{"id":464,"date":"2018-06-07T16:13:03","date_gmt":"2018-06-07T06:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coffscoastheritage.wordpress.com\/?p=464"},"modified":"2023-10-11T22:34:06","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T22:34:06","slug":"the-story-of-the-coffs-harbour-jetty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/2018\/06\/the-story-of-the-coffs-harbour-jetty\/","title":{"rendered":"The story of the Coffs Harbour Jetty"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Jetty1946mus07-5972\"
Coffs Harbour Jetty 4 July 1946, Coffs Collections,<\/a> mus07-5972<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Jetty is an icon for Coffs Harbour because it was part of the beginning of the city\u2019s economic growth. Before the jetty was built, logs were hauled to a site at the showground by bullock teams.\u00a0 From there they were rolled into Coffs Creek and floated to its mouth on the outgoing tide by using bullock teams, ropes and pulleys. The logs were manoeuvred through the water to waiting ships beyond the line of surf.\u00a0 Using ships\u2019 winches, the logs were hoisted aboard. The process of loading was difficult and hazardous and, as the industry grew, it was necessary to construct a suitable jetty.<\/p>\n

The builder<\/strong>
\nA builder and contractor, Mr Thomas L Lawson, was the successful tenderer.\u00a0 Construction of the new jetty began in 1890.\u00a0 The original length was 1641 feet (500.17m).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 During construction a violent storm washed away 300 ft (91.5m) of the partially built structure.\u00a0 The total expenditure of the completed jetty in August 1892 was \u00a312,482 1s 8d ($24,964.10). The Public Works Department (PWD) accepted control of the jetty and was responsible for all future maintenance and improvements. The jetty was described in a newspaper article as \u2018an outlet for our produce and an inlet for our necessities\u2019.<\/p>\n

Opening of the Jetty<\/strong>
\nAdjacent to the shore end of the jetty were calf and sheep pens, a goods shed and a wharfinger\u2019s cottage. On completion of the goods shed the opening ceremony was arranged by Messrs Lee, Marles and Gill for Friday 5 August 1892.\u00a0 A beautiful arch was erected over the western end of the jetty and the goods shed was adorned with ferns, greenery and flags and delicious food was presented there.\u00a0 A banner suspended from the arch bore the words \u201cSuccess to Coffs Harbor\u201d while from a cord profusely decorated with flowers and ribbons hung the bottle of \u201cfizz\u201d with which the oldest resident of Coffs Harbour, Mr Peter Moller, was to perform the opening ceremony.
\nThe arrival of Mr O. O. Dangar, Member of the Legislative Assembly, at 11.30am was received with cheers.\u00a0 A large crowd gathered to witness the ceremony which, after a few words from Mr Moller, was duly performed amid cheers. Mr James Gill, Wharfinger, then read an address to Mr Dangar on behalf of the residents. Mr Dangar responded to the speech congratulating the people on the completion of the work. After the speeches, the Coramba Brass Band played suitable music and then a special luncheon was held.\u00a0 At dusk, some people departed but others enjoyed a ball in the goods shed.<\/p>\n

\"jetty-nla.news-page000001374947-nla.news-article13874247-L4-02f72030b859018f6e09945654c5cfaf-0001\"
OPENING OF THE COFF’S HARBOUR JETTY. (1892, August 6).\u00a0The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954)<\/i>, p. 10. http:\/\/nla.gov.au\/nla.news-article13874247<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Development of the jetty<\/strong>
\nIn 1909 a new 80ft x 30 ft (24.38m x 9.14m) cargo shed was provided, as well as a large waiting shed at the outer end of the jetty and additional trollies.\u00a0 In 1909-10 the outer end of the jetty was widened and a duplicate tram line laid.
\nIn 1911 the Public Works Department imported a new 1910 steam locomotive (Orenstein & Koppel No. 4365) and the jetty was strengthened to accommodate it.\u00a0 This replaced the draught horses previously used to pull the trollies.
\nIn 1912 gas lighting was added to the jetty.\u00a0 In 1914 widening of the jetty to 41 feet (12.49m) and construction of 320 feet (97.53m) extension was completed.
\nDuring 1915 the rails were converted to 4 ft 8 \u00bd in to be compatible with the new railway line being laid from Raleigh to Coffs Harbour.<\/p>\n

\"Jetty1946-mus07-5963\"
Sleepers for New Zealand at Coffs Harbour jetty 28 August 1946, Coffs Collections<\/a>, mus07-5963<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In April 1946 further\u00a0extensions were completed.\u00a0 The jetty was widened at its base to accommodate a loop line to the new Northern Timber Depot and the track layout on the jetty was altered considerably.<\/p>\n

Jetty Cranes<\/strong>
\nA single railway line of 3ft 6in gauge was laid along the centre.\u00a0 A five-ton (4.53 tonnes) capacity steam derrick crane, built by Rogers of Newcastle, was erected near the end of the jetty for loading vessels.\u00a0 The first crane driver was Dan Shea.\u00a0 Pop Sampson and Cecil Owen Walsh were engine drivers. A number of small wooden trollies were provided for the conveyance of cargo along the jetty.
\nIn 1906-07 the crane was replaced by a 7 1\/2-ton (6.80 tonne) capacity steam derrick one from the Clarence Harbour Works, built by Ransomes and Rapier. \u00a0By 1909, increased traffic at the port facilities necessitated the jetty to be upgraded. In 1914 a second steam crane (10-ton capacity) was erected at the outer end of the jetty.<\/p>\n

\"Jetty-mus07-3893\"
Shipping timber at Coffs Jetty, 1908,\u00a0Coffs Collections<\/a>, mus07-3893<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two new steam cranes were purchased for use on the jetty in 1928-29.\u00a0 The first was a five and a half ton (4.98 tonne) capacity crane at the base of the jetty and the second, a seven and a half ton (6.80 tonne) capacity travelling crane.<\/p>\n

In 1947 a timber floodlighting tower was erected to facilitate night work. Two diesel electric travelling cranes, Nos 209 and 210, provided prominent landmarks in the port area. \u00a0The cranes were constructed by Messrs. Stothert and Pitt of Bath, England in 1944 for use in the Normandy invasion of France.\u00a0 \u00a0No. 210, which was bought from Evans, Deakin and Co Ltd of Brisbane, was erected on the jetty in December 1947 with special rails being laid for it.<\/p>\n

\"jetty-mus07-2773\"
Loading timber 1950, Coffs Collections, <\/a> mus07-2773<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 1949 electric travelling gear was installed on the crane.\u00a0 By July of that year the North Berth steam crane had been removed, leaving No. 210 as the sole operational crane.\u00a0 This was later joined by No. 209, the inner crane, identical to the other one, which was supplied by the State Dockyard.\u00a0 This crane became operational in August 1955.\u00a0 The main function of the cranes was to load timber onto ships but, they were also used for jetty maintenance, especially pile driving.\u00a0 With the cessation of regular shipping from Coffs Harbour in the mid-1970s they fell into disuse.\u00a0 After 1973 owners of fishing vessels relied on the cranes to lift their boats on and off the jetty for maintenance and servicing.<\/p>\n

Shipping<\/strong>
\nThe first cargo loaded at the jetty was a consignment of sugar from Alexander Herman\u2019s mill at Korora.\u00a0 Although the jetty was not completely finished, Mr Lawson allowed Mr Herman to use the builders\u2019 trucks to carry the sugar to a chute at the end of the structure, where it was loaded into the tiny ship Byron<\/em> commanded by Captain Hunter.
\nOver a ten-year period from 1906, more than 400 ships a year called at the jetty.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0During the following years, better rail transport and improved road conditions plus the build-up of sand in the harbour resulted in fewer ships calling at the jetty.<\/p>\n

\"jetty-basket\"
Passengers boarding the S.S. Fitzroy at Coffs Harbour jetty with Muttonbird Island in the background, circa 1920. Coffs Collections,<\/a> mus07-2931<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most popular passenger vessel to leave Coffs Harbour for Sydney was the SS Fitzroy<\/em>, commanded by Captain James Colvin.\u00a0 It left the jetty at 3pm every Sunday arriving in Sydney the next day.\u00a0 Passengers were embarked in a large basket which was lifted from ship to jetty and back again by one of the jetty cranes.<\/p>\n

\"ReplicaBasket\"
Replica of the basket used for embarking \/ disembarking of passengers at the jetty\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Photographer: Marie Davey, 2008<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inside the basket were two rows of seats facing each other which held a total of eight people.
\nBy the 1970s the jetty had begun to slip into a state of disrepair.\u00a0 The last regular trading vessel to call at Coffs Harbour, the Abel Tasman<\/em>, paid its final visit in 1973.\u00a0 The Lorrana<\/em> loaded the final commercial shipment on 22 July 1979, when it sailed for Lord Howe Island with a cargo of provisions.<\/p>\n

End of Commercial Activity<\/strong>
\nIn 1982 most of the railway track was removed to enable replacement of defective timber decking.\u00a0 Several sheds were demolished and two piles replaced. Due to their unsafe condition, the cranes were demolished by April 1984.\u00a0 Their removal ended nearly a hundred years of commercial activity on the jetty.<\/p>\n

The Centenary<\/strong>
\nResidents dressed in period costume for the jetty centenary celebrations held on 2 August 1992.\u00a0 Bush ballad recitals, tug-o-wars, whip cracking, hay cart rides, buskers, model steam engines, vintage cars and historical photographic displays delighted the many people who came to witness the centenary of our icon.\u00a0 There was a working model of the Timmsvale sawmill brought to life by Dudley Timms from the original stationary mill built by his father 50 years previously. A short official ceremony on the jetty was held at 11am Sunday when a giant birthday cake was cut by special guest, Marjorie Nelson (nee Jackson).\u00a0 The week of festivities culminated in a Gala Ball held in the Town Hall on 8 August 1992.
\n\"jettycentenary\"And Beyond<\/strong>
\nThe jetty became unsafe and was closed in 1990.\u00a0 A spirited campaign\u00a0 by local historian Naomi England sought to save it. It was listed under the Heritage Act and as it was the only remaining jetty on the North Coast, the New South Wales Government decided to conserve it.\u00a0 A Save the Jetty Fund was launched in 1992 with its goal being $100,000 towards the total cost. Work began in March 1996. Timber used was blackbutt, tallowwood and spotted gum.\u00a0 The original piles were made of turpentine. The decking was removed and replaced.\u00a0 A firefighting system was installed with safety fencing, lighting and seating benches.\u00a0 The final cost was $3.8 million. \"jettyrefurb\"
\nAs the jetty was closed to commercial shipping for 20 years and to the general public since 1990, there were big festivities to celebrate the re-opening on 11 October 1997.\u00a0 Mayor Cr John Smith, and Andrew Fraser, Member for Coffs Harbour, officiated at the opening and the ribbon was cut by Carl Scully, Minister for Roads, NSW.\u00a0 A re-enactment of a scene depicting Captain Korff stepping off the steamboat\u00a0Mary<\/em> was the highlight.\u00a0 Sporting events, displays, food, drama and musical concerts were also enjoyed. There was a Best Decorated Boat competition and night entertainment including sky diving by Coffs City Skydivers and fireworks.
\nOur jetty is now enjoyed by tourists and residents alike for recreational purposes – walking, swimming and fishing and will continue to be an icon for our city.<\/p>\n

More details are available in the Jetty’s entry<\/a> in the NSW State Heritage Register.<\/p>\n

Sources<\/strong>
\nShips and Timber \u2013 a short history of Coffs Harbour port and associated railways<\/em>, Dr John Kramer, 1984, 994.43 KRA<\/a>
\nCoffs Harbour 100 years down the track<\/em>, Jean Donn-Patterson, 994.43 DON<\/a>
\nOPENING OF COFFS HARBOR JETTY. (1892, August 10).\u00a0Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 – 1907; 1909 – 1910; 1912 – 1913; 1915 – 1916; 1918 – 1954)<\/i>, p. 4. http:\/\/nla.gov.au\/nla.news-article234191457<\/a>
\nReminiscences of Jetty Town<\/em>, 2015, 994.43 REM<\/a><\/p>\n

The Advocate<\/em> –
\n17 August 1956 First cargo
\n10 December 1981 Cranes on jetty
\n2 May 1992 Save the jetty fund
\n22 July 1992 Working model of Timmsvale Sawmill
\n31 July 1992 The Centenary
\n1 August 1992 Gala Ball for centenary
\n4 August 1992 Outlet for produce inlet for necessity
\n14 May 2001 PWD have control of jetty.\u00a0 Replacement of crane
\nJetty Times,<\/em>\u00a09 March 1996 Jetty restoration
\nThe Coffs Harbour Advocate,\u00a0<\/em>14 October 1997 Re-opening ceremony<\/p>\n

Acknowledgement<\/strong>
\nCompiled by Museum volunteer, Marie Davey<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Jetty is an icon for Coffs Harbour because it was part of the beginning of the city’s economic growth. Before the jetty was built, logs were hauled to a site at the showground by bullock teams.  From there they were rolled into Coffs Creek and floated to its mouth on the outgoing tide by … Continue reading “The story of the Coffs Harbour Jetty”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/464"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=464"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1684,"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/464\/revisions\/1684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coffscoastheritage.info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}