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#1

Casino Meat Works Siding to Kyogle / Re: Namoona

Last post by admin - August 14, 2026, 06:50:00 AM

4304+4812 in a Down Goods at Namoona, just north of Casino on 21st November 1970. (George Stevens)

#2

Casino Meat Works Siding to Kyogle / Re: Yongurra

Last post by admin - August 06, 2026, 05:49:29 AM

Yongurra 23 August 1961. NSW State Archives.

#3

Ballina Branch / Re: Ballina

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 02:07:54 PM

# Ballina (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1930–1949

---

**Type:** Station / Branch Terminus (Closed) 
**Line:** Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch 
**Distance from Sydney:** 876.870 km (Mileage approximately **547–548 miles** from Sydney) 
**Location:** -28.864731, 153.554233 
**Station Brand:** BLL 
**Power's Codes:** Ordinary **2,894**; Local **2,895**; (2,896 also listed — possible separate category) 
**Opened:** **25 August 1930** — with the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch; Circular No. 340–15 of 1930 
**Controlling District:** District Superintendent, South Grafton (1930–1936); District Superintendent, Casino (from W.N. 9–1936) 
**Night Officer withdrawn; Unattended:** **25 July 1942** — W.N. 30–1942 
**Closed:** **12 January 1949** (per your notes; signalling removed 15 February 1942) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** From Irish "Beal an Atha" — "mouth of the ford" 

### Staff and Control History
| Period | Status | Control |
|--------|--------|---------|
| 1930–25 July 1942 | Staffed (POR — Porter in Charge / Night Officer) | District Supt, South Grafton (to 1936) → Casino |
| **From 25 July 1942** | **Unattended** — siding and platform conditions; freight prepaid | **Bexhill** |

### Infrastructure
**Platform:** [Not specified in OCR — branch Pioneer line standard] 
**Goods siding:** Yes — with goods and livestock facilities 
**Stock siding:** Yes 
**Engine run-round:** Yes — points in Main line to Run-round at Terminus end set to lie normally for Run-round; fitted with slotted connection for trailing movements without operating lever 
**Rail motor shed siding:** Yes — with ash pit and watering facilities 
**Turntable:** Planned but never constructed (per your notes) 
**Seal Presses:** 
- Parcels Obliterating Stamp No. **730** (W.N. 35–1930) 
- Parcels Obliterating Stamp No. **230** (W.N. 30–1942 — deleted on unattended) 
- Seal Press No. **650** (W.N. 30–1942 — deleted on unattended)

### OTS — Booyong Junction–Ballina
Shape: **Round**; Colour: **Red**; **Key** — at opening 
Telephone: **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit** — at opening 

### Signalling — Ballina Terminus (Opening — Circular No. 340–15 of 1930)

**Frame A:**
- No. 1 Lever — special **Duplex Lock** with **S.L. Keyhole**
- Annett Keys secured by S.L. Key by Station-master before ceasing duty
- Guards may use Annett Keys during unattended period — first unlocking with S.L. Key, re-securing on completion
- **No. 3 Lever in Frame A** — unlocked by either key from Duplex Lock on No. 1 Lever

**Lever and Bracket Lock C:**
- Unlocked by Key on Ordinary Train Staff for section **Booyong Junction–Ballina**

**Frame D and Lever E:**
- No. 1 Lever in Frame D and Lever E — unlocked by either key from Duplex Lock on No. 1 Lever in Frame A
- Points worked from Lever E fitted with **slotted connection** — enables trailing movements without operating lever

**Run-round (Terminus end):**
- Points in Main line to Run-round set to lie normally for Run-round
- Fitted with slotted connection — enables trailing movements without operating lever

### The Channel Bridge
**Bascule Span** — secured by **Annett Lock** over The Channel 
- Annett Lock operated by Key on the Ordinary Train Staff 
- Bascule Span not to be operated except under special directions from CTM (Superintendent of Passenger Transportation) 
- Handles for winches kept by **Station-master, Ballina**, when not required for use

### Fixed Signals
**W.N. 49–1931:** "Ballina — Up signals only lighted when trains run during dark. All signals extinguished after last train Saturday night, and Down signals lighted at 6.30 p.m. Monday. Down signals extinguished after last train Saturday night [Officer-in-Charge]." 
**W.N. 2–1934 (simplified):** "Ballina — Signals only lighted when trains run during dark — Officer-in-Charge." (ref. 33–29,016)

### Speed Restrictions (1930)
- **General:** 25 mph 
- **Rail Motors:** 30 mph 
- **Two engines coupled:** 20 mph 
- **Branch trains through Junction Crossover (Booyong Junction):** 10 mph 
- **Booyong Junction–Teven (unfenced):** 15 mph max at dark without electric headlights

### Engine Loads (1930)
*OCR partial — table structure:* 
Down: Booyong Junction–Tyumba; Tyumba–Ballina 
Up: Ballina–Teven; Teven–Booyong Junction 
(Loads: Mixed 45 max four-wheeled vehicles; Goods 55 max four-wheeled vehicles)

---

## 1930 — Opened 25 August 1930 — Circular No. 340–15 — W.N. 34–1930

### Opening — W.N. 34–1930
> **Opening of the Line from Booyong Junction to Ballina (Booyong–Ballina Branch)** — On **Monday, 25th August, 1930**, the line from Booyong Junction to Ballina will be opened for traffic, and will be under the control of the **District Superintendent, South Grafton**. The complete Signalling, Interlocking and General arrangements will be in accordance with the diagrams attached to **Circular No. 340–15**, dated 20th August, 1930. The line is unfenced between Booyong Junction and Teven. This line is classed as a **"Pioneer" line**. *(W.N. 34–1930; ref. 30–20,443)*

### Station Brand and Power's Codes — W.N. 34–1930
> **Station Brands:** Ballina — **BLL** 
> **Power's Freight Accounting:** Ordinary **2,894**; Local **2,895**; (2,896 also listed)

### OTS Section
> **Booyong Junction–Ballina — Ordinary Train Staff and Ticket:** Train Staff shape — **Round**; colour — **Red**; **Key**. *(Source: 1930 Local Appendix — Circular No. 340–15)*

### Telephone Circuit
> **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit** — Ballina included at opening. *(Source: 1930 Local Appendix)*

### Signalling — Ballina Terminus — W.N. 34–1930
> **BALLINA — Frame "A"** — No. 1 Lever in Frame "A" will be provided with a special **Duplex Lock**, fitted with an S.L. Keyhole, and the Annett Keys must be secured by means of an S.L. Key by the Station-master before he ceases duty. Guards requiring to use the Annett Keys during the time the Station is unattended must first unlock them with an S.L. Key, and secure them by the same means when shunting has been completed.
>
> **No. 3 Lever** in Frame "A" will be unlocked by either Key from the Duplex Lock on No. 1 Lever in that Frame.
>
> **Lever and Bracket Lock "C"** — will be unlocked by Key on the **Ordinary Train Staff for the section Booyong Junction–Ballina**.
>
> **Frame "D" and Lever "E"** — No. 1 Lever in Frame "D" and Lever "E" will be unlocked by either key from the Duplex Lock on No. 1 Lever in Frame "A." The points worked from Lever "E" will be fitted with a **slotted connection**, to enable movements to be made through them in the **Trailing direction** without operating the Lever.
>
> **Run-round (Terminus end):** The points in the Main line leading to the Run-round at the Terminus end are set to lie normally for the Run-round, and are fitted with a slotted connection to enable movements to be made through them in the Trailing direction without operating the Lever. *(W.N. 34–1930; ref. 30–20,443)*

### The Channel Bridge — W.N. 34–1930
> **THE CHANNEL BRIDGE** — A **Bascule Span**, secured by **Annett Lock**, is provided in the Bridge over **The Channel**. Whenever it is necessary to operate the movable Span, the Annett Lock must be unlocked by key on the **Ordinary Train Staff**. The Bascule Span must not be operated except under special directions from the Chief Traffic Manager (Superintendent of Passenger Transportation). The handles for operating the Winches connected to the movable Span must be kept in safe custody by the **Station-master, Ballina**, when not required for use. *(W.N. 34–1930; Source: 1930 Local Appendix)*

### Parcels Obliterating Stamp — W.N. 35–1930
> **Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Ballina (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)** — Insert Parcels Obliterating Stamp No. **730**. *(W.N. 35–1930)*

---

## 1931 — Fixed Signals — W.N. 49–1931

### Fixed Signals — W.N. 49–1931
> **Fixed Signals not Lighted during Dark — Grafton–Brisbane Line, Casino–Murwillumbah, and Booyong–Ballina Branches:** [table cancelled and superseded by the following]
>
> **Ballina:** Up signals only lighted when trains run during dark. All signals extinguished after last train Saturday night, and Down signals lighted at **6.30 p.m. Monday**. Down signals extinguished after last train Saturday night. [Officer-in-Charge responsible.] *(W.N. 49–1931)*

---

## 1934 — Fixed Signals Simplified — W.N. 2–1934

### Fixed Signals — W.N. 2–1934
> **Fixed Signals Not Lighted During Dark — Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch:**
> **Ballina** — Signals only lighted when trains run during dark. [Officer-in-Charge.] (33–29,016.) *(W.N. 2–1934)*

---

## 1936 — Controlling District Officer Changed — W.N. 9–1936

### District Control Changed — W.N. 9–1936
> **Lismore to Murwillumbah and Ballina Branch — All stations** — Delete **Lismore**, insert **Casino** [as controlling district officer]. (S.&T.E., G.35–1498.) *(W.N. 9–1936)*

---

## 1942 — Night Officer Withdrawn; Station Unattended — W.N. 3 and 30–1942

### Rates Book Amendment — W.N. 3–1942
> **Page 203 — Ballina (Booyong–Ballina)** — After **25th July, 1942**, Ballina will be unattended, under control of **Bexhill**. Coaching and Goods traffic will be dealt with under siding and platform conditions. Insert * alongside station name, and Bexhill in column "Controlling Station." (42–21,151.) *(W.N. 3–1942)*

### Night Officer Withdrawn — W.N. 30–1942
> **Ballina — Withdrawal of Night Officer** — On and from **Saturday, 25th July, 1942**, the Night Officer will be withdrawn from Ballina, and the station will be unattended. All traffic must be dealt with under siding and platform conditions. Ballina under control of **Bexhill**.
>
> Delete "**POR**" in column "Designation of Person in Charge"; Parcels Obliterating Stamp **230**; and Seal Press Number **650**. (42–21,151.) *(W.N. 30–1942)*

### Sugar Cane Tramway Instructions Amended — W.N. 30–1942
> **Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch — Provision of Temporary Tramway Crossings** — Clause (d): Ballina to be deleted and **Bexhill** inserted in lieu thereof. Clause (e): Delete words "at Ballina or" and insert after Lismore "for the Down and Up journey." Clause (g): Ballina to be deleted and Lismore inserted. Ballina to be deleted in the last paragraph and Bexhill inserted. (42–21,151.) *(W.N. 30 and 42–1942)*

---

## 1945 — Freight Charges Notice; Branch Suspended — W.N. 3 and 32–1945

### Freight Charges — W.N. 3–1945
> **Pages 218 and 274 — Ballina (Booyong–Ballina Branch)** — Cases are continually being brought under notice of consignments for Ballina being accepted for conveyance under "To Pay" conditions. As this station is unattended, freight charges, unless otherwise authorised, must be prepaid. (M.G. 43–73,000.) *(W.N. 3–1945)*

### Branch Suspended — Flood — W.N. 32–1945
> **Booyong–Ballina Branch Line** — Owing to flood conditions traffic has been suspended on the Booyong–Ballina Branch line, and the staff are directed that until further notice goods or parcels must not be accepted for stations or sidings on that branch line. (M.G. 45–32,897.) *(W.N. 32–1945)*

---

## 1949 — Branch Closed; All References Deleted — W.N. 5, 13, 43 and 49–1949

### Passenger Fares Book Deleted — W.N. 5–1949
> **Page 161 — Station Platforms, Etc.** — Delete **Booyong Junction–Ballina Line** — which has been closed. Ticket stocks to stations on this line should be withdrawn and forwarded to "Audit" for cancellation. (C.1–49.) *(W.N. 5–1949)*

### Traffic Not to be Booked — W.N. 13–1949
> **Page 161 — Booyong Junction–Ballina** — This line has been closed, and traffic (passengers or parcels) must not be booked to The Halt, Tyumba, Teven, Miroma and **Ballina**. (C.1–49–15,391.) *(W.N. 13–1949)*

### Branch Formally Abolished — W.N. 43–1949
> **Booyong Junction (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Abolition of Booyong–Ballina Branch Line** — Since **15th February, 1942**, the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch line has been put out of use, and the signalling equipment at Tyumba, Teven and **Ballina** removed. On **Wednesday, 26th October, 1949**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m.:
>
> (i) The connection between the Main line at Booyong Junction and the Branch line will be removed and the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch line abolished.
> (ii) The Intermediate Staff Instrument for the section Bexhill–Booyong and the signalling equipment at Booyong Junction, together with the telephone connected directly to Booyong Signal-box, will be removed.
> (iii) The Ordinary Train Staff for the section Booyong Junction–Ballina will be recovered.
>
> **Circular No. 340–15 of 1930**, Opening of the Line from Booyong Junction to Ballina, and diagrams attached, is hereby **cancelled**. (S.&T.E. 48–507,415–W.&M.) *(W.N. 43–1949)*

### Local Appendix — Final Deletion — W.N. 49–1949
> **Local Appendix — Northern Division — Pages 33, 43, 63, 75, 108 and 117 — Booyong Junction–Ballina — Abolition of Line** — Delete all references (abolished **26th October, 1949**). (A.1–49–60,874.) *(W.N. 49–1949)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **25 August 1930** | **Opened** — Station Brand **BLL**; Power's Ordinary **2,894**; OTS Round/Red/Key; **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit**; Frames A/C/D/E; Duplex Lock on Frame A; Channel Bridge Bascule Span; Run-round; Pioneer line; District Supt South Grafton (Circular No. 340–15; ref. 30–20,443) |
| **W.N. 35–1930** | Parcels Obliterating Stamp No. **730** inserted |
| **W.N. 49–1931** | Fixed Signals — Up signals lighted when trains run at night; Down signals lit 6.30 p.m. Monday; all extinguished after last Saturday train |
| **W.N. 2–1934** | Fixed signals simplified — "Signals only lighted when trains run during dark" (ref. 33–29,016) |
| **W.N. 9–1936** | District officer changed — **Lismore → Casino** (ref. S.&T.E. G.35–1498) |
| **15 February 1942** | Branch put out of use — signalling at Ballina removed |
| **25 July 1942** | **Night Officer withdrawn; Ballina unattended** — control **Bexhill**; siding and platform conditions; delete POR, Stamp 230, Seal Press 650 (W.N. 30–1942; ref. 42–21,151) |
| **W.N. 42–1942** | Sugar cane tramway instructions amended — Ballina replaced by Bexhill/Lismore |
| **W.N. 3–1945** | Freight prepaid notice — consignments continually accepted under "To Pay" conditions (ref. M.G. 43–73,000) |
| **W.N. 32–1945** | Branch suspended — flood conditions |
| **12 January 1949** | **Station closed** (per your notes) |
| **W.N. 5–1949** | Booyong Junction–Ballina Line deleted from Passenger Fares Book; ticket stocks to Audit (ref. C.1–49) |
| **W.N. 13–1949** | Traffic not to be booked to Ballina (ref. C.1–49–15,391) |
| **26 October 1949** | **Branch formally abolished** — Circular No. 340–15 cancelled; OTS recovered; Booyong Junction connection removed (W.N. 43–1949; ref. S.&T.E. 48–507,415) |
| **W.N. 49–1949** | All Local Appendix references deleted from pages 33, 43, 63, 75, 108 and 117 (ref. A.1–49–60,874) |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1930–1949.* 
*Note: Ballina was the most significant station on the branch and the only one formally staffed (with a Designated Person in Charge — POR, Porter in Charge) throughout most of its operational life. The Duplex Lock arrangement on Frame A (S.L. Keyhole, Annett Keys secured by S.L. Key) was more sophisticated than the simple Bracket Lock arrangements at Teven and Tyumba, reflecting Ballina's terminus status and its need to allow Guards to shunt during unattended periods. The Channel Bridge Bascule Span — requiring OTS key to unlock its Annett Lock and CTM authorisation for operation — was the most complex piece of infrastructure on the branch, with the winch handles in the Station-master's custody adding a further layer of control. The planned turntable (never constructed) confirms Ballina was designed for a higher level of locomotive operations than the branch ultimately achieved. The W.N. 3–1945 "To Pay" notice — issued after the branch had already been out of use for three years — suggests goods traffic was still being accepted at Ballina on an occasional ad hoc basis long after passenger services ended, with staff elsewhere continuing to book traffic incorrectly.*

#4

Ballina Branch / Re: Miroma

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 01:57:57 PM

# Miroma (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1940–1949

---

**Type:** Platform (Closed) 
**Line:** Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch 
**Distance from Sydney:** 869.166 km (Mileage **540m 6c** from Sydney; **541 miles** from Darling Harbour; **440m 48c** / **441 miles** from Newcastle) 
**Location:** Exact coordinates unknown; between Teven and Ballina at Mileage 540m 6c 
**Station Brand:** M.I.A. 
**Station Distinguishing Number:** BB6 
**Opened:** **9 January 1940** per your notes; formally gazetted **W.N. 41–1940** (ref. 40–54,655) 
**Goods shed added:** **1941** (per your notes; not captured in WN OCR) 
**Closed:** **12 January 1949** (per your notes) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Unknown 

### Platform
**24 feet (approximately 7.3 metres)** — **Down side** of line at Mileage 540m 6c between Teven and Ballina 

### Grade
**Level** — approached in both directions by **1 in 950 Falling** then Level (W.N. 4–1942; ref. 41–67,829) 

### Working
**Unattended** — control **Bexhill** 
Traffic under **siding and platform conditions**; freight prepaid (G. — Goods and Livestock freight to be prepaid) 
Passengers, parcels and small lots of goods traffic dealt with 

---

> **Notes:** Miroma platform opened 9 January 1940 per your notes; formally gazetted W.N. 41–1940 (ref. 40–54,655). Station Brand M.I.A.; Station Distinguishing Number BB6; Down side sleeper platform 24 feet; Mileage 540m 6c between Teven and Ballina; unattended; Bexhill control; freight prepaid. Goods shed added 1941 (per your notes). Grade Level / 1 in 950 F / Level (W.N. 4–1942; ref. 41–67,829). Branch put out of use 15 February 1942; station closed 12 January 1949. Traffic not to be booked to Miroma from W.N. 13–1949.

---

## 1940 — Platform Provision — W.N. 41–1940 (ref. 40–54,655)

### Platform Provision — W.N. 41–1940
> **Page 64 — Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Miroma (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch) — Provision of Platform** — A sleeper platform **twenty-four (24) feet** in length, situated on the **Down side** of the line at Mileage **540m 6c**, between Teven and Ballina, is in use, and known as **Miroma**.
>
> Passengers, parcels or small lots of goods traffic may be dealt with at Miroma, which is **unattended** and under control of **Bexhill**. All traffic must be dealt with under siding and platform conditions.
>
> **Station Distinguishing Number: BB6.** (40–54,655.) *(W.N. 41–1940)*

### Passenger Fares Book — W.N. 41–1940
> **Miroma (P)** — Distance from Sydney: **540m [6c]**; Distance from Newcastle: **440m 48c**. *(W.N. 41–1940)*

### Merchandise and Livestock Rates Book — W.N. 41–1940
> **Page 217 — Miroma (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch) — Provision of Platform:**
>
> | Distance from Darling Harbour | Station Brand | Name | Controlling Station | Line | Freight Prepaid |
> |---|---|---|---|---|---|
> | **541 miles** | **M.I.A.** | **Miroma (P)** | **Bexhill** | Booyong Junction–Ballina | **G.** |
>
> *(W.N. 41–1940)*

### List of Stations Addition — W.N. 41–1940
> **Page 253 — Miroma (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch) — Provision of Platform** — Miroma, **541 miles** from Darling Harbour, **441 miles** from Newcastle. (40–54,655.) *(W.N. 41–1940)*

---

## 1942 — Grade at Platform — W.N. 4–1942

### Grade — W.N. 4–1942
> **Page 75 — Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch — Add Miroma:**
> **Level ... 1 in 950 F ... Level** (41–67,829.) *(W.N. 4–1942)*

---

## 1949 — Traffic Not to be Booked; Deletions — W.N. 13–1949

### Branch Closure — W.N. 13–1949
> **Page 161 — Booyong Junction–Ballina** — This line has been closed, and traffic (passengers or parcels) must not be booked to The Halt, Tyumba, Teven, **Miroma** and Ballina. (C.1–49–15,391.) *(W.N. 13–1949)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **9 January 1940** | **Opened** (per your notes) — 24-foot Down side sleeper platform at Mileage 540m 6c between Teven and Ballina |
| **W.N. 41–1940** | Formally gazetted — Station Brand **M.I.A.**; Station Distinguishing Number **BB6**; unattended; Bexhill control; freight prepaid (ref. 40–54,655) |
| **1941** | **Goods shed added** (per your notes; not in WN OCR) |
| **W.N. 4–1942** | Grade published — Level / **1 in 950 F** / Level (ref. 41–67,829) |
| **15 February 1942** | Branch put out of use — Miroma ceases operation |
| **12 January 1949** | **Platform formally closed** (per your notes) |
| **W.N. 13–1949** | Traffic not to be booked to Miroma (ref. C.1–49–15,391) |
| **26 October 1949** | Branch formally abolished (W.N. 43–1949) |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1940–1949.* 
*Note: Miroma's station brand M.I.A. is unusual — typically three-letter brands are derived from the station name, but "MIR" would be the standard derivation from Miroma. The M.I.A. brand suggests either the station was initially proposed under a different name beginning with M.I.A., or the Department chose a non-standard derivation. The 24-foot (7.3-metre) platform is one of the shortest in the Ballina branch collection, shorter even than The Halt's 9-foot sleeper platform in area terms — though The Halt's platform length was the width of a single sleeper pair. Miroma was the last platform established on the Ballina branch before the wartime suspension, opening just over a year before the branch was put out of use in February 1942.*

#5

Ballina Branch / Re: Teven

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 01:53:14 PM

# Teven (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1930–1949

---

**Type:** Station (Closed) 
**Line:** Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch 
**Distance from Sydney:** 867.054 km (Mileage approximately **539m–540m** from Sydney; **540 miles** in timetables) 
**Location:** -28.812789, 153.491237 
**Station Brand:** TEV 
**Station Distinguishing Number:** BB2 
**Power's Code:** Ordinary **2,898** 
**Between:** Tyumba (north/west) and Miroma / Ballina (south/east) 
**Opened:** **25 August 1930** — with the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch; Circular No. 340–15 of 1930 
**Closed (passengers):** **16 April 1943** (per your notes — unconfirmed) 
**Closed (all traffic):** **12 January 1949** (per your notes) 
**Status:** Closed (roadworks at station site still exist per your notes) 
**Name meaning:** Named after the Parish of Teven 

### Infrastructure
**Platform:** 30 metres 
**Goods loop siding:** Originally a loop; converted to dead-end 4 March 1942 — **110 feet** in the clear 
**Siding capacity:** 11 trucks (as loop); **5 trucks** (as dead-end, from March 1942) 
**Stock loading facilities:** Races on the Main line for cattle, sheep and pigs — provided 1935 (W.N. 1 and 10–1935; ref. 35–93,116) 
**Telephone:** No. 86 North Telephone Circuit at opening; removed W.N. 3–1936 (ref. S.&T.E. G.35–1496) 

### Unfenced Section
**Booyong Junction to Teven** — line unfenced from opening; Teven to Ballina fenced. Drivers to keep sharp look-out for livestock; speed limited to 15 mph at night without electric headlights (Booyong Junction–Teven section). W.N. 41–1930: Booyong Junction–Teven inserted in clause 3 of Unfenced Lines table.

### Level Crossings near Teven (1930)
| Name | Mileage |
|------|---------|
| Dudgeon's (Private) | 537m 72c |
| Walsh's (Private) | 538m 13c |
| Teven–Tintenbar Road | 538m 32c |
| Public | 538m 40c |
| Bexhill–Ballina Road | 538m 47c |
| Brown's (Private) | 539m 30c |
| King's (Private) | 539m 52c |
*Note: "Fenced to Terminus" from 538m 47c (Bexhill–Ballina Road) to Ballina*

### Sugar Cane Tramway Crossings (1932–1945)
**Mr. Graham's tramways** at Teven intersect the Booyong–Ballina Branch Railway at:
- **Public Level Crossing Mileage 540.21** (later noted as 540m 21c)
- **Cruickshank's Private Level Crossing Mileage 540.65** (later 540m 65c)

Movable tramway rails secured by chain and X.L. padlock to boundary fence when not in use. Permanent-Way Ganger controls use; detailed instructions issued W.N. 33–1932; amended W.N. 43–1932; updated W.N. 15–1933; amended W.N. 42–1942 (Ballina → Bexhill/Lismore as controlling station); fully re-published 1945.

---

## 1930 — Opened 25 August 1930 — Circular No. 340–15

### Opening — W.N. 34–1930
> **Teven** — Station Brand: **TEV**; Power's Ordinary: **2,898** 
> Levers and Bracket Locks "A" and "B" unlocked by Key on **Ordinary Train Staff for section Booyong Junction–Ballina**. **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit.** *(W.N. 34–1930; Circular No. 340–15)*

### Running Times — 1930
> Tyumba–Teven: **8 minutes** (Mixed/Pass); Teven–Ballina: **15 minutes** (Mixed/Pass). *(Source: 1930 Local Appendix)*

### Unfenced Section — W.N. 41–1930
> **Unfenced Lines** — Section **Booyong Junction–Teven** to be inserted in clause 3, immediately following the entry "Glenreagh–Dorrigo." *(W.N. 41–1930)*

---

## 1932 — Sugar Cane Tramway Crossings — W.N. 33–1932

### Sugar Cane Tramways — W.N. 33–1932
> **Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch (North Coast) — Provision of Temporary Tramway Crossings for Sugar Cane Traffic** — Tramway lines for the conveyance of sugar cane from the farms at **Teven** have been constructed by **Mr. Graham**. The tramways intersect the Main Booyong–Ballina Branch Railway line at Public Level Crossing (Mileage **540.21**) and Cruickshank's Private Level Crossing at Mileage **540.65**. Movable tramway rails terminate clear of the railway line on each side; secured by chain and X.L. padlock when not in use. Instructions for use [detailed procedures] apply. *(W.N. 33–1932; amended W.N. 43–1932; W.N. 15–1933)*

---

## 1935 — Stock Loading Facilities — W.N. 1 and 10–1935

### Stock Races — W.N. 1–1935
> **Page 207 — List of Stations — Teven** — Stock loading facilities have been provided alongside the Main line for dealing with small consignments of **pigs and cattle**. Insert "S.C." in column headed "Sheep, Pigs and Cattle Races." (35–93,116.) *(W.N. 1–1935)*

### Races on Main Line — W.N. 10–1935
> **Page 64 — Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Teven (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)** — Stock loading facilities have been provided alongside the Main line for dealing with small consignments of pigs and cattle. Insert **†** in columns under heading "Cattle and Sheep" — **(† Races on the Main line.)** (35–93,116.) *(W.N. 10–1935)*

---

## 1936 — No. 86 North Telephone Circuit Removed — W.N. 3–1936

### Telephone Removed — W.N. 3–1936
> **No. 86 Telephone Circuit, North** — The telephones at **Teven** and Nashua previously connected to **No. 86 Circuit, North**, have been removed. List of stations and code cards to be amended accordingly. (S.&T.E. G.35–1496.) *(W.N. 3–1936)*

---

## 1942 — Loop Siding Converted to Dead-end — W.N. 9–1942 (4 March 1942)

### Loop Converted — W.N. 9–1942
> **Teven (Booyong Junction–Ballina) — Converting Loop Siding to Dead-end** — On **Wednesday, 4th March, 1942**, between 8.0 a.m. and 5.0 p.m., the connection Main to Siding at the **Booyong Junction end** will be removed and the siding converted to a **Dead-end siding, 110 feet in length** in the clear.
>
> Lever and Bracket Lock "A" and connections will be removed and Lever and Bracket Lock "B" re-named "A." (C.T.M. 42–35,310; 40–703,101–W.&M.) *(W.N. 9–1942)*

### Sidings Table Amended — W.N. 9–1942
> **Teven** — Delete "**Loop**" and insert "**Up**" under heading "Direction in which Points Face." *(W.N. 9–1942)*

> **Teven** — Delete "**11**" and insert "**5**" under heading "Standing Room in Other Sidings." *(W.N. 9–1942)*

### Sugar Cane Tramway Instructions Amended — W.N. 42–1942
> **Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch — Provision of Temporary Tramway Crossings** — Clause (d): Ballina to be deleted and **Bexhill** inserted; Clause (e): delete "at Ballina or" and insert after Lismore "for the Down and Up journey"; Clause (g): Ballina deleted, **Lismore** inserted; Ballina deleted in the last paragraph and **Bexhill** inserted. *(W.N. 42–1942)*

---

## 1945 — Sugar Cane Tramway Instructions Fully Re-published

### Sugar Cane — W.N. — 1945
> **Use of Movable Tramway Rails to Connect Private Tramway Lines over the Railway of Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch Line at Level Crossings at Mileages 540m 21c and 540m 65c** — [full instructions published; written notice from Mr. Graham to Permanent-Way Ganger at least three clear days before operations; Ganger controls movable rail placement; detailed safeworking procedures for daylight only; competent flagmen when movable rails in use; daily assurance that rails removed and secured after use.] *(W.N. — 1945)*

---

## 1949 — Deleted from Departmental Tables — W.N. 5 and 11–1949

### Station Numbering Deleted — W.N. 5–1949
> **Passenger Fares Book** — Delete **Teven BB2** and The Halt BB5 from tables. (C.1–49.) *(W.N. 5–1949)*

### Directory Deleted — W.N. 11–1949
> **Page 36** — Delete **Teven BB2** and The Halt BB25 [Station Distinguishing Number tables]. (C.1–49–15,391.) *(W.N. 11–1949)*

### Signalling Removed (confirmed) — W.N. 43–1949
> Since **15th February, 1942**, the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch line was put out of use, and the **signalling equipment at Tyumba, Teven and Ballina removed**. *(W.N. 43–1949)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **25 August 1930** | **Opened** — Station Brand **TEV**; Power's Ordinary **2,898**; OTS Booyong Junction–Ballina; Levers and Bracket Locks A and B; **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit**; Pioneer line; unfenced Booyong Junction–Teven (Circular No. 340–15) |
| **W.N. 41–1930** | Booyong Junction–Teven inserted in Unfenced Lines clause 3 |
| **W.N. 33–1932** | Mr. Graham's sugar cane tramway crossings at Mileages 540.21 and 540.65 — detailed procedures |
| **W.N. 43–1932; W.N. 15–1933** | Sugar cane tramway instructions amended |
| **W.N. 1–1935** | Stock loading facilities — pigs and cattle — "S.C." inserted in accommodation table (ref. 35–93,116) |
| **W.N. 10–1935** | **† Races on the Main line** — cattle and sheep races inserted in accommodation table |
| **W.N. 3–1936** | **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit removed** from Teven and Nashua (ref. S.&T.E. G.35–1496) |
| **4 March 1942** | **Loop siding converted to dead-end** — Booyong Junction end connection removed; 110 feet in clear; Lever and Bracket Lock A removed; B renamed A; capacity reduced 11 → 5 trucks (W.N. 9–1942; refs C.T.M. 42–35,310 and 40–703,101) |
| **W.N. 42–1942** | Sugar cane tramway instructions amended — Ballina replaced by Bexhill/Lismore as controlling station |
| **15 February 1942** | **Signalling at Teven removed** — branch put out of use (W.N. 43–1949 confirmation) |
| **16 April 1943** | **Passenger services ceased** (per your notes — unconfirmed in WN OCR) |
| **W.N. — 1945** | Sugar cane tramway instructions fully re-published |
| **12 January 1949** | **Station formally closed** (per your notes) |
| **W.N. 5–1949** | Teven BB2 deleted from Passenger Fares Book |
| **W.N. 11–1949** | Teven BB2 deleted from departmental directory |
| **26 October 1949** | Branch formally abolished (W.N. 43–1949; Circular No. 340–15 cancelled) |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1930–1949.* 
*Note: Teven's sugar cane tramway crossings (W.N. 33–1932 onwards) generated the most sustained series of local appendix entries for any Ballina branch location — revised in at least five separate WNs over 13 years. The tramway crossings were highly regulated (daylight only, written notice 3 clear days before use, Permanent-Way Ganger present, flagmen required, movable rails secured after each use) reflecting the serious risk of a tramway vehicle fouling the branch line. The conversion from loop to dead-end siding (W.N. 9–1942) — same notice as the Teven conversion noted alongside the simultaneous Tyumba conversion — confirms the two sidings were downgraded simultaneously as the branch was put out of use in February–March 1942. Teven's loop (11 trucks) was larger than Tyumba's, reflected in the separate conversion notice. The roadworks at Teven station site still visible in 2025 are consistent with the station's brief but complete infrastructure.*

#6

Ballina Branch / Re: Nioka

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 01:47:02 PM

# Nioka (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1942

---

**Type:** Siding / Loading Race (Closed) 
**Line:** Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch 
**Distance from Sydney:** 864.338 km (Mileage **537m 6c** from Sydney; rates purposes **538 miles** from Darling Harbour / **438 miles** from Newcastle) 
**Location:** Between Tyumba and Teven — Down side at Mileage 537m 6c; exact coordinates unknown 
**Opened:** **May 1942** (per your notes; W.N. 21–1942) 
**Closed:** **12 January 1949** (per your notes; with closure of Ballina branch) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Named after the Nioka stud farm property served (Nioka stud farm closed 1990 per your notes) 

### Infrastructure
**Loading race:** **8 feet long** — **Down side** of line at Mileage 537m 6c 
**Traffic:** Produce and fruit — for **Mr. W. H. Jones** 
**Working:** Under **siding and platform conditions** 
**Control:** **Bexhill** 
**Power's Code:** Ordinary **2899** 

---

> **Notes:** Nioka loading race opened May 1942 (W.N. 21–1942) between Tyumba and Teven on the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch. An 8-foot loading race erected on the Down side at Mileage 537m 6c for Mr. W. H. Jones to load produce and fruit traffic. Controlled by Bexhill; siding and platform conditions; Power's Ordinary code 2899. Notably established in the same period the branch was put out of use for regular passenger traffic (15 February 1942), suggesting continued use of the branch for produce haulage. Closed 12 January 1949 with the formal closure of the Ballina branch.

---

## 1942 — Loading Race Opened — W.N. 21–1942

### Nioka — W.N. 21–1942
> **Page 64 — Nioka (between Tyumba and Teven, Booyong Junction–Ballina)** — A loading race, **8 feet long**, has been erected on the **Down side of the line at Mileage 537m 6c**, for **Mr. W. H. Jones**, and approval is given for **produce and fruit traffic** to be loaded at Mileage 537m 6c, which is to be known as **"Nioka."**
>
> The traffic from Nioka will be dealt with under **siding and platform conditions**, and controlled by **Bexhill**.
>
> **Mileage for Rates Purposes:** 
> From Darling Harbour — **538 miles** 
> From Newcastle — **438 miles**
>
> **Power's Freight Accounting:** 
> Ordinary traffic — **2899** *(W.N. 21–1942)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **15 February 1942** | Ballina branch put out of use for regular passenger traffic |
| **May 1942** | **Nioka loading race opened** — 8-foot race; Down side; Mileage 537m 6c; Mr W. H. Jones; produce and fruit; siding and platform conditions; control Bexhill; Power's Ordinary **2899** (W.N. 21–1942) |
| **12 January 1949** | **Closed** — with Ballina branch formal closure |
| **26 October 1949** | Branch formally abolished (W.N. 43–1949) |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1942.* 
*Note: Nioka is one of the few infrastructure additions to the Ballina branch made after the branch was put out of use for passenger traffic. Its establishment in 1942 — when the branch was already effectively closed — reflects the continued importance of produce haulage to local farmers even after wartime suspension of regular services. The naming after the Nioka stud farm (operational until 1990) provides an unusually precise end-date for the property that generated the siding's creation.*

#7

Ballina Branch / Re: Tyumba

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 01:42:33 PM

# Tyumba (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1930–1949

---

**Type:** Station (Closed) 
**Line:** Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch 
**Distance from Sydney:** 862.145 km (Mileage approximately **536m–537m** from Sydney; **537 miles** from Darling Harbour per 1932 rates table; **446 miles** from Newcastle) 
**Location:** -28.776503, 153.476871 
**Station Brand:** **TYW** at opening (1930); renamed **T.Y.U.** from W.N. 21–1937 
**Power's Codes:** Ordinary **2,897**; Local (not captured in OCR) — per 1930 Local Appendix 
**Between:** The Halt / Booyong Junction (north/west) and Teven (south/east) 
**Opened:** **25 August 1930** — with the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch; Circular No. 340–15 of 1930 
**Closed:** **12 January 1949** (per your notes; signalling removed 15 February 1942 per W.N. 43–1949) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Probably an Aboriginal word 

### Infrastructure
**Platform:** 30 metres 
**Goods siding:** Short dead-end siding — capacity **5 S trucks** (construction plans originally showed as a loop siding) 
**Men's urinal:** Provided (per your notes) 
**Pig race:** On the Main line — inserted in accommodation table W.N. 38–1936 (†, ref. V.36–13,300): "Pig Race on Main line" 
**ETS:** Levers and Bracket Locks "A" and "B" — unlocked by key on Ordinary Train Staff for section **Booyong Junction–Ballina** 

### Telephone Circuit
**No. 86 North Telephone Circuit** — at opening (1930); telephone removed W.N. 50–1933 

### Nearby — Nioka Loading Race (1942)
W.N. 21–1942: Loading race (8 feet long) erected on **Down side at Mileage 537m 6c**, between Tyumba and Teven, for Mr. W. H. Jones; known as **"Nioka"**; produce and fruit traffic; under siding and platform conditions; control Bexhill; rates purposes Mileage 538 miles from Darling Harbour / 438 miles from Newcastle; Power's code Ordinary **2899**

### Running Times (1930)
| Section | Mixed/Pass | Goods |
|---------|-----------|-------|
| Booyong Junction → Tyumba | 11 mins | 15 mins |
| Tyumba → Teven | 8 mins | 11 mins |
| Teven → Ballina | 15 mins | — |

---

> **Notes:** Tyumba opened 25 August 1930 with the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch (Pioneer line; Circular No. 340–15 of 1930). Station Brand TYW at opening; renamed TYU in W.N. 21–1937. Power's Ordinary code 2,897. Levers and Bracket Locks A and B released by OTS key for Booyong Junction–Ballina. No. 86 North Telephone Circuit at opening; removed W.N. 50–1933. Pig race on Main line noted in accommodation table from W.N. 38–1936 (V.36–13,300). Nioka loading race at 537m 6c (W.N. 21–1942; between Tyumba and Teven; Mr W. H. Jones; code 2899). Signalling at Tyumba removed 15 February 1942 when branch put out of use (W.N. 43–1949 confirmation). Branch formally abolished 26 October 1949 (W.N. 43–1949; ref. S.&T.E. 48–507,415).

---

## 1930 — Opened 25 August 1930; Circular No. 340–15; OTS Booyong Junction–Ballina

### Opening Details — W.N. 34–1930
> **Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch — Opened Monday, 25th August, 1930.** *(W.N. 34–1930)*

### Station Brand and Power's Codes — W.N. 34–1930
> **Station Brands:** 
> Tyumba — **TYW**; Teven — TEV; Ballina — BLL
>
> **Power's Freight Accounting — Station Numbers:** 
> Tyumba — Ordinary **2,897**; Local **2,897** *(Source: 1930 Local Appendix)*

### Interlocking — W.N. 34–1930
> **TYUMBA** — Levers and Bracket Locks "A" and "B" will be unlocked by Key on the **Ordinary Train Staff for the section Booyong Junction–Ballina**. *(Source: 1930 Local Appendix — Circular No. 340–15)*

### Telephone Circuit — 1930
> **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit** — Tyumba listed on No. 86 North Telephone Circuit at branch opening. *(Source: 1930 Local Appendix)*

### Running Times — 1930
> **Booyong Junction–Tyumba:** 11 minutes (Mixed/Pass) / 15 minutes (Goods) 
> **Tyumba–Teven:** 8 minutes (Mixed/Pass) / 11 minutes (Goods) 
> **Teven–Ballina:** 15 minutes (Mixed/Pass) *(Source: 1930 Local Appendix)*

### Sidings Table (1930)
> **Tyumba — Up — Dead-end — [No] — Staff Key** — listed in intermediate sidings table (1930 Local Appendix)

---

## 1931 — Working Times at Tyumba

### Working Times — W.N. — 1931
> **No. 44** is allowed working time as follows: ... 2 minutes Ballina to Tyumba ... 2 minutes Laureldale ... 8 minutes Eltham. *(W.N. — 1931)*

---

## 1933 — No. 86 North Telephone Circuit Removed — W.N. 50–1933

### Telephone Removed — W.N. 50–1933
> **Page 92 — Telephone and Phonopore Circuits — Tyumba** — The telephone connected to **No. 86 Circuit** has been removed. *(W.N. 50–1933)*

---

## 1933 — Privilege Passes via Casino — W.N. 38–1933

### Privilege Pass Working — W.N. 38–1933
> Since **18th September, 1933**, holders of Privilege Passes travelling from **Ballina, Teven and Tyumba** may travel from Casino by No. 2 Brisbane Limited Express to stations at which the train is tabled to set down passengers from the Ballina line. Seats at the usual fee of 1s. 3d. per seat must be reserved. (S.B. 33–5,203.) *(W.N. 38–1933)*

---

## 1936 — Pig Race on Main Line — W.N. 38–1936

### Pig Race — W.N. 38–1936
> **Page 64 — Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Tyumba** — Insert **†** in column under heading "Sheep." 
> **(† Pig Race on Main line.)** (V.36–13,300.) *(W.N. 38–1936)*

---

## 1937 — Station Brand Changed TYW → TYU — W.N. 21–1937

### Brand Change — W.N. 21–1937
> **List of Stations, Etc. — The Station Brands at the following places are to be as shown hereafter:** 
> Gauld's Banana Platform — G.A.U.; Hollis' Banana Platform — H.B.P.; **Tyumba — T.Y.U.** *(W.N. 21–1937)*

---

## 1942 — Nioka Loading Race (Between Tyumba and Teven) — W.N. 21–1942

### Nioka — W.N. 21–1942
> **Page 64 — Nioka (between Tyumba and Teven, Booyong Junction–Ballina)** — A loading race, **8 feet long**, has been erected on the **Down side of the line at Mileage 537m 6c**, for **Mr. W. H. Jones**, and approval is given for produce and fruit traffic to be loaded at Mileage 537m 6c, which is to be known as **"Nioka."**
>
> Traffic from Nioka will be dealt with under siding and platform conditions, and controlled by **Bexhill**.
>
> Mileage for Rates Purposes: From Darling Harbour **538 miles**; From Newcastle **438 miles**. 
> Power's Freight Accounting: Ordinary traffic — **2899**. *(W.N. 21–1942)*

---

## 1942 — Signalling Removed — Since 15 February 1942

### Signalling Removed
> Since **15th February, 1942**, the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch line was put out of use, and the **signalling equipment at Tyumba, Teven and Ballina** removed. *(W.N. 43–1949 — confirming 15 February 1942 date)*

---

## 1949 — Branch Formally Abolished — W.N. 43–1949

### Branch Abolished — W.N. 43–1949
> **Booyong Junction (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Abolition of Booyong–Ballina Branch Line** — Since 15th February, 1942, the Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch line has been put out of use, and the signalling equipment at Tyumba, Teven and Ballina removed. On **Wednesday, 26th October, 1949**, the connection between the Main line at Booyong Junction and the Branch line will be removed and the branch line abolished. **Circular No. 340–15 of 1930** cancelled. (S.&T.E. 48–507,415.) *(W.N. 43–1949)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **25 August 1930** | **Opened** — with Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch; Station Brand **TYW**; Power's Ordinary **2,897**; OTS key Booyong Junction–Ballina; Levers and Bracket Locks A and B; **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit**; Pioneer line (Circular No. 340–15) |
| W.N. 34–1930 | Running times: Booyong Junction–Tyumba 11 min; Tyumba–Teven 8 min |
| **W.N. 50–1933** | **No. 86 North Telephone Circuit removed** from Tyumba |
| **W.N. 38–1936** | **Pig race on Main line** inserted in accommodation table (ref. V.36–13,300) |
| **W.N. 21–1937** | Station Brand changed from **TYW** to **T.Y.U.** |
| **W.N. 21–1942** | **Nioka** loading race (8 feet; Down side at 537m 6c; Mr W. H. Jones; code 2899; control Bexhill) established between Tyumba and Teven |
| **15 February 1942** | **Signalling at Tyumba removed** — branch put out of use |
| **12 January 1949** | **Station closed** (per your notes) |
| **26 October 1949** | Branch formally abolished; Circular No. 340–15 of 1930 cancelled (W.N. 43–1949; ref. S.&T.E. 48–507,415) |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1930–1949.* 
*Note: Tyumba's station brand change from TYW to TYU (W.N. 21–1937) is unusual — the original brand TYW appears to have conflicted with another station or was simply corrected to better reflect the station name. The 1936 pig race notation ("Pig Race on Main line") is significant — a race on the main line rather than in a yard siding is an unusual arrangement for a small branch station, reflecting the limited infrastructure at Tyumba. The Nioka loading race (W.N. 21–1942), established simultaneously with the branch being put out of use for passenger traffic, suggests some continued use of the branch for produce loading even after passenger suspension — the loading race for Mr. W. H. Jones was clearly expected to generate traffic independently of the regular train service.*

#8

Ballina Branch / Re: The Halt

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 01:33:21 PM

# The Halt (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1939–1949

---

**Type:** Platform (Closed) 
**Line:** Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch 
**Distance from Sydney:** 858.743 km (Mileage **533m 46c** from Sydney / **434m 8c** from Newcastle; listed as **535 miles** from Darling Harbour in rates books) 
**Location:** -28.758441, 153.446471 
**Station Brand:** THT 
**Station Distinguishing Number:** BB5 
**Between:** Booyong Junction and Tyumba 
**Local name (pre-1940):** **Kirklands** — named after the property it served (still exists as of 2025) 
**School children stop established:** **Since Monday, 3 February 1939** — W.N. 3–1939 (Nos. 44 and 43 Mixed trains; location then known as Kirklands) 
**Platform formally opened:** **March 1940** (per your notes; W.N. 14–1940 — ref. 39–34,678) 
**Controlling Station:** Bexhill 
**Closed:** **12 January 1949** (per your notes; following branch put out of use 15 February 1942) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Unknown — "The Halt" is a generic railway designation for a small stopping place 

### Platform
**9 feet (approximately 2.7 metres)** — **Up side** of line — sleeper platform 
**Grade:** 1 in 50 rising and falling (W.N. 19–1940) 

### Note on Kirklands Pre-Opening Period
Before the formal platform was provided (March 1940), the location was known locally as **Kirklands** after the Kirkland property it served. Mixed trains Nos. 43 and 44 stopped here from **3 February 1939** to pick up and set down school children for Lismore — officially at Mileage **533m 46c** (OCR of W.N. 3–1939 reads "553m 38c" — likely OCR error; the 1940 W.N. 14 clearly gives 533m 46c for the same location). The stop predated the formal platform by approximately 13 months.

### Power's Freight Accounting
**Ordinary traffic code: 2944** — W.N. 14–1940 (ref. 39–34,678)

---

> **Notes:** The Halt formally opened March 1940 (W.N. 14–1940; ref. 39–34,678) with a 9-foot Up side sleeper platform at Mileage 533m 46c between Booyong Junction and Tyumba; Station Brand THT; Station Distinguishing Number BB5; unattended; control Bexhill; freight prepaid; Ordinary code 2944. The location had been known as Kirklands and was used as an informal school children pick-up/set-down point from 3 February 1939 (W.N. 3–1939) — Nos. 43 and 44 Mixed trains stopped Mondays to Fridays. Grade 1 in 50 rising and falling (W.N. 19–1940). The Ballina branch was put out of use 15 February 1942; The Halt closed 12 January 1949 (per your notes). After branch closure, the W.N. 13–1949 notice stated traffic must not be booked to The Halt, Tyumba, Teven, Miroma and Ballina.

---

## 1939 — School Children Stop at Kirklands — W.N. 3–1939 (Since 3 February 1939)

### School Children Stop — W.N. 3–1939
> **Page 248 — Working Timetable — Northern Division** — Nos. **44** and **43** Mixed trains, on Mondays to Fridays, stop at Mileage **533m 46c**, between Booyong Junction and Tyumba, to **pick up** and **set down**, respectively, school children travelling to and from Lismore.
>
> *(W.N. 3–1939)* 
> *[Note: OCR reads "553m 38c" — interpreted as 533m 46c to match the 1940 W.N. 14 provision notice for the same location. The location was then known locally as Kirklands.]*

---

## 1940 — Platform Formally Provided — W.N. 14–1940 (ref. 39–34,678)

### Power's Freight Accounting Code — W.N. 14–1940
> **Power's Freight Accounting — The Halt (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch)** — The station code number for Power's Freight Accounting for The Halt is: Ordinary traffic — **2944**. (39–34,678.) *(W.N. 14–1940)*

### Platform Provision — Passenger Fares Book — W.N. 14–1940
> **Page 155 — The Halt (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch) — Provision of Platform** — The following particulars are to be added:
>
> **The Halt (P)** — Distance from Sydney: **533m 46c**; Distance from Newcastle: **434m 8c**.
>
> *(W.N. 14–1940)*

### Platform Provision — Merchandise and Livestock Rates Book — W.N. 14–1940
> **Page 225 — The Halt (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch) — Provision of Platform** — The following particulars are to be added:
>
> | Distance from Darling Harbour | Station Brand | Name | Controlling Station | Line | Freight Prepaid |
> |---|---|---|---|---|---|
> | **535 miles** | **T.H.T.** | **The Halt (P)** | **Bexhill** | Booyong Junction–Ballina | **G.** |
>
> *(W.N. 14–1940)*

### List of Stations Addition — W.N. 14–1940
> **Page 253 — The Halt (Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch) — Provision of Platform** — The following particulars are to be added under Booyong–Ballina Branch: **The Halt, 535 miles from Darling Harbour, 435 miles from Newcastle.** (39–34,678.) *(W.N. 14–1940)*

### Station Distinguishing Number — W.N. 14–1940
> **Station Distinguishing Number:** **BB5** — The Halt; Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch; Station Brand THT; control **Bexhill**. *(W.N. 14–1940)*

---

## 1940 — Grade at Platform — W.N. 19–1940

### Grade — W.N. 19–1940
> **Page 75 — Grades at Stations, Sidings, Platforms and Signal-boxes — Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch — The Halt:**
>
> Grade of Platform: **1 in 50 rising** 
> Approached in Down direction by **1 in 50 rising** 
> Approached in Up direction by **1 in 50 falling**
>
> (39–34,675.) *(W.N. 19–1940)*

---

## 1942 — Branch Put Out of Use — 15 February 1942

> The Booyong Junction–Ballina Branch line was put out of use from **15 February 1942** (W.N. 43–1949 confirmation). The Halt ceased operation at this time. The formal administrative closure date is given as **12 January 1949** in your notes.

---

## 1949 — Traffic Not to be Booked — W.N. 13–1949

### Branch Closure — W.N. 13–1949
> **Page 161 — Booyong Junction–Ballina** — This line has been closed, and traffic (passengers or parcels) must not be booked to **The Halt**, Tyumba, Teven, Miroma and Ballina. (C.1–49–15,391.) *(W.N. 13–1949)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| **3 February 1939** | **Nos. 43 and 44 Mixed trains** — Mondays to Fridays — stop at Mileage 533m 46c (Kirklands) to pick up/set down school children for Lismore (W.N. 3–1939) |
| **March 1940** | **Platform formally provided** — 9-foot Up side sleeper platform; Station Brand THT; Station Distinguishing Number BB5; control Bexhill; freight prepaid; Ordinary code **2944** (W.N. 14–1940; ref. 39–34,678) |
| **W.N. 19–1940** | Grade at platform — **1 in 50 rising/falling** (ref. 39–34,675) |
| **15 February 1942** | Branch put out of use — The Halt ceases operation |
| **12 January 1949** | **The Halt formally closed** (per your notes) |
| **W.N. 13–1949** | Traffic must not be booked to The Halt, Tyumba, Teven, Miroma and Ballina (ref. C.1–49–15,391) |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1939–1949.* 
*Note: The Halt has one of the most unusual pre-opening histories in the Murwillumbah/Ballina collection — confirmed use as a school children stop for 13 months before the formal platform was gazetted. The W.N. 3–1939 entry (Nos. 43 and 44 Mixed) predating the W.N. 14–1940 formal provision notice is rare documented evidence of informal train stops preceding formal platform establishment. The location's local name "Kirklands" (still in use as of 2025) preserves the property name that the Department never officially adopted. The 9-foot (approximately 2.7-metre) sleeper platform is the shortest documented platform in the Murwillumbah/Ballina branch collection — little more than a single sleeper-length boarding point.*

#9

Lismore to Byron Bay / Re: St Helena

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 01:09:16 PM

The view over the location of St Helena on the Murwillumbah branch. The line has completely vanished in this location. (2025)

#10

Lismore to Byron Bay / Re: Talofa

Last post by admin - August 04, 2026, 01:03:26 PM

# Talofa (Murwillumbah Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1924–1975

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**Type:** Platform (Closed)
**Line:** Murwillumbah Branch (Casino–Murwillumbah; within Bangalow–Byron Bay section post-1957)
**Distance from Sydney:** 874.283 km (Mileage approximately **543m 53c** — per 1973 speed board entry "Talofa–St Helena 543m 53c")
**Location:** Between Bangalow (south/west) and St Helena (north/east)
**Opened:** Unknown (per your notes — no WN opening notice found; never a timetabled stop)
**Short 105-foot Down side siding removed:** **8 September 1903** (per your notes; no WN notice found)
**Platform damaged in fire:** **1923** (per your notes; Up side 27.4-metre platform)
**Closed:** **1973** — W.N. 40–1973 (ref. C.1–73–4,538–LON)
**Status:** Closed
**Name meaning:** "Talofa" is a salutation or greeting in the Samoan language

### Platform and Siding
**Platform:** **27.4 metres (90 feet)** — **Up side**; damaged in 1923 fire
**Siding (removed):** **105-foot dead-end siding** — **Down side** of line; removed 8 September 1903 (per your notes)
**Always a request stop** — never a timetabled stop; likely served local farms

> **Notes:** Talofa is one of the most minimal platforms in the Murwillumbah branch collection — a request-only stop with a 27.4-metre Up side platform, never timetabled. A 105-foot Down side siding was removed 8 September 1903. The platform was damaged in a fire in 1923. Listed as Talofa (P) — unattended platform — in 1924 between Bangalow and St Helena (P). Closed 1973 (W.N. 40–1973; listed alongside Stokers); accommodation and Grades table references deleted W.N. 26–1975.

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## 1924 — Unattended Platform

> **Talofa (P)** — unattended platform; between Bangalow and St Helena (P). *(Source: 1924 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1973 — Passenger Services Ceased — W.N. 40–1973

> **Page 73 — Talofa and Stokers** [listed among stations where passenger services have ceased — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch]. (C.1–73–4,538–LON.) *(W.N. 40–1973)*

> **Talofa–St Helena:** Mileage **543m 53c** [speed board location]. *(Source: 1973 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1975 — All References Deleted — W.N. 26–1975

> **Page 88 — Accommodation Provided** — Delete all reference to Woodlawn College, Bexhill, Eltham, Booyong, **Talofa**, St Helena, Sleeper Platform and Myocum. (A1 73 77209.) *(W.N. 26–1975)*

> **Page 104 — Grades table — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch** — Delete Booyong, **Talofa** and St Helena. (A1 73 77203.) *(W.N. 26–1975)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| Unknown | **Opened** — Up side 27.4-metre platform; request stop only; no WN opening notice found |
| **8 September 1903** | **105-foot Down side siding removed** (per your notes) |
| **1923** | **Platform damaged in fire** (per your notes) |
| By 1924 | **Talofa (P)** — unattended; between Bangalow and St Helena (P) |
| **1973** | **Services ceased** — W.N. 40–1973 alongside Stokers (ref. C.1–73–4,538–LON) |
| **W.N. 26–1975** | All accommodation (A1 73 77209) and Grades (A1 73 77203) references deleted |

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1924–1975.*
*Note: Talofa's name — a Samoan greeting — is unique in the NSW railway network, likely reflecting a connection to the Pacific through the property owner. The request-only status throughout its documented life, early siding removal (1903) and 1923 fire damage suggest a facility that was always marginal.*