Evening News, Fri 29 Jul 1887 ¹ 

SUBURBAN NEWS.
————

…

REDFERN.

    A new police station and courthouse is badly wanted in the district. There is a sink right underneath the charge-room window. No wonder some of the constables had typhoid last season.

    Why are not seats provided for ladies waiting at the various corners for trams?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 2 Mar 1889 ²

REDFERN

    The fortnightly meeting of the council was held on February 28, when there were present—The Mayor (Alderman Crowe), with Aldermen Lee, Howe, Smith, Coyle, Williamson, Beveridge, Butterfield, Clarke, Sutton, and Lander, and the council clerk, Mr RT Grierson.
…
    And Alderman Williamson asked that a letter be written to the Minister of Justice with reference to the disgraceful state of the Redfern Courthouse.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Sat 19 Jul 1890 ³

NEW POLICE COURT FOR REDFERN.
————

    The Department of Justice has forwarded to the members for the Redfern electorate a notification that it has been decided to resume the land offered for sale to the Government by Mr GA Pike and Mrs R Assenheim, situate in Redfern-street, Redfern, as a site for a new courthouse at that place, and that the necessary steps are now being taken to give effect to that decision.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 27 Apr 1892 ⁴

REDFERN

    A meeting of this council was held on Thursday evening, the Mayor (Alderman Howe) presided.
…
    The Under-Secretary for Justice notified that the Minister had approved of a design for a new courthouse at Redfern, to cost £690, subject to the money being available; £5000 had already been voted, and the Secretary for Public Works had been invited to make provision for an additional £2000 to enable the work to be completed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Tue 21 Jun 1892 ⁵

MUNICIPAL.
————
REDFERN.

    The council met on Thursday evening last. Present: The Mayor (Alderman George Howe) and Aldermen Clarke, Crowe, Landers, Roche, Ogden, Medcalf, Gorton, Berry, Parkes, and Davis.
…
    HC Hoyle, MLA, intimated that the plans for the new Redfern Courthouse would be ready about the end of next month.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Tue 2 Aug 1892 ⁶

MR LYNE AT REDFERN.
————

    Mr WJ Lyne, Minister for Works, visited the Redfern electorate on Monday morning, being accompanied by Mr Barling, Under-Secretary, Messrs Hoyle, Schey, McGowen, and Sharpe, MsLA, Alderman Howe (Mayor of Alexandria), Alderman W Sparks, (Mayor of North Botany), Alderman CR Swinbourne (Mayor of Botany), and numerous aldermen and prominent residents. The party filled six drags, which started from the Redfern Town Hall about 10.30 am.
…
    The party next viewed the present police court in George-street, Redfern, which the council wishes to see converted into a fire brigade station, as soon as the new courthouse is erected. The site of the new courthouse in Redfern-street was also visited, and it is understood that tenders will soon be called for the erection of the building.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Tue 30 Jan 1894 ⁷

REDFERN COURTHOUSE.
————

    The Minister for Public Works (Mr Lyne) has approved the tenders being invited for the erection of a new courthouse in Redfern-street, Redfern, near the site of the present one.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Thu 28 Nov 1895   ⁸

REDFERN COURTHOUSE.
————
A MINISTERIAL VISIT.
————

    The Hon AJ Gould (Minister for Justice), together with Mr McGowen, MLA, and Mr WL Vernon, Government Architect, yesterday paid a visit to the Redfern Courthouse. The visit was the outcome of a report by the superintendent of Fire Brigades, to the effect that he could not erect a system of fire alarms in the Redfern district owing to the absence of a fire station. The old courthouse, the report said, would, when vacated, with slight alterations, adequately suit the requirements. Mr McGowen considered this a good opportunity of pressing the Minister for the erection of the new courthouse, for which money had been voted and plans drawn and tenders called some two years or so ago. The result of the correspondence was that an appointment was made yesterday at the Redfern Town Hall, where the party were met by the Mayor (Alderman WT Poole) and Alderman Parkes, and a visit paid to the site which had been purchased in Redfern-street, and the to the present courthouse, over which they were shown by Mr Carson, the CPS. No fault was found with the offices upstairs; but the courtroom, though empty, was thought rather stuffy. The witness-room was seen to be a dismal hole under the stairs. The charge room was next seen. This was a room with a door opening into the yard, and where two men are stationed night and day, the room being about 12ft square, and 10ft high. “What was this build for?” asked Mr Gould, as he looed at the roll, and ascertained that there were fifty men attached to the station. The sergeant said he believed it was originally intended for a kitchen, and that, opening as it did into the yard, in southerly weather the rain beat in until only a space of about 4ft in one corner remained dry. Mr Gould asked where was the accommodation for the men waiting to go on duty. He was informed that they were obliged to remain in the yard or take refuge in the cells. The Minister was also shown the low white washed cell in which on more than one occasion seventy Chinese fan-tan prisoners had been lodged. The Mayor of Redfern was then shown the plans of the new building, and it was announced that definite action towards erection would no doubt be immediately taken.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 14 Jul 1897 ⁹

REDFERN.

    This council met on the 8th July, when the Mayor (Alderman Medcalfe) occupied the chair, and there were also present Aldermen Davis, Poole, Howe, Vernon, Gorton, Clarke, Parkes, and Berry, and the council clerk (DR Grierson).
…
    Alderman Howe asked whether anything had been done with regard to obtaining the old police court (as the new one would be opened shortly) for the new fire station. He said that this would make an admirable fire station, and thought that the council should at once see if the place could be obtained, and not let the matter stand over till too late, and he moved,—“That a letter be sent to the Minister for Works urging the use of the old courthouse for the fire station.” Carried. The Mayor said that the member for the district had informed him that the old police court had been promised as the site for the fire station.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 25 Aug 1897 ¹⁰

NEW COURTHOUSE AT
REDFERN.
———◦———

    The new courthouse and police buildings for the district of Redfern, which were completed a few days ago, were formally passed by Mr Drew, the inspector for such buildings connected with the Colonial Architect’s Department, last evening, and handed over to the Government by the contractor, Mr AH Scouller, of Marrickville. Yesterday afternoon the building was visited by a number of ladies and gentlemen at the invitation of the contractor, all of whom admired the design and internal fittings of the courthouse, as also the magistrates’ rooms and clerks’ quarters, which are replete with the most modern improvements. The site is a central one, being situated in Redfern-street, a few yards from the Post-office and Town Hall. The land runs through to Turner-street at the rear, to which footage is erected a commodious police station, containing nine cells fitted with the latest improvements, two large airing yards, in addition to quarters for the men on station duty, and likewise inspector’s quarters. The land has a frontage of 100ft to Redfern-street by a depth of 200ft to Turner-street. The front of the courthouse is of freestone, the carving work being carried out by Messrs Sheriff and Son in a highly creditable manner. The remainder of the buildings are built of brick with slate roofs. The court is 50ft by 30ft, and is entered from the street by a flight of trachyte steps with an inner and outer vestibule. On the right is a suite of rooms for the chamber magistrate and clerks connected with the police office, also accommodation for the stipendiary magistrates. On the left are the witnesses’ rooms and rooms for the legal profession. There are corridors round the building. The whole of the fittings are of polished cedar, and reflect great credit on the contractor, as was testified by the inspector on his final visit. Ample provision has been made for the accommodation of the press, and although the building is looked upon as one of the most commodious and best fitted Police Courts outside the city of Sydney. The total cost will be about £9000.

    At the conclusion of the inspection light refreshments were partaken at the invitation of the contractor, and Mr Drew expressed himself as highly pleased with the manner in which Mr Scouller had carried out the work. The police will occupy their quarters in a few days, and the courthouse will be utilised as soon as the necessary furniture is placed in its position. The old courthouse and police station will then, it is understood, be used as a fire station.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Fri 12 Nov 1897 ¹¹

NEW REDFERN COURTHOUSE.
————

    At last night’s meeting of the Redfern Council the Mayor (Alderman Medcalf) was asked if he knew when the new courthouse was to be opened. The Mayor (in reply), said he had been informed unofficially that the delay was owing to the fact that no provision had been made for the furnishing of the premises. It was his intention to call at the Department of Justice, and ascertain definitely when the building was to be opened. He had received numerous complaints from the public generally about the inadequate accommodation at the old courthouse, which was still in use, while the new station was lying idle.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Tue 4 Jan 1898 ¹²

REDFERN COURTHOUSE.
————

    Though the new courthouse buildings at Redfern were completed and handed over to the Government some five months ago, it was only the other day that the police removed to the new station. The change from the old buildings in Pitt-street, where the accommodation was totally inadequate, will, no doubt, be found an agreeable one. The rooms in the police quarters are large and well ventilated, and the cell accommodation is “up to date.” The question pretty generally asked now is when will the main building be opened for the transaction of public business? The business of the court is still carried on at the old place at considerable inconvenience to all concerned, and the prisoners have to be brought from the new station every morning.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Evening News, Tue 1 Mar 1898 ¹³

REDFERN NEW COURTHOUSE.
———◦———
OPENED TO-DAY.
————

    The new Redfern Courthouse was officially opened for the transaction of business this morning. Mr GH Smithers, SM, was the presiding magistrate, and with him on the bench were Alderman Berry, JP, Mayor of Redfern, Rev TJ Curtis, and Mr Chas Jesson, JP. Mr F Gannon congratulated the Mayor and aldermen of Redfern, as the representatives of the inhabitants, upon the practical possession of so handsome and commodious a courthouse. He referred to the very great change for the better in the surroundings, and congratulated Mr Smithers upon being the first magistrate to preside in the new court. The chamber magistrate (Mr Carsons) and his staff, who would really be the more permanent occupants of the building, would be grateful for the change of habitation during the working day, and the press would no doubt appreciate the increased comfort and facility afforded them in carrying out their special work. The police station officials, who occupied no small portion of the new premises, were to be congratulated upon their new quarters. Mr Smithers, in reply, said that the good wishes expressed by Mr Gannon were heartily reciprocated, and it was a source of satisfaction that a building worthy of Redfern had at last been erected. After a few remarks by Alderman Berry the ordinary business of the court was proceeded with.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 2 Mar 1898 ¹⁴

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 25 Jul 1899 ¹⁵

PUBLIC TENDERS.
———◦———

    Tenders were accepted for the following public works for the week ended July:—
…
    Government Architect’s Works.—Erection of new southern wing at National Art Gallery, Outer Domain, Sydney, Loveridge and Hudson, Sydney, £14,484; painting, repairs, &c, at medical school, engineering department, Great Hall, &c, Sydney University, WS Stead and Co, Glebe Point, £197; treating courthouse at Taree with Bain’s white ant exterminator, Bain Lee, and Co, Sydney, £20; additions, &c, to old courthouse, Redfern (conversion into fire brigade station), DT Brown, Alexandria, £1689; additions, &c, to post and telegraph office and courthouse, Germanton, [now known as Holbrook], W Frost, Bowral, £543; erection of police buildings at Swamp Oak, W Steel, Ashfield £982 13s 6d; providing and fitting up telephones at Hospital for Insane, Kenmore, R Thompson, Sydney, £129.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 28 Dec 1899 ¹⁶

NEW FIRE STATION FOR
REDFERN.
———◦———

    A building, situated at the corner of Turner and George streets, Redfern, which for many years was utilised as a courthouse ¹⁷ and lockup for the district, was at the completion of the new courthouse and police station close by handed over to the fire brigade authorities to be converted into a local fire station. Plans were prepared by the Government Architect, and the tender of Mr DT Brown, of Alexandria, for £1689, was accepted to complete the work. This has almost been carried out, and to-day the Metropolitan Fire Brigade will practically take possession and supply ro the district the long-felt want of a fully equipped fire brigade.

    The building, which has been considerable altered and improved, now presents an attractive appearance. The old verandah has been removed, and a new front elevation presents itself at the full extent of the building line. This has been erected of tuck pointed brickwork, with stone facings and entrance arches. Iron columns, sanded to imitate stone, support the roof of the verandah. The internal arrangements of the building have been made on the plan in vogue at the head station. The engine-room is 45ft by 35ft, and is approached from George-street by two sets of doors which open on the automatic principle. The walls of the engine-room are of glazed tiles, the floor of trachyte, and the ceiling of pressed zinc. On the one side there are fitted up rooms for the station officer, containing the latest improvements in telephonic service. By a small flight of steps the single men’s sleeping apartments are approached. On the other side are the stables, containing three stalls fitted up similar to those at headquarters. The first floor of the main building is to be utilised as the residential quarters of the officer in charge. These comprise a suite of six rooms, one being fitted up as a kitchen, another as storeroom, and a third as a bathroom and lavatory. At the rear of the main building there is a large yard paved with trachyte and another set of buildings formally used as the lockup. These have been added to by a story, and are to be used as the single men’s dining room, lavatories, storeroom, fodder-room, coal-bins, &c. The first floor portion comprises a well-equipped billiard-room. There is also a heater pit used for heating the engines. The fittings throughout are of cedar. The exterior of the old building has been nicely painted and lined out to imitate tuck-pointed brickwork, the whole presenting a graceful appearance and forming an architectural ornament to the district. The duties of clerk of works were carried out by Mr Barnet, of the Government Architect’s Department.

    The station is to be manned by a staff of six men under the supervision of Mr S Holman, lately in charge of the North Sydney brigade. The engine room will be supplied with a 350-gallons steamer, a curricle [sic] fire-escape ladder, and all the latest fire-extinguishing appliances, also three horses. The electrical and automatic fittings and other appliances have been constructed at headquarters of the brigade by Mr E Stoneham, officer in charge of the workshops. The ladder has been ordered from England, and will arrive in sex weeks’ time. Arrangements, it is understood, are being made for an official opening at a future date when the building is finally completed and formally handed over.

 

---

¹     Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Fri 29 Jul 1887, p. 5. Emphasis added.

²     The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 2 Mar 1889, p. 15.

³     Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Sat 19 Jul 1890, p. 4.

⁴     The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 27 Apr 1892, p. 8.

⁵     Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 21 Jun 1892, p. 3.

⁶     Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 2 Aug 1892, p. 3.

⁷     Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 30 Jan 1894, p. 3.

⁸     Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Thu 28 Nov 1895, p. 4.

⁹     The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 14 Jul 1897, p. 11.

¹⁰   The Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 25 Aug 1897, p. 6.

¹¹   Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Fri 12 Nov 1897, p. 8.

¹²   Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 4 Jan 1898, p. 3.

¹³   Evening News, (Sydney, NSW), Tue 1 Mar 1898, p. 5.

¹⁴   The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 25 Jul 1899, p. 3. Emphasis added.

¹⁵   The Sydney Morning Herald, Tue 25 Jul 1899, p. 3. Emphasis added.

¹⁶   The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 28 Dec 1899, p. 7.

¹⁷   The author inspected the site, on the corner of George and Turner streets, Redfern on the 7 April 2011 and found that the building mentioned above does no longer exist. The current building occupying the corner site is also the fire brigade but not in the remodelled old courthouse building.

---