VOLUME 7 No. 8 August 2014 ISSN 1835-7628

FROM THE EDITOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

I am pleased to advise that Jim Boyce is back home and With Jim’s illness, the Executive has made the decision to recovering from his hospital excursion. However, he is on delay this year’s Annual General Meeting. It should have light duties and we again wish him well. Our Vice Presi- been held by the 30 June but application has been made dent Phil Colman gives some further thoughts in News and to the Department of Fair Trading (and granted) to delay Views below. it. The accounts have been audited and you will receive the formal notice in the near future. Thank you again to George Champion who has, with the support of Barbara Davies, supplied two more summaries The outcome of the inaugral meeting of the Society, as of the lives and contributions of former Presidents of the published in the Morning Herald of 23 September, Society. Thanks also to Merryn Parnell for getting into the 1924, is reproduced below. Please do not roll up at the spirit of the Secret Sites and supplying this month’s candi- Manly Town Hall on a third Thursday. date.

Richard Michell

NEWS AND VIEWS

FROM THE V ICE P RESIDENT :

I have just had an email from (editor) Richard Michell, to say that the next Newsletter is ready to go. However, he does not have a President’s Report, nor details of the next meeting.

This points out, very clearly, especially to those of us who make up the executive, just how much we rely on Jim (for those who don’t know, Jim has had a sojourn in hospital which took him away from us for over a week) - on the burrowing everywhere for the next speaker; on the activities and the inspiration that comes out of his new , beloved “Ephemera Room” at Cromer; and most of all on the sometimes eight days a week that Jim devotes to the Society. Oh, as well, Jim has a wife currently in intensive DIARY care but who should be out soon. August We (all) need to keep this in mind, and try to find a way to spread the load. It could be making more effort to supply Date/time: 2pm, Saturday 9 th articles. Or helping to arrange speakers. Or there are many things we could do. Venue: Tramshed,

Our recent Newsletters have documented the lives and Speaker: David Carment activities and input from past Presidents. Jim has another 50 years at least, and we must do all we can to help him to Topic: Mosman Historical Society that date.

Phil Colman

Peninsula Historian Vol 7 #8 August 2014 Page 1 POT POURRI power. They, however, proved of very little service and, shortly after starting, Mr. Daly used his hands. The wind did LIFE-SAVING APPARATUS more than either to send the apparatus along. The boat kept him company until he got to the slight break near the beach, On Saturday afternoon [22 November 1879], a trial of “Hu- and then returned to the steamer. He was then seen from me’s Life-Saving Apparatus” was made off Ocean Beach at the steamer to reach the beach in safety, but whether with Manly. A number of invitations had been issued to influen- the apparatus or not, could not be discerned by those on tial persons to be present, and in response, there appeared board. on board the steamer Commodore , which was to convey the passengers, four representatives of the Press, a lieutenant of There were about 200 persons on the beach where he land- the Rhin (?), Professor Hamilton (a friend of the “inventor”), ed. The Commodore’s head was then turned homewards, Mr. Hume himself, and four ladies and two gentlemen friends and in due course she arrived alongside at the Circular Quay. of the “man who was going to be thrown overboard.” This, after waiting half an hour past the advertised time for starting. Transcribed by George Champion from: The Echo , a Sydney daily evening newspaper, published by Fairfax and Sons, A move was at length made and soon the Commodore was 1875-1893. It cost one penny. Only limited issues are now steaming gallantly down the bay, the afternoon being beauti- available. It is not on Trove . fully fine, with a stiff breeze from the south-east. The Heads were rounded without any of the company on board showing JAMES MEEHAN signs of mal-de-mer and shortly afterwards the Commodore had taken up a position about three-quarters of a mile from the shore, and preparations were begun for the trial.

The apparatus is in the shape like unto a Gothic window, without any “sill”; the sides are constructed of tin, are airtight and covered with canvas, with canvas bottom, on which the person to be rescued lies or sits. At one end is an air-tight drum, and there are two smaller drums at the other.

The steamer’s boat was lowered in case of emergency, and then the apparatus, with a line attached, was thrown over- board. The sea was comparatively calm and there was no surf whatever until within a very short distance of the shore. The gentleman who was to “experiment”, and who is said to be a remarkably good swimmer, then made a melancholy attempt at a joke and plunged into the sea; he was not “thrown overboard”, and in so far as this was a breach of the programme, as the advertisement expressly stated that he was to be “thrown overboard”, there was cause for dissatis- faction at the very outset.

But feelings of this nature were speedily dispelled by seeing the position in which Mr. Arthur Daly (for that is said to be the name of the gentleman who jumped overboard) was placed. He could not get into the apparatus, as each time he attempted to do so it turned over; and some alarm was beginning to be felt by those on the steamer. But the boat When in the city recently I noticed the fresh-looking statue of came to the rescue, and, after a little delay, he was sent on James Meehan in an alcove at near street level on the SE his journey. corner of the Lands Department building. With Meehan’s close connection to the Northern Beaches via his early sur- The means of propelling the apparatus were two pieces of veys, presumably its 2010 addition was reported in the Histo- wood on each side, fastened together by hinges; these pro- rian at the time. In case you missed it, the information from jected over the end of the apparatus, and connected with the the Lands Department website is reproduced below (with handles which Mr. Daly worked by a thick wire. When he some editing as parts of it do not make coherent sense). For pushed, the pieces of wood opened and gave the resisting

Peninsula Historian Vol 7 #8 August 2014 Page 2 a full and far more readable coverage of Meehan see A most He continued to work on departmental duties and, from excellent surveyor, Crossing Press 2004 , by Tony Dawson. Ed. difficult beginnings, rose to be an important colonial surveyor, explorer and settler, surveying and mapping large ‘11/2010- a new statue of colonial surveyor James Meehan areas of the country. The early towns of Sydney, , (1774-1826) was created and placed in an empty niche on Bathurst, and were all explored, laid cnr. Loftus/Bent Streets. out and measured by Meehan. Meehan was also associated with Macquarie Field House, Campbelltown, an early country Meehan was transported to NSW due to involvement in the estate and farm, separately listed on the NSW State Heritage Irish Rebellion of 1798. He arrived in Sydney in 1800 and, as Register a teacher and skilled surveyor, was assigned as a servant to Acting Surveyor-General, Charles Grimes. Within two years The statue was commissioned by the Land & Property he had been on two major expeditions and, by 1806, had been Management Authority to commemorate Meehan, in close conditionally pardoned. collaboration with NSW Public Works Heritage Services and the Government Architect's Office (Devine, 2011).’

SECRET SITES

If the previous month’s secret site stumped everyone there was no such difficulty last month. Many readers recognised the ancient figure as none other than our own Phil Colman. For reasons that perhaps only Phil could explain, back in 1982, when the Australian Museum - where Phil worked - held a function to mark the 100 th anniversary of the death of Charles Darwin, the then-Director, Dr. Ronald Strahan, decided that Phil should dress up as the famous figure. The photo records the outcome.

However, many readers were not fooled. As several noted, nothing could disguise those eyebrows! While it is perhaps not fair, under these circumstances, to single out one respondent, I do think that Marcia Rackman does deserve a special mention. She emailed: “The mystery gentleman in this months newsletter would have to be the wonderful Phil Colman, though the image looks as though it could have been taken last century!” She added: “Do hope that Mr Boyce is well on the road to recovery.”

This month we are back to inert objects. What and where is the building in the photo below? It has been submitted by Merryn Parnell who lives towards the northern end of the Peninsula, which may or may not be a clue. We will return to one of Bryant Lavaring’s original mysteries next issue.

Peninsula Historian Vol 7 #8 August 2014 Page 3 ARTICLES Continuing our 90 th Anniversary series.

WILLIAM LYLE ROSS (1866-1941)

William Lyle Ross was the second president of the Manly, Warringah and Historical Society, from 1927 to 1930. He was the son of a company secretary, George Ross and his mother was Ellen (née Patrick).

William was born in Sydney in 1866. His professional career as a teacher spanned the period from 1884 until his retire- ment in 1932, a total of forty-eight years. He gave exemplary service in sixteen NSW public schools, both in country and city areas. For the last twenty years of his long career he was a headmaster.

His first appointment in 1884, at the very young age of seven- teen years, was to Parramatta Public School. On 27 January 1891 he received his seventh appointment, to West Maitland Public School. It was while teaching at this school that he married Sarah Anne Leckie, in 1894. They had three children, two girls and a boy. The girls, Lynda and Bernice, outlived WL Ross c.1932 their father but unfortunately his son had died previously. President of the Society now follow. He may well have William was fortunate to be able to serve as a headmaster in participated in other ceremonies. three of our popular local schools, until his retirement, name- ly Mona Vale 1912 to 1922, 1922 to 1925 and Manly Council agreed in 1928 to set aside a small portion of Narrabeen 1925 to 1932. He was a good teacher, administra- land on the West Esplanade of Manly Cove for the erection tor and strong disciplinarian. The school Parents and Citizens of a stone monument to commemorate the landing of Associations gave him their full support. Governor Arthur Phillip in Manly on 21 Jan 1788. It was unveiled on 19 January 1929. However, later research It was while teaching at Dee Why Pubic School and Nar- revealed that Phillip did not land at Manly on this date. An rabeen Public School that his interest and passion for local amending plaque was subsequently attached to this history revealed themselves strongly. According to the monument. minute book of the Society he was present at the meeting which met to form the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater His- Another monument under William’s presidency was erected torical Society on 21 August 1924. At the time he was head- on the Barrenjoey Peninsula on 25 September 1929 to master of Dee Why Public School, which had only recently commemorate the naming of Pittwater by Governor Phillip opened in 1922. At the next meeting, held on 18 September on 3 March 1788. Nevertheless, the First Fleet records reveal 1924, William was elected to the Council of the Society. that Phillip did not enter Pittwater until the evening of 5 March, and that he explored Pittwater for the first time the Up until the end of the Second World War, the primary aim following day, namely 6 March. This incorrect monument of the Society was to erect monuments and plaques in vari- was later removed. ous locations where the society believed or thought signifi- cant historical events had occurred. This aim was carried out On 2 November 1929 a monument was erected on Beacon with unbridled enthusiasm in the belief that the historical Hill, while William was president, to commemorate the first evidence for this objective to be achieved was soundly based. overland journey by Governor Phillip from Manly towards Unfortunately, although the efforts of the Society were sin- Pittwater on 15 April 1788. Again, this excursion overland by cere, later detailed research revealed that many of the as- Phillip was not towards Pittwater, but towards Upper Middle sumptions made by the Society in its formative years were Harbour, at the location of present Bungaroo, where Captain not correct. This was brought about to a large extent by the Hunter had discovered, only the previous day, a run of fresh unavailability of primary sources at the time. water. Many monuments were erected by the Society but only those monuments associated with William Ross when he was

Peninsula Historian Vol 7 #8 August 2014 Page 4 The Society did not alter the original plaque but attached a to their care will receive their early attention. Letters further plaque which sets out the correct details relating to attended to. Phillip’s early excursions. WILD and MITCHELL, Manly Beach.”

While he was headmaster of Narrabeen Public School An excellent illustration from the early 1890s depicts Richard William had an anchor from the S.S. Collaroy mounted within Wild’s van in front of the Pier Hotel, with a Norfolk Island pine a concrete lifebuoy, erected in the front yard of the school. in the background. It should be noted that although Richard In September 1932 a stone monument was also erected in stated that his office was on Manly Wharf, he described the the school grounds to commemorate Phillip’s August 1788 village as Brighton, as named by its founder Henry Gilbert excursion by land across Narrabeen Lagoon to Pittwater. Smith. Richard frequently used this illustration for advertising purposes. The events described clearly indicate William’s enthusiasm for local history as well as the welfare and promotion of our Richard John Wild married Caroline Christina Stephens at the Society over a long period of time. He certainly provided Manly Congregational Church on 18 March 1882 and they stability for our Society in its formative years. had twelve children. Richard’s occupation is shown on the marriage certificate as “carrier”. The officiating minister at He died on 1 November 1941 aged 74 years. As a the ceremony was Rev Jacob Olley. Presbyterian, he was buried in the general section of Manly Cemetery together with his wife Sarah Anne. On Saturday 5 February 1887 the first Wesleyan Church, built of weatherboard and designed to seat about 150 persons, George Champion, March 2014 opened in Pittwater Road, Manly. It cost about £500 to erect. Right from the inception of this first church Richard Wild was one of its most ardent supporters. His enthusiasm, for what RICHARD JOHN WILD (1857-1933) was later known as Methodism, continued right through his life. Richard was also a strong Mason and was a Past Master Richard John Wild was the third president of the Manly, of one of Manly’s Masonic Lodges. Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society, from 1930 to 1932. He was born in Hampshire or Wiltshire, England on 6 During World War 1 sentries were posted on many of our March 1857. roads, including our own local roads, for fear of a German invasion. In December 1914, two motorists were shot Richard is mentioned in Reminiscences Of Old Manly by mistakenly by a sentry posted on the road at Mona Vale. One George H. Aurousseau, written in 1952. [M.L. Q991.1/A] of those shot was Richard Wild. At the time it was thought Aurousseau’s father established a bakery in Manly in 1868 and besides baking bread he made beautiful cakes and pas- try. In 1877 George’s father Jean Hippolyte Aurousseau advertised for a bread carter and Richard Wild, who had only recently arrived in Sydney and was then aged about twenty, applied for the position. He remained with Aurousseau for some years until he commenced his own business as a carri- er. The Aurousseaus referred to Richard as Dick.

In the Jubilee Souvenir of the Municipality of Manly, 1877- 1927 Richard confirms his arrival in Manly in 1877 and gives a detailed description of the Corso at that time. In the same publication an advertisement states that R. J. Wild’s carrying business was established in 1879, although it is not men- tioned in Sands Directories until 1883.

On 21 November 1883 the following advertisement was inserted in the Sydney Morning Herald , which appears to indicate the formal commencement of the carrying business, although Richard may have acted on his own before this date.

“THE MANLY BEACH CARRYING COMPANY. Messrs WILD and MITCHELL beg to inform the Public of Sydney and Manly Beach that they intend carrying on the above business and hope to receive a fair share of patronage. Goods consigned

Richard Wild

Peninsula Historian Vol 7 #8 August 2014 Page 5 he may be permanently injured but fortunately he recovered from his gunshot wound.

An interesting photograph appeared in the Daily Telegraph of 8 September 1923 which showed one of the latest motorised moving vans then available. Underneath the photograph it said “The latest model Thornycroft, which has been purchased by R.J. Wild and Sons, Manly. The carrier has done splendid work in the hilly country and rough roads between the Spit and Narrabeen.”

Richard John Wild, of 14 High Street and Victoria Parade Manly, died on Wednesday 1 March 1933 aged seventy-five years, just a few days short of his seventy-sixth birthday. He was cremated at Rookwood. The firm of R.J. Wild and Sons continued to operate for decades after Richard’s death. Wild’s moving van 1923 George Champion, November 2013

A question

In the sketch above, the inscription on the horse drawn vehicle says “Manly to Sydney Overland”. Today, this would not raise any question. Just go over the Spit and Harbour Bridges, a distance of about 15 kms. But what did it mean in 1890?

The Harbour Bridge did not open until 1932. The first Spit Bridge was built in 1924, as was the first Roseville Bridge. To travel from Manly to Sydney by land in 1890 required a journey to Mona Vale, then along Gordon Road to today’s St Ives, on to Pennant Hills, then to Parramatta - where there was a bridge over the - and finally down Parramatta Road to Sydney. In all, it was a distance of over 100 kilometres.

By 1890 there was a steam punt across The Spit and many ferries, punts and cargo vessels crossed the Harbour at Kirribilli. But would this route be classified as overland? If it was then why not just use the cargo ferries which ran from Manly to Sydney from at least 1877? Suggestions/clarification welcome but no Wild guesses please. Sorry, Ed.

Peninsula Historian Vol 7 #8 August 2014 Page 6 WHAT’S ON

Manly Art Gallery and Museum

Current Exhibitions THE MAKING OF MIDNIGHT OIL: 20 June - 7 September 2014 Developed by Manly Art Gallery & Museum’s Ross Heathcote in consultation with Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, The Making of Midnight Oil features stage costumes, posters, previously unseen film, documents, lyric sheets, music industry awards, band instruments, memorabilia and photographs - sourced from public and private collections, Manly, Warringah and Pittwater including Hirst’s own personal archive. Other former Historical Society Inc. members of Midnight Oil have made significant contributions to the exhibition. Established 1924

The Making of Midnight Oil will be an opportunity for visitors Patron to immerse themselves in ‘the stuff’ that goes toward the Alan Ventress BA DipLib making of the band’s 25-year career and will include displays that should fascinate diehard fans as well as material that alludes to a broader recent social history. President Jim Boyce Two special highlights will be a hitherto unseen montage of 0402 096 080 film by award winning director David Bradbury featuring the Oils performing at the 1981 Tanelorn Festival in Stroud, NSW [email protected] – the only known footage of this concert - and the band’s personal ‘home movies’ filmed on Super 8 while on tour in the Treasurer early 1990s. Barbara Davies There will also be a specially commissioned segment by 9997 6505 renowned local film maker Robert Hambling on the making of [email protected] the band’s iconic 1982 album ‘10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1’ featuring interviews with members of the band and producer Nick Lau- nay. Minutes Secretary Clive Halnan The Making of Midnight Oil is funded by Visions of Australia 0410 867 685 and Arts NSW. [email protected]

Mona Vale Library Archivist 14 August - Author Talk - Doug Purdie talking about Backyard Vacant Bees Editor 21 August - Author Talk - David Roland talking about How I Richard Michell Rescued My Brain 9401 4525 [email protected]

Postal Address PO Box 695 Manly, NSW 1655 Website www.mwphs.co

Peninsula Historian Vol 7 #8 August 2014 Page 7