171 Victoria Street, Taree – the heart of the CBD – not the most obvious place for a golf course, albeit a miniature course. But, for a short time, one did exist there.
The fashion for mini golf originated in the USA and Mr B J Colvin, a Sydney builder and golfing enthusiast, seized an opportunity to invest in Taree.1 The site chosen was vacant land next to the then Post Office in Victoria Street (previously occupied by the Central Palace Boarding House), which had been purchased by the National Bank of Australasia in 1926 with a view to the construction of a banking chamber.2
The course comprised 18 holes complete with novelty hazards, the site being landscaped with ferns and shrubs and lit by electricity.3 Opening hours were stated as 10am to 11.30pm every day except Sunday and it cost 1/- for one round and the use of a club and ball (children half price).4
The opening, which attracted a large crowd, was performed by the Mayor Alderman R S Buttsworth on Thursday 27 November 1930 with all proceeds from the event being donated to the Manning River District Hospital.5
The attraction was short-lived and had certainly ceased operation by 1932.6
Author: Penny Teerman
References:
1 Manning River Times, Wednesday 5 November 1930 Pg 4
2 NSW LPI Land Title Records C/T Vol: 3940 Fol: 146
3 Manning River Times, Saturday 22 November 1930 Pg 8
4 Manning River Times, Saturday 29 November 1930 Pg 8
5 Manning River Times, Saturday 29 November 1930 Pg 8
6 Manning River Times, Saturday 24 September 1932 Pg 10
