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Newsletter of: BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Inc P 0 Box 17, WENTWORTH FALLS NSW 2782 Website: http://www.info.mountains.net.au/bmhs

'HOBBY'S REACH' 99 Blaxland Road, WENTWORTH FALLS

Telephone: (02) 4757 3824

I Volume 15 Number 1 April - May 2004 I

Blue Mountains Scenic Wonders Main Incline, Coal and Shale Tramway

Katoomba 1884

··· .. t

The tramway carried coal and shale to the top of the cliff to John Britty North's railway siding, thence to Sydney. In the 1930s, this line became part of the Scenic Railway.

Photo: Robert Hunt -(Historic Photograph Collection Macleay Museum)

Scenic Railway, Katoomba 2003

Sceniscender passing Orphan Rock

on it's way to the rainforest boardwalk

WHAT YOU MISSED!

GORDON FALLS RESERVE, SCENISCENDER, BOARDWALK

A beautiful sun-filled morning at the Reserve, taking in electrifying views along the tracks and appointed lookouts, all confinned by a young NZ couple who had not experienced any comparable views in N Z. A leisurely stroll to the Leura Memorial Gates, the secret and secluded picnic area. Identifying the residence of writer Ethel Turner (Seven Little Australians) and the seven planted cyprus pines, now some 12-15 metres high. After lunch we packed bodies into two cars and set out for Scenic World. Descended via Sceniscender to boardwalk, very investigative leisurely stroll around the main perimeter taking in stops at the Katoomba Coal Mine, Filter Beds, Rainforest Room. Crisp, free spring water. No storm, so we bypassed all storm shelters and ascended via the Sceniscender to grab a car and head for home.

Thank you Ronn (Keen) for this contribution on the last excursion.

~ More information on Gordon Falls Reserve and Lone Pine see page 5

Hobby's Outreach April-May 2004

Saturday meetings with guest speak.er commence promptly at 10.30am. Tea/coffee and biscuits available from 1 O.OOam. Hobby's Reach and Tarella Cottage shop open from 10.00am. Research Room open with a researcher in attendance. Library open for members to select and return books. Tea and coffee available after the meeting- bring your sandwiches and stay for lunch. Excursions are generally held outdoors and may involve walking over uneven surfaces. It is important to wear suitable shoes and clothing appropriate to weather conditions and terrain. Excursions are seldom cancelled. Check with leader if in doubt. Briefings are given at the Saturday meeting prior to the excursion. ·

Co-ordinator: Walks & Talks Programme, Jo Adam, Phone 4759 1022

Saturday April 3 Meeting 10.00am for 10.30am. Speaker: Peter Chinn on the subject of 'The Thin Red and Blue Lines: Researching the History of the Military and Police Presence on the Blue Mountains from 1814' .

Monday April 19 (NB third Monday)

Saturday May 1

Monday May 10

Saturday June 5

Monday June 14 (public holiday)

and

Tuesday June 15

Hobby's Outreach

Excursion to Mount Wilson. Note change from advertised programme. Mount Wilson resident and historian, Mary Reynolds, will guide us through the history of the area as we soak up the splendour of Mount Wilson in autumn. Our tour will commence in the c1880s Turkish Bath House, now the Museum. MEET 9 .45am for 1 Oam departure from Mount Victoria near Railway Station. Have morning tea before departure. BRING all food and drink. Picnic lunch. (Indoors in the Village Hall if wet.) WEAR suitable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for outdoors. CONDITIONS: Driving on sealed roads. Easy town walking, some uneven surfaces near lookouts. COST: $10 includes entry fees and usual $2 admin.

Meeting 10.00am for 10.30am. Speakers BMHS members Brian Craven and Geoff Sadler on the subject of 'Newnes: The Settlement and the Oil Refining Process '. Newnes township was set in beautiful mountain scenery but had little claim to civic pride with wooden huts and shanties scattered around the hillside, connected by a maze of foot tracks. Conditions for the workers and their families were squalid. The industrial complex., on the other hand, was a massive and expensive undertaking. The industrial complex, the process of oil refining, the town and its people will be discussed.

Excursion to Newnes Valley. Following Brian and Geoff's talk, we hope to travel to Newnes and enjoy a fascinating walk into history on Newnes Historic Ruins Track. However, this excursion may have to be cancelled if wet. A briefing will be given at the meeting on Saturday May 1, or phone for details. Jo Adam, 4759 1022.

Meeting 10.00am for 10.30am. Speaker BMHS member Ian Jack on the subject of 'The Use of Native Iron Ore in 1 ~ Century Australia, in particular the Fitzroy Iron Works in Mittagong' . Iron-making was at the very heart of the Industrial Revolution. For the first half century of r-../ European occupation of Australia all iron was imported, either in made-up form or as pig-iron to be smelted in colonial furnaces. The use oflocal iron ore, converted to pig-iron in a colonial blast furnace, began only in 1848 at Mittagong and had a chequered history. When imported pig-iron was expensive in the 1870s, more blast furnaces were optimistically built in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. All these early furnaces have left interesting and sometimes spectacular archaeological remains. The history and archaeology of these places where native iron ores were smelted in Victoria's reign will be discussed and illustrated. Further reading: 'Australia s Age of Iron.~ History and Archaeology' by Ian Jack and A eden Cremin. Two-day Tour to Mittagong with Ian Jack. The tour will concentrate on the industrial history of Mittagong and include the remains of the Fitzroy Ironworks, its water supply, the tunnel on Mount Alexander connecting the ironworks to its coal supply deep in Nattai Gorge and the workers' town of New Sheffield adjacent to the railway station. There will also be a walk along the Box Vale Track, the line of a nineteenth-century coal-railway, close to Mittagong. The remarkable oil-shale town and industrial plant at Joadja will also be visited, where technological remains for converting shale to oil products include the only bank of horizontal retorts left in the world and one of the finest inclines in the state, set in a land-locked valley of exceptional natural beauty.

A comprehensive itinerary, which will include costs and tour alternatives to suit all members, will be available at our May meeting on Saturday tst May. Enquiries to Jo Adam Phone 4759 1022.

2 April-May 2004

PRESENT:

CHAIRMAN:

MINUTES:

REPORTS:

MEMBERSHIP:

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS:

AUDITORS:

GENERAL BUSINESS:

BLUE MOUNTAINS IDSTORICAL SOCIETY INC. MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HOBBY'S REACH - Saturday, 61h March 2004 -10:05am

49 members were present, 14 apologies were received.

The president, B Craven, chaired the meeting.

It was resolved (moved I Powell, seconded W Gilham) that the minutes of the previous annual general meeting held on 5th April 2003 be accepted.

It was resolved (moved N Dodd, seconded K Paskin) that the Treasurer 's report be adopted. It is attached as part of these minutes. The President's report for the past year was read. The co-ordinators' reports are attached as part of these minutes.

A Certificate of Life Membership was presented to Roberta Johnstone.

At the request of the President Alan Smith acted as returning officer for the election of office bearers. The following, having been duly nominated and seconded, and there being no other candidates, were duly elected:

President Susan Warmbath Vice President Reg Toseland Secretary Joan Smith Treasurer Ronn Keen Committee members: Peter Gunton

Roberta Johnstone Hugh Bickford John McCiymont

It was moved by N Dodd, seconded M Finlay, that Stanmore Mitchell & Associates be re-appointed as auditors for the ensuing year. After some discussion it was moved by A Smith, seconded I Powell, that the question be put. This was carried and it was then resolved that Stanmore Mitchell & Associates be re-appointed.

There being no further general business the meeting closed at 11 :OOam

President:' s Report: 2ooa-2004 · B CRAVEN (6th March 2004)

The year has been a busy one . for members of the out where necessary, and professional assistance was obtained to wind back some of the depredation oftime on the cottage Tarella.

'----'-'ociety. The usual programme of Walks and Talks has been provided for members, as laid out in the printed programme which was distributed at the beginning of 2004.

The Research Group has continued with its work on accessioning documents, photographs and books, providing information requested by visitors and others, and supplying copies of photographs and documents to those who request them. The Librarian has supervised the book collection, and maintained a lending service to members. The Publications Group has re-printed several of the Society's publications.

Hobby's Reach has been opened to the public several time during the period under review, and a number of group visits were accommodated. All of these were supplied with refreshments by our indefatigable team of caterers. The shop has continued to serve both members and visitors.

Some recently-donated objects have been added to the collection, for which many thanks to the donors. Maintenance work on both buildings has been carried

Hobby's Outreach 3

During the past year, considerable effort has gone into improving the general condition of the Traditional Garden.

Dead and ailing plants have been removed and replaced with new ones, overgrown trees have been pruned. Water consumption has been reduced by extensive mulching and use of roof water. Clearing the area in front of the cottage of a heavy layer of weeds and ivy etc. has revealed the remains of what appears to have once been the septic tank.

The Native Garden, established in 1970, has continued to mature, and much work has been done on its maintenance. It remains an important component of the Society's property.

Peter Brownlee, Editor of the newsletter, had to resign, and he was replaced by Bob Foster. The Management Committee has managed the affairs of the Society, with much help from the Membership Secretary and others.

April-May 2004

( A FEW NOTES FROM Susan Warmbath)

On behalf of the Management Committee we sincerely thank the members of the retiring Committee for all their careful maintenance of the Society, in some cases over many terms. The Society could not be in the strong position it is now without their commitment.

The incoming committee has met to carry out their formal duties and are looking forward to their term of office and will do their best for the BMHS and its members.

One of the by-laws of the Society requires all key holders to sign annually for the keys that they hold. So please could all key holders come to Hobby's Reach, at their earliest convenience, during Research opening times to sign for their keys. Please could all key holders that no longer have a position that requires them to have keys please return them to the Society.

All members, if they wish, may attend Committee Meetings. The minutes of the previous Committee Meetings will be pinned on the notice board and any interesting items that have come before the Committee will be noted at the business section on the Saturday meetings.

The Society is for the benefit and enjoyment of all members so if you have something you would like considered please use the suggestion box. The suggestion box with paper and pencils is beside the gun cabinet and all are encouraged to enter suggestions. All signed entries will be discussed at

committee meetings. Tarella cottage is looking wonderful as extensive

building repairs and a new coat of paint have been completed. There will be a formal re-opening to celebrate this, the date to be arranged after we know the result of a grant application.

There has been concern about the crush of members entering for the Saturday meetings, signing in, booking for outings and trying to get a coffee and talk to friends. So we are introducing entry through the Research Room doors. There is plenty ofroom to move, sign in, pick up the magazine and then move through to get a drink without the danger of collision.

Finally the Society has received resignations from the following co-ordinators:

Valerie Craven - Catering, Clyde Francis - Maintenance Noreen Skellam - Native Garden.

The Society thanks them for their many years of service.

Is there a member who would be willing to be the CATERING Co-ORDINATOR for the current year? Please see a member of the Committee if you would consider it.

Susan Warmbath (President 2004-2005)

IN KEEPING WITH NATIONAL TRUST HER1TAGE FESTIVAL 2004 - 'THE YEAR OF THE BUILT ENVIORNMENT.' The Upper Blue Mountains in focus. Displays of historic photographs, maps and estate plans. Tarella Historic Cottage built 1890 open for visitors. The Research Officer and staff will be available all weekend to answer queries and show the growth of the area. Homemade refreshments all weekend or picnic in the extensive grounds.

April 25 & 25, 2004 - 1 Oam to 4pm Entry: $3 Adults 50cents Children

Enquiries 02 4757 3402

Annual Membership fees due 1st July Individual Membership $20.00 Family Corporate $60.00 Junior

Subscriptions may be paid at meetings or posted to:

$36.00 $ 5.00

The Treasurer, Blue Mountains Historical Society Inc. P 0 Box 17, Wentworth Falls 2782

r-t\. EDITOR'S NOTE: Please feel free to contribute to this newsletter. Deadline May 18th for next issue --V Copy may be left at the Secretary's desk for Margaret Edwards or Email: davemarg@acay.com.au

Hobby's Outreach 4 April-May 2004

ROSTER FOR OPEN DAYS SATURDAY 24th APRIL 2004 Signs Out: 9.30am East: RKeen West: NSkellam

In: 3.30pm East: RKeen West: NSkellam Gate: 9.30am - lpm H Turner-Bums

12.45pm - 4pm P Excell Kitchen: 9.30am - lpm RJohnstone, N Skellam

12.45am - 4pm P Paull, R Johnstone Tarella: 9 .45am - 1 pm I Beveridge, E Powell

S Warmbath, C Ewan 12.45am- 4pm S Stimson, P Gunton ,

S Moyser, N Moyser Shop: 9.45am - lpm J Brister

SUNDAY 25th APRIL 2004 Signs Out: 9.30am East: R Keen West: J Ewan

In: 3.30pm East: R Keen West: I Powell Gate: 9.30am - lpm R Toseland

12.45pm - 4pm P Gunton Kitchen: 9.30am - lpm I Lancashire, M Keen

12.45am - 4pm E Powell, D Gilham Tarella: 9.45am - lpm D Toseland, L Sabine

12.45am - 4pm

Shop:

RDouglass, F Shellard, S Warmbath J Storey, C Ewan J Fielden

12.45am - 4pm G Warmbath 9.45am - lpm

12.45am - 4pm R Johnstone

'Some Childhood Memories of Leura ... before WWII' - John Ferris In the early 1930s Lone Pine Drive, leading from the War Memorial entrance at the foot of Malvern Road to the foot

'-.../·Gordon Road near Gordon Falls, was a peaceful avenue of considerable beauty. Well maintained garden plots in quite attractive timber and wire enclosures placed at intervals throughout the area contained trees and bore names of 1914-1918 Great War local soldiers who lost their lives. Features of the area were the armistice memorial steps leading to Lyrebirds Dell, a picnic spot of peace and beauty, and further along, a small grassed area with seats and the inevitable cannon.

Lone Pine Drive was a place of sufficient beauty to attract tourist coaches. However as the years passed the cages containing the memorial trees collapsed and any memorial trees that survived merged in to the remaining bush land. Trees were felled near Lyrebirds Dell to allow a parking area for tourist coaches, and as the coaches became longer and larger they could not negotiate the bends near the cannon, so an ugly gash was carved through the bush bypassing the cannon and its peaceful picnic area. These works and the gradual removal of gum trees from the fringes of the avenue left the area so scarred that it no longer attracted tourist coaches anyway. The cannon and seats fell into disrepair, and earthworks to extend the local cricket ground became visible, and now the only reminders of a peaceful area are the memorial entrance and the memorial steps to Lyrebirds Dell, and even the dell gradually lost its charm.

(BMHS Archives)

CHRONOLOGY: GORDON FALLS RESERVE, LEURA

1884 Gully and surrounding area above Gordon Falls Proclaimed for public use. ~- 915 Reference in Katoomba Council Minutes of acquisition of land in Malvern Road to give access to

'\.. _ _,, Gordon Falls Reserve. 1916 Reference in Katoomba Council Minutes to actions needed to stop people taking waratahs from the Reserve. 1917 Gordon Falls Reserve dedicated for Public Recreation 191 7 Ritz Garden F ete in aid of the Army Medical Comforts Fund. 1917 Article in Blue Mountains Echo (9 March) re Gordon Falls Reserve's Board of Trustees. 1919 First tree planted in Lone Pine Avenue in commemoration of Leura Soldiers. 1920 Plan of proposed Memorial Gates at the junction of Malvern Road, Balmoral Road and Lone Pine Avenue. 1921 Thanks to Katoomba Council for work done on gates from Leura War Memorial Committee. 1921 Ceremony to dedicate the four Dressed Sandstone Pillars with bronze plaques naming the members of the

local community and the Lone Pine Avenue as War Memorials, performed by Lord Forster, the Governor General.

1997 Rededication of Lone Pine Avenue, the Gateway Memorials and Gordon Falls Reserve.

Hobby's Outreach

'Lone Pine' will live on! The Lone Pine plant that was donated to the Society, has been

given to Gordon Falls Bushcare Group. At a special ceremony on ANZAC Day it will planted in

Lone Pine Avenue at Gordon Falls Reserve.

5

(BMHS archives)

April-May 2004

BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Inc. Management Committee President Susan Wannbath Vice-president Reg Toseland Secretary Joan Smith Treasurer Ronn Keen Members Hugh Bickford

Peter Gunton Roberta Johnstone John McClymont

4757 3402 4784 1682 4757 4009 4757 4767 4757 3107 4787 7335 4757 2024 9874 3592

Group Co-Ordinators Research Officer Joan Smith Curator Susan Warmbath Member. Secretary Elizabeth Finlay Newsletter Editor Margaret Edwards Walks & Talks Jo Adam Bookshop Susan Warmbath Cleaner Michael Long

Hobby's Reach Research Centre: 4757 3824

4757 4009 4757 3402 4757 1584 4759 1899 4759 1022 4757 3402 4757 3842

. BLUE MOUNTAINS IDSTORICAL SOCIETY Inc. ~ The Society's objective is to promote community interest in history in general and in the Blue Mountains in ,., ' particular. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month (except December and January) at the ~ Society's headquarters at Hobby's Reach. At these meetings a talk by an invited speaker or by a member is ~~ followed by general business. An excursion to a place of historical interest is held on the second Monday of most months and Research Days are held each Tuesday at Hobby's Reach from 1 Oam to 2am and on Friday between 1 Oam and noon under the supervision of the Research Officer.

Return Address: BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.

POBox 17 WENTWORTII FALLS NSW 2782

Hobby's Outreach 6 April-May 2004

BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY INCORPORATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL · POSITION AT 31ST DECEMBER, 2003

2002

350 13,307 19,411 32,000

118,000 2,791

125 3,507

$189,491

'155,ooo 325,301

25, 119 19, 718

$585,702

$775,193

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash on Hand Westpac Banking Corprn. - Cheque Account

" " " - Bonus Saver Account Investments - Westpac Term Deposit

- Westpac Term Deposit - Books and Other Items Inventories

Prepayments Interest Receivable

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

Freehold Land and Buildings: · "Tarella" at Valuation "Hobbys Reach" at Valuation and Additions

Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings, at Cost Less Depreciation Reserve

TOTAL ASSETS .

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

860 Accounts Payable 3,010 Grant for Provision for Publication

$3,870 TOTAL LIABILITIES

$771,323

Accumulated Funds:

594,608 Balance 1.1.2003 10,676 Net Income for Year

605, 284 166,039 Assets Revaluation Reserve

NET ASSETS

255,000

33,489 124,195

325,301 580,301 25,299 20,775 4,524

; 950 3,010

$771,323 ACCUMULATED FUNDS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 2003

370 8,392

24,072

157,684 2,251

3,208

195, 977

584,825

$780,802

3,960

$3,960

·$776,842

605,284 5,519

610,803 166,039

$776,842

BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY rNCORPORATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 2003

2002

2,785

2,694 1,178

296 880

7,983 525

6,682 101

2, 092 25,216

919 381

1,665 · 8

1,649 839

54 274

2,588 48

696

1,706 980 481

551 931 282

INCOME:

Members' Subscriptions Fund Raising: Tarella Openings and Kitchen

Cottage Shop Profit Donations Grants Received for Photographs

Less Expenditure Interest Photocopying Income Research Income Sundry Income Photograph Sales

LESS EXPENDITURE:

Audit Fees Affiliation Fees · Administration Supplies and Expenses Bank Charges Depreciation Electricity Functions Grounds Maintenance Insurance Maintenance - Tarella

- Hobbys Reach - Equipment

Photographs Photocopying Expenses Postages Publicity Rates

1,000 1,000

992 301 599

1,057 974

922 2,981

839 352 478

1,042 1,760

352

3,580

3,251 1,043

652

7,953 656 962

2,082 20,179 ~

14,540 488

Research and Library Tarella Cottage Expenses Telephone

31 492 839 232 417 14,660

$ 5,519 310,676 NET INCOME

AUDITOR'S REPORT

WE HEREBY CERTIFY THAT WE HAVE AUDITED THE BOOKS AND RECORDS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY INCORPORATED IN RESPECT OF THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER, 2003 IN ACCORDANCE WITH AUSTRALIAN AUDITING STANDARDS.

IN OUR OPINION AND TO THE BEST OF OUR INFORMATION AND ACCORDING TO THE EXPLANATIONS GIVEN TO US, THE ATTACHED ACCOUNTS GIVE A TRUE AND FAIR VIEW, IN THE CASE OF THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE STATE OF THE SOCIETY'S AFFAIRS AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND IN THE CASE OF THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR.

KATOOMBA: 25TH FEBRUARY, 2004 RAYM J.G. ANMORE C.~.A . . STAN:MORE, MITCHELL & ASSOCIATES

REGISTERED COMPANY AUDITOR

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