10th Anniversary of the Huskisson Triathlon 2015

Jervis Bay turned on a beautiful morning for the first swimming leg of the 10th Anniversary of the Husky Triathlon Festival.

The crowds were starting to seek advantage before the bike riders arrived.

These tablet bottles are part of the museums collection.

The most recognised and infamous bottle of the three would be the Bex Tablet Bottle. Bex was recommended for headaches, colds and flu, all nerve pains, rheumatism, and for “calming down” the overexcited. Heavily promoted in the 50’s and 60’s as a safe way for housewives to “get through the day”. It took a newly arrived South African doctor in the 1960’s Pricilla Kinciad-Smith to recognise that these substances were addictive and that the large doses taken by habitual users was causing widespread kidney disease. Over the counter medications were banned in 1977.

Ref: http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/210448439

Saltose, was used to help prevent excessive perspiration causing heat exhaustion.

Point Perpendicular

East Coast Lows

Near cyclonic storms have caused devastating damage along the East Coast of Australia. They have been recorded ever since Cook first sailed along the East Coast of Australia in 1770. One such “East Coast Low” in 1876 claimed the S.S. Dandenong, foundering in a storm just of Jervis Bay.   Despite the courageous efforts of the Dandenong crew, and the crew of the Barque, Albert William,  she disappeared during the night below huge seas, and with it, 40 poor souls crossed the veil of dark silence into the deep. This storm became known as the “Dandenong Storm”. Reported winds of 240k’s an hour,  with 15 meter waves. 11 other vessels were lost during this storm.

Previous post about the S.S Dandenong. Read More.

Massive storm and large waves hit Jervis Bay 1974. “I remember one such low in 1974,  my relatives, and local people used sand bags to try and stop the huge seas in Jervis Bay washing away foreshore houses at Callala Beach.          “I'm not sure how many people who experienced that storm are still living, and still own houses along the foreshore,  but I'm sure the new residents that live along the beach front have no idea just how close some of the houses came to being lost into the Bay”.          “There was severe damage around the foreshore of the bay, with massive seas hitting the reefs and shoreline. Callala Beach had a 10ft vertical drop just behind some of the houses, and had lost a complete sand hill that was originally in front of the houses”.

The 1974 storm was known as the “Sygna Storm” Named after the 53,000-tonne Norwegian bulk carrier Sygna. .

All ships anchored off the ports were advised to head to sea. Seven of the 10 ships anchored off Newcastle immediately did so, but Sygna remained at anchor. By 1am the following morning, the wind had increased in strength to 165km/h and, with the huge seas and a lee shore, the captain decided to sail. He weighed anchor and the ship got under way. He was too late. Even with her engines full-ahead, Sygna was unable to make any headway and the force of the storm turned her parallel to the beach. Within 30 minutes she was aground on Stockton Beach. Becoming Australia’s largest wreck. The rescue of the crew is a story of courage and daring in adverse conditions, see the link below. REF: http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4807/history/story01.htm

An English syndicate visited Nowra in connection with establishing a large timber block street paving industry at Jervis Bay.

The heading above came from a previous post about some of the industries that could have developed in the region, but for one cause or another never eventuated.. Continue reading I had never heard of ‘timber block roads” before, so i looked it up. Here is an extract from a web site called “Sydney Vista” it makes interesting reading.

First Woodblock Paving Sydney City Council began to use woodblocks as a road surface from the 1880s. By 1900 much of Syndey from Broadway to Dawes Point and from Darling Harbour to Kings Cross was paved in woodblocks. The last woodblocks were laid during the 1930s. The use of woodblocks for road surfacing had been tired in Britain and the United States but was found to be unsatifactory, possibly due to rot from higher rainfall and the use of poorer and more common softwoods found in these countries. The section of George Street between Dawes Point and Argyle Street was paved in 1888 and used to trial various timbers for woodblocks. Sydney council also experimented with the use of tar and pitch, block spacing, bedding and surface finishing. The best timbers were Australian hardwoods including blue gum, red gum, jarrah, blackbutt, tallowwood, karri and turpentine. The blocks were brick shaped and laid in stretcher bond pattern. The surface of the woodblocks was top dressed with tar, peagravel and sand to provide a firm surface and improve traction. Consequently George Street North did not require maintenance for five years, proving the cost and labour effectiveness of woodblock paving. The gradual replacement of horse and cart with much heavier automobiles saw an increase in wear of the woodblocks. They were progressively removed from most parts of the city and replaced with asphalt. The woodblocks were great for firewood and during the Great Depression young boys were often caught helping themselves to one or two to heat the family home and cook dinner. The Council also gave redundant woodblocks to the elderly and poor. Not all the woodblocks in The Rocks were removed. Some remain under the asphalt in sections of George Street. During footpath widening works, woodblocks were uncovered and found to be in very good condition. at least 80 years after they were first laid. Wherever possible the blocks are left in place for future generations to discover. The original woodblocks were finished with tar and pitch mixed with pea gravel. Tar and pitch are now identified as a health risk and are not permitted in contemporary building works. These materials have been substituted with bitumen emulsion which looks and performs like tar.   Sydney Vista Web Site.

New museum Image

This weekend marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Museum. A new signage plan has been implemented, The old signs that have graced the entrances on Dent Street and Woollamia Road for over 15 years have come down, and tomorrow will see work start on new signs erected in their place. A new web site will be launched and most important a new name.

The museum will be now know as The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. New Colours, new fonts,  It’s a positive change designed to take the museum into the future, while keeping pace with today’s trend in museum development.

Over the last few months  there have been many changes and developments, new solar panels grace the roof of the museum and are providing all the power the museum needs and more, The Halloran Collection is undergoing restoration, one piece at a time, new exhibitions with a more professional approach have everyone involved excited about the future, promotion of the museum is an ongoing problem, where best to put the limited money available to get the best possible returns, our marketing manager has been updating local adds to fit the new image and has been instrumental in driving some of the changes. As we go forward everyone involved has worked hard to get us to this point, and with the support of the volunteers the future looks bright.

We have some exciting exhibitions coming up, starting with the Arthur Boyd Exhibition opening on the 28th February. Come along, see the changes, and be inspired by the beautiful works of art on display. You may never get to see this exhibition as it is again.

Please adjust your bookmark. The blog site’s URL is now jervisbaymaritimemuseum.blogspot.com

Handa Isle 1918

The Mystery of the missing Handa Isle

Image free of copyright

Wreckage washes up on Chinamen’s Beach Jervis bay.

Several Months after the barquentine Handa Isle went missing on a voyage from Sydney to Melbourne, wreckage was found washed ashore on Chinamen’s beach inside Jervis Bay. News of the wreckage quickly spread via the press of the day.

The Mercury (Hobart) Monday 11 November 1918

The greater portion is painted white and the remainder red.   The wreckage appears to have been in the water for several months. Shipwrights, fishermen and others who have seen the wreckage express the opinion that it is from the missing vessel. More Wreckage Found. A deck house found floating at sea by a Sydney Tug has been identified as that of the missing schooner,  and it is thought to have been torn off by the explosion of the petrol cargo.

The Sydney Morning Herald  Friday 14 February 1919

Identification of wreckage. Mr. Sangster, inspector and surveyor to the Navigation Department.

“I beg to report having on February 12 examined the mast which was reported lying on Chinamen's Beach, Jervis Bay.      I found the dimensions in accordance with constable Hinds report, vis., length 19ft,  (11 feet below deck, 8ft above),  Diameter 18in, girth 54in, spider band with six belaying pin studs.      “I have no doubts whatever that this spar was the main mast of the Handa Isle.  It fits with the vessel's depth of hold, vis., 12 feet,  and I have a recollection of seeing the same spider band when I was last on board the vessel”.      “I found that the mast has been burned through from the deck to 8 feet up, with no sign of fire below deck.      “From the information I received,  I visited a boat-shed at Huskisson, Jervis Bay, and examined a board 18 feet long, 14 inches wide and 1 inch thick, of Queensland maple.  It is scorched all along one edge,  and was picked up by a fisherman at Jervis Bay”.      “As the Handa Isle had a shipment of Queensland maple boards of the above description,  there is little doubt that they are a portion of her deck cargo.      Although the mast extended from the vessel's keel through a full cargo of Benzene, no sign of fire is to be seen on the mast below the deck”.       Belaying pin studs.     Spider Band - a metal band with many eyes, usually welded, fitted around the masts and spars of square-riggers and other ships, used with iron belaying pins.   The mystery deepens.

Examination of the mast only deepened the sadness for the families, it didn’t provide the answers for family and friends of the missing seamen, the burnt and charred remains only added to the mystery of the Handa Isle. .

Unanswered questions: The remaining question was - If the petrol had exploded below decks, wouldn’t the mast have been burnt below the deck line?. At this time I haven’t found any more information about this tragedy, if you have further information, please contacts us at the Museum. yourcontributions@gmail.com .

German mine. One theory put forward was the ship was sunk because it hit a German Mine. Mines were a constant threat during World War one, placed along the east coast by German Submarines, they were responsible for sinking many ships. At first the Federal Government denied the existance of the mines, after the steamers Pt. Kembla and Cumberland were lost, the government tried to cover the loss by offering a reward of 5 thousand pounds for evidence that would lead to conviction of the persons responsible for the explosions which caused the foundering of the vessels. This offer was quickly withdrawn, and there was no objection to the publications reporting that the explosions were due to enemy submarine miners. Mines were a threat for many years after the war, with one floating mine reported near Montague Island in 1920 Trove. I guess we will never know what happened to the Handa Isle, or the missing crew, who went to sea and never returned like so many other seafaring men.

Image free of copyright

Handa Isle -  275 tons. Built at Auckland. 1881. Had Benzene cargo and wood. Commanded by Captain W.B.Taylor, of Hobart, and a crew of eleven.

Some things haven’t changed.

Appreciation of the simple life – Huskisson 1891

  

Huskisson Public School a brief history. Huskisson Public School first opened as a half-time school in 1871, On April 21st that year an application for a provisional school was lodged with the Council of Education and it was signed by the following: C.Murray, farmer; Messrs Isaac Lee, light-keeper; E.Honner, fisherman; W.Dent shipwright; G.Dent, sen., timber merchant; Les Dent; Jacob Peak, carter; and John Matthews, shipwright.     This application was later altered to one for a half-time school, to be worked with New Bristol, 12 miles distant.      The road between Huskisson and New Bristol was not negotiable in very wet weather, and the residents promised that, at such times arrangements would be made to convey the teacher from one school to the other on alternate days by boat.  They also agreed to erect a suitable slab building at each village for school purposes.  The nearest post office at the time was Tomerong, about 6 miles distant, and this served the needs of all residents of Jervis Bay.      The application was sanctioned and the school officially  came into operation in September, 1871.  Mr R.S Mackenzie being appointed as teacher.      Mr Mackenzie was popular in the district, and had conducted school at two places concerned for three months without remuneration prior to his appointment by the Council of Education.  The school was converted to public in 1882.     The enrolment for the first year of the schools existence was 15, and the average attendance 12.

The Shoalhaven News and South Coast Districts Advertiser 1891.

On Tuesday last, 6th inst., the teacher, Mr J.J.Emery, assisted by the residents, united in giving a school treat to the pupils of the public schools at New Bristol and North Huskisson (Jervis Bay). Notwithstanding, the excessive heat of the previous week and the numerous counter attractions of the surrounding district to the picturesque rendezvous of Jervis Bay, the day passed off most successfully to both young and old.   Ere noon arrived, vehicles from Tomerong, Nowra wended their way to the school grounds until not less than 100 persons had assembled. The site could not be excelled, owing to suitableness of shed and awning, lovely grounds, and plenty of cool water. Luncheon was provided by Mr James Dent (3), Newman, and Deutschbein, and ably assisted by the Misses Wood (3), Dent and Emery.   After ample justice had been done to the many good things provided,  the adults united in several amusing games, the principal of them being ‘rounder's,” “drop handkerchief,” “jolly miller,” “disappointment,” and “bachelor in search of a wife,”   These over the children were amused with several races for pocket knives, rounder balls, lollies and cricketing gear, one of the most pleasing being a race by the adult ladies.  The last, but most exciting was the race for the bachelors cake, which was won by a Tomerong lad.  The lady providers were each presented with a duple piece of glassware.   Tea was again supplied in order to allow those from a distance to reach their homes in good time. Sports were then resumed by those who had not dispersed, and kept up with great vim till darkness ended the day’s enjoy.  The people of Jervis Bay are to be complimented upon the manner in which they originated this their first school treat, and the unanimous way they carried it out, as was manifested by the cheerful countenances of those who assisted and by the presence of those who came from long distances.   It is hoped the same unanimity may always prevail, living in hopes of witnessing the same pleasing assembly in time to come.

What I find interesting in this story,  they were giving away pen knives as prizes to the children, as you know if your found with one in you possession now, it will be confiscated and you could be fined, how times have changed in many small ways. .

Below is an add from the same newspaper – talk about being diversified…

With a bit of good fortune.

 

Photograph – Alan C. Green.  State Library of Victoria – No copyright restrictions apply.

Despite a long history of shipwrecks from the sailing ship era and repeated articles and dispatches to ship owners and captains warning them of the dangers involved in plying the coast about the Wreck Bay and Jervis Bay area, ships continued running into trouble inside the treacherous bite of Wreck Bay and around the uncompromising coast of Jervis Bay.     Other than the ability to proceed faster without the need for wind, early coastal steamers still suffered with limited navigation and communication equipment, combined with poor weather or in some cases a lack of due care, steamers of all sizes followed on from sailing ships in the past, becoming victims of the notorious part of the south east coast known as Wreck Bay.

Artist – Alan C. Green.   State Library of Victoria – No copyright restrictions apply.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner's advocate, Friday 20 1889.

“The steamer Norkoowa 1074 tons, owned by Mc’Ilawraith and Co., of Melbourne, and which has for some time been involved in the coal trade between Melbourne and Newcastle, is ashore in Wreck Bay, near Jervis Bay.  The steamer Kameruka went to her assistance, but failed to tow her off.  Another attempt is to be made this evening, and the weather is fine,  and more powerful vessels are to be engaged, it is anticipated the attempt will be successful”.

In this case the Norkoowa’s luck was with her, despite being high up on rocks, the weather had remained relatively calm and she avoided the fate of so many previous vessels that found themselves in a similar situation. Successfully Refloated. Friday 10.30am - The S.S. Commodore reached the scene after a hard and dirty trip overnight from Sydney, The Commodore put to immediately and set about trying to haul the Norkoowa off the rocks,  after repeated attempts and little progress, the Commodore left for Ulladulla for more equipment, returning the same day. Saturday morning – They tried again and managed to haul the steamer 20ft astern and 8ft brestward.  Sunday morning – The S.S Aldinga arrived at 3a.m with more salvage equipment. At 5a.m. the Aldinga and Commodore took hold, and at 7.15 a.m. the Norkwooka was afloat in deep water.   “There was a good deal of swell in the bay, which had a damaging effect on the stranded vessel, causing her to roll from bilge and fore and aft heavily. Afterwards steam was got up and the three steamers went around into Jervis Bay. After anchoring there she called the Commodore alongside, as the water was gaining in her afterhold  also forward”.   The Norkoowa's heavy bumping on the inhospitable shores of Wreck Bay had evidently damaged her hull to a greater extent than was first supposed. A later telegram stated that it was hoped temporary repairs could be effected for making a start again on Monday for Sydney, where it is proposed to dock and overhaul the steamer. Norkoowa's pumps were unequal to the work of keeping the Norwooka afloat.  At that juncture the pumps and gear taken down in the Aldinga by Captain Hall came into valuable use.  The centrifugal pumps were put on board the sinking vessel, and by that means and a pump from the Port Jackson tug-steamer Commodore, the water gaining  freely below was overcome... The steamer Alinga will stay by the damaged vessel, and will escort her up the coast to Sydney.

The captains and crew of all the vessels involved were complimented upon the efficient manner with which they carried out instructions. “The whole crew exerted themselves to the utmost of their ability in the arduous work in connection with the successful floating of the steamer”.

Specs: A screw steel steamer of 1074 tons net. Length 250ft Beam 35ft 2in. Depth of hold 18ft 7 in. Built at Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1885. Commanded - Captain J. Jackson. General description: She is a thorough collier, without and pretentions to fine lines or passenger accommodation. Probably insured. 1912 - The Norkoowa was eventually broken up in Bombay.

Ref: http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/N-Ships/norkoowa1885.html     http://digital.slv.vic.gov.au/view/action/nmets.do?DOCCHOICE=2738085.xml&dvs=1424126801575~724&locale=en_US&search_terms=&adjacency=&divType=&usePid1=true&usePid2=true

Violent, unrelenting spectacle across the headland of Jervis Bay.

Saturday 14th Feb 2015, for around an hour this storm the likes I have never witnessed before, travelled slowly across the headland of Jervis Bay, this was shot shortly after midnight. Lightning shot vertically from the tops of the clouds, interspersed with horizontal lightning, and the occasional vertical streak from the bottom of the clouds to the sea. The whole sky was alive with a non stop light show.

Jervis Bay - A beautiful start to the day.

The beautiful thing about a sunrise, it’s absolutely free.

Through fire and storm.

Ref: The Newcastle Sun December 1933. The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.    Vincent Van Gogh

Badly burnt, and forced to abandon their blazing launch off Bowen Island, two men had a nightmare journey through seven miles of rough seas to Jervis Bay, in a waterlogged dinghy, their only “oars” a piece of board  and a stick. Only a strong south easterly wind prevented their tiny craft from being swept through the heads to sea.

1933 – Two men Collins and Lane set out from Huskisson on a 30ft launch valued at 450 pounds which had been used by visitors for several months. They developed engine trouble outside the heads about 10.30 p.m., they decided to return to Jervis Bay. BACKFIRED Near Bowen Island the engine backfired, and the craft immediately burst into flames, trying to extinguish the fire both men were badly burnt.     The flames extended rapidly and it was apparent that nothing could save the launch, so the men decided to take to the dinghy.      Desperately the men hauled it aboard the blazing launch, but they were not able to completely empty it before they were forced to scramble into it, for the launch was now blazing from stem to stern. OARS LOST Their oars a piece of board and a stick, they tried to steer for the old naval college buildings at Jervis Bay, but lost their bearings when the lights went out at midnight.     Using their improvised oars to keep the dinghy with the wind and current, the men reached the beach at Lambs Point, three miles north of the college after 3 a.m. exhausted by their terrible experiences.      At lambs point their burns were treated, and later they were driven to Jervis Bay.  Later they left for Sydney for further treatment.      It is believed the launch has floundered.

Ref: The Newcastle Sun December 1933

Proposed quarantine station for Jervis Bay.

1918 Influenza killed 111,000 people across America. Fears for Australia. With the quarantine station located at North Head Sydney becoming inadequate to cope with the increase in immigrants, returning soldiers and ships crews infected by disease, and the fear it could spread throughout the population, a proposal was put to governmant to build a quarantine station away from Sydney at Jervis Bay. 1918 - Despite Jervis Bay being found unsuitable for the station in 1918 it was still being promoted by interested parties.

1919 - In promoting the idea -  Dr. R. Arthur wrote.

"Now is the time if ever, for a beginning to be made with a quarantine station on the northern headland of Jervis Bay. Influenza is raging more fiercely than ever in Britain, and we may assume,  therefore,  that for many months to come ships will be arriving here,  with possible infection on board. Speaking of the proposed site and lack of conveniences. 'It is certain that the vast majority of people would gladly put up with the inconvenience and discomfort, such as living in a rough camp under canvas would involve." Speaking of the possible lack of water for the site. "If not sufficient quantity could be bought from the other side of the bay.  If water could be bought under shell fire to 50.000 men on Gallipoli, there should be no difficulty in providing it at the proposed station. Those quarantined could occupy themselves pleasantly in bathing, fishing, exploring the bush, and ground could be cleared for outdoor games.  If thought advisable, a canteen where light beer was sold could be established,  and there could also be an open air picture show." It sound almost enjoyable.   1919 - A large Parliamentary party boarded a special train in Sydney and travelled to Jervis Bay to inspect the site of the proposed Quarantine station.

The party received a lot of criticism in the press, for being un-necessary and huge waste of taxpayers money on accommodation, transport and extravagant food, it comprised close upon 100 people, including members from the Federal Parliament and State Parliament and confusingly, members from Queensland and Victoria.

The daily Commercial News and shipping list 1919. “After all the trouble and expense incurred in this expedition, there seems to be little hope of any part of Jervis Bay being selected as a quarantine station.”

The party travelled down to Bomaderry by special train, They spent the night in Nowra, next morning, travelling by cars to Huskisson.  “Practically all the private cars in the district were engaged in the transport of such a large number of people”.    On arrival at Huskisson the party was conveyed by Mr. J. Wilson's motor launch, Radium, to the pilot steamer Captain Cook,  the steamer made her way directly to Montague Roadstead.    The medical men of the party only proceeded a few hundred yards into the bush from the beach.    It was pointed out by Mr. R. Dent that the anchorage at the spot was amongst the best in the bay, ships being able to ride with absolute safety in all weathers.    After the inspection, a lunch was served, the creature comforts being on a liberal scale, and leaving nothing to be desired from a culinary standpoint.    The party then proceeded across the bay to Bowen Island, Hole in the wall and the Naval College. A stiff nor-easter was blowing and made the Captain Cook roll a good deal, a number of the party suffered mal-de-mer.    The party left Huskisson the same way they came, and the special train returned to Sydney the same afternoon.

1923 – After years of debate, the idea was still being promoted by interested parties to the Government. With the population of Sydney growing the station on Sydney's North Head was becoming less isolated, Manly was a growing sea side suburb and becoming a summer resort, with the quarantine station situated right against it, there was a grave danger of disease being disseminated throughout Australia. In the following years despite the precautions, there were many deaths across Australia and at the quarantine station itself.  Nothing became of the proposal to relocate the Quarantine Station, parties on both sides of the argument were still voicing their opinions.

1931 - An article appeared in the Shoalhaven and South Coast  Districts Advertiser that had the usually placid locals in protest.

A proposal to turn the Naval College into a Quarantine Station. The article went on to criticise the idea.

"The idea to turn such costly and superior buildings  for the housing of persons suffering highly infectious diseases was absurd. The townspeople did the right and proper thing in entering vigorous and empathetic protest against the carrying out of the suggestion of the State Government."

1923 – 1950  With better health measures and the improvements in medical science, the cases of influenza and other contagious diseases were diminished to such a degree, the proposed move was never required.

The navy playing tag this morning on Jervis Bay.

Fact or Fiction.

This small snippet appeared in the Ulladulla and Milton times 1916. Along side the maritime stories spiced with drama, mystery and melancholy, stories like this appear in the local papers.   In the great Australian tradition of not letting the truth stand in the way of a good story, one can only wonder!

“Peter the sailor, an old identity of Wandandian, was out rabbit shooting one day last week  (writes a correspondent of the Shoalhaven Telegraph’'), when he saw a snake enter a small tuft of grass.  After poking in the grass for some time with the barrel of the gun,  and failing to locate his snakeship,  the old chap gave up the hunt,  and returned homeward.  Some time later he was about to put a cartridge in the gun, when he was surprised and horrified to see two gleaming eyes.  Investigation showed that while poking about in the grass, the snake had crawled into the gun barrel,  and making himself at home,  he remained their till his right of possession was disputed by the cartridge.  The snake had the worst of the investigation.”

Shoalhaven bits.

The Shoalhaven Telegraph Saturday 11 January 1896

“Last Monday was the hottest day we have ever felt at Jervis Bay.  The thermometer was 112 degrees in the shade of a building; under a tree (the proper shade) it was 105 deg.  All work was stopped in this locality on account of the heat.     About 11 o’clock a fire broke out near Mr. A. Coulon’s house, and in less than an hour since the fire broke out it had laid the house in ashes.   Mrs Coulon and the children were forced to see some place of safety, and had not time to save anything.  The fire killed all the fowls and young calves,  and destroyed all corn crops and scorched up every bit of grass.  Altogether the fire destroyed about 150 pounds of Mr Coulon’s property,  and partially destroyed to culverts on the Jervis Bay road.     On Wednesday MR. J. Condie met with an accident at Jervis Bay.   He was riding in a steady canter along the street leading to the hotel, when his horse stumbled into one of the ruts in the road and fell.  Some men happened to be ear by and ran to his assistance.   They found the horse lying on Condon’s thigh.   They managed to roll the horse off him and get him out.    He received a severe shaking,  but was able to ride home.    This piece of road is dangerous to travel on just now.  It is the second accident that happened through the roughness of the road.”

Everyday stories that transport you back through time, into the daily lives of the people living around the bay. .

Harold Parnell preparing the road surface at Huskisson. Comment from Phil Harvey: - This photo was taken in Currambene Street, with Bowen Street in the background. Harold is stopped in front of 23 Currambene Street, the home of my great grandparents Jack and May Moon. Thanks Phil for this interesting information..

Seagull sinks in Jervis Bay.

The Riverine Grazier, Friday 25 March 1938.

”A Seagull Amphibian sea plane struck some floating debris, while taxiing across the waters of Jervis Bay, The plane was holed and sunk in deep water, about 150 yards from the beach,  the crew were rescued.”

It appears from my research the plane was eventually recovered, I found this image, and I’m presuming this is the same plane, as I can find no other reference to a similar incident at Jervis Bay. If you have further information please contact us. .

Photo: Collection of the late CPO Bill Westwood, RAN, courtesy of his son John Westwood, RANR Sydney Port Division, 1965-1972. The image above is  Copy write -  Creative Commons, Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format

“We don't know much about this particular mishap, except that notes in Ross Gillett's 1988 book 'Wings across the Sea' tell us that it shows cruiser HMAS SYDNEY [II]''s Seagull V amphibian A2-4 "immersed in the sea" at  Jervis Bay in March 1938, and that she had struck the side of the cruiser on February 28, three weeks earlier.” ref: https://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/5984189661/

To find out the fascinating history behind this aircraft I would suggest a visit to Australian Flying.com

The photograph above is not the plane in question, but is from the Museums historic photograph collection.

If you have any old photographs in your collection relating to Jervis Bay, we would love to see them.

330lb Rock-Cod caught at Wreck Bay.

Jervis Bay Snippet. South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 - 1954), Friday 15 July 1927.

A 330lb weight rock cod was on view in Nowra last week.  It was caught by the Wreck Bay fishermen, and was on it’s way to Sydney, to be dished up probably as snapper. It certainly was some fish.

REF: http://www.asfb.org.au/committees/threatened-species-profiles/tfp_brockcod.htm

Ran N1 Fairy Firefly.

1956. A carrier-borne fighter anti-submarine and reconnaissance aircraft was forced to land on Callala Beach.

These photo’s are from my families collection, it shows the Firefly on the beach and during recovery.

The story as reported at the time in the Argus Thurs 16th Feb 1956. A pilot of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm was rescued by a Navy Helicopter from Nowra (N.S.W) air station five minutes after he had made a forced landing at Callala Beach, Jervis Bay, yesterday morning. The rescued pilot, Sub Lieut. N. D. Curtis. R.A.N, of 723 Squadron was taking part in flying exercises in a Firefly two-seater anti submarine aircraft when engine failure forced him to land on the beach. He was the sole occupant of the aircraft at the time of the forced landing.

The firefly made the landing with it’s wheels up and you can clearly see the bent propeller blades.

The helicopter is the one they put the pilot in and took him back to base, they put him in another plane and sent him up again. The house in the background was my aunties mother and fathers place, the only house built at Callala at the time.

The information accompanying the photo’s are from my uncle Alan Slater.

Lightning over Jervis Bay

This one only lightning flash came out of nowhere, totally unexpected as there hadn’t been any indication of other lightning before this flash, and the capture was pure chance.

Arthur Boyd Exhibition, opens 28th February.

The sleeper-cutters.

The first timber cutters could easily be regarded as the first pioneers, long before graziers and land speculators came to to the area and from the first instant when the timber on the south coast was recognised for it’s value, Cedar cutters, known commonly as “sawyers”, lived hard physical lives, in the bush, housed in meager tents, teams of men would venture into the unknown landscape to cut the valuable Cedar, Iron Bark, Spotted Gum, Stringy Bark and Bloodwood, used for fencing, shipbuilding and general use. The first sawyers were mostly convicts out on a “ticket-of-leave” employed by timber speculators and others. ”Many of the blackest dyed ruffians of their times were found amongst the ranks of Illawarra sawyers” I found this poem in a copy of the Sydney Mail June 24, 1914. The poem gives us an insight into the daily life of these hard men of the bush.

The broad axe rings where the bushmen work On the slope of the scrub-clad ridge, Above the creek where the crayfish lurk In the pool beneath the bridge. Loud sounds the beat of the hardwood mall As the splitter drives the wedge; It downs the din of the waterfall That leaps o’er the rocky ledge. You may hear a crash as a tree comes down. And the thud as it meets the earth; And the bushman knows to half a crown What the wood in the tree is worth. At last the billets are squared and trim, And ready to load they stand; And the sleeper-cutter who’s name is Jim, Strikes each with an iron brand. With the wind a whiff of the pungent smoke Comes up to the men who toil From the fire beneath the forest oak Where the billy was put to boil. They light their pipes when the meal is done, And yarn of the times they knew, And chaff each other in healthy fun, In the way that bushmen do. It’s pass the hat for a shave for Joe,” And Joe, as he puffs a cloud, Says,  “This is the fashion,  doncher knows? No clean-shaved blokes allowed!” Their smoke is done, and they make their way To the trees they mean to fell; And this is the order every day Of a life that suits them well.

This image described as “Timber workers pictured with the fruits of their labour” is from a fantastic web site called South Coast Time Traveler.

Straying stock at Huskisson.

I have seen Kangaroos bouncing down the main street of Huskisson over the years, but never any straying stock. It seems by this report from the Shoalhaven Telegraph March 1930 it was a bit of a problem.

At the Clyde Shire Council meeting, on Friday, communications were received from Messrs, F.W. O’Brien and Os. Nelson, complaining of the straying stock nuisance at Huskisson, making the footpaths like stables. The last-mentioned stated that straying horses had broken five window panes in his shop. The Clerk stated -  "He had written to owners of straying stock, as a result of instructions at the previous meeting, and he had got into hot water.  Owners had read it in the papers and then phoned him, telling him what they thought of him". C.r Watt said the straying stock were undoubtedly a terrible nuisance, and suggested engaging an impounding officer at one pound a week. The Clerk said there was a difficulty in the way.  It was a long distance to drive the stock to Nowra, and some of the horses, if sold, would not pay for the cost of driving them, and it was difficult in some instances to establish proof of ownership. Cr. Kennedy remarked that it might pay council to buy the horses and shoot them. The Clerk replied that he believed it would. The engineer said that the writers had good grounds for complaint.  He had told one of them that the offenders who owned two cows could be prosecuted if he would supply the names. Cr. Kennedy mentioned the system adopted by South Shoalhaven in appointing an impounding officer periodically for a general roundup. Cr.Watt suggested using the sanitary reserve at Huskisson for detention. It was decided to advertise for applicants for the position on the lines indicated.

This arial photo of Huskisson clearly shows straying cows near Field street.

I remember the excitement as a child in the 60’s holidaying at Callala seeing the wild horses roaming the streets, we moved permanently to Callala in the early 80’s and small groups of wild horses still roamed the streets. The uneducated tourist, often made the mistake of feeding the horses and then had the problem of getting rid of them.    It’s no easy task shifting half a dozen large horses from your veranda. As time wore on and the permanent population and tourists grew, there had been a few accidents, peoples gardens and fences were being eaten and trampled,  the council made the decision to round up all the horses and remove them from the area. A sad day for the old timers and early permanent residents of Callala.

An old time swimmers miraculous adventure in Jervis Bay

I have added another fascinating story to a previous post about the Shark infested Waters of Jervis Bay.
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1.5 Billion dollar - Landing Helicopter Docs – “LHD”

LO2 - Amphibious Assault Ship.
At 27,000- tonne  the LHD is the largest ship ever built for the Australian Navy.
She spent the weekend in Jervis Bay like so many other ships from the past, seeking safe anchorage out of the 5+ meter seas that were rolling outside the bay.
Its an unusual looking ship and has been christened HMAS Canberra, capable of transporting 1000 troops and 150 vehicles, including the new M1A1 tank.
It was built in Spain and transported to Australia on a barge.
She is the first of two being built for the RAN.