWATER. Boulton's Royal Mail Coaches leave Manly every SATURDAY, at 3.30p.m., returning Mondays at 5 a.m. WILLIAM  BOULTON, Newport Hotel, Newport. Advertising. (1883, June 15). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13537010

Although these wharves/jetties are clearly present in the landscape from at least mid-1879 their owners lodging permission for use of what were waters overseen by the state government of the time, and the Lands Department in particular, does not appear until 1884. Jetties closer to town were being advertised as permissions sought from the mid1870's on. The Lands Acts Amendment Act 1875 states at 38:

38. The Governor in Council may grant, by auction or otherwise a lease of any portion of Crown lands for any of the purposes hereinafter specified that is to say for wharfs, bridges, punt-houses, ferries, bathing-places, landing-places, saw-mills, paper-mills, brick-kilns, lime-kilns, slaughter-houses, quarries, tanneries, or for a fishery, or for sericulture, or for working mineral springs, for building or repairing ships or boats, for obtaining guano sea-weed shells limestone loam brick earth gravel or ballast or for an inn store smithy bakery or for mail stations or similar building in a thinly populated district or for any purpose of a like nature of an area not exceeding two hundred acres in any one case and may determine the upset price thereof if .... 

All three on the Newport side of Pittwater are placed here as their descriptions and compass points diminishes some of the confusion as to who was doing what and where. The first is for that associated with what had been Collins Retreat and would soon become David Scott's 'Bay View House' on Crystal Bay:

Registration Number 83- 23305 S.P. 1180 - D. Farrell; Parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland, at Newport: Commencing on the high water-mark of Pittwater Harbour, at a point about 30 feet north of the southern boundary of applicant's property; and bounded  a line on the south-west by a line bearing about north 45 degrees west (mag.), about 140 feet; thence on the south-east by a line at right angles bearing south-westerly 20 feet; thence again on the south-west by a line parallel to the first-mentioned boundary north westerly 12 feet; thence on the -north-west by a line at right angles bearing north-easterly 50 feet; thence on the north-east by a line parallel to the first mentioned boundary bearing south-easterly 12 feet ; thence again on the south east by a line right angles bearing south-westerly 20 feet; thence again on the north-east by a line parallel to the first-mentioned boundary, bearing south- easterly about 140 feet to the high water-mark aforesaid; and thence again on the south-east by that high-water mark south-westerly, to the point of commencement. APPLICATION TO ERECT JETTIES ON PILES. (1884, February 1). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 826. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222086981

Daniel Farrell was charged £10 per annum for lease of those lands-waters of Pittwater.

Boulton's: 

Department of Lands,

APPLICATIONS TO ERECT JETTIES ON PILES.

NOTICE in hereby given that applications have boon made by the parties hereunder mentioned for permission to erect jetties in front of their property, particularised in the annexed description; and all persons interested are invited to state within one month from this date, their objections, if any, to the proposed erection of the jetties.

JAMES S. FARNNELL.

Registration No.:MS 84-16574 – William Boulton – 

Description.

County of Cumberland, at Pittwater, Newport, parish of Narrabeen : Commencing on the high-water mark of Pittwater, at a point bearing south 55 degrees east (magnetic), and distant 40 feet from the south-west corner of applicant's property; and bounded thence on the north-west by a line bearing south 30 degrees west 66 foot; thence on the south-west by a line at right angles bearing south easterly 25 feet; thence on the south-east by a line parallel to the first mentioned boundary bearing north-easterly to the aforesaid high-water mark; and thence on the north-cast by that high-water mark north-westerly, to the point of commencement. APPLICATIONS TO ERECT JETTIES ON PILES. (1884, September 19). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 6302. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221676064 

Boulton's jetty, from February 1885 on:

Department of Lands,
Occupation Branch,
Sydney, 27th February, 1885.

LEASES GRANTED FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES,

IT is hereby notified, for general information, that the undermentioned persons have been permitted to lease the lands specified in

the annexed Schedule, under the 88th clause of the Lands Acts Amendment Act of 1876, and 19th clause of the Lands Acts Further Amendment Act of 1880.

The rent for each year must be paid in advance, on or before the 31st December of the year preceding.

CHARLES OLIVER.

Registration Number 564.  Wm. Boulton at Newport Pitt Water. About 6 perches. Jetty on Piles. From 1st Jan., 1885 to 31 Dec 1889. £2 annual rent. The lease to confer no right of purchase and the lessee to remove the structure without compensation whenever required by the Government to do so. LEASES GRANTED FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. (1885, February 27). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1370. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221625979

Boulton's jetty, at 6 perches, was 30.1752 metres in length.

It's worth noting that William Boulton won the tender for and built the first version of the Church Point wharf at this time, probably with his elder sons helping:

THE following tenders were opened by the Tender Board at the Public Works Department yesterday: Wharf at Church Point, Pittwater.  NEWS OF THE DAY. (1884, December 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13581494

Accepted tenders: William Boulton, construction of wharf at Church Point, Pittwater. GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. (1884, December 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13578833

The completion of the Government wharf at Church Point, Pitt water, will prove a great benefit to the residents in that district. The wharf is a substantial wooden structure, and boats drawing 11 feet of water will be able to come alongside at high tide. The population in the neighbourhood of Pittwater is rapidly increasing, and it is understood that the Government intend building a Public school to accommodate 50 pupils. Fruit-growing promises to be the leading industry in that locality. A considerable area of land is being planted with fruit trees. NEWS OF THE DAY. (1885, July 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13592258

Pile and Jeanneret catch up:

Department of Lands,
Sydney, 11th August, 1885.

LEASE FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.—OBJECTIONS CALLED FOR.

IT is hereby notified, for general information, under the Crown Lands Regulations, that it is proposed to grant Leases, as hereunder specified, in accordance with the 38th section of the Lands Acts Amendment Act of 1875, and 19th clause of the Lands Acts Further Amendment Act of 1880, of sites for the purposes hereunder stated, without right of purchase.

Any objections lodged within four weeks from the date of this notice will receive due consideration, and all persons interested are hereby called upon to lodge such objections at this Office on or before the 7th proximo.

CHARLES OLIVER, Under Secretary.

1857: Jetty. G. Pile & C. E. Jeanneret – at County of Cumberland, parish of Narrabeen, at Newport, Pittwater – about 8 perches. Annual rent £5. LEASE FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.—OBJECTIONS CALLED FOR. (1885, August 25). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 5534. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223984241 

The Victoria Wharf adjoining the Newport Hotel grounds, at 8 perches, was 40.2 metres long. 

As can be seen from the above lithograph the section of land adjoining the Newport Hotel grounds, of just over 2 acres, is on a separate title. This was owned by boatbuilder Walter McFarlane Ford senior. In this same year 1885, the following s offered:

THE HAWKESBURY RIVER AND PITT WATER STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY, LIMITED.
To be Registered, and the Liability of the Shareholders Limited under the Companies' Act.  

The above Company is proposed to be formed for the purpose of establishing a regular and efficient Steamship Service between Sydney, Pittwater, and various places upon the Hawkesbury River. 

It is proposed that the Company purchase the steamers and wharfage rights of Mr. C. E. Jeanneret and Messrs. Melvey and Ford, who are now conducting the passenger and goods traffic between Sydney, Pittwater, and the Hawkesbury River. 

The purchase will also include the goodwill of the business carried on by Mr. Jeanneret and that of Messrs. Melvey and Ford. The steamer Amy will be sold to the Company by Mr. Jeanneret and the Moramara by Messrs. Melvey and Ford.

The wharfage rights of the vendors consist of- '
1. The occupation by lease of a wharf at Peat's Ferry at, present held by Mr. Jeanneret.
2. The lease of a wharf in course of construction at Peat's Ferry held by Messrs. Melvey and Ford.
3. A Wharf at Flat Rock Point upon the Hawkesbury River, held by Mr. Jeanneret, from the Crown.
4. Freehold land at Newport with Wharf, known as Victoria wharf.
5. The wharfage right of Mr. C. E, Jeanneret for the unexpired residue of the term of two years over portion of No. 4 Jetty, Circular Quay, Sydney, for the purpose of embarking passengers and their goods.

In addition to the above properties a Cottage and Water Tank at the Basin, Pittwater, as now held under licence from the Crown, will be transferred to the Company.

The Vendors can also arrange with the Company for storage and wharfage of goods if required, at a fixed rate.
The capital of the Company will be £10,000 divided into 10,000 shares of £1 each. Of these 4000 will be allotted as fully paid up to the vendors, Messrs. C. E. Jeanneret and Messrs. Melvey and Ford, and the balance of 6000 shares will be offered to the public upon the following terms of… Advertising. (1885, August 29). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70983085

Also worth noting as happening at the same time in a few other 'catch-up's:

Department of Lands,
Sydney. 18th November, 1884.

APPLICATION TO MAINTAIN A JETTY.

NOTICE is hereby given that application has been made by the parties hereunder mentioned to maintain a jetty in front of their property, particularized in the annexed description; and all persons interested are invited to state, within one month from this date, their objections, if any, why they should not be permitted to maintain the jetty in question.

JAMES S. FARNELL.

Registration No. Ms. 84-22637

Name of Applicants.

Joseph Benns and Charles Jenkins.

Description.

County of Cumberland, parish of Narrabeen, at Pitt Water, Scotland Island: Commencing on the high-water mark of Pitt Water, on the western side of Scotland Island; and bounded thence on the north by a line bearing westerly 168 feet; thence on the west by a line at right angles bearing southerly 5 feet; thence on the south by a line parallel to the first-mentioned boundary bearing easterly to to the aforesaid high-water mark ; and thence on the east by that high-water mark northerly, to the point of commencement. APPLICATION TO MAINTAIN A JETTY. (1884, November 25). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 7906. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221632993 

Department of Lands,
Sydney, 24th February, 1885.

APPLICATION TO ERECT A BOAT HOUSE, BATHING- HOUSE, AND JETTY ON PILES.

NOTICE is hereby given that application has been made by the parties hereunder mentioned to erect a boat house, bathing house, and jetty on piles, in front of their property, particularized in the annexed description ; and all persons interested are invited to state, within one month from this date, their objections, if any, why such persons should not be permitted to erect the boat house, bathing house, and jetty on piles in question. JAMES. FARNELL.

Reg. No. Ms. 85-1481 S.P. 1920

Applicants. Messrs. Chave & M'Culloch..

Description:

County of Cumberland, parish, of Broken Bay, at Pittwater,— Bathing house: Commencing on the high-water mark of Pittwater, at a point bearing southwesterly, and distant about 23 chains 50 links from the north-east corner of applicants' property; and bounded thence on the north-west by a line bearing north-easterly 200 links; thence on the north-east by a line bearing south-easterly 100 links; thence on the south-east by a line parallel to the first mentioned boundary, bearing south-westerly to the aforesaid high-water mark; and thence on the south-west by that high-water mark north-westerly, to the point of commence west.

Boat shed and jetty: Commencing on the high-water mark of Pittwater, at the south-west corner of the proposed bathing house; and bounded thence on the north-west by the south-eastern boundary of that bathing house bearing northeasterly about 200 links; thence on the north-east by a line bearing south-easterly about 100 link's^ thence on the south-east by a line parallel to the first-mentioned boundary bearing south-westerly to the aforesaid high-water mark; and thence on the south-west by that high-water mark north-westerly, to the point of commencement. APPLICATION TO ERECT A BOAT HOUSE, BATHING HOUSE, AND JETTY ON PILES. (1885, March 4). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1456. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221635521

The may be the initial version of or the person who initially won the tender to build the Clareville Public wharf and then backed out, with a further tender accepted in June 1885 for Clareville.

Department of Public Works,
Sydney, 21th March, 1885.

THE following Tenders hare been accepted;

C. Stevenson—Construction of Wharf, Pittwater, Broken Bay. Government Gazette Tenders and Contracts (1885, March 24). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 2034. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22163707

Application 1784- by Walter Henry Holt. For Jetty, Bath House and Boat House. Rent £5 per annum.  Description; County of Cumberland, parish of Narrabeen: Commencing on the high water mark of Pittwater, at a point nearing south-easterly, and distant about 400 feet from the north-west corner of W. H. Holt's property; and bounded thence on the north-west by a line bearing south-westerly 33 feet; thence on the south-west by a line at right angles bearing south-easterly 18 feet; thence again on the north-west by a line at right angles bearing south-westerly 30 feet; thence again on the south west by a line at right angles bearing south-easterly 14 feet; thence on the south-east by a line at right angles bearing north-easterly 30 feet; thence again on the south-west by a line at right angles bearing south easterly 18 feet; thence again on the south-east by a line parallel to the first-mentioned boundary bearing north-easterly to the aforesaid high water mark; and thence on the north-east by that high-water mark, to the point of commencement. LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES—OBJECTIONS CALLED FOR. (1886, July 27). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 5007. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222753031

And David Scott maintaining the lease for the jetty on Crystal Bay adjoined to Bay View House:

Department of Lands,
Sydney, 4th June. 1889.
LEASES GRANTED FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.

IT is hereby notified, for general information, that the undermentioned persons have been permitted to lease the lands specified in the annexed Schedule, under the 89th, 90th, sections of the Crown Lands Act of 1884.

The vent for each year must be paid in advance on or before the 31st December of the year preceding, otherwise penalties for late payment will be incurred, and the lease will be liable to forfeiture.

JAMES N. BRUNKER.

Reg..No.: 6996 S.L. 88-3 Metropolitan - to David Scott. Jetty on Piles of 7 1/2 perches. From January 1 1889 to 31 Dec 1893. Annual rent £2 10s. Pittwater, Broken Bay, parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland. LEASES GRANTED FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. (1889, June 4). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 3914. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224327285

Boulton's wharf was used to transport some important people engaged in important undertakings while that adjoining the Newport Hotel was busy being completed. One great example is the laying of the Foundation Stone for Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

This is described in an April 1880 report - an excerpt from that detailed story tells us:

.... As we neared the end of our journey we gradually ascended a hill, on reaching the top of which a magnificent panoramic view burst upon us. At our feet lay the waters of Broken Bay, or rather that portion of it termed Pitt Water. For miles it stretched towards the entrance to the mouth of the Hawkesbury ; while, on either side, bold headlands, crowned to their summits with timber, and looking like great sentinels, rose from the water's edge. Expressions of  wonder at the beauty of the scene were heard on all sides, and the fact that this lovely place is so little known to denizens of the metropolis was freely commented on.

But our steamer, the good ship Florrie, owned by Mr. Jeannerett, was in waiting, lying alongside a jetty at the head of the bay, so we immediately embarked for our destination, Barrenjoey, a distance of about eight miles. 

On the opposite side of the bay is New Port, the property of Messrs. Mills and Pile and Mr. Jeannerett, who are erecting an hotel, for the accommodation of visitors to the bay. It will have a fine situation; and when the place becomes more widely known, as it deserves to be, the hotel will doubtless be largely availed of. 

The trip down the bay was greatly enjoyed; and every point of interest critically scanned. Shortly before 1 o'clock, or about an hour after leaving the wharf, we steamed opposite the jetty at the Customs-house landing, a short distance away- the depth of water not permitting us to go alongside, and soon Mr. Black, with his whaleboat, came along-side. .... LAYING the FOUNDATION-STONE of a NEW, LIGHTHOUSE at BARRENJOEY. (1880, April 17). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13458288

Newport Hotel, circa 1884, a Robert Hunt photograph, courtesy State Library of NSW

Steamers not being able to 'come alongside' wharves and jetties, at Newport and at Barrenjoey, due to arriving low tide, became a common theme in the following years. Some offloaded their 'excursionists' into their own boats to take them ashore, some ran aground - a few of those incidents reported in the newspapers of the past run below.

Excursion advertisements would indicate the Victoria Wharf, adjoining the grounds of the Newport Hotel, was able to be used by May 1880:

QUEEN'S BIRTH DAY. SELECT and FAMILY EXCURSION to PITTWATER and HAWKESBURY LAKES, and the New Marine Town of NEWPORT. The fast, powerful, and steady Steamship KEMBLA, has been engaged, and will leave the CIRCULAR QUAY, at 9am, returning at 7 p m. At this season of the year the sea is as smooth as a pond, and a delightful trip may confidently be anticipated. Every arrangement will be made to ensure the comfort of each PRIVATE PICNIC PARTY, and the MAGNIFICENT SCENERY of PITTWATER, and the Lower Hawkesbury, will be seen to the best advantage. TICKETS, 5s EACH May be obtained on board, or at the KING-STREET WHARF; MR MADDOCK, George-street.  Advertising. (1880, May 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13460203

The Kembla was originally a 325 gross tons, 204 net. Lbd: 185'1" x 22'1" x 11'5". Iron paddle steamship built by J Reid & Co., Glasgow for the Illawarra S N Co., Sydney. Of 2 cylinder LP producing 165 horsepower and capable of 14 knots. Lengthened in 1873 becoming of 449 gross tons, 283 net with Lbd: 209'2" x 22'6" x 11'5". Owned by C J Stevens who formed the Newcastle Steamship Co Ltd. (6.)

One of the most’ successful excursions that has taken place during the season was that which was held yesterday to Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River. The glorious scenery of this matchless river doubtless had the effect of inducing so large a number of persons to assemble on board the good ship Kembla, which was lying at the Circular Quay yesterday morning, ready to convey intending excursionists. At a quarter to 10 precisely the Kembla cast off her moorings and steamed away, having on board at least 800 people. The weather was magnificent, and the trip a most enjoyable one to most of those on board, though some were to be met with suffering from mal de mer. Barrenjuey was rounded about 12, and the glorious scenery which burst upon the view of the excursionists, and which was seen for the first time by most of them, excited universal admiration. At a quarter to one the Kembla was brought up alongside the wharf at Newport, and the majority of her living freight, after getting ashore, dispersed in various directions. Refreshments were to be had in plenty on board the steamer, and about 150 partook of luncheon in the saloon. At four o'clock, when every spot worth visiting had been thoroughly "done" by most of the excursionists, the party re-embarked. The steamer was then headed down the bay, and after a pleasant run of about three-quarters of an hour Mount Elliott was rounded, Captain Skinner having kindly decided to give his passengers an additional treat by a trip into the entrance to the Hawkesbury. This was looked upon as a great treat, and frequent exclamations of delight were heard as each point of interest and beauty was passed. After going up the estuary about five miles, Captain Skinner turned his vessel's head homewards, and after a pleasant passage the Kembla was brought up alongside her wharf in Darling Harbour. No accident of any kind occurred to mar the day's enjoyment, and the almost universal verdict was that tie excursion was about the most successful, in every respect, that has been, held this season. HARBOUR EXCURSIONS. (1880, May 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13460708

PRINCE OF WALËS' BIRTHDAY.-EXCURSION to NEWPORT, BROKEN BAY. The fast and favourite steamship ILLAWARRA will leave the I. S. N. Company's Wharf next TUESDAY, 9th November, at 1130 a.m. Tickets, 5s ;children, half-price. At MADDOCK'S, or on the Wharf; Brass band engaged. Advertising. (1880, November 5). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13478150

EXCURSION to NEWPORT, PITTWATER, and BROKEN BAY. The favourite steamship HUNTER will leave the Illawarra Company's Wharf, Erskine-street, at 10a.m. on SATURDAY next, for NEWPORT WHARF, BROKENBAY. Brass Band engaged. RETURN FARE, 5s; CHILDREN HALF-PRICE. Luncheon obtainable on board. NEW YEAR'S DAY. NEWPORT. PITTWATER. THE BEST PICNIC LAND KNOWN. THE TERMINUS OF THE HAWKESBURY. THE HEAD OF PITTWATER NAVIGATION. ONLY 10 MILES FROM MANLY. GO BY STEAMER and COME BACK BY ROAD, or to MANLY and BACK BY ROAD. COACHES by FARRELL, BOLTON, and FRASA. MAKE YOUR OWN ARRANGEMENTS IN TIME. SAME FARE AS STEAMERS. NEWPORT, NEWPORT, PITTWATER. NEW YEAR'S DAY. The ILLAWARRA CO.'S STEAMSHIP HUNTER will leave the COMPANY'S WHARF, on NEW YEAR'S DAY, 9.30 a.m , DIRECT FOR NEWPORT, RETURNING in the Evening. See Newspaper Reports on the KAMARUKA Boxing DayTrip. Advertising. (1880, December 30: Thursday). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13480589

The following year Queen Victoria's two sons embark for a trip up the Hawkesbury from the wharf below Newport Hotel, Victoria Wharf, signalling that has been completed and Boulton's jetty may no longer be needed for anything.

The second Royal visitors to our shores, Princes Albert and George, grandfather of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, came here in 1881 for a visit, boarding a steamer at Newport Wharf for a tour along the Hawkesbury River. They travelled overland in a coach they boarded at Manly – their relative’s experience at Clontarf not deterring a chance to see the beauty of this place. Newport Wharf, the first version - which was then called 'Victoria Wharf' after these young princes grandmother - Queen Victoria, had just been completed, partly in anticipation of having these princes as guests and being able to take them on a scenic cruise around Pittwater and up the famed Hawkesbury aboard a steamer called the 'Pelican' - owned by the gentleman who had also built the wharf and the first version of the Newport Hotel.

The newspapers of then tells us they visited our area on Monday August 1st, 1881. That bit about Newport from that report reads:

Yesterday morning a party from Government House and the Detached Squadron made an excursion up the Hawkesbury, and fortunately the weather was so fine that every lovely scene on the river appeared to the best advantage.

The Royal Princes were of the party. At an early hour those engaging in the excursion left Man-o'-war Stairs, and proceeded in the steam launch Nea to Manly, whence they were conveyed by Mr. Boulton's coaches to Newport. There they were received by Mr. Jeannerett on board the steam launch Pelican. Barrenjoey was passed about 11 o'clock. At Barrenjoey Mr. A. T. Black and friends were invited on board the Pelican and the boat then proceeded up the river.

The day being beautifully clear, the scenery of the Hawkesbury was, seen to the best advantage, and was very much admired. Wiseman's Ferry was reached about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The Pelican stopped at the wharf for a few minutes, and on the Princes appearing the residents assembled, and an address of royal welcome was read and presented to them by the master of the Public school, on behalf of the inhabitants of the village. The school children sang the " National Anthem," and those assembled then gave three hearty cheers for the Queen and the Princes. Prince Edward acknowledged the, compliment in a few appropriate words. The arrangements made by Mr. Jeannerett for the comfort and convenience of the party appeared to give great satisfaction. The Pelican resumed her journey, and we. up the river as far as Sackville Roach, at which spot the party disembarked, and drove thence to Windsor, returning from Windsor to Sydney by special train at night.

The Princes slept at Government House, and will probably remain guests of Lord Augustus Loftus for a few days, after which they will rejoin their old ship the Bacchante, which has now finished her coaling and provisioning..  THE DETACHED SQUADRON. (1881, August 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13491533

HRH Prince Albert Victor Christian Edward, Duke of Clarence, and HRH Prince George Frederick Ernest Albert of Wales as midshipmen in the Royal Navy, 1881 / photographer J. Hubert Newman, Sydney - photo courtesy of the State Library of NSW

Further excursions:

EXCURSION TO NEWPORT

Mr G. W. Nicolls fine steamship Rook made an excursion to the favourite resort of Newport, Broken Bay,' leaving the wharf at the foot of Margaret-street, at 10.30, a.m,, when about 150 persons took the opportunity of enjoying the ocean breeze, and at the same time of admiring the lovely scenery around Pittwater— the steamer lying at the wharf two hours, giving the excursionists an opportunity of rambling about, and picnicking under the shadows of the beautiful foliage of that romantic spot. The excursionists returned shortly after 4 p.m., and were landed in Sydney all safe, about half -past 7 o'olock, after enjoying a thoroughly pleasant trip. EXCURSION TO NEWPORT. (1883, December 27). The Sydney Daily Telegraph (NSW : 1879 -1883), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239275180

Cliff's part of the Bassett-Darley estate was also put up for sale immediately - the first land sale shows the jetty marked as 'Boulton's' the 1887 versions mark it as 'old wharf':

Bassett Darley Estate - Pittwater - Main Rd, Pittwater, 1886. Item No.: c050400027, from Mona Vale Subdivisions folder, courtesy State Library of NSW.

Mona Vale, Pitt Water [i.e. Pittwater] [cartographic material] / for sale in the rooms, 130 Pitt Street on Monday June 13th 1887 at 11.30 a.m., Mills and Pile, auctioneers, 130 Pitt St. MAP Folder 103, LFSP 1553. Courtesy National Library of Australia.

DEATH OF MR. B. B. ALLEN

The news o£ the death of Mr. B. B. Allen was received with sincere regret throughout New South Wales. Many graziers will feel that they have lost a personal friend. For years Mr. B. B. Allen was chairman of the Executive Council of the Graziers' Council, and he was a most successful chairman. His tact was proverbial, his knowledge was comprehensive, and his one desire was to do the right thing by the pastoral industry.

Everybody who knew B. B. Allen liked him. He had personal charm, and nothing ever seemed a trouble to him. You could go to him for ad-vice, or you could go to him to do something for you, and you would always be sure of the most courteous consideration; and if it was in his power he would help you. 

Since 1902 Mr. Allen had been a member of the Executive Committee. In April, 1910, he was appointed chairman of the committee and retained that position until a few months ago. He was chairman of many important conferences, and he represented the Association at several Federal Conferences. His never-failing tact helped to make him an admirable chairman, and an exceedingly worthy representative. 

Mr. Allen was a member of the committee of the Sydney Wool Selling Brokers for many years, and for several years past occupied the position of treasurer. He was also a member of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and the Sheep Bleeders' Association of Mew South Wales. Mr. Allen is survived by Mrs. Allen, and by two daughters — Mrs. Mc-Kechnie, wife of the manager of Manaroo Station, Central Queens-land; and Mrs. Auschan, of Sydney — and one son, Mr. Ernest Allen, of Eumarra Station, Brewarrina. DEATH OF MR. B. B. ALLEN (1928, October 2). The Tumut and Adelong Times (NSW : 1864 - 1867; 1899 - 1950), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139291643

   

THE OCEAN EXCURSIONS. 

The steamers Newcastle, City of Grafton, and Wyrallah yesterday convoyed some 1200 people to the Hawkesbury River, and the outing was enjoyed by all. Those vessels are all comfortable boats, and the public seem to appreciate the provision made for their comfort. Unfortunately the Wyrallah took the ground off the Newport Wharf, and her passengers to the number of about 100 were transhipped to the City of Grafton, and were brought back to Sydney. The weather was exceptionally fine, and all those who ventured on the sea yesterday are to be congratulated on the fine outing they experienced. It is probable the Wyrallah will float off with this morning's tide.  THE OCEAN EXCURSIONS. (1888, April 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13673349 

The Wyrallah, launched in mid 1887, appears to be the steamer that shows up in Henry King photos of the Newport Hotel and from Crystal Bay, soon after it commenced service on local and far away waters.

Photograph of Newport [attrib], Sydney, This photograph is one of 147 albumen prints made by some of the most significant photographers who worked in New South Wales during the 19th century. Courtesy Powerhouse Museum. Sections from:

Photograph of Newport, Sydney; This image from a photograph in an album was taken from Bay View House, Crystal bay, on the eastern side of the Pittwater, north of Sydney, between 1880 and 1900 and is titled 'Lord Loftus Pt, Newport NSW'. Lord Loftus was Governor of NSW from 1879 until 1885. The point was named Loftus Point and then Green Point. The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is now sited on Green Point. Courtesy National Library of Australia and Powerhouse Museum:

Wyrallah. By Green, Allan C., 1878-1954, photographer., Item: FL15785937 courtesy State Library of Victoria.

Another casualty:

Newport Public Wharf

In late 1889, when the telegraph office at Newport is opened on December 22nd a new wharf is reported on by:

Newport Telegraph Office.

Last Saturday the new telegraphic office at Newport was formally opened by Mr. Cracknell, the chief superintendent, in the presence of a large assemblage of residents and visitors. Mr. Cracknel delivered a short address, and formally declared the office opened and communication established with the rest of the world. He asked the visitors to join with him in thanking Messrs. Shorter and Boulton for the efforts they had made in bringing about this desirable result. A large number of ladies and gentlemen then adjourned to Bulfin's Newport Hotel, where dinner was provided for those who had taken a prominent part in the proceedings. This opportunity was taken to present the Christmas prizes at the Newport public school, which has been open for about nine months, and is under the supervision of Miss Giles. Various prominent residents had contributed to the prizes, amongst which was a watch, donated by Mr. Aitken to the most efficient pupil. After the prizes had been distributed, an address, signed by the Misses Bulfin and Miss M. Scott, on behalf of their fellow pupils, was presented to Miss Giles. The address was accompanied by a gold-bracelet and a smelling-bottle. The presentation was suitably acknowledged by Miss Giles, after which, the proceedings terminated. Newport Telegraph Office. (1888, December 27). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108111373

PITTWATER.

How this pleasant picturesque watering-place is advancing is well indicated by the opening of a telegraph station there the Saturday before Christmas, "Our bachelor" and myself in-tended to be present at the ceremony. We were prevented by the temporary suspension of the vehicular traffic between Manly and there, owing to the supply not being equal to the demand. The extra demand on that day from visitors to Newport and holiday parties taxed the resources of the Manly coach proprietors; but by the exercise of a little patience and with the loss of a little time all were accommodated. 

The road between the lagoon at Manly and Dee Why Lagoon has been stripped of many of its charms. Formerly it was like a woody winding lane odoriferous as a flower garden at dewy eve or early morn ; now it is tame and treeless, here and there shorn of most of its glory by bush vandals and land jobbers. There are four public-houses between Manly and Newport, two of which, I believe, have been built since the "unemployed" were set to work at French's Forest and Narrabeen. 

How the tenants and owners of the houses can make a living is a mystery. Perhaps their owners are far-seeing men, who have speculated in anticipation of the Pittwater tramway (the bill for which was lately passed) being constructed. When we arrived at Pittwater harbour the day was declining, but the gala remained in all its glitter.

Mr. Cracknell, who performed the opening ceremony, had departed with some others for Sydney ; but the notabilities of the locality were in no hurry to leave, having their gondolas at hand to convey them home. A few years have made a great change in Pittwater. The western shore of the harbour is all under cultivation. Fruit trees of all kind flourish there, and some vegetables can be produced a fortnight earlier than around Sydney. Fish is abundant in the harbour. We assisted at three hauls of the net of our host, Mr. Bulfin. "Our bachelor" and another gentleman donned fishing garb for the occasion, put their shoulders to the wheel, or rather to the ropes, and towed very well indeed for amateurs. Our labours were attended with but moderate success. There is much inquiry for land in Pittwater now, the prospect of the tramway thither doubt-less stimulating it. Scotland Island, in the middle of the harbour, area about 150 acres, has been sold to a Melbourne company for £2,500. There is some speculation as to what they are going to do with it. The impression prevails that it is to be utilized for a marine public resort. 

It was also said down there that a well-known gentleman on the North Shore intends building a large marine hotel on the eastern shore of the harbour, between Stokes's Point and the new wharf. It is a very eligible site if trade could be commanded; but that, no doubt, would come to a well-conducted house. A place there would be easy of access from the harbour, the new wharf affording facilities for landing found nowhere else in the Pittwater peninsula. The largest excursion steamers can come alongside it in all weathers, there being a depth of over 18 feet at low water. 

The romantic marine retreat of the late lamented Mr. Dalley on Cabbage-tree beach, underlying Bilgola head on the Pacific shore, has been purchased by Mr. Jackson. Mr. J. M. Taylor, our bachelor (so designated from having obtained his B.A. degee as an evening student at the University the morning of our visit), was delighted with Pitt-water. As a holiday retreat he would prefer it to the mountains principally because— "There is a society where none intrudes By the deep sea, and music in its roar." C. B. PITTWATER. (1889, January 12). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115380870

The new wharf referred to above is the Clareville Public wharf though. That at Newport, either as what became of Boutlon's after he passed away, or adjoined to the hotel, were private jetties.

Just as with most infrastructure, residents of Pittwater had to ask and ask again for what they needed. These wharves would be at Bayview and Newport:

MESSRS, BURNS AND CULLEN, members for St Leonards, brought under the notice of the Minister for Works yesterday the movement at Pittwater for the erection of a public wharf at Newport. They presented an influentially-signed petition in favour of the erection of a wharf at Sunnyside, and stated that another petition, praying that the wharf be erected at the foot of Queen's-parade, in the same quarter, had been sent to the Minister for Lands. Mr. Bruce Smith promised to make the necessary inquiries as to the necessity for the wharf, and to let the deputation know the result. The Sydney Morning Herald. (1889, May 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13725373

Pittwater.

Messrs. Burns and Cullen, Ms.L.A., introduced last week to the Minister of Works a deputation from Pittwater to ask for the erection of a wharf at that place at a cost estimated at £500.

Mr. BRUCE SMITH explained that he had received two reports, and according to these reports he had almost decided to refuse their request. From the information, however, afforded by the deputation, the Minister promised, to have the matter reported upon farther. Pittwater. (1889, August 3). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71121697

During an election then, as now, people get told what they think you want to hear:

ST. LEONARDS.

SIR HENRY PARKES AT NEWPORT.

Sir Henry Parkes opened his electoral campaign by addressing a meeting of the electors at Newport, situate about 12 miles from Manly, yesterday afternoon. In a district so scantily populated the audience was naturally not a large one, and the weather was somewhat adverse. Mr. William Bulfin presided.

.... (many paragraphs later);

On the motion of Mr. William Boulton, seconded by Mr. Jones, a vote of confidence in Sir Henry Parkes was carried unanimously. In reply to the vote Sir Henry mentioned that he had ascertained from the Works Department that it was the intention to erect wharf accommodation on both sides of the lake in that vicinity and also to provide public school accommodation for the welfare of the children in that part of the country. ST. LEONARDS. (1891, June 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235848972

The 1891 election in New South Wales was the first run of the Labor Party (then known as the Labour Electoral League of New South Wales), which won 35 seats, taking a significant number of votes and seats from both of the previous two major parties in the Assembly, and giving Labour the balance of power. The main political parties in New South Wales, the Protectionist Party and the Free Trade Party both lost seats to Labour. 

Mr. Parkes held on as Premier until October 1891 when he again lost a vote in the Legislative Assembly, causing him to resign as Premier and leader of the Free Trade Party. George Dibbs (Protectionist) became Premier after he arranged for support for his government from Labour.

Pittwater had to wait until almost the end of that decade before Tenders for Newport Public wharf were called in June 1898, needed to be in by July 18, and was won by:

NEW PUBLIC WORKS.

Tenders have been accepted for the following public works: ....construction of a wharf and approach at Newport, Pittwater, 4 tenders, G. Lawson (Camden Haven) lowest, £496 13s 3d ; PUBLIC TENDERS (1898, July 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14148762 

PUBLIC TENDERS. Tenders have been accepted for the following Public works - Miscellaneous -Wharf and approach at Newport, Pittwater, G Lawson (Camden Haven), £496, 13s 3d. PUBLIC TENDERS. (1898, August 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14135457

George Lawson was a Macleay River resident and third son of Christopher Lawson. Both are listed as shipwrights at Frederickton, Murwillumbah. George Lawson, who married Emily Ann Cheers in 1871, went on to have 11 children. He was renowned as a wharf and bridge builder from at least 1895 and many of the major and minor wharves on our eastern coast were built by him, as a contractor, during the years from 1895-1904. Soon after winning the contract to build a public wharf at Newport where the pier had once been, he moved his family to Ewenton, the rambling historical residence in Balmain and is recorded as living there until 1905. 

The next year he won the contract for Careel Bay wharf improvements as the old Therry jetty became the public wharf:

Harbour and River Works -Repairs to wharf and approach at Careel, Pittwater, George Lawson, Balmain, schedule works. PUBLIC WORKS TENDERS. (1899, April 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14209738

Crystal Bay 1899-1900 can see Newport wharf as it was then at right of photo. Item: FL11281542, courtesy NSW Records and Archives:

Disembarking at Newport for picnic, circa 1900-1904 (note rails now extend out to end of wharf), 'Newport Wharf '- by Sydney & Ashfield : Broadhurst Post Card Publishers from album: Scenes of Newport, N.S.W, Image No: , courtesy State Library of NSW

Newport Wharf  1900. C/- Isobel Bennett and Pittwater Historical Images at Mona Vale Library.

Newport Wharf approach Sydney Mail 1901 August

Meanwhile, across the bay, and at the same time:

DEPUTATIONS TO THE MINISTER FOR WORKS.—  A number of deputations will wait upon the Minister for Works this morning. At 11.30 Mr.  D. Thomson, M.L.A. will introduce a number of residents of Bayview with reference to a wharf at Bayview. At noon the residents of Narrabeen and Pittwater will press upon the Minister the necessity  of tramway traffic being provided between Manly and Narrabeen. The Sydney Morning Herald. (1898, October 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14152336

WHARF ACCOMMODATION AT BAYVIEW. A deputation was introduced by Mr Dugald Thomson to the Minister for Works yesterday. It comprised representatives of Bayview, who urged the Minister to provide adequate wharfage accommodation for local requirements. 

There was at present a wharf at Church Point, but that was too far removed from the centre of population and trade. If there had been deep water right up to the shore that deputation would not have troubled the Government, but owing to the existence of long mudflats the cost of erecting a suitable wharf would be so great that it would not pay private enterprise to undertake the work. Fishermen and settlers generally were seriously handicapped now because of the cost and the difficulty of shipment of their fish and produce. 

The Minister said he recognised that the construction  of a wharf would be convenient to many persons, and he thought a case had been made out for further inquiry. He would not make any promise however, because he saw from the papers before him that the undertaking would be an expensive one, and he would not be justified in sanctioning it unless it appeared on further inquiry that the results which would follow would justify the expenditure. WHARF ACCOMMODATION AT BAYVIEW. (1898, October 14).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14154847

Construction of wharf, &c , at Bayview. Pittwater, 5 tenders received, M J. Woodbury, £686 6s 5d, lowest PUBLIC TENDERS. (1900, April 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14307801

M J Woodbury was Matthew James Woodbury of Wyong, a pioneer settler of that region who resided on Mangrove Creek. He was also responsible for the Tuggerah Wharf (sometimes called Woodbury's wharf) which was built for fisherman circa 1900 too. He was partners with a man named 'Smith' in Smith & Woodbury - Timber Merchants. As with so many Pittwater histories, the Central Coast and Hawkesbury people are intertwined. Many of the steamers that carried produce away took it to be offloaded onto trains at Brooklyn. Much of the timber and tin that was needed for local structures was milled on this great river and transported down it to Pittwater.

Whatever form the 1898 Newport Public Wharf took beyond the section shown in the State Library of NSW photo and the Sydney Mail's 1901 edition, it was clearly wasn't up to scratch as just a few years later it would seem an extension was needed - those tides again!:

NEWPORT.

At the last meeting of the Newport Progress Association, a letter was received from the Public Works Department, notifying that Mr. W. Boulton's tender for the sinking of a public well at Newport was accepted. Dr. Arthur. M.L.A., notified that the following sums have been granted for the district: — Public well. £50: road at Bushrangers'-hill, £60; quarry work, £60. A vote of thanks was passed lo Mr. Stuart Greig for his services as lion, secretary to the association for the last eight and a half years, and Mr. F. G. C. Hanslow was elected to fill the vacancy. 

The Works Department wrote, saying that the screwing up of the new wharf, and the stone-work on the immediate approach would be attended to at once. NEWPORT. (1904, November 8). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237840883 

The above tender for a well would have been W. Boulton the son of as William Boulton senior passed away a few days after Christmas:

BOULTON. - December 28, at Newport, William Boulton, sen., aged 67 years. Family Notices. (1897, December 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14174925

His estate went to his wife, Sarah, with Probate granted September 16, 1898. This was sold and divided among his children when she passed away in September 1919, from 1919 onwards.

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES Probate Jurisdiction-In the Will and deeds of WILLIAM BOULTON. senior, late of Newport in the colony of New South Wales, Freeholder, deceased. Application will be made fourteen days for in the publication hereof that Administration, with the Will annexed, of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to SARAH BOULTON, the widow of the said deceased, the Executors named in the said Will being resident out of the jurisdiction of the Court Dated this 25th day of February, 1898. ALBERT RAYMOND CUMMINS, Proctor for Applicant, 58 Elizabeth-street, Sydney. Advertising (1898, February 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14146056 

The Newport Progress Association.

The monthly meeting of the council was held on Saturday night last. The Secretary of the Fisheries Dept. forwarded a list of Hon. Inspectors for the Pittwater district. A letter was received from the Public Works Dept. notifying that Mr. W. Boulton's tender for the sinking of a public well at Newport was accepted. Dr. Arthur, M L.A., notified that the following sums had been granted for the district .-—Public Well, £50 ; road at Bushrangers' Hill, £60 : quarry work, ,£60. A good deal of discussion took place on the matter of bringing the unemployed from Sydney to do work oil the road while there were local men wanting work. The Dept. wrote saying that the men were taken from the Labor Bureau. The council decided to make a strong protest against the overlooking of the local unemployed. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Stuart Greig, hon sec. to the association for the last 8 ½ years and Mr. F. G. C. Hanslow was elected to fill the vacancy. The Works Dept. wrote saying that the screwing up of the new wharf and the stone work on the immediate approach would be attended to at once. Mr. J. Devlin's motion with reference to the opening up of Hill and Water Streets of the Mona Vale estate was withdrawn for further information. It was decided that the newly dedicated reserve should be called Thomson Park, in honor of the federal member for the district, who was instrumental in obtaining it. The Newport Progress Association. (1904, November 12). The Mosman Mail (NSW : 1898 - 1906), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247009024 

Apart from rails and attention to the stonework of the approach, the residents wanted:

NEWPORT. 

A Meeting of the Progress Association was held on the 10th inst. It was decided to invite Mr. G. Brock to attend the next meeting with reference to his proposal to construct the tram. With reference to the overlooking of the (peal unemployed Dr. Arthur forwarded a communication from the Work's Department. The hon. secretary was requested to notify Dr. Arthur that some of the statements contained in the Department's letter were incorrect, and a true version of the matter was given. 

A letter was read from the Public Works Department saying that the Department did not erect sheds on public wharves where no revenue was derived. This created a good deal of discussion, and ultimately it was decided to inform the Department that the statement was incorrect in as much as there is a public wharf at Church Point opposite Newport whereon a shed is erected, and another case was cited at Mangrove Creek. 

Sympathetic reference was made to the decease of Messrs. J. J. Roche and J. Symonds, late Hon, secretary of the Bayview Progress Association, and to the illness of Mr. J. Waterhouse, the president of the association.

A fire occurred on the 10th inst.. at 8 o'clock whereby the residence of Mrs. Black was totally destroyed. The building was of wood and within an hour of the outbreak nothing was left' except the brick piers. The building was insured for £500 and the furniture for £120. 

Water is now very scarce indeed and unless rain falls immediately there will be a water famine. The construction of the large public well, which gives every promise of being' successful, is slowly proceeding. It does not appear to trouble the Department of Works whether the public here have "water or not. The contractor has got down the specification depth of 40 feet and the Department officer was to inspect it last Monday week but did not come down until the following Friday. So the work had to be stopped.' Such is the government stroke. Will it ever be with us? NEMO.  NEWPORT. (1904, December 31). The Mosman Mail (NSW : 1898 - 1906), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247009278 

Newport wharf circa 1904-1905 - note the fishing nets draped over the railings. Postcard courtesy Australian National Museum

Newport wharf circa 1904-1905, postcard courtesy Pam Bayfield

circa early 1904 -1910 version of Newport Public wharf, showing the extended decking and shelter shed

In 1912 this wharf became, alike the other public wharves around the Pittwater estuary, Warringah Shire Council's responsibility:

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 

The Council was then required to manage the maintenance of these structures, not just for the then thriving fishing industries and those still carting off giant trees from Pittwater hills via the water, but also to support the thriving, at least during the Summer 'Season', influx of thousands of visitors who would still be accessing Pittwater via these structures.

There would also be, as at other public wharves around the estuary, applications by local businesses to be allowed to use these as drop off and pick up points for passengers in such services as the smaller launches ferrying people and transport to and from these.

Some photos showing how the wharf was then:

Road down to Newport Public Wharf 1912, Item: FL2702975, Courtesy NSW State Records and Archives

Newport Public wharf 1912, Item: FL2702991, Courtesy NSW State Records and Archives

Newport wharf 1912 showing horse and cart and items to load and offload. Item: FL2703181, courtesy NSW State Records and Archives

Newport Public wharf 1912, Item: FL2703419, Courtesy NSW State Records and Archives - this one is taken from the edge of the Newport Hotel on the Ford land and shows its jetty is gone.

Everything goes along swimmingly, or boatingly, with Warringah Shire Council in charge for a few years. The council had been handed a virtually new wharf and had only to oversee maintenance and the issuing of usage rights to residents.

However, the new approaches and roads were unsealed, subject to erosion, and there were competing local commercial interests which sometimes clashed. 

At the January 12 1920 Warringah Shire Council meeting the records itemise:

W. A. Mays returned soldier and proprietor of motor launch services at Newport, protesting against methods of  Messrs. Agar Bros., rival motor service proprietors. The Council Resolved; That a letter be sent to Agar Brothers requiring them to desist from touting for passengers, and warning them not to mis-use the concession allowed them in the use of the wharf.

Newport Road; Pittwater Motor Co.,26/2/20 on the bad state of the road between Narrabeen and Newport Resolved, That they be informed that some improvement of the road will be commenced within weeks.

At the May 17 1920 Warringah Shire Council Meeting it is recorded:

Newport Wharf. 4. Resolved, _ (Councillor Quirk) That the recommendation for the regulation of Newport Wharf be adopted,  and the Engineer report on the cost of the necessary addition to the wharf. ' 

At the WSC Meeting held Monday June 28 1920:

That the Engineer Newport report further regarding the approach to Newport Wharf, giving estimate for regrading and widening. 

At the WSC Meeting held on February 7th 1921:

Gov. Tourist Bureau respecting complaint received regarding touting for launches at Newport Wharf. Referred to the Inspector for report

At the WSC Meeting held on February 21st 1921:

Newport Wharf;  That the Government Tourist Bureau be informed of  the substance of the Inspector's Report regarding touting on Newport Wharf.

 

The Meeting held on March 7, 1921 records:

Newport Wharf, Queen St,; That the Engineer prepare specification and tenders be called for the re-grading of Queen St. and the widening of the approach to Newport Wharf.

At the WSC Meeting held on May 15 1922:

That £80 be voted for improving Beaconsfield Street, from Barrenjoey Road eastward. . .2. That £50 be voted for maintenance and reconstruction of Bassett Street. . . .., . . ., 

That tenders be called for (vote.) 3. (a) 10 oh. re-forming, ballasting and blinding of Warriewood -Road from Macpherson Street north (b) For 200 cubic yards of maintenance metal from. the beach between the 8 and 11 m. (c) For the extension of the goods shed t Bayview Wharf for 20' on the south side. : (d) For the construction of an approach to Newport Wharf in accordance with the specification previously approved. (e) For the supply Of beach metal for the Main Road on Pittwater Road, A. Riding, at Bayview

4. Repairs to Bayview Bath steps and construction of two  additional steps to the water. 

5. Revarnishing of the Memorial Board at Newport. 

6.Repairing of bottom of four fender piles at end of Newport Wharf and also new landing step. 

At the WSC Meeting held on May 21, 1923:

34; W. Fairley, School Teacher, Newport, requesting permission to fell, and use, all the trees in that part of Queens Parade, Newport, bordering on the school grounds : Decided that the InApector should interview the writer and report, 42. W. J. Dickson, 11/ 5/23, giving quote for supply of Teralba gravel: Resolved, - (Crs. Ellsworth, Campbell) That enquiry be made as to what the cost will be for gravel landed at Newport Wharf or Manly Wharf 

Crew and yachts at Newport waiting for the weather to clear during the Pittwater Regatta. They are alongside Newport public wharf - you can just see the stone causeway 'approach' to the left. This image appears in The Sydney Mail, 4 January 1922, page 18. Image courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum, image no: 12163. They are alongside the then Newport Wharf - their 'fairer' halves are sitting on the verge of the wharf itself:

Newport Public Wharf during a Pittwater Regatta - that's the SS Archer in the background - she was the flagship at the 1925 Pittwater Regatta. More in: Pittwater Regattas Dates and Flagships Part I – Steamers and Ferries of Pittwater This photo is also part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s William Hall collection. The Hall collection combines photographs from both William J Hall and his father William Frederick Hall. Object number 00012150

Launches and yachts moored at Newport Public Wharf, during a Pittwater Regatta - that's the SS Archer in the background. This photo is part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s William Hall collection. The Hall collection combines photographs from both William J Hall and his father William Frederick Hall. Object number 00012150

In the February 8th 1925 WSC Meeting:

6.. Newport Progress Assn. 22/1/25: requesting that a road and distance sign be erected at the junction of the road leading ad ); from the public wharf and Queen Street : Resolved, - (Crs. Hewitt, Hitchcock) That the road sign be erected, as requested, and that the Inspector investigate the drainage nuisance complained of. Resolved; - (Crs. Parr, Atkins) That a letter be sent to Messrs. Proudfoot and Barnett of the North Narrabeen Club, expressing appreciation of the recent gallant rescues effected by them on Narrabeen Beach, and a letter also to Austin Dellit for a similar rescue at Palm Beach. 

The May 4 1925 Meeting records in its Minutes a focus towards the beaches and others seeking Special Leases for encroachments into he Pittwater estuary:

District Surveyor, 22/4/25, enquiring if Council has any objection to offer to A. F. Mann's application for an permissive additional Special Lease at Church Point, for enlarging his a Store and Refreshment Room near the public wharf : Resolved; That the Inspector report on the condition of this building, also on the state of other buildings on the Pittwater front in the vicinity. 5. District Surveyor 22/4/25, enquiring if Council has any objection to J. J. McWilliam's application for Special Lease at McCarr's creek for boat skids, jetty and bath Referred to the Works Committee for report. 8. Newport Progress Association, 16/4/25, expressing the opinion that the cost of the proposed beach resumptions, in excess of the Government's contribution; should be covered-by  a local rate Resolved; That a further letter be written to the Department saying the Council is receiving pressure from the People at Newport, and asking that the matter be expedited. Mona Vale Progress Assn. 14/4/25, requesting that the lots on the beach frontage, between Darley Street and Noble street Mona Vale(and extending back to Stanley Street, be resumed, and the cost be paid by means of a local rate.  10. Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, 27/4/25; making similar representations on the same matter. Resolved; That the owners of Lots 36/41, Section A, Brock s Beach Estate, be written to and asked to put a price on their land. Mona Vale Progress Associations4/4/25, enquiring if Bowling Greens might be laid down on Mona Vale Park under the same arrangements as the Tennis Courts were constructed: Resolved, - (Crs. Hewitt, Rayner) That they be informed the Council have no objection to them forming Bowling Greens at their own expense.

At the May 10 1925 Council Meeting:

13. Edith Cleland, requesting that the wharf at Taylor's Point be lengthened at least 20 feet,  as the Hawkesbury's River boat cannot get in to it Resolved; That she be informed that the wharf was intended entirely for motor launches and light boats. 

In the December 14, 1925 Meeting:

That the erection of a notice-board, as previously directed, at the junction of Queen Street and the Wharf Road, Newport; directing to the beaches and tourist resorts be carried out, before the holidays.

'On road to tourist wharf Newport' 1925 Item: FL3838954, courtesy NSW Records and Archives.

In 1919 the SS Phoenix (built 1903) commenced ferry runs around Pittwater and she appears ferrying people to all of the Pittwater Public Wharves from then throughout the 1920's. 

The Phoenix at Newport Wharf, from and courtesy of Peter Verrills, from Verrills-Gonsalves Family Album of pictures. 

Phoenix coming into Newport Public Wharf. Photo: courtesy Chris Tasik

Newport wharf with steamer Phoenix, 1925. Item: FL4900757, Courtesy NSW State Records and Archives

'Tourist Steamer at Newport Public wharf' (SS Phoenix), 1925, Item: FL3838264, Courtesy NSW State Records and Archives

'Government Wharf at Newport' 1925., Item: FL3839752, Courtesy NSW State Records and Archives

Hawkesbury River at Newport, N.S.W. by John Henry Harvey 1855-1938. [ca. 1880-ca. 1935]Image H91.300/505, courtesy State Library of Victoria

Jetty, Newport - from Samuel Wood - postcard photonegatives of Avalon, Bilgola and Newport, ca. 1928, Item: SLNSW_FL1100872, courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Southern Pittwater, Newport - from Samuel Wood - postcard photonegatives of Avalon, Bilgola and Newport, ca. 1928, Item:SLNSW_FL1100874 courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Newport from on high - aerials taken by Frank Hurley, circa 1949-1955, courtesy National Library of Australia

In between wharves and jetties needing to completely replaced because they have deteriorated past the point of maintenance and repair, the smaller repairs are undertaken. This is why so many councils have a big team who can work in their specialised fields.

A few examples from 1968, with others included to emphasise the scope of works undertaken across a Local Government Area:

REPORT OF THE SHIRE ENGINEER SUBMITTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF W4, WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 30th JANUARY, 1968:

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE: Elvina Bay Wharf. Shelter shed erected. Painting in progress. Lovett Bay Wharf. Sheller shed removed from land and re-erected on wharf. Painting in progress.

REPCRT OF THE SHIRE ENGINEER SUBMITTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OP !WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 26th FEBRUARY, 1968:

Careel Bay Wharf. Railing related and painted. 

REPORT OF THE SHIRE ENGINEER SUBMITTED TO ORDINARY MEETING OF WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 25th MARCH, 1968:

Careel Bay Playing Fields. Fencing around area and slip rail entrance completed and painted. ;Betsy; Wallis Reserve, Avalon. Memorial plaque erected. Salt Pan Baths. Timber pickets around pool and door to emergency lifebuoy box repaired. Paradise Baths. Sharkproof netting inspected and found to be intact around entire pool. Salt Pan Wharf. Five daps repaired. Bayview Baths. General cleaning of precincts carried out on 21.2.68 and 6.3.68, together with application of copper sulphate to all steps. Avalon Golf Links. Lower, area on stern side regrassed. Avalon Beach Reserve. Basketball fields marked and area levelled. Narrabeen Lagoon. Dredging in progress. Trees have been lopped or removed from Parkes Road right-of-way and corner of Anzac Avenue; 66 Parkes Road; 198 Fisher Road North; Oaks Avenue; Howard Avenue; Wyndcra Avenue; Glentrees Reserve; Ryrie Avenue; 36 Dundilla Road; Dundilla Road Reserve; 11 Suffolk Avenue; 20 Warriewood Road; Tor Road; 149 Garden Street; 13 Irrawong Road; 63 Waterview Street; 57 Hillside Road; 20 Dress Circle Road; 42 Hudson Parade; 'Linga Longa';,Church Point; 

REPORT OF THE SHIRE ENGINEER SUBMITTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 15th JULY, 1968:

MAINTENANCE. The following urgent maintenance was carried out during this period:_Irrubel Road, Newport. Lots 1 and 2 cleared of bush _fire hazard. Paradise Avenue, Avalon. Gutter cleared of sullage at No. 3. Whale Beach Road _beach, Whale Beach. Right-of-way cleared. Herbert Avenue-Elvina Avenue, Newport. Right-of-way cleared. Seaview Avenue, Newport. Footpath restred at No. 50. Melaleuca Street, Newport. Right-of-way at south end cleared. Delecta Avenue _Hudson Parade _Pittwater, Avalon. Right-of-way cleared, Seaview Avenue, Newport. Footpath cleared at No. 74. The Serpentine, Bilgola. Footpath cleared at No. 33. George Street/Lewis Street, Avalon. Footpath cleared at corner. Elaine Avenue, Avalon. Right-of-way cleared. Term Hills Boy Scouts. Access road from Booralie Road cleared. Avalon Car Park. ;Entry; and ;exit; signs erected. Avalon and Newport Main Concrete channels cleaned. Rubbish Tips at Terrey Hills, Careel Bay and Mona Vale covered daily by bulldozer and surrounding areas thoroughly cleaned. Pittwater & McCarrs Creek Roads, Bayview - Church Point. Premix maintenance of road pavement, clearing of culverts, replacement and enction of additional guide posts carried out during this period. Mona Vale Cemetery. Sinking of graves for 8 interments carried out. Taylors Point Wharf, Several planks replaced. Mackerel Beach Wharf & Reserve. Kerbing along wharf rebolted and temporary braces fixed to piles on seorard end. Handrailing on bridge in reserve and safety rails and kerbing on wharf repainted

REPORT OF THE SHIRE ENGINEER SUBMITTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 9th SEPTEMBER, 1968:

Bayview Wharf and Baths. Repairs to floor, roof and walls of ladies' and gent's dressing sheds adjoining baths completed.

REPORT OF THE SHIRE ENGINEER SUBMITTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 23RD SEPTEMBER 1968:

W12. GRANTS FOR WORKS 1968/69 A letter dated 13th September 1968 has been received nom the Denartment of Public Works advising that the Council's allocation for 1968/6 will be $33,000 which will be made up of: 1. MORGAN ROAD, BELROSE _Section.20 chains from end of work under 1967/68 Programme. Reconstruction and bituminous surfacing. Formation 26' wide. Pavement 20' wide. Bituminous surface 18' together with ancillary and drainage work. $10,000 2. TUMBURRA ROAD, TUMBLEDOWN-DICK _Section. 20 chains from end of work under 1966/67 Programme to Bungendore Road. Reconstruction and bituminous surfacing. Formation 26' wide. Pavement 20' wide. Bituminous surface 18' together with ancillary and drainage work. $8,000 3. MAMBA ROAD, DUFFY'S FOREST _Section. 32 chains from Thuddungra Road to Josiah Road. Reconstruction and bituminous surfacing. Formation 26'. Pavement 20'. Bituminous surface 18' together with ancillary and drainage work. $15,000 $33.000 RECOMMENDATION That this information be noted, with appreciation. W13. NEWPORT DRAINAGE STRUCTURE Quotations were invited for the supply and driving of steel foundation piles for the reinforced concrete buffer structure being built at Newport Beach. An amount of $14,860 has been provided for this work in Loan No. 142 Job No. 1368. Details of three quotations received are as follows: 1. M.R. HORNIBROOK (N.S.W.) PTY, LTD, 223 Pacific Highway, North Sydney $4,400. 2, PEARSON BRIDGE PTY. LTD. 34a Alfred Street, Milson's Point $4,000. 3. SYDNEY BRIDGE & WHARF PTY. LTD.111 Louisa Rd. Balmain $3,550. RECOMMENDATION That the quotation of Sydney Bridge & Wharf Pty. Ltd. for $3,550 be accepted.

REPORT OF THE SHIRE ENGINEER SUBMITTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 5th DECEMBER, 1968.

Palm Beach Wharf (Pittwater Park). Waiting shed on wharf repaired and repainted and decking respiked where necessary. Numerous bolts under steps and wharf tightened. Broken pile removed. Rotted kerbing on south side of jetty in course of replacement.

One last item from others on the popularity of water-access only living, if only experienced for a few hours on a tour of the Pittwtare beaches and bays:

WOMEN'S COLUMN. 
A DAY'S OUTING. 
(By FLORENCE BAVERSTOCK.)

In recalling the days that are no more. A few there are who take delight n the round trip from Central Station via the Hawkesbury, back to the city, but not too many seem to know of this outing. Many a time have I made this trip for the sheer love of it, and have always noticed that with women it is more popular than with men. Perhaps because it is so cheap. The ticket for the whole trip costs nine shillings, and two steamers, a tram, a 'bus, and a train are the vehicles employed to take the traveler from Central Railway Station to Brooklyn, thence by the Phoenix to Palm Beach or Newport wharf, thence the motor bus to the Narrabeen tram terminus, and thence to Manly, and so home to the Quay by steamer, with the offchance of being a little seasick as the boat feels the ocean swell between the Heads...

Making the journey the reverse way gives more pleasure, because then one starts from Circular Quay and goes to Manly in the morning, always a more exhilarating experience than leaving Manly in the afternoon and steaming up the harbour into the setting sun…
Only the meek would smile pleasantly as they sit like St. Lawrence on a cold gridiron upon the hard, ungenial rails of the seats on the Phoenix. That sturdy little battler sidles up to Palm Beach wharf, and the few passengers, some with cameras, some with luncheon baskets, waiting to board her, have to walk a little narrow plank and drop in gracefully as may be on the deck. Then she casts off and makes for Broken Bay, which sometimes can be nasty, as yachtsmen know, but surely not so very Bay-of-Biscay like that the steamer needs such high screens forward. The Phoenix, a friendly craft, was built in the dim long ago, and apparently with the express object of hiding all the beauties of Lion Island, Pittwater, and the Hawkesbury mouth from the prying eyes of excursionists. Happy go-lucky was the spirit of the days when she was built, when If you did not like what you got you "did the other thing." By ' much screwing of heads and side glancing of eyes, the passenger who hails from Narrabri is enabled to see the calm stretch of Pittwater from West Head up, while the man who has been to the Solomon Islands tells how like it is to Manrovo Lagoon. The other objects of interest may be seen while twinges of torture from hard scats, which make themselves felt. The kindly thought which prompted the monument of old Sally Morris, at the Basin, Barrenjoey, is admired, and then the turn Is made Into the Hawkesbury.
Particular places are associated indissolubly with certain times of day or night. Culcairn is a land whore it is always dawn. Seen from the river, the Hawkesbury bridge exists only in the late afternoon, when river mists shimmer, and, meeting the water, cause the bridge to float
A midway station given
For happy spirits to slight
Between the earth and heaven.
That view of river, of bridge, and of dreaming hills is the climax of the day's outing. The long wait at Brooklyn for the always tardy train and the downward glide to Hornsby come as an aftertaste, a something too much. That and the rather archaic Phoenix are drawbacks to one of the pleasantest outings to be found near our much favoured city.
WOMEN'S COLUMN. (1926, January 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16275009

Newport Public Wharf in 2026

Newport Public wharf as it was on March 9 2016, and just after a recent Pittwater council installation of accessible ramps, new planking and pontoons + a paint job - in conjunction with and supported by the state government's 'Better Boating' program:

The 'Newport Hotel bank:

Description at source reads, "'Florrie' [wooden single screw steamship ON75036. 32 gross, 22 net tons. Built 1879 by Rock Davis, Brisbane Water, NSW. Dimensions; 55.5 x 14.0 x 5.4. Compound, vertical steam engine, 11hp Chapman and Co. Sydney. Owners: Rock Davis, reg. Sydney. 1880 CE Jeanneret. Wrecked December 1882, but recovered and repaired. March 1889 WR Cave and Co. registered Port Adelaide. March 1889 The Adelaide Steam Tug Co. Ltd. Feb. 1898 EJ Wright. c.1904 William Swiggs. c.1908 Richard Fricker. c.1919 Richard Garnout, 1922 Richard Fricker (& Co. Ltd) Broken up at Port Adelaide, register closed 1931. Used as a small tug/tender/beach boat in South Australia. See 'Steam Tugs in SA' by R. Parsons]".

References - Extras

1. TROVE - National Library of Australia
2. Brees, Harold & S.T. Leigh & Co & Mills, Pile & Gilchrist. (1880). The Pittwater and Hawkesbury Lakes album Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-460123425
3. My Holiday  By Charles De Boos – 1861 - 2024 Version
4. Mona Vale Outrages by George Champion OAM
5. Maria Louisa Therry
6. Pittwater Fishermen: Great Mackerel, Little Mackerel (Wilson's Beach - Currawong) and The Basin
7. St. John's Anglican Church Mona Vale- Celebrating Its 150th Year In 2021
8. Trafalgar Square, Newport: A 'Commons' Park Dedicated By Private Landholders - The Green Heart Of This Community
9. The Mail Route to Pittwater and Beyond
10. SS Florrie
11. The Wild Coachmen of Pittwater - A Long and Sometimes Bumpy Ride on Tracks Instead of Roads
12. Barrenjoey Lighthouse - The Construction: 2023 Reprise
13. The Newport School: 1888 To 2018  - - 2016 version
14. Newport Wharf - 2013 version
15. Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Newport
16. Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Mona Vale, Bongin Bongin, Turimetta and Rock Lily
17. The 'Newport Loop': Some History
18. Mona Vale Cemetery: Some History
19. Pittwater’s New Cycle Track of 1901 – Manly to Pittwater
20. Historic Photographers Of Pittwater: A. J. (Arthur James) Vogan, 1859-1948
21. The Baird family of Mona Vale - the Wentworths of Newport
22. Pittwater Regattas Dates and Flagships Part I – Steamers and Ferries of Pittwater 
23. SS Phoenix

Pittwater wharves series 2024-2025:

• Palm Beach Public Wharf: Some History
• Clareville Public Wharf: 1885 to 1935 - Some History 

Primary Application; 41695 – Jeanneret and Pile 1st – 113 acres Book/Number; 224-576 

Newport Primary application (PA): 27271 (plan) – Jeanneret 

NRS-17513-5-51-PA 17898 | Primary Application - Jane Adela Chisholm 3 acres situated in The Queen's Parade Newport Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen Volume 2382 Folio 129; 28-05-1912 to 12-07-1913; on Queens parade Newport near Stuart street 

PA 41695 | Primary Application - Mills Motels Proprietary Limited 1 rood 30 1/2 perches at corner Kalinya Street & Queens Parade at Newport in Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Shire Warringah Volume 8094 Folio 16 ; 16-09-1960 to 08-02-1961 

PA 22587 | Primary Application - Resch's Limited 2 acres 2 roods 13 3/4 perches at intersection Queens Parade and Queen Street at Newport in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Volume 3205 Folio 131 - 30-03-1920 to 14-07-1921 (Application 22587)

Benjamin James – 175 acres alongside Scott premises at Crystal Bay (and part of originally, Daniel Farrell holding): Volume- Folio 1529-162 - 1933 easement taken by WSC (NB: Pittwater public land thoroughfares and Creeks series 2021-2026 - Newport creeks - to run 2025/26)

THE WYRALLAH (S)

On Saturday forenoon the steamer Wyrallah, which has just been built by Mort's Dock and Engineering Company, to the order of Mr. B. B. Nicoll of this city. was taken for the official engineer's trial trip, and the result was, an agreeable surprise. to builders, owner, and all others on board. A brief description of the Wyrallah has already been published, but it may be said that she is a twin screw steamer, of the following dimensions :'-. Length, 150ft. ; breadth, 22ft. and depth of hold, 14ft. 9in. She is fitted with Ranken and Blackmore's patent engines and boiler, the engines being of 45 horse power. The hull has a good 'sheer, and, though designed to carry a large cargo on a very light draught of water, has a very attractive appearance and the vessel altogether, from the outside point of view is one of the nattiest hailing from here.

The interior arrangements are quite in keeping therewith, and the passenger accommodation, both forward and aft, is of a super for kind, and should he well appreciated. The Wyrallah is to be employed in the Richmond and Macleay Rivers Trades, and Captain B. Alley, late of the Bellinger, is to have command. 

At the invitation of Mort's Dock and Engineering Company a number of visitors were on board on Saturday, Including Messrs. D. B. Nicoll, W. Cruickshank, Government engineer ; Captain Broomfield, Messrs. J. P. Frankl (manager), Briggs, Ferguson, Mort's Dock; Mr. James Richmond, superintending engineer Messrs. John See and Co. ; Mr. Dickinson, superintending engineer H. R. N. S. N. Co.; Mr. Curtis, &e. The Wyrallah left the works under steam at about 20 minutes past 11, and. after taking a run up the Parramatta River, was headed down the harbour to steam the measured mile. She ran the distance twice, the engines making about 130 revolutions, the vacuum being 25 inches and the pressure 651. to the square and; with the tide the vessel travelled at the rate of 10 knots and against It 101 knots, the engines working very satisfactorily throughout. '

Some light refreshments having been partaken of, Mr. Nicoll proposed the health of the builders of the Wyrallah, Mort's Dock and Engineering Company. He said she had given him unqualified satisfaction, and had developed fully m knot and a half more speed than he had anticipated. The workmanship was of the very best, and the fittings were first-class. In addition to being a strong substantial vessel the Wyrallah possess! lines which he thought were almost perfect, and he did not say it because the vessel belonged to him she was a credit to the port. The relations between him and the representatives of the company had been of the most cordial character during the whole time the vessel had been in progress, and he had to thank them for the very kind way in which they had treated him. Captain Broomfield, in responding, said he felt very proud of the result of the working of that boat. 

They had expected to get a speed of only nine knots, but as they all know, she had done 10, and this would probably be increased. He had been afraid the company was going to be handicapped altogether. In the first place they contracted to build the boat knowing that they would be considerable losers thereby, but they determined to carry out the work properly. Then it appeared to him that after all their care and trouble in regard to the workmanship, they stood the chance of not being able to get the speed out of the vessel, but they had all been agreeably disappointed and though the company would be losers to the extent, probably, of £500, yet they had the satisfaction of knowing that they had turned out a vessel that was a credit to them. We could build steamers here just as well as they could in England ; but in order to enable employers here to compete successfully with those elsewhere, piecework would have to be introduced among the workmen. Taxing the raw material would be of no use. He would be one of the last men in the, world to lower men's wages, but he thought that the system of piecework should be introduced. The company had never paid large dividends; they had never reached as high as 8 per cent. and under the present arrangement no dividends could possibly be got. 

Business was cut so very fine and competition was so keen, that they were glad to take almost any job in order to keep their men going. They must have good men, so that they need not be afraid of the work being improperly done. Mort's Dock and Engineering Company might have the name of charging a little extra, but there was no doubt that they had the reputation of doing their work well. Mr. Frank also responded. The health of Mr. Cruickshank having been heartily drunk, that gentleman, in response, said that Mr. Nicoll and consulted him In the first instance with regard to the Wyrallah, and the work had been carried out very satisfactorily. It had been predicted that she would not go six knots, but this prediction had been totally upset. The outing was a very pleasant one, and the party on board returned to the works In Waterview Bay at about 2 o'clock, well pleased with it and the fine little ship on which they were visitors. THE WYRALLAH (S.). (1887, August 1 – a Monday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13655725 

The Steamer Wyrallah.

Mr. B. B. Nicoll's fine steamer Wyrallah is now on her way to Sydney after having completed a six month's contract with the New Caledonian and New Hebrides de Transports a Vapeur. The Sydney-built vessel acquitted herself well in the new service, which consisted principally in conveying the French mails in and between New Caledonia and the New Hebrides. Mr. B. B. Nicoll received a letter from Noumea to the effect that the Wyrallah was expected to have sailed from the New Caledonian capital on November 23, and that her shaft had been repaired, an excellent job having been made of it considering the appliances in the local workshops. She brings a cargo of chrome and nickel ores from the trans-shipment to England or France. On the arrival of the vessel she will be turned over to Mort's Dock and Engineering Co., who have been commissioned by Mr. Nicoll to give her a thorough overhaul and effect considerable improvements. Tho latter will be more particularly noticeable to passengers in her saloon, and to shippers in the arrangements which are to be provided on deck for the carriage of perishable cargo. It is her owner's determination to employ her permanently in the Sydney-Richmond River trade. The Wyrallah is a most noteworthy sample of industry, the vessel having been built and engined by Mort's Dock and Engineering Co. She is an iron screw steamer of 302 tons, her measurements being : — length, 140 foot, beam, 22ft 3in ; and depth of hold, 13ft 2in. She was launched from Mort's Dock in 1887, and was specially built to the order of Mr. B. B. Nicoll for the Richmond River trade. — Telegraph. The Steamer Wyrallah. (1890, December 12). The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1886 - 1942), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127716626 

She went south:

The twin-screw steamer Wyrallah (302 tons gross and 205 tons net) was chartered by Gippsland Steamers Pty ltd (Mr T B Carpenter manager), from Huddart Parker Ltd. She was built in 1887 at Balmain (NSW), by Mort's Dock and Engineering Co , and her registered home port was Melbourne. DISASTER OFF HEADS. (1924, April 9). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 19. Retrieved, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1922051 - sunk at this date

APPEAL CASES

John Collins, of Newport near Pittwater, storekeeper, appealed against the decision of the licensing magistrates of the Water Police Court, under which he was fined the sum of £30 for selling whisky on March 14 last, at which time he was not the holder of a publican's license. The grounds of appeal were that the appellant was not guilty of the offence with which he was charged, and that the evidence of the informer was not corroborated. Mr Tarleton, instructed by Mr. W Roberts, sen , appeared in support of the appeal, and Mr Backhouse and Sub-Inspector Atwell appeared to show cause why it should not be allowed in a great measure the [case was a rehearing, but some additional evidence was given Sub-Inspector Attwell gave evidence to the effect that appellant's premises presented the appearance of an hotel, and that he had found considerable quantities of liquor, together with glasses, there Evidence was also called to prove that so far as a n in named Walter Live was concerned liquor had been sold and paid for at the place Appellant contended that it was untrue that any such (sale had taken place, and called it the uses in support of his contention but it was noted that he WHP in the habit of giving people liquor and not charging them font The Judges aid that he did not intend to upset the deed son of the magistrates because he believed from the evidence now produced, that it was perfectly right. The place was a sly grog shop of a very common character. Those who lived in towns were not aware of the existence of such places, but those who travelled through the country know that they had been carried on for years in fact, there was a strong impression is the minds of some persons that the Act was an unfair one, and that they could sell liquor with impunity but the law was that such persons if they broke it, must be fined. He would uphold the decision of the magistrates, and would also allow £5 on costs for counsel against the appellant.

Sarah Ann Collins, wife of the abovenamed appellant, appealed against a similar conviction against her. The evidence was of the same character as that in the preceding case sub inspector Atwill deposed to having found liquor on the premises, and Walter Love proved that he had purchased a bottle of whisky from appellant the contention of appellant was that the whisky was obtained by Love under false pretences for another person who was a lodger. This conviction also was upheld, and costs were given against the appellant METROPOLITAN QUARTER SESSIONS. (1883, June 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13536960 

William Boulton - Extras

Boulton’s Newport jetty vicinity pre-1880:

IMPORTANT and VALUABLE SALE of SUBURBAN and COUNTRY FREEHOLD Properties, by public auction, at MORT'S ROOMS, Pitt-street, at 11 o'clock PITTWATER HEAD. 100 acres, bounded by M'lntosh's 200 acres, and Bryant's 80 acres, about 12 miles from MANLY. RAYNES, TREEVE, and CO. POSITIVE SALE.  Advertising (1871, September 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13244776

Shelagh Champion OAM and George Champion OAM, state in their Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater (2013 revised version):

Jeremiah Bryant was a private soldier in the 73rd Regiment, stationed at Port Dalrymple (Launceston) when he was tried before a Bench of Magistrates on 3 September 1811 on a charge of having robbed His Majesty’s Stores there. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years’ transportation. On 13 May 1813 the remaining part of his sentence was remitted owing to “some degree of informality” in the trial and sentence. He was instructed to return to his duty as a private. [AO Reel 6003; 4/3492, p.224] After going back to England, and being invalided out of the Army, he sought in 1819 to return as a settler. A passage was authorized for himself and his wife to travel on the convict ship Eliza. He was advised to arrange at Chelsea Hospital with respect to drawing his pension in New South Wales. [AO Fiche 3014; 4/1823, p.162] On arrival in Sydney, he applied on 23 February and 1 July 1820 to go to Port Dalrymple to settle, but his efforts were not successful. [AO Reel 6020, p.425; Fiche 3014, p.161] 

Meehan noted in his field book on 15 April 1821 that he meant to measure 80 acres for Bryant at Pittwater, next to Peter Patullo, “up to the swamp” (Winnyjimmy). He added “- cannot trace it”, perhaps indicating his difficulty measuring in the swamp. Bryant advertised and cautioned the public in August 1822 that the 80 acres were his absolute and indisputable property. [Syd Gaz 23 Aug 1822] He had one acre of maize in September 1822. 

By 19 September however, he had sold the land to Robert Henderson. [Syd Gaz 4 Oct 1822] Henderson’s father-in-law, Patrick Geary, was living on this farm in 1826. It was officially granted to Jeremiah Bryant on 6 July 1833 [LTO SN33/51], and formally conveyed to Robert Henderson on 8 February 1842. [LTO Book Z No.349] 

Henderson died on 11 November 1869, leaving the land to his grandson, who conveyed it to Frederick Thomas Humphery on 14 October 1881. [LTO Book 232 No.299] At the time of the 1828 census, Jeremiah Bryant (listed as Brayne) was a tenant on Robert Henderson’s 60 acre grant, with a housekeeper, Mary Bearey, and one labourer, Isaac Marsh. 10 acres had been cleared and 5 cultivated, and he owned 6 head of cattle. In 1832 Surveyor Larmer reported that, “The first person that squatted upon the land E of Stream [McMahon’s Creek, Bilgola Plateau and Newport] was Isaac Marsh then in the service of Jeremiah Bryant - he cleared part of the land on the West side of stream for Bryant and on the East side for himself. Michael Sullivan was also employed by Jeremiah Bryant to clear the land W of the Stream.” 

Jeremiah Bryant was still living at “Belgoula” at the time of the 1841 census. He purchased 5 acres from Henderson on 2 October 1841 for £5, the same 5 acres being purchased by John Farrell II on 7 January 1848, also for £5. Bryant died in 1856 – 

....The problem was dealt with by dismissing Burke and replacing him with Thomas Bolton as constable and Patrick Geary as pound keeper. [Syd Gaz 10 May 1826] Geary lived on Jeremiah Bryant’s grant, which had been purchased by Robert Henderson, his son-in-law. A proper pound was constructed, which was paid for by Government. [AO Reel 2563; 28 July 1826] -  - HENDERSON, Robert Robert Henderson was born at Parramatta in 1796, and married Catherine Geary on 4 March 1817 at St. John’s, Parramatta.

Henderson was promised a 60 acre grant at Pittwater on 10 September 1818, under the name Anderson. Meehan surveyed the grant in September 1821, but because the wrong name was used Robert Henderson had to wait another twenty years, until 1 March 1841, before the deed of his grant, which he named “Belgooler”, was issued. [LTO SN56/98] By 1828, Jeremiah Bryant was  a tenant on “Belgooler” or “Belgoula”. 

Henderson bought Jeremiah Bryant’s 80 acre farm at the head of Pittwater in 1822. [Syd Gaz 4 Oct 1822] 

From 1824 Henderson held a ticket of occupation over a grazing run of 1000 acres adjoining “Belgooler”. By November 1826, Henderson had moved to Brisbane Water, leaving only 20 cattle on the 1000 acres. Thomas Bolton was also grazing 80 cattle there. “Belgooler” was land-locked, but Henderson gained access to and from Pittwater by his purchase of Richard Porter’s adjacent grant, on 29 September 1831. [AO Reel 1173] 

Catherine Henderson’s father was Patrick Geary, a soldier. Following the disbanding of the Royal Veteran Company on 24 September 1823, Geary became entitled to select a grant of 100 acres in any part of the Colony that had been surveyed. He selected his grant at Brisbane Water, naming it “Veteran Hall”. Henderson had moved to Brisbane Water by November 1826, and after Geary’s death in 1827 he inherited Veteran Hall. From there he traded with his vessels, one of which was the sloop Northumberland. He was closely involved in the Fair Barbadian smuggling incident in 1842. (See Illicit Stills and Smuggling in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater, by S. & G. Champion.) Robert Henderson died on 11 November 1869, having sold his own and Porter’s grants to Daniel Farrell II, with Daniel’s father John Farrell II as trustee. [LTO Book 162 No.26] Henderson left Bryant’s 80 acre grant to his grandson, who sold it to Frederick Thomas Humphery on 14 October 1881. [LTO Book 232 No.299] - Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater 10

These lands were sold off by Humphrey et al as part of the Mona Vale and Bayview subdivisions. 

STEAM EXCURSION TO~BROKEN BAY and up the HAWKESBURY RIVER, 100 MILES, to WINDSOR, on THURSDAY, NEW YEAR'S DAY.

The Illawarra S. N. Co.'s splendid steamship ILLALONG will leave the Phoenix Wharf at 9.30 am. WINDSOR EXCURSIONISTS (limited to 35) holding tickets will be transhipped to the swift non steam-yacht RIPPLE, at PITTWATER, HAWKESBURY RIVER, and will proceed direct to WINDSOR WHARF, arriving there early in the evening (nearly full moon). Hotel accommodation can be secured at Windsor, and a train leaves for Sydney 7 am. Friday, arriving at 9 am. Tickets 20s; including luncheon and dinner, 'Jos ; can be obtained from Mr. MADDOCK, Stationer, George-street, until 5 p.m. TO-MORROW, Tuesday ; or at the Office of the P. E. S. Co., King-street. Advertising (1873, December 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13329246 

This race was for boats belonging to the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, arranged according to size and speed in two classes, but owing to the foundering of the Kingfisher, which was entered against Mr. J. B. Holdsworthy’s Bronte, and Mr. Newton's Ripple, the first-class was not started, as the committee declined to race two boats. WOOLLOOMOOLOO BAY REGATTA. (1873, December 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13329137 

A thirty- tonner, called the Secret, built by Nichol, of Auckland, is said to have been bought by Mr. J. Newton, owner of the Ripple. AQUATICS. (1877, September 8). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 308. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166863538 

William Boulton buys Newport Hotel land and premises after being associated with it from 1881 on:

ONLY HOTEL IN DISTRICT. For SALE, at NEWPORT. Pittwater, WATERSIDE HOTEL and 3 Acres Land, 300 feet deep-water frontage, terminus for steamers and coaches. First-class investment.  BLUNSUM and CO, Montagu-chambers, corner of Hunter and Elizabeth streets. Advertising (1886, November 12). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), , p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107315582 

William buys the hotel in 1887, although he had clearly been in charge of the licence since Collins was removed

Application 22587 and Vol-Fol: 3205-131 provides the details when this was bought by Reschs in 1921

The section at the front, where the original Newport Hotel wharf, 'Victoria wharf', was built prior to the Newport Public Wharf, was owned by Walter McFarlane Ford Snr. 1841- Nov 10 1934 and his wife Ann (e) Elizabeth Ford (nee Maguire) - married 1867.

FORD.—November 10th, 1934, at his residence, "Fairview," 7 Victoria Street, North Sydney, Walter Macfarlane Ford, J.P. (retired ship builder), father of William, Walter M., jnr., Arthur, Isabella, and Edward. In his 94th year. Family Notices (1934, November 12). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article246991385

MR. W. M. FORD.

Mr. Walter Macfarlane Ford, of North Sydney, died suddenly at a private hospital, following an operation for appendicitis. He was 64 years of age.

Mr. Ford was a well-known shipbuilder. The business was established in Berry's Bay in 1871 by his father, who died a few weeks ago. Mr. W. M. Ford carried it on himself for about 40 years, and built many vessels well known on Sydney Harbour, including the late Sir Thomas Dibbs's yacht Ena, Sir Samuel Hordern's White Wings, and three yachts for the late Mr. E. F. Simpson. Many Island schooners and trading vessels also came from his yard, and also the ferry boat, the Kulgoa. He was at one time a popular sailing skipper, his 18-footer, Australian, being a successful competitor in harbour events.

For several years, Mr. Ford was a church warden of Christ Church, Lavender Bay. He also took a keen Interest in local civic affairs. Recently, he presented a drinking fountain to the North Sydney Councillor erection in Ball's Head reserve.

Mr. Ford is survived by one sister and three brothers. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon, leaving his late residence. Fairview, Victoria-street, North Sydney, at 3.30, for Gore Hill Cemetery. MR. W. M. FORD. (1934, December 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28019840

Isabella Margaret Ford, his sister, is his executor. William Ford, their eldest son, is in charge of the Ford seniors estate.

Book 2847- No.: 238 conveys this land to the Newport Hotel owners in August 1967, the Victoria wharf was long gone by then:

This may not be the advertisement run to attract a teacher for Newport as the 'pupils' tally doesn't correspond with how many children were now in the valley of Newport, but it does give us an insight into what was required:

To TEACHERS.-Wanted, a SCHOOLMASTER for a Provisional School on the coast. He must be respectable, unmarried, and qualified to teach all the prescribed subjects in the standard of proficiency of the Department of Education. Salary £5 per head, with board and lodging; nine pupils guaranteed. Apply by letter. T. T. P.. 11, Bligh-street, Sydney. Advertising (1888, January 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13677852 

Elizabeth Giles is recorded as 'Lizzie Noble Giles' who commenced her teaching career in 1881 at age 20. Miss Giles was appointed to Newport on the 25th of April 1888. Newport is then called 'Mona Vale' even though the school was on the edge of Mona Vale and in Newport:

APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS -The following teachers have been appointed to the positions and schools specified in connection with their respective names

Miss Elizabeth Giles, teacher, Provisional school, Mona Vale; GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. (1888, May 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13686918 

This 'school' was in a tent, an illustration of which is below from a reporter visiting around the same time a politician was  launching his election campaign. In 1889 the District Inspector visited the school in a tent, a day it, fortunately, rained. It was deemed advisable to provide the Newport children with an actual schoolhouse. 

Names of pupils enrolled/admitted 1st day – Monday 30th of April 1888: Please note that some children were enrolled at a very young age!

1. Leighton Scott 9 years, George A Baker 9.10, Walter J Baker 3 6 months, 1. Minnie Scott 13.4, Elizabeth Baker 8, Violet Baker 5

Enrolled and admitted May 1st, 1888:

William Bulfin 12, John C. Bulfin 11, Edmond Bulfin 9.6, Richard Boulton 14.1, Edward Boulton 10, Lucy Bulfin 14, Annie Bulfin 14 – twins, Alice Bulfin 13, Blanche Bulfin 8.6, Maude Bulfin 6.6, Violet Bulfin 4.6, Lillie E Bulfin 2.6  - 18 students!

Two acres of land were resumed from William Boulton, who had purchased a block in 1884. He was paid  £380, for the original Queens Parade site for the school.

Some of these early students continued their education – the Bulfin boys would drive a sulky to Manly to study science. Muriel Bulfin, daughter of John Bulfin, left home to take a Commercial course, travelling by bus. 

Newport Telegraph Office.

Last Saturday the new telegraphic office at Newport was formally opened by Mr. Cracknell, the chief superintendent, in the presence of a large assemblage of residents and visitors. Mr. Cracknel delivered a short address, and formally declared the office opened and communication established with the rest of the world. He asked the visitors to join with him in thanking Messrs. Shorter and Boulton for the efforts they had made in bringing about this desirable result. A large number of ladies and gentlemen then adjourned to Bulfin's Newport Hotel, where dinner was provided for those who had taken a prominent part in the proceedings. This opportunity was taken to present the Christmas prizes at the Newport public school, which has been open for about nine months, and is under the supervision of Miss Giles. Various prominent residents had contributed to the prizes, amongst which was a watch, donated by Mr. Aitken to the most efficient pupil. After the prizes had been distributed, an address, signed by the Misses Bulfin and Miss M. Scott, on behalf of their fellow pupils, was presented to Miss Giles. The address was accompanied by a gold-bracelet and a smelling-bottle. The presentation was suitably acknowledged by Miss Giles, after which, the proceedings terminated. Newport Telegraph Office. (1888, December 27). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108111373

The gazettal of the land resumed for the site:

NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER

44 VICTORIA No. 16.

New South Wales, to wit.

(L.S.) Carrington, Governor,

By His Excellency The Right Honourable Charles Robert, Baron Carrington, a Member of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-inChief of the Colony of New South Wales and its Dependencies.

WHEREAS the parcel of land hereinafter described is required for the purpose of the erection thereon of a Public School and of buildings to be used in connection therewith: And whereas I, as such Governor as aforesaid, with the advice of the Executive Council of the said Colony, have sanctioned the acquisition of the said land for a site for a Public School: Now, therefore, I, Charles Robert, Baron Carrington, the Governor aforesaid, with the advice of the said Executive Council, in pursuance of the power and authority given to or vested in me by "The Lands for Public Purposes Acquisition Act," by this notification, published in the Gazette and a newspaper circulated in the Police District wherein the said land is situated, that is to say, in the " Sydney Morning Herald " newspaper, declare that the parcel of land hereinafter particularly described has been resumed for the purpose of the erection thereon of a Public School and of buildings in connection therewith: And that the said land hereinafter described is resumed with fhe intent that by the publication in the Government Gazette, and in a newspaper circulated in the Metropolitan Police* District, of this notification of the said land being so resumed, the said land shall forthwith become and be vested in the Minister of Public Instruction of the said Colony and his successors, on behalf of Her Majesty, for the purposes of the said Act, for an estate of inheritance in fee simple, in possession, freed and discharged from all trusts, obligations, estates, interests, contracts, charges, rights-of-way, or other easements whatsoever, and that the legal estate therein, together with all powers incident thereto or conferred by the said Act, shall be vested in the Minister of Public Instruction as a Trustee, as in the said Act is provided : And I declare that the following is the parcel of land hereinbefore referred to as resumed by this notification, that is to say :—

All that piece or parcel of land situated at Mona Vale, Pittwater, containing 2 acres and 12 perches, being allotments 11 to 14 inclusive, of section D, of the new marine township of Newport, in the parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland: Commencing at the intersection of the south-west side of Stuart-street with the south-east tide of the Queen's Parade; and bounded thence on the norlh-ea*t by the southwest side of the first-mentioned street bearing south 10 degrees 39 minutes east 5 chains 71 links; thence on the southeast by the north-east side of Beaconsfield-street bearing north 85 degrees 59 minutes west 4 chains 13^ links; thence on the south-west by allotment 10 bearing north 10 degrees 39 minutes west 4 chains 66-^y links to the south-east side of The Queen's Parade aforesaid ; and thence on the north-west by that side of that street bearing north 79 degrees 21 mi lutes east 4 chains, to the point of commencement.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand, and caused the Great Seal of the Colony to be hereto affixed, at Government House, Sydney, this eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine, and in the fifty-second year of Her Majesty's Reign.

By His Excellency's Command,

J. H. CARRUTHERS.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! [2238]  NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER 44 VICTORIA No. 16. (1889, March 22). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 2228. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223991512

The tender for the works advertised:

TENDERS FOR WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

TENDERS will be received at this office for the Works specified in the schedule hereunder up to 12 o'clock noon on the various dates set forth in the second column. Tenders are to be addressed to the Under-Secretary, Department of Public Instruction, Sydney, and endorsed, "Tender for [... insert the name of school and the work to which the tender relates]." , J. H. CARRUTHERS.

MONA VALE. Newport-New Buildings. Where Plans and specifications may be seen and Forms of Tender obtained - Department of Public Instruction and Public School, Mona Vale - Date up until which Tender will be accepted - March 17, 1890.Advertising (1890, February 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13760824

The speech made on day foundation stone was laid – written in longhand by William Boulton and found inside the original foundation stone when this was being cut to add to the new Infants Block completed in 1969:

A Meeting of the residents of Pittwater was held on Saturday evening at the Bolton Hotel, for the purpose of urging the Government to-make the road from the Lagoon to Newport. Mr. Crawford, who was voted to the chair, explained the object of the meeting, and drew attention to the state of the road, which in some parts was almost impassable. He stated that he was convinced it was only necessary to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister for Works to get the work done. After several speeches had been made, the following gentlemen were appointed to form a deputation to wait upon the Minister:-Messrs. Mc Keown, Dr. Tibbitts, J. Riley, B. James, and F. Smith. NEWS OF THE DAY. (1883, March 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13531240

William Boulton, licensee of the Newport Hotel, Newport, applied, under the 11th section of the Amending Licensing Act, to have the license fee with respect, to his premises reduced from £30 to £16. In the application it was stated that the applicant’s premises are actually required for the accommodation of travellers, and are not accessible by any practicable roadway to any licensed premises, situated within 10 miles of the aforesaid premises. The police reported favourably with respect to the- application. Inspector Lenthall stated that there was no licensed house within 14 miles of that kept by Boulton. That there were no people about there to support a house, and it was required exclusively for the accommodation of persons travelling from Manly to Broken Bay and other places in that district, he recently he had to visit on duty the neighbourhood of the licensed house. The steamer which conveyed him thither broke down, and if it had not been for the existence of Boulton's house he would have had to appeal to some of the settlers to find him accommodation. Mr. Addison said that the applicant was in accordance with the law thoroughly entitled to a reduction, and the Bench considered that on other grounds the adoption of such a course was desirable. The license fee would therefore be reduced to £15. POLICE. (1885, January 30). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13583696

Obviously land was resumed for roads and some sold off, and the Ford section at the front remained theirs until it too was sold in 1967:

ONLY HOTEL IN DISTRICT.-For SALE, at NEWPORT. Pittwater, WATERSIDE HOTEL and 3 Acres Land, 300 feet deep-water frontage, terminus for steamers and coaches. First-class investment.  BLUNSUM and CO, Montagu-chambers', corner of -Hunter and Elizabeth streets. Advertising (1886, November 12). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), , p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107315582 

W. Boulton to C. A. Schaffer, Newport Hotel, Newport; Licensing Court. (1885, October 9). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), , p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111347028 

LAKE VIEW HOTEL, NEWPORT (late Boulton's Newport Hotel), C. SCHAEFFER, Proprietor, has been thoroughly renovated, and under the new management offers now a most desirable summer resort. Clean and airy rooms, comfortable beds, first-class table, und bar stocked with choicest brands. Well-trained Servants to pay particular attention to Boarders and Visitors. Moderate terms. Lovely scenery, Boating, Sailing, Fishing. Coaches daily from Black and CO.'s stables, at Manly. Yachtsmen are invited to replenish their stores. Picnic Parties provided for, on a few days' previous notice. Advertising (1886, January 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28359570  

William Boulton to William Bulfin, Newport Hotel, Newport. LICENSING COURT. (1887, April 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28349476

AQUATICS.

The residents of Pittwater and Broken Bay met on Saturday last, the 13th, at Bullier's Newport Hotel, Newport, for the purpose of establishing an annual regatta-the first to be held on Boxing Day, the 26th December. There was a large attendance, and the obi oat of the meeting was warmly approved of. A considerable sum was subscribed in the room. Messrs. W. C. Williams and W. T. A. Shorter, solicitor, took un active part in the proceedings. the latter acting as hon. treasurer , and it is understood that tho Hon. W. B. Dalley will, if his health permit, act as patron. AQUATICS. (1887, September 15). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13655348

Transfers of publicans' licenses were granted as follows:—  From William Bulfin to Thomas H. Hodges, for the Newport Hotel, Newport;  LICENSING MEETING. (1889, July 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13731956

Upon arriving at Newport the Sydney visitors wore enabled to spend several hours ashore, picnicking, fishing, gathering flowers, or enjoying a stroll along the cool avenues which branch off in many directions from Hodge's Newport Hotel.  THE HAWKESBURY RIVER. (1890, November 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13798013

A renewal of a publican's license was granted to Thomas Henry Hodges, Newport Hotel, Newport. WATER POLICE LICENSING COURT. (1892, May 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13870432

The Namoi will leave the wharf, foot of Market-street, at 2 o'clock sharp, landing excursionists at Newport Hotel Wharf for about an hour, arriving in Sydney on return about 8 pm. OCEAN EXCURSION. (1893, February 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13896017

FIRE AT NEWPORT, NEAR MANLY.-About 3 o'clock on Saturday morning a fire was discovered in the stables of the Newport Hotel, occupied by Mr. Hodges. The stables were completely gutted. The origin of the fire is unknown. The Sydney Morning Herald. (1894, February 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13942223 

A fire broke out on Saturday morning in the stables of Mr. Hodge's Newport Hotel. Every endeavor was made to subdue the flames, but they had too great a hold on the building, which was eventually gutted. A quantity of horse feed and stores were also destroyed. The horses, however, were removed in time. The origin of the fire is unknown, and it is believed the structure, which was of timber, was covered by insurance.  Yesterday's Fires. (1894, February 26). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114066339 

Patents:  5,257. Thomas Henry Hodges, Newport, Pittwater, N.S.W.—An improved clip or ear for attaching bails or handles to kerosene tins and such like.  16th August.  Government Gazette Notices (1894, September 10). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), , p. 5683. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220936940 

A return social to Mr. and Mrs. Hodges was given at Newport Hall, Pittwater, last Friday week. About '50 guests from Manly and Sydney were present.. The music was supplied by Miss M'Tigue and Mr. A. Buist and Mr. Thomas Buist acted efficiently as M.C. SOCIAL ITEMS. (1894, September 21). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113321510 

No. 17,812. APPLICANT:—Thomas Henry Hodges, Balmain. LAND:—County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, shire Warringah, 2 roods 31 ½ perches, Gladstone and Queen streets, Newport,—lots 17 and 18, section C, township Newport, and part 700 acres (portion 17 of parish), granted to Robert Campbell; adjoining properties of M. Johnston and J. Sanderson. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1912, August 7). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4985. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221605230

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTCONFERENCE AT MANLY - A deputation, consisting of Messrs J J Roche, W Boulton, T H Hodges, and D Scott, members of the Progress Committee of Pittwater and district, waited on the Manly Council last evening for the purpose of discussing the suggestions of the Commissioners with reference to amalgamating with Manly in the proposed local government scheme. Mr Dugald Thomson, ML A, presided. It was resolved that the Commissioners' recommendation to unite the two districts be acted upon. The Sydney Morning Herald. (1894, November 27 - Tuesday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13985614

WATER Licensing Bench

The Water Police Court Licensing Bench yesterday afternoon granted transfers of publicans' licenses as follows - Thomas H Hodges to Fred G Bradburn, Newport Hotel, Newport. POLICE COURTS. (1895, January 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13988318 

WATER LICENSING COURT.

The weekly meeting of the Water Licensing Court was held yesterday, Mr. Addison, S.M., presiding, Mr. Giles, S.M., and Mr. Penny, L.M., being also on the bench.

Transfers of licenses were granted: — Thos. H. Hodges to Frederick G. Bradburn, Newport Hotel, Newport; WATER LICENSING COURT. (1895, January 24). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235997418 

LICENSING COURT.

The Water Licensing Bench at its meeting to-day granted transfers of publicans licenses; - Frederick Bradburn to J. Stuart Greig, Newport Hotel, Newport. LICENSING COURT. (1895, November 21). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227273239 

A renewal of a publican's license was granted to J.  Stuart Greig, Newport Hotel,  Newport. WATER POLICE LICENSING COURT. (1896, May 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14050286

A renewal of a publican's license was granted to James Stuart Greig, Newport Hotel, Pittwater.  WATER LICENSING COURT. (1900, May 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14312105

EMPLOYEES' PICNIC.

The offices of Messrs. Piercy Ethell and Co. (land and estate agents), Moore-street, were closed on Saturday week for the occasion of the firm's annual picnic, which was held at Pittwater, via Manly. The staff and a large party of guests sat down to luncheon at the Newport Hotel. After the toast of" The Firm " had been duly honoured, an adjournment was made, and a photograph of the group was taken, after which an enjoyable afternoon was spent in fishing and boating and visiting spots of local interest, the picturesque surroundings of the place being greatly admired. After tea a musical programme was given. EMPLOYEES' PICNIC. (1900, September 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14335337

Sinking of well etc.  at Newport, nine, tenders, Mr. Wm. Boulton, £44, lowest. TENDERS RECEIVED. (1904, September 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14624853

IN PRAISE OF NEWPORT.

Newport is one of the best possible picnic spots; it is only twelve miles from Manly, with coach communication twice daily, yet it is 'far from the madding crowd.' Situated on a peninsula, there is on the one hand the bay of Pittwater with its innumerable and oyster rocks ; and, on the other, within ten minutes' walk, there is the ever-restless sea, with its magnificent coast line of headlands, .and beaches, its surf and lagoon bathing, its schnapper fishing., from the rocks, and its grand exploration tours. There is Barrenjoey and its glorious ocean scenery seven miles distant, and there is the mysterious cave near the 'Hole in the Wall,' three miles' walk from Newport, said to have been used in the 'good old days' by the smugglers and escapees. 

On the way to the cave is the residence of the late W. B. Dalley, in its picturesque demesne, a sight worth seeing, and an ideal picnic spot. Within half-a-mile of the township stands Bushrangers' Hill (noted for its flannel flowers), from the top of which a matchless panorama of land and sea can be obtained. 

To get to Newport, catch- the 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. steamer from Sydney, and you will find the coach waiting at the wharf. The most enjoyable drive takes you over Curl Curl and Dee Why lagoons, through the village of Narrabeen, over Sheep-station Hill, changing coach at Rock Lily Hotel, and then five miles more to Newport. The morning coach lands you there at noon, the afternoon at 6 p.m. Avoid camping under trees for fear of falling wood or the drip after rain or heavy dew. Select an open spot on a rise, yet sheltered by timber. 

Manly butchers and bakers visit Newport twice weekly, and there is a well-stocked local store, so that you may 'fly light' if you choose. You want rugs or blankets, billycans, plates, pannikins, candle lantern, fishing tackle, and oyster knives. Make bag bunks, two bags to a bunk ; they are the cheapest and best. They keep you clear of damp, ants, &c. A boat can be hired by the week; this is better and cheaper than hiring by the day or hour. 

Be sure and pull up M'Garr's Creek for one day, and try for whiting on the sandy flats. Land also on the fine reserve, Kuring-gai Chase, and spend a pleasant time amongst the tree ferns in the beautiful shady gullies. Also walk up the mountain track to the top, where a glorious view may be obtained. For black bream a good ground is on the western side of Scotland Island, close In shore, and with an in-coming tide. Good sport is generally to be obtained here with the 'darkies.' Some five miles from the head, of the bay are the noted flathead grounds, but it would be advisable to obtain the services of a local youngster as pilot, as you might miss the right spot. If you are fond of fish, and catch them, you can reduce your butcher's account. If you stay at Newport for weeks you can picnic and explore fresh places each day, on the beautiful bay, or along the wild, rugged ocean shore. For variety of pleasure (boating, fishing, shooting, bathing, &c), lovely scenery, beautiful climate, and a real good all-round holiday resort, to be reached and enjoyed at a minimum of expense, I say try Newport— THOS. H. HODGES. IN PRAISE OF NEWPORT. (1905, January 1). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), , p. 7 (The Sunday Times Magazine Section.). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125871481 

Newport Hotel, Pittwater, Grace Elizabeth Greig; (executrix of the will of the late James S Greig) to herself, HOTEL LICENSES TRANSFERRED. (1910, April 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15121503

Remarkable Egg. The egg illustrated herewith is the smallest of 13 found by Mr. J. Hayman, chef at the Newport Hotel, Newport, N.S.W., whilst preparing an ordinary table fowl for cooking. The largest of the eggs was about four times the size of the one photographed here, so that readers will get a good idea of what the others must have been. The egg is photographed by the side of a halfpenny. Remarkable Egg. (1912, February 24).The World's News (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 1955), , p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128721448 

THE NEWPORT HOTEL.

The old Newport Hotel one of the best known hostelries In the Pittwater district, is to be demolished. Messrs Eaton and Bates are the architects for a large two-story brick hotel to be erected on the site of the present old building. The main frontage will be 100ft by 85ft There will be a large public dining room two private dining rooms, public and private bars, with large cellars under the parlours, office, and private quarters, kitchen, laundries,  pantries, and other rooms There will be 20 bedrooms, also sitting rooms, bath-rooms, linen cupboards, and lounges, and 10ft.verandahs and balconies all round THE NEWPORT HOTEL. (1913, May 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15421845

SYDNEY. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. At Half-past Eleven O'clock.

By Order of the Trustees of the Estate Late

WILLIAM BOULTON, NEWPORT, PITTWATER,

On the Water-front of This Beautiful Seaside Resort, the Newport HOTEL,

A Popular, Up-to-date House, so Easy of Access to the City by Regular Motor Service, Close to the Ocean Beaches. Adjoining The Newport Wharf.  Erected on Land Having 167ft. 6in. to Queen Street,

at the Foot of Beaconsfield Street, and 349ft. to Queen's Parade. Tile South-Eastern Depth Line is 297ft., Extending in Part to and Having a Large Frontage to the waters of Pittwater and to the Wharf Reserve.

"RICHARDSON and WRENCH LTD. will SELL by AUCTION, at the rooms, 92 Pitt street, Friday, 19th September, at half-past eleven o'clock The above well-Known WATER-FRONTAGE HOTEL, NEWPORT.- PITTWATER. Messrs. A. J. Reynolds-and White, 88 Pitt street, solicitors to the estate.-.' Classified Advertising. (1919, September 6). The Argus(Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4694809

Last Saturday the whole of the Boulton Estate at Newport was disposed of at prices from 25/6 to 55/ per foot. Total sales £2514. Mr. R. H. Judd was the auctioneer. REAL ESTATE. (1919, December 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15871984

A successful sale of Boulton's Estate, Newport, was held yesterday by R. H. Judd, Collaroy. There was a good attendance. All the lots offered were disposed of, the sales totalling £2500.  REAL ESTATE (1919, December 7). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222291889 

More about Richard Boulton in Pittwater WWI Veterans under 'Jack Lawson Hastie' entry - Jack's mother married Richard in 1913.

Boulton Estate Newport 1919, Item No.: c050400056 and c050400057 Boulton Estate 2 1919 back of flyer Subdivision Materials, courtesy State Library of NSW

The Boulton farmhouse at Newport was a double storey brick building on the corner of Beaconsfield Street and Barrenjoey Road. The most substantial building in the district, it had a large domed well in the backyard. The house was still standing, minus the top storey, until recently. 

Local sources state the Boultons rented the farm to the Gilroys around 1929 and then sold it to A. J. Livingstone who worked it as a dairy from 1932 until 1943, when it was subdivided.

Corner of Beaconsfield street Newport and Barrenjoey Road, Sunday May 11th 1913. That is Boulton's cow shed and cows to the right of picture and looking down hill towards Newport Hotel. From 'Album 62: Photographs of the Allen family, 11 May 1913 - 15 October 1913' Item: SLNSW_FL137438 -courtesy State Library of NSW:

A foot or two further back - same angle:

BOULTON.—August 30, 1941, suddenly at Newport, John Boulton, dearly beloved brother of Richard, Samuel, William, Henry, and Edward Boulton, aged 76 years. Family Notices. (1941, September 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17751690

Pittwater, improvements, J Boulton, £10 10s 5d, GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. (1894, June 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13956936

George Boulton supplied metals gravel for roads (several references; also appears to be another, cousin, branch of family, residence at Manly/Brookvale – Newport and Church Point Warringah Minutes records – 4th meeting + others in range – 1907 – 1909 - retrieved from Warringah Council Library and Service - digitised records available online.

BOULTON.-October 28, 1929. at Sydney, Edith Jessie, beloved wife of George Boulton, of Queen's parade. Newport, N.S.W., aged 46 years. Family Notices. (1929, October 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16597175

Pittwater Regatta_ Entries close for all events with the Hon, secretary, Mr. John Roche, at the Newport Hotel, Pittwater, on December 10. MOTOR BOATS. (1922, October 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved February 11, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16044544

BASHING BOULTON BOYS

The Terrible Trio Trounce Arthur Smith, -

NED SAYS HE WAS NABBED BY THE NAPE OF THE NECK BY SMITH

And a Revolver Shaved Under His Smeller.

According to the evidence given before Mr. love, at the Manly Police Court, on Friday last, there was fight and fun galore at Newport on the 2nd of this month. As a result of the merry making Arthur Smith, a builder and contractor, proceeded against three brothers, who might have passed for triplets in a crowd, named Richard Boulton, Edward Boulton, and James Boulton. One of the terrible “triplets”, 'Ted, though I lie would return the compliment, so fired in a blister to Arthur of the Smith tribe for assault.

Mr. Atkinson legally fought the three Boultons, or rather Mr. Trevor Jones, as that gentleman agreed to bear the bashing Boulton burden, for a consideration, of course. Arthur Smith, a builder and contractor, boarding with a Mr. Douglas at Newport said on the 2nd of this mouth, after tea, he walked to the main road, along a cutting, and saw a short man standing at the end. He got on to the bank of the cutting, and when he (Smith) got along that far he looked over and saw the man crawling towards the house he had just left. He watched for a while, then got on to the bank, and stood behind a tree, and continued to watch the man, who was crawling on his stomach towards the house. On reaching what was apparently his goal, the man peered in the door, so he {Smith) went over, grabbed him by the nape of the neck and the wrist, and said to him, 'What the h--- are you doing here, CREEPING ABOUT PEOPLE'S HOUSES?'

The man said, 'Oh, I did not mean any harm. Do let me go. I did no harm. I just came up for a walk.' 

He let him go, and gave him a push, and he ran for his life towards the hotel. He went to his office, but subsequently returned, and on the way saw the three Boultons talking together. He stopped and hurried towards his home, when the three brothers rushed across, and one, of them knocked him down. He received another blow which knocked one of his teeth out. He ran away, but was knocked down, and while down Richard kicked him in the ribs, put his knees into his stomach and caught him by the throat, saying, 'I will settle you.' 

Presently he felt blood running down his neck, so roared out 'Murder' at the top of his voice three or four times. Someone came with a lantern, and a man named Leonard Jones picked him up. He asked who the three men were, and someone told him they were the Boultons. He consulted a doctor, who attended him, and since then he had not been able to do any manual labor.

In answer to Mr. Jones witness said he only knew the Boultons slightly. He would swear he was not lying on the bank. On the first occasion he would wear he was not wearing an overcoat; of that he was positive. 

Boulton was ON HIS BELLY ON THE GROUND' when he grabbed him by the nape of the neck and picked him up. He was not walking away at the time. He did' tell Barrett, the storekeeper, that he followed him up as far as the v:cll. When he, was standing 'at the corner of Queen-street and Queen's- parade he saw Boulton coming down with the other men, his brothers, so he ran down to Douglas' house, but they caught him before he reached the house, and he then retreated on to the roadway. After they dished it out to him he ran like blases, and would have got away only his coat was too heavy. He had never had a revolver, and never told anyone that he had one. He did not tell Boulton he would put some lead into him if he did not get away. Mr. Douglas was a friend of his, but he had not communicated any of his troubles to him. 

Constable Henry Jones said on the 3rd of this month, from something he was told, he went to Newport; and said To Edward Boulton, 'Do you know anything about the assault that took place here last night?' !He 'said, 'Yes. After dark last night I went to the wharf to get some feed. A man named Smith stopped me, and pointed a revolver at me. I ran away, but came back with my two brothers to look for jura. We found him, and -Tim punched him one. He ran away, but Dick caught and threw him down on the road, and we held him down to see who he was.' Asked if he looked to see if he had a revolver, he said, 'No.' Later he saw Richard, and asked him what he knew about the alleged assault, and he told the same story as his brother. Walter Batty said on the evening in question he saw Smith about 8 o'clock on the main road. He HEARD A CRY OF 'MURDER!' a couple of times, so snatched a lantern and went down, calling to a' young fellow named Jones to follow him. 

JAMES BOULTON. RICHARD BOULTON

He saw Smith on the ground with the three Boulton's holding him. When Smith got up  he showed signs' of wear and tear, his face being damaged and clothes disarranged; In answer to Mr. Jones, Batty said, as he was going towards where he heard the cries, he heard Smith call out, 'Take yer knee off my neck and I'll explain.' Leonard Jones A carpenter, said he heard a cry of murder twice in succession, and on going along the road he saw Smith lying on the ground; Dick Boulton had him by the throat, and another of the Boultons was sitting or kneeling on him. He 'helped Smith- to viae, and noticed that he was bleeding from the neck and ear. ' He saw no marks or signs of an assault on Edward.

Samuel Douglas, contractor, of Newport, said on 'the evening of the alleged assault Smith, went out- about 7 o'clock', and returned about an hour later.' He went –out again, and returned with' his car and' neck' bleeding and covered in mud. As a matter of fact, he was a mass of moving mud and 'blud.' He had no revolver... 

Edward Boulton, a, carter- living at Newport, said about 8 o'clock on the night in question he had been to the wharf  and returned through the cutting. ' He climbed onto the bank to obey a call, -when Smith -GRABBED HIM BY THE NAPE OF THE NECK, swung him round,  and shoving a revolver under his smeller said, ''There has been a lot of burglaries about here lately, He(Witness) ' said, ‘I never robbed  nobody.' with a dangerous-looking light in his lamps, Smith said,' 'If' you don't go I will sink this lump of lead into you'-'— -he looked as though he meant it, too. - ; Thinking discretion the better part of valor, he (Teddy),got a hustle on, .and went and, “laid  Information” to his brothers, who came down with him to search for the willun who had scared him. He was standing near the wharf talking to his brothers, and pointing out the spot where he had been 'bailed up’, when sharp-eyed Dick, one of his brothers, said :

'There is the man lying on the grass now, and, looking over, Teddy notice a man lying full length on the bank of the cutting. Dick  hopped on to the bank, and was immediately rushed by the man — Smith— who was fumbling in his overcoat pocket, as though about to draw out a revolver. Seeing this, Jim hopped forward, and with a beautiful right to the jaw sent Smith sprawling. He got up and ran away, but was caught by sharp-eyed, fleet-fooled Dick, who gently placed him on the ground and held him there, Jim helping by holding *his 'Dutch pegs.' He (Teddy) cross-examined, or rather, asked him, the question: 'You're the man wot covered me with the revolver, ain't yer?' 

At this stage Mr. Batty came along, and said, 'Good God, it's Mr. Smith.’ so the three let him up. In answer to Mr. Atkinson, Teddy said he was -not watching Mr. Douglas' house. He did not search Smith's pocket for the revolver, because he thought he might get into trouble. When Smith was down he could not see his face for Dick, so did not know if he was bleeding. He never lost his pipe. Why, here it was (Teddy yanked out a cherrywood pipe, and let it fall to the floor with a clatter.) Richard Boulton said on the night in question his brother told him something, as a result of which he went down with Ted and saw Smith lying on the grass. He said ' There is a man there, ' and immediately

ARTHUR SMITH. EDWARD BOULTON.

Smith bobbed his head down and lay flat on the ground. He jumped up on the bank, and Smith hopped, up and made as though to pull out a revolver, but Jim bounced forward and with a lovely punch sent him to Mother Earth. . He got up, and went to run away, but was tripped up after running a short distance, and they held him down until Mr. Batty came. Ted did not touch the man at all. in answer to Mr. , Atkinson, witness said the man not search Smith for the revolver when he was down. The revolver did frighten him, and it would frighten him (Mr. Atkinson), too. James Boulton, carpenter, said on the night in question, as a result of something his brother Ted told him, he with his brother Dick went down to the wharf. He then corroborated , his brother's story.

 In answer to Mr. Atkinson, Jimmy said he followed the man to find out who he was and what he was, but not to hand out hiding to him.

Mr. Love decided to convict, and Teddy was fined £2, while Jim and Dick were each ordered to spar up five golden googies. In addition, the terrible trio— that the bashing Boulton boys — were each ordered to pay 7s court costs, £1 in professional costs, and £2 3s 4d witnesses' costs. The case Teddy Boulton v. Arthur Smith for assault was dismissed. BASHING BOULTON BOYS. (1913, May 18). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168732750 

_________________________________________________________________