On Saturday afternoon Mr. Wilfred Tulk, of Shephard's Lane, left some groceries and other articles that he had purchased in his sulky near the Memorial Hall at the Jetty. During his absence they were taken by somebody. The police were informed and questioned half a dozen tramps who had been camped at the Jetty for a few days. Articles answering the description of those stolen were found and on Sunday afternoon the six men were arrested by Sergeant Dowd and Constable Dent. Two were charged with stealing and the other four with having goods in their possession suspected of having been stolen. The six were marched from the Jetty lock-up to the courthouse yesterday morning, by Constables Dent and Buchanan. They were remanded until to-morrow, when the Police Magistrate will be here.

ALLEGED THEFT. (1930, July 15). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 - 1942; 1946 - 1954), p. 3.

COFFS BANANAS (1932, April 5). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 - 1942; 1946 - 1954), p. 2.

Happy Christmas Spent

PARTY FROM COFFS HARBOUR

Despite its solitude out in the sea, Solitary Island did not forget the festive season of the year, and the few residents there, with their families, had a happy time. Mr. Wilfred Tulk, who now has a permanent position as a  lighkeeper on the island, has at our request given us an account of how Christmas was spent there. He writes:- 

Christmas on the Island was spent very quietly, but very pleasantly, the traditional dinner lacking nothing in volume or variety by reason of our isolation. This fact was largely due to Mr. Joe Fisher's generosity in consenting to sail his launch this way on Christmas Eve, enabling us to procure from Coffs Harbour fresh supplies of fruits and vegetables and various other perishable goods which could not be preserved long enough from the supply steamer's last call. For this service we are unanimous in wishing Mr. Fisher the best of "good hunting" for 1936.

It is probable that small children ashore, having a kindly thought for other small folk living in remote places, may wonder just how Santa Claus would manage to visit Solitary Island-or if he would visit such places at all. The fact remains, however, that he did, and there are a few kiddies out here who were made happy by his visit, who are still wondering how he came - whether by aeroplane or submarine during the night, or whether he was amongst Mr. Fisher's crew effectively disguised.

Very Severe Storm.

During Christmas afternoon the Island was visited by a violent storm, with hail. The fall lasted almost an hour, and although not heavy the hail was large, at times being the size of a hen's egg. This was the second storm of its kind within a, few weeks, the hail on both occasions being exceptionally large, and the lightning very severe. On quite a number of occasions, whilst sitting indoors, the lightning could be clearly heard crackling along the bell wires which connect each house to the lighthouse tower.

During an earlier storm in the middle of the month the lightning was particularly vicious, and on this occasion Mr. Paddon's wireless aerial was struck. Fortunately the aerial was effectively "earthed"  and disconnected from the radio. The explosion was far too near to be pleasant. Mr. Paddon (acting head-keeper) ? has experienced many violent storms during his fishing career, but is most emphatic that this was the most severe he has ever encountered. It was his bad fortune to be on duty attending the light during the latter part of the storm, and does not hesitate to say that it required no small amount of self-discipline to sit in the lower, top amongst the machinery and watch the blue flames of lightning jumping about the steel shaftings.

Rabbits Doing Well

Seven rabbits released on the Island less than two years ago have now developed into a colony numbering not less than some hundreds. Owing to the soil being generally not more than a little over a foot in depth, the "bunnies" have long since abandoned attempts to burrow to a satisfactory depth and domicile beneath the many rocky ledges .surrounding the Island, it is not likely the lighthouse staff will be dismayed by a meat shortage while the rabbits are so handy.

Coffs Party's Visit.

A happy party of visitors were landed from Messrs. Dale and Jeffrey's launch on Sunday last and spent an enjoyable day on the Island. Weather conditions wore perfect and no difficulty was experienced in landing. The various points of interest were inspected by all and a tour of inspection was made of the lighthouse tower under the guidance of Mr. Phil. Paddon, acting head-keeper.

The party consisted of guests from Brighton Flats. Mr. Gilbert Turnbull, Australian author, was a mepiber of the party and spent, the day on the launch with Mr. Buckler. Mr. Turnbull is a big game fishing enthusiast. Other members of the party were Mr. and Mrs. Buckler, Mr. Syd. Buckler, Captain Turnbull, Mr. Douglas Dicker (who recently took the place of Mr. Peter Turnbull at the Bank of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour), Miss Barbara Turnbull (daughter of Mr. Gilbert Turnbull), Miss (Gore (Lismore), Miss Pat Hellaby (Taree), Mr. Brogan (of the Public Works Department) and Mr. Clive Mcintosh, of woodchopping fame.

Messrs. Gilbert Turnbull (brother of Capt. Turnbull), Buckler, Dickens and Mcintosh remained on the launch and spent the day fishing.

SOLITARY ISLAND (1936, January 7). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 - 1942; 1946 - 1954), p. 3.

Mr. Wilfred Tulk, who has been a lightkeeper on Solitary Island for several years, has been appointed to a similar position at Point Perpendicular on the South Coast, and is to take up duty at his new post early next month. He is just completing annual leave.

PERSONAL (1938, February 25). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 - 1942; 1946 - 1954), p. 3.

Nelson's Bay Drowning (1952, September 26). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 1.