Training the Child

Everyone has an opinion about how to raise a child.  I am not braver enough to offer my own however I will defer to an opinion piece from 1936

THESE are times when one hears much concerning the bringing up of children. I was glad to notice that Professor Lovell, speaking in Sydney, referred to some of the theories that, are current regarding the training of boys and girls in which any kind of repression is considered wrong. Professor Lovell offered a few words of sane thought to parents that are worth their study. America is, I believe, the centre from which came the view that a child should be allowed to manifest every emotion and desire with little, if any, check. This always seems as absurd as tho opposite view prominent in Britain in the mid Victorian era, and also in Puritan times, which sternly repressed every tendency and desire. Going back to Sir Walter Scott's day he tells how, when a little boy, he said during dinner: . "How good this soup is," on which his father ordered a pint of cold water to be poured into it as a lesson not to think of his appetite. But one extreme is as foolish as another, and while one condemns Sir Walter Scott's father as a stupid per- son, we must also condemn those who believe that the child does not need checks. There is a difference between, guidance and training even to the extent of forbidding certain things, and that rather dangerous plan of permitting children to follow their wishes without hindrance. Just as an engine needs a governor to control its power, so does the human engine require a governor, and this is supplied by that rational training that breeds discipline within, and imposes its own restraints by the use of reason and judgment.

Source


1936 'DAY BY DAY.', The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), 12 May, p. 6, viewed 16 June, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25217232

Self Discipline

The virtue I am presenting for consideration is self discipline.  The New Oxford Dictionary defines it as  "the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it."  If I am honest my life has been influenced in various degrees by both its possession and its absence. Unfortunately the latter has prevailed by means that are so familiar to me I do not feel the need for any further self flagellation by presenting them here.  

An opinion piece in the The North Territory Times (1917) encapsulates its meaning for me; self-discipline is, or should be, the end and aim of all other discipline.   In the same breath I am earnestly informed that a test of its quality; and an indication that I will be thankful for the knowledge of having cultivated it in my life, is when it has gradually merged into a feeling of self-control. This is I presume is where my intention manifests as an action, such as the intention of  actually doing what I say I am going to do. The times I have actively embodied the character of  self discipline has provided me with glimpses of the meaning and the blessing of freedom. Its brief possession has allowed me to realise that with its abscence, my mind is a scene of disorder and confusion in which I am its powerless victim.  

I am painfully aware the modern world is relentlessly acting upon me and I am constantly being tempted by an almost continuous flood of conflicting impulses, feelings and emotions.  I sometimes feel I live in a world that requires me to manifest every emotion or whim without any check. This reminds me of a story that I recently read about Sir Walter Scott when he was a little boy.  He was said to remark during dinner, "How good is this soup?" in which his Father responded by ordering a pint of cold water to be poured into it as a 'lesson' not to think of his appetite.  I do not presume that I should be able to follow my wishes  without hindrance however I am mindful that 'self discipline' nurtured allows me to make my choices with a degree of personal responsibility.

Frankly no wonder I am seeking words of inspiration and guidance with the urgency of a divining rod.  My submission to excess has been complete however in  my defence if it was measured with a bell curve, I would like to believe that I share a place in its shade with all the other 'normal neurotics'. My version of  excess  manifests itself by the need to mindlessly consume as my iTunes account is a testament. I sometimes ashamedly believe that my gadgets are more important than my relationships and disturbingly I have been seduced by a fear that is drip fed by an unforgiving environment (media, internet etc..). It has invaded my consciousness as imperiously as stronger country invades a weaker one.  

In "Discipline and Self Control" (1926) it is eloquently articulates the problems of living in the midst of a technologically advancing world. Its sage advice is just as relevant to my modern ears as it is to the decadents of those 'roaring' times. Accordingly the problem I assume is like many others of my generation is to actually determine how I can  organise and associate all my life experiences so as to weave them all into a harmonious pattern of peace and happiness.  Perhaps the weaving is the act of self discipline and akin to the actual craft of fabric production it also a creative process. Reassuringly and at the same time equally baffling is  that my own happiness is essentially  a volition of my mind manifesting itself as intent.

Referennces

1917 'SELF-DISCIPLINE.', Northern Territory Times and Gazette (Darwin, NT : 1873 - 1927), 20 September, p. 13, viewed 8 June, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3285672

1926 'DISCIPLINE OR SELF-CONTROL.', Advocate (Burnie, Tas. : 1890 - 1954), 27 October, p. 13, viewed 8 June, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67537182

1936 'DAY BY DAY.', The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), 12 May, p. 6, viewed 8 June, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25217232

Penny By Haenigsen

1946 'PENNY.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 17 April, p. 6, viewed 7 June, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17976552

Poor Ma

Bobby- "Mamma, what would you do if that big vase in the parlour got broken?
Mamma- " I would whip whoever did it"
Bobby- " You'd better get your muscles up, "cos pa's broken it."

1900 'HUMOUR.', Liverpool Herald (NSW : 1897 - 1907), 11 August, p. 9, viewed 7 June, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37254959

Comic- Penny- 09/05/1949

Penny- 09/05/1949
SMH

Source

1949 'PENNY.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 10 May, p. 7, viewed 9 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27578599

If you fear change..

I know Australia is generally not a tipping culture, but sometimes the message is compelling.  This little Girrafe can be found at Cafe Newton, Mezze Bar.  They are located at the intersection of Enmore Rd and King Street, Newtown.  The barista is great and she even remembers your order.

Fear change Giraffe.

Getting There:

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1500 Miles in a Lifeboat: 27 Days on the Open Sea

I used a a random number generator and chose the year 1902 for todays story.  It is a nautical adventure something that Joseph Conrad could have have written. This is the actual article as it appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, May 9th 1902. This ship was a frequent visitor to Sydney Harbour over the years.

S.S Boveric 1906

The anxiety which was felt regarding the overdue steamer Boveric was relieved to an extent today by the receipt of a telegram from Fremantle announcing, as was generally surmised, that the vessel had met with no more serious misadventure than the loss of her propellor. This, under the circumstances, welcome news was brought by the chief officer of the Boveric, Mr Hayman, who together with three of the crew of the Boveric had sailed 1500 miles in an open lifeboat to seek assistance for the disabled vessel.

The heroic adventurers were picked up off the coast near Fremantle on Wednesday afternoon by the steamer Willyama, and brought on by that vessel to the Western Australian port they had had a long and arduous experience, having been no less than 27 days in the life before they were discovered,  and their cruise has probably established a record as regards distance and time in lifeboats

At the time of her mishap the Boveric was approximately 500 miles north of the regular track of steamers coming from South Africa, and the chances of her being discovered by vessels coming from the Cape were remote. When going from Australia to South   Afica steamers especially those with live stock on board-proceed over a much higher latitude than that taken by vessels coming the reverse way. The object of this is to escape, as far as possible, the strong westerly winds which sweep the lower latitudes of the Southern Ocean. More favourable conditions are found over the higher latitudes, and it was for this reason that the Boveric, with her valuable freight of 960 horses on board, was ordered to steer a course between the parallels of 28° and 32°. Upon the receipt of the news of the accident the Howard Smith Company entered into negotiations for the despatch of one or two steamers from Western Australia to search for the disabled vessel. The company has not at present a steamer in the west which would be suitable for such a mission, and they are therefore arranging for assistance outside their own fleet. The negotiations which are in progress were not concluded up to tonight but it is almost certain that aid will be sent to the helpless steamer to morrow.

The voyage of the Boveric began inauspiciously for Mr Hayman, the chief officer, and there seemed a prospect at one time that he would not be able to   go away in her. Whilst the last batch of horses was being shipped at Port Melbourne the day before the departure of the vessel one of the animals made a savage attack with its teeth on Mr Hayman, inflicting an ugly wound on one of his shoulders. The injured officer suffered acutely from the effects of the bite but resolutely stuck to his post. Mr Hayman is well known in connection with coastal shipping Before joining the Howard Smith line he was in the service of the   Adelaide S.S. Company, Limited. Although it is  understood that the Boveric is amply provided with provisions for the crew, there is grave doubt as to how the horses will fare in event of the voyage being much further prolonged. When the Boveric left here she took sufficient fodder to last the animals for 45 days, but it is more than likely that when the accident occurred their daily allowance of fodder was reduced in order to provide as far as possible for a protracted sojourn at sea. The vessel has now been 48 days out from this port the opinion is expressed by several nautical men that a vessel following the course of the prevailing current from the spot where the Boveric began to drift would probably be swept across to the coast of Mauritius.

The manager for Howard Smith and Co. received a telegram tins afternoon from the chief officer of the Boveric at Fremantle as follows : -"Boveric lost her propeller April 3, latitude 30°42 south longitude 93 42 east drifting till 11th, when chief officer left, about 25 miles per day north-west directions Should be well northward of Australian-South African track " .

For those who like a happy ending

The Boveric arrived at Freemantle in tow of the steamer Narrunm, which turned back from her journey to South Africa to render this service. The passengers and crew of the Boveric, and the horses on board, are well and in splendid condition.

Sources

1902 'THE S.S. BOVERIC.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 9 May, p. 7, viewed 8 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14440755


1902 'THE BOVERIC.', The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 - 1954), 16 May, p. 3, viewed 8 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72847971

Constable attacked 7th of May 1930

On the 7th of May 1930 (82 years ago to the day) a very brave NSW police officer, Constable Clinch was attempting to arrest two young men who had allegedly been assaulting a Taxi driver. One of the men resisted arrest however he was able to arrest the other.


A Taxi driver was attacked at the corner of George St and Quay Streets early in the morning by two men that tried to rob him. The Taxi driver refused to hand over the money whereupon both men attacked him. Constable Clinch heard the commotion and went to assist the driver, unfortunately both men turned on him. During the ensuing scuffle the Constable was thrown several times. One of the men was able to grab the Constable's baton form his hip pocket and struck him on the head inflicting a gash to his forehead. Despite this and the fact blood was flowing down his face Constable Clinch hung onto the one of the men until he was able to handcuff him. 


The arrested man was apparently a professional boxer and was charged with demanding money with menace and assaulting the Taxi driver, assault police and carrying an unlicensed pistol (He was lucky he wasn't shot).  It is not often today that police work 'one' out.  Many of the situations that they would have had to deal with as a single unit. Constable Clinch ended up being taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital suffering from concussion.  From what I have researched he ended up working in Rose Bay.  There is a story about him assisting a woman attempting suicide at the 'Gap' in the early 40's
.

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Source

1930 'CONSTABLE ATTACKED.', The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), 7 May, p. 14, viewed 7 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16700598 

Roller Derby- A Good Night Out

Check out my roller derby video. This is one of the first bouts that I went to. Yes it is a blood sport. For the boys there is even a Pole Dancer.

Flying Fox Problem- In History.

I was reading a recent SMH article about the "Flying Fox relocation plan."  I was interested to read an old article from 5th of January 1932. That in the 1930's frustrated Sydney fruit growers thought  that some poison gas could be generated beneath a bat laden trees.  I suppose the idea of exterminating them was far more appealing than relocation.  Experiments on these bat colonies were carried out, but the gas did not rise quickly enough and the flying foxes flew away before it had any effect. The article ended by stating, "there seems to be no effective method of dealing with them except finding them and shooting them."  I guess these are the issues when you alter their natural habitat.

Flying Fox at Sydney Botanical Gardens.
paulafunnel

Source

1932 'FLYING FOXES.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 5 January, p. 8, viewed 7 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16831807

Coffee at Vargabar

After you have been walking around Newtown grab a cappuccino at the Varga Bar. It is well placed on the corner of Wilson Street and Erskineville Road at Newtown.  It serves coffee from a hole in the wall or you can sit down and have breakfast.  The sit down service is prompt and attentive.  The eggs were delicious and light.  The barista makes an excellent cup of coffee, my Wife's skinny cap was so good she it thought it was the real deal.

Barista in action at Vargabar

Blackboard menu, Vargabar Newtown

Getting There:

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Mystery of the Falling Frogs

We have had a lot rain lately but in all that wet I didn't see any frogs.  However on Tuesday the 2 December 1947 a shower of rain in Newtown apparently brought out hundreds of frogs.  Some of the eyewitnesses claim that the frogs came down with the rain.  This reminds me of the final scene of "Magnolia" in which Los Angeles experiences frogs raining from the sky. Apparently the technical term is a 'raining animal' event.  A teenage boy from Newtown said that he saw frogs hitting the ground in front of him on King Street (Princess Highway) and Yelverton Street.  There were hundreds of small ones and a few big ones he claimed.  Most of them were green and few were brown. Those that did not suffer fatal injuries from reaching terminal velocity were squashed by cars.

Thankfully after consulting Wikipedia my doubt about this 'natural' phenomena was all but cleared up.  One of the theories is that strong winds traveling over water sometimes pick up creatures such as fish or frogs and carry them for several miles.  The scientists in 1947 suggested it might have been a waterspout.  However they also pointed out that frogs which would die in dry conditions hide in cracks and under cover and come out in great numbers with rain.   

View Sydney a History in a larger map

Sources

 1947 'MYSTERY FROGS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 3 December, p. 3, viewed 6 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18052015

Wikipedia contributors. Raining animals. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. April 29, 2012, 14:33 UTC. Available at:http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Raining_animals&oldid=489789630. Accessed May 6, 2012.

Revelation Ceiling at Newtown Mission

A couple of weeks ago I walked past the Newtown Mission on King Street, Newtown. I have walked past it for years but never been in. I wanted to specifically see the revelation ceiling. I didn't have a camera but a sourced a great photo from flickr (thanks Newtown Graffiti).

Revelation Ceiling, Newtown Mission

This morning I dropped in for the Sunday Worship at 9.30 am.  I walked in and there appeared to be a real cross section of the community young families lots of kids, from all different backgrounds.. The community appeared to be relaxed and informal and Pastor led the service in his jeans.  Yes, there was a band Vocals, drums and electric guitar.  The words for the song could be viewed on a light pro behind the dais.  I have to say I thought they were quite good.  I found it rather pleasant, friendly relaxed and the congregation did not appear to be aggressively seeking conversions.


The Revelation Ceiling based on the last book of the bible; Revelation.  It was painted by one of the Newtown Mission parishioners, Kon Parris.  The mural spans the entire ceiling and took him seven years to complete.  It is considered to be the largest 'religious artwork in Australia.


Opening: The Revelation Ceiling is open for viewing on the first Friday & Sunday of each month or by appointment.    


Gettting There: By train you can get off at Macdonaldtown or Newtown Railway Station.

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Newtown Mission

Jets vs Bears- Henson Park

I was reading the Newtown Jets Website and the following words grabbed by attention," a Newtown home game at Henson Park on a wintry Saturday afternoon is a definitive cultural experience." Although it was not actually mid winter there was a bit of a chill in the air. I went with a friend and his two little boys, it is never too early to be tribal. It was game 1 of the Frank Hyde (read about Frank Hyde) trophy. We used the entrance on the south west via Centennial Avenue, Marrickville and drove right into the ground and we were able to find a park. There was plenty of parking even though we arrived about 3.05pm.

Norths about to score

We took up our positions on the hill where all the crowd action was heating up. Newtown was already ahead by 10 points so I was anticipating a white wash. The sun started to get a bit of a bite and didn't have a hat. I gravitated towards the merchandise stall positioned at the top of the 'hill' on the western side of the ground. I pulled out my credit card and $25 later I was the proud owner of a Newtown Jets supporters cap. My friend Brendan went to get the beers and the 'cultural icon' of Saturday arvo 'footy' the meat pie. I had just had my tofu salad and as my body is a temple I decided to have a Resch's Draught. My eyes began to well with tears of nostalgia.

Meat Pie

The supporters of both sides were excited and vocal. We were seated directly in front of some passionate North supporters and they dispensed sage advice like a monk to his disciple. "Keep hold of him, good stuff." "Muscle up Bears, Muscle up." "Why don't you kick it for him ref?" They must have been listening because by half time Norths had scored a couple of trys and were leading 16-10. As the half time whistle blew, the kids and Dads were on the field kicking footballs, wrestling it was more violent than the actual game.

The Dispensers of Wisdom

Once the game recommenced I walked around to the Western side of the ground over to the "King George the V" Memorial Grandstand". The photography was better as I was not taking photos into the sun. Besides by this stage although Newtown had evened the score they had given it a way with an intercept try to Norths. In order to get some equilibrium I decided to distract myself by taking photos. The final score 26-22 the Bears victorious. Although I felt a winner and part of something larger than my self.

Norths waving flags after scoring try.

Cost: Ground entry is $10. Concession $5. Kids under $16 free.

Getting There: Henson Park is at the end of Centennial Street, Marrickville- just off Sydenham Road.  You can park your car in the ground for an additional $5.

Frank Hyde

Frank Hyde

On Saturday afternoon I watched game 1 of The Frank Hyde trophy at Henson Park between the Newtown Jets and North Sydney. He was an Australian rugby league footballer and played for both Newtown Jets and North Sydney.  Following his playing career he achieved even greater success as a commentator, which earned him the membership of the order of Australia.

I read a players profile about him from the June 19th 1945 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald.   Like many players of the modern era he suffered many injuries throughout his playing career.  He suffered a broken knee-cap, leg and right arm and a painful dislocation of both shoulders.

He was a natural leader.  He was one of those men that understood that you only get out of life what you put in. He said, "I still owe the game a lot.  The friends I have made and the knowledge of men I have gained more than repay me.".  He was admired for his "soft spoken tolerance, his search of praise where criticism would be easier and the importance of personal example which he recognises but never talks about."

Sources

1945 'SPORTING PERSONALITIES.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 19 June, p. 7, viewed 5 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17943103
Wikipedia contributors, "Frank Hyde," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_Hyde&oldid=488710311 (accessed May 5, 2012).

North Bondi- Ocean Swimming with Mermaid.

This morning I felt like I was stuck in an episode of the Twilight zone.  A year ago I could not imagine saying to Maria, “Where is my wetsuit?" She was quite distracted as she was looking at the beach camera positioned on top of North Bondi RSL. We were debating the surf conditions like seasoned pros. I thought it looked a little choppy however Maria being the more experienced ocean swimmer authoritatively stated that it was fine.

We are members of BondFit triathlon club and on Saturday mornings they offer rookie open water swimming. This was my third time and I felt quite intimidated by the waves. Mermaid, our effervescent coach enthusiasm was contagious. I noticed there were more experienced swimmers and I said to her, “Is this for the big kids or the little kids?" She laughed and said, “Both". She could sense that I was full of trepidation and she paired us beginners with the more experienced swimmers. I was paired up with her and I've always wanted to swim with a 'mermaid'.  She literally held my hand and dragged me out. She wasn't a bad sort and I thought can't we just stand here and hold hands. We took it slowly and the main thing that she kept repeating like a mantra was to stay relaxed. I found that I was in oxygen debt before I could get through the breakers. It was not so much my fitness but because of my anxiety about drowning. Once I was able to relax myself I had no issues going out to the calmer water beyond the breakers. Towards the end of the session, we practised some body surfing and I felt like I was eight years old again.  Maria and I were swapping war stories, "It threw me under and held me down." "Yeah, they were at least 8 metres high." We must have sounded like we were on speed.

Bondi Beach this morning.

It was great fun had by all and remember kids always swim between the flags.

Getting There: 

Parking is expensive however if you arrive in plenty of time quite often you may get a park in some of the back streets.  Buses are frequent and depart from the Bondi Junction bus interchange.

Camperdown Cemetery- A Stroll

On Tuesday I went for a rather pleasant walk around Camperdown Cemetery. Camperdown Cemetery which is situated on the southern end of Church Street about 80 metres from King Street.  St Stephen's Anglican Church located at the entrance of the Cemetery is reminiscent of a parish church in England. This building is one of Australia's best Gothic Revival churches on this scale and its unique and historic surroundings render it a building of the highest importance. 

The church is in a prominent position on the crest of a rise, approximately three miles south west of the city of Sydney. The spire is notable for miles. The cemetery forms a unique close to the Church; it contains numerous fine trees including a large Moreton Fig Tree. (Lucas 1975, Office of Environment & Heritage).

Camperdown Cemetery 2012

The church was consecrated on Tuesday the 9th of September 1845 by the Bishop of Australia. Nearly 17,530 persons have been laid to rest there.  Many of these persons were famous both in Australia and overseas.  One of these is little known story of celebrated musician, Nicholas Charles Boscha.  Boscha was one of the most celebrated harpists of the day.  He was for some years harpist to the Emperor Napoleon.  The following is an article contained in the Sydney Morning Herald written in 1927.
Napleon Harpist

Getting There

By train you can get off at Macdonaldtown or Newtown Railway Station walking along King Street until you get to Church Street.  The church is about 80 m north of King Street.

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Sources

1845 'PARDONS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 10 September, p. 3, viewed 4 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12882077


1927 'NAPOLEON'S HARPIST.', The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), 2 July, p. 11, viewed 4 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16378269

1938 'HISTORIC CEMETERY.', The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), 2 November, p. 17, viewed 4 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17533590

Fish & Chips under the Bridge

When we visited our friends who live in Tauranga, New Zealand they took us to their local Fish & Chip shop. On their recent visit to Sydney we were eager to return the favour.  We decided to take them to Kirribilli Seafoods at Kirribilli.  This is an old favourite and the fish and chips are some of the best in Sydney.

Selection of Fish- Kirribilli Seafoods

Oysters & Prawns- Kirribilli Seafoods

They have a great selection of fish Atlantic Salmon, Australian Barramundi, Ocean Trout, Flat Head, Snapper and Deep Sea Perch.  We had the fish of the day which was a NZ Dory with chips for $9.50.  We took our 'catch' to Bradfield Park and sat at some well placed picnic tables in the shade.  kirribillseafoods

How to Get There: The easiest way is to take the train and get off at  Milsons Point Railway Station and turn left when you are in the main concourse heading out the eastern side of  the station.  There is meter parking under the bridge if you are driving.

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Cremorne Foreshore Walk

I had some friends from New Zealand visiting, they have been to Sydney many times.  My dilemma was to take them to a part of Sydney they had not visited before.  I haven't walked the Cremorne Foreshore walk for about 12 years.  It is a gorgeous walk and one of my favourite harbour walks in all of Sydney.  "In this special reserve you can find places to sit and contemplate and an array of outstanding panoramas of Sydney Harbour and its foreshores, from the soaring city skyline and dramatic bridges on the west to quiet bays and wooded slopes on the east." (North City Council) (See Flyer)

Mansion and Garden

Foreshore Walk- Eastern Side

The reserve is a strip of land that is only 30 metre wide but it stretches around the entire shoreline of Cremorne Point.  It is a skirt of bush, ornamental gardens, cliffs and tumbled chunks of sandstone providing exceptional access to the harbour foreshore.

Harnett Park view

Getting There

Ferry from Circular Quay Wharf No. 4 to Cremorne Point Wharf. Bus from either Wynyard or Northern Beaches Line, change buses at Neutral Bay Junction and catch the Cremorne Wharf bus No. 225 at Hayes and Lower Wycombe Streets, Neutral Bay.

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Wreck of the Dunbar

The other day I took a walk in Camperdown Cemetery in which the many of the remains of the victims of the Dunbar were buried. It is an interesting story and most visitors to the "Gap" are familiar with it as the salvaged Dunbar anchor is a reminder of the tragedy

The Dunbar

On August 20th,1857, Sydney experienced one of the stormiest nights recorded. In the height of that howling storm the " Dunbar," Captain Green from London, with a large number of passengers, was driven on to the South Head and with the exception of a seaman, James Johnston, all crew and passengers were lost. Johnston the sole survivor was washed on to a ledge of rock at the base of Jacob's ladder at the Gap. His rescue from his perilous position two days later by a brave young Icelander, Antony Wollier, is a thrilling story.

The Rescue: Antony Wollier, having been at Jacob's Ladder saw a man lying on a shelf of one of the rocks. He warned the rescuers above. A spar, a thick strong pole was run out over the cliff where Johnston was stranded. Double blocks, tackle and falls were rigged by many of the rescuers who most likely had nautical rigging experience. Wollier volunteered and risked his life to be lowered down where Johnston lay. Wollier found him and gear was sent down Johnston fixed himself securely and was safely hauled up in an exhausted state.

A coincidence in connection with Johnston, the sole survivor of the " Dunbar," is that the, nine years after his providential escape, when Light House Keeper at Newcastle, rescued the sole survivor of the " Cawarra," lost at Nobby's in 1866. Sydney has had many wrecks at the Heads, and our coasts unfortunately bear a long toll of shipping disasters, but no wreck in our history is so widely remembered as that of the "Dunbar

The Funeral: These remains were collected and accorded a public funeral on Monday, August 24th to St. Stephen's Cemetery, Camperdown. Business places along the route were closed and profund sorrow was manifested by the people. When the long funeral procession reached the churchyard darkness had set in, and the service had to be conducted by the light of improvised torches. The Government erected a monument over the remains of the " Dunbar " victims and those lost a few months later, 24th October, 1857, in the wreck of the "Catherine Adamson," at North Head. This monument is one of the features of the old churchyard and attracts many visitors to St. Stephen's.

Sources:

1887 'WRECK OF THE DUNBAR.—THE RESCUER.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 25 August, p. 3, viewed 4 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13662087

 1923 'The Great Wreck.', Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer (NSW : 1915 - 1927), 28 August, p. 2, viewed 4 May, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31680866

Out of Control Ferry

Imagine that you sitting on the ferry and the Captain is not at the wheel. This is what happened on Tuesday, 16 November 1926, according to the Singleton Argus. Two young men prevented a disaster on the harbour on this day. The Sydney ferry steamer the Kosciusko with nobody at the wheel, was heading for Manly. Two young men from Neutral Bay, were sitting in the front of the wheelhouse wondering why the ferry was not changing her course and why the siren did not sound. 

Ferry Kosciusko, Sydney Harbour, ca. 1930

They went to investigate and looked in the wheelhouse and they were amazed to find that it was empty. Both boys rushed to grab the wheel, they telegraphed the engine room for “full speed astern" and they swerved the ferry from her course. They completed this manoeuvre just in time, for passengers say that the ferry the Baragool missed the Kosciusko by no more than a foot, running parallel along her side.

When the ferry left the wharf it went straight ahead, for the safety pin was in the wheel and the rudder was locked.  It had not gone far when the Baragoola, heading for its berth appeared.  The Captain of the Baragoola sounded its siren but there was no reply from the Kosciousko.  Fortunately one of the young men, Russell Gillies knew something about the steering mechanism and he released the pin, swerving the Kosciousko just clear of the Baragoola, the master of which slowed down when the Kosciousko did not stop as expected.

Reports to the NSW State Navigation department concluded that the Captain had become ill and went onto the wharf, forgetting to inform the wharfinger that he would be temporarily absent from the wheel.  In his absence the engineers were changed they started the engine not knowing that the Captain was not at the wheel (Sounds like the Labour Party).

Circular Quay at Dawn

I caught the bus into Circular Quay this morning to take some photos of the Harbour at Dawn.  I love the light of the city in the morning.  Circular Quay is a must for all visitors for Sydney however as a local it is beautiful to visit when the tourists are nowhere to be seen.

I was looking for an interesting story about Circular Quay and I found the following story about an 'Out of Control Ferry'

The Alexander at Dawn

Dawn at Bennelong Point