by the time that i started to associate (1953), there were 3-4 circuits in sydney.
and i think there were by then 10-11 congregations. the phone book now lists 50. i think the only one with the same name as then, is ryde.
all the circuits included country congregations. the one that haberfield and western were in, ran from haberfield out to penrith, up to katoomba in the mountains, on to lithgow, mudgee and the last western congregation was in dubbo.
and with a 3 day assembly every 6 months (starting friday night), it was a big effort for families. It meant a day off work twice a year for circuit assemblies, plus the time required for district assemblies.
assembly locations were varied betwen city and country, but it still meant travel and accomodation expenses...
Okie for singles, but a burden for families!