A Years Progress: May 1904

Nestled in the heart of the South Maitland coalfields, the township of Weston emerged at the turn of the 20th century as a burgeoning hub of industry and community life, fuelled by the rapid expansion of nearby collieries such as Hebburn and Abermain. This 1904 article from the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate offers a vivid glimpse into the town’s formative year, capturing the optimism, challenges, and entrepreneurial spirit that defined its birth. As coal mining drew workers and families to the region, Weston quickly evolved from a subdivided estate into a vibrant residential and commercial centre, poised to rival neighboring Kurri Kurri. The following excerpt highlights the infrastructure, businesses, and civic efforts that laid the foundation for what would become a key part of Australia’s mining heritage.  See also:  Services & Establishments  and Then & Now.

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate reported on Weston's progress in the edition dated 24 May 1904:

WESTON

A YEAR'S PROGRESS.

     'The rapid progress that has been made during the past six months by the A.A. Company in the development of Hebburn Colliery, and by the Seaham Company in the development of its Abermain Colliery, have justified the predictions of those who forecasted that the township of Weston would become the rival of Kurri Kurri in the South Maitland coal-field. Centrally situated in that field, on the Aberdare railway, at a point about ten miles from West Maitland, and lying within a few hundred yards of Hebburn Colliery, and within less than two miles of Abermain and Pelaw Main collieries, it should become a convenient residential centre for miners who have invested in building sites. It lies between Deep Creek, the Aberdare railway, and a Government road, and its southern boundary is within a half mile of Kurri Kurri.

The streets, which are one chain wide, extend north and south and east and west. Those running north and south are Weston, Hall, Station, and Kline streets, the others being named from First to Tenth streets, with two others, Swanson and Aberdare. An esplanade extends along the creek, and has a width of about ten feet. The streets are almost in a primitive condition, but as the population increases they must be cleared and made. Station and Aberdare streets have been partly cleared, but they require forming. The residents are at a disadvantage so far as a Government road is concerned, and are agitating for the construction of a good metal road to connect the township with Kurri Kurri. Opinions are divided as to the route which this road should take. Some residents favour the extension of Aberdare-street to Kurri Kurri, while members of the Progress Committee advocate the extension of Swanson street so that the main road would pass through the heart of the township. The route is, however, a matter of detail; but it should not be decided upon before a conference between the Progress Committee and the Public Works officer in charge of the district roads.

The townshlp is part of an estate, the property of the Weston family, and is subdivided into 558 allotments, about 360 of which have been sold. At the first sale, which was held at West Maitland, on the 4th April,1903 by Messrs Creer and Berkeley of Newcastle, the allotments averaged about £24, per acre, the lowest price being £8, and the highest £250. At the second sale, conducted by the same auctioneers, on the 31st October, 1903, the allotments averaged from £10 to £24. Since then private sales show that the allotments have increased in value from 10 to 50 per cent, while some of the owners have not been tempted by an offer of 100 per cent on the original purchase money.

Within the past few weeks a number of allotments have changed ownership at prices ranging from £32 to £65. Of the unsold allotments, which have all been withdrawn from the market, there are many occupying sites on the ridge which commands a splendid view of the surrounding country. The allotments within easy distance of the railway are sought for by business men, but those who are anxious to commence business in the township should hesitate or they will provide a supply which will far exceed the demand. Newcastle and Maitland business houses have a large connection in the district, but there are local stores to meet the convenience of the people. 

The Business People 

The business places are as follows: -

• General stores:  W. Gillon;  W. Walters, and Hockey 

• Butcher:  T.J. Fogarty

• Baker:  A. Henderson 

• Blacksmith:   H. J. Bickerton 

• Hairdressers:   Donnelly, Hoban, Panton and Blake 

• Auctioneer:  W. Morgan, who is also local agent for the "Newcastle Morning Herald". 

The Criterion Hotel, at the corner of Aberdare and Station streets, is a fine building. It was built by Mr. James Jones, formerly of Newcastle, and contains 27 well-ventilated rooms, the walls being plastered, and the ceiling being of ornamental steel. A spacious balcony extends along both frontages, and the fittings throughout are of the most modern type. Mr. Jones has also erected a cottage and a small shop near the hotel. He has plans prepared for the erection of a commodious store on the corner opposite his hotel. 

There are in all about 100 cottages in the township, and a number are in course of erection. Some are of very neat villa design, and nearly all are commodious and substantial. There is a great demand for three or four-roomed cottages, which would command a rental of from 6s to 8s per week. A three roomed cottage can be built for about £70, and would command a rental of 6s per week. There are many well situated lots lying idle while numbers of families are waiting for houses at a moderate rental. Mr. A. Hall has erected five handsome cottages: Mr.Turnbull is arranging for the erection of three; Mr. Burt for three; Mr. Hughes for two; and the Weston family intend at an early date to build about twenty. Mr. Turnbull has commenced the erection of a commodious buildling, which will serve as a hall.

The Methodists, with true missionary zeal, have decided to build a church on an allotment, in Section 18, near the public school site. Mr, John Champion has erected substantial stables and outhouses at the rear of the site, on the corner of Hall and Aberdare streets, upon which he Intends to build a fine hotel at a cost of about £2500. The foundations of the hotel are being constructed by Mr. E. Bartley, who will supervise the whole work. Mr. Champion intends to build a large hall at a cost of £400. 

The local police station is in First street, and is in charge of Mounted Constable Reen, formerly of Kempsey. 

The railway station is a weatherboard structure, with station master's office, a general waiting room, and a ladies' room. The goods-shed is galvanised iron and timber. The platform is about 150 feet long and 60 feet wide, and is built up of earth with gravel surface to a height of about three feet, the face on the railway being In concrete. Mr. Donald Campbell is stationmaster. The railway business at the station is very extensive, as it includes the passenger and goods traffic and the coal trains from Hebburn and Abermain. 

Ten allotments in section 18, between Fifth and Sixth streets and the Esplanade have been secured by the Government as a site for a Public School, but although letters have been received from the Department of Public Instruction, stating that the tender of Mr. H. Russell had been accepted, that contractor has received no instructions to proceed with the work. There are over 150 children in the locality, and it is to be deeply regretted that repeated applications have failed to induce the department to have the erection of the school proceeded with.

The post-office and money order office is in charge of Mr. W. Walters, a local store keeper, but the addition to the office of a savings bank would be welcomed by the people. After repeated applications made through Mr. John Gillies, M.P., by the Progress Committee, the Postmaster-General has decided to open a telephone office in the township without asking for a guarantee from the residents. 

The extension of mains of the Hunter District Water Supply and Sewerage Board to Weston would he a great public convenience, but nothing can be done by the Board until a road between Kurri Kurri and Weston is dedicated and opened up. 

The general progress of the township is attended to by a Progress Committee, of which Mr.Maurice Williams is president, and Mr. W. Walters secretary. Other native members are Messrs. E, Butler, G. Payne, W. Allan, and W. Morgan.'

This contemporary account from 1904 underscores Weston’s remarkable transformation within a single year, from raw land to a self-sustaining township brimming with potential. The article not only documents the practical advancements—such as land sales, emerging businesses, and calls for essential infrastructure like roads and schools—but also reveals the communal drive embodied by the Progress Committee and early residents. In retrospect, these early strides reflect the resilience and ambition that characterised Australia’s coalfield communities, shaping Weston’s identity amid the industrial boom. Today, as we preserve this heritage, such insights remind us of the human stories behind the growth of regional towns, inviting reflection on how these humble beginnings continue to influence the cultural and historical fabric of the Hunter Valley.