“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