TIMELESS WOLLONGONG

In 1815, NSW had been in the grip of a severe drought for the second year running - farmers were struggling to grow their crops and feed their livestock.

The Sydney Gazette reported in March 1815 that there was a considerable extent of fine grazing ground at Five Islands. The paper stressed that it would be thoroughly impracticable to convey cattle by land to the district of Five Islands.

Dr Charles Throsby of Glenfield, near Liverpool, must have sought the governor's permission to move his cattle to Five Islands.

Some time in 1815, Dr Throsby and his stockmen were led by local Aborigines in finding a safe and manageable path to drive his cattle down the escarpment.

A stockman's hut was erected in what is now Harbour Street, Wollongong, near the junction with Smith Street.

Many of the early European settlers in Illawarra had good working relationships with some of the traditional owners of the land. This long association between the inhabitants saw some of the Aborigines employed on estates.

One such person was William Saddler who, it was said, after the death of his mother was raised by an Aboriginal woman named Susan Rolans near Lake Illawarra.

He gained employment as a coachman with William Warren Jenkins of Berkeley Estate.

He was quite an athletic man as he started competing in foot races when he was young.

On New Years Day 1872 at the annual sports gathering on the Green at the bottom of Crown Street, Mr Saddler competed in the heats of the fourth race. Winning his heat, he then ran in the final and was declared the overall winner. The prize for his win was £3.

On Friday, November 21, 1873, he was driving the carriage carrying Mrs Matilda Jenkins and two of her daughters. When the carriage was coming down Crown Street the pole between the horses snapped, throwing the carriage onto the rear of the horses. The horses began to kick out and Mr Saddler was thrown to the roadway. He quickly sprung to his feet and took charge of the frightened horses. He was praised for his rapid action in controlling the horses and assisting the Jenkins family to safety.

An advertisement appeared in the Illawarra Mercury in August 1877 where W. J. Spinks of Mount Pleasant challenged Mr Saddler to a race over a distance of 100 to 150 yards for any amount from £5 to £20. The race over 150 yards took place at the Green on Saturday, December 6. There was just one foot between them at the finish and Mr Spinks was declared the winner.

After the auctions of Berkeley Estate, the remaining daughters of William Warren Jenkins left Wollongong for Sydney. A farewell get-together was organised in August 1891, attended by 250 people. One of those guests was Mr Saddler the coachman. He spoke of his regret of the departure of the ladies and thanked them for their many kindnesses to him.

He was still competing in foot races up until 1894, when he won over a distance of 100 yards at the Wollongong Carnival held on Easter Monday.

Mr Saddler was not to be forgotten. At the Municipal Council Jubilee celebrations in November 1909 he was honoured. He was crowned King of Illawarra.

The last we heard of Mr Saddler was in 1945 when W. Waters and Son recalled the events of 25 years ago (December 10, 1920) in an article in the Illawarra Mercury: "An old Aboriginal named William Saddler was found in a semi-conscious condition near Hill 60, Port Kembla, on Sunday last and was removed to Wollongong Hospital where he was admitted. The old fellow was at one time a runner of fame and visited England in that capacity."

Information courtesy of Carol Herben OAM.  Call 0409832854 or email  sycado6@bigpond.net.au