The Walgett Court House was built by D Edwards, the contractor who also erected the Post Office, at a cost of three thousand five hundred pounds (₤3,500).  It was described as a “substantial brick building of handsome design”, it was completed by 1881.

However, Judge Murray had presided over the first Court of Quarter Sessions in Walgett in 1878.  He later attained fame as Australian Administrator of Papua-New Guinea.

It is noteworthy to record at that first Quarter sessions, the young Crown Prosecutor was Edmund Barton, destined to become Australia’s first Prime Minister.

The Court House was built from bricks made at Walgett.

Incidentally, a brick kiln was situated near a lagoon about 1.5 miles west of the town, the business being conducted by a chap named Charlie Smith.  It closed a few years before World War I.  Another brick kiln was located at a locality known as “Cooee Waterholes” situated on the corner of Warrena and Peel Streets.

(Courtesy of the Late Bill Weate)

The old building fell into disrepair over the years and some years ago it was totally restored and stands proudly presiding over the surrounding buildings. The Court House is in regular use today.