» Introduction
» Collection Resources
» Links to Local History Sources
» History
» References
The Hastings Library Service Local Studies Collection is a special collection of historic and current material relating to all aspects of the Hastings region. The main collection is in Port Macquarie, and the branches at Wauchope and Laurieton hold material relevant to their immediate vicinity.
The Local Studies Collection depends on the public for information and for donations or loans of materials for copying. If you have information on people, organisations, places or events connected with Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas, we would like to hear from you. Utmost care is taken with material lent for copying.
The Local Studies Collection is housed in the Local Studies and Family History room and material is for reference and research only. All members of the public are welcome to use the collection which is available during library hours.
Guidance
Reference staff are available to assist with enquiries. For major local research projects, contact Jeff Stonehouse, Reference Services Librarian, or phone 02 6581 8723, to arrange time to discuss your project.
Collection Resources
Newspapers
- Port Macquarie News 1882-
- Port Macquarie Express
- Hastings Gazette
- Camden Haven Courier
These newspapers are held on microfilm and/or bound copy and there are indexes available for more recent years
Books
Books written on people, places and events relating to the Hastings region. Guidebooks, directories and souvenir booklets relevant to the area. Books and reports produced by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for public information are particularly useful.
Local newsletters
Magazines, newsletters etc of local groups, organisations and schools relevant to the area.
Photographs
Small collection of photographic images held - in various forms ie original, postcards, prints. There is a digital image collection available through the Library Catalogue.
Maps
Maps relating to the Hastings region are held eg Parish, town, tourist, topographical. Aerial photographic maps are also held. Not all maps are on the library catalogue.
Links to Local History Sources
Hastings History
Brief outlines on the settlement period with references to convicts, early settlers, and buildings.
Heritage information
Heritage in the Hastings: A useful link to heritage sites in the Hastings.
Origin of Place Names: Origins of some local place names.
Port Macquarie Historical Society Inc. and Museum Operators Information on the early history and resources held by the Museum. The Museum is one of the town's early buildings.
Hastings History
European settlement began in the Hastings area following the discovery by the surveyor John Oxley in 1818. He named the river, Hastings, and the entrance Port Macquarie. It was decided to use the area for a convict settlement and three years later, on 17 April 1821, the first group arrived on the ships, 'Lady Nelson', 'Mermaid', and 'Prince Regent'.
Aborigines
The traditional owners of the lands of the Hastings and Manning rivers are the Birpai (Biripi) peoples. are on the Hastings and Manning Rivers. Their neighbours are the Daingatti, Worimi and Kamilaroi peoples. The Daingatti people are in the southeast region of the Macleay River. In old European documents the names used for the groups in this area were Ngaku and Ngamba. See Tindale's Catalogue of Australian Aboriginal Tribes for maps of tribal boundaries.
The library has no comprehensive work on the Birpai people, however there are a number of publications in the Local Studies collection that may assist researchers. You can search our catalogue under the term Biripai for a list of titles. There are also a number of web sites available on varying aspects of the Biripai peoples, these include:
Towns & Villages
The Hastings towns and villages include:
BALLENGARRA-BEECHWOOD-BIRDWOOD-BONNY HILLS-BROMBIN-BYABARRA-COMBOYNE
DUNBOGAN-ELLENBOROUGH--HERONS CREEK-HUNTINGDON-KENDALL-KEW-KINDEE-LAKE CATHIE
LAURIETON-LONG FLAT-LORNE-PAPPINBARRA-PEMBROOKE-PORT MACQUARIE-RAWDON ISLAND
ROLLANDS PLAINS-ROSS GLEN-TELEGRAPH POINT-WAUCHOPE-YARRAS
Port Macquarie
Named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie by John Oxley on 11 October 1818 "in honour of His Excellency the Governor, the original promoter of these expeditions". The Aboriginals called the area Jack-Bulga because of the large amount of water. The Hastings River was also named by John Oxley and was probably named after the Governor of Bengal, India, Francis Rawdon Hastings, First Marquis of Hastings.
Early Land Grants
In 1830 Port Macquarie was opened for private settlement. Most of the early grantees took up land along the river inland from Port Macquarie where the river was fresh water rather than salt. A number of early grantees took up land but did not live here.
- Joseph Wilson's grant of fifty acres (20.3 ha) was on the east side of Limeburners' Creek, 1830
- Anne Mary Parker received 1,280 acres (518.4 ha) on her marriage to Henry Harding Parker. It was on the south bank of the Hasting River (Rosewood Park estate).
- Lieutenant Matthew Mitchell's grant was 2,560 acres (1,032.8 ha) on the north bank of Hastings River, 1831 (Redbank)
- William Cross had a grant in 1830 of 1,920 acres (777.6 ha) on the south side of the Hastings River adjoining Rosewood Park, near Wauchope which he named Crosslands.
- Archibald Clunes Innes applied for, and received 2,560 acres (1,032.8 ha) at Lake Innes (originally called Lake Burrawan). His wife Margaret, was also an early grantee and received land at Crottys Plains on the Wilson River near Rollands Plains (Tilbuster estate).
- Jeremiah Warlters had a grant of 1,920 acres (777.6 ha) at Rollands Plains, 1830
- Richard Smith took up a grant of 2,560 acres (1,032.8 ha) at Blackmans Point, the junction of the Hastings and Maria Rivers.
Early Free Settlers
Some of those who received land grants were naturally, early settlers. Others were
- Michael Fahy was a soldier enlisted originally in the 39th Regiment of Foot then when he came to Port Macquarie with the first group of convicts he was a corporal with the 48th Regiment. He was discharged in 1832 and was granted two sections of land on the Wilson River. He also purchased land in Port Macquarie. Michael died a few years later in 1837/8 and is buried in the Historic Cemetery. His descendants are still living in the area today.
- Stephen Partridge was a soldier when he came to Australia in 1814. He was appointed Superintendent of Convicts and Public Works attached to the Port Macquarie Penal Settlement arriving here on 21 April 1821 with a wife and two children. He resigned his position after a Commissioner's Enquiry and became the landlord of the 'New Inn' for a few years before obtaining the position of a constable that he held until 1862. He died in 1878 and is buried in the General Cemetery.
- Jeremiah Warlters arrived in Sydney from Scotland in 1825. By 1828 he had a property at Erina. When Port Macquarie was open to free settlement he moved here and acquired properties in several places: on Wrights Creek ('Warltersville') adjoining Innes' property; 'Radnor' on the New England Road, and 'Koolook' on the northern shore of the Hastings River. Jeremiah bought the first Hereford cattle to the area and had extensive grazing and farming interests. He had many other interests as well. There are many families living here today with connections to Jeremiah Warlters.
- John Dick and his family came to Port Macquarie in 1841. He set up as a tanner, first in Hay Street and later moved to the south end of Horton Street on the corner of Gordon Street. His residence was in Bridge Street (now known as Hayward Street). The hill was referred to as Dick's Hill. John and his family were also involved in the oyster industry. The majority of his children married and lived locally. There are many of his descendants in the town and Hastings today.
- James Blair came from Scotland in 1839 with his family and arrived in Port Macquarie soon after accepting the position of manager of 'Settlement Farm' for Captain Steele. After leaving Capt. Steele's employment he took service with Captain Jobling at 'Goolwa'. He later went to the Glebe at Port Macquarie onto a property belonging to Reverend William Purves called 'Palm Cottage'. James drowned in Kooloonbung Creek in 1852 whilst trying to get home late at night during a flood. His descendants still live in the Hastings area.
- Major Archibald Clunes Innes was Commandant in Port Macquarie from November 1826-April 1827. In 1830 he returned to the town and took up residence on the land granted him at Burrawan Lake. The house was named 'Lake Cottage'. Extensions were made to it and today the ruins remaining are known as the 'Innes House Ruins'. Archibald Innes did not stay in the area but for the period he was here his influence was significant.
Early Convict Settlers
- William Delaforce was a convict who came to Port Macquarie in 1836, two years after his arrival in the colony. He received his Ticket of Leave in 1843 and after trying to work in Sydney returned to Port Macquarie. It was not until 1868 that he purchased land situated on Rawdon Island and called his property 'Rawdon Villa'. Delaforce wrote a diary, Life and experiences of an ex-convict in Port Macquarie, under the name of 'Woomera'.
- Thomas Dyball was only 18 when he was given a life sentence and transported to Australia in early 1829 and by December of that year he arrived in Port Macquarie. By 1837 he was assigned to W.Wynter. In 1841 Thomas married a convict, Catherine Calnan who was sentenced in 1836. Thomas was pardoned in 1848 five years after Catherine received her Ticket of Freedom. Thomas died in 1905 at Rawdon Island.
- John Davis Rowsell was convicted for seven years and arrived in Sydney in December 1831 on the Bussorah Merchant. By 1837 he was in Port Macquarie with a Ticket of Leave. He resided on land in the Hastings from 1845 and by 1860 received a grant of land in the Wilson's River area. He died on 7 November 1883 at Rollands Plains. Some of his brothers also came out to this area and settled.
- George J Mumford was transported for life on the Asia (5) in 1826. By 1836 he was employed by Mrs William Cross and in June of that year he married Elizabeth Connor/Connell who was also a convict. They were married in St Thomas' Church, by the Reverend John Cross. Rev Cross was Elizabeth's employer. George was a sawyer at the time and in 1838 he received a Ticket of Leave and ten years later he received a Conditional Pardon. He and Elizabeth had at least seven children and all married locally. George died in Port Macquarie hospital on 7 August 1863.
First Streets
- William Street runs east to west and was named for King William IV.
- Clarence Street also runs east to west and was named for the King's brother, the Duke of Clarence.
- Horton Street, Hay Street, and Murray Street run north-south and were named for Secretaries of State.
- Bridge Street named for the old bridge crossing the Kooloonbung Creek to the west. (now known as Hayward Street on the east of Kooloonbung Creek. The name is Bridge Street on the west side while the bridge now crosses the creek on Gordon Street)
Early Transport
Sea
In the early years of settlement transport was by sea. The following ships brought convicts, passengers and supplies to the town. Lady Nelson, Prince Regent and Mermaid brought the first convicts and personnel to the settlement in 1821. The Sally, Lucy Ann, Elizabeth Cohen, William the Fourth made regular round trips transporting supplies, convicts and free settlers. The Lady Nelson was also the first shipwreck in the mouth of the river.
Railway
Access to rail travel was possible for Port Macquarie residents when a railway link was built from Maitland to Wauchope. This occurred in 1914.
Air service
In 1930, consideration was given to basing an airport on property at Settlement Point but it was not until November 1955 that the aerodrome was officially open in the current site.
Early Churches
Anglican
The Acting Commandant, Lieutenant Carmac and the chaplain, Reverend Thomas Hassall, laid the foundation stone for St Thomas' Anglican Church on 8 December 1924. The church was completed and dedicated on 24 February 1828 by the Reverend John Cross. The church is still in use.
Methodist
Built in 1846 in Horton Street on land originally used for the prisoners' garden. Mr Currey was the preacher from 1846-1848. The church closed until 1859 when services were again established and the minister was Reverend John Purnell. The church is still standing in 2004.
Roman Catholic
The first St Agnes church was built in 1878 although there was a visiting priest in the early years. A new St Agnes Church was built and opened in 1941. The first Catholic church in the Hastings was built at Rawdon Island for Father D J O'Quinlivan.
Presbyterian
Built in 1842 with Reverend William Purves as the minister. He also established a Presbyterian Denomination School. The original church has been replaced.
First School
Gamaliel Farrell was recorded as a schoolmaster but when he set up his school is uncertain. He was recorded in 1825 as schoolmaster with 56 pupils enrolled. Prior to him there was a Free Day School was here in 1827 with attendance given as 31. John McCabe was probably the first teacher in the area about 1822. He was a convict and the tutor for Captain Allman's three children as well as some other children of officials and soldiers in the settlement.
First Post Office
This was established on 1 August 1832 at Port Macquarie for the Hastings district and an 1833 record gives Thomas Fearby in charge at that time. Prior to this there was a Post Office attached to the penal settlement and the first postmaster was Isaac Nichols who was appointed in 1809.
First Hotel
In August 1830 Stephen Partridge was granted the first innkeeper's licence in the district. He resigned his position as Superintendent of Convicts and became the innkeeper of 'The New Inn'. The building was originally his living quarters and was located on the waterfront, near the wharf at the northern end of Hay Street. Within weeks, Charles Farrell opened the next public house in Clarence Street on the south side, between Horton and Hay Streets. It was called 'The Settlers' Arms'.
First Hospital
The Public Hospital was gazetted on 14 September 1848. This hospital was most likely on the site where an old building known as the Asylum was located (in Clarence Street on a hill overlooking the sea and originally the prisoners barracks). Prior to that there was a government hospital attached to the settlement and it was established in 1825 and was on the site of the Roman Catholic Church.
Local Government
Port Macquarie Municipal Council formed and elections took place on 23 May 1887. There were six successful candidates and James McInherney topped the poll and was elected Mayor. He held that office until 1890. The first meeting was held in the Good Templars Hall in Horton Street. New chambers were built in Clarence Street (currently the Port Macquarie-Hastings Regional Gallery site) and opened in 1892. In 1968 the Council moved to new premises in Hay Street and in 1991 to Burrawan Street. Area of municipality was 3402 acres. After 1951 it was increased to 14,902 acres. When amalgamation with Hastings Shire occurred in 1980, the Hastings Council (now known as Port Macquarie-Hastings Council) based in Port Macquarie is responsible for an area of 3,693 sq km.
Population
1836: 1,300 (convicts 936)
1841: 1,053 (transportation ceased in 1840)
1881: 773
1901: 1,160
1921: 1,563 (Census)
1947: 2,907 (Census)
1968: 7,500 (Sesqui-centenary figure)
1981: 19,572 (Census)
2001: 38,289 (Census - 64,412 Hastings total)
2006: 40,052 (Census - 68,430 Hastings total)
Climate
- Average Temperature 22.1°C
- Average Rainfall 1546.1 mm
- Average number of rain days 133.8
Significant Utility Dates
- Water Supply: First water was pumped from the Hastings at Koree Island in October 1957.
- Electricity: The official switching on was Wednesday, 12 January 1927. There were 41 street lights and 94 consumers.
- Sewerage: In 1963 Council commenced implementing a scheme that was completed for the inner section of the town by August 1967. Work had also been undertaken on residential areas and by 1968 most of the town had sewer mains.
Book References
The following books were used to compile the Hastings History page.
- Centenary of a Parish : Port Macquarie 1888-1988 / Port Macquarie Parish, 1988 282.5/CEN
- Hastings Heritage Study : Final Report Vol.1-2 / Hastings Municpal Council, 1991 LS720.994/HAS
- History of Port Macquarie / Port Macquarie Historical Society, 1988 LS994.42/HAS
- History of St Thomas' Church Port Macquarie / Nanette Lewis, 2000 LS726.5/HIS
- People and Places within the Hastings River District Vol.1-6 / Rae Young, 198- LS994.42/YOU
- A Place of Banishment : Port Macquarie 1818-1832 / Iaen McLachlan, 1988 994.4202/MCL
- Port Macquarie : Growing Up! / Charles Uptin, 994.42/UPT
- Port Macquarie : a History to 1850 / Frank Rogers, 1982 994.4202/POR
- Port Macquarie : the Windingsheet / Gwen Griffin and Ron Howell, 1996 929.5/GRI
- Port Macquarie News1882-1982 100 Years / Port Macquarie News, 1982 LS079.9442/POR
- A Town called Port : a Port Macquarie-Hastings Valley Walkabout / John Moyes and Gilbert Mant, 1993 994.42/MOY
