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Bookmarks to following items:                                                                                                  "Old Times", April 1903 - OLD MEMORIES                                                             Sydney Morning Herald,  7th July, 1911, Obituary                                                       Family Account of the life of The Honourable John Macintosh

Maitland,  10th September 1898  
DAILY MERCURY
Reminiscences of the Paterson District

The Hon. John Macintosh, M.L.C., sends us the following interesting communication:

The recent visit of his Excellency Lord Hampden to the district of the Paterson
River, reminds me of the visit of Governor (Sir George Gipps) to that district,
before the introduction of parliamentary government, or shortly after the time
that your predecessor (Mr. R. Jones) began to publish the Maitland Mercury.
There have been vast changes in the district since that period of our history:
the early pioneers of the district are now all gone over to the majority; they
were almost without exception able men, and well qualified to conquer the
difficulties besetting settlement in a new country.

Having been a resident of the Paterson River at the time of Governor Gipps' visit,
I remember him well walking about the township unattended, making enquiries
regarding some grievances that affected some of the residents at that period.
There were not many "little settlers" on the river - the farming was mostly
carried on by the pioneers who had obtained grants of land, generally from 610
to 2560 acres in extent, some of then having increased their grants of land by
purchases, all being subject to a quit rent of one farthing per acre. Narrowgut,
or Phoenix Park, was then, with the exception of a few small patches, brought
under cultivation, a thick brush with magnificent straight flooded gums, nearly
200 feet in height from say a line drawn from the Paterson close to estate of
Dunmore to Bolwarra. Mr. R. Jones' estate of Bolwarra was a well-cultivated farm.
A good breed of cattle was herded on the bushland. On the slope of the ridge
leading towards the lagoon in front of Bolwarra House, I have seen a muster of
aborigines numbering from four to five hundred, armed with their spears and
boomerangs, etc.

Mr. Andrew Lang' s estate of Dunmore contained a considerable area of alluvial
brush land, part of which be cultivated, and began leasing allotments of from 10
to 20 acres on clearing leases of five years free from rent. On the opposite
side of the river was the fine estate of Bowthorne - Capt. Livingston being the
proprietor - then, I think, the finest and largest farm in the district. I have
seen on that farm, from near the homestead on both sides of the Hinton road leading
to Raymond Terrace punt (Mrs. James' hotel), an excellent crop of wheat. Adjoining
Bowthorne was the estate owned by the Messrs. Barty. Dr. Scott was the proprietor
of the estate of Coolio Camp; John Galt Smith's Woodville farm adjoined on the
upper boundary. Major Hobbler had a grant near Green Wattle Creek. Mr. Lee
occupied the farm known as Leeholme; on the opposite side of the river was the
estate of Bellevue, Dr. Evans being the proprietor; at the Old Banks, the Swan
family, I think, are the oldest settlers of the district, most of the others dating
from 1820 to 1828. Captain Dunn was an early settler on the river, as was also
Mr. Dunn, the coroner, whose farm was on the opposite side of the river to that of
Tocal. A Mr. Powel had a farm near Hogg Island.

Mr. Felix Wilson's estate of Tocal was among the best in the district; a considerable
area was under cultivation, the cattle run being richly grassed running back along
Webber' s Creek towards Lamb' s Valley. Next came the estate of Bona Vista,                        Mr. James Phillips being proprietor. On the opposite side of the river were the farms of
Mrs. Ward (afterwards Mrs. Studdert), Messrs. Kingston, and Mr. Macquarie, while
on the township of Paterson Captain David Brown, who kept the Bush Inn, was proprietor
of about 700 acres of land. Mr. Brown' s and Mr. Bodwell' s lands are now held by
the family of the late Mr. Corner. Major Johnson was Police Magistrate; Mr. R.
Studdert was Clerk of the Court; Chief-constable Sullivan was in charge of the police.
Adjoining the land of Capt. Brown was the small estate of Cintra, Lieutenant Bedwell,
R.N., being proprietor. On that estate was the extensive store kept by Mr. T. Alford,  subsequently by Mr. R.C. Gordon and Messrs. J. and N. Andrews, the writer having
been in the employ of each in succession for six years.

The Rev. J . J. Smith was the Church of England minister, and who mainly raised
and provided the funds for the erection of the church and manse. He was a
gentleman of scientific attainments, frequently delivering lectures on various
subjects. The Rev. W. Ross was the Presbyterian clergyman. Mr. C. D. Haylock
kept the Wellington Hotel, who was highly popular and well patronised, especially
on Courtdays.

The large brick building erected by Mr. Wilson was then being finished, and
afterwards opened as a hotel by Mr. Brown, who was the contractor for the 
construction and completion of Tocal mansion. Adjoining the estate of Mr. Bedwell
was Tillimby, Mr. T. Boughton, solicitor, being proprietor, who cultivated a portion
of his estate and leased small blocks of alluvial land to little settlers. On
the opposite side of the river was situated the estate of Gostwyck, Mr. Edward
Cory being the original owner. He also at the head of navigation had a flour
mill worked by a Mr. Brewner, who went to Queensland. It was afterwards kept
by Mr. S. Hopson Dark for many years.

At the crossing place on the road leading to Dungog, was the farm and hotel
occupied by Mr. Thos, Jones, and to whom the "Jew Boys" gang of bushrangers paid
an unfriendly visit during 1842. About 10 miles distant on the Dungog road was
the beautiful estate of the Grange, belonging to Mr. N. Chapman, who subsequently
met his death from an accident at Stony Creek. Dr. Nind occupied a small area of
the Tillimby estate with his residence and hospital he kept for the convenience
of the settlers to send their Government men to when sick. The next estate upwards
from Tillimby was Vacy, Mr. Gilbert Cory (lately deceased), being the proprietor.
At the junction of the Allyn and Paterson Mr. W. Cardow had a large farm. Mr. Jones
had a farm adjoining Vacy. The large farm of Lennoxton owned by the Messrs. Adair
came next. A considerable area was under cultivation. The farm, Cardoness,
occupied by Dr. Park, was to the right of Clark's crossing place. Two brothers
named Barker also had a farm adjoining Lennoxton, while on the opposite side of
the river were the farms of Messrs. R. Clark, E. Kiely, and Lee. The next estate
was that of Elm Hall, Mr. W. W. Bucknell being the owner. This estate included
the Brecon Mountain, the foot of which was laid out as the site for a village in
allotments during 1839. The advertisements of Mr. R. Stubbs, auctioneer, of Sydney,
drawing attention to the attractions of the scenery, etc. ,have not yet been excelled
by the glowing notices that appeared during the late land boom.

Opposite the farm of Elmshall on the Paterson, Mr. Westmacott was the proprietor
of about 1200 acres. On that side of the river was the estate of Norwood, Colonel
Gibbs being the proprietor. Next came the large and valuable estate of Trevallyn,
belonging to Mr. G. Townshend, which also had a frontage to the Allyn River.
Adjoining on the Allyn was the large and valuable estate of Lewinsbrook, belonging
to Mr. Alex Park. Adjoining were the farms occupied by Messrs. Dalgleish and
Messrs. Durbin and Way. Higher on the Allyn were the large estates of Camer Allyn,
belonging to Mr. Charles Boydell, his brother (Mr. W. Boydell) being the proprietor
of a farm on the upper boundary. Near Gresford were the farms occupied by Dr.
Campbell (subsequently in charge of Gladesville Asylum) and Dr. Lindeman.

Higher up the Paterson were the farms of Messrs. Roebuck, Fenwick, Massie, and Co,
Captain Patch, Williams, and Webber. A Mr. G. Bolton had the farm of Couls ton,
afterwards occupied by Mr. Brown, the father of the ex-M.L.A. Mr. James McCormick
had a farm near Gresford, and was a manufacturer and grower of tobacco on a large
scale.

Most of the gentlemen whose names are mentioned had a number of assigned servants
allowed them by the Government. With very few exceptions they were kind and 
considerate to them. All now have passed away: few of their names are connected with
the lands that their parents had granted to them.

The first time the writer visited West Maitland, then more frequently mentioned
in conversation as `Molly Morgan' s Flat," there was a gang of man dressed to
variegated clothing, forming the street opposite the Rose Inn. The roads
generally were in a very bad plight in those days - the only bridge I remember
in the whole district was a log bridge over Wallis' Creek - the approach on
either side not good. There was a punt at Hinton, worked by Mr. Graham, a
similar punt at Morpeth. The Falls at West Maitland was the crossing place on
the Hunter. Except in time of floods, the river was always fordable, and I
have frequently crossed it on foot, the water not reaching above the knee. I
remember seeing William the Fourth, steamer, plying in the river about 100 yards.

The road from Hinton to Maitland led through an archway, and the yard of Captain
Anlaby' s hotel to the lower road from the steamer`s wharf. The upper road was
not then formed. During the years 1840 to 1844, the settlers of all classes
suffered severe privation from the effects of drought and the low value of
produce. The distress then was more general and acute than what the colonists
have been passing through during late years. The causes were the same - drought,
land boom, and low prices for produce, and yet there were no beggars or 
sundowners roaming the country as of late years.

During the years 1842-3 produce was sold at very low prices, I have known
settlers bring a team of six bullocks down the river a distance of thirty miles
loaded with 70 bushels of maize and dispose of it to my employer for 7d a bushel
of 6Olbs, the wholesale price in Sydney being 1s per bushel. The cost of freight
to Sydney being 5d per bushel. A good sample of wheat was only valued at from
2s to 2s 6d per bushel. I have seen bullocks then sold for less than 20s per
head and sheep at from ls to 2s each, with station and improvements given in.
Those prices prevailed until the system of boiling down took place on the Hunter,
which had the effect of raising the value of a good bullock to 45s, that being
the export value for their hides and fat. The value of sheep rose in the same
ratio to 4s 6d per head. Yet we struggled through those hard times and look
back even with pleasure and pride that we were successful in overcoming the
difficulties then prevailing unaided. There were at the time in question several
industries on the Hunter which do not now prevail, a considerable proportion of
the consumption required by the people was produced on the Hunter, among which
may be mentioned the items tobacco, arrowroot, mustard, earthenware or crockery,
and salt.

"Old Times", April 1903 - OLD MEMORIES                                                            General Reminiscences of Early Colonists - 1.

THE HON. JOHN MACINTOSH, M.L,C,
FOR SIXTY YEARS A SYDNEY RESIDENT.

LOOKING BACKWARD.
Few people are more competent to discuss the industrial and
commercial developments of New South Wales. or are more brimful                                           of reminiscences of "Old Sydney'' than the Hon. John Macintosh. The
father of the ironmongery trade, in addition to having great municipal
and political experience, has also had the opportunity of acquiring a rare
knowledge of men and things as they existed in the early forties and fifties,                                     it would be difficult to find a better well of general information anywhere
about bygone facts and fancies.

It is characteristic of this hale and hardy veteran that when
visited by the "Old Times" representative in quest of interesting
information, he was discovered in his shirt sleeves in one of the
workshops of John Macintosh and Sons, working with the same
will as he did sixty years ago when he laid the foundations
of the present large firm which bears his name. This is all the
more remarkable when the fact is considered that he is in his
eighty-second year,  and in possession of a handsome fortune.

"I was born in the town of Auldearn, Nairnshire, Scotland, on
the 8th July, 1821 ," said Mr. Macintosh, as he vigorously put
the finishing touches to a deal case he was making. " My early
years were not by any means easy. I lost my mother and father
before I was ten, and had to work for my living as a farm hand
at a remuneration of half-a-crown a month. I received little or
no education. but the people I was with had a good library, and
by this means, and aided by my own efforts, I managed to make
some progress. At. that time the Government offered inducements
to free settlers, and I decided to emigrate to Australia with
my brother. We left Cromarty in the emigrant ship "Asia"
on September 17, 1838, and after some delay, caused by the ship
springing a leak, we arrived in Sydney Cove on May 10th, 1839.
We landed on a temporary jetty on the east side of the outlet
of the Tank Stream. A little further up, near where the Customs
House now stands, there was a toll bridge over the stream.
At that time the convicts who were lodged in the present
Equity Building were engaged in building that portion of
Circular Quay facing the Customs house. There were about 600
or 700 men on the job, and I think the work is nearly as good
now as the day it was done.

After landing, all emigrants were quartered at the Barracks
which were situated on the site of the present Government
Printing Office, Phillip Street, extending only as far as Bent
Street."

"Of course you found little difficulty in immediately getting
employment ?"

A PERIOD OF DEPRESSION.

"Far from it. Indeed, had it been possible I should have
returned to Scotland. Coming as I did from an agricultural
community, 1 found things very different in the young colony.
The year that I landed was a period of great depression, the
previous boom having just collapsed."

"And the reason, Mr. Macintosh ?"

"Well, there had been a great influx of settlers, with capital
from £1000 to £3000, who soon took up all the available land
for settlement. You see, practically only the coastal districts
had been opened up. The Government would not allow settlers
to go far into the interior, as they could not afford the necessary
protection from the blacks, while the few existing roads were
impassable except to bullock teams. The prices for stock were
pretty considerable at that time, sheep were worth from £2
to £2 lOs. each, cattle front £8 to £12 lOs. and horses as much
as £100. The severe drought at that time also had a bad influence 
on the young colony."

"After remaining in the barracks for a fortnight, which was
the limited time, I went up country and turned my
hand to whatever bush work I could get - fencing, splitting, 
hut making, tobacco planting, and any other work that came handy.
After eighteen months of this life I got employment with Mr.
Alford, Storekeeper, on the Paterson River. This experience
was very useful to me, as the business at that time was largely
one of exchange and barter, and I became acquainted with
several prominent business people. Having saved a little
money, I commenced business in 1846 as a general ironmonger,
the shop being situated on the site of the gateway you just
entered by."

"I suppose trade conditions were very different to what they
are now?"

"Yes, very different. Up-country customers only ordered
their goods once or twice a year, consequently their orders were
very much larger. Now a customer can wire down for a few
articles and get them delivered by train the same day. There
is a big difference in the price of articles manufactured by
machinery. but hand-made products have not varied much. I was
the first to introduce wire nails, and held the monopoly of them
for about twenty years. I used to mix a few in the packages
of the iron ones that I sent out, and gradually they came into
favour. Being of an inventive turn of mind, I was always
anxious to be a manufacturer, As my business increased I
employed a number of blacksmiths to make nails, hinges, picks,
etc., and the week prior to the gold discovery I was looking
about for suitable premises for a factory.

THE GOLD RUSH.

"The gold rush, however, changed all my plans. I was left
without a single employee, and for three years I was without
any assistance except my wife, who, though blind, was of great
use to me."

"The gold discovery altered things very much, then?"

"Yes, before that I could always tell a stranger in the streets.
The gold fever was responsible for a great inrush of people from
all quarters of the globe, some of them being a very undesirable
class of adventurers."

"Previous to this, business methods had been very different.
There was greater substantiality and more confidence in 
commercial circles. The hotel keepers and others profited largely
under the new conditions. The former were an influential and
important class in the forties, and of great assistance to squatters
and country storekeepers. They occupied extensive promises,
and had large yards at the rear, which were capable of accommo-
dating two or three drays with teams of eight bullocks. These
yards were used as stores for merchandise and produce, and the
teams used to bring the wool and other produce from the interior
and load up again with the goods received from merchants and
dealers, the hotel yards being used as depots. Such men as
Aitkenhead of the Emu Hotel, Frawler of the Black Swan, and
Francis of the Square and Compass, were highly respected and
of considerable use to their fellow colonists.

"Though much has been said against `the system' of the early
days, we had many public benefactors especially amongst the Clergy.                                       The Rev. Dr. Lang, Dean McEneroe, Dr. Bland, and Dr.
Cathill were well known for their aid to the sick and needy.
Dr. Cathill was a rough-spoken Scotsman, but a very benevolent
gentleman, who, beneath his rough exterior had a very warm
heart. He was shot by an insane man named Gray in 1852, and
left his hard earned savings, amounting to £10,000, to found the
Randwick Children's Asylum."

"You naturally had several eccentric characters peculiar to
the time?"

THE FLYING PIEMAN.

"Oh yes, the Flying Pieman was an extraordinary individual.
his costume consisted of an old frock coat composed of dozens
of different coloured patches, his hat being covered with tickets
and placards and his legs and feet covered with bagging. He
used to make all sort of peculiar wagers, one I remember was
carrying a dog on his hack to Parramatta in a given time. I have
known him work six days and six nights incessantly. He was a
well educated man, and though well connected in England, died
in Liverpool Asylum . Another oddity was the impromptu street
poet, who would off extempore verses on any given topic or
person. A well known identity was Saville, the public-appointed
Town Cryer and Bellman, and it was his duty to announce
auctions and any important matter, such as a lost child. His
appearance was always to signal for a swarm of children to
gather around him, and he would proceed something in this 
fashion: "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! hear you peoples that this day a
child has been lost in the scrub, wearing a blue dress and a hat
with pink ribbons. Anyone giving information of its whereabouts
to the distressed parents will be handsomely rewarded. God
save the Queen!"

SYDNEY STREETS IN 1830.

"Your memory seems to be so good, Mr. Macintosh- that you
can doubtless remember the many important changes that took
place in the city from time to time?'

"Well, you see, Sydney was not a large place when 1 landed,
and anyone knowing it thoroughly, it is easy to trace the
various changes step by step. For instance, when I arrived,
Pitt Street, from Hunter Street to Campbell Street, was mostly
composed of cottages, with gardens in front, there being very
few two storied buildings till 1850.

"Mr. W. Moffitt, the bookseller, was the first to erect a modern
warehouse, with plate glass windows and Caithness slate paving;
this was during 1845-46.

"On the land occupied by the "Herald" Office, there was only a
very small cottage, and the only store in Spring Street was that
occupied by Messrs. Graham and Company, and later, about
1849, by Messrs. Brown and Company, Wine and Spirit
Merchants.

"Talking of this reminds me that illicit distillation was not
inknown in those days. Robert Selrigg was fined £5OO in 1843,
and paid the amount at once. In October of the previous year
Mr. H. H. Brown, the Water Police Magistrate, seized 4000
gallons of brandy and rum, which had been run ashore at Broken
Bay and shipped for exportation by Messrs. Dunlop and Ross, who
were fined £6,000 and £50oo respectively. The liquor was confis-
cated, which together with other expenses, caused them a loss
of £15,000.

"Clarence, Kent and Sussex Streets were principally inhabited
by small tradesmen, nail makers and labourers, while York Street
from the Barracks to the Cemetery was principally composed of
general dealers' shops. The sentries used to be on guard on
the spot where Petty's Hotel now stands, I remember a wild
bullock charging one of them one day. The man took the matter
very coolly, simply  bringing his musket to the charge and
piercing the animal's brain with his bayonet, causing the bullock
to immediately fall dead at his feet.

"The old burial ground I have just mentioned was situated
where the Town Hall now stands. This was used till 1820, when
the Redfern Cemetery was first occupied - and this in turn ceased
to serve its purpose in 1860, when the Government opened the
Rookwood Cemetery. When I arrived in the colony, many of the
old graves were well looked after, but by 1830 the place was
quite neglected, being used as a playing ground by the city
children .A large quantity of the tombstones were subsequently
used as paving stones for the streets. Further down in Lower
George Street was the old gaol, and this was removed in 1841 to
the present quarters in Darlinghurst. The only usable road at
that time extending in this direction was the Old South Head,
which went no farther than the gaol.

REVIVAL IN THE BUILDING TRADE.

"After the depression of 1840 there was a great revival in the
building trade. In that year the foundations were laid of the
Centenary Wesleyan Church in York Street and Trinity Church,
Argyle Street. Dr. Ross laid the foundation stone of the Pitt
Street Congregational Church in 1841, and Bishop Broughton
performed a similar office for Christ Church in George Street in
1844. The office bearers of the Pitt Street Church included many
prominent citizens at that time, while the congregation was a
thoroughly representative one. The Jewish Synagogue was
opened in 1844, and Alexander Macleay laid the foundation
stone of the Australian Subscription Library in Macquarie Street
about the same time. The best private residences available at
that period, I think were those built by Mr. Sam Lyons the
well-known Auctioneer. Even now the occupy a prominent
position in Liverpool Street, Hyde Park, and you will see the
date 1841 still visible on the front of the terrace which bears                                                           the builder's name. In 1843,  the Sydney Municipal Council was
formed, the city being divided in six wards, and on the Queen's
Birthday of the same year Governor Gipps opened the present
Government House.

"After the drought you mention there must hare been 
considerable difficulty in getting a good water supply ?"

"There was always great difficulty in getting good water in
the early days. The Tank Stream used to fill large sandstone
tanks, which were exactly at the entrance to Hamilton Street
where it branches off from Hunter Street. For some years the
water in these tanks was unfit for domestic purposes, a supply
being then obtained from Busby Bore. Even up to 1856 the
watercarts used to sell water the streets at a penny a bucket.
Water was obtained from standpipes at several places in George
and Pitt Streets. Round these standpipes the women used to
come with buckets and pitchers for water, and at certain time
of day, especially when the supply was scanty, angry squabbles
used frequently to take place.''

"Have you any recollections of any great public events about
this time ?"

"The most important I remember was the return of Leichhardt
after an absence of nearly two years on his exploring
expedition to Port Essington. His safety had been despaired of,
and his return was the cause of great public enthusiasm. He
was presented with a public subscription of £2,400, to which the 
Government added £1,000. Another subscription was that
organised as a testimonial to Mrs. Chisholm prior to her depar-
ture for England. This lady had done a great deal of good by
accompanying young female emigrants to the interior when
they were in search of employment."

"The postal communication in those days must have been very
different to what it is now ?"

Strange to say, I was only looking at an old newspaper the
other day. It is dated November 26th, 1840, and 1 find that
the English mails were delivered in 118 days, but that is rather
a record. A letter generally took 120 days on the way out, and
occasionally six months. The same paper states that the letters
from North America took 133 days, those from South Africa 62
days, and those from India and New Zealand 92 and 22 days
respectively."

THE SUBURBS.

"You have not mentioned much about the growth of the
suburbs, Mr. Macintosh. They were doubtless slower in growth
than the city proper ?"

"Well, even in 1850 there were only 19 houses north of Upper
William Street to the point. After the grant to Judge Wylde
the first progress may be said to have taken place, though in
1848 the building trade was considerably checked by the exodus
of mechanics to the Californian Goldfields. There was a good
many houses about Darlinghurst, but these were mostly in the
hands of caretakers.

"Was that due to the land grant system ?"

"Yes, the method was not altogether a just one. The original
allotments consisted of 20 to 40 perches, which were granted
subject to certain improvements, and a quit rent of 6d. to 9d.
per perch. Many failed to comply with the conditions, and it is
stated, sometimes sold their rights for ridiculous values, in some
cases for a two gallon keg of rum. During the depression of the
early forties quit rents were abolished, yet all quit rents are
still exacted by the Government, the titles being registered at
the Land Titles Office. After the grant by Governor Dowling
to Chief Justice Forbes, it was declared an abuse of patronage
by the Governor, and Orders in Council were sent to him that
no more grants should be made after the reception of the orders
in 1831."

"Some of these large grants must have an enormous value at
the present time ?"

THE POINT PIPER ESTATE.

"The property acquired by Captain Piper would certainly
realise a great deal now. Captain Piper was a sort of 
Comptroller or Collector of Customs. He allowed merchants or
importers to take goods out of bond without inmediate payment,
that is, when they were short of capital they obtained a
kind of credit system. This was undoubtedly of great assistance
to many of the commercial comnmunitity, and Captain Piper was
very popular in consequence. Governor Darling, however, objected
very strongly, and held Captain Piper personally responsible to
the Government for an amount of £13,000. Captain Piper was
very much incensed, and determined to sell his property and
leave for England. This included what was known as the Point
Piper Estate, and a considerable amount of property at Van-
close and in the City of Sydney. The total realised altogether
£25,000, Messrs. Levy and Cooper purchasing the Point Piper
Estate, which subsequently led to a good deal of litigation with
the Government. Mr. W. C. Wentworth bought the mansion
and land at Vaucluse, which is still in possession of the family.
The Point Piper Estate must be worth now quite one and a half
million sterling. Strange to say, Captain Piper did not go to
England, but settled near Bathurst."

Although Mr. Macintosh was returned on eight occasions as
a representative for Macquarie Ward after his initial election
in 1861, and has represented the State both in the Legislative
Assembly and Legislative Council, polling in one election a
higher number of votes than any other candidate in the State,
it is characteristic of him that he prefers to talk of others rather
than of himself. Notwithstanding this limitation, the reader
must admit this grand old colonist's memory of the early days
is little short of marvellous.

Sydney Morning Herald, 7th July, 1911
DEATH OF MR. J. MACINTOSH, M.L.C.
A GREAT COLONIST

Mr John Macintosh, MLC, principal of the firm of John Macintosh and Sons, of Pitt Street, Sydney, died yesterday morning, at the advanced age of 90 years. He was the last of that heroic band of pioneers to whom this city and State owe so much. With him goes the last link with the old colonial days.

He was a man of singularly temperate habits, and wonderfully robust constitution. But for an unfortunate accident on August 16 last, when he was knocked down by a cart in Pitt Street, he would in all probability have lived for several years longer. He was carried to bed with a broken thigh, and never walked again, though up till a couple of weeks ago he was able, with the assistance of his nurse and daughter-in-law, to hobble on crutches about the grounds of Lindsay, Darling Point. Had he lived, he would have been 90 years of age next Saturday, for he was born on the 8th of July, 1821. He used to calculate his age as a year younger than Queen Victoria.

The present generation did not know John Macintosh. The period of his greatest public activity was forty years ago. To a large circle of business acquaintances and friends he was just a kindly-natured Scotsman, who had built up a big business from small beginnings; a pioneer ironmonger, who by perseverance, courage and integrity had succeeded in Australia.

But a generation ago the name of John Macintosh was identified with every progressive movement in New South Wales. He was one of the founders of the Technical College. He was one of the pioneers of local government. In the sixties his was a voice crying in the wilderness for a pure water supply and effective sewerage for the city.

In 1867, in the columns of the "Sydney Morning Herald" he propounded a scheme - since carried out - for the sewerage of the whole of the Eastern Suburbs. He was also one of the first to insist on parks and recreation reserves in the city of Sydney. Before the term "Labour party" had been invented Mr. Macintosh exerted himself to grant free transit to the unemployed, and by cheap education to help the democracy in every way. He was also one of the first hardware manufacturers in the State.

Mr. John Macintosh began life as a farmer's boy at half-a-crown a month, and ended his career in a Darling Point mansion, honoured and respected by all who knew him. The son of a manager of Blackhills farm in Nairnshire, Scotland, John Macintosh was born on the shore of the Moray Firth in July, 1821. When but five years of age his father died, and at ten he lost his mother. After six months' schooling he worked as a farm labourer, and came to Sydney with his sister in 1839. At that time the authorities were wiser than their successors, for free passages were granted to Australia to approved persons. Young John came out in the emigrant ship Asia, which left Cromarty in September 18, 1838. But a heavy gale in the Bay of Biscay nearly sent the Asia to the bottom, and she returned in a damaged and leaking condition to Plymouth. On January 22 next year the voyage was resumed, and the Asia arrived in Port Jackson on May 10. The emigrants, with young John Macintosh amongst them, were taken to the barracks, which were situated on the spot where the Government Printing Office now stands. Not stopping long in the capital, the new immigrant went up the Hunter River with his brother-in-law. Pioneer work in the Paterson River
District, fencing and clearing, was young Macintosh's first colonial experience. Then he worked in a store for five years and improved his education.

Next he came to Sydney and opened on his own account in a modest little shop, which has grown into the well-known warehouse of  John Macintosh and Sons. As the business grew, he turned his attention to manufacture and was on the way to building up big ironworks when the gold fever broke out, and all his employees downed tools and flocked to the Turon diggings. With grim determination the pioneer stuck to his guns, and though sore pressed for some years eventually earned the reward of pluck and perseverance.

In 1849, while still battling short-handed with his business, he married, and became the father of eleven children, seven of whom survive:- Messrs. James, John and Lindsay Macintosh, Mrs. W. Corner, Mrs. F.A. Bennett, Mrs. Sparshott (England) and Mrs. Flood. He also leaves a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With a flourishing business Mr. Macintosh was able to devote some of his spare time to educational matters. From the first he took a keen interest in the School of Arts, and though much older, was a contemporary of Sir G.H. Reid, Sir William McMillan, Mr. R. Teece and Mr. Justice O'Connor. He was associated with the inauguration of the Technical or Working Men's College, which has developed into the fine institution at Ultimo today. He was one of the first to recognise the need of providing educational facilities for working men and their sons.

In 1861 he was urged to stand for the City Council, and was elected for Macquarie Ward, beating Mr. John Caldwell, the sitting alderman by a large majority. Mr. Macintosh held his seat for 16 years, and devoted his energies to municipal duties. He particularly directed his attention to all that related to water supply and sewerage and the general health of the city. Rushcutters Bay, now a beautiful park, facing one of the most picturesque inlets in the harbour, was transformed by his initiative from an unsavoury expanse of mud and sewage.

At the end of 1871, while still an alderman, the discussion of the border duties was the big question, and Mr. Macintosh was returned as MLA for East Sydney as a supporter of Sir James Martin, the champion of the mother State against the impositions of the Victorians.

He paid particular attention to promoting municipal government, and secured increased endowments and parks and reserves for the councils. Through his efforts a select committee was appointed to inquire into the subject of municipal government, with the result that justice was secured by the municipalities. 

After a period of Parliamentary activity Mr. Macintosh in 1880 did not seek re- election but held many public offices. He had been appointed to the commission of the peace in 1868, and held the position of licensing magistrate in 1882, 1883 and 1884. Though a life-long abstainer, such was his absolute fairness that both public and publicans welcomed the appointment.

Mr. Macintosh resided for many years at Lindsay, the historic Darling Point mansion that he purchased from Sir Thomas Mitchell. His country estate at Burradoo was a forest when he bought it, but with his own hands he felled the trees and laid the grounds and gardens and transformed it into a delightful country seat. 

Though he exceeded four score years and ten, Mr. Macintosh's only defective faculty was his hearing, partial deafness being caused some years ago by a senseless joke by an artilleryman, who got him to stand too near the muzzle of a big gun at the Heads when it was being fired. In spite of his age, Mr. Macintosh, until a few months ago, walked in every Sunday from Darling Point to St. Stephen's Church, Phillip Street.

On the death of his wife, in 1880, Mr. Macintosh withdrew from the Assembly, but in December, 1881, he was appointed to the Upper House, and for 30 years was one of the most regular attendants in the Council. He performed his duties with zeal and thoroughness, and his conscientious appreciation of his responsibilities gave pattern to members much younger than himself.  By his death the State loses a good citizen and a philanthropist. No one knew the extent of his quiet generosity. He was one of the last of the vanguard army of Australian pioneers, which is fast diminishing, and will soon be but a memory for the inspiration of succeeding generations.

The funeral will be held to-morrow, and a short memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. John Ferguson, at St. Stephen's Church, Phillip Street.

Account of the life of The Honourable John Macintosh

Written by his Great Grandson, John Macintosh                                                    (Grandson to James, the eldest son of the Hon. JM).

John Mackintosh was both on the 6th of July 1821. His father, James
Mackintosh was the manager, or to use the Scotch term, grieve on
the farm Blackhills, in the parish of Auldearn, in Nairnshire,
Scotland. James Mackintosh held. this position for 33 years, until
his death in 1826. He left a widow and two children, John aged
5 years and Barbara some years older.

In 1831, Mrs Mackintosh died, leaving Barbara and John. In these
straightened circumstances, John then aged 10 was forced to leave
school and obtain work as a farm hand lad, with pay of 2/6 per month.
On this pay and with some help from Barbara, John managed to sustain
himself. The wage was later increased.

In 1835, Barbara married one John Anderson. This placed Barbara in
a position to allow John to have a further six months schooling at
Croy in Nairnshire. John then resumed farm work until 1838.

In 1838, the British government, to encourage colonization in New
South Wales, granted passages to approved persons.

On 17th of September 1838, under these conditions, John and Barbara
Anderson and John Mackintosh embarked at Cromarty on the Firth of
Moray on the sailing ship "Asia".

Two weeks after sailing, in the Bay of Biscay, during a storm the
"Asia" sprung a leak and was forced to put back to Plymouth for
repairs. On the 22nd of January 1839, the "Asia" again set sail.
After a favourable passage the "Asia" entered Port Jackson on the
10th of May 1839.

On disembarkatoin all passengers were taken to the Barracks, pending
the finding of employment. The barracks were on the site now occupied
by the Government Printing Office in Bent Street, Sydney.
At an unknown date, the "k" was dropped from the name and this became
"Macintosh".

John Anderson obtained a position of  wheelwright on a farm situated
on the Paterson River. He was accompanied by John Macintosh who soon
obtained work consisting of bush work, wood-splitting, fencing and
land clearing.

Two years later John Macintosh gave up bush work and good pay to
become employed in the large general store of  Mr. T. Alford at
Maitland. He was so employed for six years, acquiring a good
general knowledge regarding merchant business. He saved money.
Spare time was spent in reading and improving sadly neglected
education.

In 1846 John Macintosh came to Sydney and commenced a hardware
business in a small shop in Pitt Street, at now 307 occupied by
Messrs. Morley & Johnson & Co. Business prospered and soon increased.

In 1848, he married and became father of eleven children, three died
in infancy.

As business increased, attention was paid to colonial manufacture
and local industry. A start was made in the manufacture of nails,
hinges and other iron materials. In a short time twelve blacksmiths
were employed. Plans were made for the establishing of a large
iron factory, agreements were drawn up with a landowner for the leasing
of a large tract of land for factory purposes. This was in 1851.

Suddenly all plans had to be discarded. Gold was discovered at Turon.
There was a wild gold rush involving practically the whole population.
All John's employees left. Mrs Macintosh came to the rescue and
helped in the hardware business.

In 1854, unsuccessful and disappointed gold seekers returned and
sought work. Employees soon increased to fifty. Business went
ahead and soon the turnover reached 500 tons per month. Later
goods were imported from abroad.

The two elder sons, James and John jnr. joined the business and eventually
became partners and the business became known as John Macintosh
and Sons. As business increased, other properties were acquired.
These consisted in the premises now occupied by Messrs. Morley
Johnson & Co., Messrs. Fox Bros. and the site occupied by the Trades                                  Hall, in Pitt Street. In addition there were stores at Pyrmont.

From time of arrival in Sydney, John Macintosh's motto was, "pro bono
publico." Public affairs were ever foremost in his mind. As a member,
he joined a library in Pitt Street and soon became a committee man. He
soon recognised its importance as an educational asset. He was
responsible for its extension and development, and this became the
"Mechanical School of Arts".

On 1st of December 1861, John Macintosh offered himself as a candidate
for the election of alderman for Macquarie Ward, against the sitting
member, John Caldwell, whom he defeated by a big majority. John
Macintosh was re-elected on eight occasions during the next sixteen
years. He expended much energy in respect to public services, especially
as regards health. In 1867, the Sydney Morning Herald supported and
advocated John's scheme. This was later carried out, for water and
sewerage in the Eastern Suburbs. Water was brought from swamps in the
Botany Bay area.

In 1868 John Macintosh was appointed a Commissioner of Peace for the
colony of New South Wales. He attended weekly meetings for several years.

In 1871, John Macintosh offered himself as a candidate for parliament.
His main aim was directed towards obtaining justice for the city
corporation, which had been sadly neglected and ignored by the
government's legislation. John also supported Sir James Martin's
views - against the government's action of enriching Victoria with
assets that really belonged to the people of New South Wales. John
Macintosh was elected second on the poll. Another aim for entering
parliament in addition to promotion of municipal government, was for
obtaining grants and endowments to obtain and keep reserves and
parks and free open spaces for public recreation and health. He moved
and succeeded in the passage of a resolution to the effect that "a special
select committee of the legislative assembly be appointed to inquire
into the system of municipal government". The committee sat. Much
evidence was taken in relation to city, suburban and country councils and
soon well deserved attention was given. It was through this action that
a more liberal policy in the matter of dealings between government and
municipalities was adopted, especially in regard to endowments.

John Macintosh considerably furthered dedication of reserves and parks.
Among these may be mentioned Moore Park, this he refused being named
after him, declaring it should bear the mayor's name, Rushcutters' Bay
and a large area between Lapstone and Victoria Pass, near Hartley. In
the case of Rushcutters' Bay, water reached the boundaries of premises
on the east and west sides, and practically to New South Head Road.
The bay was very shallow. The present wall was built in its present
position and the park area filled in by dredging the bay.

In parliament, John Macintosh was a liberal member with broad views and
in no sense a party man. He freely spoke for or against the government
as his conscience dictated. He never allowed individual interest to
supplant that of the country generally. He was successful in each election
and was a member of the legislative assembly until the end of 1880 when
his wife died. On this account re-election was not sought. In
recognition of past service, Sir Henry Parkes offered him a seat in the
upper house, the legislative council. This he accepted and held the
position until his death in 1911. As a member of parliament, John Macintosh
refused all pay or allowances. When parliament sat until early morning
hours, he refused offers of conveyance home to the end of Darling Point.
He would always walk. In fact being a member of parliament was a heavy
financial loss, for this debarred tendering for government contracts
which, in those days, were very valuable.

In 1882, John Macintosh was appointed Magistrate under the Licensing
Act of 1880. Although a total abstainer, the appointment was held
with approbation by publicans and general public. He was re-appointed
for three terms.

John and Barbara Anderson eventually came to Sydney and lived in Stanley
Street, off College Street, Sydney. Both died in the late nineties. There
were no children.

On return from Maitland, John Macintosh resided towards the Botany area,
this was in 1846, and some years later moved to "Lindsay" Darling Point.
A property of about 14 acres with about 300 yards water frontage. The
house was a large stone building of two stories and a large basement. When
the elder daughter married William Corner in 1876, a residence, "Braeside"
was built on the estate and given as a wedding present. This daughter's
name was Isobel. Again in 1882 a second building was erected on the
property "Cintra" and given to the eldest son James, as a wedding present.

James married Christina Corner, sister of William Corner. Both were
children of William Corner who had extensive properties at Patterson and
was interested in cattle.

About 1886, John Macintosh purchased about 100 acres of land at
Burradoo, now known as "Laurel Park". This purchase was made on account
of one daughter, Barbara's health. The residence consisted of a four room
wooden cottage. Barbara died a year or two later. In the early nineties,
with Sir John Sulman architect, a large brick building was erected.
This consisted of ten rooms, in addition to ballroom, billiard room, library,
laundry, milk and cream cool room, large wood and coal bins, that
held ten tons of coal, and conveniences, all under one roof. On
completion, the original cottage was removed by the purchaser, one Mr.
Cowper, as it was some two miles towards Bong Bong. The property contained
several miles of hawthorn hedges that took one man five months each year
to keep in trim. This replaced fencing. Later extensive stables, barns
piggeries, sheds, etc were erected in brick as well as large fowl runs.

A large well was sunk and water was struck. The well never ran dry. In
many respects John Macintosh led an unusual life, - one more or less to
timetable. He was a total abstainer and would not permit alcohol in his
home. He was a fairly heavy pipe smoker. Spare time was spent reading
books of a more or less classical or historical nature. He had
numerous friends and many visitors, but abstained from visiting. It
is said he never entered as many as twenty homes during his life. His
mode of life was more or less of a fixed pattern. He was ever active
and never idle. He took no holidays, looking upon such as an
unnecessary `fad'. To the end of his days he was mentally alert, quick
at understanding and had an excellent memory. He was a man of few
works, except in parliament. He had no time for amusement. He led a
most active life, both mentally and physically. In fact it would have
been difficult to find a man his equal, even one 25 years his junior.

His favourite work was with the axe. It was probably on account of this
that he became a close pen friend with W.E. Gladstone. Exchange of
letters were frequent as well as photographs. John Macintosh had
but one disability, one of impaired hearing to a variable degree.
About 1901, at South Head, during the hand over from New South Wales
to the Commonwealth Government of artillery, there was gun fire and
hearing become affected.

To the age of 89 and six months John Macintosh attended every parliament
sitting excepting on very few occasions on account of illness. Early
in 1911 he was struck by one of the firms own carts and sustained a
fractured thigh He did not leave his bed again and died almost six months
later, a few days before his ninetieth birthday.

The pattern of private life would be more or less as follows:-
Alternate week ends from Friday evening until the following Tuesday
mid-day would be spent at Burradoo. Whilst in Sydney, from Monday to
Saturday, he would leave home at 9.a.m. walking a mile to the tram or
perhaps all the way to town. He would drive home with his two sons in
a buggy, except when parliament sat.

On Sunday morning he would walk to St. Stephen's Church in Phillip Street
and return home with members of the family per omnibus. It was an 
unwritten law that members of the family attend church on these Sundays.
Sunday afternoon would be spent reading, perhaps in a cave on the 
waterfront that was provided with seating, table and good harbour views.

On other weekends he would proceed to Buradoo, arriving at 8.p.m. by
train. On Saturday, Monday and Tuesday morning he would don working
clothes and carry out some labouring work as tree felling, trenching or
painting. At 89 he thought nothing of taking a 3 foot tree out by the
roots and cutting up the same. His only worry was that with advancing years
he took longer over a job.

On Sunday, dressed in best clothes he would walk 4 or 5 miles, in the
morning through the surrounding parts of the district. In the afternoon
a walk would be taken on the property with members of the family, when
hints would be made in regard to work that might be carried out by the
grandchildren before his next return, in two weeks. One large tree is
remembered. The old man would stop before this tree, look at it and then
pass on without making any remarks. However on one Sunday, the 
following day was a public holiday, a stop was made, the remark passed,
"Ugly Brute". This was followed on turning to son James, " How would
you like to take it out?", "Before breakfast", was the reply. Nothing
further was said. A couple of visitors, grandsons and hands were
warned to be at the tree next morning at 3.30a.m. with tools, horses
and skids. All went well, tree out, all timber taken half a mile to
the wood pile. All waste branches were piled and fired. John Macintosh
observed the smoke from the house and made his way to the spot. All were
caught 'red handed' on the point of leaving, the job being completed.

On another occasion, parliament sat on the Friday evening and John
did not arrive until Saturday evening. Next day according to custom,
in working clothes, with wheel barrow and tools John Macintosh 
proceeded down the paddocks. This was too much for one of the hands in
his Sunday attire. He rapidly caught up. The following conversation
took place. "Good Morning", "Nice day". "Fine day". and so on. The
old man, becoming impatient said "Well what do you want?" the reply
was, "Well sir, this be the Sabbath, you came up on Saturday evening".
The hand's dress was seen, the barrow and tools dropped and a hasty
attempt made to reach the house unobserved. But luck was out.

John Macintosh was not without humour as the following will show.

He was working in the paddocks. A stranger approached. Conversation
was as follows. "Much work here?" "Plenty." "Do you get well paid."
"Just tucker and bed." "Dont you get paid?" "No." "The d-------stingy
and lousy cow, I will go and see him and tick him off if he does not
give me good pay." "Where can I see the boss?" "He will be at the house
at 2 o'clock."

At 2 o'clock a stranger called and wished to see the boss. On being
informed, the "boss" got up from his chair with unusual activity and
with thumbs in vest arm holds approached the stranger with, "Well now
what have you to say to the d---- stingy and lousy cow." Retreat was
most hasty.

On another occasion, whilst working behind a hawthorn hedge on the Mossvale
road, a large black snake was killed and tossed over the hedge. Some time
later, two young men, probably visitors from the city, driving in a
sulkey, saw the snake. Sudden halt was made. Both men rushed to the fence
on the opposite side of the road and removed a couple of 8ft. rails and
began to batter the snake to pulp. The old man put his head over the
hedge and asked what was the trouble. The reply was "Look at the big
snake we have killed." This was met with "Oh that, I killed that snake
over an hour ago." Departure was most rapid.

On another occasion a longer stay at Burradoo was contemplated. The
two sons took advantage of this to send a large quantity of iron junk
to auction, material that was unsaleable. Unfortunately King Edward died.
There was an emergency meeting of parliament. John Macintosh caught the
early morning train to Sydney. In a Sydney Morning Herald obtained at
Bowral, an auction sale was observed and further the train would arrive in
time to enable attendance at same. On arrival at business, it was arranged
that a dozen or more cart loads of goods that he had purchased at auction
be collected. Alas all the junk came back. No one was every game to tell
the old man what had happened.

There had been no stock taking since the business opened. Many business
men remarked on this fact. After much persuasion it was decided that there
should be a stock taking. The business was closed one Saturday morning.
Son John was on a ladder calling the stock and same was being recorded by
son James. After a comparatively short time, the old man came along,
examined the list, and then said, "No need to take further stock, we have more
than we started with. Open up the shop."  No further stock was taken, the
doors were opened.

John Macintosh had eleven children three of whom died in early childhood.
The remaining were;-
Isobel. Married William Corner. Accountant.
James. Married Christina Corner, sister of William.
John. Not Married.
Jessie. Married Charles Sparshott, in England.
Elizabeth. Married Frank A. Bennett. Skin Specialist.
Christina. Married Harry Flood, grazier Dubbo District.
Lindsay. Married.
Barbara. Not Married.