Fighting Mosquitos in Strathfield

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Health campaigns was a feature of a 2019 Historical Society newsletter.  This article was written by Cathy Jones.

Strathfield Council has a long history of running campaigns to improve the public health of the community which include immunisation, infectious diseases controls, fly reduction, rat eradication, fire safety and mosquito control. 

As noted in the book Oasis in the West (Jones 1985: 107) described actions to reduce flies: “The Inspector of Nuisances was particularly keen to reduce the fly menace, particularly severe at Strathfield because of the proximity of the sale yards and abattoirs at Homebush”. 

Mosquito The Sun 27-2-1929 p11
Mosquito The Sun 27-2-1929 p11

1917 saw an extensive anti-fly campaign co-ordinated by a committee.  Council’s health Inspector experimented successfully with treating manure to make it unattractive to flies and Nock and Kirbys provided a free display of fly control equipment, some of which was stolen – a sign of a severe fly problem.  A competition was held and 119 local children wrote essays about flies.

The Council, following and supporting its crusading Inspector, distributed pamphlets and constructed some large flies for advertising the campaign. Some of the signs were pulled down and the Inspector grimly noted in the minutes that this action suggested people who ‘had not evolved from ‘primaeval man who would have to shoulder guns in wars to improve their ‘miserable carcasses”. 

In the 1920s, another campaign involved eradication of mosquitos.  Mosquitos were a problem in Strathfield and Homebush due to the presence of marshes, low lying land particularly around the Cooks River forming puddles with stagnant water, mangroves around Powells Creek and Parramatta River and the nearby sheep and cattle saleyards.  Council invested significant resources into local campaigns and lobbying for action on a regional and state level. 

In 1927, Council initiated a mosquito reduction campaign involving a dedicated clean up week of receptacles such as rubbish bins, old boxes, bags and bulky rubbish that could harbour mosquito breeding places.  Works were also done around the Cooks River to clean out mosquito breeding areas.  This initiative was reported in September 1927 in the Evening News: 

“STRATHFIELD Council is conducting a ‘garage clean up week’ with the object of thoroughly cleaning up all garbage, and other places which are likely to become mosquito breeding grounds during the coming summer. It was announced to-day that council has had pamphlets distributed to every householder in the municipality, urging people to clean up garbage of all descriptions. A motor lorry has been engaged removing loads of this garbage, and it special officer is making an Inspection of all of the premises and streets throughout the municipality. Notices regarding the campaign have been prominently exhibited throughout the district. Last year council conducted an extensive campaign, in which the co-operation of other suburban councils was sought, and it was specially commended on the efficacy of its work. The mosquitoes were practically eliminated from Strathfield.” 

Strathfield Council Mosquito Reduction Campaign October 1927
Strathfield Council Mosquito Reduction Campaign October 1927

On 13 April 1928, it was reported in the Mussellbrook Courier that Strathfield Council decided to intensify its’ campaign for the elimination of the mosquito. ‘At a meeting, the health inspector recommended that two ratepayers be prosecuted for having allowed mosquito infestation to take place on their properties. He said that the ratepayers had received sufficient warning and had no excuse for allowing such breeding grounds to remain. He produced three samples of water containing mosquito larvae which he had taken from the places concerned. The health inspector’s report was adopted, and the prosecutions agreed to. The matter later came on at the Burwood Police Court, and each defendant was fined £1, with £1/10/6 costs.’ 

In today’s urban environment in areas like the Inner West of Sydney, mosquitos are viewed as pests and nuisances, rather than being life threatening.  However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes are a major threat to global public health.  In its report titled ‘Global strategy for dengue prevention and control 2012-2020’, WHO says that nearly 50-100 million dengue infections, caused by mosquitos, are reported every year. 

The WHO estimates that every year there are more than 725,000 deaths caused due to vectorborne diseases. For more reading on what Bill Gates calls the “world’s most lethal animal”. 

References 

Evening News, page 4, Friday 16 September 1927 

Jones, M, 1985, Oasis in the West, Allen & Unwin 

‘Ignoring the Mosquito’, Muswellbrook Chronicle (NSW : 1898 – 1955), Friday 13 April 1928, page 5 

Striped Terror (1929, February 27). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954), p. 11. Retrieved January 29, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230381192

Exhibition Strathfield Answers the Call 1914-1918

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Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society has collaborated with Strathfield Council in preparing a new exhibition.

Strathfield Answers the Call 1914-1918 explores how the people of Strathfield and Homebush participated in the events of WWI on the battlefront and at home.

This exhibition shares the stories from the Strathfield and Homebush district in supporting a war fought far from home.

Learn about the sacrifices of those who fought, the efforts of those at home and the issues that united and divided communities.

When: 23 April – 20 June 2021 (during Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub opening hours)

Where: Ironbark Gallery – Strathfield Council Library & Innovation Hub, Rochester Street Homebush

You are invited to discover the many stories of those who answered the call by attending two historical talks at the Ironbark Gallery:

Registrations are essential and can be made by clicking on the above links.

Eton College Strathfield

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A school called ‘Eton College’ was once located in Redmyre Road Strathfield.  It was operated by Dr J. David Sly from 1888 to 1892.  This newsletter discusses the rise and fall of Strathfield’s own Eton College. This is an excerpt written by Cathy Jones:

Dr. Sly's New School Premises — Eton College, Homebush." The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) 8 December 1888
Dr. Sly’s New School Premises — Eton College, Homebush.” The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 – 1912) 8 December 1888

“Helped by his father’s legacy, Dr J. David Sly in 1888 opened Eton College in Redmyre Road Strathfield (often referred to as Homebush). An advertisement for Eton College on 10th November 1888 states:

‘Eton College, Homebush – Headmaster J David Sly. This Collage has been recently erected on the most modern design. It stands in an elevated position. The rooms are spacious and there is an ample supply of water. A COTTAGE HOSPITAL has been added. The PLAYGROUND contains an asphalt tennis court, weather shed, summer house and gymnasium. There will be vacancies for Day and Resident pupils in January next, for which early application is requested’.

Eton College commenced its school activities on Monday 28th January 1889.  As Hall (1985) writes “it was not intended as a purely local school, though it certainly catered for local day pupils and was typical of the many schools set up to cater for the sons of well-to-do folk who could pay for bard and tuition”.

At this stage the school appeared to be well established and was advertised as:

“Eton College, Homebush. Headmaster J. David Sly, MA LLD; second master C.E, Robin BA.  Homebush ls one of the healthy suburbs of Sydney and is eminently suitable as a residence for boarders, for whom special provision has been made.  Pupils are prepared for the University or mercantile pursuits. There is also a Preparatory Class for young boys.  The College was specifically designed by the Headmaster.”

On 5th January 1892, Strathfield Council wrote to Sly stating that his house was now the only house in the Municipality on which the rates remained unpaid and asked him to send the balance or action would be taken (Hall 1985). Payment of the rates was one of the obligations accepted by Sly when he occupied the Collage.

The College advertisement in January 1892 gave no hint of its financial distress:

“Eton College, Homebush. Headmaster J David Sly MA LLD; Assistant, Teachers W.B. Scott; Trinity College Dublin, Miss Hewison, Miss Read, F.A. Price, G.H. D’Arcourt. The buildings stand in an elevated position and ware specially erected for school purposes. There is a Preparatory Department for young boys. Boarders 13 to 16 guineas per quarter; day pupils 2 to 4 guineas per quarter”.

On 22nd June 1892 Dr Sly, being unable to pay his debts, petitioned to be made bankrupt.  He had a wife and six children to support, and no way of paying his debts. He blamed his financial failure on the competition between schools and the high rent he had to pay for the College premises and bad debts. 

Its final demise came on 23rd July 1892, when an auction sale was held of J.D. Sly’s school fittings and equipment. His main creditors were his brothers and sister. He attributed his failure to high rents and, ironically, competition among schools. Economic conditions may have played a part but the depression did not generally affect enrolments in private schools. He was discharged from bankruptcy in October 1892.

On 24 August 1895 Sly was admitted as a solicitor and practiced in Pitt Street Sydney until 1933. He died of heart failure and nephritis at Neutral Bay on 7 December 1934 at the age of 91 year, having outlived his brothers and practiced law for about 38 years (SMH 1934).  He was buried in the Anglican section of the Northern Suburbs cemetery. He was survived by two sons and three daughters Mrs M Walcott, Mrs N Royle, Mrs N Davies of his wife Annie, née Macalister, whom he had married at Pitt Town in 1875 (Mitchell 1976, SMH 1934).

For many years there has been discussion as to where Eton College was located and whether it is still standing.  Hall (1985) suggested that Eton College was located at Redmyre Lodge, 89 Redmyre Road, rather than ‘Allerton’’  91 Redmyre Road. 

The confusion existed because all uncertainty lies in the fact that both houses stand on land originally designated as Lots 26, 25, 24; both were owned by Allan Maclean and rented out by him and all had the same lot numbers in various records.  Redmyre Lodge, which has since been demolished, may have been Eton College.  Based on the published sketch of Eton College, the building is clearly not ‘Allerton’, which is still standing.

The full essay is contained in SHDHS Newsletter Vol.2 No.5 September-October 2020 Eton College

Submission re: Relocation of Homebush War Memorial

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Strathfield Council recently requested the Strathfield-Homebush District Historical Society provide comments on a proposal to relocate the Homebush War Memorial from its current location.  The Society does not support this proposal.  The submission to Council was sent on 3 September 2019.

Submission re relocation of Homebush War Memorial

Doreen Rich

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Doreen Rich, a long term resident of Strathfield and former President of the Strathfield District Historical Society passed away on July 31, 2019.  She more recently was living near Taree NSW.  Doreen invested significant time and effort into recording and conserving Strathfield’s history and served for many years as the Society’s President.  Condolences are extended to her many friends and family at this sad time.

Mayor of Strathfield, Bill Carney and Doreen Rich in 2004, receiving certificate of service.
Mayor of Strathfield, Bill Carney and Doreen Rich in 2004, receiving certificate of service.

 

Homebush Racecourse

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The Homebush Racecourse was the subject of the Historical Society newsletter in January/February 2019.  This is an excerpt of the essay by Cathy Jones:

The Racecourse for Sydney was located at Hyde Park from 1810 to 1826, Grose Farm (Sydney University) from 1826 to 1840 and Homebush from 1841 to 1859.  In 1860, the racecourse moved to Randwick, which is its current location (Bethel, 1930).  There is much contention about the actual location of the Homebush Racecourse, but according to historical accounts, maps and research by local historian Dave Patrick (who has provided considerable assistance in the preparation of this article), the course was located between Saleyards Creek and Boundary Creek on undulating ground sloping up to Parramatta Road at Homebush.

Town & Country Journal 1895
Town & Country Journal 1895

The course was located on land owned by William Charles Wentworth (the “Homebush Estate”).  Based on historic maps, the racecourse was located near Parramatta Road Homebush and opposite John Fleming’s grant and located behind the Wentworth Hotel (which is roughly opposite the location of Sydney Markets on Parramatta Road today).  However, the full course including paddocks would have extended into areas which are located in the current area of Sydney Olympic Park.

Prior to 1825, Wentworth established a private racetrack near Parramatta Road.  Like his father, William Charles Wentworth (one of the three Blue Mountains explorers) had an interest in horsebreeding and turf racing that continued after D’Arcy Wentworth’s death in 1827.  In the same year, William Wentworth was elected steward of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) and its president in 1832.  In 1840, the Australian Race Company was brought into existence and Homebush was selected as the site for the new racecourse (Bethel 1930: 7). The racecourse was expanded with facilities such as a stand, enclosures, stables and training grounds.

The first race meeting was held on March 16 and 18, 1841 attracting a crowd of 8000 people.  An account of the first day of racing at Homebush stated:

“The day was beautiful in the extreme, and at an early hour parties on foot, on horseback, and in vehicles of every-description, thronged the various thoroughfares, leading to the scene of operations. At about 12 o’clock, the vast concourse, computed, at from eight to ten thousand persons, took up their stations in the vicinity of the grand stand, which presented a most lively and interesting scene. Sydney, Parramatta, Liverpool, Windsor, and the surrounding country, all sent their quota to the field – the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the ugly and the beautiful, were here all intent on spending a happy day, and we trust few were disappointed. The arrangements made by the stewards were deserving of the utmost praise, and contributed to that unanimity, good feeling, and order which prevailed, throughout; police on foot and horseback, paraded the course the whole day. So numerous was the turn out of the elite of Australian society, that it would be invidious to particularise only a few. The band of the 28th regiment, and a band from Sydney contributed not a little to keep up the attraction of the proceedings, which from commencement to end, went off to the heart’s content of the most sanguine admirer of the turf.”

Early parish map showing land included in the Homebush Estate (D Wentworth) NSW Department of Lands
Early parish map showing land included in the Homebush Estate (D Wentworth) NSW Department of Lands

A special ferry was established for race days along the Sydney to Parramatta route. The services were advertised as: ‘THE STEAM PACK RAPID….will start from the Commercial Wharf at Ten O’Clock precisely on each day of the Races – land Passengers at the Course and return with them to Sydney each night. FARES – four shillings each.’ The river transport depended on the tides for Homebush Bay, which were fringed with mangroves along the shore and mud flats around the Powell Creek entrance prevented a wharf or jetty being built. At low tide ferry boats had to stop at a distance from the shore and racegoers had to wade through a stretch of mud to get to the racecourse.

The article in The Sun in 1930 questioned why the racecourse moved from Homebush to Randwick and stated:

“What led to the transfer of racing operations to Randwick was the in ability of the turf club to obtain conditions that would enable them to have definite control of the ground. They had no spending power to erect buildings and effect necessary improvements. The land was privately owned, and those concerned evidently were not imbued with ideas favourable to the perpetuation of racing at Homebush. It is said of it that as a natural course it was far superior to the Randwick land, known then as the Sand Track. It also had the advantage of being within easy distance of the new railway line, which was opened in 1855. On May 30 and June 1, 1859, the A.J.C. held its last race meeting at Homebush and started racing at Randwick on May 29, 30, and 31, 1860”.

Although the AJC moved operations to Randwick in 1860, the Homebush course continued holding major races until the 1870’s.  A new course was constructed in the mid 1860’s overlapping the old course. This new course had Boundary Creek directly down it’s centre. The creek was bridged with an earthern viaduct 200 yards long and 20 wide allowing the horses to race around the rim of the creek valley. The arches of the viaduct were later blocked to form a dam during the abattoir era.