Mount Morgan Argus Issue 18/8-22 October 2015

Volume 10 Issue 18

Dame Nellie Melba Page 4

www.mountmorgan.org.au

People in Profile Page 9

8 October - 22 October 2015

Automotive Extravaganza Page 14

Miners Remembered

Story page 2

Pride in Your Town This edition is about a Father who played a significant part in early medicine in Australia and his Son, Richard who was a major pastoralist and had an important role in Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company.

The father, Doctor Cornelius Gavin Casey was born of Irish parents in Liverpool, England in 1811 and came to Australia in 1833 aged 22, and did not return to England at any stage. In 1831 he studied in Limerick, Ireland and became a Surgeon as well. In Limerick he practised through the cholera epidemic that killed thousands and he contacted the virus but was fortunate to recover. From Limerick he then travelled to Hobart in 1833 and accepted the position of Assistant Colonial Surgeon at the penal colony of Port Arthur. After leaving Port Arthur he worked in various places in Tasmania and his son Richard was born in 1863. Dr Casey left Tasmania in 1863 aged 52 and then served on mainland Australia till his death in 1896.

The son, Richard did his schooling in Tasmania before coming to Australia and at 17 years he accepted a position at Murray Downs, in N.S.W. where for the next six years gained good knowledge of stock and management, life in the bush, became a fair horseman attaining the position of head overseer. From Murray Downs he moved to various stations in Victoria and New South Wales becoming a responsible and experienced manager.

He then managed a huge pastoral property, “Kilfera” of 1300 square miles. In the 8 years of operating “Kilfera” he experienced bushrangers, horrific drought and all the trials of bush life. Next he managed a large sheep station in Queensland in a 10 year partnership with a business man.

Experiencing all the problems of the land and becoming disillusioned with his partner he left the partnership in 1891.

In May 1888 at 42 he married Evelyn Harris a 23 year old and also in that year became a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for the electorate of Warrego. He became a very wise business man visiting London a number of times on various financial businesses.

Richard had always been interested in the M.M. Gold Mining Company and he was a friend to T.S. Hall and W.R. Hall and W.K. D’Arcy. Richard Casey became a director of M.M.G.M.C. in 1899 and then chairman of the Company in 1912. When W.R. Hall died in 1911 leaving his large estate to his wife Eliza, he had nominated Richard Casey as executor of the estate. Richard accepted on the condition that Eliza creates a trust for the general benefit of the Australian community. The result was the Walter and Eliza Hall Trust.

He was a little surprised when his friend, William Knox D’Arcy who had little knowledge of oil invested huge sums of his wealth gained in Mount Morgan into an oil venture. D’Arcy success is well known. Richard died in 1919 at Honolulu as he was returning to Australia from London.

Birthday Greetings Recently to celebrate Jean Jenkins 80th Birthday year, friends from her working days at Mount Morgan Limited office gathered at her home for the event. With much reminiscing and delightful food a pleasant time was enjoyed by all. Jean is not involved in the community nowadays but plays a significant role in the Pride in Your Town articles published in the Argus. Congratulations Jean on your O.B.E. and best wishes for future years.

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Miners Memorial Day Service On Saturday 19 September at the historic Mount Morgan Mine site, hundreds of people gathered for the annual Miners Memorial Day Service. Many family members of fallen miners came to pay their respects and share their stories.

The service is held every year on 19 September, the anniversary of Queensland’s worst mining disaster at Mount Mulligan when 75 miners were killed in 1921.

The service gives families, mining industry workers, union representatives, mining companies and government the opportunity to gather and commemorate the lives of more than 1500 miners lost during three centuries of mining in Queensland.

It is also an opportunity for everyone associated with mining to recommit to a goal of zero harm in the industry.

Sadly, this year, we also remembered the four miners lost to mining accidents in Queensland since last year’s memorial service.

Minister for Natural Resource and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham was in attendance and highlighted the long history of mining in Mount Morgan dating back to 1882 and the recorded fatalities related to mining activities in the Mount Morgan district.

For images of the service visit www.dnrm.qld.gov.au and search Miners Memorial Day service.

The annual Miners Memorial Day service is organised in partnership between the Queensland Government, the mining industry, workers and unions.

Department of Natural Resources and Mines Workshop Looks Towards a Tourism Experience for Mount Morgan Last week MMPAD were invited to send 2 representatives to a workshop to discuss the Mount Morgan Fireclay Caverns Study. MMPAD executives, John Steinberger and Maggie Johnson attended along with representatives of Cardno, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Department of State Development, Rockhampton Regional Council and Capricorn Enterprise. After viewing the site of the caverns, talks were held regarding the best potential options to enable visitors to experience the caverns which were closed in 2011 due to safety concerns.

The caverns are the only known early Jurassic-aged dinosaur related site in Australia (approx 200 million years old), all others are cretaceous (approx 100 million years old), so it is of immense scientific and historic importance. A shortlist of 6 options was identified, which will now be further investigated and assessed, broadly costed and presented at the next workshop later in the year. We will keep you posted as to further discussions.

Marcia enhances bushfire risk

By Claudia Brooks Bushfire danger has increased drastically this season in Mount Morgan as a result of Cyclone Marcia and residents across the region are being advised to be vigilant. The biggest concern is for the areas that have a lot of remaining debris left over from Cyclone Marcia to create a bigger fuel load. The 2014-15 vegetation fires accounted for most call-outs with 1469 blazes. Firefighter David Sealy, from the Rockhampton Fire and Emergency Services, told the Morning Bulletin that fuel loads were three times as much in some areas compared with previous years. “We are only in September now, a month into the season, and we have already had a number of wildfires and grassfires burning across Rockhampton and Gladstone [regions],” he said. “This shows already it is going to be a dry season.”

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have assigned a taskforce for the areas affected by Cyclone Marcia, taking measures to limit the fire risks in those areas. Mitigation fires had been lit to help reduce the intensity of fires that could still ignite. Mr Sealy advised local residents and landowners to keep an eye on social media and weather warnings, “Ensure your fire containment lines are managed and in a serviceable condition.” And, “monitor for low humidity and high temperature days as this is when fires are most likely to strike”.

The high fire danger period is on the verge of extending well into the New Year as low rainfall, soaring temperatures and drying vegetation take their toll. The Rural Fire Service Queensland and the Bureau of Meteorology say that the conflicting weather patterns in the Pacific and Indian oceans could have a major impact across our region. There are fears the three-month bushfire season will go beyond November 30, possibly to the end of January.

Firefighters have advised residents to adopt a bushfire survival plan now and use the cooler weather to prepare themselves for fire season. A practical plan for surviving a bushfire needs to include everything from making sure you have first aid and survival gear to putting important personal details such as insurance policy numbers and medication aside.

Rally against domestic violence

VARIETY NIGHT at

SCHOOL OF ARTS Saturday, 10th October, 6pm Proceeds to

LIFELINE SUICIDE PREVENTION Entertainment by various artists.

Lucky Door Raffle $1, Sausage Sizzle $2.50 Adults $10.00 Children (School Age) $2.

Donations to Doris at LIFELINE.

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ROCKHAMPTON Regional Council, government agencies and community groups are calling on residents to march together for the Safer Families, Better Communities rally as a stance against domestic violence on Sunday October 11 2015.

The Safer Families, Better Communities campaign is an initiative of the Local Government Association of Queensland to publicly condemn domestic violence.

Councils across Queensland will rally on Sunday 11 October.

Rally against domestic Sunday 11 October 2015.

and

family

violence

Gracemere: 9am - Meet at Conaghan Park and march along Lawrie Street, Russell Street, Barry Street to the Community Centre.

Mount Morgan: 10am - Meet beside School of Arts and march along Gordon Street, returning to the School of Arts.

Rockhampton: 11am - Meet at Stapleton Park and march across the Fitzroy Bridge to Riverside.

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Music connects the Ages:

1911 McKelvie family portrait (Chas Hill Mount Morgan).

The McKelvies, their descendants & Dame Nellie Melba in Mount Morgan.

The McKelvie family and their descendants made Mount Morgan their home for over one hundred years from 1890. The McKelvies were a musical family, and their love of music was passed down to their descendants.

The 1911 portrait of the McKelvie family (pictured) features Alexander (Alex) McKelvie (1850-1918), his wife, Christina Jyntie (née Wylie) (1852-1918), and the couple’s six children.

The McKelvies settled on Jubilee Hill overlooking the Mount Morgan mine and the Dee River. Scottish-born Alex McKelvie worked for the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company.

Alex McKelvie was also the first bandmaster of the Mount Morgan Brass Band from just after its formation in c.1889 to the late 1890s.

The Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company paid for the instruments and band uniforms and paid the bandmaster a fee. The purpose of the brass band was to promote town prestige and to provide entertainment to the miners.

There were two arms of the Mount Morgan Brass Band: the marching band and the concert band.

The marching band was one of the best in the colony. It won many gold medals in band competitions under the baton of Alex McKelvie, and later, his sons.

The second-eldest son, James Langwell McKelvie (1873-1954) (back row, 3rd from left), took over the baton from his father in the late 1890s for about ten years. He became one of Queensland’s leading bandmasters.

Tragically, the eldest son, Thomas Wylie McKelvie (1867-1911), an engineer, was killed in a mining accident in the smelters of the Mount Morgan mine when he was the bandmaster. His image was inserted into the 1911 McKelvie family portrait after his death (back row, 2nd from left), a common practice back then.

On 7 July 1909, Alex McKelvie conducted the concert band to accompany opera singer, Madame (later Dame) Nellie Melba (1861-1931) in Mount Morgan’s old School of Arts building. Her visit to Mount Morgan by special train was part of her successful Australian bush tour.

An article in the Morning Bulletin the day after the concert states, ‘Probably the largest and most fashionable audience that has ever assembled at a concert in Mount Morgan greeted Madame Melba there last night’.

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The great-great-grandson of Alex McKelvie, former Mount Morgan resident, Robert Bruce Campbell (pictured), recalls family stories about the 1909 concert.

‘The old School of Arts building (destroyed by fire in 1923) was mounted on high stumps, which enabled persons to go beneath it. The paying audience found it difficult to hear Nellie Melba at times because the non-paying audience under the building were noisy. Nellie Melba was to perform twice, but left early because she said the mine copper fumes were bad for her voice,’ Robert Bruce Campbell said.

Singing was important to the McKelvie family and their descendants.

Alex McKelvie’s granddaughter, Christina Wylie Moller (née Cornes) (1897-1985), made recordings on wax cylinders when she was young, which were very rare in those days. Her two daughters were also singers.

Following in his ancestors’ footsteps, Robert Bruce Campbell was a member of the Mount Morgan Brass Band in the 1960s.

‘Music certainly did play a big part in my mother’s side of the family. It makes me proud to think my ancestors played a small role in putting Mount Morgan on the map through their music’, Robert Bruce Campbell said.

Co-authors, Robert Bruce Campbell, great-great-grandson of the original bandmaster of the Mount Morgan Brass Band, Alexander McKelvie (1850-1918), & Catherine McIntosh, great-granddaughter of fellow band member & later, bandmaster, Thomas Upsell Stubbs (1868-1954).

The 1911 McKelvie family portrait & portraits of the Mount Morgan Brass Band dating back to the 1890s are at the Mount Morgan Historical Museum.

The French horn of Thomas Upsell Stubbs, which he played at the 1909 Melba concert in Mount Morgan, is also at the Historical Museum.

McKelvie descendant, Robert Bruce Campbell.

WILDLIFE Matters

by Trish & Greg Mathers 0400 591 504

It won’t be long now (hopefully) until we have decent rains, and with the rain will come the frogs. I love the sound of the rain on the roof and the frogs croaking along. If you love frogs, you can attract them to your garden by creating an ideal habitat for them.

• Frogs love an environment which contains plenty of shade trees, luxuriant shrubbery and reedy grasses. They thrive in habitats offering mossy crevices, some flat stones or bits of bark to hide under and a thick groundcover rich with organic mulch, twigs and fallen leaves. A well aerated compost heap is an excellent frog attractant, providing a convenient place to hide as well as a good hunting ground for insect prey.

Frogs will move away from a spot if they are finding it too difficult to locate food. Pesticides can kill the benificial insects along with the harmful ones, so avoid pesticides, as insects are the main diet of frogs. Frogs absorb contaminants through their skin, and are especially sensitive to poisonous chemicals. Therefore, if you want to attract frogs to your garden insecticides, plant sprays and weedkillers must be avoided.

Frogs prefer a few clumps of unmown grass, and a compact tangle of dead branches, plus some groundcover to keep them hidden. They also prefer a permanent water source, such as a pond, and different layers of vegetation around the pond; some close to the ground, some a bit taller and so on. The pond doesn’t need to be anything fancy., even a plastic baby’s bath with a small amount of water placed in a clump of long grass is sufficient. It is preferable however to use a high-sided or elevated pond so that cane toads, which cannot jump as high, cannot use it to breed., and frogs much prefer their water to be under an overhanging tree.

It is always better to watch the frogs and not touch them, however if you really must touch them, make sure you wet your hands first. For very little effort you can have hours of enjoyment!

Peaceful Song I hear the birds out singing their joyful, peaceful song.

I see the cows and horses grazing all day long.

I feel the breeze upon my face as I walk my dog each day.

I touch the precious buds of life on the trees along the way.

I smell the freshness in the air, so thankful I wake each morn.

I taste the air surrounding me as each new day is born. © Heather Quarry 02-10-2015

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News from Dee River Oldies On Thursday, September 17th, thirty-eight members enjoyed a trip to Baralaba.

Stopping at Myella for a delicious morning tea and a chance to see how a farm works.

Then it was on to the Baralaba Hotel for a lovely roast meal and sweets followed by a quick trip around town and to see the old houses at the Historical Village.

The winners of the raffle were Nell Shaw and Beverly Gillespie.

A special prize, donated by Ruth Summers, was won by Brian Glover.

Our next function will be our Morning Tea on September 30th.at St Mary’s hall.

Our next street stall will be on Thursday, October 17th 2015 Our next meeting will on Tuesday, October 21st.2015

���������� 2pm, Saturday 28th Nov School of Arts Hall Mount Morgan Light ts Refreshmen Served ALAN CORNICK REAL ESTATE Do you & have a property to sellMorgan. or rent?

Selling Renting in Mount 2 Possum Street -$250,000 For Professional Services call Today 76 Dee Street-$159,000 Alan 0418 792 888 8 Cornes Street-$260.00 per week LookingNatarlee for a local resident then call 0488 046 522 Natarlee Edwards on 0488 046 522.

Karen 0488 046 512

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Proceeds to the Mt Morgan

Christmas Tree Festival For further details, please contact MMPAD on 4938 2312 or email: mmpad@bigpond.com

Mountain Mick’s Leftovers Fried Rice

© Mountain Mick Blake Baree Mount Morgan 1984 The inspiration for this recipe came from my early teenage years when I lived with my cousin Del, her husband Lou and kids who lived in Malaysia for many years - we would at least once a week have some type of Fried Rice dish on our menu. And yes this may have been where I learnt to love chillies so much. This dish brings childhood memories of us all enjoying an Asian feast and Lou saying “it’s not just rice but it’s a way of life” and something like “you want more chillies boy?” This recipe may not be authentic or traditional Malaysia but it tastes like it should be.

4 cups of Basmati Rice (pre-cooked) 2 cups of mixed frozen veggie mix 1 onion diced 3 cups of leftover meat (roast beef, pork, chicken) 3 or 4 hotdog sausages sliced OR “lop chong = Chinese dried sausages” 1/4 cup red capsicum 1/2 cup soy sauce 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder 1/4 cup sesame oil Cook onions for 5 minutes. Add red capsicum, meat of choice, salami and hotdog sausages; cook for a further 5 minutes. Add soy sauce, spices and herbs. Cook for 5-10 minutes more on high, turn off heat.

Stir in pre-cooked rice. Note: that is equal parts of pre-cooked rice to the meat/sauce mixture. Stir through some hot veggie mix (peas, corn mix) and serve as a whole meal or as a part of a meal with maybe Sweet & Sour Pork or Honey Chicken or even Chow Mien.

To pre-cook the rice.

You can use plain steamed rice or my version below: I cook the rice in the microwave. To each cup of rice use: 1⁄2 teaspoon chicken stock powder, one clove of garlic, 1⁄2 tablespoon of parsley flakes, 1⁄4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of olive oil.

Combine the dry rice and spices and oil mix in a large microwave bowl and cover the rice with boiling hot water to cover the rice with water at least 1 cm over the top of it. Put lid on and cook on high for 14 minutes; stir the rice at about the 6 minute mark.

Set aside to cool. You can have this pre cooked the day before. It also freezes very will for the use at a later stage.

A great way of cleaning up leftovers and the recipe is always different but always tastes great. Please enjoy this family favourite. Mick.

Stubbs family historical photos on display at Mount Morgan Library Have you heard of the Stubbs family from Mount Morgan? There’s a wonderful collection of historical family photos on display at the Mount Morgan Library which have been kindly donated to the Rockhampton Regional Library History Centre by Catherine McIntosh. Catherine’s ancestors were prominent locals in Mount Morgan in their time.

Catherine said the portraits tell the Stubbs family story from 1892 to 1915 in Mount Morgan. “This timeframe represents significant historical events in the region as well as in the Stubbs family. In 1892 my maternal greatgrandparents married in Mount Morgan during the gold rush. In 1915 my maternal grand-uncle enlisted in the First World War,” Catherine said.

The photos will be on display for the next two months, after which they will be permanently stored at the History Centre. If you have any old photos or documents that you’d like to donate, please contact the Local History Centre on 4936 8040.

The collection on display consists of: • 1892 wedding • 1892 newly-weds • 1899 three children • 1908 infant girl • 1912 family • 1912 bandmaster • 1915 soldier (5x7 inch) • 50+ page booklet on the Stubbs family called The Stubbs family in colonial Mount Morgan and beyond. Their life in pictures. It is full of photos dating back to 1895 with a small commentary.

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MMPAD Update.

School Holidays Fun at the Rail Museum

A group of 32 children from the Mt Archer Helping Hands, a division of Young Minds Connect enjoyed a day in Mount Morgan during the September school holidays. Among the items on their agenda was a guided tour of the Mount Morgan Rail Museum, craft activities and a picnic lunch at the dam.

Adults and children alike had a lot of fun talking and learning about trains, gold mining and dinosaurs. The craft activites organised by our volunteer, Faylyn Lamb were a hit! Jorga-Grace(pictured) granddaughter of another of our volunteers, Russell Scott, enjoyed making and decorating a T-Rex with moving parts.

With Christmas just around the corner our attention is turned towards the approaching Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Cent sale fundraiser for this event. Donations of prizes for the Cent Sale or donations directly towards the Christmas Tree Festival would be greatly appreciated.

Also applications for market stalls at the Christmas Tree Festival are welcome.

The volunteers at the Rail Museum are currently researching the Beale Piano in the lady’s toilets. Any information or stories about this piano would be appreciated so that we can record its history and significance.

To contact MMPAD phone 49382312 or email mmpad@bigpond.com.

Pictured: 1. Jorga-Grace aged 6 years with her T-Rex craft activity.

2. (left to right) Tiralee Bishop, Milena Miloradovic, Kaytaya Bujayer with their steam train craft activities.

3. Mt Archer Helping Hands Vacation Care group trying out the Rail Motor.

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People in Profile ..

Joe James

by Heather Quarry

Joe James, 80 Years Young ..

On the 19th of September, Joe James had no idea what was in store for him when he visited the Welfare Bowls Club with his wife Edna. He entered the club surrounded by several close family members, to find it filled with family and friends all eager to share his special day. Joe relived his entire life as people shared stories of their experiences with him. The bar was operational for the day and a lovely spread of great food was laid out for all to enjoy, followed by the cutting of his birthday cake.

Joe was born in Mount Morgan and has spent most of his life here. In his younger days Joe loved the outdoors but didn’t like school, managing to wag it for nine months after he was told he could not go without shoes.

Spending his time with a 20 guage shot gun and enjoying the fresh air, Joe says he would have continued wagging for the rest of the year, if it hadn’t been for his uncle ringing his dad after catching him with the shot gun over his shoulder.

Over the years Joe’s working life was varied. His first job was delivering milk on a milk run which he says didn’t work out too well. He then worked as a dispensary assistant at the local hospital, after applying for employment at the mine, and being told to get a job elsewhere until they called him. Joe was called back to the mine and commenced work in December, 1954 as an Apprentice Plumber, also performing advance trade courses as a Drainer and Gasfitter. He advanced to the position of Leading Hand Plumber before ceasing work at Mount Morgan Ltd in 1970.

Joe was conscripted for national service in January, 1954 where he served for three months. A lifelong friendship was the best thing that came out of that Joe believes, after meeting Max Roduner. Over sixty years later, their friendship is still as strong as it was back then.

Mount Morgan was also home to Joe’s plumbing business. Joe started his own business called J. M Plumbing Service which stayed operational for twenty eight years. Because of ill health and governmental regulations he was forced to close the business down, Joe’s community spirit has been as varied as his working life. From holding the position of President for the Mount Morgan Scout Hall, serving fifteen years with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard attaining the position of Deputy Search master, being a member of the Rotary Club of Mount Morgan for twenty five years and holding various positions within the club, to being instrumental in forming the Mount Morgan Rotaract Club, to name just a few of the clubs Joe has been associated with, including the Freemasons. He has received recognition and awards for his community service over the years.

Being on or near the water has been a big part of Joe’s life, from waterskiing, designing and building boats, to fishing on weekends. Joe also loves lawn bowls and was made a Life Member of the Dee Bowling Club after serving the club for ten years, then joined the Welfare Bowls Club where he is still an active member.

In nineteen ninety six Joe lost the use of his right arm which made it hard for him to continue with many of his ventures. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in nineteen ninety eight. In two thousand and nine Joe saw a neurologist in Brisbane. After expensive successful surgery Joe found he could do things once again, but is now noticing some of the symptoms returning from prior to this time.

Not being a person to let things get him down, Joe still loves getting into his workshop and making things with metal. Over the years he has made many useful things for prizes and gifts, from tool boxes to dustpans.

If anybody was worthy of having a book written about his life, Joe James would definitely be an interesting person to write about. One article can not possibly cover the worthiness of this generous man. May he enjoy many more birthdays over the coming years.

Pampered Pets

R.I.P STAR

“Star” came to live with me and my family in October 1984 at the approximate age of 7 years. He was the last of 3 horses we got that year. The other two, “Blue” and “Gerry”, predeceased him but both lived well into their twenties.

His original name was “Grog” as we were told he didn’t mind the odd tipple of beer but with me being a non-drinker, he was put on the wagon and had his name changed to “Star”. We paid $25 to release him from the Police yard where he apparently spent some time over the years as he escaped from his former home many times. We led him home to my place at Baree and there he stayed until sadly he passed away on Saturday 5 September. I, and many others miss seeing you near the roadside near the Baree turnoff. R.I.P. old mate.

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Life as a Railway Fettler in Mount Morgan During 1967 as a twenty two year old Kiwi I worked as a railway fettler on the Mount Morgan line. Times were very different as the mine and the railway were both up and running and there was plenty of work to be had in the town, even for those who had no experience. When I arrived in Mount Morgan I made the mistake of initially working as a furnace puncher at the mine. This was a hideous job that was given to a young and innocent such as myself and involved standing on a platform at the back of the furnace while pushing a long steel rod into holes in the furnace to let in air. After a week of being burnt by hot slag and deafened by the screaming air when the iron rod became stuck in one of these holes I had had enough and took up employment with Queensland Rail as a railway fettler based at the Mount Morgan Railway Station building that is now the Railway Museum. Working as a fettler proved to be a great life.

Charlie was the ganger or head honcho who was not only responsible for making sure that any problems with the line were put right but also for the safety of those working under him. The line in 1967 was a busy one and he had to ensure that when trains came through the gang was not in any danger.

Work began as 7.30am when the gang assembled at the railway station and headed out to the section of line we would be working on that day.

The fettlers’ trolley in 1967 was much more basic than the one used today to give visitors to the station a joyride. Unlike the current trolley ours had no roof and could only be started by everybody pushing and running beside it until the motor came to life. When it did it usually took off and it could often be quite difficult to catch up with it and jump aboard.

A fettler’s job was to look after the railway tracks, while the bridges were maintained by a specialist bridge gang that covered a much wider area than we did. In 1967 the railway sleepers were all wooden ones that had a limited life span and needed to be replaced as they began to fail.

The wood used was Australian Jarrah and the sleepers were attached to the rails by dog spikes. Holes had to be bored in the sleepers by hand to take these dog spikes which were then driven into place using what can only be described as long handled sledge hammers. Once the sleeper and dog spikes were installed the underside of the sleeper was then packed by hand with gravel to ensure it sat on a firm base. It was then Charlies job to take measurements between the rails to ensure that the gauge was correct. If not, the whole process had to be repeated.

Another fettlers’ job which I always enjoyed was setting fire to the dry grass that grew on the land between that which belonged to the railway and the adjoining farms. This was a touchy job especially in summer when the grass was at its driest and could easily turn into a runaway fire if not properly controlled. The reason for this was to prevent a fire being caused by a sloppy passenger throwing a cigarette butt out the train or railcar window.

Do you know The gas lights had to be lit and turned off by standing on a horse?

The Council placed 53 gas lights in Mount Morgan’s streets in 1901 and the Gas Company provided a horse for the Gas fitters. These lights had to be lit by standing on the saddle while hoping the horse would not move.

The same procedure had to be done in the mornings to turn the lights off.

Moreover, the horse was also necessary for pulling a cartload of pipes, fittings and tools. Electricity replaced gas lightning in 1935.

Leonie Burré Did you know that the stockman William Mackinlay found out that the ironstone outcrop of the Ironstone Mountain bored gold, and not the Morgan brothers?

He was interested in prospecting and discovered the gold in 1870. His family was supposed to keep it as a secret, but one of his daughters informed Alexander Gordon about her father’s secret. Alexander later told the Morgan brothers where they would find the gold in return to being reemployed after they dismissed him. The brothers were entitled to claim the mountain outside of Alexander’s property and renamed it Mount Morgan. They are responsible for the development of the mine, but not for discovering the gold.

Leonie Burré

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As fettlers we had to take our lunch with us as we were usually a long way from civilization at lunch time. Our favourite lunch was steak cooked on our shovels over a small fire. The taking of the orders and buying the steak was done on a roster system with the meat placed in a small Esky and carried by the fettler who was on steak duty that particular day.

As a Kiwi there were several things that I found quite strange. Often there were wild fires burning in the vicinity of the town or near the railway line. What I found odd was that no attempt was made to put them out. Often they would just burn for several days until they simply petered out. That was uniquely Australian. A second were the Whirly-Whirlys or Dust Devils of hot air that came out of nowhere on a calm day. These could lift your hat off your head and dump it a few hundred metres from where you were working. Another was the water bag made of sacking which if hung in the shade kept the gangs drinking water cold.

Then there were the snakes. There are no snakes in New Zealand and most Kiwis are scared stiff of snakes. Not so the rest of the Australian gang who always looked out for snakes as the fettler’s trolley took them up and down the line. To my amazement would stop if they saw one, walk up to it and attack it with their shovels. Not exactly wildlife friendly but that is the way it was. As a Kiwi I was afraid to leave the safety of the trolley let alone approach the snake and try to kill it.

We were paid in cash every fortnight at the pay window which still exists in the station building as the first window to the right when approaching the main entrance door. One of our gang was Joe a man in his fifties who had spent most of his working life as a fettler, was quietly spoken and a conscientious worker. Pay night was his big night out and he usually did the round of the local hotels. It was our responsibility to look after him and make sure he made it home safely. One pay night we helped him to his front door which was opened by his wife. She told us to take him around to the backyard where to our shock she turned the hose on him to sober him up. Life was good!

Gerald Cunningham is a Kiwi author and photographer who lives near Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand.

Australian Pensioners and Superannuants League

By Angie Wanstall The Australian Pensioners and Superannuants League held their annual afternoon tea in Mount Morgan this year at the School of Arts. On Thursday the 24th September Rockhampton and Gracemere (pictured) branches joined up with the Mount Morgan branch (pictured) for a lovely afternoon tea and a good chat. Councilor Cherie Rutherford

Pat Hare, Dawn McClelland, Elsie Scott, Jean Timms, Freda McDougall and Thomas O’Brien.

(pictured) attended the event and every branch was well represented.

Mount Morgan is the only branch which celebrates and honors its over 80 members (pictured) by way of special mention. Pensioners of any age can join the Pensioners and Superannuants League. The League is an active group which regularly holds meetings and get togethers for social events like singing and the reciting of poetry.

For enquiries phone Pat Hare on 4938 1986.

Debbie Roberts; CHN Thorlene Curtis; Narelle Wooler; Steve Cooper; Ray Barnicoat; Madeline Rienecker; Elaine Timms; Bessie North

Work Experience Hi, my name is Claudia Brooks. Last week I completed a 4 day work experience with MMPAD (Mount Morgan Promotion and Development). For those who don’t know me, I attend Mount Morgan State High School. After I graduate from school, I hope to be accepted into university to study legal studies, journalism or visual Arts. I haven’t yet decided on my future career however I have narrowed it down to a lawyer, a journalist/author or a game animator.

I chose to do my work experience at MMPAD because it allowed me write articles for the Argus which was something I enjoy doing, and I also spent some time in the kiosk. This has been a great opportunity for me to learn about journalism, using a cash register, talking to customers and I was also given the opportunity to learn some of the history behind Mount Morgan. The experience has

been wonderful and the people were kind and welcoming towards me. I would recommend MMPAD to any other students interested in journalism/writing for work experience.

I’ve been interested in writing ever since I could remember and this opportunity have given me the chance to learn, see and feel what it’s like to be a writer. I was set tasks that were achievable such as writing articles and scheduling Facebook posts. I was even lucky enough to be able to interview a woman named Carol for an article about her leukaemia fundraising event.

My work experience at MMPAD gave me the chance to learn more about writing while having fun doing so. I hope reading about my time here will encourage other students to do their work experience with MMPAD in the future.

TRADES AND BUSINESS

TV ANTENNA SALES & INSTALLATION Mount Morgan

• Extra TV outlets and cabling • TV Tuning • Telephone outlets and extensions

Eric Stevenson Ph: 0417 006591 ACMA License No. T 14409

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Bob Wheeler 0419 663 277 PO Box 91 Mt Morgan

5 tonne Tipper Truck Excavator & Kanga Tractor, slasher & poison sprayer Licenced Poisons Contractor

Call Nathan from 8am to 6pm Mon to Sat on: 49382451 or 0421 411 249

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Automotive Extravaganza 1. The three winning cars from Automotive Extravaganza.

2. Winner of the $300 Man’s Toyshop Voucher Mrs L. Macdonald.

3. Being presented with a $200 donation from The Welfare Bowls Club.

4. The runners up at the Barefoot Bowls being presented with their box of chocolates.

5. Writer’s favourite “Cream Puff”

Mount Morgan Rodeo Assoc

Wow what a great time we all have had in the last few weeks.

I apologize for not getting a report in last week but I messed up with the deadline.. So we will catch up this week and next.

First to the Mans Toyshop Raffle Winners:1st Prize- $300 Mans Toyshop Voucher- Mrs L. Macdonald 2nd Prize- $200 Mans Toyshop Voucher- Mr T. Wilson 3rd Prize- $150 Service Mt Morgan Mechanical- Storm Thank you to Mans Toyshop and Pete from Mt. Morgan Mechanical for their kind donations.

We held the Barefoot Bowls at the Welfare Bowls Club and it was a successful and fun time for all. 10 teams played which made 40 players while quite a number of spectators cheered them on. With many of the players being novices of all ages, the laughter rolled across the green.

Lily white feet were the flavour of the day with just a few socks, shoes, and thongs. As the sun shone through the grey clouds, making for a warm time, shorts, hats and short sleeve shirts were in order. A team raffle was drawn with the Gent Team from Wowan coming first and Noelly, Nicole, Yvonne, and Gibby being runners up. (Please forgive misspelt names).The M.M. Rodeo Assoc had a number of players and others preparing and serving delicious hamburgers. With the Mine chimneys and green trees as a beautiful background, a really good time was had by all.

We would like to sincerely thank the Welfare Bowls Club and its members for the use of the green, the drinks served, the members company, and the wonderful donation of $200. We look forward to the next Barefoot Bowls on the 5th Dec, 2015.

The Automotive Extravaganza went off without a hitch. There were about 50 beautiful cars with everything from a Model T Ford through to a Trans Am and Sandman right up to a modern Ford. Added to that

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were the yummy Motorcycles. Oh boy what a feast for the eyes and ears. Writer’s favourite was “Cream Puff”. There was also a small variety of market stalls and swap meet. With the Kids Corner to keep the young ones happy, everyone had a great time. As is always the case the food was delicious and the Bar kept the thirsts at bay. The winners were: 1. People’s Choice Trophy- 1958 Cadillac driven by Graham Hubbert of Rocky.

2. Best Driven Trophy-GTS Ford Ute driven by Bruce Dekker of Biloela.

3. Best Overall Trophy- Jaguar driven by Ian Henderson of Rocky.

The Rural Fire Brigade womaned the gate with three Ruralies- Betty, Laura and Storm. People donated $1100 to Calliungal Rural Fire Brigade. Thank you everyone from the Ruralies. This money goes toward building their new shed.

The raffles were a great success also. Winners were: 1: $50 Great Western Voucher- Miley Porter of Mt. Morgan.

2. Cushion Raffle- Connor Fulloon of Gracemere.

3.Meat Tray- Abigail Dehaas of Mt. Morgan.

4. Fishing Gear- M. McFarlane of Mt. Morgan.

Congratulations to you all.

We have a whole host of people to thank for their wonderful donations and support.

Barra Jacks, Mt. Morgan Mechanical, Wiggos Butcher, The Crafty Nanna, The Great Western, Burson’s Feed & Seed, Ford Tropical Auto Group, Advanced Exhaust, Lawrences Holden, Coxon Radiators, Ian Weigh Toyota.

Also thanks goes to Mick Baxter of CQ Classic Cars for getting the word out there. And all the other Clubs who came Thank you one and all.

More events coming up so watch this space next time.

Capricornia Tourers

Pictured: The Capricornia Tourers standing on the steps of the Mt Morgan Mine Office.

By Angie Wanstall The Capricornia Tourers, a branch of the Australian Caravan Club, recently spent a weekend in Mount Morgan staying at the Silver Wattle Caravan Park. We all enjoyed a mine tour with host John from Mount Morgan TMC Guided Tours. The tour was very informative and a must do for anyone visiting Mt Morgan. The Silver Wattle Caravan Park was very accommodating and were wonderful hosts.

Everyone should put Mount Morgan on their to-do list. Thank you from Mary (Secretary) and the Capricornia Tourers.

The rail industry calls ‘all aboard’ during national Rail Careers Week The rail industry today joined forces to encourage students, graduates and job seekers to consider rail as career choice.

Helping launch Rail Careers Week at Southern Cross Station, Australasian Railway Association Chair Bob Herbert AM said that with investment in rail expected to increase and demand for skilled and talented employees growing, there is no better time to join rail.

“Rail is a strong, exciting and growing industry with a prosperous future. It plays an important role in reducing carbon emissions, relieving congestion, improving health and safety, connecting communities and driving economic growth in Australia.

“We employ more than 110,000 people in over 180 companies.

We help our customers take about 770 million trips on our trains every year and we move over 1 billion tonnes of freight across the country.

“Yet despite the benefits and opportunities, our industry is not always top of mind when students and graduates

think about choosing a career,” said Mr Herbert.

Rail Careers Week will run from 21-27 September and will see rail organisations from around Australia hold various events and activities offering career seekers a unique insight into the rail industry and its diverse and interesting careers.

“Rail Careers Week is all about challenging out-dated ideas about rail. Our industry offers a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

“The industry is also strongly committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce – in particular, lifting the number of women employed in rail,” Mr Herbert said.

Whether candidates are leaving school, changing careers or returning to the workforce, rail can provide fulfilling careers in a wide range of technical and professional career paths including engineering and technology, corporate specialties, trades and technicians, operations, manufacturing and many more.

Further information and stories about careers in rail, as well as details about the rail industry activities taking place during Rail Careers Week, can be found at www.railcareers.net.au.

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PUBLIC NOTICES Next Argus: Out Thursday, 22nd October 2015.

If you have something you’d like included in this issue, please note that inclusions are required by 2pm Friday, 16th October. For details: mmpad@bigpond.com / 4938 2312.

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CLASSIFIEDS NEED AN ELECTRICIAN?: RJ Electrician Pty Ltd. Licence no. 72288. Phone: 0431 576 101.

FOR SALE: Westinghouse Freestyle 2 door fridge $300 ono.

CAN’T get to your ironing, call me, I can help. Phone 4938 2546.

SECOND HAND BOOKS for sale at Collectables and Memories 113 East Street, Mt. Morgan.

FICTION BOOKS are selling for $3 each; there are lots of popular authors, in hard cover and soft, in non fiction there are military books, some gardening and cook books.

DATE CLAIMERS 9 October: Baree School of Arts Dance Baree. Music by Twocan. $10.00 entry, 7.30pm start. Lucky Door, raffles, Monte Carlo dance and great supper. Everyone welcome. Please phone 49381687 for details.

11 October: CD Night Sunday at 5.00pm. Baree School of Arts. $5.00 entry. Lucky Door, raffles and beaut supper. Everyone welcome. Phone 49381687 for details.

14 October: Winning My Child’s Heart 4.30pm - 6.30pm. School of Arts, Mount Morgan.

24 October: CWA Grocery Cent Sale 2pm. QCWA Hall East St. 29th Oct School Rodeo Logo competion collected from schools and winners drawn Sat 31st.

7th November Barefoot bowls at Dee bowls club. Mt Morgan Rodeo Assoc.

21 November: Market & Car Boot Sale. School of Arts Hall 8a.m. to noon.

28 November: Christmas Cent Sale, 2pm, School of Arts, proceeds to support Christmas Tree Festival 4 & 5 December: Christmas Tree Festival, School of Arts.

5th Dec Barefoot Bowls at Welfare Bowls Club.

12 December: CWA Giant Xmas Cent Sale 2pm Sat. normal prizes, multi-draw, special draw & raffle. QCWA Hall East St. CWA HOY: Wed - Fri 10am QCWA Hall, free morning tea, $1 per hand.

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