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

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.

1934

1934 03

XQA selling his property at Milton

WITHDRAWN FROM SALE. . . . I Hereby withdraw my house at Wight Street, Milton, from sale from all agents with exception of Ray White. Marcus Brims.

XQA's Milton property listed for auction

BY AUCTION. . . . On the ground, WIGHT STREET - MILTON. 3 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 24th. Account Marcus Brims, Esq. Particularly fine home, 1 minute from tram, 3 bedrooms, dining room, drawing room, breakfast room, gas stove, well appointed bathroom, sleepout veranda, garage and laundry. 45 perches, double septic system, very nicely painted and panelled throughout. Arrange prior inspection with RAY WHITE, Auctioneer, next G.P.O. 'Phone B6882.

XQA speaks out on the proposed Qld plywood pool

"WILL IMPERIL INDUSTRY." Proposed Plywood Control Firm's Protest. Referring to the report in "The Telegraph" that the State Government proposed to appoint a board to control the Queensland plywood and veneer industry, Mr. Marcus J. G. Brims, of D. G. Brims and Son Pty., Ltd., said that, as the largest firm engaged in the manufacture of plywood in the Southern Hemisphere, they wished to protest most emphatically against this interference by the Government in an industry which has been successfully developed in Queensland and which, in the firm's opinion, will be jeopardised if the proposed marketing hoard comes into existence. "That the industry is being successfully developed," said Mr. Brims, "here is shown by the figures quoted by the Minister for Agriculture. He points out that at present over 400 hands are employed in the industry, with a total pay roll of £1,600 per week, and in addition to this, work is afforded to men engaged in cutting, hauling, loading, railage, cartage and shifting. This industry has been won for Queensland at the expense of mills in other States. Prior to the development of the industry in Queensland all our supplies came from the South. We have not only supplied our home market; but have sold many millions of feet of Queensland manufactured plywood to the southern States. This has been accomplished free from any Government control. PRICE FIXING DANGER. "If effect is given to the proposal, and a marketing board created, it undoubtedly will mean the first step towards the ruination of the industry in Queensland. The only move such a board could make would be artificially to raise the selling price of plywood. The moment this was done it would mean the reawakening of competition from southern mills which would quickly capture our trade. "By the introduction of the most modern machinery known to the industry and by using the most up-to-date methods in manufacture we have been able to develop this industry in Queensland, and now, at one swoop, the Minister proposes to negative all that by fixing a price at which plywood shall be sold, bringing the whole industry down to the level of the least efficient factory. "BRING STAGNATION." "We can think of no surer way to cripple the plywood industry in Queensland than this. Instead of increasing employment as stated by the Minister, it will throw many more Queenslanders out of work, it will bring stagnation to a trade which has been won for this State by the expenditure of much capital and effort, it will throw our pine growing and supplying industry into chaos, it will rob our railways of valuable carriage and hand to the southern factories an industry which has been won at great cost for Queensland. For these reasons we protest against the introduction of the board and trust the Government will pause and consider before taking steps which will have such far-reaching effects. "All the industry wants is to be left alone to work out its own progress, unhindered and unhampered by the dead hand of Government control."

XQA finds an anonymous supporter in a letter to the editor over the establishment of a Qld plywood pool

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. . . . "BRIGHTER TIMBER TRADE" SIR,— Mr. Brims and his firm are to be congratulated on the stand they have taken all through regarding the creation of a pool to control plywood. Right from the beginning of this move to create a pool, under the name of a marketing board to avoid a breach of the Federal Constitution they have taken a firm stand, have been cajoled, harassed, and threatened, but their principles of clean, sound, and efficient business as manufacturers of plywood and veneers have maintained, and, being genuine Queenslanders interested in the welfare of their State, they do not wish to see another burden laid on the shoulders of the tax payers and the workers. Only by a rise in the price to local consumers can the operations of the board be successful in holding an inter-State market which exists by virtue of lower prices. Taking the present brilliant scheme of inter-State trade being carried on in sawn timber as a basis of what constitutes sound trading, and the monopolistic character of the operations of the board controlling it, it makes one shudder to contemplate what will happen when this last remaining branch of the timber industry passes into the hands of the monopolists and competition is eliminated. As John Stuart Mill says, "where competition is not, monopoly is." One reads in the local Press under the caption, "Brighter Timber Trade," that during February, 6,181,714 super feet of Queensland pine was marketed. Easily one half of this will be claimed for trade in sawn timber to other States and will bear a 6s. per 100 s. ft. rebate, or, as the Forestry Department, avoiding constitutional entanglements, expresses it, will be supplied at a reduced royalty representing a loss to Queensland in revenue of nearly £10,000 to cater for this wonderful inter-State trade which assists the Minister for Lands to make the sweeping statement regarding the "brighter timber trade." The Minister for Lands refers to a corresponding increase in revenue, notwithstanding the reductions which have been made in royalty charges, &c. The 6s. per 100 super. feet bounty to the inner circle of sawmillers is the only resemblance to a reduction, but does he take into consideration the competitive spirit engendered by his Forestry Department amongst timber getters, forcing them to carry out the work of felling, hauling, and loading at prices which do not return to them the equivalent of relief work wages? Revenue will cer-tainly show an increase by what is being taken out of their hides.— Yours, &c.„ QUEENSLANDER.

XQA's opposition to establishment of plywood pool is attacked in a letter to the editor on basis of their dominance

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. . . . PLYWOOD INDUSTRY SIR,— To anyone acquainted with the Queensland plywood industry Mr. Marcus J. G. Brims' remarks in your issue of 17th instant would be humorous if it were not for the lamentable history of this industry. For instance, Mr. Marcus J. G. Brims states that "plywood business has been won from other," but does not mention that this was achieved at the expense of industrial wreckage that, considering the number in the industry, is probably without a world parallel. Between the years of 1914-1918 Mr. Marcus Brims and his two brothers — three active able young men — took full advantage of a wonderful opportunity to securely entrench themselves in the plywood industry when more enterprising spirits were employed in (missing text). In 1920 there were twelve plants manufacturing plywood in Australia, chiefly in Queensland. Of these only two of the original organisations are still operating. In the intervening years eight organisations have come into and retired from the industry chiefly owing to heavy losses. Would Mr. Marcus J. G. Brims say if he considers this a desirable record for any industry? Mr. Marcus J. G. Brims states the "industry wants to be left alone," but it would be interesting to know on what grounds that gentleman claims the right to voice the views of the industry as all the other Queensland manufacturers supported the petition to the Government for a Marketing Board which incidentally, contrary to Mr. Brims' statement, does not mean Government control, but control of the industry by a board on which provision has been made to give every manufacturer representation, with two (only) Government representatives to watch the interests of the public. Does Mr. Marcus J. G. Brims think this body of manufacturers is going to deliberately ruin an industry in which they have £300,000 invested? — Yours, &c., STAN P. Y. WOODS.

XQA pulls no punches in his assessment of the proposed Qld plywood pool

PLYWOOD POOL. "Will Ruin The Industry." Mr. Marcus Brims Hits Out. "Government the Tool of Vested Interests." Is the Government proposal to establish a plywood pool fair and equitable? Mr. Marcus Brims, the biggest plywood manufacturer in the State says it is not. He asserts that the Government is moving at the behest of vested interests who are trying to create a monopolistic control. "The effect of this pool will be to deprive me of markets that I have legitimately won in the light of fierce competition, and to give those markets to interests which have either lagged behind, or have just thought of entering the plywood business because they have known that a pool is to be created. "They are virtually coming into the thing with a ready made outlet for their product . . an outlet created at our expense." "The Moore Government was asked to establish a pool of this nature," said Mr. Brims. "It refused to do so because such a pool would interfere with the channels of legitimate business. But I am sorry to say that the present Government seems to have been unduly influenced by certain vested interests." Mr. Brims took the writer to two plywood mills which have been inoperative for many months. They were closed and there was no sign of activity about them. "Those mills," said Mr. Brims, "will be given a quota to supply 2,500,000 feet of plywood to the pool. They have not turned a wheel for months. Yet since the pool has been mooted certain interests have acquired options over those mills. What will happen, of course, is that the pool will inevitably adopt the quota system and these mills will be allotted their share. "Those quotas of course will be given at the expense of my company which turns out three times as much plywood as any other concern operating in Queensland today. Mr. Bulcock, the Minister for Agriculture, made the statement that all other concerns favoured the plywood pool and that we were the only interests opposing it. Mr. Bulcock did not take pains to mention the fact that our production last year was 9,226,000 feet, while the ABC of Statistics for Australia quoted the total output of Queensland at 17,000,000 feet. I know that a figure of 32,000,000 feet has been quoted by the Plywood Manufacturers' Association, but as much reliance can be placed on that figure as can be placed on the production costs which various manufacturers submitted to the board of inquiry which the Moore Government set up to deal with the question of a pool. HIGH FINANCE. "At that inquiry manufacturers quoted actual production costs at figures varying from 4s. 9d. to 13s. per 100 feet. That was alleged to be the basic cost. Yet at the time those figures were tendered each of those concerns was selling thousands upon thousands of feet in the open market at 11s. 6d. per 100. That is what I call high finance. "We have been told that the manufacturers will be given control of the pool. Now the manufacturers themselves have already discussed a quota system and in that system my company has been privileged to be offered a quota of 6,500,000 feet (which I refused to accept and it was afterwards increased by A mere 500,000 feet), other concerns which have been in plywood plants because of inside information that something like this was to transpire were allotted quotas as high as 3,500,000 feet. One concern which has been lying idle for months and which is on a property overgrown with weeds was allotted a parcel of 2,500,000 feet. Before that quota was allotted the property was useless. As soon as the quota was granted an option was secured over the defunct property. INTERFERE WITH TRADE. "If this pool is established it will drastically interfere with the proper avenues of trade. Under the system under which we have built up our business we have turned out the best plywood on the market. It has commanded the respect of the trade. Now that business will be taken from us and given to other manufacturers who can not approach our standards of quality. Already there are whispers, too, of increased prices. If the prices go up and the pool is established the industry will soon be in a bad way, for Southern competition is being marshalled against us. And since about 90 per cent of the Queensland plywood output goes South, it is not difficult to visualise what will happen if Queensland prices go up and Queensland quality is allowed to deteriorate. The industry will be ruined. "USED AS A TOOL." "If it is ruined the blame will lie with the members of the present Government who have allowed themselves to be used as a tool by certain vested interests in the plywood industry. "There is also the menace of the introduction in the South of timbers which can be landed there 3s. per 100 cheaper than Queensland hoop pine can be landed in the Brisbane mills. If that imported timber is allowed to get a hold of the Southern plywood market, the Queensland hoop pine plywood industry will again be faced with a crisis. "Plywood is a young industry in Queensland. It has a future, if left to go its own way and develop along legitimate channels. But this tampering with the industry, this perpetual Government interference will inevitably ruin it."

XQA's firm donated plywood for the City Hall

GIFT OF PLYWOOD FOR CITY HALL SOUNDING BOARD. Cost of Construction Shared. "The Telegraph" Helps Eisteddfod. At last, after years of advocacy," a properly constructed and easily movable sounding board is to be erected over one section of the choir seats for the coming Eisteddfod at Easter. It was only after long consultation with the Town Clerk (Mr. S. E. Travill) that the sounding board appeared to be an accomplished fact. Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons Ltd., came forward with an offer of 600 square feet of plywood for the structure. But the civic authorities could not see their way clear to accept this gift and construct the sounding board at their expense. It was only after "The Telegraph" Newspaper Company, and the Brisbane Eisteddfod Committee had each offered to pay one-third of the cost of erection, that Mr. Travill undertook, on behalf of the City Council to pay the remaining third of the cost. This sounding board will be made of ¼-inch plywood, which will cover in the back and top of the choir platform completely. It will be eight feet high at the top rear seats, and will be carried forward at an upward angle which should ensure the best possible results. The sounding board will be made in sections so that it can be easily taken down and moved from the hall when not required. It will be painted in order to match the general colour scheme of the hall and platform. At the moment a calico awning lined with flags, which gives the stage a gala appearance, is suspended over one section of the choir seats. That awning was tested out on Monday night last and, while it showed an appreciable improvement to the acoustic qualities of the hall, it was agreed by the committee that a properly constructed plywood structure, in which the wood was not so sound absorbent as the calico would, possibly give even better results. The calico awning which has since been decorated with flags will remain in position until the plywood sounding board is erected on the other half of the platform. The eisteddfod committee will then decide whether the calico will be removed, or left until Sunday week, when a grand massed choral service will be held in the hall, at which a choir of over 500 voices will be heard.

XQA clarifies earlier figures

PLYWOOD POOL. Figures Quoted by Mr. Brims. The State's Output. "In my statement on the plywood pool yesterday," said Mr. Marcus Brims today, "a misconception may occur as to the production figures quoted by me. The 17,000,000 feet output for Queensland quoted from the ABC of Statistics was for the financial year 1931-32. The 32,000,000 feet in question was an estimate by the manufacturers for the year 1933. We contend that that figure is grossly in excess of the real figure, which is not greater than 25,000,000. So that we can claim to at least 33 1/3 per cent of the total output of the State. "Another point which I would like to make a little clearer is that in the evidence which the manufacturers gave before the committee of inquiry set up by the Moore Government, the actual production costs per 100 feet were quoted, as from 14s. 9d. to 13s„ and not 4s. 9d. to 13s. as appeared in 'The Telegraph.' These figures were quoted for standard 3/16 inch plywood and the ruling rates in the open market for that class of plywood from these same manufacturers at that time was 12s., and even at that price some discounts were allowed by some firms. Manufacturers who can make plywood at a basic cost of 14s. 9d. per 100 feet, and sell thousands upon thousands of feet of it at 12s. per 100, and make a profit, can certainly lay claim to be called high financiers."

XQA home auction imminent

BY AUCTION — ON THE GROUND, SATURDAY NEXT, 3 p.m., MAGNIFICENT HOME, 22 WIGHT ST. — MILTON. The home of Marcus Brims Esq., 1 minute from tram, containing 3 bedrooms, dining, drawing, and breakfast rooms, Gas stove, neat bathroom, sleep out, double septic system, garage, laundry, tastefully painted and panelled throughout. Charming appearance, 45 perches. . . . RAY WHITE, Auctioneer next G.P.O., 'Phone B6882.

XQA home sells at auction

SOLD BY AUCTION. Mr. Marcus J. Brims' Home. Mr. Marcus J. Brims's fine house, situated in Wight Street, Milton, was sold at public auction on Saturday to Mr. H. W. Wright, late of Julia Creek, North Queensland, for a satisfactory cash figure. Ray White, auctioneer, next to the G.P.O., Brisbane, reports that there was an unusually large attendance at this sale, which attracted much attention.

1934 04

XQA's father's protest about the proposed Qld plywood pool not officially recognised

PLYWOOD POOL. Objection Or Protest? Mr. M. J. G. Brims, manager for D. G. Brims and Sons Pty., Ltd., writes: Under the headings, "Plywood Pool. No Objections Raised," the following paragraph appeared in the Courier-Mail on Tuesday: "No objection has been raised to the formation of a plywood and veneer pool. The Government will now proceed with the formal constitution of the pool and the appointment of a pool board." I wish to point out that this statement is entirely incorrect. As stated in the second paragraph of your note on the matter, the time limit of one month during which any petition in opposition to the project might be presented, did not expire until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 23. The facts are, that before 4 p.m. on that day, one hour before the expiry of the time limit, a petition was lodged with the private secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Stock, by a leading firm of solicitors in Brisbane, on behalf of a section of the industry which is opposed to the formation of the pool. The statement made by the Acting Under-Secretary is, therefore, entirely at variance with the facts of the case. The protest which has been lodged sets out very freely the harm which the formation of the proposed pool would do to the whole plywood and veneer industry of Queensland, and to other allied industries. It furthers points out that business which has been won for Queensland at the expense of much time, thought, and money, will be lost to this State if such a pool is brought into being. (The information published in The Courier Mail was officially supplied. The acting Under-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Stock (Mr. R. P. M. Short) said yesterday that a letter was received from Mr. D. G. Brims raising general objections to the proposed plywood pool. The letter, however, was only a personal protest. It was not a petition, as was required by the Primary Producers' Organisation and Marketing Act, nor was it signed by 25 per cent of the plywood manufacturers, which would be necessary if it were to comply with the Act.)

As previous, confirmation from the Minister

PLYWOOD-VENEER POOL. Organisation To Proceed. The Minister for Agriculture and Stock (Mr. F. W. Bulcock) said on his return from Canberra yesterday that he intended to proceed with the establishment of a plywood and veneer pool. He said that there had been some suggestion by Mr. M. J. G. Brims, manager for D. G. Brims and Sons, Pty., Ltd., that his objection to the proposed pool had been overlooked. He (Mr. Bulcock) had made inquiries, and had found that Mr. Brims certainly left a letter with the Minister's private secretary voicing certain objections to the formation of a plywood and veneer pool. By no conceivable stretch of imagination could this letter be regarded as a petition for the taking of a poll of producers in the industry within the meaning of the Primary Producers Organisation and Marketing Act. Even if the letter had been designed as a petition for the taking of a poll it would still be ineffective, as the required percentage of signatures had not been obtained.

1934 05

Qld plywood pool is established, XQA family company declines to participate on the board

PLYWOOD BOARD CONSTITUTED. Nine Companies Represented. Representatives of nine of the 10 plywood and veneer manufacturers are included in the Plywood and Veneer Board, which was constituted by the Governor in Council yesterday. It was intended originally that the board should have one representative from each of the 10 companies. However, Mr. J. G. Brims, of D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd., who was a member of the deputation which asked the Government to establish the pool, later withdrew his support, protested against the pool proposal, and refused to accept nomination for the board. Notice of intention to constitute a plywood and veneer board was issued on March 22, and a petition was invited on the question of the setting up or otherwise of such a board, to be lodged by April 23. No petition was received, and executive approval had been given to the issue of an Order in Council formally constituting a Plywood and Veneer Board for one year, as from the date of the order. The order provides for the declaration of all plywood and veneer produced in Queensland south of the 23rd degree of south latitude to be commodities under Primary Producers' Organisation and Marketing Acts. It provides for the constitution of a marketing board, consisting of 10 elected representatives of the growers, together with the Director of Marketing, or a deputy appointed by the Minister, and an officer of the Forestry Department. The members except the Director of Marketing or his deputy, and the forestry officer, are to be elected annually. The commodities will be vested in the board as the owners. The board will have authority to acquire and allocate raw material (including timber) required by producers, and will receive and allocate to the producers, on a quota basis, as decided by the board, all orders for the supply of plywood and veneer, and shall control the marketing. The board will also control the appointment of agents in Queensland, the Commonwealth, and in other countries, and determine their remuneration.

1934 06

XQA visits his old home town of Mareeba to acquire timbers

MAREEBA NEWS. . . . ADVANCEMENT OF MAREEBA. Mr. Marcus Brim, second son of Mr. D. G. Brim, one time owner of the business now known as the Mareeba Electric Joinery Works, was a visitor to Mareeba this week, after an absence of 20 years. Messrs. Brim and Sons have made remarkable advancement since leaving the north, and now conduct three flourishing timber businesses in Brisbane, and Mr. Marcus Brim's visit to the North is chiefly in connection with the purchase of timbers for his factories. Old Mareeba residents will remember this visitor, who, when a boy aged 15, with his younger brother aged 13, erected the Church of England at Mareeba, their services being voluntary. Mr. Brim expressed amazement at the advancement of Mareeba, both in the business line and residential section, and he was extremely sorry that he could not visit the many tobacco centres to witness the advancement and growth of the district since the days when he knew it so well. Mr. Brim returned to Cairns on Friday, en route to Brisbane.

1934 07

Work injury at the XQA family business

Casualties. FELL ON SAW. Charles McLaughlan, of Warrigal Road, Runcorn, fell across a bench and came in contact with a saw while working at D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd., sawmillers, Yeerongpilly, yesterday afternoon. He was treated by ambulance bearers for a severely lacerated left shoulder and left ankle and shock, and was taken to the Mater Public Hospital. . . .

1934 11

Qld death registration for XQA's father Donald Gray Brims

• Qld BDM
• Death registration: Donald Gray Brims
• Death date: 26/11/1934
• Mother's name: Jane Gray
• Father/parent's name: George Brims
• Registration details: 1934/B/26030

Funeral Notice for XQA's father

FUNERAL NOTICES. BRIMS.— The funeral of the late Donald Gray Brims (Managing Director of D. G. Brims & Sons Pty. Ltd.) will leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide Street, city, to-morrow (Tuesday) afternoon, at 2.30 o'clock, for the Bulimba cemetery. CANNON & CRIPPS, Funeral Directors.

Obituary of XQA's father

Obituary. Mr. D. G. Brims. Mr. D. G. Brims, whose death occurred yesterday, was a member of one of the pioneer families of Queensland. Born in Scotland on March 24, 1858, he was only four years or age when he sailed from London with his parents, on board The Young Australia, bound for Queensland. During the voyage an epidemic of cholera broke out, and he was the only child out of 23 on board to survive. The family lived in Brisbane until the discovery of the Gympie goldfield. Joining the rush to the district, Mr. Brims's parents migrated to Maryborough, and there settled on the land after the first rush to Gympie had died down. Mr. D. G. Brims set up in business as a brass moulder, wheelwright, and blacksmith at the age of 20 years. There is a bell in use at Blackall today which was manufactured by him. At the age of 23 he married Miss Harriett Elliott, daughter of well-known settlers of the Barcoo district, and they moved to North Queensland, where Mr. Brims opened a sawmilling business on the Herbert River. Later in life he turned his attention to joinery, and erected an up-to-date plant in Mareeba, where he was assisted by his three sons. He decided to move to Brisbane, and in 1914 the joinery factory of D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd., was established at Milton. After two years in this business, plywood manufacture attracted his attention, and today the modern works, still bearing the name of D. G. Brims and Son, situated at Yeerongpilly, stand as a monument to his efforts.

Further Funeral Notices for XQA's father

FUNERAL NOTICES. BRIMS.— The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. D. G. Brims and Family, of Lyon Street, Moorooka, are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of her husband and their father, Donald Gray Brims, to leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide Street, City, this Tuesday, at 2.30 p.m., for the Bulimba Cemetery. CANNON & CRIPPS, Funeral Directors. BRIMS.— The Funeral of the late Donald Gray Brims (Managing Director of D. G. Brims & Sons Pty. Ltd.) will leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide Street, City, this Tuesday afternoon, at 2.30 o'clock, tor the Bulimba Cemetery. CANNON & CRIPPS, Funeral Directors.

Detailed obituary for XQA's father

LATE MR. D. G. BRIMS. Prominent in Plywood Trade. The late Mr. D. G. Brims was born in Scotland on March 21, 1858, and when four years of age sailed with his parents for Australia on the Young Australia. On the voyage out an epidemic of cholera broke out and of the 23 children on board Mr. Brims was the only one to survive. He lived in Brisbane with his parents until the discovery of the Gympie goldfield, when he joined in the rush. Later he settled in the Maryborough district and set up in business as a brass moulder, wheelwright, and blacksmith. A bell he made is still in use at Blackall. At the age of 23 he married Miss Harriett Elliott, daughter of a well known settler in the Barcoo district. They moved to North Queensland, where Mr. Brims opened a sawmilling business on the Herbert River. Later he took a steam ploughing contract on the Ripple Creek sugar plantation and erected an up-to-date joinery plant at Mareeba. In 1914 the joinery factory of D. G. Brims and Sons was established at Milton. Two years later Mr. Brims' attention was attracted to the plywood trade, and after 18 years the modern works of D. G. Brims stands as a monument to his efforts. He was a keen student of science, and to hear him discuss medical electricity, lacquers and the history and development of the manufacture of paints and the uses and development of photography was to realise that although business claimed most of his time and attention, the world of science found him a devoted follower.

1935

1935 02

XQA temporarily appointed to membership of the Plywood and Veneer Board

NEWS IN BRIEF. From Near and Far. . . . The Government has accepted the resignation of Mr. W. L. Johnson from the Plywood and Veneer Board, and Mr. M. J. G. Brims has been appointed a member until May 2.

1935 09

XQA's family company constructs a new sawmill at Goomeri

GOOMERI, 8eptember 20. . . . New Sawmill.— Another addition to the timber industry in this district is the new timber mill which was recently completed for Messrs. D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd., at Tinealum Creek, Manumbar. The construction of this mill was commenced in December, 1934. The site adjoins the Forestry nursery. The mill is at present fitted with two steam-driven benches comprising a rack bench and a No. 1 Bench. Mr. Marcus Brims was in charge of the construction. The mill has now commenced operations and employs approximately nine men with Mr. F. C. Hopkins in charge. Houses and bachelors' quarters are now being erected to accommodate the employees.

1936

1936 08

XQA family business manufacturing an industrial glue under licence

"CASCO" GLUE. Casco Glue, which is manufactured under special licence by D. G. Brims and Sons, Pty., Ltd., is a casein base dry powder, which, when mixed with cold water, forms a glue of great strength. It sets by chemical action (like concrete), and not by evaporation entirely, as ordinary glues do. This property makes it highly water and heat-resisting. It is used by leading manufacturers of veneers and plywoods, also aircraft factories, throughout the world. Casco can be used for almost any repair work in the house.

Overview of Qld's plywood and veneer industry

USING QUEENSLAND'S TIMBERS. PLYWOOD AND FINE VENEERS. The Glory of Beautiful Wood. A SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY. ONE of the most successful branches of the timber industry has been the manufacture of plywood and veneer. It may also be termed spectacular, so much so that specimens form part of all our industrial exhibitions, and grace the interiors of many fine homes and offices in London and elsewhere. It is largely due to the development of the art of veneer making in the last few years that timber has regained a pre-eminent place in interior decoration. The most beautiful of veneer panels are no longer luxuries, for modern machinery has brought them within the reach of the average home builder. Like many other crafts it has an ancient origin, and the old craftsmen would no doubt have loved to work with some of our rich woods, which, for figuring, grain, weight, and texture are the envy of veneer manufacturers overseas. The production of rotary veneers for making into plywood was started in Queensland in 1915, and advanced so rapidly that soon 10 companies had been established, most of them in Brisbane, and all in the South Coast areas where hoop pine is found. Six of the 10 make plywood of "sliced" or fancy veneers, as well as the rotary variety, and four confine their operations to the line with the biggest demand — pine three-ply. Two factories make sheets up to 8ft by 4ft, and of any thickness from one-eighth to one inch or thicker. HOW IT IS MADE Now for the making. The freshly delivered hoop pine logs, still "green," are cut in multiple lengths of six, seven, or eight feet, then placed in a lathe and peeled off to thicknesses of one-sixteenth, one-eighth, or three-sixteenths of an inch. To see this operation, with the sap dripping from the lathe and the veneer stringing out on the chipping table like a gigantic tapeworm, is something of a novelty. Clipping machines then interrupt its progress and trim it to required lengths. Fancy veneers, of walnut, silky oak, tulip oak, maple, and other fine woods are sliced (not turned on a lathe), some of the richest effects being obtained from the twisted roots of trees of these varieties. After cutting the pine plywood is loaded in stacks on traversing carriers, and is taken to drying kilns. Then it goes to the grading room, where various kinds of veneer are sorted for corresponding class of plywood. Next comes the gluing process, the centre veneer being put through gluing rollers, which glue two sides at once. A hydraulic press, exerting anything from 70lb to 100lb per square inch pressure, is brought into play, and while held under this the pile of plywood is clamped to hold it as a solid block for four to eight hours. Many sheets are treated in the one operation. The steel clamps are released at the proper time, so that the glue will not stain the veneer. Out of the press the plywood is taken to a steam-heated kiln for redrying, or, according to its class, is dried in open racks. Trimming saws cut the sheets to the sizes wanted, and they are ready for the sanding machines, the fine dust from which is sucked up into air-shoots and later burned in the boiler house. By the time the sheet leaves the sanders it is as smooth as glass, and its once hidden beauty is as apparent as that of a polished gem. The largest sanding machine in one Brisbane factory has eight sanding drums, which enable it to sand both sides of the sheet at once, but the usual type has three drums and only sands one side at a time. Veneer work, of course, is made up to all thicknesses up to one inch, the middle thickness comprising innumerable pieces of waste wood, planed and glued together to form a board that has greater strength and immunity from warping than a continuous board cut from a log. High-grade veneer is added to both sides, and the sheet becomes a bedend for a handsome piece of furniture, or the rich-looking doors of a lowboy, a tabletop, wardrobe, or sideboard. When wide boards are required of fancy veneers from 1-28in thick, strip-paper machines paste the strips together until they are secured in place on the board. FINE INLAY WORK .At this point, girls become instruments of the process, for a good deal of the matching and fine inlay work in some factories is their handiwork. One of the most ambitious examples of highclass work is in process of manufacture at Brett's mill, and forms the Queensland coat of arms, with the attendant motto, "Audax at Fidelis." This beautiful piece of work, comprising walnut, maple, silverash, rosewood, camphor laurel, ebony, and satinay, measures 6ft. by 3ft. overall, and is a job of which any artist craftsman might be proud. It will be displayed by the Queensland Forestry Department at the coming Brisbane Exhibition. Some of our plywood factories ship their products to countries all over the world, including, of course, England. Many of the up-to-date machines employed are American, but some of the most efficient were built here. With a view to extending the market, a research officer may shortly be appointed by the controlling authority to investigate new possible uses for plywood and veneers. The output of the several factories is increasing each year, and last year's sales totalled more than 60,000,000 square feet on a 3-16 inch basis. Of this quantity, 54,528,107 sq. feet were of pine plywood, valued at £366,682, and the balance was fancy veneer, valued at £63,961. The total sales amounted to £430,643. Factories manufacturing plywoods and veneers in Brisbane include Hancock and Gore, Ltd., Brett and Co., Ltd., the Standply Timber Co., Pty., Ltd., and D. G. Brims and Sons, Ltd.

1936 11

XQA and family tour north Queensland

MAREEBA NOTES. . . . Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Brims and four children, accompanied by Miss M. Brims, who have been on a tour of the north, visited Mareeba during the week and will return to their home in Brisbane at the beginning of next week. They are at present spending a few days in Cairns.

1938

1938 06

Photo of two of XQA's daughters prior to embarking on a world tour

GOING ON WORLD TOUR WITH THEIR FATHER, Mr. M. J. G. Brims, of Yeerongpilly, the twin sisters, Misses Beulah (left) and Merle Brimson (sic), will leave Brisbane by train to-morrow for Sydney, whence they will sail in the Mariposa for a world tour.

1938 07

XQA departs on 6 month world tour

FAMILY PARTY BY PLANE. WHEN Mr. M. J. G. Brims, of Brisbane, left on Thursday to join the Monterey in Sydney at the commencement of a world lour, he was accompanied by his wife and four children, his brother, sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Brims, and another brother, and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. W. Brims, and their daughters Ethna and Gloria, i They arrived in Sydney on Friday morning, said goodbye to Mr. Brims, and this morning six of them made the return journey by the Douglas plane. Owing to the illness of one of her children, Mrs. M. J. G. Brims cancelled her passage by air. Otherwise 11 members of the Brims family would have emerged from the Douglas this morning. The picture shows Mr. and Mrs. W. Brims and their children Ethna and Gloria, and Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Brims photographed at the conclusion of their first trip by air.

1938 12

XQA returns to Australia after six month world tour

BRISBANE PEOPLE RECEIVED WELL IN GERMANY. FREMANTLE, December 20. Returning to Brisbane after a six months' world tour, Mr. M. J. G. Brims, accompanied by his two daughters, passed through Fremantle today on the liner Otranto. They visited the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Holland and Great Britain. They were in New York during the recent crisis and said the Americans were anxious to keep out of a war. Mr. Neville Chamberlain was extremely unpopular in the United States, as it was considered he was playing up to Hitler. However, it was just the opposite in Germany, where the British were very popular. On one occasion when they entered a beer garden in Nurembourg people jumped up and shouted "Heil Chamberlain."

1939

1939 01

XQA returns from extended worl tour with two of his daughters

Back From World Tour. RICH autumnal colourings in English woodlands and orchards and the majesty of the old grey cathedrals made a deep impression on the Misses Beulah and Merle Brims, twin daughters of Mr. M. J. G. Brims, who returned with their father yesterday in the Otranto from a world tour. Travelling from Australia via America, the family spent six weeks in New York. They found New York exciting and interesting, but because of its noise and the high tension of its life they would not wish to live there. From America Mr. Brims and his daughters travelled in the Queen Mary to England, and after several weeks in London they crossed to the Continent. From Berlin they went to Nuremberg, and a journey down the Rhine to Cologne provided further opportunities of admiring historic castles and cathedrals. Paris in autumn was most attractive, said the Misses Brims, and at the end of October they returned to England, and in their car toured England.

1939 10

Qld death registration for XQA's mother Harriett Peterford Brims

• Qld BDM
• Death registration: Harriett Peterford Brims
• Death date: 25/10/1939
• Mother's name: Ann Jane Faulks
• Father/parent's name: William Elliott
• Registration details: 1939/B/45754

Brief obituary for XQA's mother

OBITUARY. . . . MRS. H. P. BRIMS Mrs. Harriet Pettifore Brims, wife of Mr. D. G. Brims, died at her home, Lyons Street, Moorooka. on Wednesday, aged 75 years. Mr. and Mrs. Brims were married in 1881, and were among the first white settlers in Cardwell. They came to Brisbane in 1914, where Mr. Brims founded a joinery works, and later entered the plywood trade. Mrs. Brims leaves a family of three sons and one daughter.

1940s

1940

1940 01

Obituary for XQA's father-in-law

MR. R. FULCHER DEAD. Well-Known Tanner. Mr. Robert Fulcher, senior, a well-known master tanner, who for many years has carried on business at Fulcher's Road, Ithaca, died suddenly at his home at Arthur Terrace, Ithaca, last evening. He was at Redclifle at the week-end, and was about town as usual on Monday, and yesterday. He had not been in good health of late, but went about his business with that quiet determination which characterised him all his life. He was a man who was highly respected by all who came into contact with him. The late Mr. Fulcher who was the son of Mr. R. Fulcher, senior, was born at Bermondsey, England, 76 years ago, and came out with the family when only two years old. The family at first settled down at Ipswich. Later they came to Brisbane, and young Robert went to the Normal School, of which the late Mr. James Kerr was head teacher. Mr. Robert Fulcher, senior, established brickworks at Ithaca and afterwards the tanning business which is still carried on there by the descendants of the original family. In his younger days Mr. Fulcher was a keen cricketer. He also was a member of the Mounted Infantry, and for some years was an Oddfellow. Mrs. Fulcher, who was Miss Hattie Boreham, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Boreham, survives her husband. There also are two daughters — Mrs. Marcus Brims (Indooroopilly) and Mrs. A. Youlton (wife of the head teacher of the Russell Island State School) — and also four sons — Messrs. R. T., P. W., C. H., and V. E. Fulcher — all of Ithaca. The funeral will leave the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Hammond Street, Red Hill, for Toowong cemetery, after a service which will begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

1940 04

XQA's brother Francis William witness to an accident at the Brims' sawmill

CORONER TO SEE SCENE OF LOGGING FATALITY. "I think the best thing to do would be to see the logs being unloaded from the railway trucks," said the City Coroner (Mr. J. J. Leahy, Police Magistrate), in the Coroner's Court today. Mr. Leahy was conducting an inquest into the death of James Henry Otto Paul Schultze, 26, married, labourer, previously of Monash Road, Mount Gravatt. Schultze was killed when a log rolled on him at Brims' Sawmill, Yeerongpilly, on March 16. Sergeant R. A. L. Johnson examined the witnesses. Francis William Brims, machinist, partner in the firm of D. G. Brims and Son Pty. Ltd., sawmillers, Yeerongpilly, said he was operating an electric crane on March 16, and was unloading logs from a railway truck. Schultze was hooking the logs on to the crane hook. One log jambed between the bars of the truck, and Schultze began to lever it with a pinch bar. He was standing on top, and when two logs went suddenly he went with them. As Schultze fell, another log rolled down on top of him. Brims called out for help. Two men placed the crane hook on the log and it was raised, but Schultze was dead. Brims said he had warned Schultze to be careful as the logs were wet and very slippery. He considered that was the cause of the accident. The Coroner said he wished to see the logs unloaded from the trucks, and instructed the police to make the necessary arrangements. "NO ONE TO BLAME." Sergeant J. Nichol, of Moorooka police station, said it was the usual thing to release jammed logs with a pinch bar, but the bar was generally levered on the bed of the truck. If a man was on the ground at the end of the truck as he released the logs it would be impossible to be crushed. He was satisfied that no blame could be attached to anyone. The inquest was adjourned until a date lo be fixed.

1943

1943 01

Brims' family business subject to WW2 price control measures

Plywood. IN pursuance of the powers conferred upon me by the National Security (Prices) Regulations, I, Mortimer Eugene McCarthy, Acting Commonwealth Prices Commis-sioner, hereby make the following Order:—

• 1. This Order may be cited as Prices Regulation Order No. 907.
• 2. I fix and declare the maximum price at which water-proof plywood of the clash or thickness specified in the first column of the First Schedule contained hereunder may be sold by the companies specified in the Second Schedule con-tained hereunder to be the price specified in the second column of the said First Schedule opposite each such class or thickness.
• 3. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Order, I fix and declare the maximum price at which waterproof plywood of the class or thickness specified in the first column of the First Schedule contained hereunder may be sold by the com-panies specified in the Second Schedule contained hereunder to distributors to be that specified in paragraph 2 of this Older less ten per centum of that price.
• 4 This Order shall operate as from 5th November, 1942.

The First Schedule.

Class or Thickness of Waterproof Plywood. Maximum price per 100 square feet f.o.b. Brisbane. £ s. d.

• 3-ply 3/16 inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 2 1 9
• 3-ply ¼ inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 2 3 9
• 5-ply ¼ inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 3 9 6
• 3-ply 3/8 inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 2 15 9
• 5-ply 3/8 inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 3 15 8
• 5-ply ½ inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 4 3 10
• 5-ply 5/8 inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 6 2 6
• 7-ply ¾ inch, 6 feet x 3 feet sheets: 8 6 0

The Second Schedule.

• Brisbane Sawmills Pty. Ltd., Newmarket-road, Windsor, Queensland.
• D. G. Brims & Sons Pty. Ltd., Station-road, Yeerongpilly, Queensland.

Dated this twenty-second day of January, 1943. M. E. McCarthy, Acting Commonwealth Prices Commissioner.

1943 11

XQA's family features in an historical review of Mareeba for its jubilee

LET"S LOOK BACK. A MAREEBA JUBILEE REVIEW. (BY HUGH A. BORLAND.). (Continued from "The Cairns Post," Saturday, November 18.) In the old days little could be done in adornment of the township's open spaces. Now everything is favourable. Mr. W. J. Harland, head teacher of Mareeba State School from 1926 to 1933, gave a commendable example of what could be done in regard to beautifying public estate. The Shire Council during the chairmanships of Mr. E. A. Atherton and Mr. O'Donnell (and assisted by one or two citizens) provided shaded trees for portion of the main street. The race club on similar lines went in for tree planting. To date no one has bothered to relieve the ugliness of the broken land between the school and the hospital, not even with a few clumps of trees. There is room for work of beautification, too, where the railway swings up out of Granite Creek, and also along the town side of the Barron. By doing this the town will benefit. 1903-1918. Consolidation of town interests, constructive restlessness, healthy expansion, an introduction of a mechanised era — these were features of the fourth chapter. Walter Jamieson during this period built his Granite Creek sawmill; Lawson and Son in 1908 laid the foundation of their present business. D. G. Brims opened up a joinery works, the forerunner of G. F. Smith's factory. Tom Mann and others started brickmaking close to Mareeba. Biboohra meatworks and Mareeba brewery were in productive mood. The Anglican church was built, the Brims boys doing the construction work voluntarily. Mrs. Strattman donated the bell. In 1909 a Convent school was opened and a Convent and new church were erected. Sargent and Son built the church. Somewhere about that time the School of Arts changed its location to Walsh-street. Mr. W. Hastie had the contract to erect an entirely new structure. Andrew Couper and Sons set up business in Mareeba as iron and brass founders. The hospital, which saw as an early superintendent Dr. Thomas, had Matron Orme in charge of the nursing staff. Dr. Savage took over from Dr. Thomas, and Matron Hebbell succeeded Matron Orme. Always there was a demand for increasing accommodation. A bequest from Phillip Maguire, of Wolfram Camp, and a lump sum from the Returned Soldiers' League helped considerably. In 1937 Contractor Doyle erected the present building. Men like Rev. Father Phelan and Mr. A. K. Lawson, as presidents, J. A. Pares and G. H. O'Donnell, successive secretaries, and Dr. Perkins as medical superintendent, gave of their best when finance was most difficult to obtain. The Mareeba Show Association was a live body. Everyone connected with it sought to advance the interests of the town. Band contests were a featture of the shows of 1909 and 1910. Mareeba had two bands — Town under Fred Menadue and Volunteer under Mr. Davis. A good deal of rivalry developed among the partisans, but that's no concern of this review. A mild building boom eventuated. Andy Dunlop, of Mungana, built Dunlop's Hotel in 1906; fire destroyed it in 1929 but it has been rebuilt. Bechtels, from Croydon, installed a soap-making factory in Strattman-street — a maize crushing mill (Pearce's) had run for a time somewhere on the same site. In 1907 a survey was made of residential sites on the western side of the railway. The Barron Shire Council, into which authority were paid Mareeba rate moneys, solved whatever difficulty may have arisen as to suitable choice of pioneers' names. Each newly surveyed street was named after individual council members then serving. Fortunately, there were enough streets to go round. Strattman, Mason, Warren, Keeble, Ferguson — pioneering personalities they or their forbears. Charles Henry Strattman was Mareeba representative and A. J. Draper carried out the clerical duties. In 1919 agitation brought about Mareeba's incorporation into the Woothakata Shire, and the town became functioning centre for areas embracing Kuranda, Mt. Molloy and the Hodgkinson. The galvanised iron building which did duty in Thornborough was removed to Mareeba where it served as a meeting place until Contractor Bill Chamberlain handed over the present substantial structure. John Rank, clerk of Woothakata Shire, accompanied the office to Mareeba. To correctly pronounce this tongue-twisting name you say it thus: Wooto-carter. The common pronunciation is altogether different. The word is an aboriginal one having reference to Mt. Mulligan, "the mountain of the strange shape." Approximately 600 rateable properties in the town area are on the books. John Rank's successor, Archie Waddell, was a soldier of the First A.I.F. and passed on into the Silences last year. Prior to the installation of a town water service Mareeba residents depended largely upon house tank supplies, and when these were low bought water a so much per cask or 100-gallon tank. Ted Troughton, Bob Male and Jim Dodd were the men with the horse and drays. Railway needs were supplied by a pumping plant in the Barron River, near the hospital. The storage tank stood just in front of the station master's house. There was division of opinion among the sponsors for a town water supply — Emerald Creek gravitation versus a steam pumping plant. The latter scheme found favour. Barbat, of Bundaberg, were soon on the job laying down mains and erecting the 25,000-gallon tank. The timber underneath the tank is Maryborough hardwood. With the growth of the town came the need for additional storage. Contractor Doyle was the man behind the erection of the concrete 45,000-gallon tank Louis D'Arc was the first engineer. At the end of March or early in April 1913, the Barron River reached its record height — a height not exceeded yet. By nightfall on a rain-deluged Friday the water was lapping the foundation of the little pumping station A photograph taken by Mrs. Brims that afternoon shows the building on the point of collapse. The flood waters rose considerably during the night, swamping the well in which the pump was situated, completely demolishing the engine house, and so causing breakdown in the town water supply. Fred Cruickshank, a Townsville man, set up an auctioneering business in Mareeba and used also to run cabs for hire. His was the enterprise that instituted those yearly horse sales that were so successful. The saleyards were at the rear of the livery stables from which Arthur and Jack Garbutt worked their coaches before the train came. . . .

1944

1944 06

XQA's family business razed by fire, though insured

ACRES OF MILL AREA RAZED AT YEERONGPILLY. Several acres of factory buildings were razed at Yeerongpilly this morning in one of the most spectacular fires in years. Premises destroyed were the ply mills and box mills of D. G. Brims and Sons Ltd., and the Four-One Box Company of Australia (Q'ld), and part of the Casco Glue Manufacturing Company. When five fire machines arrived at the scene at 3.20 am, the factory buildings were ablaze from end to end, and though they were driven back by the heat at times, the firemen succeeded in getting the blaze under control. The buildings mostly were constructed of wood and iron and filled with inflammable stocks. The ply mills and box mills, with heavy stocks of veneers and other woods, were gutted. Damage £11,000 Unofficial estimate of the damage is £11,000. Losses include heavy stocks of woods and much valuable machinery, some of which cannot be replaced. The ply mills and box factory were gutted entirely, but parts of the Casco Glue Manufacturing Company's premises were saved. More than 100 employees will be affected. Although nothing suspicious was found in preliminary police investigations, detectives from the CI Branch took up inquiries early this morning. The fire was noticed first by interState railway employees, who reported to the caretaker. They saw the blaze sweep over the entire factory site. The various premises carried insurances, but the total amount of these is not known. Firemen in Danger The Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade (Mr Stephens) revealed later in the day that insurances on the building amounted to £5,500 and on the stocks and machinery to £8,240. He said his 29 firemen and their six officers had adequate water supply to fight the blaze which was an extensive one. Most damage was caused to the box and ply mills, engineering works and to the laboratory of the Casco Glue works. . At one time fire fighters were in danger from high tension electric wires which carried away in the blaze and fell among them. Electricians eventually had the power cut off in the area.

1944 12

Engagement announcement of XQA's first daughter

ENGAGEMENTS. LANGFORD-SMITH — BRIMS.— The engagement is announced of Merle Gladys, eldest Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. M. J. G. Brims, of Ekibin Rd., Annerley, to Flying Officer Trevor Langford-Smith, youngest Son of Rev. Canon & Mrs. S. E. Langford-Smith, of Sydney.

1946

1946 03

Announcement of engagement of XQA's second daughter

ENGAGEMENTS. . . . WARDROP — BRIMS.— The engagement is announced of Beulah May, eldest Daughter of Mr. at Mrs. M. J. G. Brims, Annerley, to Alan Buchanan, younger Son of Mr. & Mrs. J. Wardrop, Sandy Bay, Hobart.

1949

1949 06

Engagement announced of XQA's third daughter

ENGAGEMENTS. VON ALPEN — BRIMS.— The engagement is announced of Elva, third Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. J. G. Brims, of Annerley, to Hugh, only Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. U. H. Von Alpen, of Mundubbera.

1950s

1953

1953 12

Two of XQA's daughters (Royale and Pamela) studying in LOndon

Woman's Interest. High praise for Aust. musician. WORD has been received that Royale Brims, who is studying in London under Mr. Frederick Grinke, of the Royal Academy of Music, was commended by him for an audition for the B.B.C., London Symphony Orchestra. "I AM very happy to write on behalf of Miss Royale Brims, an Australian violinist formerly of Sydney Conservatorium," he wrote. "She is now a member of my violin class in London. She is a splendid violinist, with sound musical intonation and a most sensitive player." ROYALE had the audition, and is one of 12 players out of 50 chosen to play before Sir Malcolm Sargent for the final choice for the one vacancy in January in the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra in London. In the meanwhile she has accepted an engagement with the Birmingham Light Midlands Symphony B.B.C. Orchestra. Royale, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Brims, of Annerley, will still travel to London to study with Mr. Grinke. Her sister Pamela, who has been ill since her arrival in England, has recovered and is beginning her art studies in London.

2010s

2019

REPEATERS. The club operates and maintains the following repeaters:-VK4RBK 439.900 MHz, -5MHz shift situated at Bones Knob VK4RBK DMR (Marc) Repeater 438.9375 MHz, -7MHz shift VK4RHT 146.675 MHz, -600KHz shift CTCSS 123 situated at Hann Tableland, operational. The TREC club station callsign is VK4WAT. Special event callsign VK4XQA (XQA was the first amateur radio callsign issued in Queensland in 1914 to Marcus Brims in Mareeba) BEACONS 6m beacon on 50.281 MHz CW operational from the Hann Tableland site - Grid QH23pc (reports welcome) APRS An APRS Digipeater is operational from the TREC Clubrooms in Atherton on 145.175 MHz.TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT. CONTACT Learning Organiser Dale McCarthy, VK4DMC Nominated Assessor NA-017 Phone: 07 4091 3700 – Mobile 0407 962 700 Email - vk4dmc@wia.org.au NETS TREC MEMORIAL NET on 3.605 MHz at 0930 UTC (7.30 p.m. local) every Thursday.