ADVOCATE

MACLEAN DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.

Museums coordinator Joan Kelly was a guest at the meeting.

Interesting items have already been donated, one being a beautiful German doll, circa 1900 and a child’s cane dolls pram. A book telling of the hardships of a family on Woodford Island as well as, two books purchased to add to our Library and Research area: one from Iluka and one from Ulmarra.

The two Mango trees at the Stone Cottage have been poisoned by persons unknown, causing concern to our members. The dead leaves are creating a fire hazard.
Edith Dobbin.

If you are not a member but wish to receive our newsletter- send a cheque or money order for $10 for a year's subscription, 4 newsletters a year, March, June, September and December, to our address (PO Box 257 Maclean NSW 2463) or to get direct deposit details by emailing us

On 8 August 1902, The Clarence River Advocate reported much excitement in Maclean when a traveller in a vehicle passed through the town, this car was the first motor car seen in the district and certainly must have attracted attention from all who saw it.

We do not know exactly when Dr Caldwell first received or drove his vehicle (which was a three wheeled vehicle) but Alfred A. Bozon was charged with riding it in River Street in August 1903. He “went to Dr Caldwell’s for the machine, rode it down the street at about 6 miles an hour as far as Conlon’s store and then to Bridger’s shop, where it was partly taken to pieces and remained there for several days for alterations.” Another local man, R. C. Mills, was also charged with riding a motor bicycle in River Street at a fast pace endangering people in the street (at least this was how it was reported). The hearing was adjourned.

A letter to the Editor in the Clarence River Advocate of 25 August 1903, expressed the feelings of some locals at the new machine’s use.
One said: “Maclean Business people (should) request the owner to stop it running through the streets, owing to the fact of it frightening the horses. I for one would not allow my wife or daughter to drive into Maclean while this nuisance is allowed to run up and down the street.”
It appeared Dr Caldwell and friends were having a great time showing off the new acquisition! A description of the car appeared on Friday 28 August (CRA) perhaps to inform the locals a little more. “Dr Caldwell’s motor car has resumed running after extensive alterations. It is now a motor quadricycle, equipped with a single cylinder genuine De Dion Boulon engine. The motor complete weighs 2 1/2 cwts and will carry three passengers at the rate of 12 miles an hour. Mr Bozon and a friend went for a trial trip recently to Yamba. They took their time in going down but coming back, had a little more speed on and arrived in Maclean at 7 minutes to 5, having started from Yamba at 3 minutes past 4. Considering the state of the road it was a good run. Mr Bozon is prepared to supply motors, which are steadily coming into use. The horses about Maclean do not take kindly to the machine but may get used to it in time.”

Dr Caldwell and his son Robert, outside his practice in Maclean circa 1908.

“A motor car, passed through Lawrence on Friday, en route to Grafton. The machine was much admired, especially for its speed. The occupants were apparently a party of tourists.” Another mention of a car was noted in The Clarence River Advocate 23 February 1904: “Mr Walter E. Arnott (Arnott and Co. Newcastle) visited Maclean on Saturday in a motor car. The latter attracted much attention while undergoing an overhaul at Mr Bozon’s shop.”

By March 28, 1905, the Clarence and Richmond Examiner was hoping that a service from Grafton to Inverell, by car, should be started saying that not only would it be a practical idea, but no doubt would be a lucrative one too. By April 1905 an enterprising company was advertising the fact that they had secured a car and would take people for trips around Grafton as well as ferrying them to and from the Grafton show.
A purchase of an Oldsmobile car by Dr T. Henry was also mentioned in July 1905. It arrived in Maclean from Sydney on a steamer and the driver, a representative of the Oldsmobile company drove to Grafton from Maclean. The car then gave Dr Henry, his wife and friends a chance to try it out. “It certainly is a very fine car. Its capabilities will be well tried during the week.” (CRE 11 July 1905).

MACLEAN DISTRICT HISTIORICAL SOCIETY INC.

The Annual Meeting was held at Maclean on 5th March 2019.

The following members being duly elected: President – E Dobbin, Vice President – C Cameron, Secretary – B Carr, Treasurer – B Carr, Co-Ordinator – E Dobbin, Committee – P Hawkes, P Lowe, K Muller, M Muller. Plus, Sub Committees: Public Officer, Research, Computer Group, Journal Editor, Recorder Grants Committee. GM Accountants Maclean were appointed Auditor.
The Society has extended special thanks to Clarence Valley Council, Lower Clarence Arts and Crafts Association, Coastal Views and The Independent for their support.
Our delegates attended the Chapter workshop at New Italy, members were very impressed with the New Italy Museum and its presentation.
Members attended the official opening of the Kyogle Museum, a most enjoyable occasion.
The new photocopier has been installed after receiving a grant from the Community Building Partnerships.
Clarence Valley Council has removed the two mango trees which had been vandalised by poisoning, making it now a safe area.
We received a donation from Mr. Rod Foster the author of the book “Stormy Sentence”, received with thanks.
We have been working hard due to be being short staffed with several members on leave.
A WW1 item pictured in “From Cane Fields to Battle Fields” has been loaned to Port of Yamba for a special occasion.
Heartland Magazine has received an enthusiastic response to an article on ‘Brushgrove’ printed in their recent magazine, particularly from a radio presenter who read the article on air recently to his listeners.
Edith Dobbin.