Weston Station Sensation

WESTON STATION SENSATION

Early during the month of March, 1906, the town of Weston was thrown into considerable excitement over the disappearance of their local railway station-master, Donald Campbell.

All manner of sensational rumours circulated in connection with this disappearance.

Some days earlier, Campbell had applied for a week's leave of absence, so that he could take a holiday with his family. His application to the East Greta Company was refused.

Campbell then reapplied, stated that as he intended to send his wife and children on a much needed trip, that he might be allowed to at least accompany them as far as Maitland.

The Company was generous on this occasion, granting him permission to travel only as far as Maitland, on the 12.50 p.m. Train of Friday, March 9, 1906. However, they stipulated that he must return by the 2.15 p.m. train to Weston.

Campbell failed to return, and was not seen again. With no explanation for his going missing the company became suspicious.

Accordingly, an examination of the station-master's books was made, and it was alleged that a shortage in his accounts was found. In view of this fact, a warrant was taken out at Maitland the following day for his arrest.

Since his movements after leaving Maitland that afternoon could not be determined, the mystery deepened even further.

An examination of the books continued throughout the following week, and finally the missing funds were found to total £40 – a lot of money for those days.

As details of the embezzlement became known, a number of Weston residents came forward to say that Campbell owed them various sums of money, mainly arising from business transactions.

Since Donald Campbell, through his duties as the local station-master, was well known and popular, it was hoped that he might turned himself in to the police, and clear up all the allegations made against him.

On Friday, March 22, 1906, it was announced that Donald Campbell had been arrested in Wellington, not New South Wales, but New Zealand. He had certainly done a runner.

Senior-Constable Dolman, of West Maitland, was sent to New Zealand to bring Campbell back to Australia, where he would be charged with theft and embezzlement.

It seems that our pioneer police force always got their man, not even the thought of expensive travel fees having to be paid for overseas travel got in their way. How the times have changed.

 [Transcribed for the Weston History and Heritage website by Mélissa Martin]