A Coal Town Faces War: 1911-1920

In the early 20th century, the small coal mining village of Weston, NSW, found itself profoundly shaped by the tumultuous years of World War I (1914-1918).  This close-knit community, with its modest population (still only 2,738 by 1920), faced the immense challenges of the era with resilience and sacrifice. As the war called, a significant number of Weston’s men enlisted, leaving behind a village stretched thin but united in spirit. Families and neighbours rallied to support the war effort while maintaining the lifeblood of their coal-driven economy.

The departure of so many men to the battlefields of Europe left a palpable void in Weston, where every able hand was vital to the gruelling work of the mines. Women, children, and the elderly stepped into roles previously held by the enlisted, taking on tasks in the community to keep the village afloat. The war years brought both hardship and a deepened sense of camaraderie, as Weston’s residents organised fundraisers, sent care packages to soldiers, and mourned the losses that touched nearly every household. Despite the small population, the village’s contribution to the war effort was immense, reflecting a collective determination to endure and honour their loved ones fighting overseas. Weston lost 46 of it soldiers during WWI, either killed in action or dying from their wounds. We will never forget their sacrifice.

See: Weston Roll of Honour   Legend of the Lamp   

 A Weston Anzac Hero    March of the Wallabies    Weston Soldiers' Settlement

In the photograph above, the small awning in the near foreground is Mrs. Hales’s original shop at 40 Aberdare Street (Cessnock Road). This was where the initial meetings were held in 1908 to form the Soccer clubs.  The street off to the left is Scott Street. Mrs Hales later moved into the building on the corner of Station Street and Cessnock Road formerly known as Mark Murdoch’s Emporium.  See Services & Establishments 

Next going west was an Auctioneers rooms: Perhaps W. Morgan?  He was established as an Auctioneer in Weston by 1904 and was also an agent for the Newcastle Morning Herald. 

Next appears to be a house with a white picket fence, then a hairdressers and the two story structure built by Mena Vartholomaios that opened in 1911. This building became Weston Fruit Palace.  In about 1916, this shop was purchased by the Zantiotis brothers: Peter, Jack and Tony, who immigrated to Australia from the Greek island of Kythera.  See Services & Establishments . This building became the Weston Miners' Hall in 1947 and later the Weston Ambulance Station.    Directly next to these premises was a billiard room also owned by the Zantiotis family, which later became the Weston RSL.

Further west, and barely discernible near the Station Street intersection, is the original 'Geordie Log’ with someone sitting on it.  See arrow.

On the opposite corner still looking west but with the building facing east, is the Weston Police Station that was on that site by 1910. An article in the Newcastle Herald  in 1904 titled 'Weston - A Years Progress' suggests an earlier Police Station was in First Street by 1904: 'The local police station is in First Street, and is in charge of Mounted Constable Reen, formerly of Kempsey.'  The last Weston Police Station was in First Street, Weston and ceased operations 13 Jul 1975.  See Services & Establishments page.

 Further in the distance can be seen the Weston branch of the Kurri Kurri Co.op Society which opened in 1912.  

Right side: 

In the foreground is the Weston Meat Palace established in 1903 by T. J. Fogarty. He was the first Butcher in Weston. See Services & Establishments .  The Weston Co-op Society purchased these premises for their Weston Butchery around 1914. 

Further west at the Station Street intersection another awning is visible, likely Mark Murdoch’s Emporium and across Station Street on the corner is the Criterion Hotel.   See Services & Establishments

1913: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Wed 3rd Dec 1913

WESTON.

Mr. A. E. Heuston presided at the last meeting of the Weston Progress Committee. On the question of lighting the township with electricity,  Mr. Turvey, one of the deputation which interviewed Mr. R. A. Harle, the manager of Hebburn Colliery, as to ways and means, said that Mr. Harle would meet the representatives of the shire council to discuss the matter, and the secretary was instructed to communicate with the council and start negotiations for the lighting of the town.

A letter was read from the East Greta Company regarding a case of alleged overcharge of fare on an excursion train on Eight-hour Day, stating that no refund could be made. Mr. M. Charlton, M.H.R., wrote on the matter of building a new post-office, stating that £1400 appeared on the estimates for the purpose, and that he would do all in his power to expedite the work. Mr. A. A. Thomas moved a resolution to rescind a motion carried at a previous meeting to build a post-office on the site purchased by the Postal Department.  It was lost by 11 votes to 10.

1913:     In 1913, Electric lighting was installed at the Weston Fire Station for the first time.

1913:     21 Dec 1913:  The Weston School school building was destroyed by fire. Lessons again had to be held in local halls and portable classrooms transported from East Maitland.

1914: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Wed 17 June 1914 

WESTON.

Mr. A. E. Hueston presided over the Weston Progress Committee on Thursday evening. Correspondence was received from Cessnock Shire Council relative to various matters, and including a promise to form and gravel Kline-street, from Fifth-street to Eighth-street. Council also had in view the committee's representations relative to the electric light.

The secretary, Mr. Harrison, reported on the Interview with the Cessnock Shire Councillors on their visit to Weston, when they stated that Kline-street should be formed and gravelled, also that part of Fifth-street, near the school, should receive attention, and that a ballot of property owners should be taken with a view of having the town lit by electricity and that the various places where surface water lies should be attended to as far as funds would allow. With regard to the electric lighting of the town, Mr. Thomas moved that a ballot of property owners be taken to ascertain if they were in favour of lighting Weston by electricity. Seconded by Mr. Fogarty, and carried.

Moved by Mr. Sneddon, that a deputation be appointed to interview Mr. Harle to ascertain the cost of installing [are] lights in one street, also to ask the Cessnock and Tarro Shire Councils the approximate rate it would be necessary to strike.  Seconded by Mr. Fogarty, and carried.

Mr. Fogarty moved, that the Water Board be written to, requesting that the water trough in Aberdare-street be removed to a more suitable position. Seconded by Mr. Thomas, and carried. Mr. Fogarty was appointed to interview Mr. Harle in reference to the electric light question.

1914: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Fri 19 June 1914 

WESTON.

With a view of giving the Weston ratepayers an opportunity of arriving at a decision on the proposal to light some of the streets by electricity, it is proposed to take a vote of property owners living within the area liable to taxation for the maintenance.

It is proposed to construct the overhead railway bridge from the Kurri road, over the Aberdare railway, Into Weston, with a slight deviation from the present route, so that the Weston approach to the bridge may lead from First-street. An approach from Aberdare-street would, it is stated, be inconvenient.

1914: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Tue 30 June 1914 

WESTON.

…The residents of Weston were indignant on Saturday night through the condition of the electric light supplied by the A.A. Company. A crowded picture entertainment suffered owing to the bad light, and in the local billiard room, although eight lights were burning, players had to strike matches. Several residents who have the electric light installed also complained of the lights. It has been decided to approach the engineer to try and avoid a repetition of the trouble.

1914: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Mon 10 Aug 1914

WESTON.

Mr. Heuston presided over the fortnightly meeting of the Weston Progress Association on Thursday evening. Согrespondence was received from the Cessnock Shire Council, intimating that the request for the removal of the trough in Aberdare-street could not be complied with.—Prom Tarro Council, stating that replies had been sent to all letters received from the association, and that copies were in the shire office. The secretary, Mr. Harrison, stated that he had received only one letter from the council for a considerable time. The CessnockShire Council forwarded information covering the proposal of the A.A. Company for the electric lighting of Weston streets, full particulars of which have already been published. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Thomas, seconded by Mr. Parry, to request the council to supply an estimate of the cost of lighting streets as follows:-Seven lights in Aberdare-street, six in Hall-street, six in Station-street, and eight in Kline-street. It was decided to remind the Postmaster-General's Department of a promise made some time ago to institute an afternoon delivery in the town, and to ask that the promise be redeemed. In connection with a letter received from the Weston Tennis Club, it was decided to ask the Lands Department if permission could be granted for tennis being played on the Weston Reserve on Sundays

1914: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Wed 7 Oct 1914 

WESTON.

The members of the Weston Progress Association are still endeavouring to secure the electric lighting of the town, and a further resolution on the subject has been forwarded for consideration at Monday's meeting of Cessnock Shire Council.

1914: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Sat 17 Oct 1914

WESTON.

Owing to the stoppage of work at Hebburn Colliery, and the consequent discontinuance of the supply of electric power, the Weston Brick Company will be compelled to close down after the present burning in about a week's time. Since the company started some six months ago, they have had an excellent output and a steady demand, and Mr. A. Bushell, the manager, has tried hard to keep work going as long as possible.

~~~

Maitland Mercury   6 Jul 1918

Weston Brick Company.

The plant, machinery, and building materials of the Weston Brick Company alongside the Weston railway station, will be offered at auction by Messrs. Lang, Wood and Co., on the 12th inst., at 12 o’clock, in lots to suit purchasers. Particulars may be obtained from the advertisement elsewhere.  

[Via Janet Myers Richardson]

1914:     An indignation Meeting was held at Weston's Thomas' Hall to protest at the inadequate state of the Weston Public School.

1914: The Maitland Weekly Mercury (NSW: 1894-1931) / Sat 14 Nov 1914

WESTON.

There are speculators who are not deterred by the local industrial trouble Mr. Phil. Jenkins, licensee of the Criterion Hotel, Weston is evidently one of this class.  He has speculated about £2000 in the construction of a large public hall on a site near the hotel, and having a frontage to Station-street.  The hall, which is known as the "Olympia," is up-to-date in every particular. Its dimensions are 130 x 40 with 18 feet walls, and a stage 22 x 40. A gallery the full width of the hall extends over the front entrance, on which is installed an up-to-date picture projecting apparatus. On the exterior frontage is a small balcony, built specially for band performances. [See the Olympia to the right of the Criterion in the following photograph] There are dressing rooms and other convenient apartments. Features of the building are electric lighting and ventilating fans, while special attention has been paid to acoustics.  The building is of handsome design, and it adds considerably to the appearance of that part of the town…

1914:     The second Weston Post Office was established on the corner of Station and Third Sts. Weston in 1914

1914:     'When Britain declared war against Germany in August 1914, Australia, as a dominion of the British Empire, was automatically also at war. While thousands rushed to volunteer, most of the men accepted into the Australian Imperial Force in August 1914 were sent first to Egypt, not Europe, to meet the threat which a new belligerent, the Ottoman Empire, posed to British interests in the Middle East and the Suez Canal.

After four and a half months of training near Cairo, the Australians departed by ship for the Gallipoli peninsula, along with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. On 25 April 1915 the Australians landed at what became known as Anzac Cove, whereupon they established a tenuous foothold on the steep slopes above the beach. During the early days of the campaign the allies tried to break through Turkish lines, while the Turks tried to drive the allied troops off the peninsula. Attempts on both sides ended in failure and the ensuing stalemate continued for the remainder of 1915. In fact, the most successful operation of the campaign was the large-scale evacuation of troops on 19 and 20 December. As a result of a carefully planned deception operation, the Turks were unable to inflict more than a very few casualties on the withdrawing forces...'   [Australian War Memorial].

1915-18:   Anzacs and other Allied Forces landed at Gallipoli.   Approximately 7,600 killed, 19,000 wounded. 

See Roll of Honour page for the names of WWI servicemen from Weston.

See THE MARCH OF THE WALLABIES.

1915:     On 10 Feb 1915, a serious outbreak of Smallpox broke out at Hebburn and Weston. Over the next few months the disease spread alarmingly throughout the settlements, abating in May.

'The little settlement of Hebburn, which once lay across on the opposite side of Hebburn Dam from the town of Weston, was a collection of huts and humpies occupied by miners and other employees of Hebburn Colliery.

It sprang into national prominence in February, 1915, when it was discovered that no less than twelve cases of smallpox had been found there by Kurri Kurri's local Government Medical Officer, Dr A.R.Heupt...'  

1915:     All towns within a radius of 20 miles of Weston were quarantined and isolated by the police, 11 Feb 1915. This put a temporary bann  on military enlistments from the Coalfields

See SMALLPOX AT WESTON

1915:      A 4-roomed house with outside kitchen and dining room in Second Street was completely destroyed by fire on 19 Apr 1915.

1915: On 25 Jun 1915, The Maitland Dailey Mercury gave a report of the fortnightly meeting of the Weston Progress Association:

1916: David Dial, in his book THE MARCH OF THE WALLABIES, provides the following description of the afternoon tea held to entertain the 'Wallabies'  at the Olympia in Station Street Weston, on Monday, 3 January 1916:

‘At Weston

Weston people had always done well in public movements, but for the “Wallabies” they excelled all their previous efforts. They were received at the town boundary by a large crowd, and marched through crowded streets to the Olympia Hall, where afternoon tea awaited them. The interior of the hall presented a bright and attractive appearance, with its tables artistically decorated, tables laden with all that the soldier dearly loves when tired after a weary march. The streets, too, were gay with flags and streamers waving their welcome. The function in the hall was quite informal, but a few speeches were made. “The King” was toasted at the call of Councillor Morgan, who presided. “Our Guests” were eulogised by Messrs. Charlton and Kearsley, and Sergeant-Major Lee again responded  with another appeal, which brought four recruits. The Rev. Varcoe Cock proposed “The Ladies” for whom Mr. T. Hadfield responded. A number of children, trained by Mesdames Davies and Malcolm, gave two delightfully rendered patriotic songs, which, with the pretty Allies’ costumes of the children, were much appreciated. The arrangements were carried out by a committee of ladies and gentlemen, with Councillor Morgan, Chairman, Mr. T. W. Hancock, Treasurer, and Mr. W. Williams, Secretary, but to the ladies for their untiring zeal and splendid work, a special need of praise was due, for upon them rested the responsibility of making the visit a success, and it was a success in every sense.  The Hebburn Colliery Band, which assisted at Cessnock on Sunday, was again in service and did much towards the success of the day. Highland pipes also gave a helping hand.'

 1916:    During World War I, recruitment or 'snowball' marches to Sydney were a feature of volunteer recruiting drives for the Australian Imperial Force in rural New South Wales.  Between October 1915 and February 1916, nine marches were held starting from various points throughout the state; the most notable was the first march from Gilgandra, known as the Cooee march.  The 'March of the Wallabies' passed through Weston on 3 Jan 1916 and recruits were entertained at afternoon tea in the Olympia Hall.  

See THE MARCH OF THE WALLABIES.

1916:     On 1 May 1916 the new Weston School building opened. The construction of a new brick school building commenced in 1915 and was completed and occupied on 1 May 1916. The new school had 8 classrooms, a Headmaster's room, and a Staff Room. There were also two weather sheds and two separate sets of lavatories.

1916: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Sat 9 Dec 1916 

WESTON

The Weston Progress Association has again taken up the matter of having the town lighted by electricity, and the Cessnock Shire Council is to be approached for information on the subject. 

The War Council is also to be asked for permission to have a sub-committee on the Repatriation Fund at Weston, to raise funds to assist soldiers’ families, and a public meeting to consider matter will be held on Sunday week.

1917: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) / Sat 11 Aug 1917 

SAWYER'S GULLY

At the Parents and Citizens' Association's meeting, Mr. M. Farrell, president, presided over a fair attendance. Correspondence was received from the Department of Education relative to parents and citizens' associations and formation of school boards. It was decided to send necessary information, and ask for a school board to be appointed.

At a previous meeting, it was decided to take steps to procure and erect a roll of honour in memory of all who had enlisted from the district, the roll to be erected when definite knowledge was obtained as to the requirements. The Secretary, Mr. Charles E. Elwards, reported progress in connection with the roll of honour, stating that a social held on June 30 realised £21, and social held on August 4 realised £25. Donations in money and goods were given by business people and others throughout the townships, and the association expressed gratefulness towards all who had assisted in making the functions a success. 

Sad news had been received from the front. Several boys have been wounded and two have lost their lives. The girls' league has been doing some good work, and is now busy getting ready more gifts and comforts to be sent in time for Christmas cheer.

The annual report of the Sawyer's Gully Public School Patriots League shows that it was established on lst June, 1910, with Mr. Chapman president, Lilian Chapman secretary, Mary Farrell treasurer, and a committee consisting of Doris Dindley, Lyndon Chapman, and Roy Thirtle.

The income for the year was £5.2s.1d. and expenditure £4.6s. The revenue was derived from subscriptions, penny concerts, and donations. During the year the members made 50 pairs socks, 14 mufflers, and also eye bandages and washers. The league provided a box of comforts for the 34th Battalion on Empire Day, 1916, and have now nearly completed another box of Christmas comforts. Several letters have been received from the men of the 34th Battalion stating that the gifts and work of the members have been greatly appreciated.

 The man behind the Legend of "The Lamp Above The Bar"

  Joseph Henry Littlefair was born to parents Joseph and Sarah at Merewether in 1891. Sometime following his birth the family moved to Weston, settling in Harle Street. Harry, as he became known, eventually secured work at the Neath Colliery.

On an afternoon at the end of August 1915 Harry called in to the Neath Hotel for his usual black pint before proceeding home. Calling the landlady over and handing to her a small brass oil lamp and brass oil container Harry said "Put these up on the top shelf. We'll collect them when we come back".

It was the 30th August 1915 and Harry had enlisted to serve his country. He embarked on the transport ship "RMS Osterley" on the 15th January 1916. Harry was wounded by shrapnel in France in 1916 and sent back to England to recover. Although approved for his repatriation to Australia Harry elected to return to the front to be with his old battalion.

The 3rd Battalion together with the rest of the First Division had been sent north to plug the holes where the Germans had broken through the British lines. The British Army was in retreat. Lance-Corporal Harry Littlefair was killed in action on 15th April 1918, at the Battle of Lys, near the village of Strazlee. He was buried close to where he fell. His remains were not exhumed after the war and his name is listed, together with those Diggers who have no known grave, on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Today Harry's old miners lamp and oil bottle are still on the top shelf in the bar at the Neath Hotel. Harry was one of those who did not come back. Over the years the licence of the Neath Hotel has changed hands, and each time the little tokens have been solemnly passed to the new hotelier for safe keeping.                     

        See Roll of Honour  and  LEGEND OF THE LAMP       

1918:     Weston Bears Football Club won the Hemmings Cup.

1918: The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW: 1894 - 1939) / Mon 15 Apr 1918

SAWYER'S GULLY

Mr. F. L. Edwards presided at the usual monthly meeting of the Parents and Citizens Association, when it was decided that Saturday, May 4, be the day for unveiling of the roll of honour. The contractors will have the work completed next week. Thirty-three names have been added to the roll, which will leave space for seven more. A flag pole and Union Jack is to be procured for the school. Mr. Radnidge donated the pole; Mr. H. Griftiths cut and Mr. K Osland drew the pole to the place of erection; Mr. F. Edwards donated the pulley, and Mrs. G. Edwards gave the necessary rope for flag. It was decided to purchase a three-yards flag, and to unfurl it on the day of the unveiling of the roll of honour. A public meeting is to be called to make fitting arrangements for the visitors, and the Ministers, shire councillors, and adjoining associations are to be invited to be present on the occasion. The secretary will be pleased to receive any names of ex-pupils who have enlisted and are unknown on the list.

1918: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) / Tue 7 May 1918

SAWYER'S GULLY.

UNVEILING OF ROLL OF HONOUR.

The unveiling of a roll of honour in commemoration of the soldiers of Sawyer's Gully, was an important event in the history of the township on Saturday afternoon. The memorial consists of stone pillars erected at the entrance to the public school, which has been chastely designed. Between the pillars is a massive iron gate, of excellent workmanship.

There are 33 names inscribed on the marble tablets of the roll of honour, as follows: C. Perkins, P. Kaiser, S. Kaiser (killed), J. Findley, J. Metcalfe, R. Bezzant (killed), W. Harding, A. Murray, H. Elvin (killed), J. Metcalfe (killed), A. Metcalfe senior, E. Race, W. Gillingham, J. Davis, J. Smith, A. Metcalfe, R. Metcalfe, J. Lodge (killed), J. Farrell, M. Farrell, S. Apthorpe, T. Bellamy, P. Baus, E. Apthorpe, J. Crawley, F. Horne, H. Parsons, J. Leigh, C. Race, N. Leigh (killed), C. Patterson, and H. Mitford.

The unveiling ceremony was preceded by the unfurling of the Union Jack by Miss Violet Mackay, in the school ground. The flag was given by the parents and citizens' association, by whose members the flag-pole was also erected.

Mr. M. Farrell, ex-president of the association, presented the flag, and Mr. H. D. Chapman, principal of the school, received it on behalf of the Education Department. As the folds of the flag opened to the breeze, the Weston Band played "Rule Britannia," and the assemblage afterwards stood in silence for a few moments.

When this function had been completed, the assemblage gathered outside the grounds, in front of the roll of honour. Mr. F. L. Edwards, president of the parents und citizens’ association, presided. The unveiling ceremony was performed by Mr. Kearsley, M.P., who paid a high tribute to the mothers of the soldiers for their noble self-sacrifice and fortitude. He said that the most powerful influence In the world was the love of a mother and of the home. He referred to the fine fighting spirit of the Australians, and said that when the soldiers returned, every provision should be made for their future comfort. The obligation lay upon the people to see that they were cared for.

Mr. C. E. Edwards, secretary to the parents and citizens' association, expressed the pleasure of the association in presenting the memorial to the Education Department. The work to date had cost £44.10. Congratulatory addresses were made by Councillor T. L. Johns, President of the Cessnock Shire Council, and Miss Mackay. Mr. Chapman formally accepted the roll of honour.

Private M. T. Farrell, who had returned incapacitated, after two years' war service, was presented by Mr. Kearsiey, on behalf of the parents and citizens association, with a gold medal.

Mr. J. Gardner proposed "The Boys at the “Front," and "Their Parents," to which Mr. Farrell, senior, and Warrant-officer A. E. Musgrave, responded. Refreshments were provided by members of the association within the school grounds, the ladies, under the presidency of Mrs.T. L Edwards, attending on the tables.

SAWYERS GULLY FIRST WORLD WAR MEMORIAL GATES

From: https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/content/sawyers-gully-memorial-gates

DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND

Two cement gate pillars with marble plaques bearing a Roll of Honour, established on the site of the former Sawyers Gully School c. 1917-1918.

Over time, the pillars fell into disrepair. In November 1999, prior to restoration, material submitted to the Abermain Heritage Preservation Society Newsletter, 'The Pit Whistle', issue no. 6, provided a list of names taken from an earlier photograph (pictured). That list included the names T. Calsay, C. Page and G. Page, which are not listed on the restored plaques. The restored gate was unveiled on 28 January 2006.

The memorial is located approximately 4km from Abermain Public School, on Old Maitland Road between Sawyers Gully Road and Native Dog Hill Road.

Visit the War Memorial Register website for more detail on the Memorial Gates at Sawyers Gully.

1919:     Weston Bears Football Club won the Hemmings Cup.

1919:   WESTON SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENT

The Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) / Tue 14 Oct 1919 reported:

SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENT

Poultry Farming at Weston

CESSNOCK, Tuesday

A local tender has bees accepted for the clearing of the first section of 100 acres of land at Weston for soldiers settlement.

It is to be made available to soldiers in from four to six acre lots, principally for poultry farms

Most of the ground is of a poor sandy nature, and in some quarters the department is criticised for attempting to utilise it for soldiers.

The experience of those on similar land to the same locality is that it requires a lot of hard work to make the soil productive.

See:  Weston Soldiers Settlement

1920:     On 11 Jul 1920, Edna Bertha Chalmers, aged 6 years, drowned in a waterhole at Deep Creek, Weston.

1920: Population figures collected by the police in Weston in 1920 show the number of residents had increased to 2,738.