This Day in History: 1887-12-17

The first passenger train ran from Clackline to Newcastle on the new Newcastle Branch of the Eastern Railway. The train conveyed the Colonial Secretary, the Commissioner of Railways, the Contractor’s manager, Mr. Stewart, and several other gentlemen. After arrival at Newcastle the Mayor (William George Leeder) and Councillors and the Resident Magistrate (John Adam) met the party at James Donegan’s Freemason’s Hotel, where the railway and the district were toasted in champagne. The formal opening took place on 5 January 1888.

Sources:
West Australian, 19 Dec. 1887, p.2;
Western mail, 24 Dec. 1887, p.11.