NOW WE ARE 10©This is the 100th issue of the Balmain Association Newsletter. Quite an achievement *rtienyou ihink about it. Our Association is 14 years old and it is the Newsletter which isthe link which keeps members informed (usually) and entertained (quite often).,

A L O O K B A C KYour editors, seized with the historical significance of it all, have been looking overthe previous 99 issues and doing so has brought home just how many people havesignificant ly contr ibuted to the Associat ion over the years.

We will bring you some higjili^ts from the past in the future - if you see what we mean.

A N D A L O O K F O R W A R D

We would like to see more*news and views* in oixr Newsletter. Let's have some lettersto the editor, and what about some 'parish pump' stuff - ?rtio*s had a baby and so on.It will all help to make our Association more alive and more personalI

C H R I S T M A S ,

SUNDAY DECEMBER 16IT STARTS AT ^1.00 P.M. (GOES TO 8.00 P.M.)

AT 7 NUMA ST. BIRCHGROVEDOWN THE STONE STEPS TO THE WATERFRONT

A FIREPLACE AND TIMBER ARE PROVIDED. BUT ITS B.Y.O. EVERYTHING ELSE.THE ASSOCIATION EXTENDS AN INVITATION TO ALL MEMBERS ANDTHEIR FRIENDS TO COME ALONG. AND BRING THE KIDS BECAUSESANTA WILL BE THERE.

OLD FASHIONED PRICES - ITS FREE !

The Town Clerk's DRAFT ESTIMATES OF INCOME AND EXIENDITDHE FOR THE YEAR 198O werepresented to the Leichhardt Council on November 20, 1979» and Council's determinationon same, including striking the 198O rate, is expected in December,

For 1980, Council will be rating on the Unimproved Value rather than on the RatingBase Factor (RBP) which applied in 1979, The relevant valuations (after deduction ofallowances under Section 139A, being 25^ rebate in respect of land vested in public bodies,and Section 158A, hardship rebates) are:

R e s i d e n t i a l 2 4 5 » 0 0 0 , 0 0 0N o n - R e s i d e n t i a l 1 3 2 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0Total rateable unimproved value $377,000,000

These valuations reflect an average increase of 7^ on residential properties and 256 onnon-residential properties. This means that even if the 1979 rates of 1.83 cents in thedollar and 2.08 cents in the dollar, respectively, were unchanged in I98O, the majorityof ratepayers would pay proportionately more than lliey paid ttiis year.

Of course the percentages referred to are averages, and as a result of the uneven patternof revaluat ion, var iat ions rom these averages wi l l occur.There are some important variations in expenditure and income -The Valuation Board of Review reduced the valuation of Seatainer Terminals Ltd and GlebeIsland Terminals Pty Ltd. Mr Justice Ash, of the Land and Valuation Court, dismissedCouncil's appeal. The consequent cost to the Council is:

R e f u n d o f r a t e s p r i o r t o 1 9 7 9 5 4 2 , 0 0 0E s t i m a t e d r e f u n d o f r a t e s f o r 1 9 7 9 1 5 0 , 0 0 0R e f u n d o f r a t e s f o r 1 9 8 O 1 6 0 , 0 0 0C o u n c i l ' s e s t i m a t e d l e g a l c o s t s 1 0 4 , 0 0 0E s t i m a t e d t a x e d c o s t s o f o t h e r p s u r f c i e s 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

To t a l $ 1 . 0 5 6 . 0 0 0(note: possible grounds for appeal are being considered by Council's legal advisers).Local government accounting procedures have now been revised in respect of annual leave,sick leave, long service leave etc. Council must now provide for all leave which accruesto an employee within each year, rather than only that which is taken. This is retrespect-ive to January 1, 1979. For 198O it is estimated at $115 >000. A sii^ilar amount for 1979is proposed to come from existing Reserve funds, currently totalling $447>165*■Election expenses rise from $6,000 to $55>000 (198O is an election year).Workers' Compensation is up $97>000 to $400,000 and Superannuation is up. $20,000 to$205,000. Contribution to the Board of Fire Commissioners is up $27,930 to $121,702.Family Day Care is up $22,250 to $87,750, but the Government subsidy is $76,500.Garbage, trade refuse and other rubbish collection and disposal is up $115>800 to

>277,200, while income from them is up $33>772 to $383>000. Ubrary expenses are up$66,900 to $405,100. Interest on loans is up $82,000 to $302,000 and principal repaymentsare up $35,400 to $247,500 (less $31,604 loan contribution from the Balmaln Leagues Club).Interest on investments is down $80,000 to $250,000.

Estimated final amount of contract for Leichhardt Oval Grandstand is $847>100.54 (h^f ofirtiich is to be met by the Balmain Leagues Club).

Combined income in respect of Local Government Assistance fund. Commonwealth RevenueSharing Grant and Pensioners' Rates Subsidy is up $69,786 to $1,110,000. Land was soldto the AHA Club for $315 >000.

A loan programme has been tentatively set at $1,035 >000 to cover capital works (roadresheeting etc $685,000), purchase of plant and equipment $200,000, and an in-housecomputer system $150,000.

The estimates require a gross rate yeild of $7 >429,706 and the recommendation is for a 4^increase in the non-residential rate to 2.16 cents in the dollar, and a 2*4^ increase inthe residential rate to I.87 cents in the dollar - to yeild $7,432,700. Of course therate will be calculated on the higher valuations referred to above.B u t r a t e i n c r e a s e s a r e n o t f a v o u r e d g e n e r a l l y b y C o u n c i l c o n t r o l l e r s i n a n e l e c t i o nyear and it remains to be seen if they will be avoided and compensated for by a big risei n 1 9 8 1 .

Alderman N. Origlass. ,

Spec ia l O f fe r

SALE !

Until the end of December, 1979, thefol lowing sale prices wil l apply:

"Half a Thousand Acres*| - $7.50(recommended retail price $9.95).

"Balmain in Time" - $2.75 (recommendedr e t a i l p r i c e $ 3 . 0 0 ) .

cardsC o l o u r e d C a r d s - w i t h i l l u s t r a t i o n s o fBalmain scenery - 5<: (normally 10<! each).

P i c t u r e C a r d s - s e t o f f o u r w i t henvelopes with photographs of oldB a l m a i n - $ 1 . 0 0 p e r s e t o f f o u r .

T h e t w o b o o k s a r e i d e a l t o g i v e a spresents to your friends - especiallyf r i e n d s o v e r s e a s . T h e c a r d s a r emulti-purpose and are suitable forgift-giving and as greeting cards; sendt h e m t o y o u r f r i e n d s o v e r s e a s .

LOCAL CLUBS/GROUPSBALMAIN MUSICB a l m a i n m u s i c w a s c o n c e i v e d b y t h r e eB a l m a i n r e s i d e n t s , C h a r l e s C o l m a n ,D i r e c t o r o f t h e L e o n i n e C o n s o r t ,M u r r a y K h o u r i , w e l l - k n o w n C l a r i n e t t i s ta n d C a r o l i n e H e b b r o n , M u s i cA d m i n i s t r a t o r . A l l t h r e e h a v e h a dlong exper ience o f p ro fess iona l mus icmaking both in Austra l ia and overseas.

The organisers of Balmain Music feelt h a t B a l m a i n c a n o f f e r s o m e t h i n gs p e c i a l t o a l l m u s i c l o v e r s . W i t h i nt h e c o m m u n i t y , t h e r e a r e a l a r g en u m b e r o f m u s i c i a n s , b o t h a m a t e u r a n dp r o f e s s i o n a l . I t i s t h e a i m o fB a l m a i n M u s i c t o p r o v i d e a f r a m e w o r kto enable such people to share thei rv a r i o u s t a l e n t s .

A c c o r d i n g t o B a l m a i n M u s i c a n i n f o r m a la t m o s p h e r e m a k e s m u s i c f u n . B ycomb in ing p ro fess iona l expe r t i se w i tha m a t e u r e n t h u s i a s m , t h e y h o p e t o h a v et h e b e s t o f b o t h w o r l d s .

I t i s h o p e d t h a t t h e i r c o n c e r tp r o g r a m m e w i l l c r e a t e n e w o p o r t u n i t i e sfor both listeners and performers, aswell as a new venue for young

m u s i c i a n s .

Balmain Music was formally constitutedat a public meeting on 14th July1979. I ts pr incipal aim is thepromotion of musical activity inBalmain. Membership, however, is opento all, whether resident in Balmain orn o t . T h e b e n e fi t s i n c l u d e : -

* R e d u c e d r a t e s t o c o n c e r t s*Entry to all Balmain Musica c t i v i t i e s* A N e w s l e t t e r o f e v e n t s ,d e l i v e r e d f r e e .

Application forms to join may beobtained from Balmain Music, P.O. Box132, Balmain. Subscription rates arefamily - $8.00, single - $5.00 andstudent/pensioner - $2.00. Membershipapplications and fees may be left inan envelope at Bray's Books, 268Darling Street, Balmain.

BALMAIN GARDEN CLUBTh i s i s a sma l l f r i end l y g roup o fpeople interested in growing plants,whether i t may be the re-developmentof an old wild garden, or making theb e s t o f a s m a l l c o u r t y a r d , o r j u s tsome indoo r p lan ts i n a fla t .

They meet the third Satuday in everymonth at the watch house, 179 Darl ingS t r e e t , B a l m a i n a t 1 . 3 0 p m . A f t e rchanging library books, and lookingover the plants brought in, there is ashort meeting followed by a visit toplaces of gardening interest aroundSydney.

The club has accumulated a goodl ib rary, and speakers on garden ingtop ics a re somet imes inv i ted , ma in lyi n w i n t e r m o n t h s .

T h e c l u b i s a f fi l i a t e d w i t h t h e G a r d e nC l u b o f A u s t r a l i a a n d m e m b e r s a r ei nv i t ed t o a t t end t he ga rden ingschools set up by that body.

The i r year s tar ts in February and thefi r s t m e e t i n g w i l l b e S a t u r d a y,February 16th, 1980, so just remembert h a t d a t e i f i n t e r e s t e d , o r p e r h a p syou would l ike to phone the Secretary,A n n e , a t 8 2 4 9 7 0 , f o r a c h a t a b o u t t h eC l u b , fi r s t .

C L O N T A R F

C l o n t a r f i n 1 6 4 4

" C l o n t a r f ' s " o r i g i n a l o w n e r , R o b e r tB l a k e w a s a m e m b e r o f H i s M a j e s t y ' sf o r c e s , U n d e r S h e r i f f o f S y d n e y a n d o n eo f B a l m a i n ' s e a r l y d e v e l o p e r s ( s e ep r e v i o u s a r t i c l e o n " E w e n t o n " ) .

R o b e r t B l a k e w a s a" C l o n t a r f " w a s o n ev e n t u r e s , b u i l t a tw e r e l o w . I n 1 8 4 4s t o n e c o t t a g e w i t hi n D a r l i n g S t r e e t

c o r n e r o f t h e B o w la n o t h e r d w e l l i n g ,c u t - s t o n e b u i l d i n gW a l l a c e S t r e e t ) w h

s p e c - b u i l d e r , a n do f h i s l e s s a m b i t i o u sa t i m e w h e n h i s f u n d s

, h e b u i l t a s m a l ls h o p f r o n t ( f o r m e r l y

a t t h e A d o l p h u s S t r e e ti n g C l u b ) a n d a l s ot h e " s u b s t a n t i a l

" C l o n t a r f " ( N o . 4i c h c o s t i i 4 5 0 . 0 0 .

The Blake Estate was eventual ly sold toE w e n Wa l l a c e C a m e r o n , a p a r t n e r i n M o r ta n d C o . A f t e r t h e b r e a k - u p o f C a m e r o n ' se s t a t e i n 1 8 7 8 C h a r l e s Ye e n d , o n e o fB a l m a i n ' s p u b l i c a n s , b o u g h t " C l o n t a r f "a n d t h e a d j o i n i n g l o t 4 ( n o w l o c a t e d a tthe corner of Wallace and AdolphusS t r e e t s ) . S e v e r a l o w n e r s h i p s f o l l o w e dunti l the house and land passed to anengineer, James Robert Morgan,in 1922.I t a p p e a r s t h a t M o r g a n o p e r a t e d a " b l a s tfurnace and foundry bui ld ing ando u t - h o u s e s " t h e r e . T h e P o w e rE n g i n e e r i n g P t y . L t d . t o o k o v e r t h ef o u n d r y i n 1 9 3 8 a n d e x p a n d e d i t s t i l lf u r t h e r . B y f u r t h e r c h a n g e s o fo w n e r s h i p " C l o n t a r f " b e c a m e t h e p r o p e r t yo f W a r d s S t o v e s P t y. L t d . i n N o v e m b e r ,1 9 4 7 .

X lnv&r ra , 3 Ew«nton S t r«« t , c 1852

" C l o n t a r f " w a s n a m e d a f t e r a p a r t o fDub l i n , t he s i t e o f a f amous ba t t l e i n1 0 1 4 . I t w a s t h e b a s i c v e r n a c u l a rdwell ing of the t ime. Containing "nineapartments" and located "in an airy anddel ight fu l s i tuat ion" , the s ing le s toreyv e r a n d a h e d h o u s e w a s fl a n k e d b y " t w oneat garden and pleasure grounds" with aw e l l o f " e x c e l l e n t w a t e r " a n d i t soccupants rejoiced in the use of a"family bathing house". The steam ferrygave direct access to "Clontarf" and theothe r dwe l l i ngs on B lake ' s es ta te .Blake had a private wharf in the Bay,f r o n t i n g h i s p r o p e r t y .

" C l o n t a r f " h a d b e c o m e u n r e c o g n i s a b l e b yt h a t t i m e . I t s g r a c e f u l f r o n t v e r a n d a hh a d b e e n t o r n d o w n , t h e f u l l - l e n g t hwindow shutters had been nailed up andi t s e x t e r i o r s t o n e w o r k p a i n t e d s t a r kw h i t e .

A l t h o u g h " C l o n t a r f " h a d b e c o m e t h ef o u n d r y ' s o f fi c e a n d s t o r e a r e a s , i t w a st h e f o u n d r y i t s e l f t h a t w a s t h e r e a le y e s o r e . G r o w i n g o u t w a r d f r o m t h e h o u s et o w a r d s A d o l p h u s S t r e e t t h e f o u n d r y h a db e c o m e a p i l e o f r u s t y , r i c k e t yc o r r u g a t e d i r o n s h e d s a n d w a s a s y m b o lo f B a l m a i n ' s s u r r e n d e r t o i n d u s t r y .

L(CDMTItUEO CM PAGE 7)

B I T S . . . .M E M B E R S H I P

I t i s p leas ing to no te a s teadyi n c r e a s e i n m e m b e r s h i p i n r e c e n tm o n t h s f o l l o w i n g a r e s u r g e n c e o fi n t e r e s t i n t h e A s s o c i a t i o n . Am e m b e r s h i p d r i v e w i l l b e u n d e r t a k e nd u r i n g 1 9 8 0 w h e r e b y w e h o p e t oi n c r e a s e o u r m e m b e r s h i p t o a n a l l - t i m ehigh of 600. We urge you to maintaint h i s i n t e r e s t b y p e r s u a d i n g y o u rn e i g h b o u r s , f r i e n d s a n d a c q u a i n t a n c e sto j o in t he Assoc ia t i on , and byo f f e r i n g t o h e l p i n o u r f o r t h c o m i n gm e m b e r s h i p d r i v e . I f y o u c a n h e l p i nany way ring Toni Mayo (827.1701).

B A L M A I N - R O Z E L L E R E G I S T E RA s r e p o r t e d i n t h e N o v e m b e r N e w s l e t t e rt h e A s s o c i a t i o n p l a n s t o m a k e ad e t a i l e d s t u d y o r s u r v e y o f B a l m a i nR o z e l l e w i t h a v i e w t o h a v i n g p a r t s o ft h e a r e a , o r a t l e a s t b u i l d i n g s o fa r c h i t e c t u r a l a n d / o r h i s t o r i c a li n t e r e s t i n t h e a r e a , i n c l u d e d i n t h eR e g i s t e r o f t h e N a t i o n a l E s t a t e o rc l a s s i fi e d f o r p r e s e r v a t i o n b y t h eH e r i t a g e C o u n c i l .

W e w i l l n e e d l o t s o f h e l p f r o m m e m b e r sf o r t h i s t a s k , a n d a l t h o u g h w e ' v e h a ds o m e o f f e r s o f h e l p f r o m m e m b e r s , m o r eis needed. Toni Mayo (827.1701) hasbeen appo in ted by Management asC o n v e n o r o f t h e S t u d y G r o u p a n d i sa w a i t i n g y o u r c a l l . To t h o s e m e m b e r sw h o h a v e a l r e a d y o f f e r e d h e l p , To n iw i l l b e c o n t a c t i n g y o u e a r l y i n t h en e w y e a r .

Any member who has ca r r ied ou t somei n v e s t i g a t i o n s i n t o t h e d a t e o f t h e i rh o u s e o r t h e t i t l e t o t h e i r p r o p e r t yc o u l d a s s i s t To n i b y r e l a y i n g t h i si n f o r m a t i o n f o r u s e i n o u r s u r v e y .

M e m b e r s w h o c a n a s s i s t w i t h s u c hi n f o r m a t i o n a r e r e q u e s t e d t o e i t h e rp h o n e To n i , s e n d t h e i n f o r m a t i o n i n b ypost (P.O. Box 57, Balmain) or leavet h e i n f o r m a t i o n i n a n e n v e l o p e a tB r a y ' s B o o k s , 2 6 8 D a r l i n g S t r e e t ,B a l m a i n .

WEL̂ ME BACK RICHARD NORMANR i c h a r d N o r m a n , o u r f o r m e r H o n o r a r yT r e a s u r e r , h a s r e t u r n e d f r o m " T h e O l dD a r t " a n d h a s a g r e e d t o c o m e b a c k o nto the Management Committee; he's ag l u t t o n f o r p u n i s h m e n t t h a t l a d !Ser ious ly though, h is exper ience ands k i l l s w i l l b e o f g r e a t b e n e fi t t o t h eA s s o c i a t i o n . R i c h a r d w i l l fi l l i nt e m p o r a r i l y a s Wa t c h H o u s e Wa r d e n .

A N D W E L C O M E B A C K J O H N E N G L ESpeaking of the Watch House Warden, heh a t h r e t u r n e d f r o m t h e w i l d s o f t h eN o r t h . J o h n w a s l a s t s e e n r i d i n g i n t ot h e w i l d e r n e s s — w i t h W a r d e n ' s h a tn e a t l y b l o c k e d a n d b a d g e - o f - o f fi c es h i n i n g — a b o u t t h r e e m o n t h s a g o . A ss o o n a s h i s h a t i s r e f u r b i s h e d ( t h eT r e a s u e r s a y s t h a t w e c a n ' t a f f o r d an e w o n e ) a n d h i s b a d g e r e p o l i s h e d , h ew i l l m o s e y b a c k o n d o w n t o t h e Wa t c hH o u s e .

T H E G L A S S H O U S ET h e B a l m a i n A s s o c i a t i o n w a s o n e o f t h em a i n b o d i e s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r s a v i n g t h eG l a s s H o u s e f r o m d e s t r u c t i o n b yL e i c h h a r d t C o u n c i l . ( s e e l e t t e r f r o mM r. L a n d a p u b l i s h e d i n t h e D e c e m b e r1 9 7 7 N e w s l e t t e r ) .

L e i c h h a r d t C o u n c i l h a s n o w d e c i d e d :( 1 ) t h a t a l t h o u g h C o u n c i l i s p r e p a r e dt o m a i n t a i n t h e s t r u c t u r e i n a g o o dcond i t ion i t does no t w ish to p roceedw i t h i t s f u r t h e r u s e a t t h e p r e s e n tt i m e a n d ( 2 ) t h a t C o u n c i l w i l ladvertise (advertisements have alreadyappeared - app l i ca t ions c lose January4 , 1 9 8 0 ) f o r s u b m i s s i o n s f r o mi n t e r e s t e d l o c a l o r g a n i s a t i o n s f o r t h el e a s e o f t h e s t r u c t u r e a t a n o m i n a lr e n t a l ; t h e s u b m i s s i o n s a r e t oi nc lude de ta i l s conce rn ing the t ype o fp l a n t s t o b e p r o v i d e d , t h e h o u r sdur ing which the p lants wi l l be madea v a i l a b l e f o r p u b l i c v i e w i n g ,inc lud ing whether a charge wi l l bemade for admission and any otherin fo rmat ion cons idered necessary tos u p p o r t t h e s u b m i s s i o n .

- . ^

5

A N D P I E C E S

DEVELOPMENTS APPROVED (See OctoberNewsletter for Proposed Developments)

P r o p e r t y K n o w n a s 1 6 - 1 8 P a l m e r S t r e e ta n d 11 - 1 3 S o r r i e S t r e e t , B a l m a i n ;Counc i l has g iven approva l fo r thec o n s t r u c t i o n o f 1 5 t o w n h o u s e s w i t ht r a f fi c a c c e s s f r o m P a l m e r S t r e e t a n de g r e s s f r o m S o r r i e S t r e e t . A S m e t r es t r i p i s t o b e d e d i c a t e d t o r o a dwidening on the Sorrie Street frontageand this is to be completed by theD e v e l o p e r .

P r o p e r t y K n o w n a s 6 7 S e a t t l e S t r e e t ,Ba lmain ; The proposa l to deve lop theAmpol Serv ice Stat ion and to replacei t w i t h 1 8 t o w n h o u s e s h a s b e e na p p r o v e d . A t t h e t i m e o f g o i n g t opr in t we are unable to repor t on the" c o n d i t i o n s " s e t f o r t h e a p p r o v a l .

CHEMICAL TANK FARMA s r e p o r t e d i n t h e O c t o b e r N e w s l e t t e rthe operating company, Terminals Pty.L im i ted , app l ied fo r a 5 yeare x t e n s i o n o f t h e i r l e a s e o n t h eV i n c e n t S t r e e t s i t e , d u e t o e x p i r e30th June, 1980. However, both theM . S . B . a n d t h e M i n i s t e r f o r P o r t s h a v eden ied t he r eques t f o r ex tens i on . TheM i n i s t e r h a s r e a f fi r m e d G o v e r n m e n tp o l i c y t h a t a l l b u l k c h e m i c a l s t o r a g eshould be moved out of SydneyHarbou r. The M in i s t e r has a l r eadyg i v e n a n u n d e r t a k i n g t h a t t h e E s s os i t e i s t o b e r e s e r v e d a s a b u f f e rz o n e p a r k . R e s i d e n t s a r e n o wa n x i o u s l y a w a i t i n g a n a n n o u n c e m e n t o nthe fu tu re o f t he Te rm ina l s P ty.L i m i t e d s i t e .

A N L C O N T A I N E R T E R M I N A L - N E W T H R E A T ?W i t h A N L T e r m i n a l s t i l l f u l l yopera t iona l ( they a re supposed lym o v i n g o u t t o B o t a n y B a y b y t h e e n d o ft h e y e a r ) i t i s s t i l l n o t c l e a r w h a ti n t e n t i o n s A N L o r t h e M . S . B . h a v e f o rt h e s i t e . T h e r e h a v e b e e n r e p o r t st h a t b o t h t h e A r m y a n d t h e N a v y a r ei n t e r e s t e d i n t h e s i t e a n d a r ec o n d u c t i n g f e a s i b i l i t y s t u d i e s , b u tn o t h i n g d e fi n i t e i s k n o w n a t t h i st i m e . T h e s h i p , w h i c h p r e v i o u s l y p l i e dt h e S y d n e y - Ta s m a n i a P a s s e n g e r F e r r yrou te , and wh ich prev ious ly opera tedo u t o f M o r t B a y, i s n o w a N a v yt ra in ing sh ip . Pe rhaps the Navy seeMor t Bay as the o r ig ina l nes t ing p laceo f i t s " baby " and t h i nk t ha t t he" c h i c k e n " s h o u l d b e a l l o w e d t o c o m eh o m e t o r o o s t ?

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS

Property Known as 16 Foucart Street.R o z e l l e : P r o p o s a l t o e r e c t s i x t o w nh o u s e s . D e v e l o p m e n t s f o r t h i s s i t ehave been advertised on two previouso c c a s s i o n s t h i s y e a r . T h e fi r s tproposal was to demolish the existingfree-standing cottage, known as"Rozelle Cottage", and to replace itwith a block of flats containing atl e a s t t h r e e r e s i d e n t i a l fl o o r s a n dfive (o r ig ina l l y e igh t ) un i t s (seeO c t o b e r 1 9 7 9 N e w s l e t t e r ) .

Property Known as Lot 2. HoskingStreet, Balmai"^ Amended proposal toc o n s t r u c t t w o 2 - b e d r o o m t o w n h o u s e s .

E W E N TO NThe White Bay Resident's Action Groupclaim that they have received legaladv i ce , t ha t a wa te r f r on t a reaadjacent "Ewenton"; which was a publicswimming area, apparently known as"Sandy Beach", is crown land and isnot the property of Dickson Primer tos e l l . D i c k s o n P r i m e r p u r c h a s e d t h e i rpresent site some years ago when itw a s r e z o n e d f r o m R e s i d e n t i a l t oW a t e r f r o n t I n d u s t r i a l . T h e a r e aa p p a r e n t l y c l a i m e d b y D i c k s o n P r i m e rcons t i tu tes abou t one ac re o f the foura c r e s f o r s a l e .

Sandy Beach was apparently a popularbeach, safe for children ( except forthe odd shark) and a place wherer e s i d e n t s c o u l d l a u n c h s a i l b o a t s . I twas the last of the white sandybeaches remaining in White Bay, whichmay wpl l have been named as ac o n s e q u e n c e o f t h e w h i t e s a n d o n t h eb e a c h e s .

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

NEXT NEWSLETTERT h i s i s t h e l a s t N e w s l e t t e r f o r 1 9 7 9 .T h e fi r s t i s s u e f o r 1 9 8 0 ( N o . 1 0 1 )shou ld be de l ivered ear ly in February,

T h e E d i t o r s a n d m e m b e r s o f t h eM a n a g e m e n t C o m m i t t e e w o u l d l i k e t oe x t e n d t o y o u t h e c o m p l i m e n t s o f t h es e a s o n , a n d l o o k f o r w a r d t o y o u rc o n t i n u i n g s u p p o r t d u r i n g 1 9 8 0 .

T h e o l d h o u s e r e c e i v e d a s t a y o fe x e c u t i o n , h o w e v e r, w h e n a c o m b i n e d m o v eby loca l res idents . The BalmainA s s o c i a t i o n , T h e N a t i o n a l T r u s t a n d t h eS c h o o l o f A r c h i t e c t u r e o f t h e U n i v e r s i t yof New South Wales put a case to Councilf o r i t s r e s t o r a t i o n . T h e s e g r o u p s w i t ht he suppo r t o f l o ca l i ndus t r i es ands t u d e n t ' s h e l p , o f f e r e d t o r e s t o r e t h ebu i l d i ng t o a wea the rp roo f s t a t e f o re v e n t u a l u s e a s a k i n d e r g a r d e n a t n oc o s t w h a t e v e r t o t h e C o u n c i l .

As one of Baltnain's oldest buildings, forming an important part of the architectural andhistorical fabric of the Balmain area,'CLONTARF'is worthy of restoration and preservation.

•CLONTARF' (bui l t in 1844) was one of theearliest buildings on the Blake Estate, whichi n t u r n w a s o n e o f t h e e a r l i e s t s u b d i v i s i o n so n t h e p e n n i n s u l a .

O f the e leven houses bu i l t by Rober t B lakeonly five still remain, 'CLONTARF', 'EWENTON','KINVARRA', 'MOORFIELD' and 'SHANNON GROVE'.

S h a n n o n G r o v e , 1 0 E w e n t o n S t r e e t , B a l m a i n , i n 1 8 4 8

Of these houses, 'KINVARRA' (3 Ewenton St.)and 'SHANNON GROVE' (10 Ewenton St.) have beenfaithful ly restored to their former charm andgrace. 'MOORFIELD' still remains but was def a c e d i n t h e l a t e 1 9 6 0 ' s w h e n t h e fi n e o l dverandah was removed and a modern extension oflarge and ugly proportions was added to thestreet front of the house. Fortunately , thepresent owners acquired the house in September1976 and have embarked upon an extensive restoration programme which will restore'MOORFIELD ' t o i t s f o rmer 1839 d ign i t y.

However, both 'CLONTARF' and 'EWENTON'h a v e b e e n u n d e r t h r e a t o f d e m o l i t i o n f o r s o m etime, although groups interested in their preservation, including The Balmain Association,have been active in lobbying towards this end.

For anyone who is interested in seeing howa restored 'CLONTARF' could look, take a lookat 'KINVARRA' and 'SHANNON GROVE' which areo f a s im i la r a rch i tec tu ra l s ty le .

I n the pos t -war p lann ing rev i va l t heb l o c k s o u t h o f W a l l a c e S t r e e t b e t w e e nAdolphus and Ewenton Streets (whichi n c l u d e d " C l o n t a r f ) w a s z o n e d a s o p e ng r e e n s p a c e . T h e b u i l d i n g s w e r eearmarked fo r acqu is i t i on and demo l i t i onb y L e i c h h a r d t C o u n c i l . A s s o o n a s" C l o n t a r f " w a s p u t u p f o r s a l e i nN o v e m b e r , 1 9 7 4 , t h e C o u n c i l p u r c h a s e dt h e p r o p e r t y a n d b e g a n c o n v e r t i n g i t t oa p u b l i c p a r k .

A f t e r d e m o l i s h i n g t h e c o r r u g a t e d i r o na c c r e t i o n s , t h e C o u n c i l ' s o f fi c e r sc o m p i l e d a r e p o r t w h i c h r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t" C l o n t a r f " b e d e m o l i s h e d a s r e n o v a t i o nc o s t s w o u l d b e p r o h i b i t i v e ." C l o n t a r f ' s " f a t e w a s s e a l e d .

•The proposal was put before the Councili n June , 1976 . I n t he i r w i sdom. Counc i ldecided to defer any decis ion on"C lon ta r f " i ndefin i t e l y. To da te , apa r tf r o m t h e d i l i g e n t a t t e n t i o n o f v a n d a l sand a pa r t i a l fi re i n " Ju l y, 1976 , nof u r t h e r a c t i o n , e i t h e r d e m o l i t i o n o rrenovation, has been taken by itsowners , Le ichhard t Mun ic ipa l Counc i l ,with the derelict house providing muteevidence of bureaucratic neglect.Meanwhile "Clontarf" slowly rots amidthe weeds of what was once a pleasantg a r d e n , a w a i t i n g o f fi c i a l d o m ' sc o u p - d e - g r a c e .

7

Y O U R G A R D E NG e t t o K n o w F e r n s .i£ you are the d spairing possessor ofa very shaded damp courtyard, fernsmight be the answer to your problems.Some people say that only the names offerns are difficult, and that they areeasy to grow if conditions are right.One of our lecturers at a GardenSchool, to ld how he first becameinterested in ferns, after taking homesome pieces of sandstone from a shadyg u l l y i n t h e b u s h . S o o n a f t e r h i sgarden was full of young ferns, whichhad developed from spores carried inon the sandstone. Another happeningwas when, on the death of an agedn e i g h b o u r , h e a s s i s t e d i n t h edemonlition of a white ant-ridden shedthat had not been opened for fortyyears, and among the contents were arow of hanging baskets containinglong-dead ferns. These he emptiedonto his own compost heap and wasrewarded with masses of new ferns.

Though personal ly, I have found i f oneremoves a fern growing in what appearsto be an inhospitable crack in a wall,t o l o v e l y d a m p p e a t y s o i l , i t i s n ' t abit grateful, and promptly dies. Themoral may be that they do not l iker o o t d i s t u r b a n c e !

Ferns a re ve ry p r im i t i ve fo rms o fp l a n t l i f e , j u s t a s t e p u p f r o m t h emosses, are reproduced from spores asfi n e a s d u s t , c o n t a i n e d i n b r o w n c a s e so n t h e b a c k o f f r o n d s ( d o n ' t m i s t a k ethese for scale, it has happened!)When ripe these are discharged intothe air and sometimes go greatd i s t a n c e s . E a c h s p o r e i s s e x l e s s , b u tdevelops into a minute green spotc o n t a i n i n g b o t h m a l e a n d f e m a l e c e l l s ,w h i c h m a k e t h e n e w p l a n t a n d i t p u t sfor th f ronds and grows roots .

M o s t o f t h e f e r n s a v a i l a b l e h e r e , a r en a t i v e s o f A u s t r a l i a a n d N e w Z e a l a n d .Many are tropical from Queensland andgrow be t te r he re than i n V i c to r i a .

C O N D I T I O N S :To thr ive, a l l ferns must have dampcond i t i ons and shade . Usua l l y t heygrow better in the ground than inpots, or baskets, and better out-doorst h a n i n s i d e . I n t h e h o u s e , a w e l l l i troom facing south is best, with norad ia tors or gas fires . I t i s best togroup the plants together with a bowlof water in their midst, or stand themon trays containing pebbles andwater. Use terracotta pots as theykeep cooler and more damp. Watering

is best done, by standing the pots ina b u c k e t u n t i l n o m o r e b u b b l e s a r i s e .A spray of water dai ly f rom anatomiser helps to keep them happy.Sometimes there is a shady side of ahouse, (preferably facing sou^h), butthis may have howling draughts throughi t , a n d w o u l d h a v e t o b e c o r r e c t e dwith a gate at one end, and a "Sarlon"shade canopy on top. Bush houses ofl a t h a n d t e a - t r e e c a n s o m e t i m e ss u f fi c e , o r a s h a d y p a t i o o r s h e l t e r e dv e r a d a h s .

S O I L

Ordinary potting soil with added dampp e a t m o s s , o r c r u m b l e d l e a f m o u l d . N ol i m e .

R E - P O T T I N GDo this in August to October. Usewood charcoal and pebbles in the baseof pots. If they need dividing, uses h a r p s c i s s o r s a c r o s s t h e r o o t s . F o rbaskets use bark for lining as someferns such as Davalia ("Haresfoot"),and Podium ("Bearsfoot") push theirfurry rhizomes through the sides,l o o k i n g a t t r a c t i v e .FEEDINGVery little required. On no account,use ordinary mixed chemicalfertilizer. Sprinkle with leaf-mould,or old cow manure, or a very" littleosmocote, or extremely weak fishe m u l s i o n .P E S T SMealy bug and scale are the commonestand mainly attack plants in pots.Move outdoors to spray with" M a l a t h i o n " a n d w h i t e o i l . D i r e c ts p r a y t o t h e u n d e r s i d e o f t h efo l i age . Remove a lgae o r l i chen seenon ground or pots.

PLANINGTakes several years to bui ld up af e r n e r y c o l l e c t i o n . S t a r t w i t h t r e ef e r n s a n d a l l o w p l e n t y o f s p a c e - a st h e s e c a n b e c o m e e i g h t f e e t a t t h e t o pa n d w i l l p r o v i d e s h e l t e r f o r t h esma l le r f e rns . Keep the shad ies t andd a m p e s t s p o t s f o r A d i a n t u m(Maidenha i r ) . On the ground around,g row a l l i ed p lan ts such as Se lag ine l l aand mosses, also Helxine ("Baby'sT e a r s " ) fi t s i n w e l l .AS a p innacle of ambi t ion, perhaps,o n e d a y, y o u w i l l g r o w t h e m o s tb e a u t i f u l f e r n i n t h e w o r d , t h e N e wZ e a l a n d To d e a t r e e f e r n . O u r g a r d e nc l u b s a w a b e a u t i f u l e x a m p l e o f t h i sa t t h e h o m e o f M r . B e s t t h i s y e a r .

J e s s i c a M u r r a y ,B a l m a i n G a r d e n C l u b

OUR CONSTITUTIONAt the Special General Meeting held at

the Watch House on November 13, 1979 the following amendments to the Constitution were carried:P a r a g r a p h 8 . fi r s t s e n t e n c e :MANAGEMENT. The administration of the Association shall be vested in the Management, comprising the following positions all of which areh o n o r a r y : -President,Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer,plus a minimum of two and a maximum of sevenother members, elected at the Annual GeneralMeeting. The number of other members shall bedecided by a maiority vote at each AnnualG e n e r a l M e e t i n g .

Paragraph 12, second sentence:METHOD OF ELECTION . . .There shal l beseparate elections for each of the followingpositions and in the following order : President;Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, otherm e m b e r s .

P a r a g r a p h 1 3 :QUORUM. At a General Meeting (including anAnnual General Meeting or a Special GeneralMeeting) a quorum shall be ten members or 10%of the current membership, whichever may be thelower figure, and at a meeting of the Management a Quorum shall be half the number ofManagement plus one, or a simple majority ofthe members of Management, whichever may bet h e l o w e r fi g u r e .

The above amendments have now been referredto the Department of Services for the approvalof the Minister, which is necessary before theamendments can be e f fec t ive .

E A T I N G O U TDELPHI CUISINE 341 Darling Street, Balmain.

Actually called the "Delphi Cuisine CoffeeLounge B.Y.O.", this is Balmain's newest eati n g o u t e s t a b l i s h m e n t , a n d q u i t e a r e a s o n a b l eo n e a t t h a t t o o .

Apart from the delicious looking (andtasting) pastries in the window, and the Take-Away Section in the front (Pizzas and variousGreek varieties), there is a small but pleasa n t s i t - d o w n s e c t i o n f u r t h e r i n s i d e .

Entrees range between $ 2 and $ 2.50, andi n c l u d e D o l m a d e s ( s t u f f e d v i n e l e a v e s ) w i t hyoghurt and cucumber dip, TIROPITES (filopastry wi th main ly fe ta cheese fi l l ing) ,SPINAKOPITES (filo pastry with spinach andcheese fill ing) and an interesting Greek salad.The servings are very generous, and very filling, and very good value for money. If youd o n ' t l i k e g a r l i c t h e n t h e D o l m a d e s a r e n o t f o ryou - you can't rely on your 'ring of confidence' for a day or two.

Main courses vary between $ 4 and $ 5 andinclude MOUSAKA ($ 4.60), SOUVLAKIA (lambkebabs - $ 4.80) and CALAMARI ($ 4.20), toname a few. These are of reasonable quality,but this time the servings are not nearly sog e n e r o u s .

For dessert its hard to go past the Greekpastries which you can have for about 75c for aserve. Other desserts include various gelatos.

A l l o f the above can be had f rom the Take-Away Section, where prices are lower than thpsit-down prices. The Pizzas are good too andc o s t b e t w e e n $ 2 a n d $ 4 .

In al l , worth a visi t . The staff are pl '^as-ant and attentive, the place is pleasant andc lean and the foods is good. They are openfrom 12 noon to about 11.30 p.m. or 12 midnight Monday to Saturday. "Never on Sunday"?Don't believe the song, they are open on Sundays 12 noon to 9.30 p.m.

Next time you walk down Darling Streettry pressing your nose against the pastry display window - its a real test for your willpower; it makes you want to put your milk-s u b s t i t u t e d i e t a s i d e f o r j u s t o n e d a y.

CAFE DES CREPES 323 Darling Street,Balmain.T h i s s m a l l C a f e i s s i t u a t e d t o w a r d s t h e

rear of Lanthay Chambers at the comer ofDarling and Church Streets, and is very easyto by-pass, which is a pity because it is aw e l l - r u n e s t a b l i s h m e n t w i t h p l e a s a n t h a r b o u rv i e w s - b o t h f r o m i n s i d e a n d o u t s i d e o n t h ebalcony section. It is an ideal place to havelunch or a late Sunday morning brunch in arelaxing atmosphere. It is open for breakfastlunch and d inner f rom 8.30 a .m. Monday toSaturday, as well as Sunday morning froma b o u t 9 . 0 0 a . m .

A variety of crepes ($ 1.20 - $ 2),jaffles ($ 1.20 - $ 1.85) and salads ($ 1.80- $ 2.20) are offered and are of reasonablequality and good value for money. It ispossible to get a substantial breakfast(PETIT DEJEUNER COMPLET), consisting of eggon toast w i th sausage and bacon + coffee +orange juice + croissant and jam, for$ 3.30^which is quite reasonable.

If you simply want a light morning ora f te rnoon tea , beve rages cos t be tween 50ca n d 6 5 c , a n d r a i s i n t o a s t o r c r o i s s a n t a n djam cost 60c and 65c, respectively.

N E W S L E T T E R E D I T O R I A L C O M M I T T E E

C o n t a c t : P h i l i p B r a y - 8 2 3 9 8 2P e t e r P e a r s o n - 8 2 4 7 2 3

T h e E d i t o r s w e l c o m e c o m m e n t a n d / o ri t e m s f r o m m e m b e r s f o r i n c l u s i o n i n t h eNewslet ter. Forward i tems to P.O. Box 57,Balmain, 2041 or hand deliver to Bray'sB o o k s , 2 6 8 D a r l i n g S t r e e t , B a l m a i n .

The views expressed herein are notnecessarily those of the Editors.

AN INVITATION. . . .TO JOIN THE BALMAIN ASSOCIATION

The 3alinain-?07.elle perdnsular is a very si>ecial place. Anyone whohas lived here, whether all their life or just for a few months,k n o w s t h a t I

The Balraain Association was formed in 1965 because the Balmain welike so much was being threatened by almost uncontrolled flatdevelopment and obnoxious industrial development.The Association has seven aims listed in its constitution. All ofthem are summed up in the first, "To improve the living, workingand recreational amenity of Balmain."

WHY NOT JOIN?

You can help the Association, and the Balmain Peninsular, simplyby joining. The more members we have, the more that Councils andGovernments have to listen - and the more we can achieve.

Of course, should you wish to be not just a silent member, but tobe an active member, that is even more welcome. You can be activeby attending our social functions - the more people know each otherthe stronger our community becomes I Or, you could join one of ourcommittees, deliver newsletters .and generally be involved in thenitty gritty of running the Association. The choice is almosten t i r e l y you rs .

WHY NOT JOIN NOW?

Simply fill in the form below and drop it in toBrays Books at 268 Darling Street, Balmain orpost to: The Hon. Secretary,

The Balmain Association,P.O. Box 57,B a l m a i n . 2 0 4 1 .

membership formI/WE wish to open/renew my/our membershipw i t h T h e B a l m a i n A s s o c i a t i o n a n d e n c l o s e$ * s u b s c r i p t i o n .N a m e :A d d r e s s :

Te l e p h o n e :♦ C u r r e n t A n n u a l S u b s c r i p t i o n R a t e s A c e :

S i n g l e $ 3 . 0 0F a m i l y o r H o u s e h o l d : $ 5 . 0 0P e n s i o n e r ( p e r h o u s e h o l d ) : $ 1 . 0 0S t u d e n t : $ 1 . 0 0O r g a n i s a t i o n : $ 1 0 . 0 0

( T h e a b o v e r a t e s i n c l u d e t h e n e w s l e t t e r ,h a n d - d e l i v e r e d i n B a l m a i n a n d R o z e l l e .F o r d e l i v e r y b y p o s t , p l e a s e a d d $ 2 . 0 0 t ot h e a n n u a l r a t e ) .