Condong Mill

[admin]

Line hidden in the grass (John Grocott)

[admin]

Line still in place over Buchanan St (John Grocott)

[admin]

Fenced off behind a factory (John Grocott)

[admin]

A point somewhere in the grass (John Grocott)

[admin]

# Condong (Mill) — Condong Extension (Casino–Murwillumbah Branch)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1894–1989

---

**Type:** Mill/Other (Colonial Sugar Refining Company Sugar Mill) 
**Line:** Murwillumbah Branch — Condong Extension 
**Distance from Sydney:** 938.603 km (end of Authority line); 938.980 km (dead end) 
**Opened:** 6 December 1894 (as a loop siding); extended to mill 24 December 1894 
**Closed:** January 1975 (due to condemned timber bridge) 
**Status:** Closed 
**Name meaning:** Unknown 

---

> **Notes:** The Condong Extension opened on **6 December 1894 as a loop siding**, and was extended to the Colonial Sugar Refining Company's sugar mill at Condong on **24 December 1894** — the same day the main line to Murwillumbah opened. The extension closed in **January 1975 due to a condemned timber bridge**. The end of the Authority (railway) line was at **938.603 km**, with the dead end at **938.980 km**. The extension is unfenced and passes over several public roads. A speed limit of 5 mph applied over level crossings. The Standard Sawmilling Company also used a jib crane on the extension (from 1943). The CSR Condong Mill Siding was formally deleted from all publications in 1983.

---

## 1894 — Opening

> The Condong Extension opened on **6 December 1894** as a loop siding. It was extended to the Colonial Sugar Refining Company's sugar mill at Condong on **24 December 1894** — the same date the main Casino–Murwillumbah line opened to Murwillumbah.

*(Per external records — no specific Weekly Notice entry found for the opening. The first reference in the Weekly Notices is 1915.)*

---

## 1915 — Catchpoints Provided; Up Home Signal Removed

### Catchpoints Installed — 3 May 1915
> **Murwillumbah (Grafton–Tweed Line)** — Since Monday, **3rd May, 1915**, Catch-points, fixed in the **Condong Branch Line, 92 feet on the Tweed side of the level crossing**, have been brought into use, and are secured by chain and standard padlocks.
>
> The **Up Home Signal from the Condong Branch has been removed and dispensed with**.

*(Source: 1915 Weekly Notices)*

> **Note:** The removal of the Up Home Signal and installation of catch-points in 1915 represents a simplification of the working arrangements at the Condong Branch, consistent with light traffic from the sugar mill.

---

## 1926 — New Loop Siding on Condong Extension

### New Loop Siding — 8 June 1926
> **Murwillumbah (Grafton–Tweed Line) — Provision of new Loop Siding on Condong Extension** — Since **8th June, 1926**, a new Loop Siding, with **993 feet standing room in the clear**, has been provided on the Up side of the Condong Extension serving the Sugar Mills.
>
> Catch-points are provided at each end of the new Loop Siding, and are secured by standard chain and S.L. lock.
>
> The Catch-points at the **Lismore end of the Condong Extension** have been refixed **94 feet nearer the Sugar Mill**.
>
> **Grade** — the new Loop Siding is **level**.

*(W.N. 25–1926)*

---

## 1933 — "U" and "K" Class Trucks Prohibited

### Restricted Truck Classes — W.N. 33–1933
> **Condong Extension (Casino–Murwillumbah Branch)** — Commencing at once, trucks of the **"U" and "K" class are prohibited from working between Murwillumbah and Condong Mill**. (C.C.E. E33–59,710.)

*(W.N. 33–1933)*

---

## 1933 — Engine Load Table — North Lismore–Murwillumbah–Condong

### Engine Load Table Updated
> Delete — Lismore–Murwillumbah–Condong Mill. 
> Insert — Lismore–North Lismore, North Lismore–Murwillumbah–Condong Mill. 
> [Load figures by engine class: 24, 25, 28, 30T — 2, i, 23, 39, 30, 32]

*(Source: 1933 Weekly Notices — engine load table amendment)*

---

## 1934 — Running Times — 14 Minutes Murwillumbah–Condong

### Running Times
> **Running Times of Trains — Extension from Murwillumbah to Condong** — Running times for trains and Light Engines between Murwillumbah and Condong on both Up and Down journeys is **14 minutes**.

*(Source: 1934 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1935 — Full Working Instructions Issued; Norco No. 2 Siding Named; Speed Limit 5 mph; Stop Board

### Condong Extension — Full Working Instructions — W.N. 38–1935
> **Condong Extension (Murwillumbah)** — This is an extension of the Main line at the terminal end of Murwillumbah Yard.
>
> **Route** — The line is unfenced and passes over **Railway Street** (near Murwillumbah), **Cudgera Road**, **Palmvale Road** (Mileage 581.57c.) and **Pacific Highway** (near the Condong Mill).
>
> **Level Crossings** — When it is necessary for a train or vehicle to cross any of the roadways indicated, for shunting purposes, the Guard or Shunter must protect the operation, by exhibiting a **red flag during daylight and a red light during dark** in the direction of approaching road traffic; and no movement of any train or vehicle is to be permitted over any of the roadways until the employee has given a hand signal for the train to proceed. The speed of trains passing over these level crossings must not exceed **five (5) miles per hour**. The Driver and Fireman must keep a sharp look-out when approaching the level crossings, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
>
> **Restricted Trucks** — Trucks of the **"U" and "10' classes are prohibited** from working between Murwillumbah and Condong Mill.
>
> **Catch-points** — Catch-points are provided in the Extension, **173 feet on the Condong side of Railway Street level crossing**, and are secured by hasp, staple and S.L. lock.
>
> **Sidings on Extension** — The following sidings are provided on the Extension:
> - **Storage**
> - **Norco No. 1**
> - **Norco No. 2**
> - **Condong Loop**
>
> The points in the Branch line, and catch-points in the sidings, are operated by **ball levers**, and secured by hasp, staple, and S.L. lock. In all cases, trains must be **hauled when proceeding to and from the Extension**, except that at Condong Loop siding, **engines may run round and propel vehicles containing cane to the bins** at the C.S.R. Condong Sugar Mill.
>
> **Stop Board** — A stop board is provided alongside the C.S.R. Condong Sugar Mill siding, to denote how far it is permissible for engines to proceed on that siding. (35–929,353.)

*(W.N. 38–1935)*

### "U" and "10'" Class Trucks Prohibition — Confirmed
> Trucks of the "U" and "10'" classes are prohibited from working between Murwillumbah and Condong Mill.

---

## 1936 — Engine Classes Permitted — Murwillumbah–Condong

### Engine Classes — Amended and Superseded
> **Lines over which Various Classes of Engines may Run — North Coast — Casino–Murwillumbah–Condong Branch Lines** — Commencing at once, previous instructions applicable to the Casino–Murwillumbah–Condong Branch lines are amended and superseded:
>
> - **Light Type**: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30T
> - **Murwillumbah (Norco Sidings)–Condong Mill** — [specific class restrictions noted in table]

*(W.N. — 1936)*

---

## 1942 — 32 Class Engines — Maximum Speed 10 mph; 4 mph Over Bridge

### 32 Class Engine Speed Restrictions
> **Maximum Speed of Engines and Vehicles — Murwillumbah–Condong Branch** — 32 class engines may be run between Murwillumbah and Condong Mill at a **maximum speed of 10 miles per hour**, subject to a speed restriction of **4 miles per hour over the bridge at 581m 22c** (later amended to 581m 52c).

*(W.N. 50–1942, superseded W.N. 52–1942)*

---

## 1943 — Standard Sawmilling Company Jib Crane; Stop Board Erected

### Standard Sawmilling Company's Jib Crane — W.N. 14–1943
> **Murwillumbah (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Condong Extension — Provision of Crane at Standard Sawmilling Company's Site** — The Standard Sawmilling Company has provided a **jib crane alongside its site, at approximately 581m 48c**, on the Condong Extension.
>
> **Stop Board** — A stop board has been erected on the Down side of the Branch line, **100 feet on the Murwillumbah side of the crane**, and Drivers of engines proceeding on to the Condong Extension must not pass this stop board until instructed by the Guard or Shunter in charge to do so.
>
> Before hand-signalling a Driver to pass the stop board, the Guard or Shunter in charge must satisfy himself that the crane is clear of the line, and that it is secured against any movement whereby the jib or any other portion of it may obstruct or foul any line on which the engine is required to run, and to remain so secured until the operation is completed. Rule 128 must be observed. (A. 1–43–51,609.)

*(W.N. 14–1943)*

---

## 1945 — Speed Restriction — Murwillumbah–Condong

### Speed Restriction Reference
> **Murwillumbah–Condong** — speed restriction referenced in working timetable amendments. *(W.N. 20–1945)*

---

## 1946 — 50 Class Engines Permitted; Speed 10 mph

### 50 Class Engines — Maximum Speed 10 mph
> **Maximum Speeds of Engines, Vehicles and Accident Cranes** — Commencing at once, **50 class engines may run over the section Murwillumbah–Condong Mill** at maximum speed of **10 miles per hour**.
>
> Insert 10 in column headed "50" opposite section **Murwillumbah (Norco Siding)–Condong Mill**. (C.T.M. 46–77,071; C.C.E. 46–949,008.)

*(W.N. 40–1946)*

---

## 1952 — CSR Manager Appreciates Railway Service

### Colonial Sugar Refining Company — Letter of Appreciation
> **Mr. Beickdman, Manager, Colonial Sugar Refining Company, Condong Mill**, expressed his appreciation of railway services:
>
> *"Once again I wish to place on record the thanks of my Company for the co-operation that has existed throughout the past crushing season between your staff and the officers at the Mill. These good relations help to smooth out the various difficulties that arise from time to time and are much appreciated."*

*(Source: 1952 Weekly Notices — letters of appreciation section)*

---

## 1959 — Molasses Discharging Point Provided; Colonial Sugar Refining Co. Siding Noted in Load Tables

### Molasses Discharging Point — 583m 16c — W.N. 35–1959
> **Condong Extension — Provision of Molasses Loading Point** — A molasses discharging point with **6 outlets** has been provided on the Up side of the Main line at **583m 16c**, at which point **molasses will be loaded into MX type Railway Tankers**. (A. 1–59–20,726.)

*(W.N. 35–1959)*

### Colonial Sugar Refining Co. Siding Listed in Speed Table
> **Murwillumbah (Norco Sidings)–Condong Mill** listed in engine load/speed table, alongside Old Casino–Murwillumbah (Norco Sidings).

*(Source: 1959 Weekly Notices — speed and load tables)*

---

## 1962 — Section Reference

### Stokers–Condong Listed as Section
> **Stokers–Condong** listed in sectional running time and load tables.

*(Source: 1962 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1965 — Engine Load Table — Stokers–Murwillumbah and Condong

### Engine Load Table — Condong as Section Boundary
> **Down Journey:** Mullumbimby–Stokers, Stokers–Murwillumbah and Condong. 
> **Up Journey:** Condong and Murwillumbah–Bangalow, Bangalow–Bentley, Bentley–Casino.

*(Source: 1965 Weekly Notices — engine load tables)*

---

## 1968 — Bracket Extended to Include Condong–Murwillumbah–Byron Bay

### Engine Load Bracket Extended
> Bracket covering section **Condong and Murwillumbah–Byron Bay** to be extended to Bangalow.
>
> Note (i) to be amended to read: The load for 48 class engines working Goods or Fruit Trains can be increased to **750 tons** and 44 class to **900 tons** between Mullumbimby and Byron Bay. (W.N. 30–1968.)

---

## 1975 — Condong Mill Deleted from Accommodation Table; Extension Instructions Reissued; Pacific Highway Level Crossing Deleted

### Condong Mill Deleted from Accommodation — W.N. 2–1975
> **Stations, Platforms and Sidings — Accommodation Provided — Casino–Murwillumbah Branch** — Delete **938.590 km (583m 17c), Condong Mill**, and relevant particulars. (AI–74–33042.)

*(W.N. 2–1975)*

### Condong Deleted from Speed/Grades Tables — W.N. 2–1975
> **Grades at Stations, Sidings, Platforms and Signal-boxes — Casino–Murwillumbah** — Delete **Condong** and relevant particulars. (AI–74–33042.)

*(W.N. 2–1975)*

### Pacific Highway Level Crossing and Blissmiss Crossing Deleted — W.N. 2–1975
> **Level Crossing — Casino–Murwillumbah** — Delete **Blissmiss (Private) 938.288 km (583m 2c)**. Delete **Pacific Highway, Condong, 938.570 km (583m 16c)**. (AI–74–33042.)

*(W.N. 2–1975)*

### GG Car Restriction Deleted — W.N. 2–1975
> **Siding in Which a Governor-General's Car (G.G.) and Other 72-Feet Vehicles Must Not Be Placed** — Delete **Condong Mill** and relevant particulars. (AI–74–33042.)

*(W.N. 2–1975)*

> **Note:** The deletion of the GG car restriction is a reminder that even the Condong Mill extension was subject to the restriction on placing the Governor-General's carriage in certain sidings — confirming the extension appeared in the full Local Appendix tables throughout its life.

### Condong Extension Instructions — Reissued in Updated Form — W.N. 2–1975
> **Condong Extension** — Delete existing instructions and insert:
>
> *The Main line at the terminal end of Murwillumbah is extended to **938.207 km (582m 78c)** and is known as Condong Extension. The line is unfenced and passes over Railway Street, near Murwillumbah, Cudgera Road and Palmvale Road (936.176 km).*
>
> *When it is necessary for a train or vehicle to cross any of the roadways indicated, for shunting purposes, the staff must observe the instructions shown on page 218.*
>
> **Catch Points** — Catch Points are provided in the extension, **53 metres on the Condong side of Railway Street** level crossing, and are secured by hasp, staple and S.L. locks.
>
> **Sidings on Extension** — The following sidings are provided on the extension: **Storage, Norco 1, Norco 2**; the points in the Branch line, and catch points in the Siding, are operated by ball levers, and secured by hasp, staple and S.L. lock. In all cases trains must be hauled when proceeding to and from the extension.
>
> **Provision of Crane at Standard Sawmilling Company's Site** — The Standard Sawmilling Company has provided a jib crane alongside its site, at approximately **935.995 km** on the Condong Extension.
>
> **Stop Board** — A stop board is provided on the down side of the branch line, **30 metres on the Murwillumbah side of the crane**, and drivers of locomotives proceeding to the Condong Extension must not pass this stop board until instructed by the guard or shunter in charge to do so. Before hand-signalling a driver to pass the stop board, the guard or shunter in charge must satisfy himself that the crane is clear of the line, and that it is secured against any movement whereby the jib or any other portion of it may obstruct or foul any line on which the locomotive is required to run and to remain so secured until the operation is completed. Rule 128 must be observed. (AI–74–33042.)

*(W.N. 2–1975)*

> **Note on sidings:** The 1975 reissued instructions no longer include **Condong Loop** in the sidings list (which had appeared in 1935). By 1975, the sidings on the extension are listed as Storage, Norco 1 and Norco 2 only. The Condong Loop siding appears to have been removed between 1935 and 1975.
>
> The Pacific Highway level crossing (583m 16c) — near the Condong Mill — is deleted in this same notice, consistent with the cessation of traffic to the mill itself. The extension to 938.207 km (582m 78c) — the Norco No. 2 / Blue Circle Cement point — remained in operation.

---

## 1981 — Freight Train Conditions — Condong as Section Endpoint

### Freight Train Conditions — Condong Referenced
> **Delete:** All reference to Stokers–Murwillumbah and Condong. 
> **Insert:** Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah and Condong — 310, 665, 1330, 510, 1020. 
>
> Under Section Up — Condong and Murwillumbah–Stokers: Delete "Stokers," Insert "Mullumbimby."

*(W.N. 11–1981)*

---

## 1983 — CSR Condong Mill Siding Deleted from All Publications

### Colonial Sugar Refining Co.'s Condong Mill Siding — Final Deletion
> **Alphabetical List of Railway Stations, Sidings and Platforms** — Delete all reference to **\* Colonial Sugar Refining Co.'s Condong Mill Siding**. (FBS 83 LK:LAF.) *(W.N. 14–1983.)*
>
> **CSR Condong Mill Siding** — Delete all reference. *(W.N. — 1983 — multiple publications)*

*(W.N. 14–1983 and general 1983 publication amendments)*

---

## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| 6 December 1894 | **Opened as loop siding** |
| 24 December 1894 | **Extended to Colonial Sugar Refining Co. mill at Condong** (same date as main line opening to Murwillumbah) |
| 3 May 1915 | Catch-points installed in Condong Branch Line; Up Home Signal removed (W.N. — 1915) |
| 8 June 1926 | New Loop Siding (993 feet) provided on Condong Extension (W.N. 25–1926) |
| W.N. 33–1933 | "U" and "K" class trucks prohibited — Murwillumbah to Condong Mill |
| 1934 | Running time Murwillumbah–Condong: 14 minutes each way |
| W.N. 38–1935 | Full working instructions issued — level crossings, sidings, speed limit, stop board; Norco No. 1 and No. 2 sidings named; Storage and Condong Loop sidings listed |
| 1936 | Engine class table amended for Casino–Murwillumbah–Condong Branch |
| W.N. 50 and 52–1942 | 32 class engines: maximum 10 mph; 4 mph over bridge at 581m 52c |
| W.N. 14–1943 | Standard Sawmilling Company jib crane provided at 581m 48c (935.995 km); stop board erected |
| W.N. 40–1946 | 50 class engines permitted at maximum 10 mph on Murwillumbah (Norco Siding)–Condong Mill section |
| W.N. 35–1959 | Molasses discharging point (6 outlets) provided at 583m 16c for MX tankers |
| **January 1975** | **Closed due to condemned timber bridge** |
| W.N. 2–1975 | Condong Mill (938.590 km) deleted from Accommodation table; Pacific Highway level crossing deleted; Condong Loop siding no longer listed; Extension instructions reissued in updated form |
| W.N. 14–1983 | **CSR Condong Mill Siding finally deleted from all publications** |

---

*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1894–1989.*