September 6 - 12, 2015: Issue 230

Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways - Clareville and Taylor's Point Wharves

'Panorama of Taylors Point' - 2, Pittwater, New South Wales circa 1917-1921, courtesy National Library of Australia, Image No.: nla.pic-vn6149430 - Part of Enemark collection of panoramic photographs [picture] [1917-1946] . Below: Sections from above panorama


Pittwater reserves also adjoin and incorporate wharves and jetties where the estuary's waters, tides and tiny offshore beaches may be accessed and fish caught for meals - although perhaps not in the same large size and abundance that they once were. They are also areas where small green reserves have been set aside adjacent to, or as part of the original setting aside of areas for landing and taking passengers. These green spaces became popular picnic and camping areas in themselves and today offer us a chance to glimpse further back and see some of what the landscape was like prior to the urbanisation of a still green Pittwater was like. 

Clareville Wharf and Environs

On the western perimeter of the valley of Avalon runs what was originally called 'Long Beach' and now is known as Clareville, sometimes spelt 'Clairville' and 'Claraville" in earlier records and Taylors Point, sometimes spelt 'Tailors'. When our area was still more bush and bush tracks than sealed roads the water was the smooth way to get around. 

This was one of the earliest public wharves in Pittwater and was built at a time when the thousands of acres of the Therry estate was being sold off in small farmlet acreage lots, and more people moving into what was ostensibly still a farming community. In order to get their produce to market, access to shipping was required.

Early in 1885, and just as the Church Point wharf being built by the Boulton's was nearing completion, the state government advertised:

Wharf and Approach thereto at Pittwater 991  Index page (1885, March 31). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. xviii. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221626120 

This was advertised again a few times:

Construction of a Public Wharf and Approach thereto at Pittwater, Broken Bay. TENDERS FOR PUBLIC WORKS. (1885, May 27). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 3412. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221693347 


Construction of a Public Wharf and Approach thereto at Pittwater, Broken Bay.  TENDERS FOR PUBLIC WORKS. (1885, June 2). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 3521. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221693909 

Then finally one James A Bailey was announced as the winner of the tender, although no allocation of how many £ would be spent or the dimension's of the wharf itself was advertised:

Department of Public Works,
Sydney, 10th July, 1885.
THE following Tenders have been accepted :—
James A. Bailey—Construction of "Wharf at Pittwater, Broken Bay. Government Gazette Tenders and Contracts (1885, July 10). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 4264. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223985143 

Mr Bailey and his team were soon on the ground doing the construction works. He also encountered one of the members of the Green family of rowers while there - which places this obscure advertisement as at Clareville:

Young Thieves

Frederick Came, Henry Johnson, John Williams, W. Reilly alias Beck, and William Lindsay alias Lynch, Pittwater youths, all apparently under 20 years of age, were charged with having stolen a watch, three teeth mounted in gold, and other articles the property of James A. Bailey. The accused were farther charged with having stolen five- plugs of tobacco, a silver ring,. &c, the property of John Scott. It appears that about two miles from Barranjoey, a number of men are engaged at work, and reside in tents. The accused visited the tents and took the property named. Reilly and Johnson got a month's imprisonment on each charge, and the others fourteen days on each charge. Young Thieves. (1886, February 24). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111188731 

In re Richard A. W. Green. Bankrupt was examined at some considerable length. He said he had been working a leasehold at Pittwater, which he had the option of purchasing for £1500 within three years. This was his third insolvency. The first was about twenty years ago. Twelve months ago he gave a bill of sale over furniture and live stock and boats at Pittwater, to a Mr. Bailey. He did not receive any consideration therefor at the time. Mr. Bailey appointed bankrupt's father-in-law to take possession. Mrs. Green was a creditor for £277. She was his mother. In 1884 he entered into an agreement to sell some land he had bought from his mother for £8000. A dispute arose and was settled in Equity by him taking a one fifth share in the re-sale of the kind, in addition to the £8000. Two payments of £600 each were made, but Mr. Bailey got the money. At the conclusion of the examination his Honor drew attention to the unnecessary length to which it had been carried, and that the costs should be reserved, and not allowed without an express order. In Bankruptcy. (1889, February 14). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108793499 

Re Richard A. W. Green. The bankrupt did not wish to amend his statement and was examined by Mr. E. A. Smith at great length. He said that he had been working a leasehold property at Pittwater. which he had the option of purchasing for £1600 within three years. He had been insolvent three time altogether. He had been insolvent first about 20 years ago. A year ago he gave a bill of sale for £100 over his furniture, live stock and boats at Pittwater to a Mr. Bailey, for which at the time he did not receive any consideration, he did not know whether the bill of sale was registered. His father-in-law, John Johnson, was appointed by Mr. Bailey to take possession. Mrs. Green's name appeared as a creditor for £277. She was his mother, and the money had been advanced by Mr. Bailey as trustee. In 1884 he entered into an agreement with four purchasers to sell land he had bought from his mother for £8000. A dispute arose which was settled in Equity by a new agreement under which he was to receive a one-fifth share of the re-sale of the land in addition to the £3000. Two payments of £600 each ware made on account. Mr. Bailey got the money and bankrupt had none of it. The balance of the £8000 had been paid, he believed, although. Mr. Bailey had said nothing to him about it. When the lengthy examination was concluded his Honor drew attention lo its prolix nature and directed that the costs of the unnecessarily long examination should be reserved and not allowed upon taxation without express order. LAW. (1889, February 14). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235872905 

EXAMINATION OF WITNESS

In re Richard Augustus Willoughby Green:

On behalf of the official assignee, Mr. Gordon examined James Bailey. Witness said he had known bankrupt since about 1885, when he was a commission agent, but in 1888 became manager for Phillip Stephan and Co. He was questioned at some length as to a bill of sale given by the bankrupt to him in 1885 covering property at Pittwater. The bill of sale was to cover 'future advances’. In Bankruptcy. (1889, February 26). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108793802 

The wharf is already present in 1885 as ‘Clareville Pier’ by late the same year:


Advertising (1885, December 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13606785 

James Stokes sold his 25 acres to William Charles on 29 July 1835 for £10. This transaction brought Warner’s 50 acre grant under one ownership once more. William Charles sold to George Green on 2 March 1854 for £70. [LTO Book 30 No. 888] On 21 October 1870 George Green sold the land to John Collins for £70, and on the same day Collins sold it to Revd. Joseph Dalton, a trustee of Revd. Therry’s will, for £100. [LTO Book 121 Nos. 729, 730] - PROFILES OF THE PIONEERS IN MANLY, WARRINGAH AND PITTWATER by Shelagh Champion, OAM, B.A.(Lib.Sc.) and George Champion, OAM, Dip.Ed.Admin., Revised 2013

Pittwater started early to add to the shipbuilding. Many sloops and vessels were built at this beautiful spot. Mr. Stokes built several. He gave his name to Stoke Point more often called Stripe Point, south of Careel Bay. A man called Bradbury is credited with having built the first boats at Careel Bay. George Green, father of the sculler, built and launched a vessel in 1855 on the east side of Clareville, between Stokes Point and Taylor's Point. It was on the stretch of water at the head of Pittwater that Green's son—Dick trained for the championships. MILESTONES IN EARLY COLONIAL PROGRESS. (1941, February 8). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167440508

From:  Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Green Family

Although the Champions research indicates George Green sold this parcel of 50 acres, his wife and children continued to possess land in the Pittwater area and Richard Green, second born son, seemed to go to Pittwater as a kind of refuge when he needed to be on the land and on the water away from Sydney 'town'. His brother Henry also owned land into the 1920's:

Primary Application - Sydney Robert Lorking and Henry Green - 36 acres at Pittwater in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Volume 3777 Folio 60 Date range: 14/07/1919 to 17/09/1920. Item Number Or Control Symbol: PA 22062 – This was the George Hudson Land from 1925 and at Taylors Point, the other end of the 'Long Beach' and Clareville waterfront and beach sections. The sell off of lots ran from 1926 until he passed and after his wife passed and up to 1940.

'Claraville''s wharf was the first of these water access structures at Clareville:

PITTWATER ESTATE. TWO VERY CHOICE BLOCKS, being LOTS III. and IV. of the NORTH DIVISION known as KRETCHMANN'S FARM. containing a total area of 103 acres 2 roods 20 perches, two sides of which are fenced with a two-rail fence. THE HOMESTEAD consists of two slab cottages, roofed with Iron, one containing 4 rooms and the other 2 rooms besides which there are various sheds for cattle, pigs, poultry, &c. There are also two paddocks, one of 6 and the other of 8 acres, newly fenced with a 6-barbed wire fence, and cleared ready for cultivation. There is a plentiful supply of water on the property, while the land has a frontage to the main road of 1873 foot by a great depth to the waters of Broken Bay, to which it has also a large frontage. Fine views of the Hawkesbury River and the ocean, at same time well sheltered from adverse winds. The tramway on the Military-road is expected to pass through the farm, and it is only 10 minutes walk from Claraville Pier,  Pittwater. Grand block for subdivision purposes. Advertising. (1886, January 11). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28359687 

Lots II and IV were originally from the JJ Therry Estate - and Lot III ran to the edges of land adjoining what we now call Clareville - See Cruig Barry's article “A trip to Pittwater” under Extras for a description by one happy purchaser. Gustave Adolphe Lix (see Rock Lily and Yabbying in Warriewood Creeks) was the purchaser and this was during the time the Powderworks fiasco was unfolding:

Pre- 1905 Land Titles Map - Showing 'Claraville' and 'Long Beach'. Courtesy Land Titles Office Historic records of NSW.

On 29 June 1885 Lix’s attorney sold the farm to Josef Kretschmann, Professor of Music, for £1162. A contract for sale to John Davison was transacted on 5 February 1886. [LTO Book 336 No. 603] On 18 May 1886 an order was made by the Chief Commissioner for Insolvent Estates, placing Kretschman’s estate under sequestration. The official assignee of the estate, Lancelot Threlkeld Lloyd, finally conveyed the estate to John Davison on 20 February 1888. [LTO Book 381 No. 150] Davison paid £816 1s 6d to Lloyd, and £30 to Simeon Frankel. from - Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater (1996 revised 2013), Shelagh Champion, OAM, B.A.(Lib.Sc.)and George Champion, OAM, Dip. Ed. Admin.

By 1887 an 'approach to' Clareville wharf is advertised for Tender, indicating that built by Mr. Bailey would have been the stonework leading onto the wooden deck of the pier or wharf itself, an this would be a road or track leading down to the landing stage area set aside in 1900:

Department of Public Works, Sydney,
12th August, 1887. 
TENDERS will he received at this Office until 11 o'clock on MONDAY, the 22nd instant, from persons willing to Contract for
16q. Pittwater to Barreujuee
17q. Approach to Clareville Wharf, Pittwater.
Tenders to be addressed to P. H. FLYNN, Chief Clerk, Roads Department, where specifications and sections may be seen.  
Advertising (1887, August 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13659039

This Tender was advertised at the same time one for the original Mona Vale road had been accepted:

Tenders accepted ....  D. Bailey, road Lane Cove to Pittwater, £543 19s, 8d. Government Gazette. (1887, August 6). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 292. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165223309

Land which was resumed in 1900 for a landing area and approach (road) to the wharf was advertised in 1905/1906 as it was no longer needed:

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

Land has been resumed at Marrar for improving the water supply for the South-western-Railway; at Battle Abbey, for a public school; at Clareville, Pittwater, for a wharf; … GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. (1900, January 8). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117033146 

The resumption notice states:

NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER
THE "LANDS FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES ACQUISITION ACT," 44 VICTORIA No. 16.
PROCLAMATION
New South Wales,
to wit,
(L.S.)
BEAUJCHAMP,
Governor.
By His Excellency The Right Honourable William, Earl Beauchamp, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in Chief of the Colony of New South Wales and its Dependencies.

WHEREAS a certain public work, that is to say the construction of a Wharf at Clareville, Pitt Water, in the said Colony, has been duly carried outand whereas it has been found necessary to acquire the lands described in the Schedule hereto for the purpose of the said public work, that is to say, for a way of access in connection therewith, and for the acquisition of which, said lands public funds are lawfully available: Now, therefore, I, William, Earl Beauchamp, the Governor of the said Colony aforesaid, with the advice of the Executive Council, in pursuance of the powers in this behalf given to or vested in me by the "Lands for Public Purposes Acquisition Act," do, by this notification to be published in the Government Gazette, and in one or more newspapers published or circulated in the Police District wherein the said lands are situated, declare that the Crown Land comprised within the descriptions set forth in the Schedule hereto has been appropriated, and the private property within such descriptions has been resumed, for the public purpose aforesaid, to the intent that upon the publication of this notification in the Gazette, the legal estate in the said lands described in the Schedule hereto shall forthwith be vested in the Minister for Public Works and his successors, on behalf of her Majesty, for the purposes of the said Act, for an estate of inheritance in fee simple, in possession, freed and discharged from all trusts, obligations, estates, interests, contracts, charges, rates, rights-of way, or other easements whatsoever; and to the intent further, that the legal estate therein, together with all powers incident thereto or conferred by the said Act, shall be vested in the said Minister as a Trustee; and I declare that the following is the Schedule of the lands hereinbefore referred to : —

Schedule.
All that piece or parcel of land situate in the parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland, and Colony of New South Wales, being part of the land comprised in certificate of title registered volume 1,294, folio 169: Commencing at the north western corner of a reserve for access; and bounded thence by the northern boundary of that reserve bearing 92° 11' 221 1/10 feet; thence by the western boundary of a road 1 chain wide leading to Newport, bearing 28° 1' 143 feet 6 inches; thence by a line bearing 269° 16' 275 9/10 feet to the high-water mark of Pitt Water; and thence by that boundary bearing southerly, to the point of commencement,— be the said several dimensions all a little more or less, containing 2 roods 33 perches or thereaboutsand said to be in the possession of James Crowley.

All that piece or parcel of land situate in the parish of Narrabeen, county of Cumberland, and Colony of New South Wales, being part of the land comprised in certificate of title, registered volume 1,294, folio 169 : Commencing on the high water mark of the eastern shore of Pitt Water, at a point bearing 6° 12' and distant 115 4/10 feet from the north-western corner of a reserve for access; and bounded thence by a line bearing 89° 16' 275 9/10, feet; thence by the north-western boundary of a road one chain wide leading to Newport, bearing 60° 32' 217 1/10 feet; (hence by a line bearing 269° 16' 445½ feet to the aforesaid high-water mark; and thence by that boundary bearing southerly, to the point of commencement,— be the said several dimensions all a little more or less, containing 3 roods 18 perches or thereabouts, and said to be in the possession of Barnett Smith and others.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand, and caused the Great Seal of the Colony to be hereto affixed, at Government House, Sydney, this twenty second day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, and in the sixty-third year of Her Majesty's Reign.
By His Excellency's Command,
E. W. O'SULLIVAN.
[5126] GOD SAVE THE QUEEN !

NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER THE "LANDS FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES ACQUISITION ACT," 44 VICTORIA No. 16. (1900, January 5). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 88. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221011182

The Historical Land Record Viewer (NSW Government) for Volume 1294 Folio 169 - Primary Application Number: 10815 provides:



Primary Application Number: 10815 provides:


Interestingly, when going through the documentation for Primary Application Number 10815, this shows Charles H Kerry, the photographer of some renowned, bought 12 acres on 'south beach' in 1924 from that Jeremiah Crowley acreage, which went through the hands of the Wickhams and then was sold to Avalon Beach SLSC founders, the Hanson family.

Primary Application Number 26963:


Charles Henry Kerry (April 3 1857 – May 26 1928) was an Australian photographer noted for his photographs that contributed to the development of the Australian national psyche and romance of the bush. 

Mr. Kerry was born on Bobundra Station in the Monaro region of New South Wales, the son of Samuel Kerry, commissioner's orderly and later grazier from Derbyshire, England, and his native-born wife Margaret, née Blay. 

He began working in the Sydney photo studio of A.H. Lamartiniere in 1875. When Lamartiniere fled from creditors a few years later, Kerry took charge of the company, paying debts and turning around the business. 

By 1884, Kerry had taken over the business and had his studio at 308 George Street, Sydney. In 1890 he was appointed official photographer to the Governor of New South Wales, Lord Carrington. 

Initially Kerry specialised in portraits but branched into photographing Sydney scenery and society. He was also active in the postcard business from 1903. Eventually Kerry turned this small studio into Australia's largest photographic establishment.

Readers will have seen his captures of our area in The Cowan ‘Creek’ + Lovett Bay Heights Tracks: Some Notes From The Pages Of The Past With Early Photos as well as other History pages.

Readers may also recall he was a director of the 'Motor Company' which in 1906 tried to alleviate the problems George Brock was having in getting people to The Oaks after the tram build to Pittwater was delayed and eventually ceased at Narrabeen.

The advertisements for selling off the residue of the Landing Reserve resumed acreage:


LAND SALE. (1905, August 19). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5670. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221027450 


LAND SALE. (1906, February 17). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1214. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226406958 

This insights shows a new use for the wharf by 1906, with a growing resident population on the Barrenjoey peninsula, became a commuter wharf and for landing of materials for building and when Australia's first school launch had been placed in service:

WITH THE CHILDREN. HOMEWARD BOUND.
Some few years ago in and around Pittwater were found many children who could neither write nor spell their own names. The nearest school was miles away, and quite inaccessible to the children living at-the mouth of the bay. Directly the attention of the department was called to this matter it set itself to remedy so great an evil. A trim little-oil launch was requisitioned, subsidised by the Government, and now the visitor to Newport, Bayview, Clareville, or Kurring-gai Chase, may see the unique spectacle of a launch full of children going- to or from the public school at Church Point.
It starts on its way at 7,15 a.m., and gathers the children from the many little bays and inlets that make beautiful that fine stretch of water to the left of Barrenjoey. At 9.30 the pupils are all seated at their desks.
Afternoon is the best time for the visitor to take a trip with the launchman, and see how the State caters for the children.
The launch leaves Newport on the home-ward journey about 3.15 p.m. It heads straight for the point, where the children, some 25 or 30 of them, having left the pretty schoolhouse half a mile distant, have assembled themselves on the jetty. A pretty picture they make, too, as they stand on the steps, white-pinafored, 'dark coated, ' rosy-checked, with bag in hand or slung over shoulder. The launch draws alongside. The bigger boys and girls step in, carefully watched by the assistant, who lifts the smaller ones and sets them quickly but gently on the deck of the boat. Another moment and-away she goes with her cargo of little souls. A quick steam along the right shore, and a stop is made at one of the pretty bays for which Pittwater is renowned. A curly-headed little girl, some .. years old, and her bigger brother are landed. They shout a merry "Good-bye" to the other youngsters, and off they go to the big house, whore their parents are. Another stop, and three others are landed, along with sundry loaves of bread, and what looks uncommonly like a leg of mutton. Further on a halt is made to deliver the day's paper, a tin of biscuits, three loaves of bread, and two more children.
The launch is slowing down. This landing is not so easy as the last. There is no wharf here. The fisherman pulls out in his boat, draws alongside, and the children step in. A few loaves of broad, a letter, and sundry parcels accompany them.
Many stoppages are made before Barrenjoey is reached. The largest number of children are delivered to here, along with a larger, supply of provisions.
It is said that boys and girls of 1-7 living in this lonely, out-of-the-way place had no means of education until, the department provided this means of conveyance, and carried them free of charge to the school at the head of the bay. The launch turns homeward, but it is a long run before the four remaining children are landed.
It grows colder; they huddle closer together. The launchman suggests a song. Their willingness to comply proves it to be the usual way they pass the time down the bay after losing their companions. Four shrill little voices pipe "When the Empire Calls," "Three Blind Mice," and "The Canadian Boat Song." "God, Save the King" gives the visitors timely warning that they are nearing home, though there is no sight or sound of habitation. They are landed at last. Their day is a long one. They are the first passengers and the last. They must make an early start, for their home lies three-quarters of a mile from the water. Away they go, each carrying a loaf of broad and their schoolbags. They are a wee bit timid of the walk just yet. An evening or two previous they were in sight of home when two native cats jumped down on the narrow bush track. With one accord they dropped everything, turned themselves round, and never stopped running till they reached the water where 15 minutes previously they had been landed.
A quick run of half an hour with one or two stoppages for the delivery of provisions to the lonely fisherman or selector brings the launch back to its moorings.
Truly we live in wondrous times when the education of the children of the solitary fisherman, the lighthouse keeper, or the caretaker is thought of so much importance that means are found to bring them to the in to whom that education can be obtained.-"Herald." ZAVA.
WITH THE CHILDREN. (1906, December 25). Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1889 - 1915), p. 2. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61461790

The Crowley Estate verges on the Clareville-Avalon Beach road gives us the first application along this way for a Real Property Act conversion of land to subdivisions: 

No. 10,815. County of Cumberland, parish of Narrabeen, 135 acres 3 roods 33 perches and 9 acres 0 roods 30 perches at Long Beach, near Careel Bay, Pitt Water, adjoining the properties of E. E. Small, J. Crew, and Mrs. Powell,—compiles lots Nos. 1a,1, 2a} 3a, 4a, 3, 4, 21, 22, and part of lot V of the north division of Pitt Water Estate, and part of 1,200 acres granted to John Joseph Therry. Applicant: Jeremiah Crowley. Of North Sydney. 1 Sept 1899. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1899, July 14). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 5273. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221003297

A little about Jeremiah Crowley - there is more about this family's subsequent generations in Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - Avalon Beach

Death of Mr. Jeremiah Crowley.

Mr. Jeremiah Crowley, an old resident of North Sydney, died yesterday at his residence, Naremburn. The late Mr. Crowley was born In Skibbereen, Ireland, in 1837, and came to Sydney over 60 years ago. When he opened the first R.C. school 55 years ago at St.   Leonards (as North Sydney was known in those days) there was almost continuous bush between Miller's Point and Hornsby. The site of the school Is now occupied by the North Sydney School of Arts. In 1879 Mr. Crowley took charge of the new public school at Crow's Nest (then known as North St. Leonards), and children flocked to the school from all parts of the district. A large number of North Sydney middle-aged residents have affectionate remembrance of what to this day— although Mr. Crowley's connection with it ceased nearly 20 years ago— is known as "Crowley's School." He leaves two sons, one or them, Mr. George Crowley, chairman of the City Mutual Life Company, and one daughter, ' who married Mr. J. M. Taylor, of the Public Service Board. One of his grandsons— the only one of age — Dr. R. J. Taylor— is serving with the forces In France.  DEATH OF MR. JEREMIAH CROWLEY. (1916, August 25). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239209661

THE LATE MR. JEREMIAH CROWLEY.
A GOOD FRIEND AND A GOOD CITIZEN. ALWAYS IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE FIGHT FOR CATHOLIC RIGHTS

High in the esteem of many of our leading citizens, Mr. Jeremiah Crowley, who died at his residence, Naremburn, on Wednesday week, left an honoured name as an ideal citizen, a true patriot, and a devoted Catholic. Born in Skibbereen, Cork, in the year 1837, Mr. Crowley heard the call of the southern land of Australia, and he came out to Sydney about sixty years ago, and settled in what was then the wild bush around St. Leonards. 

At that, time the Rev. Father Powell looked after the spiritual requirements of his scattered flock, from Milson's Point to the rugged ranges of the Hawkesbury and farther north. Recognition and appreciation of Mr. Crowley 's work and abilities were soon forthcoming, and we presently find him taking charge of the Catholic school at the corner of Mount-street, St. Leonards, the site now occupied by the School of Arts. He continued to exercise fruitful authority over the school until the old denominational system of education passed away under the Bill brought in by Sir Henry Parkes in 1879. Naturally, through population and material progress, the district had assumed importance, but Mr. Crowley, so well equipped mentally, kept ahead of the times, and when the call was answered by the authorities for the establishment of a public school, Mr. W. Wilkins, who was then directing educational affairs in the colony, pressed Mr. Crowley to take charge of it. This he did, and to this day one frequently hears the St. Leonards School termed "Mr. Crowley's School"—evidence of the deep imprint of his scholarly character upon the young Australian minds entrusted to his wise guidance. He retired from active service in the year 1892, to the great regret of the scholars and their parents.

A student and a gentlemen of high intellectual attainments, Mr. Crowley's erudite pen was consistently championing the cause of justice, and many illuminating articles have from time to time brightened the pages of the "Freeman's Journal." In controversy his polished diction and irrefutable logic were of much value in levelling prejudice which from time to time found play in the events of the day. Well versed in the history of Catholicity in the State, Mr. Crowley published a volume dealing with educational and religious occurrences which won favour and appreciation from the late Cardinal Moran and other leading ecclesiastics. In the promotion of the work of the Church and of Catholic education Mr. Crowley was a generous helper, while in charitable circles his unostentatious deeds stand as a monument to the liberality of a big-hearted Irishman. 

"To you," writes the Lord Mayor of Sydney and Speaker of the N.S.W. Legislative Assembly (Mr. R. D. Meagher) to a member of Mr. Crowley's family, "he has left the precious legacy of a good father. To me and others he has left the fragrant memory of a good friend and a good citizen." 

For some time he had not enjoyed good health, and he was a patient in the Mater Misericordiæ Hospital, where he was spiritually attended by the Very Rev. Father E. Corish, S.J., Rev. Fathers W. Barry, M. Sherin, Breen, and J. Brennan, S.J. The love of the land of his birth was ever abiding in the heart of Mr. Crowley, and he had set his mind on visiting Dublin and participating in the joyous celebrations which were to welcome freedom for his native land. In this, however, sad disappointment was in store for him, as well as for his kith and kin. The funeral was of a private nature, the remains being interred in the Gore Hill cemetery, where his wife, who had predeceased him nine years ago, had been placed. At the graveside the Rev. Father Sherin officiated, and was assisted by the Rev. Father Breen. A Requiem Mass was celebrated in the church at Naremburn on Friday morning. Deceased leaves two sons (Mr. George Crowley, the well-known managing director of the City Mutual Life Assurance Company of Sydney, and Mr. Michael Crowley) and one daughter (Mrs. J. M. Taylor, wife of the Chairman of the Public Service Board). His grandson, Dr. Robert Taylor, is on active service fighting for the Empire some where abroad.—R.I.P. THE LATE MR. JEREMIAH CROWLEY. (1916, August 31). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115592111

Market Firm All Round Real estate sales during the week have returned firm prices for all classes of property. Crowley's Estate. No. 1. Pittwater, an area of 2 acres. £95; REAL ESTATE (1938, May 21). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247251474


Crowley Estate Subdivision no. 2 - closer to Avalon - Estate 1 can be seen to left of road plan at Clareville end. Item No.:  c050400052, courtesy State Library of NSW

The Crowley holding was soon sold to A J Small. More in: Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Avalon Beach

Clara is the Feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus which meant "clear, bright, famous". The name Clarus was borne by a few early saints, the feminine form popularised by the 13th-century Saint Clare of Assisi, a friend and follower of Saint Francis, who left her wealthy family to found the order of nuns known as the Poor Clares. As an English name it has been in use since the Middle Ages, originally in the form Clare, though the Latinate spelling Clara became more popular in the 19th century.

As the area grew more popular and shifted from being a rural food bowl to a recreation and holiday area, gaining access to these beautiful bays and tucked away beaches for those wanting to buy their own block of paradise was provided through landing people at wharves and jetties. Many of these, where they did not exist in a strong enough form to disembark hundreds, and sometimes thousands of visitors or 'excursionists' - had to be built. 

As they were, landing areas were set aside and later became public reserves under the caretaking of Pittwater Council and maintained by volunteer Bushcare groups. Called the 'Old Wharf Reserve' it is almost a whole hectare of remnant bush.

Pittwater Council records list:

Area (ha): 0.72 Asset No: A12270

Wharf Remnant

Location: Adjacent to 28b Hudson Parade (Adjacent To and South of This wharf (remnant) is historically important as it is from the early 20th Century and was used by local fisherman. There is also a park near by named Old Wharf Reserve.

Historical Notes or Provenance:

Built as Clareville Public Wharf early in the 20th Century. Often known as Padden's Wharf as local fisherman Bert Padden would offload his catch here. Park at top of hill is named Old Wharf Reserve.

A 1922 photograph shows the area from Stokes Point to Taylors Point devoid of wharves, ramps and swimming pools with the exception of the wharf at Clareville, the remains of which are in the cage beside the present Avalon Sailing Club. It was from this wharf that timber was sent to many ports in Australia during the early days of the Pittwater colony (Avalon Sailing Club, 2008). Rare early wharf remains, stone abutments and some timbers.

Bert Paddons fishing boat - courtesy Avalon Beach Historical Society

Records for Newport WharfBayview Wharf and Church Point Wharf indicate its builders may have come from among residents and from among those from a bit further away, while repairs due done to much use or storm or other damage (The Hawkesbury River Steam Navigation Company denying that one of their steamers had damaged the Church point Wharf during the earliest Warringah Shire Council Meetings records predates a Church point Ferry Service by three decades - see The Pasadena) also changed through the eras to other wharf builders.

This item notes the former Newport Hotel wharf has become a public wharf, just around the corner. The first version of this, alike the by April 1885 completed Church Point public wharf, was constructed in 1884-1885. Prior to that Boultons wharf just opposite the Newport Hotel and tucked into the bay beside Newport Hotel, was that used:

PUBLIC TENDERS. Tenders have been accepted for the following Public works - Miscellaneous -Wharf and approach at Newport, Pittwater, G Lawson (Camden Haven), £496, 13s 3d. PUBLIC TENDERS. (1898, August 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14135457

George Lawson was the Macleay River resident and third son of Christopher Lawson. Both are listed as shipwrights at Frederickton, Murwillumbah. George Lawson, who married Emily Ann Cheers in 1871, went on to have 11 children. He was renowned as a wharf and bridge builder from at least 1895 and many of the major and minor wharves on our eastern coast were built by him, as a contractor, during the years from 1895-1904. Soon after winning the contract to build a public wharf at Newport where the pier had once been, he moved his family to Ewenton, the rambling historical residence in Balmain and is recorded as living there until 1905. One of his daughter's had her wedding reception here (at right from): SOCIAL. (1902, May 17). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14461102

The papers also record George Lawson repaired Careel Bay wharf and that it too was now a public wharf:

Harbour and River Works -Repairs to wharf and approach at Careel, Pittwater, George Lawson, Balmain, schedule works. PUBLIC WORKS TENDERS. (1899, April 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14209738

Erection of wharf at Gladstone, Macleay River, G. and T. Lawson, £449.Public Works Tenders. (1891, January 10). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 42. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71247840

Harbours and River Works:  -Construction of a wharf and approach at Blackwall, Brisbane Waters George Lawson, Balmain. Est £391. PUBLIC WORKS TENDERS. (1901, March 20). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14352625

The Following tenders have been accepted: Construction of timber beam bridge over Teven Crook, on road, Alstonville Booyong road to Teven Junction, George Lawson,'  Balmain East, £597. No title. (1904, February 27). Clarence and Richmond Examiner(Grafton, NSW : 1889 - 1915), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61402254

Clareville wharf became the responsibility of Warringah Shire Council in 1912:

PROCLAMATION
New South Wales, to wit.
(L.S.) Chelmsford, Governor.
By His Excellency The Right Honourable Fredrick John Napier, Baron Chelmsford, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor of the State of New South Wales and its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth of Australia.
I Frederic John Napier, Baron Chelmsford, the Governor aforesaid, with the advice of the Executive Council, in pursuance of the powers vested in me by the ''Local Government Act, 1906," and Acts Amending the same, by this my Proclamation, apply Ordinance No. 81, regarding the regulation and control of public wharfs and jetties, published in the Government Gazette No. 57 of 14th May, 1908, together with all amendments thereof subsequent to the aforesaid date, to the public wharves named in the Schedule hereto, situated within the Warringah Shire, and vested in the Council of the said Shire: — [1912-1.31-272- 486]
SCHEDULE.
Church Point Wharf, Pittwater. Bayview Wharf, Pittwater. Newport Wharf, Pittwater. Clareville Wharf, Pittwater. Coal and Candle Creek Wharf, Cowan Creek.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of the State, this sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twelve, and in the second year of His Majesty's Reign.
By His Excellency's Command,
FRED. FLOWERS.
[4566] GOD SAVE THE KING!
 PROCLAMATION (1912, January 31). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 590. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226770470 

And then the bigger land sales and a shift towards becoming a suburb for weekenders and permanent residents commenced:

Richardson and Wrench records the following sales …. Block of land near Clareville Wharf containing 101 acres' 3 roods 37 perches, for £350.  … Pittwater Lots 10, 2, and 2a Clareville subdivision for £66 7s 6d; total sales . .. PROPERTY MARKET. (1903, September 21). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115855024 

PITTWATER, close to Clareville Wharf, Long Beach.-4a 1r 27p. LOT 7A PITTWATER ESTATE. Freehold – Raine and Horne – for sale. Advertising (1904, September 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14632815 

Real Property Act No. 13,253. County of Cumberland, parish of Margaret Allan Mosman 17 Feb., 1905. Narrabeen, 101a. 1r. 38p„ situated on Clareville Wharf-road. Clareville — is block No.' 3, South Subdivision, Pittwater Estate, and is part of 1200a. (portion No. 20 of parish), granted to John Joseph Therry; adjoining the properties of F. Burne, J. Robertson, .S. Smith and G. A. Smith, trustees of Mrs. Evans, or J. G. Cousins, G. Holland,' the London Bank of Australia, and J. H. Parry. Advertising (1904, December 31). The Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), p. 12 (FIRST EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228274013 

Margaret Allen sells to George Crowley - Volume Folio 1636-49:








Primary Application Number: 13258:


Newport- Pittwater.
SANDY BEACH FRONTAGES, in the SHELTERED WATERS of PITTWATER HARBOR, opposite SCOTLAND ISLAND, and only 12 MINUTES WALK of the OCEAN BEACHES.
The Clareville Beach Estate.
Adjoining the CLAREVILLE PUBLIC WHARF, and embracing 
ABSOLUTE BEACH and WATER FRONTAGES, and CAMPERS' SITES, Overlooking the Beach.
TITLE WILL BE TORRENS. NOTE THE TERMS: £2 and £5 per Lot Deposit, balance by quarterly payment extending over 5 years. Interest 5 per cent.
FREE LAUNCHES from BAYYIEW and NEWPORT JETTIES all day of Sale. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS ON THE GROUND.
Lithographs obtainable from the Auctioneers and Local Agent.
INTENDING PURCHASERS ate requested to take TRAM to NARRABEEN, then MOTOR 'BUSES to NEWPORT or BAY VIEW, and catch the FREE LAUNCHES from both these places on day of sale, and attend the Sale of CLAREVILLE BEACH ESTATE, IN PITTWATER HARBOR.
AUCTION SALE, ON THE GROUND, S O'CLOCK,
Anniversary Day, January 26.
RICHARDSON AND WRENCH, LTD., AUCTIONEERS.
— J. WILLIAMS, Bayview, Pittwater, Local Agent. Advertising (1914, January 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 9 (SUNDAY EDITION). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221563893




Pittwater Clareville Ocean Beach Estate - Central Rd, Barrenjoey roads - A J Small. Item No.: c027560009 [Avalon subdivision plans] - courtesy State Library of New South Wales. And sections from to show residences and name for Avalon Beach.

Mr.  Arthur J. Small, of Royston Park, Asquith, takes exception to the statement last week that Palm Beach Estate, Barrenjoey where land brought £4 per foot, ls Inaccessible to the public, and practically can only be reached as a residential area by persons owning their own car. He draws attention to the fact that there is an hourly service of motor cars from the present tram terminus at Narrabeen to Newport, and a regular ferry service thence to Clareville and Palm Beach of two trips each way daily. This service was Inaugurated by the Palm Beach Co. when they first opened up the estate some five or six years ago. REAL ESTATE. NOTES OF THE WEEK. (1917, March 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28101228

A fortnight after the Clareville Beach Estate was first advertised:

 Clareville Beach Estate, Newport-Pittwater - Beach Pde, Hilltop Rd, Central Rd, 1914




Two different spellings persist in precursors; this advertorial in a similar form first appears in newspapers on December 28th, 1913:

Messrs. Richardson and Wrench the auctioneers. The same firm will also conduct a sale on the holiday at Newport, Pittwater, where there are sandy beach frontages in the sheltered waters of Pittwater Harbour, opposite Scotland Island, and only 12 minutes walk of the ocean benches. The estate to be offered is the Clareville Beach subdivision, which adjoins the local public wharf, and embraces absolute-beach and water frontages, between Taylor's Point and Clareville wharf; also campers' sites, overlooking the beach. Free launches will run from Bay View and Newport jetties on the day of the sale, and persons wishing to inspect the land on Saturday can go by launch from the Hawkesbury River Railway station on arrival of the morning train from Sydney, returning from Clareville in the evening. HOLIDAY AUCTIONS. (1914, January 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28120916 

Messrs. Richardson and Wrench, Ltd., have two important sales in hand, at Balmoral and the Clairville Estate, which, faces Pittwater Harbor. The Balmoral preposition consists of 60 lots in Murphy's Estate, quite close to this popular .beach, and commanding exquisite views of Middle Harbor. Since the Minister for Works has promised to put the Balmoral tram, proposal on his list for immediate attention,, the value of these blocks for residential or investment purposes has improved considerably, but even without such added inducement their admirable situation ensures a brisk demand. The Claireville Estate supplies the opportunity for those looking for cheaper blocks on an equally: attractive beach. Messrs. Richardson and Wrench have made arrangements to cater for their clients at this sale, and motor-launches will meet the motor-cars from Narrabeen at Newport and Bay View and from the Hawkesbury River railway station on the day of sale.

On the opposite side of this narrow neck of land, which is on the road to Barrenjoey, Messrs. Stanton and Son, Ltd., will, about the same time, cater for investors who desire to acquire blocks in the Careel Ocean Beach Estate, which is situated near the Hole in the Wall.

This firm, too, will run free motor-launches to meet the down motor-cars and the train at Hawkesbury from Sydney. Both propositions have considerable future values, and, judging from inquiries which the auctioneers have received, there will be a good attendance of buyers for -blocks in both estates. ACRES AND LOTS. (1914, January 25). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120363861 

The Warringah Shire Council meeting held on October 31st, 1921 shows a letter from Chatfield and Brown submitting a plan of Arthur Jabez Small's land fronting 'Clareville Road' where in the council approved of the proposal to rename the roads then known as 'Arnold Road' and 'Clareville Road' as 'Avalon Parade' and that Mr. Small be asked to notify the residents already along this stretch of road. The subdivision was approved, on the proviso that a connecting road between Clareville Road and Central Road be reserved. On November 28th 1921 the council's seal was affixed to this subdivision.



EB Studios (Sydney, N.S.W.). (circa 1917-1918). Panorama of a bush track in the Careel Bay area, Pittwater, New South Wales  Enemark list title Careel Bay, Pittwater. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-162412531 - and sections from to show detail; with road at far right of photo seen between trees leads to Palm Beach - courtesy National Library of Australia. Is actually up the top of Clareville-Careel Bay

Whale Beach road (?) just up the hill from Careel Head road-Whale Beach road junction and looking back towards hill above Careel Bay. NB: flowering gum seen in one enlarged portion, and road running north glimpsed between trees going north, also portion of road visible running up to this road near fence posts in mid section.




Above: 'Clareville Road' circa 1917 - which will become 'Avalon Parade' in late 1921 per A J Small


'Clareville Road, Pittwater between 1922/1925 and 1930'. My great grandfather's photo Albert Henry Grace. Image shared on local Facebook History pages by and courtesy Helen Grant. This was soon to be renamed 'Avalon Parade' the name is is still now called. Helen's great grandparents bought land and built a place they called 'Gunjulla' - the home is still intact and gave its name to 'Gunjulla Place' off Avalon Parade towards the Clareville end.

By now the 35+ years old wharf needed some TLC and as it was being used as a transport embraking and disembraking point, a shelter shed was called for too:

Shire of Warringah— Erection of Shed on and Repairs to, Clareville Wharf, Pittwater Bay. — August 6 — R. G. Jamieson, Shire Clerk. Clerk. Advertising. (1921, August 1). Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108986478 

Section from the EB 'Panorama of Taylors Point' - 2, Pittwater, New South Wales circa 1917, courtesy National Library of Australia, Image No.: nla.pic-vn6149430 - Part of Enemark collection of panoramic photographs - shows wharf prior to shed being built

The SS Phoenix Steamer Approaching Clareville wharf, circa 1922


Clareville wharf Pittwater near Avalon Beach - Small steam passenger vessel coming in - photo by Rex Hazlewood, circa 1920-1929 Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, No.:c046220013h - S.S. Phoenix

ROAD CONSTRUCTION. Tenders are invited for the Clearing and Forming of about 25 Chains of Roads between Taylor's Point and Clareville, Pittwater, Shire of Warringah.  TENDERS CLOSE on WEDNESDAY, 21st instant. No tender necessarily accepted. Plans and Specifications may be inspected at the office of Arthur Rickard and Co., Ltd.. Rickard House.64 Pitt-street. Sydney. Tenders to be addressed; Surveyor, Box 2524, G. P.O., Sydney. Advertising. (1923, March 17). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16062331

The Chisholm Ross Estate Lithograph, courtesy State Library of NSW, contains photographs taken by EB Studios which show us the landscape on the hillsides overlooking Clareville in circa 1921-1922 - although there is some indication that these land sales may have taken longer and commenced later than the timeframe listed.

Warringah Shire Council records show another Annie Wyatt connection in: 

''Tree Lovers' Civic League. Kuring-gai, 14/2/33, inviting attention to a fine tree on the top of the ridge between Pittwater and Avalon on the boundary of Lots 32 and 47, Ross Estate, and inquiring whether' it would be possible for the Council to resume sufficient land to preserve the tree. Council resolved that ''To be informed there is no money available for resumptions.''

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the will and codicil of Chisholm Ross, late of Berry street, North Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, medical practitioner, deceased. 

PURSUANT to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898, the Testator's Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916, and the Trustee Act, 1925: Notice is hereby given that all creditors, widow, child, or children and other persons having any debts, claims or demands of what kind soever upon or affecting the estate of the abovenamed deceased, who died on or about the 6th day of October, 1934, and probate of 1 whose will and codicil was granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in its Probate Jurisdiction, on the 15th day of February, 1935, to Colin Chisholm Ross and the Permanent Trustee Company of New South Wales Limited, the executors named in the said will, are hereby required to send in particulars of such debts, claims and , demands to the said executors, on or before the 23rd day of January next, at the expiration of which time the said executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased among the persons entitled thereto, having regard to the debts, claims and demands only of which they shall then have had notice; and the said executors will not be liable, for the assets so distributed, to any person of whose debt, claim or demand they shall -not have had notice at the time of such distribution.— Dated this 5th day of November, 1935.

For the Permanent Trustee Company of New South Wales Limited,

J. W. BARNES, Manager.

Abbott and Allen, Proctors, 2 Castlereagh-street, Sydney. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1935, November 8). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 4409. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223069122

Dr. Chisholm Ross, medical practitioner, of Berry Street, North Sydney, who died on October 6, 1934, left an estate valued at £5554.

Mr. E. O. Hanson, manager of Tamworth branch of the Commercial Banking Company, of Sydney, left on Tuesday of last week to spend three weeks leave at Avalon, near Sydney. MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE. (1935, February 27). The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 - 1907; 1913; 1921; 1925 - 1930; 1932 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article171835208

The Ross Estate Lithograph provides a great photo of the Clareville wharf as it was then:



View of portion of the Estate, lots 17-21


This shows the 'Clareville Road' - just about to become 'Avalon Parade'.


Clareville wharf with the newly installed shelter shed, circa 1921

Warringah Shire Council Meetings Minutes indicate some of what occurred after the above notices for construction issued when this council was in its first few years of administrating for the area and its peoples:

7/1/1929: Avalon Beach & District Progress Assn. 17/12/28. Respecting the condition of the road at the rear of Mr. Alexander’s residence at Clareville. Resolved - That a copy of the Overseer's report be forwarded to the Association.

11. Avalon Beach Progress Assoc. 17/9/29:  Again - requesting that Clareville wharf be put in order. Resolved, - The Engineer go into the matter of Wharves on a report for improvements on all the wharves of Pittwater - with a view to the inclusion of the work in a loan proposal, end he be empowered to obtain the services of a draughtsman if necessary for the preparation of plans. 

26. Avalon Beach Progress Assoc, 4.1.30 Stating that if Council will provide three more garbage receptacles for  Avalon Beach, with suitable notices placed on them, the Association will place them in position, (2) on the need for sanitary conveniences at Taylor's Point Reserve, (3) drawing attention to the "appalling condition" of Clareville wharf. Decisions:- (1) Resolved The Association be asked whether it is in a position to arrange for the emptying and cleaning of the receptacles, (2) referred to the Inspector for report.

7. Bobbie & Poxall, Licensed Surveyor, 5/8/31 requesting Council to reconsider its decision in regard to the damage done to Mrs Macluren's property at Bilgola Beach by storm water. Resolved, - That the Council's previous decision be adhered to:  (Crs. Campbell, Austin) 8. Reynolds, … & Co., 31/7/31, giving notice of intention to issue a writ for £50 in respect of damage to Mrs. Metcalf's property in Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach  Resolved, - That the Councils previous decision be adhered to, 94 Creagh & Creagh, Solicitors, 17/7/31, respecting damage to .A E Hordern's property at Palm Beach by stormwater: Resolved, That the President and Engineer go into the matter. (Crs Austin. McPaul) Avalon drainage in vicinity of Bayview Avenue and Palmgrove Road - re Ruskin Rowe letter Resolved, - That the report be adopted. (C) Clareville drainage at Beach Parade 

27/2/1933: (17) Avalon Beach & District Progress Assoc. 15/2/33, submitting following requests - (a) that the Council endeavour to secure a grant from the Unemployment Relief Council for the building of proper dressing sheds on Avalon Beach; (b) that provision be made for the erection of a Clubhouse, in Avalon conjunction with the surf sheds, the Council to provide the Surfbathing material, the Association the labour; also pointing out that the Association is paying for a life saver. Resolved,- They be informed that if they submit plans showing what they require, the Council might make application on those plans to the Unemployment Relief Council. (Crs. Hitchcock, Austin) (18) Same, 17/2/33, drawing attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the lavatories on Avalon Beach TENTS: Resolved - That A.J.Small be-notified that the Council cannot approve of tents being erected on his land at Avalon Beach in future unless adequate sanitary conveniences are provided. (Crs. Hitchcock Austin) (19) Same, 10/2/33,- resubmitting 'following requests - (a) that pile and wire netting baths be erected adjoining Clareville Wharf; that attention be given to Clareville Wharf, which is in a dangerous state;(c) that danger sign be erected at the Six Ways junction at the top of the hill between Bilgola and Avalon. Resolved, - That the Association be informed there is no Money available for the first and third Matters, and that the Shire Engineer prepare a report and estimates for improvements to the wharf.

Mr A J Small 4/5/34, drawing attention to the fact that someone has enclosed, within a fence a lane between Lots 21 Closing of and 22, Clareville Ocean Beach Estate, Avalon Beach, thereby Lane preventing public access, requesting Council to take immediate steps to have the obstructions removed and the thoroughfare re-opened. Absolved, - That consideration be deferred until next meeting. 

19/2/1935: Cr. Hyghan moved as an amendment that the council purchase an 80-ft. strip for access to the beach Avalon Beach reserve from the proposed main road through Mr. Small's land for the sum Of £600, the full amount to be set off against Mr. Small's rates indebtedness, provided the proposed main road is established by the Main Roads Department without cost to the Council. Cr. Hewitt seconded. The amendment was defeated. The original motion was thereupon put and carried. Clareville Wharf: Cost of demolition of Clareville Wharf: Resolved, the expenditure of £99 on the demolition be confirmed, (Crs. Hughes, Sheppard)

Above: Geoff Searl, President  of Avalon Beach Historical Society with the remnants of Clareville wharf in 1983

There was a local movement to save the wharf and there are still documents available online that sought heritage listing and protection of what was left. 

Roads made Clareville more accessible and people would camp in the area, a practice which soon became unpopular with some:

At Newport village, King - street, leads out to Saltpan along a fairly good track, which opens out views of Pittwater, and will eventually run round the waterfront to Clareville Beach and be one of the most popular parts of the run to Palm Beach. NOW, one must return to Newport and pass on to Avalon before Clareville Beach may be reached, but no one with an eye for beautiful surroundings should miss this branch-off — Clareville Beach, with its shady gums over grassy lawns right on the whitest of sandy beaches, crescent shaped, and edged by the clearest of saltwater. It is an ideal holiday camping spot, and a haven of delight for the kiddies. There is a good road out to Careel Bay and along its southern shore, which branches off the Clareville road just as it reaches the ridge above the beach. This makes a lovely motor run for a mile or two through the trees, with glimpses of Pittwater on the left. C S Harnett Picturesque By-Paths. (1926, December 8). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 55. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166521695 

POINTS FROM LETTERS. "BLITZ" ON CAMPERS

As a frequent visitor to Clareville on Pittwater, I am interested to notice that the local council is trying to prevent the use of this delightful spot as a camping area. For some inexplicable reason this august body is harassing campers and property holders in every direction. Surely it should realise that there is a war on, and any "blitzing" to be done should be directed at the Empire's enemy, instead of respectable British citizens. Neutral Bay. W H GHENT.  POINTS FROM LETTERS. (1941, July 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17752637 

Avalon Sailing Club and earlier rowing (sculling races) and the Paddon founded Clareville Rowers will feature in October 2015 History pages among other local champion rowers, a prelude to the SLS SNB surfboat premiership for the 2015-2016 Season:

Pittwater started early to add to the shipbuilding. Many sloops and vessels were built at this beautiful spot. Mr. Stokes built several. He gave his name to Stoke Point more often called Stripe Point, south of Careel Bay. A man called Bradbury is credited with having built the first boats at Careel Bay. George Green, father of the sculler, built and launched a vessel in 1855 on the east side of Clareville,between Stokes Point and Taylor's Point. It was on the stretch of water at the head of Pittwater that Green's son—Dick trained for the championships. MILESTONES IN EARLY COLONIAL PROGRESS. (1941, February 8). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167440508

Clareville Wharf - spelt  "Clairville" - picture courtesy Avalon Beach Historical Society

TOMORROW'S SALES. Tomorrow being Anniversary Day, and a holiday, has been chosen for the sale of many subdivisions in many parts of the State. Investors have a fine bill of fare to select from in mountain, seaside ,and suburban estates. Messrs. Richardson and Wrench, Ltd., have two important sales in hand, at Balmoral and the Clairville Estate, which, faces Pittwater Harbor. … The Claireville Estate supplies the opportunity for those looking for cheaper blocks on an equally attractive beach. Messrs. Richardson and Wrench have made arrangements to cater for their clients at this sale, and motor-launches will meet the motor-cars from Narrabeen at Newport and Bay View and from the Hawkesbury River railway station on the day of sale. On the opposite side of this narrow neck of land, which is on the road to Barrenjoey, Messrs. Stanton and Son, Ltd., will, about the same time, cater for investors who desire to acquire blocks in the Careel Ocean Beach Estate, which is situated near the Hole in the Wall. This firm, too, will run free motor-launches to meet the down motor-cars and the train at Hawkesbury from Sydney. Both propositions have considerable future values, and, judging from inquiries which the auctioneers have received, there will be a good attendance of buyers for blocks in both estates. ACRES AND LOTS. (1914, January 25). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120363861 

Avalon Beach Historical Society has resources in John Stone's Office in Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach - and is open for those interested on Saturday mornings from 10 until 1 p.m. - Geoff Searl, President, encourages students to get in contact and welcomes anyone interested in local history to come along and learn more about this wonderful collection  - the ABHS also holds regular meetings in the Avalon Bowling Club with great speakers and does great exhibitions every few years.


Clareville wharf circa 1945. Photo: ABHS

More in:

Taylors Point Jetty + Environs 

'Panorama of Taylors Point with real estate sign advertising upcoming land subdivision', Pittwater, New South Wales, Circa 1917-1920, courtesy National Library of Australia., Image No.: nla.pic-vn6149436 - Part of Enemark collection of panoramic photographs [picture] [1917-1946] 

Below: zoomed in sections from above panorama - which show the beach area to an old boatshed and jetty and the SS Erringhi  coming up the Pittwater Estuary. You can explore many of these Enemark Panoramas in the National Library of Australia's Online collection - these all have a 'zoom' in feature where you can see the small details of Pittwater - our research indicates they were photographed between 1917 and 1921 - as the Clareville and Taylors Point wharf and jetty were built or replaced during this period - simply go to the NLA website and enter into the Search box 'Pittwater' and choose 'picture' under add limits dropdown box - click on the Panoramas that pop up and you will see a 'zoom' function.

The land consisting of the present beach reserve itself was dedicated to Warringah Shire Council in July 1920 from George Inglis Hudson through those acting for him, W. Robjohns Pty. Ltd. At this time a conversation around the need for a wharf at the site also began to take place.

Primary Application - Sydney Robert Lorking and Henry Green - 36 acres at Pittwater in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Volume 3777 Folio 60 Date range: 14/07/1919 to 17/09/1920. Item Number Or Control Symbol: PA 22062 – George Hudson owned the Land from 1925 and Taylors Point – sell off until he passed and until wife passed and into 1940:

Primary Application Number: 22062


Volume 3777 Folio 60 land/lots sale records, including a member of the Gonsalves family and John Frederick Duffy, a descendant of the gentleman from whom the placename Duffys Forest comes from:


Above: Taylor's Point Pittwater Monday October 3rd 1921 Land sale. Item No.: c053460104, Subdivisions, courtesy State Library of NSW

Volume 3777 Folio 60 provides who bought what lots of land and when:



Warringah Shire Minutes of Meetings record: 

July 19th 1920: Taylor's Point Estate W. Robjohns' Ltd.., letter, 23/7/20, submitting suggested Agreement between the owner of Taylor's Point Estate and the Council respecting the roads and wharf in the subdivision, was read. It was decided to ask that the depths of allotments facing No. 1 road should be curtailed by 50', rather than that the width of such road should be reduced. It was, also decided that the Engineer should confer with the. Estate's Surveyor on the matter of wharf and roads. The wharf in respect of timber and construction, to be on the lines of Clareville Wharf, with steps similar to those at Bayview. With these modifications, it was resolved, (on the motion of Cr. Quirk, seconded by Cr, Campbell) That the Council accept the Agreement. 1, Resolved, -(Crs. Campbell & Cavill) That the Council place on record its appreciation of the good result achieved by the Councillors, who carried on the negotiations with the representatives of the Estate in securing the reservation of the beach for the public. Resolved, - (Crs. Quirk & Sterland) That advice be asked of the Shire's Association as to the charging fees in respect of subdivisions. The applications for the position of 2nd, Assistant Clerk were considered. On the motion of Cr, Corkery, Office seconded by Cr. Greenwood….

On February 11th 1921 Portion 33 of the Estate was dedicated to Council for a road giving access to the wharf and beach and discussions on the plans submitted by Robjohn’s Engineer saw council calling for Muntz steel or Monier steel to encase the piles – a decision that was later reversed. On May 10th 1921 Mr. Hudson forwarded a cheque for £1000.00 for the erection of new wharf at Taylor's Point, repairs to Clareville Wharf, and repairs to roads approaching the Estate.

Soon after Tenders were called for by the Council and on June 13th, 1921 that of Messrs. Farquharson and Woodward for Two hundred and seventy-one pounds ten shillings and six pence. (£271/10/6d.) was accepted.

In September 1921, the sale of the Taylor’s Point Estate began to take place.

By October 4th 1921 Warringah Shire Council approved an extra £60 on Taylor's Point  Wharf  Contract be now paid, and the deposit be retained for a period of three months, against possible maintenance. The ‘jetty’ was in place.

In November 1947 Warringah shire Council records show that £35 be voted for the extension of  Taylor's Point Wharf by 15 feet, and for two more piles, while the men are working in the area.

This 'Taylors Point' sale sign shown in the above section from a panorama is from pre 1921- more on the Clareville Taylor's Point Subdivision may be read in Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - Clareville

CALL FOR CONCESSION MOTOR AND LAUNCH TICKETS FOR THE SALE AT TAYLORS POINT. THE GEM OF PITTWATER

Roads have been constructed throughout the Estate, and Clareville-road has been remade to connect with the SubdivisionAUCTION SALE on Ground EIGHT-HOUR DAY THREE O'CLOCK, Monday, 3rd October, 1921. Terms 10 per cent. Deposit, balance 20 quarterly payments, interest 5 per cent. Magnificent Panoramic Views SANDY BEACH FRONTAGES. Hot and Cold Water Provided Free. Refreshments Obtainable on Ground at Reasonable Rates on Day of Sale. Motor 'Buses from Tram Terminus connect "with Launch at Newport Wharf. Launch from Brooklyn, Hawkesbury River, leaves for Estate at 10.30 a.m. on day of sale. Descriptive Plan. Booklet, and all information obtainable from W ROBJOHNS, LTD., AUCTIONEERS, 78 PITT-STREET. THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.  Advertising. (1921, September 24). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15989853 


Another - with pictures!



Back page of above purple sales pamphlet:





Taylor's Point Pittwater Monday October 3rd 1921 Land sale. Item No.: c053460105, Subdivisions, courtesy State Library of NSW

 Taylors Point Jetty and Reserve

Alongside what was the old Torpedo Wharf at Clareville is Taylors Point jetty. This was a later addition to the foreshores and is gazetted as foreshores in Pittwater Council's Reserves lists:

Taylors Point Reserve Reserve No.: 554 Area (ha): 0.099 Asset No: A12293

Location ( eg, street frontages): Suburb / Locality: Land Title Reference: Taylors Point Road, Hudson Parade & ROW Hudson Parade

Avalon Lot 43 & 44 DP 13760 Classification: LGA 1993, Category(s): Zoning:

Community Land Park-natural area foreshore 6 (a) Existing Recreation: A Pittwater foreshore reserve with lawn areas for picnicking, a public wharf, fenced tidal pool and two dinghy storage facilities. The reserve is in two sections as it is bisected by an Australian Defence facility. Soil Landscape (s): Beach and shoreline (100%) Watagan.

As can be read above the beach reserve was dedicated to Council by the owner, George Inglis Hudson. The wharf itself was put out for tender in May 1921, described as:

Warringah - Construction of a jetty at Taylor's Point, Pittwater, near Clareville wharf 120 feet long and 6 feet wide Plans at the shire office, Brookvale. TENDERS. (1921, June 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15935268

'Panorama of Taylors Point with real estate sign advertising upcoming land subdivision', Pittwater, New South Wales, Circa 1917-1920, courtesy National Library of Australia., Image No.: nla.pic-vn6149436 - section from, circa 1921

SHIRE OF WARRINGAH.  CONSTRUCTION OF JETTY. TENDERS, endorsed as such, will be received by the undersigned till noon on SATURDAY, 11th JUNE, for the Construction of jetty at Taylor's Point, Pittwater (near Clareville Wharf), …. Plan and specifications on view at Shire Office Brookvale. , R. G. JAMIESON,  Shire Clerk. Advertising. (1921, May 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15955609 

The works were completed by late September, early October 1921.

The area had been named after a gentleman with the surname 'Taylor'. Shelagh Champion OAM and George Champion OAM, in their Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater (1996 - revised 2013), state:

John Taylor was sentenced to 7 years in London Court on 27 October 1790. He left Portsmouth on 27 March 1791 on the Albemarle with 282 male convicts, and arrived in Port Jackson on 13 October 1791.
John Taylor was already residing at Broken Bay when his name appeared on a list of settlers to receive grants, dated 16 January 1816. He was probably the John Taylor, per the Albemarle, 1791, of Windsor, whose name was on a list dated 16 November 1816 of persons who came as convicts and who claimed they were free at the last General Muster, without supporting documentation. [AO Reel 6038; SZ759, p.283]
John Taylor sold his grant, described as 50 acres, to Mary and Joseph Yeomans for one shilling on 10 January 1818. [LTO Book G No. 578]
Meehan measured the 30 acre grant at Taylor’s Point on 15 April 1821.
In October 1821 Barnard Williams announced that he had purchased John Taylor’s 30 acre farm at Pittwater. He cautioned “all Persons from trespassing on the said Farm, either by grazing their cattle thereon, or by carrying away the Timber therefrom, on pain of being prosecuted for the Offence.” [Sydney Gazette 27 Oct 1821]
At the time of the 1822 General Muster, Charles Sommers and family were listed as residents “At J. Taylor, Broken Bay”.
Surveyor General Mitchell in 1832 referred to him as Captain Taylor. His grant was officially confirmed on 6 July 1833. [LTO SN33/17]
In spite of previous occupants and claimants, on 2 December 1840 John Taylor conveyed the 30 acre grant to Samuel Taylor for £90. [LTO Book U No. 117] On 20th November 1841 Samuel Taylor conveyed it to his father-in-law, Edward Kelly and his trustee, for £200, and on the same day Kelly made a settlement upon trust for his daughter, Mary Taylor. [LTO Book Y Nos.393, 396] The 1841 memorials note that a “Capital Messuage or Dwelling house has lately been erected.”
The 1841 census shows that Charles Taylor and others were living in a wooden house at Taylor’s Point.
Samuel’s wife, Mary Taylor died in 1842, aged 42.
In 1865, the Empire made known many of the horrible crimes that had been committed in the Pittwater area, in an article entitled “The story of Mona Vale”. [Empire 20 Jan 1865] The experience of Samuel Taylor, then engaged in gold-mining in the Bathurst area, was recounted:
“So far back as 1840, a Mr Samuel Taylor who had just arrived in the colony, with his wife and family, from England, purchased a farm at the locality in question, adjoining the Mona Vale farm. He immediately commenced to fence and improve it, and built a substantial house at a cost of £350; but Mrs Taylor dying in Sydney just as the house was finished, and before it was occupied, Mr Taylor, instead of going into farming pursuits himself, determined to let the place.
He shortly afterwards secured an eligible tenant, who was about to take possession, when word was brought that the house and premises had been totally destroyed by fire. In a letter received a few days since from Mr Taylor, who now resides in the Bathurst district, that gentleman, in reference to the treatment which he experienced, says: ‘When it was known that I had let the place, those parties who had the benefit of my ground, and would of course lose the benefit of their cattle grazing there if the tenant had come, rendered the place useless to any one by maliciously firing the dwelling-house; and the fences having all been destroyed, the place has lain waste ever since; and Mr Farrell has had the use and benefit of my land for a number of years.’”
David Foley was a police constable for Pittwater, and the following police court cases appear to be pertinent: David Foley vs John Farrell, threats, bound to keep the peace; John Coghlan vs John Farrell, threats, settled. [SMH 25 Feb 1843] John Coghlan was probably Taylor’s intending tenant. David Foley preferred a charge of “contemplated arson” against a young man named Farrell. [SMH 17 March 1843] John Farrell’s eldest son Daniel was committed for trial on “attempt to commit arson” but allowed bail. [SMH 22 March 1843] Further information on this case has not yet been found.
Samuel Taylor died at North Sydney on 30 September 1893, his parents being John and Alice Taylor. The land at Taylor’s Point remained in the family until a certificate of title was issued to George Inglis Hudson in 1925. The grant was found to measure 36 acres; it was subsequently subdivided.

Free Pardon, Emancipation, or Ticket of Leave,   but who represented themselves absolutely  free, or conditionally so, by Virtue of one or other of the above named Documents, is now  published, in Order that each of these Persons may be apprised that unless he or she do, in, the Course of Six Months from the present Day, obtain  at the Secretary's Office, either a certified Copyof such Certificate, Free Pardon, Emancipation,  or Ticket of Leave, as they represented  themselves to have been once possessed of inthe Event of his or her having actually lost the Original, they will be considered as Impostors,  and immediately recalled to Government Work  as Convicts still under the Sentence of the Law.
No. Name. Ship came in. Residence. Occupation.
1. Richard Hawke, Alexander, Sydney
2. Anthony Rope, ditto, Castler. Landh.
3. John Cross, ditto, Port H. ditto
4. Mary Clark, ditto 2d., Sydney5. John Glade, Atlantic, ditto
6. James Hague, ditto, Windsor, Landh.
7. Richard Ridge, ditto, Hawksb.
8. Christ. Dodding, ditto, ditto
9. Richard Verrier, Active, Sydney
10. Timothy Doyle, Nepean, smith
11. James Higgins, ditto, Hawksb.
12. John McEwen, ditto, Liverp.
13. John Taylor, Albemarle, Windsor. 
And the foregoing Persons are hereby Apprised, that the proper Time to apply at the Secretary's Office for the obtaining any of the above Documents,    is the first Monday in each Month.By Command of His Excellency,J. T. CAMPBELL, SecretaryGOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE. (1816, November 16). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2176899

Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 3d Sept. 1833.  
TITLE DEEDS.
THE undermentioned Deeds of Grants have been transmuted from this office to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, during the past month, to be by him forwarded in the usual manner, through the Surveyor General to the Collector of Internal Revenue, and will he delivered by the last mentioned officer, on application after the 1st October next viz:
Lands of which descriptions have been Advertised in the notices specified Notice of 25th May, 1831.
49 Thomas Lewis, 30 acres, Cumberland, 
50 No 8450 William Mobbs, 30 acres, Cumberland, No 89
51 Robert Macintosh, the elder, 200 acres, Cumberland, No 109
52 Jeremiah Bryant, 80 acres, Cumberland, No 11153 
53 John Taylor, 30 acres, Cumberland, No 112      
54 Thomas Warner, 50 acres, Cumberland, No 11355 
55 Henry Gaskin, 50 acres, Cumberland, No 11456 
56 John Farrell, 60 acres, Cumberland, No 116  
57 Martin Burke, 50 acres, Cumberland, No 117
58 Isaac Shepherd, 100 acres, Cumberland, No 122
59 Henry Grattan Douglas, 1,100 acres, Cumberland, No 124
Deeds dated 8th July, 1833. By His Excellency's Command, ALEXANDER McLEAY.
Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 3d Sept. 1833. TITLE DEEDS. (1833, September 9). The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12847675 

113. Thomas Warner, 50, Fifty Acres, Parish of Narrabeen, commencing at the Northeast corner, and bounded on the East by a side Hue of twenty-five chains; on the South by a West line of twenty-five chains to Pitt Water; and on the West and North by the waters of Pitt Water to the commencing corner.
Promised by Governor Macquarie on 31st March, 1821. Quit-rent Is. sterling per annum, commencing 1st January, 1827.
114. Henry Gaskin, 50, Fifty Acres, Parish of Narrabeen, commencing at the North-east corner of Warner's fifty acres, and bounded on the West by a South line of twenty-nine chains; on the South by an East line of twenty chains ; on the East by a North line of twenty four chains to Pitt Water ; and on the North by the waters of Pitt Water to the commencing corner. Promised by Governor Macquarie on 31st March, 1821. Quit-rent 1s. sterling per annum, commencing 1st January, 1827.
115. John Joseph Therry, 1200, One thousand two hundred Acres, Parish of Narrabeen, commencing at the South-east comer of the Government Reserve of two hundred and eighty acres, and bounded on the North by that Reserve by a line West twenty-five chains to a Stream; on the North by that Stream and Careel Bay to the North-east corner of Henry Gaskin's fifty acres; on the West by Gaskin's by a line South twenty-four chains ; on the South by a line West twenty chains, and again by a line North four chains to the South-east corner of. Warner's fifty acres; on the North by Warner by a line West twenty-five chains to Pitt Water; on the West by the waters of Pitt Water to the North-west corner of John William's sixty acres; on the South by that farm by a line South fifty degrees East 38 chains ; on the West by a line South forty decrees West sixteen chains ; on the North by a line North fifty degrees West thirty-nine chains to the North corner of John Taylor's thirty acres; on the West by Taylor by a line South twenty three chains to Pitt Water; on the West by the waters of Pitt Water to the North-west corner of James M'Donald's thirty acres ; on the South by that farm by a line East eleven chains; on the West by a line South twenty-three chains to Robert Melvyn's sixty acres; on the South by part of Melvyn's farm, and by Porter's and Anderson's farms by a line East fifty chains to Martin Burke's fifty acres; on the East by that farm by a line North six chains to a Stream; on the East by that Stream, which is the Western boundary of John Farrell's sixty acres; on the South by that farm by a line East twenty-eight chains to the Village Reserve of one hundred acres; on the East by part of the Village Reserve by a line North seven chains to a Stream ; on the South by that Stream, which is the North boundary of the Village Reserve to the Sea; and on the East by the Sea to the commencing comer. Promised by Sir Thomas Brisbane, 200 acres,on 23d July, 1824 ; 500 acres on 1st September,1824; and 500 acres on the 19th December,1825. Quit-rent £9 8s. 4d. sterling per annum, commencing 1st January, 1829. Classified Advertising. (1832, November 1). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2209217

John Williams was sentenced in the Old Bailey in 1787 to 7 years. He sailed from Portsmouth on the transport ship Britannia on 27 March 1791 and arrived in Port Jackson on 14 October 1791.
John was already a police constable, of Hawkesbury, when his name appeared on a list dated 24 December 1816 to receive a grant of 50 acres at Pittwater, “next Taylor”. The grant was measured by Meehan on 15 April 1821. At some stage, the amount to be granted was enlarged to 60 acres.
The Land and Stock Muster of September 1822 showed Williams residing on a 50 acre grant, with 9 horned cattle. In 1822 he submitted a memorial, stating that he had been constable for the lower part of the River Hawkesbury and Pitt Water in Broken Bay for seven years, drawing rations from His Majesty’s Stores at Windsor. As it was closer and more convenient to convey prisoners to Sydney rather than to Windsor, he asked, with the sanction of Mr William Cox at Windsor, to be transferred to the books at Sydney. [AO Reel 6056; 4/1763, p.293-4] This was approved by His Excellency the Governor, but Williams found it necessary to write to the Colonial Secretary on 4 July 1823, saying that, for the convenience of the inhabitants he was removed from Windsor to Broken Bay on 3 August 1822, where “he continues to do duty, to this day, but has never received wages or clothing since his removal.” [AO Reel 6059; 4/1772, p. 16- 18] A certificate dated 7 November 1823 stated that Williams, his wife and one child were entitled to receive the common allowance, and in 1824 his name appeared on lists of constables
doing duty for the town of Sydney and its vicinity who were entitled to a weekly ration. [AO Reel 6061; 4/1779, p.97d, 119d, 140d]
On 14 January 1824 John Williams sold his Pittwater farm to Thomas Street for £40. Thomas Street was the owner/master of the Black Jack when it visited Broken Bay in 1822, and he also owned the Hawkesbury trader Echo in 1820-22. Possession of the land appears to have passed to John Farrell about the time of the 1828 census, for Farrell’s holdings were listed twice, once as 140 acres and again as 200 acres. Williams confirmed that Farrell was the owner in April 1835 and October 1842. [AO Reel 1198] The land was granted to John Farrell on 18 May 1843. [SN56/180] Profiles of the Pioneers in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater (1996 - revised 2013), - Shelagh Champion OAM and George Champion OAM, 

At Broken Bay.—John Williams, District Constable and Pound keeper. TOWN AND DISTRICT OF SYDNEY. (1820, May 20). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2179470
ARRIVALS.FRIDAY. WILMOT, Barque, 687 tons, Miller master, from London 14th Sept. and from Spithead 30th Sept. S. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor and two children, Wm. Beaumont and wife, C. Taylor, Shipping Intelligence. (1840, January 27). The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (NSW : 1838 - 1841), p. 2 Edition: MORNING. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32167048 

George Inglis Hudson, after whom Hudson Parade is named is another self-made person who was known for what was called 'organic chemistry' in the announcements made after he passed away. He was best known for his 'Eumenthol Jujubes' a name coined from menthol and eucalyptus. His estate, sworn for probate after he died in 1936, was £162, 672 - some indication of his success. Born in Hobart, Tasmania, on 5 May 1863 to Thomas Hudson and Mary Ann Abel he acquired Chemistry and Dentistry once moving to Sydney prior to establishing himself in Queensland. The success of the Eumenthol Jujubes meant he returned to Sydney in 1908 and although Woollahra is listed as his permanent residence, he acquired more acreage in Clareville for a summer retreat and his and his family's health:

Primary Application - George Inglis Hudson 62 acres 2 roods 34 perches on Pittwater in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland. Date range: 05/08/1921 to 20/10/1924
There are a few insights on this gentleman under 'Extras' below.

The small green are alongside Taylors Point, as seen being used by families below in the coloured pictures, signalled this jetty from its start was more focused on catering to a growing community. During the 1930's a pool fence was placed alongside the are adjacent to the Torpedo Wharf to create a 'pool' such as there is at Bayview and a little further north of glorious Clareville, at Paradise beach:
From Warringah Shire Council Meeting Minutes on Taylors Point:

10th of June 1935
The President Stated he proposed to direct the Engineer to furnish an estimate for the construction of baths alongside Taylors Point  wharf, the residents being prepared to contribute towards the cost

20th November 1967
Taylors Point  Baths, Shark proofing of seaward wall of pool completed and numerous palings replaced on side walls. Oysters cleaned off. Paradise Baths. Spring board repaired and bearer replaced under decking. 

15th July, 1968
Taylors Point  Wharf, Several planks replaced. 

One of our favourite historic markers for Taylors Point is how it has been a marker for races by sail or by engine during many a regatta - as shown by the gentleman watching youngsters fish in the early 1930's below - a happy past time we were fortunate to photograph on the same jetty over 80 years later:

Panorama of Taylors Point, Pittwater, New South Wales, 3 [picture]- Image No nla.pic-vn6149433 courtesy National Library of Australia, - Part of Enemark collection of panoramic photographs [picture] [1917-1946] . Below: Sections from above panorama

Top: 'Fishing from a jetty at Taylor's Point' - taken by Sam Hood during Pittwater Regatta, Broken Bay - possibly officials ensuring Taylors Point mark for races is rounded. Image No.: hood_06542, circa 1930's, courtesy State Library of NSW

MOTOR BOATING.  Pittwater Regatta.

There will be an all day programme of motorboat racing controlled by the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales at the 24th annual Pittwater regatta on Saturday The first event a four miles handicap for local boats will start at 10 30a m and the sixth and last a four and a half miles for outboard motors at 415 p m Good entries have been received and both the great metropolitan clubs the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales and the Australian Motor Yacht Squadron are well represented

The starting times are - J M Dempster Handicap for local boats Course from starters boat off Salt Pan Point to Towler Bay near Long Nose Point and back one lap four miles -No 514 Heather (W Forsyth) 10 30 am 8, Kiawa (J F Robinson) 10 32 52 545 Thistle(Dr D Fraser) 10 35 20 78 Catherine Ellen (A. Lambert) 10 37 24 10 Arrow (Dr du Maurier)110 48 40 rn Redwing (R R Doyle) 10 50 5421 Wingo (R Penniman) 10 54 11 Pam (J Webster)  10 54 the handicap of Bronzewing (O Snow) is withheld

Miramar Cruiser Handicap open to all comers. From Salt Pan Point to near Long Nose Point and back four miles-No 51 Baby Miramar (S r 'Doyle) 1145 am 21 Fortuna (Dr R Storer)1158 38 41 Binghi II (A W Brown) 1159 1620 Trixie (B Paul) 1159 12 6 Koonya (W JDalgarno) 1159 So 7 Millawa (R B Passau)121 56 545 Thistle (Dr D Fraser) 121 56 72, Constance (G Marner) 12 2 42 78 Catherine Ellen (A Lambert) 12 3 32 70, Alkooelle (C Jacobs) 12 5 12 40 Sylph II (W D Lawson) 12 7 50, 514 Heather (W Forsyth) starting time withheld

A C Cooke Speed Boat Handicap for boats 12 miles an hour and over Two laps eight miles -No 10 Arrow (Dr du Maurier), 130 pm. 60 Redwing (R R Doyle) 132 40 11 Pam (J Webster) 140 40 542 Wings (R Penniman) 140 4021 Whoof (A F Jefferson) 142 40 543 Bronzewing (G Snow) starting time withheld

Outboard Motor Boat Handicap Course from Salt Pan Point to Taylor's Point and back four times six miles -No 12 Saucy Snail II (J Manton) 2 45 p m 14 Revé dOr (J Middows)12 47 54 15 Miss Joy (J Wylie). 2 48 48 16 Sonora Belle (A Moodie) 2 49 17 Miss Kay (C Grattan Smith) 2 50 36 9 Miss Radio II (A V Price)2 51 12 l8 Lady Thelma (N Cohen) 2 5142 19Oh My (W Heine) 2 54 36 2 Saucy Snail III(A R Turner) 2 54 30

E C Griffith Handicap for boats seven to 16 miles an hour Salt Pan Point to Long Nose Point and back twice eight miles-No 23 Fortuna (Dr R Stoier) 3.15 p m 41 Binghi II (A W Brown) 3.16. 20 8, Kiawa (J Robinson) 3 16 44 28 Trixie(E Paul) 3 1732 6 Koonya (W Dalgarno)3 17 40 7 Millawa (R Passau) 3 2140 72 Constance (G Marner) 3 ..3 12 70 Alkooelle (C Jacobs) 3 28 12 40 Sylph II (W D Lawson)3 33 40 514 Heather (W Forsyth) and Baraba (J Foy) starting times withheld

Outboard Motor Boat Handicap Salt Fan Point to Taylor's Point and back three times 41 miles -12 Saucy Snail II (J Manton) 4 15pm 14Reve d Or (H Middows) 4 17 lo 16 Sonora Belle(A Belle) 4 l8 17 Miss Kay (C Gratton Smith)4 19 1. 9 Miss Radio II (A F Price) 4 19 39 l8Lady Thelma (N Cohen) 4 20 2 19 Oh My (D Heine) 2 Saucy Snail III (A R Turner) 4 22 12. MOTOR BOATING. (1930, December 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16741601 


Below - Taylors Point Wharf on Australia Day in 2013 - The RMYC still goes past this point during celebratory parades and young folk are still finding it a lovely place to do a spot of fishing!  - and view back to shore showing reserve area - A J Guesdon pictures

 Avalon Sailing Club - VJs Clareville - A Grosvenor SOUTHERN CROSS, Les & Eileen Vaughan FLASH & Harold & June Vaughan DEFIANT pre WWII - Picture courtesy John Vaughan

Extras:

This 'advertorial' appeared a few times during 1903 - but at least we get to see him!:

HUDSON'S EUMENTHOL JUJUBES. Manufactured by Mr, G. Hudson, Ipswich.

Illustrations herewith presented deal with a preparation that is extensively and favourably known in Australia. Mr. George Hudson, the inventor and manufacturer of Eumenthol Jujubes, has resided for some years in the Northern State. He was born at Hobart, 1863, and received his early education at the late H. M. Pikes's City School. Sydney attracted him in 1878, and seven years were there spent in the combined study of chemistry and dentistry. The diploma in the former was obtained at a special examination held by the Pharmacy Board in June 1884. 

GEORGE HUDSON, Proprietor of Hudson's Eumenthol Jujubes.

After building up a successful business at the Glebe, Mr. Hudson found it necessary, on account of his health, to spend some time in travelling, finally establishing himself at Ipswich, where he is now one of the leading figures in business circles. He is cosmopolitan in his ideas and sympathies, and, gathering material from all available sources, he has kept himself in the front rank of his profession. At the outset Mr. Hudson realised the far-reaching importance of antiseptics in the cure and prevention of disease, and was an enthusiastic admirer of Dr. (now Lord) Lister for his famous discovery. The dual experience as a chemist and dentist has impressed upon Mr. Hudson the wide utility of an antiseptic for keeping the oral mucous membrane in a healthy condition and preventing decay of the teeth. 

Eumenthol Jujubes, the result of long and costly experiments, have been produced to attain this end, and the endorsement they have received from members of the medical profession and dentists in all the States emphatically marks their success. Prior to their introduction in 1891 there was no effectual yet harmless antiseptic which could be freely used by the public. The most powerful antiseptics were not only poisonous, but, like carbolic, strongly caustic. The proprietor of Eumenthol Jujubes, as an experienced pharmacist, decided to obtain his principal Ingredients from the vegetable kingdom. Even the best native oils contain a large percentage of deleterious matter, such as phillandrene, so often met with in eucalyptus. To avoid these impurities and achieve the best, results Mr. Hudson made arrangement with the largest firm of European distillers to extract only the active constituents (the inherent life) for his use. 

To this unique method and the scientific skill employed in treating each of the many ingredients of Eumenthol Jujubes are due their striking effectiveness. The merits of Eumenthol Jujubes once made known, their popularity soon spread, first in Queensland, then in New South Wales, and they are now rapidly growing in favour in all the States of the Commonwealth and New Zealand, whilst orders come to hand from different parts of the Old World. 

They have been found of great value to public speakers and singers, and several well known people have already testified to this effect. Eumenthol Jujubes were exhibited at the last Australian Medical Congress, held in Brisbane in 1899,and the 'Australasian Chemist and Druggist,' published in Melbourne, in its report of the them says : — ' Mr. G. Hudson, of Ipswich, had an exhibition of his Eumenthol Jujubes, which are put. up inelegant tin boxes, and are certified to be effective in the destruction of bacteria, and in the prevention of their growth. This proprietary has taken a hold upon public favour, and is certainly a good combination of medicaments in a convenient form.' The' Australasian Medical Gazette ' reports favourably on them, and concludes by saying : — ' They should prove of great service in affections of the throat and voice.' Mr. W. A. Dixon, F.I.O., F.C.S., the Public Analyst of Sydney, after an exhaustive test, says :' There is no doubt that Eumenthol Jujubes have a wonderful effect in the destruction of bacteria, and preventing their growth.' 

Many dentists recommend the daily Use of Hudson's Eumenthol Jujubes. Dr. Leon Williams, of London, the great dental authority, says : ' I have repeatedly pointed out, that, in my judgment, the greatest hope for the future in the saving of human teeth lies in the direction of prevention of decay by the daily use of germicides, and I am, I believe, speaking with all due caution when I say that, in my judgment, two-thirds of the decay of teeth now going on is preventable. Conceding the fact that the chief cause of decay is the presence of bacteria, it is one's duty to apply some remedy for freeing the oral cavity of these destructive organisms, realising that in a scientifically clean mouth there can be no decay.' A small piece of Hudson's Eumenthol Jujubes held in the mouth destroys all forms of bacterial life, odours, and decomposing matter, and prevents the formation of the horn-like film of bacteria over the surface of the teeth which furnish a lodging for the acid-producing organisms of decay. The widespread popularity of Eumenthol Jujubes, whilst due undoubtedly to their intrinsic merits, must also be attributed to some extent to the tact and energy of the proprietor, and to the effective and carefully-planned methods Le has adopted in introducing them to the public.

Our illustrations include views of Rose Hill, Mr.Hudson's delightful residence on Limestone Hill, one of the most popular suburbs of Ipswich. The residence commands a fine view of the surrounding country.

ROSE HILL, IPSWICH, RESIDENCE OF G. HUDSON. 

HUDSON'S EUMENTHOL JUJUBES. (1903, June 17). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 1497. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165188669 


MR. G. I. HUDSON. The funeral took place yesterday of the late Mr. George Inglis Hudson, of Wunulla-road, Woollahra Point, who died at a private Hospital, Darlinghurst, late on Wednesday. He had been managing director of the Eumenthol Chemical Company, and had formerly resided in Ipswich, Queensland.

The remains were interred in the Waverley cemetery, following a service at St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Macquarie-street. The services at the church and the graveside were conducted by the Rev. P. Macdonald of Mosman.

The chief mourners were the widow and daughter (Mrs. Doris Olding). Among those present were Mr. P. Chaffey (Chief of Staff) Mrs. Chaffey, Dr. Wertz (Vice-Consul for Germany) Sir Allen Taylor, Lady Richards, Mr. W. H Childs (late Commissioner of Police), Dr. Hamilton Marshall, Dr. Evan Jones,  Captain Carter, Messrs. Percival and Mackie (representing the Randwick Council). Messrs. Alpress, Linklater, W. Arnott, H. Campbell, Felix Booth jun., W. Hughes, George Olding, V. A. Haigh, F. Brown E. C. Pitt, J. Parram, Bruce Ryrie, Messers.  Collis, Hubert Palmer, Herbert Palmer, Lintor Palmer, Baty, Joyce, Cridland, Norman Saywell, F. Adams, H. Ludowici, and Paton; Mr. and Mrs. B. Chew, Mr. and Mrs. S. McCloy, Mesdames Symons, Saywell, and Morrisby; Misses M. and N. McCloy, Abel, Lorking, and Chiplin. MR. G. I. HUDSON. (1936, April 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 23. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27991758

CHEMIST'S ESTATE SYDNEY, Friday. An estate valued at £162, 672 was left by George Inglis Hudson, manufacturing chemist, of Woollahra, who died in April last. Included in the bequests was £1000 to the University of Sydney to encourage further investigation of the science of organic chemistry. The bulk of the estate was bequeathed to the widow and children. CHEMIST'S ESTATE. (1936, August 22).Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , p. 10. Retrieved August 8, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140506388

PROBATE OF WILL.  GIFT TO UNIVERSITY. Mr. George Inglis Hudson, manufacturing chemist, who died on April 15, left  £1000 by his Will to the University of Sydney, on trust to apply the Income for the benefit of students of organic chemistry. He also left a legacy of £100 to the Congregational Church, Pitt-street. The residuary estate passes on trust for testator's wife and daughter, with remainder to grandchildren. Mr. Hudson appointed his wife. Mr. G. A. Parkhill, and the Perpetual Trustee Co., his trustees and executors. The estate has been sworn for probate at £162,673. PROBATE OF WILL. (1936, August 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17263351

MRS. LOUISE HUDSON. Mrs. Louise Inglis Hudson, who died at her home, Herewai, Woollahra Point, was born at Sunny Corner, in the gold mining district, outside Bathurst. She was the widow of the late George Inglis Hudson, founder of the Hudson Eumenthal Chemical Co. She was a foundation member of the Randwick Red Cross and worked as a VAD during and after the war. She was also a member of the N.S.W. Victoria League and the Queen Victoria Club. MRS. LOUISE HUDSON. (1938, August 3). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17496032

BATHING AT COOGEE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

Sir,-With reference to the regulations about to be adopted for the control of bathing at Coogee, it does not seem likely that much good will result there from unless public bathing is prohibited during certain hours of the day, say from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; at any rate, this should be so, at least, on Sundays, for that seems to be the principal day for the disgraceful exhibitions referred to in the daily press by different correspondents. A place so conveniently situated to the city as Coogee is should be principally for the use of children, and this was so a few years ago; where-as a visit to the place now shows that instead of being visited by parents who wish to give the little ones an outing, it is monopolised, especially on certain days, by the larrikin element of the city; and Coogee has such an unenviable reputation that parents have carefully to avoid this delightful seaside resort. There is no reason why Coogee should not be like Margate and other seaside places in the old country, and to make it so the only loss would be that of a few tram fares; but I have no doubt that if early morning trams were run conveniently there would be a large increase in the traffic during those hours. I am, etc, GEORGE INGLIS HUDSONBATHING AT COOGEE. (1908, February 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14954370


RAWHITI'S DOUBLE - YACHTING AT PITTWATER 

Eu-Na-Mara Absent

Outstanding feature of the sailing at Pittwater regatta on Saturday was Rawhiti's dual victory in the two races for the deep-keel yachts.

THE nominated skippers' handicap racox for all yachts over a five miles course, carried the name of Fred S. Adams, who has been associated with Pittwater regatta since it was launched in a small way in 1906. Rawhiti, as usual, was on scratch. The only other craft to share the same mark, Eu-na-Mara, the Victorian, challenger for the Sayonara Cup race to be contested this mouth, did not compete. Percy Arnott's new eight-metre boat, Vanessa, which will defend the trophy for New South Wales, was on a handicap of 3 minutes. It would have been interesting to have seen how the two compared, for it would have thrown some light on the destiny of the Sayonara Cup. Vanessa finished 17 seconds behind Rawhiti in second place.

WON BIG CUP.

Arthur Stevens was, as usual, at the tiller of Rawhiti in the Pittwater Regatta Cup race, sailed over a course of 15 miles. Brand V. went to the van second time round, but with only three-quarters of a mile to go had to give way to Rawhiti, off Taylor Point. The latter won by 27sec from Brand V., with Vanessa third. Brand V., which was receiving a minute start from Vanessa, at 15 min, improved on her handicap, and led her rival boats by 5min 17sec.

CAPRICE SAILS WELL.

Caprice went close to securing the double also. With A. J. Stone at the tiller, she carried off the big race for the Scotland Island Clip from A. C. Barker's Sapphire, with Foam (L. V. Buckingahm)third. Only 41sec separated her from Riawena, winner of the Mischief Memorial Handicap. Darcy Huddleston was in charge of Caprice in that race, and sailed her remarkably well for his first race.. Mrs. R. Lee Brown showed that she was capable of sailing with the men skippers, and earned Rear Commodore Claude Plowman's special prize for taking her charge into third place. The Middle Harbor 10ft skiff, R. Palmer's Melrose, won the championship of Broken Bay from Fortuna by 5min 5Ssei;.Meea was third, and Wonkey fourth.

MOTOR BOATS THRILL.

The outboard motor boats provided many thrills, but none more sensational than when' H. McEvoy's Cettein IV. Got out of control at 30/80? miles an hour, and made a spectacular dive to the bottom of the sea. The accident occurred during the Stuart F. Doyle Handicap. R. Smith's Boo Saada filled third place, but in the next race — the outboard championship of Broken Bay — she also came to grief. Approaching Scotland Island, she struck a big piece of wood. Her bottom was stove in and she sank within a few seconds. Lady Evinrude (L. H. Larsen), one of the latest outboards, after winning the A. C. Cooke Handicap for all-comers, was the next to meet with an accident. She emptied her crew in the water while negotiating one of the turns. The speed-boat races unfortunately, could not be witnessed by the big crowd on Salt Pun Point, as they wore stuged in Hoiseshoe Cove about half a mile away. Dr. Fraser’s  Thistle won the W. Herman Slade Handicap for local boats, while E. Williams'; Elto III. gained a surprise victory in the Broken Bay outboard championship. Struth, which filled second place, was in the same position In the R. Walder speed handicap. Bronzewing(G. K. Snow) was first.

Yachts cruising at the annual Pittwater Regatta on Saturday, last. 

One lap to go in the Stuart Doyle outboard motor race at the Pittwater Regatta. Inset, the winner, Elto III RAWHITI'S DOUBLE. (1929, January 1). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136204610

FIGHT WITH FIRE NEAR AVALON. MEN ALMOST TRAPPED.  REFUGE IN WELL.

For five hours yesterday bushfires threatened about 100 homes and week-end dwellings on the hills at the back of Avalon. Fanned by a south-easterly wind, the fires swept down from the plateau and burnt through light timber and grass near Pittwater. One of the volunteer fighters, A. Butler, of Narrabeen, and a fireman, were surrounded by flames and almost suffocated by thick smoke. They crawled 18ft down a well in the yard at one of the houses. After 10 minutes, the smoke forced them to climb to the surface, but the fire had then burnt itself out.

Constable Simpson, of Mona Vale, who reached Avalon first, telephoned for aid. Afire tender with five men under Station-officer Bissett was sent from headquarters, and eight members of the Narrabeen volunteer brigade hurried to the Are. Sergeant Huckins and three constables, from Narrabeen, and Con-stable Gold, from Manly, also Joined the fighters.

BREAKS AROUND HOUSES.

While some of the men fought the advancing flames others burnt breaks around homes from Clairville to Taylor's Point. At Hill-top-road the fire was beaten back from eight houses. On the sea side of the hills the homes of Colonel Johnson, Colonel Reynolds, and Mr. A. R. Harris were threatened, and at Mr. R Row's Cabbage Trees Estate, 400 yards away, the flames scorched the garage near the house. Mr. R. Wilson's stone house was blackened by flames. At many places hoses were used to fight the fire. Water was connected to Avalon only a fortnight ago. 

Russell Brown, a Boy Scout from Goulburn, joined the fire fighters. Constable Brown said: "He carried hoses, turned on taps, and worked harder than any of us. His assistance was most valuable." FIGHT WITH FIRE NEAR AVALON. (1936, November 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17287935?temp-new-window-replacement=true 


PLEA FOR ENLIGHTENED GAMING LAWS;  MR. YELDHAM. 

IT is time the antiquated gaming laws were altered to allow respectable people to have some enjoyment in their own 'homes,' solicitor J. Yeldham urged at Manly Police Court last week. Mr. Yeldham was appearing for 14 men and five women arrested by police who raided 'Anderson's Cottage,' Avalon Beach, on the night of May 5, when a baccarat game was in progress. 

Right: Mr. Yeldham

EACH of the persons had entered a plea of guilty to a charge of having been found in a common gaming house. ‘The players did not give any trouble and, in fact, 'escorted' the raiding police to Manly Police Station in 10 limousines, which were parked outside the place,' Mr. Yeldham said. Sgt. Maizey: ‘They appeared very happy in their 'sylvan surroundings.' Describing the raid, Det. K. Paton told Mr. Ryan, S.M., that when police entered the house at 11.30 p.m. on May 5 they seized £176 from the gaming table. In addition, many of the players were holding large bundles of notes in their hands, Det. Paton said. 'When police arrived at the cottage, which is situated in rustic surroundings, the back door of the premises was wide open and we could see the game in progress,' the detective stated. 'The room in which the game was being played was brilliantly illuminated. An elaborate supper had been provided, with liquor refreshments. 'Some of the players are well known identities at Avalon and Palm Beach. The game is organised and moves from place to place.' Asking the court to impose a nominal penalty on the nineteen persons who were charged with being found in a common gaming house, Mr. J. Yeldham, solicitor, said the game was a friendly one played among local residents because there was no picture theatre or other form of amusement in the locality. Police Prosecutor (Sergt. Maizey):'That's strange.- Some of them came from Potts Point and King's Cross.'

Imposing a fine of £4 on each of the 19 defendants Mr. Ryan ordered the £176 seized by the police to be forfeited to the Crown. Those convicted were: Eva Gardiner (44), domestic, 14 Ocean St., Newport; Monica Haines (40), domestic, Beach St., Clareville; Richard Miller (20), laborer. 22 Pittwater Rd., Dee Why; Leslie Haynes (40), laborer, Beach Rd.. Clareville; Evelyn Maud Read (33), domestic, 3 Springfield Ave., Potts Point; Barbara Golladge(30), domestic, 7 Bourke St., Berala; Arthur William Jones (42), salesman, Barrenjoey Rd., Palm Beach; Frank Mason (52), gardener, Waterview St., Mona Vale; Herbert Edward Read(67), fruiterer, Barrenjoey Rd., Newport; Mary O'Connor (26), domestic, Ocean St.. Harbord; Charles George Joyce (34), gardener, Bassett St., Mona Vale; Sydney Gordon Joyce(30), gardener, Darley St., Mona Vale; Leslie James Anderson (45),agent, 22 'Winston Flats,' Victoria St., King's Cross; Roy Reginald Ronald Ellis (41), fisherman, Barrenjoey Rd., Palm Beach; Eric Tingle (30),hairdresser, Barrenjoey Rd., Newport; Henry Francis Gonsalves (41),fisherman, Barrenjoey Rd., Palm Beach; Albert James (42). gardener, Barrenjoey Rd., Newport; Alan Redman (42), gardener, Park St., Mona Vale; John Themas Joyce (32), gardener, Waterview St., Mona Vale. PLEA FOR ENLIGHTENED GAMING LAWS. (1945, May 13).Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169358984 

Clairville Pittwater -Furnished Beach Cottage Particulars 128 High st Willoughby. Advertising. (1932, October 22). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16924427

PITTWATER Clairville sandy beach frontage definitely the best position available on the waterfront 3o0ft deep Owner will take £300 terms can be arranged 0194 Herald. Advertising. (1935, October 7). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17207215 

DEEP WATER FRONTAGE suit boatshed, baths situated Claraville Pittwater } 175. _No 6957 Herald. Advertising. (1938, December 22). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17550838 

WANTED. Week-end Cottage, Pittwater, Clairville. Tailor's Point. UJ2219. Advertising. (1942, July 29). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17827825 

Under Instructions from PERPETUAL TRUSTEE COMPANY (LIMITED) - Administrator of the Estate of the late Edward Percy Amesbury - PITTWATER-CLAREVILLE WATERFRONTAGE ALLOTMENT. Lot 4 of DP 19396  having a frontage to RIVERVIEW ROAD of about 50tt by depths of about 190ft and 196ft through to HIGH WATER MARK of Pittwater Bay TORRFNS TITLE
Solicitors Eric Howard & Solomon. HARDIE A. GORMAN PROPRIETARY LIMITED, In conjunction with F T JEFFERY of Newport  will offer the above by Public Auction In the Rooms Ocean House 36 Martin Place at 11 am on WEDNESDAY 10th NOVEMBER 1948. Advertising. (1948, October 23). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18093391 

TAKE BEST OFFER, 30ft D.-ender Ketch, 2 Cabins, Radio. Eng., 2 Suits, Dinghy. Lav. Owner buying business. On board this week-end. Clairville. Pittwater. Advertising. (1949, April 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27578219 

TAYLOR, John. - October 27, 1949, at his residence Newquay Clairville Beachformerly of Vaucluse House aged 86 yearsFamily Notices. (1949, October 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18138082 

 A TRIP TO PITTWATER.

Some friends of mine having purchased part of the Pittwater estate recently offered for sale, were anxious to see the land, and they invited me to accompany them. Saturday last was fixed for the trip. On that morning we were all up betimes. The night before we agreed that whoever rose earliest should call the others. Being known to rise on the first sound of the ' cock's shrill clarion,' I was expected to rouse my friends. At 5 o'clock when I went to do so I found that one of them had been up two hours, the others even longer. They had evidently worried themselves into wakefulness all night, for which there was no necessity, as a late sleeper might catch the first Manly boat, by which we were to leave Sydney. Saturday morning broke in smiling silence on the city and suburbs: it was one of those mornings which call forth praise and prayer to heaven for the blessing of such a climate as we enjoy in this Southern land. The waters of the harbour from our point of view (the heights of North Shore)looked like several lakes which were as calm as millponds. Our unrivalled harbour, it appears to me, presents scenes at, daybreak and by moonlight that cannot be viewed at any other time.

In summer mornings, before the sun rises, you may see creeping over the waters of its various nooks and bays gauze-like exhalations, which magnify the ships and boats in the stream. On the appearance of the great, vaporizer the mist is dispelled and the grand picture we all admire is unveiled. The nocturnal beauty of Port Jackson one never ceases to admire. Music only is wanted to make a moonlight view of it one of the most pleasurable sensations. Another harbour,  pre-eminent for its capacity and safety,' and no mean rival of our own is more blessed in this respect, for the melody of the Shandon Chimes supplies the void felt here. On this I ponder,

Where'er I wander,
And thus grow fonder,
Sweet Cork, of thee ;
Why thy bells of Shandon,
That sound so grand on
The pleasant waters
Of the river Leo.

On board the Royal Alfred we were joined by a young gentleman who was also a guest. There were not more than half-a-dozen other passengers besides our party. Some of them looked sleepy and sullen, and appeared as if they had parted on bad terms with Morpheus. One of them who was late had to jump on board. The unamiable mood in which he appeared soon gave way to perfect equanimity, the effect, as one observed, of the soothing influence of the incense from the North Shore gums. 

"Royal Alfred" at wharf Circular Quay, date; 9/1935 (?!), Image. No: d1_20453, courtesy State Library of NSW. 

Arrived at Manly, we had an appetite for breakfast which many might, envy. This watering place reminds one of Passage, which Father Prout describes as situated

Upon the say;
'Tis nate and dacent,
And quite adjacent
To come from Cork,
On a summer's day.

The 'trap' which was awaiting us at, the hotel door, and which had been bespoken, was certainly not one of Kearey Brothers'. It had the appearance of a disused milk-cart., or a superannuated costermonger's conveyance. Our young companion did not like the look of it, but on being told there was no other available for our journey, he had sufficient of the Stoic in him to sink his personal feelings. Needs must when a Manly coach proprietor commands the drive to Pittwater. There is nothing very charming in the neighbourhood of the Pittwater road from Manly. Ducks and water fowl might find it a suitable abiding locality, but Manly-ites, if they have any regard for the future repute of their rising suburb, will extend it on the higher ground Spitwards.

Some four or five miles out of the township we overtook the 'royal mail coach' with its convoy conveying the mails and passengers to Boulton's or Newport at the head of the navigation of the Pittwater harbour. We sailed alone in this company until we crossed the Narrabeen Lagoon. As we emerged there from we descried a church, which appeared to be as well supported as the Smithy described in one of Swift's anecdotes. Seeing no residents around, we inquired where the congregation came from, but our Jehu was not a Matt Ryan. Indeed he was the most taciturn ' whip ' I ever travelled with.

Shortly after we entered upon the estate at Bilgola beach, where there is a deep leafy glen well adapted for the growth of bananas. On ascending to Bilgola Head a splendid view of the coast from Cabbage Tree Head to Barranjoee is obtained. The broad Pacific lay on our right at that moment as placid as Farm Cove. A splendid valley lay before us with the homestead of the patriarch of Pittwater, Mr. John Collins, in the distance; on the left, undulating land, well timbered.

Descending to the valley, we crossed the farm purchased by Mr. Canty, which is believed to be carboniferous. Some years ago competent judges gave it as their opinion that coal existed there. A bore of four hundred feet, made in the ground many years ago, when an attempt was made to test it, passed through strata that indicated the immediate vicinity of the black diamond. Mr. Coghlan's diamond drill would soon settle the question whether coal could be struck there. Mr. Collins's farm is situated in the valley, being flanked on the east by St. Michael's Cave and the South Head of Broken Bay, and on the West by Mount St. Mary. After doing full justice to Mr. Collins'shospitality, we sallied forth under his guidance to survey that part of the estate in which we were interested. We directed our steps towards Long Beach, nearly opposite Scotland Island,  Pittwater Harbour. The land improved as we receded from the valley. Indeed we were agreeably surprised at finding soil and slope not excelled by any locality we had seen on the coast, except Irishtown, Lane Cove. My friends were delighted with their investment, and were only sorry they had not purchased more of the land.

Pre- 1905 Land Titles Map - Showing 'Claraville' and 'Long Beach'. Courtesy Land Titles Office Historic records of NSW.

Pittwater estate belonged to the late Very Rev. Archpriest Therry, who bequeathed it to the Society of Jesus. It is surrounded on all sides save one by water; and it has been highly praised for its salubrity. It has a Catholic church, at which the Rev. Dr. Hallinan officiates once a month; it has also a Provisional school, attended by some twenty children. There is an incipient town called Brighton at Careel Bay, north-west of Barranjoee. The site is eminently unsuited for a township, and the sooner it is abandoned the better. A low swampy beach from which the water recedes at ebb tide, is not well adapted for settling on. A better site is that on the harbour higher up at Long Beach, where there is ‘ample room and verge ' enough, besides a moderately elevated coast and deep water. West Carbery, as we christened the place, is the site for a township.

A large block of land at Stokes's Point is reserved for a College. The scenery at Pittwater and on the greater part of the way thither is simply grand. When the road is better— (Mr. Collins informed us there is money on the estimates to form it all the way), and when a better style of conveyance is available, I know of no place or drive that will present so many attractions to the invalid, the pleasure or holiday-seeker. Everything conspires to quiet the anxieties of the mind and invigorate the body. Wooded slopes and deep ravines, picturesque views of ocean, beach, and headland, are features that would dissipate the megrims of a miser or restore peace to the mind of a rejected swain. Notwithstanding the discomforts we laboured under from the vile vehicle we had, we enjoyed the trip to and fro uncommonly well, and arrived at 7 in the evening at Manly without any mishap beyond that which a little application of Australian Ointment will remedy, as our young friend of bills and briefs said. CRUIG BARRY.11th May, 1880. A TRIP TO PITTWATER. (1880, May 22). Freeman's Journal(Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133488037

GOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE. Secretary's Office, Sydney, 16th November, 1816  

WHEREAS, during the late General Muster of the Inhabitants of this Colony, several Persons who had originally come into it as Convicts reported themselves at the said Muster as free, either by Servitude or by Pardon, or as being allowed to  employ themselves for their own Benefit by the special Permission of His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR; and whereas several of the Persons  who thus reported themselves did not produce any Certificate, Free Pardon, Emancipation, or Ticket of Leave, without which the Truthof their said Statements could not be  satisfactorily ascertained; and there being much  Reason to believe that Imposition is frequently practised  in this Respect, the Names of those Persons who at the late Muster did not produce any Certificate, Free Pardon, Emancipation, or Ticket of Leave, but who represented themselves absolutely  free, or conditionally so, by Virtue of one or other of the above named Documents, is now  published, in Order that each of these Persons may be apprised that unless he or she do, in, the Course of Six Months from the present Day, obtain at the Secretary's Office, either a certified Copy of such Certificate, Free Pardon, Emancipation,  or Ticket of Leave, as they represented  themselves to have been once possessed of in the Event of his or her having actually lost the Original, they will be considered as Impostors, and immediately recalled to Government Work as Convicts still under the Sentence of the Law.

No. Name. Ship came in. Residence. Occupation.

1. Richard Hawke, Alexander, Sydney 2. Anthony Rope, ditto, Castler. Landh. 3. John Cross, ditto, Port H. ditto 4. Mary Clark, ditto 2d., Sydney 5. John Glade, Atlantic, ditto 6. James Hague, ditto, Windsor, Landh. 7. Richard Ridge, ditto, Hawksb. 8. Christ. Dodding, ditto, ditto 9. Richard Verrier, Active, Sydney 10. Timothy Doyle, Nepean, smith 11. James Higgins, ditto, Hawksb. 12. John McEwen, ditto, Liverp.

13. John Taylor, Albemarle, Windsor

14. Jas. Sutherland, ditto Hawksb. -15. John Brown, ditto, Hawksb. - 16. Owen Hobson, Ann, ditto -,17. John Campbell, ditto 1st. Liverp. -18. Wm. Aldridge, A. Barringt., Richm. Landh.19. Benjamin Elton, ditto, Wilberf. -20. Wm. Reynolds, ditto, Hawksb. -21. Joseph Hunt, Barwell, Sydney - 22. Thomas North, ditto, Richmd. -23. John Caton, Boddington, Hawksb. -24. James Kenny, ditto, Liverp. - 25. Mary A. Parker, Canada, Sydney -26. Thos. Douglass, ditto 1st, Hawksb. -27. James Kibby, ditto 1st, Liverp. - 28. John Dugan, Coromand., Nepean, Landh.  29. Wm. Stevens, ditto, Pitt Town -30. Timothy Webb, ditto, Windsor -31. William Webb, ditto, Hawksb. -32. Jonas Mordecai, ditto, ditto -33. Joseph Smith, ditto, ditto -34. Rich. Holland, D. of Portl., ditto, Landh.35. John Williams, ditto, Wilberf., laborer36. John McKenzie, ditto, Hawksb. - 37. Thos. Getham, ditto, ditto - 38. Thomas Knight, E. Cornwal., Richm., laborer39. Thomas Rudd, ditto, Liverp. - 40. Patrick Mason Friendship Hawksb. Landh.41. James Timmens ditto Richm. ditto 42. Roger Twyfield ditto Hawksb. -43. Hugh McAvoy Glatton Sydney -44. Joseph Oners ditto Windsor Landh. 45. Mark Doolan Gambier 1st. Sydney 46. Peter Patullo, Ganges, ditto -47. Samuel Stevens, ditto, Richmd. -48. John Fitsgerald, Hillsboro', Sydney -49. Robert Ritchie, Hercules, Castler. Landh.50. Stephen Dunn, ditto, Pitt Town -51. Martha Eaton Lad. Penryn Sydney - 52. Thos. Woolton Minorca ditto - 53. John Hewitt Minerva Windsor laborer 54. John Everett ditto Hawksb. - 55. Joseph Burrows ditto ditto -56. Nicholas Crosbie, M. Cornwa., Windsor, Landh. 5 7. Robert Allen ditto Richm.  -58. John Riley, ditto, Hawksb. - 59. Michael Balf ditto ditto - 60. Wm. Horsford Matilda ditto -61. John Booth ditto Port H. -      62.  Henry Hyam ditto Hawksb. -      63.   Steph. Richardson ditto Richm. Landh.     64. Daniel Phillips ditto Hawksb. -  65. Adam Bell ditto ditto -     66. Isaac Farmer Neptune Wilberf. -     67. Thos. Eager or Heather ditto Hawksb. -68. Wm. Mackey ditto Richmd. - 69. Dan. Anshutz ditto Hawksb. -  70. James O'Neille Pitt Sydney - 71. Rd. Hammett ditto ditto - 72. James Higgins ditto ditto -73. Alex. Cumberbech ditto ditto -   74. Joseph Pearce ditto Richm. Landh.   75. John May ditto ditto ditto 76. Thomas Brown ditto Hawksb. - 77. Matthew Elkins Perseus Windsor shoemaker 78. Joseph Butler ditto Wilberf. -  79.  J. Mainwright ditto Hawksb. -    80. Wm. McDonald Queen Pitt Town Landh. 81. F. McLawrence, Queen, Richmd. sawyer82. Catherine Evans, Royal adm. Sydney -83.  Thos. Pateman ditto 1st ditto -  

84. William Green ditto Brokenb. Limeb. 

85. Donald Kennedy ditto Castler. Landh.  86. Richard Willis ditto Pitt Town ditto   87.  William Ezzey ditto Windsor ditto  88. Henry Rochester ditto Richmd. -  89. John Norman ditto Windsor - 90. Henry Tredaway ditto Hawksb. -      91.  James Dunn  Royal Adm. ditto -92. Thomas Tailby ditto Liverp. -      93. John Summers ditto 2d. Windsor ferrym. 94. Patrick Byrne Rolla Wilberf. -    95. Cornelius Lyons ditto sydney -  96.  James Bradley Scarboro' Sydney -    97.  Robt. Forrester ditto Windsor Landh.   98. Richard Hagley ditto Hawksb. - 99. William Smith ditto ditto -   100. Thomas Glaves ditto ditto -  101.  Wm. Hubbard ditto ditto - 102.  Jas. Ruse ditto ditto -      103. Jas. Spooner Salamander Sydney -   104. Jos. Welstead ditto Hawksb. -   105. William Pimblett surprise Sydney -   106.  William Knight ditto Port H. Landh.    107. Simon Freebody ditto Windsor ditto  108. Edw. Woodham ditto Richm. - 109.  John Sullivan Sugar cane ditto Hawksb. - 110.    James Knowland ditto Hawksb. -  111. Charles Barwick Wm & Ann Sydney -  112. L. Wetherhead ditto Hawksb. Landh. 113.  Thomas Noble - Liverpool -114.  John Hopkins - ditto -    115.  Roger Fletcher - ditto -    116.  John Masterson - ditto -    And the foregoing Persons are hereby Apprised,that the proper Time to apply at the Secretary's Office for the obtaining any of the above Documents,    is the first Monday in each Month.By Command of His Excellency,J. T. CAMPBELL, Secretary. GOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE. (1816, November 16). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2176899 


Taylors Point Wharf view north of Pittwater Estuary - A J Guesdon, picture 

 Pittwater Reserves, The Green Ways: Clareville Wharf and Taylor's Point Jetty - threads collected and collated by A J Guesdon, 2015. Updated October 2024.