MANILLA NSW

  There was one main reason for stopping overnight here; I think I smell! Haven't had a shower since Moree, a few days ago and I'm starting to feel uncomfortable and I need to wash some clothes.
  I had read in "Camps Australia Wide" that the Riverside Caravan Park was a nice place to stay. It did look inviting with a long row of Stately River Gums lining the River beside the route to the Office, where I was met by pleasant Owners. I am going to stay 2 nights in a grassy spot under shade trees. A good Phone/Internet connection will also allow me to publish some Blog Posts. I am still a few behind. I doubt if I will ever be up to date.
  There is another reason it is the 4th March and My Birthday and I am hoping that I will here from some of the Family. I would love the contact as it does get a bit lonely sometimes when on your own all the time. I will explore the Town on my way out on the next leg to Tamworth.
  Manilla is famous for hosting the Australian {Paragliding Championships in March each year, I am not sure where it is held though.  There was also a Water Ski park nearby so I suppose its also popular for that Sport. being on Fossicker's Way Panning for Gold and Gemstones also attracts people to the area.
  My impression of the Town Centre was that it continues the trend of Town Planning that is characteristic of many places along the route that I have travelled on to date. A Town Clock and Monument at the entrance to the Main Street ( or sometimes towards it's Centre) and 60 degree Parking against very high gutters, possibly a throwback from Horse and Buggy days. Manilla is 44 km nth of Tamworth and 437 km from Sydney with a population of 2300 in Town and another 600 in surrounding areas.

The Town Clock & Centre Gardens c1938

Manilla Main Street

 

The River Gums leading to the Caravan Park

 

  The Town's History began in 1828 when the first Settlers arrived in the area of the Namoi River, about 10 km the Manellae (Manilla) River. In 1837 a Station of 37000 acres was licenced between the Peel and Namoi Rivers and extended to the present site of Manilla Town. the district became renowned for Shorthorn Cattle and Thoroughbred Horses which led to a string of Race Horses.
  George Veness is "Known as the founder of Manilla and named the Town" It was surveyed in 1860 and Gazetted on the 28th April 1863, finally being officially proclaimed a Town in 1885.

Maniila Museum and Royce's House

 

Museum attached to Royce's House c1884

 

The Royce House c1884

 

 

     Yaranambully School beside the Museum c1935

 

                                                                                          Memorial to Country Singer Alf Coster

 

             Old Gas street Lamp at the Museum

 





  Pastoral and agricultural growth was a major driver of settlement and by 1180 had become the major industry in the district. Wheat and Cattle soon also became important. A major drought in 1895 - 1903 resulted in 50% stock losses and another in 1946 when there was a total crop failure. In contrast, the Namoi could rise to flood levels very quickly with one of the worst Floods  occurring in 1864 and another big one in 1964, prior to the Keepit Dam construction.
  Wheat has been important since first grown in 1872, it's quality prompting the construction of a Flour Mill in Tamworth. When the Railway came in 1899 a Mill was built in Manilla. In 1905 the Manilla made 6 furrow Stump Jump Plough was demonstrated making many jobs redundant in the industry.Interestingly, Tobacco was grown here commercially in 1899 and the introduction of irrigation in 1902 fuelled growth in this industry. By 1923 there were 17 Plantations. But by 1940's it had declined due a reluctance to buy local product and to consequently a increasing lack of markets.
Dairying became increasingly important since the Spit Rock Dam was completed in 1988 and the the Keepit Dam created a secure irrigation area. Now 3 large Dairies operate in the district.
After many years of decline Manilla has started to regrow, with diversified hobby Farming, cheap housing and close proximity to Tamworth attracting a new type of resident.
  Back to the Town itself where an obvious effort has been made to restore some of the Old Buildings in the Main Street with other seemingly less important ones needing some repairs. I noticed that quite a few Shops at one end of Town had closed down and the nice old Courthouse Hotel needed fixing up.

Old Shops in The Main Street

 

 

The Manilla Express Newspaper Building c1900

 

 Bank of NSW Building c 1900-11

 

Soldiers Memorial Hall c1923

 

The Pubs of Manilla

 

The Royal c1891

 



                          The Imperial c1900





 

                                                                                                           The Junction c1870s

 

The Courthouse c1900 Renovated 1930

 





Notable Old Houses in the Main Street

 



 My overall impression of Manilla was that it was nicer than Barraba but not as good as the
delightful Bingara (a favourite so far this trip). Tomorrow its a quick trip to Tamworth then to Woolomin  and the Chaffey Dam.