The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18, Issue 2

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

LEADERS ACKNOWLEDGED - BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED

One hundred and eleven years of educational tradition at Mount Morgan State High School was celebrated last Friday, 17 February as teachers, students and parents came together to celebrate the first State High School in Queensland, welcome the 2023 Leadership team and acknowledge the 2023 Senior Student cohort.

School captains – Chloe Best and Raphu Herbohn, also took on other roles in the leadership with Chloe taking on the role of Student Representative Council (SRC) President and one of the Paterson House captains, while Raphu was also sworn in as Kendall House Captain.

Other Leadership Team members included Noah Kielly (Kendall House Captain), Chantelle Berry (Paterson House Captain), Kahlen Garrett and Kaitlyn Emery (Gordon House Captains), Mystique Lemire (SRC Secretary) and Cain Saunders (SRC Treasurer).

The School Oath, undertaken by the Leadership Team was first taken in 1987 and has been a vital part of the Leadership Team induction since.

Continued on Page 2

New OIC...Page 4

New Barbers...Page 5

The 2023 Senior Students were presented with their Senior badges.

Acting Principal, Mr Damien Kelso said leadership was more than a badge.

“Leadership is underpinned by stepping away from our immediate needs to positively impact and serve others. Through your leadership may others feel cared for, inspired, more purposeful and significant,” he said.

He said while only a few Senior students held formal titles, all seniors would be challenged with leading by example and inspiring the student population to strive for excellence.

PRIMARY LEADERS INDUCTED FOR 2023

Mount Morgan Central State School held its school and house captain induction on Thursday, 16 February 2023.

The school and house captains were presented with their 2023 badges by their parents. The 2023 captains are Alira Saunders and Sam Archinal and the house captains are Nakeya Saunders, (Green House), Jayde Randall (Blue House) and Noah Langford (Gold House).

School Principal Michelle Emery said Mount Morgan was a proud town and the State School was a proud school. She said the school and house captains had some interesting approaches to how they were going to interact with the school and wider communities. Ms Emery said every student had the possibility of being a leader in the school.

Caption – Above right - Sam Archinal (back), Alira Saunders, Nakeya Saunders, Jayde Randall and Noah Langford. Middle left - Mrs Archinal with Sam, Desiree Saunders with Alira. Bottom left Nakeya and Desiree Saunders, LaToya Taylor and Jayde Randall and Noah Langford with mum Shantelle Oram.

acknowledged, birthday celebrated - Page 1

SENIOR CLASS OF 2023

MOUNT MORGAN

ARGUS DISCLAIMER The Mount Morgan Argus is published by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers. MMPAD reserves the discretionary right to alter, omit, reclassify or postpone publication of articles, photographs or advertisements in the Mount Morgan Argus. MMPAD takes all possible care with the publication of news, names and other information sourced by MMPAD representatives. It does not, however, take responsibility for erroneous information or spelling supplied by external sources. Please take care and ensure that information is correct and names are spelt correctly before submitting any items to this publication. MMPAD Executive

CHRIS ON HOME BEAT

“My maternal grandfather, Merv Clanfield , was also born in Mount Morgan and my paternal grandmother was from Wowan. Also, it was an opportunity for my career development that I couldn’t turn down,” he said.

Chris’s grandfather Merv Clanfield completed his boiler maker apprenticeship in the gold mine during the 40’s and 50’s. His great-grandfather was also a dairy farmer in the region, and started a transport and logistics company ‘Clanfield Bros’ out of Rockhampton.

“I was born in Rockhampton myself, and I grew up in the Central Highlands and Coalfields.”

“My last visit to Mount Morgan was in the mid 90’s for a school tour of the mine. I vividly remember walking on the Tipperary Road suspension bridge, and also a funny story about a toilet on the mine site,” he said.

“Mount Morgan is a wonderful town with a heap of potential. I am enjoying meeting everyone and hearing everyone’s stories.

For Police Officer, Christopher Cronin, applying for and accepting the position of Officer in Charge (OIC) of Mount Morgan Police Station was like a homecoming for Chris who has family connections to Mount Morgan’s Clanfield and Teeney families.

Chris joined the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in 2010 after he found he had a connection helping vulnerable people through volunteering at the Police Citizen’s Youth Club (PCYC) and the rest is history.

Chris has taken over from former OIC, Sgt Matt Harling who has transferred to Kuranda.

“Previous to the police I was studying engineering at University and playing Rugby League in the Brisbane competition. I had lost interest in engineering and was injury prone during football seasons.

“However, I found more enjoyment with community work,” Chris said.

Chris started in Mount Morgan just before Christmas in December 2022.

“It has been quite a busy start to my time here, and our team has done some incredible work helping others already,” he said.

This is Chris’s first posting as a substantive Officer in Charge. He has previously relieved as an Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale, and spent a number of years working across remote North West Queensland including Mount Isa, Doomadgee, Normanton.

“My first posting was in Brisbane CBD, so I have had a large variety of work, and prefer working in rural remote settings over urban postings,” he said.

Chris, after spending a number of years in remote Queensland and was looking to get back closer to family and friends.

I have had a few great laughs at the pubs and have enjoyed being greeted by many friendly faces in town. I am looking forward to the opportunities that come with the mine re-opening,” he said.

Policing has changed dramatically since Chris first joined the police service as have the community expectations.

“We need to continue improving our connection with community and forging a path forward together.”

Chris is concerned at the high rate of domestic violence generally, and in Mount Morgan in particular.

“Unfortunately, we do have a high rate of domestic violence matters throughout Mount Morgan, when compared to the population size.

“I am however grateful that people are willing to reach out for help, and we will always be there to give it.

“The police cannot truly deal with these matters without the help and support of the community.

A lot of matters have similar stories of alcohol or drug use and financial pressure.

If anyone needs help they can find it online, via DV Connect, Lifeline, or by getting in contact with Police,” he said

Chris’s family has also made the move with him and are also enjoying the town, fishing at the dam and exploring the national parks.

Chris has no plans to move for awhile.

“At the moment I don’t have an end-date in mind, I guess as long as people still enjoy having me around, I will stay.

“My current tenure is three years, but I would be looking to go beyond that at the moment.”

“LITTER” LEGACY FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE

now called Carlton Lane, tucked in just behind the High School and current Ambulance Station.

These premises were initially offered free of cost by the liquidators of Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company to the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade for use following a fire in 1928 which destroyed the original Ambulance building which was erected on the corner of Bedsor and Central streets. The Mount Morgan Ambulance Transport Brigade Committee went on to purchase these buildings and remained there until they moved into the new building in Dee Street which was built and opened in 1963.

Mount Morgan resident Dr Athol Brewster recently came across an historical photo of his father Mr Christopher Norbury Herbert Brewster (better known as Mr Herbert Brewster) attending to the transport of a patient on a Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade Horse Drawn Litter. Although the site is unknown, it is believed to be taken at Mount Morgan. Back in the day, one of the main modes of transport was the Horse Drawn Litter.

Mr Herbert Brewster was the Superintendent/ Secretary of the Mount Morgan Ambulance Transport Brigade for 30 years from 1929 to 1959. The centre and residence at the time was located at Carlton Hill,

During his time in Mount Morgan, he, and his wife Ivy (nee Gordon) raised their family within the Mount Morgan community. Mr Brewster was assisted by many driver bearers, both paid and honorary, although only men were permitted to hold these positions. At times when all bearers were busy his wife Ivy, who was a trained nurse could not leave the station as she was unable to drive and had to take responsibility of the centre.

Mr Herbert Brewster also worked at the Queensland Ambulance Centres of Dayboro, Goondiwindi and Mareeba prior to his appointment at Mount Morgan. His son, Dr Athol Brewster who has resided back in Mount Morgan for several years trained as a teacher and gained the following further qualifications T.C.(Q.U.T.), B.Ed. (Deakin), B.A. (Hons, Melb), G.C.A. (Qld). Dr Brewster is going on to obtain his Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Submitted by Wendy Porter

MOUNT BARBERS NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

“This town makes me feel so happy and has so many beautiful people with a vibrant community spirit,” she said.

Donna, a fully qualified barber and hairdresser hails originally from Perth where she has spent the better part of her life working in the hairdressing industry. She has spent the past four years working in a barbers and hairdressing salon in Rockhampton. She moved to Mount Morgan at the end of 2022. Her youngest daughter, Koah, recently started Prep at Mount Morgan Central State School.

Donna will donate $1 from every haircut to the Mount Morgan State School.

Walk-ins are most welcome, appointments are not necessary.

Mount Morgan has a new barber. Donna Judge opened Mount Barbers on 7 February 2023 where Colleen’s Salon was located in Morgan Street.

Donna said since opening she had been warmly welcomed by the people of Mount Morgan.

“So come in and say “hi” and have a trim or totally uplift yourself with a restyle while at the same time donating to the primary school,” she said.

Donna can be contacted on 0474 575 520 or Facebook.

BIG SCHOOL, BIG ADVENTURE!

Sixteen Prep students recently started their formal education journey at Mount Morgan Central State School. The students have quickly acclimated to being in a “big school” and have taken learning into their stride. Enrolment numbers at Mount Morgan Central State School have remained the same as those in 2022. Prep is the start of the early stage of learning which continues until Year 2. Prep provides the foundation for a child's success at school by developing the knowledge, understanding and skills detailed in the Australian Curriculum for English, mathematics, science and history. It also provides a positive approach to learning, independence and confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills and physical abilities, including gross and fine motor skills.

Above: Leo, Jackson and Timmy.

Above: Koah, Celia and Jacinta.

Above: Jason, Tyler and Braydyn.

Above: Malaki, Tommy and Chayce.

Above: Leo, Ava and Jasmine.

Above: Rhydian and Timmy.

MASSAGE AND BEAUTY SERVICES ON OFFER

Katelyn Jones – Lash Artist (pictured left) is offering one of the two new beauty services to be offered in Mount Morgan in the former Mane Street Hair Salon. Katelyn’s starting her business in September 2022 and was keen to take up an opportunity to have a shop front. Katelyn is a lash technician.

“What I do is I apply fake lashes in different sizes to each individual lash, which gives a fuller and longer look,” Katelyn explained.

“This is something I've always wanted to do since I first learnt about beauty therapy. I've always loved the idea of helping girls and women feel the best they can feel within themselves and help them with their self-image.

“I love having the ability to change someone's look with just time and products,” she said.

At the moment Katelyn only does lashes but is currently studying to be a nail technician as well so she can offer this service in the future.

“Learning to do lashes was the most convenient course to do to kick start my career in the beauty industry and is a well sought after service,” she said. She currently lives in Mount Morgan and spent the majority of her childhood here. Katelyn undertook her primary and secondary education in Mount Morgan.

If you are feeling stressed out or would like a relaxing massage, than it’s time to book an appointment at Ally’s Massage, located in the former Mane Street Hair Salon. Ally Schulz (above) recently opened her business.

Mount Morgan has been Ally’s home base since February 2021, until she moved here permanently in August 2022 to be closer to her family. Alli’s Massage Therapy offers Swedish massage therapy and hot stone massage. She received her Certificate 4 in Massage Therapy in December 2009 and undertook anatomy and physiology training in 2011.

“I have also completed theta healing advanced DNA,” she said.

Ally said her service had been well received in the community.

“I decided to open my business here when Kodie from Mane Street Hair Studio offered a space in the old salon building. I enjoy my job because I can reduce a client’s pain through massage practices.”

Clients can contact her by phoning 0437 779 011 or on Facebook Alli’s massage therapy.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday - 8.30 am - 4.30 pm

Wednesday - 8.30 am - 4.30 pm

Thursday - 8.30 am - 4.30 pm

Friday - 8.30 am - 4.30 pm

Saturday - 8.30 am - 2 pm (Every second weekend)

Ally’s Massage Therapy

Katelyn Jones - Lash Artist

PROGRAM HELPS TO MOTIVATE STUDENTS

“Our students get breakfast at Blue EDGE, we have the privilege on Tuesdays to have a cooked breakfast at the Grand Hotel and Thursdays we have a continental breakfast at school,” Miss McClintock said.

“We have a variety of motivational speakers that come once a week to help our students learn more about what is happening in our community and the world,” she said.

When the students were asked what Blue EDGE does they said “it helps us be motivated to wake up, meet new friends, develops good social and communication skills, develops teamwork and all

Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower) is a program of physical training designed to extend a young person’s mind and physical capability.

Mount Morgan State High School is fortunate enough to be a school that is part of this program funded by the Blue Light arm of the Queensland Police Force.

The program also includes career education, motivational speakers and mentoring with a view to having youth actualise their potential.

The program runs for eight weeks, with two training sessions per week (Tuesday and Thursday from 7.00 am to 8.30 am). It finishes after the eighth week with a graduation day named ‘The Final EDGE’.

During the Final EDGE, each young person will engage in physical activities as an individual and as a team member, and celebrate their completion of the program.

The program outcomes include the development of personal relationships and building of rapport between Police, Queensland Blue Light Association Incorporated (QBLAI) Volunteers, participants and their families.

The intention of the program is to grow and develop the skills and attitudes young people need to take part in society, now and in

the future.

“We believe that interacting with young people will encourage participants to be receptive to good guidance and have respect and trust in the police as they mature,” MMSHS coordinator of the Blue Edge Program, Miss Tankia McClintock said.

The program that runs at the school and has 20 participants selected each term. This is the fifth year that the High School has run this program.

This year there is a program for the Juniors in Term 1 and Seniors in Term 3. There are many Staff members that volunteer their own time to assist with this program outside of school hours.

Miss McClintock is the Coordinator of Blue EDGE at Mount Morgan State High School and is supported by the Teachers (Miss Holznagel, Mr Williamson, Miss Snell), the Guidance Officers (Raelene Robinson and Michelle Cini), Chaplain (Chappy Neil), extra volunteers (Rae and Alyssa) and the local police.

The program is aimed to promote sportsmanship, positive engagement, connectedness to students in different year levels, staff and police. The program run at THE High School consists of physical activities such as invasion games, running, fitness, tactical, activities and indigenous games.

DEE RIVER OLDIES

With the year rolling along our February Meeting is on Tuesday, 21 February and our Morning Tea is on Wednesday, 22 February 2023.

Check out ‘Save the Date’ on the last page of the Argus for more details for the upcoming Meetings, Morning Teas and Bus Trip.

We are looking forward to our guest speaker Peter Cook from the Capricorn Coast Historical Society who will give a presentation at our February Morning Tea.

The $50 for the bus trip to the St Patick’s Day celebrations at Bauhinia House has to be paid at the February Morning Tea to secure your seat.

The Morning Tea and Lunch at Bauhinia House are included in the cost. The bus leaves at 8.30 am on Friday, 17 March 2023 from the bus stop in Morgan Street, Mount Morgan.

Stay safe and keep healthy.

Submitted by The Steering Committee - Carol Glover 49381 995 or Colleen Constable 0427 161 131.

The Mount Morgan Rotary Club has donated a new garden seat which has been installed at the Mount Morgan Hospital.

Rotary Club President Craig Edmonston said the club became aware that some patients who had difficulty walking or were unwell needed a rest-stop on their way into the hospital.

An old seat, since removed as unserviceable, had been previously located near the site of the new seat. The Rotary Club applied for a Rotary International Foundation District Grant to partly fund the purchase of the seat. This application was successful and the seat is now in place and is in good use.

The actual installation was carried out in an expert manner by hospital staff. The Rotary Club contributed the balance of the funds from money raised in the local community.”

The Hospital’s Director of Nursing, Mr Gordon Luck, thanked the Rotary Club on behalf of the hospital staff, patients, and visitors who would benefit from the installation of the seat. “The seat would get plenty of use and would be greatly appreciated by those in need,” Mr Luck said.

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.

Mobile Hairdresser

Please call to make an appointment 0438 861 319

MOUNT MORGAN OUTDOORS

Firearm Accessories – Militaria- Fishing – Bait - Archery – Ammo – Gifts – Television Antenna Sales & Installation - Metal Detectors and Prospecting Gear - Camping Gear!

ABN 86 894 469 085

Eric J Stevenson. DNRME License to Sell Explosives 1300622

69 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan

Firearm Sales / PTA’s still from 11 Glen Gordon Street by appointment

Firearm Dealer License No. 50001499 Mount Morgan Guns

Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Explore Centre

Do you have an interest in local history? Or perhaps would like to be involved in town promotions? Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc would like to warmly welcome all interested individuals to become a part of the team! Workforce Australia and Centrelink Mutual Obligations also available. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Eve-lyn at MMPAD on 4938 2312 or email mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au.

Rotary President, Craig Edmonston with DONGordon Luck.

M.A.W Mowing & Handyman Services

ABN: 30 706 300 266

Mark Williamson

0403 571 561

Email: mawmowing@live.com

That Truck & Bobcat Bloke

ABN: 35347197734

Call Geoff: 0411 707 741

Based at Razorback, MOONGAN gnarnold226@gmail.com

Small acreage clean ups, land clearing, fence lines, fire breaks, shed pads & more. Post hole borer & spreader bar

CNR YAAMBA RD & MAIN ST

NORTH ROCKHAMPTON

Phone: 4928 3511

trendrok@bigpond.net.au

PROUDLY SERVING MOUNT MORGAN FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz

Mobile Dog Clipping

Phone Des: 0447 275 402

Finlayson & McKenzie

Funerals

Sandi Wood (nee Inslay) from Mount Morgan was born and raised within the Mount and is well aware of the needs of the Mount Morgan community.

Bob Wheeler 0419 663 277 Po Box 91 Mt

Tilt Truck Service, Excavator

Slashing, Mowing, Tractor and Poison Spraying

Licenced Poisons Contractor

Sandi is Mount Morgan’s funeral consultant and is available for all funeral advice.

Picture Book Giveaway @ Mount Morgan Library

The Mount Morgan Library was a hive of activity on Wednesday, 15 February for Library Lovers’ Day and the inaugural International Book Giving Day event. This project was made possible using First 5 Forever grant funding from the Queensland State Government.

Young children (0-5 years) popped into the Mount Morgan Library with their parent or carer to select a free picture book to take home, with a great selection on display to choose from.

Children from KindyCare were delighted to pick up their picture book and library bag as part of the literacy initiative.

Koa-Rocky, Brantley and Aurora were thrilled to receive their free book as well.

Did you know that all children aged 0-5 years who sign up for a library card receive a free First 5 Forever bag filled with lots of goodies to encourage early literacy development? This includes a cute little First 5 Forever t-shirt, a picture book, a DVD and lots of information to support language development and reading. Library membership is free and open to everyone.

Rockhampton Regional Libraries are located in Mount Morgan, Gracemere, South Rockhampton, and North Rockhampton. For more information, please call the Mount Morgan Library on 4936 8169 or the Rockhampton Regional Library Administration Office on 4936 8043.

Pictured: Brantley with his IBGD book.

Pictured: Kindy Care at the Mount Morgan Library for the IBGD.

Aurora with her IBGD book and mum, Angeliza.

Pictured: Aemon, Clarice and mum Jillian at the Mount Morgan Library for the IBGD.

MOUNT MORGAN JUNIOR GOLF OPEN

Calliope’s Cooper Armstrong shot a two under par 68 in very hot conditions to win the 2023 Mount. Morgan Golf Club’s Junior Open Championships on Saturday, 11 February 2023 winning it by three shots from Rockhampton’s Zane Blackborough on 71, with Gladstone’s Linz McBean winning the Junior Girls with a 79 gross score.

Boyne Island’s Tayla Potter 89 won the Junior Girls B-grade from Gracemere’s Ammeliah Means 91. Boyne Island’s Jack Myles, 86, won the boys C-grade from Boyne Island’s Owen Desertiaux on 90 and Boyne Island’s Sam Loveday, 76, won the Boys 13 Hole Division from Miriam Vale’s David Coyne 77, with Owen’s sister Lily Desertiaux on 73 winning the Girls 13 Holes. Miriam Vale’s Billy Coyne had to survive a sudden death play-off to win the Boys 9 Hole Division from Boyne Island’s Nicholas Loveday when both players recorded a 57. Gladstone’s Amber Hymus, 58, won the Girls 9 Hole Division from Boyne Island’s Kelsey Street on 59. Boyne Island’s Hollie Murphy, 48, won the Girls 6 Hole Division with Miriam Vale’s Carter Weiland, 27, winning the Boys 3 Hole Division, with Boyne Islands Agnes Scherer, 42, winning the Girls 3 Hole Division from Rockhampton’s Charli Tomkins, 44.

Nett results: A grade - Gregory McAuliffe, 79 (Blackwater), B Grade - Regan Carsburg, 88 (Duaringa) and C Grade - Aidan Gooderham 77, from Aidan Delaney 86. 13-Holes - Thomas Means, 46, (Gracemere) from Riley Cameron, 48, (Calliope) and Selena Edmistone, 39, from Boyne Island’s Lily Gooderham, 46. 9 Holes - Emerald’s Noah Robinson, 28 on a count back from Miriam Vale’s Tyler Wingate and Shayla Hymus Gladstone, 33. 6 Holes - Dustin Tomkins, 18 (Rockhampton) from Gladstone’s Zander Hymus, 23 and 3 Holes: Rose Coyne, 36 (Miriam Vale).

MOUNT MORGAN AGRICULTURAL SHOW SOCIETY INC

Invites tenders from interested school or community and not for profit organisations to provide the following services for the 2023 Mount Morgan show to be held on 12 august 2023

TENDER 001 – CANTEEN OPERATION

TENDER 002 – GATE MANAGEMENT

TENDER 003 – BAR OPERATION

Tenders should be forwarded to:

The Secretary, PO Box 183, Mount Morgan by close of business 30 April 2023

The lowest or any tender may not be accepted. Tender specifications may be viewed in News at mountmorganshow.com.au

For further information contact Heather Barker on 0418 729 122

Gross Winners at the Mount Morgan Golf Club’s Junior Open held on Saturday, 11 February 2023.

Submitted by Gurney T. CLAMP

Mount Morgan in Pictures

By Catherine McIntosh, descendant of the colonial Stubbs family of Mount Morgan

Caricatures of local identities

Caricatures were popular in historical newspapers and magazines. Often accompanied by a caption or verse, they provided insights into the subject’s appearance, character, background and interests (warts and all).

Artists regularly targeted high-profile figures from all walks of life, including those associated with the famous Mount Morgan gold mine. Fred Morgan (left) and Walter Hall (right) were prime candidates.

Fred Morgan

Originally from Bathurst, New South Wales, prospector and publican, Frederick Augustus (‘Fred’) Morgan (1837-1894), wrote the following letter dated 5 August 1882 to Rockhampton bank manager, Thomas Skarratt Hall (1836-1903):

‘… Sir, I have consulted my [two] brothers re forming Mount Morgan Reef in the Crocodile district into a company. We have agreed that if the sum of £1200 twelve hundred pounds capital be subscribed amongst your friends to place machinery on the

ground and erect a shoot for carrying the stone from the hill to convenient cartage, we will transfer one half the ground to said parties so subscribing, the whole to be in (16) sixteen shares, Morgan Bros to hold (8) eight shares amongst them and subscribers (8) eight shares … I will not say anything further respecting the reef, but take any number of gentlemen and show them the whole thing and they can judge for themselves and if they don’t wish to go into the reef there will be no harm done. This offer will be open till Friday, 11th August, 1882, to be accepted or rejected … Yours truly, F. Morgan for Morgan Brothers’. (Transcribed by this author from a copy of Fred Morgan’s original handwritten letter displayed at the heritage-listed General Office Building, Mount Morgan mine site).

Thomas Skarratt Hall and two other Rockhampton gentlemen, William Knox D’Arcy (1849-1917) (solicitor) and William Pattison (1830-1896) (butcher and grazier), took up the Morgan Brothers’ offer of a

Continued on Page 15

Mount Morgan in Pictures from Page 14

half share in the gold mine within the narrow window of less than a week. Thus, the Mount Morgan [gold mining] Syndicate was formed with six members in 1882, forerunner of the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company Limited.

The caricature of Fred Morgan (left) was published in Sydney’s Smith’s Weekly in 1923, nearly thirty years after his death. Fred looks determined and ambitious, traits which would have propelled him to write the above 1882 letter. The caption to the caricature (not shown) aptly and succinctly reads: ‘Fred. Morgan (Pioneer of Mt. Morgan)’.

The artist initialled his work, ‘S+’: ‘S’ for Stan and ‘+’ for Cross. American-born Stanley George Cross (18881977), was one of Australia’s leading illustrators and cartoonists. Readers may be familiar with his work, such as the long-running comic strip, The Potts (Caricature by Stan Cross from ‘Terraces of Treasure’, Smith’s Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1919-1950), 15 September 1923 / National Library of Australia).

Walter Hall

Walter Russell Hall (1831-1911) was a successful Sydney-based businessman from England. He made a lot of money in his early years from the coaching business, Cobb and Co. – money, which enabled him to invest in the Mount Morgan mine in 1884 through his younger brother and bank manager, Thomas Skarratt Hall. He remained an investor in the mine until his death in 1911.

Walter’s caricature (right) appeared in a horse racing and sporting newspaper, Sydney Sportsman, in 1905. The Sydney caricaturist, ‘Dick Tait’ (Richard Goldsborough Tait) (1863-1911), depicts Walter as a portly, bespectacled gentleman of advanced years in a three-piece suit and top hat, puffing on a cigar handsfree and holding an umbrella – probably at the Sydney races. Walter was a member of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) for sixty years. His interest in horse racing stemmed from his days with Cobb & Co. He owned many winners, including the colt, Reviver, which won the Champagne Stakes at Randwick (Sydney) in 1899.

The accompanying verse reads: ‘Though Walter now goes very slow, He didn’t in the old dark ages. The roaring days when Cobb and Co. Coined money with their famed fast stages’.

(Caricature and caption by Dick Tait, ‘Walter Hall’, Sydney Sportsman (Surry Hills, NSW: 1900-1954), 26 April 1905 / National Library of Australia).

Next issue: more caricatures.

This author has made best efforts to provide accurate information for this publication of ‘Mount Morgan in Pictures’.

SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS

FEB 22: Heritage Minerals - Community meeting at School of Arts in Morgan Street. 6.30 pm.

FEB 22: Dee River Oldies Group - 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. The guest speaker will be Peter Cook from the Capricorn Coast Historical Society. Raffle and lucky door prizes.

MAR 3: Australian Government Mobile Service Centre. 9.30 am to 3 pm. Opposite Fire Station in Morgan Street.

MAR 5: Clean-up Australia Day. Volunteer to help clean up by contacting MMPAD on 4938 2312. Starts at 8 am - finish at 12 noon.

MAR 5: Country Music Afternoon. Soldiers’ Rooms

18 Morgan Street. 1 - 5 pm. $10 adults $2 children. Refreshments supplied. Bar operating.

MAR 8: Boulder Creek Wind Farm Community Information Session. 4-6 pm Soldiers’ Rooms 18 Morgan Street.

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

MAR 17: Dee River Oldies Group - Bus Trip to St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Bauhinia House, Berserker. The cost is $50 and will include Morning Tea and Lunch served on the day. MAR 18: Celtic Bush Dance at Soldiers’ Rooms, Morgan Street. Starts 7 pm. All welcome. Adults - $10, children$3.00

MAR 21: 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).

MAR 22: Dee River Oldies Group - 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. Raffle and lucky door prizes.

MAR 28: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

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.

Sunday, 5 March is Clean Up Australia Day

Call MMPAD on 4938 2312 to assist with the 2023 Clean Up.

LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH

FOR SALE: Tree Seedlings - Wampi (9 of), Jabitcaba - “tree grape” (7 of) Tuckerroo - Australian Native (6 of). All $7.50 each. Phone - 0438 882 590.

GARAGE SALE: Saturday, 4 March. 8 am - 6 pm, 7 Lukin Street, Mount Morgan. Building supplies, household goods, large dog kennel/kids cubby, craft, art. $cheap $cheap $cheap.

MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED ANNNUAL GENERAL MEETING

22 FEBRUARY, 2023 AT 6 PM

MOUNT MORGAN HOSPITAL PHONE 0429 055 165 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

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 MEN’S SHED INC.

Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays

Phone John on 0429 055 165

ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN

DINNER MEETING - THURSDAY - GRAND HOTEL

6.00 for 6.30. Interested people are encouraged to attend or send an Expression of Interest to PO Box 2, Mount Morgan

AA meeting

Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms 18 Morgan St 10am - 11am every Wednesday

“The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking”

MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH

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

NEXT EDITION

WEDNESDAY, 8 MARCH 2023