TIMELESS WOLLONGONG

The following two-part story brings out another view of Wollongong's early history, namely "civic history".

The government passed the Municipalities Act in 1858, providing the framework for local councils to become municipalities. This, in turn, gave them the power to hold council elections so that the residents could elect aldermen of their choice to manage the councils' affairs. After meetings and a petition to the government, Wollongong was gazetted as a municipality on February 28, 1859.

After the election on March 22, 1859, by April 1, 1859, there were nine successful candidates. John Garrett, editor of the Illawarra Mercury, was elected the first mayor. At the second council meeting tenders were called for the position of town clerk for which six applications were received. The tender of John Curr was accepted at an annual salary of £30 for a six-month period. After that time he would be installed permanently in that position along with treasurer of council finances.

By late 1863, John Garrett's son Thomas handed the newspaper over to Mr Curr who became the next editor of the paper while being the town clerk and treasurer.

Everything seemed to go along in an orderly manner until May 1871. Frederick Cole was elected mayor in February 1871. Mr Curr had asked for and was granted a week's leave during May from his position as town clerk. In his absence a council meeting was held on May 19, which meant that the council minute book was required for the adoption of the previous minutes. To hold the meeting the mayor and Alderman Brown forced the locks of both office doors of the town clerk and the record room to gain access to the record cupboard. During the meeting Alderman Waring moved that the town clerks for the future be appointed annually directly after the election of the mayor. The motion was seconded by Alderman Wiseman. All but one alderman voted in favour.

During February 1872 tenders were called for the position of town clerk. Seven applications were received. John Curr was only paid his salary up until December 31, 1871, which meant he carried on his duties for another two months after that. On February 20, 1872, J.S.Wood was appointed town clerk on a salary of £40 annually. Mr Curr was to assist Mr Wood into the position, which he did on February 23. A council meeting was held that day and all seemed in order.

However, the next morning Mr Curr, who was officially no longer the town clerk, was found in his old office. When confronted by Mayor Cole, Mr Curr explained he was just picking up his personal papers. The next council meeting was to be held on March 1 and when the mayor went to collect the minute book the cupboard was empty. Taken from the secure cupboard were the current minute book, letter book, large rate book, ledger, receipt books, cheque books, several plans, specifications, reports of various committees and all council correspondence, as well as other papers. Without the minute book the council meeting could not proceed as by law the minutes of the previous meeting were to be adopted. A letter from Mr Curr dated March 1 was found in the council box. This letter was dealt with at the council meeting. The letter started off by saying that he removed all the books and papers belonging to the council to be placed in a safe place as the "Custodier'(sic) of the books and documents of the Council of the Borough". Mr Curr continued that he would be holding the books as he was taking legal action against the council for compensation of £50, his annual salary. He signed himself "Custodier of Municipal Documents of the Borough of Wollongong".

The aldermen considered the options in regaining control of the books in order for meetings to proceed. A report stated that Mayor Cole, Aldermen Hewlett, Brown and Palmer were to seek legal advice from solicitor Mr Owen.

On March 7, Mayor Cole made it clear to those present that they were holding a meeting of aldermen and not a council meeting. Mr Curr had also demanded the old minute book held by the council. The aldermen were unanimous in their decision that the old minute book should be retained by the council. The matter was getting out of hand when a small comment posted in the newspaper stated that Alderman Hewlett thought that Mr Curr was trying to extort money from the borough council. Next week the story continues.

Information courtesy of Carol Herben OAM.  Call 0409 832 854 or email: sycado6@bigpond.net.au.