THE WALLARAH COAL COMPANY LIMITED.
The Wallarah Coal Company Limited was formed in London in 1888, with the issue of 10,000 shares at £10 each. Initial directions for commencement and operation were telegraphed from London to local official representatives.
The Parbury family were instrumental in the project. They had a wharf in Darling Harbour and many other business interests, including a kerosene shale mine in the Southern Highlands.
The Robertson Land Acts of 1861 allowed individuals to select areas of Crown Lands for mining purposes and without the need to build on the land within two years. A consortium of Parbury, Siddington and Lamb selected much of the land between Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay.
Mr. Thomas Parton, F.G.S., was sent out to report upon the profitability of the project, and his reply being favourable, the properties were purchased by the Wallarah Company, and steps were at once taken to establish a colliery.
Thomas Parton and Family – Ralph Snowball Collection – Newcastle Libraries