Newsletter #147 23rd March, 2016 - Clarence River Historical Society

The Newsletter of the
CLARENCE RIVER
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Established in Grafton City in 1931.
Issue 147
ISSN 1036-5656
23rd March 2016
CONTENTS
9
Office Bearers
2
C P & A and Grafton Show
Jottings from the House
2
Showgirls/ Moths & Butterflies
10
More Jottings/ Place Names
3
Grafton Baths
11
Research Enquiries
4
Bill’s Column
12
A Member’s Story - Nita Child
5
Bill’s Column/
13
Women’s Auxiliary Australian
6&
From the President
14
Air Force/ Grafton Anniversaries
7
100 Years Ago
15
C P & A Society - 150 years
8
Moth & Butterfly Paintings
16
Page 2
CRHS Newsletter No 147
OFFICE BEARERS
President: Pat James
Secretary: Cheryl Barnes
Treasurer: Anne Ellem
Public Officer: Bill Dougherty
Committee Members: Anne Ellem, Suzanne
Gibson, Judy Johnson and Bruce Wicks
Vice-presidents: Mavis Robertson, Ruth Heawood
Roster Clerk: Suzanne Gibson
Research Officer: Hazel Lawson
Recorder/Librarian: Roz Palmer
Newsletter: Ruth Heawood
Hon. Solicitor: Joe Fahey
Patrons: Ted and Helen Johnson
Schaeffer House is open from 1.00pm to 4.00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
The Research Room is open from 9.00am to 4.00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only.
Please note that donations to Clarence River Historical Society of $2 or more are tax deductible.
JOTTINGS FROM THE HOUSE
Congratulations to member Leone
Roberts, who, on Australia Day, was
named Clarence Valley Council’s Citizen
of the Year. This was an honour richly
deserved because Leone has a long
record of service in many organizations
within the Clarence Valley. She was a
councillor on Copmanhurst Shire
Council for many years and was Deputy
Mayor at the time when the Shire was
amalgamated with other Shire Councils
to form the Clarence Valley Council.
She had also been honoured by being
named Copmanhurst Shire’s Citizen of
the year some years ago.
+++++++++
At our last meeting CRHS decided to
form a committee to arrange for more
social outings and activities. Those who
volunteered for the committee are:
Cheryl Barnes, Nita Child, Anne Ellem,
Suzanne Gibson, Judy Johnson, Roz
Palmer and Bruce Wicks.
++++++++++
For some years, one of our members,
Sheila McLennan, has been at
Schaeffer House on most Tuesdays,
where she has been doing a great deal
of research about Eatonsville. We are
hoping that in the near future a book will
be the result of her hard work. We will
be delighted about that. Watch this
space.
+++++++++
The Regional Art Gallery, during
February and March this year, has had
an exhibition entitled “History of
Jewellery in the Valley”. Our Society and
some of our members were very happy
to lend to the Gallery jewellery and
photographs included in the exhibition.
The exhibition was wonderful to see
and was a great credit to Curator Bree
Hiatt, who arranged the exhibits so
magnificently.
As well, towards the end of last year we
were able to lend to the Gallery items for
its display, “Remembrance: The Art of
War”.
++++++++++
We are grateful to Monique at the
Grafton Library for helping us out by
covering some of our reprinted
publications. CRHS will be using a
display cabinet at the library over
coming weeks to show the clay models
of early Grafton churches, models
donated to Schaeffer House by Mrs
Wendy Brown some years ago.
———————————————————————————————————————————
When spiders’ webs unite, they can tie up a lion.
CRHS Newsletter No 147
MORE JOTTINGS
Early in January this year the Clarence
Valley farewelled Spiro Notaras a very
important figure in the timber industry
and a man who did a great deal for the
community he loved.
Spiro and his cousin Angelo owned the
local cinema, “The Saraton”, which had
been built in 1926 by Tony and Jack
Notaras, the fathers of Spiro and Angelo.
When the theatre fell into disrepair Spiro
and Angelo and other members of the
family restored it at a cost of over $4
million. A Grand Piano was purchased
for the main auditorium so that world
class entertainers could come to
Grafton, which they have done.
One of the last things Spiro Notaras did
was to donate $5,000 to the C. P. & A
Society for the new timber flooring in
“The Barn” at the showground.
Spiro Notaras was a great Graftonian.
The number of people at his funeral bore
witness to the high regard in which he
was held. It is also a sign of the affection
the people of the Clarence Valley had
for him.
++++++++++
In December last year there was a
celebration to mark the centenary of the
Grafton Drill Hall. There was a barbecue
and a display of memorabilia. CRHS
was represented by Suzanne Gibson.
++++++++++
We welcome the following new
members to the Society, a number of
whom have become very welcome
volunteers: Bill Brindle, Paul Phillips,
Glenys Oxlee, Annette Cosgrove and
Barbara Daniels. Welcome all!
++++++++++
A REMINDER that Membership Fees
should be paid very soon if you have not
yet paid yours.
Page 3
INTERESTING PLACE NAMES
(From a list compiled by CRHS to
celebrate the 150th anniversary of the
foundation of the colony of New South
Wales)
ALIPOU CREEK
The earliest
mention of this name is on a surveyorgeneral’s map in November, 1845 from
the surveys of W.C.B Wilson. Mr
Notaras says that “Alipou” in Greek
means “fox”. It is thought that the many
flying foxes in the area account for the
name.
++++++++++
ALUMNY CREEK - The name appears
first on a map by Surveyor M.E.L.
Burrowes in December 1841. He noted
on the map that “water in this creek is
strongly impregnated with alum”.
++++++++++
CALLIOPE - a school was opened
there in 1890. The Inspector of Schools,
Alexander
Lobbin,
adopted
the
suggestion of Surveyor J.O. Burgess
and named the school after the British
gunboat “Calliope”, which was a survivor
of a terrible cyclone at Samoa where
many warships were destroyed.
++++++++++
CLARENZA
This name was
bestowed by Surveyor W.C.B. Wilson.
Mr Notaras said that it is the Greek way
of saying “Clarence”.
++++++++++
COUTTS CROSSING
- This was
named after Thomas Coutts, the first
holder of Kangaroo Creek Station.
++++++++++
FISHER PARK - This park was named
after Thomas Fisher, storekeeper and
Mayor of Grafton in 1874 and 1874.
++++++++++
The Mr Notaras mentioned in these
articles is presumed to be Spiro
Notaras’s father. Does anyone know?
———————————————————————————————————————————
Whatever you can do, or dream that you can do, begin it.
Page 4
CRHS Newsletter No 147
RESEARCH ENQUIRIES
(Compiled by our Research Officer, Hazel Lawson)
BY EMAIL
TREVOR
asked for information on
Zuber’s Cordial Factory in South
Grafton.
++++++++++
KELLIE: Alice May Delaforce married
Gordon Ezra Clifford on 30.3.1946.
Information is sought on Alice or her
parents William and Pearl Delaforce.
++++++++++
MICHAEL asked for information on
an air crash of a RAAF plane near
Maclean on 7/3/1944 and if there was a
report in the local paper. He lost his
uncle and wishes to visit the site of the
crash.
for the Grafton Council.
PERSONAL VISITS
Lyndon sought a photo of old South
Grafton train ferry wharf located near
Alipou Creek.
++++++++++
LYN is searching for the origin and
relatives of Gioseppe Giovanelli. .
++++++++++
LORINA asked for information on
Owen Sanders photographer, war pilot
1935-1945.
++++++++++
CHRISTIE asked for information on
William Scott Cowan and Janet Small.
++++++++++
JOHN asked for early history of the
Grafton Council.
++++++++++
DALE was looking for information on
John James O,Driscoll.
++++++++++
LISA wanted to know the
date
Caringa was built at 141 Oliver Street,
previously 85 Oliver Street Grafton.
++++++++++
ROBYN
sought Information on
William Hoskin and wife Louisa.
++++++++++
DAVID asked for
photos and
information on house 59 Clarence
Street, Grafton.
++++++++++
++++++++++
HELEN
asked for Information on
Thomas Flintoff who lived at Moleville
and Prince Street Grafton where he did
picture framing.
++++++++++
DEBBIE
asked for a newspaper
article on a train derailment at
Glenreagh 17/11/1943.
++++++++++
TERRIE sought information on Albert
Tuccorie, horse trainer in Grafton.
++++++++++
JEANETTE
sought
a
Grafton
Cemetery Plan, a grave site plan and
information on the CRAMP, MAPP and
BEARD families.
++++++++++
GEOFF asked for information on LEE was seeking information on
Frances Lilian Colnan Born 1890, Leslie Henry Bundock whose date of
daughter of James Walker Williams and
birth is 11/4/1901.
Clara Jane Reilly. She scrubbed floors
———————————————————————————————————–My wallet is like an onion. Whenever I open it, it makes me cry.
CRHS Newsletter No 147
Page5
A MEMBER’S STORY - NITA CHILD
I was born on 3rd October 1944 at
Runnymede Hospital, the sixth child of
Edna (Nee Lollback) and Stan Murray. I
have two sisters still alive.
My father worked on the Gwydir
Highway as they lived at Jackadgery.
My mother ran the wine shop that was
next door to the Post Office. Dad then
got a job as a fettler on the railway.
I was the only child who was born and
lived in Grafton. I went to St Mary’s
School and then worked at the Grafton
Base Hospital.
I moved to Sydney and was an
usherette at the State Theatre. I next
moved to Adelaide. Later I moved back
to Grafton, and I have no wish to leave.
I have two daughters, 4 grandchildren
and 2 great grandchildren, all living in
Brisbane. I am married to Rex Child. We
live on a property of 70 acres and run
cattle and grow crops. I help my
husband on the farm and go with him on
cattle runs to pick up cattle for the
market sales. I am his Blue Heeler!
I have been a member of the Clarence
River Historical Society for about 25
years. I work in the Research Room
doing research for people who come in.
I also do duty in the museum part of
Schaeffer House, and have taken on
responsibility for the gardens there. At
present I am doing research on
Midwives of the Clarence Valley, and
also on Local Halls.
I cleaned the Christ Church Cathedral
for 20 years and worked for three
Bishops. At the Cathedral I look after
the morning tea trolley after church
services and organize emergency food
parcels for needy people.
I am on the roster to provide cups of tea
and coffee at the Grafton Courthouse.
At Southgate Community Hall which
was the second school at Southgate, I
am caretaker and gardener, arrange
morning and afternoon teas and
weddings. I also run afternoon and night
dances there.
I run charity events for Palliative Care.
I was a member of the Copmanhurst
Shire Heritage Study Committee and
had
the
privilege
of
attending
Parliament House in Sydney to be
presented with an award for that work.
I also received an award at Whiporie for
Australia Day.
I love the history of our town, and the
people.
Part of Nita’s garden at Schaeffer House .
As can be seen from Nita’s story, she
leads a very full and active life. She has
been collecting information about the
history of Grafton and the surrounding
villages for years and has accumulated
great numbers of folders filled with her
research. She freely shares the
information with the researchers who
work at Schaeffer House and with
people who come with research
enquiries. She is a great asset to the
Clarence River Historical Society.
———————————————————————————————————————————
You can trust your dog to guard your house, bur never trust a dog to guard your food.
Page 6
CRHS Newsletter No 147
WOMEN’S AUXILIARY AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE.
The Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air
Force (WAAAF) was formed in March
1941. It was the first and largest of the
World War II Australian Women’s
Services. It was disbanded in 1947.
During the early years of World War II it
became clear that the use of women in
many new avenues of employment was
necessary. In spite of resistance from
some in the War Cabinet and some in
the Air Force, the Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF) was granted approval to
create the Women’s Auxiliary Australian
Air Force. Telegraphists were urgently
needed because of a shortage of male
telegraphists.
A senior WAAAF officer was appointed i
from 24th February 1941 and more were
appointed from 10th March 1941.
A
WAAAF training Depot was established
at Malvern, Melbourne. Recruiting
began on 15th March and on 17th
March the first nineteen airwomen
reported at the Training Depot. Ten of
the them were tele printer operator
trainees. Recruiting was slowed down
until
Japan
entered
the war in
December
1941.
Aftter that
greater
use
of
women
was recommended. By October 1944,
18,667 officers and airwomen were
serving in all states of Australia from
Cairns in Queensland to Geraldton in
Western Australia.
Airwomen were used in 73 different
trades, including highly skilled technical
employment on aircraft. In addition to
telegraphists,
women
became
armament workers, electricians, fitters,
flight
mechanics,
fabric
workers,
instrument makers and meteorological
assistants, besides skills used in clerical,
medical, transport, catering, equipment,
signals and radar fields of employment.
Over 700 women held commissioned
rank. A number commanded units in
operations rooms, at General Douglas
MacArthur’s Headquarters in Brisbane,
at Operational Units, in RAAF Hospitals,
Aircraft Depots, Radar Stations, RAAF
Bases - wherever they were needed,
they served.
Airwomen were paid two-thirds of RAAF
male pay for equivalent positions. The
officers were paid a good deal less than
male officers of equal ranks
Don’t know where the kids are in the house? Turn off the internet and they’ll show up.
CRHS Newsletter No 147
On 24th March 1943 the WAAAF was
constituted as part of the Permanent Air
Force. WAAAF members were given the
choice of volunteering for the rest of the
war and 12 months after, or returning to
civilian life Very few resigned. Every
WAAAF, like the men in the RAAF, were
volunteers.
At the Australian War Memorial in
Canberra there are the names of 57
WAAAF who died while serving.
Approximately 270,000 women saw
service in the WAAAF between March
1941 and July 1947 when the last
member was discharged from the Force.
Group Officer Clare Grant Stevenson
was Director of the WAAAF from June
1941 until March 1946 when she retired.
Lady Gowrie, wife of the GovernorGeneral Lord Gowrie, was the first
Honorary Air Commandant of the
WAAAF.
The above picture shows Lady Gowrie
inspecting the WAAAF Guard of Honour
at the WAAAF section of the RAAF base
at Sandgate, Queensland.
The valuable work and the skills of the
WAAAF led to the formation of the
Women’s Royal Australian Airforce in
1951 and later its members became an
integral part of the RAAF.
Page 7
INTERESTING ANIVERSARIES
160 Years ago (1856) - School of Arts
was formed;
182 German immigrants arrived.
150 Years ago (1866) - Clarence
Pastoral and Agricultural Society was
formed;
Foundation stone of St Mary’s Church
was laid;
Post office in South Grafton was
opened;
Ramornie Meatworks opened.
140 Years ago (1876) - Memorial Park
at the Boulevarde dedicated;
Lutheran Church was built;
Baptist Church established.
130 Years ago (1886) - St Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church built;
Grafton Club in Fitzroy Street opened.
110 years ago (1906) - Showground
moved to present site;
“The Barn” moved to the Showground.
100 years ago (1916) - Grafton City
Council sacked, an administrator R.
Truman was appointed;
90 years ago (1926) - Ambulance
Station opened in Market Square;
“Induna” commenced service.
80 years ago (1936) - Ambulance
Station opened on present site;
Radio
Station
2NR
commenced
transmission.
3rd St Patrick’s Church, South Grafton
opened.
60 years ago (1956) - Memorial
Olympic Pool opened.
50 years ago (1966) - Schaeffer
House purchased by Grafton City
Council for the Clarence River Historical
Society;
Harwood Bridge opened.
———————————————————————————————————————————
I’m sorry that I can’t update my Facebook page, but my cat ate my mouse.
Page 8
CRHS Newsletter No 147
CLARENCE PASTORAL AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
This year is the 150th year since the
founding of what is now known as the
Clarence Pastoral and Agricultural
Society. Originally it was formed as the
Clarence Pastoral, Agricultural and
Horticultural Association in 1866. The
Association Rules were drawn up by
Aldermen Payne, Avery and Jacobs with
Messrs Martin and Bultitude.
Its first function was a ploughing match
in September that year on land near the
present
Grafton
Racecourse.
Competition was in two sections,
bullocks and horses. Judging was on
the quality and speed they could plough
one quarter of an acre between 11am
and 3pm. The first winner using a pair of
horses was Alexander Waters whose
prize money was 4 pounds, and William
Want won 3 pounds using a team of
bullocks. In both cases the iron plough
used had been made by P. J. Bale.
Ploughing matches were held each year
in the early Shows and there was great
rivalry between Grafton and Ulmarra
residents.
The very first exhibition of Grafton
products was in 1866 with the first
annual show occurring a year later.
Some samples of that very first
exhibition, which was held on the corner
of Fry and Queen Streets, were sent to
the Melbourne International Exhibition in
September 1866. Several awards were
won by the Grafton District in that
Exhibition.
In fact, exhibits had been gathered and
sent to the Melbourne International
Exhibition as far back as 1862 with over
100 specimens from the Clarence Valley
including red cedar, white cedar,
Moreton Bay pine, bean trees, silky oak,
rosewood, red box, and grey gum. Other
items were:
Sugar cane from A. Summerville;
Tobacco Leaf and Arrowroot from Mr
Rush;
White Wine from J.C. Page;
Red Wine from
J. Morgan, and
specimens of Knitting in Cotton from
Mrs John Shearer.
These wonderful samples from the
young Clarence Valley community for
the
Melbourne
Exhibition
were
transported to Melbourne via Sydney
on the “Susanna Cuthbert” free of
charge.
About 640 people attended the first
exhibition in Grafton and gate takings
were 25 pound. John McGillivray, a
noted Naturalist, said when closing the
show, “The object to be attained by
forming the present collection, is mainly
and simply to give further publicity to the
production of the Clarence River district
and thereby, more or less, conduce to
its prosperity. Exhibitions are gigantic
illustrated
advertisements,
and
advertising if conducted with ordinary
judgement, pay handsomely for the
outlay incurred.”
The 1867 Show was held in the grounds
of the Tattersalls Hotel in Queen Street.
Cattle, horses and pigs were housed in
the horse boxes and the farm products
in a tent attached to the billiard room.
——————————————————————————————————————————-The road to success always seems to be under construction.
CRHS Newsletter No 147
In its third year the Society secured a
piece of land in Hoof and Turf Street of
37 acres. This was partially fenced, and
yards and buildings were erected.
In 1906, arrangements were made to
exchange the Hoof Street site for a part
of Fisher Park, land bounded by Prince,
Dobie and Villiers Streets. Annual
Shows have been held at this
Showground there ever since.
Previously, in 1888, a Pavilion, built on
the style of the Prince Alfred Exhibition
Building in Sydney, and costing 150
pounds, had been erected on the Turf
Street site. It was moved to the Prince
Street location of the showground, and
yards were also erected there. The
Pavilion became known as “The Barn”.
Later, in 1954, the Pavilion was named
the T.J. Ford Pavilion in honour of a
previous President. During the past 150
years, since the formation of the
Page 9
Clarence Pastoral and Agricultural
Society thousands of citizens have
dedicated themselves to ensuring the
success of every Grafton Show.
Down through the years there have
been over 30 Presidents.
The first President was Thomas
Bawden who served for 17 years, 15 of
them consecutively.
The longest serving President is Neville
Hayward who served for 23 consecutive
years and is now Senior Vice-president.
The current President is Rex Green.
During the same 150 years there have
been about 20 Secretaries.
The first Secretary was James Page
who served for 23 years.
L.C. Lawson served for 26 years, the
longest serving Secretary.
Another long serving Secretary is Anne
de Graaf who served for 20 years.
The current Secretary is Carol
McDonald.
As well as these office holders there
have been many Vice-presidents and
Treasurers and, no doubt, hundreds of
Committee members and members who
have contributed to the successful
organization and running of our shows.
We are proud of them all and grateful
for their work over the last 150 years.
Mention must be made of the hundreds,
perhaps thousands, of people who have
been exhibitors in the many sections of
the Show over the years. There is a lot
of razzle dazzle at Shows, but the
exhibitors are always the ones who,
year after year at each Show, showcase
the industries, livestock, produce and
skills of our Clarence River District, and
so help to keep alive the vision of the
founders of our Show 150 years ago.
If you were to creep up behind someone gardening, you would probably see them smiling.
Page 10
THE LAND SYDNEY ROYAL
SHOWGIRL COMPETITION
The aim of this competition, which
began in 1962, is to find a young female
Ambassador for rural NSW and the
agricultural show movement. Each local
show society is a member one of 14
groups. Two groups combine to make up
one of 7 zones that make up the NSW
area.
Contestants are judged on personality,
confidence, ambition and life goals,
general knowledge, rural knowledge,
presentation and speech. They are also
judged on their involvement in and
experience of rural affairs.
In 1966 it was decided that Grafton
Show would take part in the Annual
Showgirl Competition. So every year
since then a showgirl has been selected
to take part in the Zone judging. The first
Grafton Showgirl in 1966 was Dianne
Mulligan.
Over 120 country Shows in New South
Wales select showgirls who can then
take part in a Zone competition where
two girls from each zone are selected to
go to Sydney for the State Final. Grafton
is in Zone 1.
In 2015 Ellie Stephens of Lismore, our
Zone winner, also
won the State Final.
The Zone final this
year was held on
the 27th February in
Grafton and two
showgirls
were
selected, one from
Lismore and the
other
from
Wauchope, to take
part in the State final at the Royal Easter
Show on the 21st March.
Who will the winner be?
CRHS Newsletter No 147
GLADYS O’GRADY’S MOTH AND
BUTTERFLY COLLECTION
Our Society is extremely fortunate to
have two folios of Gladys O’Grady’s
watercolours. There are 46 paintings,
and as can be seen from this painting of
a Giant Wood Moth and those on the
front and back pages of this Newsletter,
Gladys’s attention to detail is really
outstanding. Some of the paintings are
dated, the earliest being done in 1924,
and the latest in 1969. As well as the
adult moths and butterflies, many of the
paintings show the larval and pupal
stages of their development. Some of
the paintings show the detailed pencil
drawings Gladys drew before applying
the watercolour, The original paintings
measure 23.5cm by 18.5cm. In 2004
the paintings were on loan to Grafton
Art Gallery for display.
Gladys O’Grady is better known, .of
course, for her bird paintings. At
Schaeffer House we have exercise
books which were used by both Gladys
and her sister Doris to list the birds they
saw. The earliest records were in 1954,
and the latest entries were in 1976.
Both Gladys and Doris made a point of
sending hand painted greeting cards to
their friends. We have quite a collection
of them at Schaeffer House. Birds,
flowers and scenes would be on the
front and often an original poem was
inside.
So much beauty - a wonderful legacy!
———————————————————————————————————————————
Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money but you can’t get more time.
CRHS Newsletter No 147
Page 11
BATHS AT GRAFTON.
But first an APOLOGY to Bruce Wicks! His
was this photo of the baths on the front
page of Newsletter No 146. I wrongly stated
that it was Bill Dougherty’s. Sorry Bruce,
very sorry!
Over
the
years
many
baths
were
built
on
the
river but were washed away by the
frequent floods. These baths pictured
above served Grafton for many years.
Many children learnt to swim in them
and
they produced some fine
swimmers including Ernest Henry who
was chosen for the 1924 Olympic
Games.
In the late 1930s there began a push to
have more permanent baths built, but
the second war began and the idea was
shelved.
However, on the afternoon of 11th
December 1943, one of the greatest
tragedies to happen on the Clarence
River occurred. Thirteen Wolf Cubs
were drowned when their boat was
submerged by a sudden squall as they
returned from Susan Island.
During the war there were restrictions
on fund raising by public subscription,
but Mr Colin Pollock, through Sir Earle
Page, was given consent to open a
fund to build memorial baths. Mr
Pollock was the president of the
Memorial Baths Fund.
General Douglas allowed Lieutenant
Dick Ryan and members of the US
Army to hold a rodeo, which attracted
10,000 people - a great occasion.
As a result Dick Ryan was presented
with
this
Illuminated
Address, which reads:
“Presented to Lieutenant
Dick Ryan By Citizens of
the City of Grafton and
District, New South Wales,
Australia
in
Grateful
Appreciation
of
his
magnificent
efforts
in
organizing and directing the International
Army Rodeo at Grafton on 19th
February,1944, the great success of which
made possible the construction of the
Memorial Baths in General Douglas
McArthur Park, which he has graciously
authorised to be dedicated in his name, to
the thirteen Wolf Cubs who unfortunately
lost their lives in the boating fatality at
Grafton.”
It was signed by the Mayor and
Aldermen of the Grafton City Council
and the Memorial Baths Fund
Executive.
The pool was to be built on the river at
the Memorial Park and a start was
made on it. The foundation stone for it
was laid in
1949, by the
GovernorGeneral, W.J.
Mckell.
However,
because of the threat of floods the
present site in Turf Street was chosen.
The original foundation stone is now at
the side of Schaeffer House.
The Grafton Memorial Olympic Pool
was finally opened on 10th November
1956.
————————————————————————————————————————————
For the best seat in the house you will always have to move the dog.
Page 12
CRHS Newsletter No 147
BILL’S COLUMN
Yes, I have been turning the pages of
the Visitor’s Book of the old Grafton
City Council again. I am often
pleasantly surprised at the number of
Governors of NSW who have visited
the “City of Trees” through the years.
This time I have found Governor
Sir Eric Winslow Woodward (18991967) - a man of special interest to
Grafton because he made 2 visits here
as Governor, as well as private visits to
his famous brother Dr Ted Woodward
who practised in Grafton from 1922
until his death in 1950. He too, is
worthy of a story one day.
Sir Eric’s story begins in Hay, NSW,
where he was born in 1899. At that time
his parents were managing Tom’s Lake
Station near Booligal. The family later
moved to Queensland. Eric attended
Toowoomba Grammar School where he
excelled academically as well as in
sport. In 1917 he entered the Royal
Military College at Duntroon. He
graduated close to the top of his class
and was commissioned lieutenant in
1920.
Then followed a long and distinguished
military career including service in India
and adjutant of light horse regiments in
NSW. He transferred to the RAAF in
1925 and quickly qualified as an
excellent pilot. However after marrying
his cousin Army Freame Weller, he was
persuaded to return to the army.
Promotions soon followed including
being sent to the Staff College,
Camberwell,
England.
With
the
declaration of World War 2, Eric joined
the AIF, and sailed to the Middle East,
April, 1940.
For ‘devotion to duty’, especially in
North Africa, he was appointed O.B.E.
He served in Greece, Syria. Promoted
again in 1942 and transferred to the
famous 9th Division. Sir Leslie
Morshead praised his efforts in the
Battle
of
El
Alamein,
describing him
as “one of the
finest
staff
officers I have
known.” He was
awarded
the
D.S.O. and twice
mentioned
in
dispatches.
Arriving back in
Australia he held
the
post
of
brigadier at army
HQ in Melbourne, then attended the
Imperial Defence College in London
and stayed there as Australian army
representative. In 1949 he was back in
Melbourne as deputy adjutant general
where he implemented the new
national service scheme and fought
strenuously for improvements in
soldiers’ pay and conditions.
In 1952 he was elevated to
C.B.E., adjutant general, and was seen
as a candidate as chief of the General
Staff, but he declared he had become
tired of dealing with bureaucrats and
politicians, and took on the role of
senior army officer in N.S.W.- a post his
great grandfather had filled in 1823.
After Sir John Northcott, term as
Governor drew to a close, Premier J.J.
Cahill chose Woodward who assumed
office August 1957 and was the first
Governor to be born here. His term was
free from serious problems.
Woodward was 6 feet tall, handsome
and athletic, driven by a sense of duty
and conscience, democratically minded.
———————————————————————————————————————————Who says nothing is impossible? I’ve been doing nothing for years!
CRHS Newsletter No 147
He and Lady Woodward carried out
their duties assiduously supporting
charitable, community and religious
organizations. They had 2 children, a
daughter and a son who became a
judge. Woodward retired in 1965 and
died in 1967. That, my friends, is a
summary of the life of Governor
Woodward, but what brings him to
Grafton?
It is Jacaranda time, 30th October,
1958. The Daily Examiner reported that
the Governor and Lady Woodward
arrived on the early train and began a
full and busy day with a visit to the
Experiment Farm at 9.10am. This was
followed by a Civic reception at the
Grafton Town Hall by Mayor J.F.
Flaherty. Speakers at the reception
included the Bishop of Grafton, Bishop
K.J.Clements, Sir Earle Page, MHR,
and Mr. W.R.Weiley MLA. Replying to
the welcome Governor Woodward said
he and Lady Woodward were
absolutely delighted to come to
Grafton. They were amazed to look out
of the train window and see the beauty
of the Jacarandas in full bloom. He
thanked the Mayor and Council for the
warm and sincere welcome and for
inviting them to Grafton and arranging
their itinerary. “If the itinerary is
considered too full, it is our fault. We
want to meet as many of the people as
we can, and see as much of the area
as humanly possible”. Then it was on to
the Market Square-dancing time, and a
welcome from the President of the
Festival, Mr. Bill Crisp. Next it was off to
the Showground to open the Schools
display where 2,100 children from all
over the Valley awaited with their
colourful beach theme. Grafton High
School cadets and the Grafton District
Silver Band formed a guard of honour.
The display featured the girls in floral
Page 13
skirts and white blouses, the boys in
white shirts and coloured shirts dancing
folk dances and depicting happy hours
at the beach. By the time the dancing
finished the children were exhausted it was 130F(40C) but the official party
soldiered on.
Now
the
Governor
and
Lady
Woodward
separated to carry out
different duties. For the Governor was
keen to visit the Hospital where he
intended to visit each of the 125
patients but didn’t quite make it in the
50 minutes. Lady Woodward went off to
afternoon tea at the Red Cross rooms
which was organized by the Quota
Club and included women's’ service
groups. Lady Woodward met every
guest personally, a point noted by Mrs.
Hooker in her speech, in which she
expressed their gratitude for the visit.
Lady Woodward wouldn’t leave until
she had met and thanked the ladies of
the Red Cross for preparing and
serving the afternoon tea.
No, the day is not done yet. Now it is
on the Grafton District Services Club
where the Governor will unveil a
commemorative plaque to mark the
start of the new Services Club building.
The ceremony took place at 5.05pm
with a large gathering of club members
and wives. After meeting many of them,
their Excellencies departed at 5.45pm
to a private dinner with Dr E.P. Holland
and his wife. Dr Holland had been in
partnership with the Governor’s brother
Dr Ted during his 28 years in Grafton.
The official party departed by train at
9.30pm for Sydney. Did I mention it
was a full and busy day? I don’t think
the Governor or his wife knew much
about a 40 hour week. And it was a
103f day.
W. M. Dougherty O.A.M.
———————————————————————————————————————————
One of the great pleasures in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
Page 14
CRHS Newsletter No 147
FROM THE PRESIDENT
We continue to be busy doing research
and organizing displays. The collection
of material to promote the 150th
Anniversary of the Clarence Pastoral
and Agriculture Society established in
1866. We plan to mount a display in the
Show Pavilion as well as in Schaeffer
House for the Show on 15th and 16th
April.
++++++++++
We thank Greg Godfrey so very much
for giving us four lovely
antique carved dining
chairs to replace the
council chairs which
took up so much room in
the dining room. We are
looking for a pair of
carver
chairs
to
completer the dining
room furniture.
++++++++++
Our display of Copmanhurst Shire
Council, before amalgamation is well
worth seeing. It has been prepared by
Leone Roberts, former Councillor and
Deputy Mayor of that Council, and the
current Citizen of the Year bestowed by
Clarence Valley Council this year.
++++++++++
Some very old tin toys have been
donated:
a
train
engine, a
model
car,
a
monkey
drummer,
and
a
clown on
a horse, and a lovely wooden Noah’s
Ark with carved wooden animals.
We are also very grateful to Mrs Betty
Anderson who donated two beautiful
matching padded armchairs for the
House. One is a two seater in the
Bedroom and the other a single chair in
the Drawing room.
++++++++++
Some time ago we received two timber
display cabinet frames made by Ron
McSkimming. They are in need of glass
panels. With help from the Men’s Shed
and Ace Glass we hope to have them
completed soon. One of the cabinets
will be used to display a number of
trophies from the days of Power Boat
Racing on the Clarence. These have
been donated by Paul Phillips, a new
member and volunteer. Thanks go to
Grant Cassie who is cleaning and
repairing the trophies.
++++++++++
An ongoing project undertaken by Nita
Child is the sorting of all all our maps in
our maps drawers, and placing them in
special plastic envelopes so that they
are protected. Thank You, Nita.
++++++++++
We thank Barry Baldwin for taking on
the task of changing our photo data
base so that all photos are named, as
far as possible, and organized into
categories. This will eventually save a
lot of our time as we do research.
Copied photos will also be better.
—————————————————————–——————————————————————
Some people pay a compliment as if they expect a receipt.
CRHS Newsletter No 147
Page 15
100 YEARS AGO
(Compiled by the Research Officer, Hazel Lawson)
Extracts from The Daily Examiner, March 1916
A swimming carnival under the
supervision of teachers from Grafton
Public school will be held in the
municipal baths this afternoon. The
main events will be the races to decide
the championships of 3rd 4th 5th and 6th
classes and the school, while handicaps
for members of the various classes and
junior cadets have also been arranged.
The novelty events will include pillow
fights, cork scramble, obstacle race and
musical buoys. A small entrance fee will
be charged.
++++++++++
ROWING: The second heat of the
McClymont Cup trophy was rowed
yesterday and resulted in T. Noonan
winning from H. Buggy, C. Kelly third.
++++++++++
The secretary of the Ulmarra Australia
Day fund acknowledges receipt of 3
pound from Mr. A. Carlton, being
proceeds of a heifer auctioned by him on
account of Mr C Phelps at his clearing
out sale.
++++++++++
Now is your chance to fill up the empty
Kapok mattress. Prime Kapok at 1/- lb.
an old time price, we are over stocked
buy at once. E H R Powell, Prince
Street Grafton.
++++++++++
Mr H. Lowe has been transferred from
the Justice Dept. to the Public trustee’s
office. Mr Lowe is the son of Mr Fred
Lowe South Grafton, he qualified for the
Bar some time ago but has not taken up
the Practice of his profession.
The Church of England Mullumbimby
made a presentation of a silver mounted
glass sweet dish and spoon to Miss
Withers on the eve of her marriage in
Grafton to Mr F C Powell at St. Mathew’s
church on 21 inst.
++++++++++
DR. PAGE IN EGYPT. Mrs. E C G Page
received a cable from her husband,
stating he had arrived in Egypt and
expected to sail to the front within a few
weeks.
++++++++++
POLICE CHANGES:
Sergeant G
Calman succeeds First Class Sergeant
Andrews in charge of South Grafton
district. Sergeant Johns of Broadwater
R.R.,
has
been
transferred
to
Copmanhurst where Sergeant Calman
has for the past 15 years been stationed.
+++++++++++
The Atalanta, while on the return trip
from Copmanhurst struck a rock
damaging her hull and was beached at
Moleville.
The passengers were
transferred to the Bosker and brought to
Grafton.
++++++++++++
SALVATION ARMY BARRACKS. Mr L.
Fox who will supervise the erection of
the new Salvation Army Barracks in
Pound Street arrived in town and will
proceed with the work immediately. The
new building will be of weatherboard, 42
feet by 25 feet, with accommodation for
200 people and provision has also been
made for Officers quarters.
———————————————————————————————————————————
100 years ago the tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
These four, and the one on the front cover, are photographic examples from the collection
of water colours of Moths and Butterflies painted by Gladys O’Grady, and which are
held at Schaeffer House.
Produced by the Clarence River Historical Society
190 Fitzroy Street (PO Box 396) GRAFTON NSW 2460 - Phone: 02 6642 5212
Email: [email protected] - Website: www.clarencehistory.org.au