1869

A bid to block a sandy track across the Lachlan Swamp water reserve by Sydney lord mayor Charles Moore to prevent Waverley and Randwick residents using it turned the park into a battleground in 1868.

Residents had used the track for more than 20 years, but Moore ruled that Sydney’s need for a clean water supply drawn from the swamp (part of today’s Centennial Parklands) trumped the convenient shortcut between Randwick and Bondi Junction.

Shocked Waverley residents woke to discover in September that City of Sydney staff had worked through the night to erect a stout three-rail fence across the track, barring access through the scrub.

Waverley’s mayor, David Fletcher, did not take the affront lying down. Aided by alderman Lewellyn Baglin and Council clerk William Mortimer, he rallied Waverley’s forces. Five horses and carts were man-handled into position to block the City’s fence-building.

As the sides faced off across the barricades, a crowd gathered. About 4pm, a 24-strong force of men from the City launched an attack, brandishing pick-handles and similar weapons. The police were powerless to halt the fight.

Among the casualties was a horse owned by John Egan, who sued the lord mayor for damages in the Supreme Court. The jury found for the plaintiff (Egan) after only 17 minutes’ deliberation. Damages of £19, nine shillings were awarded for injury to the animal, loss of time and veterinarian services.

The fight caused great excitement among Waverley residents. The battleground became known as "Battle Hill", and the deeds of the Anzacs were considered "small potatoes" compared to the "day we licked old Charlie Moore and his mob".

Courtesy the Waverley Library Local Studies Collection.