1904--work was resumed on extensions to the Trades Hall involving the construction of a large hall and the addition of upstairs rooms. Wilkinson & Company constructed new warehouse premises in Blende Street; a contract for 2500 pounds was let by the Silverton Tramway Company to Messrs. Axill and Waldie to erect a stone and brick railway station at Sulphide Street ; the Mayflower hotel in chloride Street was rebuilt; the Social Democratic Club acquired new premises; the Royal Hotel Oxide Street, as a two storeyed structure; and James Sloan, in addition to his ownership of the West End brewery and rebuilding the Globe Hotel, constructed two 'handsome stone villa which he named 'Sloanville', in Cobalt Street ( demolition was commenced in 1974 to provide for extension to the Y.M.C.A. premises). 1905--'all over Broken Hill the sounds of the masons' trowel and carpenters's saw are heard' was the description given by the Barrier Miner, heralded a revival in building activities, mostly of a utilitarian nature. Despite the uncertainly of the times, there was some confidence in the future. Brigadier Graham, in March, opened the Salvation Army barracks in Wolfram Street, and a porch was about to be constructed in front of the courthouse. The Sulphide Street railway Station, constructed of Block 14 sandstone, was commissioned in June-the original small timber and iron structure being removed to the Railwaytown depot of the Silverton Tramway Company to become part of a recreational hall and library. The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Lane Street, was opened a month later. The final section of the Trades Hall was completed in August and, in the same month, the Oxide Street Methodist Church was dedicated by the Reverend C.H. Ingamells ( the Blende Street north church building, opened in 1887,was transported to the Oxide Street site and remodelled to become the new church).Local retailers, Pellew & Moores, and Boan Bros., were renovating and extending their premises, and the Barrier Truth printing presses were transferred from Crystal Street to a new building erected in Blende Street. The Willyama Hotel was destroyed by fire in November. The Broken Hill Municipal Council, in July 1905,decided to purchase the privately owned steam-driven electricity supply works situated in Blende Street. And sisters Winnie and Miriam of the Methodist faith denounced dancing as 'carnal and immoral' and said that it 'dissipated the mind, corrupted the heart and seared the conscience'. 1906-- In may a determined attempt was made to re-form the Broken Hill branch of the Young Mens' Christian Association which had become defunct despite its impressive inauguration in 1890. Also in May 1906, at a meeting convened by the Mayor, Alderman J.H. Ivey, the Broken Hill Cottages Homes Associations was formed, and it was proposed to erect homes for the aged people of Broken Hill. A block of land situated at the corner of Williams and Bromide Streets was selected as a suitable site. Another community organisation, the Sacred Heart Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society was formed in July, J.A.M. Shelley being the first president; a seconded group of the society was established at South Broken Hill five weeks later, with J. Keating as president. Horses in the Streets were startled at the appearance of a seven horse-power Oldsmobile car, capable of being driven at 30 miles per hour. S.A Cheney, a representative of Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, stated that the running of the vehicle would cost only a halfpenny per mile. The Hippodrome outdoor theatre and arena was opened at the rear of the Palace Hotel. 1907--the Theatre Royal theatre, adjoining the hotel of the same name, was re-opened in February. The building had been destroyed by fire in January 1894 and, following an unsuccessful attempt to float a company to re-erect the theatre, the hotel licensee, J.W.Harris, undertook the work himself. The Waverly Brewery, owned by Simson & Beaglehole, closed during the year. "Casy's hotel', half way between Broken Hill and Silverton, continued to serve thirsty travelers with wines and spirits on non – licensed premises. Broken Hill, which had been incorporated as a municipality in September 1888, was proclaimed a City on 16 July 1907. Two members of the original Syndicate of Seven died in 1907-Charles Rasp on 22 May and George McCulloch on 12 December. 1908--There were 61 hotels within the city boundaries, plus 11 in the immediate district. The Y.M.C.A. purchased from the short-lived Commercial Club the original German Club building in Chloride Street. The Y.M.C.A. group was now strongly entrenched, having formed a literary society, camera club and rifle club, in addition to conducting its gymnasium and other activities. CONTINUE |
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