Swan Bay, Richmond River NSW
Brief History of the Swan Bay
Post Office.
Information supplied by Maureen Crawley.
29th August 1870. Petitions from residents of "Elbow",
Richmond River, asking for a Post Office. It was 10 miles from Woodburn Post
Office and 5 miles from Coraki. For some years negotiations went on as the
residents did not have a good case as they were so close to the other offices.
1875. At last it was decided to grant a Post Office. It was
felt, though that "Elbow" was not a good name and asked that another name be
suggested.
October 1875. Mr Bawden M.P. suggested Noncome and this name
was approved, also that Mr. Thomas
Malone be appointed Postmaster.
1st November 1875.
Mr. Thomas Malone was appointed Post Master and the office opened. The mail
Route was on the opposite side of the river.
1876. Petitions from residents complaining that their letters
go astray as no one knows the place as Noncome and asked that it be called
"Elbow on Swan Bay", as there is a natural bay at the elbow of the river which
is teaming with swans and ducks. It is usually known as Swan Bay.
It was approved that the name be changed, and it was pointed out to the
residents that they were expected in such cases to pay the cost of altering the
office date stamp, the cost being £18/-. So they
sent along a half sovereign and 48 two penny stamps.
The postmaster's salary was £10/-, but an extra
£5/- was given to him as he had to cross the river
to meet the mail coach.
September 1878.
Mr. Thomas Malone left the district
and Mr. Cornelius White was appointed postmaster.
20th May 1881. Mr White resigned and
Mr. Thomas Malone, who had
apparently returned to Swan Bay was again made postmaster.
1st November 1882.
Mr. Thomas Malone changed his
residence and Mr. John Malone,
his brother, was appointed postmaster.
20th March 1890. Mr. J.
L. Gray took over as postmaster as
Mr. John Malone resigned.
1st April 1893.
Mr. John Malone returned as
postmaster from Mr. J. L. Gray.
16th August 1893. Miss
Margaret Malone, John's daughter succeeded him as postmistress.
20th April 1901. Miss
M. Elizabeth Malone succeeded her sister as postmistress.
28th February 1907.
Miss S. Everingham succeeded Miss A. E. Malone.