History

HISTORY

Taken from Narrabeen - Memoirs of Narrabeen and its Public School by Nan Bosler

Early Narrabeen

Captain Phillip endeavoured on several occa­sions to explore the country between Manly and Broken Bay. On the 22nd August, 1788, Surgeon White records in his Journal: "we sent back our boats [from Manly Cove] and pro­ceeded along the coast about 6 miles, where we were forced to halt for upwards of two hours until the tide had run out of a lagoon, or piece of water, so as to admit of its being forded." After crossing, the party had supper and camped for the night, and the Journal further states "as soon as the dew was off the grass [i.e. the morning of 23rd August] we began to march, and about 12 o'clock fell in with the southern branch of Broken Bay." Thus on the evening of 22nd August, 1788, Narrabeen Lagoon was discovered and crossed. A monument was erected in the school grounds on 17th September, 1932 to commemorate this event. (Walker, 1939)

Where did Narrabeen get its name? Was it the First Nation's name in the locality for the swan? Or was it after Narrabine, the daughter of a friendly First Nations person, who is supposed to have carried word to the authorities in Sydney of a murder which was committted in the locality by convict bushrangers in the early days? Perhaps it could have been because of the "narrow beans" eaten by early explorers in the area after Narrabin, the native name for a scrub tree, bearing a fruit like an English damson plum, many of which were growing near the lake entrance, and were much sought after by the Flock Pigeon. Historians all have their own version - which do you think is correct? It is certain, however, that the lagoon was called "Narrabong" in the year 1818, for on the 21st August, 1818 the first grant of land in the locality was made to John Ramsay, and is described as follows:-

"410 acres of land lying and situate in the district of North Harbour, bounded on the south side by Cossar's farm and a contin­ ued west line of 32 chains, on the west and north side by a line to Narrabang Lagoon and by that lagoon, and on the east side by the sea to be called "Mount Ramsay".

During the subsequent years there was no progress in settlement, although there were a number of other grants of land to William Cossar in 1819, Therry, Jenkins, Wheeler and others at later dates. It is recorded in 1848, that in the whole territory between Manly Cove and Narrabeen Lagoon there were only 63 inhabi­tants, 60 years after Phillip's visit. The district was still the haunt of the aboriginal, the wild fowl,. the parrot and the kangaroo - scrub, banksia, wattle, gums, rock and sand, untouched as when Phillip passed through.

On more than one occasion the district was visited by convict bushrangers from the "Hawkesbury River Settlement", every member of the Reynolds family being murdered on one of these raids. Bushranger's Hill, north of Narrabeen, derives its name from these ma­rauding bands. A most interesting relic of those days was found on Ramsay's lease in 1912 by a Mr. W.J. Stelzer. Mr. Stelzer was sawing a fallen tree for firewood, when he came across a hand made nail. On probing further, he found part of an old linen notice covered by nine inches of solid wood, which had grown over it. On this notice a Crown, and the words "Proclamation" and "Reward [pound sign] 50" were plainly visible, and a few scattered letters, which seemed to form part of the word "Bushrangers" were easily decipherable. Evi­dently this was a Government Notice, offering a reward for the apprehension of a band of bushrangers. (Walker, 1939)

On 28th October, 1881, Richardson and Wrench conducted the first land sale of a subdivision of "Mount Ramsay" Estate. One section, fronting Pittwater Road, was purchased by a resident of Paddington, Mr. Obed West.

Mr. West released this land for sale on the 23rd December, 1911 as "West's Lakeside Estate, Narrabeen". He describes it in poetic terms:

"Nowhere round Sydney has nature been so generous or shown so much concentra­tion in the bestowal of her beauties. Narrabeen, the Killarney of Australia, of­fers unlimited attractions, beautiful scen­ery, new environment, and all those out­door sports and pastimes which afford that enjoyable change and recreation so essential in these days of business."

Obed West described the trip to Narrabeen in 1911:

"All along the route to Narrabeen district, rapid progress, evidencing its great popularity, is forcibly impressed on the mind. Starting from Manly pier, after some distance we pass through a winding avenue of trees, passing the extensive new tram sheds - a significant point - until we reach Curl Curl, with its lakes and la­goons. After whirling along a charming stretch of road, we enter the scattered township of Brookvale then passing the road that branches off to French's Forest we rise slightly and skim down a pretty length, lined with trees on either side; then across a small bridge, and passing on our right, the Salvation Army Home and Industrial Farm. Skirting Dee Why La­goon for some distance, and, after rounding the spur, Long Reef is sighted. Continuing through charming scenery, with here and there glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, and in full view of the shining line of the Pacific Ocean, and in full view off the shining line off golden sand and white breakers of the Great Narrabeen Beach (which, unlike other beaches, is one of the longest, cleanest and safest on the coast) we reach the Estate. Right alongside is the township of Narrabeen, with Public School, Post and Telegraph Office, hotel, refreshment rooms, shops and cottages."

In 1907 land in Lagoon Street sold for 4/- per foot , Mactier Street lots were valued at three for fifty pounds, Main Road blocks fetched one pound per foot. In 1911 Lake frontages were selling at three pounds per foot. Mr. Obed West commented in 1911 that "there were many reasons why Narrabeen Torrens title land will continue to realise a profit on every lot purchased."

Narrabeen Public School

In 1884 an application was made to the Under Secretary, Department of Public Instruction, Sydney, for the establishment of a school for the children of Narrabeen. The suggested loca­tion was Tumble Down Dick, Narrabeen. The application was declined. A further application was made on the 28th October, 1887, it was also rejected.

However, a memorandum from the District Inspector, W. McIntyre, dated 22nd October, 1888 states that "The population is increasing at Narrabeen and a school will soon be required there. It is not possible to purchase land at a reasonable price for School purposes, I would therefore recommend that allotments 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, & 15 of Sec. 25, of Mount Ramsay Estate, about 2 acres, be resumed. The land is suitable for a school site. I estimate the value at 20/- per foot for the allotments with frontage, 200 feet, to Ocean [Pittwater Road] Street, and 10/- per foot for the back lots hav­ing frontage, 200 feet, to Goodwin Street, or about three hundred pounds for the 8 allot­ments."

A formal application for the establishment of a Provisional School was made on behalf of the residents of Narrabeen Lake, by Robert Norris on the 20th November, 1888. The information supplied by the applicants included:

"Distance from post town? 6 miles from Manly, 5 miles from Bayview, but there is a receiving office in the village and a daily mail."

"Distance of nearest State School? Between 5 & 6 miles."

"Number of children, from four to fourteen years of age, living within 2 miles of the site of the proposed school?"

Boys                                           7

Girls                                          12

Religious Denominations:

Church of England ..            11

Roman Catholic .. ..              8

"The application also stated that no building was provided but a room in a private cottage could be rented for a few months."

"The following parents who resided within the area of the proposed school undertook that their children would attend regularly and punctually:"

Robert Norris

C.A. Yeo

Donald McLean

Thomas H. Purvis

Joseph Thompson

Cyrus E. Fuller

P. O'Keefe

John Collins

James Jones

Cyrus Fuller wrote to "J. Miller Esq, Council of Education" on the 11th December, 1888, offering a room of his house for use as a school. "...I may mention that I am in a position to offer to all a suitable room and lease it to the Department for two or three years at a small rental..."

The Department of Public Instruction intended to accept Mr. Fuller's offer and sent furniture for the new schoolroom. However, Mr. Fuller ad­vised the Department that the rental would be 10/­ per week. Mr. J. Maynard, Chief Inspector sent a memorandum to District Inspector McIntyre on the 30th January, 1889, declining the offer made by Mr. Fuller because of the high rent being asked. Mr. Fuller then refused to release the furniture until "rent due to him was paid". John Williams, the Crown Solicitor, advised that Mr. Fuller had, through his solicitors, offered to deliver up the remainder of the furniture and to abandon his claim for rent if the Department of Public Instruction withdrew their pending District Court Action.

Mr James Booth, tendered for the erection and completing of the school building at Narrabeen. His quote was for one hundred and fifteen pounds and ten shillings. On the 4th February, 1889, Mr. McIntyre wrote:

"...the building will accommodate about 50 scholars. It is as large as Galston and more complete, being lined throughout and painted inside, and the tender is about forty pounds less."

"I think a Public School will soon be required at Narrabeen and that it is advisable to erect a good building at once. The price of the one I propose is merely the cost of labour and material and is very cheap for such commodious and substantial school-house. It cannot be properly built cheaper."

"On these grounds I recommend the acceptance of Mr. James Booth's tender. Plan, specification and deposit of five pounds herewith."

A notation on the bottom of this report reads:

"I concur. In view of the District Inspector's report I recommend that it be formally decided to establish a Public School at Narrabeen. F.B. 7-2-89"

The resumption of land for the school was gazetted on the 22 March, 1889. Work had commenced on the school building and a letter was received on behalf of James E. Black. The text of the letter reads as follows:

"I have the honor to draw your attention to the fact that carpenters and builders acting upon the authority of your department, have entered upon taken possession of and proceeded to erect a structure upon land belonging to me, near Narrabeen Lake, Parish of Manly Cove - more particularly known as the Mount Ramsay Estate Subdivision."

"I hereby give you notice to yield up possession, and withdraw the aforesaid workmen forthwith. Failing to comply with this notice I shall instruct my solicitor to issue a Writ of Ejectment of Wednesday next, and to further proceed at law for the recovery of damages for this trespass."

The Department had not known the identity of the former owner of the resumed land. A formal "Notice of Claim and Abstract" was submitted and on-the 28th March, 1890, Mr. Black was paid eight hundred and three pounds, one shilling and seven pence in compensation for his land.

Mr. Booth requested an advance of seventy pounds, "As I have nearly completed the build­ing at Narrabeen, I would be glad if you would inspect the work as soon as possible. I need money to pay for the materials...." The instal­ment was made.

Miss Beatrice E. Hume was appointed as the Teacher in Charge and school commenced on 5th May, 1889. The number of children enrolled for week one was 10, with an average attendance of 9.5. Week two, ending 17.5.89, twelve children were enrolled, average attendance was 11.4. Week three, 13 were enrolled and average attendance was 12.2. Week 4, thirteen children were enrolled but average attendance was only 6.

Miss Lillie Adams became Teacher in Charge on 5/11/89, but Miss E. Bastian had been appointed to the position by 23/1/90 and set about having necessary repairs done to the school. She obtained "a price from a Mr. J. T. Collins, a resident of Narrabeen," to replace two panes of glass in windows (already broken when she took charge of the school!), frosting of windows to prevent the penetration of the sun, and repairs to the foundations of the school. Mr. Collins' price for the work was three pounds and sixpence. Miss Bastian "was authorised to employ Mr. Collins for the purpose of effecting same."

Mrs. Pearl Clarke was Teacher in Charge for less than four months at the beginning of 1893. She was followed by Mrs. Sarah Seymour who was transferred from Burnt Yards and held the position until July, 1893. Mrs. Seymour wrote to the District Inspector of Schools requesting that the school tank needed cleaning out, the water was not fit for drinking. Mr. Dwyer replied "You are requested to repeat upon this letter. Your remarks may be entered on the back."

By the time Mr. Dwyer's reply reached the school Mrs. Seymour had been replaced by Miss M. McBride. Miss McBride replied that she believed a rat was in the tank and had caused "the unpleasant odour and taste". This time Mr. Dwyer suggested getting one or two tenders for the cleaning of the tank and repairing of the spouting. The work was completed by Robert Porter for one pound and ten shillings.

In 1895 the Department queried the figures being submitted by Miss McBride for the weekly aver­age attendance and arranged an inspection of her roll book. It was found that entries had been "falsified". The average had, in reality, fallen below the acceptable number. The school was closed and Miss McBride was "removed to Manly, to await a transfer to the country".

Letters were quickly sent by Dugald Thomson, M.L.A., and Mr. Norris requesting the re­ opening of the school. Mr. Norris listed 23 children "who will attend as soon as the School is re-opened." The school was re-opened and an unclassified ex-pupil teacher, Miss Borneshein, was sent as a substitute to Narrabeen during the period of the teacher's suspension. Mr. Alfred Vieusseaux was appointed on 14th July, 1896.

Mr. Vieusseaux submitted an "Estimate of Teacher's Travelling Expenses" totalling thirty­ five pounds, two shillings and tuppence. Certain items were judged as excessive and a total of twenty-six pounds was approved.

In August, Mr. Vieusseaux requested permis­sion to accept the position of Secretary to the Progress Association. Permission was refused. "I fail to see what advantage to the school on account of which he is paid by the Department, Mr. Vieusseaux's election to the position of Hon. Secretary to the Progress Association of Narrabeen is likely to bring about. I therefore recommend that he be informed that it is not competent for him to occupy such a position while in charge of the school."

Mr. T. H. Macpherson, Hon. Sec. Pro Tern, of the Narrabeen Progress Association wrote to Dugald Thomson on 15th September 1897. The letter reads in part:

"The Association desire to urge the importance of, and the consequent need of despatch in, the matter of improving the local school-premises. They solicit your particular attention to the matter, and hope, through you, to draw also the immediate attention of the Minister for Education. In a letter to him, of last month's date, the invading of the school-ground by picnicking parties, the using of the water in the school tank by all and sundry (for horses as well as for human consumption), the littering of the school-ground with papers, bottles, fruit-skins, and other refuse, the improper using of the school out-offices, the breaking into the school room overnight, and the abstracting of various articles, the shooting  on the grounds during the gill-bird season, and the falling of shot on the roof during school hours were all mentioned.

Since then, a party of between 40 and 50 men invaded the school ground and remained in possession during the  whole of one afternoon, playing cricket, considering the business of the school (which was proceeding at the time), notwithstanding that the teacher objected by word of mouth to the intrusion. Also, the exposed position of the out-offices, owing to the absence of a proper fence, is strongly commented upon, and really is most objectionable.

Lastly, the fact that the school has no porch, no lavatory, no verandah, no outdoor shelter of any description, makes the erection of a weather shed also a most urgent matter."

A Teacher's residence was built in 1898 by C. B. Smith for an amount of six hundred and thirty-eight pounds and twelve shillings. In April of the next year Mr. Vieusseaux requested that an additional bedroom be added to the residence.

"I have four children, three male and one female ranging in age from 5 years, 9 months to 11 years, 9 months and it is not advisable that growing boys and girls should occupy the same bedroom. As I shall from this date be paying increased rental, I venture to hope that my re­quest will receive favourable consideration." The application was recommended.

It was found necessary, in 1899, to paint the external face of the brick walls of the residence because the bricks were hand made and very porous. This allowed rain to penetrate right through the walls. Mr. Jamieson completed the task for an amount of ten pounds. In 1901 a request was made to asphalt the backyard of the residence.

School enrolment in 1909 was 36 with an aver­age attendance of 22. The tramline from Brook­ vale to Collaroy and Narrabeen in 1913 and set­tlement of the area increased. In 1915 the enrolment was 88 pupils and the average attendance was 52.

Tenders were called in 1914 for the erection of a new school building. Five tenders were received and the tender of five hundred and fifty-seven pounds submitted by Mr. R. Miles was accepted. The tender was later amended to five hundred and forty-six pounds, sixteen shillings and sixpence. Mr. George Thompson was the Headmaster at the time. Mr Albert Lambert was appointed to the school on 8th May, 1915. Mr. Frank Thompson of Freshwater, Manly, won the contract to purchase and remove the old school building for a sum of fifteen pounds.

Mr. Lambert received a memorandum from H. D. McLelland, Chief Inspector of Primary Schools on 11th April, 1924. It was headed "Installation of Electric Light".

"I have to inform you that approval has been given for you to accept the tender of eleven pounds submitted by Mr. R. Duffield for the installation of the electric light in the residence at the school under your charge.

When the work has been satisfactorily completed, please have the appended voucher form filled in and returned with this memorandum through your Inspector."

Mr. W. L. Ross was appointed Headmaster on 30/7/25. Mr. Ross was a keen historian and located the anchor of the "S. S. Collaroy" which had gone aground in 1881 on the beach which now bears its name. He had the anchor mounted in a cement lifebuoy. The monument was set in the front yard of the school and unveiled with great ceremony on the 20th October, 1928.

An application was made in 1929 for the pro­vision of further educational facilities in the area by the establishment of a school at Collinwood (North Narrabeen). The application was ap­ proved, but with the outset of the depression it was not possible to proceed with the erection of the required buildings. The school commenced operation in 1935  in rented premises. Four years later the pupils were transferred to a new school building, which has been erected at a cost of over one thousand, five hundred pounds. Narrabeen North operated as an annexe of Narrabeen Public School until September 1939 when it was converted into a separate infants' school.

At the time of the school's 50th Jubilee in 1939,• the enrolment was approx. 400, and the Head­ master was Mr. Edwin Halpin. Mr. Halpin re­ mained Headmaster through the troubled war­ years of 1939-45.

Land was purchased from Dr. R. J. Pope on 8th November, 1951. The land was bounded by King and Ocean Streets and Pittwater Road. A separate Infants Department was built on the site. The School operated for some thirty-two years with the two departments in separate locations.

In 1880 Sir Henry Parkes had a bill passed through the N.S.W. Parliament making educa­tion compulsory for all children in the State who had turned six years of age. In centenary of Education year the enrolment of the school was almost the same as it was at the time of the school's jubilee - just under four hundred. By that time the former Headmaster's residence had been refitted and was operating as the Admin­istration Unit of the Primary Department . Miss Yvonne McLeod was Principal.

The year 1984 marked the reuniting of the In­fants and Primary Departments as one school on the original site on Pittwater Road.

This year, 1989, marks the centenary of educa­tion at Narrabeen. Miss Yvonne McLeod is the current Principal and there is a staff of 18. Teachers and pupils have put a great amount of planning in to centenary celebrations. There will be a Centenary Assembly on May 5, a Reunion and Picnic Day on May 6 and a Thanksgiving Service at St.  Faith's Church of England in Clarke Street, Narrabeen, on May 7. 

Parents, students, and staff of Narrabeen School are very conscious, and proud, of its long and interesting history.