Arthur J. Hand | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 September 1888 |
| Died | 17 March 1968 (aged 79) Cronulla, New South Wales |
| Occupation(s) | Timber merchant; local-government councillor; property developer |
| Years active | 1912–1964 |
| Known for | Founder of Lapstone, funded the creation of Lapstone railway station |
Arthur J. Hand (11 September 1888 [1] - 17 March 1968 [2] ) was a Sutherland Shire councillor, Blue Mountains City Council Alderman and timber merchant best known for being the developer and founder [3] of the town of Lapstone in the Blue Mountains, as well as building Lapstone Train Station. [4] [5]
Arthur Hand was born in Penrith. Prior to being a Councillor he founded Arthur J. Hand Pty. Ltd. A timber merchant company. [6]
He was elected a Sutherland Shire Councillor in 1917, he was re-lected every 3 years until retiring in 1932, serving 15 years in total. [7] [8] He was known for his work on Tom Uglys Bridge. [4]
After retiring from Council he and his wife moved to Blackheath. In 1953 he was elected an Alderman of Blue Mountains Council.
In October 1954 he purchased land near Glenbrook, named Stephens Paddock, that he named as the town of Lapstone. He would develop the land and would later build the Lapstone Railway Station, after promising it to potential buyers. [3] It is one of the only privately funded Railway stations in New South Wales still operating. [9]
He gave Lapstone two of its most distinctive features, Red Brick Gutters and underground Power lines. [10] [3] Which have been described as "Visionary for the time."
Arthur J. Hand died in 1968. [2]