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a.
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1841 England Census
Bath Street
St Clements, Oxfordshire
Richard Hitchcock, Age 35, Plasterer, Born in county
Eliza Hitchcock, Age 30 Born in county
John Hitchcock, Age 6, Born in county
Sarah Hitchcock, Age 4, Born in county
Ann Hitchcock, Age 2, Born in county
Charles Hitchcock, Age 6 months, Born in county
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1851 England Census
Parish or Township of St George in the East
Ecclesiastical District of Christ Church
City or Borough of Tower Hamlets
13 Back Road
Richard Hitchcock, Head, Married, Age 48, Publican, Born in Oxfordshire
Eliza Hitchcock, Wife, Married, Age 47, Publican, Born in Oxfordshire
Richard Hitchcock, Son, Unmarried, Age 16, Publican, Born in Oxfordshire
Sarah Hitchcock, Daughter, Unmarried, Age 14, Publican, Born in Oxfordshire
Ann Hitchcock, Daughter, Unmarried, Age 12, Publican, Born in Oxfordshire
Charles Hitchcock, Son, Unmarried, Age 10, Publican, Born in Oxfordshire
William Hale, Lodger, Unmarried, Age 39, Slater & Plaisterer, Born in Oxfordshire
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1861 England Census
Parish or Township of St Mary Islington
City or Municipal Borough of Finsbury
Parliamentary Borough of Finsbury
Ecclesiastical District of St Stephens
South Street
Charles Hitchcock, Head, Married, Age 20, Plasterer, Born Oxfordshire, St Clements
Emma Hitchcock, Wife, Married, Age 21, Born Middlesex, Islington
Emma Hitchcock, Daughter, Age 1, Born Middlesex, Islington
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The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 16 September 1865, page 4
THE ROYAL, DANE.
The Black Ball ship Royal Dane, 1615 tons, Captain L. Davies, left Gravesend on April 23, and was off Plymouth on the 26th. She passed to the eastward of the Canary Islands, having experienced southwest winds the whole of that distance. The Equator was crossed in longitude 35 deg. west, on May 25, on the 30th day from Plymouth. On June 16th she passed the meridian of Greenwich, and on the 19th she crossed the meridian of the Cape of Good Hope on the 55th day out. In running down the easting she encountered a succession of westerly gales as far as Cape Northumberland, having run down between 42 and 43 deg. 30 min. south latitude. The greatest day's run was 340 miles, and in seven successive days she made a distance of 2028 miles, and in the following week that distance was increased to upwards of 4000 miles. Cape Otway was sighted on July 13, the 78th day out, and after passing through Bass Straits she passed Sydney on the 16th, and was signalled off Cape Moreton on the 86th day, on July 21. Thence she proceeded to Keppel Bay to land her passengers, 480 in number, and arrived there on the 25th July. Since then the passengers have been landed, and 140 of the number intended for Brisbane, were brought down from Rockhampton by steamer. The ship left Keppel Bay for Brisbane on Tuesday August 15, and arrived off Cape Moreton on the morning of the 19th ult., some hours before the Young Australia.
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Rockhampton Post Office Directory of 1868
Hitchcock C, painter, River Bank
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The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1875 - 1929), Saturday 23 October 1886, page 10
GOGANGO DIVISIONAL BOARD.
A special meeting of the Gogango Divisional Board was held at noon on Wednesday, at the Board's Offices, for the purpose of considering the applications for, and appointing, a clerk at a salary of p260 a year. There were present:- Messrs. H. Jones (Chairman), Frank Hall, J. Murray, K. Lyons, J . Atherton, A. Anderson, J . O'Shanesy, and J. Hutton.
The Chairman opened the proceedings by remarking that all members were present save Mr. A. Reid, who was now in Brisbane, and said the business for which they had met was well-known. It was to perform an unpleasant duty, viz., to elect a clerk in the room of the late Mr. A. P. Gosset. There were twenty-two applicants for the office. He trusted members would take every care, and choose, without fear or affection, the best man on the list they had before them. It was necessary they should have the ablest man they could procure; and if they picked the best of the twenty-two he would be far short of the late Clerk. There were some very good names on the list, and with due care they would be able to select one who, with experience, would qualify himself for the duties. At the Chairman's suggestion, Mr. W. H. Standish was appointed to act as Clerk at that meeting; and the meeting was resolved into Committee to enable members to talk with freedom. We understand that in Committee all the applications and testimonials were read; that the Chairman said a few words regarding the most eligible candidates; that he called on each member in turn to express his opinion; and that the new officer was chosen by each gentleman present writing down the name of one candidate. On resuming, the Chairman reported members had decided in favour of Mr. Charles Hitchcock, and a motion, moved by the Chairman and seconded by Mr. Hall, appointing Mr. Hitchcock, was passed. The Chairman pointed out that the late clerk, at the time he was appointed, entered into a bond for the sum of p200; but since then the revenue had increased very considerably, and the clerk had the handling of a large sum of money. He suggested Mr. Hitchcock should be required to enter into a fidelity bond, or provide a guarantee of some kind, for p250. The suggestion was agreed to. The Chairman said it was not likely he would be present at the next general meeting, as he had been advised to visit the southern colonies for the benefit of his health; and there was one matter which should then be attended to. Mr. Hitchcock, who had just been appointed Clerk, was now an auditor, but would have to resign that position. It would, therefore, be necessary to nominate someone in his stead, whose appointment would have to receive the sanction of the Governor-in-Council; and that must be done at the next meeting. The time for making the next audit was approaching, and if the election were left over after members met in November, the Board would be kept out of portion of its revenue for a time. He hoped members would not lose sight of the fact. At Mr. Murray's suggestion, it was agreed to include in the agreement to be entered into between the Board and Mr. Hitchcock, a proviso that either could terminate the arrangement by giving three months' notice. In answer to Mr. Murray, the Chairman stated he had spoken to Mr. Hitchcock as to the probable date on which he could take up his duties in tbe event of his appointment, and he said he could do so not later than the 1st of November. - Mr. Murray thought the Board had done without a clerk long enough, and that the office work must be falling behind; and moved that a letter be sent to Mr. Hitchcock notifying him of his appointment, and stating he must begin work on Monday morning next. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion, and it was adopted. The meeting then terminated.
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The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1875 - 1929), Saturday 15 January 1887, page 10
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
The monthly meeting of the Natural History Society was held on Monday evening in the museum room of the School of Arts, under the presidency of Mr. Henry Mills. Only eight members were present. The Chairman remarked it would be better to hold a meeting, though the attendance was small and requested the Secretary (Mr. K. Milford), who read the minutes of the last general meeting of members, and of two meetings of the Committee, which were confirmed.
THE REV. J. E. TENISON WOODS
The Secretary said there was no correspondence, but the Committee were in favour of interviewing the Rev. J. E. Tenison Woods on his arrival in Rockhampton, and wished to have the Society's opinion. - The Chairman stated that when Mr. Woods was here before, he lectured on Northern Queensland, and promised to give a lecture on Central Queensland on his next visit. - After a discussion, Mr. Hitchcock moved that the Secretary write to the rev. gentleman asking when it was likely he would come to Rockhampton, and if he would then deliver a lecture. - Mr. F. Hopkins seconded the proposal, and it was adopted.
A NEW FOSSIL
The Secretary read the following note written by Mr. James Smith on a new fossil coral from the Lake's Creek beds:- 'Since our last meeting I have found a very remarkable coral, not hitherto observed in our collections. It occurs in a small divided slab, of a very rich breccia, of tiny pecten shells, broken polyparia and encrinite fragments from the Lake's Creek beds. It presents a discoid (form of a disc) surface, principally divided in pentagon triangles, then subdivided by five base lines radiating from a central ring; and each triangle is re sub-divided by ten other lines, radiating from the base lines, but erected perpendicular to the central ring; the whole perforated with numerous cells, very beautiful and peculiarly interesting.'
THE DRAGON FLY
The Secretary also read a paper on the dragon-fly, written by Mr. Smith. The author began by minutely describing the insect, 'Rockhampton's largest fly,' and then went on to say: - Then as to its active life. Naturalists vie with each other in their enthusiasm over the objects of powerful flight. The albatross has still its wave-crest - the eagle his crag - the swallow its eave. Who ever heard word of the perch of the dragon-fly? All these give place to the continuous endurance, ceaseless flight, and power of wing, of this incomparable insect. Kirby tells us they are 'aquatic in their metamorphosis, and predaceous in all their stages.' The image is pre-eminently so. It is the carniverous tiger of the atmosphere, the ravenous shark of the middle air, and its structure is peculiarly fitted for its habits of activity: a model of lightness and speed. No fluttering wing to flap and winnow the air, but a double set of sharp, thin, narrow sword blades, to feather and cleave. In comparative expanse of wing and speed of flight, the eagle is slow, and the swallow a laggard. No big bulgy digestive abdomen, or bag of honey to carry about, and impede the progress, but a simple spear-like tube does for a stomach, and acts as a helm. The shark has to turn on his side through the deformity of his snout : the dragon-fly simply erects his centaur-like head and gapes. In flight or repose it never folds the wing, 'never cowers the chittering wing or closes the eye.' Whether cleaving the air, or lying in the fossil rock, it is always extended at the widest stretch. In skimming over the pool, sweeping along the forest glade, darting across the stream, or poised on tremulous wing above the shrubby bough, he never needs to turn. Advance, retreat, or flank movements, 'flitting ere you can point the place,' it is all the same for the dragon-fly. Along the grassy streets on the south-western slopes of the Athelstane Range, when the sun is level, and his beams broken up by the over-shadowing trees, and the flights of gnats dancing out and in among the streamers, then are the dragon flies gathered together, as cormorants over the carcases, in countless thousands, to gather and gorge, until the lightning-like dartings, and rapidity of movements, present in the cool of the day a picture of the wavy tremulous vibrations of radiated air, against a white wall in the noontide of solar heat. Again, in the same locality, on a moist summer night, daring a migration of winged white ants, swarming an old hollow gate post, you will see them in a thick swarm darting about over the top of that post, while the swallows in a still higher region are picking off the remnant that has escaped. In all this we may see that the dragon fly is rather the friend than the enemy of man. Their larva helps to clear his pools of future noxious nuisances, and they themselves destroy and devour immense numbers of insects, whose larva might be his special torment.
The Chairman remarked that it had hitherto been supposed Mr. Smith devoted his attention to geology, but he now appeared as a student of entomology. - Mr. Frank Roseneden spoke of Mr. Smith's originality, and moved that a vote of thanks be awarded him for his interesting paper -Mr. Hopkins seconded. - Mr. Charles Hitchcock, stated he had noticed the other evening, while walking near his selection on the coast, millions upon millions of dragon flies, which skimmed the surface of the water and filled the air. He did not know whether their presence in such countless numbers had anything to do with the absence of mosquitoes, which pest was most troublesome this year in other parts of the district. - The motion carried.
FUTURE MEETINGS.
The Chairman expressed an opinion it would be as well to read extracts from publications on natural history at future meetings, when original papers from members were not available.- Other members coincided with the Chairman and one or two remarked that the introduction of writings by scientists would tend to improve the character of papers from the Society.
INTERESTING SPECIMENS.
Mr. G. Potts, jun., produced a specimen picked up on the beach at Emu Park. It was of a green colour, and was formed of small glutinous cells, in each of which was an empty shell. He asked if anyone could tell what it was, for he had been unable to discover. - Members inspected the object for a few moments, and conversed as to its origin and name; but no one was able to enlighten Mr. Potts regarding its identity. Mr. Potts also laid on the table the piece of wood presented by Messrs. A. J. Richardson and Co., of North Rockhampton, in which were several rows of eggs of the carpet snake. He stated that forty-six eggs were found clustered together in the block, and that some were found to contain young snakes.
SPIDERS.
Reference was made to the large number of spiders that were to be found in all parts of the district this season. - Mr. Hitchcock said he had thrown a stick into a web, and watched the insect cut it out by severing the threads one by one, and then join the ends again. - Mr. Roseneder stated be had noticed a spider gather in its web, but could not say whether it collected or ate it.- Mr. Milford had had a similar experience, and was, like Mr. Roseneder, in doubt as to what became of the web. He had observed this going on just before a thunderstorm set in. - Mr. Hopkins mentioned that his children had noticed the same thing, and had told him the spiders spread their webs at night and gathered them in again in the morning.
SNAKES.
An interesting conversation took place on snakes, in the course of which members stated rules for detecting the venomous and non-venomous reptiles.
The meeting lasted for nearly an hour and a half.
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Saturday 21 May 1887, page 4, 5
MR. JOHN MURRAY, Chairman of the Gogango Divisional Board, accompanied by Mr. Henry Jones, Mr. W. H. Standish (Superintendent of Works), and Mr. Charles Hitchcock (Secretary), yesterday travelled along the route of the Emu Park Railway as far as Stoney Creek, the point to which the survey has been approved of by the Government. They were attended by Mr. Pagan, Resident Engineer of the Central Railway system, and Mr. Forbes, the engineer in charge of the line. The object of the trip was to observe where the railway would encroach on the road, and what new arrangements would be requisite for the Board to make for the safety of travellers. Mr. Pagan indicated the main alterations, showing that a deep cutting would have to be made near Stoney Creek and a bridge erected to accommodate traffic, that there would be a level crossing and gates on the slope of the hill just beyond Lake's Creek, and that the permanent way would take up part of the track between the ten mile and twelve mile post - for a distance of, say, a mile and three quarters. He said he was prepared to give the Board a lump sum, and let them carry out the works the encroachments would necessitate; and the proposal was favourably entertained by the Chairman and Mr. Jones, lt will rest with the Board to prepare an estimate of the probable outlay, and that will have to be submitted to and approved of by Mr. Pagan before the matter is settled. We believe nothing can be done at present to remedy any existing interruptions to communication, that being a matter which can only be dealt with as the railway works progress. It is believed the road will again be interfered with on the next section, but that is at present merely hearsay.
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Wednesday 6 June 1888, page 5
A letter was received from the Divisional Board Clerk, Mr C. Hitchcock, resigning his position, and giving three months' notice, - The CHAIRMAN said be was very sorry to receive this letter. He did not know anything about the matter until this morning. Having received an offer of a better appointment, Mr. Hitchcock could not be blamed for accepting it, though he (the Chairman) regretted his decision. There was nothing to do but to accept his resignation, and he begged to move that it be received with regret.- Mr. MORGAN seconded. He was sorry to see a man like Mr. Hitchcock going away from the Board altogether, but he hoped he was really leaving to better himself. Not being acquainted with the facts, he could not tell what reconsideration might do. Was there any friction at all anywhere? - Mr. BEAK: No. - The CHAIRMAN (after conversing with Mr. Hitchcock said the Clerk was leaving to take the management of Messrs. V. F. Walton and Co.'s business. - Mr. BEAK said he had had some experience of the way the work of the office was done, and knew that Mr. Hitchcock was the best Clerk they had ever had. They would not get another like him. - The motion was carried.
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Rockhampton Residents & Businesses 1889
Hitchcock Charles, Bolsover Street
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Monday 24 January 1898, page 1
GENERAL NOTICES.
THE Friends of Mr. C. HITCHCOCK are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his deceased beloved WIFE, which will move from his residence, Bolsover-street, near Archer-street, THIS (Monday) MORNING, at 10.30 o'clock, for the Rockhampton Cemetery. - TUCKER & NANKIVELL, Undertakers, Denham-street. Telephone No. 47.
P.A.F.S.O.A.
THE Members of the JOHN KNOW LODGE are requested to attend the Funeral of P.M. BROTHER HITCHCOCK'S WIFE, to move from her late residence at 10.30 THIS MORNING.
Members of the Lord Cairns Lodge are invited.
By order of the W.M.
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Thursday 21 September 1899, page 5
THE SUPREME COURT.
At the Supreme Court yesterday, the Registrar, on the application of Mr. R. A. Brumm (Messrs. Brumm and Grant), granted probate in the will of Robert Brant, late of Mount Morgan, plumber, deceased, intestate, to Charles Hitchcock, of Rockhampton, accountant, and Edward Foster Twigg, of Rockhampton, merchant, the executors named in the will. The personalty was sworn at under p1583.
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The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1875 - 1929), Saturday 6 January 1900, page 37
LAND COURT
Applications for Land.
Charles Hitchcock, 80 acres, portion 23, parish of Meadow Flats, unconditional selection; accepted.
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Friday 31 January 1902, page 5
PROBATE GRANTED.
The Registrar of the Supreme Court (Mr. T. G. Fraser) yesterday granted probate in the will of Richard Brewer, late of Meadow Flats, near Rockhampton, selector, to Charles Hitchcock, of Rockhampton, accountant, the executor named in the will. "The amount was sworn at under p162. Mr. D. E. Carey (from the office of Mr. R. A. Brumm) appeared in support of the application.
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The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 26 November 1919, page 6
HITCHCOCK - The Friends of Mr. CHARLES HITCHCOCK, deceased (late of Rockhampton), are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, to move from his late residence, Mabel-street, Highgate Hill, THIS (Wednesday) AFTERNOON, at 3 o'clock, for the South Brisbane Cemetery.
ALEX. GOW, Undertaker, &c, Petrie Bight
HITCHCOCK - The Friends of Mr. C. M. and L. and Nurse E. HITCHCOCK are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their deceased Father, Charles Hitchcock, to move from his late residence, Mabel-street, Highgate Hill, THIS (Wednesday) AFTERNOON, at 3 o'clock, for the South Brisbane Cemetery.
ALEX. GOW, Undertaker, &c, Petrie Bight
HITCHCOCK - JUBILEE LODGE, E.C. - The Officers and Members of the above Lodge and Order are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their deceased Brother, Charles Hitchcock, to move from his late residence, Mabel-street, Highgate Hill, THIS (Wednesday) AFTERNOON, at 3 o'clock, for the South Brisbane Cemetery.
By Order,
A. BELL, Secretary
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The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Friday 28 November 1919, page 6
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES.
Mrs. C. HITCHCOCK and Family, Mabel street, Highgate Hill, wish to THANK all kind friends for sympathy and floral tributes in their recent sad bereavement.
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The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1875 - 1929), Saturday 12 December 1925, page 13, 14, 15
Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Thursday 10 December 1925, page 7
THE RAINBOW TRAIL
SOME SANDHILLS SETTLERS,
By 'Seagee.'
When the Royal Dane anchored in Keppel Bay on July 25th, 1865, after a swiftt passage from London on her maiden voyage, she brought amongst the 401 passengers for Rockhampton Mr. Charles Hitchcock, who soon found employment in Palmer's store, then run by Mr. John Palmer, who had taken, over the business from his brother Richard in 1858. Later Mr. Hitchcock entered the service of Messrs. John M. Headrick and Co, another old-time firm, but finally he found as clerk to the Gogango Divisional Board - now the Livingstone Shire Council - more scope for his activities. In 1880 Mr. Hitchcock selected and made his home on 426 acres of land in the neighbourhood of the Sandhills, to which he gave the name of Fern Hills on account of the many beautiful ferns growing in the hills and dales of its splendid volcanic soil. The Sandhills' country was part of Mr. Robert Ross's Cawarral run, although formerly it formed part of the huge area selected by the Archers when, they, as pioneers, took possession of a block of land with 70 miles frontage to the Fitzroy River and about 40 mile in breadth. Mr. Hitchcock soon cleared an area of the good land that he had applied for and planted an avenue of mango trees, which are now immense trees meeting across both ways and forming a beautiful shady grove. Citrus trees and stone fruit trees were also planted, and they did well in this deep red soil. The property remained in the Hitchcock family for many years, but, after passing through several owners, it finally reached the hands of the present owner, Mr. Stuart Higginson, who is a sheep man, but is making good as a farmer, orchardist, and beekeeper. Fern Hills has been re-christened Tarabah, a native word meaning ''the home of the devil,' but I cannot say that I saw any devils about on the occasion of my visit. What I did see was a very fine young citrus orchard of 160 trees, which were making very good headway considering the very dry season. About 60 hives of bees, all of which, with the exception of one, have been captured by Mr. Higginson in the bush, give a good return, and provide light interesting work. Dairying is a good source of revenue in all but very dry seasons, and part of the land is suitable for lucerne-growing, much fine lucerne hay having been produced by a previous owner. There is on this property a fine well upon which a direct-action Southern Cross windmill, requiring very little wind power to work its pump, has been installed. The water from this well, no doubt owing to the red volcanic soil, has a very pleasant taste somewhat similar to that from a chalybeate spring and should possess curative properties. The big gang of men at work on the Sandhills end of the main road have been supplied with all water required for domestic purposes from this source. Tarabah is an attractive home with the pleasant house, embellished with roses and creepers, and with its setting of mango, citrus, banana, papaw and custard apple trees, it attracts the attention of every passerby, all the traffic of the main road running past the Tarabah gate. For some years Mr. W. H. Hitchcock, a son of the old pioneer, lived at Tarabah, then known as Fern Hills, but, striking out for himself, he selected Brookvale, a block of 90 acres, situated about two miles away nearer Tungamull, but also on the main road. Here he has a large citrus orchard, which he established some 30 years ago. The trees do splendidly, being remarkably healthy, but little troubled with pests, and give a good return. Cotton was tried for two years in succession, but was not found to be a sure winner by any means. Here also there are a good many beehives and a good well of permanent water from which a Fielding and Platt kerosene engine pumps water to irrigate the orchard and vegetable garden.
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Saturday 5 September 1925, page 12
SIXTY YEARS IN QUEENLAND.
EARLY GOVERNMENT IMMIGRATION.
by J. T. S. Bird
THE SHIP "ROYAL DANE."
Of all the ships on the line for the conveyance of passengers from Great Britain to Queensland none exceeded in popularity the Royal Dane, so named in compliment to Alexandra, Princess of Wales. She came three or four times to Rockhampton and a few times to Brisbane. Her master, Captain Lewis Davies, was a very popular skipper. The vessel was about the usual tonnage, and she brought 540 passengers on her initial trip. The Surgeon Superintendent was Dr. E. R. Hodgkinson, and the Matron Mrs. Edwards, a sister of Sir John Macartney.
The Royal Dane sailed from London on April 23rd, 1865, and, after a fine passage of ninety-three days, dropped anchor in Keppel Bay on July 25. This ship also had an epidemic of measles during the voyage, and several deaths occurred from that disease. In all there were thirty-two deaths during the voyage. One woman died just as the anchor was dropped, and she was buried on Curtis Island. As it happened, there had been no fresh cases of measles for some days prior to casting anchor, which meant that the vessel had to be in quarantine for only a few days. Pratique was granted on August 2, and the following day the steamer Leichhardt brought 401 of the immigrants to Rockhampton.
The new-comers were glad enough to be on shore, and they were promptly well fed and taken to the depot. The passengers were a superior class and English largely predominated.
A young man among the passengers was M. Wilbraham who had come out see what sort of a land sunny Queensland was for himself. He evidently intended to go in for squatting pursuits, and was induced to join in partnership with Messrs, Robert Rose Beddom, and W. Palmer, who then owned Cawarral Station. Soon after he selected Zilzie, an estate that extended from Emu Park to Cawarral Creek, with a frontage of about six miles to Keppel Bay. Mr. Wilbraham had evidently been in the British army, and on his recall to England to become Queen´s Messenger, he left Zilzie in charge of Lieutenant Colonel Armitage. Mr. Wilbraham married Miss Jardine, eldest daughter of John Jardine, a well known Police Magistrate and Gold Warden of the early days. Mr. Wilbraham attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel , and, returning to Rockhampton many years ago, disposed of Zilzie, which is now the property of Mr. C. H. Humphreys. Wilbraham has been dead many years.
Other well known passengers were Charles and Mrs. Hitchcock. Among positions of trust that Hitchock held was that of clerk of the Goganago Divisional Board, which he retained for several years. Subsequently he departed for Brisbane. Where he died some years ago but at least one son lives in the Rockhampton district.
J. W. and Mrs. Power, who kept a general store in William street, and, shifting later to Yeppoon, the business became quite an institution in that thriving town. Mrs. Power is dead but the writer thinks J.W. is still in the land of the living. He hopes so at all events.
W. and Mrs. Wright, who kept a fruit and fancy goods shop in East-street opposite the Criterion House, for many years. They are both dead, but left children and grand children, who are no doubt still in the town or district.
Miss Elizabeth Fryer, from Yorkshire who a year or two later married William Kay Hingson, the well known Rockhampton business man, alderman, and Parliamentarian. Mrs. Higson, after a long life of usefulness, died on August 13, aged 84.
Miss Kezia Seymour, in charge of friends from Devonshire, married J. T. S. Bird, and died seven years ago.
The young lady who became Mrs. Con. Hourigan, and the lady who married Henry Hart.
A rather curious incident is connection with the Royal Dane´s frequent trips to Queensland was related to the writer. At a casual meeting of four ladies at some function some years ago it was found that all four had come to Queensland by that ship, each on separate occasions.
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Saturday 12 September 1936, page 4
ROYAL DANE
LIST
The Last Survivor
"Battler" writes: "Mrs Harry Hart must surely be the last of the Rockhampton residents who arrived by the Royal Dane in July,1865. Other single girls who came out and married were the late Mrs W. K. Higson, Mrs J. T. S. Bird, and Mrs Con. Hourigan. Among the married were Mr and Mrs Charles Hitchcock, Mr and Mrs. J. W. Power, and Mr and Mrs W. J. Wright. Bill Carr was a noted early day butcher, but who went North in the seventies and for many years led the board at the meatworks at Townsville. He worked at the yards owned by Pattison on the Gracemere Road. The boiling down was not removed to Gavial Creek until the late seventies. At the time of Mrs Hart's arrival both sides of Gavial Creek at the junction with the Main Drain were occupied by a large number of blacks, who had camps there for some years afterwards."
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Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Saturday 15 December 1951, page 12
Lodge Celebrates 70th Anniversary
The December meeting ot John Knox Lodge, No. 17, PAPSOA, marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the lodge at North Rockhampton.
In relating the history of the lodge. Bro A. G. Shanks. PWDM. said PAFSOA had its genesis in Victoria and spread to New South Wales. Both States established grand councils and about 1872 lodges were formed in Southern Queensland under the jurisdiction of Victoria and New South Wales.
In October of that year the NSW Grand Council extended its activities to Rockhampton, and Lord Cairns Lodge was formed.
In 1876 the Queensland lodges formed their own grand council. Within five years there were 16 lodges and on November 30, 1881, a number of Lord Cairns members met to discuss the advisability of forming a lodge in North Rockhampton. The attendance was sufficiently encouraging to call another meeting on December 12. This meeting was called by W. G. Thompson, who became the first secretary and continued for some years. He represented the lodge at the Grand Council sessions in 1887. T. M. Black was secretary for a short time and in 1889 J. Mitchiner was elected. He continued until 1892 when C. Tillidge took over the secretaryship. He resigned in 1894, but was elected again in 1897. C. Hitchcock carried out the duties in the intervening years.
J. Mitchiner was elected again in 1898 and continued in the office until 1913, when he resigned on account of advancing years. Bro. W. Dawson was then elected and for 38 years he has carried on the secretarial duties with credit to himself and advantage to the lodge.
John Knox Lodge was first represented at a Grand Council session in 1883, when it was held in Rockhampton. Bro Hitchcock was the delegate and he was elected District Master, the first in the Central district. At that session Bro. G. H. Shillito, of Ipswich, was installed as Grand Master, and though having ceased active work on account of advancing age, is still enjoying reasonably good health.
Bro. Shanks said that the 70 years' operation of the lodge had not been all smooth working. Many difficult problems had to be faced and there were times when unpleasant incidents took place. In earlier days when friendly societies took part in public functions, John Knox Lodge always gave full support. One such function was the dedication festival at St Paul's Cathedral in 1883.
For 70 years the lodge had operated under the "lodge doctor system". This system provided for the payment by the member of a fee on a flat rate basis which was paid to the lodge, doctor irrespective of whether his services were required or otherwise. Since the periodic rises in the basic wage these fees had risen year by year and had been computed by the Commonwealth Statistician, based on the rise in the nominal wage index figure for the year preceding. This arrangement would terminate on December 31, the EMA having notified friendly societies to this effect. The action was not caused through any move on the part of friendly societies! The new fee-for-service scheme had been adopted by friendly socities and would operate from January 1.
INSTALLATION
The installation ceremony was carried out by Bro. A. G. Shanks, who installed his daughter, Miss I. M. Shanks, as WM. She is the fourth generation of the family to occupy, a high position in the society.
Congratulations were extended by the District Master (Bro. C. Charles), G. Hanson (John Wesley Lodge) and W. Belz (Lord Cairns Lodge).
At the refreshment board Bro. Charles proposed a toast to John Knox Lodge. He said that lodges were going through a difficult time and he urged the officers to realise their responsibilities. He hoped that renewed interest by a greater number of members would be one of the main factors in the new year.
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