Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893), Thursday 26 July 1883, page 6


Railway Meeting at Grafton.

(From the C. and R. Examiner, July 21.)

A public meeting to urge the construction of a railway was held at the Theatre Royal, Grafton, on Wednesday evening, July l8. There were about 350 persons present. The Mayor (Mr. S. See) presided.

The first resolution was proposed by Mr. Chapman, and seconded by Mr. H. Maurice, J.P. It was as follows :- "That this meeting deem it necessary, in the interests of the colony of New South Wales, and of the Clarence, Richmond, and New England dis-tricts in particular, that a line of railway should be constructed as early as practicable to connect Grafton with New England, at or near Tenterfield." Mr. Attwater pointed out that by taking the line via Casino they could save 70 miles. The motion was put and declared carried, only two or three hands being held up against it.

Mr. E. Hockey proposed the second resolu-tion, which was seconded by Mr. James Ross, The Chairman spoke to the resolution, and then Mr. Attwater wished to move an amendment, but it was ruled that he was too late. This motion was also carried as follows :- "That this meeting authorise Messrs. F. W. Chapman and H. Maurice to act as its delegates (securing if possible the co-operation of representatives from the places named) to wait upon the Honourable the Minister for Public Works, requesting him to place upon the Estimates a sum of money for the construction of the line from Grafton to a point at or near Tenterfield."