Introduction

In December 1921, the New South Wales Governor, Sir Walter Davidson and Lady Margaret Davidson visited Port Stephens as guests of the prominent businessman and philanthropist, William Longworth. They were entertained at his residence ‘Glenroy’ at Karuah.

This was the second time a NSW Governor had visited Karuah although this visit was low-profile compared with the lavish trip by Lord Chelmsford in 1912.

Sir Walter Davidson – Governor of NSW (1917-1923)

The Governor and his wife had undertaken a three-day tour to Newcastle in late November 1921, to visit various industries there. At the end of the tour, they travelled to Karuah as the guests of Mr. and Mrs Longworth.

This paper records the details of the visit.

Governor leaves Newcastle for Karuah

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 3 December 1921, page 7, reported:

‘Sir Walter Davidson, the State Governor, accompanied by his private secretary and Lady Davidson, left Newcastle yesterday [Friday] for Karuah. They will be the guests of Mr. W. Longworth, and will return to Sydney by the 3.40 p.m. train on Sunday. This they will catch at Hexham. In the course of an interview with a representative of the ‘Newcastle Morning Herald’ before leaving for Karuah, the Governor said: “I am leaving hospitable Newcastle for two days’ idleness at Karuah. It is very rare for me to have a holiday like that.

I could not leave Newcastle without testifying our personal gratitude to all those who have made our visit to Newcastle and the district so absorbingly interesting. Newcastle is already the centre of a great industrial world, but the future Newcastle will be a city and district of infinite possibilities. I watch the growth and development of this, the great industrial centre in the south, with the greatest interest and solicitude. I hope and believe that people of our race, common-sense folk as we all are, will work together for our common good in good times and in bad. Our great future depends upon our not being divided into hostile camps. The mines, the steel works, and all connected with them, should be, and I believe their hearts are, anxious to work together, so that all may benefit in due proportion in times of prosperity, and all make their sacrifices when adversity calls for it.”

Prior to leaving for Karuah the Governor called at Newcastle Hospital, accompanied by Major Egerton, and handed to Mr. G. H. Williams, the secretary, a large bunch of beautiful flowers. His Excellency explained that Lady Davidson desired the flowers to be separated and placed in the various wards to please the patients, also that they regretted that time would not permit them to visit the patients personally, and to make an inspection of the hospital’s premises, but hoped to do so at a later date. His Excellency stated that he enjoyed the hospital concert on the previous evening very much, and both he and Lady Davidson had thoroughly enjoyed their holiday visit to Newcastle.’                              

Governor entertained at Karuah

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 9 December 1921, page 3, reported:

‘On Friday last the Governor of the State, accompanied by Dame Margaret Davidson paid a visit to Port Stephens, and on reaching Karuah were met by the local residents and the Aboriginal School children. The latter were in charge of their teachers and missionaries Miss Ferguson, and Misses Acland and Evans. Their Excellencies were treated to the novel music of the Leaf Band, the children played the National Anthem, Rule Britannia, and Advance Australia Fair’. Their excellencies were then presented with a boomerang, which was inscribed ‘Greetings from Karuah 1921’, The presentation was made by Tom Dillon, who is over 90 years of age. A beautiful basket of flowers was given to Dame Margaret by Annie Ridgway, the flowers being tied and dressed with the colours of the British flag.

After these presentations their Excellencies alighted from the car and were introduced by Mr. Gazzard, (of Newcastle) to the school children, teachers, missionaries and parents. His Excellency expressed his thanks for Dame Margaret and himself for the gifts received and the cordial greetings extended them by the aboriginals of Karuah. After chatting for some time their Excellencies, shook hands all round and left for the residence of Mr. Longworth, ‘Glen Roy,’ Karuah’ amidst hearty cheers for the King and his representatives.

William Longworth [Newcastle Library]

During their stay at Karuah their Excellencies visited Nelson’s Bay, Tea Gardens, Pindimar, and the Naval Base. Those who accompanied the party were Major Egerton, Private Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Baker, (Steelworks, Newcastle,) and Miss Parker. The party enjoyed the time spent at Karuah, and the outings on the Port. Mr. Longworth’s launch being available to meet every convenience.’

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

June 2023