The 1920’s saw much community interest throughout the Port Stephens area for the construction of swimming baths. With its vast shoreline, the Port Stephens area was a suitable area in which enclosed tidal baths could be constructed on the waters edge.

Swimming baths were seen as an important tourist attraction. The first baths in the Port Stephens area were constructed at Tea Gardens in 1922.

Public agitation for the construction of swimming baths began at Nelson Bay in 1920, resulting in the first baths being privately constructed at Nelson Bay in 1823.

Proposals for swimming baths at Karuah date back to 1923, but it was not until late 1927 that such a facility became operational. Major work to repair the baths was carried out in the late 1940’s.

The site of these baths was in the vicinity of the Karuah Public School on the northern side of the Karuah Bridge in the area of Memorial Park

This paper is the story of the development of the original swimming baths at Karuah.

Proposal for Swimming Baths – 1923

The first newspaper reference to proposed swimming baths at Karuah was published in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 27 February 1923, page 5:

‘The [Karuah] progress association is endeavouring to have portion of the foreshores set apart for a public bath. These, when established, will be appreciated by visitors and local residents. Bathing in the open waters of the port is always attended with risk. The shark menace is an ever-present one, although some of the bathers regard it lightly.’

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 12 March 1923, page 5, reported that the Port Stephens Shire Council had decided to offer no objection to the proposed baths.

The Newcastle Sun of 21 March 1923, page 1, also reported:

‘The Karuah Progress Association has made representations to the Fisheries Department, through the Education Department, for permission to erect swimming baths there. This has practically been granted, and as Mr. G. Morton has promised the poles, the baths should soon be completed.’

The Newcastle Sun of 18 April 1923, page 5, further reported:

‘The [Karuah Progress] association was successful in having a site granted for swimming baths.’

Construction of the Swimming Baths Delayed – 1927

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 4 March 1927, page 1, reported:

‘Another public work which might engage the attention of local residents is the completion of baths. A site was allotted years ago and although much talk has been indulged in nothing tangible has resulted. The Public school is adjacent and the teaching of swimming is now part of the curriculum. The usefulness and healthiness of the pastime to the scholars is beyond question, to say nothing of the pleasure gained by local adults, and visitors.

Not every place is so favoured in having the clear salt water for public baths and that they are not an accomplished fact before this betokens an absence of civic pride on the part of the leading townsmen. Considering its size Karuah has done some notable things in the way of raising money for local church schemes and other charitable objects the explanation being that the people who organise these affairs manage to insert in their proceedings an enthusiasm and energy that nothing can withstand, and the resulting success is deserving of commendation to the parties; directly interested but when it comes to advancing any utility that makes its appeal and is the business of all sections there is a deplorable apathy. Closely associated with the baths question is the provision of public sanitary conveniences on the waterfront the absence of which is a scandal and menace to public health, the odium of which must be jointly borne by the local residents, the Port Stephens Shire and the Board of Health.

Start of Construction – 1927

It was late 1927 that construction of the swimming baths commenced. The Newcastle Sun of 21 November 1927, page 3, reported:

‘A move to construct public baths at Karuah has been started by the residents. The resort is becoming a popular one, and since the good road has been completed it is largely availed by weekenders, as with good fishing and shooting, the surroundings are appealing to coalfields residents. More than 200 cars visited Karuah on last Sunday.’

Fund Raising for New Baths – 1927

The Newcastle Sun of 29 November 1927, page 6, also reported on fund raising for the new baths:

‘The baths at Karuah are being built by voluntary workers and will be completed in about three weeks. The timber has cost the committee close on £30, which has been gathered by holding card parties and dances. A concert of all local talent was wanted, and Mr. Harris and his two daughters trained the young performers. The concert was a great success and realised about £12. Songs, recitations, musical items, and a character sketch were provided by Miss V. Harris. Mrs. Cardwell, and Miss Harris, Mrs. W. Longworth, Miss M. Dobson, Misses S. and B. Dillon, and Miss L. Johnson. Boys and girls’ choruses also were given and was greatly appreciated.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 1 December 1927, page 3, further reported:

‘The Karuah baths are nearing completion. Funds are nearly exhausted, so the Baths Committee thought of running an ugly man competition but found there was only one man in Karuah eligible for the competition, so they abandoned that idea and ran a concert composed entirely of local artists. Mr. Harris, ….. and his daughters organised the concert and trained the young people. The programme was as follows : — Action Song, “Japanese Maidens”, Girls; Recitation, Miss V. Harris; Pianoforte duet, Mrs Caldwell and Miss Harris; Action Song “Minuet”, Girls; Solo, selected, Mrs. W. Longworth; Pianoforte solo, Miss M. Dobson; Character sketch, “The Hat Shop”; Dialogue, “The Ways of the Weather”, Girls; Solo, Mrs. Longworth; Action Song “Grandmothers Old”, Girls; pianoforte Duet, Misses S. and B. Dillon; Action Song, “The Awkward Squad” Boys; Recitation, Miss L. Johnston; Floral March, Girls; “God Save the King”. The takings were about £12.’

Further Fundraising to Pay Swimming Bath Debt

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 17 May 1928, page 2, reported:

‘A public meeting was held in Nestor Hall on Monday night to devise some means of raising funds to pay off the debt on the recently erected baths. Mr. Pile was voted to the chair. Mrs. Longworth apologised for her absence and promised to donate the jazz caps and other prizes. It was decided to hold a plain and fancy-dress ball on the night of June 8th, in Nestor Hall, Karuah. The ladies present were elected to be a committee with power to add to their number.’

Court Case Concerning Aborigines Swimming at the Baths – 1929

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 28 February 1929, page 3, reported:

‘At the Police Court, on Friday, before Mr. Reed, P.M., Stanley Ridgway was fined £5 and £9/13/4, for an assault on Leo Stamford. The plaintiff’s case was that defendant assaulted him over certain references to the aboriginies swimming in the baths at Karuah. The parties are residents of Karuah, the defendant being one of the aborigines. 21 days to pay were given. Norman Beal, aboriginal, was fined 10/ and costs amounting to £12/4/10 for assaulting R. N. Pile at Karuah. This case arose out of remarks by plaintiff Pile, who when swimming in the baths remarked that the abos had no right to be swimming there. When he saw Beal later on at the wharf, the defendant knocked him off the wharf and he fell about four feet onto the rocks. Defendant said he only pushed the plaintiff off. 21 days were allowed to pay the fine.’

Boxing Day Festival Included Swimming Events – 1933

The Dungog Chronicle of 6 January 1933, page 4, reported:

‘In glorious weather the Karuah Parents’ and Citizens’ Association conducted a mixed programme of sports on Boxing Day, and excellent competition was witnessed in all sections of the sport. Owing to the unfavourable time of the high tide the swimming events at the baths were run off in the early morning, starting at 9.30 a.m. The fun was fast and furious. The greasy pole, pillow fight, and high jump off the springboard causing much merriment. The men’s swimming race was also an exciting tussle, L. Howell winning by a small margin from W. Oliver.’

Other athletic and boating events were also conducted on the day.

Swimming Baths in a Neglected State – 1936

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 10 September 1936, page 1, reported on the repairs required to the Baths:

‘These baths are held under permissive occupancy by the Karuah Progress Association, …… The baths are in bad state of repair and as the main piles have only a life of 3 years left in them only temporary repairs would be justified. To put in order for that period would cost £18 for material.’

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 19 September 1936, page 20, also reported:

‘The Engineer of the Port Stephens Shire (Mr. R. G. Payten) has reported to the council on the condition of the Karuah baths, which he describes as being in a bad state of repair. The Progress Association and the Engineer are to confer on the matter, with a view to seeing what steps are necessary to affect the improvement desired.’

Council Takes Over Responsibility of the Swimming Baths – 1936

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 12 November 1936, page 1, reported:

‘At the Port Stephens Shire Council meeting on Friday, the District Surveyor informed Council that a communication had been received from Mrs. A. Gough, Hon. Sec. of Karuah P. and C. Association stating that the Karuah P. A. [Progress Association] had disbanded and requested that the Karuah baths be placed under the control of the Council.

The District Surveyor asked if the Council would be prepared to take control of a permissive occupancy at a peppercorn rental. Mrs. Gough also wrote the Council advising that the P. A. was defunct. Cr. Markey said he would not like to see the baths go out of existence altogether. A lot of people visit Karuah at holiday time and the baths were an attraction. If we want to encourage tourists, this is a way it can be done. He moved that the Council take the permissive occupancy. If the Council got the transfer, they could deal with the baths later on. Cr. Parish said he had a conversation with some of the residents regarding the baths. He thought the engineer should be asked to report as to whether the baths can be made self-supporting.

Cr. Russell said it was a tourist resort, but they had to consider how the money was used. They must get some return. If they put in baths that are attractive no one will object to pay. Cr. Tranter asked if the Council took over the transfer will they have to maintain the baths. The Clerk said the permissive occupancy is for baths. Cr. Tranter: If we have to take over the responsibility of the baths, he was not in favour of it. They could not do it. On the motion being put it was carried that the Council take up the P. O [permissive occupancy]. 

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 17 December 1936, page 4, further reported:

‘From enquiries made from local residents, I [shire engineer] estimate the annual revenue to be derived from the baths if placed in order and dressing sheds and lavatories were built would be £25. As previously reported to put the baths in order for a period of three years would cost £18 and the cost of sheds and lavatories would be £62 if built with emergency relief workers [work for dole workers], making a total expenditure of £80.’ 

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 19 December 1936, page 20, also reported:

‘Efforts are being made to have repairs and additions effected to the public baths at Karuah. It is proposed to add to the dressing sheds and provide conveniences. The expenditure will involve £80 and will be sufficient to keep the baths in order for three years.’

Limitations of the Swimming Baths – 1938

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 20 January 1938, page 2, reported:

‘At present, the very high tides are attracting a larger number of visitors than usual. The baths ….. , are freely patronised until the tide goes out. At present the bottom of the baths is just unadulterated mud, but the Progress Association have a scheme in to alter this and give the baths a sandy bottom, but they must have the assistance of the Port Stephens Shire Council. When the Councillors see the baths, they will at once admit a new fence is necessary for safety’s sake. There are many sharks in Port Stephens.’

Construction of New Baths Proposed – 1938

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 21 April 1938, page 1, reported:

‘The monthly meeting of the Progress Association was held on the 13th inst. ….. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. R. H. Wakeham said that on a recent visit Mr. C. E. Bennett, M.L.A. had made certain suggestions regarding a swimming, pool. The meeting unanimously adopted Mr. Bennett’s advice and the Hon. Secretary was requested to write to the Port Stephens Shire Council requesting that estimates etc, be prepared for a swimming pool to serve the people not only of the present but to allow for an expanding population both resident and tourist.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 12 May 1938, page 3, also reported:

‘The Shire Council considered various requests from the Karuah P. A. [Progress Association] at their last meeting. …….They [the P. A.] also asked Council to consider the question of erecting a swimming pool at Karuah. Mr. Bennett had promised to try and induce the Government to give a grant for the purpose. Cr. Upton asked if it was not possible to have the old baths repaired, as it was a big undertaking to have baths erected there.

Cr. Meredith moved that the P. A. be informed that the Council was not in a position to borrow money for baths at present. If the Government gave a grant the Council would have to subsidise it. Cr. Tranter seconded the motion. The Council was not in a position to finance it. Cr. Russell said if the engineer prepared an estimate, they would have some idea of what baths would cost. The estimate would be there for any time then. Cr. Elkin moved an amendment that the engineer make an estimate if a favourable site could be found. Cr. Russell seconded and it was carried. The engineer will enquire into the other requests.’

Council Defers Further Action to Construct New Baths – 1938

The Dungog Chronicle of 17 June 1938, page 4, further reported:

‘At last meeting of the Port Stephens Shire Council Mr. Payten, Shire Engineer, said that the most suitable site to construct baths at Karuah is north of the ferry at the end of the street past the post office. Baths proposed would be a pool cut out of the rock, with a concrete retaining wall impounding the water at high tide, and with valve for flushing out the pool at low tide. Size of area available would be 100 feet long by 100 feet wide at one end and 80 feet at the other end. The estimated cost of baths, with timber dressing shed to cost £300, would be £2200. In considering the Engineer’s report on the proposal, Cr. Meredith asked how they were going to finance it if they agreed to carry it out. The councillors thought the matter must be held over for the present.’

Poor State of the Existing Swimming Baths – 1938

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 22 September 1938, page 1, reported:

‘The ordinary monthly meeting of the Progress Association was held on Wednesday 14th inst. ….. After the usual formal business was concluded the following matters were dealt with ……

The matter of a swimming pool for Karuah was again under discussion. Members expressed themselves very forcibly on the neglect of Karuah as a water side place for the visiting public. The Hon. Sec. to write to Mr. C. E. Bennett, M. L. A. reminding him of a recent visit and seeking his further advice.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 16 November 1939, page 3, also reported:

‘Summer is round again and visitors at the weekends are crowding along the waterfront. One visitor asked recently, (it was low water), — ‘What is that expanse of black mud enclosed by the dilapidated and rotting sapling fence’ Answer, (proudly): ‘Karuah’s public baths.’

Visitor—’It rather resembles a wallow for such animals as enjoy that pastime’ Answer, (again proudly) ‘Well in a very high tide you can swim for a few yards’.

Visitor: ‘But are you not afraid of sharks’ Answer: ‘I suppose so. Any way we have chanced it, but I rather think we shall have to go to Tea Gardens or Nelsons Bay for a swim this summer, for you see the holes are now so big and so many that sharks won’t know if there’s a fence at all.’

Visitor: ‘What is your Shire and where is its office?’ Answer: ‘Port Stephens Shire and Raymond Terrace is its headquarters.

Visitor: ‘But if Tea Gardens and Nelson’s Bay have their public baths, I mean safe ones, why not Karuah and why don’t you enlist the sympathy of your shire representatives and get your M.L.A. to assist?’ Answer: (A look of amusement or disgust, not sure which, perhaps both). A few words emphatically spoken. That visitor now knows all about it.’

Discussions Continue About New Baths – 1944

The Dungog Chronicle of 19 September 1944, page 2, reported:

‘The Engineer, Mr. Payten, reported at the meeting of Port Stephens Shire Council as follows: — Karuah Children’s Swimming Pool: Estimates were prepared of a proposed swimming pool at the end of the road facing the reserve, 50 ft. by 50 ft. The pool will be made by impounding water between high and low tides within a concrete wall and excavating the rock within to give a depth varying from. 2½ft. to 3ft. 6in. An emptying valve will be provided to allow the pool to be cleaned out at low tide. The estimate £420 and particulars were forwarded to the Karuah Committee interested.’

Piles of Original Swimming Baths to be Removed – 1946

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 9 May 1946, page 4, reported:

‘Karuah Progress Association ….. asked [Port Stephens Shire Council] that the old piles of the swimming baths be taken up. This will be referred to the Navigation Department.’ 

Proposed New Swimming Baths Under Consideration – 1946

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 16 May 1946, page 3, reported:

The Engineer, Mr. Payten, submitted the following report at the Shire Council meeting, on May 3: Design and estimate has been prepared in accordance with Karuah Parents and Citizens request for a swimming pool 150 feet long by 60 feet wide and having a depth of 8ft. 6in. at deep end and 2ft. at the shallow end. The site is at the north end of the Reserve adjacent to the Fisheries Inspector’s wharf.

Pool proposed would be constructed by excavation of rock to the required depth and building a concrete wall surrounding pool on the existing rock to a height so as to allow a flow of 6 inched over wall at h.w.m. [high water mark] through bays left 10ft wide so as to ensure a flow of fresh water at mean high tide. A valve would be provided at low water level to empty pool to that level, but would not remove water in the deep end, which would require to be pumped out each year so as to clean the deposit of mud and marine growth out, which accumulates there. It has been found at Nelson Bay baths that this deposit is considerable and costs over £30 to remove.

No drilling tests’ were made to ascertain if the rock at site was solid down to the depth proposed to be excavated, or whether rock was only shallow, sitting on a mud bank, but it is presumed that it is solid, otherwise the project would not be possible. The cost to make this test would be about £30. The cost of the scheme providing pool as outlined above, together with the cement rendering of the bottom, provision of valve, necessary steps and concrete promenade 12 feet wide, on three, sides of the pool is estimated at £4596. No provision has been made in the above for dressing rooms, lavatories or attendant’s quarters if thought necessary, as these could be provided at a cost ranging from £200 upwards, according to what is considered necessary and how baths are to be operated.

It is pointed out that experience gained at Nelson Bay baths show that it is necessary to empty pool once a week and to sweep down and whitewash the floor of shallow end at least once a fortnight to prevent marine growth making the floor too slippery to stand on. The President said it was a very comprehensive report. Cr Russell moved that the report be forwarded to the P. and C. Association at Karuah. Cr. Morgan seconded and this was agreed to.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 17 October 1946, page 4, further reported:

‘The Karuah Parents and Citizens’ Association wrote regarding baths at Karuah, to the recent meeting of the Port Stephens Shire Council. Cr. Russell moved and Cr. Upton seconded that the engineer confer with Karuah residents re the baths. The estimated cost for baths is £4000.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 14 November 1946, page 3, also reported:

‘The Engineer, reported at the last Shire meeting that he interviewed the P. and C. Association at Karuah, and they want to know if the Council will apply for a grant to build the baths, and will the Council assist. Also, how much will they be required to contribute.

Crs. Tranter and Upton moved that they apply for a grant. Cr. Morgan said it may prejudice any application made for a grant for Raymond Terrace baths. He felt sure the Government would be asked for a grant for Raymond Terrace. It would be as well to ask Karuah how they propose to manage the baths before asking for a grant. Cr. Russell said it was of the utmost importance to find out how they were going to be managed. Cr. Morgan said the Raymond Terrace proposal for baths should take priority. If Karuah were refused Raymond Terrace may be too. He thought they should defer the application till they see what will come out of the request for the new subdivision to be put into ‘B’ riding. As this would increase the number of holdings in ‘B’ it may strengthen the application. It was agreed to do this.’

Working Bee to Reconstruct the Existing Baths – 1947

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 2 October 1947, page 2, reported:

‘A working bee to reconstruct the Karuah baths was very well attended on Saturday, and the work is well under way.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 28 October 1948, page 6, also reported:

“Plonko” from Karuah sends us by bush telegraph, the following account of the working bee at Karuah recently. There was a good roll up at the working bee for the renovation of the Karuah baths. The “bees” worked well under “Shanker” Drew’s supervision and his resume of Saturday’s cricket.’

Vandalism at Swimming Baths Site – 1947

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 25 December 1947, page 2, reported:

‘Karuah Progress Association inquired from the Port Stephens Shire Council for information on prosecuting persons for vandalism at the baths. The baths were again being repaired and the Progress Association desired legal action to be taken against vandals. Cr. Rodgers moved that the power to prosecute be delegated to persons nominated by the Progress Association.’

EPILOGUE

The long-term community aim was always for new baths to be constructed along the foreshore of the Karuah River.

This was finally realised in 1999 with the completion of the Karuah Foreshore Facility.

Nota [News of the Area] of 5 August 1999, page 2, reported on the new proposed baths which presently serve the community:

‘Work has now commenced on the Karuah baths. The baths are to be built further out into the river, so that they will always be full of water, no matter what the tides are doing. Alongside the wall of the baths, will be a long jetty, which will allow large boats to anchor. There will also be a walkway under the bridge, linking Longworth Park and Memorial Park, under the busy highway. It is hoped, that the extensive works will all be completed in time for the commencement of the swimming season in November. ‘

The site of the current Karuah public wharf, river pool and cycleway is on the southern side of the Karuah Bridge in Longworth Park.

The following plaque tells this story:

Signage in Longworth Park on Karuah Foreshore

 Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

December 2023