Albany 2026: The Advertiser’s reporting on the frenzied 1921 debate over whether or not to ‘blast the rock’

When the local council proposed blowing up Dog Rock in 1921, the Albany Advertiser got its teeth into the drama. The paper carried letters opposing the destruction and reported on a public meeting which took place on July 25 in its edition which came out two days later. The report of the protest was titled The Dog Rock Controversy, Meeting of Ratepayers and it documented the debate of a meeting called by then mayor WJ Day in response to a petition signed by 54 citizens against the “proposed mutilation” of the landmark. Residents put up suggestions as how Middleton Road could be made safer including putting up a fence or buying land on the other side of the road. A Mr McGovern told the meeting the landmark should not be damaged. “It may be an eyesore to some people, but it would make my eyes sore not to see the familiar old landmark,” he said. There had been no accidents to date he added and suggested the council reuse land on the opposite side of the road to widen the thoroughfare. A Mr Watkins said a fence would be unsightly. “A light could be affixed to the rock for a night signal and a warning noticeboard erected at the entrance to St Werburgh’s Road,” he told the meeting. Mr Colbenson took an opposing view. “If Albany has to progress, blast the rock,’ he unconsciously added amidst general laughter,” went the Advertiser’s report. There were also letters sent to the newspaper. An epistle from someone called Dog One said lighting should be installed and offered to contribute 20 shillings towards the cost. One from “an indignant resident” had a more complicated solution involving barbed wire. “Lovers of Albany, including both residents and visitors, will learn with dismay, not unmixed with righteous indignation, that the town councillors in their wisdom (!) have decided to deface that lovable old landmark the Dog Rock,” went the letter. “Their reasons for doing so are, forsooth, the rock is dangerous for children to play on. “Now, a post erected on either side of the rock, and a barbed wire stretched across the face of the rock would entirely overcome the difficulty. “It is surprising and rather humiliating to think that not one of our councillors had sufficient sentiment to oppose the proposed legalised vandalism. “Is it too late now for councillors to rescind their obnoxious motion?” Mr Colbenson, fortunately, did not get his way.