Gallow Builders

Hudson Brothers of Blackwater Bay, Sydney were the Government choice to build demountable gallows so that each Gaol could erected a wooden gallows when required and dismantle for storage. Also, when dismantled they could be transported to other Gaols. In the beginning they were contracted to produce rolling stock for the railways, drays, wool presses and farm wagons, and later portable homes. They were often criticised for gaining lucrative contracts without the Government calling for tenders. One interesting employee was Henry Lawson, who at the age of 17 was working at the depot as a coach painter. His wage was 25 shillings. In 1926 fire destroyed the sawmill depot at Pyrmont Bridge Road, Glebe. In 1974 the site was acquired by the Education Department who sold to a developer in 1975 for home units.