The Rocks, Early Sydney
The Rocks is really a most extraordinary place! A small district of Sydney, without the distinction of its own postcode, it stands on the high ground west of Sydney Cove,…
First formal celebration of Australia Day
On 26 January 2017 will be the 200th anniversary of the first formal celebration of what would become Australia Day On January 23, 1817, Isaac Nichols wrote to Governor Macquarie…
The Lament of The Man on the Land
REMEMBER WHEN "It all started back in ‘66 when they changed from pounds to dollar - me bloody overdraft doubled. Then they brought in kilograms instead of pounds - now I’m only producing…
Lavender Bay
Many of us have heard of this bay, and seen it as we pass over the Harbour Bridge. The name Lavender Bay conjures up mental visions of a sweet-smelling flower;…
Beer & Water
THE Sydney Sun reports . . . . . . that the city council has placed a bubbling water fountain outside the main entrance to a large local brewery. Whether…
Bloomers and Bicycles
What do bloomers and bicycles have in common? While today’s models parade the catwalk in panties and other underwear, this would have been unthinkable in the 1800s. So too would…
Mortlake & Breakfast Point
Mortlake and Breakfast Point - Capt John Hunter
Captain John Hunter led the first British exploration of the Parramatta River in February 1788. On the 5th February, while having breakfast he made the first contact with local Aboriginals…
The Walker Crest/Motto
On our open days we are often asked what is the meaning of the latin on the Walker crest - “Per Varios Casus”. An approximate translation would be “Through diverse (or various) opportunities”, which…
Edward Smith Hall
Edward Smith Hall - a portrait
Edward Smith Hall was of those early pioneers whose great work in winning for us the freedom of the Australian Press has been obscured by the more widely known achievements of Wentworth. Bom in London…
Thomas Walker & Edward Smith-Hall
Edward Smith Hall - a portrait
I resume my friend’s chronology:- “Died September 18 Mr. Edward Smith-Hall in the 75th year of his age. This gentleman I think was the first secretary of the Bank of New South Wales when…