Author: hcsYbOjXZv

edited By Ian D. Clark And Fred Carhir
CSIRO Publishing, 2013. 303 pages & index.

Review by Laurice Bondfield

The subtitle of this book of articles is: “Forgotten Narratives” but as Dr. Peter Thorne, Vice President of the Royal Society of Victoria points out in his introduction, “Few episodes in Australia’s history have received as much attention as the Victorian Exploring Expedition of 1860-61”. Books, films, music, paintings, poems, and memorials have been dedicated to commemorating, mourning, explaining or satirising the Burke and Wills expedition. Why another book? Dr. Thorne is Chair of the Burke and Wills Anniversary Advisory Committee, which was set up by the Royal Society of Victoria in 2008 to critically examine the historical and other studies of the expedition in order to identify any areas that had been overlooked previously. Two areas stood out. First, no study had been done on the scientific work carried out during the expedition. This oversight has been rectified and a book published. Second, no careful study had been done on “the interaction between Indigenous people and the expeditioners and their potential and actual contribution to the expedition.” This book is the result of a symposium on the topic held at the University of Ballarat under the guidance of the editors and contributors, Ian D. Clark and Fred Carhir.

Before I go on to discuss the actual contents of the book, I would like to say what a beautiful production it is. A hard backed copy (including bookmark ribbon!) with clear, well set out text and beautifully reproduced photographs and prints or drawings made on the expedition, it is a delight to look at and read. The book was shortlisted in the 2014 NSW Premier’s History Awards. Congratulations to CSIRO publishing!

Some of the articles may present a few difficulties for the non-specialist reader—perhaps the linguistic and anthropological studies use some unfamiliar technical terms—but most are straightforward historical studies.

Two articles that I found extremely interesting concerned the German members of the expedition. Both scientists, Ludvig Becker and Hermann Beckler were concerned to understand the land and the Aboriginal people. Both produced carefully documented and beautifully illustrated journals. Beckler even annotated some music he heard at a corroboree. Reproduction of these illustrations in the book are one of its pleasures. One article by Peta Jeffries shows how the land around Mootwingee influenced Ludvig Becker, how he began to get an idea of how Indigenous people regarded their country.

Some of the other fifteen papers discuss: the prior experience of members of the expedition working with Aboriginal people, the different groups that the expeditioners encountered and their protocols for dealing with visitors to their land, the way the Yandruwandha were able to live well in their lands while the expedition failed, the criticism by contemporaries of Burke’s lack of use of Indigenous guides and distrust of the Indigenous people he encountered and discussion of the follow up treks to discover what had happened. One paper by Darrell Lewis discusses the story that Burke was shot rather than died of exposure.

A Yandruwandha man, Aaron Paterson, writes of his knowledge of the way his ancestors perceived members of the expedition passing through their lands and how they lived well in what to others was forbidding country. Interestingly he counts as part of his family a descendant of Alice King, a daughter fathered by John King when he was living with the Yandruwandha before being found by the Howitt relief expedition.

For the casual reader, this book of seventeen articles can be dipped into and out of. It is aimed at an audience used to reading closely argued and annotated historical papers but is still not difficult to read. Nevertheless I can recommend it to you, not only for the interesting insights it provides into a disaster so often discussed before, but for the excellent maps, illustrations and general layout which greatly enhance the text.

Purchase The Aboriginal Story of Burke and Wills: Forgotten Narratives via CSIRO Publishing.

This article was first published in the March 2015 edition of our magazine.

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by Gifford and Eileen Eardley

About 1893 a lovely residence, named “Tottenham House”, evidently in nostalgic memory of the same place-name which occurs in North London, was constructed on the highest point of the ridge which leads to Dover, or Tom Ugly’s Point, at a distance of about one quarter of a mile short of the present day bridge over Georges River. By all accounts the house was built to the design of Mr. Roland Cook, an architect of no mean merit, who practised his profession at Rockdale, and it was first occupied by this gentleman’s father, Azarias Cook.

The beautiful home commands a magnificent view down the wide expanse of the Georges River eastward to the flats of Woolooware Bay and the sand hills beyond, which are such a prominent feature of the Botany Bay landscape. Nearer is the spacious extent of Kogarah Bay with St. Kilda Point and Rocky Point jutting out into the main waterway, the latter being united nowadays with the opposing Taren Point by the graceful curves of the Taren Point Bridge. Gawley Bay and the suburb of Sylvania line on the southern aspect of the vista, and the picturesque Shipwright’s Bay immediately below at the south-western angle, with the heights above Baldface Point forming the western skyline. Without a doubt, the outlook from the tower of “Tottenham House” would be most difficult to equal in this well chosen pretty riverside area.

The prominent feature of the house was the front drawing room, of large dimensions, which was surrounded by a wide verandah on three sides, and faced towards the east. The verandah floor was paved with rectangular shaped slabs of sandstone and its galvanised corrugated iron roof had each sheet painted, alternatively, in red and white. The outer portion of the roof was supported by slender cast-iron pillars and the frontal beams were hung with a delicate patterned cast-iron fringe, which, unfortunately, has been removed in recent years and now serves in a similar capacity at another suburb. Entrance to the verandah from the drive was gained by cut stone access steps placed on the northern side opposite the entrance hall doorway. This hail, passing beneath two plaster moulded archways, led through to the southern portion of the almost encircling verandah where a second entrance doorway was located, this outer end being surrounded, on its eastern and southern sides, by windows glazed with coloured glass.

A second hall, branching in an east-west direction from the first, led to the interior rooms of the house, and also contained a narrow width staircase which led to the upper bedrooms, four in number, and, beyond a small landing, a second staircase gave access to the higher observation tower, of four-square shape, built from cement rendered brickwork.

The front drawing room was supplied with five full length sash-windows, reaching from near the ceiling to almost floor level. A marble encased fireplace was placed on the southern side of the room. It has been stated that this marble fitment, together with its marble overmantle, was specially brought from Italy. Three other marble surrounds from the same source were provided for other rooms. Doors, skirtings, and other interior woodwork were of polished cedar. With the advent of gas-lighting a magnificent chandelier, replete with hundreds of scintillating three-sided cut glass prisms, was swung from the centre of the room, the light circle being about six feet in diameter. Dual gas brackets of ornate design were placed above the overmantle at each side of the fireplace. The drawing room also served as a music room and was provided with a Beckstein grand piano, a harp, and other musical instruments.

On the southern side of the east-west hallway, and opening therefrom, was a large dining room with a three-sided bow window which faced southwards to the glories of Shipwright’s Bay. This room was provided with a marble encased fireplace against the western wall, and was illuminated by a gaslit chandelier of similar design as that in the drawing room. When the electricity service was extended to the area the various gas fittings were removed and replaced by electric globes, using the older light shades, the wiring of the elaborate chandeliers being a most tedious and exacting process.

On the western side of, and against the dining room was the bathroom, also entered from the east-west hallway, which was replete with all the usual fittings for the performance of the family ablutions. Beyond the bathroom the east-west hallway, now isolated by a swing door, continued westward to the pantry, its southern wall being given over to a long row of casement windows.

At the northern side of the house, hard against the stairway, was the main bedroom, its windows opening to the northern portion of the tree-clad garden. This room also had a marble encased fireplace against its western wall and the woodwork was of polished cedar. To the west came the breakfast room which, in turn, had a black marble fireplace against the western wall, the sash window facing northwards to admit the early morning sun, and also to give a view over the length of Kogarah Bay, with Carss Park in the mid distance. To all intents and purposes the breakfast room, together with the bathroom on the opposite side of the hallway, marked what may be regarded as the main portion of the house with the exception of the kitchen. The three lesser rooms, of small dimensions, comprising the pantry, the scullery, and the laundry, were of temporary construction, subject to replacement on a grander scale at a later date.

The stairway led upwards to connect with four bedrooms used by the children of the house, two rooms being lit by dormer windows, one facing north and the other south, whilst the other two attic rooms faced west and were lit by wide sash windows. Part of the ceilings of the four attic rooms sloped for a short distance to accommodate the slope of the roof. As before mentioned, from the upper landing of the main stairway a very steep flight of stairs led to the floor of the tower.

As first built the property was served by a lower driveway which led from the northern entrance gates, placed against Woniora Road (now Princes Highway) to the two-storied stables and coach-house established on the lower level of the grounds, about 150 feet away from the house, in the vicinity of the present day Townson Street. This drive encircled the house in the length of its course and provided an easy grade for the carts carrying chaff and other heavy materials. There was an upper driveway, also leading from the entrance gate, which gave carriage access to the front entrance of the house, before encircling the drawing room extension and then descending westwards to the lower level driveway as it approached the stable enclosure. The stable menage catered for several horses and cows, whilst its upstairs rooms housed the handyman, under whose care the animals, and also the garden, were placed. This stable building was destroyed by fire about 1908 and was replaced by a single storied structure erected closer to the house and served latterly by an unpaved lane which led direct from the entrance gate to the stable yard, the former lower road being absorbed by the widening of Princes Highway. At this juncture it may be mentioned that Mr. William Molesworth Oxley, a former sea-captain and relative of John Oxley the explorer, found a safe haven at “Tottenham House” where he attended to the garden amongst other chores. The main horse paddock was ranged along the area now marked by Townsend Street, whilst a tennis court was located near the entrance gate opening on to Woniora Road.

The terraced garden was served by numerous paths, lined with low slabs of sandstone, delightfully arranged to follow the slopes of the hillside and mingle with the native tree growth and lemon-scented gums. There were a number of Sydney Red Gums, both young and old, which were really beautiful specimens of their kind, showing off their writhing shaped branches to the best advantage for their wondering and appreciative admirers. Intermixed with the indigenous growth were jacarandas, cypress trees, olive trees, and camphor-laurels, and along the drive to the house was a row of pine trees which overshadowed a mass of partridge-breasted aloes, aglow in their flowering season with clusters of red and orange bell-shaped flowers held aloft on long spindly stems resembling over-large Christmas Bells. One path is bordered with a dense growth of blue and white agapanthus, which thrive on the somewhat stony soil. Oleanders grew to large dimensions and displayed a multitude of pink sweet-smelling blossoms. There was one finely shaped Abies pine tree, a real gem with light green foliage and cream-leafed tips. Box trees with their reddish coloured trunks added charm to the scene, likewise the scarlet bell-shaped flowers of the tall hibiscus plants. A wealth of smaller flowering plants, such as geraniums of diverse sorts and colours, flourished at the western end of the house, whilst various varieties of climbing vines spread themselves over a large glass-house, which, at the time of our inspection in 1970, had fallen, literally, on evil days, and its former contents of ferns and begonias removed to places elsewhere. In its hey-day “Tottenham House” with its extensive gardens, must have been very beautiful.

The elder Mr. Azarias Cook passed away about 1905 and the house then came into the possession of its architect, Mr. Roland Cook, who, with his family, resided therein. About 1969 this lovely property was vacated and vandalism became rife to the detriment of the windows and internal fittings in particular. As far as can be ascertained the future of the stone built house has not been decided, but there is a possibility of the extensive grounds being subdivided, prospective buyers seeking that the beautiful tree growth be preserved, which is just as it should be.

This article was first published in the July 1971 edition of our magazine.

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by Gwen Frost

Mrs. Catherine Collins, nee Swarbrick, came with her parents, Richard and James Swarbrick, and her four sisters and two brothers, from Woodplumpton in the Manchester, Blackpool area, about 1910. They had lived in a comfortable two-storey farmhouse on the farm, which had been in the Swarbrick family for generations. The family migrated because of Richard’s ill-health. It was thought the warmer Australian climate would be of benefit to him.

They went first to Toowoomba, where Richard had been engaged prior to leaving England, to manage a farm in the area. They found. conditions were very primitive, far different from their comfortable home in England. The farmhouse consisted of just one, very large, unlined room, totally unsuitable for themselves and their seven children.

Jane Swarbrick’s brother, Robert Rhodes, had come to Sydney some years previously, the first of the family to migrate. He established the first pig and poultry farm in the Matraville area in Smith Street. This area became a big farming community, with pig, poultry and vegetable growing as the main industry. It is now known as Pagewood and is totally suburban. Rhodes Street was named after Robert Rhodes, who was very highly respected in the area.

The Swarbrick family came to stay with him and as he and his wife, Nellie, had seven children of similar ages to the Swarbricks, it was a very lively and crowded household.

Richard and Jane bought land at Arncliffe, in a rural area, now known as the suburb of Turella. Richard’s health did not improve. He was found to have cancer of the stomach, and died within a year of reaching Australia.

Jane, who was a wonderful cook and manager, established a dairy farm, run on sound English lines. The family rose at 2am, milked the large herd of cows and delivered milk in horse-drawn carts to the area around Bexley, Banksia and Arncliffe. There were two deliveries daily. Catherine delivered milk in the Bexley area, alone. A terrifying experience one would think, since the area was sparsely populated and mostly without any street lighting.

Jim Collins came to work on the dairy and courted Kitty, When they had a night out, with transport as it was then, it was usually a case of changing into work clothes on arrival home and on with the milking.

There were many Chinese market gardens around the farm and the industrious Chinese were often the subject of good-humoured Tricks on the part of the Swarbricks.

After their marriage the farm was sold and Jane bought land in Sackville Street, Bexley, where she built a wooden home called “The Bungalow”. She gave her daughter a block of land next door, and another timber home was built, by the young couple. Both homes are still occupied.

Their two daughters, Jean and Maisie were born, and Jim Collins carried on a milk delivery business from there.

He sold the business to Albert Beale in 1915, and rented a shop in Rouse’s buildings, between Harrow Road and Frederick Street, Bexley. He opened a cake chop there and in 1917, built his own premises on the corner of Forest Road and Bayview Street.

By hard work and sheer determination, the young couple built up a cake shop and later, a catering business there. They weathered the depression years. The premises were remodelled and a hall built above the shop, where weddings and small functions were catered for and they prospered.

Two sons were born in 1928 and 1930,James and Richard (Jack) a cause for much rejoicing. In 1944 they retired to live at 20 Henderson Road where they remained for nearly 30 years, finally moving to Ulladulla in 1973.

James became a High School Teacher, but his heart was always set on farming, and he is now a prominent and very successful farmer, at Springvale near Bega. He and his wife are public-spirited, and have by their work, greatly helped the farmers of the valley.

Jack went to England to teach, then to Lake Quesnel in Canada, where he met his wife, Helen, and they now live at Coquitlam, an outer suburb of Vancouver.

Maisie was a secretary, and married Norman Hooper, who was an apprentice in the family business, and after living in Carlton with their five daughters, have retired come years ago to lake Burril.

Jean, became a senior State School Principal, when women were given that opportunity. She married Charles Groom, but is now widowed, living at Kurrajong where she very successfully breeds Cairn Terriers and maintains her professional interest in teaching children with learning difficulties.

The following Obituary – James (Jim) Collins – is from The Express, dated 21st April 1982.

James (Jim) Collins – “Pop” to everybody, was born August 14, 1886, in Denchworth, Berks, England.

“Pop” was an indentured apprentice to the saddlery trade for a period of four years at Wantage, but became dissatisfied due to the confined activities which prevented him from following his football training, such as tanning and bicycling, which he also enjoyed at this period of his life.

He left this trade and assisted his father for a short time in farm work, shepherding sheep and ploughing fields.

He was then introduced to the baking and pastry cooking by a mutual friend. He was employed by the Great Western Railway Co-operative at Reading in Berkshire, England where he became a proficient tradesman and as the years went by, he acquitted himself well as a pastry cook.

Later he migrated to Australia and settled at Arncliffe in Sydney, finding work as a dairy hand. He formed an attachment to the daughter (Catherine) of his employer, Mrs Jane Swarbrick, who later became his mother-in-law.

Pop and Catherine set up in business with the financial help of her mother as a caterer and pastry cook, in Forest Road, Bexley, where they conducted a successful enterprise for about 33 years, making many friends in the district during this period.

On retirement, Pop travelled overseas to his homeland and renewed lots of old associations of his youthful days. His wife accompanied him on a later trip.

His first and last love was fishing. Like most fishermen he was prone to exaggeration so far as the size and number of fish he caught or in respect to the ones which got away.

He made a study of fish – habitat, tides, winds and always knew the reasons why fish don’t bite. In fact, he became an artful and cagey foe, making it difficult for the fish to escape, whatever the circumstances and it has been suggested that the fisheries inspector was taking more than a passing interest in the “size” of the fish in his bag, particularly when he lived in the St. George District.

In May 1973, he and his wife Kitty, moved from Henderson Road Bexley, (their retirement home) to 27, Boree Street, Ulladulla, where he lived until his death, for nine years, and during that time he and his wife took on an identity in the district, his wife for her philosophical insight into life generally, with all its plusses and minuses.

Pop being an extrovert, made friends easily. He was always his own man, and to the last took a keen interest in football, tennis and cricket, with a good sense of recall as to the players names, clubs and the score of each event.

His garden was always colourful and immaculate.

He was interesting an told many stories about. “the good old days” and his opinions of the workers today, by comparison to yesteryear, were proactive. He was concerned about the direction Australia is taking today and of course, he is not the only person to be aware of this, and sharing his concern.

He has lived a good and industrious life and has had a good innings, playing the game of life to its end.

He is survived by four children – Jean (Kurrajing), Maisie (Dolphin Point), Jim (Bega) and Jack (Canada). There are also thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

Death Notice
COLLINS, James
Died April 17, 1982 at hospital.
Late of 27 Boree Street, Ulladulla, Formerly of Henderson Road, Bexley.
Dearly loved husband of Katherine (deceased) Loved father of Jean Groom of Kurrajong, Maisie Hooper of Dolphin Point, Jim Collins of Bega, Jack Collins of Vancouver, Canada.
Loved Pop of his 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Aged 95 years.

This article was first published in the August 2001 edition of our magazine.

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