The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 17 Apr 1886 1
COURTHOUSE AND LOCK-UP FOR BURWOOD.
———◦———
A meeting was held at the Burwood School of Arts yesterday evening with the object of ascertaining the opinion of the ratepayers as to the necessity of erecting a courthouse and lock-up in Burwood. The Mayor of Burwood took the chair, and having read the advertisement convening the meeting, said that he was sorry to see so few people present, but he thought it advisable to go on with the meeting, and was prepared to receive a resolution from any gentleman present bearing on the subject. Mr Simpson said he also was sorry to see such a small attendance, but it was very hard to get people to take an interest in any public matter. He had never lived in any town in his life where so little interest was taken in public matters as in Burwood; but he believed that this was a matter in which they would all take an interest if they were shown how deeply it affected them. The only way in which he could account for the small attendance was that not enough publicity had been given to the affair. They should have sent round to all the ratepayers and residents of Burwood printed circulars, and he believed if that had been done a very large attendance would have been the upshot. As there were so few present it would be of no use entering into a long discussion, and he moved,—“That this meeting, being of opinion that it is desirable that a courthouse and lock-up be erected within this municipality, respectfully request the Borough Council to take immediate steps to approach the Government for this purpose.” Mr Toohey said the meeting was too small to be a representative one, and as no one appeared to have much to say on the subject, he proposed—as an amendment, “That circulars be sent round to all the ratepayers and residents, requesting them to attend a meeting on the subject at the School of Arts next Tuesday week.” The amendment was put and lost. The resolution moved by Mr Simpson was then put and carried. After a vote of thanks had been awarded to the Mayor for the interest he had shown in the matter the meeting terminated.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 5 Sep 1888 2
NEWS OF THE DAY.
———◦———
…
There appears to be some difference of opinion as to the desirableness of securing a court-house for Burwood. For some weeks past the Burwood inspector of nuisances has been engaged in obtaining signatures to a petition asking the Government to erect a court-house and new post and telegraph office in that suburb. The officer reported on Monday evening to the council that he had obtained a large number of signatures. He had, however, met with strong opposition on the part of numerous residents, many of whom desired to sign in favour of the latter, while they were distinctly opposed to a court-house in the town. Notwithstanding that, he had been fairly successful. Alderman Archer challenged the right of the officer to make the report. If he had met with opposition, how dare he make it public. He (the inspector) was not paid to do that. He moved, “That the report be referred back for amendment.” Alderman Simpson seconded the motion. He would not like it to go forth to the country that they were not unanimous upon this request. The inspector expressed his willingness to eliminate the paragraph, still it was a fact that he had met with strong opposition, and he considered it his duty to report the same. Ultimately the paragraph was omitted and the report adopted.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 7 Sep 1888 3
THE PROPOSED COURTHOUSE AND POST-
OFFICE AT BURWOOD.
————
A public meeting was held at the Council-chambers, Conder-street, Burwood, last night, in advocacy of the erection of a courthouse and new post and telegraph office in that suburb. Only about 25 persons attended. The Mayor of Burwood (Mr Henry Lipscomb) occupied the chair.
The Chairman briefly expressed his regret at the paucity of attendance, and spoke in support of the movement.
Mr JB Youdale moved the first resolution, which ran as follows:—“That, considering the large and increasing population of Burwood and the surrounding districts, it is desirable that a courthouse and new post and telegraph office would be erected with as little delay as possible.” The mover said the population of the surrounding district numbered close upon 10,000. The business of that large population at present had to be taken to Newtown—a proceeding which was most inconvenient.
Mr WL Dash seconded the resolution, and in doing so strongly condemned the postal accommodation, which he characterised as disgraceful. The matter of the Courthouse was an important one to the people of the district. They should demand these concessions at the hands of the Government.
Alderman Archer supported the resolution, and drew comparison between Burwood, and what he considered small towns in the country, where courthouses had been erected at the expense of some £12,000. One instance of that was the town of Campbelltown. He was glad to find the petition in support of this movement was being numerously signed.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Mr S Brown moved the second resolution as follows,—“That the foregoing resolution be forwarded to the Minister for Justice and the Postmaster-General.”
Alderman G Simpson seconded the resolution. The speaker said Burwood was the centre of an important population. It was midway between Parramatta and Newtown, the existing court towns, therefore they had a greater claim than other suburbs.
The resolution was then put and carried.
A vote of thanks having been accorded to the Mayor, those present went forward and appended their signatures to the petition in support of the object of the meeting.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Evening News, Tue 17 Mar 1896 4
SUBURBAN NOTES.
———◦———
COURTHOUSE AND LOCK-UP FOR BURWOOD.
The following letter, in reference to the proposed courthouse and lockup for the district of Burwood, received from the Principal Under-Secretary through Mr W McMillan, MLA, was read at a meeting of the local municipal council on Monday night: “In reply to your letter of the 17th instant concerning a petition from certain residents of Burwood, protesting against the proposed erection of a lockup on a site at the corner of Belmore and Burleigh streets, Burwood, I am directed by the Chief Secretary to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police represents that the matter is at present under reference to the Public Works Department, with a view to offers being called for a suitable allotment for the purpose, but that no decision will be arrived at until such offers are referred to him for report. Mr Fosbery adds that he has taken a copy of the protest for consideration.” The letter was received, Alderman Lindley saying that it would be a shame to erect a lockup near a place of worship. At a later stage of the meeting the mayor moved—“That a deputation, consisting of the whole council and the parliamtary [sic] representative for Burwood, wait upon the Premier to urge upon him the necessity for a courthouse and lockup at Burwood.” He pointed out that a courthouse and police station in the district were an absolute necessity. The motion was seconded by Alderman Archer, who said that eight years ago two petitions had been prepared, one bearing 400 and the other 800 signatures. The Government had promised a courthouse, and had decided on land in Belmore-street as a site. The land was surveyed, but for some reason the place was not erected. If it was necessary to have a courthouse then, it was even more necessary now. He expressed the opinion that the reason why burglaries took place so frequently in the district was that the police were often deterred from arresting suspicious characters through having to take them to Newtown. He understood that the Government was advertising for a suitable site for a lockup, and the courthouse should be agitated for. The motion was discussed at considerable length, and carried unanimously. Later in the evening Alderman Archer presented a petition for the erection of a courthouse. It bore 300 signatures, and the alderman stated that another in course of signature had already over 200 names affixed to it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 17 Mar 1896 5
PROPOSED COURTHOUSE AND LOCK-UP
FOR BURWOOD.
Mr W McMillan, MLA, has forwarded to the Burwood Council the following letter from the Principal Under-Secretary (Mr Pritchett Walker):—“In reply to your letter of the 17th instant concerning a petition from certain residents of Burwood, protesting against the proposed erection of a lockup on a site at the corner of Belmore and Burleigh streets, Burwood, I am directed by the Chief Secretary to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police represents that the matter is at present under reference to the Public Works Department, with a view to offers being called for a suitable allotment for the purpose, but that no decision will be arrived at until such offers are referred to him for report. Mr Fosbery adds that he has taken a copy of the protest for consideration.” The letter was received, Alderman Lindley saying that it would be a shame to erect a lockup near a place of worship. At a later stage of the meeting the Mayor moved,—“That a deputation, consisting of the whole council and the Parliamentary representative for Burwood wait upon the Premier to urge upon him the necessity for a courthouse and lockup in Burwood.” He said a courthouse and police station in the district were an absolute necessity, the former especially for small debts cases. Alderman Archer seconded the motion, and said that eight years ago two petitions had been prepared, one bearing 400 and the other 800 signatures. The Government had promised a courthouse, and had decided on land in Belmore-street as a site. The land was surveyed, but for some reason the place was not erected. If it was necessary to have a courthouse then, it was even more necessary now. Burglaries were very rife, and the police were often prevented from arresting suspicious characters through having to take them to Newtown. The Government was advertising for a site for a lock-up, and the Court should be agigated for. The suburb was half way between the further suburbs and Newtown, and it was a great injustice that people should be compelled to travel a greater distance than necessary. The council had at one time offered the council-chambers for the purpose.
The motion was debated at some length, and carried unanimously.
During the evening Alderman Archer presented a petition for the erection of a courthouse. It bore 300 signatures, and the alderman stated that another in course of signature bore 200 names.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sunday Times, Sun 5 Apr 1896 6
SYDNEY COURT REQUIREMENTS.
THE Government proposed to erect a new court-house at Burwood to meet the requirements of Western Suburbs residents, who must journey to Newtown when they have business to transact with the magistrate. A new court is necessary, no doubt but there is not such extreme hurry for it as there is attention to one or two of the older seats of justice. How is it that the small and inconvenient Water Police Court never strikes the Departmental eye as an obsolete structure? Or—to quote a still worse example—whenever are new premises to be substituted for the ramshackle court-house at Redfern? Both these places are infinitely worse than the old Central used to be—and that was bad enough. The Water Police Court operates over a wide area, and many thousands of cases are dealt with there in the course of the year. Yet the whole of its business is conducted in a couple of dingy rooms, where there is not half the breathing space necessary for magistrates, prisoners, policemen, witnesses, and general public. There are no witnesses’ waiting-rooms—weary persons waiting to be called may merely cluster promiscuously in the yard and about the verandahs and passages, and submit to the tender mercies of the elements. The whole structure seems to have been left there by way of contrast with the lavish Central Court in Liverpool-street.
The Redfern Court—cramped, musty, and verminous—is more disgraceful still. It is certainly time for the Government to provide new buildings in place of these decaying relics, and this requires to be done before new courts are erected for the convenience of a handful of suburbanites. In addition too this, the present magistrates are always grumbling about the amount of work they have to get through, and a court at Burwood would probably entail the appointment of another gentleman at £860 per annum.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 10 Apr 1896 7
PROPOSED COURTHOUSE AND LOCK-UP
FOR BURWOOD.
————
A large deputation of residents of Burwood waited upon the Minister for Justice yesterday to urge that a courthouse and lock-up should be established at Burwood. The deputation, which was introduced by Mr W McMillan, MLA, consisted of Mr T Rose, MLA, Alderman Shute (Mayor of Burwood), Aldermen Cardew, Linley, Archer, Russell-Jones, and Ahearn, and Messrs Thomas Murray, CA Arnold, CS Blair, AW Sharland, Crisford, Keen, Bransgrove, Ashcroft, Nielson, Doyle, Butler, Miller, Andrews, Coutts, Locke, and EB Senior.
Mr McMillan said that he had the honour to introduce to the Minister a very important and representative deputation from Burwood, headed by the Mayor, and representing generally the interests of the community. The object was to ask Mr Gould to take into consideration the advisability of erecting a suitable courthouse, with its accessories, in that important borough. Burwood stood about half-way between Sydney and Parramatta. There was a courthouse at Newtown, and another at Parramatta. It was probable that about 20 years had elapsed since the Newtown Courthouse was erected. During that period the population had probably quadrupled in the intervening suburbs. Burwood was now practically the centre, more or less, of 40,000 people. And, besides the residential character of that large area, towns had arisen, with their business accessories and business wants. And it had become an actual grievance in certain cases that residents had to go either to Newtown, on the one hand, or Parramatta on the other, to transact court business, and great inconvenience and delay were the result. He thought that, having regard to the growth of the district concerned, the time had come for that important population to have due consideration in that regard.
The Mayor of Burwood and Alderman Archer, Alderman Lindley, Mr Murray, Mr Rose, MLA, also spoke in support of the object of the deputation.
The Minister said that he had obtained reports bearing upon that proposal. Burwood was within the metropolitan police district, and in that district it was essential that the Courts should be presided over by a stipendiary magistrate. There were six stipendiary magistrates, and already there were 56 daily courts during the week to be attended to, and in 12 of which two magistrates had to remain all day, leaving 44 courts for the remaining four magistrates. The number of police prosecutions from Burwood during the last 12 months was 141—53 arrests and 88 summons cases. Twenty-six of the latter were for breaches of the Dog Act . The private cases numbered 438, the majority being for the recovery of debts. Deputations had waited upon the Minister previously both from Ashfield and Burwood in regard to that subject, and it was because both places desired to obtain a courthouse that a stumbling-block had arisen. He would give the matter the fullest consideration and see whether it would be possible by any rearrangement to deal with the business of another court should one be established. Of course the question would come up as to which of the two places—Ashfield 8 or Burwood—was the better for establishing a court. The question of the establishment of a lock-up rested with his colleague, the Colonial Secretary.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Evening News, Sat 3 Dec 1898 9
PROPOSED COURTHOUSE
FOR BURWOOD.
————
A number of years ago the Ashfield and Burwood Councils were each fighting to obtain a courthouse for their respective boroughs, but the matter has been dropped for some time. It was revived at Ashfield a couple of weeks past, but the project did not seem to have the approval of the majority of the alderman. At Tuesday night’s meeting at the Burwood Council, Alderman Ralston moved—“That in the opinion of this council a police court and court of petty sessions ought to be established in Burwood, and this council hereby decides to take all necessary steps to obtain the establishment of such court.” Alderman Shute seconded the motion, which was also supported by Alderman Stinson. Alderman Archer, MLA, protested against the matter being brought up in the council, when it was known that he had been endeavouring to bring about the realisation of the project. The Mayor also spoke in favor of the motion, which was carried unanimously.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Evening News, Thu 29 Jun 1899 10
BURWOOD COURTHOUSE.
————
At the last meeting of the Burwood Council a letter was read from the Department of Justice asking, in the event of a court of petty sessions being established in the council chambers, if there would be a room available for the use of a magistrate, in addition to one for the use of the clerk of petty sessions. Alderman Ralston stated that from the manner in which the department was dealing with the question it appeared to him that an attempt was being made to shelve the matter. Eventually the letter was received, and it was decided to inform the department that both rooms would be available.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 22 Sep 1899 11
BURWOOD COURT OF PETTY
SESSIONS.
———◦———
The official opening of the Burwood Court of Petty Sessions took place yesterday [at the Burwood Council chambers] in the presence of a large gathering of magistrates and other gentlemen, amongst whom were the Mayor of Burwood (Alderman J Ahearn), Mayor of Enfield (Alderman T Hodson), Alderman W Archer, MLA, D Zoeller, JH Cardew, TJ Dickson, H Hart, R Shute, Messrs S Cotton, J Stinson, J Inglis, WL Dash, T Murray, GE Russell Jones, WH Steel, E Dowling, J Dawson, Sergeant J Hogan, KB Kenway, and others. Mr TR McNevin, PM, of Parramatta, presided. He expressed his high appreciation of the honour conferred upon him by the Department of Justice in asking him to preside at the court, and he congratulated the borough of Burwood upon the acquisition of such a useful public institution as a court of petty sessions. He did not agree with the view expressed by some people that the presence of a courthouse in a district brought trouble. It might bring trouble to litigants who had more money than sense. The district had advanced in importance and population, and there were many advantages and conveniences in connection with a court. Information regarding various Acts of Parliament was always obtainable at a court, and licenses, health regulations, municipal bylaws, and other important matters would be dealt with. The Court would exercise civil jurisdiction over the district involving debts, garnishee matters, &c. He did not think the law-abiding district would require much criminal jurisdiction. Licensing of hotels would still be carried on at Sydney. The court would be held twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, and a monthly small-debts court would be held. This would greatly facilitate legal claims made in the district. He had been informed by the Department of Justice that the lock-up at Burwood was in a forward state, and would be completed in about six weeks. At present the police lock-up at Concord would be used, and arrangements for the detention of accused persons temporarily would shortly exist. He declared the court open for the transaction of business.
Mr GE Russell Jones, as an old resident and member of the legal profession, congratulated Mr McNevin on the way he had opened the court and the district upon securing it. Newtown was an inconvenient court for local people, and efforts towards getting a court at Burwood had been carried on for a long time. He considered that a lot of the credit for obtaining it was due to Mr W Archer, MLA. He hoped the court would be a permanent one. Other members of the legal profession congratulated the magistrate.
Jubilee: official souvenir, 1924.
Reproduction: Peter de Waal
Mr HS Beveridge conveyed thanks on behalf of the court officials. Mr Loadsman was appointed court bailiff, and the first Thursday in each month was fixed as time of hearing small debts cases. The magistrate informed the honorary magistrates present that it would be advisable if they formed a roster to conduct cases in which his presence would be unnecessary. There being no court business the magistrate then declared the court closed, and vacated the chair in favour of the Mayor of Burwood. Champagne was opened, and refreshments were handed around.
Alderman J Ahearn, JP (Mayor), proposed the toast of the Queen, which was duly honoured.
Mr RH Ducker proposed the health of the presiding magistrate. Mr James Inglis, JP, seconded the toast, which was musically honoured. Mr McNevin suitably responded.
Alderman W Archer, MLA, propose the toast of the Clerk of Petty Sessions, and gave a little of the history of the movement for the establishment of a court at Burwood. The borough had been long entitled to it, and the agitation for it had been going on for 17 years. Mr HS Beveridge responded.
Alderman JH Cardew, JP, proposed the health of the Mayor, and Alderman J Ahearn responded, and said that actions by the Mayors of the boroughs should be well backed up by the press when they were for the benefit of the district.
The following is a list of honorary magistrates residing in Burwood, Concord, Enfield, Flemington, Homebush, and Strathfield who are available for Bench duties at the courthouse, Burwood:—Messrs R Shute, J Ahearn, TR Alit, W Beaumont, FA Broughton, JS Brunton, WS Buzacott, ES Cotton, J Cameron, JH Cardew, GC Chalmers, AJB Chauvel, WL Dash, J Dawson, TJ Dickson, J Dight, WR Davey, E Dowling, RH Ducker, J Dunstan, HH Gordon, WAB Greaves, AWS Gregg, J Gregg, HW Hammond, ER Harris, JF Hennessy, T Hodson, ASE Holt, J Inglis, D Kirkcaldie, SH Lambton, C Lester, J Litchfield, T Maher, WH Monckton, W McDonald, CJ Muddle, T Murray, CH Myles, WP Mylechrane, GW Pettit, W Price, AJ Riley, PV Ross, EK Satchel, the Hon PLC Shepherd, G Simpson, W Speer, JH Storey, R Walker, FG Weaver, RB Wilkinson. The boundaries of the petty sessions districts of Parramatta and Newtown were altered by Government proclamation, and a substantial benefit to the Burwood borough council, which has had to undertake some inconveniences by the granting of the council chambers at a nominal rental to the Justice Department, with a consequent loss of space in the building, will be the receipt of licenses for public vehicles within their boundaries.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Evening News, Thu 25 Jun 1903 12
COURTHOUSE FOR
ASHFIELD.
————
At the meeting of the Ashfield Council a letter was read from Mr Winchcombe, MLA, drawing attention to a paragraph which had been published, to the effect that the Government had decided to erect a new courthouse at Burwood, at a cost of £1700. Mr Winchcombe stated that if the Government was arranging to build a permanent courthouse in Burwood it was in breach of faith on their part. If he remembered rightly, three deputations had been assured that the arrangement was only temporary, and it was admitted that Ashfield was the place for a court to serve the western suburbs. Mr Winchcombe also stated that if the council was still as strong as it used to be on the subject he would suggest another deputation forthwith.
Alderman Stanton moved that a public meeting be called for the purpose of taking steps to form a deputation.
Alderman Nixon seconded the proposal, being warmly supported by the other aldermen present.
It was, however, decided that, before a meeting is called, the Mayor, with Mr Winchcombe, wait upon the Minister for Justice as to the truth of the report.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 16 Jul 1903 13
A BREEZY DEPUTATION.
———◦———
ASHFIELD v. BURWOOD.
———
A COURTHOUSE MATTER.
———
As a rule the procedure in connection with deputations to Ministers are peaceful in character, if not invariably satisfactory to deputationists. However, one which was introduced to Mr BR Wise, Minister for Justice, yesterday, was attended by somewhat singular and fortunately unusual incidents.
The Mayor of Ashfield (Alderman Miller) and a number of other aldermen and citizens of Ashfield, accompanied by Messrs Winchcombe (member for the district), Mr Broughton, and Mr Gillies, MsLA, waited upon the Minister to ask for the establishment of a court of petty sessions at Ashfield. Mr Archer, member for Burwood, occupied an unobtrusive but good strategic position at the back of Mr Wise’s room.
Mr Winchcombe briefly introduced the deputation, and then Alderman Miller outlined the history of the agitation for the establishment of a courthouse at Ashfield, laying particular stress upon the fact that Mr Wise himself, when member for the constituency, had supported the claim. Allusion was also made to the fact that Mr Lee and Mr Wood, while those gentlemen held the portfolio of Minister for Justice, said they would take steps to secure the institution of a separate court at Ashfield. It was not asked that there should be any money spent on the erection of a courthouse, and the council would be prepared to grant the use of the council-chamber to the Government for the purpose at a nominal rent.
The Minister for Justice said that, after that latter statement, he would not trouble any other speakers. (Hear, hear.) It had removed his difficulty, as he did not propose to spend any money on a court at Ashfield. His present intention was to accept the offer if they would place the building at the disposal of the Government at a nominal rent. He would ask Mr MacNevin, Stipendiary Magistrate at Parramatta, to take in Ashfield as well as Burwood. It should be understood that if Mr MacNevin did take on the work at Ashfield it was not to be a precedent for the building in the immediate future of a courthouse at Ashfield.
Mr Archer at this stage began to speak on the question from the Burwood point of view.
Mr Winchcombe objected to Mr Archer speaking on the subject.
The Minister for Justice: I think Mr Archer should be heard. He is a member of Parliament. I don’t want to hear ex parte statements only.
Mr Winchcombe: Then I shall withdraw.
There were some hubbub at this stage and cries of “Withdraw, Ashfield,” amidst which Mr Winchcombe and two or three other members of the deputation left the room.
Mr Archer continued his remarks.
The Minister for Justice remarked that, as the deputation’s member had withdrawn, the position was complicated as to his reply if they endorsed his withdrawal.
Alderman Miller said that they would be satisfied with his reply.
The Minister for Justice then pointed out that neither Mr Wood nor Mr Lee had given any absolute promise to establish a court at Ashfield, the promise being conditional on the appointment of another stipendiary magistrate. He (Mr Wise) was satisfied that a bill for the appointment of another stipendiary magistrate at the present time would not pass. While he did not think the expense of erecting a courthouse at Ashfield was justified, he thought if it were possible, without putting the taxpayer to much expense, the department should do its best to meet the necessities of the people. Therefore he welcomed the very reasonable offer they had made. He would extend the area of the Parramatta district, and ask Mr MacNevin to hold a court at Ashfield. He might say that Mr Archer had asked him if he could attend, and he (Mr Wise) had said he could. He would say nothing about the member for Ashfield withdrawing, although he held a strong opinion of his own on the point.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 31 May 1904 14
BUILDINGS AND WORKS.
———◦———
NEW ENTERPRISES.
———
COURTHOUSE fOR BURWOOD.
The new courthouse to be erected at the junction of Burleigh and Belmore streets, Burwood, has been designed to meet the absolute needs of the Justice Department at the least possible expenditure, but still it is in keeping with the architectural features of Burwood. The Government architect, Mr Vernon, has introduced ideas into the elevations entirely new to suburban courts of law. Economy was the object in view, but the architectural features are pleasing to the eye, and relieve the building of a good deal of that heaviness which characterises the design of many other suburban buildings. The accommodation consists of a roomy court, with retiring rooms for magistrates, solicitors, and witnesses, and a commodious office for the clerk of petty sessions and chamber magistrate and his staff. Good provision has been made for the public convenience. The courthouse has private access from the adjoining police station for the conveyance of prisoners to and from the dock. The building is to be carried out in brickwork, with rough cast panels, and is to be covered with tiles. There has been a simple treatment in matters of detail. The fittings will be of cedar.
Yesterday afternoon the Tender Board of the Public Works Department opened tenders for this building. Twenty prices were submitted. The competition was keen. The lowest tender was £1338. This amount is below the departmental estimate. The tender will be submitted to the Minister.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Evening News, Tue 6 Sep 1904 15
BURWOOD COURTHOUSE.
————
A petition, signed by a large number of influential residents and tradesmen was presented to the Burwood Council at its last meeting, in which the petitioners pointed out that some time ago they were informed that a site for a new courthouse had been obtained by the Government, and, subsequently, that plans were prepared and tenders called for the erection of the building. There did not appear to be any further evidence of progress towards pushing on the structure, and as they considered a courthouse absolutely necessary, owing to the increase in the business of the court, as well as in the interests of the district, they asked that the council urge upon the government the necessity of proceeding with the work.
Alderman Sheppard said that he understood a tender had been accepted for the work, and no doubt, if the matter were brought under the notice of the Government, it would be proceeded with.
The Mayor (Alderman WE Hawkins) said if the matter were left in his hands, he would together with Mr Henley, the new member for the district, approach the Government as soon as possible on the subject.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 9 Sep 1904 16
BURWOOD COURTHOUSE.
———◦———
The matter of the delay in proceeding with the new courthouse was brought before the Burwood Council by petition on Monday night. The petition set forth that although everything appeared to be ready for pushing on with the work, there was no sign of progress. It also added: “As we consider the courthouse absolutely necessary owing to the increased work of the court, as well as in the interests of the district, we would be obliged if the council would urge upon the Government the necessity of proceeding with the work.” The council approved, and it was agreed to ask Mr T Henley, MLA, to interest himself in the matter.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Evening News, Thu 20 Oct 1904 17
BURWOOD WANTS COURTHOUSE.
————
BUT MUST WAIT.
————
A number of Burwood residents asked the Minister for Works to-day to build them a new courthouse. At present the court is held in the Council Chamber, and it was urged that the importance of the suburb and the scope of the court business were worthy of a special building.
Mr Lee reminded the deputation that he was the Minister for Justice who had granted the court to the district, and it had only been granted on the district assurance that it would not entail the erection of any new building.
As to when a courthouse would be put up, he could not say. Works of that kind would in future have to be built out of revenue, and not from loan money.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 21 Oct 1904 18
BURWOOD COURTHOUSE.
————
The Minister for Works yesterday told a deputation from the Burwood Council that when he was Minister for Justice he granted a court being held in the local School of Arts on the distinct understanding that no buildings would have to be erected. If he had known that they would have followed it by a request for a courthouse he would not have granted what he had done. No money had been voted for a courthouse. Works of this kind would have to be built out of revenue and not loan votes, and the building would have to wait until money was available.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Mon 21 Aug 1905 19
THE SUBURBS.
———◦———
BURWOOD COURT-HOUSE.
Although the Department of Justice, through the last Government, was moved to promise the erection of a court-house at Burwood about three years ago, the matter got no further than the purchase of a piece of land for the purpose. The Burwood council has allowed the use of its chambers for court purposes for a considerable time, although a good deal of inconvenience is caused thereby. The council decided recently to convey to the Department, through Mr T Henley, MLA, its urgent desire to see the promised court-house erected. Mr Henley, in reply to the council, stated that he thought next year would see the court-house started at Burwood, and he hoped the council would do nothing to drive the court from Burwood.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 2 May 1906 20
Reproduction: Peter de Waal
COURTHOUSE FOR BURWOOD.
Some years ago the Government secured a site for a courthouse for Burwood, and plans for the erection of a suitable building were drawn, but the necessity for retrenchment caused a stoppage in the continuity of events and the matter was hung up for a considerable time. The Burwood Council and Mr T Henley, MLA, however, did not cease endeavouring to induce the Government to go on with the work, and meanwhile the court has been held, at considerable inconvenience in the local council-chambers. There is now some likelihood that the subject will again receive consideration. Mr Henley has forwarded to the Burwood Council a letter from the department controlling the expenditure to the effect that the Minister has approved of the sum of £1400 being put on next year’s Estimates for the work. Mr Henley informed the council that he expected that the end of this year or next year would see the completion of the courthouse. The site is near the lock-up, in a narrow street running parallel to the important business thoroughfare of Burwood-road.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 8 Nov 1906 21
BURWOOD COURTHOUSE.
————
After many months of agitation Burwood will soon be in possession of a courthouse. The local council was informed on Monday by the Attorney-General’s Department that the tender of Baldwin Brothers had been accepted for the erection of the courthouse near the police station, and that the building would probably be completed about the middle of next May. The council was advised that as soon as possible thereafter the portion of the council-chambers at present occupied for court purposes would not be required. The letter was received with expressions of satisfaction by the aldermen, and particularly by the officers of the council, whose space has been considerably restricted ever since the council-chambers have been occupied by the court and the officers of the Clerk of Petty Sessions.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 14 Jun 1907 22
THE LABOUR TROUBLES.
———◦———
…
Burwood Courthouse.—Business was carried out in the new courthouse at Burwood this week. For some years the court of petty sessions had been held at the Burwood Council-chambers, the Department of Justice paying a nominal rent. The council’s officers had been greatly inconvenienced by the absorption of some of their space by the court, but in the interests of the public put up with less room until the new courthouse in Belmore-street was completed. The new building is a neat edifice, and both externally and internally is a commendable architectural addition to the suburb. Since the removal of the court to its proper place the department has arranged for the local clerk of petty session, Mr HS Beveridge, to be the district registrar for births, marriages, and deaths—a change which is much appreciated locally. Mr W Clarke, DSM, was the first magistrate to preside in the new building.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 17 Apr 1886, p. 10.
2 The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 5 Sep 1888, p. 9.
3 The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 7 Sep 1888, p. 4.
4 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 17 Mar 1896, p. 3.
5 The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 17 Mar 1896, p. 6.
6 Sunday Times, (Sydney, NSW), Sun 5 Apr 1896, p. 4.
7 The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 10 Apr 1896, p. 6.
8 The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 7 Nov 1903, p. 5.
“COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS, ASHFIELD.
———◦———
OFFICIAL OPENING.
The official opening of the new court of petty sessions, at Ashfield, was carried out yesterday in the Ashfield Town Hall. Mr TE MacNevin, SM, presided, and formally declared the court open. … The council-chamber in which the court is to be held is a handsome room providing ample accommodation for the court work. … The Mayor [Alderman AW Miller] of Ashfield afterwards entertained the visitors. He said that the Ashfield residence had been for 15 years endeavouring to get a court established at Ashfield. …” Note: Ashfield was officially proclaimed, in 1903, as a place where a court could be held, but not necessarily in a specific courthouse as illustrated in Ashfield’s case.
9 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Sat 3 Dec 1898, p. 3.
10 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Thu 29 Jun 1899, p. 7.
11 The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 22 Sep 1899, p. 8.
12 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Thu 25 Jun 1903, p. 2.
13 The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 16 Jul 1903, p. 8. Emphasis added.
14 The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 31 May 1904, p. 5.
15 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 6 Sep 1904, p. 3.
16 The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 9 Sep 1904, p. 5.
17 Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Thu 20 Oct 1904, p. 5.
18 The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 21 Oct 1904, p. 8.
19 The Sydney Morning Herald, Mon 21 Aug 1905, p. 8.
20 The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 2 May 1906, p. 12.
21 The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 8 Nov 1906, p. 3.
22 The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 14 Jun 1907, p. 6.