By Lenard P. McDaid
Throughout the 1890s, then-former member for Randwick, Edmund Barton, called for the formation of leagues in favour of Australian Federation throughout NSW In November, the people of Wattle Flat would answer the call, bring to fruition a local branch of the Australasian Federation League.
Formed on the 21st of October, with prominent community member Edward Sanden elected as President and Francis James Foster as Secretary and Treasurer. Foster, a young miner and political upstart, was appointed as delegate. The second delegate was the then newly elected member for Macquarie, Protectionist, William Fergus Hurley, who was invited out of deference to his position and his experience as former manager of the prosperous Sunny Corner Lilver Mine. The duo were part of the 50 Federation League representatives from across the region. Delegates would converge on the Bathurst School of Arts, then on the corner of William and Howick Streets.
The convention was held from the 16th to the 20th of November. During the convention, broad and lively discussion ensued, but in general, both representatives stepped back during the proceedings. Neither making any bold statements, rather, allowing others to voice the stance of the Federation League. And naturally voting in favour of the interests of the people of Wattle Flat.
This was, at least, how Foster painted it. But his claims come with contention, as the Sydney Truth newspaper would write of a “Big-headed boy from Wattle Flat”, presumably Foster who was 24 at the time.
Ultimately, the convention was important in providing the diverse views, though not NSW-centric, of men (as it was, if not explicitly then implicitly invited men only). Particularly in giving voice to the places such as Wattle Flat. The delegates themselves would continue to distinguish themselves. Hurley would continue remain as member for Macquarie till 1904, before receiving a life appointment as an MIC. Foster would end up in New England, where he would serve as the Federal Member from 1906 to 1913.
Images supplied by Lenard
