Bulli Bulletins

HUNG IN MID-AIR.

STRANGE ACCIDENT ON SOUTH COAST.

WOLLONGONG, Saturday.—Mrs. Carrick, of Coledale, was standing on a chair and lifting down a meat safe when her wedding ring caught in the point of the hook on which the safe was hanging, while at the same time the chair slipped from under her feet. She was suspended in mid-air till her husband was attracted by her cries. Mrs. Carrick could not be released until her husband had filed the ring in two.

– Lismore Northern Star, Monday, 20 August, 1923.

BULLI TRAGEDY

Victim’s Companions Recovering

THE seven little companions of Molly Maude Glover, 14, or Rawson Street, Coledale, who was killed yesterday when a motor car hurtled 500 feet over Sublime Point, were reported today to be recovering from their shocking experience. The engine of the car fell on the ill-fated girl, who was at the foot of the cliffs, and her companions suffered minor injuries from the falling rocks dis-lodged by the vehicle.

– Sydney Evening News, Tuesday 20 May 1930

DRIVER DIES FROM SHOCK

SYDNEY, Wednesday – Two engines collided on the South Bulli colliery tram line at Wollongong to day. One of them was seriously damaged, and the driver, Richard Osborne, after drawing the fires, sat down beside the engine he was seen to fill forward, and was picked up dead. His death was the result of shock and heart failure.

-Melbourne Argus, February 6, 1908.

STRANGE ACCIDENT AT BATHS

Sydney, Nov. 4. — Eileen Martin (17,), of Henley road, Thirroul, was dragged into an outlet pipe of the Thirroul baths during cleaning operations to-night, and extra pressure had to be applied to force her through 160 feet of 18-inch piping. She was unconscious when she emerged from the pipe and was later admitted to the Coledale Hospital. The accident was the second of the kind. About three years ago a child was washed through, the pipe.

– Kalgoorlie Miner, Monday, 5 November, 1945

MYSTERY OF THE BUSH

The remains of an elderly man were found under a hollow log in the bush near Coledale, on Wednesday after-noon, in an advanced stage or decomposition. The police made a search, and found a silver watch chain, a small sum of money, and an old age pension certificate in the name of Dennis Lynch. The last payment was received at a Sydney post-office. The man was a stranger to the Bulli locality.

– Casino and Kyogle Courier, Saturday, 10 March, 1917.

THIRROUL.

Unpleasant experience.

Some local residents made an unusual discovery on Thursday night of last week when they found a lady bogged in the creek near the railway gates. She had evidently missed the track and stepped into the creek, which at that spot is surrounded by a thick growth of blackberry vines, consequently she was unable to find her way back on to the road again. The night was wet, and the creek was in full flow, consequently she had a very unpleasant experience, but when rescued would not give any name and simply desired to be shown the road to the post office.

– Illawarra Mercury, Friday, 10 July, 1914.

AUSTINMER

Anzac services were conducted at Thirroul monument on Tuesday by Archdeacon Haviland, the address being given by Rev. Kerr. After the service the Diggers of Austinmer, headed by pipers, marched to Austinmer, where a service was conducted by Archdeacon Haviland. Piper McGarrity played ‘Flower of the Forest’ while the Last Post and Revielle was sounded by Trumpeter Hindley.

– South Coast Times Friday 28 April 1933.

Woonona-Bulli Citizens Band Doings

The band, has received word from R.S.L., Sydney, that the Woonona-Bulli Citizens’ Band will lead the 7th Division in the Anzac March on April 25 in Sydney. The following band programme is set down for the next ten days:—

Sunday, April 18: Thirroul Beach, at 2.30p.m.

Wednesday, April 21: Bulli Trots, at night.

Sunday, April, 25: Anzac March in Sydney.

– South Coast Times Thursday 15 April 1954

UNUSUAL ACCIDENT

An unusual accident occurred at the Illawarra Meat Coy’s slaughter yards on Monday. When Jack Nichols, the slaughterman, of Mitchell rd., Woonona, speared a beast it reared back and the horns struck him in the face, breaking his nose and causing contusions to both eyes.

– Illawarra Mercury Friday 31 Aug 1945

AN UNUSUAL OPERATION.

FALSE TEETH IN STOMACH.

SYDNEY, Wednesday.

The Sydney Hospital dealt with an unusual case yesterday, when half a set of false teeth was removed from the stomach of Samuel Fielding, of Woonona, near Bulli. Fielding went to sleep with his false teeth in his mouth on Saturday night, and during the night the plate cracked, and half the set slipped down his throat. Fielding does not know whether he will risk setting another set.

– Brisbane Daily Standard Thursday 17 February 1927

BULLI SOIL

South Africa’s Request Mr. Syd. Smith has held various positions in connection with cricket in Australia. Now South Africa has given him another – the unusual one of exporter. Enthusiasts in Natal are anxious to have a real turf wicket, and having heard from Mr. Smith the value of Bulli soil for wicket-making, have asked him to send them 20 tons. Mr. Smith is doing his best to secure the soil, which is hard to obtain.

– Sydney Evening News 21 November 1922.

Wish granted

Asked For Four Days

A man charged with being found drunk in a public place, made an unusual appeal at the Bulli Court on Friday. The man, Charles Devens (58), of no particular address, asked that he be given four days. “I’m in a pretty bad way and would like four days to straighten myself up,” he said. Sergt. Kennedy stated that Devens had been drinking cheap wine. Fined £2 or four days.

– Illawarra Mercury Wednesday 24 December 1941.

SNAKE AND CAT FIGHT.

BULLI, Tuesday.

It is unusual to find snakes at this time of the year in the coast. One resident of Adams’ Estate [Sandon Point], Bulli, last week, found a cat and a snake about three feet long lying dead in the yard side by side. It is thought that the snake was attacked by the cat, and that each fatally injured the other.

– The Bathurst Times 2 July 1918

RUNAWAY LORRY.

A sensational runaway occurred at Bulli Pass when a lorry loaded with timber, and driven by Frank Johnson, got out of control, and, turning over twice, landed on its wheels. It then ran across the road, and hit a stump, which prevented it crashing through Mr. Strang’s house. Frank Johnson, the driver, fractured his leg; John Keegan had his left ear nearly torn off and right hand injured; Arthur Harris and Simon Nicey suffered from shock and abrasions; and David Craig had both legs fractured.

– Maitland Weekly Mercury, Saturday 28 September 1929.

STRANGER TO HIMSELF

The Bulli police are engaged in endeavouring to find out some particulars of a young man, whom they have in custody and who appears to have no idea himself as to who he is or where he came from. He arrived at Bulli by train from Sydney, and immediately afterwards accosted a local resident, and said he had forgotten all his past history. He is now anxious for the police to find out who he is.

– Worker, Thursday 31 October 1912

BUSH FIRE AT BULLI

BULLI, Friday. — A large bush fire has broken out on the property of Mr. George Adams, Bulli, within half a mile of the township. Considerable anxiety is felt by local residents, as the strong westerly is blowing sparks and lighted bark into the township.

– The Daily Telegraph Saturday 28 April 1906.

ELDERLY MAN JUMPS IN SURF

WOLLONGONG, Sunday. — An elderly man, whose name is unknown, was seen today acting strangely on the narrow beach at Scarborough. This afternoon some fishermen decided to lead him away from the water, but as they approached he jumped into the surf. A wave threw him on to a rock, and one of the fishermen dragged him ashore. He is now in Bulli District Hospital.

– The Daily Telegraph Monday 31 May 1937.

DIRTY DEED

Pinched the Lavatories

Recently it was stated that one of the new doors at the lavatories at Wentworth Oval, Portland, had been taken away by some unauthorised person. At South Thirroul, on the Illawarra Line, they go even further. Probably one of the strangest thefts was the one reported at last meeting of Bulli Shire Council by the Thirroul Life Saving Club that the lavatories at the beach had been pulled down, and stolen during the winter.

– Mudgee Guardian Thursday 6 January 1944.

A FREAK OF NATURE

THREE-LEGGED CALF

THIRROUL, Monday.

A dairy cow, owned by Mr. G. McCauley, has given birth to a three-legged calf. This incomplete stranger appears to be as strong and healthy as its pen fellows, and certainly, so far as locomotion is concerned, gets about just as easy.

– The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 26 May 1908.

WASHED THROUGH WATER PIPE

STRANGE ACCIDENT AT BATHS

Sydney, Nov. 4. — Eileen Martin (17), of Henley road, Thirroul, was dragged into an outlet pipe of the Thirroul baths during cleaning operations to-night, and extra pressure had to be applied to force her through 160 feet of 18-inch piping. She was unconscious when she emerged from the pipe and was later admitted to the Coledale Hospital. The accident was the second of the kind. About three years ago a child was washed through the pipe.

– Kalgoorlie Miner, Monday 5 November 1945.

BULLI BLAST FOILED

BULLI, Friday. — At 2 this morning Mark Graham, junior porter, disturbed burglars in the parcels office of Bulli railway station. He was on duty alone, and hearing a noise in the parcels office flashed a torch in time to see a man disappear through the window. Sergeant Maher and Constable Jones discovered that a number of parcels had been opened and gelignite placed in the keyhole of the safe. Gelignite and fuse were in a sugar bag on the office floor.

– The Daily Telegraph Saturday 9 September 1933

BARMAN CLEARED OF POISONING BOSS

At Wollongong the hearing of a charge against Alfred George Carson, a barman, for having at the Corrimal Family Hotel administered poison in ginger ale to Charles Edwards, the licensee, with intent to murder him, was concluded. After further evidence, the magistrate discharged accused.

– Casino and Kyogle Courier June 9 1909

BEER STRIKE OFF

SYDNEY, Sunday — The beer drinkers’ strike at Corrimal, on the South Coast, which had been in progress over a week, was declared off on Saturday when a dismissed barman was reinstated and the price of a “schooner” of beer was reduced from nine pence to eight pence. Patrons refused to enter the hotel until the barman got behind the counter and then everyone ordered drinks.

– Warwick Daily News May 24 1937

“BLACK” BEER DRINKERS BANNED

Excelsior miners’ lodge [Thirroul], at a pit-top meeting today, carried a resolution that if any member of the lodge is seen drinking at any hotel other than the Bulli Family Hotel, which is the only “white” hotel on the coast, the members of the lodge will refuse to work with the offender.

– The Sydney Morning Herald January 8 1941

A HAUL OF FISH

Mr. Jack Floyd and a party of Bulli enthusiasts had luck that surprised themselves last weekend when out with Mr. Jack Bain in his motor launch. They went out to the Islands, near Wollongong, and there was certainly no Jonah on board, for, immediately the lines were cast the fish began to bite. Returning to land in the afternoon the catch was counted and totalled 160, including, all species, chiefly schnapper. Many have since been congratulating themselves that they had a friend in the party, for the fish was freely distributed.

– Illawarra Mercury May 1 1925

TWO MEN IN A BOAT.

Two men in a motor boat were forced to land at Bulli on Sunday night, and were surprised to learn, their where abouts. They came from Port Hacking. The small craft is still near Bulli jetty, with the bottom caved in through bumping on the bar at the channel used by local fishermen. The men were given accommodation for the night by Mr. Harry Brown, secretary of the local Fishing Club.

– Illawarra Mercury July 20 1923

SEA LEOPARD CAUGHT IN BULLI BATHS

A dark grey sea leopard, measuring 6ft 6in, and bearing evidence of an attack by sharks, was discovered in the Bulli Baths early this morning by Mr. Burrows, proprietor of the Bulli Beach kiosk. The leopard, seeking shelter near the beach, was evidently washed into the baths by heavy seas. It was secured by a long rope, and removed to the verandah of the kiosk.

– The Sydney Morning Herald August 31 1927

THE LOST FOUND.

Mr and Mrs John Colliss, of Campbell-street, Woonona, who were lost in the bush at Cataract, were found near Darke’s Forest late yesterday afternoon by one of the search parties from Appin and Bulli. They appeared little the worse for their experience. During the 24 hours they were without food they covered 25 miles.

– Sydney Evening News September 19 1916

GIRL’S LEG BROKEN

Thelma May, 14, of Newtown, Sydney, has been admitted to Bulli Hospital with a broken right leg. The girl was riding on the razzle-dazzle in Thirroul Park when she jumped off and was struck. She fell and her limb was pinned as one side of the machine swung low.

– The Labor Daily December 28 1927

SAVAGE ATTACK BY BEES.

Mr. Hartley, a resident of Darke’s Forest, purchased three hives of bees at Clifton, and while removing the hives in boxes in his cart, a number of the bees escaped when crossing the railway line. They instantly attacked the horse, which bolted, causing more bees to escape, and they also attacked the driver and the horse. Residents obtained control of the horse, and extricated Mr. Hartley. His condition necessitated his removal to the Illawarra Cottage Hospital, where it was estimated that about 200 stings were withdrawn from his face.

– The Sydney Morning Herald January 29 1918

BULLI SOIL— BUT NOT FOR BULLI

Famous the world over for the construction of cricket pitches, Bulli soil is NOT used on the South Coast wickets. At the annual reunion of the Wollongong Waratah Cricket Club, Mr. Charles Prior, an old resident of the district, expressed surprise that the clubs on the South Coast played on concrete wickets.

– The Sydney Sun July 9 1933

FALLS OFF PIER AND DROWNS

Believed to have over balanced after taking a fit, Gordon Reay, 14, of Austinmer Heights, fell from Bulli jetty yesterday and was drowned. The boy, who was subject to fits, had been fishing from the Jetty. William Taylor, of Slacky Flat, Bulli, who had been fishing nearby, saw the boy’s fall, and ran to a boatshed for assistance. After dragging in 30ft. of water for 15 minutes, fishermen summoned by Taylor, and Bulli Ambulance men recovered Reay’s body. Artificial respiration was carried on for two hours, but Reay did not respond.

– Sydney Daily News Monday 29 May 1939

JETTY COLLAPSES

A large portion in the centre of the Bulli jetty collapsed and fell into the sea on Sunday afternoon and four fishermen were trapped on the end. They were rescued by a fishing boat which put out from the nearby boat harbour. This jetty has not been used by ships since 1943 when it was extensively damaged by heavy seas and the end washed away. Since then further damage has been caused by storms but it has remained a popular spot for fishermen. When the jetty collapsed Thirroul Surf Club sent its surf boat to the rescue of the stranded men but in the meantime the fishing boat had reached the scene and the men slid down a cable into the boat.

– South Coast Times Thursday 10 February 1949

TWO MEN IN A BOAT

Two men in a motor boat were forced to land at Bulli on Sunday night, and were surprised to learn, their where-a-bouts. They came from Port Hacking. The small craft is still near Bulli jetty, with the bottom caved in through bumping on the bar at the channel used by local fishermen. The men were given accommodation for the night by Mr. Harry Brown, secretary of the local Fishing Club.

– Illawarra Mercury Friday 20 July 1923

BEER FOR BULLI

In a sermon preached the other day to young men, the Rev. Mr. Tate, the rector of Bulli, said the total amount of beer consumed in Bulli and Woonona during the six months ended December 31, 1898, was 11,698 gallons (44282 litres), which, added to bottled beer and beer which arrived by team from Wollongong, showed a monthly expenditure in beer alone of £400. These statements have created considerable discussion, but so far no one has disputed their correctness.

– Leader (Orange) Wednesday 18 January 1899

UNUSUAL FALL

SYDNEY. January 3. Mr. T. Freeman, electrical engineer for the Bulli Shire, while staying at a hotel at Moss Vale, mistook French window for a doorway at night, stepped out, and he fell 20 feet to the paved yard below. His thigh was fractured in five places. His condition is serious.

– The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA) Wednesday 4 January 1933

MISSING DUNNY

In these days of fuel scarcity, food and clothing rationing, many things are stolen, but probably one of the strangest thefts was the one reported to the Bulli Shire Council on Monday night by the South Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club, who reported that the lavatories at the beach had been pulled down and stolen during the winter.”

– Illawarra Mercury Friday 10 December 1943

SOMEBODY’S BLUNDER

A colossal stack of coal, estimated to contain 65,000 tons has been lying at Bulli since 1917. It is deteriorating and has probably lost 65 per cent of its value. No one definitely knows who owns it, but it is believed to have been bought by Mr. Hughes for the Commonwealth, at a cost of £100,000.

– Geraldton Guardian (WA) Thursday 24 January 1924.

BELLAMBI COAL

BULLI, Friday – The shipments of coal from Port Bellambi last week totalled 3750 tons. Of this quantity 550 tons went to Victoria, 250 tons to New Zealand, and the balance to Sydney.

– Sydney Evening News Saturday 5 December 1896.

BULLI NEW HALL

Bulli, Tuesday: The splendid new hall recently erected by the Odd fellows was opened, last evening, by the Lynch Family of Bellringers, who afforded a musical treat. The building was densely packed, fully 700 persons being present. The hall is a very fine one, and quite a credit to the district.

– Sydney Evening News Wednesday 20 January 1886.

BULLI SOIL

Over 160 bags of Bulli soil was shipped at the [Bulli] jetty on Monday last to be used for
the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch. This soil was selected out of many samples forwarded from other parts of the State.

– Illawarra Mercury Saturday 21 March 1903

TELEGRAPH ARRIVES

BULLI. Wednesday.
The telegraph to Clifton village, at Coal Cliff, was completed last night, and a message sent through this morning to Electric Telegraph Department in Sydney.

– The Maitland Mercury Saturday 27 April 1878.

PROGRESSIVE BULLI

A record building year was experienced in the Shire during 1927, when 125 new buildings, valued at £60,496, were erected, and additions numbering 97, with a value of £39,344, were also constructed. In addition to these amounts Public school buildings are being built at a cost of £18,000.

– The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 17 January 1928

FLOWER PICKING FINES

At Bulli Court today 19 persons, all from the metropolitian area,were fined for picking Christmas bells on Crown land, near top of Bulli Pass during Christmas week. Evidence was given that defendants were caught with from 12 to 100 bells in their possession. The fines ranged from £1 to £2. Many of the defendants stated that they did not know they were offending. Mr. Hardwick, S.M., advised them to read the newspapers.

– The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 29 January 1938.

BOYS BRAVERY

A verdict of accidental death was returned by the Bulli Coroner, Mr. Keegan, to-day, at the inquiry into the death of Mrs. Florence Angwin, and her son and daughter, Francis, 8, and Lola, 6, who were drowned at Helensburgh on Boxing Day. The Coroner congratulated Hugh and Alexander Blair for the bravery they displayed in going to the rescue. He expressed the opinion that their action should be recognised by the Royal Humane Society.

– Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW) Friday 17 January 1936.

1932 BULLI STATS

Mr. Hicks, C.P.S., has kindly supplied us with the following vital statistics, as recorded at Bulli Court House, for the quarter ended 30th September :- Births, 50 (28 males, 22 females) ; Deaths (10 males, 4 females); Marriages 14.

– llawarra Mercury Friday 14 October 1932

UNUSUAL FALL

– The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA) Wednesday 4 January 1933

HURLED 20 FEET

After receiving, a shock from a high-tension wire, Herbert Ashford, of Bulli, was hurled 20 feet. He suffered only severe shock, Ashford took shelter in an iron shed while men digging a pipe line fired; a charge of explosive. A stone from the charge brought down a high-tension wire, which fell against the shed. Ashford, who was leaning against the shed, was thrown out of the door on to the road.

– Albury Banner Friday 23 December 1938.

BIG BULLI BULLOCK

Another big bullock, purchased as a prize winner at Sydney Show, was this week served up to customers at Floyd’s butcher shop (corner Park Road and Main Road), Bulli. Mr. Jack Floyd surprised several by carrying from the cart to the block a forequarter, which weighed 440 lbs.

– Illawarra Mercury Friday 1 May 1925.

BULLI PASS PAVILION

‘Traveller’ writes: The pavilion recently erected at the “Look-out”, instead of answering the purpose intended is the common resort of tramps, whose ideas of tidiness are very small, consequently what was intended as a public boon to sightseers is now neither use nor ornament.

– Illawarra Mercury Saturday 21 March 1903.