Morwell to Mirboo Railway Line Opening

Extract from Morwell and Mirboo Gazette 12th. January 1886

Opening of the railway from Morwell to Mirboo

Thursday last will long be remembered by the residents of Mirboo, Morwell and other districts (Melbourne included) as the celebration day of the opening of a branch line of railway from Morwell to Mirboo. The opening event itself would naturally live long in the memories of the inhabitants, but when it was accompanied by a downpour of rain (such rain as can only be seen in Gippsland) a much deeper and more lasting impression was made.

The agitation for the construction of this line was commenced about eight years ago, several of the principal residents taking the matter in hand and working assiduously until their efforts were crowned with success.

The line was first proposed in the famous Bent Railway Bill in 1880, and sanctioned by Parliament the same year, but owing to many delays the survey was not completed until two years later.

Mr J. White was the first successful tenderer for the line, and made rapid progress with the work, until continual bad weather went against him, and he was compelled to abandon his contract at great personal loss and much to the disgust of the residents, who were anxiously awaiting the construction of the line.

In 1883 Mr. J. Robb tendered for the completion of the line, and being successful he immediately started the work, the agreement being that the line should be finished by January, 1885. Another bad season in 1884, and the great scarcity of labour again prevented the work being pushed on speedily, and an extension of time had to be granted.

Great difficulty was also experienced in procuring suitable metal for ballasting, but this was overcome by Mr. Robb himself finding a good body of stone on the selection of Mr. A. Pearson, at Yinnar.

At the Mirboo end of the line some very heavy cuttings and embankments had to be made, and owing to the soft nature of the soil a much greater quantity had to be taken out, and further difficulties experienced by the slipping of both cuttings and embankments.

The terminus, however, was at last reached, and during the last three months the work has been pushed on most expeditiously. The total length of the line is 20 miles 15 chains, and the cost of construction about £75,000. There are four stations on the line viz; Yinnar, 8 miles; Boolarra, 12 miles; Darlimurla, 16 miles; and Mirboo 20 miles.

Although opened, there are several improvements yet to be effected, and there is no doubt but that the Commissioners will see the advisability of granting every convenience in the shape of station, goods shed and cattle yard accommodation to all stations. The importance of the district cannot be over estimated, and we may here mention as showing the amount of business that is transacted in the district, that over 60 telegrams were despatched to Mirboo on one day last week.

That the present line will be continued to join the Great Southern Railway there can be no doubt, and as the country improves in that direction its opening up will be of incalculable benefit.

On the Tuesday previous to the opening, a departmental inspection of the line was made, and everything found to work satisfactorily.

Mr. Robb being highly complimented for his pluck and perseverance in sticking to such an unprofitable undertaking.

On Thursday a special train left Melbourne at 9 .30 a.m; and conveyed Mr. A. J. Agg, Railway Commissioner, and Messrs. Mason, Fincham, Murray and Toohey, Members of the Legislative Assembly; in addition to several ladies and gentlemen.

At Warragul the number was increased, several of the prominent citizens availing themselves of the trip. At Morwell the party was joined by some of the prominent residents of T raralgon and Morwell, and the special train then departed for the terminus.

On arrival, the rain had eased a little, and this enabled passengers to get from the station to the hotels without getting wet through.

Although the weather was so much against the committee in their endeavours to bring about success, it was found that an arch had been erected, with the words “Welcome to Mirboo” in the centre, and prettily decorated with ferns and flowers by the ladies of the township. The hotels and stores were also in holiday attire, and had it not been for the rain the effect would have been most pleasant.

We cannot close our report without referring to the great energy displayed by the committee in their endeavours to make the opening a success, and we sincerely hope that all those who witnessed the ceremony will live long to obtain the advantages which must be derived by the opening of the Mirboo Railway.