HERITAGE NEWSLETTER OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS INC. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE No. 17 Lapstone overcame insurmountable climb THE LAPSTONE ZIG ZAG was built on the Great Western Railway between 1863 and 1865, to overcome an otherwise insurmountable climb up the eastern side of the Blue Mountains.

The ruling grade was already very steep at 1 in 33 (3%). The original plan had been to build the whole line across the Blue Mountains on a completely different route through the with a 3 km long tunnel, but this was beyond the resources of the state of at the time.

The zig zag track included a now abandoned station called Lucasville which was built for the Minister for Mines, John Lucas who had a holiday home nearby. The Lapstone Zig Zag viaduct. Photograph by John Leary, OAM . May 2011 The rail route across the mountains The first crossing point after By 1910, the line was being reached as far as Wentworth Falls Lapstone Zig Zag was at Wascoe’s duplicated (made into double track) (then called Weatherboard) by 1867 Siding at what is now Glenbrook. and the “rathole” tunnel was but the Lapstone Zig Zag, soon ran The single track would contribute to replaced on a different deviation into problems: the distance a fatal accident at Emu Plains in and the Glenbrook tunnel built. between the top points and bottom 1878 where eastbound and points limited the length of trains. westbound goods trains collided. From then the lower section of the The single track also meant that track, including the historic trains travelling in opposite The deviation including a tunnel Knapsack Gully viaduct, was directions had to stop at crossing was built around1890 to replace converted into a road, the Great points. zig zag, but it Western Highway until the M4 too expressway replaced it in the mid experienced 1990s. problems as it was built at The older tunnel was converted for too steep a mushroom growing but was also grade, used by the RAAF for storage causing the during World War 2. During 1943 to locomotives to 1946 Glenbrook tunnel stored slip. chemical weapons.

Smoke also The line of the old track and became a cuttings (including the long problem for abandoned platform of Lucasville An early steam engine on the Lapstone viaduct uphill trains. station), and the old Knapsack Gully drawing empty sheep wagons returning from bridge is now a popular Homebush saleyards. Image: ‘Full Steam Ahead Across the bushwalking track. Mountains’ by Peter Belbin and David Burke. Methuen 1981 This article was compiled by John Leary, OAM. page 28 Source: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapstone_Zig_Zag

HERITAGE 1 September - October 2011 Contents...... An opinion from the editor...... HERITAGE September-October Is it time to engage more 2011 *P1 Lapstone Zig Zag with the world’s oldest overcame insur- mountable climb *P2 Is it time to engage living cultural heritage? more with the OFTEN WHEN THE CULTURAL Put more adequately, cultural heritage world’s oldest living heritage of the Australian Aboriginal is is seen as ‘the total ways of living built cultural heritage? discussed, it is done so, in almost up by a group of human beings, which *P3 Local historian hushed tones as if those who have is passed from one generation to the provides images come to this country since the next, given to them by reason of their for Hazelbrook European colonisation, are either birth’. community mural ashamed of the treatment received by *P3 The gentle art of the indigenous people or alternatively Aboriginal cultures are complex and preparing grant that this culture reaching back almost diverse. The indigenous cultures of applications 50,000 years, is so bound up in are the oldest living cultural *P3 RAHS has new CEO mystery that it its exploration is just too history in the world - they go back at *P4 A gift to the horses difficult. least 50,000 years and some argue of Lawson closer to 65,000 years. *P6 Land records workshop In Australia, indigenous communities keep their cultural heritage alive by One of the reasons Aboriginal cultures *P7 Governor appoints have survived for so long is their ability French exile as passing their knowledge, arts, rituals and performances from one generation to adapt and change over time. It was ambassador to king this affinity with their surroundings that of the mountains to another with land being fundamental to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people. goes a long way to explaining how *P11 Miles Franklin her Aboriginal people survived for so many life and legacy millennia. *P12 Former governor Of course, there are many genuinely sensitive issues that create who visited The apparently simple lifestyle of Springwood for golf unavoidable barriers in a wider communication. Aboriginal people also resulted in two outed and banished misconceptions - that Aboriginal people *P14 Keneally to speak at There are those who consider the were culturally uniform, (despite having history forum Australian Aboriginal cultural heritage 600 languages) and that they had so * P14 Welcome to new has been too politicised and it is little attachment to the land, and made member reasonable to accept there are so little use of it that James Cook could *P15 Bouquets for antagonists, activists and apologists practise the sleight of hand of HERITAGE who have inflamed the subject with the describing the continent as terra nullius *P15 Naomi Parry has left result that this rich cultural heritage is (empty land) even though his landings *P16 The sillhouettes man 1 not properly understood by generations were opposed with spears and fire *P16 Woodford Academy of new comers to this continent. book bonanza Archaeological work in Australia has led *P16 Lacemaking On the other hand there are to the gradual discovery that Aboriginal demonstration organisations such as the Australian people had indeed, as they said, been *P17 Leading historian as Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait here a very long time. Both the Dharug keynote speaker for Islander Studies which have done and Gundungurra people are known to 2012 conference much to open up discourse have inhabited this region well before *P17 Vintage and Retro at the coming of Europeans and a great Everglades In most local history societies there is many of them still live in the Blue *P18 Everglades open for a passing reference to the indigenous Mountains region. Leura garden people in the records and the research festival undertaken by the societies’ members; Perhaps it is now time for organisations *P18 1890s Tarella venue but with the exception of those groups such as BMACHO to encourage local for fuschia show established by Australian Aboriginal historians and those interested in *P19 Methodist preachers people and a few academics there cultural heritage to better engage with also led Lithgow seems to be very little real information those living members of the indigenous miners’ union and research available in this region. people so that assistance may be *P20 Waradah Goomeda provided for future generations. exhibition at Mount BMACHO in its constitution uses the Tomah definition: ‘Cultural heritage is all John Leary, OAM - Past president, *P21 Defence sites aspects of life of the peoples of [this Blue Mountains Association of heritage listed region]’. Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc. *P22 Western crossing 1 Horton, DR, Unity and Diversity: The history *P23 Naval wrecks on and culture of Aboriginal Australia heritage lists

HERITAGE 2 September- October 2011 Local historian provides images for Hazelbrook community mural LOCAL HISTORIAN Ken Goodlet (pictured) points out features of historical interest on the new eastern wall mural of the underpass west of Hazelbrook Station.

The section of the mural in this picture shows from from left, Joseph and Florence Taggart’s woodcutter’s hut of 1912 from where they conducted their wood carrying and saw bench business on the north western corner of the and Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook.

Behind Ken Goodlet is young Ivy and Hazel Denham with Minnie Adams on the first Hazelbrook Station, about 1900

On the left of the mural are an indigenous rock image of a Hazelbrook service station, in snow, Funded by the state government kangaroo, found near Queens Rd late 1920s; and Carl and Emma and local councillors, resourced by Lawson and a rock hands-painting Liebrand working on their Oaklands the Hazelbrook Association from a site north of Hazelbrook (not Farm, around 1900. members, and guided by local artist in picture). Michael Lynn, young people This is all set against a backdrop of designed and painted the mural. To the right of the Hazelbrook bushfires, a constant preoccupation Photograph by John Leary, OAM August Station image is, the first of local residents. 2011 THE GENTLE ART OF PREPARING RAHS HAS NEW GRANT APPLICATIONS CEO THE ROYAL Australian Historical Society (RAHS) has a new CEO, A practical guide to the planning and completion of Maria Walsh heritage grant applications and how to avoid some of the pitfalls. Plus dealing with what comes next. President of the RAHS, Professor David Carment said, “Ms Walsh’s appointment follows the 2010 RAHS A free seminar to be given by Barrie Reynolds, Organisational Review. BMACHO’s grants officer “With a wealth of experience in both Tuesday, 4 October, 2011, from 10 am to 12.30. the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, Maria brings to the society Refreshments. the leadership skills to take us into the next phase of our development.” Location: Blue Mountains Historical Society, Hobby’s Reach, 99-101 Blaxland Road Wentworth Falls. “I am honoured to have been appointed to lead this truly magnificent and unique Prior registration essential. organisation,” said Maria Walsh.

Further information and registration: “I have worked with national Phone/email Barrie Reynolds, 4757 4725 volunteer-based organisations and I pay tribute to the passion and [email protected] community spirit of the 33,000 volunteers who work tirelessly for the benefit of the RAHS’ association members.”

HERITAGE 3 September - October 2011 A gift to the horses of Lawson By John Low

THERE ARE SEVERAL early photographs of Douglass Square in Lawson where the shops and the Blue Mountain Hotel are prominently depicted.

My eye, nevertheless, is always drawn to the centre foreground where a horse hitched to a cart is drinking from a water trough at the edge of a grass plot near the intersection of Honour Avenue and the Western Road.

The trough was handed over to the town at a small ceremony in early December 1921 by prominent Lawson resident and former Lord Mayor of , RD Meagher.

He was standing in for his wife, Alice, who had initiated and funded the project but was too ill to attend.

The central place occupied by the horse trough in these photographs The Lawson horse trough. Photograph by John Low 2007 underscores the important function Alice Maude Osmond was born in “cantankerous” nature of her it performed in the community at the New Zealand ca.1862 to Mary (nee husband’s temperament. time. Marsh) and John Osmond, a brewery manager. In the early years of their marriage, In the years following World War I, Meagher’s flawed handling of the working horses were still an She appears to have crossed the defence of George Dean, a ferry everyday sight on the streets of our Tasman in the late 1880s and may boat captain accused of poisoning cities and towns and their welfare have been the Miss A Osmond who his wife, dragged them into financial remained an object of a ran a tobacconist business in ruin and public humiliation when, in compassionate concern that had Hunter Street, Sydney, during the 1896, he was charged with begun in earnest with the years 1889 to 1891, though this has conspiracy, struck off the roll of establishment of the NSW Society not been confirmed. solicitors and forced to resign his for the Prevention of Cruelty to seat in parliament. Animals* in 1873. On January 26, 1891, aged 29, she married a young (25) Bathurst-born Then, in 1898, as he was just An important component of this solicitor, Richard Denis Meagher, at beginning to re-establish his concern had always been the St Francis Church, Paddington. The political career, he took offence at a provision of appropriate watering couple established their home, comment by the even more facilities. ‘Fernleigh’, in Bennett Street, Bondi. ‘colourful’ , editor of the Truth newspaper. While city and municipal authorities RD Meagher, a devout Irish Catholic were lobbied regularly and offered with political ambitions and a flair Armed with a greenhide whip, practical advice and designs, the for flowery and sometimes caustic Meagher ambushed the hapless society also solicited contributions oratory, was by this time already an editor at lunch time in Pitt Street from its own supporters to finance identity around town. and proceeded to thrash him the erection of troughs and severely. encouraged its more affluent Employed in the legal firm of members to personally donate another pugnacious Irish Catholic, Norton took refuge behind a lamp horse troughs in their local areas. William ‘Paddy’ Crick, he became a post, drew his revolver and fired at partner in 1892 and won a seat in the fleeing politician who leapt into Even as late as 1919 the society parliament in 1895. a passing cab and escaped. was still reporting in its annual report that “much remains to be Life for the wife of this ‘colourful’ The episode caused a sensation done”. Its pleas found a responsive figure was never going to be easy and Alice, already a veteran of benefactor in Mrs RD Meagher. and in the ensuing years she defending her house from besieging weathered a number of very public journalists, must have despaired of storms blown up by the ever leading a normal life.

HERITAGE 4 September- October 2011 Meagher, nevertheless, escaped Anzac Parade (1917) and her name Mary Immaculate, Waverley, on the gaol again and continued to rebuild is inscribed on the memorial following Friday afternoon and she a career which, in subsequent obelisk. was buried in . years, followed a long trajectory of service in both local government, As lady mayoress she supported Both Alice and Richard Meagher the NSW State Parliament and, her husband’s efforts to raise men were devout Catholics and, having though not reinstated to the roll of and money for the war and, when a no children, made plans to use their solicitors until 1920, the law. transport strike erupted during the property for the benefit of their second year of his term, embarked religion. upon a tireless fund-raising ...escaped campaign to relieve the distress of Alice especially wanted part of their the strikers’ families. land at Lawson to become the site for a new Catholic Church and gaol In 1920, hoping that his wife might hoped that ultimately ‘Durham benefit from the upland climate and Lodge’ would go to the Franciscans. clean mountain air, Richard again to Meagher purchased ‘Yarrowee’, a While the latter was not to be, substantial sandstone cottage on 5 following her death her husband acres of land fronting the Western purchased the neighbouring rebuild a Road at Lawson. property, donated both it and ‘Durham Lodge’ to the church, and They renamed their new country helped finance the building of a career in home ‘Durham Lodge’ and even substantial church dedicated to Our here, though increasingly an invalid, Lady of the Nativity. Alice’s social conscience found politics... further expression. The new church was consecrated on April 7, 1929 and stands as a Throughout this very public life their Few passing swagmen, tramping memorial to the life of Alice marriage remained solid, resting the Western Road in search of Meagher, “a good citizen, clearly upon a strong foundation of work, left her door empty-handed. philanthropist and an ever-willing mutual devotion. Also, as a life member of the NSW worker in all public causes”. SPCA, she soon spotted the Added to the worries of her absence of a community horse Her horse trough was later moved husband’s occasional public trough. to the eastern side of Honour transgressions, Alice’s health had Avenue and may soon, I always been fragile. In August 1921 she approached the understand, be relocated again as Blue Mountains Shire Council with part of the current refurbishment of Despite this, she played her part in an offer to cover the cost of a water Douglass Square. public life with enthusiasm and trough for the horses of Lawson. commitment. Hopefully, it too will stand for many Council agreed and instructed its years to come as a further, if more During the time her husband served engineer to prepare an appropriate humble, memorial to her as Sydney’s first Labor Lord Mayor design. By December it had been compassion and concern for (1916-17) she opened the new erected and, following the small animals. dedication ceremony already mentioned, became operational. References: • The Blue Mountain Echo, 9 Uncommented upon but common to December, 1921; 27 April 1923; 11 April, many troughs of the period, it also 1924 • The Nepean Times, 6 August seems to have incorporated a lower 1921 basin to satisfy the thirst of the local • The Sydney Morning Herald, dogs. 10 October, 1895; 11 April, 1924 • Bentley, S.J. Christmas At both ends marble plaques Swamp: A History of Lawson, bearing the following inscription Springwood NSW: Springwood Historical were attached: Society, 1986 • Fisher, Valerie & Fallon, “For the Dumb Friends of Man Margaret. Archival Record: Horse Trough Lawson, [Sydney]: Integrated Presented to the Design Associates, 2008 Blue Mountains Shire Council • Hungerford, M.E. & Donald, By Mrs. R. D. Meagher J.K. Exploring the Blue Mountains, Lawson – 1921" Kenthurst: Kangaroo Press, 1982, p.76 • Kullas, Henry & Azucena A. Alice Meagher died just over two Sixtieth Anniversary of the Lawson years later, on the evening of Parish: An Insight into the Story of the Wednesday April 9, 1924 at the Lawson Parish, Lawson, NSW: The Lord Mayoress of Sydney, Mrs RD Authors, 1989 Meagher ca 1917 Portrait Lewisham Private Hospital. Her courtesy Archives funeral was held at the Church of Continued page 6

HERITAGE 5 September - October 2011 Horse trough to move to Douglass Square Lawson Continued from page 5 • MacCulloch, Jennifer. Creatures of Culture: the Animal Protection and Preservation Movements in Sydney, 1880-1930, University of Sydney, 1994 (unpublished PhD Thesis). • Nairn, Bede. “Meagher, Richard Denis (Dick) (1886-1931), Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol. 10, MUP, 1988 • Pearl, Cyril. Wild Men of Sydney, Sydney: A&R, 1977 * Formed in 1873 as the NSW Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, it became the Animal Protection Society NSW in 1879. It reverted to its original title again in 1918 before being granted permission to use The Lawson shopping centre circa 1920s. In the centre foreground a ‘Royal’ in 1923 and becoming the horse hitched to a cart, drinking from the water trough. organisation we know today as the RSPCA. Rail Museum Land records workshop A LAND RECORDS workshop will has generously supported the needs be conducted on Sunday, October workshop, and this donation has 16, 2011 for members of allowed the RAHS to run the volunteers BMACHO. workshop for historians and VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED to members of its affiliated societies work in the Valley Heights The workshop will be held at the in locations across NSW. Locomotive Heritage Depot Blue Mountains Historical Society Museum Shop. Some experience Hobby’s Reach Research Rooms, The presenter for this workshop, with cash handling, catering, food 99-101 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Lesley Muir is a librarian, and handling or customer service would Falls commencing at 1.30 pm to senior vice-president of the be an advantage but is not 2.30 pm (approx presentation Royal Australian Historical essential. time). Society, with thirty years’ experience in land research. All training will be provided. Digital technology has revolutionised the way historians She has a PhD in historical The role involves ticket sales to can research land. geography from the University of customers, retail sales of the Sydney; her thesis, Shady Acres: museum’s range of souvenirs and It is now possible to find cadastral Politicians, Developers and the memorabilia, as well as information online for any piece of Design of Sydney’s Public refreshments including tea/coffee land in NSW, and to trace its Transport System 1873-1895, and light snacks. ownership, at least under Torrens was about the growth of Sydney Title, via the web. and its suburbs in the late The museum is looking for diligent Victorian era. and reliable people with a friendly Within the next four years, Old outgoing nature who like dealing System Title records, as well as Admission to the workshop will with people. the vast resources of the Lands be by gold coin donation to Blue Department, maps, plans and Mountains Historical Society. The museum is open on the second survey records, will also be Afternoon tea will be provided, at and fourth Sundays of each month, available on the internet. participants expense, $3 or $5, as well as additional Sundays by members of BMHS during public holidays from 10am to Libraries and archives too, led by 4pm. the National Library of Australia, The presentation on USB stick have active map digitisation can be purchased for the price of Volunteers working in the shop programs. the USB stick, on the day and would be expected to be available then societies or organisation from 8.30am to approximately The Royal Australian Historical can practice at their own leisure. 4.30pm on open days. You will be Society has designed a workshop expected to be available to be for local and family historians to Those wishing to attend, should rostered every 2nd or 3rd open day. demonstrate how to find these contact Jan Koperberg by resources and use them in phoning 02 4754 1544 or email Anyone interested in this voluntary research. [email protected] opportunity should, Steve Corrigan on 4759 1980 or A benefactor who believes in the [email protected] importance of community history

HERITAGE 6 September- October 2011 Governor appoints French exile as ambassador to king of the mountains

PROLOGUE. When I set out to write this piece about Francis Louis Barrallier who explored the Blue Mountains some 11 years before the three explorers who have been credited with the being the first Europeans to cross the Blue Mountains, I started by researching his Journal.

Barrallier’s Journal although detailed in many places was for me tantalisingly ambiguous. I turned then to Andy Macqueen’s The life and journeys of Barrallier only to be totally absorbed in the delightful style of this Blue Mountain’s historian and narrator. So much so, that some of which follows is direct quotes from his book.

The fascination surrounding Barrallier has been heightened by the fact that his Blue Mountains route lay in country which is still wild today. 1 Much of it is now of course, the Blue Mountains World Heritage site.

Having bushwalked this country from the Nattai across to Yeranderie well before the was built isolating this silver mining village, then down into the swift flowing Kowmung’s pebble strewn bed to camp overnight at its junction with Christys Creek, on to the tumbling Johnston Falls and finally to view the splendour of the sandstone Kanangra Walls from the valley floor; like Andy Macqueen, I too have encountered the spirit of the Mountain King albeit some 148 years later than Barrallier. ... John Leary OAM

A FRENCH FUGITIVE from the with royalist sympathies who after influential role in the administration early days of the notorious career of the capture of Toulon, an important of the colony. Mediterranean strategic naval base, Napoleon Bonaparte, who went on It had been formed in in in 1793 was evacuated with his to create over two decades of 1789 as a permanent regiment to father and two brothers, Joseph and turmoil in Europe, Francis Louis relieve the marines who had Peter. Barrallier (1773-1853) was to make accompanied the First Fleet to his mark in Australian history in the Australia. short, 34 months he was in the He and his brothers were off-loaded in Italy. However, his father soon colony. Because of the remoteness and found employment with the British unpopularity of the posting they Barrallier was to explore several Navy as a surveyor. were composed of officers on half areas of the colony, but it is his trek pay, troublemakers, soldiers paroled into the Blue Mountains, from the Francis was not at first so lucky as from military prisons and those with south near the some 11 his father, but his father appears to few prospects, who were gambling years before the three explorers have had connections with the on making a life for themselves in who are credited with being the first English aristocracy which led to the the new colony. Europeans to cross the Blue then 26 year old, Francis being able Mountains, which has created most to travel in late1799 to the fledgling Many were incompetent or corrupt interest. colony of New South Wales with the newly appointed governor, Phillip and most seem to have been involved in private dealings.These He didn’t succeed in crossing the Gidley King. same officers were to serve as Blue Mountains, but nor did others magistrates.2 and when it was eventually done it Barrallier arrived in Port Jackson on was by a far easier route than that board the whaler Speedy on April At the heart of the problem was the chosen for Barrallier’s exploration. 15, 1800 a mere 12 years after the colony was first founded then the notorious rum trade and Governor Hunter who was in office when Francois Barrallier was the son of a New South Wales Corps (aka The Barrallier arrived, was finding French naval surveyor, presumably Rum Corps) had assumed an himself powerless to control the situation which deteriorated further under the new governor, King.

This was the climate to which Barrallier who spoke little or no English arrived. In July, 1800 because of the lack of commissioned officers available for duty, the governor appointed Barrallier an ensign in the New South Wales Corps, ‘until His The Anglo-Spanish fleet entering Toulon in 1793 Majesty’s pleasure be known’.

HERITAGE 7 September - October 2011 Continued from page 7 According to Andy Macqueen’s research despite the privileges, Barrallier did not like being in the army.

Clearly he thought he had better things to do with his life than put up with the types of men who dominated the military.

Perhaps he was too proud and arrogant for them; more likely, as a loner, he simply did not want to fit in with the military culture.3

Barrallier soon began to make a name for himself as an explorer, in March 1801 accompanying Lieutenant James Grant on the Lady Nelson to further explore Bass Kanangra Walls. Had Barrallier followed available ridge routes from the Strait. , he could have reached here and gone on to cross the mountains near and Oberon. Photograph courtesy He was responsible for charting James Lamb 2002 Western Port the large tidal bay in In 1795 Everingham, Ramsay and The first was a reconnaissance for south eastern Victoria. Reid may have reached Mount the main expedition and took place Irvine. in September or early October The bay opening into Bass Strait 1802. was first seen by George Bass in 1798 mapping the coast between He with six or seven European men, Wilson’s Promontory and Western ‘...their two Aborigines and two horses Port. appear to have set off from Richmond. In June a voyage with Grant was supposed made to the Hunter River, where He headed southward up the Barrallier made a survey of Coal valley, presumably River (Newcastle). looking for an obvious break in the easy road to mountains. Within a further two months the governor appointed him acting Eventually, after travelling more engineer and artillery officer in China did not than 50 kilometres, he turned place of Captain Edward Abbot who westward, crossing the Razorback had resigned. range between Camden and Picton. His duties involved the maintenance exist.’ He then discovered the Nattai River and improvement of Sydney’s before returning by a more direct From the south in 1796 Bass seems defences. route to Parramatta. to have tackled the mountains in the He designed the citadel, Fort Phillip, same general direction as Barrallier. He decided that the depot for his which King planned to build on the main expedition should be located The emancipated convict Wilson highest windmill hill in Sydney. at a place called ‘Nattai’, some 13 made two trips in 1798 towards kilometres from Picton.5 There had been several recorded Goulburn. attempts by Europeans to cross the About this time disputes between These were ordered by Governor Blue Mountains in the 14 years King and the New South Wales Hunter who wanted to prove to before Barrallier came along, the Corps caused Colonel William some troublesome Irish convicts earliest being by Lieutenant Dawes Paterson to demand Barrallier’s that their supposed easy road to in 1789 who had got as far as return to regimental duty and in China did not exist.4 Mount Twiss near Linden. deference to Paterson’s protest, the governor relieved Barrallier of his Next came Barrallier who Governor In 1793 Colonel Paterson had tried extra-regimental duties on October King had originally planned to send to sail up the but was 8, 1802. into the mountains in March 1802, stopped by boulder strewn rapids. but the journey was deferred Hacking, in 1794 was reported to However, ten days after ordering because of wet weather. have penetrated ‘further than Barrallier back to the regiment, King appointed him his aide-de-camp, anyone before’. Barrallier actually made two and so made it possible for him to expeditions to the mountains. be sent exploring again.

HERITAGE 8 September- October 2011 Continued from page 8 most every day during the Barrallier because of the hairless For some reason, perhaps to tweak expedition. patch on his head, when his mother the noses of the New South Wales dropped him in a fire when he was a Corps, in order to get his way King From the depot, Barrallier made baby. resorted to a rather comical three separate excursions down to subterfuge: he pulled rank on the Nattai River which was followed By the fourth night out from the Paterson, claimed Barrallier as his to the junction of the Wollondilly depot the party thought they were aide-de-camp and ‘sent him on an River. virtually through the mountains but embassy to the King of the they were soon to be disillusioned. Mountains’ although the governor On the first of these excursions he clearly had the objective of finding a met up with a party of Aborigines, On the fifth night out they camped crossing.6 including the tribal chief Goondel. nearby to the junction of the Kowmung and Christys Creek.10 Barrallier’s second expedition left Parramatta on November 4, 1802 The spot represents a favourite with a wagon drawn by two Barrallier camp site of the more intrepid bullocks, which was to take supplies bushwalkers of today, as the as far as the Nattai depot the site recorded day- Kowmung River remains one of the selected on the previous expedition. few virtually pristine rivers in the to-day life of Sydney region. The party comprised Barrallier, four soldiers, five convicts and the On the morning of November 27, Aborigine Gogy with his wife and Aboriginals Barrallier sent two men up one of child. Gogy was the best known of the adjoining mountains; on their the Dharawal. return they reported that it was hopeless to follow the ridges as all He had been outlawed from his clan that could be seen were separate for killing and had taken refuge with and unjoined mountains. Goondel’s family. Goondel’s hospitality did not incur long lasting Had the party climbed Joalah gratitude. Mountain, on the other side of Christys Creek and followed the Gogy and three of his people Boyd Range — or indeed had they caught a woman from Goondel’s followed the Bullhead Ridge on clan near Nattai, tied her to a tree which the men stood, a viable route and killed her, removing some would have been found. flesh.7 They continued on to follow Christys Later there may have been as many Creek to Wheengee Whungee as 20 at the depot and it is to Creek which they then negotiated Barrallier’s credit that there was no until they reached what is now uprisings, desertions or serious Johnston Falls which Barrallier incidents other than that which inspected and decided they were involved Gogy’s wife.8 impassable. He had hoped to obtain advice Their route took them past the site about the route across the Returning to the Kowmung, they of Campbelltown (to be named by mountains from one of the chief’s camped the night returning to the Governor Macquarie in honour of men but a quarrel developed Nattai depot 5 days later. his wife’s maiden name) then between Gogy and Goondel’s crossing the Nepean River near people, apparently because of And so Barrallier and his party had Menangle. Gogy’s earlier involvement in the reached a point further west than murder of a woman from Goondel’s Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson Skirting the Razorback Range they tribe. would do almost 11 years later. passed Picton arriving at the depot on November 9. Barrallier valued Gogy’s service Andy Macqueen in his book, The highly so they returned to the depot life and journeys of Barrallier 1773- En route they encountered without the advice he hoped to have 1853 observes; ‘Perhaps, Aborigines who had never before gained. Barrallier’s journal has been more seen white men and expressed fear noted for its extensive and detailed and astonishment at Barrallier and Barrallier’s second excursion left observations of the Aborigines who his wagon with wheels.9 from the depot on November 22, accompanied him or whom he met, took 12 days and was his most than for its description of the route. At the depot several bark huts had significant. been constructed with the ‘Barrallier’s writing is quoted or assistance of the Aborigines. This time the party consisted of referred to in a variety of works Barrallier, five of his men and two concerning the Aboriginal culture of As the party travelled without tents young Aborigines Badbury and Le the region.’ bark huts were used for shelter on Tonsure. The latter so-named by Continued from page 10

HERITAGE 9 September - October 2011 ‘Apart from numerous colourful He simply recorded them honestly In a sense he found him. He found descriptions of the day-to-day life of in the same way he recorded his that spirit of the earth which the Aborigines, such as in hunting fear of the cliffs or the nature of the conjured up dreadful barriers and and food gathering , he has much to vegetation. But he was clearly hardships, but at the same time say about their behaviour and fascinated and shocked. 11 tantalized him with glimpses of character. beauty and mystery. Untouched by Macqueen’s view of Barrallier as an “civilized man”. ‘A prime subject for this is his observer is shared by Ross assistant Gogy, who in the end Brownscombe in his book, On Barrallier was to fall out with proved much trouble to Barrallier. Suspect Terrain where he writes Governor King and left the colony about the extensive descriptions by on May 17 or 18, 1803, the colony ‘Firstly, there was the episode in Barrallier of the Australians of the having been in some turmoil in the which Gogy became terrified of the Nattai and Wollondilly Rivers. months after Barrallier’s return from chief Goondel and his men, the Blue Mountains. apparently because Gogy had ‘These were made at a time when previously been involved in the the indigenous owners of what King had fallen out with the senior murder of a woman from Goondel’s would later become known as the officers of the Corps and had been tribe — possibly Goondel’s own Cumberland Plain and Burragorang subjected to a campaign of slander. sister. Valley were on the cusp of oblivion, in the fading years of their mastery Even though the British were no ‘In order to appease Gogy of the region. longer at war with the French there [Barrallier] was forced to terminate were many who believed all the first excursion. ‘What Barrallier captures is the Frenchmen in the colony were epitaph of a proud people not yet spies. ‘Later, Gogy went into a lengthy corrupted, not yet pathetic, still rage in the belief that one of immersed in the normal rhythms of Barrallier had continued to be Barrallier’s men had seduced his their culture.’ King’s aide-de-camp while still wife. being an officer of the Corps and so ‘His journal is unique in the annals Barrallier somehow became ‘Gogy clubbed his wife severely, at of early Australian exploration in involved in one of King’s many one stage knocking her out and that the land he explores is crises. speared her in the thighs. This inhabited, occupied by people using whole episode makes appalling its productions, manipulating the Whatever the real circumstances reading.’ environment and he takes the concerning Barrallier’s resignation trouble to distinguish them, to give from the Corps it seems he was There is no reason to doubt the each an individuality, with physical treated unjustly. veracity of Barrallier’s description of [the Aborigine Le Tonsure] and such events. psychological idiosyncrasies and He returned to England and three characteristics.’12 years later at the age of 33 set sail for the West Indies where he ...epitaph of Barrallier might not have found a remained for 11 years. way over the mountains for King but a proud in Macqueen’s belief, Barrallier went In May 1805, he was appointed a to see the King of the Mountains. lieutenant in the 90th Regiment, people... and served at St Vincent in 1806, where he improved the defences.

In 1809 he became a captain in the 101st Regiment, and as assistant engineer was present at the capture of Martinique.

He was appointed aide-de-camp to the commander-in-chief in 1809.

He participated in the invasion of Guadeloupe in 1810, and in 1812 was ordered to make a military map of Barbados, which took him five years to complete.

In 1813 he was appointed deputy assistant quartermaster general under Sir James Leith, next year he An Aboriginal mia mia [bark hut] and encampment by an unknown was present at the second attack on artist. The above drawing and the one on the preceding page Guadeloupe, which led to its appeared in ‘Historic Blue Mountains 1813-1938’ published by the capture, and then was appointed Blue Mountains Shire Council. surveyor-general of Guadeloupe.

HERITAGE 10 September- October 2011 Valley Heights rail depot centenary THE VALLEY HEIGHTS locomotive It is proposed that a series of day committee is working on a business depot will be 100 years old in events will run over the 8 months plan to sell the attractions of the December 2013. period. museum, the historical significance of the locomotive depot and the Already a centenary committee of The events being scheduled include centenary events. the Blue Mountains Division, NSW a number of train visits from fellow Rail Transport Museum is planning heritage operators running tours to The Roundhouse closed as an celebrations which will run through Valley Heights, opportunities to operating depot in 1988 and a from December 2013 until July operate shuttle services for locals, dedicated membership has 2014. Lapstone Zig Zag walks, model maintained this heritage property. railway exhibition, railway film weekend, to name a few.

Celebrations will ‘officially’ kick off in January 2014 when dignitaries will be invited to officially open the museum. The committee has set dates for these events which will be subject to funding.

To engage the interest of local and corporate businesses the Valley Heights depot circa 1950s Barrallier died aged 80 Miles Franklin, Continued from page 10 Publishing, . 1975. her life and In 1817 he returned to London and, 11 Macqueen, Andy, Blue Mountains to after various periods of service in Bridgetown. The life and journeys of Barrallier 1773 – 1853, p.94. legacy the 33rd Regiment and 25th Light 12 Dragoons on and off half-pay, he On Suspect Terrain, Journals of PROFESSOR JILL ROE the Exploration in the Blue Mountains 1795- guest speaker at the October 1 became a brevet major in 1830 and 1820 selected and edited by Ross a brevet lieutenant-colonel in 1846. Brownscombe, p.21. meeting of the Blue Mountains 13 http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/ Historical Society has chosen as On July 31, 1819 he had married barrallier-francis-louis-1745 her subject, Miles Franklin, Her Isobel Skyrme at St Mary’s, Life and Legacy Lambeth, Surrey. He died on June The brief commentary of this article 11, 1853 at his home in London, at acknowledges the plotting of Professor Roe is a leading the age of 80.13 Barrallier’s exploration by RH authority on the life and work of FOOTNOTES Cambage, R Else-Mitchell, Ernest Miles Franklin. 1 Macqueen, Andy, Blue Mountains to Moxley, Alan EJ Andrews, Chris Bridgetown. The life and journeys of Cunningham and Ross In this talk, scheduled to Barrallier 1773 – 1853 Andy Macqueen Brownscombe. commence at 10am, she will 1993, p6. present highlights of Miles 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wikiNew_ Although there is much speculation Franklin’s adventurous life and South-Wales_Corps most of it having been tested on the offer an outline of her legacies, 3 Macqueen, Andy, Blue Mountains ground as to the exact route of with particular reference to the to Bridgetown. The life and journeys of Barrallier’s trips, I particularly Miles Franklin Literary Award, by Barrallier 1773 – 1853, p.34. now Australia’s most illustrious 4 ibid., p.67. acknowledge the veracity of the (and sometimes contentious) 5 ibid., p.69. conclusions Andy Macqueen has 6 On suspect terrain, Journals of arrived at in his text, Blue literary prize. Exploration in the Blue Mountains 1795- Mountains to Bridgetown. The life 1820 selected and edited by Ross and journeys of Barrallier 1773 – Jill Roe’s prize-winning Brownscombe, p.89. 1853. I appreciate and thank Andy biography, Stella Miles Franklin: 7 Liston, Carol, Campbelltown – the for his assistance in, as he puts it, A Life, is now available in bicentennial history, Council of the City ‘giving the Barrallier story another paperback and as an e-book and of Campbelltown 1988, p.6. dusting off.’ Unfortunately his book she has recently published a new 8 Macqueen, Andy, Blue Mountains to is out of print and no longer edition of My Congenials: Miles Bridgetown. The life and journeys of Franklin and Friends in Letters. Barrallier 1773 – 1853, p.72. available for purchase. 9 ibid., p.74. For further information contact 10 Barrallier, Francis, 1773-1853,Journal I also thank Jan Koperberg for her Susan Warmbath, 4757 3402 or of the expedition into the Interior of New continued assistance in sourcing John Low, 4782 3751 South Wales in 1802: by order of His images from the NSW State Library, Excellency Governor Philip Gidley King/ the National Library of Australia and byFrancis Barrallier. Marsh Walsh elsewhere.

HERITAGE 11 September - October 2011 Former Governor who visited Springwood for golf ‘outed’ and banished by Pamela Smith Scandal that shook Brideshead, that Evelyn Waugh used William WHAT DO EVELYN WAUGH’S Lygon as his model for ‘Lord novel Brideshead Revisited; the Marchmain’ and son Hugo as the Honorable William Lygon, 7th Earl model for ‘Sebastian.’4 Mulvagh Beauchamp (Governor of New stated the Lygons - who provided South Wales 1899-1901), and Hugh the inspiration for the ‘doomed D McIntosh (the controversial aristocratic family in Waugh’s novel’ boxing promoter/entrepreneur and – put up a united front (except for parliamentarian) have in common. his wife) when William was outed in June 1931.5 More precisely, what have they to do with Springwood? An article in William had married Lady Lettice the Nepean Times provided a clue. Mary Elizabeth Grosvenor in 1902, the daughter of Earl Grosvenor and On March 11, 1933 the Nepean accounts of his life, despite his Times related how, on Saturday sexual proclivities, credit William February 25, the Right Honorable. with being a loving husband and a Earl Beauchamp KC drove the first devoted father to his seven ball when he conducted the official children.6 opening of the Bon Accord Golf Links at Springwood.1 Nevertheless, fearing the outcome of the scandal on his friend, King Among the well-heeled guests were George entrusted Lord Stanmore locals Dr and Mrs Baxter, Percy and two other Knights of the Garter, Dawson, David Rogalsky and the with the task of presenting William Blue Mountains shire president, with very limited options. Councillor Percy Wilson.2 Other guests included Hugh Lygon He was advised to resign from all (Beauchamp’s son), the well known his official posts and leave England Lord Beauchamp as Governor of NSW in 1899. Drawing by Leslie Ward Macquarie Street specialist, Dr. immediately because if he remained Sydney Jones and wife and Mrs. the assured alternative would have Sadly, William thought that his exile White who was the sister of Sir been imminent arrest, a trial in the would be short-lived, but David Daniel Levy.3 House of Lords and certain Dutton observed that in the years imprisonment. Homosexuality was that followed William lived a It had been barely two years since still a criminal offence. ‘somewhat pathetic peripatetic William Lygon, who, in his bachelor existence.’8 days served as the Governor of William did consider suicide but NSW, had been outed and eventually fled to Wiesbaden where Evelyn Waugh - an Oxford friend to banished from England because of he was convinced by members of one of William’s sons - arrived at his homosexual inclinations. his family to put all thoughts of Madresfield shortly after his ending his life aside.7 departure and later immortalised the Jane Mulvagh suggested, in recent Lygons in the novel Brideshead years, in an article entitled The Revisited.9

It would seem that William’s outing had been a long time coming however, and interestingly Mulvagh blamed Australia for his final ‘undoing.’

His sexual tendencies became common knowledge when he visited in August 1930, as part of a round- the-world trip.10

Accompanying William was a servant from Madresfield and Robert Bernays - a young Liberal MP - who acted as his speechwriter both said to be his current Bon Accord where the former NSW governor officially opened favourites. the golf links Continued page 13

HERITAGE 12 September- October 2011 Continued from page 12 Kitchener, and extravagantly re-laid of Bon Accord and Rose Lindsay, Unfortunately, William’s ‘varied sex- its cricket pitch with soil from Bulli in wife of Norman, was particularly life’ was reported back to his New South Wales.16 fond of him and invited him to her brother-in-law, the Duke of soirees.22 Westminster, who then passed the McIntosh was a remarkable man; news on to the King. he moved easily in political, high Brideshead Revisited became a society and theatrical circles, and book and then a television drama, Mulvagh suggested however, that rubbed shoulders with people like the still exiled William Lygon died in Beauchamp’s indiscretions had not HG Wells, Nellie Melba, Anna the Waldorf Astoria Hotel New York gone un-noticed even during his Pavlova and Oscar Ashe, and on November 15, 1938, and Hugh tenure as Governor of New South promoted artists like Roy Rene, McIntosh was practically penniless Wales. (Mo), Ada Reeve and boxers like again when he died at Golders Jack Johnson and Tommy Burns.17 Green (an area of London), in 1942. The poet Victor J Daley once described an evening at Bon Accord Guest House burnt Government House where ‘the most ‘...Governor’s down in 1937 and Bon Accord Golf striking feature of the vice-regal Links was absorbed into what ménage’ was the youthfulness of its presently exists in 1942 when the members.11 indiscretion council purchased the property. Dutton observed that William not gone After his exile William Lygon spent bestowed his patronage on local a great deal of time in Australia. He artists and writers during his time as owned an apartment at Darling governor which accounted for his un-noticed...’ Point and became the president of friendship with people like Daley the Australian Sporting Club.23 and .12 However, the narrative of his life It is obvious that the Blue Mountains illustrates that McIntosh swayed was familiar to Lygon because As the Nepean Times article constantly between bankruptcy and Paula Byrne mentioned a trip made suggests, Beauchamp’s exile times of incredible wealth. there by him and son Hugh.24 eventually returned him to Sydney in 1933, and it is a little known fact In 1927, McIntosh sought damages Hugh McIntosh (said to be a that it was he who performed the from Smith’s Newspapers Limited business associate of their father) official opening of Bon Accord Golf when Robert Clyde Packer was was so well-known to the Lygon 13 18 Links. publisher. children that his name was used disparagingly among their inner The lessee of the Bon Accord McIntosh wanted compensation for circle of friends (like Waugh) as a property at that time was the ever a headline that appeared in the private code for anything remotely controversial Hugh D McIntosh who Daily Guardian which read ‘Mr HD ‘boring.’25 is perhaps better known as ‘Huge McIntosh and how he met the 14 19 Deal McIntosh.’ Duke.’ It was obviously The warrant for William Lygon’s defamatory. arrest was lifted temporarily to McIntosh established a nine-hole enable him to bury son Hugh when golf course on the property, perhaps Even though the offending article he died unexpectedly in 1936, and to enhance the attraction of Bon has yet to be found it may have lifted permanently shortly before he Accord Guest House. referred to the Duke and Duchess died. of York who visited Australia in Percy Dawson and his brothers 1927. Endnotes were the owners of the Bon Accord 1 ‘Bon Accord’ Golf Links Opened by property, located on Hawkesbury The Daily Guardian was part of Earl Beauchamp, Nepean Times, Road, Springwood which added to Joynton Smith’s newspaper empire. 11.3.1933. their other property investments 2 Baxter was the local doctor, the which included a chain of In 1931, McIntosh was awarded a Dawson family owned the Bon Accord international jewellery shops, the farthing damages in another libel property and Rogalsky was a part-time Strand Arcade and Ambassadors case he actioned against the Truth resident of Springwood. 3 restaurant and night club.15 because the tome referred to him Nepean Times, 11.3.1933. 4 Jane Mulvagh, ‘The Scandal that as an ‘erstwhile pie man who had shook Brideshead,’ The Telegraph, Frank Van Straten has written blossomed into a newspaper 1.6.2008, , http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ extensively about Hugh McIntosh magnate and drained the lifeblood culture/books/3553486/The-scandal- who dabbled in boxing and bicycle from the Sunday Times.’20 that-shook-Brideshead, accessed race promotion, politics, theatre 12.7.2011. productions and newspapers in He was well-known in Springwood; 5 Ibid. Australia, and a chain of milk bars a one-time resident even remarked 6 Ibid. in England. that the rafters of Bon Accord used 7 Ibid. 8 th to ‘ring’ in McIntosh’s time.21 David Dutton, ‘William Lygon, 7 Earl In 1923, convinced he would spend Beauchamp (1872-1938), Journal Of Liberal Democrat History, Issue 23, the rest of his life in England, It was not at all uncommon for well- Summer 1999, pp. 18-20. McIntosh leased Broome Park, the known actors and actresses to Continued page 14 17th century home of the late Earl attend parties held in the ballroom

HERITAGE 13 September - October 2011 Keneally to speak at history forum THOMAS KENEALLY will speak at the Blackheath History Forum on Saturday October, 22

Many will be familiar with his Australians: Origins to Eureka. In this lecture, he will focus on the forthcoming second volume of the series, advance copies of which should be available on the day.

Keneally will be the seventh and final speaker in this year’s Forum season.

Lectures are being held at the Blackheath Primary School at 4pm every second Saturday afternoon, from July 30 to October 22. Former governor ‘outed’ Footnotes continued from page 13 Blackheath History forum chair Neal Bluett and committee person Robert O’Neill planning the launch of this year’s season 9 Selina Hastings, ‘Country house high jinks,’ MailOnline, http:// Other speakers yet to come are Past speakers have included former www.dailymail.co.uk, 4.6.2008, Professor David Lowe (Sir Percy premier Bob Carr, Dr Grace accessed 18.7.2011. Spender: foreign minister and Karskens, Professor Henry 10 Jane Mulvagh. diplomat); Professor Penny Russell Reynolds and Professor Robert 11 Ibid. (Savage or Civilised? Manners in O’Neill. 12 David Dutton; Cameron Hazelhurst, colonial Australia); and Professor ‘Beauchamp, seventh Earl (1872-1938),’ Entry is just $5, and refreshments Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol. Stephen Foster (Allan Macpherson: 7, Melbourne University Press, 1979, squatter, laird and parliamentarian). are available from 3.30pm. For full pp. 235-236. details visit http:// 13 Sydney Morning Herald, 25.2.1933, p. This is the third season of the www.blackheathhistoryforum.org.au/ 17. Forum, which is open to anyone images/stories/forum_2011.pdf 14 Frank Van Straten, Huge Deal, The interested in understanding Fortunes and follies of Hugh D. Australian history in both its national McIntosh, Thomas C. Lothian, South and global contexts. Melbourne, 2004. 15 Pamela Smith, ‘David Stewart Dawson,’ The Making Of A Mountain Community: A Biographical Dictionary of Welcome to new member the Springwood District, Springwood DR PETER RICKWOOD, the Historians, pp. 84-85. inaugural editor of the Blue 16 The Register (Adelaide), 3 August Mountains History Journal and 1923, p. 9, Pamela Smith, ‘Hugh Donald former president of Blue McIntosh,’ The Making Of A Mountain Mountains Historical Society has Community..., p. 214. 17 accepted an invitation to become Frank Van Straten, foreword Keith Dunstan OAM. an individual member of 18 Barrier Mine (Broken Hill), 31 March BMACHO. 1927, p. 4. 19 Ibid. Peter is a visiting senior research 20 Advertiser and Register, (Adelaide), fellow at the School of Biological, 12 September 1931, p. 16. Earth & Environmental Science at 21 Jean Davenport, Oral Taped Interview, the University of NSW. He has BMCC Local Studies Collection. been involved with volunteers 22 Mollie Fraser (nee Chapman) Oral throughout the region and earlier Taped Interview, BMCC Local Studies Collection. this year assisted Mary Reynolds 23 Paula Byrne, Mad World Evelyn of Mt Wilson when she produced a Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead, history of postal and telephone Dr Peter Rickwood Harper Press, 2010, p. 198. communications in Mt Wilson. 24 Ibid, p. 204. . will appear in the next edition of 25 Ibid, p. 243. A more detailed profile of Peter HERITAGE

HERITAGE 14 September- October 2011 Bouquets for HERITAGE FROM TIME TO TIME HERITAGE From Paul Cardow, Beyond From Pru Acton curator, receives accolades in the e-mail. Photographics, : Hawkesbury Regional Museum: Great newsletter. Keep up the good Thanks very much, John and Here are just a few which seems to work. I just wanted to compliment Nanette – very interesting and indicate that almost 3 years of the efforts of your team to put a informative, as usual. I was publishing the association’s 17 newsletter together on a continuing particularly interested in your piece editions of newsletter has been basis. I also like the fact that a on George Evans, and thought you positively received. group of people are dedicated in might be interested in the attached linking the cultural heritage groups image, which is attributed to Evans From Angela le Sueur editor, NSW together. and one we use a lot because it is a National Trust magazine Thank very early depiction of Windsor you so much for your latest issue of I was alerted to your existence by (1809). Hawkesbury Regional HERITAGE newsletter – and the Discovery Team at National Museum is located (roughly) in the congratulations on achieving, yet Parks (DECC), and that connection centre of the picture. again, such an informative, was from my interest at the time of insightful and inspiring mix of some history of the Newnes railway. articles. Yes I would like to be on the mailing list and I’ll keep in touch. From Ken Goodlet, historian/ author - Hazelbrook: From Lynn Collins, Museums Congratulations on a truly Advisor to Blue Mountains City enlightening edition. I have written Council and Lithgow City a history of Blue Mountains Council: From my observations, Grammar and of Hazelbrook and BMACHO successfully reaches Woodford, of course, but there was people through the mountains and information here I had not known. by listing the current state of From Valerie and Frank Holland, Thank you. thinking and actual planning of Kurrajong-Comelroy Historical commemorative activities in the Society Inc.: Just a short note to From John Low, local historian: electronic periodical, it may thank you for your newsletter. I Enjoyed the last issue you sent. succeed in fostering a rich, varied have just sent it out to all our Packed full of interesting material. and coordinated event all along the members with e-mail. track through to Bathurst in 2015 From Bill Evans, local historian utilizing the enthusiasm and From Jan Koperberg, president and Cox’s Road enthusiast: resources of numerous agencies Blue Mountains Family History Congratulations John....you have making contact up and down the Society Inc.: I love your stories in “raised the bar” once again. road. the current HERITAGE newsletter about the “Katoomba Waltz”, George William Evans and Rex Naomi Parry has left Lithgow Turner, BMGS pupil. Loved Peter NAOMI PARRY has left her position “This is work I Stanbury’s article too - what a as Lithgow City Council’s cultural started with mystery! development officer and manager of my PhD, Such a , to return to Longing: Black academia. and white children in An invitation Naomi will be working for the welfare in NSW Australian Catholic University as the and Tasmania, is still open NSW historical researcher on an 1880-1940, to hear, Philip Hammon, innovative national project called, which I from Find and Connect. completed at UNSW in 2007.” Katoomba speak on This is a federally funded project Naomi will continue to live in the which aims to help former child Blue Mountains, and intends to take “Coal, Oil Shale, migrants and people who grew up in an active part in the heritage and out of home care (the Forgotten history community. Engineers and Australians) find information about Entrepreneurs” their families. Naomi has contributed several artciles to HERITAGE and all in the Woodford Academy, Naomi says, “the decision to leave heritage sector wish her well Lithgow City Council and Eskbank Great Western Highway, House was very difficult, but Find Her position as cultural Woodford and Connect will make a real development officer was advertised difference to the lives of people who in August 2011 and is expected to on Friday 2 September grew up in child welfare systems in be filled shortly. 2011 at 10.00 am the 20th century.

HERITAGE 15 September - October 2011 Woodford The silhouettes man Academy book BACK IN FEBRUARY 2010, Joan Francis a sale bonanza member of the Blue Mountains Family History GRAB some great novels or non Society recalled in that fiction books - cheap prices at the organisation’s newsletter Woodford Academy book sale The Explorer’s Tree, her bonanza to be held on Saturday recollection as a and Sunday, September 17 and 18. teenager of a man who ‘ during Christmas school Also inspect the oldest set of holidays had a booth at buildings in the Blue Mountains, Echo Point, Katoomba and enjoy a delicious Devonshire cutting paper silhouette tea on the balcony. Saturday open portraits. 10am - 4pm and Sunday 12noon - 4pm. ‘The portraits for clients mainly teenage girls (I Cost: $6 adult, $4 concession, $3 was one of them) – who children. Contact: (02) 4758 7809. thought it was the ‘in thing’ to do.

‘He could quickly cut out very life-like and reasonably priced generations of families taking their silhouettes - two copies – one children to have their portraits cut facing right one facing left. His out by him. In 2006 he was named work was very popular, but after a an “Ekka Legend” at the Brisbane few years he just disappeared. Exhibition and in 2007 was named a “Show Legend” at the Sydney ‘Imagine my surprise when I saw Royal Easter Show. him at the Royal Easter Show — Lacemaking not looking a day older and still He worked until the age of 89, and cutting out silhouettes just as in that time created thousands of demonstration quickly and accurately as he did portraits, including those of many all those years ago!!!’, Joan wrote celebrities. He was sometimes OPEN DAY AT WOODFORD referred to as “Scissors John”. Academy on Saturday, October 15 Thanks to the Royal Agricultural will feature a delightful display of Society of NSW, HERITAGE is Inspired by an artist he saw at hand made lace, with the able to publish this image of Michigan State Fair, he trained lacemakers present who will Sebastian John Ross (April 24, with the silhouette artist Budd- demonstrate the craft. 1919 - August 24, 2008) Jack.

There will also be a display of Ross, was an American-born During World War 2, Ross served popular crazy tea cosies. Australian artist and showman, in the Philippines. He then came famous for his miniature silhouette to Australia and served at Base The lace display will finish at 2pm, portraits cut in black card. Section 7 in Sydney, and as a staff but the house will stay open till sergeant managed the US driving 4pm. A delicious morning or In 1948, Ross began to tour the pool, driving entertainment afternoon tea may be enjoyed on circuit of agricultural shows as a celebrities such as Bob Hope and the Balcony Tea Rooms. silhouette artist, encouraged by Jack Benny. the travelling showman and boxing Cost: $6 adults, $4 concession, entrepreneur, Jimmy Sharman. In his search for good drivers, he Booking: (02) 4758 7809 employed a number of Australian Ted Mullet back on He was to continue working at women in the WAAAF, thus shows for the next 60 years, meeting Florence Phyllis Counsell his feet travelling as far as the Proserpine (known as Phyllis). They married DEDICATED and long- serving Show in Queensland. in February 1945. chairman of Valley Heights Locomotive Depot and From the 1950s until its closure in They lived at Falcon Avenue, Museum, Ted Mullett is now 1979, Ross also worked at Luna Hazelbrook, in the Blue back home recuperating after Park, Sydney, unless he was Mountains, New South Wales. his second knee replacement. touring shows. Ross and Phyllis had two sons, John Leyton Ross and Philip His many friends will wish him John Ross became a well-known Ross. a speedy recovery. identity on the show circuit, with

HERITAGE 16 September- October 2011 Leading historian as keynote speaker for 2012 conference DR SHIRLEY FITZGERALD former historian for City of Sydney Council, university lecturer, author and leading light in numerous heritage and history ventures has agreed to be the keynote speaker at the 2012 Blue Mountains history conference.

The conference being planned by the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc. will be conducted in the heritage Carrington Hotel, Katoomba on Saturday, October 20, 2012.

Shirley writes about Sydney in a variety of formats, gives public lectures and regular historical chats on Sydney radio. She has taught in Shirley Fitzgerald, BA Hons, PhD, Dip T. NSW schools, lectured at the University of New England and This book is frequently cited in She received the Centenary of established the inaugural Master of literature as having a significant Federation Medal in 2003 for Letters degree in Public History at impact on Australian historiography ‘services to heritage’, was made a the University of Sydney. and on the development of life member of the History Council Australian urban history. in 2004. Until 2009 she was the city historian for the City of Sydney, delivering a She was instrumental in establishing She is an honorary fellow of the program contributing to community the Dictionary of Sydney Project, a Royal Australian Historical Society, understanding and involvement in metropolitan wide, community based has served as chairperson of the it’s history as well as undertaking project which represents Sydney’s Board of State Records and is historical research involving a wide history in electronic formats. She currently adjunct professor in the range of products from pamphlets to was the founding chair of it’s Board Faculty of Humanities and Social film to research papers and of Trustees, 2006-9. Sciences at the University of published books. Technology, Sydney. She has held a number of positions Publications include Rising Damp, on history-related organisations, She is a graduate of the University Sydney 1870-1890, Oxford including president of the History of Adelaide and Macquarie University Press, 1987; Sydney Council of NSW, 1996-99 and University. 1842-1992, Hale & Iremonger, trustee of the Historic Houses Trust 1992, Red Tape Gold Scissors: of NSW 1996 -1998. The Story of Sydney’s Chinese, State Library of NSW Press, 1997. Vintage and Retro at Everglades (Chinese translation, 1998) and a series of histories of Sydney STEP BACK IN TIME at the Everyone is encouraged to dress precincts - Chippendale, Surry Hills, Everglades Retro Fair to be held the part - have a free retro face Pyrmont, Millers Point - either as at Everglades Historic House and and hair makeover. Once you’re author or supervisor of the work. Gardens on November 5 and 6 . done, you can learn to move and groove. All this and a lot more will The book Rising Damp establishes Dance to the Sydney Youth be held at the National Trust a detailed reconstruction of the Orchestra, sprawl on the green property, Everglades. urban environment, the state of lawns while watching your kids public health, conditions of work play hopscotch or quoits, ladies To make a weekend of it, the and the chances of occupational can relish the fashions of the 30’s Leura Golf Course will host the mobility in late nineteenth century and 40’s while the men lust over Woolworths Jazz on the Fairways Sydney. polished vintage vehicles. featuring the George Washingmachine Quartet and the The conclusions arrived at were at Play Croquet or enjoy a tour of the Blue Mountains Grammar School odds with much of the perceived Art Deco home, wander through 8 stage band. For more details wisdom about colonial conditions. acres of gardens. Find that perfect www.nationaltrust.com.au or (02) spot for a picnic. 4784 1938.

HERITAGE 17 September - October 2011 Everglades open for Leura garden festival UP TO 12 GARDENS will open to the public including the large private estate of ‘The Braes’ and the National Trust property Everglades during the Leura garden festival

The garden festival will be open from Saturday October 1 to Sunday 9.

Apart from Everglades the gardens featured in the festival are all privately owned properties and visitors have an exclusive opportunity to not only see a wide cross section of the very best gardens the region has to offer but also to interact with some of the the festival is a fund of inspiring MasterCard are accepted at festival garden owners, many of whom are ideas. HQ, Fitzroy Street Leura. present in their gardens during the days of the festival. Entry prices will be $20pp for a Multiple entry tickets may be used multiple entry ticket to all gardens, on any day or combination of days Garden enthusiasts who are and $5pp for a single garden entry during the festival, and can be planning new gardens or re- ticket. (Children with parents are purchased at the entry to any modeling existing one’s always find admitted with no charge) Visa and garden. Bookings: 0431 095 279 1890s Tarella venue for Fuchsia Show THE NSW FUCHSIA CLUB will be The 1890s cottage Tarella is open His daughter Beryl McLaughlin holding a wonderful show of their and there will be a display of was the benefactor of the Blue prize plants at historic Tarella, historic photographs with Mountains Historical Society, Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls the society’s research officer being leaving Tarella and the land to the on Saturday, October 23 between on hand to answer questions on Blue Mountains Historical Society 10am and 4pm. people, places and events in the on her death in 1988 just two Blue Mountains. months short of her 100th There will be hundreds of young birthday. plants for sale with advice on how This cottage was built by John to get the best from growing them. McLaughlin, Sydney solicitor and The cottage contains an eclectic Member of the Legislative collection of memorabilia of the President of the Blue Mountains Assembly, in 1890 as a holiday late 19th and early 20th centuries Historical Society, Graham cottage for his family of four Warmbath said, “Visitors should children to escape the heat of Home-made refreshments will be be early as the plants fly out the Sydney summers. available all day or picnic in the gate in the arms of eager buyers”. grounds.

Admission for adults is $5 and for children entry to the grounds is free with an ‘I spy’ competition to keep them amused with a small prize.

Meantime, The Open Garden Scheme has selected the grounds of Tarella as one of their gardens this year and it will be open for visits the weekend of October 29 and 30.

Home-made refreshments available all day or picnic in the grounds.

Admission is $6. The 1890s cottage Tarella will be open on October 23, 29 and 30.

HERITAGE 18 September- October 2011 Methodist preachers also led Lithgow miners’ union By Ray Christison

IN RESEARCHING HISTORY of the development of the Western District Coal-Miners’ Mutual Protective Association I quickly realised the very close connection between the Methodist churches and the union’s leaders.

Many of those who led the development of the union were active in Lithgow’s churches and a number were preachers or church leaders.

Methodists and Primitive Methodists held key leadership positions during the first two decades of the union. District and lodge officials taken with their banner before the 1900 Eight Hour Day procession. Photograph courtesy City of Greater The New South Wales Western Lithgow Mining Museum Coalfield is bounded on the east by Others came from Cornwall. As the England with numerous adherents the Nepean River and extends gold mines of the Turon began to in Cornwall, Wales and the North of northwest to well beyond Mudgee decline in the late 1870s, Cornish England. Both sects placed a strong and . families were also drawn from these emphasis on preaching of the Bible areas. Many of these migrants and encouraged their members to The western extremity of the field is shared an adherence to the take to the pulpit. located around Wellington and principles of Methodism. Dubbo. Like many 19th century evangelical Methodism developed in the 18th sects they also organised Sabbath During the 19th century and much of century as part of the evangelical or Sunday Schools. the 20th century coalmining activity revival movement encouraged by was centred around the Lithgow the preaching of John Wesley. During the late 19th century Valley and the spine of the Great Methodists and Primitive Methodists Dividing Range leading towards The evangelical doctrines of the based in Lithgow played a pivotal Rylstone. movement, its reliance on the role in the establishment and preaching of the word of God and development of a mining union in Large-scale extraction of coal its missionary zeal appealed to the the Western Coalfield. commenced after the construction workers struggling in the new of the Great Western Railway to industries fostered by the Industrial The first union lodge was formed at Bowenfels in the late 1860s. Revolution. the Vale of Clwydd Colliery in August 1878. As the mines of the Western Primitive Methodism emerged from Coalfield developed men were the Methodist movement from about Thomas Druery, the first elected drawn to the employment offered by 1810. The Primitve Methodists, or lodge president, was a member of a the new collieries and shale mines. “ranters”, became associated with devout Methodist family from the many of the 19th century radical River Tyne. Many came from the coalmining movements in Britain. regions of Scotland, Northern His father Robert, one of the heroes England and Wales. Methodism became quite popular of the 1886 Lithgow Valley Colliery among the coal and tin miners of fire, was an active Methodist who worked in Lithgow’s coalmines until “A Light in the Vale. Development of the Lithgow he was well into his seventies. District Miners’ Mutual Protective Association He was remembered as one who 1875-1900" “had taken a prominent part in the work of God in this place for many Available from independent book retailers throughout years” and “had worked faithfully for Lithgow and the Blue Mountains. Also available at the cause of the kingdom of God”. http://www.higround.com.au/higrpress.htm RRP $30.00 Continued page 20

HERITAGE 19 September - October 2011 Miners’ union leader and devout Methodist went on to be prime minister of Australia Robert’s other son Robert Ross was The role of these men and their A Light in the Vale. The instrumental in the establishment of compatriots in the development of development of the Lithgow District a union lodge at the Ironworks trade unionism in the Western Miners’ Mutual Protective Tunnel Colliery in 1883. Coalfield during the late 19th century Association 1875-1900. is explored further in my book Thomas and Robert Ross Druery were prime motivators for the establishment of a district union in Waradah Goomeda February 1886. Robert Ross was elected the first president of the newly-formed Hartley District exhibition at Mount Tomah Miners’ Mutual Protective AN EXHIBITION titled Waradah Entry to the exhibition in the Association. Goomeda (Darug for Waratah visitor’s centre at the garden is Spirit) will be displayed at the Blue free of charge 9.00am* to 5.00pm In the following ten years the union Mountains Botanical Garden, (*9.30am weekends) was led by a succession of Mount Tomah between September Methodists and Primitive 24 and October 9. To celebrate the state’s floral Methodists. emblem and inspire a love of In partnership with Red Cockatoo waratahs in the wild, this year’s Robert Ross Druery’s successors Australia, this exhibition brings program includes the state-wide Samuel Penna, William Teague and together Aboriginal artists waratah bloom competition, William Rickard were members of including Chris Tobin, Leanne displays, growing advice, National these churches. Tobin, Karen Maber, Dianne Parks and Wildlife guided walk, Ussher and Elly Chatfield from the waratah farm open day, William Rickard had commenced Blue Mountains World Heritage information panels, school art preaching in the Methodist church region. competition and plant sales. when he was 16 years old. Enquiries: Phone 4567 3000 or Joseph Cook, union general visit www.mounttomahbotanic secretary between 1889 and 1891, Image - garden.com.au/ was a devoted Primitive Methodist who gained popularity as a circuit Waratah Refreshments: Restaurant Tomah preacher in the towns and villages opens every day. Bookings around Lithgow. by recommended on 4567 2060

Cook’s popularity provided the Chris Blue Mountains Botanical Garden foundation for his election as Labor acknowledges the traditional MLA for the seat of Hartley in 1891. Tobin custodians of this Blue Mountains region the Darug and During the Labor Loyalty Pledge Gundungurra people and their disputes of 1893 and 1894 Cook ancestors. retained the unswerving loyalty of Waratah is a local Aboriginal word his mining colleagues who from the Darug language continued to support his sometimes translated as “Beauty candidature in the face of pressure from afar”. In this exhibition, from the Central Labor Electoral individual artists share their League. Waratah stories creatively in painting and mixed media. Cook was one of the preachers who railed against the manager of the Zig Zag Colliery who virtually forced The dramatic Waratah is seen with miners to work on a Sunday in different indigenous perspectives 1895. He used his oratory skills to portrayed in brilliant colours. highlight the desperation of the miners at a time of high Red Cockatoo Australia in unemployment. partnership with the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount The skills Cook acquired at the Tomah showcase their pulpit stood him in good stead as he environmentally friendly range of fought political battles in the New Waratah gift cards, South Wales Parliament in the stories and Eco Waratah 1890s. Cook went on to become notepads by featured artists Chris Waratahs in the wild. Photograph prime minister of Australia in 1913. Tobin, Karen Maber and Leanne Tobin. by John Leary, OAM

HERITAGE 20 September- October 2011 Defence sites heritage listed THE SURVIVAL OF LITHGOW and the Blue Mountain’s wartime history has been given priority with the highest level of State heritage protection.

A former railway tunnel and mustard gas storage facility in Glenbrook, the site of two former heavy anti- aircraft gun stations at South Bowenfels and Scenic Hill and a dummy gun station at Lithgow have all been added to the State Heritage Register.

Minister for Heritage, Robyn Parker, said the sites were part of a strategy to defend Australia in the event of an attack on home soil.

“By early 1942 the Japanese campaign was moving south and Glenbrook tunnel construction 1910-1913. Image courtesy Blue there was fear that Australia could Mountains City Library - Local Studies Collection be invaded. store mustard gas, 3 other tunnels “From the air the dummy station One of the concerns was that the close to Sydney were also used for looked like a real gun station and enemy could use chemical weapons this purpose. was aimed at confusing the enemy as part of the attack. into bombing the wrong places. The first delivery of mustard gas to Australia had seen the terrible Glenbrook took place in August The fake emplacements were injuries that soldiers had suffered 1942; in 1946 the gas was removed constructed of materials such as when chemical weapons were first from Glenbrook. piping and concrete. used in World War 1. It is only in the last few years that “By January 1944 the threat of war The military wanted to be able to the men who served there have on Australian soil had decreased, protect Australia if chemical been allowed to speak publicly and the gun stations were weapons were used against it about their experiences. abandoned soon after. during World War 2. Two former heavy anti-aircraft gun “Fortunately the defences at “The 1925 Geneva Protocol banned stations and dummy gun station at Lithgow and Glenbrook were not the use of chemical warfare for South Bowenfels, Scenic Hill and required. offensive purposes but it did give Lithgow are the only known inland nations the ability to use chemical heavy anti-aircraft gun stations of “They are now part of Australia’s weapons to defend themselves if their type in NSW. wartime heritage and will be attacked,” Ms Parker said. protected for future generations,” “The gun stations were constructed Ms Parker said. A former railway tunnel in to protect Lithgow’s important Glenbrook, constructed between mining, manufacturing and transport TOURISM AWARDS 1891 and 1892 to bypass the industries and the Lithgow small Lapstone Zig Zag was chosen to arms factory. TO MEMBERS’

“Prior to December 1941 defence STAFF facilities were focused on the coast, In the Blue Mountains, Lithgow however, the Military Command in and Oberon Tourism Awards of NSW became concerned that Excellence 2011, two BMACHO enemy planes could reach some members’ staff were recognised. inland areas. Lilianfels apprentice chef in the “Work on the gun stations, which Darley Restaraunt, Tara Hellyer included four gun emplacements was chef apprentice of the year, and a command post, began in late while at Scenic World , Eric 1941 and were completed in Jenkins was awarded employee Glenbrook tunnel. Image courtesy January 1942. of the year. Blue Mountains City Library - *Lilianfels and Scenic World are Local Studies Collection inaugural members of BMACHO

HERITAGE 21 September - October 2011 Western crossing commemoration 2013-15 great ideas - thoughts - just being talked about or its really going to happen

THE recently ‘If folks through the mountains knew which a wide range of interested appointed the Hartley people were arranging a bodies including historical societies museums walk program on The Road on and local government from Pernith, adviser to such-and-such-a-day/s, they might Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and consider tacking something Lithgow, Oberon and Bathurst have Blue Mountains appealing onto that, to capitalise on been reprented by mayors and City Councils, the promotional opportunities, the councillors. Lynn Collins tourists, and the buzz. (pictured) has David Carment reported to the last picked up on ‘Or deferring their own conflicting meeting of the committee that NSW uncertainty about planning for the activity, or actually attending the Pemier Barry O’Farrell had been Western Crossings walk (if there was room), or offering made aware of the committee’s commemorations and writes: ‘At the to assist the Hartley initiative in work and the possibility of funding excellent forum Naomi Parry some way....From my observation, may be addressed. arranged at Lithgow in May this no joint activities seem evident, year, there was a good buzz as following the positive atmosphere at In the meantime, Joan Kent from people were clearly stimulated by Lithgow, 3 months ago, but here is the Hartley Valley 1813 Crossings the range of speakers and ideas. I the start of some exchanges, Committee writes: ‘Events and was impressed. perhaps, wrote Lynn.’ activities which will highlight the development of Hartley Valley ‘Yet on my travels subsequently, as HERITAGE editor, John Leary has community are being planned by a I touch base with various mountains said, the idea seems good so those sub committee of Hartley District cultural agencies, I have been organisations that have plans no Progress Association. asked tentatively about exhibition matter how tentative are invited to development grants, how small e-mail them to The centre point is the planned artefact collections might be utilsed [email protected] for opening of a number of private and what resources are available publication on this page in properties to enable the original for participation in whatever is going subsequent editions. routes across the Valley to be to transpire along the road during explored (under supervision) during the two years of festivities. Several years ago, BMACHO’s May 2013 from the tracks down the management committee Mt York escarpment to the vicinity of ‘No-one quite knows. People are considered that it did not have the Mt Blaxland. talking about doing something, capacity or mandate to take on a soon, maybe, depends...Time is co-ordinating role for events that Other events being pursued include slipping by. were being considered as part of sculpture and art exhibitions, a the commemoration. thematic presentation of images of ‘Commemoration plans were first Hartley Valley by maps, sketches, discussed 6 or 7 years ago, but with At about this paintings and photographs to be just roughly 20 months to go, what’s time the exhibited at the Old Hartley School the itinerary of the mooted RAHS and adjacent buildings, the ‘signing’ exhibition of key artifacts coming undertook to of historic structures along the out of Sydney? Folks are asking; take a major present Great Western Highway, a what are the councils doing; what co-ordinating bush picnic at Glenroy, road and plaques are being refurbished; role for the mountain bike rides, a woolshed which schools are having pageants Western dance at Liddleton Station and of 19th century pioneers, what Crossing musical and theatrical presentations seminars are being held; is the new 1813-15 in Hartley Vale. highway to be launched as a key commemorations and Professor event within the commemorations David Carment AM, (pictured These activities are only in early and what lasting things will come above) then the senior vice planning stages at present but offer out of this occasion. president of the RAHS and now its a range of events from which to president, accepted the role of select.’ ‘I raised the issue with the editor of co-ordinator. HERITAGE and proposed a small One of the more unusual but corner for a “running-sheet” of what The RAHS subsequently agreed to inovative ideas comes from local folk from say, Penrith or Parramatta endorse the Western Crossing businessman, Tom Colless who to Bathurst are thinking of doing, a Committee as a sub committee of recently reported he was trying to very simple, organic, non-binding the RAHS providing it with a legal secure agreement for the minting of listing, cobbled together from entity in which to work. a holey dollar and dump to be community contributions sharing issued to schoolchildren. their aspirations, plans-to-date, There have been a number of very modest or expansive. well attended meetings of this committee throughout the region at

HERITAGE 22 September- October 2011 Naval wrecks now on heritage lists NEARLY 70 YEARS after the entire The Kormoran wreck, which lies to the Kormoran’s disguise as a crew of 644 died when the HMAS the north-west of the Sydney, will merchant ship and gave the order Sydney sank off the coast of also be listed. to approach. Western Australia, the wreck has been added to the Commonwealth The announcement by the Heritage By the time he realised his mistake, and National Heritage lists. Minister, Tony burke, marks the last the German ship an auxiliary stage in a long journey to find the cruiser under the Fregattenkapitan The HMAS Sydney engaged in a wrecks and will bring to an end the (Commander) Theodor Detmers vicious battle with the German rumour-mongering that flourished in had trained its gun on the Sydney. Raider HSK Kormoran 207 the wake of the deadly naval battle. kilometres off the coast of Western The half-hour long engagement Australia on November 19,1941. The Sydney’s Captain Joseph resulted in the ships’ mutual Burnett was apparently fooled by destruction.

When Sydney failed to return to port, air and sea searches for the cruiser were conducted between November 24 and November 29.

Three boats and two rafts carrying German survivors were recovered by merchant ships, while another two German boats made landfall --- 318 of the 399 personnel from Kormoran survived.

The exact location of the two wrecks was unknown until March 2008. HMAS Sydney image courtesy Australian War Memorial 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 [email protected] BMACHO: Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, Website: www.bluemountains.heritage.com Blue Mountains City Library, Blue Mountains Cultural Heritage ABN 53 994 839 952 Centre, Blue Mountains Historical Society Inc., Blue Mountains Family History Society Inc., Blue Mountains THE ORGANISATION Blue Mountains Association of Tourism Limited, Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, Cultural Organisations Inc. (BMACHO) was established Cudgegong Museums Group Inc., Everglades Historic House in April 2006 following a unanimous response to a & Gardens, Friends of Norman Lindsay Gallery, Glenbrook & proposal from Professor Barrie Reynolds at the 2004 District Historical Society Inc., Kurrajong-Comleroy Historical Blue Mountains Local History Conference which sought Society Inc, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort, Lithgow and from Blue Mountains City Council the creation of a District Family History Society Inc., Lithgow Mining Museum cultural heritage strategy for the city. Inc., Lithgow Regional Library – Local Studies, Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum Inc, Mid-Mountains Historical Society BMACHO in its constitution uses the definition: “Cultural Inc, Mid Western Regional Council Library, Mt Victoria and heritage is all aspects of life of the peoples of the Blue District Historical Society Inc., Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine History Mountains which was later changed to cover Lithgow and Society Inc. (including Turkish Bath Museum), Mudgee the villages along the Bell’s Line of Roads. It therefore Historical Society Inc., Mudgee Regional Library, National involves the recording, preserving and interpreting of Trust of Australia (NSW) - Blue Mountains Branch (including information in whatever form: documents, objects, Woodford Academy), National Trust of Australia (NSW) - recorded memories as well as buildings and sites.” Lithgow Branch, Scenic World – Blue Mountains Limited, Springwood & District Historical Society Inc., Springwood The objectives of the organisation are: Historians Inc., Transport Signal and Communication Museum i. To raise public consciousness of Inc., The Darnell Collection Pty Ltd, Valley Heights the value of cultural heritage. Locomotive Depot and Museum, Zig Zag Railway Co-op Ltd. ii. To encourage and assist cultural 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, Professor Barrie Reynolds, Dr Peter heritage activities not already covered by 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 McMahon-Nolf, Barrie Reynolds and Peter Stanbury. on matters of importance within the heritage sector. HONORARY AUDITOR: Sue McMahon, B Comm CPA. HERITAGE BMACHO’s official newsletter is edited by John Leary, OAM. AFFILIATIONS BMACHO is a member of the Royal Blue Mountains History Journal is edited by Australian Historical Society Inc. Dr Peter Rickwood.

HERITAGE 23 September - October 2011