Club and Sub-Branch History

This story is meant to faithfully record the illustrious history of our Sub-Branch and Club, from its humble beginning up to and including the present stage.

It is a story of devotion of service, and of determination, born of the same high qualities that endured in wartime.

It is not a story of glittering facets, for most of the original Digger pioneers finest achievements came from gruelling, unspectacular, slogging endeavours. Never-the less, it is possible within the space limitation of this short dossier, to present at least the highlights of the marvellous work so generously performed by these fellows.

We have to cast our minds back to the 7 November, 1944 for our humble beginning, for the war was still in progress, and the Allied armies were at long last getting on top.

Five men met together and decided to form a Sub-Branch of the Returned Soldiers Sailors and Airmans Imperial League of Australia (R.S.S.& A.I.L.A). They were:- Messrs, Cec Mahony, Alf Harper, Bert Jameson, Bill Smith and Bing Smith.

Notices were placed in shop windows and canvassing commenced, as it was necessary to get ten (10) new members before an application for the formation of a new Sub-Branch could be granted.

The efforts of these gentlemen were undoubtedly successful for just under one week later on the 11 November 1944 the first properly constituted meeting in accordance with the R.S.S.& A.I.L,A. rules and by-laws, applied for a Charter in the name of South Hurstville Sub-Branch.

This inaugural meeting was held in the small barber shop alongside the Paramount Picture Theatre where Flemings store is now (as of 2006 this building is now Civic Video and the paper shop. ED) Mr Kennedy owned the shop, and furniture was lent by South Hurstville Improvement League.

The names of the men who comprised this first meeting were Messrs:- J. Hamilton. L. Bursel, L. Murphy, J. OBrien, H. Davies, L. Reed, M. Towell, E. Jameson, S. Craig, P. Baker, F. Cooper,, C. Barwell, L. Masson, A. Sylvester, and S. Hancock.

Others came from other Sub-Branches to assist and they were :- Messrs. A.Harper, E. Selby, S. Mahony, D. Walker, G. Page and P. Blackman.

At this point may I apologise if spelling of names leave much to be desired, and if any person has been overlooked, it is certainly not intentional, for memories can be over-taxed and irregularities may creep in. My apologies if this should be the case.

Now, to continue on with the story, and as it unfolds you will come to realise how much work went into the successful formation of the Sub-Branch and Club, how initiative and enthusiasm of the few, played an important part in helping to guide the Club through its infancy, and in some instances to carry on to see it prosper and grow into the very fine Memorial it is to-day.

On the first Saturday in December, 1944, a Municipal Election was held, and the opportunity was taken to conduct a drive for members. This proved to be an excellent idea, for many new members were enrolled.

Christmas came and went, and on the 23 January, 1945 the then district Councillor, Mr. Matheson, on behalf of the NSW State Council of the R.S.L., presented the newly formed Sub-Branch with its Charter.

In the election of officers which ensured, Alf Harper, Bert Jameson and Sam Craig filled the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer respectfully. A Mr. A Williams was elected Vice- President.
A management Committee was also formed and comprised the following:-

Messrs G. Page, J. Hamilton, P. Blackman, F. Cooper and C. Mahony.

At a subsequent meeting held on the 20 February, 1945, an Honorary Solicitor was appointed, and Keith McDonnell, continued in this capacity until his untimely death in August 1970.

A memorial step forward was taken, for on the 13 March 1945 The Womens Auxiliary was formed. Mrs. McKinnon became President, Miss Mary Harper Secretary and Miss Joan Craig Treasurer.

From this humble beginning to the present day the ladies of the Auxiliary have always been a tower of strength to the Sub-Branch, raising money and assisting at all social and official functions. To all of them go our grateful thanks for their many hours of toil and tireless endeavours.

Around this time also, were recorded many notable firsts in this young Sub-Branch. Lance Reed received the first badge issued and the first delegates to the RSL State Congress were Charlie McIntosh and Bert Jameson. Also the first members to represent the Sub-Branch at a public function were Alf Harper and Lance Reed, who witnessed the Official opening of Anzac House in March 1945.
Other functions initiated by this young but very capable committee were:-

The first visit to south Hurstville RSL of the mentally ill Diggers in April, 1945. The first mixed social was held in the new hut on 30 October 1945, followed soon after by a Smoko. Then followed the very first Christmas Picnic for the children at Carss Park on 15 December 1945.

The Smoko mentioned above was held in a small shop, to celebrate the departure of Lance Reed, who had been selected to go to England aboard the H.M.A.S.Australia for the Peace celebrations after World War 11.

The popular game of Housie was instituted on 15 November 1945 and this became the main source of income, with Charlie Carrett and Jack Carpenter and others combining with the ladies of the Womens Auxiliary to make a lucrative pastime. The club owes a debt of gratitude to all those who participated.

As mentioned previously, the meetings to this date had been held in the small shop in Belmore road, since re-named King Georges Road, and where Flemings food store now stands. The committee, alert to the fact that these arrangements were temporary only, decided on the 9 January, 1945 to purchase an ex-army hut from War Disposals. Negotiations were commenced and disappointments many over the ensuing months that followed as several huts were inspected and discarded as unsuitable. Available finance was unfortunately also at a minimum at this stage, and finally the Sub-Branch was notified on the 1 August that a hut was available at Turrumurra, Bert Johnson and Alf Williams were delegated to go and inspect it, and reported it was most suitable. A special meeting was called next day and it was decided to purchase it.

After a hurried Round Robin of members plus a loan of 40 pounds from the local Publican, Bert Jameson was despatched with instructions to close the deal. Fortunately for the RSL Bert was an early bird next morning, arriving before the Departments doors were opened. The purchase price of 105 pounds ($210.) had no sooner been handed over and the transaction completed, when two more groups arrived with the same idea.

A site had to be found urgently for the hut, and the Sub-Branch had another stroke of good fortune in that Fred Wood owned a Joinery works in Connells Point road near the hotel came forward and leased portion of his back yard to the Diggers for a nominal amount of one shilling(20 cents) per year, a truly fine and generous gesture (sic) indeed.

The next step was to dismantle the hut and transfer it to South Hurstville. Lady Fortune smiled again for Charlie Carrett came on the scene with his knowledge and experience in this type of work. He was working at Dubbo and came down every week-end without a penny cost to the Club. He like many others, worked unselfishly in those early days, with but one object in mind , and that was to help establish a strong Sub-Branch and Club.

Soon , all was ready so one week-end a party of enthusiastic workers journeyed forth on motor lorries owned by Messrs, Rogerson, Caloughan, Seabourne and Mahoney, and dismantled the hut, loaded it on the vehicles and brought it to the site.

All buildings rely on good solid foundations for their support so Mr, Sykes of Blakehurst donated and laid the brick piers and Alf Benson assisted by carting the bricks. Meanwhile, Bing Smith and Bert Jameson collected the many windows and doors which had been stored elsewhere for safe keeping.
Finally, after several weekends and a lot of hard but enthusiastic work, the members had the extreme satisfaction of seeing their first Clubrooms ready for occupancy, on 30 October 1945. As for furniture, again they were lucky, for just at that time the Public hall at Hurstville Grove was sold and their furniture came on the market.

These items were purchased for 51 pounds ($102) including a piano, which was sold next day for 40 pounds ($80) . The tables and chairs plus stools were in fairly good condition and gave the infant clubhouse a good start for the future.

The first organised function in the club was a mixes couples night and was highly successful. Naturally the premises were not licensed to serve liquor, indeed it was many years later, on 23 May1956, before they were granted that privilege officially. Nevertheless, with the aid of a bottle opener, many enjoyable and successful functions were to be held.

The raising of finance was always a long and tedious task, but gradually over the many months that followed the pennies grew into shillings and the pounds multiplied slowly but surely. An unexpected windfall came their way, in the form of a sizeable donation from the Kogarah Comforts Fund committee, when they distributed their surplus funds after the war, and we were included in their lists, for dispersal of monies. The amount was 250 pound which was, needless to say put to good use.

About this time a social committee was formed which organised and conducted dances in St. Marks Church Hall They were enjoyable evenings and well supported by the members and their wives.
Other activities were instituted to help raise finance, the goal being the construction of a more suitable and much larger Club. One avenue available was the weekly raffles for those post-war scarcities-tea and sugar which were still rationed.

Despite this situation people unselfishly donated their coupons, to help with this part of the fundraising, and Don Walker gave sterling service, riding on the buses selling tickets.

Chocolate wheels were conducted in Hurstville shopping centre on Saturday mornings, whenever permits were available. Men donated their cigarette issue as tobacco and cigarettes were very scarce. Occasionally a box of butter would come to light, and tickets would sell like hot-cakes.

Mrs. Westbrook of the Sea Breeze Hotel at Tom Uglys Point always gave generously with donations and prizes. Collections around the district were organised, and for a short period the R.S.Ls Younger Set assisted. Generally, the Housie games remained the most lucrative as far as raising finance was concerned, and in this regard Jack Carpenter, Cyril Mack, Albert Parsons and Sam Hiscock did a tremendous amount of work. This activity was conducted in the Ex-army hut, but as the floor was not considered good enough for dancing, just about all the dance nights were held at the church hall, situated in The Mall opposite.

Miss Pearl Drinkwater who conducted a confectionary shop opposite where Flemings are to-day, gave marvellous assistance. She personally paid for the hall for every monthly dance, displayed raffle prizes in her shop window and sold large numbers of tickets. She gave the lead to many more of the general public, who also pitched in to do their bit.

So many generous actions were recorded, and in an endeavour to mention just a few, the following persons stand proud.

Miss Fynn who had the store on the corner of Blakesly Road and King Georges Road, donated our first clock and helped in a number of other ways. The Smith brothers who donated and raffled their oysters each Saturday, and their generous help in many other fund raising activities. Jack Flowers who was always available as compare at our socials etc., and who gave free and valuable advice on land titles, real estate etc. There was Mr. Kennedy also of the local cinema who allowed us the use of his premises to conduct our Anzac Sunday Services during the early years. Another was the late Mrs. B. Jameson who personally made and supervised the making by other of wreaths and floral tributes during our first eight years and who, together with other Auxiliary members, supplied afternoon teas and scones to the voluntary workers when the first club rooms were being erected. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Price who donated most of the flowers for the making of the wreaths etc, including the delivery of the blooms at no cost to the Sub-Branch. There was also Mrs. Wilson, that wizard of the keyboard, who played the piano for all our functions, including the visit by bus to our club by the mentally ill diggers, and who always gave cheerfully her services free. This was quite a financial saving for us.

The president of Hurstville R.S.L. Mr. Bill Clegg, for his timely assistance in obtaining items from the defunct Allawah RSL Club, such as bowling mats etc. which were a big asset to our club. Notable also was his knowledge, help and advice, freely and cheerfully given in the field of pensions and welfare, to Lance Reed our Pensions Officer. Lance was more than grateful to this very learned gentleman, for the help he received when it was needed most.

Others to gain our undying gratitude are the late Albert Parsons for his wonderful assistance with the Housie and in so many other fields. Also the late Cyril Mack who donated many of the fruit prizes for the chocolate wheels.

The Sub-Branch will always be grateful also to two fine gentlemen in the late Bill Curry V.C M.L.A. and the late Doug Cross M.L.A for their many services rendered.

Towards the end of 1945 steps were taken to obtain a suitable block of land in South Hurstville, for the eventual erection of a Memorial Hall whenever finance and circumstances permitted.

At first it was suggested that the land on which two shops in Joffre Street be purchased, but this idea was quickly discarded. Lack of finance wasnt the only consideration, but it certain was a most important one.

The land where the present club now stands on the corner of The Mall and Connells Point Road, was leased by the Water Board as a depot, whilst the Oatley sewer mains were under construction. The main itself passes under the mens bar with a shaft purportedly 170ft deep. The remainder of the site was used for the storage of compressors and other materials, and even now some parts of our Memorial Garden has only 2ft, on soil cover, concealing several large concrete slabs underneath.

The procurement of this land necessitated many meetings by the management committee of the Club with Kogarah Council and others, but it is history now as to the outcome. Nevertheless the successful negotiations were not won easily.

Briefly the circumstances were that the Kogarah Council had an option on the purchase of the land, and it was necessary to have the Council lift its option, before the Sub-Branch could negotiate with the owner, a Mr, Calavan, who could be located anywhere between Sydney and Brisbane on business.
Naturally enough, other parties were interested in buying this land also, in fact one organisation wanted to establish a health centre there. Fortunately, with the help of Alderman DOUG Cross and others, the R.S.L, won the day, and made the purchase at a fair price.

One of our most worthy members saved us from financial embarrassment by loaning the Sub-Branch 350 pounds, enabling us to pay cash for the ground. This loan by Alf Sylvester was for three years and interest free, so one can imagine the deep appreciation and gratitude shown to this fine man. His wonderful gesture has not been forgotten

The Trustees for this newly acquired asset were Messrs S.R. Bell, A.J. Davis and Mr. W Whitfield, and the sub-branch were fortunate indeed to secure their services. Whilst these negotiations were being finalised, the Secretary Mr. Bert Jameson had to resign his position owing to ill health, and Mr. Eric McKinnon stepped into the breach.

That old stalwart, Fred Woods started off the New Year of 1946 in great style by presenting the Sub-Branch with a beautifully polished Honour Roll Board, the product no doubt from his own joinery works. Later on, when the new club was built on the corner of the Mall, the Honour Roll took pride of place in the foyer of the new building.

On Anzac Sunday 1946, the first service was conducted and on Anzac Day was held the first Dawn Service. This is now an annual fixture and is very well attended by the members, their families and friends.

During the Month of May the Club lost one of its best conscientious worker in Don Walker, who through ill health was forced to leave the city and go north.

In June1946, the Younger Set was formed under the capable leadership of Alf Sparkes, and they proved to be a real asset to the Sub- Branch, for the following year they handed over quite a cheque for the building fund.

Mr. Doug Cross used his influence to ensure that such a temporary structure as the army hut could be erected in the West Ward of the Municipal Council, when many aldermen were dead against it. Permission was soon granted and the construction completed.

So, the hut as a temporary Club rooms, was officially opened on 30 November 1946, by the local Member Mr. William M.L.A. before a gathering of one hundred and fifty people. A very nice afternoon tea was provided by an enthusiastic Womens Auxiliary.

Many enjoyable functions were held in these clubrooms and many friendships were cemented, which have endured over a great period of time. The Club members of to-day should be grateful to all these people of yesteryear who worked so hard on the project together with the fund-raising that they organised to ensure that the building fund remained fluent, and the Club itself prospered, even if only slowly at first.

Woolworths Annual Staff dance was held in April 1947, and quite a number of our members were in attendance. The proceeds from this social evening were generously donated to the building fund, also towards the end of 1947, as the funds slowly accumulated it was decided that a start should be made on planning for the construction on a permanent Memorial Hall and Club, across the road on the already acquired land on the corner of the Mall.

During the following nine months, a lot of hard work was expended by the Executive and Committee in obtaining suitable plans and specifications on a limited budget, and permission from the State Government and the local council was sought, to allow them to proceed with the building