Pittwater Online News

Lovett Bay Public Wharves: Some History

The causeway and stone jetty built by the trustees of Kuring-Gai Chase National Park in 1895 is the first public accessway in Lovett Bay. This was built through the newly formed Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park being gazetted in December 1894 and the Trust for the same being given permission to by the owner of Portion 17. 

KURINGGAI CHASE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

Sir,-When on 6th October, 1892, I first submitted officially to the Minister for Lands the proposal to "dedicate the waters of Cowan Creek, and ... adjacent to same, as a national park for North Sydney, one of the principal arguments adduced was that "steps could be taken to prevent the reckless destruction of native flowers .eg, the rock-lily, formerly so abundant, is becoming scarcer every year, and must soon become extinct it not to some extent protected."

Two flowering seasons passed away before my suggestion was adopted by the preliminary notification of Kuringgai Chase in the Government Gazette of 20th June, 1894. During that interval of over 20 months wholesale depredations had been committed, not by the tourist but for trade purposes which left the foreshores for miles denuded of the special vegetation which had made them attractive in former years- the last tree ferns had been cut down, the rocklilies almost extirpated (the cutting of their flowers did no permanent harm, but almost every accessible plant had been torn away by the roots, and hundreds of Christmas bush trees of fifty growth and upwards had been felled, merely to lop off the top branches for decoration of the butchers shops &c.in Sydney). The removal of a few cartloads or boatloads of such vegetation each year would not have done any irremediable damage, but many of the depredators made a practice of camping on the creek for a week or two before Christmas and ruthlessly destroying everything they could find in accessible places, which they did not want for themselves, in order that others might not join in their harvest and cheapen the market against them at Christmas time.

Against this state of things the trustees have hitherto been unable to act owing to certain formal matters in connection with the dedicaction of the Chase not having been completed; but, seeing that the anticipated destruction during this season (the third) would put back the plate for years a strong effort has been made, and being courteously backed by the department the dedication of the Chase was finally secured by gazette notice of the 14th instant and, after overcoming further obstacles the publication of the bylaws was obtained in a supplement Gazette of the same date.

Full arrangements having been made, in anticipation, linen posters of notice of bylaws, &.c , were delivered the same evening at a distant camp at Cowan Creek, where two men had been retained to post them along the foreshores of the Chase on Saturday. Similar posters were distributed on Saturday morning at the stations along the North Shore line, and accompanied by a constable and special constable I left for Pittwater the same morning on similar duties, and to establish a repressive force there, and to interview various residents who had promised to assist the trustees as far as lay in their power.

This morning (Monday) a strong body of special constables, under the authority and instructions of the trustees and the guidance or the local constable, commence a daily patrol in a steam launch from the head of Cowan Creek down to the Hawkesbury. Under such prompt and repressive measures the trustees feel confident that they will be able to put a stop to any piratical practices on the Chase during this season and that if the necessary support is afforded them by the Government, and the moral support of the general public is on their side, such practices will become impossible for the future and that both the flora and fauna of this large tract of country, abutting on the 10-mile circuit of Sydney, will be protected for future generations in Kuringgai Chase, although probably they will have utterly disappeared from most other places.

It is to be regretted that a section of our legislators, in ignorance, I presume, of the circumstances should by their recent vote have crippled the action of the trustees. On the evening after that vote I was obliged to discharge a road party at work (uncompleted) on the Chase, and other working men, who were anxiously awaiting the commencement of other works proposed to be carried out for the convenience of the public, were advised that they could not be commenced. Thus, as all administration by the trustees is performed gratuitously, the whole weight of that adverse vote falls on the working men of the Lane Cove and Hornsby districts, of whom, I am sorry to say too many able and worthy men are unemployed, while, furthermore, the proposed increase of convenience to the public, which would have largely increased our railway receipts, must stand in abeyance. 

…. December 17. E. DU FAUR, trustee. KURINGGAI CHASE. (1894, December 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14000128

The original land grantee for Portion 17 was Joseph Cario (sometimes spelt Carrio or Carriel, also known as 'Portugee Joe'), who applied for 40 acres on the north side of Lovett’s Bay under the Crown Lands Alienation Act of 1861. It was surveyed in November/December 1881, at which date improvements had been made to the value of £40, viz; clearing £4, cultivation £6, and a house £30. A hut and garden are marked on the plan, close to the water. [LTO Map C435 2030] 

Joseph Cario had married Eliza Oliver in 1871, a daughter of William Oliver. In a Statutory Declaration dated 30 April 1891 [LTO PA 10712], Thomas Oliver stated that MacDonald’s 30 acre grant at Salt Pans had been leased to Joseph Cario from 20 March 1878 for three years, where he lived with his wife in “a two-room humpy.” Both Oliver and Cario had cut wood on the land. Oliver Brooks’ wife Emma described the Carios’ home as “a bark hut with a nice garden”, on Salt Pan Point. Emma Brooks stated that they had no children, but on 29 October 1880 Joseph Cario nominated a boy, Robert Joseph, aged 9, to attend the school which was being established at Church Point

Cario paid £40 for his Lovett Bay acreage, and received his grant by purchase on 16 July 1886. [Land Titles Office: Vol.799 Fol.108] He sold his land grant in 1886. Joseph Cario owned a vessel, the Maid of Australia, which traded between Pittwater and Sydney. 

Vol.799 Fol.108:

Cario sells to Frederick Chave August 23 1856 part of (20 acres): Vol- Fol 808-173 – this is where the causeway and Kuring-Gai Chase Trust stone jetty/wharf is sited.

Vol- Fol 808-173 (part of Portion 17):

Certificate of Title Vol-Fol 1100-98 shows 1 acre 2 roods and 7 perches owned by Frederick Chave of Pitt Water, July 4 1893, with a road (or track) 1 chain wide alongside the 18 acres bought by Bolton from Mr. Chave. One chain is 66 feet wide or 20.1 metres - this is between the original Cario land grant and that land grant of 50 acres owned by Andrew McCulloch.

Frederick Chave sells to 18 acres 1 rood 33 perches to Francis Bolton on June 19 1893 – Vol-Fol 1100-74. Mr. Bolton sells to Newton Charles Singleton of Lovett Bay on June 1st 1942, who sells off some lots, and then sells to Athol Anderson Stronach (Portion 17), Broker, May 8th 1950, who sells off some lots and then the residue becomes Vol-Fol: 6537-191, Certificate registered July 24th 1952, as 18 acres 1 rood and 33 perches still, and he sells lots into 1950’s. 

Mr. Stronarch has 10 acres of Portion 17 resumed by the County of Cumberland Planning Scheme on February 24th 1955 (Vol-Fol: 7079-45 Lots 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 – lot 3 already sold – Cert. of title registered Feb. 13 1956) and more on March 4 1960 and more on April 26 1963 (Vol-Fol 9421-39)  He passed away February 12th 1985. 

Bolton's acreage Vol-Fol 1100-74:

The remainder 20 acres, towards the west and head of Lovett Bay, is registered in Vol-Fol 808-161 as sold to Robert John Bell and Alexander Bell, both of Balmain, Engineers, on October 14 1886:

Eliza Cario died in 1893, and her husband Joseph died at Parramatta in 1895.

The causeway, wharf and access tracks constructed at Lovett Bay with a walking track up the hill to Flagstaff Lookout, the works are described as:

Pittwater: Forming stone causeway, 8ft wide, along foreshore, from entrance of chase to deepwater, Lovett's Bay, 135 yards, and building substantial stone wharf at same. Scrubbing and forming pathway along foreshore from causeway to head of Lovett's Bay, on north side, and continuing same on south side to boundary of Flood and Oatley's Estate, Ventnor. Scrubbing and forming zigzag pathway from  above foreshore, north side, up to flagstaff, 500ft high; ditto, paths to Flat Rocks; and many minor surveys and connections ditto ditto causeway, 6 chains 15 links; to head of Lovett's Bay, 45 chains 70 links; to Ventnor, 41 chains; Zigzag to Flagstaff, 40 chains; to Flat Rock, 37 chains 30 links; to or Flat Rock, 10 chains 15 links. Total, 180 chains 30 links — 2 miles 20 chains. ...

Returning to the northern side of the bay, at a point about 12chains from the end of the causeway, the party then descended by a zigzag path, which has been laid out to the summit of a hill which towers over the bay at a height of nearly 500ft, to a flagstaff, which is less than 800ft, on a base-line from the starting-point.

Notwithstanding the difficulty of overcoming such a grade, and an absolutely perpendicular escarpment of over 100ft near the summit, the pathway is of gradual and comparatively easy ascent: it has been visited by many ladies, and from its summit a splendid view is obtained over Pittwater, Newport, and the ocean on one side, and the rugged features of the Chase on the other, a description of which must be left for another occasion.

It was shown as “The Lookout” on parish maps between 1927 and 1947…

From Messrs. W. H. Paling and Co., Limited, we have received a copy of the "Ku-Ring-Gai (chase) Waltzes," by T. H. Massey. The set is composed of very tuneful music, and such as to invite lovers of the merry dance to tread a measure. CURRENT NEWS. (1895, January 29). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133347964 

The trustee, in relating the size of this causeway, describes:

KURING-GAI CHASE. TO THE EDITOR Of THE HERALD.
Sir,-The trustees have had the opportunity of paying an interesting official visit of inspection to the Chase. Accepting the well-known hospitality of the Hon R.H.D. White, they left Farm Cove in his steam yacht the White Star on Friday at 5pm. The trustees present were -The Hon H Copeland (president), Dr J C Cox, Messrs. E Du Faur, J. de V. Lamb, the Hon R. H. D White, M L C, the Hon F A Wright, M L A , and the hon secretary (Mr E J Siervern. The remaining trustees-the Hon Sir Joseph Abbott, Messrs T A Dibbs and W J Lyne-were unavoidably prevented from attending but Messrs Edmund Barton and Robert McMillan accompanied as guests.

After camping on Friday evening at the Basin, Pittwater, they proceeded to Lovett’s Bay (near Bay View), and inspected the works which have been carried out during the last year, under the Superintendence of Mr Du Faur. These consist of a substantial stone wharf, erected by consent of the owner of portion 17 and of the Lands Department, on the foreshore of portion 17, between high and low water marks, to deep water and a stone causeway, 8ft wide and 200ft long, from the wharf to the entrance of the Chase, which, owing to the shallowness of the upper part of the bay, was inaccessible without this concession from the adjoining freeholder. From the entrance to the Chase a path about 8ft wide has been cleared and formed through what was previously an impenetrable scrub to the head of the bay, where there is an abundance of fresh water crossing this, a similar path has been formed along the southern side of Lovett’s Bay to a charming nook at the back of "The Peninsula," Mr Oatley’s property. Here the water falls, except during such a dry season as the present, over cliffs about 80ft to 100ft high into a rock dell, where cabbage-tree palms and other vegetation luxuriate. These paths are about a mile in length.

Returning to the northern side of the bay, at a point about 12chains from the end of the causeway, the party then descended by a zigzag path, which has been laid out to the summit of a hill which towers over the bay at a height of nearly 500ft, to a flagstaff, which is less than S800ft, on a base-line from the starting-point. Notwithstanding the difficulty of overcoming such a grade, and an absolutely perpendicular escarpment of over 100ft near the summit, the pathway is of gradual and comparatively easy ascent: it has been visited by many ladies, and from its summit a splendid view is obtained over Pittwater, Newport, and the ocean on one side, and the rugged features of the Chase on the other, a description of which must be left for another occasion. From the Flagstaff another path has been scrubbed for rather over a mile, to the Flat Rock; a peculiar formation, of which a graphic description has already appeared in the press. The trustees returned to the yacht by noon highly gratified with what they had seen, and expressing their astonishment at the amount of work done, and the facility of access afforded over so large a tract of country, previously inaccessible, at an expenditure including wharf and causeway of less then £200. KURING-GAI CHASE. (1896, February 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14036808

'Lovetts Bay Causeway and wharf' - lower caption  at right reads 'No. 56.Kuring Gai Chase, Pittwater, Lovett Bay Wharf & Causeway'. Item: FL3592257, courtesy NSW Records and Archives

Wharf, Kuring Gai Chase SLNSW_FL1674228 circa 1900, Courtesy State Library of New South Wales

Near the summit of the hill we come on a great cavern, or rather an archway, in the Hawkesbury sandstone. It is a wonderful spot indeed, for the architect or the builder has glorified the archway with the most weird and fantastic carving. It was carved by the wind. When the wild storms of wintry days swept over the Chase they took up grains of sand and tiny stones and flung the mat the bold peak till they wore a passage through it. The metallic oxides in the sandstone were obstinate, and stood firm, while the silicious particles beside them gave way, and so we get marvellous results in carving. This work, was painfully slow, but old Dame Nature is lavish in the use of time. It is nothing to her. 

Just above the archway is the flagstaff, the point we have been climbing for, the point the pathway has been made to reach. The view from the summit is lovely in the extreme. Away in the distance over Flood's Peninsular was the blue sheen of Pittwater, and along the shores the little white nests in which human workers nestle o' nights. Beyond all, over a brief neck of bold, sandy looking land, is the great Pacific Ocean, restless, mysterious, awful! 

Government Printing Office d1_08838 - Panorama of Lovetts Bay (Mr Dyer in foreground) [From NSW Government Printer series: Kuring-gai Chase No. 65, 1900. Courtesy State Library of New South Wales and NSW Archives & Records.

To our right and left are hills and valleys, trees, bush, gorges, and glory. For miles and miles in every direction spread, one of the most beautiful sights in New South Wales— a people's park, old, older than history, yet new and almost untrodden. Never a more perfect picture has been seen in all this wide world than is to be seen from Flagstaff Hill, Kuring-gai Chase, Pittwater, on a clear fine day. Well might a recent lady visitor, who may be described as much travelled, have observed, on her first visit to the hilltop. "Como is nowhere!" Kuring-gai Chase Trust. (1896, August 6). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111041737

ON THE PITTWATER -THE PATHWAY FROM LOVETT'S BAY. 

A VIEW OVER PITTWATER FROM THE ZIG-ZAG ON FLAGSTAFF HILL.

IN THE KURING GAI CHASE (1900, April 7). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 806. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165296463  and IN THE KURING GAI CHASE (1900, April 7). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 808. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165296463

Birnie Lookout – originally known as 'Flagstaff Hill' as well as 'Bells Lookout' – was described by as “lovely in the extreme” as far back as 1896 with the view “said to be equal to anything in the way of marine views to be found in the world” (The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 October 1908).

For miles and miles in every direction spread, one of the most beautiful sights in New South Wales— a people’s park, old, older than history, yet new and almost untrodden. Never a more perfect picture has been seen in all this wide world than is to be seen from Flagstaff Hill. - Kuring-gai Chase Trust, 6 August 1896

In 1900 a launch was purchased by the Chase Trust for use in Pittwater. 

Lovett Bay, Pittwater. A charming inlet in the Ku-ring-gai Chase, which may, be reached by motor launches, to be hired at Newport, Bay View, or Church Point.  From: THE BEAUTIFUL SHIRE OF WARRINGAH. (1915, April 7).Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 34. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166255867

Lovett Bay Public Wharf (north end of the bay)

The Bell holding 808-161 – of 20 acres at north end of Lovett Bay: they sell off some lots in 1917 to Henry Bartholomew Pickering and his sister Fanny Elizabeth Pickering in March and April 1917. The residue becomes Vol-Fol 2758-144 under Eliza Bell, R J Bell’s wife, May 17 1917 of 9 acres 1 rood and 12 perches, further west on Lovett Bay.

On March 17 1919 Eliza Bell transfers the residue of this land holding to Grace Victoria Meares, wife of Robert Alfred Meares of Manly, Real Estate Agent.  

MEARES.—The Relatives and Friend of Mrs. GRACE MEARES and FAMILY of Pooles-road, Kellyville, are invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly loved HUSBAND and their dear FATHER, Robert Alfred Meares; which is appointed to leave the Funeral Chapel of Metcalfe and Morris Ltd., 115 Church-street, Parramatta, THIS DAY MONDAY, at 2.15 p.m., for the Church of England Cemetery, Rookwood, Section 14. METCALFE and MORRIS LTD., Funeral Directors, 'Phone UW8891, Parramatta. Family Notices (1935, November 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17218283 

Donald Fraser, Medical Practitioner, becomes the owner on February 5th 1927. On December 31, 1941 he sells to Robert Swinburn of Lithgow, also a Medical gentleman, who sells to Frank Dawson Harrison of Potts Point, Company Director, later of Newport, on November 5 1945. On the 16th of August 1955  he sells this land to James Bennett and Eric Leslie Bennet (registered December 2nd 1995 Vol-Fol: 7128 - 59 & 60; measuring 399 1/10 links wide (80 metres) by 2243 links (western edge - 451.2 metres) by 2449 1/10 links (south edge - 492.6 metres). The residue of Lots 1 to 3 is in Vol-Fol 10827-58 to 60, Deposited Plan 236002, registered July 1st 1968.

Eliza Bell and Robert John Bell seem to be connected to Balmain, as were the Pickering family, to whom they sold acres of this land in 1917. 

Isobel Dorothea Mackellar

Dorothea Mackellar’s first Lot is under the Lot sold by Eliza Bell to Henry Bartholomew Pickering of Balmain, Broker, on March 28, 1917 (Vol-Fol 2753-22). He had already bought a Lot from the Floods' Peninsula Estate on he opposite of Lovett Bay in 1916 and would buy a further 2 Lots on the same site. Isobel Dorothea Mackellar becomes the owner of 3 acres 3 roods and 15 ½ perches on June 12th, 1925. The wharf at the north end of the bay shows on this map and on the 6 acres 2 roods and 30 ½ perches next door and with one acre east of there, which were sold by Eliza to Fanny Elizabeth Pickering (Vol-Fol 2753-23) CofT registered April 28 1917, sister of Henry Pickering. Fanny sells her holding to Dorothea Mackellar on July 28th 1925.

A landing place of 1 rood and 9 perches that was dedicated/gazetted January 3rd 1907, from the Fanny Pickeing holding and transferred to the State Planning Authority (Vol-Fol 10382-218) on August 9 1966 and is revoked on October 8th 1976. Residue becomes Vol-Fol 10382-217).  

Although it is difficult to track own exact measurements and date of within government departments at this time, or those, like the Kuring-Gai Chase Trustees, it is likely a form of stone approach and stone wharf/jetty was erected at the north end of Lovett Bay to meet the waterside end of this 'landing place' at this time. Henry Bartholomew Pickering's sale of his holding to Dorothea states she may have and use 'access to the wharf', already in place at that time. This map from circa 1900 shows the wharf in place at Cario's land grant, and named for the Chase Trustees, at the head of the bay - for the causeway and stone jetty constructed in 1895:

Section from Plan of Bay View and Pittwater district  Image No.: c053460078, circa 1900, courtesy State Library of NSW - note lower left hand side 'Meritana' - A Wood.

This would also coincide with the sale of lands alongside the causeway and people applying for permissive occupancies to erect jetties, boatsheds, skids and baths adjacent to or connected to their land holding, as well as the granting of oyster leases to applicants in Lovett and Towler's Bay, men such as John Henry Richardson and James Clark in 1905 and 1906, Charles Autrey Hall in 1920 (1913), and Joseph Henry Arblaster in 1926.

As the then Warringah Shire Council records indicate that council was looking after some aspects of the infrastructure associated with that wharf during the period between 1907 and 1976, so long as residents of Lovett Bay also contributed a fair portion of any costs or fees involved, 1976 could be deemed when this 'officially' became a public wharf under the care of the local council, even if they were maintaining it for the benefit of residents and visitors in the interim.

In Dorothea Mackellar at Pittwater by Keith Amos, 2020, Mr. Amos states; 

Almost certainly, Dorothea chose her land at Lovett Bay because she knew the occupant of the adjoining land. This was Dr. Donald Fraser, a psychotherapist whose home and practice overlooked Hyde Park, Sydney, at 34 College Street. Dorothea might well have met him through her father, whose practice and apartment (where she finished writing ‘Core of My Heart’) was in nearby Liverpool Street, also facing the Park.

Although this may not tie in with the Certificate of Title and Transfer dates, Dr. Fraser may have been using the land prior to that and the dates registered as him becoming the owner, officially, registered afterwards. A caveat had been placed on the Meares holding in 1920 which did not get lifted until just before Dr. Fraser became the owner.

Dorothea bought three vacant blocks at Lovett Bay to make one large site – one block over 3 acres from Henry Pickering on June 12th 1925, and two totalling over 6 acres from Fanny Pickering on July 28th, 1925. A bush block of almost 10 acres with over 250 yards of waterfront, at a total cost of £3,590 became hers, and, it would seem, the inspiration for a number of poems from then on. 

The NSW Historical Land Records Viewer (HRLV) provides:

Department of Lands,

Sydney, 20th February, 1907.

IT is hereby notified, for public information, that, in accordance with the provisions of the Public trusts Act, 1897, His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to approve of the appointment of The Trustees of Ku-ring-gai Chase as Trustees of the land at Lovett Bay, parish of Broken Bay, county of Cumberland, area 1 rood 9 perches, dedicated 3rd January, 1907, for landing place. [Ms. 1907-2,747] JAMES ASHTON. Government Gazette Notices (1907, February 20). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1048. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226577666 

Sydney, 8th October, 1976.

REVOCATION OF DEDICATIONS

WHEREAS under section 25 of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, power is given for the revocation of any dedication of Crown land, dedicated by the Crown: Now, therefore, I do hereby declare that all preliminary action has been taken in connection with the revocation of the dedications of the areas described hereunder, and I do hereby revoke the said dedications, in so far as they apply to or affect areas described hereunder.

W. F. CRABTREE, Minister for Lands.

Land District—Metropolitan; Shire—Warringah, Parish Broken Bay, County Cumberland, about 1 239 square metres, dedicated 3rd January, 1907, for Landing Place at Lovett Bay. Pks 75-841.  REVOCATION OF DEDICATIONS (1976, October 8). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4367. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220117056 

That track from the wharf going up the hill into the Park in 2012 show stones have been set as well as steps cut into the hill:

Kuring-Gai Chase National Park marker on this 'landing place' and stone causeway up the hill at Lovett Bay wharf

The Lovett Bay 'weekender' of Dorothea Mackellar, ''Tarrangaua'', was now on 8 acres, 4 roods and 17 perches. The name for the home has a meaning of "Place under the trees" – the words  "high, rough hill" translate into the Aboriginal language as Tarrangaua.

By Spring Dorothea is ready to build Tarrangaua:

TENDERS. Pittwater.—Erection of a large stone cottage at Lovett Bay, Pittwater. (Quantities) Messrs. Wilson, Neave, and Berry, Union House, George-street. TENDERS. (1925, September 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16242512 

Although clearly not too patiently:

VARIOUS VERSE  
[FOR THE BULLETIN.]  
The Waiting Life.  
Since it befell, ’twixt work and strife,  
I had not time to live my life,  
I turned my back on it until  
Work should be done and strife be still  

My hands and head for use are free,  
Nor does my own life worry me,  
But docile as a spaniel waits  
Until this present stress abates.  

Tranquil, unwatched, it’s there, I know,  
With all its joy contained. But oh,  
I hope, when I have time to play,  
My life will not have run away!  
N.S.W.  
DOROTHEA MACKELLAR.  Vol. 46 No. 2380 (24 Sep 1925) ). VARIOUS VERSE [FOR THE BULLETIN.] The Waiting Life., The bulletin Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-633433035

MEMBERS OF INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS OF N. S. W.  31st JANUARY, 1925  Berry, John L., c/o Messrs. Wilson, Neave &  Berry, Union House, George St., Sydney.   Royal Australian Institute of Architects & Institute of Architects of New South Wales & Board of Architects of New South Wales. Vol. 14 No. 2 (1 Feb 1925) ). MEMBERS OF INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS OF N. S. W. 31st JANUARY, 1925, Architecture : an Australasian review of architecture and the allied arts and sciences Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3004435911

The home, designed by architect Hardy Wilson, can only be reached by boat. It was her long-time ­retreat, often arriving from her parents’ home, Rosemont in Woollahra, in a chauffeur-driven yellow Rolls Royce at Church Point. Some sources state Dorothea's new-built home cost £1200 in total. 

In Dorothea Mackellar at Pittwater by Keith Amos, 2020, Mr. Amos states; 

The construction was challenging: 60,000 bricks, terracotta roofing tiles, tons of sandstone (quarried offsite) for the foundation and retaining walls, and a large amount of timber, were all landed at high tide and winched up to the site. Most materials were shipped from Sydney and unloaded at the bay from a barge. The timber boards and window sills were tallow wood, doors and cupboards Queensland maple, the ceiling and roof framing Douglas fir (oregon). Ceilings were fibro laid on the top of the joists, the walls double brick, verandah columns rendered brickwork. The tiles had a glazed Marseilles pattern first marketed in 1924. Taylor (the builder) probably had a big building team to complete the job as quickly as possible. The work most likely began before the end of 1925, continuing into 1926.

Above photos taken at Tarrangaua Open Day held by Susan Duncan and Bob Storey on behalf of the Rotary Club of Pittwater's fundraiser for the Palliative Care Centre at Mona Vale Hospital in March 2012. Although we choose not to share any interiors of the private home taken then, two images taken that day lend an insight that Bob, and his then wife, Authoress and Editor Susan, had an especial connection to this community cause:

view into Night Bay and Salvation Creek from Lovett Bay in Autumn Sunshine, March 2012 - note the stone wall now pat of a retaining wall at the bay edge

The Lovett Bay retreat was sold after her death in 1968 at age 82 for $27,000. A 1993 advertorial showing the land size was then down to just over one acre. The home and land holding sold again in 2020 for approx.. $6 million:

Anyone who has been to this home or gone past in their boat would know one of its most outstanding features is the wonderful grove of tall straight trees that surround it - something this poet loved. There are also verses penned by Dorothea around the finish of the build in mid 1926 which have clearly been inspired by this beautiful part of Pittwater - some examples - worth noting in these poems is that when she refers to an 'apple tree' she means our own angophoras:

PEACEFUL VOICES.  
I fortunate, I knew a refuge  
When the strained spirit tires  
Of town's metallic symphony  
Of wheels and horns and wires:  

Where through the golden empty stillness
Cool flowing voices speak,  
The alto of the waterfall,  
The treble of the creek.  

From far beyond the headland's shoulder,
South-easters bring to me    
Reminder of earth's wandering,  
The strong voice of the sea.    

I happy, in a leafy fortress  
Listen to hidden birds  
And small waves of a hidden tide  
Mingling their lovely words.      
-DOROTHEA MACKELLAR.   PEACEFUL VOICES. (1926, February 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16265351

BARGAIN.
What do you think the Kindly Folk, the fairies, gave to me?
A bird-delighting fountain
And an almond-tree, 
A trembling silver tinkle of creek, a little house of stone,
And a clean and leafy woodland
Wherein to walk alone.

What was the price the Good Folk asked?
Never their gifts are sold.
I would not chaffer with them
For the fairy gold.
I freely gave a promise instead, that pleased the fairies well,
But what It was, for Paradise, 
Orchid-valleys, and trees of spice
l will not tell.
DOROTHEA MACKELLAR. FOR THE CHILDRENS. BARGAIN. (1926, May 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16292243

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - LAMBERT EXHIBITION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

'Sir,-If the general public remembered that the Lambert exhibition, at present In the Education Department's gallery, will close on the 12th of this month, those people who have realised It would not be strolling from one masterly work to another in such un jostled comfort. This loan exhibition is of absorbing interest, containing, as it does, so much of Lambert's recent and best work, which has never been assembled before, and, since a great deal of it is from private collections, will never be seen in this way again. It is interesting, too, to contrast it with the excellent exhibition lately held in Horderns' art gallery. Here the exhibits are almost entirely different, and the effect of them is concentrated. The whole gives a deep impression of power, versatility, and an energy that is never slip-shod in its swiftness. It is no wonder that not one of these loan pictures is for sale.

I am, etc.,

DOROTHEA MACKELLAR. Pittwater, Dec. 6.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. (1930, December 10). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16737363

POETESS IN HER SYDNEY GARDEN.

MISS DOROTHEA MACKELLAR, the well-known poetess, photographed in the garden of her home at Darling Point yesterday morning. In the afternoon she opened a private view of animal drawings by Mr. John Skeaping, at 17 Rowe-street. Miss Mackellar said that the artist's work reminded her of the prehistoric drawings in the Altamira Caves, in Spain. POETESS IN HER SYDNEY GARDEN. (1936, August 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17260179

Dorothea's home at Lovett Bay remained in her possession for decades and was her refuge - in between trips abroad:

MISS DOROTHEA MACKELLAR, of Darling Point, the poetess, has just returned from two weeks' holiday at her cottage at Pittwater, where she enjoyed a quiet holiday, devoting most of her days to swimming and fishing. SPOTLIGHT ON SOCIETY (1937, April 22). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 37 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230341202

SECRET BALLOT

Sir, — I read with great interest Mr. J. P. Ormonde's article last Thursday, but his last three paragraphs, opposing the secret ballot, puzzle me, especially the statement that the secret ballot "robs the leadership of the power of initiative."

Unless leadership has become flabby, it necessarily retains the initiative. Possibly Mr. Ormonde, by a lapse of memory, has confused "initiative" with "absolute power." "Initiative," according to the Universal English Dictionary, ed. 1936, means: "1. Initial step, introductory measure, first move. Phr. to have the initiative, to have the power or right of making the first move; to take the initiative, take the lead. 2 (polit.). Right to introduce legislative measures. 3. Mental capacity for originating; ability to start something new; to make new departures; enter-prise, originality."

The power or right of making the first move. Not the power to compel every man to follow, regardless of his own convictions. That is totalitarianism.

DOROTHEA MACKELLAR. 
Lovett Bay, via Church Point.

SECRET BALLOT (1947, January 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27904847

The house was heritage listed under Pittwater Council - . 67. House; Tarrangana; Lot 2, DP 228812, Lovett Bay and PO 77/32. 

Lovett Bay Public wharf, September 16, 2015

Halls Wharf (south end of Little Lovett Bay, adjacent to Towlers' or Morning Bay)

Alongside Portion 17  to the north is Portion 1, of 50 acres, granted to Andrew Hardie McCulloch junior, and embracing Little Lovett Bay, and further north to this is Portion 13, of 40 acres.

Section from Parish of Broken Bay map, dated 1895 - cancelled January 1923, courtesy HRLV/LTO

Andrew Hardie McCulloch Jnr. 50 acres in DP 3455, to the east of the Cario holding was granted March 6, 1883 – Vol-Fol: 639-130 – called Portion 1.

He sells to Frederick Chave, of Paramatta, and Percy Vernon McCulloch on May 31st 1884 – becomes Vol-Fol: 702-232 (Chave – both become Vol – Fol 905-21) and 702-233. Percy McCulloch mortgages his share to William Henry Paling on January 8th 1886 – Paling transfers this mortgage to Frederick Chave on October 4th 1888.

Frederick Chave

Frederick Chave was born June 16 1831 to John Voysey (1774-1838) and Ann (née Williams 1791-1853), at Windsor on the Hawkesbury. His mother was born in Sydney, his father came here in 1814 as a convict on the "General Hewitt" and was granted a Certificate of Freedom in May 1827. Ann was the only child of her parents although her mother had children via a previous marriage. Ann had also previously been married to a John Smith, who died in 1829. They had had 4 sons and 2 daughters before her first husband passed away, from 1810 to 1827. 

Fredrick Chave's brother George died at 6 months of age in 1833, making him the only child of his parents union, although he had step-siblings. In 1860 he marries Elizabeth Chapman at Maitland, NSW. The pair have several children, including:  Frederick William Chave; Ernest Charles Chave; Elsie Florence Chave; Una Margaret Chave; Albert George Chave; Percy C. Chave; Ethel L. Chave; Alfred Edward Chave; Alice Edith Chave; Ada Chave; Emma Chave and Arthur Bede Chave.

Around 1884 Frederick Chave settles at Pittwater. Formerly he had been a station owner at Neribone in the Bligh District, NSW and had acquired Dungaleer Station at Warren. For many years his family lived in the Baulkham Hills near Parramatta. In the 1880s and 1890s the Chave family have a waterside estate of 50 acres (Portion 1) on the north side of Lovett Bay, Pittwater. “Mr. Chave’s orchard is the finest in the district.” - Samuel Morrison

In February 1885, Frederick Chave purchased the coastal vessel ‘Maid of Australia’ for £100. Joseph Cario of Lovett Bay (Portion 17), married to William Oliver’s daughter Eliza and living on the same side of the bay as Frederick Chave, makes frequent trips to Sydney in ‘Maid of Australia’. He takes firewood, with staghorns and tree ferns as a sideline. On his return trip he carries supplies for the settlers living on his side of the bay. (Ref: Samuel Morrison, son-in-law of Frederick Chave)

The coaster Maid of Australia has been sold by Mr. G. Crestenoff  to Mr. F. Chave, of Pittwater, for £100. IMPORTS.—FEBRUARY 14. (1885, February 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28367085

The Royal Alfred paddle steamer has been purchased from the Port Jackson Steam Co, by Mr. Halstead for £1500, and the ketch, Maid of Australia, has been purchased by Mr. F. Chane, of Pittwater for £100. The Young Dick, steamer, has been purchased by Mr. F. Silva, of Watson’s Bay, from Mr. B. Wanning, for £1000. Along the wharves. (1885, February 17). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111182893

Here Frederick Chave has three houses each situated on a small point. They are named 'Carlton Villa', 'Brighton Villa' and 'Bleak House'. Chave’s home is a 'Gentleman’s Villa' with seven rooms and a kitchen. One of the furnished houses is available as a country resort.

In February 1885, Messrs Chave and McCulloch apply to erect a boathouse, bathing house and jetty on piles on the north side of Lovett’s Bay (Portion 1).

Department of Lands,
Sydney, 24th February, 1885.
APPLICATION TO ERECT A BOAT HOUSE, BATHINGS HOUSE, AND JETTY ON PILES.

NOTICE is hereby given that application has been made by the parties hereunder mentioned to erect a boat house, bathing house, and jetty on piles, in front of their property, particularized in the annexed description ; and all persons interested are invited to state, within one month from this date, their objections, if any, why such persons should not be permitted to erect the boat house, bathing house, and jetty on piles in question.

JAMES S. FARNELL.

Reg. No.

Ms. 85-1481 S.P. 1920 Applicant; Messrs. Chave & M'Culloch.

Description.

County of Cumberland, parish of Broken Bay, at Pittwater,—

Bathing house: Commencing on the high-water mark of Pittwater, at a point bearing south-westerly, and distant about 23 chains 50 links from the north-east corner of applicants' property and bounded thence on the north-west by a line bearing north-easterly 200 links; thence on the north-east by a line bearing south-easterly 100 links; thence on the south-east by a line parallel to the first mentioned boundary, bearing south-westerly to the aforesaid high-water mark; and thence on the south*west by that high-water mark north-westerly, to the point of commencement.

Boat shed and jetty: Commencing on the high-water mark of Pittwater, at the south-west corner of the proposed bathing house; and bounded thence on the north-west by the south-eastern boundary of that bathing house bearing north-easterly about 200 links; thence on the north-east by a line bearing south-easterly about 100 links; thence on the south-east by a line parallel to the first-mentioned boundary bearing south-westerly to the aforesaid high-water mark and thence on the south-west by that high-water mark north-westerly, to the point of commencement. APPLICATION TO ERECT A BOAT HOUSE, BATHINGS HOUSE, AND JETTY ON PILES. (1885, February 24). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1315. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221625752

In 1887 one of the Chave properties at Pittwater, opposite Scotland Island, is advertised for sale, having 700 Fruit Trees:

PITTWATER, opposite SCOTLAND ISLAND.

30 ACRES OF GOOD ARABLE LAND, portion planted with about 700 Fruit Trees, AT PITTWATER, with W.B. COTTAGE, containing 6 rooms and outhouses thereon. This property, which was formerly known as Chave's, is immediately opposite SCOTLAND ISLAND.

HARDIE and GORMAN have received instructions to sell by public auction, in the ROOMS, 133, PITT STREET, THIS DAY, 12th OCTOBER. the above-described ORCHARD PROPERTY at PITT-WATER, surrounded by the improved properties of Messrs. Willens, Wood, S. B. Bailey, Dr. Tibbitts, and others. The attention of the public generally is particularly directed to the Sale as offering great PROSPECTIVE ADVANTAGES, for besides the income to be derived from the cultivation of the land, the proposed RAILWAY to PITTWATER (the bill for which is now before Parliament) is surveyed close to the property, and must, If carried out, Immensely enhance the value. Advertising (1887, October 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13674341 

In 1884 the school in the chapel at Church Point became a Public School and Samuel Morrison was appointed as the school’s third teacher. Morrison cemented his place in the community by marrying local girl, Emma Chave, daughter of by then prominent landholder and orchardist, Frederick Chave. 

Marriages. MORRISON—CHAVE.— May 13, at Carlton Villa, Pittwater, by Rev. B. T. Willis, Samuel Morrison, late Headmaster of Saunders-street School, Belfast, to Emma, eldest daughter of F. Chave. Family Notices (1887, May 20). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239806298 

See: Church Point and Bayview: A Pittwater Public School Set on the Estuary - 1880 to 2016: Some History and Methodist Church at Church Point: The Chapel the Point is Named after - Some History and Church Point Public Wharf - 1885 to 2025: Some History and La Corniche, Bayview

On 9 November 1886 Frederick Chave attends the distribution of prizes, a gathering and festivities, for the Public School at Church Point “when a most pleasant day is concluded with the usual loyal cheers, three hearty ones also being given in honour of the family of Mr Chave, of Pittwater, whose efforts mainly contribute to the successful carrying out of the day’s programme”. (SMH 12 Nov 1886 P.7)

At a concert taking place in the Public School on 16 June 1888, Miss Alice Chave, Miss Chave, Miss Elsie Chave, Master A. Chave and F. Chave, all attend and give valuable assistance. (SMH 19 June 1888 P.8)

In 1897 F. Chave is on the committee of the Bayview –Pittwater Association. (SMH 6 Nov 1897 P.7) Chave and his son-in-law, Samuel Morrison, attend the meetings together. 

On 12 May 1898 Frederick Chave purchases about 16 acres of the mid section of the Weller Grant (Portion 43) near Church Point. Frederick Chave’s wife, Elizabeth, lives here for some years after her husband’s death and has an orchard upon the land. Her daughter lives nearby with her husband Samuel Morrison, occupying the premises of the Pittwater Public School at Bayview, and owning 'La Corniche' at Bayview until they sell this when the public school is moved to Mona Vale.

CHAVE. — August 3, at his residence, Pittwater, Frederick Chave, aged 66 years. Burial to-day, Thursday, 3 p.m., at Church Point. Family Notices. (1898, August 4). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14130030

DEATH Of A PIONEER  COWRA. Wednesday          

Mrs. Elizabeth Chave has died at the age of 92. Her husband, the late. Mr Frederick Chave travelled by bullock dray from Parramatta to Warren where he acquired Dungaleer Station. Some years later he returned to Sydney and settled at Pittwater. At one time Mr Chave owned Kuring-gai Chase. Mrs. Chave is survived by ten children, 25 grandchildren, and ten great-grand-children. DEATH OF A PIONEER. (1934, August 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17095056

When he died in 1898 Frederick Chave was buried in the little churchyard at Church Point. Other members of his family settled in Bayview.

Section from Plan of Bay View and Pittwater district  Image No.: c053460078, circa 1900, courtesy State Library of NSW - note lower left hand side 'Meritana' - A Wood.

Frederick Chave, developed three properties on points between Towlers and Lovett Bays with the evocative names of "Carlton Villa", "Brighton Villa" and "Bleak House" named after his favourite book by Charles Dickens which had been published in 1853.

''Near the north entrance to Lovett Bay, Mr. Chave had the finest orchard in the district. One shilling (10 cents) bought a bucket of grapes grown from a "dingle" or area of hollow ground between his house and the road. He also grew figs, lemons, oranges and olives.'' 

'At Pittwater' by Charles Kerry, circa 1887-1888. From Tyrell Collection, courtesy Powerhouse Museum - section from same image - is Rocky Point, Elvina Bay to left, Lovetts' Bay to right and Scotland Island 

Earlier articles all raved about the tropical fruits on properties on our western shores, so clearly a suntrap sheltered position worked best for these fruits. The property of Robert Robinson at Towlers' Bay was well-known for this and mentioned a few times, while Edward Johnston's was another fruit bearing 5 acres, and possibly yet another early 'weekender' or place for retreat. 

On the Towler's Bay side there are several residents who pull across the water to the wharf at Church Point and meet the steamer from Sydney or the coach from Manly, as the case may be. The dynamite powder hulk is moored in Towler's Bay, with residences on shore for the officers in charge. 

Mr. Robert Robinson has his residence of Raamah at the same place. Mr. Robinson informs me that he can grow to perfection such tropical fruits as bananas, guavas, ginger, mangoes, pineapples, Brazilian cherries, &c. This fact will demonstrate that there can be little or no frost in this locality. 

Other residents of this side of the bay are Mr. F. Chave, Woodlands, who has a very nice orchard, mostly summer fruit ; Mr. E. C. Johnstone, who has a nice residence and orchard; Mr. A. Steffani is another prominent resident, while the residence of the firm of Flood and Oately occupies a lovely peninsula in the quiet waters of the bay. Mr. Geo. Brown has a residence and an orchard in the neighborhood, and there is also a small church and cemetery at Church Point. Manly to Broken Bay. (1893, November 11). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71191632

Towler's Bay Jetty, circa 1912, 'Raamah' can be seen in the background to left

Some New South Wales Grown Mangoes. 

Since the article on mango cultivation appeared in these columns, a great deal of Interest has been awakened in this valuable sub-tropical fruit. The other day Mr. J. S. Edgar brought to this office several very fine mangoes that had been grown in the late Mr. R. Robinson's garden at Pittwater, Broken Bay. The trees, which are now ab out five years' old, were obtained from the Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton, Queensland, and have some excellent crops this year. They are growing in a deep, rich soil, about 50ft above sea level, and are a picture of health.. Notwithstanding the very dry season that has been experienced, the fruit is well developed and of good flavor. The mango trees at Pittwater go to prove that this sub-tropical fruit can be produced in sheltered positions in the neighborhood of Sydney. " Some New South Wales Grown Mangoes. (1899, March 11). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71325097 

Lovett Bay circa 1883-1887, by Charles Kerry & Co. part of the Powerhouse Museum's Tyrrell collection, and section from to show homes/orchards around the Lovett to Towlers' Bay reaces at this time

Edward Charles Johnston (1850–1913) - Eulalic

Frederick Chave sells part to Edward Charles Johnston of Glebe, Gentleman, Vol-Fol: 1098-194, who buys the 5 acres where today's Halls Public Wharf is on June 12 1893, registered in the LTO on June 24 1893. The property is name 'Eulalic' on the above map and the drawing shows a jetty protrudes from the land.

The meaning of Eulalia is "well-spoken" or "sweetly speaking," derived from the Greek words eu (well) and lalein (to speak). The name gained significance through Saint Eulalia of Mérida, a 4th-century Christian martyr, which helped popularise it in Christian Europe. It can also refer to a type of ornamental grass (Chinese silver grass) or a sound as soft as a lullaby. 

The Perpetual Trustee Company sells this 5 acres to Alfred Ernest Burton on February 11th 1915 (the Printer who became a Motor launch and Row Boat proprietor through the old Booth store at Church Point and ran the store/post office for around a year - preferred being in the boats). 'Alf' Burton sells to Herbert James Fitzpatrick on June 1st 1926 – becomes Vol-Fol 3875/117 and 118 with Ducker listed as co-owner in Vol-Fol 3875-117. They subdivide the 5 acres into lots and sell to individuals from 1927 to 1950; that last April 5th 1950 sale of Lots 1,2,3,4,5, and 16 to Robert Theodore Oswald Lammert, Builder, who lives at Church Point (Vol-Fol: 6192-48) is on Bona Crescent and on waterfront (Lot 16). 

He sells one Lot, Lot 1, to Perry Norman Robens of Balgowlah on May 3rd 1951 – Vol/Fol: 6465-53, and he discharges his mortgage on April 29th 1952.  

The ‘Cumberland County Council’ takes Lots 2 to 65 inclusive on July 29th 1952 Vol-Fol: 6587-224 and then takes the residue on May 7th 1953 – Vol-Fol: 6713-230. 

Mr Robens Lot 1 is taken/and or sold to the ‘Cumberland County Council’ on August 19, 1955 – and the ‘Council of the Shire of Warringah’ becomes the owner from September 25th 1958 of the whole. 

Frederick Chave's residue 45 acres becomes Vol-Fol: 1106-201.

Percy Vernon McCulloch · Born: 1861 · Marriage (1): Mabel Augusta Manning on 8 Jun 1889 · Died: 1949, Wahroonga, Sydney, NSW Australia at age 88. Colin Vernon McCulloch Only son of Percy Vernon McCulloch and Mabel Augusta McCulloch of "Entally", Lane Cove Road (now the Pacific highway)

Vol – Fol 905-21:

On June 8 1893 Frederick Chave sells part of this land to Edward Charles Johnston; 5 acres – Vol Fol 1098-194 – he sells to Alfred Ernest Burton on February 11th 1915 who sells to Herbert James Fitzpatrick on June 1st 1926 – becomes Vol-Fol 3875/117 and 118 with Ducker listed as co-owner in Vol-Fol 3875-117. They subdivide the 5 acres into lots and sell to individuals from 1927 to 1950; that last April 5th 1950 sale of Lots 1,2,3,4,5, and 16 to Robert Theodore Oswald Lammert, Builder, who lives at Church Point (Vol-Fol: 6192-48) is on Bona Crescent and on waterfront (Lot 16). 

He sells one parcel, Lot 1, to Perry Norman Robens of Balgowlah on May 3rd 1951 – Vol/Fol: 6465-53, and discharges his mortgage on April 29th 1952.  

The ‘Cumberland County Council’ takes Lots 2 to 65 inclusive on July 29th 1952 Vol-Fol: 6587-224 and then takes the residue on May 7th 1953 – Vol-Fol: 6713-230. 

Mr Robens Lot 1 is taken/and or sold to the ‘Cumberland County Council’ on August 19, 1955, and the ‘Council of the Shire of Warringah’ becomes the owner from September 25th 1958. 

Fred Chave – the residue 45 acres becomes Vol-Fol: 1106-201. He sells Lot 4 to William Alexander Lingham of Sydney, Importer  (11 acres 2 rood  - Vol-Fol: 1247-155) on May 5th 1898;  Lot 5 to James Macintosh on February 21st 1898 (5 acres 0 roods 25 perches Vol-Fol 1247-246). 

The residue gets sold by his mortgagee company, the Permanent Trustees, with Henry Hallorhan called in to measure and sell the  same on April 21st 1899 – Vol-Fol: 1280-181(4 acres 0 roods 18 perches) and 182 (Lots 6, 7, 8, 9; 8 acres 1 rood 27 perches and Lots 1, 2 and 3; 17 acres). Hallorahan transfers Lots 7 and 8 (3 acres) to Ernest Charles Chave on October 27 1904 – Vol-Fol: 1569-25. Hume Jones Chapman buys Lot 9 on November 13 1899 (Vol-Fol: 1303-96). William Graham Freeman buys Lot 6 on February 22 1904 (Vol-Fol: 1525-197). Lots 4 and 3 in Vol-Fol: 1531-39 and DP 3455

This was part of the 50 acres given by Land Grant to Andrew Hardie McCulloch and subsequently became Frederick Chave's when Mr. McCulloch fled to Melbourne following some dodgy dealing on his own behalf (stealing from clients). This portion, a little over an acre, goes to Arthur Bede Chave, of Manly, Commission agent, on February 12th 1896, who sells to Percy Moore Wood on February 16th 1898 (of part) – who sells part to Richard George Crafter Roberts in June 1938 who sells to Margaret Burns Harrower of part (June 1948: Vol-Fol 5899-107) and residue is in Vol-Fol: 5899-107. 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919

Cumberland County Council: Proposed Resumption of Land at Lovett Bay, Pittwater

HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of the Local Government Act, 1919, has approved of the Cumberland County Council's causing a notice of resumption of the land together with all mines or deposits of coal, ironstone, kerosene shale, limestone, slate or other minerals under the said land (excepting any such _ mines or deposits as were reserved to the Crown in the original Grant of the said land) described in the Schedule hereto, together with a description of such land, to be published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the land is located, such land being required by the Cumberland County Council for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of the County of Cumberland Planning Scheme. (S, 59-4,110).

P. D. HILLS, Minister for Local Government. Department of Local Government,

Sydney, 4th March, 1960.

Schedule

All that piece or parcel of land situate in the Shire of Warringah, parish of Broken Bay and county of Cumberland, being part of portion 17: Commencing at the northernmost north-eastern corner of the said portion 17; and bounded thence on the east by the eastern boundary of that portion bearing 180 degrees 862 feet 7 3/8 inches; on the south by part of the northern extremity of the lane 40 feet wide forming the western boundary of lots 6 and 7, deposited plan 23,104 bearing 270 degrees 4 feet 2 inches to the north-western corner of that lane; again on the east by the- western side of the said lane 40 feet wide bearing 180 degrees 398 feet £ inch to the north-eastern boundary of lot E, shown in plan catalogued 4,764 (L); on the south-west by part of that boundary and by the north-eastern boundary of lot D bearing in all' 301 degrees 486 feet 9 ¼ inches; on the west by the northernmost eastern boundary of lot C bearing 360 degrees 1,011 feet If inches; and on the north by part of the westernmost northern boundary of the said portion 17 bearing 90 degrees 421 feet 4 7/8 inches to the point of commencement,—having an area of 10 acres 3 roods 34 perches or thereabouts said to be in the possession of Athol A. Stronach, and shown on plan with the Department of Local Government, Sydney. (6035). LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919 (1960, March 4). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 617. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220306994 

John Williams Junior - Towler's Bay, Pittwater, parish Broken Lay, county Cumberland. Area. About 5 ½ perches. Purpose for which the Lease is desired. Jetty. APPLICATION FOR LEASE FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE. (1904, November 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 8473. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226485464 

APPROVAL OF SPECIAL LEASE APPLICATIONS.

4291 – 1904-15805 S.L. 1904-4. Williams, John, Jun., of Bay View, Pittwater, via Manly. Below high-water mark, Towler's Bay, parish Broken Bay, county Cumberland. 5 ½ perches for Jetty. 1 Jan 1904 to Dec 31 1908. Annual rent; £2

4292- 1904-15806 -S.L. 1904-10. Bennett, Charles Woolfield, of 55 Market Street, Sydney. Below high-water mark at Pittwater, Broken Bay, fronting Lessees property, parish Narrabeen county Cumberland. 14 ½ perches for Jetty, boatshed, slip and bathing place. 1 Jan 1904 to Dec 31 1908. Annual rent; £9.

Special Conditions, Provisions, Covenants, and Reservations

Special Lease No. 4,291. John Williams, junior.—The lease shall not be subject to subsections 2, 5, 9, 10, and 12 to 20 of Regulation No. 215,but shall be subject to the following special conditions:— (a) The jetty shall be maintained in good order and condition during the currency of the lease, (b) A substantial hand-rail shall be erected along one side of the jetty and be maintained in good order. (c) The Special Lease shall cease and determine in the event of the lessee surrendering or forfeiting his lease of portion 30, parish of Broken Bay, county of Cumberland, before the expiration of the term of the Special Lease.

Special Lease No. 4,292. Charles Woolfield Bennett.—The lease shall not be subject to subsections 2, 5,9,10, and 12 to 21 of Regulation No. 215, but shall be subject to the following special condition:—(a) The lessee shall maintain all improvements upon the lease in a proper state of repair during its currency, reasonable wear and tear excepted. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL LEASE APPLICATIONS. (1905, March 1). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1479. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220926788 

Towler's Bay

James Shaw, residing at Towler’s Bay, Pitt Water, was listed in the 1869-70 electoral roll; James Shaw and Joseph Shaw junior were listed in 1873-74. A Conditional Purchase of 40 acres of land at Towler’s Bay by Joseph Shaw lapsed, and was taken up by Arthur Wood, being granted to him on 10 July 1889. [LTO Vol.931 Fol.231]

Heritage listed: 68. Youth Hostel Lot 3, DP 520115, Towlers Bay. 69. Store, jetty and shed Below MHWM, adjoining LPGRS, Towlers Bay, south side 70. ;Bonnie Doon; wharf Below MHWM, south side of Coasters Retreat, adjoining Ku-ring-gal National Park

References - Extras

• Salt Pan Cove Public Wharf on Regatta Reserve + Florence Park + Salt Pan Reserve + Refuge Cove Reserve: Some History
• Dorothea Mackellar Of Lovett Bay - The Poet From Whom The Electorate Received Its Name
• John William Pilbean Goffage MBE ''Chips Rafferty'' of Lovett Bay: Victory in the Pacific Day 2021
• Prospector Powder Hulk at Towler’s Bay
• Pittwater's Lone Rangers - 120 Years of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and the Men of Flowers Inspired by Eccleston Du Faur - 2014
• The Pittwater YHA: Some History
• The Elvina Bay-Lovett Bay Loop - Photos By Kevin Murray and Joe Mills, October 2020
• Tarrangaua Open House at Lovett Bay
• Church Point and Bayview: A Pittwater Public School Set on the Estuary - 1880 to 2016: Some History 
• Methodist Church at Church Point: The Chapel the Point is Named after - Some History  
• Church Point Public Wharf - 1885 to 2025: Some History  
• La Corniche, Bayview
• Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - Church Point
• Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets have Your Name - Bayview

Pittwater wharves history series 2024-2025:

• Palm Beach Public Wharf: Some History
• Clareville Public Wharf: 1885 to 1935 - Some History 
• Boulton's Jetty on 'Old Mangrove Bay' + Newport hotel jetty + Newport Public wharf: Some history
• Salt Pan Cove Public Wharf on Regatta Reserve + Florence Park + Salt Pan Reserve + Refuge Cove Reserve: Some History 
• Bayview Public Wharf and Baths: Some History
• Brown's Bay Public Wharf, on McCarrs Creek, Church Point: Some History 
• Church Point Public Wharf - 1885 to 2025: Some History
• Elvina Bay's Public Wharves: Some History 

Francis Bolton on June 19 1893 – Vol-Fol 1100-74:

AT Ventnor. Bay View, Pittwater.— Board, Residence, fising, boat'g, bathing etc. terms mod. Mrs. Ridgway. Advertising (1904, November 26). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237855259 

In 1898 the Wheeler family rent the Morrisons’ cottage ‘Killarney’ at Bay View at one pound per week with seabaths and a good boat included. Mr. J. S. N. Wheeler relates insights on this cottages in his 1940 published The Early Days of Bayview, Newport, Church Point and McCarr’s Creek, Pittwater:

This has brought us to the twelfth mile-post from Manly. Along the road bordered with trees the coach descends to Figtree Flat, also known as Cape’s Flat, and the orchard of W.  J.  R.   Baker, with “Killarney” cottage lying between the two. This flat with its green  sward was a favourite picnic ground. The annual school picnic and distribution of prizes were held there on November 9 each year,  the birthday of the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII.).  

Baker’s orchard has long since disappeared. It comprised six acres of peaches, nectarines and other summer fruits, and two acres of  oranges. The orangery was situated high up at the apex of the orchard. A row of quince and peach trees flanked the fence next to  "Killarney." As Baker also kept poultry, it will be seen that Bayview was once a thriving poultry-farming and fruit-growing district.  

CHURCH POINT.  

Before describing this district in detail, it is fitting that I should mention the furnished cottages, a feature of early tourist days, and  tending to make the place known.  

In 1898 we rented “Killarney” cottage at £1 per week, sea baths and a good boat included. My first evening at this spot includes a  boyish reminiscence of a walk after tea to Bayview Post Office store for provisions, and a glimpse of the red beacon of Barrenjoey  Lighthouse. “Killarney” had a lawn, summer-house, and a white fence—a spot where cool nor’-easters blew the tang of salt sea across  the bay. I remember that a big, green-painted lugger, the Thomas and Martha, owned by Thomas Oliver, used to anchor off this spot.  She carried firewood for sale in Sydney. Next door lived a fisherman, Tom Wilson, in a squat cabin-type of cottage half hidden by  bracken and bush shrubs. From him we used to buy a dozen large black bream and black fish for a shilling for breakfast. Cases were  packed with fish—the night’s harvest—and sent up to Manly on the roof of the coach in the morning.  

At Mrs Chave’s orchard, a quarter of a mile away, a bucket would be filled with grapes for a shilling. The grape vines grew in a dingle  half way between the house and the road. Mrs Chave, an old lady aged ninety-three years, passed away in 1934.  

Just above “Killarney” was another furnished cottage, “Drumtochtee,” in which some of the Oliver family once lived. S. Morrison,  schoolmaster, owned both these cottages. Later “Drumtochtee'’ was bought and renovated by Rainaud and named “La Corniche.”  Luncheons were provided there for visitors.  Another furnished bungalow, “Rosstrevor,’’ prettily situated with a beach in front, in a combe on McCarr’s Creek, belonged to J. Ireland, a confectioner of Leichhardt. It was named after his house in that suburb. It was  cosily furnished, and had the usual appurtenances of a boat and baths.  

CHURCH   POINT   IN   1904.  

Surprise! Surprise!
By Elvina Holmes (Nee Fitzpatrick)

When it was announced at a recent Mass for catechists that Father Carol Grew was present on the altar, and that he came from the Diocese of Broken Bay, I made myself known to him. He was surprised to learn that he was talking to a person called Elvina, and when he asked me if I could write an article in his parish magazine, I too got a surprise.

I have been deciding how I would write this article and decided I would start at the very beginning.

An aunt called Mrs. Elvina Noonan, who lived at Manly, was very ill in hospital and this is where her sister, Florence, who lived at Randwick, was visiting her and met up with Elvina’s friend and neighbour. His name was Herbert. Elvina died on 1st July, 1922 and Herbert and Florence were married at Randwick in December 1923.

Herbert Fitzpatrick had just bought Scotland Island and this is where they spent their honeymoon, in a very small fibro cottage.

It was at this time that all the streets on the Island were named after members of both families (with the exception of Thompson street and Robertson road) and as Herbert prospered and developed areas around Pittwater, Newport and Avalon,more streets and parks were named after members of the families. It is no wonder he named Elvina Bay after the lady who had been responsible for he meeting his wife.

Frank was the first born and when I arrived 12 months later I also was named Elvina. We were both born at Manly in the Crescent Hospital under the medical care of Dr. Moncrieff Baron, who was the medico for dad’s family at Manly. Dr. Baron and Dr. Drummond went on to found the Far West Home. We were living at Clifton gardens at this time but came to Manly to live about 7 years later.

There were two ferries operating from Church Point, one called “Florence”, the other “Elvina”. We had a holiday home over at Lovett’s Bay called “Elvina Lodge” and this is where many happy years were spent growing up. Two other brothers were born, Herbert Anthony (Called Tony) and the youngest named Geoff. He has a daughter named Elvina (the third)! 

When we were at “Elvina Lodge” we used to count the number of houses being built on Scotland Island, which were very few. A niece who lived with us (actually her mother was Elvina the first) used to tell us about Scotland Island, and all the yarns about a treasure being hidden there.

There was no electricity in those days, but we did have a telephone and a Mr. Whymark* from the Church Point store would bring supplies over to us. There was a man named Mr. Hall who lived in Towlers Bay who used to bring us down goats milk and apart from his house and another little shed built over the water near our house, there were no other houses on our side of Lovett’s Bay. In this little shed lived a Mr. Bill Besser and we would visit him and see sometimes water lapping up through the floor boards. He taught us to swim and dive in our baths and we heard when war broke out he was interned being a German.

For quite a few years the Redemption Fathers and students from Pennant Hills would wend their way down to “Elvina Lodge” for their month’s annual holidays. They would pitch tents and have a great time with the launch “Elvina” and dad’s yacht “Bona”. 

Pittwater Regatta - The vessel RAWHITI appears at the centre of this image with the number '6' on the mainsail. To the left is CUTTY SARK, displaying the text 'A 40' and the vessel to the far right with the number '19' on the mainsail is BONA, Image No: 11538, courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum.

Bona on Pittwater, courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum.

There were just so many Masses said during these holidays, that when the house was burnt down by bush fires around 1936, we all wondered why. I must mention that the Redemptorists would come on this holiday complete with their cow, and if they could find a track down from West Head, perhaps in future years a road may be built to open up this beautiful area.

Wealth isn’t permanent and dad lost most of his wealth, but his dream was always the development of Pittwater. He would say the views between Manly and Palm Beach and Pittwater were the best in the world.

My father died in 1938 (Dr. Baron signed the death certificate) aged 48. Two years later we moved from Manly.

It wasn’t until 1983 that I first set foot on Scotland Island. 

I had recently been to Pittwater, caught the ferry over to our old wharf (now named Hall’s Wharf), walked along Bona Avenue and up to where this Mr. Hall used to live. The house is now a Youth Hostel and the frangipani trees were still there. We used to play under these trees and gather up the blooms. When word got around that I was connected with the area, the Council invited us to the Community Hall on Scotland Island. This was a step in the right direction and I couldn’t believe my eyes to see how populated the area was.

The old ferry “Elvina” still in operation seems to me to be the original one, it looks so old.

Dad found no treasure on Scotland Island. I think the treasure is Scotland Island itself.

Elvina Holmes, daughter of the past owners of Scotland Island, and her daughter Jennifer, along with her husband Reg, were  honoured guests at the opening of the new Scotland Island Community Hall on July 17, by the President of Warringah shire, Cnr. Paul Couvret.

Florence Terrace was named after her mother Florence Fitzpatrick, Kevin street after uncle Charlie Kevin, Vivian street after Uncle Vivian (her mother’s brother) and Elsie street after another aunt. Harold street came from yet another uncle and Richard road was named after her maternal grandfather, while Catherine Park was named after her maternal grandmother and Elizabeth Park was named after H.J.’s mother.

Loranna street was named after a launch, as was Florence, another launch.

Bona Crescent in Lovett Bay is named after Herbert's yacht. 

Robertson road was named after D.G. Robertson, and so was Robertson Bay where Yamba now stands.

Minutes of WSC Meeting of 13th September. 1926

28. G. A. Robin. 27.8.26, submitting amended plan of H. J. Estate Fitzpatrick's subdivision near Lovett Bay (Burton's Block.) Resolved, - (Crs. Campbell, Hope) That the plan be approved, provided the Engineer is satisfied with the marking of the 41 Block drainage easements. 

Andrew Hardie McCulloch Jnr. 50 acres in DP 3455 – granted March 6, 1883 – Vol-Fol: 639-130 – called Portion 1.

He sells to Frederick Chave of Paramatta and Percy Vernon McCulloch on May 31st 1884 – becomes Vol-Fol: 702-232 (Chave – both become Vol – Fol 905-21) and 702-233 (Percy McCulloch mortgages his to William Henry Paling on January 8th 1886 – Paling transfers this mortgage to Frederick Chave on October 4th 1888).

Vol-Fol: 702-232:

Vol – Fol 905-21:

On June 8 1893 Frederick Chave sells part of this to Edward Charles Johnston; 5 acres – Vol Fol 1098-194 – he sells to Alfred Ernest Burton on February 11th 1915 who sells to Herbert James Fitzpatrick on June 1st 1926 – becomes Vol-Fol 3875/117 and 118 with Ducker listed as co-owner in Vol-Fol 3875-117. They subdivide the 5acres into lots and sell to individuals from 1927 to 1950; that last April 5th 1950 sale of Lots 1,2,3,4,5, and 16 to Robert Theodore Oswald Lammert, Builder, who lives at Church Point (Vol-Fol: 6192-48) is on Bona Crescent and on waterfront (Lot 16). 

He sells one Lot, Lot 1, to Perry Norman Robens of Balgowlah on May 3rd 1951 – Vol/Fol: 6465-53, and he discharges his mortgage on April 29th 1952.  

The ‘Cumberland County Council’ takes Lots 2 to 65 inclusive on July 29th 1952 Vol-Fol: 6587-224 and then takes the residue on May 7th 1953 – Vol-Fol: 6713-230. 

Mr Robens Lot 1 is taken/and or sold to the ‘Cumberland County Council’ on August 19, 1955 – and the ‘Council of the Shire of Warringah’ becomes the owner from September 25th 1958. 

Fred Chave – the residue 45 acres becomes Vol-Fol: 1106-201

He sells Lot 4 to William Alexander Lingham of Sydney, Importer  (11 acres 2 rood  - Vol-Fol: 1247-155) on May 5th 1898

Lot 5 to James Macintosh on February 21st 1898 (5 acres 0 roods 25 perches Vol-Fol 1247-246)

The residue gets sold by his mortgagee company – Permanent Trustees – to Henry Hallorhan on April 21st 1899 – Vol-Fol: 1280-181(4 acres 0 roods 18 perches) and 182 (Lots 6, 7, 8, 9; 8 acres 1 rood 27 perches and Lots 1, 2 and 3; 17 acres). Hallorhan transfers Lots 7 and 8 (3 acres) to Ernest Charles Chave on October 27 1904 – Vol-Fol: 1569-25

Hume Jones Chapman buys Lot 9 on November 13 1899 (Vol-Fol: 1303-96)

William Graham Freeman buys Lot 6 on February 22 1904 (Vol-Fol: 1525-197)

Lots 4 and 3 in Vol-Fol: 1531-39 an DP 3455

Herbert James Fitzpatrick’s ‘Elvina Lodge’ placed on the market in March 1953 – the May and November 1929 Sydney tele[phone directory lists; ‘Fitzpatrick H J Elvina Lodge Pittwater 24’ Telecom Australia & Telstra Corporation. November 1929. COUNTRY EXCHANGES, Sydney telephone directory Retrieved, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-899422949 

The description is:

REAL ESTATE AUCTION SALES

RICHARDSON & WRENCH LTD.

(Continued from previous Column)

Pittwater - Church Point

AN OUTSTANDING WATER-FRONT HOME "ELVINA LODGE," at LOVETTS BAY. with VAC. POSS. ATTRACTIVE MODERN BUNGALOW on the Headland, commanding PANORAMIC VIEWS over PITTWATER and within 10 minutes of mainland by launch. Wynyard Bus at Church Point.

IT has WIDE VERANDAH AT FRONT (enclosed one end Cooper Louvres). VERY SPACIOUS LOUNGE-DINING-ROOM (panelled walls, extensive observation windows, open fireplace). 2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS (built-in wardrobes), BATHROOM. COMPLETELY FITTED KITCHEN (refrigerator, oil and gas stoves, etc.). Laundry, Outside Hygela toilet, shower-rooms, etc Across the rear of the Bungalow Is a SPACIOUS LOUNGE VERANDAH (part enclosed). BARBECUE of Stone.

THE WHOLE PARTICULARLY WELL FURNISHED and In PERFECT ORDER throughout. (Inventory available for inspection.) 32-VOLT EL. LIGHT'PLANT. Ample Tank Water.  THE LAND. 100ft x 300ft. has gentle slope, giving EASY ACCESS to JETTY, SWIMMING BATH and SANDY BEACH.

Inspection by appointment through Auctioneers.  In Conj.: R. T. FORSYTH PTY. LTD., Willoughby. Advertising (1953, March 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 29. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18360500 

Pickering family of Lovett Bay - Notes

Fanny Elizabeth Pickering ‘formerly of Manly’ passed away October 4 1952, Probate Notice states she is a spinster – NSW BDM’s: PICKERING FANNY ELIZABETH 27096/1952 parents: WILLIAM FRANCIS and MARGARET registered at MANLY

Henry Bartholomew Pickering passed away January 4th 1933 NSW BDM’s: PICKERING HENRY B 296/1933  parents WILLIAM F and MARGARET registered at DRUMMOYNE

PICKERING January 4. at his brother's residence, Huntley's Point, Henry Bartholomew, of Church Point Pittwater, second son of the late William Francis Pickering, of Sydney. Family Notices (1933, January 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16943322 

Windward secured her Initial win of the Season for big yachts and was well handled by Mr. J. Muston. Her success was popular with P.E.Y.C members, and, no doubt, pleasing to her designer, Mr. Bill Pickering, now living in retirement at Lovett's Bay, Pittwater. Windward's most formidable opponent was Vanessa, which again displayed her qualities in working to windward in a blow … IN THE "BLOW" (1930, February 18). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226031838 

An H B Pickering was granted permissive occupancy for boatshed, landing place and skids 3 ¾ perches, fronting Lot 45, private subdivision Por.11 – so on the Rocky Point peninsula – but facing Lovett Bay and the land he would later buy in 1917 and then sell to Dorothea.

Vol-Fol 1244-215 of former Floods is Rickards subdivision Vol-Fol- 2520-6 from 1915 on shows the sale of these lands and Mr. Pickering (Henry) buying some facing the other side of Lovett Bay. James Joseph Smith buys Lots 13 and 14 Vol Fol: 2638-221, December 10 1915 (Steffani lots on Litho.) 

Henry Bartholomew Pickering buys Lot 45 March 15 1916, the second sale of a Lot under Rickards – Vol- Fol 2653-159 (which goes to his sisters Fanny and Margaret – becoming Vol-Fol 4583-16 &17) – and buys Lot 46 on April 5th 1918 Vol-Fol 2836-133 (also goes to the girls same Vol-Fol). He also buys another Lot, alongside these.

They sell Lots 44, 45, 46 and to Reginald Thomas Blue of Dover Heights, Commission agent, on January 25th, 1944 – Vol-Fol: 5417-169. Family members, who include;  Roy Stephen Blue, Alana Pearl Schofield, Nerida Elevenia Branchley – transfer to Edith Lydia MacKellar, wife of John Athol MacKellar of Pymble, on December 24th 1954. and Jack Trevor Russell, of Oyster Bay, Airline Pilot, and Iris Russell, his wife, become joint tenants by transfer of the whole on October 13, 1966. 

They hold onto it all until selling Lot 46 on March 10, 1981 to Francis Joseph Fallon of Lovett Bay and his wife Leonora, Vol-Fol: 14399-72, and Lots 44 and 45 are now in Vol-Fol: 14399-70 and 71.

Robert Alfred Meares buys Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 on august 1st 1918 – Vol Fol: 2875-26/27 – Lot 22 has Fairhaven on it. 

George Palmer buys Lot 48 -Vol-Fol: 3080-214, on June 24, 1920

George Oswald Hyde buys Lot 43 on June 24th 1920 – Vol-Fol: 3102-189

There was a William Pickering designing yachts in Australia – eg: ADVENT OF THE IOLANTHE

IOLANTHE was then produced, 38ft 6in overall, with a beam of 6ft 2in.She was a constant delight. Yachtsmen saw their way clearly before them. In 1895 the formula, L. x S.A. over 6,000, was Introduced, and James Coxhad Herreshoff built to the design of W. Pickering. Construction of this craft was an important step in Australian yacht designing. Herreshoff was a shallow-bodied craft, 33ft. 6in. L.W.L., with overhangs fore and aft. A bulb fin and a balanced rudder were other features of Herreshoff's departure from the orthodox lines. Herreshoff flattened the opposition, and in 1899 won the 100 guinea cup presented by the late Samuel Hordern, commodore of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club of New South Wales.  Motor Boating-Yachting-Aquatics. (1937, December 9). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 32. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127614763 

Photo of her in: https://www.pittwateronlinenews.com/the-1937-pittwater-regatta-a-fashionable-affair.php 

Pickering family - NSW BDM's

Marriage:

87/1855 V185587 46 PICKERING WILLIAM F to WEIR MARGARET JA

MARRIED.

On Thursday last, the 19th instant, at the Free Church, Pitt-street, by the Rev. Mr. Salmon, Mr. W. F. Pickering, draper, George-street South, to Margaret, eldest daughter of Mr. James Weir, William-street, Woolloomooloo. Family Notices (1855, April 23). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60179191 

On Thursday last, the 19th instant, at the Free Church, Pitt-street, by the Rev. Mr. Salmon, Mr. W. F. Pickering, draper, George-street South, to Margaret, eldest daughter of Mr. James Weir, William-street, Woolloomooloo. Family Notices (1855, April 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12968446 

CLEARANCES.

February: 10.-Louis and Miriam, brig, 150 tons,' Captain Pilfold, for Port Nicholson. Passengers-Mr. . Miles, Mr. Badcock, Mr. Pickering, and Mr. T. Weir. CLEARANCES. (1849, February 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28646439 

Children:

PICKERING JAMES W 2044/1856 V18562044 44A WILLIAM F MARGARET NV

PICKERING HENRY B 1151/1858 WILLIAM F MARGARET SYDNEY

PICKERING BARBARA 1161/1860 WILLIAM F MARGARET SYDNEY

PICKERING (FEMALE) 3709/1865 WILLIAM F MARGARET PADDINGTON

PICKERING CHARLES F 3987/1867 WILLIAM F MARGARET PADDINGTON

PICKERING FANNY E 4394/1869 WILLIAM F MARGARET PADDINGTON

PICKERING FRED SYDNEY 4741/1871 WILLIAM F MARGARET PADDINGTON

On the 6th instant, at his residence, 3, Elizabeth-terrace, Underwood-street, Paddington, WILLIAM FRANCIS PICKERING, native of Wragby, Lincolnshire, England, aged 43. Family Notices (1872, July 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28413770 

On the 6th instant, at his residence, 3, Elizabeth-terrace, Underwood-street, Paddington, WILLIAM FRANCIS PICKERING, late of William-street, draper, and native of Wragby, Lincolnshire, England, leaving a wife and seven children to mourn their loss. Family Notices (1872, July 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13260199 

parents: PICKERING WILLIAM F 2274/1872  WILLIAM and BARBARA   

Margaret – and Balmain connection again:

PICKERING — December 14th, 1919, at her residence, Numa Street, Balmain, Margaret, widow of the late William Francis Pickering, of Sydney, aged 86 years. Family Notices (1919, December 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28093452  

Parents: PICKERING MARGARET 22497/1919  JAMES and ELIZABETH BALMAIN NORTH

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

In the Insolvent Estate of William Francis Pickering, of William-street, Woolloomooloo, draper. TAKE NOTICE, that I. William Francis A Pickering, the abovenamed Insolvent, intend to apply to the Chief Commissioner of Insolvent Estates at Sydney, on Tuesday, the 10th day of March next, at noon, that a Certificate may be granted to me, under the Act of the Governor and Legislative Council, 7 Victoria, No. 19,—Dated at Sydney, the fourth day of February, A D. 1857.

WILLIAM FRANCIS PICKERING. 246 4s. 6d. TAKE NOTICE, that I, William Francis Pickering, the abovenamed Insolvent, (1857, February 6). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 235. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229955351 

And again; IN INSOLVENCY. (1869, August 27). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 2173. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225586073 

Windward's Gascoigne Cup Race

The staysail schooner yacht Windward skilfully sailed by her owner. J. M. Hardie, won the Gascoigne Cup race for big class yachts yesterday over an ocean and harbor course of 20.6 nautical miles. The race was held in a fresh southerly wind and moderate sea; conditions that tested the capabilities of the yachts and crews. At Long Reef, Narrabeen, the rounding times were: Windward 3.14.35, Thetis 3.22.55, Brand V. 3.23.35, Morna 3.37.3, and Norn 3.38.35. The breeze provided a dead muzzle to North Head, which Brand V. cleared with a lead of three lengths from Windward. Brand V. maintained the lead on the work to Bradley's Head.Here Here she met with a calm patch and was passed by Windward which yacht eventually crossed the finishing line in Neutral Bay, Imin. 33sec. ahead of Brand V. Jusl prior to the start of the race Utiekah II. (H. Nossiter) carried away one of her chain plates and was compelled to withdraw from the race. The B-metrc yacht Norn (A. F. Albert), for some unaccountable reason, raced with a small trysail, and was outclassed by her 8-metre opponent Brand V. Maple Loaf, with owner N. G. Booth at the tiller, gained his third consecutive win In the third of four races for the latt. Cadet Dinghy Championship of New South Wales. Both races were conducted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Sydney's Amateurs The strong southerly wind encountered by the competing yachtsmen was responsible for a number of mishaps In the big programme of races held by the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club yesterday. In the Merrington Cup race for A class yachts, Nyr(a (It. L. Patrick) and Niobe (G. Carter) were dismasted. Gen-estre (K. King) carried away her mast in the race for B class boats. Womcrnh, a half-decked boat, sailed by J. Sullivan, when crossing the starting line In the race for B class yachts and boats, collided with the bow of the starter's launch and Immediately filled and capsized, precipitating her crew into the water. The crew were rescued by Mr. A. H. Spence, and the boat was towed into Neutral Bay and beached. The top section of the mainsail of Hoana (Oscar Backhouse), a competitor in the A class yachts race for the Merrington Cup, was torn in a strong squall. Hoana's skipper carried on and finished In third place.   Windward's Gascoigne Cup Race (1933, December 10). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230199058 

YACHTING.

Cutter Windward First.

The cutter-rigged Windward, with J. Muston at the helm, won her first race of the season on Saturday, when she defeated Morna, sailed by A. Stevens, In the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadrons annual contest for the Revonah Cup. The schooner Windward, which was steered by her owner, … YACHTING. (1935, March 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17164795 

MANY ALTERATIONS TO DEEP

KEELERS

Schooner 'Windward' Will Carry a

Wishbone Gaff On New Masts

'SAYQNARA' TO RE-ENTER RACING

; Y ? : ? v( By 'TOR'ARD HAND')

WHEN Mr.' J. M. Hardle's staysail

schooner, 'Windward,' reappears, she will appear somewhat strange to those who follow yachting on Sydney Harbor. A: new mainmast of 51ft 6in has been stepped, and a new foremast, 45ft 4ln,. has been placed in position. The craft, which won the Sir Thomas Lipton Cup for 1934-35. is to carry a new suit, of Australian-made sails, one of which will be a .Wishbone gaff, to be attached to the foremast by two gooseneck, fittings. This sail is an American idea, and was carried on the 'Vamarle'. in 1933, and proved a success on New York Harbor. The dimensions of the 'Windward's' new sails are interesting. The mainsail will be 576 sq. feet, inainstaysail 141 sq. feet, wishbone foresail -165 sq. feet, forestay sail 104 sq. feet, quadrilateral jib 206 sq. feet. This jib will be the first of its kind utilised in Australia. MANY ALTERATIONS TO DEEP KEELERS (1935, September 12). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135522294 

Section from New South Wales. Department of Lands. (1933). Parish of Narrabeen, County of Cumberland Metropolitan Land District, Warringah Shire, Eastern Division N.S.W Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-233833265  shows approx. position of stone jetty at north Lovett Bay – the jetty on the causeway at Little Lovett Bay and others at ‘The Chase’ subdivision of Lot 1 – McCulloch. Same appears I 1954 version of Lands Map; New South Wales. Department of Lands. (1954). Parish of Narrabeen, County of Cumberland Metropolitan Land District, Warringah Shire, Eastern Division N.S.W Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-233833014 

Dorothea Mackellar had three brothers: Keith, Eric, and Malcolm. Keith Kinnaird Mackellar was an older brother to poet Dorothea Mackellar, and significant for being the only Australian soldier who was brought back to Australia of over one thousand men who lost their lives in the Boer War. Mackellar lost his life within a month, on 11 July 1900, a week before his twentieth birthday, when shot through the head with a Mauser bullet in a skirmish near Derdepoort in Pretoria. It is said the Boers lured Mackellar and his men to their farm by dressing in the khaki uniforms and helmets of the Australian Horse. When a burial party found Mackellar’s body the next day, they discovered 36 empty cartridge cases. He was first placed at rest at the Wonderbloom farm near the site where he fell, and then in the military section of the cemetery in Pretoria. 

His funeral service was conducted with a church parade at All Saints’ Church Woollahra on 5 August 1900, with hymns accompanied by the Band of the Scottish Rifles. There was a large congregation. His death was felt keenly by the Mackellar family and is said to have inspired Dorothea’s first recorded poem ‘When It Comes’, written when she was 15.

…So would I like to die, but where?

On the open plain, in the open air,

Where the red blood soaks in the thirsty grass

And the wild things tread my grave as

They pass –

There would I die.

According to Dorothea’s private nurse and memoirist, she was unable to speak about her brother without emotion even in the last years of her life.

The Boer War ended in 1902, and in 1905 Mackellar’s family brought his body home to Australia at a cost of £1000. He was transported in a container marked ‘Curios’ so as to avoid contact with customs and any superstitious sailors who might find him.[13] Mackellar now rests in Waverley Cemetery in the Mackellar family plot under a white marble cross from South Africa. His family’s act was significant in that of over one thousand Australian soldiers who lost their lives in this war he is the only one who was brought back to Australia. Witton, Vanessa, Mackellar, Keith Kinnaird , Dictionary of Sydney, 2018, https://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/mackellar_keith_kinnaird,

Eric and Malcolm were the sons who later managed their father's properties and became respected community members in the Gunnedah area.

Eric Buckland Mackellar (1883-1950) - Brother of Keith Kinnaird Mackellar, Isobel Marion Dorothea Mackellar and Malcolm Mackellar. Husband of Ann Frances (Thornton) MacKellar. 

MARRIAGES.

MACKELLAR-THORNTON.—October 10, at All Saints Church, Woollahra, by the Rev. Canon Langley, Ann Frances third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Thornton, Melbourne, to Eric Buckland, eldest surviving son of the late Sir Charles Mackellar and Lady-Mackellar, of Sydney. Family Notices (1927, October 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16412391

The death of Mr. Eric Buckland Mackellar took place at Darling Point, Sydney, on March 29. The late Mr. Mackellar was well known in the Gunnedah district for some years when he resided at Kurrem-bede. He was a fine horseman and a noted polo player. A son of the late Sir Charles and Lady Mackellar, deceased was a brother of the late Mr. Malcolm Mackellar, who was so highly esteemed in the district. He was also predeceased by another brother, Keith. The late Mr. Mackellar is survived by his sister, Miss Dorothea Mackel-lar, who is famed for her Aus-tralian poems. The funeral ser-vice was held at the Western Suburbs Crematorium. PERSONAL (1950, April 12). The Scone Advocate (NSW : 1887 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162726626 

£257,202 Estate

SYDNEY, Thursday. — Probate of the will of Eric Buckland Mackellar, 67, widower, of Woollahra, who died on March 29, leaving estate estimated at £257,202, was granted today. The estate was left to his brother, Malcolm Mackellar, and his sister, Isobel Marlon Dorothea Mackellar. £257,202 Estate (1950, August 11). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206404834

Isobel Marion Dorothea Mackellar was born on 1 Jul 1885 in Rose Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, daughter of Sir Charles Kinnaird Mackellar (1844 - 1926) and Lady Marion (Buckland) Mackellar (~1850 - 1933).

After Dorothea's younger brothers died she was able to keep both of the family homes; Cintra, Darling Point, and a house at Lovett Bay on Pittwater. In 1968 Dorothea was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to Australian Literature. She died in the Scottish Hospital, Paddington on 14 January 1968, after she had a terrible fall at home. Dorothea Mackellar's service was held at St Mark's Anglican Church, Darling Point. After she was cremated, Dorothea was laid to rest in Waverley Cemetery, in the family vault. Dorothea Mackellar never married, although she was engaged twice. After her death, her estate was valued for probate at over $1,580,000.

November 23, 1948:

 H V.Johnson. M.P,. 12/11/48, replying in regard to the propose& alteration of the name of the Warringah Electorate to Mackellar, that it has been decided that there shall be no further variations in the names as submitted to Parliament,: and that the name will therefore be changed. (30a) P.C. Spender M.P. 15/11/48 giving similar information, Resolved, _That a letter be sent to the Prime Minister stating the Council considers there is no justification hr changing the name. Crs. Dunbar, Forster, supported by, Cr, Harris)

By December 21 1948 they still hadn’t figured out this was a new electorate and the ‘Warringah’ one would remain:

 (22) Palm Beach Kindergarten 6 Recreation Trust, 10/12/48, thanking Council for its rebate of rent on the Caretaker's cottage at Palm Beach, and extending to Councillors and Officers Compliments of the Season. Resolved, -, That the good wishes be reciprocated. . . . I (23) Warringah Federation 0; Progress Associations1.8/12/48, 'expressing strong .disapproval of the Prime Minister's action in changing the name, of 'Warringah’; to ‘Mackellar’ and urging that whatever steps are necessary to arouse public opinion be taken and ( b) convoying the Compliments of the Season to Council and Staff Resolved , - They be informed of the steps taken, and the good wishes be reciprocated. (Crs. Butcher, Earries)

Considering Dorothea is stated to have held on to her Pittwater place of peace until she passed away, a very poor treatment of a local. In February they receive another letter of support from the Warringah-ites.

By November 29, 1949 they’re helping out a political party campaigning for the seat: 

Mackellar Campaign Committee, 16/11//49,requesting permission to place a caravan at the corner, of Oaks Avenue and Pi4water' Road, Deewhy,,. for use as a Committee room for the Liberal Party. Resolved, - That the Council raise no objection. 

In 1951:

Ordinary Meeting, 12/6/51. I The REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF MANLY AND WARRINGAH in regard to formation of a County Council to control the supply and distribution of electricity, as contained Electric- in the Minutes of that Committee's meetings held on 30th ult.and ity Suee1Y6th inst. were adopted on the motion of Cr. Fisher, seconded by Cr. McKay, and the following motion passed, 8. (1) That this Council, in accordance with the provisions of the local Government Act, 1919, petition His Excellency the Governor to constitute a County District consisting of the areas of the Municipality of Manly and the Shire of Warringah. (2) That His Excellency the Governor be requested to give.the name of the Mackellar County Council to such County District; (3) That His E::collency the Governor be requested to delegate to,the Council of the said County District tho power to exorcise or perform for the benefit of the County District. (a) All the pourers or duties under Section 382 of the afore- said Act relating to the construction, extension, protection, maintenance, control and management of works for. the supply of electricity, and all the powers or duties under Sections 416 to 419, both inclusive, of the aforesaid Act, relating to the supply of electricity and the supply and installing of electrical fittings and appliancos (including the power to purchase, generate, manufacture or obtain electricity or electrical fittings and.appliances for solo or hire); (b) Tho power to borrow any moneys from time to time for the purpose of any work or service or any object which the Council of the said County District is authorised by law to construct, carry on or ofAbct; (o) The power under and subject to the provisions of Section 188 of.tho aforesaid Act, to issue debentures, mortagc deeds or bonds for securing the repayment of the principal and interest of any moneys so borrowed; (d) The power or the duty to levy from time to time a loan rate under and subject to tho provisions of Section 124 of the aforesaid Act, so far.as applicable, in connection with any loan or loans so raised; (e) The power, under and subject to the provisions of Section 420 of the aforesaid Act, to grant permission to any person not authorised by Statute or otherwise, to supply electric currant to the public, and for such purposes to lay or erect pipes, wires, poles and other apparatus.out under or over any public place; and (f) The power, under and subject to the provisions of Section 421 of the aforcsaid.Act, to grant permission to any person to construct lay, suspend, or otherwise place any rails, pipes, wires, cables, tunnels, or structures of any sort whatsoovor upon or under or over any public place for and in connection with the supply of electric current. (4) ,For the purpose only of the Council of the said County District exorcising the powers or performing the duties defined in Clause (3) hereof, His Excolloney the Governor be also requested to delegate to the Council of the said County. District the power to exorcise or perform for the benefit of the said County District (but subject to the operation of the provisions contained in Part XX1X of the said Act) the powers or duties contained:in the following Sections of the aforesaid Act, which. by law.the constit- uent Councils or any one of them may perform or exercise, that is .. to. say.- Suction 110 (Trading Funds), Sections, to (making and levying rates), Section 166 (right.to char0 ancEfeeeh Sections 167, 169 and 172 (further as to-chargee-andlood 'Sections 173. to 200, both inclusive (loans), Sections 383 and 384 entering land - compensation, and taking land on louse), Section-42 i (building for public purposos), Section 501 (works crossing railway linesii,Section 603(wat oxponditure), Section qq§ (oxtension.of, works outside area), Section'612F (diseentihuasp&Of.supply'of -

Proposed County Council - Letter from Local Government Depart- ment, 4/7/51, stating that the Governor has approved the issue of a proclamation constituting the Municipality of Manly and the Shire of Warringah as a County District for local govern.- County ment purposes with the name of the Mackellar Cbunty District,. District the proclamation to appoint 1/9/51 as the date of delegation under Section 5k4B of the Act, and asking the Cbuncil to elect 18. its three representatives. Resolved,- That a Special Meeting- be held at 7 p.m. on 16th inst. for this purpose. The meeting thereupbh terminated at 11 p.m. egoing Minutes were adopted as a correct record on the Thliyday of July, 1951. 

RE will of ISOBEL MARION DOROTHEA MACKELLAR, late of Darling Point, in the State of New South Wales, gentlewoman, spinster, deceased.—Probate granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 25th March, 1968.— Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 18981954, Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1954, and Trustee Act, 1925-1942, The Trustees Executors & Agency Company Limited, the executors of the will of the said Isobel Marion Dorothea Mackellar, who died on the 14th January, 1968, hereby give notice that creditors and others having claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send particulars of their claims to the said executors at care of Iceton, Faithfull & Baldock, Solicitors, 28 O'Connell Street, Sydney, on or before the 10th June, 1968, at the expiration of which time the said executors will distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.—Dated the 1st day of April, 1968. ICETON, FAITHFULL & BALDOCK, Proctors, 28 O'Connell Street, Sydney. 7076—$4 RE will of ISOBEL MARION DOROTHEA MACKELLAR, (1968, April 5). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1425. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220059950 

Poetess and Novelist Dorothea Mackellar

MISS DOROTHEA MACKELLAR' S lovely old home, "Rosemont," at Woollahra, is approached through a long and shady drive of overhanging trees, bordered at the lower sides with a thick undergrowth of fern. "A lifting entrance to the home of a poetess, surely, ' thought the pedestrian, scattering the brown gravel with impatient footsteps; and even more so when, a few minutes later, a wide vista of garden and lawn, flanked on one side by a tennis court and several summer-houses, came into view. A rambling old house, with wide stone verandahs, furnished Invitingly with hammocks and lounges, served to intensify the first impression that here was quietness and pence — a setting so remotely restful that one realised with a start of surprise it was only a short distance from the humdrum and noise of the city. 

In Miss Mackellar's study was not only the poetess, but Dan. Dan is a cocker spaniel, and makes himself as much at home as any of the other inmates of the house. And Dan is not alone in this, either. He has two other canine companions — John and James. John is also a cocker spaniel, and James an Aberdeen terrier. Their existence, were the luxury of it known, would be the envy of many other dogs; but happily fate has decreed that they remain In ignorance. Miss Mackellar loves them. She has photographs of them in various stages of youth and maturity since they were tiny puppies, enough almost to fill an album. 

"DAN."

She is busy just at present packing, for she intends leaving for England by the Cathay on March 22. Lady Mackellar is going' with her, and they will be away for twelve months, or maybe longer. They are to remain in England until the Autumn, and then go south to Italy. As an Australian poetess Dorothea Mackellar is well known. Her verse is widely published, and is memorised and quoted in part by many lovers of the aesthetic. She commenced to publish at the early age of seventeen, and inspiration, with her, seems to have no ending. Not content with writing "mere" verse, she has. to her credit, written several novels. "Outlaw's Luck" is entirely her own composition, but two others — "Two's Company" and "The Little Blue Devil" — were written in collaboration with Ruth Bedford, a girl friend. 

She finds now that family concerns take up much of her time, and is content, with the exception of odd verse publications, to leave writing for the time being in the background. England, Europe, Canada, Japan, Java, and other parts of the East are merely names to many of us, but not to Miss Mackellar. She has visited them all. In Australia also her time has not all been confined to the city. As a lover of Nature the country naturally appeals to her, and she has spent many months at odd times on stations in New South Wales and Queensland. She owns a small cottage at Broken Bay, where, when time permits, she enjoys a holiday. 

Miss Mackellar is very interested in the work of the Bush Book Club. As head of the selection committee for reading matter for outback districts she has some extremely busy times, for the matter of selection and of reviewing the thousand) of books sent in is no small task, even for a committee of philanthropists. In amateur acting she is also interested, and has been associated with the Repertory Society for years, and is a member of the advisory committee of the Playbox Theatre. At one time she did a lot of acting herself. 

While abroad Miss Mackellar hopes to be able to attend the P.E.N. Club Conference in Brussels in June, to which she has been invited by Mrs. C. A. Dawson Scott, the founder and well-known novelist, and of which she is also a member. The club is a cele-purely social. The membership is confined strictly to the lettered elite — publishers, editors, and novelists. P.E.N. What could be more apt? Miss Mackellar has hopes of establishing a branch here when she returns from abroad.

MISS DOROTHY MACKELLAR.

 Poetess and Novelist Dorothea Mackellar (1927, March 10). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5 (The Daily Telegraph Woman's Supplement). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245876867

Royal Australian Institute of Architects & Institute of Architects of New South Wales & Board of Architects of New South Wales. Vol. 9 No. 1 (20 Jan 1921). THE FRONT DOOR OF MANLY, Architecture : an Australasian review of architecture and the allied arts and sciences Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3017319869 

RETRANSFER OF DEFENCE LAND AT TOWLER BAY, PITTWATER, NEW SOUTH WALES, TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

WHEREAS the land at Towler Bay, Pittwater, New South Wales, described in the schedule hereunder, is no longer required by the Commonwealth for any public purpose, His Excellency the Governor-General in Council has approved that authority be granted for the disposal of such land by retransfer to the Government of the State of New South Wales.

ARCHDALE PARKHILL,

Minister of State for the Interior. (L.1320.)

Schedule.

All that piece of land at Towler Bay, Pittwater, containing an area of 3 acres 1 rood 20 perches more or less, being a property entered on page 29 of the Schedule of Transferred Properties in the State of New South Wales and further inscribed as being Reserve No. 140, Parish of Broken Bay, County of Cumberland, State of New South Wales, as shown hachured on plan hereunder. 

RETRANSFER OF DEFENCE LAND AT TOWLER BAY, PITTWATER, NEW SOUTH WALES, TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES. (1932, May 12). Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 - 1973), p. 661. Retrieved, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232599438