church point (nsw) history: places, people and activities · church point (nsw) history: places,...

Peter Altona and Sue Gould 2012

C H U R C H P O I N T ( N S W )

H I S T O R Y : P L A C E S , P E O P L E A N D A C T I V I T I E S

S A M U E L M O R R I S O N - T e a c h e r

Fig 1: Samuel Morrison c1898

(Extract from Photo of Pittwater P.S children – Photo Courtesy of Bob Waterer)

Church Point History - Places, People & Activities

SAMUEL MORRISON - Teacher

Peter Altona & Sue Gould 28th April 2012 of 12

CONTENTS Page

1.0 Introduction 3

1.1 Background 3

1.2 Location 3

1.3 Authorship 3

1.4 Acknowledgements 3

1.5 Methodology 3

1.6 References 3

2.0 Historical Overview 4

3.0 Chronology of Events 5

List of Figures

Figure Title

1 Samuel Morrison c1898 Cover

2 Location of Schools at Church Point 4

3 Little Wooden (Methodist) Church 5

4 Plan of New School 7

5 1895 Text Book Cover 8

6 Location of Second Church Point School 9

7 Part ‘Rocklily’ Estate Plan c1908-1910 10

8 ‘La Corniche’ Bayview 1907 (Figtree Flat) 11

9 ‘La Corniche’ Bayview 1907 11




1.0 INTRODUCTION Samuel Morrison – Teacher is one of a series of articles presenting the history of the

Places, People and Activities of Church Point. The historical information presented in this article clarifies and preserves the history of Pittwater and provides a sound basis for further research. It is intended to be a dynamic document subject to amendments as further information is uncovered.

1.1 Background Samuel Morrison was a prominent person at Pittwater throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, giving long service as schoolmaster at the Pittwater Provisional School, and the Public Schools of Pittwater, Bay View, Mona Vale and Newport.

1.2 Location Morrison resided at southern Pittwater between 1884 and 1906. From 1888 to 1906 he lived with his wife and family in the teacher’s residence of the Pittwater Public School at Church Point. On moving from Pittwater the Morrisons lived at Manly.

Morrison’s appointments as schoolmaster included teaching in the small timber church at Church Point, a new brick school at Church Point (a ¼ mile to the east of the church), temporary accommodation in a cottage at Mona Vale, a new school at Freshwater and an established school at Newport.

1.3 Authorship Peter Altona, resident of Church Point, has been involved in affairs concerning Church Point for over a decade and now, as a retired architect, is keen to document a concise and accurate history that may assist in the awareness and appreciation of historical factors and features at Church Point.

Sue Gould, resident of Coasters Retreat, is a historian of Pittwater dedicated to researching primary sources and committed to preserving the integrity of the history of Pittwater.

The information contained in the series of articles on Church Point is provided freely for the benefit of those interested in the history of Church Point and it is therefore requested that this gift not be abused nor used for commercial gain.

1.4 Acknowledgements George and Shelagh Champion, eminent Historians of the northern peninsula of Sydney, have kindly provided research and support to the project.

1.5 Methodology As a principle, primary sources are used where possible to present a non-interpretive historical record. To assist the reader, references are attached to the information rather than presented as a bibliography. When historical research reveals conflicting information the Authors have chosen the most reliable source.

Both Bay View and Bayview were in common usage.

1.6 References NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages State Records NSW, Kingswood, School Files Government Schools of NSW website Mitchell Library, State Library NSW SMH: Sydney Morning Herald, Newspaper, Sydney Samuel Morrison: Early Pittwater Reminiscences, 16 May 1929, a paper read by S. Morrison at a meeting of the Manly, Warringah & Pittwater Historical Society. J.S.N. Wheeler: The Early Days of Bayview, Newport, R.A.H.S. Journal Vol 26 Pt 4, 1940 J.S.N. Wheeler: Some Old Families Of Pittwater, Manly Warringah Journal, September 1991 Guy and Joan Jennings: Mona Vale Stories, The Newport Story. National Library of Australia, Trove Newspapers Warringah Library Local Studies




2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Samuel Morrison began his teaching service at Pittwater in 1884 when the Pittwater

Provisional School (1881 -1884) met the criteria of being a Public School.

Morrison’s appointment made by the Department of Instruction to teach at Pittwater began in the premises of the small wooden church at Church Point and then moved into the fine brick school which was built for the Pittwater Public School at Church Point, a ¼ mile to the east of the church.

In 1887 Morrison cemented his place in the community by marrying Emma Chave, a local girl and daughter of a prominent landholder and orchardist.

The Morrisons’ showed enterprise in the 1890s that reflected the advantages of the way of life at Pittwater. Emma Morrison’s purchase of two properties at Bayview in 1891 and 1899 resulted in the establishment of two country resort accommodation places, Killarney and Drumtochty. During the years 1889 to 1893 Morrison provided boarding accommodation for four boys during the school terms of the Pittwater Public School.

When Pittwater Public School, also to be known as ‘Bayview Public School’, closed in 1906, Morrison was transferred as Headmaster to a Public School being set up at Mona Vale. This transfer concluded 22 years of Morrison teaching the children of Pittwater at Church Point.

Morrison continued teaching for a further 16 years at the Mona Vale, Freshwater [Harbord] and Newport Public Schools until his retirement in 1922.

On his death in 1936 Morrison had lived in New South Wales for about 52 years. For 38 of those years he gave service to the Department of Public Instruction.

Fig 2: Location of Schools at Church Point (Base plan courtesy Land and Property Management Authority)

G. BrownPor 26

LEGEND

Original road reserve50 links wide

(current

Quays marina)

(current

Holmeport marina)

Pittwater / Bayview Public School 1888-1906 on Black's acre

J. Redman

W. Tibbits

Provisional / Pittwater Public School 1881-1888 in the Church

B. James Jnr.

14 Feb 1883 - Walter Hugh TIBBITS - 40ac 0r 6p

05 Dec 1885 - John REDMAN

19 Jan 1884 - Benjamin JAMES Jnr - 23ac 3r

1885 Thomas Wilson Jnr

1885 Albert Thomas Black

SK-08E

Church acre

T. Wilson Jnr.

A.T

. Bla

ck

W. J. Baker




3.0 CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS c1858 Samuel Morrison of Ireland

Samuel Morrison is born about 1858, the son of Samuel Morrison and Sarah (McGowan) at Comber, County Down, Ireland. Comber is a village in northeast Ireland, nine miles E.S.E. of Belfast. Morrison’s father is a schoolteacher. (Death Certificate Reg. No. 1936/011239)

Teacher Training in Ireland

Morrison becomes a Certified Teacher from Normal Training College at Dublin.

Headmaster in Ireland

Morrison becomes the Headmaster at Saunders-street School at Belfast.

c1884 Arrival in New South Wales

Morrison arrives in New South Wales circa1884 about the age of 26 years.

Fig 3: Little Wooden (Methodist) Church (Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW [PXB417]

1884 Appointment to Pittwater Public School

The Department of Public Instruction of NSW appoints Samuel Morrison as teacher at Pittwater Public School on 1 May 1884.

“ I was appointed teacher at Pittwater Public School on 1 May 1884. The coach which was run by W. Boulton, Newport, was timed to leave Bagnall’s Hotel, The Corso, Manly, at 4 p.m. on Sunday for Newport. The men employed at Von Bieren’s Powder Works were returning by that coach which collected passengers at the livery stable behind the Steyne Hotel, and although the driver had promised to pick me up, he went off as soon as the coach was crowded, thus leaving me no alternative but to walk to Pittwater – a distance of thirteen miles. After passing the Manly Lagoon, I met no one, and passed only two houses that were occupied – Mrs. Malcolm’s at Brookvale and Miss Jenkins at Collaroy. On nearing Narrabeen Lagoon, I was overtaken by a man in a spring cart, whom I stopped to make inquiries as to the whereabouts of Pittwater. He told me he was going that way and would give me a lift. This man was Johnny Collins, an old identity of the district, who kept a boarding house at Newport where Miss Scott now caters for the public. Next morning, Mr. Collins rowed me over the Bay and landed me where Bayview Wharf now stands. I had a walk of one and a half miles to Church Point, where the school was held in the little wooden church.” (S. Morrison)

Morrison Appointed

“PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS. – The undermentioned teachers have been appointed to the positions and schools specified in connection with their respective names:-…Samuel Morrison, Pittwater;…” (SMH 28 May 1884 P.7)

Only School in District

“I was in charge of the only school in this district, which was held in the Methodist Church, Church Point.” (S. Morrison)

Morrison’s Rental Accommodation

Samuel Morrison, a single man, pays rent for a furnished room. (State Records NSW)

Community Confirms Need for New School Building

Thirteen property owners from the southwest area of Pittwater put their signatures to a letter to the Department of Public Instruction to confirm their need for a new school building at Church Point. (Correspondence No.23381 dated 27 August 1884, State Records NSW)

1885 Government Purchases One Acre for The School

In 1885 Albert Thomas Black offers for sale one acre of his nine acre property for the purpose of a new site for the Pittwater Public School. The Government accepts the offer of this acre that is located ¼ of a mile east of the Methodist Church.




1886 Petition for Erection of Proper Accommodation for the Public School

A letter from Frederick Chave and other residents of Pittwater dated 28 June 1886 is addressed to the Minister of Public Instruction.

“We the inhabitants of Pittwater, humbly petition that steps be taken toward the erection of proper Public School accommodation at Pitt Water. …” (State Records NSW)

1887 Marriage

Samuel Morrison marries Emma Chave (born 1864), the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Chave. The marriage is held at the Chave family property, “Carlton Villa”, located on the northern side of Lovett Bay.

“Marriage, Morrison – Chave, May 13, at Carlton Villa, Pittwater, by Rev. R.T. Willis, Samuel Morrison, late head master of Saunders-street school, Belfast, to Emma, eldest daughter of F. Chave.” (SMH 20 May 1887 P.1)

Frederick Chave arrived at Pittwater circa.1883 and became a prominent orchardist at Lovett Bay. Morrison described Chave’s orchard as ‘being the finest in the district’.

1888 The New Public School Buildings

An acre of land offered for sale by Albert Black in 1885 is now the premises of the Pittwater Public School.

The Memorandum from the Architect to the Under Secretary dated 22 February 1888 states, “I have the honour to report that the Public School Buildings … are completed and ready for occupation.” (State Records NSW)

“In 1888, a fine brick school was erected on modern lines and a good residence was built for the teacher.” (S. Morrison)

The teacher’s residence contains three rooms, kitchen and washhouse. (State Records NSW)

A plan of the school shows the classroom and the adjoining rooms of the teacher’s residence. Fig 4.

“I was the only teacher who taught in this building, and occupied the residence for twenty years – the home where my family were born.” (S. Morrison)

1888-1893

Four Children

The Morrisons are living in the new school premises by the time the first child is born.

“Births, Morrison – Feb 23, at her residence, Public School, Pittwater, the wife of Samuel Morrison, of a daughter.” (SMH 5 March 1888 P.1)

Name Born Died Married

Ethel Sarah C. 1888 1954 Ernest W. Bishop 1913

Frederick Samuel (Jack)

1889 1959 Ada May Rich 1917

Mabel Atwell of Forest Lodge 1927

Lillian C. (Lily) 1891 1960 Clifford Franklin Brede of Batlow 1927

Percy Cecil 1893 1967 Ethel Berry of North Sydney 1926

Chave-Morrison

There are birth and wedding announcements showing the children of Samuel and Emma Morrison having the hyphenated surname of Chave-Morrison. Their son is listed in the 1918 Records of the Wounded in World War 1 as Sgt. Percy Cecil Chave-Morrison of Manly.




Fig 4: Plan of New School (State Records NSW)

1889 - 1893

Boarders at Pittwater Public School

Between January 1889 and January 1893 Morrison offers the opportunity for boys to be Boarders at Pittwater Public School. The cost for a boarder is £36 per year or £9 per quarter. Four boys can be accommodated.

1889 “Pittwater Public School, near Manly. There is a vacancy for a Boarder (boy) at the above School. Every home comfort and attention. Terms £36 a year. Apply to the teacher, S. MORRISON. N.B. – Pittwater is one of the healthiest resorts in the colonies. The School is situated on the edge of Broken Bay.” (SMH 24 Jan 1889 P.12)

“Pittwater Public School, near Manly. Vacancies at the above school for two Boys (boarders); terms £36 per annum. Only four boarders accommodated. Every home comfort and attention. Pittwater is one of the healthiest resorts in the colony. S. MORRISON, Teacher.” (SMH 23 March 1889 P.3)

“Pittwater Public School, near Manly,- Vacancy for Boarders (boys). Boys prepared for Civil Service and other exams. Every home comfort and attention. Table liberally supplied with fruit and fresh vegetables. Terms, including washing, mending – 9 pounds per quarter. Quarter begins on date of entrance. S. Morrison. Teacher.” (SMH 19 September 1889 P.1)




1891 Emma Morrison Purchases Land at Bayview

In 1891 Emma Morrison purchases 2 roods 11 ½ perches (2,314 sq m) at Bayview, a small part of Thomas Albert Oliver’s 10 acre property. The land, with a length of 600 links (120m) and a width of 100 links (20m), faces Bay View Road which runs along the waterfront of Pittwater. (Certificate of Title 1010 - 247 dated 22 April 1891). This land is part of the original 40 acre land grant to William Cape in 1840 (Portion 27).

At some point in time between the purchase of the property and 1898, the Morrisons come to have a cottage on this property which is named ‘Killarney’.

1892 Further Advertisements for Boarders.

“Pittwater Public School, near Manly, - Vacancies for Boarders. Every home comfort and attention. Boys prepared for Junior and Civil Service Exams. A thorough commercial education guaranteed. Special attention paid to dull boys. Pittwater is one of the healthiest marine districts in the colonies. Terms, 9 guineas per quarter (no extras). Quarter commences date of entrance. S. Morrison, Teacher.” (SMH 9 January 1892 P.5)

1895 Morrison’s Text Books

Samuel Morrison has a book published in 1895 titled ‘The New South Wales Public School Arithmetic For Third Class’. It has 115 pages and includes Home Exercises and Answers. (State Library of NSW [RMA3U29] ) Fig 5.

Morrison also has ‘Fourth Class Arithmetic’ published. It includes numerous Home Exercises, Exemption Certificate, Tests: Civil Service and Junior Table Examination Papers.

George Robertson And Co., Booksellers and Stationers advertise the two Arithmetic Books. The price of the books is one shilling each. Postage is extra. (SMH 23 May 1896 P.14)

Fig 5: 1895 Text Book Cover

1897 Sailing

“The Morrisons had a fine half-decker yacht named Sunbeam, in which they used to sail down to Barrenjoey on Saturday afternoons. They were very fond of picnics, and Pittwater, with its beautiful coves and beaches and abundance of fresh water, was just the place for them. In the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Visitors Book, will be found the following item in 1897:- ‘Oct.30 Mrs A.G. Duffy, J. Ireland, P. Duffy, Saml. Morrison J.P. Leader of the party.’” (J.S.N. Wheeler)

1898 The Morrisons’ ‘Killarney’ Resort

In 1898 the Wheeler family rent the Morrisons’ cottage ‘Killarney’ at Bay View at one pound per week with seabaths and a good boat included. ‘Killarney’ has a lawn, summer-house and a white fence – “a spot where cool nor-easters blow the tang of salt sea across the bay”. (J.S.N. Wheeler P.327)

1899 Emma Morrison Purchases Further Land at Bayview

On 23 March 1899 Emma Morrison purchases ten acres from Martha Oliver, the property of Thomas Albert Oliver (deceased). (Certificate of Title 1277 – 51). This land is part of the original 40 acre land grant to William Cape in 1840 (Portion 27).

This property with a cottage (once the Olivers’ home) is next to the small property which Emma purchased in 1891 from Thomas Oliver. The newly acquired cottage on the ten acres, near Killarney, is named Drumtochty.




Fig 6: Location of Second Church Point School and the Morrison properties c1899. (Base map courtesy Pittwater Council)

Drumtochty and Killarney Fig 6.

“One of the agencies that helped to make this district better known was the introduction of the furnished cottages. Mr F. Chave had one on the Ku-ring-gai Chase side. I had two on the Bayview side, near Fig Tree Flat, named Killarney and Drumtochly. … Mr Ireland had another furnished cottage near Church Point. Each of these furnished cottages were supplied with a good pulling boat and had enclosed baths.” (S. Morrison 1929)

The Morrisons have two furnished cottages at Bayview that they advertise and offer as summer resorts. These two cottages Drumtochty and Killarney, situated on Bay View Road, are east of the school premises and the Morrisons’ residence. *Drumtochty is situated some 75 feet east of *Killarney cottage, on the property boundary.

At the waterfront of the bay where Killarney and Drumtochty are situated is Figtree Flat, also known as Cape’s Flat. This flat with its greensward is a favourite picnic ground. (J.S.N. Wheeler)

{*Drumtochty is the name of a castle and forest in Scotland. The Killarney Lakes are found in Ireland.}

1899 “Bayview – Killarney and Drumtochty, furn., water frontage, wood, boat, linen. S.Morrison, Bayview.” (SMH 16 October 1899 P.10)

“To Let Bayview, Killarney, and Drumtochty, furn., linen, wood, boat, wat. F., bathing, &c. Morrison, Bayview.” (SMH Sat 11 Nov 1899 P.15)

1900 “Bayview Pittwater Furn Cottages, 4 bedrooms from …., boat firewood, water. S. Morrison, P.O.“ (SMH 6 October 1900 P.15)

1901 “Summer Resorts - Bayview – Furn. Cottages ev. conv., good fishing, bathing, boat. Term S. Morrison Bayview P.O.” (SMH 16 March 1901 P.6)

Blac

k Es

tateCh

ave Es

tate

Bake

r Es

tate

E. M

orris

on

(Current Quays Marina)

Pittwater/Bayview Public

School 1888-1906

Additional land purchase 1888

(Current BYRA)

SK11-D

'Killarney'

'Drumtochty'




1903 “Country Resorts Bayview – Drumtochty, 7 rooms, …. Boat, baths, fishing, oystering. S. Morrison Bayview P.O.” (SMH Sat 31 Jan 1903 P.3)

1904 “Summer Resorts – Bayview – Furnished Cottages, 6 r, enclosed baths, boat, low rent, best position. S. Morrison Bayview P.O.” (SMH Sat 26 Nov 1904 P.17)

1905 “Bayview – Furn Cott, 6 rms, bathing enclosure, tennis, boat, firew. Low rt. Morrison, Bayview P.O.” (SMH 11 November 1905 P.20)

The School Name

In 1904 Pittwater Public School is formally known as Bayview Public School. (Government Schools of NSW)

1905 Morrison Applies for a Transfer

On 10 June 1905 Morrison makes application to move from Bayview Public School to a school in a convenient suburb as his children are getting older and need suitable access to further their studies. (State Records NSW)

A Public School for Mona Vale

“..Mona Vale had a population that demanded a Public School. Miss Stringer had opened a private school. There were too many children to convey to Bayview by coach, so the Department decided to close Bayview Public School and open one at Mona Vale. Two rooms of a new cottage belonging to Mr. Stringer were, with little difficulty converted into fairly comfortable schoolrooms.” (S. Morrison)

Eleanor Mary Stringer, schoolteacher is the daughter of Samuel Stringer. (1908 NSW Electoral Roll) (NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages)

1906 Morrison Appointed to Mona Vale Public School

Morrison is appointed to the new public school at Mona Vale on 8 August 1906.

Fig 7: Part ‘Rocklily’ Estate Plan c1908-1910 showing site of Public School (Warringah Library Local Studies)

Appreciation of Morrison’s Service

“Mr S. Morrison, who for 22 years has been in charge of the Bayview Public School*, but who on the closing of the school was promoted to the new school recently established at Monavale, was presented on Wednesday with a handsome marble timepiece in appreciation of his service, and in recognition of his interest in the pupils. The presentation was made by an old pupil, Mr. W. Austin. Mrs Morrison was presented with a silver-mounted hall set.” (SMH 27 November 1906 P.6)

{*This includes Morrison being in charge of the Pittwater Public School when occupying the Wesleyan Church and the new school premises at Church Point.}




1906 Morrison Family Moves to Manly

“While teaching at Mona Vale, I resided in Manly for the sake of my family, and drove to and from Mona Vale each day. This meant twenty miles a day – travelling one hundred miles per week, carried on for five years at the rate of 5000 miles, totalling 25,000 – once round the earth with my horse and sulky.” (S. Morrison)

Fig 8: La Corniche, Bayview, 1907 {Figtree Flat} (Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW [PX*D 581])

c1906 Rainauds’ Drumtochty

In 1905-6 Henri and Hedwig Rainaud take over Drumtochty and set up a restaurant and accommodation house. In December 1905 Henri Rainaud advertises that he is applying for a certificate authorising the issue of a Colonial Wine License for a house situated at Church Point, Bay View. (SMH 23 December 1905 P.14)

“Bayview – Drumtochty and *Ripley – First class Accom., French cuisine, ev. home con. H. Rainaud” (SMH 24 March 1906 P.6)

{*Ripley is a house to the east of Drumtochty}

1908 Morrison Transfer of Property to Rainaud

On 1 September 1908 there is a transfer of land from Emma Morrison to Hedwig Rainaud. In the same month Monsieur Rainaud advertises his accommodation house, formerly Drumtochty, with the name “La Corniche”. (SMH 19 September 1908 P.22)

Fig 9: La Corniche, Bayview, 1907. (Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW [PX*D 581])

1912 Morrison Appointed to Freshwater Public School

I was transferred to Freshwater, [later Harbord]’ (S. Morrison)

The Public School at Freshwater officially opens on 14 September 1912. (SMH 16 September 1912 P.4)

At this time Morrison has taught at the Pittwater schools for 28 years.

1918 Morrison Appointed to Newport Public School

Samuel Morrison is transferred from Freshwater Public School to Newport Public School in1918. (Guy Jennings)

1922 Ex-pupil Social at Newport

"Mr. S. Morrison, who after 50 years' service as a public school teacher has retired from the department, was tendered a social by his ex-pupils at Newport last week. A presentation was made to him." (SMH 17 October 1922 P.8)

Morrison’s Teaching Career

Morrison’s teaching career in Australia spanned some 38 years:

School Dates Period

Provisional / Pittwater Public School (Wesleyan Church)

1884 – 1888 4 years

Pittwater / Bayview Public Central School (Black’s acre)

1888 -1906 18 years

Mona Vale Public School 1906 - 1912 6 years

Freshwater Public School 1912 -1918 6 years

Newport Public School 1918 – 1922 4 years




1929 Reminiscences

Samuel Morrison presents his knowledge and thoughts of Pittwater in his paper Early Pittwater Reminiscences which he reads at the Monthly Meeting of the Manly, Warringah & Pittwater Historical Society on 16 May 1929. (Manly, Warringah Journal, April 1990)

Morrison stated “Pittwater is a happy hunting ground for Nature study students and for amateur fishermen, where good hauls may be had without much exertion. It is an ideal spot for boating, as every bend of the Bay reveals some new beauty spot; a place where the invalid may have perfect rest and quiet; where the exhausted business man may recuperate under the most pleasant conditions and forget his worries – ‘Where every prospect pleases’.”

1936 Death of Samuel Morrison

Samuel Morrison dies in 1936 aged 78. (Death Certificate Reg No: 1936/011239)

“Morrison- June 19, 1936 at his residence Lecona (Tecona), 39 Smith-st, Manly. Samuel dearly beloved husband of Emma, and dear father of Ethel (Mrs. Bishop), Fred, Lillian (Mrs C. Brede) and Percy …” (SMH 22 June 1936 P.8)

1945 Memorial Tree

On Arbour Day, 1945, a Samuel Morrison Memorial Tree is planted in the grounds of the public school at Mona Vale. (J.S.N. Wheeler) The ceremony takes place nine years after his death.

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