Ku-ring-gai Clippings Vol 16

Ku-ring-gai Clippings
Being a collection of 19th and 20th century newspaper articles with a connection to the Municipality of Ku-ring-gai.

Editor: R. N. Whitaker
email: whitsend1@optushome.com.au

Volume 16: Issued 9th January 2010

ON THE LAND, FARM AND STATION
FRUIT GROWING AT ST. IVES
Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 24thFebruary 1913.

Many people are probably unaware of the wealth of scenic beauty that lies within easy distance of the city. It Is quite possible for the average Sydneysider to be familiar with the life of tho metropolis, and even with tho topography of its nearer vicinity, and yet to be quite a stranger to the rural charm that exists within 15 or 20 miles of the General Post-office.

Some of the most entrancing landscape effects are to be obtained on the heights of the North Shore line in the neighbourhood of Gordon, Pymble, and Turramurra. As the spectator gazes across the thickly wooded slopes and valleys on a bright, clear day he catches a glimpse of Nature's handiwork in all its rural beauty, which for surpassing loveliness is perhaps unequalled in any other part of the world.

The district of St. Ives is one of the most picturesque centres around Sydney. Leaving the train at Pymble and proceeding by either the Stony Creek-road or the Telegraph-road, the traveller, on reaching the junction of these two roads, fairly revels in the superb panorama, which opens out before him. In the foreground the wooded slopes are fringed by sturdy forest eucalypts and ironbarks. In the intervening spaces the country abounds in well-kept orchards and gardens on the hillocks and slopes, while in the distance a splendid view of the city environs is obtained.

St. Ives is not only picturesque, but healthy, due In some measure, to Its altitude of 600 feet. In earlier days it was not the important fruit-growing district it is today. The surrounding country was thickly wooded, as it is still in parts, and timber-getting was formerly the main industry, but with the disappearance of much of the heavier timber, and by reason of the excellent soil and climate, tho land was put to other uses, and fruit growing was gradually engaged in.

Tho first orchards were established in Gordon, Pymble, and Turramurra. In 1884 Mr. James Matthews cultivated a portion of his land, known as the Rosedale grant, and planted a small orchard. This was practically the start of the fruit-growing industry at St. Ives. As time went on the thickly timbered slopes were cleared, and the orchard area gradually extended, until today the St. Ives district stands pre-eminent as one of the most productive fruit-growing centres within easy distance of Sydney. The various orchardists are making a comfortable living from the industry, for which the country and soil are so eminently suited.

One of tho best-known fruit-growers at St. Ives is Mr. John Gallon, a sturdy type of settler, who came originally from the South Coast district. His well-kept orchard comprises an area of about eight acres, mostly under citrus fruits, the principal varieties being white silettas, Mediterranean sweet, Parramatta, St. Michael, Valencia late, Washington navel, Emperor mandarins, Beauty of Glen Retreat, and Thorny.

Mr. Gallon, who Is one of the pioneers of the district, follows most approved methods of cultivation, pruning, and spraying, and the visitor, as he leisurely roams over the nicely laid-out area, might imagine himself in the well kept orchard of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. By frequent cultivation the soil is kept loose, and a good mulch is attained, so that the moisture is conserved in the driest seasons.

The beneficial results of Mr. Gallon's thorough method of cultivation is evidenced by the healthy appearance of the trees in the present unusually dry season, no rain of any consequence having fallen since August last. In common with a number of other orchardists in the neighbourhood, Mr. Gallon suffered considerable loss by the bush fires which swept over the district a month ago, and the family had a trying time. The portion of the orchard which suffered, however, is to be replanted. As the result of his up-to-date methods, Mr. Gallon grows some of the best fruit seen on the Sydney market, and obtains high prices for his produce.

Mr. John Pierce is also a pioneer of the district, who has for many years been closely identified with its progress. With his sons, he has cultivated an orchard, which is regarded as one of the most productive at St. 1ves. It is mostly under the best varieties of citrus fruits, and by constant and thorough working, spraying, and manuring, combined with intelligent methods, the general results have proved entirely satisfactory.

Another well-kept property in the vicinity is that of Mr. Peter Clarke, who also practises tho best methods of cultivation. His regularly laid-out orchard, well ploughed between tho rows of trees, and trimly-kept area, is a picture to behold. When the writer visited the orchard on Saturday afternoon, Mr. Clarke was busily engaged in spraying his citrus trees.

One of the most successful fruit-growers in the locality is Mr. J. Cunningham, who cultivates about 12 acres. He grows the most suitable kinds of oranges and mandarins, and is a firm believer in the use of potash as a fertiliser. His property, which was acquired some 15 years ago, as a means of pursuing a long-cherished hobby, has now developed into a profitable undertaking.

Editors comments: The orchards of Messrs Gallon, Pierce, Clarke and Cunningham are delineated on the attached Power Point map. This is the 1912 map of the area shown in “The Story of St. Ives” by Gay Halstead, Nungurner Press, 1982, p 152, and drawn from the memory of Jim Denning. (it’s also attached in a JPEG format for those who may have Power Point issues)

Among other orchardists In the vicinity who follow good methods with excellent results may be mentioned: Messrs. R. Moffitt, John and Thomas Hughes, R. Veitch, T. Brown, J. Scott, Bradley, Nancarrow, W. E. Cates, F. McIntosh, and M. Porter. On the whole, the orchards at St. Ives are clean, well worked, and a credit to this beautiful and progressive district.

STEALING FRUIT.
Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 18thNovember 1913.

John Charles Allen, l8, was before Mr Clarke, at the North Sydney Police Court on Monday charged with stealing a quantity of fruit from an orchard at St. Ives, the property of W. E. Cates. Cates stated that at 1 am on the 16th inst, he was in his orchard watching and saw defendant with several others come in and take about 1s. worth of fruit. Defendant was a cadet, and was in uniform. There was a cadet camp near by.

Defendant was fined £2 and ordered lo pay 1s. damage or a month's hard labour.

PICNIC TO MR. C. A. LEE.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

FREETRADE AND LIBERALISM.
Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 20th May 1901.

A complimentary picnic was tendered to Mr. C. A. Lee leader of the Opposition) and Mr. G. Howarth (member for Willoughby) by the people of Pymble and surrounding district on Saturday at Hassall Park, St Ives.

Mr. Lee, accompanied by Mr. J. H. Young and Mr. G. Howarth, reached Pymble about 12.30 pm, where they were received by Mr. P. Butler (secretary of the committee) and other prominent residents and conveyed in vehicles to St. Ives, a distance of about four miles. The drive was through charming country, the party deriving much pleasure along tho route, which was bordered by orangeries and orchards in first class condition. Tho banquet was held in the pavilion at Hassall Park, the residents giving the visitors a cordial reception,

Mr. W. E. Brasnett presided, and had on his right Mr. C. A. Lee and Mr. J. H. Young and on his left Mr. George Howarth. After the health of “The King” had been enthusiastically honoured, Mr. W. H. Mocatta proposed the health of Mr. C. A. Lee, the leader of the Opposition, whom, he said, they were glad to have amongst them. Mr. Lee had conferred upon the district a lasting benefit (he referred to the bridge over the Lane Cove River at the head of navigation) whilst occupying the position of Minister for Works in the Government of Mr. G. H. Reid. They had met to honour to the leader of the great liberal party in the State Parliament – (applause) – and he congratulated Mr. Lee on having assumed that important office.

As residents of Pymble and members of the great party that had counted amongst its chiefs the late Sir. Henry Parkes and Mr. G. H. Reid, they considered themselves flattered in having the chance of welcoming Mr. Lee as its leader. The party, he assured them, was by no means dead, but would show at the coming elections it could sweep the country. He was confident the country would say in no uncertain voice, that the policy of the party which Mr. Lee led was the policy that would best benefit the State. He was sure, Mr. Lee would, in his new position, prove the champion of freedom and fair play. (Applause)

Mr. C. A. Lee, who on rising was heartily cheered, thanked them for the cordiality of his reception. He feared the people of Pymble attached more importance to the little event of the bridge than he was disposed to attach to it. He had bought this work to a completion in the discharge of his duties as Minister for Works. He was glad that it was appreciated and had proved so great a convenience to the district. He was astonished at the great progress observable since his last visit and predicted an even greater progress in the future.

He was aware the present gathering was not of a political character, but he felt he must briefly refer to a few matters deserving attention. He had recently to appear before the people and announce the policy of the party he had the honour of leading, which policy had provoked a certain amount of criticism. He was glad to say it had stood that criticism, and its soundness was proved by the ineffective attempt of the present Administration to assail it. If nothing more could be said against it than that it was on somewhat similar lines to that of the present Government, which grasped at something to put before tho country-if that was all that could be raised against his policy, which would change the life of the country and develop its industrial life, it must be sound (Applause). He was proud he had delivered it. Whatever was publicly said was subject to criticism, and strong criticism, by the Government, but on this occasion the Government had been unable to assail his position. The policy of the liberal party was one that could and would be carried out if the country gave it the opportunity of doing so. He would not forecast the approaching elections but he would say to the liberal people of New South Wales that if they approved of the policy adopted by that party, they should give it the opportunity of giving effect to it. The issue was now so clear that no mistake was possible. It was devoid of double meaning, and thus appealed to the great liberal thought of New South Wales. The country was asked to endorse it and put the seal and stamp of their approval upon it. (Applause). If the electors were in earnest, and wished to see the country progress in the direction laid down in that policy, they had their duty to do, to take their part and return such men as were prepared to carry out their share of establishing the great liberal policy. (Cheers). In conclusion, he thanked them for the compliment they had paid him in entertaining him that day.

Mr. J. H. Young, M L A, proposed tho toast of "Mr. G. Howarth". In the course of his remarks no said he had always found Mr. Howarth to be a loyal and consistent supporter of tho party to which he belonged. Mr. Howarth held the esteem of his follow members, and was entitled to the continued support of his constituents. He was satisfied that if the liberal party failed to sweep the country at the next elections it would come back with such a majority as would show that the heart of New South Wales still clung to free trade and liberalism.

Mr. Howarth suitably responded and during the course of his remarks said that while he had always been a consistent supporter of the liberal party, he felt on the present occasion he had yet another duty to perform – to use his best efforts throughout the State to secure the return of all adherents to the policy of the party, and thus help to drag from office those gentlemen at present administering the Government without a mandate from the people or the stamp of their approval.

The remaining toasts, "The Visitors," "The Ladies," "The Press," and "The Chairman," having been honoured, the function was brought to a conclusion and the party returned to town.

KILLARA CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

ARCHBISHOP LAYS FOUNDATION-STONE.
Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 19th May 1910.

The foundation stone of the new Anglican Church at Killara was laid yesterday afternoon by the Primate, in the presence of a large number of prominent residents and local clergy.

The building is in close proximity to the railway station. It is designed in the 13th century Gothic style, and in the finished state will comprise a nave 69ft by 29ft, with chancel, vestry, and organ chambers, and finished with a tower and spire. It will accommodate 350 persons, and will cost £3500. At present only the first section will be proceeded with, which will give accommodation for 150 persons.

Killara is within the Gordon circuit, and the rector is the Rev. Raymond King, of St. John's, Gordon, who in carrying out the work of his circuit is assisted by the Revs. L. Charlton, E. Shipley, and S. H. Woolnough. The palish extends from Roseville to Turramurra, including St. Ives, and already churches have been erected in all centres except Killara, Roseville and Pymble. In the two last named centres sites have already been secured, and shortly, it is hoped, buildings will be taken In hand.

The service preceding the laying of the stone was held in the school-hall, and conducted by the Rev. Raymond King, and presided over by the Archbishop of Sydney.

The Primate congratulated the people on having secured a church for the centre. He said that they met at a period a great national sorrow, and the question arose whether it was right to proceed with the ceremony under those circumstances. He answered it in the affirmative, being sure that their deeply lamented Sovereign would have urged them to do their good work-the work, of God. At the laying of church foundation stones the question arose in the mind why they undertook such big works when the needs of the present generation would be met with more modest buildings. His answer was that in erecting a House of God they desired not only to meet their own requirements, but those of future generations.

Editor’s comments: The “national sorrow” referred to would have been the death of King Edward V11 on 6th May 1910 – less than two weeks before the foundation stone ceremony. The Church was dedicated “St. Martins” by the Archbishop of Sydney (Dr. Wright) in February 1911.