Dr Oliver Smithson, F.R.C.S.

The above 1915 caricature of Mount Morgan medico, Oliver Smithson, depicts a confident, moustachioed gentleman in a suit with whimsical eyebrows, smoking a cigar at the corner of his mouth and holding a cane. A photograph of the doctor has proved difficult to find, so his caricature is the next best thing.

Titbits about the doctor’s character and abilities can be found in the verse to his caricature. By way of background, research suggests that the doctor was personable and well-travelled. He would entertain his many friends with amusing anecdotes about his journeys to far-flung places. He was also an athlete, having won trophies for running. However, in an era when horses (‘gee-gees’) were the main mode of transport, the doctor was apparently a poor rider. In patient emergencies, he would, therefore, walk or run (‘foot it’).

The verse reads:

‘An interesting man to meet (Friends like to hear the doctor talk), Who on a horse can’t keep his seat, So has to cycle or to walk, In fact, in urgent cases he Is asked (this is the way wits put it): Not to depend upon gee-gee, But if he’d save his patients, “foot it”’.

Oliver Cromwell Smithson was born into a distinguished medical family in West Yorkshire, England, in 1872. Continuing the family tradition, he qualified as a physician in England in 1896 and became a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (F.R.C.S.) (Ireland) in 1909. He practised at a hospital near London for almost a decade before coming to Australia.

The earliest newspaper records of the doctor in Australia appear to be in 1910. He advertised a medical practice in Brisbane, specialising in ‘diseases of women’. He also wrote a highly publicised scientific paper on ‘Mossman fever’ that same year (‘Mossman’ as in tropical North Queensland).

Mount Morgan In Pictures...From Page 14

In February 1911, the doctor secured the prestigious position of Resident Surgeon at Mount Morgan’s first hospital, the General. The hospital paid him a generous annual salary of £600 and provided him with a furnished house, including utilities. His employment contract stipulated that he wasn’t allowed to run a private practice.

True to form, the weekly tabloid, Truth, which published the above caricature, satirised the doctor on his appointment:

‘Dr. Oliver Smithson, who is an expert in the many beastly and peculiar diseases of the tropics, has been appointed Head Carver [surgeon] at Mount Morgan hospital …’

Fifteen months and 300 operations later, the doctor resigned from this role, possibly because he wanted to start his own practice. The General Hospital immediately re-employed him as Assistant Medical Officer with a salary of £250 per annum (still a large amount for those days) and the right to practise privately. The doctor advertised his new practice in the Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 18781954) in April 1912:

‘Campion Street, Mount Morgan. Dr. Oliver Smithson has commenced PRACTICE at the above address’.

Although the doctor had demanding work commitments, he was involved with several local boards, committees and clubs. For example, he was a member of the Mount Morgan Medical Board, Ambulance Brigade Committee, School of Arts Committee and Gun Club.

With the First World War looming, the doctor joined the Australian Army Medical Corps as Captain (provisionally). His service record at the National Archives states he held this rank from 1913 to 1915, and there’s no indication he served abroad.

Always looking for new challenges, the doctor took up a position as Medical Officer to Emerald Hospital, Central Queensland, in mid-1915. Before his departure from Mount Morgan, the Morning Bulletin commented that he was a ‘general favourite’ about town, who ‘will carry with him the good wishes of a large circle of friends’.

The genial and talented (with the exception of riding) doctor became ill in early 1919 when he was Government Medical Officer at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. He passed away later that year of heart disease in Inverell, northwest of Coffs Harbour (aged 47). His wife survived him. As the above verse points out, he was ‘an interesting man’ – to say the least.

The Australian Country Hospital Heritage Association displays images of the General Hospital, Mount Morgan, and its early medical and nursing staff at www.achha.org.au.

Get snapping for the Sustainability in Action Photo Competition

It’s time to get your cameras out as today marks World Environment Day and the opening of Council’s Sustainability in Action photo competition.

Water and Environmental Councillor Donna Kirkland said whether you’re fighting food waste, recycling right, using active transport, finding energy efficiencies, being water wise or looking after our local habitat and waterways, this competition is for you.

“The Sustainability in Action photo competition recognises and celebrates how our local households and schools are putting sustainability into action in their everyday lives,” Cr Kirkland said.

“I’m always so impressed by the calibre of entries received in this competition and am excited to open it up to not only schools this year, but also the broader community.

“The addition of the household category will allow us to showcase how simple household habits can make a big difference to our local environment.

Ses News

“So, get your cameras out and photograph how your household or school is putting sustainability into action as we celebrate World Environment Day.”

Top photo tips

• Feature the people (eg. people tending to the kitchen garden)

• Capture the theme (eg. growing your own food)

• Highlight the action (eg. regularly watering the kitchen garden)

The competition is now open to all Rockhampton Region residents and closes at 5pm on Friday, 4 August 2023.

For more information or to submit your entry, please visit: https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/ CommunityEvents/Environmental-Sustainability/Getinvolved/Sustainability-in-Action-Photo-Competition

Morgan Chapter 158, Order of the Eastern Star. These funds will go towards improving Mobile Phone reception at the SES facility on Showgrounds Rd.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Committee of the Mount Morgan Chapter 158, Order of the Eastern Star for their support over the years and would like to extend that thankyou to Alan Todd who is always a great promoter of the SES to the Masonic Lodges in the area.

Do you want to become a State Emergency Service Volunteer?

If you are interested and are able to join the SES (State Emergency Service), please visit:- www.qfes. qld.gov.au/join-our-team for further information about the SES and “Register your interest” through the link on the site.

For many years now there have been several SES (State Emergency Service) Groups in our area that have been beneficiaries of donations of money and equipment from the Masonic Lodges in the area. Mount Morgan SES Group has been one of those beneficiaries on several occasions of donations of equipment and funding over the years. Some of the items were, funding towards an equipment shed, 12 Volt Vehicle Fridge, e Flare Kits to provide safety to SES Volunteers conducting Traffic Control Operations and CPR Manikins for training.

On Monday, 3 July 2023 the Mount Morgan Group received a visit from Mr Alan Todd who is the Treasurer of the Lodge and also an active SES volunteer. Alan presented Group Leader – Lyn Porter (pictured) with a cheque for $1400.00 which was from the Mount

Chapter 158 of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) also made a donation of $1400 to the Mount Morgan State High School which will be divided into three portions and presented to students who are pursuing tertiary education. The OES is winding up after operating in Mount Morgan for more than 60 years. OES Members Bruce Rogers and Allan Todd are pictured with High School Principal, Dan Petersen.

Trail riders pass through Mount Morgan

Many people set themselves goals to achieve in life. A group of riders have set the goal of travelling Australia’s National Trail (formerly known as the Bicentennial Trail). This group of trail riders are in their fourth year of traversing the 5000-plus kilometre trail. The group try and ride a section over a two-week period each year – there are a total of 12 sections.

Organiser, Phill Yates said the National Trail Maps have been updated, with the National Trail being intended to be traversed by foot, on horse or on bike, the trail follows the back streets of Mount Morgan to avoid the main road via travelling along Showground Road, East Street South, Darcy Street East Street and Baree Road.

“We have completed sections 1,2,3 and now only just completed section 4. Our small team commenced riding the National Trail heading out from Cook Town in 2018 - however we were interrupted by Covid 19,” Phill said.

“This year, our team consisted of 10 riders and 1 support crew, this is most riders that we have had on our annual ride since commencing.”

“Over the past four rides, we have carried out fund raising for the Sporting Chance Cancer foundation. On the previous three rides, we have been raising funds to provide for self-administering equipment for children with terminal cancer in regional and remote areas of Queensland.

This equipment allows the children and parents to remain at home rather than in hospital, often great distances from home.This year the riders have focused on raising funds to assist Susan Johnson in her Oncology Psychology support role for kids with cancer at the Brisbane Childrens Hospital.

So far they have raised approximately $17,500.00 with the Sporting Chance Foundation matching our fund raising - Dollar for Dollar so we are hopeful of raising close to $ 40,000.00.

“We have raised approximately $70,000 in total which along with Sporting Chances matching of funds raised, this would equate to approximately $ 140,000.00 over the 4 rides.

“The idea of riding the National trail was suggested by Paul Maher, my good friend of nearly 55 years, whom I started kindergarten with in 1969.

“Incidentally Paul turned 60 on the 20th July, I can remember watching a very grainy image of the man landing on the moon along side Paul,” Phill said. Next year, the riders will continue to raise funds for the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, Our focus will be advised by Sporting Chance prior to commencing our 5th section of the ride.

“While we raise funds as a group, we are also raising funds individually for the same cause.

“Fund raising is often done by emailing to family and friends, advising them of our cause and requesting their support.

“As we ride along the track, we run raffles at a few of the venues which we pass through, A chat with Macca on “Australia All Over” saw a local farmer track us down and providing us with a very generous donation while passing the Cania Gorge.

“Our single support crew, is our mild mannered reporter “Greg West” who drives “Smokey” our old 80 series Landcruiser and supplies trailer.”

Greg follows the team and often has to divert around difficult sections of the track, travelling distances of up to 250 kilometres to meet the team further along the track, while also carrying out re-fuelling and topping up of supplies. The costs to participate on the ride is approximately $ 2,500.00 per person. This covers flights, accommodation [where available], food and fuel.

Phil said he would like to pass on their thanks to Debi and Dave at the Silver Wattle Caravan Park for looking after the crew and for their extreme generosity.

The National Trail follows historic coach and stock routes, old pack horse trails, mail runs and country roads for over 5000 kilometres through Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. Wherever possible, along its great length, the Trail provides a living history of our country, following the routes of early pioneers and highlighting historic and heritage sites and artifacts along the way.As it winds along Australia’s eastern seaboard the Trail reveals some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. It traverses lush tropical rainforests, rugged mountains, valleys and gorges, remote dry plains, alpine meadows, snowfields and wilderness.

SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS

JULY 26: Dee River Oldies Group - ‘Christmas in July’ Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Come along and enjoy the morning catching up.

JULY 29: Christmas in July Cent Sale held by Mount Morgan Rodeo Association. School of Arts, Morgan Street. Doors open 12 noon for 1 pm start.

JULY 29: Ladies’ Open Championships Mount Morgan Golf Club, Burnett Highway. 9 am Shotgun start.

JULY 30: Men’s Open Championships Mount Morgan Golf Club, Burnett Highway. 9 am Shotgun start.

AUG 5: Country Music Afternoon. Adults $10, Children - $3.00. Raffles, Lucky Door and snacks available from the bar. 12 noon to 4 pm. Mount Morgan Soldiers Rooms, 18 Morgan Street.

AUG 12: Mount Morgan Show. Mount Morgan Showgrounds.

AUG 15: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting starting at 2 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).

AUG 23: Dee River Oldies Group - ‘Damper Day at the Hall’ starting at 11 am to be held at St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Damper and syrup for morning tea followed by savoury mince and rice for lunch.

SEPT 2: Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc - Wattle Day Festival from 9.30 am until 2.30 pm. Live entertainment and more.

SEPT 9: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

SEPT 12: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

SEPT 23: Mount Morgan Citizen’s Club Medieval Dance at the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street. Starts 7 pm $10 Adults. $3 children.

OCT 14: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

NOV 11: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

NOV 18: QCWA Cent Sale. School of Arts, Morgan Street. More details to be advised.

NOV 21: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

DEC 9: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

Notice To Show Exhibitors

When leaving show entries at the Mount Morgan Railway Station, please ensure that all paperwork and money is in an envelope with your name clearly printed on the front. For futher enquiries contact: mountmorganshow@gmail.com

Light On The Hill Church

Mill Firewood For Sale

$80 WITH TRAILER

$100 DELIVERED MOUNT MORGAN

PHONE: 0428 277 421

Funeral Notice: Peter Bell (Belly) will be laid to rest at 10am Graveside Mount Morgan Cemetary on 27 July 2023.

Have something you need printed? or laminated?

Come down and see the friendly people at MMPAD. Contact us on 4938 2312 for prices or for further information visit us at the Railway Museum.

MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB INC

Meets on the last Sunday of each month at 10.30 am. Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street, Phone - John Tuxworth 0429 055 165

MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH

Meets every third Monday at the Green Shed - Thompson Ave 9.30 am meet for 10 am start.

Blue Care Trash & Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8 am to 12 noon Bags of clothing $5. Marion’s plants for sale.

MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC.

Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays

Phone John on 0429 055 165