HERITAGE NEWSLETTER OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. JANUARY - FERUARY 2012 ISSUE No. 19 Lithgow Council underwrites funding for Cox Road signage LITHGOW CITY COUNCIL has Patsy Moppett, the convenor of the agreed to the installation of signage National Trust’s Cox’s Road Project along the Cox’s Road and will Committee (CRPC), has advised consider allocating $20,000 in the Blue Mountains Crossing 2013-14 management plan for the Bicentenary Committee of Lithgow signage if state and federal City Council that Oberon Council government funding is not already has signage in place funded forthcoming. by the Australian Government’s Department of Heritage. The interpretive signage along the Cox’s Road is part of the Blue Ms Moppett also told the committee Mountains crossing commemoration that Blue Mountains City Council activities planned for 2013-15. and Bathurst City Council are seeking funding over the next two The road crosses through the years to instal signage in their local Penrith, Blue Mountains, Oberon, government areas. Lithgow and Bathurst local goverment areas (LGAs). The Cox’s Road Project Committee has undertaken to co-ordinate There are still remnants of the road, mapping of the road and which was built by William Cox and development of appropriate Route signage in Oberon LGA his crew of convicts in 1814, along signage. which Governor Lachlan Macquari in 1815 travelled to the site where The Cox’s Road Steering he proclaimed the township of Committee was formed in July 2006 150-years for Bathurst. to look at long term objectives and mechanisms to preserve the 1814 NSW Police Lithgow Council is seeking funding Cox’s Road alignment between in stages in order to have all Emu Plains and the Blue Mountains Force signage installed by 2015. and Bathurst. NSW POLICE FORCE will have Convenor of the committee, Patsy served as a unified force for 150 Moppett has told HERITAGE, the years on March 1, this year. committee was formed with delegates from the Lithgow, Blue Five police forces, the military Mountains and Bathurst branches of mounted police, civil mounted the National Trust, and operates police, gold police, mounted road under the auspices of the Trust as patrols and rural constabulary, an informal committee. operated in the region between Emu Plains and the Cox’s River “The CRPC sought to eventually from 1829 to 1862. establish a heritage walk or trail over parts of this route through During the 1920s bushrangers some of the most beautiful and clashes between settlers and Aborigines were a growing law countryside in Australia, and has 1. sought to have the remnants of the and order problem. road listed on the State Heritage 1. Chinn, Peter. The Thin Red and Register. The NSW Heritage Office Blue Lines, Springwood Historical gave preliminaryy approval for this Society Inc. 2006 listing in April 2011. Information board, Oberon LGA

HERITAGE 1 January - February 2012 Contents...... An opinion from the editor...... HERITAGE January-February 2012 Darug, Daruk, Dharug, *P1 Lithgow Council underwites Cox’s Road signage Dharuk or Darkiñung? *P1 150-years for NSW Police Force IN the August – September 2011 University of Sydney library (at URL: *P2 Darug, Daruk,Dharug edition of HERITAGE, I opined that http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/ or Darkinung now might be the time to encourage 2123/7745). *P2 Well done Lithgow local historians and those interested in *P3 The coming of the cultural heritage to better engage with Public scrutiny of Dr Ford’s thesis is motor car ... living members of the indigenous highly desirable as it may bring on further *P4 High tea people so that assistance may be scholarly debate *P5 An intriguing provided for future generations. character comes to In the 1970s, society deemed it to be the Blue Mountains In that Opinion I indicated both the appropriate to replace the word *P7 Murder site on Dharug and Gundungurra people are ‘Aborigine’ with another noun for Glenbrook walk known to have inhabited this region Aboriginal persons in parts of NSW, Kuri. itinerary well before the coming of Europeans *P7 Springwood historic and a great many of them still live in Then, as we approached the 1988 walk the Blue Mountains region. New bicentenary of settlement, family history *P8 Everglades findings in a study publicly released in flourished, with the removal of the stigma horticulturist receives August 2011 seem to challenge of having either convict or Aboriginal top award conventional wisdom in this statement. heritage P8 Local architect managed rare In a 2010 postgraduate history thesis As we approach the 2013 bicentenary of ‘yellowblock’ recovery researched at Sydney University, Dr the Blue Mountains crossing some *P9 Lights stay on at Geoff Ford suggests that the historians might see it as an appropriate historic houses Aborigines of the Blue Mountains and time to revisit earlier research about the *P10 Govett’s reputation Hawkesbury / Grose River catchments traditional identity of the Aboriginal debunked at the time of settlement were people in NSW. *P11 Sculpture exhibition Darkiñung, recorded as bordering the at Scenic World mountain Gundungurra people from But to do so without further intense *P12 The impusle to sculpt the Wollondilly / Cox River catchments consultation with the Aboriginal elders *P13 Journals of early to their south. and their community lacks sensitivity. coastal explorers --- Generations of Aborigines have believed download sources HERITAGE’s Opinion lacks the in the spelling and identity which they *P16 Wirraway crashes in capacity to provide informed comment have been perhaps given by Europeans. Blue Mountains on the locale of Aboriginal people in *P17 Woodford Academy this region, other than to suggest there This does not mean that consultation open day are other bodies of research contrary should not occur during the Western *P17 War stories --- do you to this view. crossings commemorations 2013-2015. have a hero in your There are in the community most family Ford places insistence on the spelling articulate well-informed spokespeople for *P18 Researcher finds 3 of Darug, Daruk, Dharug and Dharuk the Aboriginal community and they brothers who served commonly in use when identifying should be given every opportunity to be their country Aboriginal people in various localities. heard. *P21 BMACHO committee However, colonial attempts to record meets at Scenic what Aboriginal people seemed to say, World must at least have been described as WELL DONE LITHGOW *P22 Patsy Moppett unscientific. Congratulations to Lithgow City Council becomes an on forming a Section 355 committee to individual member There was no accepted phonetic oversee activities for the ‘bicentenary *P22 Wrong plaque for system for transcription while there of the western crossing in 2013-15’. a heritage grave was no ‘correct’ spelling of English *P23 Life membership for 2 itself until 1755 when A Dictionary of The ready, no-nonsense acceptance of Lithgow stalwarts the English Language, (Johnson’s the aspirations of the local community *P23 Shakespeare at Dictionary) was produced. and offer to work with volunteers as Everglades equals is inspiring and how local *P24 Western crossing The new study, ‘Darkiñung government should work. commemoration Recognition’, may be examined in 2013-15 more than 30 public libraries. A digital John Leary, OAM - Past president, *P25 Scott’s fatal copy is available online from the Blue Mountains Association of ` journey to the Pole Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc.

HERITAGE 2 January - February 2012 The coming of the motor car... by John Leary, OAM ALTHOUGH MECHANICS and engineers had been experimenting with alternatives to horse-drawn carriages as far back as the design for the Cugnot steam trolley of 1769; most define that as the first “real” automobile produced by Amédée Bollée in 1873, who built self-propelled steam road vehicles to transport groups of passengers.1

Motorised vehicles probably made their first Australian appearance in Melbourne about 1900.

At first they were praised for being faster and cleaner than horses.

However, their noise, speed and Pictured outside the Hartley Court House on a trip to Jenolan Caves fumes frightened horses and left 1930.On back of photo mount: Souvenir of our trip to Jenolan Caves pedestrians ducking for cover. 1930. Vehicle: Belgian Fabrique Nationale 1918 Front: Driver in dust People complained of ‘road hogs’ coat, Mrs Cubitt Rear: Miss May Cubitt, Mr Quincey Adams of Dubbo, who recklessly sped through the Master Cubitt. Blue Mountains City Library. streets endangering all in their path. The distinction of being one of Sequel to ‘The First Car over the To control the motorised horde, in Australia’s first motorists to be Mountains’”, concludes from his 1916 Melbourne City Council had booked for speeding, biscuit mogul extensive research that the first imposed new restrictions. Vehicles RH Arnott was fined 10 shillings motor car to cross the Blue had to travel on the left-hand side of ($1) for travelling down a Sydney Mountains did so on September 29, the road in not more than two lanes. street at 13 km/h 1901 When stopping, a hand or a whip had to be raised. The first driver’s license to be Crossing the Blue Mountains was issued in Australia was on part of a journey made in a 3-seater In the following years hand signals September 10, 1906 to William 5.5hp Delahaye by William Gordon for turning were imposed, along with Hargreaves of Woodville, South Dixon accompanied by WG time restrictions on parking. Australia.3 Hamilton went at least as far as Bathurst. 4 Initially considered a toy for the Dr Peter C Rickwood writing in the wealthy, the ownership of motor Hobby’s Outreach, under the titles In 1832 Major Mitchell built a road vehicles increased most markedly “The First Car Over the Mountains” from Mount Victoria to Hartley to after the First World War.2 August-September 2010 and “A replace the dangerous grades of Bathurst Road built by William Cox.

This new road made it possible to travel safely via horse-drawn vehicles.

However, not foreseeing some 72 years into the future in 1904, the first motor car to travel down Victoria Pass required the assistance of a horse to be able to get back to the top.5

The “Roaring Twenties” was characterised by a spirit of optimism and progress. The austere war years had come to an end, and for many Australians life improved.

An open tourer driving the Jenolan Caves Road on the old Hartley bridge over the River Lett circa late 1920s early 30s. Broadhurst Collection. Contributed by Paul Cardow Continued page 4

HERITAGE 3 January - February 2012 Horse drawn Coaches made the 2-day trip to Jenolan Caves Continued from page 3 Coaches made the 2-day trip to The economic depression of the Mass production and technological Jenolan Caves on a regular 1920s and 30s and the coming of advances increased consumerism, timetable, it being the usual custom the private car saw a downwards materialism and modernisation. for passengers to walk up the steep effect on the tourist trade. grades to ease the strain on the Shorter working hours, horses. Early motorists faced many improvements in public transport challenges, not the least of all being and a surge in car manufacture and By 1911 the Rolfes had moved their the condition of roads which had ownership changed the way business to Blackeath and been built for horse and cart. Australians spent their leisure time. expanding their business had progressed from horse drawn Motor cars were notoriously The introduction of radio and the coaches to motor vehicles. unreliable and there were no such growth of dance halls and picture thing as a roadside garage. palaces met the growing demand Rolfe’s tourist business had as for entertainment and recreation. many as 13 cars housed at Maintenance and navigation Blackheath and employed in the equipment such as puncture repair The figure of the ‘flapper’, with her fledgling tourist industry. kits had to be packed for the trip. short skirts and bobbed hair became a metaphor for the pursuit Robert Rolfe died in 1942 and the Before the 1920s in Australia even of pleasure and novelty which tourist and taxi business was finally fuel had to be carried as there were characterised the decade, as well sold in1956.6 few petrol outlets as the rapid changes in social and moral attitudes and values. Another early operator was Stefan REFERENCES (known as Sid) Josef Siedlecky who 1 Eckerman, Erik (2001) World With the coming of the motor car also saw the potential in touring History of the Automobile Jenolan Caves and other sites in cars, when he set up a business in 2 Museum Victoria the Blue Mountains were but a short 1919. 3Stuart Nicol, Bullock Tracks and distance by touring motor car from Bitumen, RAA 1978 p39 the holiday towns of Katoomba, One of ‘Sid’s’ early cars was a Professional Historians Association Blackheath, Medlow Bath and Cadillac. He also bought a Cole (SA) 1956 others. which was a powerful 10 seater, 8 4 Rickwood PC, A Sequel to The cylinder car. He was the first person First Car over the Mountains’. Entrepreneurs in the Blue to drive a car down into Megalong Hobby’s Outreach, 22(5): December Mountains soon realised taking a Valley.7 2010 - January 2011, pp.7 & 9. tour in a motor car was a great 5 www.bluemountainsaustralia.com adventure. A fleet of ‘Italia’ cars owned by 6 Rotary Club of Blackheath (2005) Joyton-Smith garaged at the Blackheath: today from yesterday. One of those was Robert Rolfe who Carrington also took visitors to the ‘The Rolfe’s’ contributed by Mrs O in 1889 had set up a business Jenolan Caves; Campbell.Writelight. 2005. transporting tourists by horse drawn 7 Rotary Club of Blackheath (2005) coaches. Blackheath: today from yesterday. ‘Siedlecky’ contributed by Dr Stefania Siedlecky. Writelight. 2005. High tea Enjoy the ambience of the Art Deco dining room at Everglades House and Gardens, Leura, high tea being served on Saturday and Sundays, January 28 and 29 and February 26 between 2.30pm and 4pm.

Visitors may wander through the magnificent gardens and explore the 1930s house before high tea

Booking essential to Anita 4784 1974 or Liz 0418 206 899. “Why Walk?” was one of the vehicles in the fleet of motorised cars used by Rolfe’s Motor Service in Blackheath, c. 1920s. Photograph Cost $25 National Trust member, courtesy of Bill Ward $30 adult, $10 child

HERITAGE 4 January - February 2012 An intriguing character comes to the Blue Mountains by Paul Innes EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, an come from the shore. this intriguing character comes into our made him decide that ... lives, and in late 1911 – just over “one day I would leave the 100 years ago – such a character ship and tap this wealth at its arrived in the Blue Mountains. source.”4

The intriguing character in question Over a number of years was a gentleman named James while he developed his Joynton – Smith, more commonly business skills on land, known as ‘Joynton’. Joynton learnt two valuable lessons. One was to avoid In late October 1911, Joynton – alcohol; the other was to pay Smith purchased Katoomba’s off debts. Carrington Hotel, and he immediately made his presence As an assistant barman at known. Within a week of buying the the Port Chalmers Hotel, hotel from Mr Peacock, Joynton put Joynton soon discovered the weekly tariff up from £2/16/- to that many men came into £3. the bar abiding by the drinking code ‘never have Many more changes were about to one alone’. take place at the Carrington Hotel, but before describing these, it’s Suddenly realising he was worth taking a peak into Joynton’s cultivating the habit of James Joynton-Smith life before he came to the Blue drinking, Joynton put in “the Mountains. plug” adding… “although I’ve been However, while he succeeded in associated with hotels almost all my seeing his family, he lost all but Born James John Smith in 1858... life, I have never been a drinker. It £500 on the betting scheme. “a vintage year for babies...”1, the has been the residential side, as future owner of the Carrington Hotel distinct from the bar, that has Returning to New Zealand, Joynton spent his early years in London’s interested me.”5 started again, working in the East End. There, he learnt a great secretaryship of the Cooks and deal about human nature and Learning to pay off debts Stewards Union in Wellington. This business. materialised not long after Joynton job lead him to Sydney in 1890, had purchased the Post Office when at the height of the maritime One thing he did perceive was that Hotel, in Wellington. A local strike, he resigned from the union his name was too common. In order businessman, TG Macarthy and set up an ‘Illuminated Funeral to get noticed, he eventually informed Joynton he would prosper Cards’ business; then needing a decided it would be best to change if he paid off debts owed to... “the more secure job he accepted the his middle name... “to the debonair little people in business who cannot position as manager of the Grand name of Joynton. The James John afford to be out of their money. Central Coffee Palace. Smiths who might infest directories, Small unpaid accounts injure a telephone books and electoral rolls man’s credit most.” Furthermore, he Determined to get back into the would no longer crowd me.”2 he was encouraged to... “keep your hotel business for himself, Joynton said. money and yourself active, and in began looking for a hotel to keeping both employed, you are purchase. Then, wishing to leave the East employing others also, and End... “a place crowded with people increasing prosperity.”6 It wasn’t long till he found out that haggling over pence...”3 Joynton the Imperial Arcade Hotel could be told his family he wanted to This advice seemed to pay off, for secured. emigrate to one of the colonies. within four years of owning the Post Signing on as a third cook aboard Office Hotel, Joynton had amassed In February 1896, Joynton secured the ‘Port Chalmers’, Joynton set sail a nest egg of £10,000. Feeling the the lease of both the Pitt and for New Zealand in 1874. need to see his family again, and Castlereagh Street ends of the hoping to increase his wealth on a Arcade, eventually owning and Once in New Zealand, Joynton horse racing betting scheme, vastly improving the entire Arcade... worked on board several ships. Joynton set sail for England in “in my judgement the choicest piece Gradually he realised that all the 1886. of real estate in Australia.”7 money on board ship seemed to Continued page 6

HERITAGE 5 January - February 2012 Continued from page 5 In 1912, the original lace iron work Driving to the Mountains one day, Joynton – Smith was beginning to façade was transformed into an art Joynton stopped off at a Penrith make his mark on Sydney, and it nouveau stained glass facade. Hotel, and asked for a cup of tea. wasn’t long till he was investing time and money into other ventures, In 1913, Joynton constructed a The ensuring fuss, and serving of a particularly buying horse racing power station (with its enormous lukewarm shandy in its place, tracks, and establishing Rugby chimney) at the rear of the hotel. convinced Joynton… “That in the League, in 1908. This power station supplied near future, I would have tea at electricity to the Carrington, as well Penrith, so I looked for a site, and Now, if time and space permitted we as to railway stations, businesses bought a suitable area of land could further examine Joynton’s and homes between Mount Victoria overlooking a lovely stretch of the Sydney life; his political career as and Woodford. Nepean River. an Upper House Member, and Lord Mayor of Sydney; his creation of the Joynton also noticed that Parties of motorists now make it Smith Weekly newspaper; and his ‘…when I first went to Katoomba, [the Log Cabin] the objective of a involvement in the establishment of there was only one bank in the run from Sydney, and motor parties South Sydney Hospital, where a town” … and … “realizing there was to and from the mountains find wing is named after him. an opening for another…”9 he there a pleasant break in the persuaded the City Bank of Sydney journey, and I get my cup of tea to open a branch in Katoomba in without any fuss whatever.”11 ‘... When I the Carrington grounds. Joynton – Smith passed away in Mr Housie lived upstairs and 1943, but during his time at the became its first manager. Carrington Hotel he hosted saw the Blue thousands of visitors. Honeymoon Knowing Katoomba was a tourist couples mingled with families, war town, Joynton became involved in veterans, bachelors, and overseas Mountains the hire car business and picture travellers. show business. Famous people came as well. The they cast a A fleet of ‘Italia’ cars garaged at the Duke and Duchess of York visited in Carrington took visitors to the 1927, Prime Minister Stanley Jenolan Caves; while both his Melbourne Bruce discussed matters Empire and Kings picture theatres of importance in 1924, Billy Hughes spell over entertained visitors and locals. relaxed at the hotel in 1929, and Amy Johnson (‘Johnny’) briefly Mr Otto Camphin was made chief touched down in June 1930. me...’ executive of both the Empire and Kings theatres, and he was In my travels, I’ve been lucky But we need to move up to the Blue rewarded with … “half the enough to meet two people who not Mountains... enterprise.” For, added Joynton… only worked at the Carrington in “When I have taken on another into Joynton – Smith’s association with Joynton’s time, but also met him, a venture and he has brought the Blue Mountains seemed to recalls Paul Innes. success, I have made it a rule to begin in the early years of the 20th share and share alike.”10 In 2003, an elderly fellow called Les century. Timmings told me that sometime By 1926, the Carrington stood on “When I saw the Blue Mountains, during the 1930’s both he and his Joynton’s books at £120,000, and they cast their spell over me. Here, I father, Samuel Timmings – who in the same year, he sold the said, is something I need ... without worked at the hotel as the gardener Imperial at Mount Victoria for them I could never be happy again,” between 1914 and 1947 – received £16,000, in order to build the Log he commented. £10 from Joynton. “ Cabin at Penrith. Contimued page 7 “It was Mount Victoria that particularly appealed to me. The Imperial Hotel seemed to offer what I needed, so I bought it.”

“In the meantime, I bought the Carrington Hotel at Katoomba. I saw that this was the pivotal point of the Blue Mountains, and that it could be made the rest house of the tired business man of Sydney.”8

Purchasing the Carrington in October 1911, Joynton – Smith immediately set about bringing the hotel into the 20th century. The Carrington Hotel pictured 2011

HERITAGE 6 January - February 2012 ‘You’re smoking!’ MURDER Continued from page 6 cigar). He replied. ‘Yes, but I own “Apparently Joynton won some the hotel!’”13 SITE ON money on a horse the previous weekend, and gave every member Touché Joynton…. and thank you GLENBROOK for coming to the Blue Mountains. of staff a 5 shillings tip. WALKS That was a lot of money back then!” Footnotes. 12 Les said. 1. My Life Story. Joynton Smith. Cornstalk Publishing. 1927. Page 1 ITINERARY Then, in 2008, a fellow called Jim 2. Ibid. Page 2. GLENBROOK & District Historical Mitchell, who was a pastry chef at 3. Ibid Page 31. Society regularly organises ‘walk the hotel said, “Yes, I met Joynton 4. Ibid Page 68. and talk’ activities visiting once. 5. Ibid Page 41. interesting places of local history. 6 Ibid Page 99. “He didn’t come into the kitchen 7 Ibid Page 165. The March 31 activity is titled ’The often, but on this particular day he 8 Ibid Page 216 – 217. Mountain Murders and a visit to Lee came in as I was walking out the 9 Ibid Page 223 Weller’s grave site’. door into the corridor, about to go 10 Ibid Page 226. on my break. 11 Ibid Page 223. In 1896 the sleepy village of 12 Interview with Les Timmings, Glenbrook was like most country “I’d already lit my cigarette. 2003. towns in the Great Depression 13. Interview with Jim Mitchell, when the unemployed suffered real “He saw that and told me I wasn’t 2008. starvation in the absence of allowed to smoke in the kitchen. I government assistance. replied: ‘You’re smoking!’ (He had a Then in 1896, the sleepy backwater’s name exploded into About the author world headlines. Paul Innes pictured and Helen The anonymous but many named Stamper regularly conduct guided criminal known as Butler chose historical walking tours around the Glenbrook for the last of his Carrington Hotel; Katoomba; Mount murders, that of the retired sea Victoria; Mount York as well as captain, Lee Weller. several other sites in the Blue Mountains. It appears he lured the sea captain with an offer to show him precious All tours are thoroughly researched, stones which he promised Weller professionally presented and never he could find as a prospector rushed. Already “Butler” was suspected of To book a tour or for further details, murders in West Australia, NSW please visit their web site. and may be in Brazil and after the www.discoverthebluemountains. police were attracted to as they say com.au “to certain happenings” at Glenbrook the second last victim a Jan Koperberg’s photograph of Paul university student named Arthur was taken at Mt Victoria on Preston, was dug up at remnants of the Cox’s Road. Faulconbridge.

Getting wind that the police were on his tail, he decided to flee to America, in a windjammer, but Springwood historic walk police had taken a steamship SPRINGWOOD HISTORICAL Arrangements may be made with arriving in San Francisco to wait Society, in association with Blue the secretary Dick Morony by and arrest Butler. Mountains City Council and the e-mail to: Rotary Club of Springwood have [email protected] Butler was brought back to Sydney identified, by numbered bronze to take interested groups on a where he was tried and hanged. plaques, seventeen historic sites guided tour of these places. in Springwood and produced a Those interested in participating in brochure containing a map and Dick will also supply copies of the the walk should contact Doug concise information about each brochure to people who would like Knowles at 4751 3275 or Tim Miers place. to undertake the walk on their 4739 2384. own. Source: Glenbrook and District --- A History.

HERITAGE 7 January - February 2012 Everglades horticulturist receives top award EVERGLADES HEAD GARDENER, Guy McIlrath has received the National Trust Distinguished Service Award.

Guy who has been head gardener for 7 years received the award based on commitment, leadership, innovation and support for quality of work life.

Everglades manager, Scott Pollock said Guy’s eye for detail ensures the property runs with the greatest of ease.

“During the recent upgrades at Everglades, there were 20 different projects which he closely monitored to ensure the end result was the best that could be achieved

“This included suggestions relating to the processes, placement of infrastructure, and keeping things “Guy is a master at ensuring all staff Pictured is Guy McIlrath (wearing aligned with the conservation plan. and volunteers have a productive, hat) being congratulated by Scott educational and enjoyable time Pollock. “Guy has huge respect from all while at Everglades,” said Mr workers and volunteers because of Pollock. his leadership skills. Local architect managed rare‘yellowblock’ recovery for heritage sandstone restoration THE NSW GOVERNMENT provides Ron Powell retired from the funding for the conservation of the program and moved to Leura in state’s significant sandstone 2009 and was recently appointed to buildings and structures. the Blue Mountains City Council Heritage Advisory Committee. Funding is allocated to NSW Public Works, and the work is undertaken In 2009 Ron received an award by a team of stonemasons, heritage from the Institution of Engineers roofers, plumbers and painters from Australia’s Heritage Group for his its Alexandria workshops. work in having the Saunder’s quarrying operations and their The work is guided by heritage contribution to Sydney recognised. architects from the Government Architect’s Office who specialise in He was the catalyst for a book stone conservation. “Paradise, Purgatory Hell Hole, The Story of the Saunders Quarries” Most of Sydney’s major sandstone being written and published as well buildings, such as the State Library, as the placement of an Institution of Art Gallery, Sydney Hospital and the Engineers Australia Historic Australian Museum have already Engineering Marker plaque being had major conservation work placed on the former quarry wall at carried out. Ron Powell Pyrmont. Regional projects including Hartley The program’s manager for the past Ron has undertaken at Courthouse have recently received decade, Ron Powell, negotiated and HERITAGE’s request to provide program funding. oversaw giant saws cutting the more information about the precious “yellowbloc”k out of program’s projects in coming A key component for the success excavations for multi-level car parks issues. of this work occurred in 2000 when at Pyrmont, on the site of the former the rare “yellowblock” sandstone famous Saunders yellowblock was obtained in a ‘once in a quarries. century’ opportunity.

HERITAGE 8 January - February 2012 Lights stay on at historic homes by Will Holmes à Court - former CEO, National Trust of Australia (NSW)

A few Sunday’s ago over breakfast On the general many of us read the news about question of the grounded planes and airport chaos, Trust’s overall while others, recipients of an early financial state it is edition, had their comfort of tea and worth reflecting toast hijacked by the headline that the Trust “Lights go out at historic homes” movement is struggling It was distressing news with the worldwide with report referring to National Trust most organisations properties. An opinion had been stretched to expressed that the Trust was going breaking point. to have to “mothball” some of its properties and six were mentioned. The exception is the UK which is The headline generated significant unique in its size angst particularly from the named with millions of communities, those that rely on international their rich heritage to reinforce their visitors each year, identity, their strong sense of history more than four and the economic well being of their million members, towns. large rental income streams So to the question, “Is all news and the support of Will Holmes à Court good news”? It is probably too early a Heritage Lottery. to call it, but as I write I can reflect that, while it was better than feared, Consistently only those Trusts with state’s historic properties and have it was worse than hoped. some government funding are able a voice that will highlight to the to deliver the support the government the Trust’s very real To another audience it was more community expects. and urgent plight. like the curate’s egg, good in parts. The NSW Trust, like many “not - for The National Trust has approached If nothing else it has started a - profits”, has been losing money the government for assistance to conversation, a conversation that from operations for many years. continue this necessary work for the needs to be had if the community is community, and recently, in a to continue to enjoy its origins and Our goal, as always, is to be “not - response to the Minister for preserve its rich heritage. for - loss” but with the continuing Heritage’s request, has provided a A conversation that needs to be had fallout from the global financial proposal for a sustainable Trust, a with every generation and every crisis, the uncertainty in federal response to which we sincerely new government particularly at this government and the crisis in the hope means “Lights stay on at time as the important gives way to economy from the European debt historic homes”. the urgent and the quiet voice of market a new approach with new reason is ditched for a jingle. answers are required. Will Holmes à Court The story spawned other TV, Radio There’s no magic solution. With leaves Trust and newspaper conversations, new revenue streams being slow, Since, making this above statement much of which confirmed again to the Trust has implemented Will Holmes à Court has resigned me, and many, how much the aggressive cost cutting measures from the National Trust of Australia National Trust and its good work is but the conclusion must be that (NSW) treasured and valued in the these measures, failing additional community. support, are unlikely to deliver long He left the Trust on November 27, term sustainability. 2010 saying, “I am leaving the Trust It has also prompted many of our to make room for a smaller and members and supporters to ask if This leaves the Trust movement to hopefully more sustainable the National Trust really does have face the harsh reality that if current organisation.” plans to close properties to which I expense and revenue trends can answer that the board has no prevail, some properties will have to In the short time he was at the Trust current plans to close any close, no matter how distressing we he introduced new financial and properties and we are working to find it. staffing structures and made find ways to make each sustainable considerable in-roads to politicians in the long term. So what can be done? The at ministerial and other levels who community must express its are responsible for government concern about the future of our funding to heritage programs.

HERITAGE 9 January - February 2012 From the editors mail box...... Govett’s reputation debunked To the Editor Although his surveyor colleague Frederick D’Arcy, who surveyed the I was pleased to see the myth of Colo and most of its tributaries, tried the bushranger Govett exposed in to point out Govett’s “errors” to HERITAGE - Issue 18. It has of Major Mitchell, Mitchell preferred to course been exposed many times believe his clever and able before, but to the annoyance of delineator. many it seems to stick. He chose to adopt most of Govett’s Perhaps we need to recognise the “mapping” on his famous 1834 map myth as an interesting aspect of of the colony. history in its own right. Govett’s fraud was not discovered Incidentally, those wanting a fuller for a whole century, when the army analysis of the myth might read undertook mapping with the aid of Peter Rickwood’s chapter on the aerial photographs. subject in Blackheath: today from Govett’s Leap Fall, Blackheath yesterday. Govett did however contribute 1905. Photograph Blue Mountains positively through his writing and Local History Library Collection My purpose in writing is to expose drawing—aspects which I have William Govett himself. As reported drawn out to some extent in my In his chapter, ‘Legends’, Peter in the HERITAGE article, Surveyor recent book on D’Arcy. writes “... there are more fanciful General Mitchell wrote that Govett Sincerely stories about the naming of this was “perhaps the ablest delineator Andy Macqueen waterfall, many of which were of ground in the department” and included in a speech given in 1899 “remarkably clever” at dealing with References: at the luncheon to mark the opening unexplored country. Andrews, Alan E.J. (1992) Major of the track to the base of the fall.” Mitchell’s Map 1834: The Saga of In fact, Govett was so clever that in the Survey of the Nineteen From Peter’s extensive research it 1833 he engaged in what Alan Counties. Blubber Head Press. seems, “...Govett’s nephew, John Andrews has described as a “mass 1992. Govett Smith, and others, went to a of inexcusable fakery” in mapping Macqueen, Andy (2007) Frederick lot of trouble trying to dispel these the ridges and streams draining the Robert D’Arcy: colonial surveyor, ‘legends’ but the stories persist still, Newnes Plateau and Bell Range. explorer and artist. The author. possibly to enhance the intrigue of 2007. the area and bring financial gain to Faced with country too rugged for Rotary Club of Blackheath (2005) the community.” his pack animals, and confused Blackheath: today from yesterday. about the course of the Colo River, Writelight. 2005. Dr Rickwood goes on to state: “The Govett fraudulently drew a non- installation was mooted of a board existent drainage system on his in an unspecified ‘prominent map. Dr Peter Rickwood, an indivdual postion’ telling the truth about member of BMACHO, the editor of Govett’s discovery, but it never BMCC HERITAGE BMACHO’s Blue Mountains History eventuated . Journal and editor and contributing ADVISORY author to Blackheath: today from “Instead, in 1974 the Blackheath COMMITTEE MEETS yesterday. also drew attention to the Rhododendron Festival Committee commissioned Sydney sculptor, The recently formed heritage existence of many more myths. Arthur Murch to create a statue of advisory committee of Blue horse and rider which was erected Mountains City Council, met last In his very well researched and in Neate Park, and purports to month to introduce members and referenced contribution to the commemorate one of these fables” discuss the body’s role. Rotary Club of Blackheath’s book, Peter suggests there are at least 11 myths. Editors note: In the interest of It is anticipated that much of its factual history HERITAGE does not work in 2012 will be involved with He confirms that the article wish to perpetrate these fables by the heritage review of Local published in the last editon of further promoting these myths by Environment Plan 1991. HERITAGE is substantially correct recording them in this newsletter. as to the origin of the naming of The committee membership Govett’s Leap although “...no written incudes 10 community members References: statement by TL Mitchell with considerable experience in a Rotary Club of Blackheath (2005) [concerning Govett’s claims] have wide diversity of heritage. Blackheath: today from yesterday. been discovered.” Writelight. 2005.

HERITAGE 10 January - February 2012 Sculpture exhibition at Scenic World by Lizzie Marshall The Hammon family board’s vision for creating a recurring sculpture exhibition was seen as a challenge on its own, but to create this event on the environmentally sensitive floor of rain a forest brought a whole new dimension to sculpture exhibitions. Scenic World’s sculpture exhibition manager, Lizzie Marshall discusses in this article, some of these challenges

AS THE SCULPTURE exhibition manager, the central joy of my job has been the realisation of the Blue Mountains City Council’s going to be suspended from trees. Hammon family board’s vision for a development planning team were Two new considerations arose from recurring sculpture show. This invaluable and eternally this: firstly, the consideration of simple premise has turned out to be encouraging throughout the whole damage to the trees and vines. more involved than envisioned. The DA process. Their specialised Arboriculture Australia proved reality was to create an exhibition interest in protecting the natural invaluable with their advice on best with the rainforest as a unique environment highlighted that one of practice for suspending sculptures gallery that would enhance visitor the biggest considerations would be from the trees. Second experiences and provide a world compaction of the soil on the consideration was to the class venue to showcase the art delicate rainforest floor. suspension of the artworks is to the without competing with this unique installation team which would be setting. One of the wonders of this handling the delicate and valuable exhibition is how we are works. It is with great pride that My central aim, “of the highest transporting the art into the valley. Sculpture at Scenic World has artistic integrity” has had to be The Scenic Cableway is going to be contracted one of Australia’s married with the considerations of occupied within the hours of 7am leading installation managers, the unique venue. This meant and 9am of the installation period Richard Harrison to instal our show. aligning artistic integrity with the for this purpose. The minimisation You may be familiar with his unsung environmental constraints of the of footprint (soil compaction) work on the Biennale of Sydney’s fragile environment. This too has replaced the previous constrictions Cockatoo Island installations and brought its own joys with resourcing of the Cableway’s doors and most recently he worked with the best advice in the individual carrying capacity. Previously the Australia’s leading sculptor Ken fields of environmental and Cableway had defined the size and Unsworth on his recent show at ecological concerns, heritage and weight of individual sculptures (1.2 Cockatoo Island. cultural values, arboreal advice and tonne being the heaviest it could a world class installation manager. carry in one go). Sculpture at Scenic World opens to the public on Thursday February 16, So where did my journey start. This drew new guidelines for our 2012. There is a fully engaged Firstly, the wonderful Blue independent judges, Monica program covering the entire three Mountains Association of Cultural McMahon, UWS curator and weeks providing plenty of Heritage Organisations was key to Leonard Janiszewski, Macquarie opportunities to hear insightful my understanding that the University Sculpture Park curator, to lectures, meet the artists and environmental concerns were only choose works from the experience free guided tours. The one factor which would need to be overwhelming response we had to exhibition closes Sunday, March 11, considered when siting sculptures our open call for submissions, that 2012, with the final day featuring an along Scenic World’s rainforest were “of the highest artistic integrity artists’ discussion panel at 3pm with boardwalk. and took into account the Sculpture at Scenic World artists consideration of the environmental Nigel Harrison, Michael Mandelc The rich cultural heritage of the footprint”. This proved to be an and Bronwyn Berman who all work area needed to be preserved, interesting journey for our judges with metal in different ways to protected as well as complemented and we feel that as a result the create their unique art. The event is by the exhibition. Notable most excellent of all outdoor free and will be chaired by Paul exclusions to sculpture sites exhibitions is headed to Scenic Brinkman, director, Blue Mountains extended to existing heritage items World from February 16 to March Cultural Centre. that are largely remnants from the 11, 2012. past mining operations. For further information please visit: Amazingly of the twenty six artworks www.scenicworld.com.au/sculpture selected for exhibition eleven are

HERITAGE 11 January - February 2012 The impulse to sculpt By Michael Mandelc --- Sculptor One of my earliest experiences of I feel strongly about a studio sculpture was under the guiding practice that applies the use of hand of my grandfather who had me studies as sculptural notions are welding at age 10 years. developed.

I can clearly recall the impulse to This is something I inherited from sculpt as the most natural and my teachers whom I also assisted important thing to do, gladly the namely Stephen Walker OA and same urge remains with me to this Alan Ingham. Both of these day. sculptors acted as assistants to Henry Moore. The opportunity to immerse myself in the workshop environment at that Via this tradition it became time opened up a vast world of increasingly apparent that when possibilities. I was imprinted with seeking to establish a framework the sensation of what it meant to within which to execute ideas one of put form up in space. the most potent and enduring principles is found in the discussion In as much as form follows facility of materiality. Here is where one so too one’s environment as an finds the natural sculptural integrity artist can be considered the very that great work is so charged with. seed bed for the origin of ideas. In my own case I explore a robust Personally I feel one of the artist’s yet delicate flexibility in my work primary commissions is the and in keeping with this the lost wax absolute need to develop their process has formed a practical observation skills as if they were to mainstay. serve as a sixth sense. With wax as the intermediary Hardly any means by which to material it constitutes a highly continue securing this sense is versatile medium that not only excelled by the practice of drawing. affords me a reliable shorthand with In my mind drawing is fundamental which to quickly model but also and those that find it unnecessary allows the form to be ‘read’ as may have forgotten to put the garlic bronze while working on it. Pictured above is the artist’s in the soup. marquette of The Rod of Aaron The inherent characteristics of which when placed in the exhibition stands about 2 metres In our time it has become these materials accurately answer my approach to modelling and high with the upper element increasingly challenging to actually being cast in bronze using the define sculpture as it further provide an intuitive vehicle by which to bring latent energies to the ‘lost wax method (cire purdue) occupies the junction between a and then gilded in 24 ct gold leaf. temporal event and static form. surface of my sculpture whilst also From this time/space nexus tension exploring negative space. is derived creating enormous expressive potential. The Rod of Aaron The sculptor, Michael Mandelc said “For all those who wander the green his objective with this work, is to cathedral, a tuning fork. ‘Rod of I do feel however that it is very evoke a harmonic sentinel which Aaron’ engenders pause and place important when venturing to extend signals perpetual rejuvenation. whilst spiritually charging it’s and innovate upon the conversation surrounds, as it suggests, with that it be clearly rooted in context to “To do so, I have sought to break unseen aspects abundant in the both art practice and history. nature open, laying it vulnerable wild divine.” and then go on to clothe it in its It is important to differentiate environment. Visit the sculptor’s website at between the nature of pure www.michaelmandelc.com spectacle and the language of form, the difference between something Sculpture at Scenic World - Katoomba opens that has been styled to appear like sculpture and work of greater depth to the public Thursday February 16, and runs that irrefutably commands its space. to March 11, 2012. www.scenicworld.com.au/sculpture

HERITAGE 12 January - February 2012 Journals of early coastal explorers --- download sources by Peter C Rickwood Whilst it may not be common for residents of the Blue Mountains to have the need to browse the journals (or diaries) of the 18th and 17th Century coastal explorers, when they do so then printed copies are usually only available in distant libraries.

But to some extent this problem has been eased due to the release of many full text versions on various websites.

However some of these sites can be difficult to locate so provided here are the URLs for many that I have hunted down whilst researching in recent months.

Unfortunately, not many first The sketch of natives cowering in a shelter watched over by soldiers editions have been digitised and the is of significance because it was drawn by Captain John Hunter who printed copies are of such high came in 1788. value that few regional libraries Transcriptions are usually Such cavalier action can result in have been able to afford them; reasonably accurate but at times the author’s meaning being altered hence often they can only be editors have been known to change so if a nuance is important then it is consulted in the Mitchell Library. spellings, mostly to correct the work wise to consult the first edition of the journal or diary. Facsimile copies are usually of semi-literate writers; e.g. in one authentic versions of the originals case ‘staid’ was corrected to Secondary sources can be helpful but with an added preface or ‘stayed’. but caution is needed as authors introduction giving background One such editor admitted to having tend to paraphrase the original information about the author or amended inconsistent punctuation words of an explorer. subject matter. They are reliable. and to have broken up over-long paragraphs, etc. Be particularly careful not to rely on Wikipedia!

18th Century transcription http://southseas.nla.gov.au/journals/ parkinson/contents.html Cook 1770 transcription http://freeread.com.au/ebooks/ Furneaux 1773 e00043.html http://www.archive.org/details/threevoyagesofca03cook transcription http://southseas.nla.gov.au/journals/cook/ pp.121-128 17700429.html http://southseas.nla.gov.au/journals/cook/contents.html Cook 1777 http://books.google.com.au/ Cook 1770 books?id=d6wAAAAYAAJ&pg=PR38&lpg=PR38&dq=” http://www.archive.org/details/threevoyagesofca02cook james+cook”+voyage +resolution&source=bl&ots= pp.67-228 fGnrEO7L-f&sig=eao2O5TT9dt55Qqe8cqYJzIlFL8 &hl=en&ei=g Vi0TsSYPOL tmAWH3JS Aw&sa =X Banks 1770 &oi= book_result&ct=result&sqi=2&redir_esc=y - transcription http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks05/ v=onepage&q=” Book I pp.1-421 (see p.93+) 0501141h.html transcription http://southseas.nla.gov.au/journals/banks/ Cook 1777 contents.html http://www.archive.org/details/threevoyagesofca05cook http://adc.library.usyd.edu.au/view?docId=ozlit/xml-main pp.172-197 textsp00021.xml;chunk.id=d1393e 152;toc.depth=100; toc.id=d1393e147;database=;collection=;brand=default Phillip 1788 transcription http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/setis/id/ Parkinson 1770 phivoya http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ transcription http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15100 pt?id=uc1.31822002235067;page=root;view=image;size=100;seq=1 http:freeread.com.au/ebooks/e00063.html

HERITAGE 13 January - February 2012 Journals of early coastal explorers --- download sources

Continued from page 13 Flinders 1799a “A Journal in the Norfolk sloop ...” [M.L. Ref. C211 now Bligh 1788 CY 1270, Frames 26-47] transcription http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/ http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/album/albumView. aspx? 15411 acmsID=395200&itemID=823213 transcription http://freeread.com.au/ebooks/ e00041.html Flinders 1799b “Narrative of the expedition of the Colonial sloop Bradley 1788 Norfolk from Port Jackson through the strait which facsimile & transcription http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/ separates Van Diemen’s Land from New Holland; setis/id/brajour ...”[Mitchell Library C211 now CY 1270, Frames 49-97] http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemdetailpaged .aspx? Hunter 1788 itemid=153831 transcription http://setis.library.usyd.edu.au/ozlit/pdf/ hunhist.pdf Flinders published 1801-1803 Volume 1 http://freeread.com.au/ebooks/e00049.html King 1788 transcription Volume 1 1814 transcription http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/setis/id/ http://www.archive.org/stream/avoyagetoterraau kinjour 12929gut/12929.txt Tench 1788 transcription Volume 2 1814 transcription http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/setis/id/ http://www.archive.org/stream/avoyagetoterraau p00039 13121gut/13121.txt transcription http://freeread.com.au/ebooks/e00083.txt Observations on the coasts of Van Diemen’s Land on transcription http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/t/tench/ Bass’s Strait and its islands 1801 watkin/botany/complete.html http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks09/0900121.txt White 1788 transcription http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/setis/id/ p00092 transcription http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks03/ 0301531h.html

Worgan 1788 transcription http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks04/ 0400181.txt transcription http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/setis/id/ worjour

Tench 1793 transcription http://www.archive.org/details/acomplete account03534gut transcription http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/setis/id/ p00044 endnote numbers are not identifiable in the unpaginated text transcription http://freeread.com.au/ebooks/e00084.txt

Malaspina and team stayed at Sydney Cove in March- April 1793, and he is reported to have written about the area. p.141+ in King, R.J. (1990) The secret history of the convict colony : Alexandro Malaspina’s report on the British settlement of New South Wales.[translated by Robert J. King].Sydney : Allen & Unwin, 1990. 179 pp.[Mitchell Library REF 1/994.402/28 ]

Bass 1797-1798 “Mr Bass’s Journal in the Whale Boat between the The sketch of Sydney Parkinson by Newton, James, 3rd of December 1797 and the 25th of February, 1748-ca. 1804. is seldom seen for he was one of the 1798" [M.L. Ref. C211 now CY 1270, Frames 6- ‘lesser lights’ of the 1770 expeditioners; this is NOT 24] transcription pp. 312-333 in Bladen, F.M. (ed) the tinted version in the National Library and (1895) Historical Records of NSW, Volume III, Hunter. 1796-1799. Sydney: Charles Potter, viewable on http://www.pictureaustralia.org . Government Printer. 856pp. http://www.archive.org/ stream/historicalrecor02walegoog#page/n10/mode/ Continued page 15 2up

HERITAGE 14 January - February 2012 Journals of early coastal explorers --- download sources Continued from page 14 Collins published 1802 Book 1 Second Edition 1804 http://books.google.com.au/ books?id=Yx0QAAAAYAAJ&pg=PR1&dq=%22an+account+of+the+ engli sh+colony %22+%22second+edition%22&hl=en & ei=W9LVTsePEM 3nmAXRy6Rr&sa=X&oi=book result &ct=result&resnum =1&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v= o nepage&q=%22an %20account%20of%20the%20 english% 20colony % 22 % 20%22second%20edition %22&f=false This 1796 view of Brickfields Hill or High Road to transcription Book 1 Parramatta displays the transport of the time and http://www.archive.org/details/anaccountoft heen again is not commonly seen (creator unknown). 12565gut transcription “An Account of the English Colony in New Prior Discoveries in Terra Australis South Wales, Volume 2” North Coast: http://www.archive.org/details/anaccountof theen De Torres 1606 12668gut Zeachen 1618 17th Century Carstens 1623 Pool 1636 De Torres 1606 Tasman 1644 translation http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/ and others 0600361h.html West Coast: Carstens 1623 Hartog 1606 translation Heeres http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks05/ Edel 1619 0501231h.html the Leeuwin 1622 Tasman 1642 the Vianen. 1628 translation http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/ Pelsert 1629 0600571h.html de Vlamingh 1696-1697 transcription http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks04/ Dampier 1699 0400771h.html and others secondary http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/ South Coast 0600551h.html Nuyts 1627 de Vlamingh 1696-1697 and others P.E. Playford, Voyage of Discovery to Terra Australis Tasmania (Perth, 1998) Tasman 1642 Dampier 1699 Marion 1772 transcription http://freeread.com.au/ebooks/ Furneaux 1773 e00046.html Cook 1777 and others SECONDARY SOURCES Early Voyages to Terra Australis, now called Australia. The Dutch In The Discovery Of Australia 1606-1765 – Author: R H Major http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/ Heeres, J.E. 0600361h.html http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks05/0501231h.html translation De Torres 1606 Great Southern Land: The maritime exploration of Terra secondary report of Pelsart 1629 Australis – Pearson, M. extracts relating to http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/publications/ Hartog 1616 about/great-southern-land.html p.20+ - most explorers De Edel 1619 Carstens 1623 Nuyts 1627 the Vianen. 1628 de Vlamingh 1697 and others

Flinders http://www.gutenberg.org/files/12929/12929-h/12929- h.htm

HERITAGE 15 January - February 2012 Wirraway crashes in Blue Mountains by Peter Chinn, Springwood Historical Society At about 10.00am on Thursday, Her daughter, August 1,1940 a Wirraway aircraft Miss Mary of 22 Squadron, piloted by Pilot Campbell was a Officer Harry Hopwood with cubmistress at observer Sergeant Vincent Hazelbrook who Monterola, took off from the RAAF had often taken base at Richmond for a training cubs and scouts flight over the Blue Mountains in for hikes in the company with another Wirraway. region and led a police party to the The Wirraway was a single- site. engined, two-seater aircraft built in large numbers prior to and during Two brothers, World War II by the Commonwealth Harley and Irving Aircraft Corporation at Lidcome. James arrived at the crash site first. It was based on the North American They told Harvard trainer. Although originally reporters that they a trainer the aircraft was also used had heard the two Much of the fuselage and a wing remain, partly by the Royal Australian Air Force as planes pass over hidden in thick undergrowth a dive-bomber and fighter. Hazelbrook and to be just above the low clouds. The crash was thoroughly It was, however, no match for the investigated by the RAAF and a Japanese Zero fighters over Darwin They had found the remains of the report submitted to the Secretary of or in Papua New Guinea. The aircraft still burning with the body of the Department of Air. Wirraway was generally armed with the pilot in the cockpit. The body of two .303 calibre Vickers machine the observer was about twenty The investigators came to the guns and capable of carrying four metres away near the top of the conclusion that the cause of the 250 pound bombs. ridge. crash was that “The aircraft had flown into cloud and probably spun No records are available to tell us The James brothers said that the out”. what the weather was like at aircraft had torn through trees for Richmond on that morning, however about 400 metres, tearing off I have visited the crash site a the central Blue Mountains were branches as if they had been number of times with fellow- shrouded in heavy mist which was lopped. bushwalkers – reasonably not unusual for that time of year. accessible now due to the Portions of the aircraft and a flying construction of a multitude of fire Around 10.30am witnesses reported helmet were hanging from some of trails over the past thirty years or so seeing an aircraft emerge below the the broken trees, and fuel had set but in 1940 it must have been a mist above Hazelbrook railway these items and the trees alight. solid slog via Bedford Creek gorge. station (elevation 2,200 feet), The fire around the aircraft was passing over the roofs of houses fierce and a large area of bush was While the crash site is only 3.5 km and narrowly missing a telegraph burnt. as the crow flies from Hazelbrook pole. station the easiest access today is Harley and Irving stated that some from Wentworth Falls via Kings A few minutes later residents in parts of the Wirraway were not Tableland Road, Queen Elizabeth Railway Parade, overlooking the burnt and were strewn over a wide Drive onto the Williams Ridge Fire gorge of Bedford Creek to the area. They thought that the aircraft Trail for about four kilometres south, heard a crash then saw had impacted at about 200 miles before striking north another four flames and black smoke shoot into per hour. kilometres on an unnamed fire trail the air some kilometres to the south. Pilot Officer Hopwood (26) was You have to look out for a crude married and a resident of Mosman. cairn on the left of the fire trail The Wirraway had crashed into a (which is easily missed), then with hill on the southern side of Bedford He had joined the Citizen Air Force the aid of a compass make a short Creek in an area only accessible in at Richmond in 1934 and was ascent up and over the small ridge those days by scrub-bashing called-up for full-time service with for about 100 metres to locate parts through precipitous and thickly- the RAAF in May 1940. of the Wirraway just below the timbered terrain. crest, still there after 71 years. Sergeant Monterola (23), married, Continued page 17 Mrs. Campbell, a Hazelbrook from Wentworthville, had enlisted in resident, contacted Constable Paine the RAAF in 1936. of Lawson Police who informed RAAF Richmond of the crash.

HERITAGE 16 January - February 2012 WIRRAWAY War stories --- do you have a CRASH war hero in your family? The reason we say war hero is that back and in all men and women, who served in these any war are heroes in our eyes.’ newspapers there were The Lithgow & District Family many History Society Inc. is embarking on mentions of a new project which will focus, to servicemen begin with, on World War 1 and and women. then continue on to World War 2. Simple things like a letter A Wirraway If anyone has a story to tell of a sent home to loved one who served in World a loved one, Continued from page16 War 1 the project organisers would Much of the fuselage and a wing or a soldier being wounded or killed like to hear from them. remain, partly hidden in thick in action, and quite often someone undergrowth beneath the tall trees – being admitted to hospital with an The object is to compile the war a last reminder to the occasional illness. history and stories of these gallant visitor of this tragedy in the men and women who willingly gave wilderness. The society also has a collection of their services to fight for their a few English war newspapers country. Unlike the site of the RAAF Avro which make very interesting Anson crash at Glenbrook on reading. The society feels that these January 28, 1940, which claimed histories should be recorded for five lives, there is no plaque to For more information please contact future generations. record the accident. However, Lithgow Family History Society someone has placed the remains of members Cecily McCarten on 0408 Once they are gathered and one of the Wirraway’s instruments 676 638 or Helen Taylor on compiled they will hold a very in the cairn by the track to secure its 63 557231. special place on the society’s library identification with the crash. shelves for all researchers and They would like to hear from While there is no tangible memorial family historians to appreciate. individuals and of course if anyone to the deceased air crew authorities is thinking of becoming a member some years ago designated the The society also envisages having of the society they would be made area “Aeroplane Hills”. the stories published in the Lithgow most welcome. Mercury and in the Society’s Sources: quarterly journal. Post script: The soldier pictured − RAAF Historical Records, above is George Joseph Mara from Department of Defence, Canberra Even if individuals only know of Portland near Lithgow the great − Local Studies records, their involvement in the war but uncle of Helen Taylor. Springwood Library don’t know what their history is and would like to find out more, then the The photograph was taken in society can help people achieve France, during World War 1. that goal. Woodford He was wounded in action twice and survived, went to hospital twice Anyone having photographs of a Academy open day with trench feet and once with loved one can also be added, which mumps and then died of pneumonia The National Trust property makes the records so much more 16 days after the Armistice was Woodford Academy will have an complete and interesting. open day on Saturday, January signed. 21 between 10am and 4pm. The amount of information which Helen has a letter he sent home to can often be found in the war Helen’s grandmother only two Enjoy the special atmosphere of records is very rewarding, such as weeks before the war ended. the property which includes a place of enlistment, where they fine example of colonial kitchen served and any battles they in He is buried at Villers-Bretonneux and a rare segmented arch of which theyfought. the fireplace. Home made Military Cemetery. morning teas are served on the In cases where the person died in balcony with Blue Mountains “Such a sad story but one that is battle or from illness, it is usually dear to my heart,” says Mrs Taylor. vistas. recorded along with letters sent to family and occasionally Contributed by Helen Taylor, Admission $6 adults, $4 photographs are also to be found. Lithgow Family History Society concession, $3 child. Enquiries Marilyn Wright 4758 7809 The society holds a large collection of the Lithgow Mercury dating right

HERITAGE 17 January - February 2012 Researcher finds three brothers who served their country as soldiers

HERITAGE published in its last edition a piece about The Bob Howard Award for 2010 which had been won by Vicki Wilson, for her article “Private Joseph Harold Nevill, Service No. 269”. The award is made each year by the Blue Mountains Family History Society for the best researched article from The Explorers’ Tree magazine. This article giving an insight into just how Vicki went about her research is now republished. by Vicki Wilson Working backwards from what I research of Joseph but also my knew I entered my grandmother’s Nevill line. name “Dulcie Jessie Moore” into Private Henry James Nevill Google and only one hit appeared1, My next port of call was a link on Born 1894 Balmain, NSW a posting on RootChat.com, a the ‘Fromelles Descendants Died 1916 Fromelles, France family history mailing list. My Database’ to the Fromelles page on grandmother was part of the family the Australian Department of Since 2009 when the remains of the tree included in the posting entitled Defence website3 where I registered allied soldiers were discovered near ‘Fromelles missing – Nevill (NSW as a relative of Joseph Harold the Belgian border at Pheasant and Qld)’. Nevill, I also discovered that there Wood, Fromelles, France, I have were other relatives registered so I listened and read with interest the The posting read: gave my permission for my details articles about these men and the ‘We are looking for living relatives to be passed on to them. construction of the cemetery of the following soldier. There is dedicated to them. also a need to combine the family I then accessed the National tree to do DNA testing if it proves Archives of Australia site to view his It was with amazement that I viable. There is loads of info about 41 page digitised military file4, the discovered that my family was part him, so we hope to be able to trace Australian War Memorial site to of this story. the family. Grateful for any help…. view his Roll of Honour Circular5 Ruskie’ and his 12 page Red Cross Society In October 2009 I attended the Wounded and Missing Enquiry family history fair at Lemon Tree According to this family tree my Bureau file 1914 -18 War 1DL/0428 Passage Bowling Club which is grandmother was the niece of which is also located on the hosted by the Port Stephens Family Joseph Harold Nevill, service Australian War Memorial site6. History Society. number: 269, a private in the 31st Battalion AIF, aged 22 when killed in From these websites I learned that As usual I travelled with my three action on July 19, 1916, his place of Joseph Harold Nevill (1894 - 1916) friends Sharon, Judy and Lorraine burial unknown. was born in Balmain, NSW, the son and we stayed in a townhouse for a of Henry James Nevill and Ada weekend of non-stop fun (oops, that Within three minutes of me Smith (the daughter of the should read catching up on our responding to this post I had a reply previously mentioned Sydney Smith family history). from Sandra, who along with Tim and Elizabeth Jones). Late one night Judy and I were Lycett, are the administrators of the He had attended the State School, chatting and the subject of what ‘Fromelles Descendants 2 Indooroopilly, Queensland and was family lines we had not done much Database’ . apprenticed to Mr Bonney of on, came up and fortunately, though They and other posters on the Brisbane as a leather bag maker in a little embarrassed, I admitted that RootsChat.com mailing list have not July 1915 when he enlisted. I had not touched my fathers’ only been most helpful in aiding my Continued page 19 maternal line.

I could not remember why, it could have had something to do with researching in Queensland or the Sydney Smith, Elizabeth Jones marriage; a union that I didn’t want to touch in the early days of my research.

I left Lemon Tree Passage having undertaken to concentrate on my Moore and Nevill lines.

When I arrived home I didn’t THREE BROTHERS WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY. From left Private unpack, I put my bags down and sat JH Nevill (killed in action) Private BH Nevill and Corporal SG Nevill. in front of the computer… this is This photograph appeared in The Queenslander Newspaper what happened! on July 27, 1925

HERITAGE 18 January - February 2012 Continued from page 18 I learned that two of Joseph’s brothers had also enlisted: Stanley Cecil Nevill in August 1915 in the 5th Light Horse and Bertram Henry Nevill in April 1917 in the 30/2 Light Horse, both returned after their tours of duty.

Joseph departed Australia and arrived at Suez on the December 7, 1915 aboard the HMT Wandilla. Fromelles Cemetery The next recorded event in his file is We are advised that these lists are Joseph’s father Henry James Nevill a 48 hour punishment at the Ferry really made from the discs gathered (November 28, 1858 - June 21 Port on May 6, 1916 for conduct to by the Germans from the dead 1943) was born in Burton on Trent, the prejudice of good order and bodies in the trenches and that no London to Benjamin Nevill and military discipline. date or place of burial is mentioned Isabella Mayger. the soldiers did not live to be He then boarded the HMT Hororata prisoners and that the bodies were Henry was married three times. His at Alexandria on June 16, 1916 for buried by the Germans. first marriage was to Margaret an eight day voyage to Marseilles Yours Faithfully, Peters in London in 187810, they and is then recorded as missing in George Scott Hon. Sec’.7 had two sons: Henry Richard in action in the field on the July 21, 1879 and Albert Edward in 188011. 1916 in the neighbourhood of The identity discs referred to in the Fromelles. letter were returned by the Germans On January 28, 1884 Henry married to the War Office on February 24, Ada Annie Smith at Bethel House; 1917 but it wasn’t until June 1919 George Street North, Sydney. ‘Victory and after many pleading letters that Mabel Isabel (my great Joseph’s family learned his fate: grandmother), the first of their nine children was also born in 188412. Medal Dear Madam, Joseph Harold born 1894 was their We have received the following seventh child. Ada died of statement from our agents in pneumonia on March 8 189813, London thirteen days after the birth of her sold for ‘On the evening of the 19th July ninth child Roy. Joseph was three at 1916, I was standing close to the the time. above man and saw him killed by $80’ concussion from a shell. His death Henry next married Gertrude being instantaneous there being no Elizabeth Sexton in Queensland in Dear Sir, wounds. 1899 and there were eleven I regret to have to inform you that I ‘This happened in No-Man’s Land children from this marriage. have received the following cable and it was impossible to remove from London:-’269 Pte J. H. Nevill him for burial as he was close to a It is understood that Henry and 31st Btn. name appears German German outpost. Ada’s nine children remained in death list I.W. Fuich, Sydney and travelled to Yallock , Via Kooweerup Victoria’8 Queensland after his marriage to Gertrude who raised them as her Sadly, I found Joseph’s Victory own but more research needs to be Medal had been sold at auction for done on this. $80 in September 20089. A descendant of one of Henry Within three days of registering with James Nevill’s first family in the Australian Department of England has donated his DNA to Defence I had a call from Chloe the Department of Defence in the Wootten, communications manager, hope that Joseph’s remains may be Australian Fromelles Project Group identified therefore enabling him to (ASFPG), who is the liaison person be buried with a named headstone for the Fromelles Project. in the new military cemetery in Fromelles. Chloe first needed to establish that I was a relative of Joseph and, once Fortunately, more DNA samples confirmed, proceeded to tell me the have become available if the first Nevill family history that she had sample is inconclusive; one from a collected as part of the project. I still cousin of Joseph’s and also my have a lot more research to do to fill father, George Maxwell Horne, a JH Nevill in the gaps. great nephew of Joseph. Continued page 20

HERITAGE 19 January - February 2012 9 Sold by CJ Medals, September DNA identified 2008. This auction has been removed from their website, soldier killed in www.cjmedals.com 10 Year: 1878; Qtr: D; Vol: 01c; 1916 Page: 910, GRO Reference 11 1881 England Census, Class: Continued from page 19 RG11; Piece: 459; Folio: 26; Page: The Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) 1; GSU roll: 1341100, Ancestry,com, Military Cemetery was dedicated on accessed 9th December, 2009 th the 94 anniversary of the battle on 12 NSW Registry of Births Deaths July 19, 2010. and Marriages, 1884/3947 13 NSW Registry of Births Deaths Less than five months ago I knew and Marriages 1898/622“ nothing about this line of my family and from a few words in a EDITOR’S NOTE conversation this wonderful Subsequent to the research in this discovery emerged. I have found article the author Vicki Wilson was family members in South Australia, advised by the Defence Department Headstone of Pte JH Nevill buried Queensland and England through that it had a positive match with the in the Fromelles Military the internet with whom I now DNA collected from a relative and Cemetery. correspond and more amazingly, I the remains of Joseph Harold am going to be in Fromelles to be Nevill. Project some time ago and David part of this wonderful event! had donated his DNA in the hope of This meant that Private Henry being able to positively identify For more information about the James Nevill would be buried with a Joseph’s remains. battle and the cemetery have a look named headstone. at these sites: Viki Wilson had already planned to http://www.army.gov.au/fromelles/ Vicki continued to research the be in Europe in August 2010, so did Fromelles_Home.asp family line through the usual not hesitate to alter her itinerary to http://www.fromelles.net/ sources. include the dedication of the new http://www.awm.gov.au/units/ military cemetery in Fromelles event_159.asp Through the Defence Department’s which was held on July 19, the 94th http://www.defence.gov.au/ARMY/ Fromelles Project she was put in anniversary of the battle. fromelles The_Battle_1916.asp contact with Maureen McLaren who lives in South Australia and who is Joseph Harold Nevill is located at (Endnotes) related to Joseph through his father 2F in the cemetery where a 1 http://www.rootschat.com/forum/ Henry’s first marriage to Margaret ceremony was held in the presence index.php?PHPSESSID Peters. Maureen and her cousin of HRH the Prince of Wales, the =2jrkrnfd19nagi21u lv26d57p5& David Neville [Nevill with an ‘e’] had Duchess of Cornwall and the action=printpage;topic=381028.0, registered with the Fromelles Governor-General of Australia. accessed 18th October 2009 2 http://www.fromelles.net/, accessed 18th October 2009 3 http://www.army.gov.au/fromelles/ BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORY Fromelles_Home.asp, accessed 18th October 2009 CONFERENCE 2012 4 http://naa12.naa.gov.au/Scripts/ Imagine.asp?B=7996015&I=1, To be held at the historic Carington Hotel, accessed 18th October 2009 Katoomba on, Satutrday, October 20 5 http://www.awm.gov.au/ cms_images/AWM131/036/ Conference title: Colonial Society 036878.pdf, accessed 18th October 2009 Official opening by Associate Professor R Ian Jack 6 http://www.awm.gov.au/cms Keynote speaker: Dr Shirley Fitzgerald - The early years of the colony images/1DRL428/00026/1DRL428- Segment 1 The effect in the Indigenous population with the 00026-1990802.pdf, accessed 18th establishment of a European colony October 2009 7 Letter dated 10th February 1917 Segment 2 Colonial dress (Glynis Jones, Powerhouse Museum) from the Australian Red Cross Segment 3 Nature and role of gardens in the early settlement period Society, Queensland Division to Mr (Silas Clifford-Smith, Archivisit, Heritage Centre, UNE). H Nevill Esq, father of Joseph Harold Nevill For further information and early bookings (capacity limited to 120 8 Letter dated 24th Jun 1919 from participants) to Jan Koperberg at the Australian Red Cross [email protected] or [email protected] Information Bureau, Brisbane to Mrs H Nevill, stepmother of Joseph Harold Nevill

HERITAGE 20 January - February 2012 BMACHO committee meets at Scenic World THE 10 MEMBERS OF BMACHO’s The December 2011 committee guided tour of the complex which management committee meet every meeting was held in the board room includes the Scenic Railway, the month to discuss and decide on of Scenic World which is an Scenic Walkway across the rain various activities in which the inaugural member of BMACHO. forest floor with relics of the mining organisation is engaged. village which once was home to The Hammon family owners of early miners and the Scenic Without a permanent home, various Scenic World with their normal Cableway across the valley. organisational members host the generous hospitality not only Photographs courtesy Peter committee either in their own provided the meeting facilty and Stanbury, OAM. premises or in rooms they have morning tea, but also arranged for hired or ‘borrowed” for the day. committee members to have a

BMACHO president, Pamela Smith with guest speaker Will Holmes a’ Court at the December committee meeting Wild Woods

On the board walk in the rain forest at the bottom of the Scenic Railway. From left to right, Dave (Scenic World guide), Doug Knowles, Jan Koperberg (partially hidden), Dick Morony, John Leary, Ian Jack Bush tools hanging on the wall of and Suzanna Edwards a miners hut in the rain forest

HERITAGE 21 January - February 2012 Patsy Moppett becomes an individual member A TOWN PLANNER and heritage She has a Bachelor of Town officer in local government for Planning Degree and a Diploma in some 18 years, Patsy Moppett is Conservation and Land the latest person to be welcomed Management, and completed other to BMACHO as an individual courses related to heritage, member. planning law, property planning, the environment and permaculture. Patsy has worked at Camden, Bathurst, Evans, Lithgow and Patsy is involved with a number of Cabonne councils. community organisations including National Trust of Australia (NSW), In local government her work Cox’s Road Project Committee, included management of the Evans Arts Council, Dry Stone walls heritage programs for a number of Association of Australia, various these councils. central west family history groups Patsy Moppett and historical societies, and Convict The programs included the Trail Project on the Great North heritage advisory service, heritage Road. Australia, the world and his trip to committee and the local heritage the Antarctic. fund of those councils. She also undertakes history and heritage research and report writing, Patsy has four grown children and Currently she works for a private having written the book, “A History one grandchild, and lives at consulting company in Kelso near of Cow Flat”. Yetholme between Bathurst and Bathurst undertaking planning, Lithgow. She undertakes bushland heritage and environmental Patsy is currently working on a regeneration projects on her land at research and reporting. history of the Lower Turon Yetholme in consultation with and goldfields, and various family through funding from the Central history projects including one which West Catchment Management records her father’s travels across Authority. Claim of wrong plaque for heritage grave On Saturday, November 5, 2011, I example of Irish and English being from the Georges River Dharug at was speaking to a man from Lower separate. [In my 2010 thesis, I use Liverpool. Portland whom I had casually met Poland and Spain as an example, at the Hawkesbury River near the commentary fn.29 p.262.] She had told me she did not want to location of the Aborigines’ Reserve. make a fuss at the church, and the That evening, I was talking with a operator again told me it was up to He knew of the popular word for the Windsor tour operator known locally her to have contacted him people there as Dharug (which he as a ‘self-appointed historian’ of the beforehand - although he had been pronounced ‘Darug’) when referring Hawkesbury, who had on Sunday told about the Darkiñung in to them. September 18, 2011 placed a February. plaque in the state heritage C of E Obviously, I corrected him by cemetery without bothering with the The ‘punch-line’ from my discussion mentioning new findings from my authorities from whom permission that evening was that the operator research of original source records was required. said it doesn’t matter, they are only which confirmed the people from Aborigines. there as Darkiñung. He has brushed off such oversights with his suggestion that others He pointed out what a good thing His response was unexpected: Why should have contacted him. he’d done by commemorating them would it matter - they’re just with his plaque, so it didn’t matter Aborigines. I raised the issue that the previously whether he was correct or not. [In unmarked grave had had a false my 2010 thesis, I note this attitude He may have meant they were, but I inscription placed there, labelling that it does not matter several was able to point out that they are, the Aboriginal occupant Andy times, with eg commentary fn.24 and some of the descendants of Barber as ‘Darug’. Andrew, his p.260.] I disagree - it does matter. these Darkiñung people are living father and his family, were all round about where we were talking. identified in their lifetime as Contributed by Dr GE (Geoff) Darkiñung. Ford who recently published a Yet, it was not until I told him that it thesis titled Darkiñung was the same as saying Although one of Andy’s sisters’ Recognition for a Master of Arts Switzerland was part of Italy that he granddaughters was at the (Research) Degree at the showed any comprehension. graveside, she was completely Universty of Sydney disregarded in favour of politically He acknowledged the point by active people with no relationship to responding with the common the family - but who claim ancestry

HERITAGE 22 January - February 2012 Life membership for two Lithgow stalwarts THE LITHGOW & District Family History Society Inc. (LDFHS) recently had the pleasure of recognising one of its members with a very well deserved life membership.

Jan Saundercock joined the LDFHS as one of its founding members in 1986.

Over the years in her time with the society Jan has held the following positions: president, secretary, treasurer, librarian, minutes secretary, newsletter editor, indexing convenor, publishing officer, public officer and librarian which is no mean feat. Left to right LDFHS president, Eleanor Martin with life members Kathy Brennan and Jan Saundercock Jan has worked tirelessly in each her life membership at the 25th and every role she has undertaken The many cake stalls, bingo nights, anniversary luncheon in front of a and has always given 100%. garage sales just to name a few fundraising ventures which have large crowd of members and friends and her husband Brian who has Like many other committee benefitted from her involvement. It always been very supportive as members, Jan has had some very was very fitting to see Kathy receive well. trying personal times in recent years through which she still had the society’s interest at heart. Shakespeare at Everglades Jan has organised numerous THE HIGHLY successful Leura concession (with card) / free for seminars and just recently she ran Shakespeare Festival returns to children 8 years and under. a very informative day on how to Everglades for its third season in Combined show tickets available use the library which was just January 2012. but only in advance.For more fantastic. information: call (02) 9439 5683 The festival will feature two brand Bookings Essential new plays, William Shakespeare’s It was with much pleasure that the Macbeth and The Taming of the committee members congratulated Shrew. Jan and asked her to accept her badge and certificate of life The outdoor theatre festival, a membership of the Lithgow & partnership between The National District Family History Society Inc. Trust and Sport for Jove Theatre, is based at the stunning Also to receive life membership was Everglades Gardens, Leura and Kathy Brennan who joined the tours to the historic Norman society in 1989 just three years Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge. after its inception and went straight into the position of library convenor. Featuring a superb ensemble cast and directed by acclaimed Kathy has retained this position director Damien Ryan, this ever since without a break. Kathy is wonderful summer experience is very well deserved of this life not to be missed. Matinees 2pm, membership as she always puts evening performances 7pm. 100% into everything she does, and it’s not only handling the job of 2012 Season dates: llibrarian but she has many other Saturday and Sunday January 7 roles as well. and 8 at Everglades Gardens; The golden Pyrmont sandstone Friday – Sunday January 13 - 15 arch which forms the dramatic Kathy has been there for all at Everglades Gardens and; backdrop to the stage in the functions including the Festival of Friday– Sunday January 20 -22 at Garden Theatre at Everglades the Valley floats for every year the Everglades Gardens, and then was originally the recessed society had a float she participated Friday Saturday January 27 and entrance to the London Chartered in them. 28 at Norman Lindsay Bank of Australia on Sydney’s Gallery.Cost: $32 adults / $26 George Street.

HERITAGE 23 January - February 2012 Western crossing commemoration 2013-15 great ideas - thoughts - just being talked about or its really going to happen

These maps will be available on the Lithgow City Council creates 2013-15 Spatial Information Exchange (SIX). commemoration committee Landmarks Gallery LITHGOW CITY COUNCIL has owners are acknowledged in established Section 355 Committee commemorations links • to oversee activities and in Lithgow To assist Lithgow Council The National Museum of Australia is LGA to commemorate the with other councils and other developing plans to link its new Bicentenary of the Crossing of the relevant organisations Landmarks Gallery with the • Blue Mountains by Europeans in To assist council to lobby bicentenary commemorations 2013. other governments for funding and other forms of support. George Main, a curator at the Mayor Neville Castle said, “This Museum has advised that the Blue event is a highly significant one in Lithgow Council will consider Mountains is one of the landmarks the history of our nation. allocating in the 2012/2013 and the Museum will be looking at management plan funding of the consequences of the crossing, “Events are being held from Penrith $20,000 comprising $10,000 in with stories and artefacts, including through to Bathurst and as the cash and $10,000 in-kind support the Jackie Lewis breastplate. concluding point for Blaxland, towards the events. Wentworth and Lawson’s State Library expedition, Lithgow plays an The committee terms of reference important role in these specify membership of the following travelling exhibition organisations: two councillors, three commemorations.” The State Library of New South representatives from the Hartley Wales is considering a travelling District Progress Association and exhibition/display. one representative from the following groups, Blue Mountains Prof. David Carment has advised Association of Cultural Heritage when he met with Mitchell Librarian, Organisations (BMACHO), National Richard Neville, recently he (Neville Trust, Cox’s Road Project Richard) was keen to have the State Committee, Royal Australian Library participate in the Historical Society, Lithgow District bicentenary commemorations. Family History Society, Mingaan, Wiradjuri Council of Elders, Gundungurra Tribal Council, Hartley Heritage grant Vale and Mt Blaxland Reserve application Trust. The RAHS’s Council has given approval for David Carment to Joan Kent will represent BMACHO submit an application for funding of on the committee. an events website, under the Your Community Heritage grants Commemorative program Lithgow Mayor, Cr Neville Castle stamps and coins 1813 Pioneer Way Australia Post and the Australian Mayor Castle told the inaugural Mint will issue two commemorative signs meeting of the committee that there stamps and a coin for the NSW Roads and Marine Services was an over arching committee bicentenary. are trying to resurrect the old 1813 under the auspices of the Royal Pioneer Way signs. Australian Historical Society. Blue Mountains City Council was making public domain pictures The principle responsibilities of the Schools involvement available to the Mint and Australia Lithgow committee are: Penrith City Council has indicated it Post. • To monitor activities intended to invite all local schools to commemorating the Bicentenary of be involved in events in that area. the Crossing of the Blue Mountains Maps to be digitised in 1813 and the completion of Cox’s State Records of New South Wales Road in 1815. will digitise relevant maps of the The next meeting of the Western • To provide advice to crossing. Crossing Committee will be held community organisations which are at the Hobby’s Reach Research planning their own events Ian Jack has advised he has Centre 99-101 Blaxland Road, • To ensure that identified 24 maps from 1814 – Wentworth Falls at 2pm, Friday perspectives of Aboriginal traditional 1815 of the various crossings. February 17, 2012.

HERITAGE 24 January - February 2012 100 years ago this month...... Scott’s fatal journey to the Pole AN ANTARCTIC march which had On March 16 Lawrence Oates, commenced on November 1 the barely able to walk voluntarily left previous year culminated a century the tent and walked to his death., ago this month when Robert Falcon his last words being recorded in Scott and his four companions Scott’s diary: “I am just going reaching the South Pole on January outside and may be gone some 17, 1912 only to find that the time”.3 Scott’s group took this Norwegian Roald Amundsen had photograph of themselves using a preceded him by five weeks. The three remaining men, Scott, string to operate the camera Edward Wilson, and Henry Bowers shutter on the day they reached Scott’s anguish is indicated in his made their final camp on March 19, the South Pole diary: “The worst has happened. All in a fierce blizzard. On March 23 cluster of honours and medals and the day dreams must go. Great Scott made his last diary entry, and promoted to the rank of captain. God! This is an awful place. “1 it is presumed he died that day. Scott’s reputation survived the The disappointed party began the The world was informed of the period after World War 2, beyond 1300 km return journey from the tragedy when the expedition’s ship the 50th anniversary of his death. In Pole on January 19 and made good Terra Nova reached New Zealand 1966 Reginald Pound, the first progress despite poor weather, on February 10, 1913. Within days biographer given access to Scott’s completing the Polar Plateau stage Scott became a national icon. original sledging journal, revealed of the trip some 300km by February personal failings which cast a new 7. Scott had returned from his early light on Scott. expedition to the Antarctic in 1904 1. Huxley, Scott’s LST Expedition Vol. 1, On February 17, Edgar Evans died to become a popular hero, a status pp.543-44. near the foot of Beardmore Glacier.2 he held for more than 50 years after 2. Huxley, Scott’s LST Expedition Vol. 1, after an earlier fall his death. He was awarded a pp.572-73. 3. Huxley, Scott’s LST Expedition Vol. 1, p 592. BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. REGISTERED OFFICE 14 Bunnal Ave, Winmalee 2777 MEMBERSHIP The following organisations are members of E-mail: [email protected] or BMACHO: Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, [email protected] Blue Mountains City Library, Blue Mountains Cultural Heritage Website: www.bluemountains.heritage.com Centre, Blue Mountains Historical Society Inc., Blue ABN 53 994 839 952 Mountains Family History Society Inc., Blue Mountains Tourism Limited, Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, THE ORGANISATION Blue Mountains Association of Cudgegong Museums Group Inc., Eskbank Rail Heritage Cultural Organisations Inc. (BMACHO) was established Centre, Everglades Historic House & Gardens, Friends of in April 2006 following a unanimous response to a Norman Lindsay Gallery, Glenbrook & District Historical proposal from Professor Barrie Reynolds at the 2004 Society Inc., Hartley Valley District Progress Association, Blue Mountains Local History Conference which sought Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical Society Inc, Lilianfels Blue from Blue Mountains City Council the creation of a Mountains Resort, Lithgow and District Family History Society cultural heritage strategy for the city. Inc., Lithgow Mining Museum Inc., Lithgow Regional Library – Local Studies, Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum Inc, Mid- BMACHO in its constitution uses the definition: “Cultural Mountains Historical Society Inc, Mt Victoria and District heritage is all aspects of life of the peoples of the Blue Historical Society Inc., Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine History Society Mountains which was later changed to cover Lithgow and Inc. (including Turkish Bath Museum), Mudgee Historical the villages along the Bell’s Line of Roads. It therefore Society Inc., Mudgee Regional Library, National Trust of involves the recording, preserving and interpreting of Australia (NSW) - Blue Mountains Branch, National Trust of information in whatever form: documents, objects, Australia (NSW) - Lithgow Branch, Scenic World – Blue recorded memories as well as buildings and sites.” Mountains Limited, Springwood & District Historical Society Inc., Springwood Historians Inc., Transport Signal and The objectives of the organisation are: Communication Museum Inc., The Darnell Collection Pty Ltd, i. To raise public consciousness of Valley Heights Locomotive Depot and Museum, Woodford the value of cultural heritage. Academy Management Committee, Zig Zag Railway Co-op ii. To encourage and assist cultural Ltd. The following are individual members: Ray Christison, heritage activities of member organisations. Associate Professor Ian Jack, Joan Kent, John Leary OAM, iii. To initiate and support cultural John Low, Ian Milliss, Pastsy Moppett, Professor Barrie heritage activities not already covered by Reynolds, Dr Peter Rickwood and Dr Peter Stanbury OAM. member organisations. COMMITTEE The committee for 2011-12 is: Pamela Smith One of the aims of BMACHO is to bring the various (president), Ian Jack (vice president), Jan Koperberg bodies into closer contact, to encourage them to work (secretary), Joan Kent (treasurer), Jean Arthur, Doug more closely together and to provide a combined voice Knowles, John Leary, Dick Morony (public officer), Kathie on matters of importance within the heritage sector. McMahon-Nolf, Barrie Reynolds and Peter Stanbury.

HERITAGE BMACHO’s official newsletter is edited by HONORARY AUDITOR: Sue McMahon, B Comm CPA. John Leary, OAM. Blue Mountains History Journal is edited by AFFILIATIONS BMACHO is a member of the Royal Australian Historical Society Inc. Dr Peter Rickwood.

HERITAGE 25 January - February 2012