JOURNAL

Windsor & Districts’ Historical Society Inc. servicing the old Windsor Town Council areas of Albion, Alderley, Bowen Bridge, Eagle Junction*, Eildon, Grange, Kalinga, Kedron*, Lutwyche, Maida Hill, Newmarket*, Wilston, Wooloowin and now extended to cover Gordon

Park and Herston. *part of this suburb. VOLUME 33 No. 2 - MAY 2021 MAY - 2 No. 33 VOLUME Resource Material for Private Study by Members 994.31005 Part of Crowd at Exhibition Hall 1919 Library Australia: WELCOMING HOME TROOPS 58759522 Front: Mayor William Jolly, Town Clerk Miss Thorpe There will not be a General Meeting in May but Members and Friends are invited to the Chambers for Reading and Research on Sundays with Mark and David, and Mondays with Rob and Jenny, from 1 pm until 4pm

In the next JOURNAL * Coronation Tree planting * Wilston School of Arts * The Enoggera Railway Argument * Alphabet for Seniors * Alexander Fergus Ross * Rawleighs vs J.R. Watkins * Headmasters Speak Out * Do You Remember? * Any Name but Tom Smith * Jehosephat Postle * John Hinton ex Fire Chief * Pat the Slasher (not quite) * Departure of Sir James Cockle

A very successful Anzac Day was held in the Memorial Park thanks to organiser Rosalie and all those people and schools involved. Thanks Tony Walker for the tribute sketch. JOURNAL TO THE EDITOR: Volume 33 Number 2 after his encounter with Kopit. (February 2021) May 2021 The tram accident at the This- What a JOURNAL– it brought tle Street Bridge as my mother called back so many memories. Standing hold- Recent issues are viewable at the it. At that time I was travelling to work ing my father’s hand opposite the Ke- National Library of on those matchbox trams every day and Australia, Canberra, dron Park Hotel to watch the start of loved to sit up the front with the driv- State Library of Queensland the wheelbarrow race. The zoo with the er. Butter coupons and the tricks men and on line at crocodile and the big South American www.windsorhistorical.org.au played to get some extra off the black parrot which swore like a trooper. Not market. I was amused at some of the that I ever got close to it – you could Archive available at Windsor & misspelt names in the newspaper reports hear it across the street. Loved the bit Districts Historical Society Inc. - they had Bill Ireland the blacksmith as on laxatives. Figsen was always in our Old Windsor Council Chambers, Island. He lived in Kedron Park Road. cupboards. My father was a conductor Lutwyche Road, Windsor. These men were all strong men – no on the Rockhampton Mail for 50 years. Much of the historical material used was gyms for them they just were strong He was distressed when he learned that found at Trove Newspapers, from physical work. People in general his mate Tommy Boys had been so badly National Library of Australia liked Bunker. Oh the memories of old battered by Kopit, whom he knew quite Kedron. Thor Jensen the architect who well, and had put him off the train sev- Circulation Manager: Gem Cowlishaw built Valhalla worked on the survey of eral times on the way to . He Proof Reader: Judy Willis. the Estate where the Surfers Paradise was a “good for nothing” fellow who Hotel (article coming) was later built. I made his living “hotel barbering” which Production costs donated by the editor. hope there are a few people alive still to had nothing to do with haircuts. It was Produced and Edited enjoy the memories as much as I have. the term used for thieves to steal from by David Teague, B. Ed. Beres McCallum, A.O. commercial travellers rooms in hotel Life Member. Foundation Member. rooms and anywhere else they might Delivered by e-mail to members. be vulnerable. He took me with him to TYPO: November 2020. Print version courtesy of visit Mr Boys when he was recuperating Benjamin Field Chapman’s birth should Trevor Evans, M.P. at home. Poor man was never the same have been 1886 not 1883 as listed. Page 2 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society FATAL TRICK

Lost Life By dron Club (Mr E. J. Deignan) paid Swallowing a tribute to the respect in which Mr Hensley was held by members of all Razor Blade bowling clubs. After lying in hospital for The week-end play at Ke- four days with a rusty safety razor dron was cancelled, and the club flag blade in his stomach, Mr Vivian was flown at half-mast. Hensley, a Lutwyche dentist, died Courier-Mail: 11 July 1938. soon after 8 a.m. yesterday. Last Wednesday morning he accidentally swallowed the blade while amusing his wife and son with sleight-of- hand tricks, including what he called his ‘sword-swallowing act.’ 250 AT FUNERAL OF In this trick, Mr Hensley, Mr Vivian Hensley MR HENSLEY who was a clever amateur entertainer, tion was made. Razor Tragedy Victim would “palm” a razor blade, pretend On Saturday night Mr. More than 250 persons at- to throw it into his open mouth, and Hensley was operated on for com- tended the funeral at the Cremato- slip the blade into his coat-sleeve, at plications — a bowel obstruction rium yesterday of the late Mr Viv- the same time chewing and swallow- — but his condition was such that ian Hensley, the Lutwyche dentist, ing vigorously. He would complete no further attempt could be made to who died through accidentally swal- the trick by passing his hand before recover the blade. lowing a razor blade. It was one of his mouth and producing the blade Mr Hensley, who was 43 the largest assemblages since the quickly from his sleeve. last Tuesday, had been practising at Crematorium was built. The serv- However, on Wednesday the Lutwyche for more than 14 years. ice at the funeral parlour of Alex. blade slipped from his palm and flew He was a foundation member of the Gow, Petrie Bight, was attended by into the back of his throat, causing Kedron Bowling Club’ and its presi- 200. The Rev. J. Brown Beresford, him to swallow involuntarily. dent last year, and had been president of Lutwyche, conducted both serv- BLADE SHIFTED of the Australian Dental Association ices. The coffin was covered with Mrs Hensley immediately and of the Kedron branch of the Re- the Union Jack, as he was a returned took her husband to a doctor, who turned Soldiers’ League. soldier. Among the organisations fed him with cotton wool and sent WELL KNOWN IN DISTRICT largely represented were the Kedron him to the General Hospital by am- Born in Mackay, he was Bowling Club (of which Mr. Hens- bulance. According to the General educated at Nudgee College. He ley was the immediate past presi- Hospital authorities Mr Hensley told enlisted with the 26th Battalion in dent); Queensland Bowling Associa- doctors that he did not feel any pain 1914, served throughout the war, tion, Australian Dental Association, when he swallowed the blade. He and reached the rank of lieutenant. Legacy Club, New Farm and Red- was admitted to the hospital on Wed He is survived by his widow cliffe bowling clubs, Redcliffe and nesday morning. and 12-year-old son, William. Kedron sub-branches, State execu- An X-ray examination was Mr. Hensley was to have tive, and south-eastern district of the made, in the afternoon and an opera- been present at the general meeting Returned Soldiers’ League. Courier-Mail: 12 July 1938 tion performed early on Wednesday of the Kedron Bowling Club to-mor- night. The blade, however, had shift- row night, to present trophies won FAMILY TREES ed in the two hours between the X- during his term as president. The cer- for the Cowlishaw, Rome and Woolnough ray examination and the operation, emony of unveiling his photograph and could not be located. Families who were connected with among those of other past presidents Oakwal Wynyard-Joss After the operation a second and also the of the club, which was planned for family who were connected with X-ray examination was made and the to-morrow night, will have added Wilston House, have been added to blade discovered near the spot where significance. the chambers files. it had been when the first examina- The president of the Ke- MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 3 Common Error: This was the Wilson Opthalmic Hostel at Windsor not at Wilston nor OPTHALMIC named after Sir Leslie Wilson but after Minister for Public In- HOSTEL struction, Mr T. Wilson. For The Little Ones— New Ophthalmic Hostel The new Wilson Ophthal- mic Hostel, situate near Eildon Hill, Windsor, and to be opened by the Minister for Health and Home Affairs (Mr. E. M. Hanlon) this af- ternoon, is a triple combination of hostel, hospital, and school. Social workers agree with Dr St Vincent Welch, Senior Medical Officer, in charge of School Health Services, that the hostel is a valuable addition to the medical equipment of Bris- floor provides the girls dormitories, bane, and will provide largely for the The new hostel replaces an dressing room and lavatories. The needs of the whole State. old timber structure (previously Eil- matron’s suite and staff quarters are The old hostel averaged 25 don House) on the present elevated on this floor, while the sick children’s inmates, but was capable of taking site, and provides accommodation bay, which may be isolated is on one 30, while this new institution now for 60 children and the necessary side of the H-shaped building. can cope with as many as 70, but is staff. Fitted with a tiled roof, the The vocational training expected to meet the demands of 60 building is of fire-resisting construc- class-room for senior boys, together with ease. Thus, Queensland takes tion and the walls are made of brick. with the kitchen, scullery, and store yet another long step forward in its All staircases and corridors are room, boys recreation room, boiler progress towards the perfection of constructed of concrete. The main room, and incinerator, are in the its medical services, and the provi- entrance and stair-case hall on the basement. sion of complete supervision of the ground floor give access to the offic- health of the people of the State. es and treatment rooms. On the same The Remarkable Medical Externally, the hostel is fin- floor are the staff quarters, with the History Of Trachoma ished in face brickwork relieved with boys’ dormitories, dressing room, Every child suffering from cement-band courses The main en- and lavatory, girls’ recreation room, trachoma means a reduction of his trance is approached through a spa- children’s and staff, dining rooms, or her earning value as a producer, cious portice flanked with columns. and the sewing rooms. and so an economic loss to the State. The previous layout of grounds and “CRAZY H” The disease renders anyone unfit for trees has been adhered to, as far as A school room, with separate any work connected with railways possible, and the building is set well accommodation for infants, has also or aviation, or any of the trades in back from the road, with terraced been erected on this floor, which, in which fine sight and close attention, lawns in front. Improvements have addition, contains a fully equipped are requisites. But now, at the new been made to the playgrounds by the domestic science classroom for Wilson Ophthalmic Hostel at Wind- provision of retaining walls, level- senior girls. The building, which is sor, besides being given a thorough ling and grading, and the estimated a “crazy H” in shape, has been de- educational training in the ordinary cost of the whole work, exclusive of signed to give the maximum of light manner, the young inmates are re- furnishing, is £26,995. to each of the rooms. ceiving instruction in domestic, sci- It is complete with modern ence and manual work, so that at the lighting, heating, and sanitation, end of the course of medical treat- and its structure at present is such ment they are not only visually fit for that future additions will be possi- work, but also educationally ready. ble without any delay or alteration. The first child was admitted A new detached building, not quite to the old hostel in 1929. Since then, finished, will house a modern laun- 200 children have passed through dry and ironing equipment. The first and come out of the institution, Page 4 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society cured from this granular disease of the Wilson Hostel, was established completely eliminated, and all now the eyes. Taking into account that at Eildon Hill. are admitted free. each one had to receive treatment for As soon as a child is reported “So well have we progressed 18 months or more, the hostel has to have trachoma, the Government with the eradication of blindness meant a saving of potential workers provides free transport to the hostel, from trachoma that I have received for the State on a grand scale. free treatment during the time spent inquiries from officials from the The staff at the hostel com- within its walls, and free education. Blind Institute asking if we could in- prises Dr E. O. Marks, a part-time FREE SERVICE clude the treatment of children from ophthalmic surgeon, a matron, two Primarily, parents of chil- that institution in our activities,” said sisters, two staff nurses, and the do- dren, where they could afford it, Dr Welch. mestic staff. were supposed to pay 12/6 per week Truth: 27 March 1938. Chronic trachoma requires towards expenses, but this was later anything from 18 months’ to two years’ continual treatment, while the course in some cases has extended over three years. Consequently, pro- vision has been made at the hostel for educational facilities to be ex- tended to inmates. They have the best of medical attention, while, as mentioned, the teaching side is not neglected. “Trachoma is particularly prevalent amongst the nomadic, people of the West and Central divi- sions of the State, such as well sink- ers, fencers, and other such classes of workmen,” said Dr Welch. “It Vegetable Garden has been responsible for an enor- mous amount of blindness, not only in Australia, but in England, and on the Continent — especially amongst the poorer classes of Jewish peoples — and in Egypt. America has been very careful regarding its introduc- tion there, and stringent regulations operate regarding examinations. In 1912, Dr Eleanor Bourne and Dr Rogers were endeavouring to control the ravages of this disease in Queensland. The work lapsed for some years then, until Dr Welch was Dining Room appointed in 1926. Since the inaugu- ration of the original hostel and the co-operation of part-time medical men, and improvement in the living conditions of the growth of trachoma has been materially checked. The Wilson Ophthalmic Hostel was the outcome of a report made by Dr Welch in 1928, after he had toured the districts of Western Queensland. So drastic were his rec- ommendations, to the then Minister for Public Instruction (Mr. T. Wil- son) that Parliament gave immediate Woodwork Room consent to building a hostel. This, MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 5 back against the bed, and ultimately rolled under it or, perhaps, he may have struggled under it. PATRICK Maunsell had been many years in the colony, having arrived

MAUNSELL * corrected in Queensland in 1850*, and having been with, few exceptions, a resi- DETERMINED part of the body was lying beneath dent of Brisbane ever since. He was SUICIDE IN the bed and was, therefore, invisible. a man of considerable means, and SOUTH BRISBANE. The bed hangings were saturated lived principally on rents derived A very determined suicide with blood, and on summoning cour- from house property in South Bris- took place on Saturday afternoon, age to draw them on one side the full bane and various parts of the city. in Grey-street, South Brisbane, a extent of the dreadful occurrence Until recently he had been living on a very old resident in the colony, best became evident. Then the unhappy property of his own at Kedron Brook, known as ‘Pat Maunsell,’ putting an woman fully realised everything. but came into town, as it suited him end to his existence in a most deter- The valence concealed a better. Those who knew him best had mined manner. About half-past three dreadful sight. There lay the body of noticed during the week that he was o’clock it appears that Mrs Maunsell Maunsell with only the trousers and not quite in his usual frame of mind. left the house in which she lived with shirt on and a terrific gash across On meeting old acquaintances in her husband and family, at the far- EMIGRANT - derelict circa 1900 ther end of Grey-street, to come over at Bristol. to the North side to do some shop- ping, taking with her two children, and leaving a third at home with his father. Soon after Mrs Maunsell had gone, Mr Maunsell sent the boy left with him out for a fig of tobac- co, and the lad went. He was away about a quarter of an hour, and on returning found the doors locked and the blinds drawn down. He felt a little surprised, but said nothing to anyone about it, supposing his father had gone out and would shortly re- turn, and he amused himself as best he could for the next hour, when his mother returned. the throat, while at hand lay a prun- the street he failed to recognise them Mrs Maunsell, being unable ing knife with which the unfortunate on several occasions until reminded to get into the house at first, was al- man had severed the jugular vein of their identity, and he showed signs most going away when she caught and the windpipe, probably permit- of restlessness, such as continually sight of the keys lying on the ground ting him to pass from this world in pacing his veranda and so forth. outside the front bedroom window, a very short space of time and with The immediate reason which and having possessed herself of them little suffering. led to the occurrence of Saturday af- she unlocked the door and entered The cries of Mrs Maunsell ternoon can only be vaguely guessed the dwelling. There was nothing in attracted the attention of Sergeant at by the deceased’s most intimate the sitting-room, into which the front Grimes, the police drill instructor, friends, and it is therefore inadvis- door opened, to excite either alarm who, with a recruit named Maxwell, able to anticipate such evidence on or suspicion, but on entering the happened to be near. They at once this point as may be elicited at the bedroom, which opened from it, a went to the house, which is an or- magisterial inquiry to be held to- terrible sight was presented, the hor- dinary four-roomed one, and found morrow. rible nature of which she could not at what has been already described. Dr O’Doherty saw the body first realise. From the position of the soon after Mrs Maunsell returned to The floor was covered with body it would appear that the fa- her house, and pronounced life to a great pool of blood, in the centre of tal deed had been committed while have been extinct for some time. which was visible the half-undressed Maunsell was in a sitting position body of her husband, but the upper on the floor, that he had then fallen Telegraph: 7 February 1881. Page 6 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Joseph Packer and David Knox worked at Maunsell’s for many years before going into business in their own business at Chermside when Maunsell’s closed. LIFE OF PATRICK Maunsell purchased 52 acres on the Peate’s (Grange) Tannery which was MAUNSELL opposite side of Kedron Brook - por- established in the 1850s. tion 10, Parish of Kedron. Later in In 1876 there was an adver- Well the newspapers record 1857, part of Pat’s land at Kedron tisement for the sale of 92 head of the end of Patrick Maunsell but with Brook, was fenced in, 36 acres, and prime, heavy cattle from Durundur some research we can go back to the rented out while he was living on the at Mr James Maunsell’s property at beginning and life of Pat. other part. Kedron Brook Bridge The bridge Patrick Maunsell was born In 1858, Patrick, 31 years over Kedron Brook had been opened in Limerick, Ireland, to James Maun- old, married Margaret Sweeney, six years prior to that. Later that year sell and Catherine Casey in 1827. also 31 years old, in Sydney. Back Nehemiah Bartley, as agent for Mat- His siblings included - John, born in Brisbane his family started to in- thew Walker inserted a public notice 1828, Catherine, born 1828, James, crease with the birth of Thomas in to James Maunsell in the Brisbane born 1831 and Margaret, born 1839. 1859, James in 1860, Catherine in Courier citing that a fence was go- The Colonial Land & Emi- 1862, Patrick in 1863, Margaret in ing to be erected on the boundaries gration Commission encouraged 1863, Ellen in 1864, Edward John in of their properties and claimed a people from Britain to come to 1867 and Stephen Michael in 1869. contribution to the costs. Matthew Moreton Bay and they chartered the His father James died in Walker of Goulburn, widower was barque, Emigrant, 753 tons, for a Brisbane in 1864 and his mother next of kin to Jane Walker who was voyage and took 276 passengers to Catherine in 1866, John in 1872 and the original purchaser of portion 9 Moreton Bay. Patrick, a gardener, Helen in 1872. Patrick continued in- adjoining Maunsell’s portion 10. then 23 years and his sister Cath- vesting in property - boarding hous- By 1888, the business was erine, a domestic servant, then 22, es etc. and living at Kedron Brook now referred to as the Stafford Tan- were on board. They sailed from Ply- although the original 78 acres had nery, Kedron Brook and the proprie- mouth on 4 April 1850 and arrived been sold a few times until William tors were J. and J. Maunsell. on 8 August although they actually Henry Day purchased it. His Victo- At the 1889 exhibition in landed 26 September after the ship ria Boarding House, the former City Brisbane, J. and J. Maunsell were being placed in quarantine. The pas- Boarding House and several cottag- awarded first honours in fellmon- sengers were afflicted with typhus es were sold on his death. Patrick’s gered wool. At some stage John and measles. On the voyage 19 died name pops up in the newspapers oc- Francis Maunsell took on Alfred on board and in quarantine 26 were casionally. the Brisbane Courier of Skinner Clark as a partner in the buried at Dunwich Cemetery. The were Lima and Chasely *Fortitude, Dumore Dr Lang’s ships. emigrant 3 January 1871:- fellmongery business but it was dis- Moreton Bay Courier of 31 August solved in 1892. The address was 1850 wrote about the voyage. The unhappy condition in then given as Stafford on Kedron. which the immigrants by the ship Emi- On 11 August 1893 in The grant appear to have arrived in this Week newspaper a report on the port, forming, as it does, a striking On the Electoral Roll of Brisbane exhibition included men- contrast to the state of the passengers 1879, he is listed at Kedron Brook tion that Messrs P. Maunsell & who came in the private emigrant ships but we know that two years later Co., of Stafford tannery, on Kedron Fortitude, Chaseley, and Lima*, calls he was living in Grey Street, South Brook, had a varied and useful lot of for a searching inquiry from the Ex- Brisbane. goods displayed, consisting of kan- ecutive Government. Under the present In his will, he names Dan- garoo skins prepared for saddle seats melancholy circumstances, we forbear iel Foley Roberts, Thomas Lehane and bookmakers’ work. Some were to enlarge upon this subject, but con- fidently expect that the causes which and James Maunsell as his execut- dyed for buggy cushions and furni- have ended in such a fearful loss of hu- ers who obtained probate and began ture linings. The exhibit included man life will be diligently inquired into, selling his many property assets. goat skins and two cat skins as well and made public. MAUNSELL’S TANNERY as woollen door mats. Patrick soon settled in his On his land which ran from In the 1896 exhibition there new country and was readily em- the Stafford State School corner of Researched by David Teague. was a combined display of leather ployed as a police constable. In 1852 Stafford Road, along the present from J. F. Maunsell and the Grange it is recorded that he purchased land Webster Road to Kedron Brook, Tannery Company included from ex- in the city. At some stage his parents James Maunsell established a tan- tra heavy sole to stained basils#. Mr and siblings also migrated. nery and fellmongery. The approxi- Maunsell took first prize for a col- In 1856 the land on both mate site would be behind the present lection of leather made from sheep- sides of Kedron Brook was surveyed Stafford Tavern. It was high enough skins. The leather displayed included and put up for sale. Patrick purchased not to be flooded but afforded access those suitable for saddlers, bootmak- portion 31, parish of Enoggera, of 78 to the water in the brook. Diagonally ers, bookbinders and upholsterers. acres for £78 on 25 May 1857. James opposite was Collins’/Alderson’s/ #basils: de-woolled sheepskin leather. MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 7 If you have any old photographs taken in our area - A LOOK AT please let us copy them for our col- PHOTOGRAPHS lection.

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? POSTMAN postman on horseback taken in 1913 Obviously this photograph While we are on a Post Of- who delivered mail in the Wilston, was taken outside the Windsor fice theme, here is a photograph of a Grange and Enoggera areas. Council Chambers looking across to the Memorial Park. The War Me- morial and Band Stand, which were opened in 1925, are there and the stone gardens are in the course of construction. The main object of the photograph is the P.M.G. man in his Morris commercial van collecting letters from the cast iron pillar box (red of course). The tram lines and overhead power lines are visible. The photo probably dates around 1947 by the van and wall c o n s t r u c - tion. Photo to the left: ©. Page 8 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society I’M CURED!!

Our newspapers in the 1880s often contained ad- vertisements for marvellous cures. The most common one was for Wood’s Pep- permint Cure. It appeared in nearly every issue. Here are some more:

MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 9 doing quite well with his trade, land dealing and his new quarry. James now carried on his trade of cabinet making from his premises in Queen THE BRYDENS Street. He was heavily involved with the Presbyterian Church. John, James and William The family of cabinet maker, Petrie, who lived and had his work- were on the 1856 electoral roll. John James Bryden and his wife Martha shop at Petrie’s Bight. advertised his quarry at Albion, for Ferris lived in Newry, Northern Ire- On 14 August 1851 John rent in 1858. land. Eldest son John, born 28 Feb- purchased portion 17, parish of John married Susanna ruary 1811 migrated to New South North Brisbane for £26/9/-. This Trevathan in 1861 in Brisbane. Wales in 1841. He was a bounty land is situated on the river side of James, Isabella and William re- immigrant. The bounty of £19 was Lang Park and put it up for sale on mained single. William, it seems, paid to A. B. Smith & Co. who were 16 February 1855. Later that year had some health problems. agents for the shipping line. he also put up for sale and allotment Queen Street and cottage in Grey Street, South John departed from Liv- circa 1860 erpool on 14 September 1840, via Brisbane. Cape of Good Hope on the 684 ton In 1857 John advertised ship Brothers and arrived in Sydney for sale sawmill cut timber, cedar, on 11 March 1841 along with 270 hardwood and pine, from his yard in other immigrants and several pas- Queen Street. sengers. In the meantime, his young- According to the immigra- er sister, Martha, married William tion papers John was a cabinet mak- Brennan back in Ireland. Brennan er, 29 years of age, single, could read died in 1854 leaving a family of and write and was of the Presbyteri- eight children. an faith. He had his thirtieth birthday aboard ship just over a week before Champion of the Seas In 1863 a fi re burnt out Launched 1854 he landed in Sydney. James’s furniture shop, but he was In 1842 after purchasing able to carry on working in his un- an allotment in the fi rst land sale of damaged workshop at the rear, un- the newly opened Brisbane Town til the building was re-built. The he left Sydney on 23 June 1843 on Brydens investments increased and the Sovereign for Moreton Bay. He they had built the Belfast Hotel in soon found employment as a cabinet Queen Street and also owned the maker for the only builder, Andrew property at 333 Adelaide Street. John and James also bought subdivisions 1 & 2 of portion 14, Par- ish of Enoggera, from George Byrne Lang and in the 1870s had brick houses Park built there: Fernfi eld for James and This triggered the next wave Skilmorlie House for John. Fern- of migration. James, Isabella and fi eld was designed and the building John William Bryden, together with niece supervised by architect John Hall in Bryden Martha Jane Brennan (as Bryden on 1873 at a cost of £700. the shipping list) departed on the Fernfi eld and Skilmorlie Champion of the Seas, a new clip- House had a common entrance road per ship in the Black Ball Line from from Bowen Bridge Road which Liverpool on 11 October 1854. The sloped to Fernfi eld and across to ship arrived in Melbourne on 24 De- Skilmorlie. Bunya pines lined this cember 1854 after a 72 day voyage driveway. with 780 passengers. The ship was Fernfi eld was a simple quarantined at Hobson’s Bay for a house with four large rooms in the River week because of smallpox. front section - three were used as They then moved up to Bris- bedrooms and a fourth as a lounge bane to elder brother John who was furnished with a suite and a piano. Page 10 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Fernfield had lovely verandahs atthe front and sides and French windows on rollers. Behind the main section , which faced west, were two wings which completed the “U” shape. In the southern wing was a large bath- room and a kitchen equipped with a large range stove and a walk-in pan- try. On the northern side, the wing contained a big dining room in which was a long dining room ta- ble. At the end of each wing was a servant’s room. Under the servants’ rooms were cellars. The cellar doors opened upwards and steps led down. Moreton Bay Courier: 27 August 1859. The cellar on the northern side was a bit damp and wasn’t used, but the one on the southern side was used as who were live-in servants and there also to avoid detection. Later after intended and later for storage. There was a man servant (yardman) who he retired Captain David’s health was also a well between the wings lived out. was not the best and a bedroom was and it was used right up until town Skilmorlie House was a made for him downstairs. water was connected. double storeyed building with fine In 1893, Martha Jane mar- verandahs which faced Bowen ried Captain Alfred Thomas Jago Bridge Road and was nearly hidden (Susanna’s brother). It is said that The Brydens were Pres- by the trees around it. byterians. Martha Jane The bedrooms were upstairs was a strict Baptist al- and Skilmorlie had double-faced though her father was fireplaces. Much later a front section a Roman Catholic and facing Bryden Street was added and Martha Jane bought her captain a her mother was a prot- the verandahs closed in. pair of high-steppers (horses) and estant. Captain David Gradually all the Brydens one of them kicked him in the kid- was a Roman Catho- died - Susanna in 1881, sister Mar- ney and he developed Addison’s dis- lic but his wife Anna- tha in Ireland in 1884, William and ease. Jago died young leaving Mar- bella was a protestant James in 1888, Isabella in 1889 and tha a widow, but he is not buried in and the children were John in 1890. Niece Martha Jane in- either of the Bryden/Brennan plots brought up Church of herited all the property. at . Perhaps he England. Meanwhile back in Ireland died in England, as there are stories Martha Jane’s brother, David Bren- of the pair making trips to England nan pursued a merchant navy career. for medical treatment. Eventually He was married to Catherine An- the front rooms of Fernfield were nabella Jago. At the suggestion of closed and the elderly residents lived There was an outdoor toilet his sister, Captain David brought his in the servants’ rooms. out back on the kitchen side and it wife Catherine, son Robert and baby In 1935, because of a short- had a lattice work surround with a Isabella out to Brisbane and lived in age of cash and the need to renovate creeper growing over it. There were Skilmorlie. Martha Annie, David Al- the Belfast Hotel, the conditions of two toilet compartments. There was fred and John Henry (Jack) complet- the will which prevented the sale, a vegetable patch and also there was ed the family in their new country. were contested and the hotel was a fragrant brunsfelsia in front of the When they were older the Brennan sold. house. Towards the creek there was a girls used to sneak out from the up- In the late 1940s, Martha small dairy shed. They only kept one stairs bedroom window and clamber Annie moved in with older sister cow. Poultry was also kept. There down a tree to get out of the house Dolly in her house. was also a sulky shed which was without detection. Also around that After Captain David Bren- later used as a garage. time the children used to push the nan retired, he used to say to his wid- At one stage up to about car out of the garage and down the owed sister that if she didn’t leave 1925, there were two Irish women driveway before starting the engine all the properties to his children, he MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 11 descendants of Jack’s siblings and they were put up for sale which con- tinued until 1997. The new owner of Fernfi eld started restoring the property. Skilmorlie House was des- tined for demolition but the original part has been retained as a feature of the re-development as an inter- national motel, now the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, and the three hous- es along Bowen Bridge Road were demolished in the construction. It is an interesting story where the inher- itance has passed sideways to nieces and nephews over the generations. Section of Passenger List of the Brothers: 11 March 1841 on arrival in Sydney. The family plots in section 13 of the Toowong Cemetery are: would come back and haunt her. He long after it was leased to Mr Fraser. died of dropsy on 26 August 1917. Much later it was sold to Jim O’Toole No. 230: William Bryden, James Bryden, and a large brick house, service sta- When Martha Jane (Bren- Isabella Bryden, Martha Jane Jago. nan/Bryden/Jago) died on 7 July tion and car dealership were built. Researched by David Teague. No. 347: Susanna Bryden, John Bryden, 1923, she did indeed leave all her Later again is was purchased and ex- David Brennan, Annabella Brennan. properties to be shared equally by panded by Sci Fleet. the four Brennan children. Rob- Both Fernfi eld and Skil- Over the nearly 30 years I have been researching this family I have ert Brennan died of typhoid shortly morlie were converted into fl ats and found a large number of sources and rented out over the years. before he was 21 years. He was in newspaper clippings and made a visit London completing his studies to be Following the death of Mrs to the New South Wales Archives in Syd- a doctor. Jack (Hilda) Brennan in 1993, as ney. The information is available in the The four survivors were she and Jack had no children, the Fernfi eld/Skilmorlie Estate fi le at the Isabella Maria (Dolly) who died remaining properties were left to the Chambers. in 1971; Martha Annie who died in 1948; David Alfred who died in 1950 and John Henry (Jack) who died in 1968. Jack bought out the property interests of his siblings and built a house behind Fernfi eld for his wife Hilda and himself. Three other hous- es were built along Lutwyche Road in front of Skilmorlie, by a builder named Harvey, for him. They were demolished in early 1998. A house was built behind Skilmorlie for Dol- ly when lots were sold along Bryden Street. A service station was built in front of Fernfi eld in the 1920s Skilmorlie for David Brennan, a mechanic. Not

Section of Passenger List of the Champion of the Seas which arrived in Melbourne 24 December 1854. James, William, cabinet makers, Isabella and Martha Jane. Ages do not tally. Page 12 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Palace Dansant at Windsor, con- ducts a fifty-fifty dance of jazz and old time every Tuesday with Jim Burke and his six Rhythmic Trouba- A LOOK AT 1938 dours Telegraph: 15 June 1938. MR. J. B. PRICE allotments vary from 24 perches to DEAD BIRTHS 1 rood 14 perches, all having street Brisbane Solicitor frontages. Herb Elliott Telegraph: 18 June 1938. For 44 Years Mike Walsh Mr James Bennion Price, *Ball point pen invent Col Joye one of the oldest practising solici- ed by Laszio Biro. tors in Queensland, died suddenly at Betty Cuthbert *Freeze dried coffee Southport to-night after having at- Joan Kirner invented by Nescafe. tended the Valuation Appeal Court Bert Newton *First nylon tooth- during the day. He was playing bil- brushes marketed. liards, when he had a fatal heart sei- Robert Hughes zure. Rod Laver CRYSTAL PALACE Mr Price, who was 74 years Murray Gleeson of age, practised as a solicitor for 44 DANSANT. Les Murray years. He was born at Brisbane, and The management of the lived there all his life. After leaving Ernie Sigley Crystal Palace Dansant at Windsor school he was a teacher for a number Judy Willis will hold the weekly dance to-night. of years before entering the Crown Reg Livermore A novel device which should attract a Law Office at the age of about 25. great deal of attention is the Laugh- From the Crown Law Office he be- o-meter, constructed to register the came a solicitor at the age of 30. HONOUR BOARD length of time in which an audience As a young man, he was a responds to a funny story. keen cricketer, footballer, and tennis UNVEILED Telegraph: 26 April 1938. At the Windsor Croquet player. Later he became a bowler, The Crystal Palace and was a foundation member of Club lawn on Saturday afternoon, Dansant at Windsor had a merry the president’s honour board, donat- the old Nundah Bowling Club. He time last night when the new stream- was also a member of the Clayfield, ed by Mrs M. Brett, was unveiled by er dance was introduced together Mr Chas. Taylor. A bouquet was pre- Toowong. Kedron, and Southport with Monte Carlos &c. Miss Dawn clubs, and was to have skipped a Ke- sented to Mrs Brett, and Mr Taylor Callaghan, dainty little miss of 10 received a buttonhole. dron rink against the Victorian bowl- years, delighted all with her tap ers at Kedron tomorrow. The president Mrs J. Gib- dancing and singing and did several son) welcomed the members. Af- He was also a mason and snappy American tap numbers with formerly a member of the old Wind- ternoon tea was served in the club Bill Simmons. Next week will be house at tables decorated with gold sor Town Council. He is survived gala night with streamer and balloon by his widow, formerly Miss C. E. and orange flowers. dances, Monte Carlos, novelties and Sunday Mail: 29 May 1838. Cottell, one daughter, Mrs E. B. a stage presentation. The Crystal Marlay, of Eagle Junction, and three FIVE WINDSOR sons, Messrs L. B., K. B., and J. B. ALLOTMENTS Price, of Southport. His funeral will SOLD FOR £603 take place from the home of Mr K. Five of ten home building B. Price to the Southport Cemetery sites on the Windsor Heights Estate to-morrow. were sold when they were offered Premier of Queensland: for sale by public auction by Cam- William Forgan Smith eron Bros. this afternoon. The five Governor of Queensland: allotments realised £603 and the 11 January: Don Bradman Sir Leslie Orme Wilson highest price paid for any one site scored a ton in the first in- Lord Mayor of Brisbane was £280. The estate is situated nings and 113 in the second Alfred James Jones Prime Minister: at the corner of Constitution Road against Queensland. and Brook Street, Windsor, and the Joseph Lyons MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 13 WILLIAM GOODACRE Joining Palmer Street, Wind- Governor, Lord Normanby and in sor is a little street called Goodacre 1874 William Ingham established a Street. It was named after a Windsor 700 acre sugar plantation in the area Town Council alderman - William which he called Ings. William Ing- Goodacre. He served on the council ham, who was educated at Oxford from 1921 until the fi nal council in was 32 years old and when the town 1925. was surveyed the following year, it William Goodacre, son of was named after him. Ingham died in William Goodacre and Mary Ann 1878, while recruiting? workers. Ac- Maddison, was born in England in cording to a survivor he was roasted 1871 and migrated to Australia on an eaten by the natives on Brooker the Dorunda arriving in Rockhamp- Island off the New Guinea coast. Af- ton on 3 January 1891. ter four mill crushings the Macken- As there were three Wil- zies were in money trouble and they for some months and returning now liam Goodacres roaming around by the Orontes I have been much disappointed at the very little that Queensland it is diffi cult to trace his GOODACRE is known of Queensland — or even footsteps in the next twenty years. Is an Anglo-Saxon Australia by the general public, also However our William appears on the English name and it is topo- in a great many cases by the well Electoral Roll for 1905 in the Divi- graphical for a person living read portion of the people. In all the sion of Herbert. He is listed as a cane either on “Goda’s” cultivated country districts I have visited there farmer on Gairloch, near Ingham or land or cultivated land of is a lack of knowledge of this coun- as a commission agent. good quality. The origin pos- try that is preposterous. Should you Gairloch was established sibly is from the Old English open conversation about Queens- by Alfred Peter Mackenzie. He ar- personal name “Goda” and land you will hear one remark, rived in Australia at the age of 18 “accer”, a fi eld of cultivated “A good country that— I have a years, in 1868 with his sister Isa- land, thus “Godas acre”, brother in Montreal or Winnipeg” bella. About 1870 they established and for the latter, from the —as the case may be. On the other the Gairloch (named after a small Old English pre 7th Century hand, I have heard men who were town in north-west Scotland) Sugar “god”, meaning good. Plantation. In 1871 the Gairloch ©Name Origin Research. fairly intelligent say, “It’s too cold sugar mill was opened by the State for me; I don’t want to be frozen for 1920s Advertisement lost the farm. Other family members months each year.” When I pointed who had joined them returned to out to them I was wrapped in a very Scotland. Alfred joined the Austral- thick overcoat, and they were coat- ian Joint Stock Bank in Townsville less, they remarked that I probably and on 14 December 1878 he mar- had not yet thawed from the severe ried Helen Elliott. Their house Cur- winter we experienced in Queens- rajong was on Fulham Road. land! These are absolute facts. This In 1907 William Goodacre is very much regretted when we visited England for over fi ve months have such a vast country hungry for and whilst there he found that the more people and a steady supply of general population were rather igno- the best class of British emigrants rant of Queensland and of Australia. anxious for a little more room than After he returned on the Orontes he the old country supplies. Canada wrote several letters to local news- has been alive to this by their meth- papers. One was published in the ods of placing before the public Townsville Daily Bulletin and this information in a practical and con- one was published in the Brisbane densed form, with, as results show, Courier on 22 October 1907. every success. Although Queens- Sir - Being a visitor to Great Britain land has a splendid Agent-General Page 14 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society in Sir Horace Tozer, who loses no registered in Townsville. chance of looking after the State’s Now Goodacre appears on interests, it is impossible to place the Herbert Electoral Roll from 1905 practical information before the until after 1915. In 1914 he was a masses of people following on the councillor on the Hinchinbrook Shire Canadian principal—by forward- Council and in 1916 he travelled to ing men to the country districts who Brisbane to represent that council at know their country and talk about the Local Authorities Conference. it. At one of the best shows in Eng- Around 1920, Goodacre land our State was not represented retired from farming and relocated (I mean the Royal at Lincoln). New to Brisbane. In the Brisbane Cou- South Wales and West Australia rier, 10 June 1921, it was reported had a collection which their at- that William Goodacre and Thomas tendants made the best of, and were Jones were selected at the prebiscite rewarded by having a constant sup- at the Windsor School of Arts to be ply of visitors during the four days. the National candidates for the South The visitors evinced great interest Ward in the forth-coming elections in this country. But what a poor of the Windsor Town Council. He display for a country like Austral- was successful and remained on the ia and a show like Lincoln, where council until it amalgamated with was the very heart (I might term it) other councils to form Greater Bris- Goodacre Street, of the emigrant class which is so bane in 1925. much desired in this country. I have In 1922 he was made a Jus- Windsor been informed that West Australia tice of the Peace. His address in Bris- the 1920s. received over twenty emigrants by bane was 23 Hill Street Wooloowin William Goodacre died in the Orontes, with an average of and in his fi nal years Stopford Street, the Nundah Private Hospital on 7 over £200 per man, from the efforts Wooloowin. In 1925 he was nomi- July 1949. There were eight funeral made at that show. One thing I no- nated to be on the Brisbane Tram- notices in the newspaper refl ecting ticed in England was the few who ways Trust. all the organisations he belonged to: are against any immigration raise In his second retirement, Windsor Lodge No. 290, U.G.L.Q.: their voice in every way, and the Goodacre continued his endeavours Supreme Grand R. A. Chapter of most unexpected places. Before Mr to encourage emigration to Queens- Queensland: Brisbane Queensland Keir Hardie left on his tour he for- land by travelling to England and es- Rose Cross Chapter No.9: Queens- warded a letter from the secretary corting groups to Brisbane. A search land Consistory No.6: Lutwyche of a union in Australia grossly mis- of the passenger lists reveals that he Royal Arch Chapter No.72: Windsor representing this country. I took the travelled on these ships:-

Researched by David Teague. Bowling Club: United Grand Lodge pleasure in writing the Yorkshire Esperance Bay in 1923 to Sydney of Freemasons of Queensland. Post, the paper Mr Hardie’s letter Ormuz in 1926 to Brisbane His will, dated 19 Novem- appeared in, asking the people to Largs Bay in 1928 to Brisbane ber 1946 with codicils in 1948 and consider my version as a twenty- Hobson’s Bay in 1936 to Brisbane a month before he died left his estate one years’ worker, although I felt Largs Bay in 1938 for England to his nieces Annie Elizabeth Cross small in running against a member Esperance Bay in 1939 to Brisbane of Gordon Park and Lena Cross of of the House of Commons. On our During the 1939 voyage his Tenterfi eld. He is remembered on way out some States provide lit- contact was listed as care of Agent the monumental stone of his sister - erature with information about the General for Queensland, Strand, Sarah Cross. resources of the country. I would London. He was 69 years old at that suggest this would be a good thing stage. No wonder he was listed in for Queensland to do. It should be the passport indices many times in something in a condensed form and attractive,— I am sir, &c, W. GOO- DACRE. In 1908 Goodacre invested in the Amalgamated Victory Copper Mining Co. Ltd which combined the interests of the Labor Victory Cop- per Mining Company and Thomas Edward Thorpe. The company was MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 15 DARVALL FAMILY

The name Wattlebrae is Intestate Estates, and fi nally Chief familiar to many people as it was Inspector of Distilleries. His health the name of the Infectious Diseases broke down and after travelling in section of the hospital. It started as New Zealand for some months, he a from a collaboration of Brisbane’s returned to Sydney, and died there in local government authorities What is 1887. not generally known is it was Fre- The late Mr Darvall interest- derick Orme Francis Darvall’s ed himself in the development of the home. military spirit in Queensland, and In the 1830s Major Edward was a lieutenant in the fi eld artillery Darvall settled at Rydedale, near in its infancy. Major Edward Darvall Ryde in Sydney where he owned He married Deborah, daugh- 1776 - 1869 large tracts of land on the Parramatta ter of the late Lieutenant Joseph conducted so admirable a manner River and was engaged extensively North, of the 68th Light Infantry throughout the voyage. Later he sold in fruit cultivation, primarily orang- Regiment, whose father Major North his commission, and directed his at- es. served under the Duke of Wellington tention to pastoral enterprise in New Major Darvall, who lived to at Waterloo, and in later years fol- South Wales, fi nally settling in the a great age, was the father of a large lowed his son to Queensland, as was Moreton Bay District, on the upper family of sons, among whom the associated with pastoral pursuits. , where in partnership eldest, George Edward Darvall was The late Lieutenant North came to with his father he took up large pas- attached to the Indian service, and Australia in the late 1830s on board toral stations known as Wivenhoe, served under Sir Henry Norman, ul- the sailing vessel Sarah under the Fernie Lawn and Bellevue, referred timately retiring on a pension; and command of Captain Wooten, in to in other portions of his work. the second, Sir John Bailey Darvall, charge of a shipload of prisoners, The late Lieutenant North occupied a prominent position in the and subsequent to disembarking married Robert Dundas, daughter of Mother State for many years, includ- was retained by the Colonial Offi ce the late John Burnett, barrister, and ing Attorney-General in the fi rst New for a considerable period to contin- the last Judge Admiral of Scotland, South Wales Ministry. The third son, ue the supervision of which he had and by this union there were eight Frederick Orme Darvall, embarked sons and two daughters, of whom the on a military career, but while still a sons are all associated with pastoral young man, sold his commission and pursuits in North Queensland and in settled in New South Wales, after- the Brisbane Valley. wards coming to Queensland, where Mrs Darvall was born and eventually he received the appoint- brought up at Wivenhoe, then a big ment of Auditor-General, which he sheep station, at one time in con- fi lled for many years. He retired on a junction with Bellevue where Ma- pension, and died in England in the jor North resided, carrying 80,000 year 1886. sheep. At the period in question, no His eldest son, Freder- railways had been built, all transport ick Orme Francis Darvall was being done by horses and bullock born at Penrith, in 1846 and came teams and though highly improved, to Queensland when about twenty with comfortable homesteads, these years of age. After spending a year properties retained much of the orig- on Degilbo Station he took up resi- inal rosewood and cedar forest tim- dence in Brisbane, where he became bers, which have proved a profi table connected with the Civil Service, in asset to the subsequent owners. which he continued for many years, Of a family of 11 children attaining to the position of chief Frederick Orme born to Mr and Mrs Frederick Orme clerk in the Under-Secretary’s offi ce, Darvall Francis Darvall, fi ve sons and three and later being appointed Curator of 1846 - 1886 daughters survived their father at Page 16 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society FAMILY TREE Frederick Orme Francis Darvall christened 31 March 1846, Sydney died 5 April 1886, Sydney married 29 February 1870, Fernie Lawn Deborah Eliza North born 31 August 1848, Ipswich died 3 1 August 1923, Brisbane children: Edwin Orme Darvall Nunnington Hall born 20 February 1871, Kangaroo Point Main Street, Kangaroo Point died 13 February 1910 married 6 June 1900, Brisbane his decease.The eldest son, Edwin Annabella Campbell Ranken Morehead Orme Darvall, died as a result of an operation in 1911. This gentleman Frederick Joseph Dundas Darvall was associate to Mr Justice Chubb at born 18 February 1873, Kangaroo Point died 2 August 1928 Townsville, and subsequently prac- married 11 December 1901 tised as a solicitor in Brisbane until Ethel Maud Cooper the time of his death. He was greatly interested in Edward Horace Darvall born 31 December 1874, Wattlebrae military matters, and held the com- died 28 December 1875 mission of major in the field artil- lery. He married Annabella, daugh- Edith Lucy Darvall ter of the Hon. B. D. Morehead, by born 31 December 1874, Wattlebrae whom he had issue two sons and one Major Frederick died 19 December 1875 Joseph Dundas Darvall daughter. Guy Francis Darvall The second son, Major Fre- 1873 - 1928 born 15 August 1876, Wattlebrae

*Pronounced CHUMLEY. derick Joseph Dundas Darvall, in Service Battalion of Rifles. died 28 May 1963, Brisbane 1915 occupied the appointment of married 2 May 1906 Mr Cholmondeley* Burnett Ellen Sophia Asmus camp commandant at Broadmead- Darvall, fourth son of the late F. O. ows, and was then on the headquar- F. Darvall, was born at Wattlebrae, Cecile Deborah Darvall ters staff in the permanent forces in Bowen Bridge Road, Brisbane and born 2 July 1878, Wattlebrae Melbourne. Mr Guy Francis Darvall received his education the Kelvin died was the manager of the Queens- married 24 October 1906, Brisbane Grove State School, Bowen House Andrew Williamson land National Bank at Cunnamulla; School, and at the Boys Grammar and the fifth and youngest son, Roy School Brisbane, Cholmondeley* Burnett Darvall Darvall proceeded to England at the After leaving the latter in- born 30 April 1880, Wattlebrae outbreak of the great war, and after a died 6 May 1851 stitution he passed his first law ex- married 21 April 1909 brief period of training obtained his amination, and then entered the Nina Octavia Vidgen commission as lieutenant in the 14th Commercial Bank of Australia at Brisbane, with which he was con- Dundas Darvall nected for four years. He was then born 2 March 1882, Wattlebrae died 15 September 1883 articled to his elder brother, Edwin Orme Darvall, and after being ad- Marian Winifred Darvall mitted as a solicitor in 1906, took up born 24 March 1882, Wattlebrae residence in Boonah, where he prac- died 23 July 1935 married 27 March 1913 tised in partnership with Mr W. R. Matthew Hale Wilkenson Bowman. Like his brothers he gave considerable attention to military Roy Darvall matters, and held the commission of born 11 November 1884, Wattlebrae lieutenant in the field artillery, and died 28 November 1948, Brisbane then on the retired list. He married Fredericka Lucy Darvall Nina, daughter of Mr J.G. Vidgen, born 9 June 1886, Wattlebrae late secretary to the Brisbane Gas died 5 April 1981 Company, lived to advanced age, married 1 June 1911 Francis Marsh Bell and lived in retirement at Enoggera. Of the marriage there were two sons Main story adapted from Fox’s History of Queensland: Its People and Industries 1919. Wattlebrae and one daughter. Family Tree researched by David Teague. MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 17 1927 moved to Brunswick House, in Brunswick Street. She died there on 24 April 1928. Major Cahill died WILLIAM G. on 27 April 1931 at Shalimar, 95 Montpelier Street, Newmarket and CAHILL was survived by four sisters and two brothers. One of the sisters was Mrs The first Queensland Police pointed as his successor, and soon Sullivan, of Auchenflower while two Commissioner, from 1864 to 1895, proved his capacity as an adminis- others were in religious orders. His was David Thompson Seymour who trator and organiser - the Traffic Act funeral took place on 27 April 1931 built Ballymore. He will be featured being introduced in his regime. at St Stephen’s Cathedral and he was in a future Journal. On his arrival in Queens- buried at Nudgee Cemetery with La- The second was William land, Major Cahill had interested vinia. Cahill was described as out- Parry Okeden, from 1895 to 1905, himself in military matters, joining wardly stern, reserved but tall, lithe who lived in Delamore in Kedron. the Queensland Rifles and working and strikingly handsome. According The third Police Commis- his way up to the rank of major. For to Paul Wilson, in the Australian sioner, from 1905 until 1916, was a year he was Acting Commander Dictionary of Biography, Cahill William Geoffrey Cahill who lived of the Queensland Volunteer Forc- was a capable administrator who at Wilston House from 1900 until es during the absence of Colonel introduced reforms in the Queens- 1926 when he sold it to Alex Wyn- Thynne. land Police Force. He provided free yard-Joss. According to his obitu- uniforms and better pensions. He ary in the Brisbane Courier of 27 pressed for better arms and amunition April 1931, Major William Geof- and set up a horse breeding estab- frey Cahill was born at Strokestown, lishment at Woodford. He tightened Rosscommon, Ireland on 7 Novem- discipline following the practice of ber 1854. The son of John Cahill and the Royal Irish Constabulary and in Ann Emmerson, he was educated at 1913 issued a Policeman’s Manual, the National School. adapted from the Irish version to suit He joined the Royal Irish Queensland conditions. He tried to Constabulary as a young man but improve training conditions and to soon after his marriage to Lavinia modernise the criminal investiga- Birnie, a.k.a Margaret Levenia Bur- tion branch. His responsibilities as ney, daughter of Edward Burney and commissioner included increasing Elizabeth McIver, christened 13 Sep- the control of urban traffic, closer tember 1855, Belfast, they came to In 1911 he was awarded the supervision of liquor licensing and Queensland as assisted emigrants, Volunteer Officers’ Decoration. In gambling legislation. sailed London 2 August, arrived 1912, his services to the State were Maryborough, on 2 December 1878 recognised by the King, who con- EMMA MILLER aboard the High Flyer. He obtained ferred upon him the Companionship Born 26 June 1839, Chesterfield, U.K. a position as a supernumerary clerk of ther Order of St Michael and St Died 22 January 1917, Toowoomba. in the office of the Registrar of the George. He was honorary aide-de- Emma Miller was the foun- Supreme Court in Brisbane. camp to two governors (1912-1916) dation president of the Women’s A year later, he was promot- namely Sir William MacGregor and Equal Franchise Association be- tween 1894 and 1905. Women won ed to the first clerk in the office. He Sir Hamilton John Goold-Adams. the right to vote in state elections in was appointed Deputy Commission- In the great strike of 1912, Queensland in 1905. er of Intestate Estates in 1885 and Major Cahill handled the ugly posi- On 12 February 1912, later two years later became Registrar of tion by leading a baton charge down known as Black Friday, Miller led a the Southern District Court in Bris- Albert Street. A story of the police Researched by David Teague. contingent of women to Parliament bane. After occupying a position in action in the general strike was fea- House at the height of the general the Crown Law Office, he rose to the tured in Journal, November 2019 strike, avoiding police with fixed position of Under-Secretary of Jus- under the title Lethal Weapon. He bayonets. On the return the women tice, which he held for 15 years. Dur- retired in 1917 on medical grounds were charged by baton swinging ing the late 1890s, the Cahills lived with a pension of £450 a year. He police, and Miller reputedly stuck her hatpin in Police Commissioner at Sunnyside, Bowen Bridge Road, had no children. Cahill’s horse. Cahill fell from his Windsor. When Mr Parry-Okeden In 1926, Lavinia was diag- horse and claimed to have been per- retired from the Police Commission- nosed with heart disease and they manently injured. ership in 1905, Major Cahill was ap- sold Wilston House and early in Page 18 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society from him. The third man was running away on the other side of Hipwood and Burke moved in that direction. CHICKENS IN Witness went in the direction where O’Connor had gone, and found him sitting near the brook holding a bare SUGAR BAGS foot in his hand. He said, “I lost Police Story of Shots by Mr. E. M. Brennan and Hipwood my shoe and sprained my ankle.” by Mr. J, S. Gilshenan. The shoe was found and O’Connor Fired in Chase of Three Men DETECTIVE’S accompanied witness to the bags Suspected of Fowl Stealing EVIDENCE. which witness found to contain a How he kept a watch for two number of dead fowls which were Detective Constable E.C. nights at a house near Kedron Brook, still quite warm. O’Connor told wit- Beetham gave evidence that on Windsor, and how, on the second ness that he had got them from the Wednesday, September 29, he pro- night, he saw three men walking other men at the bridge, that he was ceeded to a house in McGregor along the brook carrying a bag each, down there with a girl, whose name Avenue, Windsor, where Hipwood which, when they saw him they im- was Jessie, but he did not know her resided. The house adjoined Kedron mediately dropped and ran away, other name or where she lived and Brook and there was an opening in two shots being fired in the ensuing that he was just taking a short cut to the fence with a beaten track leading chase, was related by a police wit- Chalk Street. Witness said, “I know from the yard. About 11 p.m. witness ness in the Police Court to-day, when this locality and I would not regard saw Hipwood in the kitchen and wit- William John O’Connor, 25, clerk, this as a short cut to Chalk Street.” ness remained in the vicinity until and William Henry Eric Hipwood, 4.45 a.m., but Hipwood did not leave 29, carter, appeared on remand on the house. three charges of fowl stealing. On September 30 witness and Plain clothes Constable Burke took up a position near the house about 8.30 p.m. About 2 a.m. they heard voices and saw three men walking in their direction along Ke- dron Brook. Each man was carry- ing a bag which appeared to contain something bulky. As they came into the ray of a street light which shone O’Connor and Hipwood down into the brook witness and were each charged that between Burke stood up. The men dropped 10.30 p.m. on September 30 and their bags and ran. 5.30 a.m. on October 1, at Nundah, they stole 18 white leghorn pullets, “STOP OR I’LL three white leghorn roosters, and one SHOOT.” black orpington hen, of a total value Witness and Burke followed, O’Connor also told witness of £2 18s., the property of Percival flashed their torches on the men and that the men had come along at the Richard Ormerod; that between 9 witness called out “Police here. Stop, bridge and asked him to give them p.m. on September 30 and 5.30 a.m. or I’ll shoot.” The men continued on a hand with the bags which he did on October 1, at Wooloowin, they and witness and Burke each fired a and they just walked along there. He stole one brown leghorn rooster and shot into the air. The shots had no ef- said he did not know them. Witness two pit game pullets of a total value fect and the men kept on. Two of the said, “Following complaints of fowl of 10s. 6d., the property of Henry men were O’Connor and Hipwood, stealing in this and the nearby dis- Gordon Austin; and that, between 5 but witness did not know the third trict and finding you in possession of p.m. on, September 30 and 7 a.m. on man. Hipwood and the third man a number of dead fowls at this hour October 1 at Nundah they stole three disappeared over an embankment in of the morning, I am satisfied that black orpington hens of a total value Kedron Brook and O’Connor veered you stole them or came by them un- of 9s., the property of Emily Alma to the left. lawfully.” Dale. Mr P. M. Hishon, Chief Police Approaching the spot where Magistrate, was on the bench. De- Hipwood and the third man disap- BAGS CONTAINED tective Sergeant T. W. Harold pros- peared witness saw Hipwood in a 29 DEAD FOWLS. ecuted. O’Connor was represented crouching position about 10 feet O’Connor and witness went MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society Page 19 to the C.l. Branch, where witness were in cold storage at Stanley September 30 he had gone down found the bag which O’Connor was Street, South Brisbane, and he could to the fowl yard, which was in his carrying contained 16 dead fowls, point them out as the ones. contained backyard, and had heard fowls there. Hipwood’s eight, and the third man’s in the various bags. Mr Gilshenan Witness had seen the fowls before he eight. About 6 a.m. witness saw commenced to cross-examine the left his home for work that morning. Hipwood walking along Racecourse witness regarding the using of the There were 23 there then. Road. Ascot. He noticed Hipwood fi rearm and asked “Do you know had mud on his shoes and on his now you were not entitled to use trousers. Witness then took Hipwood fi rearms as you - did that morning.” to the C.I. Branch where he showed Witness: I say I was enti- him the three bags containing the tled. Finding men at that hour of the dead fowls. When witness pointed morning they could have committed out which bag each man had been burglary. In reply to further ques- carrying, Hipwood said, “I deal in tions, witness said that he would be them and I would not be bothered right on calling on any persons going stealing them,” and he also said he along a street from a certain direc- did not know the third man. Witness tion under certain circumstances and arrested Hipwood. this was such an occasion. Mr Gilshenan: Have your 22 FOWLS MISSING. The next morning, October superior offi cers approved of your 1, witness rose about 5.30 or 5.45 using fi rearms? The witness was and went to the fowl yard. There about to answer the question when was only one fowl left in the yard he was stopped by the Magistrate. Telegraph: 27 October 1937. — 22 were missing. There was noth- ing wrong with the fences or the gate of the yard. Witness laid a complaint with the Nundah police, and at 10 a.m. on October 1, he went to the C.I. Branch, where he claimed 22 fowls as the ones stolen from him the previous night. Witness later saw O’Connor and Hipwood at the C.I. Branch and told them Ormerod had identifi ed 18 white Leghorn hens, three white Leghorn roosters, and one black Orpington hen as his property. When warned by witness as to anything they might say. O’Connor, continued DEAD FOWLS witness, said, “Yes. I met a couple of fellows at the Kedron Hotel last PRODUCED IN COURT IDENTIFIED 21 FOWLS. night and got a couple of bottles of Twenty-two dead fowls were In court witness identifi ed beer and we went fowl stealing.I produced and tendered as exhibits in 21 of the 22 fowls produced as being stayed outside and they handed them the Police Court to-day, when fur- his property. Witness had clipped the to me.” ther evidence was heard in the ease right wings of his fowls about two “WON’T LOOK in which William John O Connor, or three weeks before they were sto- 25, clerk, and William Henry Eric len. At this stage Detective Consta- ANOTHER FOWL IN Hipwood, 29, carter, were charged ble Beetham was recalled and inter- THE FACE.” with fowl stealing. Detective Ser- posed. He said that the bags in court He then preferred the geant T. W. Harold, who prosecuted, contained the fowls which were present charge against Hipwood and said that the fowls had been tendered identifi ed and claimed by Mr Ormer- O’Connor. When charged O’Connor previously for identifi cation purpos- od at the C.I. Branch on October 1. did not make any reply but Hipwood es, but had remained in cold storage, Witness Ormerod then resumed, and said, “I won’t look another fowl in and had not been produced in court. to Mr Gilshenan said that he would the face for six months after this.” Percival Richard Ormerod, ware- expect every fowl fancier to cut their Witness said that 22 of the house man, residing at New Street, fowls’ wings. dead fowls referred to in the charge Nundah, said that at 10,30 p.m. on Telegraph: 3 November 1937 Page 20 MAY 2021 JOURNAL Windsor & Districts Historical Society