Ku-ring-gai Clippings Vol 23

MR. DE LISSA'S DEATH.

DELAYED TELEPHONE MESSAGE.

Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 2^nd May 1912

An inquest concerning the death of Mr. Horace De Lissa, 36, barrister, who died in tho Royal North Shore Hospital on April 28, was held yesterday.

Walter Marline Schregel, a dentist, said that he was one of a riding party on Saturday, which included the deceased. They rode to Pymble, and subsequently to Hornsby, where they dined. On the return Journey, the deceased was at Pymble bridge, riding ahead of the others. It seemed to witness that he cantered down the hill, drew his horse into a trot, and swung round towards the party.

The next moment witness saw De Lissa's horse going riderless in the opposite direction. Galloping up, he found the deceased sitting on the roadside where the horse had turned. It was evident that he had fallen from the horse, for his back was covered with dust. Being asked it he were hurt, the deceased replied: "No; I'll be all right in a few minutes. The horse trod on my stomach."

A verdict of accidental death was returned. In view of evidence relative to a delayed telephone message, the Coroner deplored the fact that a faulty telephone service had deprived a father of the solace of spending the last few moments at the bedside of his dying son. In his own case, he did not understand the telephone message received by him from the police, who reported the accident. As a consequence, he received an unintelligible account of the actual accident.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED

TRAIN "WRECKING.

WEDGES BETWEEN POINTS.

Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 18^th January 1916

What may be nothing more than a boyish prank, but at first blush looks like an attempt at train-wrecking, took place on the North Shore line on Sunday night.

A passenger on the Turramurra Railway Station at about 5.45 pm on Sunday noticed a youth walking along the railway line, and stop near the points. His curiosity being aroused, the passenger went up to investigate the matter, and saw a boy placing stones between the points of the line.

The Pymble Police were informed of the incident by telephone.

An inspection of the line showed that glass and stones had been wedged in between the points, and if a train had come along it would doubtless have been derailed, if not wrecked.

The police arrested a boy whose parents are Germans, but are naturalised. He will appear before the Children's Court.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT ST. IVES.

Sager v Lord.

Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 2^nd December 1925

Christina Sager, administratrix of the intestate estate of the late Thomas Sager, sued Francis William Lord, claiming £2000 compensation for the death of her husband, which she alleged was due to the negligent management of a motor car by the defendant. The accident In respect of which the action arose occurred near St. Ives, close to the Gordon road. The plaintiff, who was engaged in gathering clothes props in the bush, had left his loaded cart in charge of a hired man, and crossed the road on foot.

Defendant's motor car swung over to the wrong side of the road to avoid another vehicle, and, continuing on, struck Sager, inflicting injuries from which he died three days later In hospital. The defendant pleaded not guilty, and also set up a plea of contributory negligence. Mr. W. B. Simpson and Mr. Leonard (instructed by Mr. H. J. Bartier) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Markell (Instructed by Messrs, Abbott, Tout, and Co.,) for the defendant.

The Jury found a verdict for the plaintiff for £800, recommending that £400 be paid to the widow and £200 for each of two children be vested in the Public Trustee for their education and maintenance.

THE LANE COVE ROAD.

(BY CHARLES WHITHAM.)

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 4^th February 1928

How does the Lane Cove-road, the main thoroughfare of the North Shore districts, get its name? It never comes within sight of Lane Cove waters, and except for a brief incursion, it scarcely enters the municipality of that name. Indeed, some people who live along its northern end call it the Gordon-road, which seems more appropriate, for It does go through Gordon.

It is the oldest white man's road in the district, for it follows the track that was cut by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, of H M S Supply, in 1789, from Blue’s Point, along the ridge which affords tho easiest route for tho penetration of the North Shore region. Quite possibly, Ball followed up an aboriginal trail, of which there were many between Port Jackson and Broken Bay. The present North Shore railway to Hornsby follows nearly the same route, as the Lane Cove-road and the rails are seldom far apart. Like the Military - road of Mosman, its course Is tortuous, and for the same reason-the makers of these old trails avoided as far as possible the primal curse of man, and went round a big tree rather than undertake the labour of removing it.

For at least seventy years the road was a very rough one, not much more than a dray track through tho big timber. When William McKeon, whose descendants are well known in Sydney to this day, went, to Gordon (then known as Lane Cove Settlement) in 1815 there were only a few bark huts, occupied by timber-getters, along the track. In 1861, some money was appropriated by Parliament for improving tho road, for we are told by the "Sydney Morning Herald" of May 4 that a meeting was held at the Old School, Lane Cove (where St. John's Church, Gordon. now stands), to elect trustees to supervise the expenditure of the vote. Mr. Burgess was in the chair, and tho trustees elected were Messrs. Geering, John Duffy, McKeon, R. Porter, Richard Hill, and H. Whittingham, all well-known names in the chronicles of Lane Cove, using the name in its earlier sense, as referring to all the country lying between St. Leonards and Wahroonga.

MAIL CARTS OF THE SIXTIES

But the expenditure of a Government subsidy did not put the road into first-class order, for we read in Leplastrier's book on Willoughby that in 1805 when the mail cart started from Chatswood for Blue's Point, it always carried an axe to cut away trees that might have fallen across the track. The fare was eighteen pence, and seats had to be booked a day previously. Tho road is in somewhat better condition now, for it is recognised as one of the great arterial avenues leading out of Sydney, and very large sums have been, and are being, spent on it. It is not known as the Lane Cove-road until you go to the North Sydney Post-office. For the first three miles or so, the grade from the waterside is steep. A height of 240 feet is reached at St. Leonards, but from that point to Pymble the grades are easy. But from Pymble there is a steep series of grades to Pearce's Corner (630 feet), where the old Pennant Hills road Is met, and the Lane Cove road loses its name. This corner, at the modern Wahroonga, was named after Aaron Pearce, one of the earliest settlers. Here beginneth the Peat's Ferry road.

The populous region now comprised in the municipalities of Willoughby and Lane Cove and Ku-ring-gai Shire was known in the early days of the colony as Lane Cove, because It was generally approached by the Lane Cove River, then navigable by small craft as far as, and beyond, Fidden's Wharf, near the present Killara. If you visit St Thomas' Graveyard In North Sydney you will see that the Archbolds, a well-known Roseville family, are described as "of Clanville, Lane Cove," Clanville being the present Roseville neighbourhood.

"THE LUMBERJACKS."

Tho first white settlers of this district were what the Americans call "lumberjacks." Sydney Town was a voracious consumer of building timber, which came chiefly from the big gum trees of Lane Cove. They were felled by the pioneers, sawn into planks, or hauled in the log to the various wharves on Lane Cove, and shipped to the city. When the bush was cleared orchards and market gardens were planted. Hero is an advertisement from the "Sydney Gazette" of May 5, 1804, only 16 years after the arrival of the First Fleet, showing that settlements had been formed In Lane Cove at a very early date -

Whereas public notice has heretofore been duly given, cautioning persons from committing acts of trespass upon the farms known as Watson's, Archer's, Ikin's, and Waitrel’s, lying near to and about Lane Cove, now the property of James Wiltshire, notwithstanding which, a number of very fine she-oaks and other trees have been fell and removed, no labour and expense will be, spared in putting the law, in force against them.

The land agents who advertise properties for sale in the Roseville Pymble districts, describe their wares as choice, exclusive, and superior, but it was not ever thus. Lane Cove was a refuge for escaped convicts and bad men; sporting bloods went there to see cock fights and prize fights. Stolen booty and unlawful liquors were cached in its thickets and caves. This is what the "Sydney Gazette" said in its leader of February 25,1841:-

"Lane Cove has long been noted as the resort of disreputable people, and we do not hesitate to say that there should be a military post established there, to prevent smuggling and sly-grog selling. SJy-grog selling is carried on so openly at Lane Cove that it can scarcely be said to deserve the name of 'sly.' Thieving is practised, the grog sellers being the receivers of stolen goods. If an active police magistrate were to visit this infamous district frequently, we make no doubt that much would be done towards cleansing it of as great a set of ruffians as the colony holds."

The people of Killara and Gordon are not quite like that now.

Editor’s Note – the author of this article, Charles Whitham, was a well known free-lance journalist of the time, with much of his work concerning Tasmania. However he also wrote about Sydney, and during the 1920’s penned his famous line that Circular Quay was “the chief theatre of Australian life”.

Ku-ring-gai Clippings Vol 22

Volume 22: Issued Tuesday 2nd February 2010

MEETING URGES EXTENSION OF RAILWAY

Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 17th April 1890

A large and representative meeting of the inhabitants of the districts of Gordon, Eastern-road, and Pymble was held at the Gardeners' Arms, Gordon, on Tuesday evening, to consider what steps should be taken to promote tho completion of the North Shore railway to the waters of Port Jackson.

Mr. P. F. Richardson was moved into the chair, and explained the business for which the meeting had been convened. Mr. Robert Mackintosh moved, and Mr. Michael Porter seconded, a resolution declaring that in the opinion of the meeting the Government should be urged to invite Parliament as early as possible to authorise the extension of the railway to Milson's Point, which was carried unanimously, as was also another resolution moved by Mr. Reid and seconded by Mr. Ray, requesting Messrs. Burns and Cullen, members for the electorate, to bring the decision of the meeting under the notice of the Government with the least possible delay.

The meeting was thoroughly in earnest and unanimous, all the speakers contending that the public interests generally were being prejudiced, and the convenience of the residents of the district set at naught, by the non extension of the railway, which, if completed as proposed to Milson's Point, would materially shorten the distance between Sydney and the northern districts, and attract traffic which would in a short time make the line as remunerative as any railway passing through a suburb of Sydney. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the proceedings of the meeting.

CASUALTIES. THROWN FROM A CART.

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 10th August 1912

At Pymble yesterday the City Coroner Mr Hawkins, returned a verdict of accidental death In the case of the death of Arthur H. R. Porter, 39, an orchardist, of Darnley-road, Gordon. In evidence it was shown that on August 2 the deceased was found beneath his cart, with a fractured spine, at the junction of Plum-street and Pittwater-road. Dr. Thane, on examination of the body, pronounced life extinct.

KU-RING-GAI. DEMANDS FOR HOME SITES.

Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 8th October 1930

The Ku-ring-gai Council, in conjunction with the Main Roads Board and the State Unemployment Relief Committee, is pursuing a progressive policy to ensure that good traffic facilities shall be available for those who are erecting commodious residences in that municipality.

Traffic has increased enormously in that area since the opening of the Great Northern Highway to Kangaroo Point, and the extension, from the punt across the Hawkesbury, of the road to Gosford. The aldermen of Ku-ring-gai foresee the time when through traffic will so congest that road that alternative routes will have to be provided for the residential areas and for motorists who desire shorter trips through the scenic areas of French's Forest and Ku-ring-gai Chase.

A commencement has been made in the construction of a new arterial route from Boundary-street, Roseville, to St. Ives. Several existing streets will be used for this through road, the necessary extensions being made to link them up. A grant was made under the Unemployment Relief Scheme of £15,000, to which the local council added £4000, for the construction of the section from Killara northwards.

That was completed at considerably less than the estimated cost. Sanction has been given for the construction, on the same co-operative basis, of the section from Lindfield to Killara through Lindfield Park. The work on that section commenced yesterday. When it is completed there will be a scenic road from Roseville through beautiful sylvan surroundings to St. Ives, where there will be a junction with Pittwater-road, giving alternative routes north to Narrabeen and Palm Beach, and east through French's Forest to the Spit Bridge and Sydney.

At present there is a journey of about five miles from the Northern Suburbs Cemetery, by different circuitous routes, to the Great Northern Highway, where it junctions with the road to de Burgh Bridge and Ryde. The Ku-ring-gai Council has planned for the construction of a new road from Fuller's Bridge road, near the rifle range, to Fidden's Wharf road, Killara. This road will run through virgin country. The land has been granted for the purpose by the owners. When completed, It will reduce the distance from the Northern Suburbs Cemetery to the Great Northern Highway from five miles to about one mile and a half.

To carry out the road improvement schemes that have been sanctioned, or contemplated, the council in 1927 borrowed £180,000. Out of this a central depot was constructed and equipped with the most modern plant for road construction either by cement concrete or bitulithic pavement. Both systems are adopted in the municipality, the cement foundation being used almost entirely on roads having to carry heavy and fast traffic.

Within the last three months an additional loan of £92,000 was secured at an interest of 57/8 per cent, per annum, without any flotation fees. That money is being used for kerbing and guttering and other improvements. The council is fortunate in having in the Pymble quarry a quantity of first-grade metal sufficient to last for a century or more. If this metal had to be purchased in the open market the additional cost to the ratepayers would be at least £5000 a year. For the destruction of refuse the council has constructed an incinerator which is housed in a building that looks like a model cottage.

Recently the council decided to provide a sports area for the Pymble district. A large area of almost virgin land was resumed for this purpose. The area was badly planned. Roads, where they existed, were either narrow, crooked laneways, or led to dead-ends. The replanning of the area has been completed, and proper traffic facilities provided. A large recreation ground and park reserve have been provided for public use. From the highest point of this reserve a wonderful view is obtained of the surrounding country, the vista towards the northeast being particularly pleasing.

Land adjoining the reserve has been subdivided, and the council is hopeful that by the sale of these home allotments on Saturday next it will be recouped the cost of laying out the recreation and park areas. A similar scheme, with satisfactory results to the council, was adopted in the carrying out of the improvement scheme at the Wahroonga railway station last year.

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.
MAN INJURED AT NEUTRAL BAY.

Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 26th November 1914

Severe damage was done to a number of houses und business premises In the neighbourhood of Lindfield, Chatswood, and Neutral Bay.

A man named Percy Draper, a carter in the employ of Harding, carrier, was struck by lightning at Neutral Bay. At the time of the occurrence Draper was placing a tarpaulin sheet on his cart. Ho was admitted at North Shore Hospital. Late last night he was not out of danger.

Telephonic troubles followed the storm on account of falling trees which crossed the lines.

The roofs of the premises occupied by E. Duval, boot-maker, and H. J. Dale, grocer, which form part of a terrace facing Lindfield railway station, were blown completely away; the debris was carried across the roadway and on to land adjoining. Mr. Duval had a loose plate-glass window smashed. The damage at the premises of Mr. Duval and Mr. Dale was estimated at about £350.

Editor’s comments: Today, 346 Pacific Highway Lindfield is called Duval House.

The roof of the premises of Mr. Gordon, newsagent, was damaged, and W. G. Miller and Co., grocers, lost a portion of their verandah, and had their brick parapet damaged.

At the rear of the premises occupied by Mr. Edwards, cab proprietor, and Mr. Dykes, estate agent, sheds were blown to pieces, but the business premises escaped damage.

Lindfield post-office, which immediately adjoins Mr. Duval's shop, suffered slight damage to the roof, whilst telephone and telegraph lines were blown down.

At Roseville a house occupied by Mr. Lord was partly unroofed.

A portion of the verandah of Sharland's Hotel at Chatswood was destroyed.

TWO ARRESTS.

BY INQUISITIVE CONSTABLE
NORTHERN SUBURBS ROBBERY.

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 2nd February 1929

The curiosity of Constable Duxty, of Pymble, resulted in the arrest of two men yesterday afternoon.

The constable was plodding from house to house, from street to street, engaged upon the task of collecting names for the electoral rolls, when he met two men carrying a cabin trunk.

They did not appear very pleased to meet him, so be questioned them about their luggage.

"What's in the trunk?" he asked.

"Washing," they answered briefly, and went to walk on.

But Constable Duxty demanded to be allowed to look inside the trunk. He was about to open the lid when one of tho men decamped. and the constable followed closely on his heels. The chase continued for about two miles before the exhausted fugitive was captured.

During the chase the constable shouted to someone to telephone- the Pymble police, and inform them of the happening, and immediately the summons was received another constable was sent to his aid in a motor car, which was placed at the disposal of the police by the keeper of a near-by motor garage.

The fugitive's companion remained by the cabin trunk, and Constable Duxty, when he returned with his captive, arrested him also.

The trunk was found to contain about £100 worth of property which had been stolen from the home of Mr. William T. Yuill, of Florence street, Killara.

The police expect to be able to solve a number of household robberies that have taken place in the northern suburbs.

Ku-ring-gai Clippings Vol 21

Volume 21: Issued Saturday 30th January 2010

FIRE AT PYMBLE.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 4th June 1910

Between 1 and 2 o'clock this morning a fire broke out from a cause unknown, in Hamilton’s grocery store at Pymble. The building, which was a weatherboard structure of nine rooms, was almost completely destroyed. The fire brigade was notified but as no guarantee of expenses was forthcoming, it did not attend, the location of the fire not being within the fire brigade area.


PICTURE THEATRE ORGAN.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 18th October 1929

A new Christie Unit organ has been installed at the Gordon Picture Theatre, and was formally opened this week with a recital by Mr. Idwal Jenkins. His solos included "The Lost Chord," played with dignity and richness of tone, and an effective contrast was furnished in "The Wedding of the Painted Doll" and "Love's Old Sweet Song." Mr. Leslie McCallum sang, with organ accompaniment, "The Lord Is My Life." The picture, "King of Kings" on the screen gave the organist plenty of scope for demonstrating the vivid and colourful effects to be obtained from the organ.

The installation of this organ by Mr. W. F. Wollaston, Australian agent for Wm. Hill and Son, and Norman and Beard, Ltd, was supervised by Mr. Percy Caines.

GORDON'S GAYEST GUM.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 10th December 1930

It transpires that the axemen and sawyers will not be given opportunity of destroying Gordon's gayest gum. The beautiful tree will remain where it is. The rounding off of the corner of Greengate-road and Werona - avenue is to be so carried out that the tree will be retained four feet within the railway property. "If anything had been done to injure that lovely tree I should have felt like moving to another suburb," said the Assistant Commissioner for Railways (Mr. Brain), who lives in Greengate-road, yesterday. The question now is whether the contemplated clearance is adequate. It seems to provide for the flowering branches being much too near the footway for their safety.

TRAINS COLLIDE.
FORTY PERSONS INJURED. FLYING SPARKS CAUSE PANIC.
Woman Who Carried First-aid Kit.

Sydney – The Argus, Saturday 25th April 1931

Forty persons were injured when two trains collided at Killara railway station shortly before 12 o'clock to-day. Most of the injuries were slight, but two men and a girl were admitted to hospital.

When the driver of an incoming train applied the brakes to avoid a collision with a train which was stationary, the wheels skidded on the wet rails, and the trains met with a terrific crash. Passengers were flung from their seats. Jagged sheets of glass torn from the windows inflicted injuries on some of the passengers. There was panic for a few moments when the pantograph emitted showers of sparks and began a fire which, however, did not spread because of the rain and the steel structure of the carriages.

The injured persons were treated on the station platform, and later some had attention in hospital. One young woman, whose knee was fractured, supplied her own first aid material, as she was on her way to a Red Cross Society instruction class when the collision occurred.

Those admitted to hospital were:

HEAGNEY, ALBERT, aged 35 years, Bondi load, Bondi -Concussion and severe shock.
SPACKMAN, RITA, Gardener's avenue, Marrickville-Fractured knee and shock.
HALL, A., guard, Head Injuries. Condition critical.
Of others who received treatment the most seriously injured were:
ALLEN", A., guard, broken collar-bone.
MCDONNELL. Miss, West Hyde, Injuries to elbow and knee.
DURR ANT, Mrs. J., shock.
JASPER, Mrs., Stewart street, Normanhurst, slight injuries.
JASPER, Mr., Stewart street, Normanhurst, slight Injuries.
CROMIE, Miss, Eaton avenue, Normanhurst, throat injuries.
W1LS0N, Miss, Falburn Street, Crows Nest, severe shock.
PULLEN, Mrs., Young street, Wahroonga, abrasions.
MARTIN, Mrs. J., and Miss L., Mcintosh street, Gordon, injuries to back and shock.
KING, Mr., injuries to leg.
TONKIN. Mrs., Stanhope street, Killara, lip and finger lacerated.
ANDERSON, Miss G., scalp wounds.

PRUNING DEMONSTRATION AT ST. IVES.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 19th July 1916.

Mr. J. G. R. Bryant, assistant fruit expert, will give a demonstration in the winter pruning of fruit trees at Mr. Pierce's orchard, St. Ives, on Saturday afternoon, the 22nd inst. Mr. Pierce's orchard is reached by road from Pymble railway station.

RAILWAY BRIDGE AT PYMBLE.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 6th August 1895.

Four tenders were received yesterday by the Railway Commissioners for the erection of a bridge over the railway line near the Pymble railway station. The lowest tender is that of Messrs. Durham and Son for £178.

KILLARA ANGLICAN CHURCH.

The Sydney Morning Herald... Monday 13 February 1911

On Friday evening the Archbishop of Sydney (Dr. Wright) journeyed to Killara for the purpose of dedicating St. Martin's Church of England. The dedicatory service was followed by an appropriate sermon, in which Dr. Wright related the history of St. Martin, the famous Bishop of Tours, and patron saint of the church. The music was under the direction of tho pastor of St. Andrew's Cathedral (Rev. E. N. Wilson).

Amongst the clergy present were the Revs. Raymond King (rector), J. H. McLean (Rural Dean), H. Begbie, S. E. Langford, Smith, R. G. Cameron, J. McKeown, E. S. Lumsdaine, L. Charlton, and L. J. McDonald. Only portion of the completed plan has been yet undertaken, but accommodation has been provided for 170 persons. Built of stone, with slate roof, the church has involved an expenditure of £1000.

MUNICIPAL WORK.
Review of the Year.
KU-RING-GAI COUNCIL.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 7th January 1931

Over two years have passed since Ku-ring-gai, a shire, was raised to the dignity of a municipality, and in those two years It has forged steadily ahead. In area it has the distinction of being the largest municipality in the State, and in that respect retains probably the only vestige of its shire days.

Excluding the famous Chase, it has an area of 32 square miles. That its finances are in a healthy condition may be inferred from the fact that to the State's unemployment relief grant of £15,500, the council added £2000, giving a total of £17,500.

This sum was nearly all spent on the construction of
Ku-ring-gai’s section of the Eastern Valley arterial roadway, which will offer an alternative route to the existing route (Lane Cove road) between the Harbour Bridge and Hornsby.
Nearly £34,000 was spent on the widening of Lane Cove-road, along which have been constructed footpaths, kerbing and guttering.

Ku-ring-gai's expenditure last year was £215,000, most of which was accounted for by road maintenance and construction.

Another important work was the improvement of Babbage-road, from Boundary-street to Roseville bridge at Middle Harbour.

Within the municipality are 235 acres of parks and recreation grounds, the upkeep of which accounted for £3700. The acreage includes additions to the Davidson Park area at St. Ives, and to Lindfield's public spaces. New buildings erected during the year numbered 290, their value being estimated at £377,554.

NEW ARTERIAL ROAD.
Killara-St. Ives Section.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 5th September 1930

At Killara, beginning at the northern end of Broadwood-avenue, which until recently finished in scrub lands, 200 odd men from the ranks of the unemployed are now working on a new road, which, when completed, will form another link in the arterial road recently planned by the north-side municipal councils to connect North Sydney with St. Ives.

To carry on this work the Unemployment Council granted the Ku-ring-gai Council £15,000 towards the building of the road, which has been estimated to cost £20,000. Most of the money will be spent on labour in formation and ballasting the roadway, which will be 27 feet wide, with a minimum motor road of l8 feet. Only on one short section will the new highway have a rise of one in ten. All the balance has been planned for a "top-gear road."

Early yesterday morning the Mayor of Ku-ring-gai (Alderman C. O'Reilly), with the assistant engineer (Mr. Mcintosh) made an inspection of the work In hand, traversing almost the whole section.

A second section of the new highway crossing Shot Machine Creek between Killara south and Lindfield Is likely soon to be put in hand. Steps are also being taken to open out another northern arterial road, taking in all the lower Lane Cove suburbs from Burns Bay-road, Longueville, to Bradfield, and on to Hornsby.

Editors note: Prior to the completion of Arterial Road, when driving westwards down Archbold road towards St. Ives, the roadway finished at Tryon Road. Similarly, there was only bushland between Koola Avenue and Eucalyptus Street.

Ku-ring-gai Clippings Vol 20

Volume 20: Issued Monday 25th January 2010

PROPOSED NEW RAILWAY. FROM GORDON TO NARRABEEN.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 13th June 1921

Editor’s comments: From quite early in the 20th century, a railway line that connected Gordon Railway Station with the northern beaches had been proposed. The following article, written in 1921, contains information about this, together with the map (above) showing the planned route. This extended northwards from Gordon Station parallel with Stoney Creek Road (Mona Vale Rd) on the left side as we move towards St. Ives. Then up the big hill (referred to as Pratten Hill in the article) to St. Ives Station that was to be located south of Pentecost Avenue). The line then continued parallel to Pittwater Road (Mona Vale Rd) to Last Rocks (near today’s Wildflower Garden) and on to Narrabeen Station)

On Saturday Mr. J. Estell, Minister for Works, inspected the route of a proposed railway line from Gordon, on the North Shore line, to the coast near Narrabeen, Tho Minister was accompanied on his tour by Messrs. Bavin and Greig, Ms.L.A., Mr. W. R. Fitzsimons (president of tho Ku-ring-gai Shire Council), and councillors, and by Mr. J. Hughes and members of the St. Ives Railway League.

The route suggested, of which an exploration survey has been made by Mr. Scott Griffiths, is 11½ miles in length. From Gordon station it follows the line of Stoney Creek to Pratten Hill, and thence along the west side of High Ridge to St. Ives. After passing Cowan-road the route passes through orchard land of an easy grade to First Rocks, on the boundary of Ku-ring-gai and Warringah shires. From that point it follows closely the ridge traversed by the Pittwater-Ryde road, and by a wide sweep drops down under the declivity of Tumbledown Dick. Then, skirting Sugarloaf Hill, It runs along the valley to Narrabeen. The general grade throughout is 1 in 96.

The tour most effectively demonstrated that an immense district suitable both for fruit- growing and the settlement of a very large suburban population would be available close to the metropolis if tho proposed line were constructed. Easy access would be given to the beaches north of Manly, and Ku-ring-gai Chase. 60,000 acres in extent, the great national playground of the people, would be brought close to their doors. From a scenic point of view the line would rival some of tho famous sections of the State railways; the views of rugged wooded country, and alluring coastline obtainable from many points being probably unequalled in Australia.

At St. Ives the inspecting party visited the orchards of Messrs. Russel, Hensman, and Symington, and obtained first-hand knowledge of the capabilities of the district. The rows of orange and mandarin trees heavily laden with golden fruit, grown on the rich loam on Mr. Russel's property, and the luscious fruit produced by the heavily fertilised sandy soil on Mr. Symington's holding, deeply impressed the visitors. Though the soils differed, the quality of the fruit was superb in both cases. Mr. Symington informed tho party that he had taken 3500 cases of oranges and mandarins off seven acres in one year. The railway route lies through 8000 acres of Crown land, similar to Mr. Symington's.

At a luncheon provided by the St. Ives Railway League, Mr. J. Hughes, the president, stated that the proposed line would traverse about three miles of private property; the rest was Crown land, suitable for fruit-growing. The increase in land values, apart from passenger receipts, would pay for the construction of the line. The land now lay idle.

Mr. Estell pointed out the necessity for decentralisation. There were two lines of railway running north from Sydney, yet there wore no connections with the coast ports. Congestion In Sydney should be prevented, and men enabled to go to that district and take up 1½ acres, and establish comfortable homes. In New South Wales there were public works to cost 14 millions still uncompleted. When some were completed he hoped to take new work in hand, Ho saw one of the finest parts of the country in that district, and he would promise to have a trial survey made from Gordon to the coast. Then he would ask the Commissioners to prepare a report for submission to Parliament. Messrs. Bavin and Greig urged the construction of the line, and emphasised the relief it would give to congested city areas.

Mr. FItzsimons gave valuable information as to the growth of the district and its potentialities. After lunch the remainder of the route was inspected. On arrival at Mona Vale the visitors were received by Mr. A. G. Parr, president, and councillors of Warringah shire, and a desire was expressed to co-operate with the people of Ku-rlng-gai shire in securing the construction of the railway.

GOOD ROADS.
GORDON-ROAD CRITICISED.
(BY PHILLIP R. NORMAN, B.E.)

An extract from this article that appeared in
The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 8th November 1922

Editors Note: “Gordon Road” is today’s Pacific Highway.

The suitability of the type of construction proposed for the Gordon-road, now under discussion is open to serious question. It has been proposed to consolidate the existing macadam to provide a foundation course of broken stones 6 inches in depth, and to lay on this a wearing course, of asphaltic concrete of the Topeka typo to a depth of 2 inches.

The Topeka pavement is an asphaltic concrete, in which the individual mineral particles range in size from ½ inch in diameter down to dust, bound together with 7 ½ to 9 ½ per cent of asphaltic cement. We offer no criticism to this type as a wearing surface; it is durable, requires very little maintenance, and affords a surface with excellent riding qualities. The stability of a road, however, is primarily dependent upon the foundation course.

The foundation of water-bound macadam is entirely inadequate to withstand even the present traffic on this the only artery serving the northern suburbs, whilst the most adventurous clairvoyant would hesitate to forecast the traffic that will use this highway after its improvement. Apart from the inadequacy of the type, a good broken stone foundation cannot be made from the product of the crushers supplying Sydney today.

In a word this Topeka on water-bound macadam type is the lowest type of asphalt construction other than straight out oiled macadam. It has its place in lightly travelled subsidiary routes or in secondary suburban streets, but is utterly inadequate for the traffic that uses - and will use the Gordon-road. Were it practicable to put that 2In of Topeka on a 6in concrete foundation, the objection of inadequacy of foundation would be overruled. This obviously is financially impossible at this stage, but at least a road of concrete is possible. An adequate unreinforced concrete pavement 6 ½ inches average thickness can be built for 14/- per square yard.

On July 1, 1922 the State of California had 1526 miles of concrete, 828 miles of asphalt on concrete, and only 17 miles of asphalt on macadam; since 1917 they have built only 2 miles of this latter type, the type proposed for the Gordon-road, and yet California is one of the world's centres In the asphalt Industry.

Build concrete and utilise Australian materials. At the end of 15 years, should traffic demand it, there is still a road that can be surfaced with concrete or thickened and strengthened with more concrete. The question is one of service and utility, not one of a short-term maintenance guarantee. The policy of constructing pavements by contract subject to a guarantee is antiquated and financially unsound. The contractor must charge for the guarantee and in his charge must not only cover good construction and straight out maintenance, but also the risk that the engineer has correctly designed the road, and has judiciously estimated the traffic that the pavement will have to withstand.

ROAD-MAKING PLANT.
GORDON RESIDENTS INDIGNANT.

The Sydney Morning Herald... Monday 22nd October 1923

Gordon's residents assembled in large numbers at the Parish Hall on Saturday evening to protest against what was described as "the insufferable nuisance" arising from the plant used near the railway station by the contractor for the reconstruction of the Lane Cove-road. In the process of heating bitumen and metal, it was stated, great quantities of smoke and dust were emitted, causing great inconvenience in the neighbourhood.

Councillor N. McIntosh (shire president) and Councillor Lockley spoke in defence, and counselled moderation in view of a possible loss to the shire if the contractor was hampered unduly.

Resolutions were passed protesting against the nuisance, and requesting that vigorous measures should be taken to abate it, expressing concern at the lax attitude and indifference of the shire council in permitting the nuisance, and deciding that, as the nuisance existed on railway premises, a deputation should wait on the Railway Commissioners in regard to it.

Members of the deputation were elected, and it was decided that the members for the district should be asked to co-operate.

NEW GORDON-ROAD. COST £70,000.

The Sydney Morning Herald... Monday 31st March 1924

The construction of new Gordon-road, from Boundary-road, Willoughby, to Hornsby, at a cost of about £70,000, has been completed.
The Minister for Local Government (Mr. Fitzpatrick) will perform the official opening on Saturday afternoon.

GORDON ROAD.

The Sydney Morning Herald... Saturday 16th August 1924

Is this the highway
Which leads to sylvan byway,
Where Nature blesses
The mind in cool recesses?
Is this the highway?

When last I used it
Hard traffic had abused it.
Dust choked the hedges.
And rose to window-ledges,
When last I used it.

We drove with caution
Discomfort, risk our portion
Across ruts, ridges,
With danger near the bridges
We drove with caution.

But transformation
Now stirs our admiration.
Deep-laid, smooth-crested,
The skill of man suggested
That transformation.

Where concrete hardens
We glide, by dustless gardens,
Past fair verandahs
The happy way meanders
Where concrete hardens.

So, wise suggestion
May settle every question.
Life's road re-maklng,
We heal a worn world's aching
By wise suggestion.

The dust of passion
Displayed in warlike fashion
Ere long shall vanish,
For wisdom's word will banish
The dust of passion.

Life's pitfalls mended,
Man treads a highway splendid,
With inspiration
Beyond imagination.
All pitfalls mended.

EVELYN G. STRANG

Ku-ring-gai Clippings Vol 19

PYMBLE'S BOLL OF HONOUR.

THE CALL FOR MEN.

MR. COOK, M.P., ON COMPULSION

Editors comment: The ceremony below took place on Saturday 15^th April 1916, at the unveiling of the Pymble and St. Ives Roll of Honour at Pymble Railway Station.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 17^th April 1916.

The Pymble war committee is an active body, and a short statement of its activities was given on Saturday afternoon by the Rev. J. Oberlin Harris, secretary of the committee, at the ceremony of unveiling a tablet containing the names of the men from the district who have enlisted. The committee had a scheme prepared for helping the war loan, enabling small subscribers to put In their sums- as low as 5s. would be received- and to aggregate the sums until their total reached the sum of £10, which was the lowest the Federal authorities would receive. Unfortunately, out of 92 men who had enlisted, six had been killed - J. Mc Connnell, F. E. Hoggard,

A. H. Murray, J. Rickard, Major G. A. Uther, and C. A. Wallack, and for the memory of these men he asked the buglers stationed near by to sound the "Last Post."

This was done, the men present at the ceremony standing bareheaded while the notes sounded. They all knew, he said, that the call of Senator Pearce was for more men, and in this regard he had to refer to the way in which 39 young men from Pymble had recently been treated. They sent in their names, and were told to attend at Gordon at a certain time. The enrolling officer was not present when they arrived, and they had to wait some hours for him. Finally the men were examined, and nine were accepted. It looked as if the defence authorities did not want these men, as they were as fine a lot of young follows as one could wish to see.

Mr. Wade, in unveiling the roll of honour, delivered an address. He said Australia was now fighting for the liberty of nations against oppression and barbarism, and the cry was for more men. Our efforts must not relax until the last man had gone and the last penny had been spent.

Mr. Joseph Cook, M.P., said they did well to keep in everlasting memory the deeds performed by our heroes at the front. They had achieved the impossible in many respects, and the record of their endurance and heroism ought never to die, but continue to thrill the pulses of the race in the generations to come. At the back of all our thought was the idea of war against war. We wanted to scotch the snake once and for all, so that we might fulfil our destiny in peace. To do this more and more men were needed. We might have to suffer even more keenly than in the past, and if necessary we must be prepared to do it. An example had already been set us. We were told the other day of two hundred deaths from exposure in a blizzard which blew at Suvla. Nor could we get It out of our heads that many of those lives would have been saved if there were sufficient numbers at the front to give the necessary relief and change.

He meant by all this that we must “get a move on”. " We were not honouring the promise of the Prime Minister, and something would have to be done to get more and more men for the front; for the end, he feared, was yet far off. He would rather appeal to voluntary instincts-the patriotism of the people-but he wanted to say quite plainly that the men must go and the Commonwealth must send them, willingly, he hoped; but they must go, anyhow. It was time to talk all out in these matters-our duty to the boys, our duty to our country, our duty to our traditions, our duty to our destiny- and if necessary that duty must be enforced by the Commonwealth. He hoped it might not be necessary, but there were 70,000 men to be got within three months, before the 300,000 limit was reached, and be had to confess that It did not look very promising. Meanwhile they were doing their simple duty that day in paying this tribute of affection and gratitude to the men who had seen the gleam and followed it, and thus set a striking example to all those who remain behind.

SOLDIERS SACRIFICES.

GORDON’S FINE RECORD

MR. COOK ON HIGH IDEALS

Sydney- The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 5^th February 1917

An attendance representative of practically the whole of the Ku-ring-gai Shire was present at the unveiling of a roll of honour on the Gordon Railway Station on Saturday afternoon. Detachments of both men and women Voluntary Aids, and local trainees, lent a military colour to the function, which was presided over by Councillor Fitzsimons, President of the Shire, while the local band discoursed patriotic music. The honour roll contains 116 names, and it was claimed by the chairman that this was a record for a district of one square mile, comprising less than 400 houses. There are several batches of three, four, and five names from one family on the board. The unveiling was done by Mrs. Morley, president of a local Women's Patriotic Society.

The Federal Liberal leader, Mr. Joseph Cook, who represents the district in the Commonwealth Parliament, was the principal speaker. Of all the duties he had to perform he said, none appealed to him in the same way as those which had to do with war preparations. They did well to remember the boys in this memorial form. That honour roll spoke to them of courage, high resolve, inflexible determination, thorough and absolute unselfishness. It was said that every country had its own distinctive contribution to make to that sum of things which went to make up our civilisation. We, in Australia were making our own peculiar contribution in this war.

What that distinctive thing was, let the words "Anzac' and “Pozieres” be the answer. Where other troops had not succeeded ours had. Neither shot nor shell, nor all the evil forces arrayed against them could stay their onward and conquering rush. They won through and did their Job In a way that had never been surpassed in all the brilliant history of our Empire army. (Cheers)

Those boys had left all behind them, and marched away to fight for King and country, cost what it might, in suffering, and deprivation. The pleasures of home and friends, their worldly prospects, had been put resolutely behind. Today they were enduring every possible discomfort. Moving amid dangers which never ceased, floundering in mud and with the numbing cold they set fine example of devotion to high ideals.

While they were covered in mud, they, at the same time, covered themselves with fame, a fame that ought never to die.

HALL OR FOOTPATHS?

SHIRE COUNCIL'S ACTION CRITICISED.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 13^th July 1909

A meeting of ratepayers was held in the Church-hall, St. Ives, on Saturday evening to protest against the erection of a shire building at a cost of £800, that sum having been voted at a meeting of the Ku-ring-gai Shire Council on June 10.

Mr. J. H. Pearce, who occupied the chair, said that the action of the council in appropriating such a large sum when the roads and footpaths were in such a disgraceful condition should be resisted.

Councillor Aldworth said that he was of opinion that the £100 deposit paid for the land had been technically misappropriated from the general fund, as the Governor's assent proscribed in the Act had not first been obtained.

Mr. W. R. Fitzsimons, president of the Gordon Progress Association, said that if the council continued with the project it was intended to get a petition signed throughout the shire calling upon the councillors who had supported the proposal to resign, and allow the electors to express an opinion on the subject.

On the motion of Mr. George Beard, seconded by Mr. W. Smith, an emphatic protest against the erection of the council-chambers "until the roads and footpaths, now in a deplorable condition, have been considerably improved," was unanimously agreed to.

THE APPROACH TO GORDON RAILWAY STATION.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 30^th October 1890.

The question of opening a road from the Gordon railway station along the eastern boundary of Mr. Matthew's land, was also placed before the Minister of Lands by a deputation yesterday. A petition in favour of the work was presented, and it was stated that the deputation would guarantee subscriptions to the amount of £200 towards the cost.

Mr. Brunker read reports from officers of the department, which were quite opposed to the work being done. These, however, had been made sometime since, and the contentions were, in part, repudiated by the deputation. The Minister promised to call for a fresh report, and to inform the deputation of his decision.

MEN OF THE DARDANELLES.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 31^st May 1915.

PRIVATE A. C. GEORGE.

Private A. C. George, who has been wounded, was educated at St. Ives Public School. Previous to enlisting he was employed as an orchardist. He was one of the youngest in the district to enlist, and had to obtain his father's written consent.

Personal

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 28^th December 1912.

Mr. Isaac Haddon, for many years past in charge of Pymble railway station, was, on Christmas Eve, presented by the travelling residents of Pymble with a silver kettle in appreciation of his services to that suburb. The gift was accompanied by an address in which Mr. Haddon's long connection with the northern suburbs, and especially Pymble, was referred to in terms of high commendation. The presentation was made by Mr. Norman McIntosh, on behalf of the subscribers.

SPORTS CARNIVAL.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 10th February 1922.

A sports carnival, consisting of trotting, jumping, hack racing, buckjumping, wood chopping and tug of war, will be held at Hassall Park St Ives on March 4.

The proceeds will go to the Royal North Shore Hospital.

SPORTS AT ST. IVES.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 2^nd October 1922.

To raise funds for a new showground, the St. Ives Agricultural and Horticultural Association held a sports meeting at Hassall Park on Saturday.

Results: - Foot races:

2 miles handicap: M. Bourke, J. Ellison.

100 yards handicap: J. Pidcock, 1; H. Nicholl, 2.

Boys' 100 yards handicap: R. Roberts.

Girls’ 75 yards handicap: I. Beard.

Editor’s comments: From 1921 to 1926 the St. Ives Show was held at Hassall Park after which it was transferred to the St. Ives Showgrounds. Some newspaper articles were written describing the Hassall Park days. They were obviously big occasions.

ST. IVES SHOW.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 8^th January 1923.

As the fruit In the St. Ives district Is looking every well at present, a good display and close competition are expected at the third annual show of the St Ives Agricultural and Horticultural Association, which is to be hold at Hassall Park, St. Ives, on Friday and Saturday next January 12 and 13.

Entries are good, and outstanding features will be collections of fruit grown in Ku-ring-gai Shire, and collections of farm products from the St Ives district, the judging of which will take place on Friday.

The official opening ceremony, to take place on Saturday, will be performed by Mr Chaffey, MLA, Minister for Agriculture. The members for the district will also be present, and on the second day a sporting programme, made up of trotting and ring events, will be disposed of. As St Ives is within reasonable distance of the city, a large number of visitors is expected, and for their convenience, buses will run from Pymble station to the showground.

ST. IVES SHOW.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 15^th January 1923.

Trotting events were decided at Hassall Park, St Ives, on Saturday, in connection with the show of the St. Ives Agricultural and Horticultural Association. Results:-

Ku-ring-gai Handicap, 11/4m - Coolabury (G. H. Moore), 1; Dunfin (K. Burns), 2; Heather Huon (M. Gilroy), 3. Time, 3m 12s.

St. Ives Handicap; 11/4m - Erlna Lad (R. Pengelly), 1; Gosford Lady (W. Stenland), 2; Gay Laddie (0. Cullin), 3. . Time, 3m 20s.

Malden Handicap, 1m.-Elmos (F. Swan), 1: Jack Mack (H., Glllet), 2; Perla May (J. Bundy), 3. Time, 2m 47s.

Pony Handicap, 1m -Basil Huon (S. Woodhill), 1; State (H. Barker), 2; Bob (A. Catt), 3.

President's Handicap (unhoppled), 11/2m.-Erina Lad (R. Pengelly), 1; Cromer Tom (F. Morris), 2; Gosford Lady (R. Ward), 3. Time, 4m 3s.

Road Sulky Trot, lm.- Jimmy (T. Taylor), 1; Lady (F. Swan), 2: Ern Hill (J. Allsopp), 3.

Ladies' Hack Race.-Mollie Lance, 1; Mill M. Birmingham, 2.

Boys' Hack Race.-Fannie S. (S. Lofburg), 1.

ST. IVES SHOW.

JUDGING DAY.

Sydney – The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 12^th January 1924.

Mr. H. E. Pratten, M.P., will officially open at noon today the fourth annual show of the Northern Suburbs Agricultural and Horticultural Association, at Hassall Park, St. Ives.

Yesterday was observed as judging day. The entries in the classes for horses and in the trotting events are much bigger than in previous years. Previously, the association had never had more than 70 entries in the poultry section. This year there are 130 entries. In other directions, also, the show reveals an improvement on the exhibitions of previous years. Entries in the dog classes will be taken on the ground up to 10 o'clock this morning.

A feature of the excellent farm exhibits was the splendid and all-embracing display of Mr. R. Shinfield, of St. Ives, who has now won two years In succession, the cup presented by Mr. J. W. Taylor, of Pymble.

An attractive programme has been arranged for today, which is the principal day of the show.

Yesterday's prize list included the following:

Best girl rider, under 12 yrs: Miss N. Fouder, 1; Miss N. Dunlop, 2.

Best boy rider, under 12 yrs: Cyril Gilroy, 1; Jack Smith, 2.

Best girl rider, 14 yrs and under: Miss Donovan, 1; Miss N. McWilliams, 2.

Best girl rider, 14 yrs and under, resident of Ku-ring-gai shire: Miss Jean Bell, 1; Miss Joyce Bruce, 2.

Best boy rider, under 14, resident of Ku-ring-gai Jure: M. Gilroy, 1; H. Campbell. 2.

Best heavy horse: W. Kendall. Best brood mare: W. Kendall.

Best trotting stallion: J. Lofburg, 1; A. Shipley, 2. Best trotting mare: A. E. West, 1.

Ladies' and gentlemen's hackney: Miss N. Donovan, 1; Mrs. Gartrell, 2.

Gentlemen's hackney: R. White, 1; N. Donovan, 2.

Best pony stallion: D. W. Gazzard, 1; G. Manfield, 2.

Milk cow, domestic use: R. Brown, 1; M. Burke, 2.

Yearling heifer: C. Saunders, 1; J. Alpe, 2. Jersey cow. C. Saunders, 1; J. Renshaw, 2.

Shorthorn cow: M. Burke.