James Fletcher Print Page

The statue commemorates James Fletcher, the Chairman of the first district miner's union and member of the new South Wales Legislative Assembly. 

Fletcher (1834-1891) was chairman of the first district miner`s union in 1861, a founder of the Newcastle Morning Herald in 1876 and a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1880-91, during which time he served both as minister of mines and of public works. He was known as a friend to the miners and was held in sufficient esteem to occasion the erection of the park`s statue in 1897 by public subscription.

One of the most interesting ceremonies that has taken place in Newcastle for many years occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Lower Reserve, viz., the unveiling of a statue to the memory of the late Mr. James Fletcher, for many years the representative of Newcastle in Parliament. A procession comprising the greater portion of the Newcastle branch of the League of Wheelmen arrived on the ground shortly after 3 o'clock at which time an immense concourse had assembled. The proceedings were presided over by the Mayor of Newcastle, who had an enthusiastic reception when rising. He spoke of the pleasure he felt at presiding it a function which was to do honour to an old friend of 40 years standing.

It may be mentioned that the contract for supplying the statue was undertaken by Mr G.P. Loch monumental mason, of Newcastle. It was executed in Italy, and is a most striking piece of sculpture. The lineaments of the deceased gentleman are immediately recognised, and are full of life. The statue stands on a plinth of polished Ben Cruachan granite, and is of pure Carrara marble.  The whole structure is 17ft in height, the statue itself being about 6ft 6in. It possesses the unique fact of being the only statue yet erected to any public man in the northern district. 
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), 12 April 1897.

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