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.
  
  
  
   

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