History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Marcus John Gordon Brims/Notes

Marcus John Gordon Brims - Transcriptions and notes

Overview

XQA's father Donald Gray Brims's Time Line in FamilySearch Family Tree

• Donald Gray Brims: 24 March 1858 – 26 November 1934; Reference Number: KHXJ-NQH​​
• 1858: Age 0; Birth: 24 March 1858, Wick, Caithness, Scotland, United Kingdom
• 1866: Age 8; Birth of Sibling: 25 May 1866, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. George Cormack Brims, 1866–Deceased, 2MKJ-JM3​​
• 1868: Age 10; Birth of Sibling: 23 Sep 1868, Queensland, Australia. Margaret Brims, 1868–Deceased, 2MKJ-JM8​​
• 1870: Age 12; Birth of Sibling: 14 Oct 1870, Queensland, Australia. Catherine Brims, 1870–Deceased, 2MKJ-N1G​​
• 1873: Age 14; Birth of Sibling: 21 Feb 1873, Queensland, Australia. Esther Brims, 1873–Deceased, 2MKJ-JMM​​
• 1874: Age 16; Birth of Sibling: 30 Oct 1874, Queensland, Australia. James Alexander Brims, 1874–Deceased, 2MKJ-JMH​​
• 1876: Age 17; Death of Parent: 18 March 1876, Tiaro, Queensland, Australia. George Brims, 1830–1876, 2MKJ-NB7​​
• 1876: Age 18; Birth of Sibling: 29 Sep 1876, Queensland, Australia. William John Brims, 1876–Deceased, 2MKJ-JM6​​
• 1881: Age 23; Marriage: 23 November 1881, Blackall, Queensland, Australia. Harriet Peterford Elliott, 1864–1939, LDHG-JPK​​
• 1882: Age 24; Birth of Child: 30 Oct 1882, Blackall, Queensland, Australia. Mary Margaret Brims, 1882–1957, K4Y4-KPW​​
• 1884: Age 25; Birth of Child: 27 JAN 1884, Blackall, Queensland, Australia. Arthur George Brims, 1884–1892, KHTV-BXH​​
• 1885: Age 26; Birth of Child: 1885, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. M Brims, 1885–Deceased, LDHG-VH4​​ (doubtful)
• 1886: Age 28; Birth of Child: 08 Apr 1886, Blackall, Queensland, Australia. Francis William Brims, 1886–1960, KCR4-QRQ​​
• 1888: Age 30; Birth of Child: 11 July 1888, Lower Herbert,,Queensland,Australia. Marcus John Gordon Brims, 1888–1982, KZWB-S11​​
• 1890: Age 32; Birth of Child: 02 Jun 1890, Queensland, Australia. William Brims, 1890–1960, K8K3-F7C​​
• 1892: Age 34; Death of Child: 10 SEP 1892, Qld, Australia. Arthur George Brims, 1884–1892, KHTV-BXH​​
• 1912: Age 53; Death of Parent: 6 Mar 1912, Tiaro, Queensland, Australia. Jane Gray, 1839–1912, 99ML-7DV​​
• 1934: Age 76; Death, 26 November 1934, North Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

1850s

1851

1851 09

A recent study compared muscle activity between the barbell bench press and dumbbell flies. The results? Bench presses consistently outperformed flies in muscle activation, particularly in the top third of the movement. While dumbbells offer a good stretch at the bottom, they don't provide enough tension at the top, meaning bench presses work the pecs across a wider range of motion.

1880s

1881

1881 11

Qld marriage registration for XQA's father Donald Gray Brims

• Qld BDM
• Marriage registration: Donald Gray Brims
• Marriage date: 23/11/1881
• Spouse's name: Harriet Pettifore Elliott
• Registration details: 1881/C/40

1900s

1905

1905 09

Story of XQA and brother Francis who built a church at Mareeba in their teens

The Children's Corner. A CHURCH BUILT BY TWO BOYS. The history of St. George's Church, Mareeba, which was dedicated by his Lordship the Bishop on Sunday, 16th July, 1905, affords a most striking and unique example of what can be achieved in a small community when one and all are earnestly striving for a worthy object (says the North Queensland Register) it has remained for the comparatively small township of Mareeba to set this example, and, the completion and dedication of the church was an event of great interest to all Mareeba people, and a time of sincere happiness to all who took part in the work. Eight months ago, when his Lordship visited Mareeba, he earnestly advised his Church-people to endeavour to raise sufficient money to erect a place of worship for themselves, but was informed that such a thing was impossible. At that time divine service was held in the local School of Arts, and the prospects off having a building of their own appeared to most of the congregation extremely remote. However, in November last the Bishop urged those whom he then confirmed to do something for the glory of God. Two girls of the newly confirmed, Misses Annie Petersen and Florrie Hastings, began the canvass of the town, with the object of gradually gathering a building fund. The young ladies went to work with a will, and by the end of January, the sum of £32 7s. had been collected and banked. But at the same time a great work was being done by them. The spirit of the Church-people, so long dormant, was aroused, and, instead of a few apathetic workers, the whole congregation was galvanised into earnest activity, and offers of assistance began to roll in. Of these offers, one stands pre-eminent. Two schoolboys, Francis W. Brims and Marcus J. G. Brims, who were gifted in a remarkable degree with mechanical skill, offered to design and build a church in their spare time, if the material were supplied, without making any charge whatsoever. The offer was such an extraordinary one, and the boys so young, the eldest 17 and his brother 15½, that it was generally thought that they had undertaken a task beyond their strength and ability. Results, however, told a very different tale. After evensong on Sunday, 19th February, Rev. J. B. Barton called a meeting of the congregation, and a building and finance committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. James A. Brims, J. F. Perren, and H. W. Love, who were given full power to deal with the matter of the erection of a church. On the 28th February his Lordship the Bishop journeyed to Mareeba, and took the chair at a meeting of the committee, there also being present — Revs. J. B. Barton and A. Vaughan Williams. The state of affairs was laid before the Bishop, and his consent obtained to the church being started, although sufficient funds were not in hand. However, at the earnest request of the committee, his lordship promised that he would not allow the building to be used for divine service while any debt remained upon it, and at the same time expressed great pleasure that the request had been made, and heartily commended the spirit that actuated it. On 15th March, the foundation block was blessed by the Ven. Archdeacon Campbell, three frontage blocks being laid by Mrs. D. G. Brims and Misses Hastings and Petersen. At the conclusion of the ceremony the donations laid on the block were counted, the handsome amount of £24 5s. 3d. being the result. This was augmented by £4 5s. 6d., being the proceeds of a lecture by the Archdeacon the same evening. The youthful builders then started work, and by 12th June had completed as pretty and neat a little church as stands in North Queensland. The workmanship and finish is excellent, and the whole structure would reflect credit on the most competent of tradesmen. The total cost of the church, including land and fence, comes to £250 7s. 6d, and this has all been paid by cash or in gifts of material or labour. (Start Photo Caption) TWO ECCLESIASTICAL BOY BUILDERS. Francis and Marcus Brims, who built a church at Mareeba, North Queensland. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, MAREEBA. Built by two Queensland boys; fund started by two girls. (End Photo Caption)

1909

1909 04

A travellers' review of Mareeba notes the new Brims' sash and door factory

Mareeba Notes. (Notes by our Travelling Correspondent.) Continuing from my Atherton-Tolga notes, I duly arrived at Mareeba and found every business there with an appearance of being on the upward grade. The town is daily growing, and, with the continued increase of mining, agricultural and timber resources in the back country, Mareeba is destined to play a very important part in the future history of North Queensland at an early date. During my short stay there, the town was visited by the Ministerial party, en route to the Herberton district, and on their return on the 13th inst., a few deputations waited on the Premier, Mr. Kidston, in Jackson's large dining hall. . . . Another new industry is Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons sash and door factory. I spent a considerable time watching the working of the different machines in the factory, where everything is up to date. The machinery was supplied by T. Robinson and Sons, England, and was all erected and fitted by the Messrs. Brims juniors, who are very clever, being born mechanics and builders. Though now only lads, they have carried out and completed several splendid buildings at Mareeba, particulars of which I will send in a special letter at an early date. I also visited Messrs. Couper and Co.'s brass and iron foundry. There also everything was working smoothly and good.

1910s

1913

1913 03

XQA's father aggressively supports an invoice on Mareeba Water Authority relating to his sons' labours

Mareeba Water Authority. Scene at the Council Table. Threatening Attitude of Councillors. "Lie," "Rot," and "Resign your Seat." At the conclusion of the meeting of the Barron Shire Council yesterday morning, the usual meeting of the Mareeba Water Authority was held, there being the same Councillors present as at the Shire meeting. Matters at first were mostly of a formal nature,' and it seemed that if the meeting would not be of long duration, but when the accounts were being discussed there was a regrettable scene. Cr. Fenwick drew attention to an item of £4 charged by D. G. Brims and Sons for work done in connection with the recent damage at the Mareeba pumping station. He said that two boys, sons of Cr. Brims, had been employed, and he thought that the amount charged was simply ridiculous. It was a terrible thing to put in such an item in the accounts. Fancy the very idea of £4 for two boys. Cr. Brims (threateningly): Don't you dare call my sons boys. Do you think I came down here to be insulted? I will smash you if you are not careful. Cr. Fenwick: If you pass that £4 to D. G. Brims it will be a downright shame. Cr. Brims: My sons are 24 years of age. Cr. Fenwick: I did not believe that D. G. Brims would have the cheek to put in a bill for £4. I heard in Mareeba that he was going to charge it, but I did not credit it till I came here. There were two boys of his — Cr. Hudson: We cannot go into this matter now. Cr. Fenwick: Yes, we can. Cr. Brims: Fenwick and several others went to the assistance of the engineer, but when they found the work was so heavy they cleared out. The engineer asked me to let my sons go down, and I assented. Cr. Hampe: The work was started by Fenwick and another man. They started on Saturday afternoon, and on Monday morning there was nobody there. Cr. Fenwick: Brims' boys were there half a day. Cr. Brims: An absolute lie. Cr. Fenwick (hotly): It is a jolly shame if the Council passes that amount. Cr. Brims: The engineer (Miller), begged me to let my sons do the work. Cr. Fenwick: Did not a man go there in the morning and pull a piece down. Brims' boys were so slow in getting about that they did not get there till after dinner. Cr. Brims: Not a single thing was done when my sons went there. Cr. Fenwick: Rot, absolute rot. Keep a record of what that man says about ???? ???? ???? done when his sons went there. Keep a record of that, I say. Cr. Hampe: When Miller came down he was in a fix. I went round to get some men. Brims came down and spoke to me about it. I said "Yes, get your sons to go and do the work." Cr. Brims: I explained to Miller that he would find the labor dear, as my factory was stopped while my sons were away. Cr. Fenwick: Two pounds each for half a day's work (heaving a sign), my word!! Cr. Brims: The loss to the factory was £6. Cr. Hudson: That is what we have to consider. It is not so much the amount charged for the work, but the loss sustained through that work being carried out. Cr. Hampe: I would not form one of a board at Mareeba to deal with water matters there between the meetings. When I come down here I get abused. Cr. Earl: Then you are not doing your duty. Cr. Hampe: Why am I not doing my duty? Cr. Earl: Because you refuse to do something the ratepayers sent you here to do. Cr. Hampe: Why the devil don't you go up there then and do your duty? Cr. Earl: I am not representing Mareeba. Cr. Fenwick: Look here, are you going to pass this money to Brims? I move that it be not allowed. It is simply ridiculous. Let them put in an amended claim. Cr. Earl: I move that it be referred to the engineer for report. The Clerk: The engineer has signed it. The Chairman: Then it is all right. Cr. Fenwick (to Cr. Brims): It is up to you to resign. You resign your seat on the Board. Cr. Brims (hotly): I will settle this dispute with you. You come down here to spite me. I will never resign till I am ready. At this stage there were signs of serious trouble between Councillors Brims and Fenwick, but the Chairman and other Councillors intervened, and order was restored. The meeting shortly afterwards concluded.

1913 05

XQA's parents visit Cairns

Town & Country. . . . Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Brims, Mareeba, are visiting Cairns.

1914

In the year 1914, the first official list of Australian Wireless Experimenters was published. It was later republished in Amateur Radio magazine in August 1970. The List, now regarded as incomplete, shows only 10 Queenslanders out of a total of several hundred experimenters. It is an honour to be able to list these early Queensland "Wireless Pathfinders" by their name and call sign in this our Centenary Year 2012.

Call Sign Name Location

• XQA - M. J. G. Brims - Mareeba
• XQB - L. Freeman - Rockhampton
• XQC - R. H. Berry - Rockhampton
• XQD - H. A. Shepherd - Rockhampton
• XQF - S. V. Colville - South Brisbane
• XQG - G. H. Gibson - Brisbane
• XQH - H. B. Rockwell - Wynnum
• XQI - W. H. Hannam - Stamford
• XQJ - A. G. Bamfield - Corfield
• XQK - C. Wicks - South Brisbane

1916

1916 10

XQA mentioned for his wireless telegraphy station pre WW1

MAREEBA NOTES. (For the "Post" and "Herald.") Great interest was manifested at the Court-house on Monday over the exemption cases held here. Mr. Staines, P.M. (Herberton) sat on the bench. Some of the reasons given were ludicrous. Others with reasonable objections were granted exemption. A few were carried over to next day. Those refused were Clive Brady, Pat Casy, and Walter Hastie; granted, Joe Meehan, Alf Tilse, H. Smith, and George Peterson. Referred to Medical Board: Michael Walsh and Louis Carroll. Exemptions for periods: Paddy Ryan and Vernie Love, one month; J. Samways, P. Greenfield, Ed. Troughton, three months; Henry Kinnear, six months. Three of our boys who left for the home defence encampment enlisted for service abroad when they reached Townsville. They were our late scoutmaster, T. J. Nutt and Assistant Scoutmaster R. Hampe who put in such good work with the Mareeba Boy Scouts, and turned out a fine lot of equipment for wounded soldiers in the war service hours. The other was Andy Cooper, our clever young electrical engineer, who in conjunction with the Brim boys, made and rigged up a wireless telegraphy station here which they were ordered to dismantle after the outbreak of hostilities. On Wednesday night Mr. Gillies, member for this district, addressed an anti-conscription meeting at the Anzac flagstaff, Mr. Geo. O'Donnell taking the chair. Mr. Gillies first addressed the electors, thanking them for giving him such a substantial majority at the last election, and as he put it, giving an account, in brief, of his stewardship. He had been too busy as chairman of the Works Committee to come much before the people of Mareeba before, but would be remaining next day, when he would be glad to receive anybody who wished to see him. Mr. Gillies spoke for about an hour on the anti-conscription issue, and was accorded a very good hearing without any interruption whatever. At the conclusion a couple of questions were asked and answered, and Mr. O'Donnell asked for a vote of thanks for Mr. Gillies, which was carried by acclamation. Mr. Gillies thereupon returned the compliment to Mr. O'Donnell. The meeting concluded by somebody calling out for "Three cheers for the Noes on Saturday," and the gathering quietly dispersed. There has been no rain in the town yet, notwithstanding accounts of inches everywhere else. The weather is hot and muggy, and portentious clouds loom up a little over the horizon, but hardly reach the zenith. There is a haze through bush fires. Rain is very badly needed.

1917

1917 06

XQA's father (and likely XQA himself) developing a weather instrument

A WEATHER INVENTION. Mr. Brims, Milton, has invented what he claims to be an instrument that has no rival as an accurate recorder of the weather. The instrument is to be known as the hygrometer. The sample we have seen is attractively finished, and may be inspected at Greenfield's, Limited, and Mr. F. Tritton's, George street. The inventor says that the hygrometer is a vast improvement on the wet and dry bulb. The reading of the instrument is simple in the extreme. A patent has been applied for, and it is understood that the hygrometer will be placed on the market in due course.

1920s

1922

1922 03

XQA in process of selling his property at York st., Indooroopilly

CHEAP PREPAID ADVTS. . . . I HEREBY withdraw sale of my Property at York st., Indooroopilly, from all agents; M. J. G. Brims.

1922 08

XQA seeks a bricklayer for house renovations

CHEAP PREPAID ADVTS. . . . WANTED Bricklayer to brick in copper clothes boiler; apply M. J. G. Brims, Railway ter., Milton. . . .

1923

1923 03

Small fire in the lime store of the family company's manufacturing facility

MILTON FIRE. TIMBER YARDS ENDANGERED. A small fire occurred at the timber yards of the firm of D. G. Brim and Co., Ltd., three-ply wood manufacturers, at Milton, at about half-past 9 o'clock last night. Mr. W. Brim, whose residence adjoins the timber yards, noticed flames issuing from the lime store. He communicated with the Ithaca Fire Brigade, which was quickly on the scene. Shortly afterwards a motor from the head centre arrived. It did not take the firemen long to extinguish the fire, which did damage to the extent of about £5. It is believed that water coming in contact with lime was responsible for the outbreak. But for the early discovery of the fire a big conflagration might have resulted, as the plant and stock in the yards are valued at £30,000.

1924

1924 01

XQA's father elected president of the Milton Progress Association

Milton Progress Association. A well-attended meeting was held in Mr. Marshall's rooms, corner of Milton and Baroona roads, on Monday night, Ald. R. J. Burnett presiding. The following officers were elected:— President, Mr. D. G. Brims; vicepresidents, Ald. R. J. Burnett, Messrs. Tucker, Geddes, Hicks, Penny, Thomas, and Marshall; secretary and treasurer, Mr. R. Tobin. Complaints brought before the meeting included the want of better accommodation at the Milton railway-siding, and it was suggested that the matter should be brought before the department. After discussion, it was decided that the secretary should write to the member for the district, with a view to introducing a deputation to the Minister for Railways on this matter. It was decided to support the candidature of Mr. W. C. Harding, who has been selected by the Toowong Progress Association, as the nominee for the office of Mayor. A special meeting will be held on 29th instant, for the purpose of selecting candidates to contest the North Ward.

XQA's family company produces items for the British Empire Exhibition in London

MASONIC EMBLEMS. QUEENSLAND CABINET TIMBERS. DISPLAY FOR EMPIRE EXHIBITION. The display of Masonic regalia and em-blems which has been prepared by Roth-wells Ltd.; for despatch next weak to Lon-don, where it will form part of Queensland's exhibit at the British Empire exhi-bition, will serve two-fold purpose. Aparet from the Masonic regalia, which is a work of art in itself, it will serve to bring prominently before a very large proportion of the British public the valuable woods which grow in this State. . . . Included in the exhibit is a framed section of Queensland three-ply maple, which has been specially manufactured by Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons, of Milton, to the order of Messrs. Rothwells, Ltd., for the purpose of mounting tracing boards. One of the trac-ing boards, designed by Mr. T. J, Rothwell, O.B.E., who holds the rank of P.A.G.M. in Masonry in Queensland, is also being sent to London to show the method of using three-ply timber. A sheet of three-ply maple has been beautifully polished, and is the same class of timber that is used in the manufacture of the bodies of aeroplanes, and should thus be of special interest in England. . . .

1924 10

Brims' family business gets a railway siding

NEW RAILWAY SIDINGS. The Railway Department advises that a deadend siding has been inserted off the up main line at Milton for Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons Ltd., and is available for use.

1924 12

XQA's younger brother's engagement announced

ENGAGEMENT NOTICES. . . . BRIMS — MACKAY.— The engagement is announced of Eva Mary, second eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Mackay, Albion, to William, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Brims, Milton.

1925

1925 02

Man dies unloading timber truck at Brims' siding

MILTON FATALITY. Further Particulars. Further particulars, regarding the accident in which Matthew MacFethridge was killed near the Milton Railway Station reveal the fact that deceased was working with a man named Thomas C. McDonnell, of Rosalie. They were unloading pine logs from a truck on Messrs. D. G. Brims and Son, Ltd., siding. Two logs had been rolled off, and McDonnell was levering one of them along the staging while deceased was chocking the other from the ground, his head being about level with the floor of the truck. Deceased happened to turn away, and as he did so another log fell and crushed the deceased's head against another log.

1925 08

Brims' family company increases share capital

INCREASES OF CAPITAL. D. G. Brims and Sons, Limited: It was resolved on July 11, and confirmed on July 27, that the capital of the company be increased to £50,000 by the creation of 46,000 new shares of £1 each.

1926

1926 08

Brims' family company extends to aircraft manufacture

A BRISBANE VENTURE. Up to the present Brisbane has not made very great strides in the world of aviation, but considerable developments are promised, as Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons, of Milton, have launched an organisation known as Brisbane Aircraft, which had its first machine flying over Brisbane during the weekend. A number of visitors availed themselves of the opportunity of seeing the beauties of Brisbane from the air, and were loud in their praises of the experience. Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons have one of the most modern plants for the manufacture of three-ply in the Southern Hemisphere, and have erected a new building at Milton for the purpose of building aircraft and the manufacture of aircraft parts. The factory will be replete with the latest machinery necessary for the production of modern types of aeroplanes, and when the steamer Jervis Bay arrives, at the end of the month, the firm will have one of the latest types of De Haviland machines, capable of doing a nonstop flight from Brisbane to Sydney in five hours. Passenger flying will be carried out daily during Exhibition Week, and over the weekend, and visitors who would like to view the city from the air, or make trips to Toowoomba or Warwick at short notice, should telephone Toowong 1547 by day, and Toowong 1443 by night. Passengers carried during the weekend included:— Major D. Donkin, and Messrs. Gilchrist, Urwin, Millar, Ford, Sharpe, King and Madame Vivian, Mr. and Mrs. Young. Major Donkin gave a special exhibition of "stunting" on Sunday evening.

Brims' family company proposes a Brisbane-Sydney air service

LINKING CAPITALS. Sydney and Brisbane. PROPOSED AIR SERVICE. LISMORE, Tuesday. Mr. J. G. Boehm, representing Messrs. D. G. Brims and Son, is at present on a visit to Lismore, for the purpose of arranging for an aerodrome or a suitable landing ground for large passenger and mail aeroplanes. He states that Messrs. Brims and Son have established an aircraft factory in Brisbane. It is their intention to link up the capital cities of New South Wales and Queensland by air. Mr. A. T. Stratford, president of the Lismore Chamber of Commerce, to-day accompanied Mr. Boehm on an inspection of the various suggested landing sites.

1926 09

Brisbane Aircraft Company set to launch its second aircraft

BRISBANE AIRCRAFT. NEW AEROPLANE TO BE LAUNCHED. The Brisbane Aircraft Company will launch a new De Haviland aeroplane at the Doomben Aerodrome tomorrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock. To this ceremony the public are cordially invited to attend. This is the second machine built by the proprietors, D. G. Brims and Sons, and a third one is under construction. All three will be used for passenger flights to any part of Australia. They are fitted with highpowered watercooled engines, and are capable of nonstop flights of six hours' duration. The Mayor and several aldermen of the City Council have signified their intention of attending the ceremony.

Brisbane Aircraft Company takes up Brisbane City city notables inits new aircraft "City of Brisbane"

"A Bird's Eye View." Aerial Survey of the City. Alderman and City Planner Amongst those who flew over the city yesterday in the new aeroplane, "The City of Brisbane," launched by the Mayor for Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons, were Miss Ida Jolly, sister of the Mayor, Mrs. A. Laurie, Alderman J. P. Keogh, and the city planner (Captain W. J. Earle, M.C.). They were enthusiastic about the flights, the city planner remarking that a bird's-eye view from the air was much more interesting than a "worm's eye view" from the ground. "Well, how did you like flying over the city?" was the question with which a representative of "The Telegraph" greeted the city planner. Flying was no new experience to the city planner. As C.O. of the 3rd Engineers, he had gone aloft on several occasions over "the other side." He had been introduced to the air by his brother, who was a flight commander in the Imperial Forces. "It was fine," said Captain Earle. "It was a refreshing sight to see the city from the air instead of from a map. A bird's eye view is better than a worm's eye view every time. I was very much struck with the visibility in the Brisbane atmosphere, and was pleased to find that it compared very favourably with that of Egypt. Looking down on the city yesterday, the definition was remarkable. There are great possibilities, for a topographical and civic survey to be compiled from aerial photographic mosaics. In this work wonderful results were achieved by our Air Force during the war, and greatly assisted the land forces especially in advances, when photographs of the enemy country were at the disposal of the advancing armies. MUNICIPAL APPLICATION. The City Planner said that he was sure that the advantage of aerial surveys could be applied to municipal enterprise and the assistance would be wonderful. Instead of at present, when resumptions were required, and the officer had to go out and make a survey, which, after all, gave him the "worm's eye view," with aerial photography the whole area could be seen at a glance. The aerial view also would be an advantage even in the simple matter of opening up a new road for traffic purposes. "If the council purchased an aeroplane, would you be willing to make flights?" asked the interviewer. "Certainly," said the City Planner, "the air has no terrors for me. It is on the land that I strike most trouble. AN ENTHUSIASTIC ALDERMAN. Alderman J. P. Keogh, who also had been "up" in army aeroplanes, was most enthusiastic over his flight yesterday. In fact, he said, all the members of the council should take a fiight — a real flight, not one of fancy. When informed of the City Planner's views, Alderman Keogh gave them his hearty support, and said that an aerial map of the city would be a splendid idea. He was not a bit nervous in yesterday's flight, he said but he confessed that his heart missed a beat or two when he first went aloft some years ago. He was troubled by the noise of the engine of "The City of Brisbane," however, as he was not equipped with head gear, and was also affected by the wind. "It was a long time since I was up before," said Alderman Keogh, "and I felt a bit funny when the 'plane turned, but I was not air sick at all. Nobody need feel frightened to travel by air. You feel a little bit nervous for a start, but that soon wears off, and even when we were travelling at ninety miles an hour we were not inconvenienced in yesterday's flight, and it was hard to realise that we were travelling at such an immense speed. Spread out like a map the city was beautiful to look at. If it could be done, I would recommend that the Works Committee should go up and have a look for the dead end of streets, and other points. VIEWING THE BRIDGE. "In fact," added Alderman Keogh, "I think it would be a good idea if all the aldermen were taken up and given a bird's eye view of the locality of the new bridge over the river. It would help them to get a general idea of city planning as well, and aerial surveys would be a great help in this important part of municipal work. "As far as I am concerned," he concluded, "I should like another flight over the city." TAKING NO RISKS. Other Alderman seemed inclined to take Alderman Keogh's word for it that the experience was a fine one. Alderman F. Lanham summed the feeling up by confessing that he liked to keep one foot on the ground. The Mayor was not inclined to enlarge on the suggestions made by the aviators. He said that Miss Jolly greatly enjoyed the flight. Mrs. Laurie, wife of Alderman A. Laurie, also was understood to have been delighted with the experience.

Brims' aeroplane arrival at Lismore co-incides with arrival of Great White train

LISMORE EN FETE. VISIT OF GREAT WHITE TRAIN. LISMORE. September 24. The arrival of Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons' aeroplane on its flight from Brisbane to Sydney coincided with the arrival of the "Great White" exhibition train on its tour of the North Coast. The train is drawing big crowds. Yesterday nearly 3,000 school children visited the train. The business section of the town has a gay appearance. Hotels are overcrowded, for this week has been one of the busiest for years. The musical festival ended yesterday, to be followed by the "Great White" train, and visitors are pouring in from all parts of the district. Manufacturers here are making special displays during train week.

1926 10

XQA's father offers spare propeller for damaged Williams' seaplane

PACIFIC FLIGHT. WAITING PROPELLOR. A BRISBANE OFFER. SOUTHPORT, Friday.— Seaplane D.H. 50, in which Group-Captain R. Williams is essaying a survey flight to the Pacific Islands, and which had to beach at Southport on Wednesday, is not likely to leave here before Tuesday morning. The new propeller is being secured from the Air Force experimental works at Randwick, Sydney, and is expected to arrive in Brisbane by Monday night's express. The propeller will be taken by car from Brisbane to Southport on Monday night, and it is hoped to install it on the seaplane in time to resume the flight to Gladstone early on Tuesday morning. It has also been found necessary to repaint the floats on the machine, owing to the paint having been worn off them as a result of the seaplane having been hauled across the loose sand on Wednesday night. Questioned regarding the possibility of an abandonment of the flight, Captain Williams said as far as he knew there was no likelihood of the flight being abandoned. He reiterated that he was anxious to resume the flight as soon as possible, so as to complete it before the monsoon season sets in. Learning that a new propeller was required for the seaplane, Mr. D. G. Brims, of Milton, Brisbane, telephoned Captain Williams this morning advising that he had a metal-tipped, new propeller, and offering to send it to Southport by car this afternoon in charge of Mr. J. C. Boehm. Captain Williams replied expressing his keen appreciation of the offer, but stated that the class of propeller was not suitable for his machine.

1926 11

XQA and father convicted of assault of former employee pilot at Doomben

Air Pilot Assaulted. Episode at Aerodrome. Father and Son Convicted. Ronald Shafto Adair, an aeronautical engineer, of Brisbane, accredited, it was stated, with having brought down five German aeroplanes during the war, proceeded against D. G. Brims and Marcus J. G. Brims, both of Milton, in the Summons Court this morning, before Mr. J. J. Leahy, Acting P.M. He alleged assault on November 10 at the Commonwealth Aerodrome at Doomben. Mr. Lex Macnaughton appeared for the complainant, and Mr. H. H. Stone for the defendants. Adair, the complainant, said that he was at the aerodrome on November 10, when Brims, sen., and his two sons, William and Marcus came over and asked the caretaker if he knew who had flown one of the Avro machines. The caretaker, Loughlin, said, "Who could have flown it ? Parer, Adair, Morcom, or who?" Hearing his name mentioned, witness approached the scene, when the old man Brims said, "Go away. Don't stick your — nose in here, you — stickybeak." Witness did not do anything, and the elder defendant came up and caught him by the throat and pushed him. His hand was raised as though he were going to strike witness, who said, "Mr. Brims, you are too old a man. I would not fight you." William Brims then stepped up and struck him. Witness retaliated, and was knocking William Brims about, when Marcus Brims, his brother, hit him on the back of the head. Witness, in cross-examination by Mr. Stone, said that he had left his position in the defendant's company, because of a breach of contract. Mr. Macnaughton: The trouble is that Adair shot down too many Huns, and the Brims family were "conscientious objectors" to military training. Witness admitted that he "made rather a job of William Brims." Mr. Stone: As a matter of fact you could have cleaned up the three of them. Witness: Possibly. Andrew Loughlin, caretaker of the Commonwealth aerodrome of Doomben, said that after the row, Brims, senior, picked up a hammer and said, "This is what I am looking for. I will bash his — brains in." William King, dairyman, and John Balfe, of Whinstanes, gave corroborative evidence. Donald Gray Brims, of Milton, one of the defendants, said that he was talking to the caretaker, when Adair came up. Witness said that he told him to go away. Adair did not go, and so he went over and pushed him away. He denied that he used the language alleged. Cross-examined, witness said that he and his family were "conscientious objectors" during the war. He admitted that his company was not registered. Marcus J. G. Brims, another defendant, gave evidence on the same lines as his father. Mr. Leahy convicted D. G. Brims, and ordered him to pay £1 13s. 3d. costs. The son, Marcus Brims, was fined 10s., and also ordered to pay £1 13s. 3d. costs.

As previous, another report

"YOU STICKY BEAK." Stir at Aerodrome. FATHER AND SON FINED. On Wednesday, November 10, Donald G. Brims, senior, and his sons, William and Marcus, went to the Eagle Farm aerodrome. On arrival there Brims, senior, said to the caretaker Andrews Laughlin, that someone had flown their machine. Laughlin replied "who could have used it, myself, Marconi, or Adair?" The last mentioned, who was the only pilot present, and who was working at a bench near by, heard his name mentioned, and went to where Brims was standing. When Brims saw him he said, "Don't poke your —— dirty nose in here, we don't want to know you; you are only a — stick beak." Adair then said that the machine had been in the hangar all the week. Brims said, "By God, I'll punch you." Both William and Marcus Brims then went over, and Adair and William Brims had a fight, William being "cleaned up." The fight was stopped by Laughlin and another man. Adair then went back to the bench, and Brims, senior, and Marcus Brims followed him. Here Brims senior, picked up a hammer, and said, "You ruined this machine, and I will bash your — brains out." This was the story told by Ronald S. Adair, an aeronautical engineer, employed by Marconi and Dignum at the Doomben aerodrome, Eagle Farm, when he charged Donald G. Brims, senior, Marcus Brims, and William Brims with unlawful assault, in the Summons Court, before Mr. J. J. Leahy, Acting P.M., yesterday. Mr. R. Macnaughton appeared for the complainant, and Mr. H. H. Stone for the defendants. William Brims did not appear, he being at present abroad. The other two defendants denied the allegations, saying that Brims, senior, did not name Adair as being the person who had used the machine. Mr. Leahy fined the two defendants present 10s, with £1 12s 3d costs.

As previous, another report

AIRMEN FIGHT. BLOWS AND LANGUAGE. POLICE COURT SEQUEL. BRISBANE, November 22. Blows and "language" were flying at the Doomben aerodrome on Noember 10, when a pilot and three members of a commercial aviation company, by which he had been formerly employed, had an altercation. The circumstances of the affair were told in the Summons Court today, when Donald G. Brim's and Marcus Brims, his son, of Milton, were charged by Ronald Shafto Adair, pilot and aeronautical engineer employed by Marconi and Dignumn, with having assaulted him. Mr. J. J. Leahy, Acting P.M., convicted defendants. He fined Marcus Brims 10/, and ordered him to pay £1/13/3 costs; Brims, sen., was ordered to pay £1/13/6 costs only. Mr. Alex. Macnaughton appeared for complainant; Mr. H. H. Stone (Messrs. Stephens and Tozer) for defendants. Complainant said that when he was installing an engine in an aeroplane at the Doomben aerodrome, the two defendants and Marcus' brother, William, came to the aerodrome, where one of their aeroplanes was. They looked at their machine, and then went over to the caretaker, and complalned that their 'plane had been flown. Witness could hear most of the conversation. The caretaker told them that it was impossible for their machine to have been taken out. "Who do you think could have flown it? Adair or Power, or who?" the caretaker asked. Hearing his name mentioned, witness went over to the group. He said to the Brims, "I have been here all the week, and the machine has never been moved out of the hangar." Marcus Brims said to him, "You keep out of this; you are not included in the conversation. We do not know you, and we do not want to know you." Brimns, sen., then seized him by the throat, pushed him back, and threatened to punch him. He said, "Mr. Brims, you are an old man. I would not retaliate even if you did punch me." William Brims then came up, and punched witness in the face. He "let out" then, and made a "pretty good job" of William. While he was fighting with William, Marcus Brims came up behind him, and punched him in the back of the neck. He turned on Marcus then. After they were separated witness went back to the aeroplane on which he was working, and sat down. The three Brims came over and "slated' him. They said that his papers were not worth the paper on which they were written, that he was a pilot of the worst kind, and that the machine in which he was installing an engine was no good. Corroborative evidence was given. CASE FOR THE DEFENDANTS. Donald Brims said that Adair was formerly a pilot for the Brisbane Aircraft Co., which was composed of members of his family. While he was talking to the caretaker at the aerodrome Adair came towards him. He asked him to go away, but Adair stayed there. Witness put his hand on Adair's arm and pushed him away, telling him that the conversation had nothing to do with him. It was untrue to say that he had Adair by the throat. He had accused no one that day of having flown the comnpany's aeroplane. The company had lost petrol from the aerodrome, but did not blame anybody. They had lost other things there. Witness, in reply to Mr. Macnaughton, said that the members of his family were conscientious objectors. He had nothing against returned soldiers. The Brisbane Aircraft Company was not registered. It was intended to have the company registered. We are waiting for two parties to come into the company," said Witness. Marcus John Gordon Brims denied havlng struck Adair from behind. He said that his only object was to separate the fighters. He tried to get Adair away so that he and his brother and their father could discuss their business.

As previous, another report

AN AIRMAN'S THRILLS. Adair Gets Some on the Ground. BOX-ON AT THE AERODROME. AN airman's perils are not all encountered in the air, as Ronald Shafto Adair found, when invited to take a fly at the fistic game by certain members of the family of Brims, brimful of anger. ADAIR, so he says, bore himself mightily in the fray, and further sought compensation for his injured person and feelings, by summoning two of the Brims, Donald, the father, and Marcus, the son, before Mr. J. J. Leahy, Acting-P.M., on Monday, when he charged them with assault. There assembled at the court Adair, the Brims, and solicitors Lex Macnaughton, for Adair, and H. H. Stone of Stephens and Tozer, for the Brims. Adair told the Court that he was an air pilot, employed by Marconi and Dignum, of Bulimba. On November 10 Donald Gray Brims and his sons, Marcus and William, went to the Doomben Commonwealth Aerodrome, where lay housed their aeroplanes, "City of Brisbane" (a De H 9) and an Avro. They complained to the caretaker that one of their machines had been flown without their knowledge and consent while they were absent. "It cannot be," replied the caretaker. "Anyhow, who could it be, Parer, Adair, or Marconi?" Adair, who was working on an engine near by, hearing his name called, came over to the group. "I have been here all the week," he said to the Brims, "and no one has flown your aeroplane. The machine has not been moved from the hangar." Marcus Brims put in his say and advised Adair to keep out of the argument, as he was not included in the conversation. "We do not know you, nor do we wish to know you," he continued. The father now took a hand, so Adair alleges, seized him by the throat, pushed him back and made a threatening gesture with his fist. Adair says that he kept cool and refused to be enticed into starting an offensive against the old man. "You are an old man and I will not retaliate even if you do punch me," he said. Combat Starts. The son, William Brims, came up and struck Adair on the face, and this was the signal for combat. ln less time than it took Tunney to defeat Dempsey, Adair had blacked Willie Brim's two eves. Brother Marcus was watching with some concern the demolition of his brother Willie's beauty spots, until at last the lust of battle seized him, too, and he made a rear attack on Adair. Adair wheeled around and gave Marcus a full issue of biff, till the Brims brothers drew off, defeated and battered. Adair, so he told the magistrate, then went back to his work on the engine very little the worse for his encounter with the Brims. When the horrified Brims senior and his two sons had recovered somewhat from the treatment meted out, they moved to where Adair was working and endeavored to do with their tongues what they had failed to accomplish with their bare hands. They told Adair, so he asserts, that his pilot's certificates were not worth the paper they were written on, that as an air pilot he was of the worst kind, and that the machine on which he was at that moment exerting his energies was no good. Brims senior, so Adair said, accused him of wrecking a Brims machine when he was their pilot and said that at Lismore Adair had stood up on a soap box and boasted that he had brought down five German machines and chased three others. In answer to Mr. Stone, Adair said that he had recently been dismissed from the service of the Brims, and he thought the dismissal was wrong. He was now working for an opposition aircraft firm. Mr. Stone: "Did you know before this case came on that the Brims were conscientious objectors during the war?" Adair: "No, I did not." Continuing, Adair said that at one time he made a bad landing at Lismore in one of Brims' machines, but he denied that it cost over £ 200 to repair the damage. Andrew Lauchlan, a returned soldier and caretaker at the aerodrome, said that when the Brims approached him saying that someone had flown their machine he told them that this must be a mistake. Adair then came along and the Brims abused him and then assaulted him. While the argument was on Brims senior accused Adair of deliberately wrecking one of his machines. William King and John Balfe, who witnessed the argument and assault that followed, testified to that effect, and this closed Adair's case. Donald Gray Brims, an engineer, residing at Milton, and owner, together with his sons of the three-ply works in that suburb, said that while he was talking to the caretaker Adair came along and butted in. He told him to go away, but as he persisted in remaining he (Brims) put his hand on his shoulder and pushed him away. Picked Up a Hammer. He did not catch Adair by the throat, but being afraid that there would be foul play he picked up a hammer and held it in his hand. He had quarrelled with Adair before, but he had never accused him, or anyone else of flying his machine. Mr. Macnaughton rose to cross-examine. Have you anything against returned soldiers," he asked of Brims. — "No I have not." "Were you a conscientious objector during the war?" "I was and so was my family," replied Brims, "but we were not against fighting for our country by scientific methods." Mr. Macnaughton: "With the Bible I suppose." Continuing Brims said that there was no doubt in his mind that one of his machines had been flown shortly before November 10. Marcus Brims denied that he had hit Adair, but he certainly did try to separate him from Willie Brims. He did not know why Adair should say that he had struck him. The Acting P.M. convicted both Donald Gray Brims and son Marcus Donald was ordered to pay, £1/13/3 costs, and Marcus a fine of 10/ and £1/13/3 costs. In default in each case they were ordered to be imprisoned for seven days.

1927

1927 02

XQA obtains his electric crane driver ticket

ENGINE DRIVERS' EXAMINATION. The following is a list of candidates, in order of merit, who have been successful in their examinations for certificates of competency as engine-drivers of the different classes under "The Inspection of Machinery Acts of 1915-1925":— Brisbane: Engineer, W. H. Martin and G. I. Matthews; provisional third, D. Garvie; electric crane driver, M. J. G. Brims and C. McLauchIan; electric hoist driver, J. E. A. Simpson. Chillagoe: Second class, R. Jones. Clermont: Restricted, T. J. Heard. Bowen: First class, J. W. Hough; third class. W. McNaughton, A. E. Laughton, T. W. Lavercombe, and F. G. Stuart. Rockhampton: Electric crane driver. W. J. Hewitt. Warwick: Third class, N. W. James, H. G. Bennett and J. Wilkinson.

1929

1929 03

XQA dissolves his partnership with Joseph Lobwein in Lobolite Co.

FOR ADVERTISING. . . . Please take notice the PARTNERSHIP of Mr. Marcus John Gordon Brims and Mr. Joseph Lobwein, trading as "Lobolite Co.", has, on the ninth day of March, been DISSOLVED. The business in future will be conducted by Mr. Joseph Lobwein. All moneys owing to Lobolite Co. will be paid to Mr. Marcus John Gordon Brims, c/o Messrs. Robinson & Jolly, Public Accountants.— Yours faithfully, M. J. G. BRIMS, JOSEPH LOBWEIN. Witness: J. W. HAMMOND.

1929 06

XQA joins the RACQ

RACQ NOTES. . . . Fifty New Members. The following new members were elected to the club during the week:— Mr. J. Anderson, Dr. G. B. Battaglia, Mr. M. J. G. Brims, . . .

1930s

1930

1930 07

XQA's family company in minority opposing establishment of a plywood pool

PLYWOOD. PROPOSED POOL. CONFLICTING OPINIONS. All previous witnesses giving evidence before the Plywood Committee strongly supported the creation of a pool to stabilise prices and quality. Yesterday Mr. J. W. Hammond expressed a contrary view. The committee was formed to consider whether a pool should be established in order to stabilise the industry. The members of the committee are: Messrs. E. H. F. Swain (chairman of the Forestry Board), R. H. Bentley, G. Nutting, T. Lawton, C. Sheehy, and C. J. Povey. Mr. J. E. Christoe, a director of the Manumbar Timber Coy., gave further evidence as to prices. Mr. P. A. Evans, of the British Australian Timber Coy., Ltd., which is a distributor of plywood in Sydney, said that Queensland pine was the cheapest plywood in Sydney, and had no competition. Owing to depression in the building trade the demand was at present below normal. Owing to a falling off in quality other materials were often substituted for plywood. The formation of a plywood pool would not be against the interests of the Sydney market, in fact the stabilisation of prices would be appreciated. Mr. F. O. Nixon, secretary of the British Timber Merchants' Association and of the Queensland Plywood Traders' Association, said he considered a plywood pool was essential to the industry. Buyers in the Southern States would appreciate the stabilising of prices. The instability of prices had made the buyers antagonistic to Queensland manufacturers. The market for plywood had never been properly exploited. The general public knew very little of the advantages of plywood. A big advantage of a pool would be that it would standardise quality. The Sydney market had been spoiled by inferior quality. On the Sydney market an Increase of 2/ in price would not be objected to if the quality were standardised. OPPOSITION TO POOLING. Mr. J. W. Hammond, speaking on behalf of Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd., opposed the proposed pool on the ground that it was unsound, and a violation of the rights of the subject. The policy of his company was to produce an article of the highest quality, and by maintaining a reasonable price popularise the use of plywood. The present position of the industry, so far as his firm was concerned, was quite satisfactory, although a trade depression existed. His firm was working full time, and had difficulty in coping with orders. The inferior quality of some of the plywood placed on the market had injured the industry. It was essential that a high standard of quality should be maintained. Mr. Swain: That can only be achieved by means of a pool. Your evidence, like that of previous witnesses, provides a strong argument for the pool, whose object was the stabilisation of both prices and quality. The inquiry was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

1930 10

XQA departs on a four month trip to North America

PERSONAL. . . . Mr. M. J. G. Brims, manager D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd., has left on a business trip to the United States of America and Canada, and will be absent about four months.

1931

1931 09

XQA in a letter to the editor criticises Qld government sale of Qld walnut logs to America

QUEENSLAND TIMBERS. Sir,— I read in this morning's "Courier" of a contract having been finalised by the Queensland Forest Service for the sale of one million super. feet of Queensland walnut logs to an American buyer. Having recently returned from America, where I had an opportunity of summing up the walnut position, and from my investigations consider the policy of selling log timbers instead of veneers is totally wrong and unwarranted. The announcement would give the uninitiated the impression that a national good had been done, but a reflection on what has actually transpired will prove a horse of quite a different colour. The f.o.b. purchase price of the million parcel is given as £12,000, if this were converted into sliced veneers it would be easily worth £60,000, and just as readily saleable; so why hurry in depleting our national assets by such methods? Far better for the administration to offer encouragement and, if necessary, financial assistance to treat the timber in Queensland, thereby creating employment and swelling the national wealth. — I am, sir, &c., MARCUS BRIMS. Brisbane, August 22.

As previous, another perspective

QUEENSLAND TIMBERS. Sir,— I have read with very great interest Mr. Marcus Brims' letter on the recent forestry sale of walnut logs to America, and whilst realising that incoming money from anywhere is very necessary to Australia at the present time, I am compelled to share his regrets that so much log timber is to go overseas when the veneering thereof would provide so much additional employment for Queenslanders. I was advised when in the North of Queensland, some time ago, that the forestry officer there was very anxious to have walnut and other log timbers dealt with in Australia rather than ship them overseas, but it seemed that he was compelled to promptly clear some lands of marketable timbers to enable such lands to be selected for dairy farms, and as the Queensland veneering industry is not yet sufficiently large to absorb more than a very small percentage of the timbers, rather than allow them to be destroyed to make way for grass he is compelled to look elsewhere for markets. I am anything but certain that the policy of destroying timbers to convert lands for dairying is a good one, in view of the fact that the greater the output of butter the greater will be the cost of this commodity, to the Queensland consumers by way of subsidy on increased oversea shipments or the smaller price the dairyman will have to accept, and I believe he is in pretty low water in North Queensland now. If the veneering industry in Australia can absorb in a comparatively small time logs now going overseas, without a doubt the shipment of log timber should be curtailed. But can it?— I am, sir, &c., "NORTHERNER." September 1.

As previous, yet another perspective

THE VENEER INDUSTRY. Sir,— Many people will agree with Mr. M. Brims, who deplores the recent sale of 1,000,000 superficial feet of walnut logs to America for the production of veneer, instead of the product of these logs being shipped in the form of veneer produced in our own State. With the knowledge which Mr. Brims possesses, it is a pity that he did not inform your readers more fully as to the reason why the plywood and veneer industry is not well enough organised and controlled to be in a position to command the sale abroad of veneers of our valuable timbers, instead of in the form of logs. As the pioneer manufacturer of veneer and plywood in Queensland, I claim to be able to diagnose the malady from which this industry has suffered, a task which Mr. Brims could well have undertaken, as he must know the facts. They are these: Owing to the action of a very small minority of plywood manufacturers in refusing to co-operate in measures having for their object the development of the industry on a large scale so as to secure not only the entire trade of the Commonwealth, but also the creation of a large export trade, the plywood trade in Queensland has been struggling along, selling its pioduct at unprofitable prices. The Commonwealth Government to its credit, has enacted a protective tariff which has fortified the industry against the dumping of foreign plywoods and veneers; but the same factors which have made it necessary to curb the business destroying minorities in such industries as those of butter, eggs, sugar, &c., obtruded themselves into the plywood industry. As a result, a committee was formed to investigate the desirability of creating a pool, and after taking evidence and assisted by the Queensland Forest Service and other Government departments, recommended the formation of a pool which was destined to build up the industry. Strangely enough, the small minority successfully opposed the creation of this pool, which had great possibilities for the creation of employment, and enlarged plants which would have enabled the million feet of logs to which Mr. Brims has referred, and more besides, to be shipped abroad in the form of veneers. Had this pool been created there would have been no necessity for holders of log timber to ship abroad in the form of logs — the unique character of our wonderful cabinet timbers being such as to command a world-wide demand for them in the form of veneers which as Mr. Brims agrees, means so much more employment in our own State.— I am, sir, &c., J. McG. WILLIAMS, Managing Director, Canadian Plywood Co., Ltd. Brisbane, September 3.

1931 10

XQA attends a function promoting Australian butter

Butter Exports. NEW STYLE BOX AND BRAND. Trial Shipment by Jervis Bay. "Ten thousand British shops have exhibited Australian butter in special window displays. The campaign conducted in London and the provinces has been well organised, and is being well sustained. Propaganda and publicity combine to tell the world that Australian butter is the best and available to the British housewife at keen and competitive prices." — Mr. J. Macfarlane, Dairy Products, Co-operative Co., Ltd., at the shipping of trial consignment of butler in new style boxes carrying coloured design on Monday morning at the Hamilton Wharf. The party assembled to watch the first shipment under the new advertising scheme comprised Messrs. J. J. McMillan (Commonwealth Dairy Branch), C. McGrath (Dairy Experl. Department of Agriculture), G. H. Hecks (Department of Agriculture), F. W. Uhlmann (manager Caboolture Co-operative Dairy Association), F. J. Dobson (chairman Caboolture Dairy Association), Col. F. M. O'Donnell (manager Hamilton Cold Stores), Marcus Brims and J. W. Hammond (Brims and Sons), S. V. Jones (Aberdeen-Commonwealth Line), and Mr. J. Macfarlane. . . .

1932

1932 04

The Brims brothers attend a social function

SOCIAL AFTERNOON. To welcome her partner, Miss G. Whitworth, who has joined the teaching staff of the Leumeah High School as co-prlncipal with Mrs. R. E. Dargen, the latter gave an at home at the school yesterday afternoon, which afforded the mothers of the pupils an opportunity to meet her. Bowls of zinnias and roses decorated the music room, in which the gathering took place. Mrs. R. E. Dargen introduced Miss Whitworth, who, she explained, had had extensive experience in teaching in Victoria, New South Wales, and in Queensland. Miss Whitworth also addressed the gathering. Those present included Mesdames Abercrombie, F. W. Brims, Marcus Brims, S. Burnell, H. V. Barnes, W. Bates, Fullarton, P. M. Hamilton, A. A. Mills, Maddocks, Prudence, Redfern, Smith, Stevens, Turton, and Watkins, Misses Jean Barlow, Maddocks, and Middleton.

1932 05

Commentary on Qld walnut timber trade

CHARGES REFUTED. "The statements contained in the cablegram may have been true two years ago regarding the despatch of defective material, but not so far as the issue of wrong certificates was concerned," declared the Chairman of the Forestry Board (Mr. E. H. F. Swain) last night. As the result of the brisk demand for walnut from the United States of America in 1928 all and sundry engaged in the trade, and logs were despatched which were the product of trees which had been ringbarked and burnt in the clearing of selected lands and borers had already infected them. The Forestry Board then undertook to inspect the logs and issue certificates. During the past two years the traders had learnt to be more careful in supplying logs, and in understanding what America needed. As the result America was getting the pick of the walnut logs, and, indeed, traders had gone to the opposite extreme pictured by the cablegram. At present the walnut trade in the North was excellent, and considerable consignments had been despatched. At a recent sale the Forestry Service had arranged for a million superficial feet of walnut logs for delivery during the year from the Palmerston area.

1932 09

One of the XQA family businesses Four-One Box Co. of Australia affected by the hoop pine butter taint problem

HOOP PINE BOXES AND BUTTER TAINT. HUNDREDS CONDEMNED BY C'WEALTH GRADERS. NEW DEVELOPMENT. BRISBANE, Thursday. Although the controversy over the use of Queensland hoop pine was stemmed by the announcement last week that the Federal Government intended to place no embargo on the use of the timber fresh agitation has arisen among the suppliers of these boxes in Brisbane through the condemning of several consignments. THE millers have had to replace these condemned boxes at their own expense. On Tuesday a consignment of 400 hoop pine boxes was condemned by the Commonwealth graders in Brisbane, and the suppliers, James Cossart and Sons, of Boonah, sent 400 boxes of New Zealand white pine to Brisbane today to replace them. Mr. S. Cossart, a member of the firm, said that since the controversy had arisen last week between 700 and 1000 boxes which his firm had supplied had been condemned. "As a result of that we have had to dismiss 20 men from our mill," Mr. Cossart added. "We cannot continue to use the hoop pine if the boxes are to be condemned like this. Moreover, we have stopped receiving supplies of the logs. We have fair supplies on hand, but we also have the New Zealand pine, with which we must replace the hoop pine." Another supplier, the Four-One Box Co. of Australia, operated by Mr. D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd., also has had boxes condemned. Mr. Marcus Brims said that in the last fortnight 800 boxes from his company had been rejected by the graders. They had to be replaced by North Queensland kauri pine. "The Commonwealth graders have extreme powers," said Mr. J. H. Hancock, managing director of Hancock and Gore, Ltd., who also had about 150 boxes condemned. "The trouble is that the graders examine only about two boxes in every 40, and if these are thought to be tainted the whole 40 are condemned." INQUIRY TO BE MADE. The Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Bulcock) affirmed tonight that the Brisbane Timber Merchants' Association had sent a letter to the Timber Advisory Committee, requesting this committee to make an investigation of the taint problem. This letter, he said, had been sent to him, and the timber merchants had further been In touch with the Premier. The Government now proposed to make the fullest possible inquiry.

1933

1933 03

Overview of Qld plywood and veneer industry mentioning XQA's family business historical position

Veneers and Plywoods from Queensland. By P. J. Nally. RIGHT down through all the ages from the time of the Pharaohs to the present period there has been a very decided vogue for veneers and plywoods, more especially the former, for the embellishment of all kinds of fancy furniture and cabinet work. The early Egyptians were the first, according to historical records, to use certain fancy figured and grained timbers for this purpose, and ample evidence of this fact is forthcoming by the many beautiful samples now on view in the leading museums of the world and also through the recent excavations in the tombs of the Pharaohs. Then, again, at different periods in the history of the Continental countries of Europe (France, Italy, and Germany, in particular) during the Norman, Tudor, and Victorian periods in England, and for many centuries in Japan, the use of veneers was very popular indeed in connection with the manufacture of furniture and cabinet work. GENERALLY speaking, various kinds of fancy timbers were used for this purpose, but in the East shells and gems were more generally used. As time went on the idea was taken up in other parts of the world, and in the United States of America it was not long before it assumed immense proportions. Today it is one of the biggest branches of the timber industry in that country, and many hundreds of millions of square feet of veneer and plywoods are now manufactured annually. It is less than twenty years since the idea was first adopted in Australia. It is claimed that Mr. J. McG. Williams, of the Deshon Wood Veneer Mills, Woollongabba, was the pioneer of this industry in Australia. At first he operated in Melbourne, but later went to Brisbane, where he has operated more or less continuously ever since. The late Mr. Booth next engaged in the business, and carried on successfully for a number of years. Then Mr. D. G. Brims established a mill at Milton, and met with such success that he eventually transferred his operations to Yeerongpilly, where he and his sons have built up a big concern during the past few years. AT the present time there are in operation in Queensland alone eleven veneer and plywood mills, most of which are kept busily employed supplying the everincreasing demand for this class of timber. Of the number mentioned above, nine of them are mainly plywood mills, while the two others devote the whole of their attention to the making of veneers only. At the inception of the industry in Australia it was an extraordinarily pro-fitable concern; so much so, indeed, that as much as 35/- to 37/6 was obtained whole-sale for every 100 square feet of rotary-cut 3-16th inch pine plywood turned out by the mills. Keen competition — and, of course, the prevailing depression — have been responsible for the drop in today's values. The ruling price at the moment is 12/6 per 100 square feet, and for fancy figured sliced and semi-sliced walnut bean or maple silkwood veneers from 45/-to 50/- per 100 square feet, while plain pine veneers can be obtained at from 4/-to 5/- per 100 square feet. It is anticipated that the consummation of the proposal by the Queensland Government to create a pool will have the effect of making the industry more stable than it is at present so far as prices are concerned, at any rate. AS an evidence of what this branch of the timber industry represents to Queensland annually, nearly 13,000,000 square feet of plywoods and veneers were manufactured by the various mills during 1930-31. Last year's production (1931-1932) is expected to be about 26,000,000 square feet. Large quantities of plywood and veneer are exported to all the Australian States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America every year. The two last-named countries, however, buy more extensively of the log timber, stumps, and crotches, and make their own veneers and plywoods therefrom. In this respect millions of superficial feet of fancy timbers in the log are exported from Queensland every year. Quite a number of the Queensland timbers lend themselves admirably to the making of fancy veneers, the unique figuring, graining, and texture rendering it possible to create some very effective designs and mosaics. Not only can these veneers and plywoods be used in connection with the manufacture of the most beautiful creations in furniture and cabinet-work, but they can also be just as effectively used for the interior beautification of public offices and private homes. In quite a number of the public buildings throughout all the States of the Commonwealth, New Zealand, England, Ireland, and Scotland, and the United States of America veneers made from Queensland fancy timbers have been extensively used for panelling and other indoor fixtures. There is almost no limit to the number of woods that Queensland possesses in immense quantities that can be utilised for the making of veneers and plywoods.