Some Important Dates
SOME IMPORTANT DATES :-
1958 Hobart Office opened.
1966 Mr R H S Cavan CBC General Manager opens Fernleigh Castle as CBC Bank's principal staff training college.
1968 R H S Cavan joins airflight from Perth to Darwin
CBC negotiations to purchase Darwin CBD property
1969 Jan 2 Circular from General Manager Mr R H S Cavan that CBC is talking to NBA about amalgamating operations to give each Bank better representation throughout Australia
1969 Dec 16 Advice to Managers and staff that merger discussions with NBA have ceased
1969 First Instant Cash Dispenser in Australia installed at CBC Double Bay Branch
1969 approx CBC Properties purchased 67 Smith St Darwin house and land previously owned by Michael Paspaley / Paspalis
1970 July Administrative Officer (Automation) establishes Forms Control (later Forms Design) Section to Procedures Department in Systems Division
1971 CBC Properties Darwin branch building including officers quarters designed by designers of CBC St Leonards Computer Operations Centre
1971 Darwin branch opened in demountable on 67A Smith St Darwin. Current Accounts has photo of staff incl B I Shearman beside this demountable with CBC Properties building under construction in the background on 67 Smith St.
1972 Nov St. Leonards Centre officially opened by Premier ?Robert Askin?.
1973 New York Representative Office opened.
1973 C.B.C. appoints first female branch accountant in Australia.
1974 Procedures separated from Systems & left Forms Design behind with a staff of four
1975 C.B.C. appoints N P Macanally first woman branch manager in Australia to 44 Young St Sydney branch.
19760630 CBC had 653 points of representation
19770701 CA Pg 1 Tokyo Representative Office opened.
19800630 CBC Annual Report stated major rationalisation of the branch network was virtually completed during the year to 19800630.
3 new branches were established
2 branches were reduced in status
2 points lost representation
leaving CBC Bank represented at
613 points compared to
653 in June 1976.
An accelerated program of remodelling or replacing branch buildings has been commenced and
19800630 total expenditure on premises rose sharply during the year to 30 June 1980. (1980 Annual Report page 5)
19800630 CBC Annual Report stated decentralising of the administration of the branch network was continued during the year with the establishment of additional regions in New South Wales and Victoria.' (1980 Annual Report page 5)
19810501 Current Accounts Pg 11 "Procedures and Forms Design were brought back under Systems Division"
1981 May 21 CBC & NBA issued joint statement on merger
1981 CBC Annual Report "# of Branches SubBranches & Branch Agencies 618.
Staff 7,080. Planning is proceeding for redevelopment of the Head Office Project with completion scheduled for 1985. The New Bank will have nearly 1300 branches"
1981 October 1 CBC was subsidiary of NBA
1982 January 1 CBC & NBA branches became National Australia Bank branches
1982 Merged with National Bank of Australasia Limited (which had commenced operation in 1858) to form National Commercial Banking Corporation of Australia Limited.
1983 January 4 name changed from National Bank of Australasia Ltd (NBA) to National Commercial Banking Corp of Aust Ltd (NCB)
1984 Oct 4 name changed from National Commercial Banking Corp of Aust Ltd (NCB) to National Australia Bank Limited (NAB)
CBC Bank maintained the undermentioned points of representation as at:-
1976 June
branches throughout Australia in June 1976
(1980 Annual Report page 5)
many of which are classified by the National Trust.
The number of places where CBC Bank has had representation far exceeds the above
20090815 nab continues to close branches with
nab having the lowest # of branches
of any of the big four banks in Australia.
CBC
had over
1,400 branch photos online.
If you have a photo of any CBC sites please forward it to us.
The following pages contain
records of branches ranging from
very historical photographs
to current pictures showing their present usage.
By clicking on selected "thumbnails"
a higher quality photograph will be displayed
Names are in bold type and
underlined if an enlargement is available.
Use the "back" icon in your browser
to return to the CBC website
after viewing.
State/Territory
Bank/State No
No. of
branches
as at
30/6/1980
Males
Females
No. of branches
as at 31/3/1982
New South Wales
279
222
Victoria
647
151
130
222
Queensland
396
69
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern Territory
Manager
1971 Barry I Shearman,
1974 Geoff Chapman,
1975 J Beer,
1977 Oct Les Scrivener,
Acct 1974-5 Sid Pyne,
1977 Jim J Cronin,
Australian Capital Territory
contains photos of CBC Bank branches
dating from the 1800s,
many of them of the original buildings.
A search under "CBC Bank" will reveal 'photos of the following branches:
Richmond, Narrandera,
Camden, Tumut, Cootamundra,
Forbes, Harden, Casino,
Wagga Wagga, Yass,
Holbrook and Bega
A search under "Commercial Banking Company"
will reveal photos of:
Ararat, Campbelltown, Bourke,
Lockhart, North Sydney,
Camden, Geelong, Fitzroy,
King Street (Sydney?)
Orange, Fortitude Valley,
Crows Nest, Allora
and Wollongong.
Head Office
Click on bar at left for:
Historical,
Internal,
Safe Custody,
Martin Place photos
Monday, March 30, 2009
CBC Locations HO City to Haym Metro Outer to Sz
CBC Bank maintained the undermentioned points of representation as at:-
1976 June 653 branches throughout Australia in June 1976 (1980 Annual Report page 5),
many of which are classified by the National Trust.
The number of places where CBC Bank has had representation far exceeds the above 653.
20090815 nab continues to close branches with
nab having the lowest # of branches
of any of the big four banks in Australia.
20090630
CBCBank.com.au had over
1,400 branch photos online.
If you have a photo of any CBC sites please forward it to us.
The following pages contain
records of branches ranging from
very historical photographs
to current pictures showing their present usage.
By clicking on selected "thumbnails"
a higher quality photograph will be displayed
Names are in bold type and
underlined if an enlargement is available.
Use the "back" icon in your browser
to return to the CBC website
after viewing.
State/Territory Bank/State No. No. of
branches
as at
30/6/1980 Males Females No. of branches
as at 31/3/1982
New South Wales 05 2 279 2089 1910 279
Victoria 05 3 150 1029 647 150
Queensland 05 4 68 396 367 69
South Australia 05 5 8 46 81 9
Western Australia 05 6 8 62 53 9
Tasmania 05 7 4 58 57 5
Northern Territory
05 8 1
Darwin 67 Smith St opened 1970/1
6
Manager
1971 Barry I Shearman,
1974 Geoff Chapman,
1975 J Beer,
1977 Oct Les Scrivener,
Acct 1974-5 Sid Pyne,
1977 Jim J Cronin,
5
1
Australian Capital Territory 05 2 4 38 23 9
Overseas
4 61 48 2
TOTAL 526 3,790 3,191 533
http://www.pictureaustralia.org>
contains photos of CBC Bank branches
dating from the 1800s,
many of them of the original buildings.
A search under "CBC Bank" will reveal 'photos of the following branches:
Richmond, Narrandera,
Camden, Tumut, Cootamundra,
Forbes, Harden, Casino,
Wagga Wagga, Yass,
Holbrook and Bega.
A search under "Commercial Banking Company"
will reveal photos of:
Ararat, Campbelltown, Bourke,
Lockhart, North Sydney,
Camden, Geelong, Fitzroy,
King Street (Sydney?)
Orange, Fortitude Valley,
Crows Nest, Allora
and Wollongong.
Head Office
Click on bar at left for:
Historical,
Internal,
Safe Custody,
Martin Place photos
1981
1985 building sold to State Superannuation Board
1993 HO as NAB by Frank Chapman
2000 Relocation notice
2003 HO as a
Virgin Megastore by Frank Piccoli.
2009 June
after death of
Michael Jackson
TV showed photos
ground floor of
343 George St where
Virgin had sold
Michael Jackson material.
HO 1981 still CBC
345 George St NAB relocation
1985 building sold to State Superannuation Board
1993 HO as NAB by Frank Chapman
Monday, March 30, 2009
CBC Locations HO City to Haym Metro Outer to Sz
CBC Bank maintained the undermentioned points of representation as at:-
1976 June 653 branches throughout Australia in June 1976 (1980 Annual Report page 5),
many of which are classified by the National Trust.
The number of places where CBC Bank has had representation far exceeds the above 653.
20090815 nab continues to close branches with
nab having the lowest # of branches
of any of the big four banks in Australia.
20090630
CBCBank.com.au had over
1,400 branch photos online.
If you have a photo of any CBC sites please forward it to us.
The following pages contain
records of branches ranging from
very historical photographs
to current pictures showing their present usage.
By clicking on selected "thumbnails"
a higher quality photograph will be displayed
Names are in bold type and
underlined if an enlargement is available.
Use the "back" icon in your browser
to return to the CBC website
after viewing.
State/Territory Bank/State No. No. of
branches
as at
30/6/1980 Males Females No. of branches
as at 31/3/1982
New South Wales 05 2 279 2089 1910 279
Victoria 05 3 150 1029 647 150
Queensland 05 4 68 396 367 69
South Australia 05 5 8 46 81 9
Western Australia 05 6 8 62 53 9
Tasmania 05 7 4 58 57 5
Northern Territory
05 8 1
Darwin 67 Smith St opened 1970/1
6
Manager
1971 Barry I Shearman,
1974 Geoff Chapman,
1975 J Beer,
1977 Oct Les Scrivener,
Acct 1974-5 Sid Pyne,
1977 Jim J Cronin,
5
1
Australian Capital Territory 05 2 4 38 23 9
Overseas
4 61 48 2
TOTAL 526 3,790 3,191 533
http://www.pictureaustralia.org>
contains photos of CBC Bank branches
dating from the 1800s,
many of them of the original buildings.
A search under "CBC Bank" will reveal 'photos of the following branches:
Richmond, Narrandera,
Camden, Tumut, Cootamundra,
Forbes, Harden, Casino,
Wagga Wagga, Yass,
Holbrook and Bega.
A search under "Commercial Banking Company"
will reveal photos of:
Ararat, Campbelltown, Bourke,
Lockhart, North Sydney,
Camden, Geelong, Fitzroy,
King Street (Sydney?)
Orange, Fortitude Valley,
Crows Nest, Allora
and Wollongong.
Head Office
Click on bar at left for:
Historical,
Internal,
Safe Custody,
Martin Place photos
1981
1985 building sold to State Superannuation Board
1993 HO as NAB by Frank Chapman
2000 Relocation notice
2003 HO as a
Virgin Megastore by Frank Piccoli.
2009 June
after death of
Michael Jackson
TV showed photos
ground floor of
343 George St where
Virgin had sold
Michael Jackson material.
2000 Relocation notice
2003 HO as a
Virgin Megastore by Frank Piccoli.
2009 June
after death of
Michael Jackson
TV showed photos
ground floor of
343 George St where
Virgin had sold
Michael Jackson material.
343 George Street
is the former headquarters of
one of the leading banks in New South Wales, the
Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd.,
which had occupied this site since
the 1850s until after its merger with the
National Bank of Australasia in 1981.
The design and execution,
scale, form and materials
of this building combine
to present an extremely
fine expression of the
qualities and aspirations of a leading,
well established and respected bank
from the 1920s
at a time when
great confidence and trust
was placed in banks
such as the
Commercial Banking Co.
The building is significant
as a good and early example
of the Commercial Palazzo style.
The Ground Floor,
Lower Ground Floor
Safe Deposit Vault
and area,
and surviving original interiors
of the executive areas
are exceptionally fine
and rare examples of
design and craftsmanship
of their period,
The Banking Chamber
and Safe Deposit area
are the finest
and most intact
marble finished bank interiors
from the early
20th century in Sydney,
the only comparable interiors being the
Westpac Bank next door,
and the former Government Savings Bank
in Martin Place,
both of which depend in large part on faux marble
('scagliola') for their effect.
The principle Ground and Lower Ground Floor spaces
are fitted with a collection of exceptionally fine and
now rare Australian marbles.
The circular Chubb Safe Deposit Vault door is the earliest,
as well as one of only two,
doors of its type in Australia,
the other also being in Sydney
believed to be
Commonwealth Bank (former Government Savings Bank)
in Martin Place.
There is a photo of it being delivered by horses about 1928.
The elegant grandeur of the banking chamber space
with its fine marble and bronze finishes and fittings
and the play of natural and artificial light within it
evoke the stature, role and functions of
one of Sydney's former leading banking institutions.
The building was designed by architects
Kent and Massie and
is arguably the finest commercial building
to be produced by them.
It was built by the firm of Stuart Brothers.
Both firms made prominent contributions to
Sydney's architecture in the first half of the 20th century
& they designed and built 661 George St Haymarket building
for Commercial of Sydney
at the same time as 343 George St was built.
About the same time Kent & Massie designed
Hunter & Bolton Sts Newcastle building
& 559 Hunter St Newcastle West building.
Together with its neighbour, the Westpac Bank,
and other nearby significant building of
the 19th and early 20th centuries,
343 George Street
forms part of
an imposing group which visually
closes the western end of Martin Place
and the north side of Barrack Street.
(Design 5 Architects, 2002)
Special thanks to http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/
www.sydneyarchitecture.com
20100326 was last day Virgin occupied ground floor of 343 George St
with interest shown by womens wear and mens clothing stores to
occupy 343 George Street. Virgin relocated to Myer.
Last modified: 17/12/2007 23:02
NSW
City
| American Express Tower cnr George & King Streets |  1983 | 1983 Head Office departments were relocated to the American Express Tower (AMEX), including Financial Control's Accounting Control, Accounts Payable, Audit, Banksure, FICS, Finance, Financial Planning, Health Society, Instalment and Personal Loans Accounting, Savings Bank Accounting and Superannuation. 2005 AMEX is now NRMA headquarters. |
10 Barrack Street |  2009 | 1973 Sub-branch listed in Annual Report, page 37. 2009 GoogleMaps photo sourced by John Beer |
| Bathurst Street is this now Pitt & Bathurst Sts ? 2009 nab moved to eastern side of Pitt & Bathurst Sts directly opposite ex-CBC Pitt & Bathurst Sts | Opened 1885 (75th Report) | |
| 11 Broadway (previously 11 George Street West) |  c1920 | Early photo courtesy K Meyer, There seems to be 2SER (which stands for Sydney Educational Radio) had its origins in the burgeoning community broadcasting movement of the early 1970’s when it was proposed that an educational radio station be established based on a consortium of Sydney universities. 2SER made its broadcasting debut on October 1, 1979, with the support of many hundreds of groups and individuals. a special interest defined as educational broadcasting. Through its programs, and the making of programs, 2SER aims to stimulate learning and educate its listeners and is committed to social change, access and diversity.
1975 Sydney radio broadcasting was about to experience a major growth in the industry. 1976 Announcement that Sydney would have three public FM stations. 1978 September and Macquarie University jointly appear before the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal (under Chairman Bruce Gyngell) and succeed in obtaining the offer of a Category “E” (for education) license. 1979 5th March The Dept of Post & Telecommunications advised the station’s call sign would be 2SER-FM (the first choice had been 2SEB-FM). The station was opened by the Federal Minister for Education, Senator John Carrick. 1980 5th June was opened by the State Minister for Education, Mr Paul Landa 1981 2SER’s license renewed. 1984 2SER’s license renewed. 1986 Zootime compilation of Sydney bands and musicians released. 16th December 2SER-FM Station Charter determined. 1988 Quadphobia, a quadrophonic simulcast between 2SER & 2MBS. Livewire weekend broadcast of live music and spoken word, celebrating 9 years at the forefront of independent radio. New program format launched, and with it public radio’s first satellite delivered national daily news and current affairs program Undercurrents. 1991 2SER wins several awards including a Silver Medal from the New York International Radio Festival, a Certificate of Commendation from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Media Awards and three Awards for Excellence in Programming for the Public Broadcasting Association of Australia.199 1993 Introduction of a satellite distribution system for community radio, ComRadSat. 1994 Outside broadcast from the Big Day Out, the first Mosaic Mix broadcast (24 hours of music presented by 24 DJs over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend). 1996 Awarded CBAA Best Broadcast Spoken Word Program for Open Mind. 1997 2SER participated in trials of Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) technology. 1998 A successful fourth Freaky Loops fundraiser event, with 4000 people crammed into the Wentworth Building while another 2000 were turned away. 1999 2SER is awarded 3 CBAA Awards for Excellence in Community Broadcasting: Best News Story (Undercurrents), Best Special Spoken Word program (This Old Thing); Best Marketing or Promotional Achievement (Underground Radio - Anatomy of an Image Change). 2000 Launch of 2SER’s first website. 2001 2SER joins forces with the Newtown Festival to stage the Microgallery Award for Sydney artists. 2002 2SER’s new program grid is launched and the Sydney Morning Herald declares “there is an alternative to Triple J”. 2003 2004 Pluratones fundraiser held at Metro featuring The Bird, The Herd, Biftek and more. Kate Hairsine is the fourth 2SER volunteer to be awarded a prestigious internship with the German National Broadcaster, Deutsche Welle. |
| Broadway, 732 Harris St, Ultimo 20090722 nab locations search does not reveal anything at 732 Harris St for nab - nearest branch is nab world square | 1980 September Branch Managers List "I relieved here in May 1981. While here all staff took part in the strike over salaries at that time, the first ever, and it was also successful. I think it was a wake-up call to all banks' management. diagonal stained knotty pine which in my opinion was revolting." | |
| CAGA Centre Cnr Bent, Phillip & Young Sts |  1974  1976 | Bounding Bent, Phillip and Young Streets on the site of the Metropole Hotel 1891. 1974 Sketch in Annual Report. 1976 photo from Current Accounts. |
| Castlereagh St, 11b | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking | |
| Castlereagh & Hunter Streets | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| City Tattersalls, 196 Pitt Street |  2006 | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2006 photo of nab by John Ness 2007 November 09 J Ness said no sign of any Bank at 196 Pitt St which was covered over with brown paper 2007 November 11 Sunday nab location search did not reveal any nab services at 196 Pitt St 2008 March premises refurbished to form part of City Tattersalls Club "Silks" brasserie. |
| Eastern branch 148 South Head Rd later renamed Oxford St - moved to 173-5 Oxford St later known as Oxford St branch | 18640518 "Eastern Branch" opened in a central part of the South Head Road, 1864 (32nd Report); 1892 operating at 173-5 Oxford Street It seems 148 South Head Road was consumed by Darlinghurst Courthouse | |
| Elizabeth Street, 81 Elizabeth Street 77-79 near King St; Elizabeth & King Sts |  c1913  2006 | c1913 From City of Sydney archives - Branch at 81 Elizabeth Street. Notes say window signage is Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1977 listed in Annual Report. 2006 photo of nab by John Ness |
| Exchange Branch, 58 Pitt Street North |  | 1899 opened near the Exchange (102nd Report). Early photo courtesy K Meyer, taken by his father-in-law, Charles Wiseheart, ex Manager Nowra. Renamed in 125th Report to 58 Pitt Street North. Bill Frost advises: Exchange Branch eventually became Royal Exchange Branch and then 58 Pitt Street. The old building had charm but not convenience. The new building had neither. A minor branch of the Tank Stream ran through the basement. I dare say is not a Bank any more as the National had a branch next door. |
| 28 Foveaux Street |  2007 | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2007 February partitioned office space in the building for lease. Photo from Tim Green Commercial RE. |
| 11 George Street West (later to become 11 Broadway) | | 1885 George St West opened (75th Report); operating in 1892; The extant building was built about 1891/2 so there must have been a building of sorts prior to this if the branch opened in 1885. 1933 the name of George Street West was changed to Broadway (Source City of Sydney archives) |
| George & Hunter Sts |  2006  2006 | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2006 photo of site by John Ness |
| H to Z | Click at left to continue. |
Last modified prior to import about 20090701: 02/02/2009 17:37
1855 CBC opened CBC's first branch in Sydney outside HO at about 563 George St which CBC named Southern Branch.
CBC Southern branch was moved to 744 George St where it remained until about 1925 when building was completed at about 611 George Stereet to where Soputhern branch was moved after which it became known as Haymarket branch.
- 744 George Street at Haymarket building bearing lettering "Commercial Banking Co of Sydney" is shown hereunder when it was operating at CBC Southern branch-
 | |||
George Street at Haymarket by Powerhouse Museum Collection." src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/3041763769_05cdb47a0e.jpg" width="500" onload="show_notes_initially();" height="387" />
A to
to H
Haymarket661 George St
Haymarket,
661-663 George St
http://www.cbcbank.com.au/images/Branches/NSW/Sydney%20City/
Haymarket
661 George St
SallyBarnes-Cooke.jpg
http://www.cbcbank.com.au/images/Branches/NSW/Sydney%20City/
Haymarket
661George St
1960 20SallyBarnes-Cooke_small.jpg
Haymarket 661 George St
C1960 Sally Barnes-Cooke.jpg
1960
www.cbcbank.com.au/images/Branches/NSW/Sydney%20City/Haymarket/
Haymarket
1924 building was commissioned by CBC in 1924 and
1925 constructed in 1925.
The architects were Kent and Massie
builders were Stuart Bros.
1930s some alterations of an unknown nature during the 1930s there are few other recorded alterations except
1985 the installation of an automatic teller in 1985.
1985 or later NAB made alterations to tellers box area.
1935 or later Mr J W K Gregson Manager Leichhardt
became Manager Haymarket when
he and his family resided in CBC Manager Residence
above CBC Alexandria branch until Mr J W K Gregson
acquired his Strathfield home.
1985 the installation of an automatic teller in 1985.
1985 or later NAB made alterations to tellers box area.
Bill Frost advised:
Building looks a bit like a miniature [CBC] Head Office.
It had a very large basement with two strong-rooms and storage.
It also had automatic pumps to keep Darling Harbour out.
There was a hydraulic lift from the basement to the ground floor for carrying cash.
The other picture appears to be of the old premises which in my time there were on the other side of George St.
1934 Listed in Century of Banking as 661-663 George St.
1960 photo courtesy Sally Barnes-Cooke in April 2009
1960 Stan A McLennan went from CBC Bingara to Warialda
to CBC Tamworth just as refurbishment was being completed,
when Carmel Kelly from Bingara was at CBC Tamworth.
Stan was born in Tamworth but parents lived in Bellatta.
1960 Stan was transferred from West Tamworth Receiving Office Clerk
to Haymarket Bill Department.
Haymarket Manager was from Victoria and he made staff retreat
to downstairs for ages to tick off work to locate 24 pounds 15 out of balance.
Never located so it was written off.
Stan said Haymarket was built over the tank stream.
Buildings there could not exceed 5 stories as they were over the tank stream.
Pumps in CBC dungeons were set on auto switch & kept the water out
but there was always a musty smell.
Stan can remember the old ledgers and vouchers stored there.
Stan said the covers over the man holes on the footpath had glass in them
to let the light into the area below which was above the tank stream.
Stan said CBC girls had a lunch room near where
bandits entered CBC Haymarket to clean out the safe custody.
Stan was later at Gunnedah where Don Steele was Manager.
Don had brother Max Steele in CBC.
Stan was 2IC Walgett then resigned from CBC Moree.
Stan said Tamworth staff in 2009 :-
Carmel Kelly lives in Guyra &
Margaret Auld is in France & will probably attend Tamworth Reunion.
Stan said he will see if he can chase up Ross New
re photo of West Tamworth Receiving Office premises.
1977 listed in Annual Report
B&W photo by Sydney City Council, Heritage Listed.
Physical Description:
Sandstone cladding,
trachyte cladding (ground level),
steel framed windows
Rendered masonry.
Physical Condition and/or
Archaeological Potential:
Both the George and Sussex Street sandstone facades of the National Australia Bank have been well maintained with only minor cosmetic changes.
They boldly express the Commercial Palazzo style.
Grand internal spatial quality and classical detailing.
Significance:
The George Street National Australia Bank is listed on Schedule 1 and the Heritage Street scape Map in the Heritage LEP 2000.
The bank records the popular use of the Commercial Palazzo style for CBD financial institutions in the 1920s.
Generally it reflects an important period of city growth during this period.
The National Australia Bank is a dignified and well proportioned example of the style as interpreted in the inter-war period.
The mellow sandstone and trachyte base combine to make the building an important contributor to the town scape character of the CBD.
The significance of this building is due, in part,
to the high degree of external intactness of the facade,
and internal intactness of ground floor banking chamber
and George Street entry foyer.
The George Street National Australia Bank
was purpose built for banking activities
and continued in that function (until about 2007
when business was transferred to nab World Square),
an association of over seventy years.
Generally it reflects an important period
of city growth during the 1920s-1930s.
Has historic significance locally.
[Aesthetic Significance]
Has aesthetic significance locally.
[Social Significance]
The George Street National Bank is
a dignified example of
the Commercial Palazzo style characteristic
of banks and financial institutions in the 1920s.
The exterior is well preserved and
presents to the street as mellow sandstone facade
with an impressive street level trachyte base,
well proportioned windows (top level with false balcony)
and strong cornice.
The form and scale of the building
contribute to the surrounding town scape quality.
The elaborate ground level banking chamber
and foyer interiors have been well preserved.
[Representativeness]
The George Street National Australia Bank is
representative of the popular Commercial Palazzo style
as befitting the image of Banks and Insurance Companys
in the 1920s.
The interiors are still capable of interpretation
with the banking chamber having changed little.
General:
A Conservation Plan is required
to guide future management, use and maintenance
of the National Australia Bank
given the high level of significance.
The overall form of the building should be preserved.
Exterior:
Any future development should preserve
the external fabric including sandstone and granite facings,
windows, and gold lettered sign.
Intrusive elements such as
window mounted air conditioning units
should be removed when the opportunity arises.
Interior:
The banking chamber interior,
George Street foyer and surviving fabric
to the upper levels should be preserved
in accordance with the Conservation Plan.
Adaptive reuse of interiors must also be in accordance
with the Conservation Plan
and any new work should be reversible
having no physical impact on
significant internal and external fabric.
Future uses should have functional requirements
of a similar nature to existing banking use
to ensure compatibility.
1982 November 25 NCBCofA General Circular 1069 :-
1. G Hayward Mgr Haymarket
to Regional Lending Mgr Relieving NSW
2. W J Harding (Bill) Manager Kings Cross
to Mgr Haymarket
1985 June 24 General Circular 2675:-
a) W J Harding [Bill] Mgr
Haymarket
to Relieving Manager NSW
b) G S Banfield Mgr City Tattersalls
to Manager Haymarket
Colour photos by Frank Chapman
2006 closed by nab and
business transferred to World Square
on opposite side of George Street, closer to Town Hall.
2006 October photo of interior as a tailor's
by John Beer who says 1st floor is now occupied by CWA.
2009 January Google Maps photo sourced by John Beer.
2009 February
"I came across this site by accident,
and just wanted to let you know how terrific it is,
so interesting and informative.
I was delighted to read about the Hay market building
at 661 George St as my father was the caretaker (residential)
for many years from 1951 to 1965
and the whole family lived in an apartment on the top floor.
We children grew up there and of course
knew every nook and cranny, from the roofgarden to the basement,
it was a child's paradise! Thank you for your great work!"
Sally Barnes-Cooke
2009 April, Sally Barnes-Cooke advised:
The thought just occurred to me that the basement
of 661 George Street was a maze of dark passages
and cell-like rooms that nobody ever visited.
I was told that the rooms were built as air-raid shelters
but this might not be true.
One of the rooms was stacked with old ledger books
all written in beautiful copperplate writing.
I don't know if these would be of historical interest
or whether they would still be there after all this time,
but as it appears nothing has been altered, they might be untouched!
20090713 Monday 11:18
661 George Street has been operating as
Haymarket Hotel since 2007 June.
The hotel is owned by people who own
at least two other hotels in the City.
The boss said there was great difficulty
obtaining approvals to have alterations done.
In the area where CBC / NAB operated the bank,
Haymarket Hotel operates on three levels
ground floor then down one story & up one storey
& there seems to be a mezzanine between ground floor and 1st floor.
Ceiling is highlighted with lighting. Marble counter remains.
CBC Bank history is highlighted including
on plaque outside front and rear entrances, walls,
wall counters (where deposit slips were)
where it also states NAB made alterations to tellers boxes.
The history also states the 1920s Manager Mr ?Lovegrove?
said the recommended tenanted area would be in demand.
The tenanted area operates separately
as it did before with lift from basement to 5th floor.
From: CBC Image [mailto:http://mail.google.com/mail/h/1ndqrpcoc4vug/?v=b&cs=wh&to=cbcimage@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 14 July 2009 12:52 AM
To: John M. Ness
Cc: ankana21; fmaund; heclough; jobson; noel_crowley; http://mail.google.com/mail/h/1ndqrpcoc4vug/?v=b&cs=wh&to=swagtravel@bigpond.com; willfro
Subject: Re: response not seen to any email sent over past few days
Ex-CBC Haymartket premises
why deal with 50 why not deal with 1st one then next one in lieu of dealing with the whole 50 ?On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 12:44 AM, CBC Image http://mail.google.com/mail/h/1ndqrpcoc4vug/?v=b&cs=wh&to=cbcimage@gmail.com> wrote: why ?On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 12:13 AM, CBC Image http://mail.google.com/mail/h/1ndqrpcoc4vug/?v=b&cs=wh&to=cbcimage@gmail.com> wrote: There is an urgent one re CBC Haymarket Hotel could be considered for CBC's 175th ?
Alexander Mackie College of Advanced Education Agency of Paddington & 35 Pitt Street | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
Alexandria 60 Botany Road 1934 Century of Banking it was listed as Waterloo & Alexandria with A L Black Manager |    2008 | Opened 1885 as Waterloo (75th Report); 1888 Heritage Listed: Two storey Victorian Italianate style building by Mansfield Brothers operating in 1892. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking as Waterloo & Alexandria; 1935 or later Mr J W K Gregson and family lived in Managers residence above branch after being transferred from Manager Leichhardt to Manager Haymarket pending his acquisition of house in Starthfield. 1975 Listed in Annual Report as Alexandria. 2008 three photos by John Beer showing front, rear and side views. 2008 it was Chicken Express with chicken cooking area in banking chamber, with a Bank of Queensland ATM installed in corner exterior of building. |
Alexandria Records Store 53 Huntley Street |  2008 | 1979 records moved from Macquarie Street Store 35 Macquarie Street East Circular Quay. 1970s (late 1970s) Management was faced with major decisions what to do about lack if storage space when it was decided to sell Macquarie St & lease premises. 1979 November the move was done to Alexandria Records Store. 1980 December Current Accounts Pg 24 reported above history of the store. 2008 GoogleMaps photo of 53 Hunley Street sourced by John Beer. |
Artarmon 92-94 Hampden Road |  2007 | 1977 listed in Annual Report
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Ashfield 266 Liverpool Road 19610701 CA Pg 27 L W Gregson Mgr Ashfield |  />2007 | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2007 January photo of ex-branch premises by John Beer. 2007 September 8 NAB Location search revealed only NAB facility is ATM without deposit facility at Ashfield Mall Shopping Centre 260A Liverpool Rd Ashfield. J.B. |
Auburn 4 Auburn Road |  2007   2007  2009 | 1968 Branch is erected at 4 Auburn Road on the site occupied for 58 years by John T Lang (Premier of NSW) as an estate agent and auctioneer (Current Accounts January ) 1977 listed in Annual Report
It seems substantial upgrading of 6 Auburn Rd by CBC has since been undone." |
Avalon Beach New Managers:- 19610701 CA Pg 27 S W George Mgr Avalon Beach Avalon Beach |  2009 | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2009 May GoogleMaps photo of 41 Avalon Parade NAB sourced by John Beer. |
Balgowlah |  1990 | 1977 listed in Annual Report Photo 1990 by David Jobson |
| Balmain |  2006 | Branch opened 1865 (34th Report); 1975 Listed in Annual Report. Photo Feb 2006 by Lyn Ness |
| Bankcard Centre 515 Pacific Highway Crows Nest | 1974 Centre Manager D John Hadfield (from 1975 January Current Accounts Pg 24-25) 1982 in Yellow Pages 2007 Feb John Beer advises that 511-515 Pacific Highway is now Capt'n Snooze | |
| Bankstown | 1929 Opened 1930 Closed with business transferred to Lakemba Branch. ========== 1949 Re-opened (from Current Accounts January 1968). 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
Baulkham Hills 26b Old Northern Road & NAB 28 Old Northern Road |  1966   | 1966 designed by J A & P Kerr; Builder Mr C L Robinson of Parramatta (Pg 97 " Baulkham Hills a District Second to None" by Pam Trimmer 1990) 1966 Baulkham Hills branch under construction opposite Bowls Club. Note the large paddock corner block where horses grazed in 1967 - Now Stocklands Baulkham Hills Shopping Centre Opened 20 March 1967 at 26b Old Northern Road (which is now a toy shop) with Laurie V Paull, John Beer, Bob Anderson, Donna Crawford. Savings A/c No 1 went to E Horwood who lived in one of the first houses opposite in building later occupied by Creasey Car Sales and later displayed Pioneer Building Products. Ted Horwood (member of long established Horwood family – butchers – Daniel Horwood in the 1870s had the hotel where Bull & Bush Inn now stands) was councillor & long time supporter of CBC. First cheque account was Group Garages. NBA (initially opened 1938 as Receiving Office of Parramatta in Ex-NBA Parramatta Manager Mr Black's Newsagency Cnr Seven Hills Rd and Windsor Rd) moved from next to bowling club (2007 a 7 Eleven store) to 28 Old Northern Road under management of Mr Clay to where CBC unified as NAB 1984. The site where Stockland Mall is was then an open paddock. Text newspaper clipping (note how CBC in name was then highlighted - this was early days of CBC adopting naming branches as CBC Bank) Text and photo by John Beer. 1977 listed in Annual Report 2008 CBC Baulkham Hills was at 26b Old Northern Rd which was recently vacated by childrens toy shop. Present / proposed occupiers have made council application to operate a brothel from 26b Old Northern Rd! 2009 April / May application for establishment of brothel at 26b Old Northern Rd declined by Council & Land & Environment Court |
| Belmore | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking as Receiving Office of Campsie. | |
| Blacktown |  1963 | Blacktown is 22 miles west of Sydney GPO. Shire population was 36,000 in 1957. 1957 Monday June 10 branch opened 10th June Manager W George Carmen ex Accountant Parramatta (from Current Accounts January 1958) 1963 photo from Current Accounts July 1963. 1977 listed in Annual Report 1984 December 18 NAB General Circular 2385 NAB unified Ex CBC & Ex NBA to new premises at 63 Main St Blacktown |
| Bondi |  1920 | 1909 Opened (123rd Report); 1911 Bondi (for Mr Thomas Stacey to be occupied by Commercial Banking Coy) by Alfred Allen Mansfield. 1920 photo by Mr. Wisehart courtesy Kevin Meyer. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1955 ME Graham retired from Manager. 1977 listed in Annual Report |
| Bondi Junction |  1960  | 1960 photos by Jim Skinner 1977 listed in Annual Report |
Botany 1100 Botany Road |   2009  | 1910 Opened (125th Report); Opened 29/8/1910 in room of a cottage at 1353 Botany Road. Branch transferred to 1397 Botany Road on 30/8/1910 (from Current Accounts July 1965). 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; see Current Accounts July 1967 p39. 1977 listed in Annual Report 2008 GoogleMaps photo of 1098 Botany Road sourced by John Ness. GoogleMaps photo of Bay Street side sourced by John Beer. Peter Beaumont, who worked there in the 1960s described the location as per the diagram. Peter states: "The photo of number 1098 is the old CBC Bank, Botany. This is on the north western corner of Botany Road and Bay Street. The end terrace is where John Rowlings and his wife (and girls) lived (rented from the Bank). At the time John was at Royal Exchange Branch. I later went to relieve at Newtown branch for a couple of weeks and John was Manager there at that time. When I was at Botany Branch, from June 1964 to around mid 1966, it was known as 1100 Botany Road. Jack Lynch was my Manager and Alan E Potts was second officer. Alan married Chrisanda Kay Claydon from Aberdeen Branch in the Hunter Valley. Alan left the bank and was CFO of a mining company in the Hunter Valley and Chairman of the Hunter Valley Discussion Group at CPA Australia. On the other corner (1102) is the Endeavour Hotel which was owned by the Ashtons. I believe that cousins, also Ashtons, owned the Captain Cook Hotel which was about five to ten shops down from the Endeavour Hotel. I guess with the rationalisation of pubs/poker machine licences, the Captain Cook Hotel was sold if it's not there now. " |
| Brookvale | 1977 listed in Annual Report 1984 December 18 NAB General Circular 2385: ExCBC & ExNBA Unified by NAB as 082-146 at 690 Pittwater Rd | |
| Burwood 113 Burwood Road |  2007 | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2007 photo of 113 Burwood Road now a food store, by John Beer |
| Cabramatta | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| Campsie | Opened 1910 (124th Report); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| Canterbury Cnr Miller St & Canterbury Rd |  | 1960s While we do not have listed a branch at Canterbury, the notes accompanying this photo from Canterbury Local History Photograph Collection states: Cnr Minter Street & Canterbury Rd Canterbury NSW "During the 1960's the CBC Commercial Bank operated from this building". Sourced by Geoff Chapman. |
| Caringbah |   1964 | 1957 opened 10th June (from Current Accounts January 1958) 1964 photos by Alex Steel. 1977 listed in Annual Report |
19610701 CA Pg 33 Caringbah staff phot including I D Evans Mgr, D J Millington CASTLE HILL:- Castle Hill 268 Old Northern Road |  2007 CBC   2007 nab | 1977 Listed in Annual Report 1985 NSW & ACT NAB Circular 52 of 19 Feb:- "Unification of the two Castle Hill Branches will be at Old Castle Hill Rd & Castle Streets on completion of new building". The ground floor of left hand shop next to school yard was CBC Castle Hill which has CBC staff steel door grille (which CBC installed at each of its branches) at rear staff entrance from the car park. Submitted by John Beer 2007 March 268 Pennant Hills Road is now Johnson & Johnson Real Estate, according to John Beer, who took the front and rear photos, and one of the NBA branch where unification took place. 2009 September 4 business of nab Pennant Hills transferred to 1 Castle Hill Road branch. |
| Chatswood |  1907  1920  2005 | 1898 Opened (101st Report) at 688-690 Pacific Highway; 1906 land purchased at 451 Victoria Street 1907 photo in Current Accounts Jan 1974 1920 photo courtesy Kevin Meyer. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking.
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Chatswood Plaza | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| Cherrybrook |  | John Beer states that NCBCA Cherrybrook opened as a result of CBC Pennant Hills activity. Closed by "the National" where ANZ quickly opened where NCBSofA was at Cherrybrook |
Chester Hill |  1958 | 1958 sketch of new branch in Current Accounts 07/58 page 20 - it was the first of CBCofS branches to use the words "CBC Bank" above the facade sketch of new branch . 1977 listed in Annual Report |
| College of Law receiving office of St. Leonards Centre | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. but not 1977 | |
Cremorne |
| Photo by John Ness under investigation - may be Rural Bank. |
| Cremorne Junction 364 Military Road | Listed in Annual Report 1971; A.E. Blow was the Manager in 1981. 2008 July 7 Monday 1008 it seems 364 is incorporated in a much larger building. My RPData.com image of 356 Military Rd is building similar to 1981 building that CBC occupied. | |
| Cronulla | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
Crows Nest 308 Pacific Highway |  1920  1939  2006  2009 | Opened 1906 (117th Report); Photo of branch in 1920 courtesy K Meyer; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1939 photo of Crows Nest branch from Picture Australia An important streetscape item as a part of a major intersection with a cohesive group of interwar commercial buildings on each corner. Of the five corner buildings, this is the earliest, though it has had its characteristic detailing modified. Continuous use as a bank since construction. Two storey rendered brick corner building, faceted around the corner, with the entrance in the corner facet. Low parapet with hipped corrugated iron roof has a simple cornice line. Door and window openings are rectangular. Semi-circular dormer ventilator projects from roof behind corner facet.This building is designed in the Victorian Regency. Inter-War Stripped Classical style. Originally (1919) a face brick building with stucco string courses at window sill levels and Italianate cornice to parapet. Entrance door had semi-circular fanlight with stucco moulding around architrave and there was a cantilevered semi-circular iron verandah on first floor level above the entrance. 1961 See Current Accounts Jan 1961 p48. Miss NP McAnally in the photo was 1st CBC Manager 44 Young Street. 1971 August RW (Bob) Mead was Manager when Audit Clerk John Beer assisted in the audit. John thinks there was then a small car park at the rear and staff training on the 1st floor. 1977 listed in Annual Report. 19810901 C.T. Wulff was Manager. 2006 March - a pizza restaurant, photo by Lyn Ness. 2007 Gone upmarket - now "The Edge" bar & restaurant. 2009 January photo by John Ness, who says "note the bank's front doors are still there. It is now modern Japanese dining at the Waqu". |
| Crows Nest St. Leonards Centre Cnr Clarke & Oxley Sts |  2006 | J. R. Clarke was Manager in Sept 1981. Photo by John Ness April 2006 |
| Crows Nest 98 Willoughby Road | Don Reibelt was Manager in Sept 1981 | |
| Dee Why 693 Pittwater Rd |  1958  1962  1977  1977 | 1958 Opened (from Current Accounts July 1958). 1958 sketch of "Dee Why our first branch on the rapidly-growing peninsula extending from Manly along the beaches north of Sydney." from July Current Accounts Pg 21. ' Dee Why is our first branch on the rapidly growing peninsula extending from Manly along the beaches north of Sydney. It has a decorative design of pavement lights in the awning above the door, and mosaic tiles will form a background to the bank's name.' 1962 staff photo taken professionally at the old 693 Pittwater Road Dee Why branch. L-R back row - Wayne Brown, Helen Jobson (nee Tracey), Margaret Darbon, Victor Beecraft, Lesley Lewis (nee Evans) Carol Falvo (nee Morrison) David Jobson. L-R front row - Geoff Bowman, Adrian Abrams, Rex Dyson. 1977 Original branch photographed by David Jobson. 1977 listed in Annual Report 1977 photo of later branch by David Jobson. 2007 Jun 30 NAB location search showed NAB branches:- NAB 892 Pittwater Rd NAB Level 1, 818 Pittwater Rd |
Double Bay |  1960  2006 | 1960 slide photo by Bill Morelli. 1977 listed in Annual Report Australia’s first automatic cash withdrawal machine accessible after hours from the footpath was installed here. |
| Drummoyne | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| Dundas Eastern side of Marsden Road between Church & Dundas Council Chambers opposite Brush Farm Park |  2007   2007 | 1890 Opened (84th Report); 1892 The Sydney Sands directory lists Marsden Street: Council Chambers - John Saunders Council Clerk, Commercial Bank - A. E. Cook, manager, Eyles Alexander, fruitgrower, Thornton Edwin & John at Dundas. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1893 closed (91st Report) 1913 September 13 Saturday Auction Sale Notice shows map Spurway Street [now Stewart St] corner of Marsden Rd "residence of A Eyles then Baptist Church the Police Station then Dundas Town Hall". 2007 February 5 reply was received from Ryde Library at Ryde to John Beer's visit. He was advised there was a Commercial Bank in Marsden Road opposite Brush Farm Park, apparently between the Church and Dundas Council Chambers. This site was photoed 5 February where there is a weatherboard building of 1890s era still standing. Occupant said he did not know whether it was ever a Bank but he did say it was once a Police Station. This confirmed Ryde Council officer's suggestion. 2007 February digital photos by John Beer of weatherboard building believed to have been Commercial Bank Dundas in the 1890s with Church at left, bank/police station in the middle, and Council chambers at right. |
Last modified: 15/06/2009 19:19
| Eastwood 163 Rowe Street 2122 |  1961   1986   2007 | 1929 opening of CBCofS branch at 163 Blaxland Rd Eastwood; that part of Blaxland Road Eastwood was renamed Rowe Street 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1961 slide photo by Bill Morelli. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 1986 photos by Alex Steel.
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| Edgecliff | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking | |
| Engadine | 1974 Listed in White Pages; Not listed in White Pages 1981 | |
| Epping 10 Bridge Street then Cnr Bridge Rd & Rawson St |  2008 10 Bridge St ====================  2006 NBA Beecroft Rd  2006 Cnr Bridge & Rawson  2006 NAB Epping | 1959 CBC was at about 10 Bridge St Epping Somewhere in block of shops 2-14 Bridge Street was CBC in 1959 where Don Gould joined CBC Epping in 1959 when WC was out the back and store room was up steps above strongroom. ========================================== 1973 CBC was at 16 Bridge St Corner of Rawson St Epping CBC after about 10 Bridge St was at 16 Bridge St Cnr Rawson St which appears to have been rebuilt since ex-CBC departed to unified NAB branch opposite Coles now Chemist CBC moved from about 10 Bridge St to 16 Bridge St in non air conditioned office corner of Rawson St on ground floor rear of office block which appears to have been rebuilt by 2006. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. John Beer advises: 1. NBA Beecroft Rd unified with CBC Bridge Rd & Rawson St to Rawson Street opposite Coles. The site where NBA was on Beecroft Road now a bakery shop. 2. Large white building is on site where CBC was located in leased area in a large building Cnr Bridge Rd & Rawson St Epping where the roundabout is. CBC Bridge Rd & Rawson Sts Epping and NBA Beecroft Rd opposite station unified and were located Rawson St Epping opposite Coles Epping. Photos & summary 2006 by John Beer. 3. What became NAB Epping was the white Chemist Shop opposite Coles Epping Rawson St. 4. NAB Epping was moved from the white building now Chemist shop opposite Coles Epping to NAB Cnr Pennant Hills Rd & Carlingford Rd Carlingford. NAB also moved ex NBA North Rocks to Carlingford about the same time. 2008 photo above, of 2-14 Bridge Street, where CBC in 1959 was at 10 Bridge Street |
| Fairfield | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
Fernleigh Castle
|    1969  1976  2007 | The Bank's Management Training Centre. 1966 Established 7th March (from Current Accounts January 1977).
2007 October Wikimedia photo without ivy. |
| Five Dock 94 Great North Road CBC, then 90 Great North Road CBC and 86 Great North Road NBA 85 Great North Road NAB, then back to 94 Great North Road as NAB |  1981  94 in 2006  90 CBC in 2007  94 NAB rear in 2007 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 1981 photo of the Staff at 94 Great North Road Five Dock supplied by Phil Pitkin who was there from 1979 to 1983. He served under 3 Managers there. 1st one was Roy Granville Young. 2nd one was Fred Murphy who resigned there and 3rd one was Jim R Juillerat who also resigned there. Jim also had a brother and I think he was manager at Trangie. The staff /names at Five Dock are: Front Athie Lapas, Nella Rietano, John Livas, Lina Rietano (Nella & Lina are sisters and were at Five Dock for many years I think 7 yrs) ALSO Lina in the photo was wearing CBC T Shirt & Sue Ryan Back Vince Carbonaro, Rodney Harris (Accountant) Phil Pitkin (Security Clerk) and unfortunately I dont know the young lady with the red hair. We were in the 2 Storey building and we used the ground floor and the bank leased the 1st floor to Trane NSW Sales. Heritage Listed. 1980s Purchased by Canada Bay Council after CBC moved to No. 90, but condition had deteriorated in the meantime. John Beer says: "Around 1970s CBC relocated to about 90 Great North Road and sold original CBC building to Council. 94 Great North Road building then went into considerable disrepair until NAB relocated to it after unifying with 85 Great North Road’s ex-NBA branch. 94 Great North Road is where NAB branch is currently situated. Quite an imposing heritage building" 2000s NAB consolidated both CBC and NBA branches back to 94 after using 85 Great North Road in the interim. 2006 October photo of 94 Great North Road by John Ness, 2007 January photos of No. 90 (now ANZ) and car park at rear of 94 by John Beer who says: "It seems that the building was gutted just leaving the front U portion that is now painted in a dark colour. New brick portion at rear enables a large open banking chamber within." |
| Flemington Markets |   1976 | 1975 opened August (Current Accounts July 1976) 1975 Listed in Annual Report.; Photos from Current Accounts July 1976. |
| French's Forest receiving office of Dee Why | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
| Gladesville |  c.1920-45  2008   | 1919 opened 23rd September (from Current Accounts January 1962). 1920-45 This photo is in the National Library of Australia collection and was taken some time between 1920 and 1945. It may be in the Gladesville/Ryde area as other photos in the series are from there. John Beer visited the site in May 2008 and believes the cladding on the present site may be Gladesville 215 Victoria Rd. www.MYrpDATA.com clearly shows how CBC GLADESVILLE building is positioned on block and how front facia is positioned hiding things like eaves, although John Ness feels that the bricks appear to be newer in the colour photos and he cannot identify any eaves on this photo. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 2008 photos of front, right side and back by John Beer, who reports it is now nab |
| Gordon Pacific Highway facing west |  1958  2005 | 1958 Branch Opened (from Current Accounts July 1958) On page 20 there is a sketch of branch with the building closed up as much as possible to keep out glare and traffic noises. Gordon was CBCofS's 349th branch - Ipswich took the 350th title the following day. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2005 photo by John Ness of the same building in NAB livery. |
| Granville Cnr 44 South St & Mary Street |  1960   2007 | 1883 premises - 2007July 4 John Beer is following up prospect of obtaining info / image of original Granville premises-this is follow-up of queries of what appears to be Mansfield designed CBCofS building claimed to be CBCofS Parramatta prior to Mansfield building erected on Red Cow Inn site in George St 1883 opened (71st Report); 1880s is when established in South and Mary Streets. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; John Beer is investigating claim CBCofS was at 8 Mary St Corner Lumley St prior to 44 South St Corner Mary St. Mary & Lumley Sts Corner is one corner block to the west of Mary & South Sts. 2 (6/7/2007) 1900 8 Mary St Corner Lumley St which in 2007 was Vietnam Veterans Assn 1914 reopened in newly built premises according to “Parramatta A Past Revealed” by Terry Kass pg 287. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1960 photo by Bill Morelli. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 198? site including CBC Manager's Residence, to where NBA moved from Good & Cowper Streets to unify as NAB Granville. 2007 January photos corner Mary Street from South St (now real estate agency) and of back steps area by John Beer (which has CBC steel grill door for staff entry) . |
| Gymea | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Haberfield |  1920  2008 | 1920 b&w photo. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 145 Ramsay Street bank and residence Heritage Listed. Last sold October 1998 and now an Italian restaurant. |
Homebush | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking | |
Hornsby 17 Florence Street |  | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2007 January photo by John Beer of where CBC used to operate Hornsby branch from before CBC Hornsby unified with ex-NBA Hornsby. |
| Hurstville | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Kingsford |  | 1960 photo by Jim Skinner. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
| Kogarah |  1915  1930  1970  2005 | 1909 Opened (123rd Report); First rented premises were occupied for about 6 months, then moved to other rented premises which were occupied until 1914. 1914 the present site was purchased, and the building occupied until 1956. 1915 photo from Current Accounts July '70. 1930 photo in Current Accounts July 1972 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1956 The building was demolished and new premises erected 1970 photo in Current Accounts July '70 1975 Listed in Annual Report 2005 Now a Kogarah Council customer service office. Photo by Frank Piccoli. |
| Kuring-gai College of Advanced Education receiving office of Lindfield | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
Last modified: 29/07/2008 16:38
Lakemba Haldon Street |  | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2009 April photo of NAB Lakemba by John Ness, who applied to join the CBC bank there, having worked at Woolworths across the road. The old CBC was a brick building, half the frontage of NAB but in the same position in the street and the front windows only came down to the height of the slip boxes. |
Lane Cove |  | Early photo by Charles H. Wiseman, courtesy Kevin Meyer. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
| Lansdowne (Jamboree) |  | Frank Maundrell says: Lansdowne, where the Jamboree was held, is a south-western suburb of Sydney, out Liverpool way. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, it was run as a CBC Savings Bank activity, more a temporary Branch than an Agency, directly from Savings Bank Admin. in H.O. Staff were drawn from wherever they could be found and had to be warranted Scouters (Leaders). 1961 Although only temporary, an Agency of the Savings Bank operated at the 6th Australian Boy Scout Jamboree at Lansdowne, NSW from 29/12/1960 to 9/1/1961. Photo from Current Accounts July 1961. In the accompanying story, Alan Pitt wrote that this was "...the first agency of the CBC Savings Bank at a Jamboree." |
| Leichhardt |   | 1902 Opened (108th Report); Early 20th century photo by Charles H. Wiseman, courtesy Kevin Meyer. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1961 slide photo by Bill Morelli. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
Lidcombe 17 Joseph Street |  1977  2007 | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 1977 slide photo by Ed de Ridder (his first branch). 2007 January now Cumberland Realty by John Beer. |
| Lindfield 342 Pacific Highway |   | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 1975 Manager Bill (WKF) Howell retired from Lindfield CBCofS (Current Accounts January 1969 Pg 38) Doug R Metzler Manager resigned from Manager Lindfield 2005 September photos by John Ness 2007 December Premises sold by NAB. 2008 May branch closed. 2008 July 6 nab search shows the only nab service at Lindfield is ATM without deposit facility at 342 Pacific Highway Lindfield |
| Liverpool | 1884 Opened (73rd Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report.. | |
Macquarie Fields 24 Glenquarry Centre | 1982 Listed in Yellow Pages, but not listed in White Pages under National Commercial Banking Corporation of Australia Limited, or 1983 List of Senior Staff (NAB). | |
| Macquarie University |   | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2007 February photos by John Beer. |
| Manly 53 The Corso |  1939  1960 | 1935 branch opened (from Current Accounts January 1969). 1939 photographed by Frank Chapman 1960 slide photo by Bill Morelli 1970s residence above 53 The Corso was available to country officers as holiday accommodation. It was also used as transit accommodation. John Beer 1975 January Geoff Chapman used residence above 53 The Corso Manly branch when he came out of Darwin. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. NAB branch at 53 The Corso was CBC branch. The large residence above the branch may now house tenants. 2007 June 17 Sunday searches revealed:- Banziger Hulme Fine Art Gallery Level 1, 51-53 The Corso, Manly Qi Manly Yoga & Pilates, 53 The Corso, Manly. |
Maroubra Maroubra Junction |  /> | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1936 Keith V Cotton Manager K V Cotton Retired 19630101 Current Accounts page 7 photo L H Woodhouse, Pat Cairns J R Gillam new Mgr. 1971 photo of Maroubra Junction by Alex Steel. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
Marrickville |  | 1920 photo by Charles H. Wiseman, courtesy Kevin Meyer. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; |
| Mascot |   | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2008 photos by John Beer showing Funeral parlour using the front entrance and Mobile Corp at the side. John says the premises at Cnr. |
Merrylands |  | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2007 photo Merrylands branch now NAB, by John Beer |
Milperra C.A.E. Receiving Office of Bankstown | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
Milsons Point | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Miranda | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
Mona Vale |  | 1971 photo from Current Accounts July issue. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
| Mosman |  1920  19620701 CA Pg 31 phtos of old & new branch buildings  | 1920 photo by Charles H. Wiseman, courtesy Kevin Meyer. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking;
Bill Frost advises: This photo is of the old |
| Mosman Junction | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Mount Druitt | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
Last modified: 28/04/2009 17:41
| Neutral Bay 228 Military Road |    | Opened 1909 (122nd Report); Old photo courtesy Kevin Meyer. Rare old photo taken by Frank Chapman, who relieved the tellers there. Heritage Listed: An interestingly styled Federation Free Classical commercial building which was an early local bank and remains a prominent local commercial premises. Relic of the early twentieth century commercial boom along Military Road. |
| Newport Beach | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
Newtown 325 King Street |  | Branch opened 1865 (34th Report); withdrawn 1870 (44th Report). Statement of Significance: An attractive suburban bank designed by a well known Victorian architect, this forms an important part of the Court House - Bank group around the intersection of Australia and King Streets. Physical Description: A two storey bank of simple and classic design. The building is of brickwork, with sandstone base and pediment. The otherwise plain facade is decorated by a small pediment above the door and three string courses between floors. The hipped, slate roof has bracketed eaves Designed by William Wardell and built in 1885 for a cost of 2,805 pounds. The interior of the building was altered in 1959. Curent use: retail. Part of a group of civic buildings which is indicative of the past growth of the King Street area. Significant as it is a work by known architect, William Wardell. [Aesthetic Significance] Local- A representative example of Wardell's work. Representative of banks that developed in local town centres. Integrity/Intactness: The exterioir is relatively intact, despite renovations. Some integrity lost due to change of use and no reference to past use as bank. Opened 1881 (67th Report); Built 1885; operating in 1892; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
| North Auburn 125 Parramatta Road |   | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2007 February site of North Auburn branch, which has disappeared, photos by John Beer. |
| North Parramatta 616 Church Street |   | 1974 listed in Sydney White Pages Agency of 28 George Street Parramatta branch at 616 Church Street. 2007 photos by John Beer. NAB North Parramatta branch at 426 Church Street which took over CBC North Parramatta agency is situated within this building. |
| Northbridge (receiving Office of Willoughby) 154 Sailors Bay Road |  c1927 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 2008 July 'The recently demolished shop in front (of the old bakery built around 1924) was built about 1926, when it was leased as an agency of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd, probably the second bank in Northbridge. The bank stayed there only two years, when it moved to the site of the present Tennis Shop.' from The old bakery by Pam Clifford in The 202 newsletter of the Northbridge Progress Assn, submitted by Chris Rush. |
| North Sydney historical |  c1910  1920  1943 | Listed in 125th Report, 1911; Old photo courtesy Kevin Meyer.
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North Sydney MLC Building, Miller Street |  | 1957 B&W photo of branch and MLC building from Current Accounts. 1977 listed in Annual Report |
| North Sydney Napier House 140 Pacific Highway | 1977 listed in Annual Report 1984 December 18 NAB General Circular 2385 NAB unified CBC 140 Pacific Hwy & NBA Northpoint at NAB Northpoint North Sydney |
| Paddington 458 Oxford Street |  1920
| 1838 decision was made to build new military barracks on part of the Sydney Common. Residence was on upper two floors above the two ground floor shops (the Eastern one being CBC Paddington branch. The other shop was a pawn shop, with illuminated sign that said “Money Lent”. 1961 slide photo by Bill Morelli. Enter the door at 2a George Street and you could go straight through the other door on that level to the small backyard, which was concreted and led to the car park used by Manager. Up the steps to kitchen with gas stove and though to the large lounge with gas heater. The branch was effectively immediately below the lounge room. Down a hallway to sunroom. Up the steps to bathroom and adjoining bedroom with view to Harbour bridge. There were another 2 bedrooms on this level, each with doorway to balcony overlooking oxford Street. Personnel advised around 19 January 1973 they needed the premises to alleviate the storage problem at the Macquarie Street store. Notes by John Beer. | ||
| Padstow | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |||
Parramatta Short history of early | 1819 June 5 Savings Banks established at Sydney, Parramatta (conducted by Mr Hannibal Macarthur at the Court House), Liverpool & Windsor. Mimimum deposit was two shillings and sixpence with 7.5 % interest. 1832 Savings Bank of New South Wales established by Act of Parliament 1832 Savings Bank of New South Wales established at Parramatta 1854 ES&A Bank established at Parramatta but was unsuccessful and closed. 1861 CBCofS opened branch in Church St 1872 CBCofS began erecting premises after purchasing Red Cow Inn 1874 Bank of New South Wales opened in a room of Australian Arms Hotel Cnr Church & George Sts which it later purchased. 1875 Savings Bank of New South Wales had 601 depositors totalling 25,638 pounds. 1800s Government Savings Bank of New South Wales established 1800s Government Savings Bank of New South Wales established at Parramatta PO. 1901 photo of Church Street looking north shows Australian Joint Stock Bank imposing building of three stories on LHS of Post Office Parramatta (Pgs 71 & 86 of book on Parramatta held by Parramatta Heritage Centre) 1909 May Government Savings Bank opened NE corner of Church & Phillip Sts and took over business of the Savings Bank of New South Wales 1927 new premises next to PO were built to house Gov Savings Bank Above information from "A History of Parramatta, Australia's 2nd oldest Settlement" by James Jervis, ASTC, FRAHS. This book is held by Parramatta Heritage Centre, north eastern corner of Parramatta River & Church Street. | |||
| Parramatta Originally Church Street, now 28 George Street |  1800-1873 Red Cow Inn 28 George St image from eastern side  1861 Specimen Signature book from CBCofS Church St  1862 water pump installed in CBCofS Church St then transferred to 28 George St  1873 Mansfield designed 28 George St banking chamber [above] and residence [below] 
| 1800 established by Charles Walker was Red Cow Inn (on property which ran from George Street to Phillip Street), one of NSW's most colourful and romantic inns which flourished till 1873 on a site at the rear of what CBCofS built as Banking Chambers and Managers Residence at George St Parramatta. 1861 Branch opened (25th Report) in Church Street premises until 1873, the first Bank to remain in Parramatta; 1862 Water pump used by bank staff and others, in 2007 on display in NAB 28 George Street branch. Photo by John Beer 2007. John Beer has done research on Parramatta and some history books incorrectly show that CBCofS opened in Parramatta in 1873 after Red Cow Inn Hotel was purchased and demolished for building Banking Chamber. John B has been to Parramatta Library and Parramatta Heritage Information Centre. It seems the Red Cow Inn Hotel was a leading early hotel in Parramatta from 1800. The hotel consisted of three buildings. Set in an orchard & garden Red Cow offered accommodation in the spacious low building & entertainment in the 2-storey assembly hall with the Long Room upstairs & stabling below. The bakehouse was at the rear between the 2 main buildings. John Creasey was licensee in 1872 when owner Andrew Payten sold to CBCofS for their banking chamber. It now seems the Mansfield? Styled building must have been erected in the front garden of the hotel? 1861-1872 Nothing has been located to indicate where CBCofS branch in Church Street was from 1861 to 1873. Books reviewed include "Parramatta A Past Revealed" by Terry KASS, where CBCofS branch and residence at the rear was located on Pg 288 with man or horse out the front indicating the photo was taken prior to 1910? Maybe the Mansfield? Styled building was erected in the front yard of the hotel? 1873 Premises completed (50th Report) after "The Red Cow" Inn Hotel [1800] was purchased & rebuilt into banking premises which was used almost unchanged until 1953. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1924 NBA opened its Parramatta Branch 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1953 Building was remodelled; 1971 rebuilt George Street building opened 12th July. Photo of rebuilt premises on original site of Red Cow Inn Hotel . Many of the convict bricks & part of the hotel dating from about 1803 were claimed in Current Accounts to have been preserved in the building and again in the 1971 building. * (from Current Accounts Jan 1972 Pg 15) but in 2007 enquiries at information desk revealed no-one in 2007 is aware of such items except for 1861/62 signature book and water pump from CBC Church St on display at 28 George St 1973 Parramatta Travel Desk commenced (from Current Accounts January 1977). 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2006 On December 20 John Beer visited 28 George Street where no-one was aware of any convict bricks display .* He was shown (i) water pump installed in 1862, manufactured by W & B Douglas Pumps USA from 1832 until 1880; (ii) specimen signature book from 1860s, meaning it came from original Church Street branch. Above specimens are on display to whoever wants to see them. Enquire at the Help Desk. 2007 August when at 28 George St NAB branch John B enquired at help desk re location of original CBCofS branch 1860s in Church St. In reply to the question "Did they have any knowledge where it may have been?" heI was told they had a branch in Church St Cnr Macquarie St; business recently moved to 28 George St. JB said that was ex-NBA opened 1924 and they said they had no idea where any other founding bank was in Church St and to try Historical Society. JB said he been there & CBCofS building claimed to be CBCofS Parramatta is not Church St CBCofS before George St because it contains words The & Ltd which were not used by CBCofS prior to 1893. They said they do not know about that. | ||
| 2 Darcy Street receiving office of Parramatta |  | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2006 now Hungry Jack's. Photo by John Beer | ||
| Parramatta District Hospital receiving office of Parramatta |  | 1977 listed in Annual Report. 2007 photo by John Beer of Hospital agency of 28 George Street which was at this location. | ||
| Parramatta South 314-317 Marsden Mall Westfield Shoppingtown |   | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2007 Westfield location now 2 ATMs and a chemist shop. |   Cram Place former CBC | Opened 1878 (60th Report); Built 1879 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; Monochrome photo from Govt Printing Office collection. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. Cram Place Heritage Listed: current use as Architect's office. Locally significant as a well built and maintained example of substantial late Victorian commercial premises.A large two storey building erected in 1879 as the C.B.C. Bank. A Victorian building within a commercial precinct along High Street. It has retained much of its original detailing to the façade and a well built example of substantial late Victorian commericla premises. The coach house still stands at the rear of the building. Garden features include an old well and pump and a cast iron boundary fence. Fox * Associates 1987, p. P-22). Photo NSW Heritage Office 2000. Former coachhouse, well and pump also Heritage Listed. |
| Petersham |  1920   2007 | Opened 1906 (117th Report); 1920 photo 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2007 November branch is being converted into a restaurant. Photos by John Ness | ||
Pymble 1114 Pacific Highway |  1982  2006 | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 1981 - 1982 branch manager was John Grandsden, following Ivan Drury who moved over to Rose Bay. Previous managers included Alan Stevens and Stan Bottrill. John's photo shows the building on the right as the Pymble Police Station and the building to the left is Petersons of Pymble which was a well known general store. John says that underneath the Manager's office at the rear was a chocolate factory and the aromas in the afternoons were something else! After the merger with NAB the business was moved acrosss the railway line to Grandview Parade. 1985 White Pages under National Australia Bank Ltd the following appears: - Pymble 103 Grandview Pymble 1114 Pacific Highway 2006 November site pictured at left by John Ness - shops demolished to become home units - alongside the old police station which became a Count Accountants Office - vacant in 2008) 2006 Nov 5 Sunday nab internet search for Pymble branch returns no representation at Pymble. |
Last modified: 15/06/2009 19:15
| Randwick | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Redfern | 1889 Opened (82nd Report); 1892 operating; 1920 Redfern Manager Edwin E Poulton retired. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking | |
| Riverstone |  c.1980   1981 Riverstone new Branch 1982 JT cropped.JPG" Slide photo by Ed de Ridder (his third branch). 1981 photos of Old branch and last staff at old branch by John Turner - click on last staff thumbnail photo for enlargement with staff names indicated. 1982 New branch. Photo by John Turner | |
| Riverwood | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Rockdale | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Rose Bay | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Roseville |  2005 | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. Bill Frost advises: For a long period the G M’s driver occupied the flat above these premises, the Manager having a separate house elsewhere in the suburb. 2005 September photo by John Ness |
| Royal Prince Alfred Hospital "The Boutique" receiving Office 1960 photos by Jim Skinner 1975 Listed in Annual Report. RPA Hospital Medical Centre Service Centre 1985 June 8 downgraded to Branch Agency 09:30-11:30 Mon-Fri Ryde 123 Blaxland Road 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2008 John Beer reports that the branch site has been demolished for a new development. Seven Hills 156 Best Street Seven Hills 2007Feb3 JB 003.jpg 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2007 February photo of ex-branch by John Beer. Showground (Moore Park, now Fox Studios) Showground Showground Showground chamber CA jly69.jpg CA%20Jly69 .jpg">  1969        1973  1984 | 1969 Photos from Current Accounts July issue. 1973 These are views of Sydney Showground Agency, reproduced from Current Accounts, July, 1973. Frank Maundrell says: This is an interesting shot of Winsome Crowley (now deceased, but whom many will remember with affection) using the then latest in technology; the Chequemaster Automatic Teller Machine. The story tells us that "...with this machine the teller has simply to verify the customer's cheque, key into the machine the denominations required, and the notes and coins are immediately dispensed..." I wonder what staff from that era would make of to-day's ATMs! 1984 sketch from pamphlet. | |
| Smithfield | 1981 To open. | |
| South Kensington | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking | |
Spit Junction | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
St. Ives |  1960 | 1960 photo of CBC St. Ives from 19610101 Current Accounts Pg 19. The accompanying story says it opened in the (then) new St. Ives Shopping Centre on 17/11/1960, submitted by Frank Maundrell. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
| St. Leonards | Opened 1886 (77th Report); operating in 1892 | |
| St. Leonards Centre See under "Crows Nest" for St. Leonards Centre Branch. |  1973    1973  1973 |
Staff Security badge - John Ness Photos from Annual Report 1973 |
| St. Marys |    | Photos by John Hadfield |
| St. Vincents, 376 Victoria Rd, Darlinghurst | 1965 photo in Current Accounts January page 30. 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Strathfield City Bank at Santa Sabina, The Boulevarde |  2006  | 1873 the first City Bank originally in Pitt Street Sydney. Described thus on completion ‘This building which we may be pardoned for referring to as one of the architectural gems of Sydney, was designed and erected by Messrs. Mansfield Bros, who were also architects for The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. The front which is composed of a rich coloured sandstone, is Italian in style, perhaps the term Italian-Gothic would more accurately describe it. A considerable ornament to the streets of Sydney." 1890 October 2 fire consumed the block bounded by Moore, Pitt and Castlereagh Sts. and Hosking Place. The City Bank was destroyed and the stone facade of the Bank was purchased by Charles Hoskins who removed it stone by stone to his building site on The Boulevarde where it was re-assembled to form the front part of his residence, and as the land faces the same aspect as the Pitt Street block on which the Bank stood the pattern of light and shade is as the Mansfield Bros. envisioned it. Charles Hoskins added a landscaped area including a circular drive and trees. For sixteen years the Hoskins family lived there with the garage suite at the rear of the house, accessible from Jersey Road. The family moved in 1908. Hoskins Steelworks in Lithgow became AIS at Port Kembla. In 1911 William J. Adams bought ‘the City Bank house’ as it was locally known and his family lived there for twenty-five years, renaming it ‘Holyrood’. 1936 When the Adams family left Holyrood the residence was offered to the Dominican Sisters who had established Santa Sabina College in 1893 on a six hectare site next door. It provided dormitory accommodation for students and suitable for music and art teaching. Photos by John Ness 2006 |
| Strathfield 25 The Boulevarde |  2007  | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2007 January photos by John Beer of CBC branch, now a pharmacy at 25 The Boulevarde |
| Turramurra 4 William Street |  2005  | Photos 9/05 by John Ness show NAB branch rebuilt on the 4 William Street site of the previous CBC bank which was built around 1965. Ex-NBA branch 1315 Pacific Highway was closed and the new building houses the combined ex-CBC and ex-NBA. |
| Wahroonga 10 Railway Avenue |  2005  2009 | 2005 September photo by John Ness as Raine & Horne with NAB ATM. The spell checker thought this might be "Washroom". |
| Waterloo; Waterloo & Alexandria | See 'Alexandria' | Opened 1885 as Waterloo (75th Report); operating in 1892 as Waterloo & Alexandria; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking |
| Waverley | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking | |
| Wentworthville 61 Dunmore Road |  2007  | 1967 Opened prior to that year. 1981 Sept.R.B. Hunt was Manager; 21 Jan 1985 Manager Mr IA Gray, Acct Mr AJ Vellacott 1985 NAB unified with 27 Dunmore Rd at 27 Dunmore Rd 2 December NSW & ACT Circ 26 2007 photos by John Beer - now occupied by ANZ Bank. |
| West Ryde 996a Victoria Road | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Willoughby |  1920 | 1920 photo courtesy Kevin Meyer. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1975 Listed in Annual Report. |
| Yagoona |  2009  | 1975 Listed in Annual Report. 2009 March photos by John Ness who says "This was my first branch in 1962. Staff comprised Doug Gibson, the Manager, Peter Shea, teller and Diane Irvine, the ledgerkeeper, and I was the junior. We had a manual customer ledger and Burroughs statement machine, which were checked daily. The bank was modern for its time and next door to Woolworths variety store - both gone now". |
CBCBank.com.au 20090427Mon1337:-
"
1961 by JohnB
[photo]
1986
Burren Junction is 51Km West of Wee Waa on the Walgett Road
1910 Opened (124th Report);
1910 May 16 Burren Junction branch opened by Mr Julian who arrived in a hurry and rented the building and immediately erected a canvas sign "Commercial Bank Ltd" on the front of the shop.
Next day an officer from Bank of NSW arrived to open a branch but bolted when he saw Mr Julian's sign."
1961 letter from the late Mr JT Church who banked with the branch from the day it opened and his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren are still with us' (1969 January Current Accounts pg 24).
1934 Listed in Century of Banking
1960 Manager was Mr Johnston when it was a 2-handed branch.
1961 photo from John Beer.
1961 Manager R A McMahon
1980s approx. became Receiving Office from Wee Waa branch.
1986 May photos by Frank Maundrell.
The photograph of the interior of Burren Junction depicts Gwen Britten (nee Stiller).
"
Above CBCBank.com.au
Recommended 20090427Mon1337:-
"
Burren Junction
1986
[photo]
1986
Burren Junction is 51Km West of Wee Waa on the Walgett Road1910 Opened (124th Report);
1910 May 16 Burren Junction branch opened by Mr Julian who arrived in a hurry and rented the building and immediately erected a canvas sign "Commercial Bank Ltd" on the front of the shop.
19100517 an officer from Bank of NSW arrived to open a branch but bolted when he saw Mr Julian's sign."
1952 "My Iron Burst into Flames! "
by Margaret Watts
I eyed the new refrigerator in my kitchen with pride.
"It's so modem," I excitedly told my husband, lan, 26.
1952 and, at 20, I'd moved from Newcastle to the north-western NSW town of Warialda,
80km east of Moree.
lan had taken a post at the CBC Bank,
while I'd accepted a teaching position at Warialda Central School.
I opened the shiny fridge door and took in the clear blue plastic shelves and the separate vegetable crisper compartment.
"Look, there's even a special place for ice-cream!" I marveled.
Everything seemed perfect and time passed quickly as we settled in Warialda.
1954 we received word that lan had been transferred to an even smaller town.
"I've never heard of Burren Junction," I laughed. "Where is it?
Out beyond the Black Stump?"
"It must be small," lan agreed. "It doesn't even rate a mention on the map!"
90km west of Narrabri, not only was Burren Junction not on the map – it didn't have electricity!
"We can't take our fridge with us, love," lan said, sadly.
As we unloaded the van in Burren Junction, it broke my heart to see our beautiful new fridge replaced by a well-used kerosene refrigerator.
"It doesn't have a special spot for the ice-cream," I mourned.
I wasn't sure if there'd even be a job for me at Burren Junction's two-teacher school.
But, fortunately, one of the teachers was eager to leave town, and saw me as her ticket out of there.
I was delighted by the students' enthusiasm for learning, and came to love the town
- but I found it hard to live without mod cons, like electricity and a phone.
Fresh fruit and vegetables were brought into town only one morning a week,
and I really started to loathe that kero fridge!
It was always smoking, and either over- freezing or under-cooling, causing the food to go off.
"I hate you more than that stupid petrol iron that's always burning me," I cursed
I had blisters up my arm to show for my ironing efforts.
One day, while pressing one of lan's shirts, flames leapt from the contraption.
"Everything we own has scorch marks on it now!" I complained to lan.
Even buying new clothes was an effort.
The nearest town of Wee Waa was 50km away, and the trip could only be made in dry weather.
If it rained, the road was soon flooded. Figuring out how to use the wood-fuelled stove was another challenge.
My failed attempts at sponge cakes would turn up in trifles!
Preparing meals became quite a chore for me, and I soon mastered the art of whipping up a tinned-food salad so that I wouldn't have to cook anything!
"Well, at least it's not burnt," I'd tell lan, who'd work up a sweat every day chopping wood to feed the monster in the kitchen.
At night, we lit our home with lamps fuelled by methylated spirits.
Making trips to the outside toilet was a real effort on frosty nights!
But Burren junction had more than its share of compensations.
With a population of 150, friendly townsfolk made up for the lack of electricity.
There was nothing lan and I liked more than meeting up with the locals on a winter's day for a soak in the hot mineral pool that lay in a nearby paddock.
I also found a lot of joy in my sewing, which helped me forget about my isolation.
1956, just as there was talk of floods, lan received a new posting to Dorrigo, in the lush green tablelands behind Coffs Harbour on the North Coast.
The day we put our black Vauxhall on a train headed for Dorrigo, the floods came, and Burren Junction disappeared underwater.
fromdavid and helenjobson@iinet.net.au>to CBCcbclocations@gmail.com>,
"John M. Nessjness1@bigpond.net.au>
ccifreestone@bigpond.net.au
date Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 12:29 PM
subject Re: Burren Junctionmailed-byiinet.net.au
hide details 12:29 PM (1 hour ago) Reply
Yes, top story, as is the one from Ian Freestone.
These are really good in fact the older we get, the better they are!
David J-
------ Original Message ----- From: CBC Locations
To: John M. Ness Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 11:20 AM
Subject: Re: Burrenifreesto@bigpond.net.au> wrote:
What a marvellous story.
It reminded me of when I lived at Lake Cargelligo with my family and they had the same sort of problems i.e. antiquated refrigerators(kerosene) and irons etc by today’s standards
and dirt roads that once they became wet became quagmires and if you had the unfortunate experience of being on them in this condition and you moved over to give an approaching vehicle room to pass and ended up in the “table drains” that’s where you usually stayed until some good Samaritan assisted you by a tow to become unbogged!
After reading Margaret’s story in a small way I realised our lived had moved in a parallel sort of way in that I was 2nd Officer of Bundarra branch of CBCoy whilst Ian was manager there and although I didn’t socialise with the Watt’s (as at that time I was only 16 years old)
I did enjoy my time at Bundarra by playing cricket & rugby league football (Group 19) and spending plenty of time at the local Hotel (where I actually resided for several months) before I found private accommodation.
After I had been transferred from Bundarra to
Narrabri CBCoy managed by Dale Fraser with Ted Hallman as accountant
and had served a reasonable time there
I was transferred to Burren Junction branch of CBCoy under the manager ship of Russell McMahon,
I was second officer of this branch and
whilst there John O’Regan and Robert Wearne worked there as well.
I also remember that at one stage Ian & Margaret went on holidays, we had a chap by the name of Lindsay Thomas Armour take over “the reins” as relieving manager and he was quite a character, in fact one client who had an appointment with him stormed out of his office after a disagreement and slammed the door so loudly that we thought the building would collapse (it didn’t!) however we did (in laughter)!
Doing my calculations from the information provided in Margaret’s letter I have calculated that Ian must now be at least 82/83 years of age.
Which I think is marvellous as whilst he was at Bundarra I recall that he had a pretty serious health scare.
Good to see he and Margaret are still alive and enjoying their retirement.
If you like you could convey my best wishes to them and trust they enjoy many more years of the same.
I am now 61 years old and since I retired ten years ago have become more involved in collecting,
to the point that a chap who I deal with in Normandy, France has christened me “the great collector” which I suppose is alright as he could have called me something else.
I wouldn’t have a clue who sent this email to me from the old CBCoy staff but it was a good opportunity to reminisce about the “good old days”
On this special day of “the Anzacs” lest we never forget the sacrifices that have been made by our fellow countrymen to preserve our freedom.
Best regardsIan Freestone JP Dip of Property (Real Estate)
From: CBC Locations [mailto:cbclocations@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, 25 April 2009 9:47 PMTo: ifreesto@bigpond.net.au
Subject: Re: Burren Junction
cbclocations@gmail.com> wrote:
My Iron Burst into Flames!
by Margaret Watts
I eyed the new refrigerator in my kitchen with pride.
"It's so modem," I excitedly told my husband, lan, 26.
1952 and, at 20, I'd moved from Newcastle to the north-western NSW town of Warialda,
80km east of Moree.
lan had taken a post at the CBC Bank, while I'd accepted a teaching position at Warialda Central School.
I opened the shiny fridge door and took in the clear blue plastic shelves and the separate vegetable crisper compartment.
"Look, there's even a special place for ice-cream!" I marveled.
Everything seemed perfect and time passed quickly as we settled in Warialda.
1954, we received word that lan had bee transferred to an even smaller town.
"I've never heard of Burren Junction," I laughed. "Where is it? Out beyond the Black Stump?"
"It must be small," lan agreed. "It doesn't even rate a mention on the map!"
90km west of Narrabri, not only was Burren Junction not on the map
– it didn't have electricity!
"We can't take our fridge with us, love," lan said, sadly.
As we unloaded the van in Burren Junction, it broke my heart to see our beautiful new fridge replaced by a well-used kerosene refrigerator.
"It doesn't have a special spot for the ice-cream," I mourned.
I wasn't sure if there'd even be a job for me at Burren Junction's two-teacher school.
But, fortunately, one of the teachers was eager to leave town, and saw me as her ticket out of there.
I was delighted by the students' enthusiasm for learning, and came to love the town
- but I found it hard to live without mod cons, like electricity and a phone.
Fresh fruit and vegetables were brought into town only one morning a week, and I really started to loathe that kero fridge! It was always smoking, and either over- freezing or under-cooling, causing the food to go off.
"I hate you more than that stupid petrol iron that's always burning me," I cursed
I had blisters up my arm to show for my ironing efforts.
One day, while pressing one of lan's shirts, flames leapt from the contraption.
"Everything we own has scorch marks on it now!" I complained to lan.
Even buying new clothes was an effort.
The nearest town of Wee Waa was 50km away, and the trip could only be made in dry weather.
If it rained, the road was soon flooded.
Figuring out how to use the wood-fuelled stove was another challenge.
My failed attempts at sponge cakes would turn up in trifles!
Preparing meals became quite a chore for me, and I soon mastered the art of whipping up a tinned-food salad so that I wouldn't have to cook anything! "Well, at least it's not burnt," I'd tell lan, who'd work up a sweat every day chopping wood to feed the monster in the kitchen.
At night, we lit our home with lamps fuelled by methylated spirits.
Making trips to the outside toilet was a real effort on frosty nights!
But Burren junction had more than its share of compensations.
With a population of 150, friendly townsfolk made up for the lack of electricity.
There was nothing lan and I liked more than meeting up with the locals on a winter's day for a soak in the hot mineral pool that lay in a nearby paddock.
I also found a lot of joy in my sewing, which helped me forget about my isolation.
1956, just as there was talk of floods, lan received a new posting to Dorrigo, in the lush green tablelands behind Coffs Harbour on the North Coast.
The day we put our black Vauxhall on a train headed for Dorrigo, the floods came, and Burren Junction disappeared underwater.
jobson@iinet.net.aucbclocations@gmail.comjness1@bigpond.net.au>
ccifreestone@bigpond.net.au
dateMon, Apr 27, 2009 at 12:29 PMsubjectRe: Burren Junctionmailed-byiinet.net.au
hide details 12:29 PM (1 hour ago) Reply
Yes, top story, as is the one from Ian Freestone.
These are really good in fact the older we get, the better they are! David J- Hide quoted text ------ Original Message -----
From: CBC Locations
To: John M. Ness
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 11:20 AM
ifreesto@bigpond.net.au> wrote:
What a marvellous story. It reminded me of when I lived at Lake Cargelligo with my family and they had the same sort of problems i.e. antiquated refrigerators(kerosene) and irons etc by today’s standards and dirt roads that once they became wet became quagmires and if you had the unfortunate experience of being on them in this condition and you moved over to give an approaching vehicle room to pass and ended up in the “table drains” that’s where you usually stayed until some good Samaritan assisted you by a tow to become unbogged! After reading Margaret’s story in a small way I realised our lived had moved in a parallel sort of way in that I was 2nd Officer of Bundarra branch of CBCoy whilst Ian was manager there and although I didn’t socialise with the Watt’s (as at that time I was only 16 years old) I did enjoy my time at Bundarra by playing cricket & rugby league football (Group 19) and spending plenty of time at the local Hotel (where I actually resided for several months) before I found private accommodation. And after I had been transferred from Bundarra to Narrabri CBCoy managed by Dale Fraser with Ted Hallman as accountant and had served a reasonable time there I was transferred to Burren Junction branch of CBCoy under the manager ship of Russell McMahon, I was second officer of this branch and whilst there John O’Regan and Robert Wearne worked there as well. I also remember that at one stage Ian & Margaret went on holidays, we had a chap by the name of Lindsay Thomas Armour take over “the reins” as relieving manager and he was quite a character, in fact one client who had an appointment with him stormed out of his office after a disagreement and slammed the door so loudly that we thought the building would collapse (it didn’t!) however we did (in laughter)!Doing my calculations from the information provided in Margaret’s letter I have calculated that Ian must now be at least 82/83 years of age. Which I think is marvellous as whilst he was at Bundarra I recall that he had a pretty serious health scare.
Good to see he and Margaret are still alive and enjoying their retirement.
If you like you could convey my best wishes to them and trust they enjoy many more years of the same.
I am now 61 years old and since I retired ten years ago have become more involved in collecting, to the point that a chap who I deal with in Normandy, France has christened me “the great collector” which I suppose is alright as he could have called me something else.I wouldn’t have a clue who sent this email to me from the old CBCoy staff but it was a good opportunity to reminisce about the “good old days”On this special day of “the Anzacs” lest we never forget the sacrifices that have been made by our fellow countrymen to preserve our freedom.
Best regardsIan Freestone JP Dip of Property (Real Estate)
From: CBC Locations [mailto:cbclocations@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, 25 April 2009 9:47 PMTo: ifreesto@bigpond.net.aucbclocations@gmail.com> wrote:HomeMy Iron Burst into Flames!
by Margaret WattsI eyed the new refrigerator in my kitchen with pride. "It's so modem," I excitedly told my husband, lan, 26.
It was 1952 and, at 20, I'd moved from Newcastle to the north-western NSW town of Warialda, 80km east of Moree.
lan had taken a post at the CBC Bank, while I'd accepted a teaching position at Warialda Central School.
I opened the shiny fridge door and took in the clear blue plastic shelves and the separate vegetable crisper compartment.
"Look, there's even a special place for ice-cream!" I marveled.
Everything seemed perfect and time passed quickly as we settled in Warialda.
Then, in 1954, we received word that lan had bee transferred to an even smaller town.
"I've never heard of Burren Junction," I laughed. "Where is it? Out beyond the Black Stump?"
"It must be small," lan agreed. "It doesn't even rate a mention on the map!"
Located 90km west of Narrabri, not only was Burren Junction not on the map – it didn't have electricity!
"We can't take our fridge with us, love," lan said, sadly.
As we unloaded the van in Burren Junction, it broke my heart to see our beautiful new fridge replaced by a well-used kerosene refrigerator.
"It doesn't have a special spot for the ice-cream," I mourned.
I wasn't sure if there'd even be a job for me at Burren Junction's two-teacher school. But, fortunately, one of the teachers was eager to leave town, and saw me as her ticket out of there.
I was delighted by the students' enthusiasm for learning, and came to love the town - but I found it hard to live without mod cons, like electricity and a phone.
Fresh fruit and vegetables were brought into town only one morning a week, and I really started to loathe that kero fridge!
It was always smoking, and either over- freezing or under-cooling, causing the food to go off.
"I hate you more than that stupid petrol iron that's always burning me," I cursed
I had blisters up my arm to show for my ironing efforts.
One day, while pressing one of lan's shirts, flames leapt from the contraption.
"Everything we own has scorch marks on it now!" I complained to lan.
Even buying new clothes was an effort.
The nearest town of Wee Waa was 50km away, and the trip could only be made in dry weather.
If it rained, the road was soon flooded.
Figuring out how to use the wood-fuelled stove was another challenge.
My failed attempts at sponge cakes would turn up in trifles!
Preparing meals became quite a chore for me, and I soon mastered the art of whipping up a tinned-food salad so that I wouldn't have to cook anything! "Well, at least it's not burnt," I'd tell lan, who'd work up a sweat every day chopping wood to feed the monster in the kitchen.
At night, we lit our home with lamps fuelled by methylated spirits.
Making trips to the outside toilet was a real effort on frosty nights!
But Burren junction had more than its share of compensations.
With a population of 150, friendly townsfolk made up for the lack of electricity.
There was nothing lan and I liked more than meeting up with the locals on a winter's day for a soak in the hot mineral pool that lay in a nearby paddock.
I also found a lot of joy in my sewing, which helped me forget about my isolation.
Then, in 1956, just as there was talk of floods, lan received a new posting to Dorrigo, in the lush green tablelands behind Coffs Harbour on the North Coast.
The day we put our black Vauxhall on a train headed for Dorrigo, the floods came, and Burren Junction disappeared underwater.
1961 letter from the late Mr JT Church who banked with the branch from the day it opened and his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren are still with us'
(1969 Jan Current Accounts pg 24).
1934 Listed in Century of Banking
1960 Manager was Mr Johnston when it was a 2-handed branch.
1961 photo from John Beer.
1961 Manager R A McMahon
1980s approx. became Receiving Office from Wee Waa branch.
1986 May photos by Frank Maundrell. The photograph of the interior of Burren Junction depicts Gwen Britten (nee Stiller).
"
Above recommended 20090427Mon1338
| Camden 125 Argyle Street, Cnr ARgyle & John Sts |  1878  1887  1969  1973  | 1878 photo of branch under construction. 1878 Opened (60th Report); Heritage Listed: An important and noticeable building in a key position on the corner of Camden's two most important streets. Used for its original purpose and well kept over the years. Part of the John Street Group. A fine example of the late Victorian Bank buildings to be found in country towns of New South Wales. It is in an Italinate style with a fine stone entrance porch to the main elevation and a cast iron balustraded verandah and balcony to its two storeys. The wisteria vine which climbs over the verandah is considered part of the Bank's aesthetic contribution. It was built in 1877-78 to the design of G.A. Mansfield, who did much of the CBC's architectural work at that time. The contractor was C. Furner of Camden. 1887 Drawing in a catalogue for land sales at North Cawdor Estate by auction on 21(?) May 1887. Hardy & Gorman agents. Courtesy Camden Historical Society. 1893 listed in 89th Report Jan; 1969 featured on cover of July issue of Current Accounts.
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| Campbelltown 263 Queen Street |  Original building dates from 1830s  Current premises occupied in March 1881  1934  2007 | 1820 foundation of Campbelltown as a town by Governor when name was changed from Airds. 1874 October 13 branch opened (53rd Report); 1874 October 13 Manager George L JONES when population was less than 1,000. 1881 The Victorian Italianate building opened. The Bank is of straightforward and dignified design and is the work of architects the Mansfield Brothers, who designed over 40 banks for the Commercial Bank, as well as other commercial premises, many schools and private residences including St Helens Park House. Today, the building remains in excellent condition. 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1934 Listed and pictured in Century of Banking. Managers have been:- 1874-1876 G I JONES 1876-1903 A J GORE 1903-1912 L J JOHNSTON 1912-1925 D E HORNIMAN 1925-1938 A A WALKER 1938-1946 D M L JAMES 1946-1955 K T O WALKER 1955-1962 W C HIGHFIELD 1962-1972 A K C PODMORE 1972- Euan B GOUGH 1974 October 13 unveiling of Centenary Plaque when Managed by Euan Gough. 19 - 19 Dennis J MALLIGAN 1975 population approaching 50,000 (List of Managers from Current Accounts January edition Pg 16-18.) 2007 Wikipedia photo of Campbelltown centre featuring Campbelltown Advertiser Newspaper headquarter, which was originally CBC, then National Australia Bank. |
| Candelo 36 William Street
|  c1960s  2008 | Candelo is 22Km SW of Bega. 1877 Opened during first half-year (58th Report); 1879 closed during first half-year (62nd Report); 1881 Opened (68th Report); 1882 Reopened in early premises (now demolished) on 14 February. 1887 the Bank bought an allotment Cnr of William, Eden and Bega Streets for 800 pounds. The existing premises erected in 1894 for 1,076 pounds. It stands on the western side of the bridge over Candelo Creek which divides the town. 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; Various repairs and renovation done over the years. c1960s possibly NAB Archives photo from David Jobson. 19690901 Candelo branch closed and business transferred to Bega branch. 1977 Listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Bega. 2008 photo sourced by Geoff Chapman with additional information from David Jobson. Manager list: 1882-87 Walter Woodd 1887-93 W.C MKay 1893-99 E.C. Bingemann 1899-01 P.P.Scrivener 1901-18 E.A.Blomfield 1918-24 W.S.Martin 1924-32 C.H.S. Thacker 1932-38 E.J.G.Tynan 1938-41 B.M.Murray 1941-54 H.N. Richardson 1954-60 R.T.Musgrave 1960-64 H.G.Weiss 1964-69 T.C.Mackay Heritage Listed Former bank branch cottage also Heritage Listed |
20100831 Daily Tele Pg 22 :- "20101016-17 Candelo Kameruka Bowling Club 50-year celebrations" "20101020 Ladies Day" "Bobby O'Brien 02 6493 2226 1 Sharpe St Candelo 2550" Cannonbar | On the Bogan River about 29Km from Nyngan. 1874 Opened (53rd Report); When the railway reached Nyngan in 1883, it resulted in the nearby coach-stop village of Cannonbar moving in its entirety to establish the town of Nyngan. 1883 closed (71st Report) when business was transferred to the new Nyngan branch (Current Accounts July 1968). | |
Canowindra 82 Gaskill Street |  2004  2008 | Canowindra is on the Belubula River 32Km North of Cowra 1888 Opened (80th Report); 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 2004 photo from Australian Explorer.com. The first building on the left is Canowindra Branch building. Banking Chamber on ground level, a cold water flat let to two ladies and a dental surgery. The Manager lived in the old premises some distance away, Canowindra being one of those towns which moved the business area away from it's early position. I was there early 1947, H R Robinson was manager. They used the old banking chamber as their card room. His daughter worked for the abovementioned dentist. W M Munckton was accountant, retired from Mittagong branch, Charlie Dickson, teller. who resigned and had a trotting stud; Ross (E R) William ledgerkeeper (boasted 15 consecutive double slickers, I have forgotten the juniors name, he resigned and went into a newsagency in the Maitland area. Notes by Bill Frost. John Beer says Manager's residence was prominent building in residential area with good Fung Choi elevated position overlooking the town. 2008 photo from GoogleEarth identified by Geoff Chapman. |
| Caragabal Receiving Office of Quandialla | 1927 June Caragabal Receiving Office opened. | |
Carcoar LIST OF |  1863 in 2004
| 1863 Branch opened (30th Report). Photographed in 2004 by Jim Skinner. The first premises were originally built as a home, and were later rented to the Bank. The home is now called "Daylesford" (from Walkabout Australian Travel Guide). 1863 July 30 Carcoar CBCofS held up by Bushrangers Johnny Gilbert and Johnny O'Meally reported to be one of the first bank hold-ups in Australia. 1877 branch photographed in 2004 by Jim Skinner. 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. This shot of Carcoar (then an Agency of Mandurama) is reproduced from Current Accounts, January, 1977. It shows the Premises dressed for its role in a film made by the Australian Film Council called "Let the Balloon Go" set in the 1915 period. 2003 b&w photos by Kevin Greenaway Bill Frost advises: One of the oldest branches west of the Mountains, It has quite a history of hold-ups etc, during one when the Manager was shot (or shot a bushranger) The town went into decline after Blayney became the junction for the main western railway line Branch closed late 1950’s. Frank Hardiman was then Manager. |
| Cardiff |  | 1981 Sept Managers List 052-150 2007 photo by Ron Armstrong. Former CBC Bank Cardiff now Global Property International. |
| Carrathool | Carrathool is 64Km East of Hay. 1888 Opened (81st Report); 1892 closed (88th Report) | |
| Casino |  1870s
| 1800s named after Cassino in central Italy. 1840 squatters Henry Clay & George Stapleton were the first settlers when droving cattle from Tenterfield. 1855 proclamation of Casino as a town. 1870 CBCofS opened (44th Report); photo of 1st Casino branch which opened in 1870 supplied by Geoff Chapman. 1881 Geoff Chapman advises that by then it had been severely damaged by white ants. From "Then & Now" Copyright 1998 Maurice Ryan: The CBC opened a branch in 1870 with the first Manager being T G Pockley. This was in rented premises adjacent to Tattersalls Hotel The branch moved the same year to its own premises, a cottage like building in Barker Street Shortly after this move the bank employed Henry van der Waerden to make additions to the banking part of this building. The proposed building additions measured 38' x 25' divided into 3 rooms. The banking room to be 25' 20', the manager's room 16 x 15 and a stationery room 16' x 10', all with walls 13' high White ants soon reduced the pine lining to a shell, resulting in a new building of brick in 1894, which was built at a cost of $6,276. Later additions were made in 1914 and built at that time were stables and a coach house. 1883 current building completed. 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1894 new brick building erected at a cost of $6,276. 1903 rail line Casino to Lismore completed. Casino became rail fork from Sydney to Brisbane and later Gold Coast. 1914 additions built at that time included stables and a coach house. 1933 meatworks, Casino's largest employer established. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 2005 Now offices and a cafe, photo 11/05 by Geoff Chapman. 2007 May 5 NAB search revealed branch at 119 Barker St where it must have moved to following unification of NAB 110 Walker Street branch 2-542 with NAB 100 Barker Street branch 2-506. Of 11,000 population 1000 work at the meatworks. 1880s & 2007 photos of Walker St Casino in Pg 70 Daily Telegraph 5 May 2007 |
| Cassilis |
| Cassilis is on the Golden Highway, 43Km N/W of Merriwa. Originally a private village called Dalkeith in the 1830's. Gazetted as a town and named Cassilis in 1869. It is a small village north of Mudgee. Bushranging in Australia during the great gold era has to a large extent been lost. No doubt historical records still exist in the archives and someday the real story of the bushrangers might be told. However a century ago several noted writers took the time to record snippets of information about this historical time, when the Australian gold fields were indeed lawless places - and where anarchy ruled. Some of the acts of courage displayed by some who were held up - perhaps needs some mention. There are many, but one that comes to notice quickly, is the bank teller at Cassilis, who was dutifully recording transactions when he lookup up to see a bushranger standing before him with a pistol pointing at his head. The bushranger demanded, "bailup - or I'll blow your brains out". "Will you by golly", the teller replied and immediately vaulted the counter towards the bushranger. This action so startled the bandit, that he dropped his pistol and ran from the bank with the teller in hot pursuit. After a short chase the teller, and others who joined in captured him. As the local police officer was away at the time, the locals dealt with the would be robber, by giving him a thrashing and then turning him loose. It was reputed that the town's two hotels were full for the rest of the day. 1905 Photo of Cassilis 4 years before branch opened. 1909 Opened (123rd Report); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; Streetscape photo from Dept of Environment & Heritage. 1977 Listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Merriwa. 1984 ceased as a NAB Agency. More recent photo of Cassilis township. Population 110. Recent photo of Cassilis branch. |
| Ganmain 91 Ford St & Hort St |  c1913  2008 | Ganmain is 15Km west of Coolamon, 55km North West of Wagga Wagga, and 50km East of Narrandera. One of the richest agricultural and pastoral districts in the Riverina. Extract and b&w photo from "The Settlers & Settlement of Ganmain", Lorna Gilmore 1992: The Commercial Bank of Sydney was established in Ganmain in the building owned by Kelly and Lynam on 18 March 1910. The first manager was Mr W A Symington who was killed during World War 1. By 1913 a new brick building was commenced in Ford Street opposite the Literary Institute and next to the new Post OFfice. The bank was constructed by Messrs Mitchell Bros of Cootamundra, with Mr Laver of Cootamundra the Architect and it consisted of eleven rooms. Business increased and the need arose for a branch at Matong, which opened in 1919 and operated on Tuesdays and Fridays each week. The bank continued to conduct business until 1943 when it was closed. The building became a private residence occupied by Mr and Mrs Noel Griffiths, until being occupied by New Zealand Loan and Mercantile. It is currently occupied by Bruce Shepherd and Co as agent for Dalgety Winchcombe and incorporates their residence. Staff have included W A Symington (1910), S B Crystal, Mr Robey (1911), Glen McLaren, Thompson Myers (1918), H De Barry (1919), R T Brown (1919), F H Stivens (1920), R Weedon (1921), Mr Clare, Mr C Headley (1922). M J Peach (1928), H T Adams (1929), J Alpen (1930), A S Bulkeley. 1910 Opened (124th Report); 1911 listed in 125th Report; 1913 CBCofS new building has local significance for its association with the regional architect E. R. Laver. 1919 operated agency at Matong. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1943 branch closed. Known as the Sheaf Hay Centre of Australia, the region produces some of the finest chaff in the land by using harvesting methods that are centuries old. This is one of only a few places in Australia where the ancient crafts of stooking, sheaving, binding and hay-stack building are practiced. 2004 Coolamon Shire Council Heritage Inventory: Statement of Significance An interesting architect-designed example fo the single storey shop/residence style of small town buildings. Has continually housed significant institutions - commencing with the Commercial Bank. One of three substantial brick institutional buildings which contribute to the character of the east side of Ford Street. The building remains largely in its original condition. The glass front door and awning are not original. Physical Description Freestanding single storey brick building in Federation style. Corrrugated iron roof. Prominent twin gables to street with roughcast render, pilasters, and Romanesque arches. Attached residence has twin timber columns supporting an extensive verandah. Historical Notes Originally built as an agency for the Commercial Banking Co of Sydney in 1913. Architect Mr Laver and built by Mitchell Bros, also of Cootamundra. The bank continued to conduct business until 1943 when it was closed. The building became a private residence occupied by Mr & Mrs Noel Griffiths until being occupied by New Zealand Loan and Mercantile. It is currently occupied by Bruce Shepherd and Co, as stock and station business and residence. The building is in fair condition with several pressing maintenance issues and one major structural problem. The structural problem is movement of the pier holding up the front corner of the verandah. This has rotated our and will continue to do so over time. Otherwise brickwork is in generally good 2008 GoogleEarth photo identified by Geoff Chapman and confirmed by a member of Ganmain Historical Society. Geoff emailed Coolamon Shire Council in September and received back from Liz Lawton, Cultural & Economic Officer, the above Extract, Heritage listing and photo, also advising that Bruce Shephard has passed away, and no business operates from there. It is now a private residence occupied by Bruce's sidow, Jenny. |
| Germanton |  1864  | 1877 Opened (59th Report); Germanton was apparently the original name of Holbrook. Bill Frost advises that the town name was changed to Holbrook due to anti-German feeling in the 1914-18 war. |
| Gerringong (receiving office of Berry) | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| Geurie Wellington Street |  2007  | Geurie is on the Mitchell Highway between Wellington and Dubbo. Located in Wellington Street Geurie (1 street to the west of the highway) 2 doors from the Police Station. A brick building with galvanised iron roof and with cast iron ornamentation. 1906 Opened (116th Report) 1911 listed in 125th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking when JWG Youll was manager. 1945 Alan Pitt thinks it closed then. 1959 Robert T Bryen Manager Tamworth used to talk of CBC Geurie as if Geurie was his hometown 1960s Bob Wilmot has advised Geoff Chapman: When his father was Manager of Wellington branch in the 1960's, the Bank conducted the Receiving Office in the banking chamber of the old branch, which was leased from the then owner. 1977 listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Wellington. 1978 September Geurie not listed in CBC Pink List of Offices and Branches and Branch Agencies '032-150 (9/78) Branch Managers List' 2007 March photos by Kevin Ekerick. |
Gilgandra |  image="Gilgandra as CBC 501824194_2b984380a2_o.jpg" />1980  "Gilgandra J Munro cropped.JPG" /> | 1911 listed in 125th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1980 photo of CBC Bank premises and Manager's residence by Jenny Wood, Ken Wood's daughter. Ashroc on Flickr.com states "I lived here with my family. 36 square residential living area, 2 stories. Old house next door was Mrs Hitchins. the old house is no longer there." Sourced by Geoff Chapman, who points out this photo is in CBC livery. whereas photo below is as NAB. Photo by John Munro. |
| Girilambone | 1970 Annual Report lists Girilambone Receiving Office of Nyngan. Sourced by John Beer. | |
Gladstone |  Pre-1911 in 2006  1911  2006: 1911-1960s  | 1905 Opened (115th Report); 1911 listed in 125th Report 1911 photo from the Macleay Argus. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 2006 April photos by David Jobson's brother Wal - original branch at top became a post office in 1911 when the bank moved to new weatherboard premises which closed in the 1960s and is now a store. 2008 November. I just came across my Home on your website. The Old CBC Bank at 20 Kinchela St Gladstone NSW. We love living in our own Bank. We have spent a lot of time lovingly caring for her. What is interesting to me is our home/ Bank was built in 1910 and utilises timber weather board. Very different to some of the Brick/sandstock Buildings around built slightly earlier to ours. Kind regards Tania and Alan Cummins. |
| Glen Innes 234 Grey Street |  c.1874  2005  BNQ   2009 | 1874 Opened (53rd Report); I saw your interesting site with photos of Commercial Bank of Sydney buildings. My main interest was in regard to Glen Innes, where my great-grandfather, Frederick William Long, was the Manager. My understanding is that he was there from at least 1874 until December 1882. According to the Aldine History of Queensland, vol II, 1888 compiled by W. Frederick Morrison in that year, he joined the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney in 1865. I presume that he probably provided this information to the compiler. The reason for sending this message is that the building you show for Glen Innes on your site is quite a bit grander than when Frederick William Long was there. I am attaching a photo of this building which I hope is of interest. The Bank possibly rented a shop for their branch until they erected the more substantial building shown on your site. Photo and information supplied by Peter Lovell 31/1/2009. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. Heritage Listed. Architects were Mansfield Brothers. 2005 photo by John Munro. 2009 GoogleMaps photo of 251 Grey Street Bank of North Queensland which merged with NBA to 234 Grey St cnr Bourke Street, sourced by John Beer. 2009 GoogleMaps photos of Grey Street frontage and Bourke Street side view. Glen Innes places to see: Town Walk - Bourke Street At Grey and Bourke is the National Bank building (built as the CBC Bank - 1890), an Italianate design with iron palisade fence and stables at the rear. |
| Glenquarie Centre, Macquarie Fields | 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| Gloucester 1906 69 Church Street |  1914 & 1961 | 1826 Robert Dawson chief agent for Australian Agricultural Co first visited Gloucester region. 1830s settlement began. 1855 Gloucester was established. 1876 gold was discovered at Copeland (north of Gloucester) 1906 CBC Opened (117th Report) November 7th; 1911 listed in 125th Report; 2008 population 4,970, 3 hour drive north of Sydney. Sheep and cattle grazing, butter factory, dairy farming and timber are the main industries. (from Daily Tele 2007 June 30 Real Estate Pg 2) Article from "Gloucester's Book of Memories p.145: National Australia Bank's two locations in town The National Australia Bank, formerly known as the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited, has been operating in Gloucester for 82 years. During that period, the Bank moved premises from Church Street into Queen Street, but after 47 years, returned to virtually its original site. On November 7, 1906 The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited opened in Gloucester under the management of Mr Thomas Honeyman. The branch was set up in a weatherboard shop in Church Street, leased from Dr Sinclair Finlay of Balmain at an annual rental of $78 (39 pounds). In 1913, a site in Queen Street was purchased from Miss Olive C. Penfold. A very old slab cottage stood on the grounds at the time (it had previously been the residence of a pioneer of the district, Mrs Lindsay) and the slabs and iron were sold for $10 (five pounds). The new substantial brick building was occupied in November 1914. At the time of the building, there was much conjecture as to whether the main shopping centre would move away from Church Street. The remarks of an official of the Bank in 1913 are quite interesting, in supporting the move to purchase the Queen Street. site: "The block is without doubt the best business site in Gloucester as it is directly opposite the Post Office and in a very central position." His reference to Church Street is also worthy of note: "The fogs are very heavy and prevalent in winter time and often envelop the lower part of the town until 10 and 11 o'clock in the morning." From the Bank's records it is learned that in December 1909 the manager reported that the local senior policeman had warned him: "There was at present in and around Gloucester a gang of notorious and expert safebreakers and from information received from a prisoner there might be an. attempted robbery at one of the local banks about Christmas time. He went so far as to say that this Bank's premises was where he thought the attempt would be made. Although not inclined to take a very serious view of the matter, I thought it as well to take the precaution of getting the junior officer to sleep on the premises in the meantime, as well as myself." Although no attempt was made to rob the Bank, it should be appreciated that the building contained only a safe and no strongroom. In 1961 the C.B.C. Bank moved into its present, modern, two-storey building in Church Street, almost directly where it first opened in 1906. Managers of the branch have been: Pictured are two buildings constructed by the National Australia Bank in Gloucester: below, the first in Queen Street; opposite the Post Office, occupied by Gloucester Shire Council up to 1987; and the lower picture shows the current premises in Church street. These two photos are shown joined together as extracted from the publication. |
| Gloucester 1914 8-10 Queen Street |  1914 FP  2003 ad  1914 in 2009 | 1913 site in Queen Street was purchased from Miss Olive C. Penfold. 1914 November the new substantial brick building was occupied. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. |
| Gloucester 1961 69 Church Street |  1961 FP  1982  1961 in 2005 | 1961 the bank moved to 'modern' building in Church Street in virtually the same location as the 1906 premises. 1982 photos of building and staff from CBC News courtesy of Frank Piccoli. 2005 photo as NAB by John Munro |
| Go - Gw | Click at left to continue |
Last modified: 17/03/2009 20:20
Goodooga |  1917
| This is a 1917 'photo of "Telegraph Hotel" Goodooga from http://www.pictureaustralia.org/ via Geoff Chapman. It was virtually unchanged, when, in 1959 Harold Lee rented 2 rooms (On the R/H rear part of the building) to provide the Bank's presence in the town. Advised by past Manager Richard McCredie and confirmed by Kevin Nicol who says: "I remember Harold Lee telling me that he was instructed, while auditing at Brewarrina, to proceed to Goodooga to open a branch. He said he arrived and arranged to rent space, a table and a couple of chairs but before he could set up, they had to clear the room out. Apparently, a bullock had been dressed in the room the night before, so you can imagine the mess. I'm almost sure Harold said the head, hide and hooves were still in one corner of the room. "The Dardenelles" as it was known, was our first location in Goodooga." 1958 July Brewarrina opened agency (CA Jan 1960 p2) 1959 July 24 board decided branch would open ASAP with Brewarrina Manager proceeding immediately to secure premises & a building block & to announce the opening, with supplies arriving at Brewarrina via airfreight. 1959 July 29 Harold Lee arrived. Wales & Commonwealth were racing each other to open at Goodooga 1959 July 31 CBC Goodooga branch opened to protect valuable Goodooga business previously held by CBC Brewarrina. 1960 the premises were erected at a cost of 12,500 pounds. Goodooga Managers have included:- opened by Harold Lee, FL Drury (Current Accounts July 1964 p10), Kevin EJ Nicol 1967-69 (photo in Current Accounts Jan 1968 p42), RM Hawke, 1973 Dennis W Malligan who was Manager Goodooga during the biggest floods ever to hit Brewarrina in January 1974, with Richard N McCredie (Current Accounts Jan 1975) being the last Goodooga branch Manager. When Goodooga branch closed, Richard became Manager Trangie. GOODOOGA List of managers from David Jobson: 1959-60 Harold Lee 1960-64 N.T.Frost 1964-67 F.L.Durie, 1967-69 K.E.J.Nicol 1969-72 R.M.Hawke 1972-74 D.W.Malligan 1974-75 R.N.McCredie Kevin Nicol's photos of his first branch 1967-69. Top photo shows customer parking area after a shower in 1968 and the lower photo was taken in 1968. "There never was much in the village but there is B–ALL there now." | ||||||||
| Gosford |  1961  1968   | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1961 photo by Bill Morelli 1968 photo taken on day of demolition in Current Accounts July 1969. 1968 Photo of branch on day of demolition in Current Accounts Jan 69. | ||||||||
| Goulburn |
| In the early days of banking in Australia, it was common for banks to authorise persons in country areas to act as their agent. Generally the agent did no more than discount bills, mostly promissory notes, on behalf of the bank, retaining an agreed percentage of the discount, as his commission. He was not on the bank's payroll, nor did he operate on bank premises. 1837 The Bank established an agency in Goulburn with John O'Sullivan as its agent. 1842/4 During the Depression the Goulburn Agency was closed, but Mr O'Sullivan carried on as a private banker and an agent for CBC. 1845 Notice which appeared in the Maitland Mercury of 19 April: BANK NOTICE The Chairman and Directors of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney beg to repeat their Notice of 4th April 1844, viz:- "That the branches of this Bank established at Maitland, Windsor and Goulburn, were discontinued on and after the 31st March then next preceding" and that they further give notice, that this Bank will not be responsible for any monies which are not received at the Banking House, George Street, Sydney L Duguid Managing Director 4/4/1845 Geoff Chapman states: I do not know what to make of Notices appearing 12 months apart It looks like they night have given 12 months notice of closure of the Branches. 1853 The bank reopened in Goulburn with Mr O'Sullivan in charge but still designated "an agent" 1858 In November the Board agreed to O'Sullivan taking leave of absence and sent Mr Page, an officer of the Bank, to relieve him. At that time the Agent apparently had on his staff a teller and a ledgerkeeper who were officers of the bank. Some time after his return from leave, Mr O'Sullivan was appointed Manager at Goulburn (all from Current Acounts July 1962). 1862 Branch opened (28th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1894 Taken from the Queenslander, Brisbane, Saturday, November 24: " INTERCOLONIAL NEWS New South Wales Sydney, November 14 Mr. S.A. FOX, of Goulburn, acting manager of the local branch of the Commercial Bank of Sydney, accidentally shot himself through the chest with a revolver when cleaning it yesterday, and he died this morning from the effects of the wound. " 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1960 photo by Bill Morelli. 2008 photos by David Jobson. Goulburn branch photographed 17 October 2008. A really nice building with beautiful raised "Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited" lettering. | ||||||||
| Goulburn Teachers College | 1977 listed in Annual Report as Receiving office of Goulburn | |||||||||
| Grafton 1st. Lion Hotel 2nd. Muirhead Buildings 3rd. Cnr Prince & Fitzroy Streets (39 Prince Street) |  1894  1890s
| Opened 1874 (53rd Report) in the Lion Hotel; 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1894 photo from Govt Printing Office collection in State Library of NSW. 1890s Commercial Bank, Cnr. Prince & Fitzroy Streets, Grafton. c.1890's. - Photo by Carl Ehlers. Extracted from : "The City of Grafton" a 1981 CRHS Publication. THE COMMERCIAL BANKING COMPANY OF SYDNEY The first bank in Grafton was the Australian Joint Stock Bank, followed by the Bank of N.S.W. and later by the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney which set up its banking chamber in the Lion Hotel (now site of Commonwealth Bank), in 1874. Later the bank moved into premises in Prince Street then known as the Muirhead Buildings. Due to new gold rushes on the Clarence in the early 1870's the banking businesses boomed. The Banking Companies were encouraged to erect new banks. All were very grand and impressive buildings for their day, especially for country branches. The Bank of N.S.W. and the Australian Joint Stock Bank were later demolished but the fine Commercial Banking Company of Sydney still stands today. The Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney building was designed by a Sydney firm and features pillars, carved stone and iron lace work. The interior fittings are of beautifully carved wood and were designed by Mr. T. A. Rudd, the first manager of the bank in Grafton. The building contractor was Mr. William Kinnear, who also had the contracts for the Bank of N.S.W. and the Grafton Post Office about the same time and is reputed to have used local sandstone in all these buildings. The bank was built on a 'platform' above the height of the 1876 flood but unfortunately the 1890 flood rose to a record height and went into the bank itself to a depth of about 65 cm. As the building was nearing completion in January 1879 a fire gutted the Muirhead Buildings and the bank staff was forced to move into the new banking premises earlier than expected. During 1980-1 this building was restored to its former glory. (From Clarence River Historical Society). 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1967 photo of flood in Current Accounts Jan 68. At the corner of Prince and Fitzroy Sts is one of the town's finest commercial buildings - the former CBC Bank (1877), now the National Australia Bank Building. Built in sandstone with a slate roof and cast-iron decoration, the striped colour scheme is authentic. It was one of the town's first buildings to have its first floor elevated above flood level. 1983 photo by K Charlton from DEWHA 1984 December 17 NAB General Circular 2398 K E Nicol Relieving Manager NSW to Manager Grafton, 37 Prince St 1984 December 19 NAB General Circular 2389 L D Scrivener Manager 67 Smith St Darwin to Manager 39 Prince St Grafton 1980s NAB unified 37 & 39 Prince St Grafton to ex-NBA premises opposite 39 Prince St at 37 Prince St Grafton. 37 Prince St is opposite Commonwealth Bank & diagonally opposite St George Bank. Advised by John Beer. 1996 photo by J. Houldsworth from DEWHA
2008 November GoogleEarth photo sourced by Geoff Chapman who says "The ex-branch is still probably the most outstanding building in Grafton" | ||||||||
| South Grafton Receiving Office | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking - see under "S". | |||||||||
| Grenfell |  | 1910 opened (124th Report); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 2004 photo by Jim Skinner | ||||||||
| Gresford |  1961  2007 | 1914 Opened 10th March. This photo of Gresford, NSW is reproduced from Current Accounts, July, 1961. In his accompanying article, then retired (no doubt now deceased!) Manager Mr. J.D. Nisbett recounted his experiences opening the Branch on 10 March, 1914 in "...the only unoccupied building (which) was let to a butcher who kept it closed to keep out a possible rival..." He identifies the man "supporting" the building (as he puts it!) as staff member, H.M. Moses. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1960 May new branch known as East Gresford opened and this branch closed. 2007 photo by Ron Armstrong. | ||||||||
| Griffith |  | 1920 branch opened. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1975 photo by Terry Burgess |
Last modified: 06/04/2009 14:04
| Gulargambone |  1942  1963/4  1963/4 hotel  1986  2009 | Gulargambone is on the Castlereagh Highway, 115 kilometres north of Dubbo and 550 kilometres north-west of Sydney. Part of Coonamble Shire. 1883 Gulargambone township was established on the banks of the Castlereagh River encompassed by the Warrumbungle Mountains. population 500. Gulargambone is an Aboriginal word meaning “watering hole for many galahs”. Agricultural area, with wheat, sheep, cattle and sawmilling as its main enterprises. 1909 Opened (123rd Report); |
| Gulgong 101-103 Mayne Street |  1961  | Late 19th century rendered commercial building. Significant visual prominence. NSW Heritage listed. 1961 slide photo by Bill Morelli. Photo of ex-CBC branch by John Munro. Bill Frost advised: After a month at Narromine I was sent to Gulgong. This branch was opened during the 1930’s by Bruce Murray in an old shop. The Bank had bought the old Wales building as the Bank of NSW had moved into the A B C Building on the opposite corner. The branch closed in November 1942 after I went into the army and reopened after the war in that building. It appears to be closed again. |
| Gundagai |   1978  2005 | 1877 Opened (58th Report); opened 6/6/1877 in parlour of the Family Hotel. Bank owned premises completed 3 years later (Current Accounts January 1978) 1879 premises erected; 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. Early photo from NLA before addition on right hand side. Norm White advised that Yass colour scheme was as a result of the colours selected for umut around 1974-78. The day before the painter was ready to start he and I sat down and decided to go with "buff" coloured walls in the main - a "chocolate" colour for ledging/window ledges, and white for window frames, door frames and metal railing in the front of the building. Yass was also painted in these colours. 2005 photo by John Roberts |
| Gundaroo Cork Street |  1868  c1890  1929  2008 | Gundaroo is on the Yass River 34Km North of Canberra and 28Km South of Gunning 1868 sketch of Old Caledonia Store built by Arthur Affleck 1890 Opened (84th Report); Gundaroo's only bank opened its branch in the old Caledonia Store (Built 1868 by Arthur Affleck)) next to the Commercial Hotel in May 1890, with Thomas Graham as Acting Manager. Graham was replaced in June by E A Blomfield. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; Blomfield's successor, Hart, was Manager when the Bank closed on 11/9/1893. There was a banquet given to the departing Manager. The closure was brought about by the severe financial depression of the 1890's. 1893 closed (91st Report); During the 1920's the building was used as a greengrocer's shop until the baker (Garioch) occupied the building. It continued as a bakery until the late 1940's when the business was closed down. The building was later converted to a residence and in 1972 was the home of Peter Dyce. Text and photos from book "Gundaroo" by Errol Lea-Scarlett (published 1972) submitted by Geoff Chapman. (a) A sketch of the building by Bill Bresser which appears in the book (b) A c.1890 showing the Commercial Hotel and the Bank next door. This is during the time of the Bank's occupation of the Building (c) A 1929 'photo which shows the Bank (the high roofed building) next to the Commercial Hotel 1977 listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Gunning. Heritage Listed. 2008 The old Gundaroo bakery: A brick structure next to the Commercial Hotel built in 1868 as the third Caledonia Store ( the previous two having been demolished). It was later used as a bank by the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney from 1890 to 1893. The verandah has been bricked in and there are a number of outhouses and extensions at the back. From http://www.gundaroo.info/ |
| Gunnedah 243 Conadilly Street |  1958  2006 | 1866 opened (36th Report); 1867 closed (39th Report); ======================= 1874 opened (53rd Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1958 photo of Gunnedah branch from flickr, by member Ken Wood. 2006 September photo from Geoff Chapman who says it is now a solicitor's office. |
| Ag-Quip Gunnedah Temporary Representation |  1974 | 1973 AG-QUIP # 1 1974 AG-QUIP # 2 Second successive year organised by 2MO Gunnedah & 2TM Tamworth radio network. Current Accounts January 1975 Pg 28 included the above in report by WO (Bill) Shearman then Manager Gunnedah who attended 1974 AG-QUIP together with 5 other CBC Managers and CAGA Tamworth Manager and Assistant. 1975 Frank Maundrell says: This photo of our Ag-Quip site is reproduced from Current Accounts, January, 1976 and is of the site at the 1975 event. Staff in the photo are not identified. Ag-Quip was (and still is) a major exhibition of rural machinery and services held annually at Gunnedah, NSW in August. I don't know the commencing dates of either Ag-Quip itself or the CBC participation. I know it became the major activity of CBC North West Region and was continued under NAB, at least until the Districts were disbanded. |
| Gunning 103 Yass Street |  1967  1995 | 1874 opened (53rd Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1934-1957 Manager was AT Shaw, from where he retired after 23 years as Manager. 1941 present building erected. 1967 photo by Frank Chapman 1974 Sep 10 Centenary plaque unveiling with Manager Tom W Clement (from Current Accounts January 1975 Page 27) 1995 photo by Robert Deane. National Bank of Australia, Yass and Warrataw Streets. Gunning (c) NLA |
| Guyra Bradley Street |     1989   2007  2009 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1937 building was constructed, according to Andrew Watts. 1989 photos by Andrew Watts, son of Noel Watts, manager who says: "This is a pretty seedy shot of the Guyra residence from the side. I had one of the front but I lost it. This was the youngest building we lived in". Other photos are of backyard snow in 1989 and residence at rear. 2007 January photo by Frank Maundrell. 2007 June photo by John Munro. 2009 photo in SMH Traveller 10th January page 14. CBC is the large cream brick building on the left with nab sign over the footpath. |
| Gwabegar (agency of Baradine) |  | Gwabegar is 36Km north of Baradine. 1977 listed in Annual Report The Gwabegar Agency - once a week - (can you imagine the Bankers of today working out of this one) John Munro. |
Last modified: 25/05/2009 13:26
| Hamilton |  1960  2006 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1960 photo by John Beer. Managers included:- Collins Geoff C Bowden John R Walker W G (Bill) 2006 The site of the former Hamilton Branch and now an insurance office, photo by Ron Armstrong. |
| Harden 38-40 Neill Street |  | 1907 Opened (119th Report); 1911 listed in 125th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. Photo by Ron Armstrong |
| Harwood | Harwood is 7Km from Maclean, on the Northern bank of the main channel of the Clarence River. 1890 Opened (84th Report); Branch opened on 11/7/1890 with F H Piddington as Manager. 1891 closed (86th Report). Branch closed on 17/6/1891 with business transferred to Maclean branch, according to Geoff Chapman, sourced from Maclean District Historical Society. 1892 closed with business transferred to Maclean Branch according to Current Accounts July 1970. | |
| Hawkesbury Agricultural College (Agency of Richmond) | 1977 listed in Annual Report; Sept 1981 List of Branches | |
| Hay | Opened 1890 (84th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report. | |
| Henty |  1981 GS   2005 DJ
| 1909 Opened (123rd Report); 1909 opened by Messrs APR Broad & Lindsay. Later Mgrs included:- 1910 DD Tait 1916 HF Ottan 1923-32 Victor Paull 1932 LC Adamson 1962 John N Chivell 1966-68 Clyde Lamb 1968-70 Ted Lind 1970 WE Bridge 1973 J Beer Relieving Manager Henty 26 Sep when there were no accounts with limits or debts of $50,000 & over 1979-81 Garry Stewart 1911 listed in 125th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1981 photo by Garry Stewart, who was Manager there from August 1979 to September 1981. 2005 September Two photos by David Jobson. 2005 November Photo by Kevin Greenaway. The Henty building is used commercially today and in very good condition. The Rock's design by the same bloke, E.R. Laver, architect from Cootamundra is very similar. If you look closely, there are minor building differences, a covered in top verandah on the Henty building, a shop building next door on the left as well. At The Rock, there was no building on the left, only the driveway. Also the bottom front verandah posts are a different design, with the bases on the Henty building being thicker than the one on The Rock. He also designed both Corowa (my first managerial branch) and Lockhart. Those two branches also look nearly the same and bear some resemblance stylistically to the Henty building. Notes by David Jobson. 2009 January message from Judy George: manager after John Chivell - 1966-1968. Ted Lind followed him 1968 -1970 ( Ted died at the branch- I think Mid 1970) I was Judy Miller - member of the staff at that time. |
| Hill End Clarke Street |  1870-75  1872-5   | 1872 opened (48th Report); It appears that the business of Tambaroora branch was consolidated at Hill End in 1872. 1870-75 photo of Two men outside Cummins' General Store next to premises of Commercial Bank, M.Manby, solicitor, a produce store and J.A. Tait, auctioneer, and 1872-75 photo of CBC Bank, later residence of James Clymo, both from State Library of NSW. 1875 closed (54th Report). From The Hill End Story (Book 1) by Harry Hodge (sourced by Geoff Chapman): |
| Hinton | Hinton is 11K east of Maitland. 3Km from Morpeth. Opened 1889 (83rd Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; closed 1893 (91st Report). | |
| Holbrook Albury Street |  1966
| 1877 Opened (Current Accounts January 1978) 1934 Listed in Century of Banking Photo 1966 National Archives Heritage listed Bill Frost advises: Town changed it’s name from Germanton due to the anti German feeling during the 1914/18 war. Holbrook was a Naval Officer of some renown and there is an actual submarine set up in the town as a Memorial. Ian S. Watts stated in 2005: "Holbrook Branch is about 60km from Albury, and the Branch is situated about half a kilometer from the town’s shopping centre. Being on the Hume Highway, traffic is never ending and noisy. The two storey premises were large, but a welcome change from Woodenbong. Andrew Watts, son of Noel Watts says: "I estimate this building to have been built in the late 1870's. It was about 100 years old when we moved there in 1978. 1980 photo by Andrew Watts. Noel Watts can be seen walking up the front steps with his staff. |
| Humula (receiving office of Tarcutta) | Humula is 27Km south of Tarcutta. 1914 Tarcutta branch closed 30 September and business transferred to Wagga Wagga then converted to a Receiving Office of Humula. 1923 12 March Tarcutta was converted back to a branch. 19230507 Humula branch closed and it was converted to a Receiving Office of Tarcutta. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking as Receiving Office. | |
| Huskisson (receiving office of Nowra) |  2006 | 1977 listed in Annual Report 2006 photo by R Raymond-Jones |
| Ilabo (agency of Junee) | John Beer states that CBC was never represented here, and that it was a Commercial Bank of Australia point of representation. Geoff Chapman reports: We also evidently had an Agency at Ilabo. which can be added to the list of Branches, R/O's and Agencies. If you have ever driven thru this village, you would wonder why, though a friend of mine who lived the first 20 years of his life in Junee, tells me Ilabo was once a booming little town. 1970s Agency and Junee branch closed, according to NSW Heritage. | |
| Inverell 83-85 Otho Street |  c1910  1922  1999  2006 | 1866 Opened 6th April (36th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; c1910 photo or perhaps a litttle later. You will note that the collonades of the CBC are open. Photo dated by electric street lighting(1910) and also established Parker business(1909). Thanks to Peter McCarthy, Hellenic + Cafe Historian Inverell and District. 1922 photo taken during Jubilee celebration - note the collonades have been closed allowing more space for lower bank chamber and upper residence. Thanks to Peter McCarthy, Hellenic + Cafe Historian Inverell and District. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1961 Manager Eric Abbott 1973 complement 10; Manager Gordon MacDonald, Accountant John Rowe. 1989 closed when the branch relocated. 1999 photo by R. J. Burling from www.nnsw.com.au 2006 photo by Kevin Greenaway - now a Pathology Lab 2008 November Geoff Chapman advised: Peter McCarthy, the owner of the ex City Bank/ABC Bank/Bank of NSW premises in Delungra searched for photos he has of Otho Street Inverell CBC premises, which closed in 1989, when the branch relocated. The photos are streetscapes which include the Branch at left and are depicted at left. His wife worked at Inverell branch 1956-1962. |
| Jerilderie (previously known as Jerilderee) | Opened 1888 (81st Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; closed 1893 (91st Report). | |
| Jesmond |  2007  | Listed in Annual Report 1974 2007 photos by Ron Armstrong. Attached are shots of the front view of Branch and 1 of the rear view entry, now operating as Mystique Hair Artists. Note NAB next door. |
| Jewellstown Branch Agency of Belmont | Jewellstown Shopping Centre Jewells is a suburb adjacent to & North of Belmont 1982 March 31 did not list Jewellstown 1983 January 01 List of Senior Staff is the first time ExCBC & ExNBA locations were list together. So John Beer assumes CBC established the Branch Agency between 19820331 & 19821231. 1983 January 01 List of Senior Staff Listed "Belmont (B/A Jewels Town Shopping Centre)" 1984 September 30 List of Senior Staff lists Jewellstown Serv Ctre of Belmont 1987 April 30 Closure of Jewellstown Service Centre nab NSW Coastal Circular 252 | |
| Junee 81 Lorne Street |  1999 | According to John Beer, CBC was never represented at Junee or Ilabo, and the Council must have mistaken it for Commercial Bank of Australia which did have a branch there. 1926-8 building constructed. 1970s branch and agency at Ilabo closed. 1999 occupied by Nationwide Realty. Photo by Rebecca Layton, June Shire Council Statement of Significance |
| Kangaroo Valley |  1894 circular | Opened 1885 (75th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1894 closed 15th March (1893 91st Report) and business transferred to Berry (Circular No. 43); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking as Receiving Office of Berry. |
| Katoomba 79 Katoomba St |  2008   2009 | 1981 mentioned in September List of Branches. 1981 Flat above branch was made available to officers as holiday accommodation at very affordable rentals. David Jobson comments: "My family had two holidays in that flat above the branch in Katoomba. Some great memories of those days. It was a facility that did not appear to be all that well known within in the bank. I think the weekly rental was $10 back in the seventies when we were there with our kids." See http://www.katoomba-nsw.com/ for general information. 2007 Jun 17 location search showed NAB at 100 Katoomba Street. 2008 September GoogleEarth photo of 79 Katoomba Street identified by Geoff Chapman who says "it tricked me as red brick facade has been rendered. This building has a lane running beside it." Verified by David Jobson. 2009 March photos of the branch and flat by David Jobson. |
| Kempsey Cnr Belgrave Street & ?Smith? Street |  2006 | Branch withdrawn 1868 (40th Report) Opened 1870 (44th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 2006 photo by Geoff Chapman. |
| Kiama 18 Manning St; or 16-20 Manning Street The old ES&A Bank 1887 opening as City Bank of Sydney, now Westpac Bank, a two-storey stuccoed stone and brick building with wrought-iron railings and gate, on the same side of Bong Bong street, but closer to the harbour, Of the Victorian Classical Revival it opened in 1887 as the City Bank of Sydney. The figurehead of George Thorton, original chairman of the City Bank, is a rare form of ornamentation in the period. ============================== Terralong Street | 
| 1881 1st branch: The former CBC Bank was constructed c1880 to designs of Mansfield Bros for Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd. It comes within the Mansfield genre of substantial and impressive two-storey Italianate style banks. The building retains much of its original detail and joinery. Situated adjacent to the Bank of New South Wales building, also by Mansfield Bros and near Kiama Post Office and other early commercial and civic premises, the former CBC bank is an important component of Kiama’s townscape and a reminder of the town’s elegant past. The building falls within the Mansfield Genre of substantial and impressive two-storey Italianate-style banks comprising of ground floor banking chambers with first floor manager’s residence. Materials are rendered brick and slate, and the building retains much of its original detail and joinery, little compromised by the various uses to which the former bank has been put. (NSW Heritage Office Branch Manager's Report to Heritage Council 14 January 1981) The former CBC bank was constructed c1880 to designs of Mansfield Bros for the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd. In 1979 Mr & Mrs Roslyn McKinnon, owners of the CBC Bank, nominated it for a Permanent Conservation Order. At that time the front of the building was occupied by a solicitors practice, the rear was occupied by a veterinary surgeon and the upstairs was let as a flat. The owners of the property were seeking protection under the Heritage Act for the building with a view to attracting rating and taxation benefits. At its meeting of 14 January 1981 the Heritage Council recommended that a Permanent Conservation Order be placed over the former CBC Bank, Kiama. A Permanent Conservation Order was placed over the property on 17 July 1981. It was transferred to the State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. Aesthetic significance: It comes within the Mansfield genre of substantial and impressive two-storey Italianate style banks. Situated adjacent to the Bank of New South Wales building, also by Mansfield Bros and near Kiama Post Office and other early commercial and civic premises, the former CBC bank is an important component of Kiama’s townscape and a reminder of the town’s elegant past. Integrity: The building retains much of its original detail and joinery. 1881 built at number 18 Manning St are some solicitor's offices, initially the Commercial Bank of Sydney. Manning Street. Building contract of $5,800 let to Messrs White & Coghill of Sydney. Note from Geoff Chapman. 1911 listed in 125th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking ============================ 2nd branch: Next door to Tory's Hotel opposite park in main street. Opened when I was in Wollongong 1967/71 with Warren Saunders as Manager. Note by Geoff Chapman. 1969 2nd Kiama branch opened in May. 2007 Terralong Street (Love that name) now in nab livery This is the Branch opened by Warren Saunders in 1969/70 or thereabouts. Photo by Geoff Chapman. |
| Kurri Kurri | Nothing is known of it, but in Current Accounts January 1976 on the retirement of H W March, his resume states "He joined the Bank at Kurri Kurri in 1929", so evidently we did have a Branch there. 1934 Not listed in A Century of Banking. | |
| Kyogle |  2005 | Opened 1908 (121st Report); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking NAB photo 11/05 by Geoff Chapman |
| Lake Cargelligo South-western cnr of Foster and Canada Street |  1959  c2004 | 1919 Opened 7th October. First Manager was R E Inglis. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking B&W photo in Current Accounts Jan 1960, colour photo NSW Heritage Office. This building is significant in the history of the economic development of Lake Cargelligo and in the banking history of New South Wales. It has been continuously used as a banking chamber since its construction in 1920. It is an aesthetically pleasing two storey building with landmark qualities. This building has the potential to reveal further detailed information in respect of its construction and the prior use of the site through detailed archival and archaeological research. |
| Lambing Flat Gold Diggings | 1858 Yass Branch was opened under the management of R W Pearson who remained in the position for 36 years. Part of Mr Pearson's duties included the buying of gold on the fields of Lambing Flat before the opening of the CBCofS Young branch. | |
| Lansdowne (receiving office of Taree) |  1957 | 1923 Agency originally opened in the sitting room of a residence attached to a store. This could hardly have been a satisfactory office, for the manager wrote to H.O. "The work is all done on a small table which has to be moved onto the verandah in winter on account of light. There is no window in the room which is stuffy in summer and dark in winter". He went on to suggest that the bank put up a "building of two rooms with a small counter". The result was this quaint structure, said to be designed this way to allow for future extension. From 'Our building at Lansdowne', 1957 Current Accounts. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1957 photo in Current Accounts from Helen Border. 2009 January message from Geoff Chapman: Helen Border was the daughter of Taree Branch Manager, and a member of that branch staff. Agency had ceased to exist when I was transferred to Taree in 1961 |
| Leeton |  1986  2008 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1986 photo by Ken Northam, residence upstairs. |
| Lismore |   1886   | 1875 Opened (54th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking Lismore photos from "The Story of a North Coast City - Lismore" edited by Maurice Ryan 1979:- 1. First branch; 2. 1886 Mansfield Bros.; 3. Mansfield remodelled 1897 & 1911; 4. 1936 Kent & Massey became NAB. The first Lismore Manager was John Horniman (a familiar name) and the longest serving Manager was E W Bentley for 35 years (1890-1925) advised by Geoff Chapman. |
| Lithgow 1876 24 Lithgow Street 1883 cnr Main & Gray Streets |  1876   1980 ====================  2005 | 1876 Opened 13th November (57th Report); Newspaper photo taken when it was for sale around 1980. 1980 October memo to Annalist regarding property at 24 Lithgow Street and November reply together with newspaper article stating that the property is to become a restaurant submitted by John Beer 01/09
1893 January Listed in 89th Report; |
| Lockhart Corowa and Lockhart were both designed by the same bloke, E.R. Laver, architect from Cootamundra, according to David Jobson. |  1893  1898  1911  1954  1975  1976   2006  2008 | 1893 photo from NLA. 1897 Opened (99th Report); Opened in September, 1897 by R.A. Warden (Acting)
2006 photo by John Roberts |
| Lyndhurst (receiving office of Mandurama) |  2004 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking as a Branch. 1977 listed in Annual Report Site 2004 by Jim Skinner |
| Macksville River Street |  1958   2005 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1958 b&w and handcoloured photos by Alex Steel who says: "I coloured by hand with oil colours – a skill of the past!!!" 2005 November photo by Geoff Chapman |
| Maclean |  1892-1925  1923  1925-1967  1945  1963  1967  1970 | 1888 Opened (80th Report); Business of Chatsworth branch transferred to it in 1888, and in 1892 business of Harwood transferred to it (Current Accounts July 1970) 1892 building was used as the branch until 1925. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1923 photo of house purchased. 1925 Branch remodelled. Photo shows remodelled premises used from 1925 until 1967.This house was purchased in 1923 for $5,000, then remodelled in 1925 at cost of $6,000, by banking chamber, Manager's office etc being constructed on the front garden portion of the property. Existing house was then used as Manager's residence. Occupied as branch 1925 until 1967. This placed the branch directly opposite Bank of NSW branch Maclean branch after 1925 remodelling of 1923 property purchase, by branch premises being constructed on front garden portion of the home. Remained as branch premises until 1967. Photos from Maclean Historical Society. 1931 September 27 newspaper article:- MACLEAN; UNUSUAL FRONTAGE GONE This structure no longer exists in Maclean's main street. Visitors referred to it as a building one would see in Alaska or the Yukon. The new premises for the Commonwealth Bank are well advanced and will be occupied in a bout a week. The building pictured here, was occupied by the Commercial Bank for many years, the manager residing above. Spacious stables were at the rear of the property. The Maclean Municipal Council purchased the building when Ald. Stenhouse was Mayor. The frontage, regarded by some as in Tudor style and by others as just weird, was added in 1935. The stables were used to store lumber and a few tools. When the amalgamation of the local government councils was accomplished, the old shire hall became the centre of activities. The Commonwealth Bank purchased the property. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1945 Flood photo. 1963 flood photo from July Current Accounts. The caption reads "Drive-In Banking" and identifies then Manager, N.A. Irvine arriving during recent floods. Further extensions were later made and in |
| Maitland Man - May Me - Mi Mo Mu | Click left margin/column |
Last modified: 15/01/2009 22:31
Long Flat
Receiving Office from CBC Wauchope
Oxley Highway
| Maitland, 315 High Street |     1949  | 1970s UBD NSW Street Directory Pg 98:- Maitland is 191 km by rail north of Sydney; 34 km north-west of Newcastle. On the Hunter River, New England Highway. Junction for the Great Northern, North Coast and South Maitland Railway lines. 1801 Lieutenant-Colonel Paterson of New South Wales Corps named it Schanck's Forest Plains 1810 the cedar-getters had arrived 1818 Governor Macquarie renamed it Wallis Plains 1817-1820 good-conduct convicts were given land for agricultural development 1820 land was open to free settlers and the first land grants were offered 1828 area had been renamed Maitland from Sir Frederick Lewis Maitland, Admiral of the Fleet, to whom Napoleon surrendered in July 1815, or Major-General Sir Pelegrine Maitland, a compatriot of Governor Darling. 1835 an Agency was conducted, only 4 months after the bank was founded. Later closed. 1845 Notice which appeared in the Maitland Mercury of 19 April: BANK NOTICE The Chairman and Directors of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney beg to repeat their Notice of 4th April 1844, viz:- "That the branches of this Bank established at Maitland, Windsor and Goulburn, were discontinued on and after the 31st March then next preceding" and that they further give notice, that this Bank will not be responsible for any monies which are not received at the Banking House, George Street, Sydney L Duguid Managing Director 4/4/1845 Geoff Chapman states: I do not know what to make of Notices appearing 12 months apart It looks like they night have given 12 months notice of closure of the Branches. 1846 Frank Maundrell has come across a reference to Maitland contained in "Select Documents of the Nineteenth Century, Vol. 1", page 95. It quotes a Bank Notice published in "Sydney Herald" as follows: "COMMERCIAL BANKING COMPANY OF SYDNEY NOTICE is hereby given, that a General Half yearly Meeting of the Proprietors of this Bank will be held at the Banking House, Sydney, on Friday the 15th July next, at 12 o'clock for the purpose of declaring a Dividend for the Half-Year ending 30th June - of considering the propriety of converting the present Agency at Maitland into a permanent Branch of the Bank - and of proceeding to the election of two of their Body duly qualified to fill the office of Directors in the room of John Lamb, and J.H. Grose, Esquires, who retire by lot, and are not eligible for re-election before the expiry of twelve months. LESSLIE DUGUID Managing Director Commercial Bank June 7, 1846. ibid." 1859 Opened 11th April. 1864 rail line established through Maitland replaced Morpeth as the major port. 1887 The impressive 3 storey building was constructed. (from Current Accounts July 1959) 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1926 see under West Maitland. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking Colour photo and all copies of old photos by Ron Armstrong. |
| West Maitland 315 Victoria Street | | 1859 branch opened (22nd Report). 1924 from West Maitland Post Office Directory: Phillip I Addison is listed as Manager, The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney - 315 Victoria Street West Maitland. Geoff Chapman says: "I became suspicious when the Street Number 315 was the same as Maitland Branch. It appears that the "West" was dropped and West Maitland became Maitland, and the street name may have been changed to High Street. Early photos of Post Office of West Maitland are same building as later building shown as Maitland Post Office." See also Maitland above. |
| Maitland, 416a High & Church Streets |   1950 Church St view  1951 Receiving Office on right  Letts bus and 1962 Ford station wagon  1964 converted to branch  4 photos taken 1977 | 1951 40' x 100' splayed corner purchased for £21,400. Used as Receiving Office. Willmore and Randall - Real Estate Agents occupied the rear of the building.
All photos supplied by Ron Armstrong. |
| Maitland | See also East Maitland and West Maitland. |
| Manaro district agency Now known as Monaro. | Banking Institutions (see also Cooma) www.cooma.nsw.gov.au/monaropioneers/banking To-day four banks, branches respectively of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited, the Bank of New South Wales, the Australian Bank of Commerce Ltd., and the Government Savings Bank of New South Wales, carry on business in the Manaro district. The earliest record of banking business being conducted on Manaro is in the thirties, when Daniel Driscoll, who kept an hotel at Umeralla (now Chakola) at what is to-day called Driscoll's Flat, conducted an agency for the Commercial Bank of Sydney. Cash was represented by I.O.U's., and Driscoll would negotiate these at 21 per cent. discount for notes, though it is not recorded that these transactions were on the Bank's behalf. In Ben Boyd's time - in the forties - notes valued at 10/- and 5/- issued by him were a common medium of exchange. | |
| Mandurama |  1960  2004 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1960 photo by Burgess 1984 Mandurama CBC was still open 30/9/1984 under management of Kevin J Winter when it was still conducting agencies at Carcoar & Neville 2004 by Jim Skinner |
| Manildra |  2005  | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 2005 photos by John Ness - branch closed. |
| Manilla 197 Manilla Street 125 Manilla Street |    1890s in 2006 ===================
| 1888 opened (80th Report); First branch opened in Manilla Street,1888 next to "Royce Cottage" which now houses Manilla Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre. View of Manilla, including Commercial Bank, Church, School of Arts, Post Office, Mackenzie's store, Olifant's Hotel - Manilla, NSW from State Library of NSW 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1894 closed (93rd Report); Photo of early branch building Nov 2006 by Frank Maundrell, who states: This is a photo of the CBC Manilla prior to erection of the building occupied until recently. I do not know when it was built, possibly soon after the original opening in 1888. All the old correspondence was still in the Branch custody when I was there (1979-1982), and I read most of it. In the early 1900's, the building was owned by the Tamworth Manager, Mr. Robey, (I don't recall his first name). Some of the correspondence reported problems the Manager was having in getting maintenance carried out. Perhaps Mr. Robey considered his investment was for making money, not spending it! One letter I remember diplomatically acknowledged that Mr. Robey is "...an older Manager...", but that the Manager had to deal with him "...as landlord...". He reported that there were large cracks in some walls, including one in the maid's quarters that "...I can thrust my hand through...". This resulted in the maid having to live away from the premises, which was "...most inconvenient...". When I was at Manilla, the building was occupied by the Stock & Station Agency, V.J. Byrnes Pty. Ltd. and I understand old "V.J.", as Mr. Byrnes was known, had bought the building when our new one was completed in 1924. More recently, the V.J. Byrnes Manager, V.J. Flett, took the Company over under the name V.J. Flett Pty. Ltd. It was empty when I took this photo. 1898 Re-Opened (100th Report) on new site; 1911 listed in 125th Report; =========================================== 1924 new branch erected next to older branch; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1981 photo of rear by Frank Maundrell. 1982 photo in Group News 23/12/82 2006 November photo of both new branch and previous branch side by side by Frank Maundrell. This could be called "The Old and the Older"! On the left is the building completed in 1924 and, on the right, the earlier CBC in Manilla. 2006 Royce Cottage 197 Manilla Street - NSW Heritage Statement of Significance: A cottage with historic associations with G.H Royce, prominent bridge contractor active in various areas of Australia in the 1880's-1915 era. He was an identity in Manilla between 1884 and 1886. The cottage is of value as one of the earliest in the town. It contributes to the aesthetic quality of the streetscape. (Australian Heritage Database). A cottage with historic associations with G.H Royce, prominent bridge contractor active in various areas of Australia in the 1880's-1915 era. He was an identity in Manilla between 1884 and 1886. Description Physical Description: A cottage of painted double brick construction. The corrugated galvanised iron roof has ogee type gutters and front and back verandahs. It is located in a prominent position in the main street and is used as a local museum. The buildings were restored in 1976 and repaired and painted in 1988. Modifications and Dates: A shop was added to the front and a bakery to the back, sometime before 1916. A caretaker's flat was added at the back in 1976. Historical Notes: Built as a private home for G.H. Royce and family in 1884. Royce was engineer in charge of building the Namoi River Bridge. Also the site of the Commercial Banking of Sydney from 1890-94. The Stewart family extended the building in 1908 to include a bakery and shop. Former Use: Doctors Rooms & a bakery. Current Use: Museum |
| Matong (receiving Office of Ganmain) | Matong is 12Km East. and 27km West of Coolamon. 1919 opened. Extract from "The Settlers & Settlement of Ganmain", Lorna Gilmore 1992: Ganmain's Business increased and the need arose for a branch at Matong, which opened in 1919 and operated on Tuesdays and Fridays each week. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking It may safely be assumed that Ganmain and Matong became R/O's of Coolamon. 2008 Geoff Chapman advises: From information received from Coolamon Council re Ganmain, they state that a branch was opened in 1919 in Matong. But, as it only opened on Tuesday and Friday, it must have been a Receiving Office of Ganmain, but at least we have an opening date. | |
| Mayfield |  2007  | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1977 listed in Annual Report 2007 photos by Ron Armstrong of the rear entry and front of the former CBC Bank Mayfield - front entry has now been excluded to enable better utilisation of available space. Business now operating is Newdark Photographics. |
| Mo ..... | Click here or see left column |
| Merriwa Bettington Street |  1909-1983  1957  | 1877 Opened (59th Report); 1883 closed (70th Report); 1909 Opened (123rd Report), premises still in use 1983, b&w photo from Group News 23 Dec 1982; 1916 built - see colour photo; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking Heritage Listed 1957 photo of Merriwa branch by Ken Wood (Member) from Flickr.com |
| Merimbula |  1977  2006 | 1977 photo by Lindsay Huxley 2006 photo by R Raymond-Jones |
Milparinka Milparinka ruins from http://www.travelwest.biz/ |  1880-90    
| 1881 Opened Half Yearly Report Jan 1882 The Commercial Bank of Milparinka was built at the height of the gold mining era, in August 1881. A cedar counter and a large safe were installed, and the bank officer carried a revolver. The Royal Standard Hotel, and the Cobb and Co Office were located alongside the bank. From Milparinka Heritage Trail 1882 onwards H W Hogg had the doubtful pleasure of managing Tibbooburra, Milparinka and Silverton branches. 1880-90 photo of bank at left and pharmacy on right courtesy of Milparinka Heritage & Tourism Association. There were three hotels in Milparinka in 1885, including the Royal Standard Hotel next door to the bank.. By 1886 the bank had closed its doors, and the building was later purchased as a private residence, and the building was later purchased as a private residence. 1886 closed Half Yearly Report Jan 1887 Photograph of site by Richard Nott. 2005 photos of Cobb & Co gold escort re-enactment and interior by Ruth Sandow who advises: The building's time as a bank was actually quite short lived. I understand that it was only commissioned as such for a few years after which it became private accommodation. It lost its roof only in fairly recent times. Ruth said it would require a steel frame around it to pull it together. It seems:- 1. much mortar work is required 2. it may have been a concrete floor 3. present Administrator whose grandmother was last occupier would like to obtain title so it can be restored. She lives on a property at Mt Arrowsmith I think. Milparinka is probably the oldest ex-CBCofS property in the most remote location currently on record. Photo with red roofs: In this image the bank ( rear) appears in the foreground, with the Albert Hotel across the road. 2007 January 1 Sydney Morning Herald photo of town taken through a stained glass window across the road shows old Commercial Bank at left. For more information on Milparinka go to: www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/rural_regional/programs/mpka.html-25k |
| Milthorpe | Between Bathurst and Orange | |
| Milton 107 Princes Highway |  1910    1960  1965  1981   | 1871 Opened 21st September (47th Report); the first manager was William Bonenham. 1875 Built; 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1910 Postcard photo possibly dating back to 1910, from Jennifer Hayne whose father was manager there in 1930. The two windows at left were the residence, those on the right the Manager's office and the next building housed the banking chamber. Mr. Hayne started the Lifesaving club at Milton. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1960 photos of the branch, banking chamber and the main street by Bob Handel. 1965 slide photo by Bill Morelli. 1981 b&w photo by David Jobson. Colour photos from NSW Heritage Office show modern building on right changed from CBC to NAB and original building as a Cafe. Heritage Listed: An outstanding Late Victorian building, one of the best in the region. Formerly a bank. Special interest as a private commission by noted architect G A Mansfield. Essentially intact. Character of banking chamber provides important evidence of the development of Milton as an important rural centre in the early to mid 1870's. Regional significance (Illawarra Region) and of specific importance to Milton for its contribution to the streetscape. The CBC Bank was first established in Milton on 26th September, 1871 in premises leased from Frederick Hall at a weekly rent of 10shillings. The bank purchased the site for a new building from John Kendall, who had owned the land since 1860. The new building was designed by G A Mansfield, and erected in 1875. It comprised a bank, attached to a weatherboard manager's residence, which overlooked the grounds of the Church of England. Milton became a major branch in 1879. The building was extended in the early 1900's and a new residence was built at the rear of the site in 1973. It was the only bank in the area from 1903 until the late 1940's. Now used as a restaurant. A single storey late Victorian Italianate commercial building. Construction is of stuccoed brick, with a hipped roof behind decorative parapet. Features symmetrical facade; raised central pediment; elaborate bracketed cornice; urns at each end of the parapet; mouldings to openings; two large windows to either side of entrance door; arched double hung windows; and a fanlight to the door. |
| Mirrool (Receiving Office of Ariah Park) | Mirrool is 18Km NW of Ariah Park. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking Heritage Item Mirrool Hotel | |
| Mitchell | 1884 branch opened. 1893 branch closed. On the Mitchell River about 130Km west of Grafton (Current Accounts July 1968) | |
| Mittagong 83 Hume Highway | 
| Opened 1883 (71st Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; Built in 1894 - Heritage Listed |
| Molong 46 Bank Street |   2005      2009 | Molong is 97 km from Dubbo. 1876 Opened (57th Report); Plaque photo states Branch opened 14th December 1876. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 2005 October photo by John Ness. Seven bedrooms, two bathrooms * Grand Italianate Design * Imposing Structure * Stables * 2000sqm plus block |
| Mooball (receiving office of Murwillumbah) |   2008 | Mooball is on the old Pacific Highway 18Km south of Murwillumbah. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1977 listed in Annual Report 2008 Ian Holston advises that Mooball agency was conducted at Kelly's Store near the Victory Hotel. Site is now occupied by a gift shop. Ian spoke to Leo Kelly in August re Mooball and he said the Agency was conducted in a small secure area on the Left Hand Side of the Store. He is very pleased that the old store has now become a very successful craft shop and gathering spot for ladies all around the district and beyond. 2008 photos by Ron Armstrong, one is an amalgamation of left & right sides. |
Moree 25 Frome Street |
| 1883 Opened (71st Report); 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1908 Premises completely destroyed by fire in November. 1910 They were replaced with the building in the 'photo, at a cost of $22,000 (from Current Accounts January 1968) 1910 Notable architect P. E. Ranclaud designed the building, a bank and manager's residence, which was completed in 1910 and became one of the most important historic buildings in Moree. 1934 Listed and pictured in Century of Banking as a typical branch. 1968 Aerial photo from Current Accounts January. 1985 a group of Moree residents joined Moree Plains Shire Council in a plan to transform the building, then unoccupied, into a Gallery. The NSW Bicentennial Authority supported the plan by providing funds 1988 November the Gallery was officially opened by then Premier Nick Greiner, MP. 1988 colour photo by Kevin Nicol, who notes: "The old C.B.C. building where I worked for two and a half years, fifty years ago, is now in 2005 an arts and cultural centre. The office section and part of the upstairs residence has been beautifully restored and well worth a visit should you be out that way." Australian Government Heritage Statement of Significance: A former branch of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd, and residence, of considerable architectural significance as one of the finest Federation Free style country banks in New South Wales. (Criterion F.1) |
| Morpeth 149 Swan Street |  1993   2005 | Heritage Listed residence: Historic: Records former importance of Morpeth as major port town and commercial nature of Swan Street. Aesthetic: Impressive scale and bulk of former bank stands out against low scale single and two storey residential development of town. Typical detailing of Italianate style in porch arched opening and arched windows. Important to townscape generally and special character of Swan Street as the main street. Style: Victorian Italianate. Exterior: Rendered Masonry. Characteristic of CBC Branch Italianate bank design, two storey symmetrical layout, cast iron posts to verandahs on three sides. Masonry arched portico, arched windows. Cast iron columns "W.R Wise Newton Road, Sydney". Impressive scale and bulk of former bank stands out against low scale single and two storey residential development of town. Typical detailing of Italianate style in porch arched opening and arched windows. Important to townscape generally and special character of Swan Street as the main street. Just beyond the terraces is the rather elaborate CBC Bank building (1889). Designed by the Mansfield brothers it has a particularly impressive interior, featuring Italian fireplaces, porcelain servants' bells, red cedar woodwork, a fine staircase, quality panelling and original bank fittings including a huge cedar counter, ledger desk and cupboard. Other elements are the old vault, an underground well, a roof tank installed to improve water pressure and, at the rear of the building, the sandstock coach house, stables and loft. The exterior has a grandiose arched entranceway and arched windows. It is currently undergoing painstaking restoration and will reopen as a guesthouse. 1864 Rail line established. |
| Moruya Vulcan Street  Moruya Granite used in Sydney Harbour Bridge, by Frank Chapman |   
| Opened 1884 (72nd Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. Photos: |
| Moss Vale Argyle Street |   | Opened 1874 (53rd Report); closed 1877 (59th Report); Opened 1881 (68th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1996 by Frank Chapman and b&w streetscape with CBC on LH rise supplied by Mr Chapman also. 1885 Designed by Mansfield Bros Built by Gee & Lusted. |
| Mount George (receiving office of Wingham) | Mount George is 18Km west of Wingham. 1920 Mount George CBCofS Agency opened 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1942 April Mount George CBCofS Agency closed under wartime restrictions | |
| Mount Hope | Opened 1883 (71st Report) closed 1885 (75th Report); mentioned in Current Accounts July 1959. 145Km west of Condoblin. Branch opened in 1883 and closed in 1885 (Current Accounts July 1968). | |
| Mount McDonald | Opened 1881 (67th Report); closed 1881 (68th Report); mentioned in Current Accounts July 1959. 20Km from Woodstock NSW. Branch opened 1881 and closed 1882 (Current Accounts July 1968) | |
| Mount Victoria | Opened 1885 (74th Report); Closed 1886 (76th Report) |
| Mudgee |  2007 | Opened 1866 (36th Report); Closed 1867 (39th Report); Opened 1874 (53rd Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 2007 photo from SMH - CBC Bank, Town Hall and Rural Bank form a group that is Heritage Listed: A fine group of late Victorian and early 20th century buildings which combine to give much dignity and interest to this civic-commerical nucleus of the town. As such they are particularly relevant to the adjacent St. John the Baptist Churchyard and the nearby Roman Catholic Church group and for these reasons deserve preservation. |
| Mullumbimby |  1923  2005  2007 ? | 1919 The Bank opened it's Mullumbimby branch on 13th October in temporary premises in Nelson's building in Burringbar Street. The first Manager was J W Kelp 1922 a permanent site was purchased. 1923 photo is of the new building in 1923 from "The Branswick, another river and it's people" c 1988 Jim Brokenshire The present building was erected in 1923 and trading continued until WW11. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1940s because of rationalisation of banking, the branch closed and the business was transferred to Bangalow. The Branch re-opened after the war. All of the above information sourced by Geoff Chapman. 2005 September photo by David Jobson. 2007 ? Photo by Bob Handel. |
| Mulwala |  1894 Circular   1992 | Mulwala NSW, about 40ks west of Corowa 1888 Opened (80th Report); Manager's list: 1888/92 - W. Gill 1892/94 - E.H. Street 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1894 Circular No. 43 dated 1st March advising closure. 1894 closed 15th March (closed 1893 91st Report) and the business transferred to Corowa. 1992 June 16 photos of the branch by David Jobson just prior to demolishment. |
| Murrumburrah 344 Albury Street | 1954 photo in Current Accounts July page 33 2008 | A "twin" town with Harden. With both towns often referred to as Harden-Murrumburrah. CBC's branches at Harden and Murrumburrah are within 2km of each other, split by the Murrimboola Creek. Much of the early banking from Murrumburrah and Harden areas was done with Young and Yass branches. To safeguard their money from bushrangers many settlers cut their bank notes in half, sending one half to their bank on one mail coach and the other half of the next coach. 1875 Oriental Bank was the first bank to open at Murrumburrah. 1880 Australian Joint Stock Bank opened at Murrumburrah. 1881 October 13 Yass Courier reported: “Murrumburrah Oriental Bank Manager Mr Burnett died at Burrowa after a buggy accident.” Both Oriental and AJS Banks fell victims to the land boom and droughts. 1884 Oriental Banking Corp went into Liquidation. 1884 May 6 Bank of NSW secured premises in Murrumburrah. 1884-5 CBC acquired Oriental Banking Corp premises & accounts as well as some OBC staff from branches of Murrumburrah & adjoining OBC branches in nearby towns. Oriental Staff coming to CBCofS included Oriental's previous Murrumburrah Manager Mr Henry Clement Tingcombe, who became the 1st permanent Manager of CBCofS Murrumburrah. 1885 AJS Bank at Murrumburrah closed. 1887 Mr Tingcombe was appointed Manager CBCofS Narrandera 1887Sep 13 Mr Ernest Meares Aged 26 another ex-Oriental officer was new Murrumburrah CBCofS Manager (from July 1954 Current Accounts Pg 32 & 33). 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1932 Bank of New South Wales Murrumburrah closed. Bank of NSW later re-opened and re-closed to become a restaurant. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1943 The Union Bank Murrumburrah closed because of wartime restrictions after operating for a number of years 1954 photo in Current Accounts July page 33. 1970 Murrumburrah listed in Branch Managers List 032-150 1978 Sep Murrumburrah not listed (Murrumburrah business had been transferred to Harden branch - there had been over the years quite a bit of jealousy between the two towns but apparently all this disappeared when just about everything duplicated in Murrumburrah ended up just having one representation in Harden). 2008 GoogleEarth photo of Murrumburrah branch as identified by Geoff Chapman and verified by Curator of local history museum who advises: 1874 Orient Bank opened in T & G Barnes store 1875 moved into new purpose built premises. 1884 CBC opened 6th May in 2 rooms of the Commercial Hotel On 1/6/1884 moved to Orient Bank premises. (This would have been on taking over the business and premises of that Bank at, among other places, Murrumburrah and Bungendore). |
| Murrurundi 64 Mayne Street |        | In Murulla St, just before the intersection with Mayne St, is a suspension bridge for pedestrians over the river.The two-storey blue building just over the road and a little further north was erected in 1865 as the Joint Stock Bank but became the CBC from 1870-1938. John Beer understands that AJSBank occupied this building from 1865 till 1872 after which CBC occupied it till 1930s. 1872 March 8 Agreement between AJS Bank and CBCofS: |
| Murwillumbah |     2005 | Murwillumbah (population 7,500) is on the Tweed River 32km south of the Queensland border, the main town of Tweed Valley population 23,300 (from Current Accounts January 1969 Pg 42-43) Opened 1880 February 4th (64th Report); The bank's first premises seen in this early photo were rented from The Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Supplied by Ian Holston. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1899 Murwillumbah CBCofS building erected 1907 September 16 Murwillumbah CBCofS burnt down with four other banks, three large stores and other business houses 1908-09 Murwillumbah CBCofS rebuilt at cost of 4320 pounds 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1953 new premises were completed Front and rear photos by Ron Armstrong. 2005 Plaque celebrating 125 years of CBC/NAB 2008 Ian Holston advises that from Murwillumbah Branch, agencies were conducted at: |
| Muswellbrook 51 New England Highway |  1963  2008  2008 | 1872 March 8 Agreement between AJS Bank and CBCofS: AJSB agree to transfer to CBCofS the business of AJSB at Murrurundi and Muswellbrook. CBCofS agree to purchase premises safes fittings office furniture sundries for 3,000 pounds and receive the business in both towns with deposits transferred to CBCofS with business to be handed over on March 11. 1874 In course of erection (51st Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report.; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1963 photo by Ian McAndrew of Muswellbrook Branch in 1963 with Mike Cassidy residence above and the rear of the branch. 2008 photo from GoogleEarth identified by Geoff Chapman and Wayne Campbell 2008 October photo by David Jobson |
| Nambucca Heads 20 Bowra Street |  2008 | 1977 listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Macksville; Sept 1978 Managers List as branch agency; Sept 1991 as branch 082-743 2008 photo by Ron Armstrong |
| Nana Glen (receiving office of Coramba) | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking | |
| Narooma |  1982  2006 | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking as receiving office of Moruya. 1956 Branch opened in May (from Current Accounts July 1965) John Roberts was manager 1971-72 1982 photo by Ken Northam, residence upstairs. 2006 photo as NAB by Ron Armstrong. |
| Narrabri 51 Maitland Street |      2008 | Branch opened 1866 (36th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking.
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| Narrandera 142 East Street previously |   2003  "Narrandera 6 Jun 20041 J Roberts.jpg" />  2004  2007  2008 | 1880 Opened June (64th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report. 1884 May 23 Narrandera CBCofS acquires land East & Twynam Streets 1885 Narrandera CBCofS premises erected at cost of 4364 pounds under design of Mansfield Architects 1934 Listed in Century of Banking Heritage Listed 1974 Manager Fred J Baker; Accountant Peter K Webb Complement: 4 2003 photo by David Jobson of Horse stables behind branch 2004 Colour photos by John Roberts (front and side views). 2007 May photo of CBC Plaque by David Jobson, who says "passed through Narrandera a few days ago on a motorcycle ride. What a fabulous building the old bank is there." Australian Government Heritage Statement of Significance: The elegant former Narrandera CBC Bank is significant for being a good example of a Mansfield Brothers bank of the period, designed in fine Victorian Free Classical style. (Criteria D.2 and F.1) 2008 March photo by Bob Handel. |
| Narromine 4 Dandaloo Street & Nymagee Street |  1981
| Opened 1898 (100th Report); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. NSW Heritage Office notes: The Commercial Banking Co. was the first to establish itself in Narromine in 1898 , but it was not until 1915 that this substantial building was erected for them. |
| Neville (receiving office of Mandurama) | Neville is 15Km east of Mandurama and 23K south of Blayney. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| Newbridge (receiving office of Blayney) | Newbridge is 14 km east of Blayney and developed around the railway line. 1876 railway station built in 1876. The station was called 'Back Creek' 1876 the post office was called 'Duramana' 1878 the name was changed to Newbridge Newbridge may be from a pedestrian overhead bridge built at the station. 1870s the Gladstone Hotel dates from the early 1870s, 1877 the public school dates from 1877 1890s the old police station dates from the 1890s. The convent dates from 1900 1919 the Catholic Church dates from 1919. 1934 Newbridge is listed as Receiving Office from Blayney Pg 80 Century of Banking | |
| Newcastle 73-75 Hunter Street, cnr Bolton Street |  1900-1905   2009 | 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1900-1905 painted postcard from NAB archives. 1921 Branch building of 6 floors opened September (Current Accounts Jan 1972) 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. Heritage Listed: Architects : Kent & Massie. National Trust - Substantial well preserved stone building, the tallest in the city at the time - six storeys. Attractive, well detailed classical revival building. The ground floor banking chamber has large Doric columns and extensive timber & polished marble panelling. National Trust - Six storey building and was the tallest in the city at the time. External walls aer load bearing faced with sandstone above an igneous base. Photo by Harold Wood 1972 March 8 Branch Inspection when Manager was Mr Cyril William Coxon joined Bank 1938 March 7 Joined branch 1970 August 7 had own typist/stenographer Typist Miss N A Harris joined Bank and branch 1950 February 3Typist/Stenographer Miss S M T North joined Bank and branch 1970 May 19. Accountant Jon N Blissett Joined Bank 1957 January 26 Branch 1971 October 5 Assistant Accountant J H Holmes Joined Bank 1928 May 2 Branch 1968 June 11 prepares Security documents, writes up register, Bill Clerk J E L Veness Joined Bank 1927 January 27 Branch 1958 December Attends to drafts, bills, collections, travellers cheques, General Hand W J McD Moore checks Day Book & General Ledger posting, Typist for Accountant, Assts Accts Bills Clerk & TA Returns, Tellers 1 Mrs C J Barnett, 2 I D Heiler, 3 Stan A Johnston, Proof Operator, Asst Operator, Trainee, SB Supervisor, SB Assistant, Ledger Supervisor Janelle Fordham Joined Bank 1956 Feb 20, branch 1956 December 17, 3 machinists, Assistant, Switchboard Operator, 3 General Hands, 3 Juniors, Relieving Manager attached, Caretaker, Lift Driver, Cleaner. 1985 Aug 17 unified with NBA 68 Hunter St at Hunter & Bolton Sts with Manager Mr CW Kenyon, Asst Mgr Mr BL Harper, Acct Mr RW Duncan. 2006 Nov 25 NAB enquiry reveals branch is now 1 Newcomen St opposite Newcastle Station. J. Beer 2009 March 21 listed for sale by auction in Sydney Morning Herald. |
| Newcastle, Civic Centre |  | Block of land on which the branch stood. Photo by Ron Armstrong. |
| Newcastle West 559 Hunter Street |  | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking Photo by Harold Wood Heritage Listed: |
| Nimagee see also Nymagee | Opened 1880 (65th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; closed 1893 (91st Report) Nimagee was once a copper town with a population of 2,200. | |
| Nimmitabel (receiving office of Cooma) | Nimmitabel is on the Snowy Mountains Highway 38Km south of Cooma. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1977 listed in Annual Report | |
| North Albury (receiving Office of Albury) | 1977 listed in Annual Report Sept 1981 List of Branches | |
| Nowra |  c1920 | Opened 1883 (71st Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; c1920 photo from Wollongong City Council 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. |
| Nundle Jenkins Street (Agency of Tamworth) |  2006 | Nev Hillenberg comments: The Bank of NSW building was purchased by a local storekeeper, and garage proprietor (Ken and Noreen Waser). He used the building for his private home, and CBC leased the office section from him. 1979 listed in White Pages as Bank of NSW 1981 commencement as agency of CBC 1986 listed in White Pages as agency of NAB. John Beer 2006 November photo by Frank MaundrelI of 85 Jenkins Street, Nundle. The building originally housed a Branch of Bank of NSW, closed about 1983. CBC then leased the building and conducted an Agency (one day per week, as I recall) from 400 Peel Street, Tamworth. The Agency is now closed and the building is used as a Private Hotel, known as Jenkins Street Guest House. The Bank set up in Nundle in early 1981 after the Wales closed ther branch, Nev Hillenburg has covered some of the details, the agency opened on Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons, I used to go out there every second Friday alternating with the other Loans Officer, a Garry Cane. There was an "agency officer" who manned the office, Nev used to go out on Wednesdays. By opening up when the Wales left the Bank picked up the Shire business and quite a bit of the town as well. It was an enjoyable "day out" to go there but freezing in the winter. Notes by Warwick Laing |
| Nymagee |  1890 | Nymagee is 96Km South of Cobar. A copper mining town until 1917. 'Nymagee' is an indigenous word for 'small plain surrounded by hills'. It is in the centre of a triangle of three major towns: Cobar (100 km NW), Nyngan (120 km NE) Condobolin (160 km SE) with smaller town Tottenham (113 km E). There is a population of 62 in the village and 160 in the surrounding district. Notes by John Beer 1880 Sep 15 R A Mudd Manager Cobar wrote to Manager Head Office: "Nymagee Copper Mining Co:- Nymagee:- Population 300-400 100 employed at mine Total monthly wages paid by the mine 1,000 pounds. Nymagee people bank CBC Cobar & Lachlan branches of AJS Bank Suggest branch be opened at once." from Select Documents of 19th Century Volume 2 Pg 18-19 1890 view of town from State Library of NSW. 1897 Opened (99th Report); 1911 listed in 125th Report. |
| Nyngan |   1912  1986   1985 | Opened 1883 (71st Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1912 The Nyngan building was erected. Photo from PictureAustralia State Library of NSW. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1985 photos by Andrew Watts. Back of Nyngan Building. If you look closely you can see a balcony with a fence like railing. This was the highest point of the house. You would get there after climbing three flights of stairs. There were three rain water tanks and a large underground tank. Note the old style inlets at the tops of the down-pipes. From Nyngan Roof looking over open air Cinema. You could see the movies from the old bank, well at an angle anyway and audio wasn't the best. 1986 photo by Andrew Watts, son of Noel Watts who was Manager of this branch. This was Andrew's favourite. This photo was taken as they moved out in 1986. 1987 unfortunately pulled down. Watts family were the last occupiers before this grand old building was no more. |
| Oak Flats | 1977 listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Warilla Grove. | |
| Oaklands |  1946  2001 | Opened 1908 (120th Report); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking, Manager C.A. Gracie. 1946 b&w photo by Jim Skinner |
| Oberon |  1970  1977 | 1892 Branch premises/residence built (from Current Accounts July 1970). 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1970 photo in Current Accounts July issue by branch customer SR Nicholls. The giant walnut tree standing in the grounds of our branch is reputed to be the largest in Australia. Sketch supplied by Graham Tarrant. D.P. Wyatt, the artist presented him with this copy in 1977 when he left Oberon. |
| Old Bar Receiving Office of Taree |  2008 | 2008 Photo from GoogleEarth of 2 Sheppard Street sourced by Geoff Chapman, who notes: These premises, in Sheppard Street Old Bar, now a Veterinary Surgery, are the premises from which the Old Bar Receiving Office of Taree Branch operated in the 1980's/early 1990's. |
| Orange Former Union Bank: 84 Byng Street |    ===================  1915-20 ============  2005 | Opened in 1858 by the Union Bank of Australia it has historic significance as the first bank of Orange. The former Union Bank building is of simple and austere Victorian styling, its facade enlivened only by decorative lintels, keystones and sills to the window openings. Situated on a corner it makes a positive architectural contribution to the street. (Heritage Office files) The building comprises a two-storey rendered brick and iron-roofed main building with a later single-storey brick classroom or hall at the rear, added during the period of school occupancy of the building and perhaps contemporary with the Federation style porch of timber construction added to shelter the principal entry to the main building. Outbuildings at the rear include a separate kitchen-house and a stables block with later garage addition, the latter original internal details such as the horse ‘boxes’ and wooden cobble floors. The bank building proper is of simple and austere Victorian styling, its facade enlivened only by decorative lintels, keystones and sills to the window openings. Internally the building is also very simply and economically fitted with none of the elaboration usually found in major commercial premises of the period. Original doors, architraves and skirtings, fireplace surrounds and main staircase survive but are simple and basic in design (Branch Managers Report to the Heritage Council 21.3.1980) The Union Bank of Australia was established in Orange in 1857 in temporary premises and in 1858 opened in the present building. It was first bank in Orange. In April 1862 the business of the Union Bank was taken over by the Commerical Bank of Sydney. It would be after this year that the building was acquired and used as a Police Station. In 1874/75 buildings for the Police Department were under construction in Byng Street not far from the Court House. It was after this date that Mr T H Richards conducted a school in this building called Weymouth House. In 1893 Mr Richards transferred his school and the building became a Girls School called Dombrane College. After closing as Queen’s College in about 1911/12 the building then became a boarding house conducted by Miss Hawke and her mother. After the boarding school it was used as residential flats. (Letter to Heritage Council 25.3.1980) In February 1980 the Heritage Council was advised by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) that the Former Union Bank was under threat of demolition. A Section 130 Order was placed over the building on 29 February 1980. A formal notice under Section 132 was subsequently made by the owners of the building with the intention to demolish the building. After taking into consideration the views of Orange Council and the owners of the building an Interim Conservation Order was placed over the building on 18 April 1980 in an effort to find a suitable use for the building. In August 1980 the Department of Public Works inspected the property and advised the building was significant for its historic and streetscape value and was suitable for re-use as professional offices or residential/commercial use. In 1981 the property was sold and a loan and grant was made available to the owners for the restoration of the building. On 11 February 1983 a Permanent Conservation Order was placed over the property. It was transferred to the State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. 1862 Branch opened (28th Report); Business and premises of the Union Bank taken over on 15th April 1862 1893 listed in 89th Report January; ============================ 1915-20 photo from NAB archives. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. ============================ 2005 photo October by John Ness |
| Orange Field Days and Jamborees |  1964  1969 | 1964 This photo of our Agency at a Jamboree held at Orange, appeared in Current Accounts, July, 1964. If memory serves me right, the Orange Jamborees were held over Easter. 1969 November Australian national Field Days at Orange, in Current Accounts July 1970. |
Last modified: 23/12/2008 13:05
Last modified: 26/04/2009 00:15
| Pambula |  1962  1970  2006   2008 | 1902 CBC Bank opened their Pambula branch in a room in Thomas Brothers Federal Stores. Contractor Joe Keorber constructed the building which the bank then rented in 1903. 1911 the Bank purchased the premises from the Estate of the owner (Mr Doherty) 1921 Further additions were added. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; 1962 photo by Bill Morelli. 1970 photo by Lindsay Huxley. 1977 listed in Annual Report as sub-branch managed by L. Huxley. 1985 the bank, by then NAB, moved to new premises and the building was sold says Geoff Chapman. 2006 photo by Rowan Raymond-Jones 2008 Two photos by Jim Skinner who says: "My father used to run the agency at Pambula from Bega back in the 1940's as the full branch had been closed during the war with just the agency being maintained. (I think it may have been monthly). I can remember the interior quite well and the wonderful (for a small boy) pile of rubbish at the end of the back yard with old kettles, saucepans, etc. Yesterday (17/4/08), locals were quick to tell me about "the big strong room" but other bank style fittings appear to have been removed to provide an open area for tables - inside is certainly better maintained than it used to be. The front is now set up as a restaurant with living quarters behind and to the side. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed and we were told that the owner feels she is now too old to run it. " |
| Parkes 55-57 Menangle Street |    1960  1960 | 1873 Opened (51st Report); Branch opened on 1/12/1873 with a safe that came from Hill End (It could be assumed that the safe came from the recently closed Tambaroora branch - 3km from Hill End) The first Manager was C H Barton, grandfather of Banjo Patterson. Notes from Geoff Chapman. Sepia photo on the cover of the CBC Australian Folksong Guide. See under 'Memorabilia' for more details. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1960 photo by Terry Burgess. 1960 slide photo by Bill Morelli. |
| Paterson 19 King Street |
| 1800s the area was settled in the early 1800s because it was accessible via water 1893 Listed in 89th Report January; 1897 This is a Mansfield branch constructed between 1897 and 1902. 1907 nearing completion. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1978 Listed on CBC Branch Managers List 032-150 (9/78) but not on list dated 4/79. Photo from review of current use as B&B in Sun-Herald 28/8/2005 |
| Peak Hill 1909 Cnr Caswell & Dugga Streets 1923 88 or 92 Caswell Street |  1910
| Peak HIll is on the Newell Highway, 65km from Dubbo, 384 / 442 km west of Sydney, 754 km north if Melbourne, 926km south of Brisbane, 1097km from Adelaide and 362km from Canberra. 22 km north of the famous Parkes Radio Telescope; 65 km south of the highly rated Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo.; 25 km west of the newly established Goobang National Park. Historic goldmining town and prime sheep country in the wheat belt of central-west New South Wales 1835 Thomas Mitchell had explored the Bogan River and the first squatters began grazing and cropping 1853 Australian Joint Stock Bank began in Sydney and was active in gold buying 1889 Peak Hill saw the discovery of gold, and in May AJS Bank opened under management of W T Ousley 1890 July 5 Union Bank of Australia opened under management of Albert Nash 1891 AJS Bank was brick building 1891 February 9 Union Bank purchased building site for 140 pounds 1894 March 19 AJS Bank closed 1894 July 25 decision was made to close Union Bank and it closed on August 31 1901 August 14 Bank of Australasia (BOA) opened "to prevent BOA being forestalled by CBCofS as BOA was at Narromine" 1906 December authorisation was given for the purchase for 460 pounds the brick building occupied by BOA 1909 October CBCofS opened in premises SE corner of Caswell & Dugga Streets previously occupied by Gibson Bros store later the home of Mrs. Mary Stain (?about 107Caswell St?) 1910 AJS Bank became Australian Bank of Commerce Ltd. Formerly Erkson's shop 1910 photo from State Library of NSW. Inscription on back of photo reads: [sic] "Commercial Bank Peak Hill. Mr Jackson, Mr Sheridan, Mr Elkington and Mr Hopkins on veranda 1910". SE Corner of Caswell & Duggan St (?About 107 Caswell St?) 1918 Australian Bank of Commerce absorbed City Bank of Sydney 1923 CBCofS erected substantial brick premises at about 88 or 92 Caswell Street (half way between Australia Post and 108 Caswell St?). Satellite image shows a building that could be CBCofS image previously shown previously claimed to be Commercial Bank Parramatta which it is not but same image claims it to be CBCofS Peak Hill in Peak Hill book?) from John Beer. 1928 August 28 Commercial Bank of Aust opened in premises rented from Mr Harvey Cnr Caswell & Dugga Sts(?About 107 Caswell St?) 1929 January 23 Wales opened in premises rented from Mrs M J Doyle adjoining later Westpac building 1931 Australian Bank of commerce amalgamated with Bank of NSW 1934 Bank of New South Wales bought land 1934 Listed in CBCofS Century of Banking. 1935 mid year Wales brick building to design of Peddle Thorp & Walker completed 1939/45 war rationalisation of banking saw CBCofS close Peak Hill branch. 1942 September 7 Wales closed with business transferred to Parkes 1942 September 28 CBCofS Peak Hill closed and business transferred to Parkes. Bill Frost advises that it was closed during World War II as a rationalisation of banking war measure and not reopened. 1942 October Commercial Bank of Aust purchased premises next to newsagency of CBCofS for 3055 pounds (about 90 Caswell St?) (about half way between PO & Wales?) page 223 of book "A History of Peak Hill & District" 1946 November 25 Wales re-opened (?110 Caswell St?) 1951 The Bank of Australasia merges with the Union Bank of Australia to form ANZ Bank 1982 October 1 Commercial Bank of Aust merged with Wales when Peak Hill became a branch of Westpac. 1984 August 10 ex-Commercial Bank of Australia unified with former Wales branch at (?110?) 107 Caswell St. 2007 December 8 White Pages Search revealed Westpac 110 Caswell Street Peak Hill (on the western side of Caswell St). 2007 December 7 ANZ location search by John Beer showed no ANZ services at Peak Hill. 108 Caswell Street seems to have been ANZ Bank, sold in July 2007. 2008 Peak Hill photos of both the 1909 and 1923 branches from GoogleEarth identified by Geoff Chapman. |
| Picton |   1992  2005 | Opened 1877 (59th Report); 1885 Premises opened to public. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1992 photos of outbuilding and branch with coachhouse from NSW Heritage Office, found by Geoff Chapman. |
| Pilliga 23 Dangar Street |  1956
| 1926 Branch opened 17 August in temporary charge of Mr K. L. Cameron. Bank first located in New Street. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1938 The present premises were erected in 1938 at a cost of 1,902 pounds on land purchased on the corner of Dangar and Gordon Streets. 1956 photo by John Munro.- "I was posted here after I lost a strong-room key at Singleton. Ian Middleton was the Manager. " Manager's List: 1926 - 28 F.E. Hopkins 1928 - 33 W.R.Steele 1933 - 37 A.J.McLachlan 1937 - 39 P.J.Heads 1939 - 45 C.W.Nobbs 1945 - 46 R.G.Williams 1946 - 48 E.A.Lane 1948 - 52 N.F. Bellingham 1952 - 55 A.M.Antcliffe 1955 - 57 I.K. Middleton 1957 - 59 D.A.Baker 1959 - 64 K.W.D.Pollock 1964 - 66 J.N.Done 1966 - 68 A.W.Readhead 1968 - 70 W.J.Reeves 1970 - 71 J.F.Gorry 1971 converted to a Receiving Office of Wee Waa 11/1/1971. Bill Frost says: I earned the undying appreciation of all junior staff by closing this branch on 11/1/1971. My hopes were dashed when the Bank merged . Managers have included Ian K Middleton and Arthur W Readhead. 1977 listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Wee Waa. 2009 David Jobson went on a trip including "down to Pilliga where I had a chat with the local Postmistress. She has been in the old branch for 23 years. It still is original inside." |
| Port Kembla 78 Wentworth Street |  | Business transferred to Warilla Grove. 2006 October photo by Charles Bastany, who says it is now Fellini on Wentworth restaurant.. Geoff Chapman advises: I relieved the Manager, about 1970, when I was Security Clerk Wollongong. Manager at the time was Allen Everest, who followed John Binney. On Fridays Agencies were conducted at Robins Shoes, Albion Park Rail, and Stamina Cloth. It was a quiet little Branch, with a staff of 4, there being 2 girls, both aged late 20's whom I had worked with, both at Wollongong, and one also previously at Walgett. |
| Port Macquarie 49 Horton Street |  1916  1991 | 1840; 1844 closed. 1887 Opened 20th November (79th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1893 Rented premises were damaged by fire on 5th September. 1916 photo from NAB archives 1917 Horton Street premises were built in 1917 (from Current Accounts January 1962). 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. Premises served until 1980's. 1991 photo in NSW Heritage site by Suter Architects Snell shows the premises in use as National Mutual Royal Bank. Geoff Chapman says: It is listed under Royal Bank, and photo shows it in that livery, but it is the Branch as I remember it from the early 1970's 2001 NSW Heritage report: Statement of Significance Demonstrates the role and importance of Port Macquarie in servicing the region. A rare example of this architectural style within the locality although now modified. Representative of the scale of bank found in small service centres such as Port Macquarie. Description Construction Years: 1895 - Physical Description: Overall form of original still dominant. Physical Condition and/or Archaeological Potential: Intact structure Modifications and Dates: Exterior extensively reconstructed as has interior Originally heavily rusticated Windows have been replaced and modified Rustications removed Current Use: Commercial Former Use: COM Residential Historical Notes: Bank opened in 1840 and closed in 1844 due to economic downfalls. It reopened in 1887 and has operated ever since. Recommended Management None - building has been modernized but with elimination of original detailing, therefore not sincerely reflecting true aspects of building and early settlement. |
| Port Stephens | "Select Documents of the 19th Century" edited by HW Nunn states that the bank had an agency at Port Stephens - Board Minute 22 June, 1848. | |
| Purnamoota |  | Originally referred to as Leadville, about 32 km north of Broken Hill, and 18 km west of Yanko Glen, was a small township built near a soakage on the Nine-Mile Creek. 1884 Opened. It was the centre for the families of prospectors who moved into the Appollyon Valley in 1884 when the Lubra, Victory, Terrible Dick (which built a small smelter), Purnamoota, White Princess, Bird in Hand, War Dance and other claims were opened up. Approximately 400 people lived at Purnamoota, which contained two stores (Walter Sully and E. Sims), two hotels (Purnamoota and the Commercial), a school ( provisional school, 1885 to March 1886; house to house school visited in homes by itinerant teachers, March 1886 to October 1886; public school, January 1889 to December 1893 ), The Commercial Bank of Sydney, and a Post-Telegraph office. J. W. Fairchild manufactured steam cordials, aerated water and Liqueurs at Purnamoota. Purnamoota Assembly Hall was built in 1888. Although rich slugs of silver were found, all the workings were shallow, and mining operations at Purnamoota, as with the Day Dream ceased during the 1890s. October 1898 the Barrier Miner described the field as, 'one house, 100 abandoned claims, 500 abandoned potholes, 10,000 abandoned hopes, piles of rubbish, much desolation and a pretty name'. John Beer reports "Explore Australia" 11th Edition 1993 produced by Viking O'Neil published by Penguin Books shows on Pg 114:- 1. a red dashed line heading NW from Broken Hill to Purnamoota which appears to be about 31k NW from Broken Hill 2. what appears to be a lake about 5km NW from Silverton 3. Purnamoota as being half way between:- a) the north of what appears to be a lake and b) Yanco Glen. Purnamoota appears to be on the top of "Barrier Range" running about 10km to the west of Sliver City Highway. This has been advised because of the doubt as to what is now at Purnamoota. 2007 May aerial photo by Ruth Sandow showing only one old building left. Ruth Sandow said the only building left is now referred to as a Church and may be what was Assembly Hall erected 1888. |
| Quambone | Mentioned in Current Accounts July 1959. | |
| Quandialla |  1957   2007 | QUANDIALLA - Information supplied by Mr. H.R. Robinson - 16/10/61 The branch was opened in a rented weatherboard residence in the very small main street without any security of tenure. The premises have always been on the same site. I understand that the late John Roxburgh picked out from the passing train that Quandialla was suitable for a branch (April 1922): It was his "baby" and I was grateful for the help he gave me. The township on the Forbes-Stockinbingal railway line, consisted of a general store, a mixed business, an Estate agent, a baker, a blacksmith, and a tiny butcher's shop, as well as a public hall, a public school and some 30 or 40 residences. The agent also conducted an unofficial Post Office, but although the train passed each day it was very many months before the Postal Department could be persuaded to send mail on the train. Instead we had a tri-weekly mail which went to Grenfell by train, thence by horse-drawn vehicle to Bimbi, where the mailman remained overnight, and delivered the mail to Quandialla some time next day, depending on the condition of the road. When bank notes were required, it generally meant we had to go to Bimbi (8 miles) to collect late in the afternoon to have the notes for the next mornings' cash requirements. For a start business was very slow due mainly to lack of confidence of residents who mostly were of the opinion that there would not be enough business to warrant the bank staying. And indeed, incredible as it may seem, many were hard to convince that it really was a branch of one of the major banks operating in N.S.W. Most local people banked at the Wales. This early lack of confidence was against securing anyone to build premise for the bank to rent. With the urgency of retaining premises, the bank had no option but to buy the premises it was temporarily in possession of. As business progressed - and it really did progress very well - the premises were enlarged and remodelled on at least two occasions, making the still weatherboard premises rather expensive. The branch had not been opened very long when there were requests from Bribbaree and Caragabal to open agencies in those places which we did. Both were conducted bi-weekly by the manager or his assistant, at first by horse-drawn vehicle, both places being about 13 or 14 miles away by road. Later the manager bought a "tin Liz" car, the T model form was the only car one could be reasonably sure of with the roads as they were in wet winter months, being unmade on black soil. For a brief period when roads were impassable in a car, the local fettler, Mr. Bill Dougal, kindly lent his railway trike to run the Bribbaree agency, but the bank stopped this when the news reached Sydney, it being the opinion of Head Office that such a method of transporting cash was far too dangerous. With reference to bad roads, even the main street was no exception, and it was common to see a motorist being helped out of a bog therein by all hands. Were we pleased when Stuart Hope opened his garage: The Agencies referred to were never a great success, because there was no business between Quandialla and either Bribbaree or Caragabal, as all business from these places went to Young, Grenfell and Temora to which there were good roads. In fact the people who had requested the agencies refused, at first, to bank with us when they found out that their cheques would be drawn on Quandialla. However, they caused much work and long hours (no Union then) which reminds me that on one occasion I wrote on the inside of the safe door (no strongroom) "108 degrees in this office working until midnight". On returning from holidays - I think Clive Ashdown relieved me - I saw written underneath "110 degrees in this office too b.... hot to work". 1922 May 16 Branch opened by Mr B.O.Tarlinton from Head Office. Branch was originally located in rented premises and in 1922 the land it was on, Second Street, Quandialla, was purchased and a new building erected at a cost of 1,275 pounds. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1957 photos by Jim Skinner. Branch is behind store on right. 1964/5/6 Clyde Lamb Manager from where he went to Manager K in Northern Rivers then Mgr Warren them Mgr Dubbo from where he retired. He was descendant of 1st Director Commonder John Lamb and had 2 chidren in CBC John Lamb Relieving Manager & Manager Wyalong & Trish Lamb who worked at Quandialla & Cootamundra CBC branches. 1972 May 8 Quandialla Branch was converted to a Receiving Office from Grenfell branch. 1977 listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Grenfell. 2007 September photo from David James' daughter Christine who says "There's not much else there!" |
| Queanbeyan |  1963 | 1859 Opened (23rd Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1963 photo by Kevin Greenaway. |
| Quirindi 136 George Street |  1969  1978 | 1876 August 25 branch opened. 1877 Opening advised in 57th Report; 1888 Original premises erected. It was the first bank in the town. 1890 historic building erected for Australian Joint Stock Bank, George & Henry Sts Quirindi which became Bank of NSW 1893 AJSB Quirindi closed following depression. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1941 Current CBC/NAB premises erected at a cost of 5,616 pounds at 136 George St between Henry St & Thomas St 1969 B&W photo from Current Accounts July 1969. 1978 David Jobson says "I took this picture on a ride up there in 1978 and that's my BMW out front." Quirindi was where I started as a junior junior in January 1958. L.C.P (Les) Turner was the "senior" junior, The manager was Alec Commens, the accountant was Shearer Watt and the teller was Nev Hillenberg! 2008 John Beer advised: Quirindi CBC stables became leisure room at The Gables (from Pg 18 Liverpool Plains Shire Heritage Comm Adv Committee) David Jobson advises CBC QUIRINDI List of Managers: 1876-17 R.A. Allen 1918-25 C.J.Lamb 1925-35 M.M.Ford 1935-54 N.J.Gall 1954-59 Alec J Commens 1959-68 H G J Suttie 1968-71 F R Lumley 1971-72 P T Brown 1972-75 John N Simpson 1975-79 D A Gowing 1979-82 R M Haddrell 1982-83 A L Roth 1983-87 N C Coombs 1987 R S Sayer |
| Raymond Terrace Cnr William & Port Stephens Streets |  1888 premises =====================  c1891  2005 | 1888 opened in first photo premises; rent 10 shillings per week. Front room of a dress makers premises. Photographed in 2007 by Harold Wood. from Dr JBH Meredith for £1,650. Alterations were made to the newly brought premises, which served for nearly 30 years. Copy of photo sourced by Harold Wood from Cynthia Hunter, historian from the Raymond Terrace Historical Society Image Collection. 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. |
| Richmond 290 Windsor Street |      2007   2008        2008 | Opened 1878 (60th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1934 Listed in Century of Banking 1985 April 19 Manager Jim A Harborne retired after service of 42 years and 10 months (from NAB Gen Circ 2575 16 Apr 1985). 2002 April 11 in The Age: Banking on a rural myth I am somewhat bemused by claims that the National Australia Bank is the farmers' traditional bank. That was the CBC Bank, which had 30 per cent of its business in the bush, and was swallowed up by the NAB in 1982. Since then, the NAB has done its level best to obliterate any traces of the CBC, including service to rural and regional communities. The latest round of rural branch closures by the NAB simply continues this apparent contempt. Robert McKenzie, Richmond 2007 February photos of: Mansfield plaque, Richmond branch, centenary plaque, Richmond residence from side, and stables by John Beer. 2008 April. Jean Turnbull who lives in Richmond NSW tells me that the NAB (in the old CBC Building) is closing in Richmond. I don't know just when the CBC opened in Richmond but I venture to suggest it would have been over 100 years ago. I can't imagine why they would close there. It is a tAB ATM in a Richmond shopphriving & expanding town as far as I know. John Munro. John Beer says "There is a Ning centre. NAB branch to close BY JUSTINE GEAKE The Gazette 13/03/2008 1:42:57 PM THE Richmond branch of National Australia Bank will close on May 23, with the future of the seven staff still up in the air. NAB spokesperson Kerrina Lawrence said on Monday the closure was prompted by "a reduction in traffic at that branch" and the fact that the bank's lease would soon expire. "NAB has about 800 branches Australia-wide and channels resources where they're needed most," she said. Ms Lawrence said the NAB was "looking to re-deploy the staff but as yet there are no firm plans". "The branch staff have been communicated with, and customers will be sent letters in the near future," she said. When Richmond closes, the nearest NAB branch for Hawkesbury customers will be Windsor, a 'full service' branch. The next closest is Rouse Hill, which opened last year. Ms Lawrence said older customers seeking face-to-face banking could use the banking facility at Richmond Post Office (called Bank@Post). Bank@Post allows customers to make deposits and withdrawals and check account balances. The closure of the branch will end almost 130 years of banking history on that Windsor Street site. It was built as a Commercial Banking Corporation (CBC) bank in 1880. The Gazette contacted the owner of the building, Mrs Maggie Kable, about the closure of the branch, but The Gazette's call was the first she'd heard of the branch's closure. When asked what she might do with the building once it was empty, she said she would put it in the hands of an agent to lease. Finance Sector Union secretary Geoff Derrick said on Friday the union was concerned about jobs for the branch's staff. "There will be discussions with the bank soon to seek guaranteed re-deployment within the local area," he said. "We expect some capacity for re-deployment into Windsor (branch). NAB is a big enough bank to absorb all these jobs without redundancies." He said that up to 2005, NAB had been consistently reducing its branch numbers – between 1996 and 2005 it had a national net reduction of 333 branches. "Their public strategy is to pretend it isn't happening," he said. He said the branches closed hadn't been losing money – they simply had not been making enough of a profit. North Richmond Community Bank chairman of the board Bob McCallum said it was the trend of banks closing branches in the 1990s that led to the community bank phenomenon. "We were number 78 to open nationally in 2002 – now there are about 210 branches nationally," he said. 2008 August One of the finest buildings in the Hawkesbury. The former National Australia Bank building (circa 1880) in the centre of town. Grand and imposing stucco brick Victorian Italianate building with many original features, enormous character. Five open fireplaces and high, decorative ceilings. Large downstairs reception room (approx 90 square metres) and multiple offices. Upstairs residence with office space and decorative verandahs. Original brick barn and stables in excellent condition. Open courtyard with lovely old trees. Approx 1220 square metres. Zoned commercial, and in a prominent main street corner position. Excellent Opportunity for many uses. Bennett Commercial 02 4578 1234. 2008 photos from Bennett Property website, identified by Phil Pitkin. |
| Robertson |  1927 | 1887 Opened (79th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1927 photo by Frank Chapman who commenced work there on 10/1/1927 receiving £50 salary and £40 Living Away from Home allowance. Mr. Darvall, later General Manager, came to audit the branch. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking; it was closed during 1939/45 war as rationalisation of banking war measure and not reopened. |
| Sawtell |  2008 | 1982 November 25 NCBCofA Gen Circ 1069: A S Collie Mgr CBC Bellingen to Manager NCBCofA Sawtell Conceived by CBC and appointed with CBC staff, although the actual opening was postponed until 1983 after the merger. Confirmed by John Beer who audited the branch and Trevor Hulbert who was appointed Accountant there. It is interesting that Sawtell has survived the closure of branches which saw Urunga closed (which was also opened out of CBC Bellingen). "My memory tells me that Andrew S Collie, the first Sawtell manager, was at Bellingen branch and used to take his family to Sawtell at weekends, where he formulated the idea that CBC must open a branch at Sawtell. He then went to CBC Coffs Harbour from where events took place to establish the Sawtell branch." John Beer. Sawtell was result of Andrew S Collie efforts commenced at Bellingen when he was Manager there. Branch opening delayed till NAB started so it opened on new computer system 1st day of NAB - John Beer 1983 January 4 Sawtell established with A S Collie manager. (1983 April 14 General Circular 1351 Network Representation) 2008 photo by Ron Armstrong. |
| Scone 182 Kelly Street |  1961  1963  2006 | 1906 opened (114th Report); 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1961 slide photo by Bill Morelli. 1963 humorous photo from Current Accounts January 1964 issue. 2006 November photo by Frank Maundrell. |
| Shellharbour | 1881 opened (66th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1907 closed (119th Report). | |
| Shoalhaven | 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1893 closed (91st Report). | |
| Silverton |   | 1883 named Silverton, which is 28km west north west of Broken Hill.. 1882 onwards H W Hogg had the 'doubtful pleasure' of managing Tibbooburra, Milparinka and Silverton branches. 1885 branch opened (75th Report); 1885 Resch Brothers started brewery 1888 population 1700 1889 railway station opened. 1889 Courthouse began operations; October Gaol was opened, Municipal chambers opened. 1891 branch closed (87th Report), the Manager and staff were transferred to Broken Hill. 1900 population 600. 1968 mentioned in July Current Accounts page 51. 1970 railway station closed. 1982 photo: The view looking across the former level crossing towards the famous Silverton Hotel[Copyright: Geoff Allcock ] 2008 September Silverton today photo from Sunday Telegraph. |
| Singleton 42 George Street (from 1886) |  1881   1902  | 1866 Branch opened (36th Report); 1881 record and Early photo from Glen Walker. 1884 George Street branch was built. Architects were Backhouse & Lough. Builder was W Burnett 1893 listed in 89th Report January; 1902 Picture depicts end of Boer War celebrations. Fred Harvison says: I spoke with Ken Lawson and he said that the Bank was in George Street next to the Royal Hotel. When the Post Office moved from George Street to its current location in John Street the Bank also moved to its current location and the old branch became a Receiving Office. The George Street building: The date of the building of the George Street branch is not known, but was used until the erection of the John Street building in 1936. Since then it has been a full-time Receiving Office, for the convenience of customers in the northern end of the town. 1946 Front balcony was demolished (submitted by Glen Walker) 1930 old building used as a Receiving Office until 1973 when the building was sold in January (Current Accounts Jan 1974). |
| Singleton John Street (from 1930) |   | 1930 New premises in John Street established When the Post Office moved from George Street to its current location in John Street the Bank also moved to its current location. 1934 Listed in Century of Banking. 1936 John Street building erected. 1959 clipping of the 1936 building erected in John Street. The upper storey and rear lower floor comprise the Manager's residence. Submitted by Glen Walker. 1972 photo of the bank submitted by Glen Walker. 1977 Listed in Annual Report |
| Singleton George Street Receiving Office | 1973 a new Receiving Office was opened opposite the original building when it was sold (Current Accounts January 1974). 1977 Listed in Annual Report. | |
| Smithtown | Smithtown is on the Macleay River, off the Pacific Highway, 17Km north of Kempsey. 1883 opened (70th Report); 1893 January Listed in 89th Report; 1893 closed (91st Report). | |
| South Grafton |  | 1934 Listed in Century of Banking as Receiving Office of Grafton. 1948 South Grafton converted to full Branch status when H E Heath was appointed Manager (from Current Accounts January 1970). 1952 The branch was housed in this building - photo by Harold Wood. 1965-73 (from Current Accounts January 74) On the retirement of H M Sinfield on 10/8/73: "Mr Sinfield was Manager at South Grafton at the time of his retirement, having been appointed as Manager of that Branch in 1965". 1978 September Branch Managers List shows it as a sub-branch of Grafton. |
| South Wagga Wagga 70 Baylis Street |  72 Baylis 2009 | 1960s John Beer believes branch opened in 1960s/70s 1960s/70s Manager Dick Anderson 1970s Manager Geoff Collins 1975 January to 1978 November Manager Nev J Hillenberg, Accountant Graeme Armstrong 1977 listed in Annual Report 1981 September Branch Managers List R G Clement Mgr 1982 List of Senior Staff 70 Baylis St - S J Peters Acct; 75 Baylis St NBA 1987 July 27 Rural Circular 482 Unification of CBC at 70 Baylis St & NAB at 75 Baylis St to 72 Baylis St new premises 2009 GoogleMaps photo of amalgamated branch at 72 Baylis St. |
| South West Rocks 6 Prince of Wales Avenue |  2008 | 1977 Listed in Annual Report as Receiving Office of Kempsey. 1985 May 13 became a branch with Assistant Manager CBC Kempsey Mr BJ Wallace being branch Manager 1982 White Pages under Commercial Banking Co of Sydney Ltd:- “South West Rocks 96 Prince of Wales Avenue South West Rocks” John Beer states: "I conducted the first audit of SW Rocks where premises had been designed by CBC but reported to have been heavily criticised by NBA RM / Zone GM. From memory premises were privately developed by owner who had unit on top level and leased ground floor and car spaces under that to the Bank. The owner was a great bloke who took me fishing catching whiting on the beaches. His daughter was in charge of Wales SW Rocks." 1985 NAB NSW & ACT Circular 135 23April: South West Rocks Upgrading to Branch & Relocating. On 13 May 1985 SW Rocks Service Centre will be upgraded to branch status & relocated at: 8 Prince of Wales Avenue SW Rocks under Manager Mr BJ Wallace with Mr TE Cowan Accountant. 2006 it was NAB Agency at 6 Prince of Wales Avenue 2008 GoogleEarth photo as NAB identified by Geoff Chapman and confirmed by Warwick Laing, past manager of Kempsey branch, as being previously the CBC branch. John Beer states: Looks similar to SW Rocks branch I audited about 1988 when BJ Wallace was Manager SW Rocks, where CBC rented office from owner who resided above with his daughter who was in charge of Bank of NSW SW Rocks. Office building was organised by CBC. NBA Regional Manager / ZGM was very critical of office being more than a shopfront (he reckoned it had too much space and was too deep). |
| Springwood 147 Macquarie Road | For a number of years CBC officers had been promoting the possibility of opening a branch at Springwood. 1985 NAB NSW & ACT Circ 85 18 March:- Opens 1 April Manager Mr PD Stehbens, Accountant Mr RT Brown 1985 April 3 Wednesday "Blue Mountains Gazette" Pg 28:- Bank opens new branch. National Australia Bank has opened its newest branch in Springwood. The bank has been represented in the Blue Mountains for many years with its branch at Katoomba. Manager of the new branch, Mr Paul Stehbens and his staff who were all local people have been busily supervising the final fitting out of the building over recent days. Paul is looking forward to living and working in the Springwood area as he has been located in the Hunter Valley for the past 2.5 years." "It's interesting how things work out. I always had an interest in Springwood due to my home being at Glenbrook for many years. I remember very well an informal discussion I had with Kevin Meyer at some function or other during the mid to late 1970s. He knew the business that was then needed to ensure a profitable branch and took me through all the reasons Springwood would not be able to generate the required business! I'm not sure whether the opening would have been while he was State Manager or later." Frank Maundrell John Beer says "It is thought he was State Manager then. 20090818 advice nab will close Springwood Sep/Oct 2009 leaving no nab between Katoomba & Penrith | |
| Stockinbingal | 
| Stockinbingal is a small village on the Burley Griffin Way 410 Kilometres South of Sydney, between Cootamundra & Temora. Stockinbingal has maintained its architectural integrity and remains virtually untouched since Federation. Its former commercial buildings remain intact as prime examples of the Australian vernacular style. 1881 Stockinbingal was designed from proposed village of Yeo Yeo which was designed in 1860 but never built 1886 March 20 Stockinbingal was proclaimed a village. Stockinbingal Cemetery, Geralda Street - Rare Plants and Endangered Bird site is part of the Grassy Box Woodlands Conservation Management Network. 1893 Stockinbingal Railway Station, Hibernia Street, was opened servicing the Temora & Cootamundra line. 1912 the Forbes line was commenced . The Timber railway station is one of over 400 such stations built throughout country NSW of which in 2006 less than twelve survive. It is operated by manual signals and is an important line for wheat transport from the central west and freight from Western and South Australia. 1912 branch opened in October in portion of 15 Troy Street building. 1913 temporary premises at 14 Martin Street. 1913 new premises completed at 22 Martin Street. 1915 former Bank of NSW, Hibernia Street, Federation. Anecdotal remarks that it may be of Hardy Wilson design. 23/08/1927 Letter (copy) to Chief Inspector from (unknown) re Staff (following visitation) at Ariah Park, Beckom, Barellan, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Ganmain, Coolamon, Wagga Wagga, The Rock, Lockhart, Oaklands, Tocumwal, Berrigan, Corowa, Walla Walla, Albury, Holbrook, Culcairn, Henty, Tarcutta, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Gundagai, Cootamumdra, Stockinbingal 1934 Listed in Century of Banking, manager DT Burgess. Photocopy of branch when operating. It is a copy of extremely poor quality. The adjoining part of the building used as a fruit shop was demolished in 1990. 19410331 closed. 19590601 mentioned in Current Accounts. John Beer says: CBC Stockinbingal records I think went to Temora where the records were stored in the strongroom upper shelf eastern end of strongroom. 2008 November: Geoff Chapman received a reply to his enquiry from Cootamundra Shire Council General Manager Ken Trethewey, who arranged for local resident Jan Godman to provide the following information: "The building ... situated adjacent to the former Bank of NSW building on the southern side of Martin Street, Stockinbingal, is a private residence and has never been used as a branch of the CBC bank. Council does not have records regarding the former CBC bank building in Stockinbingal. However, information compiled by the Stockinbingal Public School Centenary Committee in 1994, and published in "The Stockinbingal Story", indicates that 1912 October the CBC Bank was initially opened in October 1912 in portion of a building located at 15 Troy Street Stockinbingal. The bank later purchased a block of land for new premises at 22 Martin Street. The bank was temporarily located at 14 Martin Street and the new premises was completed in 1913. 19410331 The Commercial of Sydney bank closed at Stockinbingal. The original bank building is still in use today as a residence. 2008 photo from Jan Godman of the building as it appears today. "The Stockinbingal Story" The bank first opened in October 1912 in portion of a building owned by the Neville Bros at 15 Troy Street. The first manager, WM Hughes, stayed for two months and was followed by FC Davies who remained until 1918 then accepting transfer to Walla Walla. In March 1912, intending to erect a permanent building, t he bank purchased a block at 26 Martin Street. Architect ER Laver then offered to build a bank for lease at 26 Martin Street. The offer was accepted at a weekly rental of 32/6 ($3.25). The building had a banking chamber 18 feet by 16 feet, t he manager's room 11 feet by 16 feet, a bedroom the same size, a sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, l aundry and a galvanised iron stable. Davies advised that he was to be married and then a second bedroom for a maid and a scullery were added to the building. A brick shortage caused a delay in Laver's new building and the bank moved temporarily to 14 Martin Street at 17/- ($1.70) weekly rental. The bank accepted the new building in June 1913 at an agreed annual rental of 84 pounds 10 shillings ($169). An adjoining shop in the building was rented as a fruit and vegetable outlet. Mr D Carr-Boyd followed as branch manager in March 1918 on an annual salary of 300 pounds ($600). Carr-Boyd's arrival in the town provided for him an unpleasant experience. A severe thunderstorm, lasting only fifteen minutes, resulted in water pouring through theroof of the new building causing damage to the contents. He complained to his head office that the new building was "jerry built" and the rent was exorbitant. He was critical of the toilet facilities describing them as a "cesspit". Despite the manager's complaint and those from other residents there was no improvement in the sanitary services of the town until 1927 when the Shire introduced a cart-away pan service costing 3/- (30 cents) weekly. Mr Carr-Boyd was transferred to Byron Bay in 1922 and was replaced by HM Beatty from Lithgow. Mr Beatty complained about the high cost of running the Acetylene Gas Lighting plant, but Head Office instructed him not to revert to the old kerosene lamps. In 1924 Mr Laver sold the building, occupied by the bank, to Mrs Torpy who conducted the fruit shop next door. Mrs Torpy paid 1800 pounds ($3600) for the building and increased the bank rental to 110 pounds 10 shillings ($221) annually. In December 1927 HM Beatty left for Wallerawang and was replaced by DJ Burgess from Adaminaby.
until her death in 1937.
and stayed until the bank closed on 31.3.1941. The former bank premises became a private residence and the last fruit shop proprietor in the same building until 1964 was Mrs Tennison. The building was eventually demolished in 1990.
This was Stockinbingal branch. The location was advised to me by Keith Pether, a lifelong (83 year) resident of the town, and correct building confirmed when I described the building in the attached photo to him. He also advised that the branch closed "a couple of years before the end of the war" which suggests that it was part of the 1943 rationalisation of bank branches measure undertaken by all banks. |
| Sussex Inlet | 1977 listed in Annual Report as receiving office of Nowra. 1985 NAB General Circular 2456 7 Feb 1985: Upgraded to Service Centre on 29 Jan 1985 |
Similar name Banks:-
Our new Helensburgh-based mobile bank not only offers the most modern customer facilities that The Royal Bank of Scotland’s mobile units can afford, but also boasts an unbroken pedigree of 60 years. For it was National Bank of Scotland, a constituent company of The Royal Bank of Scotland, which introduced the world’s very first commercial mobile banking service in November 1946.
The origins of mobile banking can be traced back to the Second World War, when field cash offices provided all units and individual officers with the relevant currency of the country in which they were based and received money from army post offices and officers’ shops. One such unit, originally set up in a tent, is known to have been housed in a three-ton truck from which army banking business was conducted.
Similarly the United States army operated pay offices from vans, one of which, a Studebaker, was purchased by National Bank of Scotland to set up its first mobile banking service
National Bank of Scotland, founded in Edinburgh in 1825, had an extensive network of branches spread over a wide geographical area. One problem it faced was how to provide banking facilities in remote areas, where the population was too scattered to warrant the establishment of a sub-office.
1946 the idea of introducing a ‘Travelling Bank’ on the Isle of Lewis was suggested to serve, in particular, the island’s crofter weavers who previously had to take a day off work to use the National Bank branch in Stornoway. Accordingly the mobile bank, based at Stornoway branch under the charge of the local agent Donald McIver, went into service on Tuesday 5 November 1946. The Studebaker van, converted for the bank’s own use and to its own design by Kirkness & Innes of Eskbank, had three desks with adjustable swivel seats, shelving, cash boxes ‘and many of the other appurtenances of normal bank offices’. The van was on the road for four days one week and five the next and travelled, on average, some fifty miles per day.
Much to the delight of the bank’s directors, the new service immediately aroused great interest from the national media. The Daily Record noted that the new bank was ‘striking evidence’ of the upturn in the economic fortunes of the Isle of Lewis, the Bankers’ Magazine reasoned that ‘this development follows only in logical succession to the efforts of banks to bring their services closer to the banking public’ while The Scotsman light-heartedly stated that ‘Banks which move, even an inch or two, tend to arouse misgivings. But a bank which is perpetually migratory appears almost an incredible phenomenon’. The favourable reaction was encapsulated by The Scottish Bankers Magazine which wrote ‘we are not surprised to learn that the innovation has been greeted with a widespread enthusiasm.’
The ‘extremely satisfactory’ progress made by the Stornoway-based service led National Bank of Scotland to launch a second mobile banking service (based in the Fort William area) on 8 November 1947. Encouraged by the National Bank’s success, several other Scottish banks subsequently introduced their own services. The idea also spread to England where mobile caravan trailer units were used by banks, including the Royal Bank’s subsidiary Williams Deacon’s Bank, at exhibitions and agricultural shows.
News of the mobile bank soon reached an international audience too and National Bank of Scotland received enquiries from banks in Africa, Europe, India, Israel, New Zealand and the United States of America, all eager to investigate the possibilities of starting their own services. Justifiably proud of this new Scottish export one contemporary commentator observed that ‘...it seems only fitting that Scotland which has done so much to give banking stability and integrity should at this later day give it mobility as well’.
In 1953 The Royal Bank of Scotland itself introduced a mobile bank service using luxurious caravan units of the kind despatched by its subsidiary Williams Deacon’s Bank to agricultural shows in England. The vehicle comprised a main office and a manager’s room and, on its regular itinerary, called at twenty-six places as far apart as Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Inverness. Meanwhile, in 1949, National Bank of Scotland had replaced the Studebaker vans with custom-built vehicles using an Austin chassis, which in turn were replaced by Albion diesels in 1956. The Albion had been brought into service because it was a heavier, more powerful vehicle than the Austin and was felt to be better suited to the terrain of Lewis. This new mobile bank sported a distinguished livery of silver grey and St Andrew’s blue and was decorated on either side with the bank’s coat-of-arms.
National Bank of Scotland amalgamated with Commercial Bank of Scotland (established 1810), to form National Commercial Bank of Scotland, in 1959. The new bank remained fully committed to its mobile banking facilities, extending the service to Skye, Wester Ross, the Uists and Speyside during the early 1960s. These were welcome developments in a period when the economic future of the Highlands was increasingly uncertain. Indeed, National Commercial rightly claimed that ‘it must be an encouragement to many to know that, at a time when the Beeching cloud hangs over the area, Scotland’s leading Bank has sufficient faith in the future to open up new services’. Moreover, in 1962, the bank also introduced a mobile service with a difference, a boat bank that served the islands around Orkney.
The late 1960s were a time of great change in the banking industry in Scotland. In 1969, National Commercial Bank of Scotland amalgamated with The Royal Bank of Scotland to form The Royal Bank of Scotland Ltd. The Royal Bank had itself begun a regular mobile bank service (as opposed to trailers at agricultural shows) in several areas, including the counties of Ross and Sutherland, during the decade. Services were now no longer restricted to the Highlands and one van even operated in the Edinburgh area. Furthermore a flying service, using the bank’s small air carrier subsidiary, Loganair (sold in 1983), was introduced to increase banking facilities in the Orkney Islands. This service superseded the boat bank, which sailed for the last time in 1970.
During the 1970s customised Ford Transits replaced the Bedford vans which had been used as mobile units since the mid-1960s. In September 1976, the first official driver of the mobile bank, Kenny Smith, retired after twenty-nine accident-free years of driving the Stornoway service. The mobile bank continued to develop with some fourteen regular routes and twenty-three services in operation. By 1982 the Royal Bank had also extended the service outside of Scotland, through its Williams & Glyn’s subsidiary, with the establishment of a mobile bank on Jersey in the Channel Islands. The 1990s witnessed further changes to the vans themselves with the introduction, in 1991, of two new environmentally-friendly vehicles with low emission engines. One of these new vans, based at Kyle of Lochalsh, also had the bank’s name - Am Banca Rioghaill - emblazoned in Gaelic on the side, now a common feature on the Highland services.
Today, nearly sixty years after the introduction of the first mobile bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland is one of the few UK banks that offers a mobile bank service. This service operates in the rural parts of Scotland by taking banking facilities service to many of our customers who do not have access to a Royal Bank branch. There are now thirteen mobile banks in operation, based at branches in Ayr, Bowmore, Brodick, Grantown-on-Spey, Helensburgh, Kyle, Lanark. Lochboisdale, Oban, Perth, Portree, Stornoway and Ullapool. The vans continue to provide a vital service to the communities they serve and undoubtedly live up to a prophecy made during the 1950s: ‘What the future holds for this type of banking service ... we are unable to say, but, undoubtedly, we are providing something which is very worthwhile and which may, as the years go by and our presence becomes more widely known, develop, as many of the past innovations of the Royal Bank have done, into a necessary, everyday, expected service of the Bank’.
Visit Our Heritage for more information on the history of the Royal Bank of Scotland
Global Financial Crisis
Cashing in on an chain reaction
April 4, 2009Page 1 of 4 Single page view
How the global financial meltdown and a rash of takeovers has tightened the grip of Australia's big four banks on consumers. Danny John and Eric Johnston report.
THEY stand as the great survivors of the global financial crisis and have emerged as some of the biggest banks in the world. But the growing dominance of Westpac, the Commonwealth, ANZ and the National Australia Bank on the world stage has brought with it some worrying signs for customers at home.
In the suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane a plethora of brands give the appearance of widespread and fierce competition.
But behind all those names stand fewer and fewer players.
RAMS, St George, Aussie Home Loans, BankWest and Wizard were all mopped up by the majors in the past 18 months.
But it is the Commonwealth Bank's $2.1 billion swoop on BankWest that will change the banking market here most of all.
Not for the fact of BankWest's size or regional dominance - it "only" added 100 branches to the Commonwealth's already 1000-strong network.
The biggest impact of the deal was made in taking out a mid-tier player that had threatened - through its east coast expansion plans that have since been abandoned - to present a longer-term threat to the dominance of the big four.
That acquisition - which came about as BankWest's British parent, HBOS, ran into terminal problems at home - gave CBA more than 40 per cent of Western Australia's lending market and nearly one in two of the state's deposit accounts. It also gave an unprecedented level of control to CBA - already the nation's biggest bank by market share - but the chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Graeme Samuel, said he had no choice but to approve the deal.
"In normal circumstances CBA-BankWest would have probably been met with opposition from us," Samuel told the Herald this week.
Even before the global financial crisis the Australian banking system was one of the most concentrated in the world. The recession of the early 1990s had virtually removed an entire layer of second-tier banks as government-owned, state-based lenders were swallowed up by bigger rivals after running into trouble.
This time it is the exit of troubled international lenders and the disappearance of the non-bank lenders that will help big banks stand to gain again.
Samuel said the ACCC concluded the CBA-BankWest deal would substantially lessen competition in both the West Australian market and across eastern states. But the ACCC faced a dilemma.
The transaction took place several weeks before the Federal Government put in place a deposit guarantee.
Customers had been pulling deposits from BankWest because of growing concerns over the teetering HBOS - the British giant that was eventually rescued by rival Lloyds.
In approving the deal, the ACCC took advice from bank regulators, the Reserve Bank and the Australian Prudential Regulator Authority, as well as the federal Treasury, Samuel said. But he strongly rejected suggestions that any political pressure was placed on the ACCC to approve the transaction.
"There was a widely held view at a senior regulatory level that if the merger didn't precede that could lead to some ongoing instability in the Australian financial system.
"For those reasons we allowed it to proceed, although we did so with some
reasonable degree of discomfort over the future competitive prognosis."
As speculation spread that the vulnerable Suncorp-Metway was in talks to offload its banking arm, Samuel said the ACCC began some pre-emptive analysis on any sale to one of the majors.
But as the Government's banking guarantee diminished Suncorp's appetite for a sale, no proposal was ever formally put to the ACCC.
A former Westpac senior executive, David Liddy, who has run the Bank of Queensland for the past seven years, offers a bleak view of the industry and how regional competitors such as his own organisation will struggle in the new environment. Continued…
Cashing in on an chain reaction
Page 2 of 4 Single page view
Although optimistic that his own bank will survive, Liddy is under no illusion about the tough times ahead, foreshadowed by the rising and dominant share of the market held by the big four.
Neither is he convinced that the Government will do all that much to stop the majors from having it all their own way.
The disappearance of St George and BankWest as stand-alone rivals has reduced the number of genuine regional banks to three - BoQ, Suncorp and Bendigo/Adelaide - with all of them constantly mentioned as takeover targets or likely to be bought out, Liddy says.
The irony of this turmoil is that part of the instability has been caused by the very same weapon the Government deployed to underpin the financial strength of the banking sector: the wholesale funding guarantee.
A direct consequence of the industry being able to use the Government's AAA rating to raise money to keep lending is that the regional banks are charged more than the majors because of their lower credit ratings. And that is hurting smaller players like BoQ, says its chief executive.
"I can't see how it can be anything other than anti-competitive to sting the regional banks more for the funding guarantee when they are already paying more for their funding. It has created a very uneven playing field, making it difficult for regional banks to build shareholder value and at the same time remain a competitive alternative in the marketplace."
Liddy agrees with the view put by his one-time boss at Westpac, David Morgan, in a recent speech on the future of Australian banks: that any stand-alone financial institution with a credit rating below AA will struggle to obtain the funding on a cost competitive basis. In lay terms, that is every bank except the majors, which now make up four of the 12 remaining AA-rated banks in the world.
Liddy says: "What [Morgan] also mentions is that the second tier of financial institutions is fast-disappearing, rapidly becoming an extinct species. What he doesn't mention is that this doesn't seem to bother the Federal Government.
"To my way of thinking the last issue on the Government's agenda is competition in the banking system. They want stability for the big four, and in my view don't really care if the rest of the banking players disappear."
Liddy says the wholesale funding guarantee and its supporting deposit counterpart were necessary to prevent a financial crisis in Australia in October.
It is also widely accepted that the guarantee saved Suncorp from having to sell its banking division to ANZ.
But Liddy believes it is time to reassess the effectiveness and the need for the support measures and to remove what he calls a distorting effect and a lever by which the majors are tightening their grip on the market - taking over independent non-bank lenders like Wizard and Rams - while foreign banks are packing up and going home.
"In fact, I don't see how the big four can anything but benefit from the situation we are currently in," he says.
The latest figures on market share for different forms of lending tend to support his case.
The mortgage market has been one of the hardest hit by a freeze in securitisation markets that closed off a key funding tap for small lenders.
In just one year the big four increased their share of the mortgage market to more than 82 per cent, Reserve Bank figures show.
This is well up from 2006, when their share had fallen below 60 per cent.
It is clear where the market shift has occurred.
In mid-2007 wholesale lenders like Wizard and RAMS held as much as 12 per cent of the market.
Now they hold about 3 per cent.
Small Australian-owned banks, foreign banks, credit unions and building societies have also lost market share over the past year or so. Continued…
Cashing in on an chain reaction
Page 3 of 4 Single page view
And even the big players now say they are starting to overwhelm the market.
"You can't just have four banks running the economy," says the chief executive of NAB, Cameron Clyne.
"It is essential that we see the re-emergence of vibrant second-tier banking."
This, he says, extends to foreign banks, non-bank institutions and regional banks.
The big four have a similar grip on the business lending sector, and in deposits - covering both household and companies - their market share stands at 82 per cent if recent acquisitions like St George and BankWest are taken into account.
Australia's big banks "will emerge stronger from the recession", says a Citigroup analyst, Craig Williams.
The Government's recent attempts to stabilise the sector - including the deposit guarantee and a short-selling ban - have underpinned the natural advantages they had over their international rivals, he says.
And the smaller appetite of foreign banks and some regionals has improved the pricing power of the majors across several lending segments.
One of these is credit cards.
Competition, which had been at its most intense in recent years, evaporated last year.
An analysis by Citigroup found spreads on low-rate cards - that is the interest margin - expanded by 3.5 per cent.
In home loans, banks have been able to increase spreads by about 70 basis points, even as the benchmark bill rate has been falling.
In business lending, where rates vary significantly with the risk profile of customers, banks have found it easier to increase spreads.
But figures recently published by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority are yet to back the belief that foreign-owned banks are pulling out in droves, and in doing so, turning off the lending tap to those corporates who will soon have to refinance their debt on more costly terms.
Their share of lending remains steady at 21 per cent of the total, and foreign banks - led by Rabobank and Tokyo Mitsubishi - increased their loan books by almost the same amount as the domestic banks to help retain their position, UBS says.
So perhaps it is the newly established international standing of the big four that has brought home to domestic customers how their dominance and strength here has helped to transform the way they are perceived abroad.
That is best shown by a comparison of the top 20 financial institutions by market capitalisation in 1999 and 10 years later.
The league tables have been utterly transformed by the global financial crisis, with just three American banks - JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo - left among the global beasts, as opposed to 11 a decade ago.
The top three places are now dominated by the Chinese, and of equal importance as far as many observers are concerned is the appearance of Westpac in 13th position and the Commonwealth Bank in 17th.
Just outside the leading 20 sit ANZ and NAB, who now make up a local quartet of the strongest banks in the world.
The rise of the "Aussies" and the decline of the US, British, Japanese and Swiss banks has inevitably led to questions about which competitors might emerge from the global crisis to challenge their new hegemony back home.
The big four reasserted their traditional dominance - after losing ground in the 1990s to non-bank lenders such as Aussie Home Loans and Wizard and regionals like St George - as the circumstances of the past year played straight into their hands.
As a result, the lending and deposit markets have shifted dramatically in their favour, and that is unlikely to change for at least two years - until confidence in credit markets and sharemarkets returns and potential players once again look to grab some of that highly profitable business. Continued…
Cashing in on an chain reaction
Page 4 of 4 Single page view
The former St George chief executive Paul Fegan, who quit his post as a result of its merger with Westpac, has little doubt that new entrants will emerge, even though the costs of entry will make it difficult.
"Is it possible? Absolutely," says the 20-year veteran of the banking industry who is often touted as a possible candidate to lead such a challenge, either as the head of a new player or running a small enterprise that is looking to grow.
"But to be a bank in this country carries an enormous amount of responsibility and involves a great deal of regulation and capital requirements. So in that respect [establishing a new operator] will not be that easy."
In any case what lies in favour of a potential competitor is that the market is open, the industry is well regulated, the legal and financial frameworks are fully tailored to commerce and the chances of making money is good if you get it right.
Fegan believes that the re-established strength of the big four could turn out to be a weakness in the longer run.
"It's OK to be big, but every time a new entrant comes into the market the focus comes round to value, insights into customer behaviour, how they encourage them to stay, the quality of their customer-friendly people and what they do to retain their best people - all those type of issues."
There is also the matter of how the big banks manage their "house of brands" and whether customers will stay with them or eventually go elsewhere.
Many are watching Westpac's strategy of keeping St George and its other retail and wealth management businesses badged separately.
The competition regulator's approval of Westpac and St George took place before the full extent of the financial crisis hit, notes Samuel.
That deal gave Westpac about a third of the lending and deposit market in NSW, but kept it in third or second place in Victoria and Queensland.
There was also a swing factor in approving the St George sale.
"All our market inquiries suggested St George was not a significant competitive tension, competitive force in the retail banking market," Samuels says.
Ultimately, Fegan believes it will be the quality of the service offered by the big banks, as much as reasonable pricing and fees, that will determine whether they maintain their hold on the market.
And recent history again suggests that they will not have it all their own way.
One such challenge could come from the industry that has changed the way that Australia saves for the future.
Members Equity, the superannuation industry-owned bank, offers a model that could, in time, grow into a decent mid-tier player and offer a real alternative to the majors, says its chief executive, Anthony Wamsteker.
He points to customer satisfaction surveys in which the mutual-style lender scores consistently high and suggests his organisation could tap into the new mood for responsible banking to increase what is a tiny market share at present.
Better regulation and a desire for choice can only help such players as the regional banks, more online-orientated groups like his own and even credit unions, says Wamsteker.
"What is also helpful is the sense that people don't want to be in the grip of a few giant banks," he says.
And while he accepts Members Equity needs to do more to become well known, Wamsteker believes the way that technology is changing banking will also help its cause.
With next to no branch network and little chance, therefore, of competing head-to-head with the big four, Members Equity has chosen to focus on the internet, an ultra-friendly call centre operation and phone banking to push its wares.
For techno-savvy consumers, such offerings may appear little different to what they can get from the big banks.
But at this point of the cycle, where true competition is hard to come by, it is the efforts of the very small players that offer the best prospect of breaking a stranglehold that is only going to get increasingly tight in the months to come.
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Graythwaite estate, with the Mater Hospital now free to put in a bid to use the property.
Supreme Court Justice William Windeyer, who is hearing arguments on the future of the historic estate, this week allowed St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney to enter the case.
He adjourned the hearings until September 15 to give the health service time to prepare its case to use Graythwaite as a rehabilitation centre.
The health service would join the Commonwealth Government, the RSL and North Sydney Council in the battle to keep Graythwaite in public hands.
The four organisations are pitted against the State Government and local Area Health Service, which wants to sell the 2.5ha site and use the proceeds to build a rehabilitation facility at Ryde Hospital.
North Sydney Mayor Genia McCaffery said the council was pleased with this week’s decision. “We’re inching closer to the preservation of Graythwaite,” Cr McCaffery said. “There are no rehabilitation services on the lower North Shore so the provision of rehab services through the Mater would be an excellent result.” Mr Thomas Dibbs gave Graythwaite to the NSW Government in 1915 on condition it be used as a convalescent home for Anzacs. In recent years it has been used as a nursing home, and while many of the buildings have fallen into disrepair, its parklands and position in the heart of North Sydney make it a valuable community asset. St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney (SV&MHS;) is part of the national Sisters of Charity Health Service, Australia’s largest non-government, not-for-profit health care provider. It is my belief that had his request for transfer to
