Public Housing in Stockton - Phase 1 - Stockton Garden Suburb: 1913 – 1923

In 1913, John Cann, the Labor State Treasurer at the time, suggested the implementation of a government-sponsored public housing project in North Stockton. The concept was modeled after a similar project in Daceyville, Sydney, part of the Garden Suburb movement. The planned 72-acre site was located north of the 1887 Crown land subdivision that made up Stockton - New Township (north of Clyde Street). The intention was to provide accommodation for workers at the newly opened State Dockyard on Walsh Island and the steel works under construction. The housing project would be accessible to both locations through a direct ferry service. The land was divided into 250 plots of 50 by 150 feet, and the budget was estimated at £120,000[1] . The houses were designed as weatherboard cottages with tiled roofs.

Two types of occupation were proposed for the project: rental and time-payment (where "rent" acted as payment towards final ownership). Both types of occupation were expected to cost approximately 15 shillings per week. Issues related to the provision of services, especially sewerage, which were not included in the original plans, were also discussed[2]. The use of septic tanks was proposed. J.D. Fitzgerald, VP of the Executive Council & Chair of NSW Housing Board, described the site as "a site which fills the heart of the town-planner with gladness"[3]

Significant progress on the project did not occur until July 1915, when the Public Works Committee held a series of sessions in Newcastle to hear evidence related to the scheme[4]. Evidence was presented by various parties, including the management of the Government Dockyard, who cited a lack of nearby housing as a reason for labour shortages, with 40 boilermaker positions vacant due to the inadequate housing[5]. John McMeakin, the superintendent of construction at the BHP Steelworks, stated that the housing shortage adversely affected his ability to find workers to build the plant. He also predicted that the shortage would worsen once the plant was online and in production[6].  John Oldham, the town clerk of the municipality of Stockton, who was also a house and land agent, detailed the increased demand and lack of housing stock that the suburb had experienced over the previous years.

Dacey Garden Village,
Museums of History NSW,
 https://search.records.nsw.gov.au/permalink/f/1ebnd1l/ADLIB_RNSW113582788

Opposition to Cost

Not everyone was in favour of the schemes and it’s proposed costs. James Bellford, a builder said the proposed 4 bedroom homes were too expensive for the workers they were planned for and offered an alternative design which could be built and rented at a cheaper price[7]. Hug Connell, representing the Newcastle District Assembly of the Political Labour League, agreed saying the costs were too high for those who really needed it, not the skilled worker earning 15 shillings a day but the unskilled on earning 9 shillings or less[8]. This was corroborated by workers at the Dockyard such as engineer-fitter, William Quintrill and James Swan, carpenter who said rents of 14 shillings a week for artisan labourers and 7 shillings for general labourers was more realistic[9].

After the hearings, a piece in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NMH&MA) cautioned that:

“The evidence all goes to show that the houses would be too dear for the mechanics and labourers. Considering the resources of the State, it is not too much to expect that such a scheme should be carried out at a reasonable and practical cost. As it. is, time estimate for the first 200 houses is so high that to make the scheme self-supporting the rent would, have to be beyond the means of the average working man.”[10]

Indeed, it was the recommendation of the Public Works Committee that the scheme not go ahead, based on the evidence presented to it. In October 1915 it made this recommendation to the government, which was accepted and the plan for the Stockton Garden Suburb was rejected[11].

Revival of Scheme

In 1918, the need to provide housing for returning soldiers and war widows became the focus of government attention once again. The State Government contacted groups like the Master Builders Association to discuss plans for garden suburbs for returning soldiers across NSW[12]. Once again, it was the need to supply housing for workers at the State Dockyard and BHP steelworks that lead to the revival of the idea of government sponsored building of cottages at North Stockton[13].

The houses in the proposed Norther Stockton Garden Suburb were to be constructed using slab concrete, unlike the earlier brick houses. The houses were to be modeled on those built in Daceyville, which had three rooms and a kitchen, sleeping verandahs, and space for a garden[14]. In Newcastle, the need to house workmen at the Dockyard (970) and BHP (900) remained a motivating factor, especially since many of these men were new to the area within the last eighteen months[15].

In November 1918 the decision to progress the scheme had been approved and given the title of the Norther Stockton Garden Suburb[16]. The building of the planned 380 houses was split into phases with the first group consisting of 31 houses. In the 17 January 1919 under the Public Works Act, 1912. These houses would be built by the Government and then sold, with the purchasers paying off the cost over a number of years in the form of rent[17].

While the State government moved ahead with the scheme, Stockton Council was not involved with the scheme, indeed it complained publicly on a number of occasions that it had been sidelined by the State government. This resulted in a departmental officer rushing up from Sydney to present plans in person to the Council, which was mollified by what it saw[18]. The plans brought up from Sydney did not include plans of the houses.

By March 1919 preliminary construction on the scheme was well underway, this included the construction of temporary huts on the western side of the main road on the foreshore facing Walsh Island. These huts were temporary accommodation until the permanent homes were constructed. These huts would be sold for removal once they were no longer needed[19].

Layout and Construction Materials

North Stockton - Newcastle - Proposed Garden Suburb
[Stockton subdivision plans] [cartographic material], State Library of NSW

The tender for the first section of 31 houses was given to Messers. C. Palmer and Sons, of Taree with building commencing on 17 March 1919. It was estimated it would take thirty weeks to construct the first section of houses. The construction of the first section of houses was estimated to take thirty weeks, and six different layouts were used, so that no adjoining houses were identical. Each house would be provided with:

• Front verandah
•  Copper,
• Concrete tubs
• Porcelain bath
• Pantry
• Fuel or gas stove
• 2 bedrooms
• Dining room
• Kitchen
• Laundry

The houses were built using interlocking concrete bricks for the construction, cavity external walls, and cement tiles for the roof, with the external walls covered in stucco[20]. The gables were covered in redwood shingles (painted green), the walls finished in white stucco, and the windows in brown. The production of the concrete bricks and roof tiles conducted on site by the contractors[21]. The concrete was a mix of ash, coke breeze and cement[22].

Kenneth Craigie & Co., Map of Newcastle and district Sydney, N.S.W: 1936.
Web. 9 April 2023 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-299192648>

In addition to the 358 houses planned for the Norther Stockton Garden Suburb, there were 14 garden plots included in the layout[23]. The suburb also included six shops, a recreation hall, and a literary institute (library). The plan also provided space on the beach foreshore for the construction of bathing sheds. The above map shows more detail of these proposed amenities such as sites for churches and a water tank. It also shows how close the houses were to the Stockton Municipal sanitary depot, which they complained was the source of noxious smells. Ironically, in later years, this same area would be dramatically expanded as a sewerage works. 

First Homes Completed

David Robert Hall,
Minister for Local Government
T. Humphrey & Co. [Portrait of David Hall] : , 1908.
 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-146267755>

Despite ambitious plans, the first section of houses in the new suburb of Stockton were more modest, with only two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, laundry, and conveniences. However, the houses had generous yards, which were perfect for growing flowers and vegetables[24].

The first five completed homes were officially opened on Saturday, 26 July 1919, by Mr. D. R. Hall, Minister for Housing, and Mr. Fitzgerald, Minister for Local Government (an early supporter of the scheme), with three of the homes already sold before the ceremony[25]. Although gas and water utilities were installed, services had not yet been extended to the northern end of Stockton, including the Garden Suburb.

While the houses were described as attractive and well built, there were some criticisms of the site itself – being too far from the main centre of Stockton, it was too exposed to wind and other elements, and it was too close the Stockton Municipal Sewerage works (though plans were soon to move this to another site).

After the official opening of the new houses, Mr. Hall stated that this was his first public act as the Housing Minister, opening the first houses constructed by the Government for sale.[26] The successful handover of the first completed houses was reported in newspapers throughout New South Wales.

However, not all the reporting was positive. The Newcastle Sun was particularly scathing, saying in August 1919 there had “only been 18 applications.” A number of potential reasons were given – cost, lack of transport, lighting and the general condition of the site[27].  The Government countered that the first houses were all sold, with more applications daily for the remaining 31 cottages of the first phase. Construction continued throughout September 1919 to the point where 13 houses were complete, 15 at the frame stage and 3 foundations left to build[28].

"MAKING A GARDEN SUBURB AT NEWCASTLE."
Sydney Mail 10 March 1920: 21. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159028630>   

In October 1919, the contract for the second group of 29 houses was awarded to Messers. C. Palmer of Newcastle[29]. The second group of houses were built to the north of the first group of houses, with plans also being finalized for the installation of mains gas and water[30]. Lack of utilities were not the only missing element of the suburb, with residents pointing out that the area is now home to 50 children who lack a school within reasonable distance[31]. As the residents settled in, new issues arose such as roads not being looked after or the Post Office being too far away[32], a matter raised several times by the Garden Suburb Progress Association. Mail was only available in the area because two people would collect the mail, transport it to the Garden Suburb and distribute it. The Progress Association agitated for their own Post Office.

"Workmen's cottages, built by the State at the New Township of Stockton, occupied principally by Walsh Island workmen".
"SOME TOPICAL PICTURES FROM NEW SOUTH WALES." The Australasian 18 September 1920: 34. <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140264942>

A contributor to the Newcastle Sun, writing under the name “Progress,” complained about the lack of roads, footpaths, and trees. However, they did acknowledge that the gardens in the houses were well-maintained and beautified the area. The government, both municipal and state, was blamed for the state of the amenities. The writer suggested that improving these facilities would provide good work for the increasing number of unemployed men[33].

Scheme Discontinued

This image is taken from the beach side, looking towards the river. The sailing vessels are moored at jetties along the river. The houses shown face Eames Avenue on Block A of the below map.

North Stockton - Newcastle - Site Plan of Block B,
[Stockton subdivision plans] [cartographic material], State Library of NSW

This image is taken from the beach side, looking towards the river. The sailing vessel is moored at Number 17 jetty. The houses shown face Meredith Street on Block A of the above map.

While the residents of the Garden Suburb were focused on the practical aspects of daily life, such as roads, footpaths, and mail services, the State Government was facing problems of a different nature – poor record keeping. The Auditor-General in 1922 explained that the newly established Housing Board had not issued a balance-sheet in three years (the entirety of its existence). Further, at Stockton a number of occupants hadn’t paid their rent in months and apparently no one had noticed. However, it wasn’t such a straight forward as that – rather continued alterations to the valuations placed properties (on which rent/payments were based) meant that occupants didn’t know how much they should be paying. Another issue was that deposits had been taken for houses which were now unlikely to be built[34].

This diagram shows the names of those who purchased houses in the original Garden Suburb. From 1930 Historical Land Records Viewer map.

By July 1923, it was clear that no further construction would occur, and the the Minister for Local Government, Mr Fitzpatrick acknowledged there were problem with the scheme and the Government dissolved the Housing Board due to issues including lack of payment for houses[35]. Unoccupied homes were sold, and vacant land was disposed of, including at Stockton where it was claimed that of the 62 completed cottages, only 14 were occupied by July 1924[36]. After changes were made to the State Housing Act, the remaining housing stock was sold via real estate agents, such as Creer and Berkeley. By February 1925, all but six cottages in Stockton had been sold[37]. 

"Advertising - Stockton Garden Suburb Freeholds" Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate
19 July 1924: 3. Web. 2 Apr 2023 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137636614>

In the end only approximately 60 of the planned 300 houses were built, and a number of other planned amenities such as a primary school and shops were never built. However, this was only the first phase of many for public housing in Stockton. 

The areas shaded in blue were built. The areas shaded in red were planned but never built, including the proposed public school next to Corroba Oval.

This image was taken in 1944. It shows that even 20 years after the Garden Suburb was established, it was still very isolated from the rest of Stockton. It also confirms where the houses were built in the development. Historical Imagery, Spatial Services NSW. 

Street Names

The names of the streets that were built were named after doctors from Stockton who served in WW1: Eames, Beeston, and Meredith.

Terms for the Scheme

• North Stockton Garden Suburb
• Stockton Garden Village

Credits

Thanks to Chris for sending me the details of the 1944 image of the Garden Suburb.

NOTE: This post was updated on 7 August, 2023 to add several new images of recently available archival photographs and plans. 

Footnotes

[1] "ANOTHER GARDEN SUBURB," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 11 October 1913, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137027202.

[2] "WORKMEN'S HOUSES," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 23 February 1915, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138228113.

[3] "TOWN PLANNING," Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA : 1910 - 1924) (Adelaide, SA), 10 June 1915, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134413688.

[4] "HOMES FOR WORKMEN," Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 23 February 1915, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15537056.

[5] "HOMES FOR WORKMEN.."

[6] "WORKMEN'S HOUSES.."

[7] "STOCKTON MODEL TOWNSHIP," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 26 July 1915, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137198588.

[8] "STOCKTON MODEL TOWNSHIP.."

[9] "STOCKTON MODEL VILLAGE," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 09 August 1915, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137197828.

[10] "STOCKTON MODEL VILLAGE.."

[11] "MODEL TOWNSHIP SCHEME DROPPED," Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 26 October 1915, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239117773.

[12] "BUILDINGS AND WORKS," Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 27 March 1918, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15765397.

[13] "WALSH ISLAND SHIPS," Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 27 August 1918, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239367643.

[14] "WORKMEN'S HOMES," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 03 September 1918, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159088751.

[15] "WORKMEN'S HOMES."

[16] "WORKERS'; HOMES - Scheme for Stockton," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 27 November 1918, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159369203.

[17] "GARDEN VILLAGE - THE STOCKTON SCHEME - Health Minister Explains," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 19 March 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159371646.

[18] "STOCKTON HOUSES - "Look Well On Paper"," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 26 February 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159367065.

[19] "STOCKTON HOUSING SCHEME - Preliminary Operations," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 05 March 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139655167.

[20] "STOCKTON HOUSING SCHEME.."

[21] "PROPERTY AND BUILDING," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 17 March 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159362269.

[22] "HOUSING - Mr. Hall Outlines Policy," Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 28 July 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15854095.

[23] "STOCKTON HOUSING SCHEME.."

[24] "STOCKTON HOUSES - Speeding-up Needed - A "FLEABITE" SCHEME," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 14 May 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162561387.

[25] "HOMES AT STOCKTON - TO-MORROW'S CEREMONY," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 25 July 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162563804.

[26] "'ON YOUR OWN LAND'," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 26 July 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162571672.

[27] "THE STOCKTON PRETENCE," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 21 August 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162562189.

[28] "STILL A FLEABITE," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 16 September 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162562258.

[29] "Stockton Housing Scheme," Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) (Sydney, NSW), 14 October 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116077099.

[30] "STOCKTON HOUSING SCHEME," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 14 October 1919, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140074682.

[31] "URGENT MATTERS," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 17 February 1920, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139431799.

[32] "A POSTAL MATTER," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 27 August 1921, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141073266.

[33] "GARDEN SUBURBS - Areas of Neglect - Way of the Government," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 19 June 1922, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163668433.

[34] "RECORDS LOST - State Housing Bungle - Forgotten Cottages," Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 28 September 1922, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245782693.

[35] "STATE HOUSING - SCHEME FAILS - Minister's Statement - "GOING OUT OF BUSINESS"," Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 26 July 1923, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16083274.

[36] "LEADERLESS LEGION - Strangled by Red Tape," Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919 - 1950) (Sydney, NSW), 19 July 1924, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234432789.

[37] "SELLING STATE HOUSES," Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 27 February 1925, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245272848.

References

 

"Another Garden Suburb." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 11 October 1913 1913, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137027202.

"Buildings and Works." Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 27 March 1918 1918, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15765397.

"Garden Suburbs - Areas of Neglect - Way of the Government." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 19 June 1922 1922, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163668433.

"Garden Village - the Stockton Scheme - Health Minister Explains." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 19 March 1919 1919, 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159371646.

"Homes at Stockton - to-Morrow's Ceremony." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 25 July 1919 1919, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162563804.

"Homes for Workmen." Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 23 February 1915 1915, 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15537056.

"Housing - Mr. Hall Outlines Policy." Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 28 July 1919 1919, 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15854095.

"Leaderless Legion - Strangled by Red Tape." Smith's Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919 - 1950) (Sydney, NSW), 19 July 1924 1924, 16. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article234432789.

"Model Township Scheme Dropped." Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 26 October 1915 1915, 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239117773.

"'On Your Own Land'." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 26 July 1919 1919, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162571672.

"A Postal Matter." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 27 August 1921 1921, 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141073266.

"Property and Building." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 17 March 1919 1919, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159362269.

"Records Lost - State Housing Bungle - Forgotten Cottages." Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 28 September 1922 1922, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245782693.

"Selling State Houses." Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 27 February 1925 1925, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245272848.

"State Housing - Scheme Fails - Minister's Statement - "Going out of Business"." Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) (NSW), 26 July 1923 1923, 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16083274.

"Still a Fleabite." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 16 September 1919 1919, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162562258.

"Stockton Houses - "Look Well on Paper"." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 26 February 1919 1919, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159367065.

"Stockton Houses - Speeding-up Needed - a "Fleabite" Scheme." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 14 May 1919 1919, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162561387.

"Stockton Housing Scheme." Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) (Sydney, NSW), 14 October 1919 1919, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116077099.

"Stockton Housing Scheme." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 14 October 1919 1919, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140074682.

"Stockton Housing Scheme - Preliminary Operations." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 05 March 1919 1919, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139655167.

"Stockton Model Township." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 26 July 1915 1915, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137198588.

"Stockton Model Village." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 09 August 1915 1915, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137197828.

"Stockton Model Village." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 10 August 1915 1915, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137202844.

"The Stockton Pretence." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 21 August 1919 1919, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162562189.

"Town Planning." Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA : 1910 - 1924) (Adelaide, SA), 10 June 1915 1915, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134413688.

"Urgent Matters." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 17 February 1920 1920, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139431799.

"Walsh Island Ships." Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) (Sydney, NSW), 27 August 1918 1918, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239367643.

"Workers'; Homes - Scheme for Stockton." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 27 November 1918 1918, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159369203.

"Workmen's Homes." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 03 September 1918 1918, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159088751.

"Workmen's Houses." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 23 February 1915 1915, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138228113.

Public Housing in Stockton - Phase 1 – Stockton Garden Suburb: 1913 – 1923

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Athol Emerton - Film Maker

Early Years

Athol Emerton (also spelt as Emmerton) was born at Landsdowne[1], Northern NSW in April, 1925[2]. His family moved to Newcastle when he was 10[3], moving to Stockton. He attended Newcastle Boys’ High School, leaving during the war (too young for military service) to begin working as a projectionist[4] in cinemas in Stockton and other parts of Newcastle.

Begins Acting and Writing – “Wings In The Wind”

Athol Emerton began his acting career at age 18 when he appeared in a review, and camp concerts while serving with the R.A.A.F.[5] He joined the Colin Chapman Dramatic Club in 1946, where he made his stage debut at the lead in the production of “Mr Pym Passes By”[6]. At the age of 21 he took the leading role in a production of his own work, “Wings in the Wind” – a two-act drama, presented as a six-night run in May 1947.[7] There was suggestion from a theatrical magazine that the play be staged in Melbourne and Adelaide[8].

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 7 June 1947

"Play To Help City Mission", The Newcastle Sun, 14 Nov 1947

Making Famous Connections

His acting has been praised by both theatre-goers and critics, and also by film producer and close friend, Charles Chauvel[9]. This friendship allowed him to spend time in 1948 on the set of “Sons of Matthew” being shot by Chauvel at the Cinesound Studios in Sydney[10]. Another well known actor that Athol communicated with was Sir Laurence Olivier[11] during his 1948 tour of Australia with the Old Vic Theatre company. The letters are believed to be inside a photo album donated to the ABC Archives[12], which also contains photographs and programmes from plays Athol appeared in.

Play - “Edge Before The End”

In July 1948, at only age 22, his next play, “Edge Before the End” was staged at the Repertory Theatre[13] again by the Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Club. While critics described the plot as “threadbare”, it was redeemed by “some good dialogue and wit”[14].

As well as plays for the theatre, Athol Emerton was also writing plays for broadcast on the radio. These were recorded at the home studio of Alan Bourne, of Cook’s Hill[15]. The plays were based on popular sentimental ballads and included a variety of sound effects.

City of Newcastle - Program for "Edge Before the End", performed by Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Club at the Repertory Theatre, MacRobertson's Hall – 26 July 1948

Film Making Begins – “Hunter Valley Story”

It was while working as a projectionist at the Victoria Theatre in 1948 that he began his career as a radio broadcaster, having successfully auditioned for A.B.C radio producer Frank Harvey[16]. At this time, the Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Co Ltd decided to make documentary to promote the area both nationally and internationally.

The project began when Newcastle press photographer, Cecil Piggott, a keen film maker was asked to film the area and its industries in colour film. Cecil Piggott was a pioneer of newsreel photography, having started with French pioneers, Elge Gaumont Newsreel[17]. This initial round of filming was mostly aerial shots taken from a Auster Autocrat aircraft[18]. This section of film including scenic shots of the Barrington Tops, oblique scenes of Newcastle, the port and surrounding industries; Cessnock and the coalfields and a tour of the Hunter River from Muswellbrook to Denman showing riverbank erosion and contour-ploughing to mitigate erosion.

Once sufficient film had been shot, another local broadcaster, 2KO’s program director, Henry Pickover was asked to narrate the work. However, no script yet existed for him to work with. He recommended that Athol Emerton be asked to undertake the work, as he’d already been writing plays and radio scripts.

The scope of the project was expanded from the initial 50 minutes to the final 90 minute film[19]. Additional filming took place in locations all over the Hunter Valley, including Scone and Tomago House. In total over 59 industries, from poultry, dairy, citrus growing and steel making were recorded. In addition to writing the script, Athol also acted and directed the production[20]. It was made under the auspices of Pacific Productions, of whom Athol was a director[21].

Pacific Productions

Pacific Productions was established in 1935[22] for the purpose of cinema, theatrical and music hall productions. The company would become a key player in the early Australian cinema industry, making movies such “The Magic Shoes” (1935) (featuring the first cinema performance of Peter Finch, and Damien Parer working as crew). This film was the first filmed at the new National Studios at Pagewood, directed by Claude Fleming who co-owned a voice production and dramatic art school with Frank Harvey. Harvey would later go on to work for Ken G. Hall at Cinesound Productions.

In addition to the dramatic works that Pacific Productions was making, they also created a number of travelogues[23] and advertising material. These included works such as “Woy Woy: The Venice of Australia” (whose first showing was at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre), as well as films about the Blackheath[24] area and of course, the Hunter Valley.

Theatre – Acting and Directing

While working as an ABC broadcaster with a sideline in film making, Athol also continued to write, act and produce plays. In 1949 he appeared a production of Sophocles “Oedipus, King of Thebes” presented by Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Club. He was producer of the play, having taken advice on how to produce the play from his communications with Sir Laurence Olivier[25].

City of Newcastle Library – Program for Sophocles' Oedipus, King of Thebes performed by Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Club at MacRobertson's Hall, Hamilton, 1949.

Athol Emerton, "Oedipus" - City of Newcastle Library – Program for Sophocles' Oedipus, King of Thebes performed by Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Club at MacRobertson's Hall, Hamilton, 1949.

Unexpected Hiatus

All of Athol’s’ projects were interrupted when on the night of 11 March 1949, he and four other members of the Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Club (predecessor of the Newcastle Dramatic Arts Club) were injured in a car accident. Members were travelling to Maitland to establish a chapter of the club in that location when one of two cars carrying members got a flat tire. As the car was on the side of the road undertaking repairs on Maitland Road, another vehicle hit the car. Athol Emerton and Colin Chapman were standing between the car and the road and were injured. Athol was the most serious casualty having suffered a broken left thigh and shock. This injury was to result in a three month stay in Royal Newcastle Hospital[26].

While incapacitated in hospital, Athol used the time to read about drama and the theatre, and to also to write a play (“Bitter Grows the Apple”[27]) that he hoped to have produced[28]. He also continued to work on the script for documentary, now titled “Hunter Valley Story”. Work on the script was complicated by not having access to the film to align timings between the script and images. The hospital allowed Athol to use an X-ray room in late at night to watch a negative of the edited projected onto the wall to check his script timing[29].

In addition to interrupting his work on “Hunter Valley Story” his work as an ABC newsreader was no longer possible and an opportunity to undertake a contract in Sydney to work on an ABC drama[30].

"Playwright Works In Hospital Bed",
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 31 March 1949

International Debut – “Hunter Valley Story”

The film was processed in Melbourne and was taken to the USA in June 1949 when Jack Scarr, Assistant Manager of Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Co Ltd[31] attended the Dairymen’s Congress, in Chicago[32]. This was the first showing the completed film. It was later shown “Sweden, Switzerland and elsewhere on the Continent before being used as immigration propaganda in Great Britain.”[33] A second print of the film circulated in Australia with the one in Europe also recalled due to demand.

While the significant portions of the film made up of aerial vision appears to have been lost, the clip below shows the portions that were filmed with actors, including Athol Emerton in the lead role of "Jimmy". I'd also be very interested if anyone can identify the lead actress, perhaps one of the many female members of the Colin Chapman Dramatic Arts Society?

The success of “Hunter Valley Story” prompted the company to support the production of two new, shorter films: “

“…"Better Pastures," a 16- minute Kodachrome survey of grasses growing or suitable for growth in the valley, and "Milk, the Food," a 22-minute black-and-white short, showing the start-to-finish manufacture of milk products at the Hexham factory”[34]

Athol Emerton as "Jimmy" in "The Hunter Valley Story" (mistitled as "The Story of the Hunter Valley")

Play – “Bitter Grows The Apple”

While concurrently working on various film projects, Athol had his third play, “Bitter Grows the Apple” put on by the Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Society for a four performance run at MacRobertson’s Hall, Hamilton.[35]. The backdrops for the two scenes were painted by members of the society.

Another aspect of his work with the Colin Chapman Dramatic Art Society was a mentor with the Colin Chapman Youth Theatre. The youth theatre was set up in early 1950 with 68 members[36]. Athol was the instructor in stagecraft.

"Dramatic Art Club Dinner", 1. Members of the Newcastle Dramatic Art Club held their annual dinner last night when Oscars for 1950 were presented. 2. Mr. Athol Emmerton (left) receiving his award for his performance as Mark Antony in "Julius Caesar" from Ald. H. D. Quinlan. The President (Mr. Colin Chapman) is in the centre. Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 19 December 1950

New England Films Ltd Established

Due to the increasing workload, Emerton, Piggot and Pickover formed a company, New England Films, to facilitate future productions. Athol’s daily ferry travel and love for sea shanties[37] perhaps hinted at the subject of his next film production. It was under the auspices of this new company that the film, “The Last of the Windjammers”[38] an 8-minute colour and sound was crafted.

Film – “Last of the Windjammers”

The film was based around footage that Cecil Piggot had taken of the Barque Lawhill on her last visit to Newcastle in 1949. Once again Pickover took on narration duties on the 8-minute film with Athol Emerton providing the script and local group the Ambassadors Quartet providing the soundtrack of sea shanties[39]. The first public screening of the film was on 27 October 1950 at the Newcastle branch of the Workers' Educational Association (WEA)[40]. Athol directed and wrote the script for the narration, Peter Pickover narrated and colour photography was by Cecil Piggot[41]. The film was shown in a number of locations throughout Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, including at the Newcastle Aero Club, where it was shown as a double bill with the “Hunter Valley Story”[42].

His film production work was conducted in a sound-proofed office and editing room in his Dunbar Street, Stockton home, where he also planned to build a theatrette (it’s unknown if this was ever constructed). He was also planning to work on a film about tropical fish, with the possible assistance of another Stockton local, Mr. Beckley. The film would a Disney-style fantasy for children[43].

During this period in 1951 he was also writing his fourth play, “Whiplash”[44].

"Last of the Windjammers", New England Films, 1950

A Colourful Wedding

A more unusual project was filming the March 1951 wedding of Ruth Auerbach (music teacher at Wickham Home Science High School) and Albert Christie (a journalist). An American, Ruth Auerbach was a Julliard School of Music trained pianist who served in the Red Cross in Korea and Japan at the end of WW2[45]. She came to Australia after the war and worked as a teacher in Newcastle. She hadn’t seen her brother and three years, so arrangements were made for Athol to film the wedding and send it to her brother, in New York.

Commonwealth Jubilee – “Shipwreck”

In April 1951 he produced Douglas Stewart's moving verseplay, "Shipwreck," in the City Hall, as a feature of the official Jubilee Year celebrations[46].

The work of New England Films and another film production company, Northern Documentary Films, drew the interest of Newcastle City Council. Alderman were shown two locally produced films, “City of Contrast”, by Mr. Ken Edwards, and “The Last of the Windjammers” with a view to purchasing the films for the city film library[47]. Up until this time, most of the films in the library were health related. It was felt that expanding the content of the library to include films about Newcastle and the Hunter Valley would be beneficial[48]. The purchases were approved with “The Last of the Windjammers” costing £35[49].

A5198 Correspondence, 1954 – 1972; Theatre programmes collected by the President, C. Chapman, c.1910 – 1975, University of Newcastle Special Collections.

Film – “Backbone of Industry: The Story of Refractories”

New England Films next project was begun in April 1951, a 45-minute documentary for Newbold General Refractories Ltd[50].The film, “Backbone of Industry: The Story of Refractories”, explored the historical background of Newbold’s as well as the use and science of refractories[51]. Filming occurred in Newcastle as well as other locations including Lithgow, Port Kembla, Cooma, Thirroul and Ulladulla[52]. A copy of the film is believed to be held by the University of Newcastle Special Collections.

The showing of local productions proved to be popular fair for various film clubs[53] and fund-raising events such as the 1951 Newcastle Floral Festival, which included a programme of five colour films:

“"City of Contrasts," "The Last of the Windjammers," "The 1950 Mayfield Jubilee Celebrations," "Gardens of England" and a feature on model-car racing.”[54]

Film of Orchid Ball

Also held as part of the Floral Festival was the Orchid Ball. This event was filmed by Athol (who also possibly filmed the floral patterns and carpet of the gardens) and shown itself as a fundraising event in 1952[55].

Film – “Milk, the Food”

It was at another WEA film night that “Milk, the Food," directed by Athol was shown. At this meeting he also led a discussion about forming a “film workshop group”[56].

Radio Play – “This Is Newcastle”

The beginning of 1952 saw Athol writing the script for a radio documentary to be nationally broadcast on the ABC, titled “This Is Newcastle”[57]. It was written to commemorate the 45^th Newcastle Agricultural Show.

"Newcastle Story for Broadcast", Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 15 February 1952

Film – Newcastle Junior High School Publicity Film

The next film project was a 25-minute publicity film for Newcastle Junior High School, “to inform parents and new students about the school”[58]. Filming included woodwork, metalwork, P.E, sport and views of Newcastle and the harbour[59].

"Final Rehearsal", Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 13 May 1952 

Radio – 1954 Royal Tour

After an extremely busy 5 years of acting, writing, directing on both stage and screen, Athol publicly announced he would be taking a break from these activities for as long as 15 months[60]. No reason was given. He continued his professional duties, including events such as commentating the Royal Progress of Newcastle during the Royal visit of 1954[61].

Leaves Newcastle

Sometime after 1954 Athol left Newcastle but continued to work for the ABC around Australia. In 1959 he was working in Darwin[62], then in the early to mid-1960’s he was based in Orange, working for 2CR[63]. From there, he and his wife Margaret are based in Albury, working for ABC 2CO during the late 1960’s until at least 1975. Sometime later, due to poor health he was retired by the ABC and he and Margaret moved to Mount Gambier[64]. He died in 1984 in Mount Gambier, South Australia.

Plays

1947 – “Wings In The Wind”

Two-act drama. Some sources describe it as a three act drama.

1947  - “Edge Before the End”

Three act comedy-drama about the life of Chris Connelly, a member of the Melbourne underworld who decided to go straight, but is hampered by the involvement of a Nazi agent pressuring him to spy. Connelly’s wife stabs the Nazi, Connelly takes the blame and goes to gaol. Just as Connelly is released from gaol, his wife who has taken work as a night club singer is murdered by the son of the Nazi.

1949 – “Bitter Grows The Apple”

Set on the south east coast of Australia in the autumn of 1920. A cast of seven characters including a child character named Ivan van Dant.

1949 – “Whiplash”

1951 – “Melody Cruise”

A Nautical Revue

1953 – Nautical revue – it is possible that this is the same material as the 1951 “Melody Cruise”.

Currently I’ve been unable to find any scripts of the text of any of Athol’s original works.

Filmography

1949 - “The Hunter Valley Story” (online versions misattributed as “The Story of the Hunter Valley” 1951). The surviving footage is only 8 mins. The majority of the film was made up of aerial footage of the Hunter Valley. This material is not available online. Unknown if it still survives.

1950. “Last of the Windjammers” – mis-dated to c.1960. Soundtrack Performers: The Ambassadors Quartet.

1951. “Better Pastures” - 16 minute colour film survey of the grasses in the Hunter Valley. For the Hunter Valley Dairy Co-op Ltd. Lost

1951 – Tropical Fish Childrens fantasy. It’s unknown if this film was ever produced.

1951/52 -. “Backbone of Industry : The Story of Refractories.” (1973) Director : Athol Emerton. A copy believed to be held by University of Newcastle Special Collections.

1951 – Christie Wedding Film - Lost

1951 - 1952. “Milk, the Food” – 22-minute black and white, showing the start-to-finish manufacturing process of milk products at Hexham. For the Hunter Valley Dairy Co-op Ltd by New England Films. Lost.

1952 - Orchid Debutante Ball. Lost

1953 – Newcastle Junior High School publicity film. Lost

1953 – long form historical film on the history of the Hunter Valley Dairy Co-op to be shown at the opening of Muswellbrook factory in 1953. This would be the 50 year anniversary of the Co-op’s estblishment. Unknown if this was completed.

Newsreels

A number of newsreel segments are listed on the Chronology of Local Regional Film Productions page on Hunter Living Histories as being made in the early 1970’s. While it’s likely these segments were produced, I believe the dating to be incorrect. By this stage, Athol was living and working full time for the ABC in the Albury area. It’s unlikely he was freelancing. It’s more likely that these were made during the late 1950’s while he was still based in Newcastle and when he had a working relationship with Frank Harvey who was working for Cinesound during this period.

---

[1] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 03 March 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139502984.

[2] ""NHS, NBHS & NGHS Admission Registers - Boys 1939"," 1939, accessed 21 Jan, 2023, https://www.nbhsoba.net/images/Registers/NBHS%201939-1941/1939%20B4311-4324.jpg.

[3] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[4] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[5] "Playwright Works In Hospital Bed," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 31 March 1949, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134348511.

[6] "Playwright Works In Hospital Bed."

[7] "TOPICS OF THE DAY - Stockton Playwright," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 13 May 1947, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140311329.

[8] "WANT LOCAL PLAY FOR MELBOURNE," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 14 June 1947, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140312612.

[9] "Playwright Works In Hospital Bed."

[10] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[11] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[12] Albury & District Historical Society, "ABC Radio 2CO," Bulletin, no. April 465 (2006): p.7, https://alburyhistory.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ADHS-Bulletin-456.pdf. The album was deposited at ABC Archives Sydney by June Shanahan.

[13] "New Play From Young Author," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 16 July 1948, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158264372.

[14] "Young Newcastle Playwright Shows Promise," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 05 August 1948, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140349429.

[15] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week The House Where The Records Are Made," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 05 February 1949, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134354428.

[16] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[17] "ON THE BEAM Aerial Colour Film Of Hunter Valley," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 19 February 1949, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134349331.

[18] "ON THE BEAM Aerial Colour Film Of Hunter Valley."

[19] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[20] "Playwright Works In Hospital Bed."

[21] "FILM OF DAIRY INDUSTRY," Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 - 1954) (Taree, NSW), 26 October 1949, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172482301.

[22] "COMPANIES REGISTERED," Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954) (Sydney, NSW), 31 October 1935, LATE FINAL EXTRA, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231172183.

[23] "SCENIC BEAUTIES ONSCREEN," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 06 May 1936, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166580612.

[24] "TALKING SCENIC PICTURE," Katoomba Daily (NSW : 1920 - 1939) (NSW), 14 December 1935, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193897701.

[25] "Sir L. Olivier Advises On Greek Drama," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 08 February 1949, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134345784.

[26] "Five Members Of Art Club In Car Smash," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 12 March 1949, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134344368.

[27] "Stockton Man's Play To Be Presented," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 28 September 1949, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134177457.

[28] "Playwright Works In Hospital Bed."

[29] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[30] "Playwright Works In Hospital Bed."

[31] Ivan Clarke Skaines, "The Dairy Industry of the Paterson Valley, 1945 - 1980" (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) University of Newcastle, 1981), p. (iii), https://www.patersonhistory.org.au/resources/dairyindustry1945_1980skaines.pdf.

[32] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[33] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[34] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[35] "Stockton Man's Play To Be Presented."

[36] "More Girls Than Boys Join New Youth Theatre," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 13 February 1950, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140641740.

[37] "TO-DAY'S TOPICS," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 20 July 1950, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135294094.

[38] A copy of the film is held by the University of Newcastle Special Collection and also by ACMI (lets gatekeep by making people guess what the acronym means, in this case it’s Australian Centre for the Moving Image).

[39] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[40] "TO-DAY'S TOPICS - W.E.A," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 27 October 1950, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134382688.

[41] "W.E.A. Club To Show Local Color Film," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 25 October 1950, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157869484.

[42] "AERO CLUB NOTES," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 08 November 1950, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157879156.

[43] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[44] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[45] "New York Phone Call For Bride," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 24 March 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139514262.

[46] "IAN HEALY'S Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies."

[47] "Films For Alderman Before Council Meeting Begins," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 10 April 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158792284.

[48] "TO-DAY'S TOPICS - Council Films," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 11 April 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139510675.

[49] "Council To Buy Two Films," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 18 April 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158788831.

[50] "TO-DAY'S TOPICS - Newbolds," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 12 April 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139512553.

[51] Newbolds had another film made about the company, this one premiered in April 1970 and was titled “Fashioned in Clay”, NMHMA 29 April 1970

[52] "TO-DAY'S TOPICS - Newbolds."

[53] "The Theatres - Film Club Show," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 26 May 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158791724.

[54] "Orchid Ball Debutantes On Newsreel," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 04 September 1951, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140335236.

[55] "WOMEN'S NEWS IN BRIEF," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 28 November 1952, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133564743.

[56] "W.E.A. Filming To-morrow," Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 26 April 1952, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133721708.

[57] Australian Broadcasting Commission, "Newcastle Story Told for Radio," The ABC Weekly, no. February 16 (1952), http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1662173730.

[58] "School Makes Its Own Publicity Film," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 05 February 1953, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160486296.

[59] "School Makes Its Own Publicity Film."

[60] "Stage and Screen," Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 24 September 1953, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161038351.

[61] "YESTERDAY'S SIDELIGHTS," Northern Champion (Taree, NSW : 1913 - 1954) (Taree, NSW), 10 February 1954, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161020849.

[62] Catalogue entries for the National Archives of Australia indicate Athol was working in Darwin in 1959/1960.

[63] "ABC on Tour in the West-North West," Western Herald (Bourke, NSW : 1887 - 1970) (Bourke, NSW), 06 March 1964, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141980963.

[64] Society, "ABC Radio 2CO," p.7.

References

"Abc on Tour in the West-North West." Western Herald (Bourke, NSW : 1887 - 1970) (Bourke, NSW), 06 March 1964 1964, 16. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141980963.

"Aero Club Notes." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 08 November 1950 1950, 11. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157879156.

""Nhs, Nbhs & Nghs Admission Registers - Boys 1939"." 1939, accessed 21 Jan, 2023, https://www.nbhsoba.net/images/Registers/NBHS%201939-1941/1939%20B4311-4324.jpg.

Commission, Australian Broadcasting. "Newcastle Story Told for Radio." The ABC Weekly, no. February 16 (1952). http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1662173730.

"Companies Registered." Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954) (Sydney, NSW), 31 October 1935 1935, LATE FINAL EXTRA, 27. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231172183.

"Council to Buy Two Films." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 18 April 1951 1951, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158788831.

"Film of Dairy Industry." Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 - 1954) (Taree, NSW), 26 October 1949 1949, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172482301.

"Films for Alderman before Council Meeting Begins." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 10 April 1951 1951, 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158792284.

"Five Members of Art Club in Car Smash." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 12 March 1949 1949, 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134344368.

"Ian Healy's Suburbia, This Week - Emerton: Now He Makes Movies." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 03 March 1951 1951, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139502984.

"Ian Healy's Suburbia, This Week the House Where the Records Are Made." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 05 February 1949 1949, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134354428.

"More Girls Than Boys Join New Youth Theatre." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 13 February 1950 1950, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140641740.

"New Play from Young Author." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 16 July 1948 1948, 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158264372.

"New York Phone Call for Bride." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 24 March 1951 1951, 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139514262.

"On the Beam Aerial Colour Film of Hunter Valley." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 19 February 1949 1949, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134349331.

"Orchid Ball Debutantes on Newsreel." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 04 September 1951 1951, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140335236.

"Playwright Works in Hospital Bed." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 31 March 1949 1949, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134348511.

"Scenic Beauties Onscreen." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 06 May 1936 1936, 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166580612.

"School Makes Its Own Publicity Film." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 05 February 1953 1953, 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160486296.

"Sir L. Olivier Advises on Greek Drama." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 08 February 1949 1949, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134345784.

Skaines, Ivan Clarke. "The Dairy Industry of the Paterson Valley, 1945 - 1980." Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Newcastle, 1981. https://www.patersonhistory.org.au/resources/dairyindustry1945_1980skaines.pdf.

Society, Albury & District Historical. "Abc Radio 2co." Bulletin, no. April 465 (2006). https://alburyhistory.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ADHS-Bulletin-456.pdf.

"Stage and Screen." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 24 September 1953 1953, 23. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161038351.

"Stockton Man's Play to Be Presented." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 28 September 1949 1949, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134177457.

"Talking Scenic Picture." Katoomba Daily (NSW : 1920 - 1939) (NSW), 14 December 1935 1935, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193897701.

"The Theatres - Film Club Show." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 26 May 1951 1951, 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158791724.

"To-Day's Topics." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 20 July 1950 1950, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135294094.

"To-Day's Topics - Council Films." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 11 April 1951 1951, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139510675.

"To-Day's Topics - Newbolds." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 12 April 1951 1951, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139512553.

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"Topics of the Day - Stockton Playwright." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 13 May 1947 1947, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140311329.

"W.E.A. Club to Show Local Color Film." Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954) (NSW), 25 October 1950 1950, 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157869484.

"W.E.A. Filming to-Morrow." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 26 April 1952 1952, 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133721708.

"Want Local Play for Melbourne." Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) (NSW), 14 June 1947 1947, 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140312612.

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"Yesterday's Sidelights." Northern Champion (Taree, NSW : 1913 - 1954) (Taree, NSW), 10 February 1954 1954, 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161020849.

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