Coal & Community: 1921-1960

Between 1921 and 1960, Weston, NSW, stood as a testament to courage amid sweeping economic and social changes. This small coal-mining town weathered the storm of the 1929-30 Miners’ Lockout, the crushing weight of the Great Depression, the global upheaval of World War II (see Roll of Honour), and the persistent tragedy of mining deaths. Yet, through these trials, the people of Weston forged a legacy of grit and community spirit, adapting to shifting circumstances while holding fast to their identity as a hardworking, tight-knit town.

This era marked both prosperity and hardship for Weston, as coal powered its growth but also brought peril and uncertainty. From the early 1920s, when labor disputes disrupted livelihoods, to the post-war years of rebuilding and renewal, the town’s story is one of endurance and evolution. This transformative period saw Westonians confront economic swings, wartime sacrifices, and the ever-present dangers of the mines, emerging stronger and more united with each challenge faced.

1922:     Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.

1922:     Weston Football Club won the Kerr Cup

1922: The Masonic Centre in Second Street, Weston was being built:

The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW: 1894 - 1939) / Fri 2 June 1922

Masonic Hall at Weston.

The Masonic Hall, in the course of erection in Second-street, Weston, the foundation stone of which was laid by Very Wor. Bro. C. B. Worden, D.G.I.W., of West Maitland, on May 6, is expected to be completed by September 1. The building is brick structure, 70ft x 30ft.  The lodge-room will be 50ft. X 30ft., the entry room 30ft. x 20ft., kitchen and preparation room: 8ft. x 10ft, and the vestibule will be 8ft. wide. The front of the building is to be tuck-pointed red brick, and the interior will be plastered throughout, with fibrous plaster ceilings. The roof will be of iron, and of lantern design. The contract price of the building is £1575, but before it is completed will cost approximately £1800. Messrs. Orrett Bros, of Mayfield are the contractors, and Mr. T. J. Popper, of Newcastle, is the architect.

1923:     Weston Fire brigade reported its first case of arson when a woman set fire to a Hall Street residence to scare off her husband's mistress.

1923:     Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.  Coalfields representative team played New Zealand at Weston, Coalfields won 4-1.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Fri 12 Oct 1923

WESTON.

The electric street lighting question was considered at a meeting of the Tarro Shire Council yesterday. Mr. A. E. Heuston wrote, stating that at a public meeting held recently it was unanimously decided to request the Cessnock and Tarro Shire Councils to go into the matter of lighting the streets of Weston, and that the terms be submitted to a meeting of ratepayers for endorsement.  The portion of Weston in the Tarro Shire area comprises Aberdare, Station, Scott, Hall and Kline streets. It is proposed to have a 300 candle-power light at the intersection of Aberdare and Station streets, to instal six 100 candle-power lights in Aberdare street, and to distribute six other lights of the same power in the other streets mentioned. The council decided to take the necessary steps to have the scheme put into effect.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Fri 12 Dec 1924

WESTON.

The Tarro Shire Council received a letter from the superintendent of Hebburn, Limited, yesterday, advising that the agreement for the supply of electric light to houses and streets at Weston had been finalised with Cessnock Shire Council, such agreement being binding by arrangements made at a conference on Tarro Shire Council. The Governor’s assent having been obtained, the work of installation will be proceeded with.

1925:     Miners employed at Hebburn No.1:  774

1925:     Miners employed at Hebburn No.2:  395

The Capitol Theatre complex,  which included the adjoining School of Arts, was officially opened in 1925, but the only photograph we have been able to acquire, is the one above taken in 1965 shortly after the fire. The theatre was eventually repaired and renovated and became the Weston Civic Centre.

In Chapter 6 of his memoir, MY TEN YEARS IN WESTON 1926-1936, Basil Ralston states: 

     'For the children there was a matinee at the School of Arts picture theatre. It was a good theatre with front stalls, back stalls and even ‘upstairs’. I sat with a lovely redhead from Abermain, wonder where she is now?  Shirley Temple was a great favourite. There was often a free lolly or a badge for each child as and added attraction.

The old black and white film had less frames per second than modern films, so the pictures flickered. So we went to the ‘flicks’. A really expensive night out ran to an upstairs seat and a threepenny ice cream at Jock Stewart’s shop opposite. Then we walked home, there was no other way. The first ‘Talkie’ shown in Weston was Daddy Long Legs with Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor. Bing Crosby and Al Jolson were the stars, sometimes extravaganzas with Paul Whiteman and his Big Band. We were well entertained.'

1926: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Fri 8 Oct 1926

WESTON.

Mr. G. Booth, M.P., has been advised by the Minister, for Local Government that in response to his personal representation on behalf of the Weston Progress Association, the request to have the Weston electric lighting scheme laid on tho table of the legislative Assembly during the present session would receive attention.

Mr. G. Booth, M.P., has received a letter from the Chief Secretary’s Department, in reference to a protest lodged by Weston Progress Association against any reduction in the status of the officer in charge of police at Weston, advising that First-class Constable Reed, of West Maitland, had been appointed to succeed Sergeant Wood, transferred to Weston, and that Constable Reed had been promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Entries close on October 10 in connection with the seventh annual Weston Eisteddfod, which commences on November 11. Additional items are advertised The syllabus in available at all the lending music parlours in Newcastle and Maitland districts.

1926: The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939) / Fri 12 Nov 1926 

Lighting of Weston.

Mr. G. Booth, M.L.A., interviewed the Minister for Local Government relative to agreement re supply of electricity in Weston, etc. Mr. Fitzgerald, Minister for Local Government, informed Mr. Booth that copies of the agreement entered into by the Cessnock Shire Council and Hebburn, Ltd., were laid before tho Legislative Assembly on October 21, and before the Legislative Council on October 27. Before the Governor's approval can be given such agreement, It will be necessary for it to lie on the table of both Houses for fifteen sitting days.

1926:      Oct 1926:   The Provisional School opened at Hebburn.

1926:    The Newcastle Morning Herald 24 Apr 1926 reported:   

WESTON.

    'The Police Department has purchased the vacant allotment near the post-office, in First-street as a site for a new police station. The present police quarters, on the corner of Aberdare and Station streets, have been placed on the market by the executors of the estate of the late Mr. Joseph Garrett.'

1926: The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW: 1894 - 1939) / Thu 30 Dec 1926

Weston Soldiers' Settlement.

Notwithstanding the white-anted condition of practically everyone of the Weston Soldiers' Settlement houses, four have been sold, with the land, at the recently reduced prices, four more are under negotiation. Should those be sold, there will remain only 18 farms of the original number. The District Surveyor has been Instructed to proceed with the treating of the cottages for white-ants without delay, advises Mr. G. Booth, M.L.A. The prices of the farms will be reviewed when the surveyor makes his reports from time to time, but little hope is held out for any further reduction.

1927:     Jan:  'Seventy-two years ago, in January, 1927, George Edwin Edwards provided his pioneering reminiscences for the Kurri Kurri Times newspaper. The following story traces part of his story.The history of Australia's development and progress contains innumerable instances of the pluck and enterprise of the hardy pioneers, who went into the bush, blazing trails for future generations.

They faced the hardships and difficulties that were encouraged during the pioneering days of our country's development, and won out, through sheer grit, enterprise. George Edwin Edwards, of Sawyer's Gully, near Weston, and his sons deserve such a place of honour among the records of our pioneers...'   

 See more at EDWARDS FAMILY VINEYARD - SAWYERS GULLY .

1927: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Mon 17 Jan 1927

WESTON.

Mr. G. Booth, M.P., has interviewed the Under Secretary for Local Government, to urge that the agreement with respect to the electric lighting of Weston be finalised, as the Hebburn Company was ready to proceed with the work so soon as the Minister's approval was given. The Under-Secretary advised that the agreement was placed on the table of the Legislative Assembly, and also of the Legislative Council, prior to the prorogation, but as it had not been there for the required number of fifteen days, in accordance with the Act, it had to be placed on the tables of the House during the present session. This was done in the Legislative Assembly on December 20, and in the Council on December 23. At the expiration of fifteen sitting days, the Governor's approval will be given, and the work will be proceeded with by the company.

1928:     Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.

1928: The Newcastle Sun (NSW: 1918 - 1954) / Wed 11 July 1928:

AMONG THE SCOUTS

Weston Troop's Birthday

The First Weston troop of boy scouts celebrated its third anniversary in the Parish Hall, Weston, on Tuesday, July 3. Members of the scout committee were Invited.

The evening was opened with a flag display by the scouts. In competitions for semaphore signalling and Morse code, Scouts W. Clery, A. Morgan and N. Bull(?).  Rover J. Westgarth, Mr. G. Davies petition and fireman’s lift were part of the programme, and in both items the boys proved their ability to the satisfaction of the examiner, W. W. Barker.

Scoutmaster Barker presented the boys with their yearly stars and other badges. He presented Rovrt T. Blackwell with his ambulance badge, and thanked him for the birthday cake he made for the troop.

Musical Items were given by Scout J. Black, T. Paul, A. Morgan, W. Boyd, and H. Hills. Mrs. Bushell presented the troop with two flags.

Prizes will be presented at the Parish Hall on Tuesday, July 17 at 7 p.m.

1928: The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954) / Fri 20 July 1928:

Weston Baby Health Centre

The mothers of Weston will be glad to hear that more roomy premises have been procured for the purpose of carrying on the work in connection with the Baby Health Centre. It is a cottage situated in Aberdare or Main Street [Cessnock Rd.], opposite to Mr. Chisholm's garage, now fully equipped and furnished-also sunny verandah and grounds in front, which will prove very useful for "parking" perambulators.

The centre is opened every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday afternoon from 2p.m. to 4.30 p.m. The mother and baby are visited in their homes as soon as notice of birth has been received, and advice is given as to care of baby, etc., and mothers urged to attend the centre for further advice and weighing of baby on reliable scales.

The centres are established and maintained solely for the benefit and comfort of the mothers, and if the mothers in each district would only realise that their centre belongs to them, greater interest would be taken in the work and increasing its usefulness -and, in the case of the Weston Centre, encouraging it to grow to such an extent that the number attending would justify becoming a full time centre that is opening each day.

1928: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Wed 22 Aug 1928:

WESTON

Recently Mr. G. Booth, M.P., made representation to the Department of Local Government in connection with the charges for current on the electricity franchise agreement between Hebburn Ltd., and the Kearley Shire Council. He has now been informed that representatives of the council and the progress Association have come to a satisfactory agreement. The request to do away with the deposits required from new consumers was not acceded to, but the company has agreed to try out a house to house collection, which was a request made by the association.

The early 1920s marked a turbulent period for Weston, as the coal industry, the backbone of the town’s economy, faced significant unrest. The Lockout of 1929–1930, a bitter industrial dispute, saw miners locked out of work as mine owners sought to cut wages and extend working hours amid falling coal prices. Families in Weston endured severe hardship, with many relying on community soup kitchens and mutual support to survive. Despite the tension, the lockout fostered a sense of solidarity among the workers, who organised rallies and leaned on union support to advocate for their rights. This period of struggle laid the foundation for Weston’s enduring community spirit as neighbours banded together to weather the economic storm. The subsequent Great Depression of the 1930s only deepened these challenges, with unemployment soaring and coal demand plummeting. Yet, Weston’s residents adapted, finding ways to make do with limited resources.  From home gardening to bartering goods and services, they demonstrated their resourcefulness and determination to persevere.

1929:   The Coalfields Soccer Team played New South Wales at Weston 5 May 1929.  Coalfields won 6-2.

1929:   Officers of the Weston Male Voice Party:

• President:  J.W. Griggs

• Secretary:  H.S. Neville

• Treasurer:  E. Maughan

• Conductor: R.W. Dixon

• Deputy Conductor:  N. Browell

• Librarian:  R. Curry

• Accompanist:  Mrs J. Coxon

• Committee B. Taylor, J. Maughan, H. Chesholme, W. Grant

'The Object of Party. The object of the Party shall be the cultivation  of vocal music by practice, public performance, and competition.'

Subscriptions: 3.d per week.

1929: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Wed 4 Sept 1929

WESTON

The committee of the Weston School of Arts has decided to use the electric current supplied by Hebburn, Ltd. During the last four months the current has been included in the "black" list, and the power has been supplied by a small motor engine and generator purchased by the committee, but it did not prove a success.

1930: The second stage of concreting the road from Cessnock to Maitland in First Street, Weston opened for traffic 24 Jan 1930. 

1931: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) / Mon 4 May 1931

WESTON

A deputation representing Hebburn No. 1 and No. 2 Miners' Lodges and the unemployed, recently conferred with the management of No. 1 Colliery relative to notices served on some of the unemployed in arrears with their electric light accounts. A meeting was held in the Weston School of Arts on Friday night to hear the result. Mr. E. Aubin presided. A lengthy report was submitted to the meeting, setting forth the views of the management and certain suggestions. The following resolution was then adopted, "That we endorse the report of the deputation and advise individuals concerned to interview the Manager personally, and we also thank the combined committees for the assistance they have given in connection with  the matter.”  The Chairman regretted that the meeting was not large, but he expressed a hope that all concerned in the matter would interview the Manager.

1931: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW: 1876 - 1954) /  Fri 29 May 1931

WESTON

At a meeting of the Weston Ambulance Committee, held on Wednesday evening, the Secretary of the ambulance classes referred to the completion of the ambulance hall, and expressed appreciation of the assistance given by the Hebburn colliery employees in levying themselves to meet the cost of the material. Mr. Rudd had given his services to supervise the work of erection; Messrs. Burns and Langley had carried out the work of installing the electric light, and many others had also given their voluntary services in the work, enabling the hall to be erected wholly by voluntary labour. The work was a credit to all concerned, and to Weston. The meeting carried a vote of thanks to all who had assisted.

______

A carnival was held by the Weston Unemployed Relief Committee on Friday evening. The Church of England and the Weston Co-operative Women's Guilds cooperated with the committee in organising the jumble sale. The jumble stall was conducted by Mesdames Rupp, Todd, Green, Minchell, Neal, Morgan, and Johnson, of the Church of England Women's Guild, and the cake and flower stall by Mesdames Rawlins, Whitby, Forrester, Parker and Rosenberg of the Cooperative Women’s Guild.  Other committees comprised Mr. E. Scalley, Mrs. W. Sneddon, Misses Maxwell, Portus, Paton, and Cox. Mr. G. Robertson, Messrs. Doig, Joyce, White, and Johnson, and Меssrs. A. Liddle and M. Mates.

1931: Weston Progress Association, 16 Jan 1931,  again highlight the need for a Coalfield's swimming pool.

1931: Weston, Abermain and Kurri Kurri suffered severe flooding causing railway services to be suspended Apr 1931.

1931: Weston's Olympia Theatre, owned by Mr G. Jenkins, was severely damaged by fire 29 Apr 1931.

1931: The Salvation Army commenced daily soup kitchens for Weston's unemployed 3 Aug 1931.

1931: William Varty of Weston was elected Mayor of Kearsley Shire Council 5 Dec 1931.

1931: Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.

1931: Weston Football Club won the State League Series.

1932:     Weston Football Club won the State Cup.

1932:     Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.

1932:     Weston Football Club won the State League Series.

1932:     On 26 Dec 1932, Mabel Eileen Hall, 17, drowned while swimming at 'Three Pines' waterhole on Deep Creek.

1933:     Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.

1933:     Weston Football Club won the State League Series.

1933:     Fire alarms were installed throughout Weston connecting them to the Weston Fire Station.

1933:    The Hebburn No.1 Colliery safe, containing over one hundred pounds ($200) was stolen 26 Aug 1933. Five years later in 1938, it was found (empty) by a group of children near an Abermain creek.

1934: Fire Brigade records show that 'George Ferenbach's Self-Service Store' in Weston was severely damaged by fire in 1934. Ferenbach's premises were on the corner of First and Station Sts. Weston.  Fehrenbachs were recorded at this address on the1930 Electoral Roll although there were shop premises on this corner by about 1910.  The Weston Brigade had recently received their new motorised pumper, (No.210 Dennis Tamini, 250 g.p.m) when this fire occurred. Conways later established their store at this site and were eventually followed there by the Co-op Store.

1934: From The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder 7 Sep 1934

Wine Saloon Proprietor

Fined.

AFTER HOURS DELIVERY

        ________

       Charles Edward Edwards, who pleaded guilty at the Kurri Kurri Police Court this week to a charge of having delivered liquor during prohibited hours on 4th August, was fined £2, with '8/- court costs, by Mr. K. A. Mahony, P.M.

Constable E. J. Hillier, of Weston, who related the circumstances, said that on 4th August, at 9.30 p.m., he ?was in company with Constable Miller he saw a man named Joyce talking to Edwards. Later he saw something like a bottle of wino being handed over the fence. Witness followed Joyce, and after a conversation, Joyce said, 'You saw it, constable; it is no use arguing the point.'

When he questioned Edwards, witness said that Edwards replied, ‘I have nothing to say.’

In connection with the same matter, David Joyce pleaded guilty to a charge of having carried away liquor during prohibited hours.

A fine of £1, with ?/- court costs was imposed by Mr. Mahony, P.M.

1934:     Weston Football Club won the State Cup.

1934:     Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup.

1934:      Weston woman, Florence Germyn (Military Pensioner) drowned in the Hunter River at Hexham on 7 Jan 1934  when a boat capsized . She was thrown into the river along with 6-year-old girl Bernice Ellis. Their bodies were not recovered.

1936:         Weston Football  Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.

1936:         Weston Football  Club won the State League Series.

1938: The Newcastle Sun (NSW: 1918 - 1954) / Wed 8 June 1938 

ELECTRICITY CONVERSION

AT WESTON

Weston residents have agreed to have their wireless sets valued by Hebburn Collieries, Ltd., with a view to compensation being paid by the company in consideration for the conversion of the electrical supply from D.C. to A.C. current. The proposal to convert the system to alternating current came as a sequel to complaints over the supply.  Residents north of Swanson-street will be affected.

1938: The 2nd Annual Kurri Kurri Schools' Sports Program was held 29 Jul 1938. Schools participating were Pelaw Main, Weston, Abermain and Kurri Kurri.  The G. Booth Cup for the points score was won by Weston.

1938: The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) / Thu 10 Nov 1938

Weston

PROTEST AGAINST SEWER

A protest against sewering Weston was voiced at a meeting of pensioners in the Soldiers’ Hall.

Mr. J. Pearson presided. Weston was a dying town, it was said. The installation of machinery in the mines had caused unemployment.

In a few years there would not be sufficient employed men to keep the town alive, and the expense of a sewer was not warranted.

The secretary reported that the membership was 181. The hospital board would consider the request that pensioners be granted free admission during all visiting hours. Messrs. Blatherwick and Logan were appointed delegates to a conference at Newcastle on Saturday. Mr. Ball, of Stockton, will address the branch on November 17 on pensioners' unity in the North.

 1939:     Bushfires in many parts of NSW with eight lives lost.   

Temperatures in Sydney reached 113.6 deg.F.  (45.3 deg. C.)

 1939: The Newcastle Sun (NSW: 1918 - 1954) / Wed 18 Jan 1939 

WESTON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hebburn Ltd., suppliers of electricity to Weston, is to be asked to rehabilitate the lighting system in the town. Action was taken by Kearsley Shire Council last night when it was informed by the Department of Works and Local Government that the installation was in an unsatisfactory condition.

"It is considered that an extension of the franchise agreement should not be granted unless the company is prepared to reconstruct its assets and to convert its system to alternating current.” the letter stated.

"The council should, in any case insist upon immediate rectification of the existing unsafe work."

1939: The outbreak of World War II in 1939 brought new challenges and opportunities to Weston. The coal industry, vital to the war effort, saw a temporary resurgence, but the town also felt the war’s toll as many young men enlisted, leaving families and workplaces short-handed. Tragically, mining accidents continued to claim lives, compounding the grief of wartime losses. The community rallied, with women taking on critical roles in local industries and organising support for soldiers abroad, such as knitting drives and care packages. 

1941: Edward John Frame, a Weston fireman since 1913, was made Captain of Weston Fire Brigade 15 Apr 1941.

1941:  Weston Football Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields 20 Sep 1941. They defeated Kearsley 5-1.

1941:   Norman Clyde Eade, aged 13, of Harle Street Weston,  drowned in Hebburn No.2 Colliery dam 1 Sep 1941. This was soon after he wrote 'The Kurri School Song.'   The Cessnock Eagle had the following articles on 9 and 19 Sep 1941:

1942:    A two-roomed cottage occupied by Mrs Smith was destroyed by fire 4 Jan 1942.

1942:    Kearsley Shire Council decided to have all houses numbered in the streets of Weston and Kurri Kurri, 16 Jan 1942.

1942:    Kearsley Shire Council had 49 men employed under the Emergency Relief Scheme constructing Air Raid Shelters in Kurri Kurri, Weston and Abermain 30 Jan 1942.

1942: On 12 Jun 1942, thousands assembled in Weston to witness the funeral to Kurri Kurri Cemetery of Leading Stoker, Sydney William Butcher, killed when the ferry boat Kuttabul was sunk by a Japanese submarine. 

See: WESTON MAN KILLED

1942:     Weston Soccer Club won the Stevenson Cup, the knock-out championship of the Coalfields.

1942:     Captain Norris, after serving from 1935, was replaced by Edward J. Frame as captain of the Weston Fire Brigade.

1943:   Neville Austin, 15, of Weston, was drowned in the Hebburn No.1 dam 24 Jan 1943 while swimming with other boys.

1943: Weston Fire Brigade received a modern Dennis motor fire engine in Nov 1943.

1943:   Mr R. Weston, headmaster of the Weston Public School was notified of his removal to Wyong Central School 16 Dec 1943, whilst his First Assistant, Mr Rowley James Jr.,  was to go to Pelaw Main as headmaster.

1944:   A new Bowling Club had been formed at Weston on land donated by Hebburn Ltd., 20 Apr 1944.

1944:   Police raided the Weston Billiard Room and arrested 31 men with having been found in a common gaming house 28 Apr 1944. All were fined £2  ($4).

1944:    A large scale police raid was made 28 May 1944 on an old-established 'two-up school' in scrub land at Weston.  39 arrests were made.

1944:    Mark Alexander, 80 years of age, drowned 10 Jul 1944 by immersion in water near Kurri Kurri Cemetery following a heart attack.

1945:  Weston Bowling Club gave their greens its first use when they held a progressive rink game 11-12 Aug 1945. 

1945:   A Weston District Workers' Club and Investment Society was formed 1 Sep 1945 and a decision made to acquire premises.

1945:  The Weston Bowling Club's first green was officially opened 6 Oct 1945 by Mr S. McKensey, Superintendant of Hebburn Collieries and Patron of the Club.

1946:     Weston Ladies Bowling Club was formed.

1947:     The Weston Soccer Football Club held a reunion 11 Jul 1947 in the Weston Ambulance Hall which was attended by about 150 stalwarts of the Club.

1947:   The Minister of Lands advised Kearsley Council 26 Aug 1947 that he had granted an application from the Weston Workers Club for a special lease of land near the Weston railway bridge  as a site for club premises.

1948: The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW: 1913 - 1954) / Tue  10 Feb 1948

WESTON A.L.P.

Electricity Supply

In submitting his report to the Weston branch of the A.L.P. regarding the projected electricity supply, Councillor Kemmel outlined the terms and conditions submitted so far by companies supplying Kearsley Shire Council.

During the ensuing discussion it was contended that the suggested monthly reading of metres would not show a concession to the average householder whose monthly, consumption would average about 16 units.

The branch requested Cr. Kemmel to bring this before the Council at Its next meeting with the request that quarterly readings now in operation be retained and that further representations be made to the companies for a shorter period of franchise than 10 years.

1948: The Weston Male Voice Choir had been revived 12 months earlier and made excellent progress throughout the year. Three broadcasts were made over national radio stations.

1948: Weston Pagans Rugby team were Premiers. 

1948: The Hunter Water Board advised Kearsley Council 7 May 1948  that because the revenue returns would be insufficient, it was not possible to extend the sewerage system to Weston and Abermain.

1949: An 'UGLY MAN' competition organised by the Weston Methodist Tennis Club 15 Jul 1949 and raised over £105 [$210] towards the cost of equipping the tennis court with lights.

1950: By 7 Mar 1950, the Weston sub-branch of the RSL now owned its own hall and contemplated adding to the property in the near future as it owned the land available to do so.

1950: A feature of the May Day celebrations at Kurri Kurri on 1 May 1950 was the procession leaving the Post Office and joining up with a procession from Weston and marching to the Pagans football ground  where a sports program was held. See photo below:

1950: The Newcastle Sun (NSW: 1918 - 1954) / Wed 1 Feb 1950 

Weston Electricity

The Electricity Authority has advised Kearsley Council that a report containing recommendations on the supply of electricity to rural areas and to Weston would be forwarded to the council.

A further report on supply of power to the areas now served by Caledonia and J. and A. Brown Abermain-Seaham Collieries would be forwarded later.

Council is to call a special meeting to deal with the reports.

1950: The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW: 1913 - 1954) / Tue 14 Mar 1950

Weston Protest On 

Proposed Electricity Agreement

A protest will be made to Kearsley Shire Council against the proposed electricity supply for that area being concluded with Maitland City Council. This was decided at a public meeting called by the Weston branch of the A.L.P.  The motion, which was carried unanimously, read:-

"We, the ratepayers of Weston township, protest to the Kearsley Shire Council against the proposed electricity supply agreement being concluded with Maitland Municipality.

"We are of the opinion that the people of Weston can best be served by giving a further franchise to

Hebburn Ltd. pending the council being able to take over the whole reticulation in the shire area."

Cr. Cockerill told the meeting he was bound to support the decision carried at the meeting.

1952:   The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW: 1913 - 1954) / Fri 18 Jan 1952

PROGRESS ASSN.

FORMED AT LOXFORD

New Footbridge Wanted

At a recent meeting of Loxford residents, convened by Mr. S. Varney, a progress association was formed.

Mr. G. Wood was elected President, and Mr. N. Wood, Secretary.

The meeting discussed the question of the provision of a footbridge at the bottom of Fourth Street, Weston, above the high water mark so that people living on the opposite side would not be isolated in wet weather.

It was decided to ask that the main bridge, washed away in recent floods, be put in trafficable condition and that the street running past the property of Mr. Bowditch be repaired.

Kearsley Shire Council will also be asked to erect signs at Heddon and Lang Streets, Kurri, and at Hardie's Corner on the Sawyer's Gully Road, showing the way to Loxford.

It was stated that the names such as B Siding and Soldiers' Settlements were misleadling, as the registered name of the township is Loxford.

1952: The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW: 1913 - 1954) / Tue 29 Apr 1952

Anzac March at Weston

Men from World Wars I. and Il.,  as well as Boer War veterans, took part in the march preceding Anzac Day services at Weston. The Weston Town Band, Junior Red Cross, Cubs, Brownies Girl Guides, Scouts and children from the Weston Public School accompanied by teachers, Weston Red Cross, Mother's Club, P. and C. Association and members of other bodies also marched.

The address at the School of Arts was given by the President of the Sub-branch (Mr. W. Wilson). Wreaths were placed on the Roll of Honour by the R.S.L., R.S.L. Women's Auxiliary and Weston Red Cross. The Weston Public School Choir rendered two numbers.

The “Last Post” and "Reveille” were sounded by Mr. T. Prescott. The returned men spent an enjoyable afternoon as guests of the Weston Bowling Club.

1953: The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW: 1913 - 1954) / Tue 20 Oct 1953:

Weston Scouts and Cubs

Visit Glenrock

Twenty-eight scouts and cubs from Weston spent an enjoyable two days at Glenrock last week-end. The weather was perfect and the locality ideal. The camp is owned by the Newcastle Scouts' Association and has a lovely lagoon flowing past while away to the right the ocean rolls in on a nice strip of sand and the boys were soon enjoying surfing and sunbaking. The camp has its own lighting plant, and a stage is set in the bush with electric lighting where visitors hold concerts.

Totem poles are an interesting sight in the bush. The huts are well equipped with double-decker beds, while a hut used as a kitchen is well equipped with stove, refrigerator, and everything that goes for good cooking. The boys were in charge of Messrs. G. Lewis, A. Sneddon, A. Wells, R. Wells, S Hazelwood and V. Pate. The boys voted the weekend one of the best ever. 

1953: The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW: 1913 - 1954) / Tue 1 Dec 1953:

Weston Scout News

It was reported to the last meeting of the Weston Scouts' Committee that bags had been received from the Weston Sub-branch of the R.S.L, and the Weston Workers' Club.

It was also reported that the manager of Hebbu:n No. 1 Colliery had presented the scouts with a leather ambulance bag and leather flag holders. The gifts were accepted with thanks.

The meeting decided to hold a Children's Christmas Party at the Weston Ambulance Hall on December 15. The hall will be gaily decorated for the occasion and invitations will be extended to Scout Commissioner Ian Stewart, Messrs. Clifford and Lindsay and a representative of the Cessnock Committee.

Members extended their sympathy to the Secretary (Mr. V. Pate) on the death of his father and to Mrs. Hughes on the death of her father. t was reported that the recent cake stall at Weston resulted in a satisfactory return.

ELECTRICITY post 1957:

The Hebburn No. 2 powerhouse electricity energy was never interlocked in a grid with J. & A. Brown Abermain - Seaham Company and Caledonian Collieries powerhouses. Following the formation in 1957 of the Hunter Valley County Council, Hebburn No. 2 powerhouse supplied its surplus power into NSW State electric power grid. At the time of this introduction, Hebburn No. 2 powerhouse had an output of about 3000 kW (or 3 megawatts) and one third of this went into the State grid. After the Coal and Allied Limited purchase of Hebburn Collieries Limited from Boral Limited in 1967, a cross-country pole transmission line linked Hebburn No. 2.    [John Delaney,  A HISTORY OF THE GRETA COAL MEASURES:  Hebburn No 2]