Railway Opening
| Type of event |
|
| Town or locality | Mallala |
| Date occurred or began | 1917/04/20
|
Contents
For many years the population of the Mallala District felt disadvantaged when new rail routes throughout the state were constructed in other areas.
To market their grain the settlers were taking their bagged goods to the coast to be loaded onto the ketches at high tide, or to the Wasleys Station to have it transported by rail.
Another alternative was a long haul, for a three day return trip, with the wagons to Port Adelaide.
There had for some time been much agitation calling for the construction of the narrow gauge line, as there were severe delays as goods negotiated the change of gauge at Hamley Bridge.
Mallala was not alone in calling for this extension, and articles in the Advertiser relate the many calls for action over the preceding decade. Mallala was, however, the focus of the argument to extend the line.
As reported in the Advertiser of 15 February 1910, 'Mallala is the centre of the disturbance, and it is at Mallala the agitators against the continuance of a system which, it is alleged, directly handicaps the producers in the whole of the north country, and those on the cattle stations between Adelaide and Oodnadatta, are making their stand.'
These growing calls caused the establishment of the Narrow Gauge Railway Extension and Break-of-Gauge Royal Commission, which visited the regions and gathered submissions, eventually leading to the decision for the railway to proceed.
The opening of the railway through Mallala was a milestone in the history of the town as it opened up new avenues for the future of the district. The line linked Adelaide and Port Augusta.
The farmers welcomed the venture and the benefit was twofold. Here would be a cost efficient way to dispose of harvest and the opportunity for some work to help alleviate the financial difficulties that were created during the 1913/1914 drought years.
On 20 April 1917, a large crowd gathered to see the first train arrive in Mallala. The Governor of South Australia, Sir Henry Galway, signalled the train through the station.
This was a great day of formal speeches and celebration and and was marked with numerous festivities for the occasion.
In the evening the Mallala Institute was packed with dignitaries who enjoyed a formal dinner, while on the stage a large banner proclaimed 'Welcome Mallala Narrow Gauge Extension'.
The opening of the rail created many opportunities for Mallala and district.
Related Articles
External Links
Sources
- The Advertiser, 15 February 1910
- Mallala Museum research notes
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