Peter Polder
Cable Tower - Australian and French History
The first stage was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet. Built in 1881-1882 as a Cable Station. Additions were made in 1885 and 1888. The building provided accommodation for officers of the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company. The company had finished laying a cable to New Zealand in 1876. Cables were received and sent from the building’s instrument room. A second cable line was laid in 1890. In 1903 the company built a larger office at Yarra Bay (see form for Yarra Bay House). Thereafter this building was used only for accommodation. New technology made the operation redundant in 1916. The building was used for a variety of purposes until leased to the Salvation Army in 1944. It was then used as a refuge for women and children until 1987. An extensive restoration programme was undertaken by the Public Works Department and the building became the La Perouse Museum in 1988. It was presented to the NSW Government by the French Minister, Mr Andre Girand, as a bicentennial gift on behalf of the La Perouse Association. The building is now administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Cable Tower - Australian and French History
The first stage was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet. Built in 1881-1882 as a Cable Station. Additions were made in 1885 and 1888. The building provided accommodation for officers of the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company. The company had finished laying a cable to New Zealand in 1876. Cables were received and sent from the building’s instrument room. A second cable line was laid in 1890. In 1903 the company built a larger office at Yarra Bay (see form for Yarra Bay House). Thereafter this building was used only for accommodation. New technology made the operation redundant in 1916. The building was used for a variety of purposes until leased to the Salvation Army in 1944. It was then used as a refuge for women and children until 1987. An extensive restoration programme was undertaken by the Public Works Department and the building became the La Perouse Museum in 1988. It was presented to the NSW Government by the French Minister, Mr Andre Girand, as a bicentennial gift on behalf of the La Perouse Association. The building is now administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.