Above: Photo from South end of Palmy (circa 1925-30)courtesy Clare West - wife of Canon West (C of E) and John Cowper - probably the back of Governor De Chair who holidayed with his family at A J and Caroline Hordern's 'Kalua' from Spring 1927 on until the family eft Australia.
PALM BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES. - - Among the most beautiful bathing beaches in Australia, Palm Beachis situated on a peninsula fifteen to twenty miles north of Sydney. Close by, the waters of the beautiful Hawkesbury River flow into Broken Bay. On one side of the peninsula, which is but a few hundred yards across, is the surf of the Pacific Ocean, and on the other are the calm waters of the historic Pittwater, the scene of many aquatic carnivals. At one time there were many palms in the locality, but few remain, and these are jealously preserved. photo by H. CAZNEAUX PALM BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES. (1934, October 1). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article145241972 - this is Wilshire Park Palm Beach, with the Corticate of Title registered in 1925
THE GOVERNOR AND FAMILY AT PALM BEACH. The Governor (Sir Dudley de Chair) has been spending a few days at the Palm Beach (N.S.W.) home of Mr. Alfred Hordern, which was placed at his disposal. The Governor is standing on the left facing Lady de Chair and Miss Elaine de Chair and her brother, Lieutenant Graham de Chair, A.D.C. THE GOVERNOR AND FAMILY AT PALM BEACH. (1930, March 5). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160633195
Many people are of a retiring nature and will avoid main thoroughfares and even roads if possible and will find the old tracks to be among the green when moving through this place. Pittwater is one such area where you may still walk from ocean-side to estuary without having to lay your tender paw against too much bitumen and cement.
As a lead into Spring 2015 we’d like to share a few insights into how these reserves, preserving a semblance of the original Pittwater that may dived into at will, came about so you too may be enticed to bring out the wallaby in you and see what blossoms as the venal tide returns.
In the north a Beach to Bay walk connects four reserves at Palm Beach: Hordern Park, Wilshire Park, McKay Reserve and Dark Gully Park. Through these parks and reserves you may stay in flowering bushland from the ocean over to the estuary and be amongst wonderful trees and views, with only one or two roads to cross, quiet ones at that.
Palm Beach's beachfront was bequeathed to the council by the then Barrenjoey Land company in 1912, and they gave the whole of the beach and a reserve alongside it, as well as current day named 'Hordern Park'. Although the newspapers of the past tell us this was dedicated from the first land sales, even though this was not formalised until 1921:
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LATE MR. J. T. RALSTON.
The "so-called Boat Shed." protest letter refers to the second PBSLSC 'shed' built in Hordern's Reserve. This structure was made by members and afforded them a place to change and a place to stow club equipment and built to store the club's first surf boat. Unfortunately the first surf boats were too heavy to be carried too far (they required 12 men to lift and move them) while the southern end of the Palm Beach, with its natural run out, was the best place to launch this craft from. It seemed sensible to leave the boat in the southern corner.Warringah Council were approached with a request to build a second 'shed' for the boat on council land at the southern end. In the 1922-23 season, permission granted, the original shed was moved to what we now call Hordern Reserve and was then named 'Glenburnie Park' - 'glen' is 'a narrow valley', especially in Scotland or Ireland, while 'burnie' is defined as 'a little stream' and this too is a Scottish word. The suggestion for the name came from Caroline and Alfred James Hordern - Caroline had a strong Scottish heritage through her parents.
50. A. J. Hordern . 10.8.26. drawing attention to the erosion of the bank of the creek on the Palm Gully at Palm Beach, encroaching on his property, and offering to forward cheque for erection of concrete or stone wall to Park. Resolved, -. (Crs. Hitchcock, Simpson) That the offer be accepted; the Engineer give an estimate of the cost and sent it onto Mr. Hordern. 51. Same. 10.9.26. suggesting that the second fence on Wiltshire Park, Palm Beach, be removed to the Florida Road frontage, and offering to do the work himself: Resolved, - (Cr.s. Simpson; Hitchcock) That the offer be accepted, and that the sign-board in the vicinity be also removed to the Florida Road frontagePALM BEACH. DISPUTE ABOUT CLUBHOUSE.
Warringah Shire Council has decided that the Palm Beach Surf Club's club-house must be pulled down and that any new structure must be erected on a more suitable site. The existing club-house, a plain erection on a public reserve, has been the subject of an offer by Mr. J. A. Hordern, who has expressed his willingness to lend the council £100 for improvements to the reserve, and to assist the club financially towards the erection of a new building.
It has been stated that the members of the surf club did not want to move, and Councillor Corkery said that if they would not go, the club should be disbanded and a paid life-saver put on the beach. It would never do to allow the council to be dictated to by the club, which was on the beach for the purpose of life-saving only. The council will have a meeting with Mr. Hordern and the members of the surf club, to discuss the question of finance. PALM BEACH. (1929, July 10). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 19. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16546792
PALM BEACH CLUB-HOUSE. In a letter to the Editor, the captain of the Palm Beach Surf Saving Club (Mr. Kenneth Hunter) states that there has been no dispute with the Warringah Shire Council. Discussions that have taken place with regard to new premises for the club have been of a most harmonious character. PALM BEACH CLUB-HOUSE. (1929, July 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16568126
PALM BEACH SURF CLUB HUT. The Palm Beach Surf Club's hut is to be removed from its present situation in a valuable public reserve to a more suitable site, near the centre of the beach. The Warringah Shire council will erect the new hut, which will cost £300. PALM BEACH SURF CLUB HUT. (1929, August 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16579961
Despite these reports a schism did develop between the members and the council that led, ultimately, to members raising funds throughout the years from 1929 (when The Depression began) until they could purchase what is today called the 'Cabbage Tree Club' - formerly 'Chorley's' in 1936 - until then they were placed where suited the council and council's fiscal supporter. Warringah Shire Council Records Minutes of Meetings provide:
63. R.T. McKay 16/4/34, requesting that the long oak trees which are decayed at the bottom, on Hordern Park, Palm Beach, be cut down, as they are about to fall and will destroy young trees planted by Mr. Hordern, or will injure his fence. Resolved, - That Mr. R. Howlett be given permission to remove the trees. (Crs.Hitchcock., Hughes) 64. Same, 16/4/34, requesting that the water tables in Florida Road between Scott Road and the dirk, and between his place and Mrs. Hordern’s place, be improved, suggesting that the material front the gutter on the southern side of Florida Road be placed on the raised area onnorth side. Resolved, - That a short section of Florida Road, about 2 chains, be ballasted to prevent the water crossing the road, the cost to be deducted from the Florida ..:41 vote.
He was appointed engineer and executive member of the Water Conservation Irrigation and Drainage Board and was associated with many irrigation projects throughout the State, including the Murray, Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Schemes, also with the sinking of artesian bores and the distribution of artesian water. He was appointed Chief Assistant Hydraulic Engineer for the State of Queensland. His next appointment was Engineer-in-Chief of the Geelong Water Works and Sewerage Trust. He was then appointed Consulting Engineer to the Commonwealth Government in connection with the bulk handling of wheat. A scheme involving the expenditure of £3,000,000, among the wheat growing States of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. He then accepted the position of engineering member and deputy president of the Commission of the Sydney Harbor Trust. 
McKay Reserve is located on the west-facing slopes above Pittwater. It extends from the Pacific Road - Ralston Road junction in the north to Bynya Road above Dark Gully Park in the south. McKay Road passes through the Reserve between Ralston Road and Ebor Road. Dark Gully Park is a small foreshore reserve located on the eastern shore of Pittwater at the mouth of Dark Gully Creek.
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Extras - references:
- TROVE - National Library of Australia
- Warringah Shire Council, Minutes of Meetings, digitised by Warringah Council
- National Museum of Australia
- Australian Archives
- State Library of New south Wales
- Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Palm Beach
- The First Weekenders On The Palm Beach Beachfront + A Look Into Palm Beach SLSC Clubhouses In The Club's 101st Season
- Pittwater Summer Houses: Kalua, Palm Beach
- Palm Beach Golf Course 1924 To 2024: Some 100th Year History Celebratory Insights
- Wilshire Park Palm Beach: Some History + Photos From May 2022
- Pittwater Beach Reserves Have Been Dedicated For Public Use Since 1887 - No 1.: Avalon Beach Reserve- Bequeathed By John Therry
“Adrian Curlewis learned surf- board riding from John Ralston, who had the first surfboard at Palm Beach. Later he bought his own surfboard for £5. "It had belonged to Manly swimmer Claude West, who put an ad. in the paper reading: 'Surfboard for sale. Owner in hospital through using same'," Judge Curlewis told me. (Surfboard riding was only six years old in 1920. The Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku had introduced it to Australia in 1914.) From: The Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 3 February 1951, page 17. and:http://www.surfresearch.com.au/1950_Newspapers.html
Palm Beach PioneerB B WILTSHIRE PTY LTD capital £10 000 to acquire the business of shipping agent now carried on by Bowen B Wiltshire etc First directors Bowen B Wiltshire and Charles B Wiltshire. COMPANY NEWS. (1937, March 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17352138
SHIPPING AGENT FINED £200. SYDNEY, Friday.
Bowen Barnett Wiltshire, shipping agent, was lined £200 in the Central Summons Court to-day for having permitted two prohibited immigrants, Andrews Doukas and Angelos Gratios, to enter the Commonwealth in June last contrary to the provisions of the Immigration Act It was stated that the defendant was the agent of the vessel from which the two men entered the Commonwealth. SHIPPING AGENT FINED £200. (1936, November 21). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144622842
Marriages. WILTSHIRE—JOHNS.—January 6, 1900, at All Saints' Church, Petersham, by the Rev. T. Eykvn, Bowen Barnett Wiltshire,Petersham, to Linda May Johns, Thebarton, S. A. Family Notices. (1900, February 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14294008
CHRONOS SOLD. PURCHASED BY B. B. WILTSHIRE.
The Howard Smith steamer Chronos has been purchased by Mr. B. B.Wiltshire, and will enter the Austral China trade in conjunction with the Calulu. The Calulu has been running in the service for a few years, and it speaks well for the organisation of the company that they have been able to acquire another vessel in order to cope with their apparently increasing trade. The Chronos was built in 1915, and is 4364 tons* gross. She has to be slightly altered to suit the requirements of the trade, and should prove a most useful acquisition to the service. The vessel is to leave Sydney about the middle of February on her first voyage for the Austral-China Line. CHRONOS SOLD. (1929, January 8). Daily Commercial News and Shipping List (Sydney, NSW : 1891 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160369022
Wilshire Park - August 2015
Mr. C. B. Wiltshire. Mr. C. B. Wiltshire, of the firm of B. B. Wiltshire, is leaving Sydney on the 3rd April by the steamer Erlangen, which is proceeding to Kingston(Jamaica), New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. Mr. Wiltshire will make a tour of the Gulf Ports, United States and Canada, then across to the United Kingdom and the Continent, returning to Australia by the Eastern route, when he will call at Japan. PERSONAL. (1937, March 30). Daily Commercial News and Shipping List (Sydney, NSW : 1891 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161415156
MR. D. B. WILTSHIRE RETIRES. Mr D B Wiltshire, who has retired from the position of general manager of the Darling Island Stevedoring and Lighterage Co, Ltd, is well known in stevedoring circles, having been associated with the Darling Island company for more than 40 years. He served long terms as chairman of the Overseas Stevedores Committee and chairman of the Overseas Wool Dumpers' Committee He was also a member of the Board of Reference in the Commonwealth Arbitration Court and a Councillor of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. MR. D. B. WILTSHIRE RETIRES. (1941, March 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17734657
OBITUARY. Mr. B. B. Wiltshire.
Mr. B. B. Wiltshire, of the firm of B. B. Wiltshire Pty., Ltd., shipping agents, died suddenly at his seaside residence at Palm Beach last Wednesday evening. Mr.Wiltshire, who was so well known in shipping circles throughout the Commonwealth, was a very keen business man and well versed in shipping laws. He had had much to do with foreign trade, especially in Europe and the Far Eastern countries. During the last-few years, owing to war conditions, Mr. Wiltshire had been living practically in retirement, either at his home at Burwood or at Palm Beach. OBITUARY. (1945, March 10). Daily Commercial News and Shipping List (Sydney, NSW : 1891 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162853430
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PALM BEACH SURF CLUB DANCE.
A presentation of trophies took place at the annual dance of the Palm Beach Surf Club, held last night at Warringah Hall, Neutral Bay. Mr. Gordon Morrow was presented with the Allan Box cup as the winner of the point score competitions. The club colours of black and green were used to decorate the hall, where four hundred guests danced, and the club flag hung over the balcony. Among the members and their friends present were Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Curlewis, Miss Marjorie Carr, Mrs. A. Samuels, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Henderson. Miss Dorothy Perkins, Messrs. David Hunter, Kenneth Hunter, Captain Beale, Messrs. Charles King, J. Mant, Keith Hardy, Kenneth Hardy, J. Fraser, Misses Claire Curlewis, J. Herron, Howarth, Mrs. Dalziel, Mr. and Mrs. J. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Langford Gibson, Miss Coyle, Mr. Lister Ifould, Misses Audrey Peters, Helen Phillips, Marjorie Phillips, Joyce Thomas, Gwen Rees, Thelma Gazal, Mrs. Robert Pockley, Messrs. N. Murray, Overdiep, Ramsay, Bill Wiltshire, George Wray, and R. Wood. PALM BEACH SURF CLUB DANCE. (1931, June 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16787952
PALM BEACH LETTER
AN almost holy calm has pervaded the beach all the week, such an exodus has there been, and there is just a sprinkling of gay umbrellas shading the Warwick Fairfaxes, George Campbells, the Dr. Mackays, Dr. Blakemores, the Marcus Griffins, and the erstwhile Gordon Craig sisters, Mrs. Chambers, of Melbourne, and Mrs. 'Scotty' Allen.
Jean Pratten was sporting a navy shirt and a pair of those new 'Half-mast' trousers in deep cream last week-end, and getting away with them all. Goldie Grey had black satin elastic bathers, VERY good against that fair skin and hair. Nell Gunning was in a honey-colored wrap-over skirt, with a bit of shine here and there. Norman McKinnell, Mrs. Marie Larkin and Mrs. Paul Cohen, Babe Cobcroft in her white was with Francis Grahame, while 'Bunny' Kirby dashed about with a bottle of lemonade and a couple of straws. An attractive lad who has deserted us was Duncan Ramsay, who is going to literally paddle his own canoe from Goulburn to Nowra. Joan Cater gave a dinner party last Saturday, and invited all the lads from the Noel Le Mestre Walkers bachelor household. When they found that the washing-up was their duty, black coffee was OFF. Dr. Blackmore's family have taken 'Palm Corner.' He is an extra keen fisherman and golfer.
Five girls from the North Shore have taken a cottage for a few weeks, and Stella Hemphill's pocket edition of a dog is the sole protector. The Rev. George Cowie, known as the 'Sporting Parson,' has Capt. Blackwood's cottage, and is trying to finish the book he is writing. A bit difficult, I should say, from the strains of bright music one hears. The select Warwick Fairfaxes have had J. M. McPhillamy, of Mt. Tamar, Bathurst, staying with them, and kept down their end of the beach. Warwick is never without his eyeshade. Betty is certainly good on her rubber surf -board. The newly-elected North Sydney Mayor and Mayoress, the David Hunters, were down. Mrs. David is 'cadging' boots for her relief workers. The Mayor says he won't have a pair left soon! Marcus Griffin does the 'paternal act' about 8 a.m. daily, and takes the two small daughters to the pool. After that duty nobly done a game of golf at Eleanora goes pretty well. The Hordern garden is looking perfection, and the new plants from Japan are being eagerly awaited. Among the departees trekking back to town were the Goodmans, of Adelaide, who are on their way home after a couple of months here, the Cyril Westcotts, plus family, the Peters, the Malcom McCorricks, Rutherfords, Dr. Godsells and the Thompsons. They come and go, but praise be, the surf goes on for ever! PALM BEACH LETTER. (1936, February 9). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 29. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169594285
PALM BEACH LETTER
THERE has been so much to do this week at Palm Beach I don’t know where to begin, but a few tit bits about the dances might amuse you. Palm Beach may not be flowing with milk and honey, but it is obviously flowing with drink and money, with the result that apart from cocktails, whisky, gin, etc., 45 kegs of beer were consumed at the dance at Howletts. Dressing was varied, and the Dick Allens were not at all original incoming dressed alike, as Doug and Barbie Levy had done it seasons ago with great eclat. One youngish matron might have got away with murder if her large children had not loomed up at the critical moments. Peter Hordern was a bit lucky, as his car leapt over an embankment and stayed gracefully poised. Much mistletoe, movable and otherwise, was everybody's excuse for everything. The 'move-on' dinner arranged by a number of 'young-marrieds' was a huge success. The Alan Coplands provided cocktails; cold eclation and salads were produced by the Lindsay Bells; and last but not least, dessert and caS ee with the Adrian Curlewises, artel then with unflagging spirits — onto | the dance. Tl ie Graham Prattens had a select party of 'B.Y.T's' on the twenty sevei*h, and a much bigger 'do' on New Year's Eve. Refuge Bay (lovely name) was the scene of great activity during the week: when Valmai and Nea Arnott had Ian all day launch picnic there.Nea, lbs the way, wears an intriguingscarf | with her name all over it in a lazy, crazy way.The...Beale-Wilson community household held a late poker party one evening, where anything could have been won or lost. Amalgamation has set In in a big way with the June Munro-AIfce Nail households.They work in shifts of three for meals, 1 etc., and it's a most amusing and excellent plan. Their sherry and beer party was all to the good. Betty J Field and Lois Chartres are still more than holding their own, and their beach wear is so alluring. Don't you think 'blush pink' rubber for a swim suit sounds divine, but what I want to know is who does the blushing? Nora Haftlston, who looks marvellous in her imported red bathers, handles her surf board with all the skill and grace of an Islander. She is one of the best, and so witty. Another lass who Is a feast for the wandering! orb is Molly Brearley, and her all navy turn-out takes a lot of beating. Born optimistic, Marjorie and Lindsay BaII fished off the beach for hours. Old rs poured in— results nil. The Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club Dance at the Palladium on Thursday was 'whacko' from beginning to I'nd. Old Father Time did the trick at the appoineId hour, and there were the usual New Year good resolutions made to be broken almost immediately. The burning question at Palm Beach is, is it better to have a crowd of people and a little to drink, or oodles of drink and just a chosen few? 'You can let me know the answer! Cheerio, and a Happy New Year. PALM BEACH LETTER. (1937, January 3). Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169605398
