“BUNK” October 2012

Volume 12, Issue 5 “History is more or less bunk” - Henry Ford, Chicago Tribune, I9I6 “Bunk” The story of the never fails to fascinate

n Thursday 23 August, local resident had 16 wooden boats and 4 “collapsibles”, which Ross McBride gave a talk on the although not enough to accommodate all the pas- construction and fateful first and sengers and crew, exceeded Board of Trade require- only voyage of the Titanic. This year ments for ships over 10,000 tons.

Ois the centenary of the sinking, and Ross said that Her last landfall before hitting the iceberg was at DIARY DATES 2012 although he had been researching the story of the Queenstown in south-west Ireland. Despite warn- Titanic for many years, he continues to find new ings from other ships about drifting ice around information. Newfoundland, Captain Smith continued at full Museum open I0 a.m. to RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat at the time speed, and the ship was unable to avoid an iceberg, of her voyage. She was one of three Olympic class causing five of the watertight compartments to rup- noon Monday to Friday ships built at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in ture. The ship could not survive. Belfast for the . Under the com- The life boats could carry only half of those on Meetings at Museum mand of Edward Smith, she carried some of the board, and poor training of the crew and leadership wealthiest people in the by the officers resulted in many being launched 22 Alexandra Street world among her approxi- barely half full. Most of Hunters Hill mately 1,317 passengers, the male passengers and crew were left aboard. (some bought tickets but never made it to the ship). Needless to say, a major Some of the better known enquiry was begun as a Thursday, 25 October names were John Jacob result of the disaster. A 10 a.m. for 10.30 a.m. Astor IV and his wife, Ben- critical aspect was the role of SS California, General Meeting jamin Guggenheim, Macy’s owner and his which was in the area at Guest speaker wife and millionairess Mar- the time of the sinking. Angela Phippen garet “Molly” Brown ( the The upshot was that the master of the California, Chinese Market Gardens unsinkable Molly Brown). All perished with the excep- Captain Stanley Lord, was Of Ryde tion of Molly Brown. found to have acted im- See this page Titanic was the last word in properly in not respond- luxury and technical excellence at the time of ing to the Titanic’s plight, although he protested his

launching. However, the number of life boats she innocence to the end of his life. Wednesday 31 October carried has always been regarded as critical. She The has played a prominent Sydney Conservatorium of Music tour Chinese Market Conservatorium role in popular culture. Quite a 11:20am few films have been made, some Cost $10 Gardens of Ryde of Music Tour good, some bad, as well as poetry See this page Chinese Don’t miss the tour of and publications which largely market gardens were scattered Sydney Conservatorium of relied on inaccurate press cover- throughout Ryde in the early Music at 11:20am on Wednesday age. part of the 20th century. 31 October, followed by a The talk was very popular,showing Where did these people come recital. that the story of the Titanic still Monday, 3 December from? Why were they there? has a hold on the public’s imagina- Where did they go? Phone the museum on tion. Christmas Banquet Angela Phippen 98799443 between 10am Left: Captain Edward Smith 7pm for 7:30pm Ryde Family History and 12 Monday to Friday wouldn’t slow down Right: “The Unsinkable Molly Grandview Restaurant Thursday 25 October and book your place. 10am at the Museum Brown”

Have you renewed your annual membership? See the Membership Renewal form on the back page The life boats could carry only HUNTERS HILL HISTORICAL half of those on board. Poor training of the crew and SOCIETY INC leadership by the officers resulted ABN 72012103152 in many being launched barely

Address mail to half full. The Secretary Hunters Hill Historical Society Inc Hunters Hill Historical Society PO Box 98 Hunters Hill NSW 2110 Inc. Phone 98799443 Officers for 2012-20I3

Email: [email protected] President Ian Adair Vice-president Pat Cox Editor: Ian Adair Treasurer Graham Percival Phone: 98793725 Secretary Tony Saunders Email:[email protected] Committee June Beck, Jan Griffiths Do you have any family Bob Mostyn history or reminiscences Ed Gooley (public officer) Dorothy Cubban you’d like to share with Carl Ryves, us? John Rogers Let us know.

Volunteers Putney - that special place Gregory Blaxell, historian and member of the We need volunteers to help take research requests from people who Hunters Hill Historical Society, has produced visit the museum to enquire about people and places in our area. Two a book on CD for the Putney and District hours once a week would be nice, but any offers would be appreciated. Progress Association. You don’t have to know anything to start. We will show you how to “Putney is a place of parks, backyards and take enquiries and pass them on to our Archivist. gardens which the majority of people, irre- As you become more experienced, you might like to assist with research spective of their background, want to call and help set up exhibitions. home.” You can obtain a copy of this e-book If you are interested or know someone who could be, please phone by visiting www.putneyprogress.com.au or Ian Adair on 98793725 phoning 0416234177

To: Tony Saunders Hon. Secretary Hunters Hill Historical Society Inc. P. O. Box 98 Hunters Hill, 2110

Please find enclosed cheque for $20 for annual subscription 2012-2013

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Date______OPTION: Pay your membership by Direct Transfer from your bank. Transfer the funds to Westpac Gladesville BSB 032-185 Account 50-1130 Hunters Hill Historical Society Inc and quote your name