Founding of Weston: A Coal Mining Legacy

“In a coal-mining village, the bonds are forged as strong as the coal they pulled from the earth,

uniting hearts in unbreakable community.”

~Unknown

Above: Station Street Weston looking south towards the railway - before 1909

There was no water tank at the railway station at this stage.

The 2-storey Criterion Hotel is on the right. The Olympia was not yet built.

The white picket fence on the left (corner of First and Station Streets) is where a very early Cordial Factory was located.

~ Coalfields Heritage Group

Weston, NSW, is a former coal-mining town born in the early 20th century in the heart of the Hunter Valley. From its humble beginnings as a private township established on the estate of James Weston, the village grew rapidly around the Hebburn Colliery, drawing hardy Geordie miners and their families from England’s north and beyond. These pioneers, through grit and enterprise, transformed a rugged landscape into a thriving community, laying the foundations for a town rich in history and courage.

This is the first of our series of Timeline pages that conclude in 2020. This page chronicles Weston’s formative years up to 1910, capturing the spirit of a growing township marked by innovation and determination. From the establishment of an energetic Progress Committee, the railway siding in 1903 that connected Weston to the bustling coal trade, to the opening of the first school in 1905 and the iconic Criterion Hotel, these early milestones shaped a close-knit community that faced challenges like typhoid fever and the smallpox outbreak. They forged a legacy of progress. Dive into the tales of pioneer families, like the Edwards who planted the region’s first vineyards, and explore the roots of a town that continues to beat with a big heart.

Above: A Picnic at 'Tumbleby' (Mount Tomalpin) - c.1910

Back Row: 2nd from left: Veronica Berry (Higginbottom); 6th: Billy McNabb.

Middle Row: 6th & 7th from left: Maud Jaeger (Berry) and Edward 'Ted' Berry.

Front Row: 1st from left: Jane Berry (Harper).

~ Janet Myers Richardson

THE CORDIAL FACTORY

These images were taken from the publication:

THE HISTORY OF CESSNOCK

AERATED WATER MANUFACTURERS

By Tony McCarthy, Kevin Robinson.

It states in this publication that the James Cordial Factory was on the corner of Station and Second Streets, Weston.

The factory was actually situated on the corner of Station and First Streets, Weston. The location is marked by the white picket fence on the left in the photograph at the top of this page.

~ Via Ean Smith

THE NEW COALFIELDS

THE BEGINNING

1903: The Maitland Daily Mercury advertised 9 Jan 1903:

'LOCAL & GENERAL ITEMS

THE NEW COALFIELDS - TO SPECULATORS AND BUSINESSMEN

A map showing the position of the Weston Estate sub-division in the immense new coal field can be seen for a few days at the W.A. Kline's jewellery establishment, High Street. Sale the end of February.'

1903: Hebburn No. 1 Colliery commenced coal operations 20 Jan 1903:

'The railway being constructed from Aberdare Junction to Cessnock township, under the provisions of the Aberdare Railway Act, dated 27th December 1901, had reached Hebburn Colliery on Tuesday 20th January 1903. The first trainload of Hebburn coal production was despatched on Friday 24th May 1903.' [A detailed history of Hebburn No. 1 Colliery can be found at the Newcastle Regional Museum website.]

Above: The Criterion Hotel, Weston NSW

Cnr. of Aberdare Street (now Cessnock Road) and Station Street Weston

~Newcastle Region Library

1903: The Maitland Daily Mercury reported 21 Dec 1903 that James Jones had obtained a publican’s licence. He later constructed the Criterion Hotel on his land in Weston (see above) for the sum of £1000-0-0 ($2000.00).

See: Middies & Memories

The newspaper made the comment that there was usually some reluctance to buy land in ‘Private Townships’, but that the number of buyers on the Saturday and the briskness of the sales, showed that there were many businessmen who looked forward to a big future for the Weston subdivision.

Above: A humpy - another early dwelling on the Hebburn estate.

Tent-style accommodation abounded on the Hebburn Estate where 250 men were employed to cart clay from the railway cutting to strengthen the dam wall.

~ Brian J Andrews, The Pioneering Days of the Coalfields No.1, Coalfields Heritage Group

THE WESTON ESTATE - SALE OF 588 BUILDING BLOCKS

1903: The development of Weston received a boost on 28 Feb 1903 when the following advertisement appeared in the Newcastle Morning Herald:

AUCTION SALES

THE WESTON ESTATE

SITUATE IN THE CENTRE

OF THE MAITLAND COALFIELDS

588 Building Blocks

Adjoining A.A.C.’s Hebburn Colliery and the Aberdare Colliery, and close to the Pelaw Main, Stanford Merthyr and Heddon Greta Collieries.

Splendid Business and Residential Sites.

Streets are 66 and 99 feet wide, and the lanes 20 feet wide.

This estate fronts the main Government Road and has been judiciously laid out by Mr Surveyor Hall.

On SATURDAY, April 4th, at the Town Hall, West Maitland.

Commencing at 11.30 a.m.

TITLE PERFECT

Litho Plans are now being prepared, and will be ready in the course of a few days. Call or send for one.

Terms: 1/4 cash Deposit, balance in 5 years.

CREER and BERKELEY have received instructions from the Proprietors to sell by auction, on SATURDAY, April 4th. at the Town Hall, West Maitland, at 11.30a.m.

THE ABOVE ESTATE

Solicitors to the Vendors,

Messrs. R.W. THOMPSON & SON,

West Maitland.

1903: The Maitland Daily Mercury reported the sale results on the 6 April 1903:

151 blocks sold: Gross £3,758-0-0 ($7516.00)

Average: £ 24-17-9 ($49.80)

The lowest price was £8-0-0 ($16.00)

Two blocks on the corner of Aberdare Street (Cessnock Road) and Station Street saw brisk bidding:

1st: £200-0-0 ($400.00) to Mr James Jones of Newcastle

2nd:£250-0-0 ($500.00) to Mr James Jones of Newcastle

An adjoining property in Station Street sold to the same buyer for £80-0-0 ($160.00).

1903: Just two weeks after the land auction, the Maitland Daily Mercury ran an advertisement on 18 Apr 1903, offering the remaining blocks for private sale:

Miners and all classes of Workmen should accept the Opportunity of securing Cheap Freeholds.

Weston Estate: Allotments for Private Sale

Liberal Terms

¼ Cash; Bal. at 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 years with 5 percent

Plans showing Lots for Sale at

Hill’s Angel Inn

High Street

West Maitland

1903: A call for Tenders appeared 21 Apr 1903 in the Maitland Daily Mercury:

TENDERS

'To CARPENTERS and BUILDERS. --TENDERS are invited for the ERECTION and COMPLETION of a 5 ROOMED DWELLING, with SHOP, on the Weston Estate, near Hebburn Colliery. Particulars from W. Walters, West Wallsend, to whom tenders must be sent, or sketch and specification can be seen at Mr. Joe Jones', Pelaw Main. Tenders close May 1st. No tender necessarily accepted. 1713'

A POST OFFICE FOR WESTON TOWNSHIP

Walters Store and Post Office in Station Street Weston NSW - early 1900s

Above: Walters Store and Post Office on the corner of Station and Third Streets Weston NSW c.1904

~Newcastle Region Library - WH Weston Family Collection.

In the photograph of Walter's store (above) the sign near the door at the far left shows it was the Post Office.

1903: On Saturday, Jan. 16, 1903, the Maitland Daily Mercury advertised under LOCAL AND GENERAL:

A POST OFFICE FOR WESTON TOWNSHIP

'The following communication has been received by Dr. F. Liddell, Federal representative of the Hunter electorate, from the Post Master General's Department in Sydney regarding the establishment of a Post Office at Weston in the Maitland coalmining district:- "General Post Office, Sydney, Jan. 14, 1903. Sir, - I have the honour to inform you that it has been decided to establish a post office at Weston, near West Maitland, on the 25th instant, under the charge of Mr. William Walters, who will also convey mails to and from the railway station and post office at that place. I am to add that arrangements have been made with the East Greta Coalmining Company, Limited, to carry the mails for the new office to and from West Maitland daily by train. I have etc., G.P.Unwin, Acting Deputy Postmaster General. Dr. F. Liddell, M.P. West Maitland.'

1903: The Newcastle Morning Herald reported on 8 July 1903 that fifteen substantial houses had already been erected in Weston and another four were under construction. Others buildings were planned including a shop and a six-roomed residence. Two stores and a bakery were under construction for Mr Walters of West Wallsend. They were to commence baking in August 1903.

Gillon's Store at Weston NSW - early 1900s

Above: Gillon's Store c.1904

WH Weston Family Collection.

~Newcastle Region Library

1903: The same edition of the Newcastle Morning Herald (8 Jul 1903) also announced that a railway siding from the existing Aberdare Colliery and Railway Company line to the site of the proposed Weston Station house was also under construction. By September, a site on the eastern side of Station Street adjoining the Aberdare Railway was being prepared for Weston Station. The railway line through to Cessnock was completed in 1904. This line provided for the efficient transport of coal from the collieries to the coal loader in the port of Newcastle. It also paved the way for a passenger rail service. By 1 Sep 1903, passenger trains from the Coalfields ran all the way into West Maitland and not just to the East Greta Junction, where previously all passengers had to walk along the line to West Maitland.

WESTON PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

1903: The Weston Progress Committee was elected 14 Jul 1903. The executive were:

(Pres) Morris Williams; (Sec) W Walters; (Treas) Mr Butler;
(Committee): J Jones; George Payne; George Gillard; William Allen; Steve Hubbock.
The estate owners granted the Weston township land to build a School of Arts and the Progress Committee were advocating for a Post Office and school since the nearest school was two miles away.

1903: On 25th Jul 1903 the Department of Public Instruction purchased land from James Weston and Jane Swanson for £100 ($200) for construction of a school consisting of a single classroom, a small hat room and an open verandah.

1903: The Maitland Daily Mercury reported on 7 August 1903 that the Australian Agricultural Company had a telephone line under construction from Newcastle, via West Maitland, Kurri Kurri and then connecting to Hebburn Estate.

1903: Police population figures reported 12 Sep 1903 showed that the population of Hebburn (not yet called Weston), was 150.

SECOND SALE OF 150 ALLOTMENTS

1903: On 12 Sep 1903, Creer and Berkeley were advertising the sale of a further 150 blocks of land and two farms at Weston in the Newcastle Morning Herald. The Sale was to be conducted 31 October 1903 at West Maitland:

Second Sale of 150 Well Situated Allotments

To be offered at West Maitland

Two Farms

1 x 12 Acres 1 x 20 Acres

In close proximity to Aberdare Railway

Terms: ¼ Cash Bal: 6, 12, 18, 24 months at five percent

103 Allotments to be offered with frontages to Swanson Street, Government Road and Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Streets.

Upset Prices

Section 13 fronting Swanson Street: £15-0-0 ($30.00) per block

Section 13 fronting Fourth Street: £13-0-0 (26.00) per block

Sections 14, 15, 16 fronting Fourth Street: £12-0-0 ($24.00) per block

Sections 15 & 16 fronting Fifth Street: £10-0-0 ($20.00) per block

Sections 17 & 18 fronting Fifth & Sixth Streets: £10-0-0 ($20.00) per block

Terms

¼ Cash Bal: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years at five percent

Title Perfect

Creer & Berkeley

1903: The Newcastle Morning Herald informed readers on 12 Sep 1903 that:

Mr Hall had cleared four allotments ready to erect four cottages.
Mr W Morgan had established an agency for the Newcastle Herald in Third Street and delivered papers to subscribers at Weston, Hebburn and Abermain.
There were no religious services established yet, but Rev. Fletcher Clifton, Circuit Missionary, was to conduct a Methodist service at Mr Walter’s residence where a Sunday School had already been established. As shown in William Walters' letter (following), the need for a public school in Weston had become a matter of urgency.

Application letter for establishment of Weston Public School - Weston NSW early 1900s

Above: Application for establishment of Weston Public School

WESTON - A YEAR'S PROGRESS

1904: What was achieved in Weston in a year was remarkable. The following report is recommended reading

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. Read more...

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.'

1904: In Jan 1904, the population of Hebburn Estate was 340, and the Weston Estate, 203.

1904:

'The first co-operative society to be formed in the new Coalfields area began operations at Kurri Kurri in 1904. At that time, Kurri Kurri was still very much a raw frontier town, with many crude hessian and canvas dwellings, few formed streets, neither school nor church, and not even a permanent post office. By mid-1904 the Kurri Kurri Co-operative Society was already established, with 61 members and a share capital of £161...'

On 25 Jan 1904, the people of Weston were advised of the impending establishment of a Post Office under the charge of William Walters. Prior to this, residents had to walk to Kurri Kurri or Pelaw Main to access postal services.

King's Birthday Sports Picnic in 1904 at Weston NSW i

Information on the Picnic Ground from Coalfields Heritage Group:

'The picnic ground was a place where the people of Weston would congregate around the early 1900's. The track to Abermain at that time, before roads were laid, went from very near the position of the hospital today, down around Hebburn No.1 then on to Abermain. The track to the picnic ground started in about the same place and traversed the bushland out to what was known as the picnic ground, adjacent to Bromages farm (no longer there). It was alongside the creek that feeds Hebburn Dam. Access today has been lost due to development of the Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ). The picnic ground would have been close to the southeast corner of the horse paddock.'

SLY GROG SELLING AT WESTON

1904: MAITLAND DAILY MERCURY

THURSDAY JANUARY 28, 1904

WEST MAITLAND POLICE COURT

SLY GROG SELLING AT WESTON

George Doughty, 29, a wheeler, was charged with having sold a bottle of whisky, contrary to the provisions of the Liquor Act of 1898, at Weston, on Saturday last. He pleaded guilty, but said he was ignorant of the law. – Sub-inspector Sykes said defendant had stolen the whisky, and had sold it to a publican for 3s. – Doughty was fined £30, or 3 months. Click to read more...

Stealing. – George Doughty was further charged with having, at Weston, on Saturday last, stolen a bottle of whisky, valued at 3s, the property of John Simpson. – William Jones, son of the licensee of the Criterion Hotel, Weston, had sold Simpson a bottle of Gaelic whisky, two bottles of McEwan’s ale, and some drinks, on Saturday last. Simpson was the worse for liquor. Doughty was in the bar at the time. Later, defendant came in, and produced a bottle of whisky. He said he and his mate were dry, and the whisky was no good to them. He offered to sell the bottle for 3s. Jones gave him that sum for the whisky. Cuthbert Davidson had seen Doughty take a bottle of whisky out of Simpson’s pocket at the two-up school. – James Jones, licensee of the hotel, had seen Doughty with the whisky. Jones said – “that is Simpson’s.” Accused replied – “Simpson is a pal of mine” – At this stage Doughty said - “I plead guilty.”

He was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, the 3 sentences to be cumulative-ten months in all. Doughty made several appeals for leniency, and went away fuming and cursing, his Worship saying he could not see his way to make sentences concurrent. Such men as accused said the Police magistrate, were a pest to the community, - Doughty had committed a savage assault upon Constable Dolman, but, in the circumstances, Sub-inspector Sykes said they would not proceed with that charge.

(The Police Magistrate alone adjudicated in the above case.)

~ Coalfields Heritage Group

1904 - Fatalities at Hebburn Colliery

Melville Simpson

THE FIRST WESTON SCHOOL

Above: Station Street Weston NSW early 1900s

~Coalfields Heritage Group

Looking north, Weston's first school is the white building, centre, in far distance. On the left side of the photograph, the first shop seen would be the butchery that was on the corner of First street where the Commonwealth Bank was later built. Other shops are seen further north on the corner of Second Street.

On the right side of the photo looking north can be seen a fence on the corner of First Street where the cordial factory was established. On the opposite corner is Ferenbach's (later Conways and others) and the next is Mark Murdoch's original store before he moved to his Emporium on the corner of Station Street and Aberdare Street (now Cessnock Road). Another building is next to Murdoch's then further north can be seen the shops once occupied by Reeds then later Jock and Mary Stewart. Jock Stewart Park is on that site today. Beyond those buildings, with the steep roof is the Methodist Church.

WESTON STATION SENSATION

1906: '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....' See Weston Station Sensation and Weston Railway Station

1906:

'The Aberdare Hotel was the scene of a daring burglary at about three o'clock in the morning of Tuesday, April 17, 1906. About £2 was taken from the cash register, and the safe containing £75 in notes, gold and silver, in addition to valuable papers, was dragged outside, where it was blown open with explosives...' See Daring Weston Safe Robbery

1906: A five-roomed shop and dwelling in Fourth Street, Weston owned by Mr William McIlvene was destroyed by fire 5 Jun 1906.

1906: The need for a Weston Volunteer Fire brigade was highlighted 13 Jul 1906 as almost all homes were built of timber. There were volunteers but no funds.

1906: To raise funds for the Weston Volunteer Fire Brigade a social was held in Weston's King's Hall. Captain Wilson and most of the firemen attended.

1906: Cessnock Express and Mining and Farming Representative (NSW: 1905 - 1910; 1925 - 1928) / Sat 29 Sept 1906

District News.

SAWYER'S GULLY.

On Saturday last Mr. M. Charlton, M P., opened the public school library in the presence of a large gathering of residents and visitors. The school was decorated with flowers and ever-greens, and the Union Jack was flying from the flagstaff in the schoolground Mr. G. E. Edwards occupied the chair at the function, and, in opening the proceedings, apologised for the absence of Mr. Friend, School Inspector. Mr. Charlton, in declaring the library open, delivered a brief address on the advantages of education, and eulogised the teacher (Mr Conn). Mr. Conn, in responding, thanked Mr. Charlton for opening the library and the kind reference to himself; and then stated when he took charge the school roll stood at 13, now at 45. The proceedings concluded with cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Charlton, Mr. Conn, and the chairman.

The weather is beautiful. The country around is green and fresh, and the cultivation plots never looked better.

The Shire elections are occasionally mentioned here, but we have not aspired to nominating a candidate yet. Perhaps our Progress Committee wili be sending one or two to the post.

1906 - Fatalities at Hebburn Colliery

James Henry Swinton

1907: Three Weston football clubs were formed in 1907; Weston Advance, Weston United and Weston Albions. The Bears are also credited as being founded in 1907 by coalminers who worked at the Hebburn Colliery.

1907: In 1907, registrations of births, deaths and marriages for Kurri Kurri, Stanford Merthyr and Pelaw Main could be made at the Kurri Kurri Court House; however those for Weston and Abermain had to be lodged at West Maitland.

HEBBURN SUBDIVISION WESTON

~ Archives Program, Australian National University

1907 - Fatalities at Hebburn Colliery

Hugh McLean

THE WESTON ESTATE - SALE OF THIRD SUBDIVISION

Above: James Weston's Preliminary Notice of the Subdivision and Sale

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate 19 Jun 1908

~Trove ~ Peter Williams

1908: The Weston Estate. Sale of Third Subdivision by Creer & Berkeley 19 Sep 1908.

Sale Poster for the Weston Estate Third Subdivision 19 Sep 1908 Venue: Garrett's Hotel, which later became the Criterion Poster from Noel Butlin Archive Centre ANU Canberra ~ Ed Tonks

Above: Sale Poster for the Weston Estate Third Subdivision 19 Sep 1908

Venue: Garrett's Hotel ( later became the Criterion). Garrett was licensee from 22 Dec 1906 to 22 Dec 1910.

Poster from Noel Butlin Archive Centre ANU Canberra

~ Ed Tonks

ST. MARY'S ANGLICAN CHURCH

St Mary's Church of England First St Weston NSW - Erected 1908

Above: St Mary's Anglican Church

First St Weston - Erected 1908

~ Coalfields Heritage Group

St Mary's Church of England Rectory Weston NSW. Purchased by the Church in 1920

Above: The Rectory

Purchased by the Church 1920

~ Coalfields Heritage Group

Interior of St Mary's Anglican Church Weston NSW 1910

Above: Interior of St Mary's Anglican Church 1910

~ Coalfields Heritage Group

1908: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) / Sat 14 Nov 1908

WESTON.

The dog watch committee will meet at Jewell's Hotel this afternoon, at 3 o’clock, to deal with protest in connection with the recent sports meeting at Cessnock.

The Weston Progress Committee has decided to ask for an estimate of the cost of lighting the business houses and streets of the town by electric light.

The committee does not favour the proposal to have abattoirs established in the district.

1909: Cessnock Express and Mining and Farming Representative (NSW: 1905 - 1910; 1925 - 1928) / Sat 27 Feb 1909

SAWYER'S GULLY.

At a meeting of residents on Monday night, it was decided to make an effort to get Mr. A. Apthorpe a mechanical foot. Mr. Apthorpe, it will be remembered, lost his foot some months ago the result of a railway accident at East Maitland.
The grape crop, which is now being gathered, is not so good as that of the past two years, yet it is more than fair. The manufacture of wine in now proceeding.
Since the rains, the roads are in a better condition than for sometime past. The rain has had a good effect likewise on vegetables. The country is looking well; grass is plentiful and water abundant.

1909: The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW: 1894 - 1939) / Thu 8 July 1909

DISTRICT NEWS LETTERS.

(From our Correspondents.)

SAWYER’S GULLY.

Many of the residents are employed at Hebburn Colliery, which only worked one day for the last pay, owing to a dispute between the management and eployees. However, the opportunity has been seized to improve their selections by pruning orchards, vineyards, clearing, etc. They are to be commended for their industry, which should be a stimulus to others "to go and do likewise," thus spending profitably any idle days at the mines. In common with other parts of the district splendid rains have fallen, followed by bleak westerly winds, which are very trying on poor stock. An early spring may be expected, as the acacias are beginning to bloom.

The Cessnock Shire Council is calling for tenders for road work in Major's Lane, which is sadly in need of repairs in many places.

July 7.

1909: Fatalities at Hebburn Colliery

Richard Walsh

Weston Methodist Church Sunday School Picnic - Weston NSW

Above: Weston Methodist Church Sunday School Picnic

~Coalfields Heritage Group

Above: Station Street Weston looking south - before 1909

~ Coalfields Heritage Group

This photograph is looking south, and the horse and cart is at the intersection of Station and First Streets.

On the left side were: two General Stores; a Stationer & State Savings Bank; Bicycle Shop; Butcher and a Cordial Factory (James Bros. then later Ellis).

On the right side, Jenkins Hotel (the Criterion) is the two-storey building. The building with the awning near the Criterion is a block of three shops.

At the time this photograph was taken, other businesses in this block between Aberdare Street (Cessnock Road) and First Street on the same side as the Criterion, are believed to have been: a Hairdresser/Billiard Room; Fruiterer & Confectioner; a Draper; Butcher and a Bootmaker.

The Olympia and the brick Post Office on the corner of Station and First Sts., were not yet built. However, the Olympia was constructed by 1914. The A.A.Co. water tower is not in the photograph; it is said to have been installed after 1909. However, the flat roof of the explosives factory can be seen in the far distance along with what looks like steam from a train.

FIRST WESTON FIRE STATION

The Weston NSW Fire Station was officially opened with much celebration 17 Feb 1909. Hose reel at the side of the building.

Above: Weston's first Fire Station 1909

~Coalfields Heritage Group

The Weston Fire Station was officially opened with much celebration on 17 Feb 1909. Note the hose reel (named 'Sunbeam') at the side of the station that the firemen used to pull around town to extinguish fires. See Weston Fire Brigade

The Maitland Weekly Mercury (NSW: 1894 (-1931) / Sat 3 Apr 1909:

WESTON

The scheme for the lighting of the township of Weston by electricity was advanced another stage on Wednesday, when a deputation from the Progress Association comprising Messrs. W. Morgan (president); R. Jarvis (secretary), and A. A. Thomas. (treasurer) interviewed Mr. R. A. Harle, manager Hebburn colliery. Mr. Harle submitted a list of prices for supplying the current from the colliery plant, and promised to give any further information required. The price list will be considered at the association's next meeting, and provided it is satisfactory to the residents the company will be asked to commence the installation forthwith.

The band-master of the Hebburn Colliery Brass Band: (Mr. A: Rae) was recently presented with a silver-mounted conductor's baton on behalf of the members of the band. The presentation was made by Mr. A. Burns, secretary Hebburn miners' lodge, who referred to the ability of Mr. Rae as a conductor, as a result of which the band had gained a prize at the Maitland contest. Nothing had been too much trouble for Mr. Rae, who had done much self-sacrificing work on behalf of the band. He trusted he would long be spared to wield the baton, and that he would again lead the band to victory, Messrs. J. Snedden (treasurer) and J. Lang (librarian) were also made the recipients of suitably-inscribed gold medals, in recognition of past services to the band.

1910: Fatalities at Hebburn Colliery

William Pollock

1910: Cessnock Express and Mining and Farming Representative (NSW: 1905 - 1910; 1925 - 1928) / Sat 9 Apr 1910

Sawyer's Gully.

It is to be regretted there will not be a polling booth here on the 13th inst, for the Federal Elections. Why this should be, everybody is at a loss to know, for within a two mile radius of our Post Office, there are fully eighty voters. We predict that many will not record their votes in consequence of having to travel long distances.
In the near future, residents will enjoy the use of the telephone as almost all details in connection with the construction of same are completed at the Post Office. This has been a long felt want, and needless to state will he greatly appreciated.
Mr. W. Kearsley's many local friends were pleased to learn of that gentlemen being elected unopposed for Northumberland Electorate and join in offering hearty congratulations.
It is only a matter of a short time, comparitivly speaking, when a bridge will be constructed over Deep Creek, thereby connecting Sawyer's Gully and Abermain by a direct route. The best thanks of the residents are due to Councillors Lonsdale and Johns, also Mr. G. E Edwards who have [been] working indefatigably in obtaining a grant of £270 from the Minister of Works for the construction of the above mentioned bridge.

April 4, 1910.

WESTON EXPLOSIVES CO., MANUFACTURERS OF 'WESTONITE'

1910: Weston Explosives Co., advertised as a New Business in Dun's Gazette for New South Wales, Vol.4 No.26 on 26 Dec., 1910:

Weston Explosives Co., Weston, manufacturrers of "Westonite".

Further information on Weston's explosives factory from Ean Smith:

This company became known as Federal Explosives and in some reports, Southern Explosives. They manufactured both 'Westonite' and 'Stanfordite'. The factory was situated between the Weston Bowling Club site and the Weston Railway Station. It operated from the early 1900s and by 1920 it had closed. There are no known photos of the site.

1910: The Infants Department of the Weston Public School was established. At this time the school had seven teachers and 377 pupils. The extant Infants School building is dated 1928.

1910: By 1910, Weston had developed a considerable business centre around two streets, Aberdare Street (Cessnock Road) and Station Street.

Station Street Weston c.1908-10? Looking north on Station St., Weston NSW, the awning of Goulds Timber is in the near foreground. These premises later became the Weston Co-op Store Timber Yards. The Criterion Hotel can be seen further north at the Aberdare St. (Cessnock Rd) intersection. On the right of the photo are a Draper and Newsagent/Stationer, and on the corner of Aberdare St. (Cessnock Rd), with Green Coupons sign on awning, is Mark Murdoch's Emporium. ~ Coalfields Heritage Group

Above: Station Street Weston NSW - looking north c.1908-10?

Looking north on Station St., Weston NSW, the awning of Goulds Timber is in the near foreground. These premises later became the Weston Co-op Store Timber Yards. The Criterion Hotel can be seen further north at the Aberdare St. (Cessnock Rd) intersection. On the right of the photo are a Draper and Newsagent/Stationer, and on the corner of Aberdare St. (Cessnock Rd), with Green Coupons sign on awning, is Mark Murdoch's Emporium.

~ Coalfields Heritage Group

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