Sneak thieves

This postcard of Manly's Ocean Beach, taken from the vicinity of the present-day Borambil building, is of particular interest for the view over the men's dressing sheds. The dressing sheds ran for 200 yards along the southern end of the beach, and, as can be seen, were initially open to the sky. The sheds were divided into areas with lattice partitions, and pegs were provided for hanging up clothing. There were also troughs provided for washing feet after a bathe. Male sun-bathers were encouraged to sunbake inside the sheds, but this was often ignored.

Not surprisingly, the design of the dressing sheds gave ample encouragement to sneak thieves. in 1912, one of the attendants estimated that on average, one suit a day would be stolen. One thief, apprehended in the act, was told by the magistrate that his actions were contemptible, and he was given six months' imprisonment, but the thefts continued unabated. One technique favoured by the thieves was to roll up someone else's belongings in a towel, and if caught, to try to brazen it out.

It is rather surprising that the dressing sheds were quite so visible, given the prudery of the times. This photo dates from circa 1910, and by 1912, the sheds were covered over, which also kept the belongings dry in the event of a sudden shower.

The dressing sheds were not well located, and a storm over 14/15 May 1913 damaged them so comprehensively that they were demolished, and new, purpose-built accommodation was erected, opened in December of that year.