A new school and a home for the teacher - 1870 - 1879:

In May 1870 flooding recurred, finally rendered the original building completely unsafe. Once again, Mr Baddeley provided a room at the rear of his tannery, and the Local Board was granted permission to sell the building on the flat. Board members also turned their minds towards planning ways to raise the funds required for construction of the new school.

After the sale of the original school building raised £21/10/-, a subscription list was opened and when £50 was raised in a short time, local residents began to plan for a residence of rubble stone as well. This was put on hold, however, when the architect reported that a residence would be too expensive. Deciding to proceed with the school only, the contract was let for £156 to Messrs Booth and Nowles, who agreed to make 18-inch walls to withstand strong winds. Timber for the new school was supplied by a sawmill located five miles from the township.

Although the building was due for completion in June, it was not until August 1872 that Pambula's second school building was ready for its occupants who, no doubt, were pleased to move into a permanent home.

By this time, however, the unpopularity of the teacher was again causing problems. This time, Mrs Nevin was accused of using the school as a nursery and of being careless in her work. Another criticism levelled at her was that of her religion. Mrs Nevin, a Roman Catholic, became a victim of the religious division that was to plague the Pambula community for many years to come. This was despite the fact that of the 32 pupils enrolled, 22 were members of the Roman Catholic faith.

As a result, the Board notified Mrs Nevin that teaching was not a suitable position for a Police Constable's wife, in response to which she resigned. However, when the Chief of Police overruled this protest, Mrs Nevin withdrew her resignation and resumed work in October. Attendances, however, continued to fall as parents sent their children to Mr Wilson’s private school, despite the fact that it was in a barely tolerable state. The situation did not improve until Mrs Nevin was transferred at the beginning of 1873.

Mrs Nevin's replacement, Thomas Wellings, was no stranger to the district, having taught at the Greig's Flat/Lochiel half-time schools prior to his appointment to Pambula. Although he was not regarded as a particularly good teacher, he did begin the process of healing the rift between the local school and the wider community.

Although enrolment increased to 45, average attendance stood at just 16. However, an impressive 41 pupils were present when an inspection was carried out in August 1873. It was noted that:
"The pupils fidget and stare about, giggle a great deal, and in many little ways show they have not been trained to habits of strict and instant obedience...All this might be changed with a more determined government."

It was added that:
"As far as mechanical adherence to ordinary forms and methods...the teacher faithfully goes through his daily routine, but as yet he has only produced poor results. If he were to determine that, like it or not, the children should, week by week, do, and do well, all the work set out for them, if he would test his own labours and when unsound progress showed itself, spare neither time, himself nor his pupils, till thorough mastery of the subjects in hand had been obtained, the school might soon become a credit to himself and the district."

Although enrolment rose by just one by 1874, average attendance increased to just over 32, and much improvement was noted during an inspection in September:
"The discipline has much improved in the year, but increased firmness and consistency in government would still be advisable…The mark for dictation is above average, that for reading, writing, spelling and singing, well up on average, and that for arithmetic, grammar, geography, object lessons and drawing, below. The general proficiency is fair."

By this time, the local community had again turned their attention to erecting a teacher's residence, commencing with a small sum left over from construction of the school. With the school site too small and sloping for addition of another building, the search began for land on which to erect the teacher's residence. In March 1876, it was stated that the most satisfactory arrangement was to purchase the land next to the school, containing a small wooden cottage that could serve as a kitchen. It was also hoped to construct a stone building of three rooms.

Despite the Local Board’s determination with respect to the residence, the process of purchasing the land was to become a protracted one and was not finalised until August 1876. The same year, an additional half-acre, Lot 15, was purchased from a Mr Lyons and added to the school grounds.
Classroom achievement continued to improve, and in 1875 the inspector noted:
"Discipline improved, government firmer. Mark for reading, dictation, arithmetic and grammar above average. Other subjects, below. General proficiency between fair and very fair."

In 1876 the enrolment increase to the largest yet, 52, with the inspector commenting:
"Half the pupils regular. The discipline has improved and is now very fair. Arithmetic is a weak subject throughout the school. The marks obtained for other subjects are of average character. The general proficiency is fair."

The Local Board worked steadily towards erection of the teacher's residence but eventually local board secretary Mr C. H. Baddeley wrote that local people were not of affluent circumstances, stating that they should be able to raise about £20 in cash in addition to another £15 on credit. He continued:
"However reluctant I may feel to adopt such a course [abandon plans to erect a teacher's residence] I am afraid I cannot see my way clear to proceed any further with the matter, as it will be impossible to raise any further contributions, and at present I do not feel justified in adding to the personal sacrifice to which I have submitted in remitting the timely proceedings."

When the Department decided to continue with construction of the residence, Mr Baddeley found it necessary to draw up the plans himself, these being approved in 1876. He also advised that the residence be kept separate from the timber kitchen in order to reduce fire risk. Early in 1877, stonemason, Jacob Bernasconi, and carpenter, Joseph Hills, completed the job.

The teacher’s residence was completed in early 1877. It continues to stand in Monaro Street, Pambula, today.

After Mr Wellings was transferred to Bodalla, Sydney Apsey assumed responsibility for the school in 1879, by which time enrolment remained steady at about 50 pupils.

Expansion, 1880 - 1889:

Mr Apsey built on the groundwork laid by his predecessor and relations continued to improve between school and community. Mr Apsey and his family were quite musical, regularly giving concerts and recitals for the local community. However, in his efforts to provide entertainment, Mr Apsey found himself in trouble with the Department after allowing "Professor Jacobs, the Great Wizard of the East" to use the school for a performance. Despite the Inspector commenting that he had been both instructed and amused by the performance, Mr Apsey was reprimanded.

Since at least 1858, the old school paddocks on the flat had been rented out to local farmers, the funds used to carry out renovation and building work on the school and teacher's residence. A memorandum from the department stated:
"...the rents have been from time to time expended by them [the local board] upon the school premises. Some of the accounts are missing, however others are confused and it does not seem possible to ascertain exactly how much has been received and expended."

Despite the fact that the Council of Education stated in 1879 that:
"The Board now seems to be expending the rent judiciously in small improvements...the matter does not appear to require any further interference in the Council's part."
control of the paddocks was removed from the Local Board in 1880, which meant that funds were no longer available to carry out work at a local level.

Teacher William Apsey with students in front of the second permanent Pambula Public School.

Although by this time, schools had been established in the surrounding district, students continued to travel what was a considerable distance inasmuch as no motorised transportation was available. For this reason, Mr Apsey wrote in 1880 that there was a need for a school paddock in which students could leave their horses whilst in class.

On a number of occasions, Mr Apsey applied for a transfer from Pambula, commenting:
"I have been and still am compelled to allow my six children (four boys and two girls) to sleep in one bedroom; and the room intended for a front sitting room is converted into a kitchen and store-room where washing the children, cooking meals and eating them, with everything in the way of something else, creates a state of things somewhat funny but at the same time indescribably irritating, unpleasant and unwholesome."

When finally Mr Apsey received a promotion in 1883, Mr Osbourne Wrightson, an older man with a grown family, was appointed to take over the position. By the following year, enrolment had risen to number 84 pupils, and with the township of Pambula continuing to progress, it was decided to extend the school room to accommodate the growing student population.

Mr Robert Haynes completed the new section, consisting of a weatherboard room measuring 20 foot by 16 foot by 11 foot, at a cost of 150 pounds. In August 1885, the architect for public schools reported that the extension had been completed and occupation took place the same month. By this time, Pambula had become a two-teacher school, with an assistant teacher working to maintain the growing student population.

In 1886 the District Inspector reported in less than glowing terms on the material condition of the school building and teacher's residence, stating:
"I have the honour to report that the roof of both the school building and teacher's residence...leak in consequence of the loosened state of the shingles;..."

He also asked that a number of loose posts and decaying palings in the fence in front of the school be repaired and the following year, tenders were called to address the problem.

By 1887, students numbered 80, and average attendance stood at above 50.

Following Mr Wrightson’s transfer, William Healey arrived as head teacher in 1889.

Battle for a third school, 1890 - 1899:

Pambula began the new decade with an upgrade, in 1890, to a sixth class school. That year pupils and teachers joined with many others throughout the state in celebrating Arbour Day with a tree and shrub planting ceremony. Through local subscriptions, Mr Healey raised forty shillings towards the event, with the Department giving an equal amount and through the school's involvement, the teacher set about beautifying the school grounds.

Pambula Public School, 1892, with teacher William Healey.

Robert Ashworth and his family arrived in 1895, and it was not long before the new teacher had to contend with problems caused by his assistant teacher. Charles Shea, appointed in 1891, proved lazy and troublesome, and in mid-1895 absconded without informing the teacher, the Department or even his family. Finally in July he resigned and departed for Western Australia. A report on his unfavourable conduct had been filed with the Department the previous month.

With enrolment at 91, an assistant teacher had become a vital part of the school, and a Miss Jenner replaced Charles Shea.

Contagious diseases proved to be the bane of public schools throughout the 1800’s, and when a diphtheria outbreak struck the Ashworth family in 1896, the school was closed down for a period.

Mr Ashworth was to become one of the most popular teachers to serve at the Pambula school, fitting into the community with ease and occupying a prominent position through his involvement in various local organisations. He started a library at the school and staged a concert in 1896 to raise funds for the project.

Despite his popularity, however, he still managed to make at least one enemy. Local blacksmith, Mr John Hamilton, lodged a complaint about the teacher in 1896 that led to an official enquiry by the Inspector of Schools. At the hearing, however, Mr Ashworth was able produce some of the most prominent citizens in the local community to appear on his behalf, including two J.'s P., the local doctor, bank manager, solicitor, post and telegraph master, sergeant of police, a police constable and editor of the Pambula Voice. Mr Hamilton did not even appear at the inquiry, and as a result, it was decided that the allegations were without foundation.

Even when the lease on the schools paddocks ran out in 1897 and Mr Ashworth decided to retain them to grow crops in his leisure time, the action did not raise the ire of the local community as it had done a few years before.

By 1897, the need for better school accommodation was apparent, enrolment having increased to at least 100. With such a rapidly growing student population, it became necessary to borrow extra seating from the local School of Arts. The Department of Public Instruction wrote in August that the Chief Clerk of Works was preparing specifications and estimates to have the school extended. However, the local community had decided they wanted more, and so began a very drawn out process to lobby for a new building. The Pambula Progress Association took up the cause at their meeting in September 1897, but were informed that the Minister would not grant money for a new school. The Pambula Voice stated in November the same year:
"It seems monstrous to assert that the present school building is adequate for all requirements. We have previously pointed out that it was built to accommodate 70 scholars; and the teachers are hampered in their work by the partition that divides the school. There are over 100 children on the roll, and sometimes a hundred scholars in attendance, while several of the children over five years have been refused admission owing to want of room..."

A petition was started by the local Progress Association, and when local member, Mr W. H. Wood, MP, came to Pambula, committee member Mr A. W. King, seized the opportunity and took him through the school. Despite these efforts, however, a new school was not approved and an extension was completed instead in 1898. The school was closed down for three weeks whilst the work was carried out.

It was not long though before the Pambula Voice again reported:
"The school building itself is in a very dilapidated condition and last week one of the walls cracked, making it necessary to move the pupils to another room."

The battle is won, 1900 - 1909:

The new century began with the continuing battle for a new school. The Pambula Voice again became involved in the issue, stating in 1902:

"The unsuitability of the accommodation…has been keenly felt for some time. The school building is divided into two compartments, the head teacher (Mr Ashworth) having charge of the senior scholars and the assistant (Miss Huggart) looking after the juniors. The larger room has the smaller number of scholars, while the junior room is uncomfortably crammed with pupils. The petition separating the two apartments should be removed, or an additional teacher appointed."

In March 1903, the local Progress Association applied for permission to sell off the school paddocks for funds to construct a new school and when the department declined, the Progress Association took up another petition, the Voice again weighed in on the argument by commenting:
"It is of no use patching up and adding to the present piebald structure..."

The local member, Mr Wood, once more took up the case, but again without luck. In reply to the petition forwarded to the Department through Mr Wood, it was stated:
"...in view of the fact that the present average attendance is only 92 and the existing accommodation is ample for an attendance of 112, the Minister for Public Instruction is not prepared to accede to the request."

During 1905, the need for a new school was a persistent topic at Progress Association meetings, and in August that year, the Voice stated:
"It must be apparent to everyone that the barn-like building is unsuitable for the purposes for which it is used..."

By the end of that year, however, the Progress Association had decided that not only was a new school building necessary, so too was a new site. Finally, the Department held an inquiry in December 1905, conducted by the local inspector of schools, Mr Smith. With about twenty residents present, much discussion centred on the possibility or otherwise of a Pambula Roman Catholic School being opened. With more than 60 Roman Catholic pupils on the roll at the public school, Mr E. J. Cornell pointed out:
"In the event of a convent school being started locally it would have an effect on the school roll. The question of a new convent school had been considered but was shelved, but if the department did not erect a suitable building it would prove an incentive to provide another school."

It was also pointed out to the inspector that the current site had no room for agricultural instruction, an important subject in many rural communities.

By 1906, the long awaited reply came that, after years of lobbying, Pambula would get their new school to accommodate 250 pupils.

That year two and a half acres were reserved by the Department of Lands in Monaro and Oregon Streets on Lots 7 to 16 of Section 46, and tenders were called for the erection of the new building.

It was announced in November that Mr O. Lassen’s tender for £547 had been accepted, and by March the following year work commenced on the new school. Messrs Raynor Brothers of Wyndham supplied timber for the building, which was of weatherboard construction.
The building was finally completed in July 1907, with the furniture installed the same month. Despite this, however, it remained unoccupied until November, when finally classes were moved into the third permanent Pambula school.

The third Pambula Public School, which was completed in 1908. The head teacher pictured in the left centre rear is Mr Robert Ashworth, who occupied the position from 1895 until 1912.

The same year, the institution was promoted to a fourth class school.

In 1906 the Pambula District Teacher's Association was formed. This provided a means of professional support within the isolated local district (particularly for one-teacher schools) and performed as a lobby group for issues upon which local teachers felt strongly. That year the organisation set about arranging first aid courses for local teachers.

Pambula remained an unsophisticated rural community and many of the problems that had faced students years before were still apparent. The local inspector, Mr Smith, expressed concern at the exhausted state of pupils, stating:
"...In dairying centres a want of punctuality is frequently shown...and pupils come to school exhausted. The amount of child work on these farms is appalling. Children of tender years are often up before daylight, tending cows, feeding calves and pigs, cleaning up manure; and when breakfast is over - about 9 or 9.30 o'clock - they have often a long walk to school where, fagged and sleepy, they are physically unfit to receive instruction. They are often compelled to leave school early in the afternoon, to assist at home in the same monotony of labour, unrelieved by fun of any kind..."

A campaign commenced in 1908 for technical classes at Pambula, although it was to take some lobbying before these finally began.

[The next installment will cover the history of Pambula Public School from 1910]

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From Bark Hut to Brick Veneer - 150 Years of Education at Pambula - pt 1

The first decade - 1849 -1859:

Following the National Education Act of 1848, Pambula became the seventh public school in the state and in 1999 was the fourth oldest still in operation.

With the Board of National Education promising aid, it opened its doors on July 23, 1849 in a newly repaired hut supplied by Mr J. Walker on what is now known as the Oaklands property. A temporary teacher, Mr J. Grealy, took charge of the new school and was supplied with books worth £2/14/.

Left: Bark hut built by Pambula Public School students for their sesqui centenary in 1998.


Two and a half acres in Section 4 of the original township was claimed by Messrs Walker, Jones and Bell for the permanent school, the men stating in correspondence to the National Board that "...at the same time we would strongly recommend that Allotments number 2 and 3 of the same Section and Allotment number 1 of Section 1 should be retained - as it would be a most eligible situation for an Industrial School - a project which (with your assistance) we entertain some hopes of carrying out at no distant period."

One acre of land was eventually granted for the National School, and the Board also authorised reservation of a further nine acres for Industrial School purposes. Construction of the town's first permanent school built of brick and shingles commenced in late November 1849. The building consisted of two small rooms for the teacher and two separate classrooms, to segregate male and female pupils. Mr Grealy remained in charge of the school for two months until the first permanent teacher, Henry Fowler, arrived to take over.

Left: Map of the allotment of land reserved for the Pambula National School in the original town on the flat.

Henry Fowler had previously been appointed to the colony's first National School at Kempsey, thus becoming New South Wales' first public school teacher. After many disagreements with the Kempsey community, that Board dismissed Mr Fowler early in 1849. In turn, he was appointed to the new Pambula school on September 24 the same year.

Like many other National School teachers, Mr Fowler would have experienced hardship through the fee-paying system that was then in force. Although local residents appeared happy to contribute more than half of the required £150 towards cost of erecting the school, Pambula was by and large a poor community. The majority of parents were irregular in their payment of school fees, set at two pence per child, but no more than six pence per family unless they felt they could afford it. As the teacher was, in part, reliant on fees for his wage, he would have felt this quite keenly.

As Pambula was the only government aided educational facility in the entire district, it was pointed out that some of the students were "...coming from distant parts and boarding with the teacher or some other family in the neighbourhood." Attendance rapidly increased until by the winter of 1850 it was as high as 51. However, with local industry predominantly agricultural and pastoral, spring and summer saw a marked decrease when children were required to help with harvesting.

Mr Fowler became the first in a long line of Pambula’s teachers to experience snubs from by the community. In this instance a group of local people, led by Mr Grealy, laid charges against the teacher which, although rejected, created discontent in the community. One charge was that of intoxication, and although this was regarded as petty, it was eventually on this note that the teacher departed.

The first of the many floods that plagued the school on the flat took place in May 1851, with water rising to 16 inches over the floor of the building. After spending considerable time moving his possessions to safety, Mr Fowler went to the Governor Fitzroy Hotel, where he intended to have a brandy to revive himself. Upon leaving the hotel, he happened to meet Mr Walker, who had done all he could to help the teacher, but so embarrassed was Mr Fowler at having been found drinking that he went straight home and penned his resignation from the board's service.

James Stritch was appointed to take over the position at Pambula National School, remaining until September 1852. By this time, attendance had fallen to just twelve as a result of many families leaving for Port Phillipp in the newly created colony of Victoria. Those local residents who remained now found themselves without a teacher and the school closed as a result.

By this time, the Walker family had also departed and it became necessary to form a new Board of Local Patrons. Selected to serve on it were men whose names were to become synonymous with local history years later - Charles Bell, Syms Covington, Hugh Cameron and Bartholomew Carragher amongst them. By this time, residents had formed themselves into two opposing factions over the education question, and whilst one side petitioned for the return of Mr Fowler, others tried to get Mr Stritch reinstated. This was to no avail however, and the school remained closed for almost twelve months.

Finally, in July 1853, Richard Birkett was appointed to the Pambula school and was allowed £8/8/- to cover the steamer fare for himself and his wife to travel to the district. Upon arrival, he found the school building in poor condition, and worked hard to repair the flood damage. He also supervised fencing of school paddocks at a cost of £35 to the Board. The new teacher obviously came prepared to combine teaching with agricultural pursuits, and quickly made use of the nine acres at his disposal, planting potatoes, fruit trees and Indian seed, in addition to grazing a few cows. Because of the proximity to the river, the area was aptly suited to such activities, and the excellent crops grown by the teacher soon created petty jealousy in the town. This, combined with his perceived interference in local land matters, was to lead to his downfall locally. When he arrived to find no land available for use by small farmers, Mr Birkett set about organising a petition. He later wrote that "There were a few cultivators, including two semi-squatters at the Bega fief. One of the latter rented from Mr Peter Imlay (survivor of Messrs Imlay, pioneers of the settlement at Twofold Bay); the other from the Twofold Bay Pastoral Association...It was my steady purpose to do the best I could for the district; so, that, in the aspiration to see settlement extended, I set about the work of opening up the adjacent Bega country. The construction of the then existing Government was inimical to free settlement and any appeal to the local government authority in that behalf would have been assured of futility." In so doing, Mr Birkett managed to alienate Arthur Manning, then Crown Lands Commissioner, and the person to whom he was referring when writing of the local government authority.

Through his agricultural successes and "...his annoying disposition...", the teacher soon lost the confidence of some local residents, who withdrew their children from the school, despite the fact that he was very good at his job. By 1855, the problem had come to a head, with many letters exchanged between the National Board of Education Secretary, Mr W. C. Wills, Mr Birkett, Mr Bell and Mr Grealy. Mr Bell claimed that the teacher interfered too much in the residents' personal lives, while Mr Grealy referred to him as an "...honest, sober and industrious man..." deserving of fair play.

Mr Birkett, however, "...could not rise superior to the brewing mischief..." and had departed by the beginning of 1856, when he was replaced by Michael Lappan, who, together with his wife, had been brought from Ireland where they had both been trained. Unfortunately though, these two otherwise successful teachers were unable to heal what was becoming a deepening rift within the community. Mr Lappan learnt from the mistakes of his predecessor, however, and leased out the school paddock, receiving rent in kind after the crop had been harvested.

Despite this, in an area where there were more than sixty school age children, attendance levels continued to fall until by the time the Lappan's took over, there was an average attendance of just 29 pupils. This was attributed, in part, to the unhealthy state of the school, no doubt due to its location on a flood plain. Added to this was the fact that by this time a definite shift of occupation had begun, away from the flats towards the higher site of the present day town's location. Despite this, relocation of the school was deferred due to financial constraints.

When the situation did not improve, the Lappan's departed around July 1858, and once again, the school was closed. Police Magistate Murray of Eden was appointed Chairman of the Local School Board in September that year. One of his first actions was to raise school fees to supplement the teacher's salary. At this point. James Stritch was the teacher, having returned in December 1858. However, when Mr. Murray resigned less than a year later, the local community resumed their bickering, and this, combined with Mr' Stritch's distinct unpopularity, saw attendance rates continue the fall while a private school operating in the district flourished.

An entirely new start? 1860 - 1869:

It was upon this rather depressed note that the Pambula National School entered its second decade.

Flooding continued to plague the school and in 1860 it was stated that "The National School at Panbula was full in the stream, the doors were burst open and a quantity of mud, sand and timber occupied the place of the teacher for several days. It is a wonder that the Board of Commissioners do not see to this matter as I fear very much that the teacher and the building will make a moonlight flit."

By 1861, 30 scholars were on the roll, with an average attendance of just 19. It was noted in June that year that "The building is sometimes surrounded by floods to a height of three feet. The organisation is defective. The children are neither punctual nor regular. Much noise and disorder. The walls are dirty and damp. None but the ordinary subjects are taught, and of those, the smallest quantity possible. The few children present were deficient in acquirements."

The same year, the Chief Inspector commented that "This report shows that the Pambula School is in a thoroughly disreputable state...an entirely new start must be made to bring the school into good working order; and in my opinion, the only way to accomplish this object is to sell the present building and land and erect suitable buildings in a better position...I fear the teacher will have to be dismissed from the Board's service; he appears to grow worse every year. At the same time it is only fair to bear in mind the extenuating circumstances. I believe the position and its surroundings to be enough to demoralise any men [sic], except one of strong minds and firm principles."

Unfortunately the only advice heeded was the dismissal of the teacher, which took place in July 1862. Once again the school closed, remaining so until September. Fortunately though, Cornelius Moloney successfully applied for the position, arriving straight from the Fort Street Model Training School. By December, when an inspection was carried out, 48 students were on the roll, and the average attendance stood at 30. The report noted that "There is no important deficiency connected with the material state of the school, which is now very fair. Moral tone of the school is very fair. Subjects appropriate and to the required extent. Methods very fair. While aiming at the intellectual faculties, the attention of the pupils is well kept. Since present teacher took charge, the foundation for future improvement has been laid. At present, the absolute attainment of the pupils are small."

Despite inexperience, Mr Moloney succeeded where many had failed before, within a year improving the school to such a degree that he was sent a personal note of gratitude from the Board. To this he replied that "I certainly have zealously laboured to improve the school, under circumstances calculated to depress many; thank God! I have succeeded; and for the Board's kindness in thus acknowledging my services I beg respectfully to tender my most sincere thanks."

Although enrolment only increased by one to number 49 the following year, average attendance leapt to 38.

From May 1862, flooding continued to wreak havoc with the school, continuing throughout winter. It was at this time that the Pambula River changed its course, the school finding itself located between the original channel and a billabong just sixty yards from the school house.

Further flooding in 1866 only added to the problems of location. The building was, however, partially protected by a newly constructed road and the re-diversion of the river, created by the shear sweat of local men using shovels to give nature a helping hand in creating the new river course.

Despite Mr Moloney's success in improving the state of the local school, he was transferred in September 1864, just two years after his arrival. Mr B. W. Hinton was sent to replace him, remaining for three years, during which the school had to be closed for short periods due to a scarlet fever outbreak and a diphtheria epidemic.

Although attendance did continue to fall to below thirty, this was more an indication of the economic nature of the district than the former problems of unpopularity that had faced so many of Mr Hinton's predecessors. It was stated that “The bulk of the population do not live in the township of Panbula but at a distance of from two to three miles, too far for young children to walk; any older children are unfit to do any work for their parents on their return. The majority of the people are so poor as to absolutely require the services of their children, thus preventing regular attendance. The liability of the situation to inundation further operates prejudicially to the attendance."

Mr Hinton was the first teacher to address problems facing children in this impoverished, rural community. Rather than try to boost attendance when their labour was obviously so vital to the family's income, he established night classes instead.

Pambula National School became Pambula Public School following the introduction of Henry Parkes' Public Schools Act in 1866, although there was little change in the school itself, apart from the name. In October the same year an additional acre of land was added to the school site, although the reason for this remains unclear.

By 1867, attendance had slid back to 33, with an average of just 21, and with the transfer of the Hintons to Berkeley in May 1867, the department refused to send a replacement until it was certain they would have a place to both live and work. Apparently they had decided that the original school on the flat was no longer suitable, but were loath to do anything themselves to rectify it. It therefore fell to the local community to provide alternative accommodation. Fortunately, Mr Baddeley, who operated a tannery in Monaro Street, offered a room for classes, whilst a cottage was rented in which the teacher could live.

Joseph Nash arrived in October, but quickly provoked the antagonism of the Local Board. At a meeting presided over by the Inspector, the dispute was resolved, and as a result, five additional members were appointed to the Local Board in an attempt to better represent a broader cross section of the community. In practice, however, the solution was not successful, with the then Board Chairman, Mr Manning, refusing to either recognise the new members or resign until he departed for Queensland five years later.

The local school inspector, in seeking a solution for a school building, pointed out that a half acre site, Lot 14 of Section 11, was available on the corner of Monaro and Toalla Streets, right in the heart of the growing township. Previously reserved for a Mechanics Institute, the Education Department acquired the land for Pambula's new school, the transfer being completed in September 1867.

The arrival of the harvesting season again saw a decrease in pupil attendance, which, at the end of 1868 ultimately resulted once again in the closure of the school and the departure of the teacher. Although this was short-lived, and the school reopened the following April, it did so with the reduced status of a provisional school. Attendance stood at less the twenty, and the wife of the Merimbula Police Constable, Mary Nevin, took over the teaching job. By this time classes had reverted to being held, at times, in the original school on the flat or in a room rented by the parents. In order to call the children together from the widespread settlement, the Local Board wrote "We would therefore respectfully suggest that a bell be provided for the purpose of calling the children together at a uniform time; and would beg to know whether the Council of Education would have any objection to provide the school with one." Apparently they did not object, because a bell was sent on board the steamer Merimbula.

Just a month after reopening, the school was reinstated to Public status, with attendance maintained at 45 pupils, despite the continued existence of a local private school.

This history of Pambula Public School will continue over the next few weeks - check back often to see the full story of one of the state's oldest public schools.

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Christ Church, Pambula – more than a century and a half of worship:

Situated at the bottom of Quondola Street, Pambula’s present Christ Church is the third Church of England to stand in the township and the second to occupy this site.

From the earliest days of European settlement, the Anglican population was served by itinerate ministers traveling through the district at irregular intervals. Although Pambula was not bestowed its separate parochial status until 1880, it is nonetheless one of the oldest church centers in the Goulburn diocese, with local ministrations dating from about 1842 when Reverend W. J. Nott, an S. P. G. missionary, exercised an itinerant ministry in the Maneroo district. It is also possible that Pambula and Eden were visited even before that by the Reverend E. Smith of Queanbeyan. Regular services of a sort began in 1843 when Reverend E. G. Pryce was appointed to the parish of Maneroo, and despite his rough and mountainous parish, he nonetheless traveled on horseback to attend to christenings and marriages, although he could not always reach his destination in time to perform burial services.

It did not take long before the local Church of England parishioners moved towards construction of a house of worship to use for their services. In 1856, the community erected a slab building, whitewashed inside, on land given by Captain John Lloyd of the Grange. On August 1 the same year, Church of England Reverend E. Forde was registered to perform marriages in Panbula, while Bishop Barker celebrated the building’s first Holy Communion. That year, an Illawarra Mercury correspondent traveling through the district also noted the presence of “…a Church of England place of worship…” in the original township.

(Left: One of the stones laid for Pambula's second Anglican Church.)

During 1856 Reverend William Allworth was appointed to a district then known as the Bega – Pambula – Eden charge. He was followed by Reverends E. H. A. Gwynne in 1861 and J. L. Knight in 1864. Reverend Knight and his family lived in Pambula’s first Church of England rectory - a rented house in which his son Arthur Mesac Knight, later the Bishop of Rangton, was born. Another older son likewise followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming the Bishop of Gibraltar. The family continued to live at Pambula until moving in to the Rectory in Bega some years later.

It was under Reverend Knight that construction of the town’s second Anglican Church was commenced. On November 17, 1864, the foundation stone for the new Christ Church was laid by Mrs. James Manning and following the ceremony, three of her children collected a total of £15/2/- for a harmonium, stained glass windows and the church building fund. Designed by Lieutenant Woore of Goulburn, the building was constructed of local sandstone as well as Pyrmont sandstone recovered from Ballast Point in the Pambula River. Originally roofed with shingles, these were eventually replaced by slate. Completed in 1866, this second Christ Church cost about £1100, added to which labour worth about £100 was donated, funds raised from a variety of sources, including local subscriptions, collections, a bazaar and a grant from the Goulburn Church Society, added to which £50 pounds each was donated by the Lord Bishop of Goulburn, and Sir William Montagu Manning.

(Left: Pambula's second Anglican Church, completed in 1864.)

At a meeting of church members that year, Messrs John Martin and James Furner moved that another bazaar be held to mark the anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone, and this was followed by a motion from Messrs Baddeley junior and Mr. Woollard that the bazaar committee be made up of Mesdames Manning, Gwynne, Thompson, Bennett, Baddeley, Page and Woollard.

(Left: Another shot of the town's second Anglican Church.)

Pambula operated from Bega from 1866, with a lay reader or catechist taking most of the control. Then from 1877, Pambula was conducted from Kameruka until in 1880 the annual report of the Church Society recorded establishment of the separate Parish of Pambula. The first rector of the newly established entity was the Reverend (afterwards Canon) Richard Leigh, followed by the Reverend James Clarke until 1886 and then the Reverend R. T. Earl (sometimes spelt “Earle”) until 1891. It was under Reverend Earl that considerable parochial expansion took place, including construction of churches at Eden, Towamba and Wyndham as well as the rectory at Pambula.

(Left: The rectory built in the mid-1880's.)

Construction of a residence for the local Church of England Minister had been raised as early as 1873. Erection of the new weatherboard rectory finally commenced in the mid-1880’s, and it was reported that after an 1885 confirmation ceremony by the Bishop of Goulburn, the local congregation met and resolved to have a parsonage built at a cost of £200. Fund raising efforts the following year included an art union, subscription list and bazaar, described as “…an unqualified success…” with proceeds anticipated to amount to about £10. With sufficient funds now in hand, the building committee was able to accept a contract for the building’s construction. After land dedicated for the Church of England church and parsonage was vested in the Bishop of Goulburn and his successors in November, work continued and by January 1887, the rectory had been completed, the builder paid the £256 in full. The committee declared that they wished “…to convey to the contractor – Mr. John May – their entire satisfaction at the workmanlike manner in which the building was carried on to its completion.”

A Church Society report of 1887 recorded that “At Pambula a parsonage has been very recently constructed on a small scale, capable of enlargement when required.” Following another successful art union and bazaar, the entire debt owing as a result of the rectory construction project was able to be wiped out. In 1900, local builder Mr. A. Wright was contracted to erect stables on the site and in 1913, tenders were called for the addition of a verandah on the rectory.

(Left: Pambula's Christ Church, C. 1900.)

Fund raising continued to play an important role in church life, and bazaars soon became a staple for Pambula's Church of England community. By at least 1894, flower shows had been added to the annual calendar of events, in 1895 culminating in the establishment of the Pambula Church of England Horticultural and Pomological Society. During 1905, a ladies' sewing guild and a children’s guild were formed to assist Church Wardens in fund raising. For many years local parishioners also subscribed to the stipend fund, which by 1905 enabled the local minister to be paid at a rate £250 per annum.

(Left: The interior of Pambula's second Anglican Church.)

Visits of church dignitaries became a highlight for the local Anglican community and in 1893, when Lord Bishop Dr. Chalmers came to the district, several of the church officers and members met him on horseback a few miles out of town. That evening, he was entertained at a conversazione in the School of Arts.

In 1896 a picket fence was erected around the church and in 1897 building repairs were funded by a chrysanthemum show in the School of Arts. In 1912 the east wall of the church was strengthened with a concrete buttress, and the Chancel Arch was later tied with an iron bar. Further renovations to the church were carried out in 1916.

Over the years, various local families left tangible reminders of their commitment to Christ Church, many of which remain in the building today - the lectern given by the Bennett family; the Alter Cross a gift of the Reverend (later Canon) Gordon Hirst; the Alter book rest in memory of James and Eliza Furner; and the candlesticks presented by Rachel Nicholson and Adelaide Wood. Mural tablets in the church stand in memory to other citizens, including Stephen Woods, Thomas Henderson and Florence A. Walker, Church organist from 1925 to 1934. The Baddeley family were strong supporters of Christ Church, their involvement stretching back virtually since their arrival in the town in the mid-1860’s. In 1917, Mr. C. A. Baddeley purchased a block of land adjoining the rectory and donated it to the Church of England body.

(Left: Christ Church, Pambula, C. 1940's.)

Despite maintenance work being carried out periodically, age gradually began to show on the old 1860’s built church - one morning the east wall of the sanctuary crumpled and collapsed, leaving the roof suspended over the ruins. It was subsequently condemned by the Church wardens as being unsafe and in 1952 stonemason David Larcombe of Goulburn inspected the building, informing wardens that it would be necessary to pull the old structure down. In September that year, parishioners decided unanimously to accept his offer to build a new church, and a finance committee was elected to raise the £2,000 necessary to start the project. It was Mr. Larcombe who designed the new building as well as being responsible for its construction.

(Left: The present Christ Church, Pambula, C. 1964, image © The Estate of A. C. (“Bubby”) George.)

In the years between the previous church being condemned and completion of the current building, services as well as christenings, weddings and funerals were conducted in what was then the Manchester Unity Hall in Quondola Street (later the Uniting Church). That particular structure has since been relocated from its original site to now stand between Christ Church and the old rectory.

On 27 November 1953, the foundation stone for the new building was laid by His Excellency Sir John Northcote. Pambula's third Anglican Church was completed in 1956, a century after construction of the first Church of England building on the site. It was dedicated in October that year.

(Left: Christ Church Pambula, in 2008.)

The rectory remained in use as the residence of the local Church of England minister until 1968 when a new parsonage was constructed at Eden. This became a somewhat contentious issue as far as some Pambula parishioners were concerned and as a result, some members of Christ Church withdrew from the congregation. The new brick rectory in Eden was officially dedicated by the Right Reverend C. A. Warren, administrator of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, in September 1968. The original Pambula rectory was sold, and is now in private ownership.

Christ Church continues to occupy a prominent position at the bottom of the main street today, testimony to more than 150 years of Anglican worship in Pambula.

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Pambula District Hospital - A vital community facility for more than 110 years

Originally opening its doors as the Eden - Pambula Cottage Hospital, the Pambula District Hospital is now struggling to maintain services as the NSW state government and the Greater Southern Area Health Service, in an ill advised attempt to save money, continue to cut back amenities vital to resident health and well being.

It was after Dr. C. W. Morgan arrived in the district in 1898 to take over Dr. Stoney’s practice that he recognised the need for the a hospital. No newcomer to the importance of such facilities, Dr Morgan had been involved with the Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney prior to his move to Pambula, first as one of the prime movers in its establishment and then later occupying the position as first surgeon.

After his arrival at Pambula, Dr. Morgan moved quickly to purchase a building from Job Koerber on the corner of Toalla and Narregol Streets around August 1898 and called a public meeting in September to discuss the establishment of the semi-private facility. During that gathering, a provisional committee consisting of Messrs. Hungerford, Baddeley, Wilkins, Pfeiffer and Small was appointed with responsibilities including providing financial support, paying for public patients unable to afford their own treatment and drawing up, together with Dr. Morgan, the rules governing the institution.

Residents, keen to see the facility come to fruition, threw their weight behind the hospital and nearby Merimbula had the honour of holding the district’s first fund raiser. Featuring a concert and ball, children’s dance and Bruce auction, the event raised a grand total of £7/2/4.

Although it was initially planned to have the institution ready by October 1898, completion was delayed and in December 1898 the local Pambula Voice newspaper reported that “We are pleased to notice that the building to be used as a district hospital is nearing completion and the work is being pushed on as rapidly as possible. We understand that the institution will be ready for the reception of patients at the beginning of the new year." The opening finally took place on January 17, 1899, and despite the fact that it was such an important event for the whole district, there seems to have been little fan fare connected with it.

Fund-raising necessarily became a community and district wide responsibility. As well as the annual ball, events included dramatic entertainment, Christmas parties, children's parties, garden parties, minstrel club entertainment, dances and bazaars, all held at various centres from Kiah to Wolumla, Burragate and Rocky Hall. Collections were also held at various places - in 1901, Mr H. Ubrien collected £2/2/- from the residents of Pipeclay Creek, and in 1905 Mrs Tweedie of South Pambula collected shillings to provide new linoleum for the institution. In 1899, Mr W. Dowling Senior of South Pambula sent in £6, the proceeds of the sale of a little school room erected at that place but which apparently never eventuated.

Despite these efforts, however, Dr. Morgan was carrying the institution at a financial loss and by 1903 was considering closing it down. In February that year he called another public meeting in the Pambula School of Arts to discuss the situation. After committee President Mr. C. A. Baddeley explained the object, reporting that the institution could be closed, Mr Hungerford proposed that "The public undertake to pay the Matron's salary, in addition to the expenses of public patients, as hitherto, for the ensuing 12 months..." By this time few centres outside Pambula were providing financial support, with the important exceptions of Merimbula and Pipeclay Creek - both communities remained staunch supporters of the hospital through both good times and bad. After Mr. Hungerford’s motion was adopted, other centres served by the facility were lobbied to provide greater support, and although financial problems continued to threaten the hospital’s existence for a number of years, the local community always managed to come through to ensure the survival of what continues to be a vital facility.

In an effort to ensure the facility’s financial viability, membership fees for private patients were increased to 10/6 and a subscription list was left at numerous business houses throughout the entire district. Cost cutting measures were also introduced, and were maintained right up until after the public health system took over the institution. This involved local residents donating whatever they could to save the hospital the expense of purchasing goods. Counted amongst the donations received over the years was linen, flowers, cakes, vegetables and other necessities. In 1935 substantial donations of fruit enabled Matron Grove to make up nearly a years supply of jams and preserves, and when similar actions were called for in 1937, local general store keepers Walker Brothers and Co. offered their trucks to collect fruit from outside centres. Local schools frequently held "egg days", and in October 1931 the Eden Magnet newspaper reported that "As a result of the response to the appeal for eggs for Pambula hospital, 150 dozen have been placed in preservative for hospital use." Lochiel school children always seemed to make a special effort on behalf of the hospital, collecting pennies, making pillow cases, and in 1932 it was reported that the students were making weekly donations of vegetables from their school garden. To ensure reading material for patients, the local School of Arts library also passed on magazines as soon as that institution was finished with them.

Heating, cooking and hot water in the hospital was wood fuelled, so “wood days” were another way that those who could not afford to give cash could nonetheless contribute to the institution. In January 1917, the Pambula Voice reported that "The hospital committee will appreciate a few loads of wood from persons who feel they can assist, and do so in lieu of money, to a worthy object. Any person obliging will receive due credit as if it was in cash." Local sleeper cutters were one group who were strong supporters of such donations, often banding together to cut, load, transport and unload the wood needed by the hospital. In May 1934, twenty-seven cutters from Pambula and Eden assembled at the Broadwater Pine Plantation to cut a huge quantity of firewood for the facility, transporting it to the hospital on lorries the next day.

Nonetheless, by March 1904, the facility was again in dire financial straights, so another public meeting was called. The community decided to continue the hospital under new arrangements, subscribers taking over complete responsibility for operating the facility; paying ten shillings a week to Dr. Morgan for building and furniture rent; and paying £5/5/- a year for medicine. Dr. Morgan also offered to see public patients free of charge, something he continued to do until his departure from the district the following year. After Mr Baddeley pointed out that if the community did not take over the hospital on these condition they could loose it altogether, the meeting voted unanimously to accept the challenge and a new committee consisting of Messrs J. H. Martin (President), H. H. Hungerford (Vice President), J. N. Small (Secretary and Treasurer), P. Doherty, C. A. Baddeley, W. D. Pfeiffer and A. Arguimbau were elected to run the institution. New rules were also drawn up and the institution opened under the new arrangements.

The new committee now began to consider ways and means of securing government subsidies to assist in the operation of the facility, and when he became aware of their efforts, local member Mr. Wood threw his support behind the group. In an effort the secure the subsidies, the committee also moved to bring the facility in line with government requirements, and in 1906, were informed that they had been successfully granted government assistance.

By 1905, Dr Morgan had decided that the time had come to move on, but the hospital was not without medical support for long - his successor, Dr Howell, volunteered for the job and continued to provide gratuitous service to hospital patients. He was assisted in his task by Dr Dryden Stead of Bega who wrote in October 1905 "...that it gave him great pleasure to accept the invite of the committee to become honorary medical officer..."

As a result of Dr Morgan's departure, the committee also looked to buy the hospital facility from him. At a public meeting held in December, it was decided to take up this option to purchase at a price of £100. Mr Baddeley spoke with his usual concern, stating "...the long suffering public had to bear the brunt of it." Referring to the number of local efforts on behalf of the institution during the preceding 12 months, he said these had been a heavy tax. He pointed out that if the whole area got behind it, it was possible but that Pambula could not do it alone. As a result, the motion was carried unanimously, and a bazaar, held over the two nights of the 1906 Pambula Show netted £191/15/-. The hospital was eventually purchased from Dr Morgan for £150 with all the furniture included.

By 1906, lack of space had led to patient waiting lists, while separate operating room and infectious cases wards apart from the general building were also required. As a result, tenders were called in November 1906 for the erection of two additional rooms, local builder Job Koerber's for £40/7/6 being accepted, subject to work being completed within a specified time frame. Completion of the operating theatre was noted in January 1907 and in March the Pambula Voice reported that it had been "...equipped with almost every modern contrivance including operating table, instrument and dressing table and instrument cabinet." The separate infectious cases ward however seems to have been left in abeyance.

This extension work brought to the fore the lack of space available on the original site, and at a December 1906 meeting, the subject of appointing a sub-committee to recommend a new site was raised. The subject came up again by June 1907, and Mr. Small moved that the committee make arrangement to obtain a new location. Sites considered included the southern slope of Quarry Hill; the eastern end of Toalla Street; and a block on the eastern side of Mr. Martin’s property on the beach road. After the Chairman pointed out that securing the site immediately would enable clearing to commence, the motion was carried and in 1908 the allotment upon which the present hospital still stands was selected. By May the property had been gazetted and a start was made to clear the site.

Dr. John Fortesque Grantley Fitzharding (left) had taken over, together with his wife, also a Dr. as the local medical officers when the second Pambula Hospital was built.

When the subject of constructing the new building was considered, Mr. William Stafford of local brick making fame offered to donate 25,000 bricks, and a Mr. Richards donated a block land in 1914 that was expected to add between £30 and £40 to the coffers. In March 1911, the hospital committee met and approved plans for the new facility, but had to confront complications after the Health Department refused to pass them due to the lack of a separate isolation ward. Pambula’s Catholic Minister Father Kenny took the opportunity of a visit to Sydney to call of Mr. Griffith and the head of the Board of the Health Department, in the process practically obtaining an agreement that the old hospital could be utilised as an infectious diseases ward. Nonetheless, it was still necessary to alter the plans, a job once again entrusted to Job Koerber, who was also awarded the building contact after tenders were called.


When her husband was accepted into the military in 1916 his wife Clara Fitzhardinge (left) continued to carry on their practice during his absence.

Fundraising continued, and construction finally commenced around January 1914. The committee was able to access substantial government aid for the new building, including a special £600 grant obtained by local MP Mr. W. H. Wood. However, just months after construction began, World War I broke out, leading to a dramatic escalation in both the cost and availability of building materials of all kinds. Suddenly the committee found themselves with all of their funds eaten up and the building only half completed. Six months before the planned opening of the hospital, it appeared that the committee was in very real financial trouble, but new local member Captain Millard managed to secure additional government funding of £400 which, combined with special fund raising efforts district wide provided sufficient money to get the premises to opening stage. At the time, the new hospital had cost a total if £2130, to which the government had contributed £1000, the remainder being raised by the dedicated efforts of residents across the district. The government later contributed an additional £100 to assist with furnishing the new hospital.

(Left) Staff and the management committee at the opening of the second Pambula Hospital in 1917.

The ongoing war efforts brought another problem to the fore – that of securing permanent nursing staff. As a result, it was found necessary to shut down the old hospital, the doors closing in July 1916. The local community was then forced to do without its hospital for a period of about six months until the new facility opened.

Finally, on January 17, 1917, on the 18th anniversary of the opening the original building, the new hospital was officially opened. Although either the Honourable J. D. Fitzgerald, Minister for Health, or the Honourable J. D. Storey, in conjunction with Captain Millard, were supposed to perform the ceremony, due to some emergency, possibly war related, none were able to be present, so it fell to hospital committee president Mr. J. H. Martin to perform the honours and after turning the key, he declared the new hospital open. New trustees in Messrs M. Longhurst, C. A. Baddeley and J. H. Martin were appointed and soon after the opening, on the motion of Mr. English, the committee resolved unanimously to change the name of the institution to the present day Pambula District Hospital.

After recommendation by the Hospitals Commission, Pambula adopted the Systematic Contributions Scheme, under which every married member contributed one shilling a week while every single person contributed six pence a week, entitling them, their wives and children under 17 to free hospital treatment. Those not covered were charged £3/3/- a week for use of a public ward or £4/4/- for a private ward. By 1931 the Systematic Contributions Scheme at Pambula District Hospital had grown to number five hundred subscribers.

(Left) Nursing staff on the steps of the Pambula District Hospital, C. 1920's.

Around 1920, Pambula became the proud owner of the first x-ray plant on the far south coast, but by 1930, the committee had decided that a more up-to-date plant and dark room were required. After the government said they would pay pound for pound subsidy on the equipment, estimated to cost £500, local medico Dr. Lindon Wing kicked off the fund raising effort with a £100 donation. After a public meeting in January 1930, efforts began in earnest, but by August, the government announced that they had withdrawn all subsidies, although they would extend a loan for such equipment. Thus when the committee found that they had just £250 in hand by December, it became necessary to abandon the project. The x-ray plant was back on the agenda by 1936, and in 1937, after considerable negotiation, the Hospitals Commission finally advised the Board of Directors that is was prepared to proceed with the plant. Installation was completed in 1938.

In September 1932, a committee was finally appointed to report on the need to provide accommodation for a maternity ward. After a proposal was put forth in June 1933 to proceed with the facility, the government indicated their willingness to provide half of the estimated £1098 necessary, with the balance in the form of a three per cent loan repayable by the board over fifteen years. In this day and age it is difficult to conceive the importance of a maternity facility to local women, but before the addition of a ward at the local hospital, women either had to book into a private maternity hospital or have their children at home. There was no place for a pregnant woman in a general hospital, despite any complications that may arise and this was one of the prime reasons so many women and children died during child birth. Private maternity hospitals had been run by Nurse Cousemacker at 6 Bullara Street and directly across the street at 5 Bullara Street, but these seem have closed down by the time the proposal to erect the maternity wing at the Pambula District Hospital came up. The community voted by a large majority at a public meeting on Pambula in July to support the Board in their endeavours and the facility began accepting patients in May 1934. With Sister Baxter appointed to take change of the unit, Mr. W. H. Hedges performed the official opening on June 2, 1934 and the same month the unit welcomed its first arrival, a daughter, to Mr and Mrs N. Rankin of South Pambula. In the following twelve months thirty three young Australians began their life in the new maternity unit, with another fifty four the following year. The final cost of the unit, in addition to the provision of better accommodation for nursing staff and the installation of up-to-date sterilising equipment came in at around £1600, of which the Board contributed £800. Just after the opening of the ward, a Mrs Thornett from Sydney sent a donation of £25 to the maternity unit in response to a report in a metropolitan newspaper of the bravery and devotion to duty displayed by Drs Lindon and Naomi Wing, who had been forced to wade through the flooded waters of Saltwater Creek, at great personal risk, in order to attend to patients.

In the wake of hard financial times during the Depression, new fund raising ideas were adopted. The Dr’s Wing opened their garden at The Retreat (now Covington’s) for an afternoon tea party and District Hospital Carnival, while in 1936, a football match between the Pambula Buccaneers and Lochiel was held with Matron Grove having the honour of kicking off to start the game. That year, after a diphtheria epidemic filled the wards to capacity, the hospital found it necessary to send patients to nearby Bega for treatment. In an attempt to prevent such an event from occurring again, the hospital participated in an immunisation program for local primary school students, also sending a nurse to Eden to assist with a similar program later the same year.

By 1937 further extensions and improvements were necessary, including provision of a nursery for the maternity unit, a Matron’s room and an office, installation of water and sewerage systems, steam and hot water service, sterilising room and steam sterilising equipment, sink rooms, boiler house and allied engineering services. With works estimated to cost almost £4000, the Hospitals Commission contributed half the coast as a grant, with the remainder provided as a twenty year loan. When a further wing was required in 1939, William Stafford Senior offered to have his sons reopen their South Pambula works to supply the necessary bricks. At the same time the Board also decided to co-operate with a request to establish a first aid class at Pambula.
(Left) Pambula District Hospital C. 1940's/50's.

In 1946, however, the institution faced a crisis when the four nursing sisters left their positions, leaving the hospital without the necessary staff. Nonetheless, disaster was averted when Sister McCabe, visiting the district at the time, combined forces with former nurse Mrs. J. E. Bennett to step into the fold and provide the necessary care until staff replacements could be secured. In answer to requirements for new nurses’ quarters by April 1949, the Commission’s building programme gave it a high priority.

By the 1970's, the community had once again outgrown the institution and a third hospital building was planned. Construction of the new facility was carried out by K. B. Hutchinson, and after completion, was officially opened on 18 April 1980 by the Honourable Kevin Stewart, M. P. Minister for Health. Since then an up-to-date community health centre has been added to the complex.

(Left and below) Going, going gone... demolition of the second Pambula District Hospital, C. 1979.

However, despite the ongoing value the community and tourists alike place on the facility, the NSW State Government and their mouth piece the Greater Southern Area Health Service have moved to consistently downgrade the facility, cutting funding and services. General surgery and gynaecological surgery including emergency procedures, paediatric and maternity admissions services have been slashed and plastic surgical lists have been consistently reduced. Nonetheless, the community has determined to fight the planned downgrading and ultimate closure of the facility. A petition containing more than 22,000 signatures handed to local Bega MP Andrew Constance in March this year demanded that the state government return services to our local hospital. Mr. Constance then submitted the petition to parliament, but in a move that raised outrage with local residents, health minister John Della Bosca failed to recognise or respond to the document.

Local resident are voters and tax payers and are well practised in expressing their demands - neither Greater Southern Area Health nor the state government likely understood the determination of the community or the long history they have in standing up and fighting for the facilities they deserve.

(Left) District residents rally to make themselves heard over their disgust at the downgrading of hospital facilities at Pambula.

Check out the website http://www.savepambulahospital.com/index.html to find out just what the community is doing to defeat efforts to take away our vital hospital facilities. You can also visit the Merimbula - Imlay Historical Society's Old School Museum in Main Street Merimbula to check out their new exhibition on the history of the Pambula District Hospital.

The Pambula Butter Factory - one of the district's most important businesses

Of all the businesses and organisations that have existed in Pambula over the years, probably none had the impact on the district that the Pambula butter factory had.

Formally established just over a century ago at a public meeting called by Messrs R. Scott and A. W. King, it was not the first attempt to organise such a district co-operative. In July 1894, about 30 people attended a similar meeting following which a prospectus for the proposed Pambula District Co-operative Creamery Co. was drawn up. However, by August that year meeting attendance was so poor that the proposal fell through.

By September 1897 the proposal was back on the agenda, and this time met with much greater success, when about 60 people attending the initial meeting. Important factors discussed included the factory location and the consideration of water supply when choosing a site.

Eventually, consideration of the motion to "establish a factory on a site to be chosen between the junction at Bald Hills and Bega Road on the north and Hart's Hill at Lochiel on the south" was deferred until September 18, whilst a committee consisting of Messrs S. Gordon Jnr, J. Haywood, W. Dowling Jnr, John Kelly, Jas Buckett, W. Armstrong, A. Smith, R. Scott, H. Cole and A. W. King were appointed to ascertain the likely cost, select the most suitable site and procure other necessary information. They then appointed a further sub-committee to deal with the question of a site. The sites considered for factory erection included Munn's South Pambula farm, the old school paddock on the Pambula Flat and what was known as Dyer's Farm on the Lochiel Road. The latter, which belonged to Mr Beck, was eventually chosen.

(pictured left: Mr. John Dowling with part of his dairy herd at Punt Hole Farm, South Pambula.)

It was estimated that about 800 cows were available to supply the factory, and the secretary was requested to write to the Department of Agriculture asking that dairy expert Mr O'Callaghan be allowed to visit the district. Despite much discussion at the inaugural meeting of possible failure should every small centre attempt a similar project alone, Boggy Creek and Wyndham farmers initially decided to establish separate factories. By October 1894, however, these two proposals had fallen through and both groups eventually decided to join the proposed Pambula district concern.

(Pictured left: The Pambula Bank of Commerce, formerly the AJS Bank, Pambula.)

The local branch of the AJS Bank advised that they would advance a loan to the co-operative at a slightly reduced interest rate and the prospectus for the Pambula Co-operative Creamery and Dairy Co., with a capital of 1,000 pounds to be made up of 1,000 shares at one pound each was tabled at a meeting in late September. It was decided that as soon as 400 shares had been applied for, the company would be declared formed with provisional directors resigning and office bearers then being elected by the shareholders. By the rules spelt out in the prospectus, each shareholder was to own no less than five shares and no person was permitted to purchase shares unless they were a supplier or an owner or occupier of land. By the end of the September meeting about 200 shares had been applied for and Messrs S. Gordon Jnr, R. Scott and A. W., King were appointed as honorary share canvassers.

The erection of creameries at Boggy Creek and elsewhere was initially raised in early October at a provisional committee meeting, but they decided that this was best left to the elected committee. October saw the required 400 shares taken up so elections for directors were held and the company's first board comprised of Messrs J. Buckett, R. Scott, S. Gordon, H. Cole and A. Smith. It was not until the seventh half yearly meeting in February 1901 that the number of directors was increased to seven.

The same month at an extraordinary general meeting the purchase of the factory land was dealt with. Mr Beck offered the company the whole of his property. After discussion Mr A. Smith proposed and Mr J. Buckett seconded "That the factory site be purchased, the area of the same to be left to the discretion of the directors." On being put to the meeting, the motion was carried by a considerable majority and three acres were eventually purchased.

The tender of Mr S. Turner of Wolumla for 25 pounds for erection of the factory was accepted in November, with the Company to obtain all material. November also saw the company duly registered.

The Boggy Creek separating station site was chosen by suppliers from that district and after approval by directors, plans were submitted and accepted. Located about half a mile from the main Pambula - Wolumla Road, the station comprised of two rooms, one for separating and the other occupied by the boiler. With cost estimated at 120 pounds, it was decided to affect its erection at once. James Dowling won the contract for erection and Mr W. Mitchell was appointed to take its charge when it was completed. Another creamery was also established at Honeysuckle for the Wyndham suppliers, opening in October 1899.

(Pictured Left: The original Pambula Co-operative Creamery and Butter Factory, erected in 1898.)

By late March 1898 the factory building was almost complete, and comprised of a receiving room where milk and cream were to be delivered, a large work room, two insulated cool rooms for butter storage, and an engine room at the rear. A verandah ran along both sides of the building and a well was situated about 60 yards from the factory, connected to the building by piping. With the final cost in the vacinity of 160 pounds, the factory was now ready for delivery and installation of the necessary equipment. Mr Jubb was engaged to cart the machinery from Eden, whilst Mr Morrow of Candelo was contracted to install it.

Upon completion Mr R. Robinson was appointed as Pambula butter factory's first manager, and in October 1898 the first shipment of 34 boxes of Oakleaf butter was sent to Sydney.

The sinking of the company well in the nearby Pambula River was fraught with problems. Initially the tenders were considered to high, so the directors negotiated for a lower fee with the provision that if rock was struck the price would be re-negotiated. Unfortunately this was struck at 14 and half feet, but sinking was proceeded with when a test hole sunk a further six feet gave favourable indications. After reaching a depth of 26 feet brackish water was obtained, and eventually work was suspended until a decision could be made. Unfortunately, heavy showers of rain then caused the well to fill up and partially collapse. Eventually though, the work was completed with satisfactory results.

With the factory now complete, the official opening was held on site on October 5, 1898 with a luncheon and much fanfare.

(Pictured left: Adam Henry Ballantyne, left near cart, loading butter at the Pambula Co-operative Butter Factory for transportation to the Merimbula wharf.)

The Pambula butter factory directors and shareholders did not confine themselves to just butter manufacturing. They also lobbied for improved services in the area including playing an instrumental role in the establishment of both the Merimbula deep sea wharf and also the erection of a bridge across Merimbula Lake.

Over the years the various boards worked assiduously towards improving the factory's facilities. In 1899, a refrigeration plant was installed, whilst in 1905 the entire plant had to be restructured in order to cope with the ever increasing cream supply. This included installation of a 16 horse power boiler and three ton refrigerator. In 1906 two new churns and a butter worker were added. Alterations and additions were necessary by 1912, with the contract awarded to Mr James Dowling, who enlarged the cream receiving room, cemented the floor, lined the walls with galvanised iron and rebuilt the can room with draining racks capable of holding 140 cans. In the three years between 1914 and 1917, 1154 pounds was spent on new plant for the factory. It was decided at the half yearly meeting in 1915 to install a pasteurisation plant, but it was found necessary to delay this, it eventually being completed during 1916. The following year two Batch pasteurisers and a brine tank were added, which combined with further alterations to the factory, cost a total of 856 pounds, 18 shillings and nine pence. Further additions and improvements to the factory were carried out in 1923 whilst in 1935 it was decided to borrow 800 pounds to install a vacreator to eliminate feed taint from the cream.

With the number of factory suppliers increasing, the directors decided in November 1900 to start grading cream, lower quality produce being churned separately and the supplier paid accordingly.

The Boggy Creek separating station remained in use until 1901, when at a meeting in August it was decided that due to the excessive running costs, this was to be closed down, the farmers from that district to separate their own cream, with the company to cover the cost of delivery to the central factory. Boggy Creek suppliers did not take kindly to this decision, but at a meeting the same month, no decision could be agreed upon, so the decision stood. In September, the machinery was placed up for auction and tenders called for purchase of the building in October.

(Pictured left: Squire Robinson with prize winning dairy cattle on the old recreation reserve, Pambula.)

By February 1902, Pambula butter was being exported to England and the company also owned 92 shares in the Farmers Co-op Co. in Sydney. The same year the co-operative affiliated with the Southern District Factory Directors' Association.

Over the years, the cream supply and output of butter at the factory gradually increased. In June 1899, 3,238 gallons of milk and 3,361 pounds of cream manufactured 2,845 pounds of butter. In November 1900, the company produced 24,254 pounds of butter, and in 1902 manufactured 35, 636 pounds from 79, 665 pounds of cream. By October 1903 the company was turning out about 100 boxes of butter a week and the number of suppliers was still increasing. November that year saw just over 19 tons of butter produced and new suppliers included several from Greigs Flat and Nethercote, as well as one or two from beyond Wyndham. By November the following year, the factory was producing about a ton of butter a day during the warmer months.

During its life, the Pambula butter factory provided support for both local and national appeals not confined to just the agricultural field. In 1903, the sum of two pounds two shillings was donated to the Drought Relief Fund. In September 1914 at a special meeting of district factories held in Bega it was decided that each factory contribute one box of butter for every ton made during one week toward the was food fund. Pambula's quota was three for that period. In 1917, the factory contributed five boxes of butter at the rate of one per month to the Red Cross appeal for butter for prisoners of war. The company also took up 100 pounds worth of war bond certificates to help the government in their war effort.

For many years, the company's butter milk had been auctioned off to local farmers for use as pig food, but in 1907, the directors decided to lease the remainder of Mr Beck's 109 acre farm and establish the company's own piggery near the factory, the butter milk being pumped to the troughs by means of steam power. The same year however, the company experienced problems with regards to the piggery when it was condemned, and the factory almost following suit due to its proximity. As a result, the pens had to be erected further away.

The Farmers and Settlers Society, who were responsible for the export of Pambula's butter, were a source of discontent amongst company shareholders. In 1904, a section of the shareholders requisitioned the directors to call a meeting with regards to their relationship with the Society and when the directors refused to do so, the shareholders used the privilege conferred by the company's Articles of Association and called the meeting themselves. However, a majority vote decided to leave the matter in the directors' hands. The issue again arose however at the half yearly meeting in May 1907, when dissatisfaction was again shown by shareholders regarding the contract taken out with the Society. When the adoption of the directors' report was moved, a number of shareholders demanded that a paragraph referring to the Society be first struck out. Upon a ballot being taken, 42 to 24 shareholders voted that the paragraph be removed and the report was then adopted.

In 1907, government grader Mr Pederson visited the Pambula factory where he tested samples of the district's cream. For the period 1 October 1906 to 31 March 1907, the company obtained 82.22 % superfine certificates for their butter and 17.78 % first class. This was considered the highest average in the state for the period, reflecting highly on the dairy farmers of the district and upon the factory manager, Mr R. Robinson.

By 1912, it was decided that a manager's residence was necessary at the factory, and in October that year tenders were called for its erection, the contract being awarded to Mr James Dowling for 275 pounds. The building was completed during 1913.

Over the years the Pambula's Oakleaf brand butter won many prizes and awards for its quality. Locally, they took out numerous prizes at district shows including first prize at Bega with 97 per cent in 1917. The Royal Show in Sydney also saw awards such as first prize for export salted butter in 1911 and first prize for butter for local consumption in 1914, whilst the factory manager, Mr Marshall, also won first prize for the maker of the best box of butter the same year. In 1918 the company took second place from 46 competitors for a special box opened on the first day and judged on the third. In 1927, they took first prize at the Goulburn show and the same year won numerous awards at the Royal Melbourne Show including a first prize and two seconds. Internationally Pambula butter also scored awards including two highly commended certificates in 1913 and two first prizes in 1915 at the Islington Dairy Show in England. 1927 also saw a win the reserve award at Islington, as well as a bronze medal at the London Dairy Show for salted butter. In the two years leading up to 1927 the company took out ten firsts, eleven seconds, a bronze medal, eight thirds and one champion. Between 1930 and 1940, the company received six certificates of merit from the NSW Department of Agriculture for butter remaining true to grade, nominating percentages between 92 and 98 percent. This was followed between 1962 and 1967 with five similar awards, three of which were for 100 percent true to grade butter. At the half yearly meeting in August 1918, it was revealed that the company had set a state record by having 95 % choicest butter.

( Pictured left: Pambula Butter Factory C. 1950’s.)

When Mr D. W. Hart resigned his managing director's position 1913, shareholders sent around a subscription list and after the half yearly meeting in August, Mr Andrew Smith presented him with a token of appreciation for his efforts. At the same time, Mr James Buckett was presented with a smokers outfit to mark his 17 years of unbroken service as a director of the company.

The company experienced many problems after the outbreak of World War I, amongst these labour and the fixing of butter prices. By 1916, the government had decided to take 20 % of output for a period for storage in Sydney in the event of shortage during winter. Although the government paid market value, they charged the company four pence a week for storage, and in the event that the butter was not required, any loss made on the market was charged to the company.

The question of payment of Directors arose a number of times including 1921 and 1927 but no decision was reached on either occasion. It was not until 1930 that a motion was passed for the directors to be paid ten shillings six pence per monthly sitting.

Over the years, the number of farmers supplying the factory increased steadily from just 40 in 1899 to 76 in 1918. In 1923, Rocky Hall suppliers were added to the list and in 1925 it stood at 112 and in 1926 at 120. By 1930 Towamba, Kiah and Cathcart farmers also became suppliers to the Pambula factory.

By 1927, a new factory building was firmly on the company's agenda through sheer necessity. New health regulations meant that many butter factories locally and throughout NSW no longer met requirements, and Pambula found themselves in a position where they had to remodel their building by April 1929 or face closure.

In September that year an extraordinary meeting was called to deal with the question of an extra levy to meet contingencies such as the new building fund, but after much discussion, shareholders only permitted a levy to meet current liabilities, despite the fact that the Chairman pointed out that the company faced liquidation without the new building. The issue again arose in April 1928, with discussion centring on whether the company should rebuild the present factory or amalgamate with another district co-operative such as South Wolumla. However, upon meeting with the Wolumla factory people, the directors were told that amalgamation was out of the question, but that cream would be treated upon the supplier becoming a shareholder and paying the new building levy. So the project of remodelling the factory went ahead, and the architect, Mr Thomas, drew up plans. It was reported at the half yearly meeting that year that the Board of Directors had gone to an immense amount of trouble arriving at the most economical means of remodelling the machinery and building to comply with the Dairy and Health Acts.

Initially the contract for cream cartage was tendered out to various carters, but in 1927 when the Board of Directors decided that the cost of transportation was too high, the company decided to purchase two lorries and employed drivers. They later bought the goodwill of the Merimbula Supply Co. along with their latest lorry. By 1930, it was decided to revert back to contract cartageand this was awarded to Mr Dreaves of Sydney, who agreed to employ the company's drivers. In 1932, however, the company found themselves involved in an arbitration case with their transport contractor. Mr Dreaves brought a case which he eventually won, against the company for breach of the cartage contract. Under the award made, Mr Dreaves had to be paid 250 pounds but according to the annual report the following year, the directors felt it had been settled satisfactorily. They claimed that it would not cost suppliers one penny extra, the expense balanced by the new contractor taking over the old trucks and making a reduction of one eighth of a penny per pound of butter in cream cartage.

(Pictured left: The old Pambula Branch of the Australian Bank of Commerce was taken over as the of Pambula Dairy Co-op offices in 1928.)

Following the closure of the Pambula branch of the Australian Bank of Commerce in 1928, the Pambula Dairy Co. moved their office into the premises. This proved to be a real boon to the township, with suppliers coming to town once a month for the meeting, collecting their suppliers cheques and then settling accounts with local businesses. This had the effect of almost ensuring that butter factory suppliers kept their business in Pambula and is possibly one of the foremost reasons why the town was the commercial centre for many years.

Following the end of World War II, however, dramatic changes in dairying led to a decline in the industry, eventually resulting the closure of the Pambula butter factory. Government subsidies were withdrawn and a trend began away from dairying towards beef cattle. As a result the number of suppliers to Pambula's butter factory began to decline. In 1961 the company's output stood at 21.5 tons for the year and the following year they produced 25.8 tons.

By 1974, the number of suppliers had fallen to 26, covering an area from Bendoc in Victoria, Kiah, Towamba and South Wolumla. Of these, about six planned to go out of dairying at the end of the season, with another five or six indicating that they too would soon be exiting the industry also. By this time Pambula was manufacturing under the Allowrie brand, with most of the output going the Sydney. In February 1974, more than 60 shareholders met and decided to close the factory, only two opposing the decision. Arrangements were made for those suppliers who remained to send their product to the Bemboka butter factory. Company Chairmen Mr Tom Carter, stressed that the closure was not for financial reasons, stating "We are in a very sound financial position. We owe nobody anything and everything we have we own."

On June 30, 1974, what had become one of the oldest dairy companies on the South East Coast closed its doors for the last time, ending one of the most important eras in the history of the Pambula district.

(Pictured above: One of the wrappers used by the Pambula Butter Factory, around the mid-1960's)

This article and all information and images therein are ©. Please contact the author before reproducing anything.

Lest We Forget - War memorials in the Bega Valley

Aussie war memorials - honouring people, not war

Particularly after the devastation of WWI, war memorials became a common feature in almost every city, town and village across the nation. No matter how small the population, residence wanted something to mark the contribution of their residents. And for those who lost loved ones on those distant foreign shores, war memorials became a substitute for the grave they could not visit, and the solemn ceremonies held annually to remember the fallen replaced the funeral service that was never held. For the public at large, these memorials have become symbolic meeting places at which to gather and pay homage to the thousands of men and women who have put their lives on the lines - and sometimes paid the ultimate price - to protect the values they held so dear.

Towamba War Memorial dedication, 1925.

What is a war memorial?

Although most of us immediately conjure up images of the monuments that stand in main streets and public parks across the nation when we think of war memorials, there are in fact many different types - in fact they are really any tangible object created or installed to commemorate those who have served their country in war, and in more recent years, those on peace keeping missions. They include not just monuments but honour rolls, buildings, avenues of trees and various utilitarian facilities like memorial halls erected to honour and remember groups who have served their country. Across Australia today, there are more than 6,200 public memorials, erected in honour of those who have served their country during war and on peace keeping missions.

Eden War Memorial during the 2007 Anzac Day service.

In memory of their service

It is interesting to note that while most nations choose to commemorate only those who died in service of their country, Australia is unusual in that it also remembers the men and women who came home. Perhaps this is a small recognition that even those who survived did not necessarily do so unscathed - sometimes they carried with them scars invisible to the naked eye that lasted a lifetime.

In Australia, awareness of war memorials was sharpened by the entombment of the Unknown Australian Soldier on Remembrance Day, 1993. This ceremony, watched by millions on television, provoked a resurgence of regard for the digger legend, expressed in ever-larger numbers attending Anzac Day gatherings around war memorials across the country. Today, the war memorials themselves are increasingly cherished as a symbol of the men & women who fought & sometimes died during wartime service.

Community made – community owned

Most memorials erected after the Boer War & WWI were built by local communities who organised fund raising, approved designs & commissioned construction on land provided by local, state or federal governments or private individuals. The way in which names were gathered differed from place to place, as did the criteria for inclusion. On occasion, omissions occurred, causing concern, & there are numerous examples of names being added later, sometimes obviously so. One glaring absence on the Pambula memorial is that of Private Ronald Dowling of the 55th Battalion who enlisted in September 1916 before being sent to the Western Front. In the wake of the battle for Polygon Wood, Private Dowling was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He accompanied his officer and sergeant in storming strong point in advance of the objective during an attack. The enemy machine gun crew were silenced, and the gun together with 30 prisoners captured. His prompt and fearless action saved many casualties." The award was officially gazetted in August the following year. Private Dowloing returned to Australia in June 1919, by which time his family had moved from Pambula to Bemboka, and with Pambula's memorial not constructed until 1935-36, his name was somehow forgotten.

Private Ron Dowling of Pambula and later Bemboka, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal after the battle for Polygon Wood. He is one of a number of WWI servicemen who are not named on the town's memorial.

For World War II & later wars, there were more complete records, so the process of collecting names was a bit easier. It is indicative of the important place our war memorial’s have in Australian society & culture that no-one really “owns” these monuments – rather, they belong to the community at large.

War memorials in the Bega Valley Shire

Most cities, suburbs & towns have war memorials and the Bega Valley Shire is no exception. Throughout the local government area, there are at least 30 monuments, halls, honour rolls & memorial avenues of trees, all paying homage to local servicemen & women across various conflicts. They range from the grand – as in Bega’s Soldier's Memorial – ...

Bega's Soldier's Memorial is the grandest of all the war memorials in the Bega Valley Shire

...to simple – such as the Roll of Honour in Pambula’s Town Hall –...

Pambula's Red Cross Honour Roll, produced by Wunderlich in 1918 at a cost of £30, originally hung on the verandah of the town's post office. It was one of few things saved when that building was burnt to the ground. It now hangs in the Pambula Town Hall.

...but all are deeply valued by their respective communities as evidence of the price paid by individuals & the community at large during the various wars the nation has participated in. They provide families & communities with a focus for parades, ceremonies & the remembrance of townsfolk who fought & sometimes gave their life in defence of their nation.

In the post WWI period many towns across Australia also planted avenues of trees as a memorial to their servicemen and women. The Casuarina trees that stretch across the river flats from Pambula to the bridge are an example of this, planted by the townspeople to memorialise local residents who served during WWII.

Pambula's Memorial Avenue of trees across the flat were planted by the local Pambula RSL Club to commemorate those lost during WWII. They can be seen here during flooding in 1956.

Pambula's war memorial

Ten years passed after the erection of the town's honour roll before Pambula began to make moves towards construction of a permanent war memorial to mark the contributions of local men in was then called ”the great war”. In November 1928, Councillor D. W. Hart called a public meeting with the purpose of a district memorial in mind. After those present decided to go ahead with the project, fundraising began in earnest, a difficult and time consuming process when it is realised that this was carried out during what were to be the worst years of the Great Depression. As with many things both before and since, however, the district persevered and in September 1932, invited “…estimates of the cost of a suitable memorial design.” At that point, the committee had £24 in hand as well as “…a number of cattle convertible into cash…”

Finally, by late 1934, they had enough money to move towards construction of the monument, and in March 1935, the Pambula Voice announced that the memorial was to be constructed by Messrs Zeiglar and Son of Bega. Estimated cost was £150, of which they had £80 readily available. December that year saw the Voice announce the planned opening of the memorial on January 15, 1936, but the committee found that, despite having sought council approval, they had run into problems with the Main Road’s Department, who complained that they had not been consulted over the position. By this time, however, the memorial had been completed, and despite some discussion over the issue, the opening was arranged, although it had to be delayed slightly.

Anzac Day at the Pambula War Memorial, C. 1940's.

The Pambula Voice reported “In the presence of a large concourse of residents of Pambula and surrounding districts, the Soldiers’ Memorial erected in Quondola Street was unveiled last Saturday. The memorial bears over 80 names of men who enlisted for active service in the Great War, a large number of whom paid the supreme sacrifice. The unveiling ceremony was performed by Col. T. E. W. Irwin. The proceedings were initiated by a procession led by the band from the School of Arts to the memorial, where Mr. D. W. Hart, who officiated as Chairman, extended a welcome to Col. Irwin and in the course of his speech impressed upon his hearers that the memorial was an emblem of peace and a reminder of what we wanted to be, and to make our country an example to others...The observance of the last post and the singing of the national anthem brought the ceremonial proceedings to a close.” It was during the opening proceedings that Mr. W. Godfrey made an enrolment of prospective members that led to the formation of the Pambula sub-branch of the Returned Soldier’s League (RSL). The town’s first Anzac Day service at their newly constructed war memorial took place in April 1936, and it has provided a venue for remembrance of war time sacrifices every year since.

Pambula War Memorial today features additional bronze plaques commemorating the service of local men and women during WWII,, Vietnam, Korea and Malaya.

War memorials in the Bega Valley Shire today include:
1: Bega Boer War Memorial, constructed 1906

2: Bega District School Roll of Honour, 144 names recorded

3: Bega Soldiers Memorial Gates, constructed 1922

4: Bega Valley Shire Council War Memorial, constructed 1953, 47 names recorded.

5: Bemboka War Memorial, constructed 1920, 100 names recorded

6: Bermagui War Memorial, constructed 2008, 100 names recorded

7: Burragate War Memorial, constructed 1919.

8: Candelo War Memorial, 278 names recorded

9: Cobargo Soldiers Memorial, 243 names recorded

10: Cobargo RSL Memorial Hall, constructed 1949

11: Dignam's Creek Roll of Honour, 11 names recorded

12: Eden U.S. Army Service of Supply War Memorial Plaque, 33 names recorded

13: Eden RSL Memorial Hall, dedicated 1995

14: Eden U.S.A. Pilots memorial, dedicated 25 April 1997, 4 names recorded

15: Eden War Memorial, 206 names recorded

16: Kameruka Estate War Memorial, Kameruka, 10 names recorded, all killed in action

17: Merimbula War Memorial, 82 names recorded

18: Pambula District Soldiers Memorial, constructed 1935-36, 168 names recorded

19: Pambula WWI Roll of Honour, manufactured 1918, dedicated 11 April 1921, 80 names recorded

20: Quaama War Memorial, unveiled 24th April, 1999, 87 names recorded

21: Tanja Roll of Honour, Tanja Hall, 2 killed

22: Tantawangalo Public School Honour Roll, 54 names recorded

23: Tathra War Memorial, constructed 1965, names recorded 1, killed in action

24: Towamba War Memorial, constructed 1925

25: Twyford Hall Porch (constructed 8th June, 1931) and Soldiers Memorial Wing (constructed 15th December 1962), Merimbula, 79 names recorded

26: Wandella-Yowrie War Memorial, constructed 2002, 37 names recorded

27: Wolumla Memorial Hall, constructed 1952,

28: Wolumla Memorial Hall WWII Honour Roll, manufactured 1952, 72 names recorded

29: Wolumla War Memorial Gates, rededicated 1999, 122 names recorded

30: Wyndham War Memorial, constructed 1922, 88 names recorded

Buglist Mark "Reggie" Anderson sounds the Last Post during Eden's 2007 Anzac Day service.

From Buccaneers to Bulldogs - more than a century of football at Pambula...

After more than a century of play, and many changes and developments, football in Pambula is still going strong.

The game, in its many guises had, of course, been around for hundreds of years before this. Many ancient civilisations including the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans had indulged in similar games. The modern game of Rugby originated in England in 1823 when at a soccer match at Rugby School a player, bored with the progress, picked up the ball and ran with it. From this resulted Rugby Union. Rugby League was actually the outcome of the money question, and began in England's industrial north in the early 1890's.

Pambula's football beginnings lay in a small item in the Pambula Voice on July 17, 1896. It reported "Several local football enthusiasts are anxious to see a club formed in Pambula and desire us to request all those who would be willing to join a local football club to kindly hand their names to Mr C. W. H. Coulter on or before Wednesday next. Should sufficient encouragement be forthcoming, a meeting will then be called at once to arrange preliminaries, so that the Club can get to work with as little delay as possible."

Obviously sufficient encouragement was forthcoming because just a week later a meeting was called for July 25, 1896. Held in the local School of Arts, local solicitor Mr Hungerford took the chair and the meeting unanimously decided to start a club under Rugby rules. With membership at 2 shillings, 6 pence annually, most of those present joined immediately. The first committee included Mr C. A. Baddeley (President), Dr Stoney and Mr J. H. Martin (Vice Presidents), Mr C. W. H. Coulter (secretary and treasurer) and Messrs Hungerford, Coulter, P. Wood, J. Behl, H. Dowling and Ashby.

The secretary was instructed to obtain timber for goal posts, and one or two footballs as well as ascertain the colours used by other clubs in the district so Pambula could choose something different. The first club practice took place on the Pambula Recreation Reserve (the old race course site) on Saturday 1 August at 2 p.m. and the club adopted the colours of navy blue and white.

The only other football clubs in the area then were Bega, Bombala, Candelo and Yowaka. Formed just a week before the Pambula club, it was against Yowaka that Pambula played their first official match on September 15, 1896. With Mr R. Ashworth as umpire and about 200 spectators present, the home team defeated Yowaka 11 points to nil. The return match played on September 19, 1896 again resulted in a win for Pambula, although this time with the closer margin of three points to nil.

The formation of the club was not popular with the entire township, as the following, rather over-the-top article by "Telescope" in the Pambula Voice, September 11, 1896, shows: "The football fever seems to have been sprung upon us in a severe form at the eleventh hour of the season. In some respects this is very fortunate. The number of deaths and other calamities is not likely to be so large as it might otherwise have been; though possibly the players, not having sufficient time left this season to mutilate one another beyond recognition, will make a very early start next year, and thus atone for the opportunity lost this time. Football is said to afford splendid chances for disposing of old feuds and the cultivation of friendships. New chums at the game can't understand the necessity for so much hugging and other tokens of affection; it might be right enough where ladies play, but it quite unnerves an amateur to see half-a-dozen or more men all eagerly endeavouring to embrace him simultaneously. I am told the Pambula club has been very particular in the choice of its officers, having a demagogue for its umpire, a solicitor as its captain, a doctor and a magistrate as vice presidents, and to appropriately crown all - a coroner for its president! Surely it must be an oversight that precluded the election of an undertaker as secretary and a monumental mason as treasurer."

Because of the distance between official teams, scratch matches were not uncommon in the early days. These included games between Pambula and South Pambula, Pambula first and second fifteen's, married versus single matches, and between teams raised by players from within the Pambula club.

Pambula Football Club, 1899.

It is interesting to note the conditions some of these games were played under. The Pambula Voice reported in September 1896 "...Stafford invariably played well on to the ball until he lost a boot in the mud..." With the Bega football field located on a hillside, games were an interesting prospect, as a report of a match in July 1898 shows: "...the home team thus securing a decided advantage, having a fair wind at their back and down hill play." Even the footballs themselves were the cause of problems as in a match in 1915 between a combined team of Pipeclay Creek, Greigs Flat and Nethercote against Pambula. The combined team were leading 7 to 0, but a draw was declared due to the football bursting part way through the game!

Although matches now often take place on Sundays, this was not the case earlier in the game's history. In fact, Sunday being the day of rest, it was unacceptable to play football or any other such organised sport on this day. This became an issue in 1903, when the Pambula Voice stated "Complaints have been made about football being played on the Recreation Reserve on Sundays. We understand the Trustees a few years ago gave instructions to the Secretary of the club to put a stop to the practice. This was done but of late the play has again been resumed. We are informed that the Trustees have again given instructions that playing on Sunday must cease in future and if this notice is disregarded the police will be called on to stop it."

Initially, matches were carried on in a fairly disorganised manner, with various clubs arranging their own games. The first organised competition was born in May 1904 when delegates from Bega, Bemboka, Candelo and Numbugga clubs met to establish the Candelo Football Union. Later that month at a meeting of the Pambula club it was decided that they too would make application to affiliate with the Candelo Union. In June 1904 they were admitted and matches were then arranged on a more regular basis.

The first Union match for the local team was played at Pambula, against Numbugga, at which Pambula won 9 points to 6. To overcome the cost of travelling away for games, a small admission fee began to be charged for all local matches.

In the early years, self arranged challenge cup competition matches formed the greatest portion of matches, these including the President's Cup, Rosenthall Shield, Pilsner Cup, Crimmins Cup, Tooth's KB Lager Cup, Fraser Cup, KB Dan Grant Cup, Maslin Shield, Torpey Gold Cup, Trick Grant Cup, Watford Cup and the Cathcart Cup. Each of these were provided by local businesses to their home team and other teams then challenged them for the prestige of taking them home.

Pambula Football Club, C. 1920's.

The provision of an accident fund for Pambula players was first raised at the annual meeting in March 1907, when it was unanimously decided to establish a fund. On April 5, 1907, the Pambula Voice stated "The question of an accident fund came up for discussion at the meeting of the club on Wednesday night last week. It has been a matter of wonder that such a project has not long ago been put forward by members of the South Coast Football Clubs, such a fund being of great importance to the indigent player who has had the bad luck to have his arm or leg broken, his ankle sprained, a dislocation of the shoulder, or any hurt that may temporarily disable him or prevent him earning his daily bread. It has often been the case that a young fellow would partake in the manly game of football if he knew where the necessary funds were coming from to pay the doctors expenses etc. if he were unfortunate enough (as is often the case) to sustain a severe injury, and it must be admitted that footballers are not usually moneyed men... It was unanimously decided that such a fund would be an acquisition to the club and we hope that those of the public who enjoy witnessing the game will respond by doing their best for the footballer who is unfortunate enough to need the assistance of the fund."

It was just two months later that the fund was required, when a player was hurt during a match, and the Pambula club decided to establish a subscription list to assist him until he was able to go back to work.

Pambula continued playing with the Candelo Union until 1908, when the Southern Union was officially formed. This had been first proposed in March 1907, when, at the club's annual meeting a letter was tabled from Mr C. J. Brown, honorary secretary of the Eden Football Club, asking Pambula to co-operate with Eden, Burragate, Towamba and Wyndham in forming a southern football union. Although it was moved that Pambula co-operate with the other teams in forming this union, after considerable discussion it was eventually unanimously decided that Pambula remain with the Candelo Rugby Football Union. However, in March the following year at meeting of Pambula, Pipeclay Creek and Merimbula footballers, it was decided to establish a Southern Union with members from the three teams present, and Eden and Wyndham, to come under the ruling of the NSW Rugby Union. Two delegates from each of the three clubs present were appointed, and Mr Bert Berry, elected secretary, was instructed to write and ask the other clubs concerned to each send two representatives to a meeting on April 4, 1908, to draw up fixtures and complete final arrangements for the union.

At this second meeting, held at Pambula's Club Hotel, it was definitely decided to form the Southern Border Football Union, with boundaries extending from the Candelo Union's southern boundary to the Victorian border. The Pambula club seceded from the Candelo Union as a result, and so became the headquarters for the new union. It was stated at the meeting that "The new body intend standing loyally by the mother union in the present fight against professionalism."

In late April a letter was received from the secretary of the Rugby Football Union, requesting that the new Southern Border Football Union become a sub-branch of the Candelo Union.

Pambula Football Club, believed to be C. 1930's.

The war years of 1914 - 1918 and 1939 - 1945 had a real impact on local football. In 1915, the Lochiel football club folded up due to lack of players, and in April that year, the club decided to sell their guernseys and hose, the proceeds being handed over to the Lochiel Hall. At this time, the Pambula club also began to charge an admission to the games in order to raise funds for various patriotic war funds. During these years, scratch matches seem to have become more common, as the availability of players were reduced, and organised teams were less numerous. Official teams did exist though, including Pambula, Merimbula, Nethercote, Burragate, Rocky Hall, Wyndham and Eden. The second world war proved more difficult for the Pambula club, with the Pambula Voice reporting on June 13, 1940 "Owing to the loss of seven players, the Pambula club has definitely withdrawn from the district competition. The club had difficulty fielding a team in the first place and now that five players have enlisted, one has left the district and another is suffering from a face injury received in a recent match, it is impossible to carry on."

Initially, local football clubs followed the Rugby Union code, but around the mid - 1920's, there began a gradual change over to League, although for a few years, the two codes carried along together, players participating in both. Then, on 20 July, 1925, delegates of local clubs playing league met to form a body to govern the game, those present including Walter Godfrey (Pambula), George Kelly and H. Dowling (Bega Federals), Clare Abbott (Bega Waratahs), Mr Tarrant (Wyndham), F. Collins (Candelo) and Mr Phillips (Eden). The role and responsibility of this committee was to become, in later years, the same as the Groups 16 Rugby Football League committee. The Group 16 Rugby Football League itself was established in the early 1930's.

In 1933, there was a redistribution of territory and the Group 16 Rugby League Football control appointed Pambula as headquarters of a new sub-branch group embracing Merimbula, Pambula, Wyndham, Rocky Hall, Towamba, Eden and Nullica. At this point there were five sub-groups within Group 16. The inaugural sub-group meeting was held at Pambula on 4 April, 1933 and the following official were elected to control the sub-group: Patron, Dr Wing; President Mr W. C. Godfrey, Vice Presidents Messrs G. Tisdale and N. Robinson; Secretary Mr W. Alcock; treasurer Mr D. Cole, and two delegates from each of the clubs represented to complete the organisation.

After the formation of Group 16, the competition was divided into two zones, the northern far South Coast League and the southern Imlay League, the latter being made up of teams from Pambula, Merimbula, Eden, Tathra, Candelo, Wolumla and Bemboka. After each zone had played four team play-offs, the two zone winning sides then met to play for the group 16 Grand Final. After 1958, these two zones were combined, and the competition rounds became similar to those played today.

Believed to be Pambula Football Club, C. 1950's/ 1960's.

In 1937 Pambula fielded two teams in the district competition, one being the usual Buccaneers team and the second known as the "Old Boys" team. The Old Boys started out in June 1936, when Pambula policeman Constable Bottrell, together a team, captained by him, for a knock-out competition. In May 1937, this group met in Sid Ford's shoe shop and unanimously decided to form the "Old Boys" Football Club, made up mainly of married men whose names had been synonymous with football a few seasons before. Despite the fact that these players were regarded as too old, they actually went on to win the premiership that year, defeating Wyndham Oaks 7 to 0.

For many years Pambula and Merimbula had separate teams in the local competition. As far as can be ascertained, Merimbula's football team was first established in 1900, they certainly having one by September that year. Their uniform by 1908 was all black with a white schnapper on the breast and by 1923, they were known as the Merimbula Swans.

Well before the Pambula and Merimbula clubs permanently combined, they united whenever they could not raise a team alone. In the 1927 season, the two clubs amalgamated and went on to win the Far South Coast Rugby League competition. They also won a knock-out competition played between four teams on the King's birthday. Their reserve grade team was defeated by Wolumla in the semi-finals. In 1928, although the two teams were again separate, Pambula football club gained a number of players from Wyndham after their club was disbanded.
Actually, the Pambula club narrowly avoided being disbanded that year too, after players failed to show up for a match against Quaama.

Again in 1929 the Pambula and Merimbula clubs combined and were able to raise first and reserve grade teams for the competition that year. The name of the Pambula Buccaneers was retained, and a number of Eden footballers also offered their services. The Pambula Voice stated "...judging by the tone of the meeting, the Buccaneers will not go far from winning the competition." The Pambula and Merimbula clubs decided to continue this arrangement again in 1930, although they were apparently unable to raise a first grade team, having only a reserve grade team in the competition.

By 1931, the two teams were again operating separately and it appears that they remained this way until about the 1970's, when the two teams combined again through inability to individually raise teams. This time though, the combination was to remain permanent, and even today the club goes under the name of Merimbula - Pambula.

With regards to local football, Pambula's arch rival, Eden, had established their club by 1901, but despite the fierce competition between the two clubs it was to Pambula that Eden players turned when they were unable to establish a team, and so to was it towards Eden that Pambula players turned when they were unable to get a team together. For two years from 1948, Eden's home ground was at Pambula. When Eden won the 1959 premiership, eight of the players came from Pambula - Merimbula, these being the four Radford brothers, Ray, Gordon, Alan and Ron, John Clayton, Cecil Carter, Keith Gordon, and Barry Collins. Again in 1963, Pambula players Keith Gordon, Bruce Carter, Cecil Carter and John Carter all formed part of the Eden premiership side, and during this match, the Carter brothers actually scored all of Eden's points, Cecil and Bruce scoring a try each, and John kicking four goals.

At one stage, around the late 1950's the Pambula club became known as Wolumla, as a result of an inability to raise a team on their own. The home ground remained in Pambula though.

It was not until about 1980 that Merimbula - Pambula actually became known as the Bulldogs, under the blue and white colours. Gordon Radford, long a stalwart of the Pambula football club, and involved in just about every facet of the organisation including playing, refereeing, coaching and management, recalls that prior to that the club played under the red and green colours of South Sydney. The year they changed to the Bulldogs blue and white colours, the team won the grand final, and have remained under those colours and that name ever since.


Over the years, both Pambula and Merimbula first grade teams have won numerous premiership, including those in 1936 (Pambula), 1937 (Pambula Old Boys), 1938 (Merimbula), 1939 (Merimbula), 1968 (Pambula) and 1980 (Merimbula - Pambula).