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From: "G Dundon" <>
Subject: UNDERWATER CABLE
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:53:09 +1000
References: <001301c6a608$d1c314d0$0401010a@margslbm456c>


Marg, your "Gosford Times snippets" are always interesting.

The one about submarine cable to be laid between Veteran Hall (Saratoga) and
the Brickwharf (end of Brickwharf Road at Woy Woy - no wharf there now, but
a marker post shows that this is one of the area's historic spots) rang a
bell with me.

I have an item from the Gosford Times of 21 June 1923, which states:

"Captain Reid of the steamer WYALONG, in conjunction with the officers of
the Telegraph Department under Mr H. Collits, have successfully laid the new
cable between Woy Woy and Saratoga. Captain Reid laid the two other cab;es
in Brisbane Water, and so was no novice at the game, and with the good work
of linesmen, put the 'string' down in one day. The distance is three
quarters of a mile, and 10 tons of cable were put under [water]. The new
line gives Saratoga an all-night service by way of WoyWoy, and a much
shorter route than formerly. During operations Mr I. Thompson, a linesman,
unfortunately sustained a severe injury to one hand."

(The WYALONG steamer was built in 1902 by Rock Davis at Blackwall for the
Newcastle and Hunter River Steamship Co Ltd, and was possibly leased by
Captain A.J. Reid for his service Sydney to Gosford, Woy Woy and various
Brisbane Water wharves. The ship was purchased from the N&HRS Co.Ltd by
Captain James A. Chew in 1924.)

The above reminds me of an incident back in the 1960s, when driving a Sydney
visitor around the Central Coast sightseeing. As we passed over one of the
creek bridges, a large sign "Beware Submarine Cable" provoked her comment:
"Goodness! Fancy submarines being able to get up this creek!"

Changing the subject - another item from the Times, dated 23 November 1923
says:

"Terrigal may soon boast of an ocean wharf. Captain Reid, ss WYALONG, has
applied for a special lease of a site in the Terrigal Haven, so well known
to the 60-milers for its friendly shelter from the stiff southerly blows.
If 'all's well' prevails, a passenger and cargo service to and from Sydney
will be inaugurated".

Where have we heard that before? Alas, that wharf never did eventuate.

Regards to all,
Gwen

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