A future for the past: war

*Current status:**	Unlisted.
Name of item:
Former name/s:	Pambula RSL Hall; Pambula Pre-School
Item type:	Built
Item group/collection:	Community facilities
Item category:	Hall – RSL Hall
Street number:
Street name:	Toalla Street
Suburb/town:	Pambula
Local Government Area:	Bega Valley Shire
Property description:
Owner category:	Private
Current use:	Storage shed
Former use/s:	Hall; pre-school;

* Refers to the site's inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Local Environment Plan.

Corporal Ronald Haigh, better known to many as "Ronnie", who
served in the Australian Army during WWII. It was Ronnie who
donated the land upon which the Pambula RSL sub-branch erected
their club house.
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection.

Significance:

Statement of significance:
Level of significance:	Local

Cars parked outside Pambula RSL Hall on Anzac Day, C 1964.
© The Estate of A. C. “Bubby” George.

Pambula RSL Hall in the background behind Jack Walker's truck, C. 1964.

© The Estate of A. C. “Bubby” George.

Description:

Designer:	Jack Walker
Builder:
Physical description:
Physical condition:
Construction date/s:	1962
Modifications and dates:
Further comments:

History:

Historical notes:

Although the organisation is no longer in existence, the fibro cement sheet building now forming part of the Mitre 10 hardware complex at Pambula was original constructed as rooms for the local RSL sub-branch.

As with so many other small towns and centres across Australia, many of Pambula’s young men rushed to enlist during WWI. The town’s first war memorial was unveiled to commemorate their service in 1918. Manufactured by Wunderlich, the pressed metal roll of honour was erected on the porch of the town’s Post Office.

Ten years later the community began moving towards construction of a more impressive monument to memorialise the contributions of local men during the “Great War”. After Councillor D. W. Hart called a public meeting in November 1928, the community spent the next six years raising the funds needed to construct the marble cenotaph. Made by Bega monumental masons Messrs. Zeiglar and Son, the official unveiling took place in February 1936.

Taking advantage of the large muster of returned servicemen present at the ceremony, Mr. W. Godfrey began enrolling potential members for the Pambula and District branch of the Returned Sailor’s and Soldier’s Imperial League (RSSILA) (now known as the Returned Services League or RSL). By March 1936, the organisation had been officially formed.

The activities of the sub-branch continued throughout and after WWII, with members such as Bill Hardaker, Ronnie Haigh, Jack Walker, Jack Jones, Fred Whant, John Dorl, Ron Ford, Allan George and Jack Bennett meeting in venues such as the town’s School of Arts. By 1956, an auxiliary had also been established, undertaking a range of important activities including catering on Anzac Day, as well as visiting sub-branch members in hospital and holding an assortment of fundraising events.

By the 1960s, the local RSL decided that the time had come to construct their own hall. Member and WWII veteran Ronnie Haigh donated an allotment of land to the cause, while Jack Walker drew up the necessary plans and in November 1962, the Magnet Voice reported that the Pambula RSL had commenced construction of their clubhouse. Hoping to have the project completed entirely with voluntary labour, Ray Rollason took charge of overseeing the construction side of the venture.

After its completion, the building not surprisingly became the centre of the sub-branch’s local activities. A luncheon function was held in the hall each year in Anzac day for local and visiting returned service people, while other activities were also organised on site, including bowls competitions.

Although, for many years, Pambula RSL had been one of the stronger of the local sub branches, membership began to wane towards the end of the 1960s, with the result that it was eventually subsumed into the Merimbula organisation.

During the 1970s, the hall was used for the Pambula pre-school facility. It now forms part of the Mitre-10 hardware complex.

Anzac Day at Pambula RSL Club, C. 1964. Fred Whant pictured in the doorway.
© The Estate of A. C. “Bubby” George.

Themes:

Australian theme:	New South Wales theme:	Local theme:
3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Events – Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurrences.
6: Educating.	Education – Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.
7: Governing.	Defence – Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation.
7: Governing.	Welfare – Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations.
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Leisure – Activities associated with recreation and relaxation.
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Social institutions – Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities.

At Pambula RSL after the Anzac Day parade, C.1964.
© The Estate of A. C. “Bubby” George.

Application criteria:

Historical significance SHR criteria (a)
Historical association significance SHR criteria (b)
Aesthetic significance SHR criteria (c)
Technical / Research significance SHR criteria (e)
Rarity SHR criteria (f)
Representativeness SHR criteria (g)
Integrity:

Pambula district's returned servicemen enjoying the post-march luncheon at
Pambula RSL Club, Anzac Day, C 1964.
© The Estate of A. C. “Bubby” George.

Anzac Day at the Pambula RSL Club, C.1964. Pictured are Jean Whant (centre)
with Joanne George, Glenda Dorl and Leonie George.
© The Estate of A. C. “Bubby” George.

Heritage Listings:

Nil

Information sources / bibliography :

Brown, Stella, pers. comm.

Delegate Argus

Eden Magnet

Imlay Magnet

Jones, Jack, pers. comm.

Magnet-Voice

Munn, Chappie, pers. comm.

Pambula Voice

Southern Record and Advertiser

Walker, Jack, pers. comm.

Weekly Times

Whant, Fred, pers. comm.

Author and date:

July 2015

Item details:

*Current status:**	Unlisted; nominated in 2006 for inclusion on Bega Valley Shire Council's Local Environment Plan; as yet not inspected or assessed.
Name of item:	Ben Boyd National Park
Former name/s:	Pambula Temporary Common; Pambula Rifle Range;
Item type:	Landscape.
Item group/collection:	Landscape – Cultural.
Item category:	Historic Landscape
Street number:
Street name:
Suburb/town:	Pambula
Local Government Area:	Bega Valley Shire
Property description:	Formerly part of Temporary Common reserved under No.’s I5468 and I5469
Owner category:	Federal Government
Current use:	National Park
Former use/s:	Town Common; rifle range;

* Refers to the site's inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Local Environment Plan.

Looking down the range from the top of the stop butt, C. 1927.

Image courtesy of Nation Archives of Australia.

Looking down the range, C. 1935.
Image courtesy of Nation Archives of Australia.

Looking down Pambula Rifle Range, 2006.

Significance:

Statement of significance:

The old Pambula Rifle Range is significant as a tangible reminder of the integral and important role civilian organisations played in national defence strategies in the past. The Pambula range on the old Common remained in use for a period of about forty years, and during that time saw men who later served in World War II, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam gain their basic rifle training. During World War II, the range was also used as a training ground for local Volunteer Defence Corp personnel. Locally, the range is significant as a once important sporting venue, rifle target shooting being one of the most popular past times in the district, a fact that was enhanced by the agricultural and pastoral nature of the region and the need for these skills in that occupation. The local rifle club was one of a large number of sporting and recreational groups that were operated and maintained on a community basis, and as such, have an integral relationship with the social history of the district. Historic rifle ranges are becoming increasingly uncommon features in the rural Australian landscape. The range features a range of tangible items that reflect the history of the site and related organisations, and should be protected as an extant example of local heritage and popular culture. The site may also have some archaeological potential.

Level of significance:

Local

Inside view of the mantelet, showing machines, C. 1927.
Image courtesy of National Archives of Australia.

Remains of mantelet, Pambula Rifle Range, 2006.

Description:

Designer:
Builder:
Physical description:	A rifle range, originally 600 yards in length, set in a natural bush setting, now with thick undergrowth. The range is located approximately 1 km from the Pambula Beach Road in a southerly direction, roughly in line with the former Pambula campus of the Bega Valley Christian College, in the Ben Boyd National Park. The terrain is a gradually rising slope running roughly east-west in direction. The range itself also follows the east-west direction, with the shooters firing from the western end up the slight incline to a stop-butt located at an easterly point. The stop-butt remains in situ and consists of a large earth-built mound, possibly stabilised with logs, standing approximately ten to twelve feet in height and approximately 25 feet in length. A smaller mound of similar length is located in front and the two are separated by a trench in which still stands target mounts made from water piping. This frame stands approximately six feet in height from the base of the trench. It is presumed that the trench was utilised as a safety precaution as cover against rifle fire by people responsible for fixing and removing the targets from the target frame. A small weatherboard and slab built shed approximately ten feet square once stood at the western end of the range, but no trace of it could be located during the site inspection. An aerial telephone line consisting of wire mounted on round bush poles standing approximately ten feet in height above ground level and eight to ten inches in diameter with cross arms containing two porcelain/ceramic insulators each mounted on galvanised lead threaded mounts ran approximately 600 yards in length between the shed and the target mounds. A number of the poles, still containing the cross arms, mounts and insulators with telephone wire in place were located across the site. According to photographic evidence and oral information, whilst the site was used as a range and town common, the area was lightly timbered, with undergrowth controlled through stock depasturing and controlled winter burning. The surrounding area today contains very thick undergrowth that impedes foot access and makes it difficult to locate and identify the rifle range site. This combination of poor access and substantial ground fuel places the remaining tangible evidence of the range at serious risk of loss in the event of a bush fire.
Physical condition:	Poor / at risk. A significant amount of tangible physical evidence of the range’s existence remains on the site. However, the area both on the range and surrounding it is extremely overgrown, making access and inspection difficult and placing remaining tangible physical evidence at serious risk. The firing mound is difficult to detect and the line of the range was only determinable through the remaining sections of the telephone airline, timber posts and brackets. What physical evidence remains is in real and significant danger of loss in the event of a bushfire, a risk that is exacerbated by the poor access.
Construction date/s:	1921
Modifications and dates:
Further comments:

The 600 yards mound & shelter shed 1935.

Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia.

History:

Historical notes:

The Pambula Rifle Club began life in 1893 as the Pambula Civilian Rifle Club with one dozen rifles issued by the Military Staff Office. In July a code of rules was adopted and after ammunition had been received target practice commenced on a range then located near the race course on the old town Recreation Reserve (now Panboola).

Two years later the club was transformed into a Volunteer Reserve Corps and in November that year Lieutenant Bradbury visited Pambula for the purpose of enrolling members. At the first such event, 17 individuals were accepted. The regulations which stated that men had take the oath of allegiance, be of good physique, not less than five foot six inches in height, with a chest measurement of not less than 34 inches, and pass a medical test indicate the military origins of these organisations.

The NSW Rifle Association, under whose auspices the Pambula Club was established, was constituted as part of the Defence Act, a reminder of the days when the nation’s security relied on civilian volunteers. Regarded as good preparation for this purpose, target shooting quickly became a popular and patriotic sporting past time and even the smallest of country towns maintained a range.

By 1899, Pambula’s organisation had folded, but in 1903, a meeting was held at the Club Hotel for the purpose of reforming the Pambula Civilian Rifle Club. Almost 30 names were submitted with more joining soon after. In May 1904, a notice appeared in the Government Gazette announcing that formation of the Pambula Civilian Rifle had been approved.

This was followed in 1907 by the raising of a troop of the Australia Light Horse, based in Pambula.

In 1912, due to their inability to pay associated rent, the local Rifle Club transferred responsibility for their range on the recreation reserve to the military branch of the Department Defence. It remained under their control until 1919, when the Defence Department decided, due to the fact that “Military Units have not used this Range for some four or five years…”, the facility should be transferred back to the Pambula Rifle Club. The land upon which the range was located was said to be “…unsuitably placed on swampy ground subject to inundation…” The range was also in a “…dilapidated condition…” with “…no stop-butt and every bullet flies across a distance of about 900 yards to the forest and high ground beyond…cattle had been injured by stray bullets…every shot is allowed to ricochet in any direction…”

After inspecting the range, Captain Grover of the Rifle Clubs Branch proposed that it be relocated, and after consideration of a number of sites, the Trustees of the Pambula Temporary Common were approached to secure a portion of that reserve for the new facility. In May 1919 it was reported that “A suitable fresh site for the Pambula Rifle Range has been inspected by the Inspector of Rifle Ranges and steps will be taken immediately to secure tenure and subsequently reconstruct the range thereon…”. A 1920 memo reported that “The fresh site for the range is held under ten years license from 1/2/1920.”

Members of the local club indicated their willingness to do the land clearing, but, as very little material on the old range was of use for the new facility, asked for financial assistance with regards to the expense of erecting the mantlet, stop-butt and other necessary infrastructure. It was recommended that cost of reconstruction of the range should be “…principally borne…” by the Department from the Vote ‘Grants to Rifle Clubs for Ranges”.

Initially it was planned to continue using the old recreation reserve range until the new facility was established, but this was not to be. In March 1920, Mr. D. Buckett, Captain of the Pambula Rifle Club, wrote to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs that “…a few days ago we received a notice from the Trustees of the Pambula Recreation Reserve to the effect that the lease of the old Rifle Range was cancelled and to stop firing on the range immediately. It came as a surprise to us as we were informed that we would be able to use the range until the new range was opened…”

This created a sense of urgency with regard to completion of the new ground, and it was reported in May 1920 that “The Club advised…that they were clearing the fresh site and were anxious to get on with the reconstruction of the range.” In June 1920 it was stated that “Pambula Rifle Club…have cleared the range and are waiting a favourable opportunity to burn the timber...” but by December, with little progress having been made, Mr Buckett reported “…the club has been practically dormant for some considerable time, and further the present time being the flush of the season and most of the members being dairy farmers, it is practically impossible for many of them to assist in the work…”

In January the following year, Mr. Buckett was informed that “…I have to advise that it will not be possible to arrange the reconstruction of your range immediately…” but by the 27^th of that month it was stated that Pambula’s Rifle Range “…is now under construction. Warrant Office Sallery commenced this work after completing Bega.” February saw the Voice report “Men are busily engaged in removing the old rifle butts onto the new range selected some months ago on the common.”

In March Mr Buckett reported that the range had been completed, and the same month an Australian Military Forces equipment report for Rifle Club No 211 was submitted showing that ranges were available from 100 to 600 yards, with two target machines having been erected. On March 11, 1921, Mr Buckett was advised that the range “…may be taken into use forthwith…”

In July 1920 the Commandant of the 2^nd Military District, under whose authority the Pambula range fell, had asked “…that authority may be given for this work to be carried out at Department expense in view of the fact that when this range was taken over by the Military Department, it was on good working order and since that time has been allowed to get in a very bad condition…” However, it would appear that a significant proportion of the associated costs still fell to the local club, and it was commented in early March 1921 that “…the cost of construction appears to have been considerably under-estimated…”. The same month, Mr Buckett wrote “I beg to make application for a Special Grant of £15 to defray part of the cost of construction of the new Rifle Range at Pambula…” According to him, club members had undertaken the felling and clearing of the range, as well as giving voluntary assistance in the construction work.

In 1927, the local range was inspected by Captain Grover and the same year, work was undertaken to stabilise the firing platform at the 600 yards firing point to overcome its tendency to vibrate. That year the Pambula Rifle Club was described as “…a live one and is in the hands of efficient officers. There are some very good shots amongst the members, the club is well known as respected along the South Coast.” Similarly in 1931, the club was said to have “…some very energetic men amongst the members and they are keeping the club together with competitions…” Good work had also been undertaken by the club in maintaining the stop-butt and in guarding against its damage by fire. 1934 saw the club return 30 members classed as “efficient”.

Rifle Club training was being hailed as “a national sport and a national necessity” by the 1930’s, and in 1932, Dr Lindon Wing was elected President of the Pambula club. That year he donated a new model rifle as a trophy to be competed for by local members. In 1936, with Dr Wing’s departure from the district imminent, the local paper announced that “…all members are requested to be present early…” at the club’s February shoot to enable a presentation to be made to the popular club member. Even after his departure, Dr Wing remained interested in the success of the club, and that year presented a cup valued at £10 to the club. In 1937, following the death of member W. G. Henderson, the club established the W. G. Henderson Memorial Cup, and Dr Wing again assisted, sending a cheque towards the prize.

The lease agreement between the Trustees of the Pambula Temporary Common and the Commonwealth of Australia for the property included in the Pambula Rifle Range was renewed in 1934, 1939, 1945 and 1947.

Access to the range was always problematic due to the nature of the surrounding landscape. In 1935, a grant of “…an amount not exceeding £25…” was secured to meet part of the costs associated with constructing a log bridge and approaches on the access roadway to the range, as well as effecting repairs to the stop-butt, work which was completed by July that year.

In July 1945, it was reported that the range was also being used by a detachment of the Voluntary Defence Corps and in 1949 a £19 grant was allocated for repairs to the mantlet and stop-butt.

It is uncertain at this stage when the rifle club ceased to function, but it is known that it was still in operation in 1957 and probably continued to function into the late 1960’s.

Bush pole with porcelain insulator and aerial telephone line,
Pambula Rifle Range, 2006.

Themes:

Australian theme:	New South Wales theme:	Local theme:
3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Agriculture
3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Environment
3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Forestry
3: Developing local, regional and national economies.	Pastoralism
4: Building settlements, towns and cities.	Land tenure
7: Governing	Defence
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Social institutions
8: Developing Australia’s cultural life.	Sport

Mantelet & stop butt, 1935. Club members pictured include Mr Smith (Captain),
Mr Henderson (Secretary) & Dr Wing.
Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia.

Stop butt in 1935.
Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia.

Remains of stop butt, Pambula Rifle Range, 2006.

Application criteria:

Historical significance SHR criteria (a)
Historical association significance SHR criteria (b)
Aesthetic significance SHR criteria (c)
Technical / Research significance SHR criteria (e)
Rarity SHR criteria (f)
Representativeness SHR criteria (g)
Integrity:

Target trench showing timber frames ready for targets, 1935.
Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia.

Heritage Listings:

Information sources / bibliography :

Eden Magnet

George, Allan, pers. comm.

Hart, Denis, pers. comm.

NAA, Series – MT 1461/1; item 31/1073/21

Pambula Voice

Pambula – Rifle Range Papers, Box 149, NAA Series – SP 1008/1; item 538/45/59.

Author and date:

2006.

A future for the past

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Storage shed, formerly Pambula RSL Hall, Toalla Street, Pambula

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Portion of Ben Boyd National Park, formerly Pambula Rifle Range & Pambula Temporary Common, Pambula