Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- 194707 [2018/01/31 13:24] – tyreless
+++ 194707 [2018/02/01 12:56] – tyreless
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 ----
+=====Editorial - Lot 7, North Era.=====
+It is good news that the Federal Treasurer has consented to our purchasing lot 7, North Era for £350, thus validating our agreement with the owner. Out efforts to purchase this land have extended over several years while our interest in it is as old as the Club.
+From the earliest days of the S.B.W. members have camped at Era. Till early in the thirties South Era was the most popular camping spot. Other campers followed and shacks appeared in increasing numbers. One windy week-end two well known Bushualkers invited some of the other campers to their camp fire - a nice sheltered spot - and the next week-end the guests made a point of arriving early enough to "bag" it for themselves. After that the Bushwalkers moved on to Stockyard Creek, North Era, and, when more people came to camp there they moved on to North North Era, which has been the S.B.W. camp site since about 1935.
+About 1937 the possibility of buying lot 7 was mooted, and a rough survey made of the boundaries (This was published in the April, 1947, issue). We could probably have purchased it then on favourable terms, as it belonged to a relative of a member. However the suggestion was not followed up because members had become used to camping there without hindrance and inferred that they would always be able to do so. Shortly after this a man appeared and demanded a camping fee of 1/- a tent. He used to came late at night, flash his torch into tents and wake everyone to demand his fee. It was not until early in 1943 that his right to the fee was questioned and it was ascertained from the owner of the land that he had no right to collect. By this time we had made him a gift of a tidy sum.
+Early in 1943 it became known that Byrnes' Estate was to be sold. This includes most of the land round South Era. Fears were aroused that it might be sold to a land development campany. These fears were based on an attempt made in 1927 to float an "Era Development Company." The proposed company was to erect a large boarding house or hotel and to instal all the usual holiday facilities. The possibility of another such scheme, coupled with resentment over the camping fees, supplied the needed impetus, and since then constant efforts have been made to preserve North Era as a camping area.
+These efforts took several forms, and, as each met an unsurmountable obstacle, another means was tried. At first the Government was requested, through the Federation, to resume the whole of the privately owned lands between National Park and Garrawarra, a request in which the National Fitness Movement joined. Bushwalkers were a bit apprehensive about this move, but were assured by the National Fitness Movement that North Era would remain as a camping area. The Government would not resume the land, so attention was turned to the possibility of purchasing lot 7. As this lot included all the flat land at North Era it was thought that its acquisition would prevent any development of the surrounding hillsides. A proposal was made to the Federation that it should organise the purchase, but the Federation would not undertake this, though it offered co-operation. After this the Club decided to attempt the purchase. The first step was to test out the financial reactions of members by finding out how much they would be prepared to contribute. It was decided that no special efforts would be made to raise the money, which was expected to be about £400, as it was a large sum to raise, and it was considered that the land was not worth having unless members were sufficiently enthusiastic about it to contribute willingly. In a very short time nearly £200 had been promised. This evidence of substantial and unsolicited support was placed before the half-yearly meeting in September, 1943. The meeting resolved "That the Club devote £100 from its Savings Bank Account towards the purchase of the whole or half of lot 7, North Era, provided the balance of the money required be raised by loan or gift." At the General Meeting in January, 1944, it was decided to accept donations from anyone outside the Club on the understanding that it did not give the donors or any organisation special rights in Era. This proviso was made clear to all non-S.B.W. donors by Edna Garrad, who undertook the collection of funds.
+The next move was to send Tom Herbert and Mouldy Harrison down to the owner, Mr. Ziems of Wollongong, to arrange for the purchase. It was known that he was not keen to sell, but, after hearing our reasons for wanting to buy, he consented to sell for £350. By this time funds were assured. They continued to come in until, by June 1945, a total of £435 had been contributed. It was very gratifying that, although we were prepared to accept either loans or gifts, all the money was given. Money, however, was not enough, as we found that a mistake had been made about the valuation, and the Federal Treasurer would not consent to a sale for £350 of land valued at £210. Unable to purchase we leased the camping rights for £18 a year. Renewed efforts were then made, through the Federation, to have the land resumed. It was decided to offer the money to the Government on condition that it resumed all the privately owned land between National Park and Garrawarra. As the money was not donated for this purpose, refunds were made to all who so desired. This resulted in the fund sinking to £365. Though a sum was placed on the estimates for the resumption, it was removed before the estimates were passed. We then adopted a new tactic. The valuation was a very old one, and our Honorary Solicitor advised that, should an approved valuer place it higher, the Treasurer might consent. The trouble then was to find an approved valuer who would go down to such an out-of-the-way place. Here a prospective member came to our aid and put us in touch with Mr. O.L. Wild, who went down and revalued the place at £300. We did not expect that this was near enough to £350 for the Federal Treasurer's consent, but now we learn that he has approved, and the last obstacle has been overcome.
+Funds came from the following sources:
+| |£.s.d.|
+|S.B.W. Club Funds|100.-.-|
+|S.B.W. - gifts from members|214.15.6|
+|Australian Forest League|14.15.6|
+|Rucksack Club|10.-.-|
+|N.S.W. Federation of Bush Walking Clubs|7.2.6|
+|W.E.A. Ramblers|5.-.-|
+|River Canoe Club|5.-.-|
+|Bush Club|3.3.-|
+|Burning Palms Life Saving Club|1.1.-|
+|First Ramsgate Rovers|1.-.-|
+|Gifts from individuals (non-S.B.W.)|3.3.-|
+|TOTAL|365.-.6|
+In addition the Wild Life Preservation Society generously offered up to £50 if required, but this amount was not needed.
+Now that it is in our hands quite a lot could be done in the way of cleaning up, improving the water supply, and supervising the use of wood and camp etiquette of newcomers. Perhaps in time we could exclude the cattle, start reafforentation and stop the sand drift. Unfortunately we have little hope of entirely preventing the use of axes and firearms, or of controlling bush fires in dry times, but, as it is rich volcanic soil, with good rainfall, the grass and herbage is vigorous and green. This means that it will take a tremendous beating. Most sandstone areas, if used as much as Era, would be blackened ruins with large areas of bare, eroded soil. But Era seldom burns out and will never wear out.
+The time may came when shacks and "development" come right to the edge of lot 7, but it will still remain the last convenient beach-side refuge of the bushwalker.
+----
+=====Social Committee Notes.=====
+The last dance at "Pakie's" was so successful that another has been arranged for the 15th July. This time it will be on a Tuesday so that all the people prevented from attending last time on account of "Wednesdayitis" can have a share in the fun. The address is still 219 Elizabeth St. on the first floor.
+The film night on the lath. has been arranged to interest people in ski-ing. It is hoped that by a little advertising the accommodation at the snow will eventually be in keen demand! It may be possible one day to go to the Chalet and not find oneself the only one stopping there. These films are kindly lent by the Kosciusko Alpine Club. Most of them are instructional, but one or two are of scenic interest.
+Can you stand criticism? If not, bring your A.B.P's. (Anti-blushing Pills) to the debate on the 25th. The subject under debate will be that "Most Bushwalkers are Morons". We cannot say more than that this debate will equal the brilliance in argument, the scintillating repartee, the astounding (sic) facts, the genuine desire for the truth shown in the last, most successful debate. We have a list of homes having vacancies for the feeble-minded.
+As to what is coming in the succeeding months we'll just give you the slightest idea. On the 15th August there will be a concert and Quiz. It will probably be males versus females - so sharpen up your wits girls and see if you can endeavour not to be beaten! On the 22nd. of August, Ira Butler, on the 20th a dance... really Hollywood would be dull after the Ingersoll Hall.
+----
+=====Not At Our June Meeting.=====
+On the evening of Friday, 13th June the President was bound for Jamberoo. The Vice-Presidents and Secretary were on the way to Moss Vale. The Treasurer was stuck in a car at Bulli Pass. The Walks' Secretary was starting for the Abercrombie. Other members were in other places. Only six turned up at the Clubroom, so there was no meeting. But who on earth could have imagined there would be on the Friday of King's Birthday week-end?
+----
+=====Joadga.=====
+By "Wyranna"
+The party assembled at Mittagong from the 4 p.m. train from Sydney and every other train till the paper train on Saturday morning. The Friday-nighters camped in a delightful spot not far from the station. Saturday morning appeared clear and crisp and the ground was covered in a thick white frost. We all met at the station for transport to Joadga. It was an interesting drive and the frost was still thick under the trees.
+At last we arrived at the old workings and made an inspection, after which we followed a steep track down to the Creek and had a look at the houses and plant. The valley was a delightful spot with traces of Autumn leaves still on the trees. We followed Joadga Creek down to the Wingecarribee River where we lunched and then followed the Wingecarribee up stream to a good camp site below Mt. Penang.
+An early camp was made. After tea we had a good camp fire with Wick officiating on his "Squeeze-Box" and all joining in the singing.
+Next morning there was another heavy-frost and even the Creek was frozen. We climbed the hills - Mount Penang - without packs. Moss Vale can be seen from the top and we found several patches of neglected cultivation. At one spot some of the party gathered turnips for their tea.
+Returning to the camp site for lunch we farewelled Max who set out for a long walk back to Mittagong as he had to be home that night. The rest of us moved off up the River towards Black Bob's Creek and in cutting up over a ridge to avoid a bend in the river missed Peg, Cath, Billy and Kevin (who toil on Saturday mornings and had came out to meet us). However Eric had started walking on the wrong side of the river looking for a photographic masterpiece and could not get back to us, so he eventually came across them waiting for us to go by. His coo-ees brought us back and we all moved off again.
+That night we camped on a river flat beside a large pool, which the hardy Bondi Iceberg tested and declared excellent. Once more we sat round a glowing fire while Wick played for us and we watched the stars reflected in the pool.
-EDITORIAL
-Lot 79 North Era.
-It iS good news that the Federal Treasurer has consented to our purchasing lot 7, North Era for 350, thus validating our agreement with the owner. Out efforts co purchase this land have extenaed over several years while our interest in it is as ola as the Club.
-From the earliest days of the S.B.W. members have camped at Era. Till early in the thirties South Era was the most popular camping spot. Other camp6"ns'followed and shacks appeared in increasing numbers. One windY week-end two well known Bushualkers invited some of the other campers to their camp fire - a nice sheltered spot - and the next week-0,nd the gUasts made a point of arriving early enough to "bag it for themselves. After that the Bushwalkers
-Brian Harvey, Production Asst: Peter Price,'Salp c?c Subs:, Christa CaInan
-Ad. Sales & Subs :Bill Horton Typiste: Gweneth Roots
-roved on to Stockyard Creek, North Era, and, whefi more people cane to camp there they moved on to North North Era, which has been the S.B.W. camp site since about 1935.
-About 1937 the possibility of buying lot 7 was mooted, and a rough survey made of the boundaries (This was published in the April, 1947, issue). We could probably have purchased it then on favourable terms, as it belonged to a relative of a member. However the suggestion was not followed up because members had became used to camping there without hindrance and inferred that they would always be able to do so. Shortly after this a man appeared and demanded a carping fee of 1/- a tent. He used to came late at night, flash his torch into tents and wake everyone to demand his fee. It was not until early in 1943 that his right to the fee was questioned and it was ascertained from the owner of the land that he had no right to collect. By this time we had made him a gift of a tidy sum.
-Early in 1943 it became known that.-tyrnes/ Estate was to be sold. This includes most of the land round; South Era. Fears were arouseq:1 that it right be sold to a land development campany. These fears were based on an attempt made in 1927 to float an 'Era Development Company." The proposed company was to erect a large boarding house or hotel and to instal all the usual holiday facilities. The pc-2- sibility of another such scheme, coupled with resentment over -t1;he camping fees, supplied the needed impetus, and since then coil. :t efforts have been made to preserve North Era as a camping area
-Thesse efforts took several forms, and, as each met an unsr]rractable obstacle, another means was tried. At first the Government was requested, through the Federation, to resume the whole of the privately owned lands between National Park and Garrawarra, a request in which the National Fitness 1k/rove/rent joined. Bushwalkers were a bit apprehensive about this move, but were assured by the National Fitness Trovement that North Era would remain as a camping area The Government would not resume the land, so attention was turned
-to the possibility of purchasing lot 7. AS this lot included all the flat land at North Era it was thought that its acquisition would
-prevent any development of the surrounding hillsides. A proposal
-was made to the Federation that it should organise the purchase,
-but the Federation would not undertake this, though it offered co-operation. After this the Club decided to attempt the purchase. The first step was to test out the financia 1 reactions of members
-by finding out how much they would be prepared to contribute. It
-was decided that no special efforts would be made to raise the money, which was expected to be about 400, as it was a large sum to raise, and it was considered that the land was not worth having unless members were sufficiently enthusiastic about it to contribute willingly. In a very short time nearly 200 had been promieled. ThiL' evidence of substantial and unsolicited support was placed before the half-yearly meeting in September, 1943. The meeting resolved "That the Club devote 100 fran its Savings Bank Account towards the purchase of the whole or half of lot 7, North Era, provided the balance of the money required be raised by loan or gift." At the General Yeeting in January, 1944, it was decided to accept donations
-from anyone outside the C.1.11-On the understanding that it did not
-give the donors or ar4 organ,isation special rights in Era. This
-a a
-proviso was made c.3-'6ar to 41 'non-S.B.W. donors by Edna Garrad, whn undertook the colle:ct,ion pf,funds.
-The next rove was to send.,.t pr- Herbert and nouldy Harrison down to
-the awne'r, Mr. Zier'Sof Wollongong, to arrange for the purchase.
-It,wa known,that He. as not keen to Pell, but, after hearing our
-.reasons for wanting to buy, he consented to sell for 350. By this tire funds were assured. They continued to came in until, by June 1945, a total of 2,435'1.a'd' been, contributed. It was very gratifying that,- although we were - prep,aed to accept either loans or gfts, all the money was given,' Money, however; was nob enough, as we found that a ristake.-had been nade about the valuation, and the Federal Treasurer wotfid not consent to a salefpr 350 of land valued at 210. Unable to purchase we leased the camping rights for 18 a year. Renewed efforts were then made, through the Feder-
-ation, to have the land resumed. It was decided to offer the money
-to the'Government on condition that it resumed all the privately
-owned land between National Park and Garrawarra. As the money was
-not donated for this purpose, refunds were made to all who so desired. This resulted in the fund sinking to 365. Though a sum was placed,
-on the estimates for the resumption, it was removed before the estimates were passed. We then adopted a new tactic. The valuation was a very old one, and our Honorary Solicitor advised that, should an approved valuer place it higher, the Treasurer might consent. The
-trouble then was to find an approved valuer who would go down to such
-an out-of-the-way place. Here a prospective member came to our aid
-and put us in touch with Yr. O.L. Wild, who went down and revalued the place at 300. We did not expect that this was near enough to
-for the Federal Treasurer's- consent, but now we learn that
-he has approved, and the last obstacle has been overcame.
-FUnds came from. the following sources
-S.B.W. Club Funda
-S.B.W. - gifts from members
-Australian Forest League
-Rucksack Club
-N.S.W. Federation of Bush Walking Clubs W.E.A. Ramblers
-River Canoe Club
-Bush Club
-Burning Palms Life Saving Club
-First Ramsgate Rovers
-Gifts from individuals (non-S.B.W.)
-s. d.
-. '-, -
-.15, 6
-.15: 6
-IO.
-. 2. 6
-. -.
-. -.
-. 3. -
-. 1. -
-.
-. 3. -
-. -. 6
-In addition the Wild Life Preservation Society generously offered
-up to 50 if required, but this amount was not needed.
-Now that it in in our hands quite a. lot could be done in the way of cleaning up, improving the water supply, and supervising the use of wood and camp etiquette of newcomers. Iperhaps in time we could
-exclude the cattle, start reafforentation and stop the an drift.
-Unfortunately we have little hope of entirely preventing theuse of
-axes and firearr-s, or of controlling bush fires in dry times, bit, as it is rich volcanic soil, with good rainfall, the grass and
-herbage is vigorous and green. This means that it will take a tremendous beating. Most sandstone areas, if used as much as Era, would be blackened ruins with large areas of bare, eroded soil. But Era seldor burns out and will never wear out.
-The time may came when shacks. and "development" came right to the edge of lot 7, but it will still remain the last convenient beach- side refuge of the bushwalker.
-SOCIAL COMMITTEE NOTES
-The last dance at "Pakiets" was so successful that another has
-been arranged for the 15th July. This time it will be on a Tuesday
-so that all the people prevented from attending last time on account of f'Wednesdayitis" can have a share in the fun. The address is still 219 Elizabeth St. on the first floor.
-The film night on the lath. has been arranged to interest people in ski-ing. It is hoped that by a little advertising the accommo-
-dation at the snow will eventually, be in keen demand: It may be
-possible one day to go to the Chalet and not find oneself the only
-one stopping there. These films are kindly lent by the. Kosciusko Alpine Club. Most of them are instructional, but one or two are of acenic interest.
-Can you stand criticism? If not, bring your A.B.Pls. (Anti-blushing Pills) to the debate on the 25th. The subject under debate will be that !lost Bushwalkers'are Morons. We cannot say more than that this debate will equal the brilliance in argument, the scintillat-
-ing repartee, the astounding (sic) facts, the genuine desire for the truth shown in the last, most successful debate. We have a list of homes having vacancies for the feeble-minded.
-As to what is caning in the succeeding months we'll just give you the slightest idea. On the 15th August there will be a concert and Quiz. It will probably be rales verrus females - so sharpen up your wits girls and see if you can endeavour not to be beaten! On
-the 22nd. of August, Ira Butler, on the 20th a dance really Hollywood would be dull after the Ingersoll Hall.
-NOT AT OUR JUNE MEETING
-On the evening of Friday, 13th June the President was bound for Jarberoo. The Vice-Presidents and Secretary were on the way to Moss Vale. The Treasurer was stuck in a car at Bulli Pass. The Walks' Secretary was starting for the Abercrombie. Other reic,bers were in other places. Only six turned up at the Clubroom, so there was no meeting. But who on earth could have imagined there would be on the Friday of King's Birthday week-end?
-JOADGA
-y. fl
-. .
-The party assembled at Vittagong from the 4 p m train from Sydney and every othey train till the paper train on Saturday morning. The Friday-nighters camped in a delightful spot not r from the station. Saturday morning appeared clear and crisp and the ground was covered in a thick white frost. We all net at the station for transport to Joadga. It was an interesting drive and the frost was still thick under the trees.
-. At last we arrived at the old workings and made an inspection, after which we followed a steep track down to the Creek and had a
-look at the houses and plant. The valley was a delightful spot with traces of Autumn leaves still on the trees. We followed
-Joadga Creek down to the Wingecarribee River where we lunched and then followed the Wingecarribee up stream to a good camp site below Mt. Penang.
-An early camp was made. After tea we had a good carp fire with
-Wick officiating on his hSqueeze-Boxand all joining in the singing.
-Next morning there was another heavy-frost and even the.Creek was frozen.. We climbed the hills - Yount Penang. without packs. Moss Vale can be seen from the top and we found several patches of. neglect-
-ed cultivation. 'A'y one spot some of the party gathered turnips for their tea.
-Returning to the camp site for lunch we farewelled Max who set out
-for a long walk back to Mittagong as he-had to be home that night.
-The rest of us moved off up the River towards Black Bob's Creek and in cutting up over a ridge to avoid a bend in the river missed Peg,
-Oath, Billy and Kevin (who toil on Saturday mornings and had came out
-to meet us). However Eric had started walking on the wrong side of
-the river looking for a photographic masterpiece and could not get back to us, so he eventually came across them waiting for us to go by.
-His coo-ees brought us back and we all moved off again.
-That night we camped on a river: flat beside a large pool, which the hardy Bondi Iceberg tested and declared excellent. Once more we at
-round a glowing fire while Wick played for us and we watched the stars reflected in the pool.
 We made an early start next day and reached Jacky Jacky Creek in very short time. Here we climbed up a ridge and went across country till we picked up a track which led back to a ford across the Wingecarribee, where we lunched, and after that followed the track until it reached a road leading into Berrima where our truck picked us up and took us to Moss Vale.
-The last part of the journey was through open grazing country and the photographers queued up to get THE MASTERPIECE of a fine :tree on a hill with 'just the Right Clouds behind it. So now we are all looking forward to the next photographic exhibition.
+The last part of the journey was through open grazing country and the photographers queued up to get THE MASTERPIECE of a fine tree on a hill with just the Right Clouds behind it. So now we are all looking forward to the next photographic exhibition.
+----
 CRATING A PRIEITIVE AREA.