Pittwater Online News

June 1 - 30, 2026: Issue 655

Yachtsmans Paradise Newport - A Public Wharf + Reserve: Some History + 2026 Site Investigation Photos

by A J Guesdon

The official gazettal was published not so long ago, despite having been set aside, for access, much earlier and reads:

DRAFT ASSESSMENT OF LANDS AT NEWPORT UNDER PART 3 OF THE CROWN LANDS ACT 1989, AND THE CROWN LANDS REGULATION 1990

THE Minister for Conservation and Land Management has prepared a draft land assessment for Crown Lands situated at Winji Jimmi Bay, Newport, being the land described hereunder.

Inspection of this draft assessment can be made at the Metropolitan Lands Office, 22 Main Street, Blacktown, N.S.W., and Warringah Shire Council Chambers, Dee Why, N.S.W. during normal business hours.

Representations are invited from the public on the draft assessment. These must be in writing and lodged, within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of this notice, with the Regional Director, Metropolitan Lands Office, P. O. Box 878, Blacktown, N.S.W. 2148.

GARRY WEST, M.P., Minister for Conservation and Land Management.

Description

Parish—Narrabeen; County—Cumberland

Locality—Winji Jimmi Bay, Newport;

Land District—Metropolitan Shire—Warringah

The subject land Is located adjacent to Reserve 87810, at the termination of Yachtmens Paradise, Newport with frontage to Winji Jimmi Bay. MN80 R 29/1. DRAFT ASSESSMENT OF LANDS AT NEWPORT UNDER PART 3 OF THE CROWN LANDS ACT 1989, AND THE CROWN LANDS REGULATION 1990 (1992, April 24). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2875. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231898297 

ADDITION TO RESERVED CROWN LAND

PURSUANT to section 88 of the Crown Lands Act 1989, the Crown Land specified in Column 1 of the Schedule hereunder is added to the reserved land specified opposite thereto in Column 2 of the Schedule.

KIM YEADON, M.P.,

Minister for Land and Water Conservation.

SCHEDULE

COLUMN 1

Land District: Metropolitan. Shire: Pittwater.

Parish: Narrabeen.

County: Cumberland. Locality: Newport

Fronting Lot 2, D.P. 530315.

Area: About 565 square metres. File No.: MN81H1139.

COLUMN 2

Crown Land reserved for the public purpose of Access by notification in the Government Gazette of 2 April 1971 as Reserve No. 88191 and shown by hatching on diagram hereunder. Note: The affected part of R.56146 from sale or lease generally notified 11 May 1923, is hereby revoked. 

ADDITION TO RESERVED CROWN LAND (1996, August 30). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5936. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231955771 

The April 2 1971 Gazettal records the 'public wharf' set aside for access:

Sydney, 2nd April, 1971.

RESERVES FROM SALE

IT is hereby notified that in pursuance of the provisions of section 28 of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, the Crown lands hereunder described shall be reserved from sale for the public purposes hereinafter specified, and are hereby reserved accordingly.

T. L. LEWIS, Minister for Lands. FOR PUBLIC RECREATION

FOR ACCESS

Land District—Metropolitan; Shire—Warringah

No. 88191, Parish Narrabeen, County Cumberland, about 7 1/2 perches, as shown by hatched edging on the diagram hereunder. Ten. 70-5035. 

RESERVES FROM SALE (1971, April 2). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1110. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220046892

Pittwater Council's 'Pittwater Parks, Reserves and Playgrounds Inventory & Assessment Form' records:

Reserve / Park Name(s): Yachtsman's Paradise Reserve 

Reserve No.: 92 

Area (ha): 0.1018 

Asset No: A12026 

Location ( eg, street frontages): Suburb / Locality: Land Title Reference: Yachtsman's Paradise Newport Lot 30, DP 233779 Classification: LGA 1993, Category(s): Zoning: Community Land Park 6 (a) Existing Recreation 

Photograph: 

Description: A small foreshore park, at the end of a cul-de-sac and adjacent to jetties and moorings.. The park consists of lawn areas, some park furniture, with scattered groups of trees and shrubs (mainly Allocasuarina glauca ). 

The park has access to a small sandy beach exposed at low tide. 

Recreation Setting Category(s) %: Native Vegetation Type (s): Soil Landscape (s): Beach / shoreline (100%) Lower shale slopes, tidal flats Erina.

Details of Leases / Licences: Masterplan Available (y/n): No Nil 

Relevant Plans of Management: Parks and Playgrounds Plan of Management 

Schedule of Facilities: Playground 

Equipment: Boat Jetty Seats Picnic table Tap bubbler 

Specific Management Issues: Specific 

Management objectives: • Narrow entry-not defined • Not known not shown in UBD • No signage • Improve landscape character by undertaking tree and shrub plantings • Improve accessibility • Maintain views and enhance scenic location 

Maintenance actions Frequency: Works Schedule: Mowing 2-6 weeks Undertake landscaping and a native planting program Tree maintenance As required 

Define entry point: Install signage Advise UBD and similar Parks and Playgrounds Inventory and Assessment

As Readers can see from the site investigation photos below, Paperbark trees (Melaleuca quinquenervia) as much as Swamp oaks (Allocasuarina glauca) frame the waterviews and provide shade in this picnic area.

How this area looked prior to becoming the 'best place on Pittwater' to those whose homes front this piece of paradise may be seen in the Wintergreen Estate lithographs and the photographs taken for the same. Although just around the next corner, you can see this site in the background.

The Wintergreen estate, referred to by being named as 'opposite Mr Arthur Vogan, of Vogan's Point', which was alongside what we today call Old Mangrove Bay and the Crescent Reserve, again providing access for all to the estuary, was also situated in what we today call that Newport-Mona Vale-Bayview verges. 

The brochure that accompanied the sales notices presents some wonderful insights into the landscape and bay area from its photographs. The Real Property Act gives the owner of these Lots as:

No. 18, 452. APPLICANT: —Frederick Stewart Cameron, Newport. LAND:—County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, shire Warringah, 6 acres, at intersection Mona and Waterview streets, and fronting Pittwater,—lots (5 and 7 (as occupied), section 5, Mona Vale Estate, and part 700 acres (portion 17, parish), granted to Robert Campbell; adjoining property of Mrs. J. E. Pollock. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1913, April 30). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2530. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226761834

Frederick Stewart Cameron  was born September 27, 1874 in Queensland to Alexander Stewart Cameron,  b. 17 Jun 1828, Moeble, Arisaig, Scotland,  d. 31 Mar 1875, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Age 46 years) and Lucy Catherine Sudlow Davis, b. 12 Mar 1830, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, England,  d. Jul 13, 1922 at Eastwood, Sydney (Age 92 years). They married in 1861, in NSW. He was the youngest child - of three daughters and two sons the couple had. The name 'Stewart' comes from his maternal grandmother. Alexander Stewart Cameron spent some time in India. He was then a sheep overseer at Ginninderra, later in Qld. He was recorded as station superintendant at Strathmore, Bowen in 1867 and grazier at Jinghi Jinghi, Dalby in 1872. His family migrated to Victoria around 1848. 

Frederick S Cameron married Kathleen Ellen Lennen, b. 1879, Carlton, Victoria, in Freemantle in 1900. They divorced. She died 5 Dec 1921, Fremantle, Western Australia. 

They had two children: Lancefield Alexander Stewart Cameron, b. July 22nd, 1901, Laverton, Western Australia, d. Sep 1930, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, (Age 29 years) after taking his own life - the coroner stated he had been depressed over his unemployment. Their second child was also a son, Leslie Alan Cameron, b. 1903, Mt Morgan. 

Lancefield had married Gladys Victoria Montgomery  b. 1899 at Mosman, on May 28th 1930 at St Thomas Church of England, North Sydney. Gladys died 18th of June 1965. They had a child, Montgomery Stewart Cameron. Frederick Stewart Cameron was listed as an Accountant and was a hotel proprietor in WA. He went to Canada in 1906. He is named as "Timber Logging Expert" on the death certificate of his son Lancefield. 

Primary Application - PA 18452 - Frederick Stewart Cameron intersection of Mona & Waterview Streets and fronting Pittwater Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen Volume 2402 Folio 11. 10-02-1913 to 18-09-1913, records F S Cameron as a 'Gentleman' of Newport.

However, he transferred the holding to Leslie Watson Saunderson Seaborn and Arthur Edgar, Abbott Solicitors, and Harold Kingsmill Abbott, Clerk, all of Sydney, as Joint Tenants, on January 16 1914 with the sale registered on January 21st. Without selling a single Lot, they onsold to Thomas Sidney Douglas of Sydney, Company Manager, on September 6 1919.

His widow, Rachel Maude Douglas of Cremorne, and son, Douglas Alexander Douglas of Sydney, Accountant, become joint tenants on February 14 1950 with that registered on March 21st 1950. 

On December 8 1952 ''the Warringah Shire Council registers its interests in the new road (Rednal Street), and the addition to the exiting roads (cut-off corner of Lot 1) shown on Deposited Plan No. 24428'. 

Under this the Registrar General records: ''The land marked 'Public Garden and Recreation Space' on Deposited Plan No. 24428 is subject to the provisions of Section 340 (A) the Local Government Act 1919 - dated December 8 1952'.

The first sale of a Lot takes place on March 25 1952, to Edwin George Arnold Dawson of Roseville, Accountant (Vol-Fol: 6614-149). The sales went on into 1955 when the residue became Vol-Fol: 7137-194 owned by Rachel Maude Douglas and Douglas Alexander Douglas, comprising Lots 7, 8. 10 and 13 and Lots 18-22 and Lots 24, 26 and 29 'being parts of Portion 17 granted to Robert Campbell on 31st of August 1819 and parts of Portion 213 granted on 26th September 1952 by Crown Grant Volume 6561 Folio 107 which lists the transfer of some land to their daughter Lola Rachel Maude Douglas and to the Warringah Shire Council of the Reserve ('Public Garden and Recreation Space') on May 9th 1951 - Vol-Fol: 6692-120. 

(3691) Sydney, 15th October, 1948.

OBJECTIONS TO SPECIAL PURCHASES.

IT is Hereby notified that applications have been lodged for the purchase of areas particularised below. Any objections should be accompanied by a deposit of £10 in each case, and lodged with the Metropolitan District Surveyor, Sydney, on or before the 12th November, 1948.

A. E. JONES, Under-Secretary for Lands. Land District—Metropolitan; Shire—Warringah.

Parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland; Special Purchase 47-10 of an area below high-water mark of Pittwater, Mona Vale, on the frontage to C.T., volume 2,402, folio 11. Applicant, estate of the late Thomas Sidney Douglas. S. 48-11,827,

Parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland; Speeial Purchase 46-36 'of an area below high-water mark of Pittwater, Wingi Jimmi Point, on the frontage to lot 14, d.p. 9,500. Applicant, Mrs. Vera Adele Taylor. S. 47-13,211. OBJECTIONS TO SPECIAL PURCHASES. (1948, October 29). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2900. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224783922

Volume 6561 Folio 107:

Volume 6692-120 records the Public Garden and Recreation Space first set aside:

The 1913 advertisement and lithograph photos still give us an insight into how it was then:

NEWPORT,
Opposite the Newport Hotel and Vogan's Point,
Almost adjoining Allen's Wharf, 5 minutes from Bayview-road, along Mona-street.
WINTERGREEN ESTATE.
30 BEAUTIFUL SITES, NICELY SLOPING TO THE WATER. PRETTILY TIMBERED.
AUCTION SALE ON THE GROUND,
SATURDAY, 23TH OCTOBER, 1913-
Illustrated Plans on Application.
TERMS: 10 per cent. Deposit, Balance  in 12 Quarterly Payments at 5 per cent. int.
HARDIE AND GORMAN PROPRIETARY, LTD.,
Auctioneers, 183 Pitt-street.
W. E. DREW, Esq.,
14 Moore-street, Solicitor to the Estate. Advertising (1913, September 27). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 21. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238908480 

The homeThe structureThThe home and jetty you can see in these images belonged to Mr Cameron.

Also alongside this holding was that of Bernard Barnett Allen, a grazier who bought land at Mona Vale alike other Graziers - the Baird family at the same spot for example - and was a holiday place which was placed on the market after he passed away - described as:

UNDER INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE UNION TRUSTEE COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA. LIMITED, ADMINISTRATORS C. T. A. OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE B. B. ALLEN.

ABSOLUTE DEEP WATER FRONTAGE TO PITTWATER. 

WITH COTTAGE RESIDENCE, "WINGI JIMMI." FRONTING WATERVIEW-STREET, and TWO CHOICE BUILDING ALLOTMENTS.

Only a few minutes' walk from Main Pittwater -road.

1. A MOST DESIRABLE WATER FRONTAGE COTTAGE, with a SPECIAL APPEAL to YACHTS NORTH-EASTERLY ASPECT. "WINGI JIMMI," A WELL-CONSTRUCTED COTTAGE OF BRICK, finished in roughcast cement, with roof of galvanised iron, containing dining-room end two bedrooms, each with fireplace, bathroom, verandah to front 9 feet wide, verandah at rear 10 x 10, kitchen with fuel stove, laundry. Water laid on from tanks to kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.

THE OUTBUILDINGS comprise WEATHER-BOARD GARAGE with concrete floor. Hardwood 2-stall stable, feedroom, and woodshed.

ON THE WATER FRONT is erected a SUBSTANTIAL WEATHERBOARD BOATSHED, with roof of galvanised Iron, with skids attached,

ALSO a WELL-CONSTRUCTED RUBBLE JETTY and a LARGE ENCLOSED SWIMMING BATH.

THE LAND has a frontage to WATERVIEW STREET Of 100ft by a depth of 529ft. IN AREA 1 acre 0 roods 3 perches. FREEHOLD NOTE.-This property should COMMEND Itself to YACHTSMEN and OTHERS desirous of securing In a HANDY. GET ABLE, and CHARMING LOCATION a DESIRABLE WATERSIDE HOME, either as a permanent residence or for holiday or week-end periods. 

THE WHOLE IN ABSOLUTE PERFECT ORDER.

TERMS: 25 per cent, deposit, balance In 3 years. Interest 6 1/2 per cent.

FOR INSPECTION apply H. E. PORTER, Newport

ADJOINING "WINGI JIMMI" are TWO CHOICE BUILDING ALLOTMENTS, as follows:

VACANT LAND, Lot 28, having a frontage to WATERVIEW-STREET of 48.4 by a depth of VACANT LAND at rear of Lot 28. being Lot 17 with a frontage to HALE-SMITH-STREET' of 33ft by a depth of 193, rear line 48.4. Torrens.

TERMS: 10 per cent, deposit, balance in equal quarterly payments. Interest 6 per cent.

GRAY and CO., 135 PITT-STREET : and at MOSMAN, in conjunction with H.E. PORTER, Pittwater road, NEWPORT, will submit the above-described PROPERTIES at PUBLIC AUCTION on THURSDAY.21st

NOVEMBER, at 11.15 am.. at THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE, 30a MARTIN-PLACE. SYDNEY.

Messrs. MINTER SIMPSON and CO.. Union Bank Chambers, Hunter-street, solicitors to the Estate. Advertising (1929, November 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16600388 

He had had the wharf there a lot earlier - a renewal of his special lease with extras in 1926 describes:

Parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland. Special Lease 1925-14, Metropolitan; for jetty, boatshed and bathing place. Land applied for—2 roods 18 perches below high-water mark of Pittwater on frontage of part of lot 3, section 5, Mona Vale Private Subdivision. Applicant—Bernard Barnett Allen. Objections in writing may be lodged at Local Land Board Office, Sydney, up to 12th January, 1926. APPLICATIONS FOR LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES AND FOR EXTENSIONS OF TERMS OF SPECIAL LEASES. (1926, January 8). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 87. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223018635 

The names 'Halesmith' and 'Rednal' stem from the names of locals and the name of a village. Rednal Street in Mona Vale, NSW, is stated to be named after the village and district of Rednal in Worcestershire, England (located just southwest of Birmingham).

Halesmith stems from the Hale-Smith family of Mona Vale. Frederick Haynes Smith lost his life serving in World War One. On December 6th he is listed as 'Killed in Action' in the 'Field, France'. His remains were interred in the Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, Montauban, Picardie, France. Frederick Haynes Smith's name is located at panel 25 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra as well. The Bernafay Wood British Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery (also known as the Bernafay Wood British Cemetery) is a cemetery located in the Somme region of France commemorating British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme and against the German 1918 spring offensive in World War I. The cemetery contains mostly those who died between July 1916 and April 1917 and March-August 1918.

SMITH.—Killed in action December 6 1916 Sapper Frederick Haynes Smith dearly loved eldest son of Mrs. Hales Smith Mona Vale. His duty done. Family Notices (1916, December 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15682430  

Although these street names weren't officially gazetted until much later either:

WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL.—Re-naming of Portion of Halesmith Road. Mona Vale.—Notice is hereby given that the Council has decided to re-name Halesmith Road, between Winji Jimmi Park and Rednal Street, as "Rednal Street", in accordance with the provisions of clause 53 of Ordinance 30—Local Government Act, 1919, as amended. J. MORGAN, Shire Clerk, Shire Hall, Brookvale.  WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL.—RE-NAMING OF PORTION OF HALESMITH ROAD. MONA VALE.—Notice is hereby given (1965, December 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4154. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220001479

They re-appear in a later 1919 subdivision as well:

Later on during the late 1920s and into the 1930's, this tucked away suntrap alongside the Crescent would become a place market gardeners would make the most of in being able to grow all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Frederick Mason, for example, who had acreage running from Waterview street Mona Vale through to the Crescent. See: Pittwater's Tropical Fruits: The Estuarine Farmlets At Mona Vale-Newport That Kept Sydney Stocked With Hot Area Fruit In The Middle Of Winter

The Douglas family holding was one of the longest on the foreshores of Pittwater kept as it had been since colonial times. After purchasing the 6 + acres then bounded by the waterfront, Mona Street and Waterview Street the holding was used as a weekend retreat for himself and his family.

The holding also came with the premises featured in the 1913 lithograph.

Douglas family home and holiday premises, circa 1919. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

The family holidayed in the area during the 1930s and 40s enjoying the environment and boating. The Army commandeered the house during the early 40s as a base camp during construction of a tank trap defence line.

Rachel Maude Passau married Thomas Sidney Douglas at Manly in June 1898. The papers of then published:

The marriage of Mr. Thomas Sidney Douglas to Miss Rachel Maude Passau (daughter of the Mayor of Manly) was celebrated on June 29, and attracted much attention in the village. The ceremony took place at St. Matthew's Church at 5 o'clock p.m., the rector (the Rev. A. G. Stoddart) officiating. The bride was attired in white silk trimmed with orange blossom and chiffon, with hat and feathers to match, and was given away by her father, Mr. F. C. Passau. Her mother, Mrs. F. C. Passau, wore black merveilleux and jet. The bridesmaids were the Misses May, Elsie, and Ruby Passau (sisters of the bride), dressed in white silk, with hats en suite, and adorned with gold brooches and suitable bouquets, the gifts of the bridegroom. Other members of the bridal party were Mr. Charles Sedgwick (the best man), Mrs F Passau, Mrs. Percy Passau, Messrs. Percy and Reg. Passau. TO-DAY. (1898, July 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14176854

The couple had four children:

DOUGLAS THOMAS C L 32906/1900 THOMAS S RACHEL M MANLY

DOUGLAS FREDERICK R H13788/1902 THOMAS S RACHEL M MANLY

DOUGLAS DOUGLAS A 15127/1907 THOMAS S RACHEL M MANLY

DOUGLAS LOLA R 29971/1911 THOMAS S RACHEL M MANLY - Lola Rachel Maude Douglas. Born: 15 Jul 1911, "Fairlands", Ashburner St, Manly. Died: 2 Nov 2003, Mosman, Sydney.

Thanks to this family taking photos of their fun and sharing those with the local council history unit locals are able to see the changes in the background of this end of the Newport to Mona Vale to Bayview environment. There are several of these, with more held in the history unit, and the online digitised records - a few examples are:

Douglas family portrait circa late 1920's - 1930. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Douglas Family weekender, Mona Street, Newport/Mona Vale, 1923. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

'Alpha' owned by the Douglas Family, on Pittwater, 1920s. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Douglas family house and boatshed, Mona Vale, Easter 1924. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Mr Douglas holding baby June (grandchild) outside the family home in Mona Vale, 1928. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

The 32ft Koorooloo was part of the Pittwater scene up until the 1970s, owned by the Douglas Family, Photo Taken in 1932.

The Koorooloo replaced the Alpha in 1930. It was scrapped due to its aged timbers in the 1970s. Thomas Douglas handed his son Doug ownership during WW2. The RMYC Broken Bay Branch in its obituary reporting Doug's death in 1981 stated that he became a member in 1926 which made him virtually a foundation member. Later he became a life member in recognition of his services. Photo includes Phoebe (Cuth's wife and Donald and June's mother), June Douglas and Donald Douglas - sister and brother and children of same. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

View of the bay looking towards Scotland Island with the Douglas land to the left, circa 1940 - showing the Army's tank trap after the removal of most support log piles. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Douglas family with goats in the yard of their home in Mona Vale, 1946: In Donald Douglas' memoir he mentions the large amount of ticks living in the long native grass. Then in the mid 40s his father bought a couple of goats to eat that area and, not expecting any other benefit, a week or two later found dead ticks hanging from the goats and soon after no more ticks. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

The bay and the tops of the concrete pyramids installed during World War II, Mona Vale, 1947. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Douglas Family home, Mona Vale, 1947.  Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Mr Douglas sitting in yard of Mona Street house, Mona Vale 1947: Photo shows some of the mud bank when partly exposed as seen in background under the railing.  Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Inside the Douglas living room at Mona Vale looking out towards Pittwater, 1947: Jack Miles boat shed can seen in the background. Photo taken from living room of the Douglas house. Tank traps can be seen in the water. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Douglas family house, Mona Vale, showing how close the excavations for the gravel fill came to the house, 1947: Gravel was excavated during the Second World War by the Army for use in defence structures such as a tank trap defence line. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

Douglas family members on a boat at Winji Jimmi, Mona Vale, 1947. Photo: Douglas Family collection, also held in council history unit

It was only a few years after he passed away in June 1948 that his wife and their children began to sell off the holding.

A MEMOIR of my 1930’s & 40’s PITTWATER
By Donald Douglas 2011

Where: at and from a house at the waterfront end of Mona St. Mona Vale.

The property including its six acres of land (lots 6 & 7 Mona Vale Estate Pittwater Parish A491596 vol 2402fol 11) bounded by the waterfront, Mona St & Waterview St which was purchased in 1919 by Thomas (Tom) S Douglas, my grandfather, as a weekend retreat for himself and family.

There was an understanding in the family that the house was about 25/30 years old when purchased by Tom. If that is so then construction would have been about when the Mona Vale 700 acres was released from the Wentworth Estate. I haven’t researched that aspect.

The 32ft “Koorooloo” (replacing the “Alpha” in 1930) was part of the Pittwater scene from a few years earlier until Tom’s son Doug scrapped it due it’s aged timbers having become irreparable I think in the 70s. Tom handed Doug ownership during WW2 prior to which he had been the most constant user of it for fishing, to the RMYC or to just be on it. The RMYC Broken Bay Branch in it’s obituary reporting of Doug’s death in 1981 stated that he became a member in 1926 “which made him virtually a foundation member”. Later he became a life member in recognition of his services to it..

History & about them: Tom died in 1948, the land was subdivided in 1951 which included a dedication of land for an extension of Rednal St to the south east of Mona St and with family trustee members then retaining several waterfront blocks with the house. A notice of auction in the SMH is attached with this. 

Maude died in 1961, the house was demolished in the late 60s for Doug and Lola, neither of whom married, to rebuild on the Mona St waterfront block as their principal residence and for Doug’s then retirement from his Accountancy practice in Pitt St.

Following Doug’s death this last block was sold by Lola when she returned to her other home in Cremorne. Fred died in 1944, Cuth, the eldest, in 1959 and who had taken over the insurance business in 1950 and Lola in 2003.

Maude (wife of Thomas S. Douglas) was the eldest daughter of Manly’s 12th mayor, FC Passau. The Douglas family residence in 1919 was Passau’s “Fairlands” Ashburner St Manly but from 1921 they commuted from their new house and home at 82 Milson Rd Cremorne. From when they married Cuth & his family, commuted from Fairlight and Fred from Griffith St east of Manly cemetery for weekend visits or holidays.

Tom conducted an insurance underwriting business, served 17 annual periods as President of the Council of Marine Underwriters of Aust, 24 years a board member of the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW (NSW Fire Brigade) and during WW2 represented all insurers as one of four that was the Commonwealth Marine War Risks Insurance Board - the other three being the High Court Chief  Justice, Commonwealth Actuary and the Commonwealth Prices Commissioner.

The House: Bricks used for the under-floor support constructions were the soft 19th century variety made locally and being of a reddish/orange colour with crushings of sea shells mixed in.

Ceilings were of metal which had an impressed pattern which I got to know very well & curse in my mid-teens when painting (then oil based paints). Fuel stove was used for cooking and hot water.

I think it was in the late 30s that electricity was extended to the property prior to which my sister and I remember using candles on tin holders, however, there was also fixtures in the dining room and kitchen but cannot recall what fuel was used for their lighting.

Tank water until about 1946 when we connected to the mains supply. Cuth, my father, with me under his direction, installed the galvanized piping with the pipe threading for joining being cut by us on site (hemp & paint on thread - no tape or poly pipe then).

There were three bedrooms each having French style doors opening onto the verandah facing Mona St behind which on the uphill side was a short hallway leading from the front door past another (closed spare) room to a dining/living room under the 2nd roof pitch (see photo). Under the 3rd roof pitch was the large kitchen behind which was an enclosed fernery with partly glazed roofing with a laundry, bathroom, spare rooms on two sides and two doors to the outside.

Under the 4th pitch was another bedroom and a small one behind. Window type can be seen in photo above.

The bay in my time: on our side beyond us at bay’s end was a secluded weather sheltered property on which the owner claimed with much pride that he grew tropical fruits and plants.

From there it was bushland, with at times very noisy koalas, around to near Jack Miles boatshed directly opposite Mona St. Crescent Rd ended near Miles and wasn’t extended around to Waterview St until later although a rough track, I think made by the Army during the WW2 tank trap construction, was evident post wartime.

From us to Winji Jimmi point there were some houses in Rednal st.  An incidental: about the 3rd waterfront property along Rednal St from Mona St was the Christmas family’s weekender. Christmas was head of the four or five partners that formed the Woolworths business. The sole initial employee was J Athol Williams, a nephew of one partner, ER Williams; Athol’s mother was a sister of Maude Douglas.

A mud bank extended from close to our jetty see 1923 photo across to the Crescent Rd side and of course back into the bay’s end mangroves. This bank was exposed at low tides including our pool. We had to take notice of the tides if we wished to avoid having to drag any dinghies thru mud.

WW2: 1946/7 Photos by me: 6a (MV-346) shows some of the mud bank when partly exposed - seen in background under the railing. 6b (MV-349) shows the front door entrance and glimpse of the bay with a Beaconsfield St roof showing in background at top left of photo. 6c (MV-356) a little more bay showing and tops of concrete pyramids installed during WW2. 6d (MV-351) a view of the bay looking towards Scotland Island; Douglas land on left and showing the Army’s tank trap after removal of most support log piles. The pyramids in 6c are at the end of the gravel bank.

Excavations for the gravel fill came very close to the house as can be seen in 6e (MV-359) cl941/3 

The Army commandeered the house and contents for use as their base camp during construction of a tank trap defence line that continued east beyond the bay. The jetty and pool were demolished by the Army and not reinstated other than a smaller jetty constructed by my father on the bank created by the Army as partly seen in photos 9 & 9a. It was the only defence structure of any note in Pittwater with barbwire only being the most commonly used such as on the Winji Jimmi/Bayview sandbanks.

Two or three acres between Waterview St and the house were used or rented for produce growing during the war.

The “Koorooloo’s ” normal mooring was the first one away from the jetty, however, the boat was enlisted with Doug during the war for Sydney Harbour naval night patrol duties.

The Bay: Photo 7 (MV 341) (undated; bought at a sale) is a view into the bay which predates the Army’s removal during WW2 of the Douglas jetty and pool. The Douglas boatshed and part of house roof are on the right in the photo in the far distance. The furthest away on the left was Jack Miles commercial boatshed and the 2nd boatshed on left with white appearance was Reg B Passau’s (a brother of Maude) with his retreat house higher up on the property.

Photo 8 (MV-352) -waterfront properties of Rednal St on 9/8/1947 - Douglas shed & house at left of photo. Winji Jimmi Photo 8a (MV-353) a view of the point in 1947 as seen from on the then extensive sandbanks.

To the right beyond the photo was the very large area of mangroves dubbed ''the drowning maze'' this being the title of, & these mangroves the basis for, a novel by the well known author Ethel Turner. ***

The “maze” had channels within it that could be navigated & out of sight in a dinghy by pulling on branches until there was no more headroom. An exciting experience when young but being aware of tide movements was a must.

Photo 8b (MV-358) glimpses of Pittwater as seen whilst on the Bayview side of the sandbanks in 1947 with Lion Island showing in distance. That boat, the VJ class sailing boat in Photo 8 (MV-352) and two dinghys were built at our Fairlight home. People in the photo include my mother at the stern, cousin Jan Passau from across the bay and myself standing at the bow.

*** The Drowning Maze was written by Jean Curlewis, Ethel Turner’s daughter

Jack Miles Boatshed can be seen in the background of photo 9 (MV-355) and with a little clearer detail in 9a (MV-354), a photo I took from inside the living room of the house in 1946 or 7. I have included these here as there possibly may not be any others of his buildings. I have sent more detail of Jack Miles to the Manly Daily, copy of which is with this; I was responding to their article which only included a photo of that shelter to the right of the main building and slipways.

Local Memory briefs. Earliest unknown, however, I was born in early 1931. I was often informed that my first walking happened on the Koorooloo in Pittwater.

A landmark on the journey there were the life size model of a buffalo in cart with man beside each all black positioned prominently in a large front yard on the down slope to Mona Vale from Warriewood. Another was the Rock Lily building and listening about it’s past.

Many glass houses including on the Douglas property- mostly tomato growers.

The widespread damage caused by the “black Friday” wind storm in 1939; our boatshed with two mooring chains, a skiff and two dinghies in it was lifted up and landed some thirty feet away.

Farms - dairy & produce and taking a can to collect milk from a dairy farm in Basset St.

Crabs; fish and blue swimmer crabs were very plentiful close by in our part providing many meals whenever desired.

Rowing - across to see Jack Miles, to our Passau cousins near Jack, to further along to a jetty at the Newport hotel or Solomon’s boatbuilding yard for ice from the works nearby in Beaconsfield St &/or to a shop opposite the hotel. Or rowing just for pleasure anywhere between our place and Church Point.

In our teens we would leave the dinghy at Passau’s or hotel or Solomon's jetty and then walk to Newport beach. The hotel then had an adjoining paddock on which they depastured livestock; beside this was Solomon’s Beaconsfield St boatbuilding shed which was a busy place during the war (they had their other boatshed beside the Queen’s Pde wharf).

Ticks; when there it was usual for us as children to have ticks plucked after rolling down the slope below the house through the long native grass with one very exceptional weekend yielding 200+ from my sister and 100+ from me. Then in the mid 40s our father bought a couple of goats to eat that area and, not expecting any other benefit, a week or two later found dead ticks hanging from the goats and soon after no more ticks.

Bayview Sailing Club: After launching about 1946/7 I sailed my VJ with this club; races then started off Clareville beach. I understood that the club had then recently shifted racing away from the Bayview area where it had been due to Mr Foy’s (of Mark Foys the large retail firm) wishes to view sailing races from his house. He had been the major funder in setting up the club.

Boating, fishing and much else then didn’t require licences, life jackets and other restrictions that are present to-day.

References

1. TROVE - National Library of Australia
2. NSW Records and Archives
3. Photographers Of Pittwater Capture Historic Insights: A. J. (Arthur James) Vogan, 1859-1948  
4. Boulton's Jetty on 'Old Mangrove Bay' + Newport hotel jetty + Newport Public wharf: Some history
5. Crescent Reserve, Newport, on Old Mangrove Bay: Some History + 2026 Photos 
6. The Baird family of Mona Vale - the Wentworths of Newport
7. Remembrance Day 2021: Mona Vale's Hales-Smith Haynes Smith, Holding, Brentnall and Roby - A.I.F. men of World War One
8. Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets have Your Name - Bayview
9. Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Mona Vale, Bongin Bongin, Turimetta And Rock Lily
10. Pittwater's Tropical Fruits: The Estuarine Farmlets At Mona Vale-Newport That Kept Sydney Stocked With Hot Area Fruit In The Middle Of Winter
11. The Mona Vale-Bungan beach-Bayview tank traps: Coastal Defences of Pittwater during World War Two - Some History
12. Ethel Jean Sophia Curlewis - 7th of February 1898 - 28th of March 1930

Pittwater public wharves history series 2024-2025-2026:

• 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 
• Lovett Bay Public Wharves: Some History 
• Scotland Island's Public Wharves: Some History
• Taylors Point Public Wharf: Some History  
• Paradise Beach Public Wharf + Pool: Some history of 'Whispering Sands' 

Primary Application 18452:

Volume 2402 Folio 11:

MARRIAGES DOUGLAS—PASSAU. (Jul 1898).—June 29, at St, Matthew's, Manly, by the Rev. A. G. Stoddart, Thomas Sidney, second son of the late A. W. Douglas of Redfern, to Maude, eldest daughter of F. C. Passau, J.P., of Manly. Family Notices (1898, July 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14177983

Rachel Maude Passeau - Born 1875 in Glebe, was the daughter of Frederick Charles Passau (B. 1842 in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia, son of Matilda and Samuel Passau. D. 9 Jul 1919 in Manly) and Rachel (Benton) Passau (B. abt. 14 Oct 1843 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia D. 3 Nov 1905 in Manly). They married 1 November 1864 in Sydney. 

MARRIAGES. 

PASSAU—BENTON—On the 1st November, by the Rev. Dr Lang, at the Scots Church, Frederick Charles Passau, to Rachael, second daughter of James Benton, both of Sydney.

SELBY—BENTON—On the 1st November, by the Rev. Dr. Lang, at the Scots Church, William Selby, to Rebecca, third daughter of James Benton, both of Sydney. Family Notices (1864, November 21). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60561419

Children:

Frederick Samuel Passau (1865 - 1894) 

Horace Albert Passau (1870 - 1877) 

Percival Charles Passau (1873 - 1900) 

Rachel Maud (Passau) Douglas (1875 - 1960)

Arthur Oswald Passau (1878 - 1896) 

Reginald Benton Passau (1879 - 1972) 

Effie May Passeau (1881)

Sydney Harold Passau (1882 - 1883) 

Elsie (Passau) Fisher (1885) 

Ruby Lilian (Passau) Williams (1887 - 1931)

PASSAU.—November 9, at his late residence, Greenwich, Lane Cove River, Frederick S. Passau, aged 29 years, eldest son of Mr. F. C. Passau, of Fairlands, Manly. Family Notices (1894, November 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13979416

DEATHS 

PASSAU November 3, at her late residence, ''Fairlands'', Ashburner-street, Manly, Rachel, beloved wife of Alderman F. C. Passau, of Manly and 494 George-street, Sydney, in her 62nd year. 

PASSAU.— The Funeral of the late Mrs F. C. PASSAU beloved wife of Alderman F. C. Passau, of Manly, and 494 George-street, Sydney, will leave her late residence, "Fairlands," Ashburner-street, Manly, THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON. at 3 o'clock, for the Manly Cemetery. Family Notices (1905, November 4). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237692441

FRED. C. PASSAU

Mr. Fred. C. Passau's display of jewellery, which is always attractive, is especially so at this season of the year. His well-known premises at the George-street entrance to the Royal Arcade, contain a stack of gold and silver watches, pendants and chains, rings, toilette ware, and dinner plate of the most varied description, and in many instances' the designs are truly artistic. His Rotherhams Walthams, and Elgin patent 'levers are watches which have achieved a notoriety as excellent timekeepers, while his assortment of brooches. bracelets necklets, muff chains, and alberts, finds considerable favour with the. fair sex.. He has, in addition, photo, and star pendants, which cannot fail to catch the eye of patrons, and in that line, as In others, and notably the toilette sets, consisting of handsome silver-backed .brushes, trinket boxes, and jewel caskets, he drives a thriving trade. Of the dinner ware, which is here exposed, cruets, biscuit barrels, butter and preserve dishes, are a specialty, and then there are liquor stands, which would adorn the most elegant of sideboards. 

The. collection of purses is sufficiently varied to please, and some of  the goods offered in this department are really pretty. The optical room is under the. control of a specialist, and the work' here carried out is of the most satisfactory character. The room is fitted up with the latest scientific sight-testing-instruments; and, in fact, nothing is wanting to render it in every way complete. Included in the stack which is there to be seen, are the ten years gold-filled spectacles, which command a good deal of attention. From January 1, the business, which has for 15 years been conducted in the arcade with success, will be transferred to 442 George-street, opposite' Lassetter's. FRED. C. PASSAU. (1905, December 19). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113285118

The Royal Arcade was designed by Thomas Rowe, also of Manly - in fact the first Mayor, and opened in 1882. It was about 90 metres long consisted of a mixture of shops, offices and a photographic studio. It was demolished in the mid 70's to make way for the Hilton Hotel. The photograph c1892 courtesy of The State Library of NSW. 

For more see: Shopping and Shops In Manly: Sales Times From 1856 To 1950 For A Fishing Village

DEATH 

PASSAU. July 9th, at his late residence, "Maranoa", 90 Belgrade Street, Manly, Frederick Charles Passau, aged 78 years. Family Notices (1919, July 10). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239641769

LATE MR. F. C. PASSAU.

The death occurred yesterday at his residence, "Maranoa," Belgrade Street, Manly, of Mr. Frederick Charles Passau, at the age of 78 years. The late Mr. Passau had for a long period been closely and actively connected with the municipal affairs of Manly as an alderman, and during 1897 and 1898 occupied the mayoral chair. He was the first president of the Manly Bowling Club, of which he was a prominent member right up to the time of his death. For many years the late Mr. Passau carried on business as an optician and jeweller in the Royal Arcade, City, from which he retired some time ago. His wife pre-deceased him. He leaves a grown-up family.  LATE MR. F. C. PASSAU. (1919, July 10). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239641820 

Thomas Sidney Douglas (1874 - June 13, 1948) - birth registered at Redfern, son of parents Alexander Wilson Douglas and Euphemie Jane (nee Dawson).

Parents marriage:

539/1866 DOUGLAS ALEXANDER W  to DAWSON EUPHEMIA J at SYDNEY

MARRIAGES.

DOUGLAS-DAWSON-June 28, at St. Phillip's Church, by the Very Rev the Dean of Sydney, Alexander W, eldest surviving son of Mr. Alexander Douglas, 223, George street, to Euphemia Jane, only daughter of Mr. Thomas Dawson, Miller's Point. Family Notices (1866, July 4). Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60594296

Thomas Dawson was a well-known auctioneer operating out of Miller's Point in Sydney. His frequent advertisements in The Sydney Morning Herald, facilitated the sale of real estate, fat cattle, shipping vessels, household furniture, and imported merchandise across the colony.

Alexander Wilson Douglas was born at Sydney on 1 June 1836, the son of Alexander Douglas and Jane Bryden. He married Euphemia Jane Dawson (1841-1900) at Sydney on 28 June 1866. The pair had 4 sons and 2 daughters. Alexander Wilson Douglas owned the Atlas Printing Office at 24 Hunter Street, Sydney.

Children of union:

DOUGLAS ELIZABETH F 3604/1867 ALEXANDER W EUPHEMIA J REDFERN

DOUGLAS ALEXANDER R 4087/1869 ALEXANDER W EUPHEMIA J REDFERN

DOUGLAS EUPHEMIA C4430/1871 ALEXANDER EUPHEMIA J REDFERN

DOUGLAS THOMAS SYDNEY 4931/1874 ALEXANDER WILSON EUPHEMIA JANE REDFERN

DOUGLAS UNNAMED 5356/1876 ALEXANDER W EUPHEMIA JANE REDFERN

DOUGLAS JAMES BRYDON 294/1879 ALEXANDER W EUPHEMIA J SYDNEY

BOROUGH OF REDFERN.

NOTICE is hereby given, that Mr. Alexander Wilson Douglas, has been duly elected as Alderman for the Belmore Ward, in room of Alderman Renwick, retired. 

HENRY HUDSON, Mayor and Returning Officer. Municipal Council Chambers, Redfern, 20th June, 1872. 3266 3s. BOROUGH OF REDFERN. (1872, June 25). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1641. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225842596

He continued serving as an Alderman for Redfern until 1876.

Alexander Wilson Douglas died at home in Redfern Street, Redfern, on 23 August 1878 and was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery Devonshire Street, Sydney. He left a will and his estate and assets were assessed at £500. All of his and Euphemia's children were still very young when he passed away with the youngest, James Brydon Douglas, yet to be born.

DOUGLAS.—August 28, at his residence, Redfern-street, Redfern, Alexander Wilson Douglas, born at Sydney June 1st, 1836, eldest son of Alexander Douglas, 223, George-street North, aged 42 years. Family Notices (1878, August 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13414596

His father, Alexander Douglas, passed away in 1889 with the death registered at Redfern - his mother's or father's (?) name is listed as 'Lynn' in NSW Births, Deaths, Marriages. His daughter-in-law was executor:

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION.

In the will and codicils of Alexander Douglas, late of Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, draper, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen days from the publication hereof, application will be made to this Honourable Court, in its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, that probate of the last will and testament of the above named Alexander Douglas, who died on or about the 14th day of March, 1889, with the four codicils thereto, may be granted to Euphemia Douglas, of Redfern, near Sydney aforesaid, widow, the executrix in the said will named, William Thompson, the executor in the said will named, having renounced probate thereof.—Dated at Sydney this 21st day of March, a.d. 1889.

JOHN DAWSON & SON, Proctors for the said Executors, 88, Pitt-street, Sydney. 2602 6s. 6d.ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION. (1889, March 22). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 2274. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223991582

His mother passed away in 1900 - NSW BDM's lists: DOUGLAS EUPHEMIA J 10215/1900 parents: THOMAS and ELIZABETH registered at: PETERSHAM

DOUGLAS, Thomas Sidney.—June 13, 1948 (suddenly), at Katoomba, of 82 Milson Road, Cremorne, beloved husband of Rachel Maude Douglas and loved father of Cuthbert, Douglas, Lola, and Fred (deceased), and loved brother of Essie (Mrs. T. A. Standwick). Family Notices (1948, June 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18074534

RE will of THOMAS SIDNEY DOUGLAS, late of Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, insurance manager, deceased.

—Probate granted by Supreme Court of New South Wales on 23rd November, 1948.—Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-3947 (Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1938, and Trustee Act, 19125-1942), Rachel Maude Douglas and Douglas Alexander Douglas, the executors of the will of the said Thomas Sidney Douglas, who died on 13th June, 1948, hereby give notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send particulars of their claims to the said executors at c.o. Dudley Westgarth & Co., 369 George-street, Sydney, on or before the 28th February, 1950, at the expiration of which time the said executors will distribute the assets of the said deceased to the persons entitled, Having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.—Dated 19th December, 1949. DUDLEY WESTGAETH & CO., Proctors for the Executors, 369 George-street, Sydney. 3752—£1 RE will of THOMAS SIDNEY DOUGLAS, late of Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, insurance manager, deceased. (1949, December 23). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4002. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225594816

The Douglas and Lola Douglas Scholarship in Medical Science was made possible through a generous bequest made by Lola Rachel Maude Douglas, a philanthropist with a keen interest in medical research. Her main charity was the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney but one of her great wishes was to support young researchers and this bequest enables the Australian Academy of Science to help to fulfil this wish.

A similar benefit was bequeathed to the University of Sydney where it supports Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) Honours students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

DEATH OF MR. B. B. ALLEN

The news o£ the death of Mr. B. B. Allen was received with sincere regret throughout New South Wales. Many graziers will feel that they have lost a personal friend. For years Mr. B. B. Allen was chairman of the Executive Council of the Graziers' Council, and he was a most successful chairman. His tact was proverbial, his knowledge was comprehensive, and his one desire was to do the right thing by the pastoral industry.

Everybody who knew B. B. Allen liked him. He had personal charm, and nothing ever seemed a trouble to him. You could go to him for ad-vice, or you could go to him to do something for you, and you would always be sure of the most courteous consideration; and if it was in his power he would help you. Since 1902 Mr. Allen had been a member of the Executive Committee. 

In April, 1910, he was appointed chairman of the committee and retained that position until a few months ago. He was chairman of many important conferences, and he represented the Association at several Federal Conferences. His never-failing tact helped to make him an admirable chairman, and an exceedingly worthy representative. Mr. Allen was a member of the committee of the Sydney Wool Selling Brokers for many years, and for several years past occupied the position of treasurer. He was also a member of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and the Sheep Bleeders' Association of Mew South Wales. Mr. Allen is survived by Mrs. Allen, and by two daughters — Mrs. Mc-Kechnie, wife of the manager of Manaroo Station, Central Queensland; and Mrs. Auschau, of Sydney — and one son, Mr. Ernest Allen, of Eumarra Station, Brewarrina. DEATH OF MR. B. B. ALLEN (1928, October 2). The Tumut and Adelong Times (NSW : 1864 - 1867; 1899 - 1950), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139291643

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the will of Bernard Barnett Allen, late of Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, company manager, deceased.

PURSUANT to the provisions of the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898, of the Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act; 1916, and of the Trustee Act, 1925: Notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having any claim, demand upon or against the estate or ^otherwise interested in the property and assets of the abovenamed deceased, who died at Wahroonga, on the 23rd day of, September, 1928, and letters of administration, with the , will annexed, of whose estate were granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in its Probate Jurisdiction, on the 21st day of December, 1928, to The Union Trustee Company of Australia Limited, the administrator of the estate of the abovenamed deceased, are hereby required to send on or before the 11th day of March, 1929, full particulars of their claims and demands upon the said estate or in respect of the said property and assets or any part thereof to The Union Trustee Company of Australia Limited, 2 O'Connell-street, Sydney, at the expiration of which time the said The Union Trustee Company of Australia Limited intends to proceed to administer the said estate and to convey, distribute and/or appropriate the property and assets of the said deceased to and among the parties and persons entitled thereto, having' regard only to the claims, demands and interests of which they shall then have notice; and the Company will not, in respect of the property and assets or any part thereof so conveyed, distributed or appropriated, be liable to any person of whose claim they shall not Have had notice at the time of such conveyance, distribution or appropriation.—Dated this 28th day oil December, 1928.

The Union Trustee Company of Australia Limited,

A. E. NORDEN, 

Manager. Minter, Simpson and Company, Proctors for Administrator, 

Union Bank Chambers,

Hunter-street, Sydney.

2372 £1 12s. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1929, January 4). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 75. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223987798

FISHERIES MATTERS. Mr. F. Farnell presided at the Fisheries board meeting on Wednesday. As a result of the protests of residents of Pittwater the board decided not to grant oyster leases of 1700 yards at the Basin or Coaster's Retreat, and of 200 yards at the Maze, Pittwater but to reserve these for the public use. FISHERIES MATTERS. (1906, August 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28153824

More in: Oystering in the Pittwater Estuary -Oyster Kings and Pearl Kings and When Not to Harvest Oysters

An extract from Mr. Wheeler's Early Days of Bayview provides a physical description and some of those he recalled being in these places;- 

At the head of the bay is the Newport “Maze,’’ a channel running into a tangle of mangroves, finishing in a swamp up near Bayview  Road. A book of adventure — Drowning Maze  —was written about this area by Miss Jean Curlewis. The Sydney Morning Herald  commented as follows:  

Visitors to Pittwater are acquainted with the intricate tangle of scrub and channel at the Newport end, but they probably have no  suspicion of the exciting things that happen in this eerie locality. Miss Curlewis lets them into some of its intriguing secrets.  

To the west of The Maze is Shaw’s Creek. I often saw old Jack Shaw stealing along silently in his ketch about dusk up McCarr’s Creek, like the “Old Grey Man of the Sea.”  

Site investigation photos: Monday June 8 2026