© 2018 Greg & Sylvia RAY

James Fletcher, by Dulcie Hartley. Chapter 4

My late friend and amateur historian Dulcie Hartley published several books during her lifetime, but one book she was very proud of never made it into print. This was her book about James Fletcher, Newcastle's famous "miners' advocate" - the only man in the city to be commemorated with a statue. Miner, politician and newspaper proprietor, Fletcher was immensely popular and influential, and Dulcie was fascinated by him. After Dulcie's death, her daughter Venessa entrusted me with the manuscript, and I have slowly transcribed it. Member for Newcastle From the early days of James Fletcher’s involvement…

Continue ReadingJames Fletcher, by Dulcie Hartley. Chapter 4

The Great White “Buy Australian” Train

"Buy Australian" movements are nothing new. They’ve been around as long as Australia has had any sort of industry to protect. But there have seldom been any efforts of the sort as spectacular as the Great White Exhibition Train that made a grand tour of NSW in 1926, designed to encourage people to buy products made in Australia. The Great White Train – pulling 20 carriages showcasing the best in Australian manufacturing and commerce – was the most visible enterprise of a group of businessmen and patriots who called themselves the “Australian Made Preference League”. The…

Continue ReadingThe Great White “Buy Australian” Train
×
×

Cart