BOB Newton’s interest in the Great South Eastern Railway Line and the history and development of the area goes way back.
His grandfather and grandmother, William Frederick Ladd Newton and Emily Newton selected land at Arawata in 1882, Newton’s Road was named after them, and the rest, as they say is history.
His father, Thornton Newton, drove steam trains on the line and being born and bred in Korumburra, Bob has an ingrained love for the area, its stories and its people.
So in that sense, his new book, ‘From Train Tracks to Rail Trail’, more than five years in the planning and writing, well over a century in the making, is a labour of love.
“I’ve always wanted to write this. Dad came back from the First World War and worked on the railways, out of Korumburra, driving steam trains to the coal mines and down to Yarram and all the rest for 37 years.
“He would have driven that K-Class loco down at Coal Creek back in the day.”
There’s a similar K-Class steam locomotive crossing the old trestle bridge near Korumburra on the front cover of the book. The photo itself is history. The bridge was torn down only two weeks after the photo was taken.
“All I say to people is to read the book right through, from front to back. You’ll be amazed at the stories in there.”
It’s not Bob Newton’s first book.
Despite leaving Korumburra High School at age 14 to go home and milk the family’s cows at their McMillan’s Road farm just outside town, he has developed a strong interest in history, not only locally, but further afield as well.
His first book told the 100-year history of the Korumburra Golf Club, a place and an organisation that’s close to his heart.
It led on to another golf club history, for the 100th anniversary of the Finlay Golf Club in NSW, followed by several books on roads and placenames, one around Korumburra and the other for Mirboo North.
Two other books, for Foster and Leongatha are set to follow.
For now though, it’s time to promote the new book ‘From Train Tracks to Rail Trail and together with his wife Marilyn, he’ll be taking the book around to local historical societies, up and down the line, in a sort-of moving launch, which is only fitting for a history of the local railway line.
The book will also be available at Kellys Bakery in Korumburra, the Bicycle Fitting Store in Korumburra, at Coal Creek and a selection of local stores.
Or message Bob Newton on mobile 0408515923 or email http://inverburra@yahoo.com.au
