The questions of how to provide for the public’s convenience
were ongoing. Where should they go? Above ground or underground?
What about the women? How much should be expended? Who should pay?
‘It was decided at the beginning
of the year to construct them underground.’
(City of Sydney Archives, Town Clerk’s
Annual Report, 1900, p.12.)
‘It has been stated that …
the underground conveniences already provided in the City
are too costly.’
(City of Sydney Archives, Town Clerk’s
Annual Report, 1905, p.219.)
‘The appearance of this building
would be glaring and incongruous and the public would
naturally ask the question why was it not constructed
underground as in similar cases elsewhere in the city.’
Acting Under Secretary, Department of Lands commenting
on the City Council’s proposed above ground convenience
in Macquarie Place. (City of Sydney Archives,
CRS 28/ 1209/07)
‘Will you find out if it be possible,
what the actual cost of that convenience at the corner
of Wynyard Street worked out at. I believe you could have
built a terrace of houses for the cost of that convenience.’
Lord Mayor to Town Clerk, February 1913.
‘In view of the referendum which
resulted in the closing of Hotels at 6pm … the conveniences
heretofore available being no longer available, the State
Government may possibly see fit to make some grant in
connection with the cost which will be incurred in providing
public conveniences.’
Lord Mayor’s Minute sent to Chief Secretary’s
Department, 12 September 1916. (City of
Sydney Archives 3675/16)
‘The Minister is unable to entertain
the proposal as he considers that sanitary conveniences
should be provided by the municipal authorities.’
Chief Secretary to Town Clerk, 19 September 1916. (City
of Sydney Archives, CRS 34 3675/16)
‘Concerning the proposed use
by the public of conveniences attached to licensed premises
after closing hours, I beg to inform you that, in view
of the incentive which would be given to illicit trading
and the liability of persons being assaulted or robbed
… it would be most undesirable.’
Inspector General of Police to Town Clerk, 14 May 1921.
(City of Sydney Archives, CRS 34 3524/20)
‘Much thought has at different times been
given to the subject of Ladies’ Conveniences and
reports have been prepared from time to time. The original
idea was that extreme privacy was requisite and the result
was the erection of a particularly suitable little building
in Hyde Park which however has proved a fiasco as it is
hardly ever patronised.’
City Building Surveyor to Town Clerk, 2 May 1917. (City
of Sydney Archives, CRS 34 1244/17)
