History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/William Leighton Gibson/Notes

William Leighton Gibson - Transcriptions and notes

1870s

1877

1877 03

Birth of 4AN's father Edgar McLean Gibson

BIRTH. GIBSON.— On the 27th February, at Clydesdale Sugar Plantation, Doughboy Creek, the wife of William Gibson, of a son.

1890s

1895

1895 01

4AN's father leaves Australia for 6 years overseas studying engineering

WOMAN'S WORLD. SOCIAL GOSSIP. . . . On Saturday last two promising youths left Bundaberg for Europe to enter upon a five years' course of study and practice to fit them to take up responsible positions here on their return (says the Star). They are — Master Edgar Gibson, who has chosen engineering as his profession, and goes to a Glasgow engineering firm; he is the son of Mr. William Gibson, of Bingera plantation; and Master Arthur Gibson, who goes to college in Germany to study chemistry, with a special view to its bearing on sugar manufacture; he is the son of Mr. James Gibson, of Bingera plantation.

1900s

1900

1900 11

4AN's father's return to Australia imminent

WOMAN'S WORLD. . . . SOCIAL GOSSIP. . . . Mr. and Mrs. W. Gibson of Bingera plantation, Bundaberg left by the mail train on Tuesday last, for Melbourne, the object of their trip South being to meet their second son Mr. Edgar Gibson, who is to arrive in Melbourne by the Barbarossa on the 20th instant. Mr. Gibson left Queensland nearly six years ago for Scotland, to gain experience in electrical engineering at the leading works in Glasgow and other cities in the old country.

1900 12

4AN returns with family to Qld after brief stay in Melbourne upon his return from 6 years in Europe

Overland Passengers. Wallangarra, December 7, 1.26 p.m. The following persons passed through here this afternoon:— For Brisbane — Mr., Mrs. and Miss Gibson, E. M. Gibson, Miss Reid, Messrs. H. T. Maurice, S. Etherington, H. Wilmere, C. S. Miles, Sam Carse, H. BUcci, P. M. Thomas. For Toowoomba — Messrs. Bobs, Moore, Child. For Warwick — Miss Barnes, Mrs. S. F. Smart.

1903

1903 08

4AN's father delivers a lecture on Chemistry at meeting of Maryborough Grammar School Old Boys' Association (but it was his cousin Arthur who studied chemistry?)

L'ETERNEL FEMININ. Society's Calendar. . . . MARYBOROUGH: The bachelors' quarters at the Aldershot works are now completed, and the Company have made everything very cosy and comfortable. Messrs. Stanley, Ferguson, and Fincelbach are to reside there. Some alterations in the management have been made at the works of late, Mr. Dunn having resigned the position as manager, which is to be filled by Mr. Watson. Mr. Ridley, from the Richmond River, has been appointed Manager of the Bank of Australasia, in Mr. Collie's stead. Mr. Bush, who for the past few months has been relieving Mr. Collie, will leave Maryborough after having shown the new manager round. Mr. and Mrs. O'Kelly, "Ferney," have returned home after their nice long holiday to the Northern ports. Miss Elsie Hyde left last Wednesday for Brisbane, where she will be the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Boyle, South Brisbane. A team of four of our best tennis players, from the Ferry Street Club, comprising Miss Madeline La Barte, Miss Bryant, and the two Miss Mants, of Gigoomgam station, have left to play against Brisbane in the coming tournament. It will be remembered that the Misses Mant carried off the championship on a former occasion.— Mr. Portus has gone,on a short holiday jaunt to Brisbane and Sydney.— Mr. Rupert Hockley is still in London. Since he has been "home," he has several times been out to see Miss Nora McKay, our talented young violinist, of whom we are so justly proud.— At a meeting of the Past Grammar School Boys' Association, Dr. Edgar Gibson, Bundaberg, one of their number, delivered a most interesting and instructive lecture on "Chemistry," which was enjoyed by many ladies as well as gentlemen. After the lecture Messrs. Thompson, Morton, Jones, Burn, Corser, Pryde, Stupart and H. Harrington delivered short speeches, and the hope was expressed that on the next debating night ladies might also be permitted to take part.— Mrs. Williams, "Tandora," is the guest of Mrs. Kent.— Mr. Harry Porter's many friends will be sorry to hear that he has met with a rather nasty accident to his hand while playing tennis.— Dr. and Mrs. Robertson are visiting Brisbane. — Sir Horace Tozer was to leave London on August 5, for Canada, to represent this State at the meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. W

1903 09

Marriage Notice for 4AN's father

Local and General News. . . . The marriage of Mr. Edgar M. Gibson, second son of Mr. William Gibson of Bingera Plantation, to Davina, youngest daughter of Mr. David Scott, of East Bundaberg, will be solemnised at the residence of the bride's parents on Wednesday next.

As previous

SOUTH KOLAN. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] September 13. So far as temperature is concerned there seems no further reason to doubt that gentle spring is here at last, and here to stay — until summer comes along to replace her — and today's state of the thermometer seems to indicate that the advent of the latter season is already close at hand. "In spring the young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love," and it is a pleasant variation in the routine of a rural correspondent to record some of Cupid's achievements amongst our friends and neighbors. Mr. Edgar Gibson, mechanical and electrical engineer, second son of Mr. W. Gibson, of Bingera Plantation, and Miss Scott, of Bundaberg, will be united in the holy bonds of wedlock on Wednesday. May they have a pleasant campaign through the valley of life. G

1906

1906 07

4AN's father takes up residence in Toowoomba to oversight distribution of electric power there for Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Co.

TOOWOOMBA ELECTRIC LIGHTING COMPANY. Mr. E. M. Gibson, representing the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Co., is now in town, and will take up permanent residence here. It is expected that the plant for supplying light and driving power will be in working order in December next, and estimates are already being given. The power house will be located in Bell street.

As previous, further detail

Notes and News. . . . It will be learned with general interest (says the "Toowoomba Chronicle") that Mr. Edgar M. Gibson, manager of the Toowoomba Electric Lighting and Power Company, has assumed active control of the company's affairs in this city. The institution was fortunate in securing a convenient and central site in Bell-street for their power houses. This is of great advantage to both suppliers and consumers of the current, as concentration is of much importance. The company intend to operate electricity in all its branches. The Order-in-Council, notifying their establishment, requires them to lay cables upon both sides of Ruthven street, from Russell-street to Herries-street, and similarly in Margaret-street to the Government offices. But the Electric Company propose engaging in the provision of light, heat, and motive power. To this end, they have already installed a pair of 110 horsepower Babcock and Wilcox boilers for generative purposes, and the Belliss and Morcom engines will arrive shortly. These will be connected with a Western Electric Company's plant, and are of the most approved, quick revolution type. The boilers are capable of supplying pressure for a duplicate plant. When the heavier machinery is placed in position, the buildings and offices in Bell-street will be promptly proceeded with. Mr. Gibson, who is a thoroughly practical engineer, having gone through the various courses in Britain and in the South, and, by-the-way, a nephew of the Hon. Angus Gibson, M.L.C., of Bingera, hopes to commence the erection of the street cables in two or three weeks' time, and intends to demonstrate to citizens that the use of electricity as a lighting, heating and motive power is clean, cool and economical. Its adoption in Sydney would convince any economist of its work and worth. The Toowoomba Electric Company will develop into a large success.

1906 11

4AN's father judges Austral Festival, Science Section

AUSTRAL FESTIVAL. YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. DOMESTIC AND SCIENCE SECTIONS. ADDRESS BY THE ADJUDICATOR. THE SCIENCE SECTION. OPENING CEREMONY. ADDRESS BY HON. L. E. GROOM. Mr. A. Mayes, the President of the Association, said that on behalf of the Committee of the Science Section, he had much pleasure in asking the Hon. L. E. Groom, Federal Attorney-General, to open the section. It gave them a special pleasure to have Mr. Groom perform the ceremony an the Committee of the section had received more assistance from Mr. Groom than any other individual. He referred to the set of historical pictures which Mr. Groom had presented to the section and to the assistance he had always rendered the Committee. He had much pleasure in inviting Mr. Groom to open the section. (Applause). The Hon. L. E. Groom, who was received with much applause, expressed the pleasure it gave him to accept the invitation of the committee to open the section. In the course of a short, but, interesting address he referred to the great value scientific research was to a Community, and he thought that the Austral Association was deserving of every praise for the interest they were endeavouring to create in the promotion, of scientific study. (Applause). Reference was made to the advance in electrical science which today was being applied to almost everything. At the present time they could not tell where the advance of electrical science would stop, and he thought that they would agree that Toowoomba was helping towards that end. (Applause). Reference was made to the remarks of the adjudicators on the mechanical inventions exhibited. From those remarks it would be gathered that there was inventive genius in Toowoomba and that the Science Section of the Austral Association was helping to promote that genius. (Applause). He hoped that ere long the science hall would become the agricultural museum of Australia. (Applause). He contended that the City Council could assist materially towards that end. (Applause). He also hoped that the citizens would from time to time make presentations to the Committee of permanent scientific exhibits. Personally, he thought that an effort should be made to get a collection of the weapons and articles of use first used by the aborigines of the Darling Downs, as they were now almost extinct, and a collection of the kind would be of considerable value in years to come. (Applause.). He had much pleasure in declaring the Science Section open. (Applause). At the instigation of the President cheers were given for the Federal Attorney-General. The general public then took the opportunity of inspecting the exhibits. . . . COMPETITIVE SECTION. The mechanical exhibits in the competitive section are highly interesting and full of merit. The competition was fairly keen and the inventions were above the average as will be seen from the remarks of the judges: Mr. Ed. C. Barton, of the City Electrical Company, Brisbane, and Mr. Edgar M. Gibson, manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light Company. Mechanical Invention.— First prize, £1/1/; second prize 10/6. The adjudicators considered that the exhibits in this section form a creditable collection, and are in most cases of an order which shows an inventiveness, combined with careful design and patient work in execution. They awarded first prize to a change of speed gear for motor cars, exhibited by the Trevethan Motor Car Company, Toowoomba, on account of it being extremely ingenious, combining simplicity with efficiency and appearing to them to be considerably superior to the famous "De Dion" clutch system, now used extensively on the continent. The second prize they awarded to the tank cleaning machine, invented and exhibited by Messrs King and Kemp of Toowoomba, as being extremely useful, and important in the interest of public health. They awarded a "highly commended" to Mr. M. Schneider, of Toowoomba, for his washing machine which is a useful labour-saving appliance, designed to facilitate the work of the Australian housewife. They also awarded a "highly commended" to Peters and Turner for their ingenious automatic railway coupling. Mr. Peters exhibited a penny-in-the-slot machine denoting considerable inventiveness, but, in their opinion not entitled to a prize. The wireless telegraphy apparatus shown by Masters Johnson and Kleimeyer is a wonderful piece of ingenuity considering the age of the makers, but, it cannot be classified as an invention. It is consequently debarred from winning a prize. Mechanical Model.— First prize, 10/6, presented by Mrs Hogarth. The first prize was awarded to Peters and Turners railway cars for the excellence in design and workmanship. A "highly commended" was given to Mr. C. Mohr, of Toowoomba, for a steam boiler and engine, the making of which must have entailed great perseverance and thoroughness. The little beam engine, driven by gravitation of sand, exhibited by young J. Donges, of Drayton, is an ingenious application of one of the principal laws of nature. Unfortunately the material used in the making of the model is not equal to the conception. The motor car shown by Master Mackay is perfect in design and wonderfully ingenious considering the age of the boy who is undoubtedly endowed with an inventive turn of mind, but under the circumstances it lacks finish and stability. W. A. Elvery's electric motor and motor car also denotes considerable ingenuity, but, it is also deficient in finish. On the whole the exhibits in this section are most encouraging, proving the existence of inventive genius among our natives and the usefulness of the work done by the Austral Association in encouraging it.

1907

1907 10

Qld birth registration for 4AN

• Qld BDM
• Birth registration: William Leighton Gibson
• Birth date: 23/10/1907
• Mother's name: Davina Scott
• Father/parent's name: Edgar McLean Gibson
• Registration details: 1907/C/4006

1907 11

Birth notice for 4AN

BIRTHS. . . . GIBSON.— On October 23, at "Tecoma," Lindsay-street, Toowoomba, the wife of E. M. Gibson, of a son. Both doing well.

1908

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1908 Toowoomba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1908
• Subdistrict: Toowoomba
• State: Queensland
• District: Darling Downs
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 2568, Gibson, Davina, Lindsay st., home duties, female
• Entry: 2569, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Lindsay st., electrical engineer, male

1909

1909 03

4AN's wife attends the Toowoomba flower show

LE BEAU MONDE. . . . The annual Flower Show in connection with the Neil Street Methodist Church was held in the schoolroom yesterday afternoon, and considering the dry season we experienced before Xmas, was a decided success. Certainly the recent rains have freshened up the gardens, and added to the beauty of the blooms, of which there were some lovely specimens, especially in the dahlia variety. The cactus dahlias are always an ornament, and a new peony variety was noticed yesterday and was very much admired. Wooldridge Bros. won the prize for the best six dahlias, although they are working under disadvantages in not having the water laid on, and having to grow the flowers in the open. Mrs. G. G. Cory's 24 dahlias was a beautiful exhibit, and won the prize. In the non-competitive section Mr. Tait, of Brisbane, had an exhibit of zinnias which must make a beautiful show in a garden; and a collection of single geraniums from Wooldridge Bros. was an attractive exhibit. A lovely collection of pot plants from "Vacy" attracted attention, and hanging baskets of ferns, etc., helped to make an attractive display. Wooldridge Bros. showed some beautiful floral designs — a lyre composed of everlastings and yellow dahlias veiled in fine maiden-hair fern; a magnificent white shower bouquet of white dahlias, and a heliotrope hamper, out of which peeped white anemones, veiled in maiden-hair fern, the top of the basket caught with a bow of purple ribbon velvet. A card conveying the words, 'With good wishes,' conveyed the idea of an appropriate birthday gift. Mrs. Aeneas McDonnell, in a clever little speech, performed the opening ceremony, and particularly interesting was her allusion to the gardens she had seen in her travels, in which, she stated that Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria and Hungary; was one of the most popular of the crowned heads, in consequence of his liberality in allowing his beautiful gardens to be thrown open to the public, where both rich and poor met together. . . . Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin, the latter in a cream frock with a white silk blouse, and a smart black and white hat. Miss Andrews, Mrs. A. Horn, Mrs. Edgar Gibson, wearing brown silk and a brown hat with pink roses. Mrs. Grayson, Mrs. and the Misses Polglass had charge of the ice cream stall, which was much in demand during the afternoon.

1909 06

Wife of 4AN seeks a servant

WANTED. . . . WANTED about beginning July, a Competent SERVANT. Apply Mrs. E. M. GIBSON, "Tecoma," Lindsay street.

1909 10

Qld birth registration for 4AN's sister Alston Margaret Gibson

• Qld BDM
• Birth registration: Alston Margaret Gibson
• Birth date: 13/10/1909
• Mother's name: Davina Scott
• Father/parent's name: Edgar McLean Gibson
• Registration details: 1909/C/11691

1909 11

Birth Notice of 4AN's sister

BIRTHS. GIBSON.— At "Tecoma," Lindsay-street, Toowoomba, on October 13, 1909, the wife of E. M. Gibson — a daughter.

4AN's father comments on his firm's proposal to establish a Toowoomba electric tramway

TOOWOOMBA TRAMS. (To the Editor "D.D. Gazette.") Sir,— In March last my Directors notified the City Council that we had under consideration the question of installing an up-to-date electric tram system in Toowoomba, and asked them whether they would be favourable to any action we took to secure from the Government the necessary "Order-in-Council." They replied in June to the effect that they had no objection to an "Order-in-Council" being obtained by us provided that same be approved of by them. Since then, a certain course has been taken by the City Council which places us in a position that whilst the Council is not decided as to its action, we are left in a similar position. Almost immediately after granting us permission to obtain an 'Order-in-Council' the newspapers reported that the Civic authorities of Toowoomba were negotiating to put down steam trams. We had commenced drawing up plans and making investigations as to the best plant to put down, and solicitors were making preliminary draft necessary to obtain an "Order-in-Council." My directors at this stage decided to await developments before going to any further expense, the deposit for an "Order-in-Council" alone amounting to a few thousand pounds, which amount would be forfeited unless the system be completed in a given time. Investigtions were however proceeded with and are now nearing completion. The services of an electric tramway engineer from England, have been availed of to investigate and report to us on Toowoomba's scope for a tramway system, and we are now ready to go further with the preliminaries for laying down an electric tramway. We are however, brought to the position of awaiting the Town Council's decision, and we naturally expect the support and encouragement of Toowoomba people in such an important undertaking. Erroneous statements have recently been made to the Press as to the cost of installing and running an electric tramway system. Going on figures given publicly as to the cost of steam installation, it will interest the Toowoomba public to know that the working expenses of an electrical tramway by using the latest and most economical methods of power production would be less than that of steam trams, although costing more to install. The Toowoomba people would be wise to enquire for themselves the present state of the Rockhampton Council's experiment, at the same time remembering that there are few places which offer such easy conditions for the running of steam trams as Rockhampton, owing to its comparitively level nature, while here at Toowoomba, excepting along the main street, we have fairly steep grades. I am sir, etc., E. M. GIBSON. Toowoomba, November 11, 1909.

Advice of birth of 4AN's sister Alston Margaret Gibson

New Queenslanders — . . . . Mrs. E. M. Gibson, Toowoomba, daughter, October 13th;

Birth Notice for 4AN's sister Alston Margaret Gibson

BIRTHS. . . . GIBSON.— At "Tecoma," Lindsay-street, Toowoomba, on October 13, 1909, the wife of E. M. Gibson — a daughter.

1910s

1910

1910 04

4AN's father involved with a proposed company to establish an electric tramway for Toowoomba

TRAMS FOR TOOWOOMBA. PROPOSED LOCAL COMPANY. YESTERDAY'S MEETING. DEPUTATION TO THE COUNCIL The adjourned meeting of the committee of local gentlemen formed last week with the purpose of promoting a company to institute a system of electric trams in Toowoomba was held yesterday afternoon in the Town Hall, the Mayor courteously placing his room at their disposal. The Rev. D. Fouhy, chairman, presided, and among those present were Messrs. M. D. Pigott, P. H. McDonough, R. Filshie, P. Crotty, A. E. Harston, A. Strohfeldt, R. Sinclair, F. Hooper, J. O'Dea, S. C. W. Robinson, B. J. Beirne, junr., H. W. Ferguson, Wm. Gibson, and the secretary (A. H. T. Beebe). The Chairman briefly related the circumstances which led to the initiation of the movement and expressed his pleasure at seeing several other citizens present. He asked the secretary to report the business of the preliminary meeting and what had transpired in the meantime. Mr. E. M. Gibson briefly stated that he had received a reply from the Council in reply to a request from his regarding this matter to the effect that further details were invited before the Council agree to consider the proposal. Mr. Sinclair expressed the opinion that the matter had been somewhat misunderstood by the aldermen and quoted Clause 12 of the "Tramways Amendment of 1882, which the Council had evidently overlooked. For the benefit of those not present at the preliminary meeting the secretary outlined the proposed scheme. Mr. O'Dea, considered the first step was to secure the consent of the City Council and with that obtained there would be no difficulty in obtaining the required capital. Mr. R. Filshie thought the position should be placed before the Council and their intentions known before any further steps were taken. Mr. F. Hooper was of the same opinion. Eventually Mr.' S. C. W. Robinson moved that:— "We, the following citizens, desire to intimate to the Council that it is our intention to endeavour to promote a Company with the object of installing an Electric System of Trams in Toowoomba within the next 12 months, providing that the Council grants an extension of the terms of ownership from 14 to 25 years in accordarice of Clause 12 of the "Tramways Amending Act" of 1889." This was signed by all present. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Harston and carried unanimously. It was subsequently decided that Messrs. R. Sinclair, S. C. W. Robinson, B. J. Beirne, and the Secretary, wait upon His Worship the Mayor and Council on Monday, the 11th instant.

1910 09

4AN's father playing cricket with the Post and Telegraph team

TOOWOOMBA CRICKET UNION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Toowoomba Cricket Union was held in Messrs. R. Sinclair and Co.'s rooms last evening. The President (Mr. R. Sinclair) occupied the chair, and there were about twenty members present. The secretary, Mr. W. J. Day, was also in attendance. Annual Report. The following extracts are made from the annual report:— The committee ot the Toowoomba Cricket Union have pleasure in submitting the following report and financial statement for the season 1909-10. The affiliations in the respective grades were as follows:— Senior Division, 7 clubs; Junior, 7 clubs; Junior-Minor, 4 clubs. Total, 18 clubs. This number discloses an increase of 6 on the previous season's complement of clubs and constitutes a record in the history of the Union. It is, however, a matter of concern and one vitally affecting the future of Toowoomba Cricket that a larger number of wickets be found. The fixtures, as drawn for the season, were played, with the exception of one match which was abandoned on account of wet weather. In order to finish the season by the end of April a special meeting of the Union was held on the 4th April, when Rule 21 was amended as follows:— "Two Saturdays shall be allowed for a match, unless otherwise arranged by the Union, and play shall commence at 2 o'clock. Any club not prepared to start by 2.30 shall forfeit the match. All matches played on two afternoons shall be governed by the rule relating to one day matches." After referring to the result of various matches the report says:— The leading averages were as follows:— Batting.— L. Andrews (Boomerang), 23.40; W. Stone (Harlaxton), 20.0; E. M. Gibson (Post and Telegraph), 18.91; N. Kavney (Newtown), 17.11. Bowling.— G. Jackson (Boomerang), 50 wickets, average, 5.60; L. Andrews (Boomerang), 38 wickets, average 6.0; R. Stone (Harlaxton), 56 wickets, average, 6.71.

1912

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1912 Toowoomba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1912
• Subdistrict: Toowoomba
• State: Queensland
• District: Darling Downs
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 3153, Gibson, Davina, Lindsay st., home duties, female
• Entry: 3154, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Lindsay st., electrical engineer, male

1912 01

4AN's uncle Angus Gibson M.L.C. visits 4AN's father

Personal. . . . Mr. Angus Gibson, M.L.C. of Bingera, is at present on a visit to Toowoomba and is the guest of Mr. E. M. Gibson.

4AN's mother (and no doubt 4AN himself) visit Brisbane

LE BEAU MONDE. (By Pansy.) . . . Mrs. E. M. Gibson intends leaving for Brisbane about the end of the week and will not be "at home" again until March.

1912 10

Qld birth registration for 4AN's brother Lindsay Scott Gibson

• Qld BDM
• Birth registration: Lindsay Scott Gibson
• Birth date: 25/10/1912
• Mother's name: Davina Scott
• Father/parent's name: Edgar McLean Gibson
• Registration details: 1912/C/13799

1912 11

Birth Notice for 4AN's brother Lindsay Scott Gibson

BIRTHS. . . . GIBSON.— At "Tecoma," Lindsay-street, Toowoomba, on Friday, 25th of October, to Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Gibson — a son.

4AN's father a director of a business to provide open-air pictures

GENERAL ITEMS. . . . In an advertisement published on Saturday concerning the open-air pictures there was a slight error in the names of the directors. These names should be Messrs. Charles Fortescue, Edgar M. Gibson, and A. H. Jones.

1912 12

4AN's parents attend 1912 breakup of Avon Scvhool, 5yo 4AN certainly a pupil

AVON SCHOOL. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The breaking-up functions still continue and yesterday was a busy day in that respect. In the afternoon the Avon Primary School (Miss Rivet) held their annual prize distribution. It was a very hot afternoon, but once inside listening to a delightful programe by the young students the discomfort of the weather was quite forgotten. The stage was arranged with pot plants and palms in a green background, and it inside a picturesque setting for the young performers in their white frocks with mauve sashes and hair ribbons (the school colours), the boys wearing white suits with mauve neckties. Bowls of mauve flowers and roses added a further artistic effect to the room. The dainty programmes were lettered in mauve and bore the school monogram on the frontispiece. The first item on the programme was a Rainbow song, in which the girls gave an excellent display of drill, carrying wands of rainbow hue. Two character songs, "The branch of a tree" and "Ten little sunflowers," were prettily given, the girls wearing, sunflower hats in the latter song. The "Swiss Toy Girl" was one of the best items, each girl carrying a basket of toys. The boys' sweet voices were heard in "The Shearers and the Blacksmith." Very pretty was the "Japloo Baby Song," the girls wearing bright kimonas, with chrysantemums in their hair and carrying fans. The two soloists, Misses Elspeth Robinson and Archibald, carrying quaint Japanese dolls which they manipulated during the song. The programme concluded with a sketch, "The King of the Mountains" in which Miss Muriel Carver, Enid Thomson and Ella Moffatt took part. Canon Oakeley presented the prizes and before doing so paid a tribute of praise to Miss Rivett for her excellent school. Three things, the Canon said, he noticed in regard to the Avon Primary School. First, the delightful discipline; second, the charming manner of the children, and third, the thorough and real teaching. He concluded by saying that he hoped the number of the school would be doubled next year. He also referred to Miss Millie Rivett as a skilled artist and kindergarten teacher. Muriel Carver won the prize for the highest marks in the examination, and Ella Moffatt carried off the character prize. During the afternoon Miss Enid Thomson, on behalf of the pupils, presented Miss Elsie Rivett with a beautiful silver candlestick and Miss Millie Rivett with a pretty silver photo frame, for which both recipients returned thanks. The pupils' paintings and drawings were exhibited on the walls, and considering the age of the young artistes they were highly creditable indeed, and reflected much credit on the teacher, Miss Millie Rivett. A sand map, the work of the kindergarten pupils, attracted much attention. At the close of the prize distribution tea and delicious home-made refreshments were served, the sandwiches being daintily tied with mauve ribbon. The children were also entertained at tea, their table being beautified with mauve flowers. Mrs and Miss Rivett assisted the principals in entertaining, and amongst the invited guests and those present were Canon and Mrs Oakeley, Miss Oakeley, Mrs Goodall, Miss Fraser, Mrs Barnes, Mr and Mrs Roberts, Mr, Mrs and Miss Robinson, Mrs Marlay, Dr. and Mrs Vonn, Mrs McLeod, Mrs Chapman, the Misses Cargeeg, Mrs Moffatt, Mrs Price, Dr. Barlow, Mrs Lee, Miss Lambert, Mrs Gargett, Miss Gee, Mr and Mrs Gibson, Mrs Cowled, Rev and Mrs Moffatt, Mr and Mrs Thornley, Mrs Carver, Mr and Mrs Snow, Mr and Mrs Archibald, Mr and Mrs Penhallurick, Mr and Mrs Tingle, Mr and Mrs Thomson, Mr and Mrs Schaffer, Mr and the Misses Peters, Miss Marlay, Miss Rae, Miss Florence White, Mrs G. T. Bennett, Mrs Schaefer, Mrs Burn, Miss Davis.

1913

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1913 Toowoomba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1913
• Subdistrict: Toowoomba
• State: Queensland
• District: Darling Downs
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 3525, Gibson, Davina, Lindsay st., home duties, female
• Entry: 3526, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Lindsay st., electrical engineer, male

1913 06

4AN's father's company Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company involved in laying of further electricity distribution infrastructure

ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER ACT OF 1896. APPLICATION For an ORDER-IN-COUNCIL by TOOWOOMBA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED, a Company duly registered under "The Companies Acts 1863 to 1896" whose registered Office is Bell Street, Toowoomba. NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of one month from the date hereof, application will be made to the Secretary for Public Works by Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company Limited for an Order-in-Council. (a.) The object of the application is to obtain an Order-in-Council authorising the applicant to supply Electricity, within the area of the Town of Newtown. (b.) The applicant is Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company Limited, a company duly registered under "The Companies Acts 1863 and 1896" whose registered office is Bell Street, Toowoomba, in the State of Queensland. (c.) The proposed area of supply is the whole of the area within the Town of Newtown in which it shall be compulsory to lay electric lines within two years from the granting of the Order-in-Council therefor in the following streets viz., In Muir Street from the intersection of West Street to the intersection of Thomas Street; in Taylor street, from the intersection of West Street to the intersection of Thomas Street; in Russell Street from the intersection of West street to the intersection of Holberton Street; in Wallace Street from the intersection of Warra Street, to the intersection of Claremont Street; in Drayton Road from the intersection of West Street to the intersection of Hill Street; in Margaret Street from the intersection of West Street to the intersection of Drayton Road; and in Herries Street from the intersection of West Street to the intersection of Drayton Road and in which it shall be permissive to lay electric lines in the following streets, viz.:— The residue of the beforementioned streets and in the other streets within the Town of Newtown. The applicant does not propose to take power by the Order to interfere with or break up any Tramways or the Railways of the Queensland Government Railway Department. Printed copies of the Draft Order, and of the Order when made can be obtained by any person, at the price of One shilling on application at the Offices of Crouch & Eden, Fitzroy Chambers, Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Solicitors, and from Groom & Lavers, City Chambers, Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Solicitors. Copies of notices of objection and other documents may be served on the applicant at the Offices of the said Groom & Lavers. Any Local Authority Company or person desirous of bringing before the Secretary for Public Works any objection respecting the application must do so within three months from the date of the "Government Gazette" containing this advertisement by notice, addressed to the Secretary for Public Works marked on the outside of the cover enclosing it,"Electric Light and Power Act,1896," and a copy of every such notice of objection must also beforwarded to the applicant for the Order. Dated this fifth day of June, 1913, TOOWOOMBA ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO., LTD., E. M. Gibson, (Director). GROOM & LAVERS, City Chambers, Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Solicitors for the said Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company, Limited.

1913 07

4AN's father promoting his company to establish electric lighting for Newtown, Toowoomba

NEWTOWN PROGRESS. THE STREET-LIGHTING. ELECTRICITY SCHEME. A special meeting of the Newtown Town Council was held at the Council office, Rome-street, yesterday afternoon. Ald. J. Hagan (Mayor) occupied the chair, and there was a full attendance of aldermen, with the exception of Ald. T. L. Fryar. The bu-siness of the meeting was to consider permission to enable the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company to apply for an Order-in-Council to carry out the work; Some of the directors of the Company, together with the man-aging-director, Mr. E. M. Gibson, and Mr. L. W. Groom, solicitor, were present by request. The Council, before granting the necessary permission, wanted a promise from the company that the following streets would be lighted by electricity within 12 months:— Drayton-rand to Herries-street, two lights; Ida-street to Tor-street, 8 lights; Albert-street to Holberton-street, 5 lights; Wallace-street to Tor-street, 8 lights; Rome-street, 4 lights; Taylor-street to Holberton-street, 4 lights; Gowrie-road to Holberton-street, 8 lights, making a total of 39 additional lights, which will be completed by July 30, 1914, at a cost of £7 per lamp per annum. The Council also requested that the company, within four years of obtaining the Order-in-Council should supply lights as follows:— Vacy-street from West-street to Drayton-road, 6 lamps; Gowrie-road to Berry-street, 8 lamps; Charles-street, 3 lamps; Wa-verley and Tor Estate, 10 lamps; Gladstone-street, 6 lamps; Avenue-street, 6 lamps, making a total of 43 lamps, at a cost of £7 per annum. This the directors present agreed to. It may be said that when these lamps are erected there will be about 135 electric lights in the town of Newtown. The Order-in-Council was withheld for further consideration at a special meeting, as some of the aldermen were of the impression that the Council was not fully safeguarded. There are no serious difficulties in the way, however, and it is likely, therefore, that the Company will be empowered to proceed with the necessary formalities for the Order-in-Council.

1913 09

4AN's father involved as debtor in legal case to wind up Toowoomba Grain Exchange

LAW REPORT. Wednesday, September 3. SUPREME COURT.— CIVIL SITTINGS. . . . TOOWOOMBA GRAIN EXCHANGE. APPLICATION TO COMPULSORILY WIND UP. Before Mr. Justice Chubb. The matter of the Toowoomba Grain Exchange and Storage Company, Limited, was before his Honour by way of a petition filed by Stannum Arthur Probert, of Wyreema, farmer, to compulsorily wind up the company. Mr. Hart (instructed by Messrs. Crouch and Eden) appeared for the petitioner. Mr. Tully (of Tully and Wilson, town agents for Hennessey and Hennessey) for the managing director, Mr. Redwood; and Mr. Douglas (instructed by Messrs. Fitzgerald and Walsh) for creditors. It was set out in the petition that the Exchange was incorporated in November 1910, the registered office being at Margaret-street, Toowoomba. The nominal capital was £20,000, in £1 shares. The objects of the company were: To take over the business of William Jones and Son, Limited, maltsters, and certain lands and improvements, the property of Vernon Chas. Redwood, and other assets; to carry on business as grain storage merchants, &c. It was contended that the company was indebted to the petitioner in the sum of £19/15/4, the price of 40 bags of wheat, sold and delivered to the company last March. An extraordinary general meeting of the company was held on May 8, and at another meeting on May 23 special resolutions were passed to the effect that the company should be voluntarily wound up. The petitioner believed that the company was unable to pay its debts, and attached a list of creditors. He considered his rights would be prejudiced by the existing voluntary winding up, and asked that the court should wind up the company under the provisions of the Act. On the case being opened, Mr. Tully made an application for an adjournment, on the ground that its hearing would prejudice Mr. Redwood in an action claiming £10,000 damages, which he had commenced against the "Darling Downs Gazette." Undoubtedly such a proceeding would hamper his client in his litigation. The case was set down for trial on September 16. There was no desire to burke the fullest investigation of the company's affairs. He also understood that affidavits had been filed that morning making allegations which it was desired to answer. Mr Hart: The only allegation is in regard to salary drawn. Mr Tully: Well that can be explained, and he should get a chance to do so. Mr. Hart submitted that there was absolutely no foundation for the application. He quoted an English case to show that the court had decided to go on with the hearing of the application, though another action was pending. He would assure his Honour that the affairs of the company had been badly managed, and it was necessary in the interests of the creditors that the inquiry should not be delayed. Mr. Tully denied the allegation of mismanagement. Mr. Hart said the company had gone to the bed by £8000 in two years, although some of the debts might be recoverable. Mr. Tully said that the petition was for the purpose of harassing Mr. Redwood in his libel case. He could not see how any of the creditors would be prejudiced by adjourning the case. The bank was in possession of all the assets. Mr. Hart: What about those assets in other people's possession? Mr. Tully: We are perfectly willing that there should be the fullest investigation, so long as it does not interfere with matters sub judice? His Honour: What assistance would the newspaper get from a mere examination? Mr. Tully argued that his client would be prejudiced possibly in the eyes of the public. His Honour: If I thought the "D. D. Gazette" was inspiring the application I would know how to act. Mr. Hart assured the court that the farmers of the district were interested in the petition. The whole of the transaction from beginning to end called aloud for investigation. His Honour said he would hear the affidavit from Mr. Redwood supporting the application. Mr. Tully then read the affidavit by Vernon Chas. Redwood, setting out that he had been the managing director of the company since registration. He had read a copy of the petition and the affidavit of Starmum A. Probert, of Wyreema. He believed that only a very small proportion of the creditors, a minority in value, desired that the company should be wound up by the court. The aggregate amount of the debts due to the persons or companies mentioned in the petition desirous of winding up was £171/2/4, whereas those creditors who had not expressed a similar desire were interested to the extent of £19,881/9/10. The largest creditors who asked for the winding up were Robinson and Tolmie, against whom a writ for £10,000 for alleged defamation had been issued by the deponent, and he urged that the object of the petition was to delay and disparage him in his action. The whole of the assets of the company had been taken over by the London Bank of Australia as mortgagees, their debt being partly secured by debentures and a registered bill of mortgage, supported by the joint and several guarantees of John Tyson Doneley and V. Chas. Redwood, tow of the directors, and there were no assets left for a liquidator to administer. After further argument his Honour said he would hear other affidavits before he dealt with the adjournment application. Mr. Hart read affidavits by John Carl Hartwag, a creditor, stating that he considered his rights would be prejudiced by the existing voluntary winding up of the company, and Arthur James Crowther, secretary to the Commissioner for Railways (filed that day). Mr. Douglas: No copy of that affidavit had been given to us. Mr. Hart said there had not been time to serve the affidavit. The Commissioner for Railways was a creditor to the amount of £62/10/. Application had been made to the company, but the Commissioner had been unable to obtain payment of the debt, or any part of it, and it was stated that the Commissioner might be prejudiced by the voluntary winding up of the company, and he asked that the court should wind up the company under the provisions of the Act. An affidavit was also read from Frank Leslie South, warehouseman, Toowoomba, to the effect that a statement had been made to him that the company had been robbed of between £2000 and £3000. No proceedings, Mr. Hart said, had been taken against the alleged defaulter. An affidavit was also read by Harold F. Lavers, clerk, to Messrs. Groom and Lavers, Toowoomba, solicitors, to the effect that he found on searching, that Mr. Redwood had been drawing a salary. Mr. Tully said was for expenses. His Honour said the fact that there was a salary account showed it was prima facie for salary. Mr. Tully said Mr. Redwood left William Jones and Co. to try and pull the Toowoomba Grain Exchange through. He would have done so had the banks not closed down on him quickly. Mr. Redwood was receiving £300 a year and commission from William Jones and Co. Mr. Hart read affidavits by William J. Barter, to the effect that the company was indebted to him in the sum of £5/17/4; by Alfred Gallagher, who said the company owed his firm £34/13/10; by Geo. Kemp, who said his firm wanted the company wound up under the provisions of the Act; by George Alexander Leichney, for £15/11/6, for coal sold and delivered; by Edgar McLean Gibson (Toowoomba Electric Light Co.), for £8/1/9; by George William Westwood, for £13/0/3; by John Provan (Robertson and Provan), for £9/19/6; by Archibald Gray Tate (managing director of Wyeth Ltd.), for £11/5/9; by Alfred Ernest Robinson (Robinson and Tolmie), for £51/9/, for advertising; by Nicolas Robert Kirk (secretary of Smellie and Co., Brisbane), for £11/2/4; by William Alex. Blackstock (secretary of the Queensland Machinery Co., Ltd.), for £54/0/2; by Claude E. Chancellor (Moylan and Chancellor, importers), for £29/7/6. He referred to an affidavit filed by Mr. Bulcock on September 1, in which it was set out that the contract was adopted on May 14, 1912. Mr. Hurt said that in December, 1910, the company carried a resolution that the agreement should be adopted, and not until May, 1912, was the contract adopted. Mr. Douglas: It was formally put in writing. His Honour: On May 14 the company adopted the contract. Mr. Hart said that must be the date they placed their seal to it. His Honour: These articles were filed on November 25, 1910, and article 24 states that they should forthwith adopt and carry out such contract. Mr. Hart said the contract was not duly carried out until May 14 — that was, unless the books were lying. The 15,000 shares were never allotted, and the contract was not carried out. It was idle for them to say it was. He would say this, either the shares were allotted and their registry was wrong, or they were not allotted at all. After further argument Mr. Hart submitted that the reasons why the court should act were: (1) The circumstances connected with the taking over of assets, which the vendors apparently considered worthless, as they did not request a quid pro quo, as mentioned in the contract. (2) That Mr. Redwood's conduct in having drawn a salary in view of the articles, and more particularly articles 9 and 10, required investigation, and he submitted Mr. Redwood should be ordered to repay whatever he had drawn. (3) That the allegation that Mr. Redwood was indebted to the amount of £461 required investigation. (4) That the allegations of missing vouchers required investigation. (5) That the allegations of defalcations by some one required investigation. (6) That Mr. Redwood continued to trade after he was informed by Mr. Bulcock, late in 1912, or early in 1913, that the company's affairs were unsatisfactory, the balance-sheet showing a deficit of £1000 on profit and loss account for six months, required investigation. (7) That the petitioner and the creditors would be prejudiced if the voluntary liquidation was permitted to continue by reason of Mr. Redwood having a preponderating influence in the election or appointment of a voluntary liquidator. It was idle to suggest, he said, that creditors like the Commissioner for Railways, Smellie and Co., and others, who had filed affidavits, were in league with Mr. Tolmie. Mr. Douglas read an affidavit by James Francis Fitzgerald, jun., in connection with a copy of statement of affairs filed on September 1. The receiver put in by the bank, as receiver, and by shareholders as liquidator, first made out a statement of the assets. There was no document that had been asked for that had not been shown. So far as keeping anything back, the original liquidator called a meeting of shareholders and creditors and disclosed everything to them. The genesis of these proceedings were that a general meeting of the company was held on May 8, and on May 23 it was resolved that the company should be voluntarily wound up. The statement of the company's affairs made by the receiver disclosed the whole position to the creditors. He (Mr. Douglas) had no hesitation in stating that Robinson and Tolmie were behind these proceedings. An action for damages was pending against the "Darling Downs Gazette." An article appeared in the paper practically based on the balance-sheet put before the shareholders and creditors. The meeting of share-holders took place some time in June, and the article was published soon afterwards. On July 7 or 8 a writ for defamation was issued by Mr. Redwood against Mr Robinson as publisher. Messrs. Robinson and Tolmie were proprietors of the "Darling Downs Gazette." There was no evidence that anything had been kept away from creditors. Mr. Hart said he never suggested such a thing. They had given them all they could. But he would like to point out that the liquidator could not tell them anything, and that was why they wanted an investigation. Mr. Douglas said he had no objection whatever to the court supervising the liquidation. Mr. Hart said that was the first time such an offer had been made. This had been sprung by surprise on him, on his Honour, and on his client. There was no suggestion that they would not oppose a supervision order. Mr. Tully said he had no objection to a supervision order. Mr. Hart said he wanted a compulsory order. The application was adjourned until next day.

1914

1914 06

4AN's father's company embroiled in litigation

A TEST CASE. SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC LIGHT. GAS COMPANY TAKES ACTION. TOOWOOMBA, Monday. An interesting case to test the legality of the Toowoomba Foundry's position respecting the supply of electricity came on for hearing in the Toowoomba City Police Court, before Mr. Wm. Harris, P.M., this morning. The action was brought at the instance of Mr. W. Lane, managing director of the Toowoomba Gas Co., who proceeded against the foundry for supplying electricity contrary to the provisions of the Electric Power Act of 1896. Mr. Bernays appeared for Messrs. Lane and Jones, of the Foundry Co., while Mr. L. W. Groom watched the proceedings on behalf of the Electric Light.Co. The defendants pleaded not guilty. Mr. Bernays said that the parties agreed that there was no Order in Council existing authorising the defendants to supply electricity. E. M. Gibson, manager of the Electric Light Co. deposed that an agreement was made with the foundry that on certain nights at certain periods the Electric Light Co. should pay a fixed amount for part of the foundry's generating plant and electric lights. The company's own cable ran from the latter's switchboard to the foundry's generator. The current was connected with the switchboard, and thence transmitted to cables. Mr. Bernays: And from your cables it is supplied to the.public? Witness: Yes! Mr. Gibson added that he was quite certain that when the agreement was made it was only a lease. Monthly accounts were sent in. He was not aware that the foundry used the generator for its own purposes. The generator was not installed particularly for the use of the Electric Light Co. There was no limitation in the Order in Council as to a particular place where the Electric Light Co. had to generate electricity. William Lane, managing director of the Toowoomba Gas and Coke Co., said that in a conversation with Mr. Atherton Griffiths, one of the directors of the defendant company, the latter admitted that there was a verbal agreement. Witness asked: "Are you being paid for what you are doing?" He replied, "Yes, but for the sake of £30 or £40 I do not want to do wrong to anyone. Witness told Griffiths that the Gas Company intended taking action, and the latter replied that he could not deny it, and therefore the matter could not be defended. Witness told Griffiths that in one instance the Gas Company paid £1000 to go to a new territory, and the Electric Light Co. followed up directly afterwards to secure customers the Gas Company ought to have. The foundry was doing a great damage to a lighting authority. James Rosbrook, secretary to the Gas Company, corroborated this evidence. The Court then adjourned till 2.30 p.m.

As previous, a complete summary of proceedings and judgement

DISMISSED. GAS V. ELECTRICITY. CASE AGAINST FOUNDRY. OF SUPPLYING CURRENTS. INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC. WHAT MR. LANE SAID. At the Police Court yesterday before Mr. W. Harris, P. M., the Toowoomba Gas and Coke Coy. Ltd., proceeded against the Toowoomba Foundry and Rolling Stock Manufacturing Coy. Ltd., for supplying electricity contrary to the provision of the Electric Light and Power Act of 1895. Mr. Bernays appeared for the Gas Coy., and Mr. A. H. Jones for the Toowoomba Foundry, while Mr. L. W. Groom watched the case in the interests of the Electric Light Coy. Mr. Bernays took exception to Mr. Groom appearing, but when assured he would not take any active inter-est, Mr. Bernays withdrew his objection. The defendant Company pleaded not guilty. Mr. Bernays said Mr. Jones and himself had agreed on two admissions to save time. One was that the defendant Company was a registered and incorporated Company, and the other that it is not authorised to supply electricity under the Act. ELECTRIC LIGHT MANAGER. Edgar McLean Gibson, Manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light Coy., was called for the prosecution and examined by Mr. Bernays. He said he knew the Toowoomba Foundry Coy. and Railway Rolling Stock Manufacturing Coy. and Mr. Atherton Griffiths, one of the directors. His Company had an Order-in-Council under the 1896 Act to supply electricity to Toowoomba and had an agreement with the Tobwoomba Foundry Coy. That agreement was in writing, and there was a verbal agreement prior to that. That agreement was in existence on May 23 last. Mr. Bernays: When was the agreement entered into?— On March 7: it came into force in April. What was the agreement?— It was, roughly, that on certain nights during a certain period, his Company should pay a fixed amount for the Toowoomba Foundry's generating plant. What was the amount? Mr. Jones: I object; it is irrelevant. Mr. Bernays: Very well, I won't press it. Was there any correspondence preceding the verbal agreement?— Not preceding the verbal agreement. How did the agreement come to be made?— I visited Mr. Atherton Griffiths, and again on 7th. March, two of the directors with myself, called on Mr. A. Griffiths and Mr. Herbert Griffiths. What did you arrange?— We arranged that we should have the use of part of their plant, a steam boiler, and that we should have the right to use two boilers if necessary. How many boilers and engines have the Foundry?— They must have more than one. More than one dynamo? — Yes. Are these dynamos connected in any way? Is the one your Company are using separate, and was it so on March 7?— Yes; I have never seen two running at the one time. What arrangements were made about cables?— The Electric Light Coy. had to run the cables and do all the necessary work. Is there a switchboard at the Foundry?— Yes. Is not that the board their dynamo is connected with?— No. How do you get your supply from them? Mr. Harris, P.M.: He says, through the cable. Mr. Bernays: Who pays for the labour and material in generating electric light at the Foundry?— The Electric Light Coy. What about the employees?— One of our employees is there, and the others are from the Foundry, but paid by the Electric Light Coy. When any of the Foundry employees were employed generating electricity were they paid by your Coy.?— Yes. They were employed by us on April 17 for each Friday night, and once on a Tuesday night. They were employed up to June 5. Continuing, witness said the arrangement was in force on May 23 last. He was quite certain when he made the agreement it was only a lease. Monthly accounts were sent by the Foundry. One account up to May 27 was tendered by Mr. Bernays. Witness said he did not know whether the Foundry Coy. used the generating plant during the period covered by that account. The Foundry could have used it had they chosen. It was originally installed for the Foundry. Mr. Bernays: With the exception of the electrician did your Company have any say whatever as to the other labour employed on that plant, and did you have power to dismiss them if necessary?— No; only through the Foundry. Was it actually specified at any time by you to pay the labour?— Yes; the agreement held that our payments should include labour. Was your Company using electricity from the Foundry's dynamo on May 22?— Ww were making electricity and using it. Part of it was made in the Foundry?— Yes. By Mr. Jones: His Company was a registered and incorporated Company. There was no limitation in the Order-of-Council to any particular place to generate electricity. The agreement provided for five months' supply, on Friday nights of each week from 5 o'clock till 9.15, or any other nights mutually agreed upon. The Foundry's generator, electrically or mechanically, was not connected to the Electric Light except during the hours mentioned. The connections were made by the Electric Light foreman. Mr. Jones: When you and your co-directors interviewed the directors of the Foundry, was anything said about electric current?— Yes. I think that Mr. Atherton Griffiths said, "You can use as much as thought required'; and it did not matter whether we used very much, as the Foundry had such a big machine. Was the Foundry paid any money for the use of the plant?— Yes. THE WRITTEN AGREEMENT. In further cross-examination Mr. Gibson said that the written agreement that was executed on May 29, 1914, was a submission to writing of the verbal agreement in March. Mr. Bernays objected to the agreement, signed May 29, being tendered, as the charge was made on May 22. Mr. Jones pressed its admission. Mr. Harris reserved his decision about its admission. Mr. Gibson said that his Company was making improvements and was in a state of transition, besides entering into other obligations. Mr. Jones: Could your Company carry them out?— Yes, probably, but there would have been a bit of risk to the public. Mr. Bernays: In what way a risk to the public?— As regards the street lighting. In reply to Mr. Harris, Mr. Gibson said there was no limit to the supply. Mr. Harris: It was a matter of convenience, I presume, that the defendant Company runs the generator to assist?— Yes. MR. LANE'S EVIDENCE. William Lane, managing director of the Toowoomba Gas and Coke Co., Ltd., said he knew Mr. Atherton Griffiths. Mr. Griffiths was in witness' office on May 26 last, and he had a conversation with him. Mr. Griffiths had come to see him about something else. Witness said he greeted Mr. Griffiths in this manner: "I am glad to see you. I suppose you came to see me about the harm you have done, or are doing, to the Gas Coy., an authorised lighting company, by supplying electricity or current outside your own works." Mr. Griffiths said he did not know he was doing any wrong. "I should think so," witness said. "Are you authorised, or have you an Order-in-Council to supply current outside your own works?" Mr. Griffiths said "No." Mr. Griffiths said he had only a verbal agreement. Witness said "Is the verbal agreement of any value?" and he said 'My word is my bond." The next question was "Are you being paid for what you are doing?" Mr. Griffiths said "Yes", adding but for the sake of £30 or £40 he did not want to do wrong to any one. Witness then said that the Gas Company intended taking action and his advice to Mr. Griffiths was to protect his company. Mr. Griffiths replied that if the Gas Coy. took action he could not deny it, and, therefore, could not defend it. Witness pointed out to him he was doing a great damage to a lighting authority. In one instance the Gas Coy. spent £1000 to go to new territory and the Electric Light Coy. followed up directly afterwards to secure customers the Gas Coy. ought to have had. INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS. By Mr. Jones: He did not know what Mr. Griffiths came to see him about. When you first spoke about the illegal act, did Mr. Griffiths say "If it is going to be a matter of law this conversation must be entirely without prejudice?"— Mr Griffiths never said so. Did you say to Mr. Griffiths that you personally would not take any action or that the Gas Coy. probably would not?— Certainly not. Who instituted this prosecution?— I did. It was done both in the interests of the Gas Coy. and the general public. Was it with the object of preventing the Electric Light Coy. from getting any assistance from the Foundry's generator?— I did not want the Foundry Coy. to do an illegal act by assisting. Your object, then, was not to hurt the Electric Light Coy.?— The action was directed against the Foundry Co. And was it not to stop the Foundry from assisting the Electric Light Coy.?— Yes. You believed that without the assistance of the Foundry, the Electric Light Coy. could not carry out their obligations?— I was not troubled about that. PUBLIC'S INTERESTS. And do you think the Electric Light Coy. could not supply without the assistance of the Foundry?— It is my belief. Then it was to the interests of the public to go without electric light?— The Gas Coy. was there first. How many extensions had the Gas Coy. put down till the Electric Light Coy. came?— The Gas Coy. went to Newtown before the electric light and the electric light went to Newtown before getting an Order-in-Council. Mr. Jones: And you still supply gas there when you have no Order-in-Council, and you will find it out pretty soon. Mr. Lane: Very likely. Did you not know that the Electric Light Coy. was building new works?— I have been told so. Are not these proceedings engendered by your bitterness towards the Electric Light Coy.?— I am very friendly with the manager, and we have never opposed each other. Did you threaten the City Council if it accepted the Electric Light Coy.'s terms you would cut off the Council's street lighting?— What has that got to do with it? And you say that these proceedings of yours are acting in the interests of the public. Your prosecution is the result of bitterness and malice. Did you threaten to cut off the City Council for accepting the Electric Light Coy.? — No. Did you make a threat similar to that?— No. Did the Toowoomba Gus and Coke Coy. Ltd., authorise you to make this prosecution?— The directors did. Prior to the Electric Light Coy. starting business in Toowoomba the Gas Coy. had a monopoly of the light-ing of Toowoomba? — Anyone could get an Order-in-Council. Do you remember saying that the defendant company was glad this main was laid on to their engine to supply electricity if their engine broke down?— Mr. Griffiths said theyhad 150 per cent more plant than was re-quired to supply their needs. What was your object in instituting this prosecution? Was it to cripple the Electric Light Coy. by taking away from them the assistance of the Foundry Coy.?— Certainly not. Was it partly with that object?— Certainly not. Competition we agree to, undue competition we object to. GAS COMPANY'S SECRETARY. James William Rossbrook, secretary to the Toowoomba Gas and Coke Coy., Ltd., said that Mr. Atherton Griffiths was at the Gas Coy.'s office on May 26 last, and had a conversation with Mr. Lane in witness's presence. Immediately Mr. Griffiths came in Mr. Lane asked him whether he had called to see the harm the Foundry was doing in supplying electric current to the Electric Light Coy. Mr. Griffiths appeared to be very surprised and asked if he was doing anything wrong. Mr. Griffiths then went on. to say they had increased their works by 150 per cent. Some question was asked about an agreement. Witness thought it was a verbal agreement. Mr. Griffiths said he considered it just as binding as an ordinary agreement. Mr. Griffiths said that if a case were brought on he could not deny it and could not defend it. Mr. Jones: He was working at the time, and Mr. Lane and Mr. Griffiths had quite a long conversation. He was very interested and listened to every word. The class of work he was doing would not prevent him from hearing. Mr. Jones: That remark of Mr. Griffiths that he cannot deny it and cannot defend it. Did he not say "If it is a question of the Electric Light Coy. using our plant I cannot deny it?" No, not to my knowledge. Did Mr. Griffiths say he was glad that the wire came along near the works because if the machine at the foundry broke down they would have power from the Electric Light? — Yes. There was some talk, was there not, of probable proceedings being taken?— Yes. At that time did you hear Mr. Griffiths say, "If it is going to be a matter of law, let us make this conversation entirely without prejudice? — I remember words about prejudice, but not at what part. Did you hear Mr. Lane say that personally he would not take any action?— No. They were talking in a friendly way — Yes, quite friendly. Do you remember Mr. Griffiths asking Mr. Lane straight out if he was going to take any action?— I don't think Mr. Griffiths asked that question. This was the case for the complainant. Mr. Jones, addressed the bench on behalf of the defendant Coy, and said he did not intend to call any evidence. Mr. Bernays said his client was entitled to a conviction but he would not press for a heavy penalty. THE DEFENCE. On resuming after lunch. Alfred Atherton Griffiths, engineer and managing director of the Toowoomba Foundry Coy, said he remembered a conversation with Mr. Lane in his office on May 26 last.. He did not tell Mr. Lane that his company was supplying electricity to the Electric Light Coy. He heard Mr. Lane say in his evidence that if an action were instituted he (witness) could not deny and therefore could not defend it. He substantially made that statement with other words. He said to Mr. Lane if this contention were correct, it was an illegal act for the Electric Coy. to get current from their generator. His Coy was not supplying electricity to the Electric Coy. The evidence given by Mr. Gibson about the agreement of his company with the Foundry was substantially correct. There was no meter or contrivance at the Foundry to keep a record of current of which he was aware. To Mr. Bernays: No special arrangement was made for labour and timber except that the price was to be inclusive. There were two hands on the job, an engine-driver and fireman. Those men were employed and paid by the Foundry. This was the defence. Mr. Jones addressed the Bench at some length. He said it was a question of hiring an engine to a person who was going to generate electricity. The Electric Light Company surely must have the right in common with other individuals so long as it be within the memorandum of their Articles of Association. They could hire an engine if they liked. The supply must come only through the Electric Light Coy. as it would not be safe to have a strange engine-driver running it. Mr. Bernays said it was a question as to the meaning of the word supply. He again submitted that so long as any employees of the Foundry Coy. were engaged in the generation of electricity, the Foundry Coy. supplied it. It was an attempt to evade the Act, but whether it was successful or not was a point for His Worship to decide. There was no mistaking the word supply, because if he gave a man an apple he supplied him with an apple. THE MAGISTRATE'S VIEW. Mr. Harris, in giving the verdict of the Court, said: I have come to the conclusion in this case that the complaint should be dismissed. I am of the opinion that the defendant company did not supply electricity to the Electric Light Coy., and that the current that passes from the defendant's premises along the lines of the Electric Light Coy. was generated and supplied by the Electric Light Coy. Mr. Bernays: Will Your Worship state a case? Mr. Harris: Yes. Mr. Jones asked for costs amounting to £5/5/, to which Mr. Bernays strongly objected. The costs were fixed at £3/4/2 (£2/2/ professional, £1 witnesses, and 2/2 costs of Court).

1914 12

4AN sings in a group at breakup of Avon Primary School

AVON SCHOOL. EXCELLENT DISPLAY OF WORK. In interest and entertainment, the annual prize distribution at the Avon school can compare most favourably with those of other and larger schools. As well as a most satisfactory exhibition of musical talent the general proficiency of the pupils is also admirably demonstrated in the exhibition of work done in the Kindergarten and higher forms, and the display of paintings, charcoal drawings, mapping, fancy work, pen painting, plain sewing, etc., was more than creditable. The large schoolroom, where the function took place, was beautifully decorated with flags and greenery, and the carpeted stage was charmingly arranged with green curtains, flags and mauve flowers, which carried out the school colours, and made a bright setting for the children, who were dressed in pretty white frocks and suits with mauve sashes, hair ribbons and ties. Mrs. L. E. Groom, who presented the prizes, was met at the school entrance by the Misses Rivett, who accompanied her to the platform after the opening chorus. Miss Elsie Rivett (the Principal), in a very appropriate speech, welcomed Mrs. Groom on behalf of the school, and little Jack Lane, the youngest scholar, also, on behalf of the school, asked the distinguished visitor to accept a beautiful bouquet of mauve and white orchids, watsonias, and sweet pea. Mrs. Groom, who congratulated the Misses Rivett upon the work of the school, expressed warm wishes for its prosperity in the corning year. Amid much enthusiasm she distributed the prizes, and also performed a pleasing ceremony in presenting to the Misses Elsie, Millie and Winnie Rivett three handsome gifts from the scholars, which were, respectively, a Morocco handbag, set of Dickens' works, and fitted work basket. Miss Rivett, for herself and sisters, suitably acknowledged the presents, and thanked Mrs. Groom for presiding at the prize distribution. An enjoyable musical programme was submitted as follows:— Christmas song, "The Mad Tea Party," from "Alice In Wonderland"; Kindergarten games; song, "The Merry Drummers," a splendid exhibition of physical drill, and a charming cantata, "The Brownie's Whispers," in which those taking part were Leigh Tingle, Merle Snow, Franklin Hutchinson, Wynne Snow, Leighton Gibson, Roy Campbell, Cruden Wilson, Beryl Wilson, Guy Wilson, Charley Gayler, Doretta Schaeffer, Rosemarie Snow, Ella Moffat, Yvonne Snow, Fao Snow, Rebie Millsom, Edie Stirling, Eva Archibald, Mary Cowled, Elspeth Robinson, Do-reen Lord, Nancy Lord, Margery. Boys, Dulcie Boys. The dressing of the "brownies" and flowers was quaint and picturesque. Afternoon tea was handed round at the conclusion of a most enjoyable afternoon. Those present were the Rev. Canon Oakley, Mrs. Rivett, Mrs. W. Robinson, the Misses Clare and Edreth Robinbinson, Mrs. T. P. Connolly, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Lord, Mrs. P. G. Boys, Mrs. W. J. Snow, Mrs. Elphinstone Moffatt, Mrs. J. Lane, Mrs. Gibson, Mr. and Mrs. Thorley, Mrs. Gargett, Miss Gee, Mrs. Tingle, Mrs. and Miss Carter, Mrs. Archibald, Mrs. Rose, Mrs. Alderson, Miss Cargeeg, Mrs. Dobie, Mrs. Polglass, Mrs. S. Jones, Mrs. Fred Polglass, Mrs. J. Campbell, Miss McGuire, Mrs. arid Miss Lane, Mrs. G. Lane, Misses Fripp arid Kate Camp-bell, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Hodgson, Mrs, Burge, Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer, Mrs. Cowled, Mrs. Harburg, Mrs. Millsom, Mrs. Archibald, Mrs. Wilson, and Mr. Hewitt.

1915

1915 03

4AN's father as manager of Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company congratulated on progress at company's AGM

TOOWOOMBA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COY. The annual general meeting of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Coy was held at the company's office, Toowoomba, on Friday afternoon. There was a very good attendance. The Chairman (Hon. Angus Gibson, M.L.C.) of directors presided. The annual report and balance sheet, which showed an exceedingly satisfactory state of affairs, was unanimously adopted. The management and the manager (Mr. E. M. Gibson) were congratulated upon the progress made. The retiring directors (Messrs T. Tonks and William Gibson) were unanimously re-elected. The company's works are proving eminently satisfactory.— Toowoomba "Chronicle."

4AN's father as Manager of Toowoomba Electric Light and Power publishes public notice of increased prices

"ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER ACT, 1896." APPLICATION by TOOWOOMBA ELECTRIC LIGHT, and POWER COMPANY, LIMITED, a Company duly registered under "The Companies Acts, 1863 to 1896," whose registered Office is Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, for an ORDER-IN-COUNCIL varying the prices changeable for electric energy in an Order-in-Council dated the Seventh day of June, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Five. NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of One Month from the date hereof application will be made to the Secretary for Public Works by Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company Limited for an Order-in-Council (1.) The object of the application is to obtain an Order-in-Council varying the prices chargeable for electric energy as set out in an Order-in-Council dated the Seventh Day of June, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Five, granted to THOMAS TONKS of Elizabeth Street, Brisbane to supply electricity within an area within the City of Toowoomba. It is desired tliat the said Order-in-Council shall be amended by deleting Section Two of the Fourth Schedule, and in substituting therefore the following Section: "When the Electric Authority charges any Consumer by the "actual amount of energy supplied to him the Electric Authority shall be entitled to charge him for any amount of electric energy the sum of One Shilling per Unit consumed plus the sum of Fourpence per watt per annum of maximum demand such maximum demand being based upon the total connected load or ascertained by some device such as Wright's Indicator. Any Local Authority, Company or person desirous of bringing before the Secretary for Public Works any objection respecting the application must do so forthwith by notice addressed to the Secretary for Public Works marked on the outside of the cover enclosing it "Electric Light and Power Act 1896," and a copy of every such notice of objection must also be forwarded to the applicant for the Order. Copies of notices of objection may be served on the Applicant at the Offices of Groom & Lavers. Dated this Thirtieth Day of March, 1915. Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company, Limited. E. M. GIBSON, Director GROOM & LAVERS, Solicitors for Applicant, City Chambers Margaret street,. Toowoomba.

1915 08

4AN's father advertises for public support in notifying failed street lighting

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . THE Toowoomba Electric Light Company is desirous of retaining an Efficient Service of Street Lighting, and with this object in view the Public can assist by notifying the Company of any Street Lamp noticed out of order. E. M. GIBSON, Manager.

1915 10

4AN's father elected president of Toowoomba Bowling Club

PERSONAL. . . . Dr. A. E. McDonnell, as Patron of the Toowoomba Bowling Club, Mr. A. Mayes, as retiring President, and Mr. H. D. Hatton, as green superintendent, were each presented at the annual meeting of the club last evening with a large framed photograph of the gathering on the green on Saturday week on the occasion of the Patron's afternoon. The photographs were the work of Mr. H. Stephens and two of them were handed to Messrs. Mayes and Hatton by the incoming President, Mr. E. M. Gibson, Dr. McDonnell unfortunately not being present to personally receive the gift intended for him. The presentations were a fitting finale to a very pleasantly spent business evening, and Messrs. Mayes and Hatton suitably acknowledged the compliment paid them and Dr. McDonnell by their fellow members.

1915 12

Funeral notice for 4AN's grandfather

FUNERAL NOTICES. FUNERAL NOTICE.— The Funeral of the late WILLIAM GIBSON, sen., (formerly of Bingera Plantation), will leave his residence, Givelda, Virginia avenue, Hawthorne, THIS (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at 3 o'clock, for the Bulimba Cemetery. No flowers, by request. JOHN HISLOP & SONS, Funeral Directors.

Brief obituary for 4AN's paternal grandfather William Gibson

GENERAL NEWS. OBITUARY. The death occurred in Brisbane yesterday afternoon of Mr. William Gibson. The deceased was born at Kilmaure (Scotland), and came out to Queensland about fifty years ago. Soon after his arrival here he took up land with his father and brothers on the Brisbane river, but in 1883 he went to Bundaberg and commenced the Bingera sugar plantation, where he had resided until about six years ago, where he retired from active life at Bingera, and for the past five years had lived at "Virginia Avenue." Hawthorn (Brisbane). The late Mr. Gibson was a director of the Toowoomba Electric Light Coy., and was associated with several other business enterprises in Queensland. He leaves a widow, five sons, and a daughter — namely, Messrs. William Alexander (of the Marlborough Sugar Coy.), Edgar (manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light Coy.), Alfred (field manager at Bingera plantation), Albert (of the Agricultural Department), and Raymond (of the Government Printing Office), and Mrs. Martin (wife of Mr. C. Martin, Brisbane). The deceased was in good health yesterday, and visited relatives at "Green Slopes," Brisbane. He partook of afternoon tea, and soon after had a sudden seizure, expiring almost immediately. Much sympathy will be felt for the members of his family in their sad bereavement.

As previous

Local and General. DEATH OF MR. WM. GlBSON. Word was received in town early last evening of the death in Brisbane of Mr. William Gibson, a member of the firm of Messrs. Gibson and Howes, of Bingera. At the time of his death he was visiting some friends, and whilst partaking of afternoon tea, he was seen to collapse and expire almost immediately. The deceased, who was 69 years of age, was a native of Rothesay, Scotland, and came to Queensland in the year 1864. With his three brothers, he was. instrumental in establishing Bingera, which has taken a prominent place in the prosperity of Bundaberg and Queensland generally. In public affairs, he was a member, as well as chairman, of the Gooburrum Shire Council. Of late years he resided at Bulimba, Brisbane. He is survived by a widow and family of five sons and one daughter, namely, Messrs. Alick Gibson (Marburg), Edgar Gibson (manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light Co.), Alfred Gibson (Bingera), Albert Gibson (Sugar Bureau, Brisbane), Raymond Gibson (Brisbane) and Mrs. Charlie Martin (Brisbane).

Brief obituary for 4AN's paternal grandfather William Gibson

DEATH OF MR. W. GIBSON, SEN. Mr. William Gibson, of Virginia street, Hawthorne, passed away at his residence yesterday. The deceased, who was a brother of the Hon. Angus Gibson, M.L.C., was well known in the sugar world as the proprietor of the Bingera sugar plantation. He was 69 years of age, and he had been in Queensland 50 years. He is survived by a daughter and five sons — namely, Mrs. C. Martin, wife of Mr. C. Martin, of the Lands Department; Mr. W. A. Gibson, of the Marburg Sugar Company; Mr. Edgar Gibson, manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light Company; Mr. Alfred Gibson, of the Bingera plantation; Mr. Albert Gibson, of the Agricultural Department; and Mr. Raymond Gibson, of the Government printing office. The funeral will take place this afternoon.

Another brief obituary for 4AN's grandfather

PERSONAL. . . . The death occurred in Brisbane yesterday at 4 o'clock of Mr. William Gibson, father of Mr. E. M. Gibson, manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Coy. Mr. Gibson was in his usual good health up to the time of his demise which was very sudden and unexpected. Deceased was one of the original founders of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company, and has been a director ever since. The late Mr. Gibson was a brother of Hon. Angus Gibson, M.L.C.

Obituary for 4AN's paternal grandfather William Gibson

OBITUARY Mr. WILLIAM GIBSON. It is with the deepest regret, which will be shared by all that know him and the family, that we (Bundaberg "Daily News" of Tuesday) have to announce the death of Mr. William Gibson of the firm of Messrs. Gibson and Howe, Limited, of Bingera, which occurred at Brisbane at about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, the deceased suddenly falling dead while at afternoon tea at the home of a relative. The name of the Gibson Brothers is so intimately associated with the development of the sugar industry in the Bundaberg district, that it has become a household word, and by the death of the deceased, the second of the four brothers who came to Bundaberg from Hemmant some quarter of a century ago and by untiring industry and business acumen built up the great sugar mill and estate of Bingera, with its associated enterprises, has now passed away. Mr. James Gibson, it will be remembered, having died some years ago. Of the four brothers associated in the enterprise of Bingera, Mr William Gibson's energies were devoted to the field work, and it is no mere figure of speech to say that to his wise prescience and knowledge of the soils, the plants, and the seasons — in fact, all the varied knowledge that goes to build up the science of agriculture, much of the success of the joint enterprise was due. Apart from his activities as a planter, the late Mr. Gibson took a deep interest in local government authority work, and as a member of the Gooburrum Shire Council over a long period of years did good service to the ratepayers, while the esteem and regard of his fellow councillors for himself and their recognition of his knowledge of the affairs of the local authority led them to elect and retain him in the position of chairman for several years in succession, and, in fact, until he retired from the council. The late Mr. Gibson some years ago retired from the council. The late Mr. Gibson some years ago retired from active association with Bingera, and went to live at Hawthorn, Bulimba, where he had enjoyed good health for one of his advancing years, and therefore the news of his death came as a great shock to relatives and friends, of whom he had many, for of kindly, genial disposition, the deceased had the faculty of winning the warm regard of all that knew him. Born at Rothsay, Scotland, the deceased was 69 years at the time of his death. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Charles Martin, of Brisbane, and five sons. Messrs. Alec Gibson, of Marburg; Edgar Gibson, of Toowoomba; Alfred L. Gibson, of Bingera; Albert Gibson, of the Sugar Bureau; and Raymond Gibson, to mourn their irreparable loss, with whom, and the surviving brothers, Hon. Angus Gibson, M.L.C., and Mr. John Gibson, of Thornhill Station, widespread sympathy will be felt.

As previous

THE LATE MR. WILLIAM GIBSON. Mr. William Gibson, one of the sturdy and honoured pioneers of the sugar industry in Australia, passed suddenly away on Monday evening, December 27, at the age of 69, his friends receiving practically no warning of his approaching end. Mr. Gibson was visiting a relative at a short distance from his home at Hawthorne, on the Brisbane River, and while engaged in a social chat at afternoon tea suddenly collapsed. Though everything possible was done to improve his condition, he died a few hours later. He leaves a widow, a married daughter (Mrs. Charles Martin), and five sons Messrs. W. A. Gibson (Marburg Sugar Mill), Alfred (who is in charge of the cultivation at Bingera), Albert P. (Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations), Edgar M. (Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company), and R. S. Gibson (electrician in the State Government service). The late Mr. William Gibson was himself one of five sons, the family having settled in Queensland in what is now known as the Hemmant district in 1864, the father and the eldest bother (the Hon. Angus Gibson, M.L.C.) having arrived in the previous year. They took up land and went to work with a will, clearing the scrub and engaging at first in the cultivation of vegetables and general produce, the fruits of their labour being brought up to the city and landed at the Market Wharf, on the site now occupied by the A.U.S.N. Company's wharves. When sugar cultivation began to engage attention in Queensland, the Gibson Bros were amongst the first to take up the industry in this part of the country, and having obtained plants from the Hon. Louis Hope, of Cleveland, they placed a portion of their land under the crop. In the first instance they supplied cane to the floating sugar mill Walrus, which steamed up and down the Brisbane River, harvesting the cane then grown in comparatively small areas by the farmers. A very fair quality of sugar was made by the mill, though its appliances would in these days be regarded as exceedingly primitive; and it is interesting to note that in 1868 this sugar brought as much as £42 per ton in Brisbane. Messrs. Gibson erected a small mill, crushing with horsepower, in 1869, capable of making about one ton of sugar per day. It was a happy feature of the partnership between the Gibson Bros. that each brought to the combination some capabilities not possessed by the others, and it was to the advantage of the late Mr. William Gibson, and of the firm as a whole, that he had been trained as an agriculturist; so that whilst the other brothers attended to the machinery, the stock, or the business respectively, Mr. William, as he was familiarly called, devoted his time and thought to the growth of the cane, endeavouring at all times to improve and maintain the fertility of the soil, and to obtain the best varieties of cane possible. Thus both at Hemmant, on their Clydesdale Plantation, as well as on Bingera for many years afterwards, the drainage of the land, and the application of suitable manures, as well as experimentation with new varieties of cane, were unceasingly watched and vigorously prosecuted. The late Mr. William Gibson often spoke in later years of the immense advantages derived from soil drainage, which he carried out in earlier years by means of rough slabs, and subsequently with the aid of steam machinery and the most approved drain tiles. It may be mentioned that the varieties of cane first grown on Clydesdale are now quite out of cultivation; they were known as Bourbon and Ribbon. The Bourbon, though yielding a heavy crop of cane, was low in sugar contents, whilst the Ribbon was a high-quality cane. Later on, as steam began to be introduced into the industry, with plants capable of making 2 or 3 tons of sugar per day, the Gibson Bros. fell into line with the march of improvement, and their vacuum pan, installed about 1873, was amongst the first of these appliances. It became apparent, however, that there was not sufficient scope for their energies in the Hemmant district, and after careful inquiry and examination, they secured 1300 acres, the first portion of what is now the Bingera Plantation. The late Mr. William Gibson was sent up to attend to the agricultural development of this area; and his health, which had for some time caused grave anxiety to his friends, showed great improvement. The original area was gradually extended by purchase, and the operations of the firm were thus widened, until before the retirement of the late Mr. William Gibson they embraced something like 5000 acres, served by 50 miles of tramline, with a bridge over the Burnett above navigation, and a magnificent irrigation plant, in addition to one of the finest mills in the State. Bingera became a household word throughout the Bundaberg district, and its cane areas extended as far as to Watawa, in the vicinity of Gin Gin. Since 1911 Mr. William Gibson had been in retirement, the work he had so well commenced, and for many years so successfully carried on, being pursued by other members of the family. It has been said that few, if any, of his contemporaries had so complete a grasp of cane cultivation in all its branches as the late Mr. Gibson; and it was to his study of the various branches of his art that the success of Bingera was largely due. Two examples of this may be mentioned, namely, that so marked were the effects of the fertilisers which he applied, that at the present time none of the fields of the Bingera plantation are ever planted without their due supply of manures. On the other hand, the search for new and improved varieties of cane was so persistent, and so thorough, that at times there were as many as 50 or 60 varieties under chemical test at one and the same time. Mr. William Gibson was a thorough believer also in the value of what is known as chemical control; and for a number of years he was greatly assisted by Dr. Gibson, one of his nephews, who is now in charge of the Government Central Mills. Personally, the late Mr. Gibson was universally beloved, for he had a genial disposition, and whilst maintaining discipline amongst those employed under his management he was ever considerate for their welfare. Specially was this the case in the earlier days, when the relationship between employer and employee was closer than at present; and it was most interesting to hear his reminiscences of intercourse with men of all sorts and conditions during the long term of his management in the cane fields of Hemmant and Bingera.

1916

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1916 Toowoomba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1916
• Subdistrict: Toowoomba
• State: Queensland
• District: Darling Downs
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 3651, Gibson, Davina, Lindsay st., home duties, female
• Entry: 3652, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Lindsay st., electrical engineer, male

1916 01

Probate notice for 4AN's grandfather

LEGAL NOTICES. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND. In the WILL of WILLIAM GIBSON, late of Givelda, Hawthorn, Bulimba, near Brisbane, in the State of Queensland, Sugar Planter and Manufacturer, deceased. Notice is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen days from the date of the publication hereof, application will be made to this Honourable Court that PROBATE of the Will of the abovenamed William Gibson, deceased, may be GRANTED to WILLIAM ALEXANDER GIBSON, of Marburg, in the State of Queensland, Company Manager and Director, a son of the deceased, CHARLES MARTIN, of Bingera, Hawthorn, Bulimba, near Brisbane, in the said State, an officer in the Department of Public Lands of Queensland; and EDGAR McLEAN GIBSON, of Toowoomba, in the said State, Electrical Engineer, another son of the deceased, the Executors named in the said Will. Any person interested who desires to object to the application, or to be heard upon it, may file a Caveat in the Registry at any time before the grant is made. Dated this 30th day of December, 1915. MORRIS, FLETCHER, & JENSEN, Solicitors for the said William Alexander Gibson, Charles Martin, and Edgar McLean Gibson, Trustees' Buildings, 43 Queen street, Brisbane.

4AN's father hosts a farewell for an employee

PERSONAL. . . . At the office of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Coy., Ltd., on Saturday at noon, the members of the office staff and the electricians and employees presented Mr. W. T. Reynolds, until lately secretary to the company, with a sliver-mounted pocket book and a set of Barling pipes. The manager, Mr. E. M. Gibson, referred, to Mr. Reynolds as a conscientious worker who, by his honesty and cheerful disposition, had made a friend of every member on the staff. Although he was leaving the company's service, he was accepting an appointment with the Newtown Town Council, and would thus be remaining in Toowobmba, where he had so many well-wishers. Messrs. Petty and Knight also eulogised Mr. Reynolds, who recalled, with pleasure the cordial relationship which had always existed between the company and the employees.

1916 02

4AN's father visits Brisbane

WOMAN'S WAYS. LE BEAU MONDE. WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING. . . . Mr. E. M. Gibson left yesterday on a visit to Brisbane.

1916 03

AGM for Toowoomba Electric Light Co

ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Co. Ltd., was held yesterday afternoon in the offices of the company. The shareholders were well represented, and close interest was taken in the meet-ing. The chair was occupied by Hon. Angus Gibson, M.L.C. chairman of directors. The balance sheet for the year ending December 31, 1915, disclosed a veryt satisfactory state of affairs. The director's report, balance sheet, and auditor's report were, after brief discussion, unanimously adopted. A marked feature in the business progression of the company was the fact disclosed that upwards of 168 new lighting and heating connections had been made, most of which were for residential premises. The retiring directors were Hon A. Gibson, M.L.C. and Mr. M. Harrison both of whom were eligible for re-election. Both were re-elected unopposed. Mr. A. Sterling, was elected to. the seat rendered vacant by the death of Mr. W. Gibson. The meeting terminated with votes of thanks to the retiring directors and members of the staff in general. Tributes were paid for the uniform courtesy and attention always displayed at the office and works.

Probate granted for 4AN's grandfather

PROBATE GRANTED. Probate has been granted by the Supreme Court of the will of William Gibson, late of Hawthorne, Bulimba, retired sugar planter, to W. A. Gibson, of Ormiston, Cleveland, sugar grower; E. M. Gibson of Toowoomba, electrical engineer; and Charles Martin, of Hawthorne, public servant, the executors named in the will. The estate was valued for probate purposes at £69,500.

1916 07

4AN's father's advice of performance of Toowoomba Electric Light Co to Newtown Town Council

NEWTOWN TOWN COUNCIL. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Newtown Town Council was held in the Council Chambers last evening, his Worship the Mayor (Ald. J. Troy), occupied the chair while other Aldermen present were:— J. Hagan, T. W. Webb, E. T. Smart, J. Heiner, A. E. Ellis, T. W. Mugford, A. McStay, T. L. Fryar and G. Nuss, with the clerk (Mr. W. T. Reynolds). CORRESPONDENCE. . . . MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. E. M. Gibson, manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company, wrote stating that the length of electric light lines erected by the company in the Newtown area as up to December 1915, was estimated by the company at eight miles, 65 chains.

1916 10

4AN's father makes a presentation to a staff member upon enlisting

PRESENTATIONS. . . . TOOWOOMBA, October 1. At the office of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Co., Ltd., on Saturday morning, the employees assembled to bid farewell to a fellow employee, Mr. Dave H. Laurie, electrician, who has enlisted. The manager (Mr. E. M. Gibson), on behalf of the employees, presented Mr. Laurie with a wristlet watch as a mark of esteem.

1916 11

Transmission by Death notice for property formerly owned by 4AN's grandfather William Gibson

GOVERNMENT NOTICES. TRANSMISSION BY DEATH. REAL PROPERTY ACTS OF 1861 AND 1877. Notice is hereby given that applications have been made for the Registration of Transmission of Title to the Lands hereinafter mentioned. Particulars of such applications are given below, and any person desiring to oppose must do so by lodging a Caveat, on or before the day specified, at the Principal Office of the Registrar of Titles in Brisbane, unless the lands are situated within the Central District, in which case the Caveat must be lodged at the local District Registry at Rockhampton. Name of Deceased Proprietor.— William Gibson, late of Bulimba, near Brisbane, sugar planter and manufacturer. Date of Death.— December 27, 1915. Names of Claimants.— William Alexander Gibson, of Ormiston, fruit farmer; Charles Martin, of Hawthorne, Bulimba, Brisbane, public servant; and Edgar McLean Gibson, of Toowoomba, electrical engineer.— as Devisees in Trust. Description and Situation of Land.— Subdivisions 345, 346, 355, and subdivisions 9 to 12 and 57 of portion 66 of allotment 1a, county of Stanley, parish of Bulimba; allotments 1 and 2 of section 1, town of Bongaree; and allotment 4 of section 8, town of Polson. Estate Claimed to be Transmitted.— Fee-simple. Particulars of Will or Otherwise.— Will dated March 20, 1912. Date within which Caveat may be Lodged.— January 2, 1917.

1917

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1917 Toowoomba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1917
• Subdistrict: Toowoomba
• State: Queensland
• District: Darling Downs
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 3670, Gibson, Davina, Lindsay st., home duties, female
• Entry: 3671, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Lindsay st., electrical engineer, male

1919

1919 11

Detailed biography of 4AN's father upon his departure from Toowoomba

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. . . . Mr. E. M. Gibson, who has acted as manager and chief engineer of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company, since the inception of the company 13½ years ago, has tendered his resignation, which takes effect from the end of the present month. Health is the chief reason for Mr. Gibson's departure from Toowoomba. During his stay in our city Mr. Gibson has made himself extremely popular, and his departure will be regretted by the large circle of friends he has drawn round him. Mrs. Gibson, too, will be greatly missed by her numerous acquaintances. Our departing townsman intends to spend a holiday at the seaside and, later, to travel America, with a view to extending his knowledge, prior to settling in Brisbane or Sydney. Mr. Gibson was educated at the Maryborough Grammar School. He served his apprenticeship at the Bundaberg Foundry and in Glasgow (Scotland). At the latter place was where he gained his electrical experience. At the Glasgow and West Scotland Technical College, he also went through a course of mechanics, steam and electrical engineering. On returning to Australia he was engaged as engineer to the Bingera sugar mill. Later he went to the Scottish (Gympie) gold mines, as chief electrical engineer. From there his services were secured by the Colonial Sugar Refining Co., Sydney, he being engaged in the drawing office. After leaving this engagement he came to Toowoomba. Mr. Gibson is a son of the late Mr. William Gibson (who was a brother of Hon. Angus Gibson), well-known residents of the Bundaberg district. We wish Mr. Gibson every success in whatever new sphere he decides to enter, and in voicing this extend also good wishes to Mrs. Gibson and family.

4AN's father fails in his bid to consult with Bowen Town Council on provision of street lighting

BOWEN TOWN COUNCIL. Special meeting, Tuesday evening last to deal with electric lighting and other matters. Present — Aldermen J.T. Algar, W. C. Ellis, W. H. Darwen, F. Sellars, M. Gillies, W. A. C. Michael, F. R. Seed, and the Clerk (C. Whitehead). Applications were received for the position of Consulting Engineer to the Council in connection with the electric lighting scheme from the following:— W. G. Counsell, Warwick, Q. Reginald F. Barker, Sydney, N.S.W. Edgar M. Gibson, Toowoomba, Q. D. L. Davidson, Sydney, N.S.W. V. J. Crowley, c/- The Treasury, Brisbane, Q. S. H. Hancox, Ipswich, Q. Webb & Burgess, Sydney, N.S.W. A discussion arose on the question whether the applications should be received and then read or vice versa. Moved Sellars, seconded Ellis, carried "That the applications be received.” Amendment Darwen, sec. Michael, "That the various applications be read before being received." For the motion Ald. Reed, Sellars, Ellis and Algar, against Ald. Michael, Darwen and Gillies. Moved Darwen, sec. Reed, carried, '‘That the Council appoint an Engineer for the preliminary work in connection with the electric lighting scheme for the town." The various applications were then read. Moved Reed, seconded Ellis, "That if Mr. W. Counsell be appointed as Engineer in connection with the preliminary work required for the electric lighting scheme at the fee quoted in his application, viz., fifty guineas (£52/10/-) provided that a satisfactory reply is received from him as to when he can proceed with the work and that if the scheme is adopted and ordinary satisfaction is given with the preliminary work and the Council proceed with the scheme, that Mr Counsell be appointed to supervise erection of the necessary plant and act as Consulting Engineer to the scheme as per his application at a fee of 3½ per cent on the cost of the undertaking. Carried unanimously.

1919 12

Detailed report of farewell function to 4AN's father by Toowoomba Electric Power and Light

MR. E. M. GIBSON. TOOWOOMBA ELECTRIC LIGHT EMPLOYEES' APPRECIATION. One of the most interesting and enjoyable functions that has taken place jn Toowoomba for a long time eventuated in the Cafe Alexandra on Saturday night, when, with the exception of two, who were ill, the whole of the employees of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company, Limited — 34 in number — met to make a presentation and to bid farewell to Mr. E. M. Gibson, the retiring manager and chief engineer. The opportunity was also seized to make a presentation to Mr. C. P. Knight, who has resigned the position as works manager, to enter into business on his own account. After doing full justice to the very ample repast provided by Messrs. T. K. Lamb and Co., a lengthy toast list, interspersed with musical items was entered upon. Mr. G. E. Petty, chief electrician to the company, was in the chair, having upon his right Mr. Gibson, as chief guest, and upon his left Mr. Knight. In proposing the toast of Mr. E. M. Gibson, Mr. E. A. McConachie, who succeeds Mr. Gibson as manager, was very happy in his remarks and stressed the good feeling that had always existed between Mr. Gibson and the various staffs. He mentioned also, that although the company had now over 1000 consumers on the books, the utmost good feeling existed between them and the company. This, he attributed wholly to the careful management of affairs by Mr. Gibson. He also spoke of the personal popularity of that gentleman with the people of Toowoomba; the interest he had always taken in clean sport — particularly cricket and bowls — in both of which he excelled. The toast was supported by a considerable number of those present, some of whom showed considerable emotion. They all expressed the sincerest regret that Mr. Gibson was severing his connection with the company. His kindly words of advice, and interest in all would be keenly missed. They hoped he would soon recover his wonted health, and that wherever he may decide to reside in the future, he carried, with him their best wishes. The toast was honored with great enthusiasm, and after the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow," three hearty cheers were given for the guest. Mr. Gibson was presented with a very handsomely framed series of photographs consisting of a panel bust of himself, the heads of the various staffs, groups of the various staffs, and views of the power station — both external and internal. The inscription, which was most artistically executed, read as follows:— "Presented to E. M. Gibson, Esq., A.M.I.E.E., M.I.E. by the employees of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Company, Limited, on the occasion of the severance of his connection with the company, November, 1919. He was also presented with a valuable set of pipes, his initials being engraved upon the band of each. Mr. Gibson feelingly responded, and speaking with emotion, he traversed at length the history of the company from its inception down to the present day. He humorously mentioned that at one time he was manager, bookkeeper, message boy, engineer, engine driver, stoker, canvassed, etc. In fact, he was the whole "box of tricks, and now the company had 34 names on the pay roll. He gave some kindly advice to the junior members of the staff, advising them to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that would rebound to the credit of themselves and the company. He thanked them for the presentation. The photograph would always occupy a prominent position in his home, wherever it may be. He would ever be mindful of the assistance and co-operation always received from the staff, particularly Messrs. Knight and Petty, the former having been associated with him almost from the commencement. The toast of Mr. C. P. Knight was proposed and supported by members of the Power House staff, after which he was presented with a handsome gold watch, suitably inscribed. Mr. Knight suitably responded. A few other toasts were honored, and the balance of the evening was devoted to musical items, etc. The gathering dispersed just about midnight with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne. The photograph was a very artistic production, and came from the Stephen Studios.

As previous

PERSONAL. . . . Mr. E. M. Gibson, who has been manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light and Power Co., Ltd., since the company commenced operations nearly 14 years ago, has resigned from the position, and will later go on an extended holiday, probably abroad. At the Cafe Alexandra, Toowoomba, on Saturday evening Mr. Gibson was the guest of honour at a farewell social gathering tendered to him by the combined staff of the company. Mr. G. Petty (chief electrician) presided, and during the evening presented Mr. Gibson with an enlarged photograph of the various staffs, works, &c.

1920s

1920

1920 03

Obituary of 4AN's maternal grandfather David Scott

PIONEER AT REST. DEATH OF MR. DAVID SCOTT. The passing of Mr. David Scott, one of Bundaberg's oldest surviving and estimable citizens, which sad event occurred at his residence, East Bundaberg, yesterday morning, occasioned considerable regret. In the early days of Bundaberg, Mr. Scott was one of the foremost citizens in the town and did much towards fostering progress. A native of Kilduncan, Fifeshire, Scotland, the late Mr. Scott, with his good wife, came out to Australia in the "Fiery Star," in the year 1863, and ten years later they came on to Bundaberg. That was as far back as 1876. Mr. Scott, with Messrs. Manchester and Rattray (both of whom long since passed away) purchased a small sawmilling plant on Eurimbulu Creek, in the Gladstone district, which they removed to Bundaberg by boat, and in doing so experienced considerable difficulty through encountering rough weather. However, the machinery was safely landed in Bundaberg and erected on the banks of the Burnett, East Bundaberg. With the progress of Bundaberg the mill also continued to progress necessitating constant improvements and additions to the plant, and soon the sawmill was one of the largest in the State. Mr. Rattray eventually disposed of his share of the business which was thereupon carried on under the name of Manchester and Scott, until about 11 years ago, when the business was purchased by Messrs. H. S. Skyring and Co. The late Mr. Scott was one of the pioneering members of the old Woongarra Divisional Board, and to him much of the credit of the magnificent roads in the Woongarra is due. He was Chairman of the Board in the years 1903 and 1904. He also represented the Woongarra Board on the Bundaberg Harbor Board, and with Mr. A. D. Crow was commissioned to go to Brisbane and report on dredge matters. As a result of their report the dredge Ceratodus was ordered. He was also an enthusiastic worker in the interests of the Presbyterian Church in its initial stages and for many years he served on the East Bundaberg State School Committee. The late Mr. Scott made two trips to the Old Country. In 1886 he revisited his native homeland in company with Mr. David Watson, and on the second occasion, about eleven years ago, he was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Grayson. For some time past the deceased gentleman had been confined to his bed, and he passed quietly away yesterday morning in the presence of his daughter (Mrs. Grayson), who has tenderly nursed him during his illness. By his death, at the age of 79 years. Bundaberg has lost one of its sterling pioneers, whose wife predeceased him some 15 years ago, and is survived by four daughters, namely Mrs. Grayson, Mrs. Topping, Mrs. A. McIntosh (Winton), and Mrs. Edgar Gibson (Toowoomba), and several grandchildren, to whom much sympathy will be extended in their sad loss. It is worthy of mention that two of deceased's grandsons, Jack and Adam McIntosh, made the supreme sacrifice in defence of their country. The funeral is advertised to take place this afternoon, at 3 o'clock, the arrangements being in the hands of Messrs. F. C. Brown and Co.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce farewells 4AN's father

MR. E. M. GIBSON. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FAREWELL. NEED FOR EFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY. On the occasion of his early departure from Toowoomba Mr. E. M. Gibson, who for the past 14 years has been manager of the Toowoomba Electric Light Company, was farewelled yesterday afternoon by the members of the Chamber of Commerce at the offices in Margaret-street. Mr. F. J. Morgan occupied the chair, and also in attendance were Alderman J. H. White, and Messrs. A. W. Hale, W. R. Robinson, W. H. Hardy, A. E. Lavers, W. S. Power, G. P. Merry, J. D. Annand, R. W. Walsh, F. W. Groom, and G. A. Leichney. After the loyal toast had been honoured, the chairman proposed the health of Mr. Gibson, who they were meeting to say goodbye after having been a respected townsman of Toowoomba for nearly 14 years. In all matters connected with the welfare of Toowoomba, Mr. Gibson had been intimately associated. Although he was not a man who looked for the limelight, Mr. Gibson had given of his best for the city and in any movement that had for its object the furthering of Toowoomba Mr. Gibson had given a kindly help. (Applause.) In this regard Mr. Morgan referred to the admirable assistance the Peace Loan had received from Mr. Gibson who, free of charge, erected the big flashing electric light over the A.B.C. Bank. (Applause.) Wherever Mr. Gibson went he would have the best wishes of the citizens of Toowoomba. He was a citizen that Toowoomba could ill afford to lose, and this not only applied in the business world but in the sporting world as well. (Applause.) Mr. Gibson, accompanied by Mr. M. Harrison, would soon be leaving for America, and the Chairman was hoping to arrange that he would be able to represent it at the International Trade Convention to be held in San Francisco in the course of the next few months. Mr. Annand, after wishing Mr. Gibson, his wife and family, every prosperity in the future, referred to the part the guest that afternoon had played in the installation of electric light in Toowoomba. He had been the means of pioneering that industry right from bedrock and today was able to look back on the success of his efforts. (AppIause.) Mr. Hale said, from his experience with Mr. Gibson on the bowling green, he had formed the opinion that he was just the man that one could do business with. (Applause.) Mr. Merry, in adding his quota of praise to Mr. Gibson, remarked that the guest had always been prepared to lend any assistance in the many patriotic movements that were in full swing during the war. This especially applied to the A.B.C. Fete held on Mr. Rowbotham's property as a result of which £1000 was raised in three days. On that occasion Mr. Gibson provided all the material required and generally rendered invaluable assistance. (Applause.) Mr. Walsh remarked that Mr. Gibson had been an estimable citizen, and one Toowoomba could ill afford to lose. Speaking on behalf of the press of Toowoomba, Mr. Groom said that when one realised an energetic young man was leaving a town, it was a national loss to that town. (Applause.) Mr. Gibson had displayed plenty of energy in establishing such a huge concern as the electric light company in the face of some opposition at times; but because he was energetic Mr. Gibson perservered with that concern until today it was on such a sound footing. The guest that afternoon, Mr. Groom, added, stood right out on his own in the assistance he.had given to matters connected with the war and which had for their object the raising of money for the welfare of the troops at the front. (Applause.) Mr. Robinson said that had the City Council at that time in power accepted the offer made by the Toowoomba Electric Light Company for trams, trams today would be running in Toowoomba. That was a sporting offer turned down by representatives of the town. After his health had been musically honoured, Mr. Gibson responded. At the outset he thanked the members for their complimentary remarks about himself, while he especially was gratified at the references made to his wife and family. For nearly 14 years he had lived in Toowoomba. The biggest portion of that time had been pretty strenuous in connection with the work that had been undertaken, and in consequence his health had not been too good of late. The reason for his trip to America was partly for health purposes and partly for business reasons. He thought when he returned he would settle down in Brisbane. While he was away in America with Mr. Harrison he meant to take in all he could, and it was likely both himself and Mr. Harrison would come back to Queensland with new ideas. (Applause.) Personally, he would have liked to go on to England, but deemed it inadvisable. In the past 14 years there had been great strides made in the electrical world, and today electricity could be generated much cheaper than at that time. His wife was sorry to leave Toowoomba, but they would take away with them two Toowoomba boys. (Applause.) He would always think of Toowoomba the beautiful. He had never lived in a place which he liked better than Toowoomba for its climate. There was room for improvement in Toowoomba at the present time, but until Toowoomba obtained a decent water supply it could not expect to do much. That was the one great failing with Toowoomba. Conservation of water in Queensland, to his mind, seemed to be the only solution of the problem of dry periods. He had often wondered whether some of the water courses in the outskirts of Toowoomba could not be dammed up so in a rainy season there could be stored millions of gallons of water which could be used in a dry time like the present. Until Toowoomba obtained a decent water supply it could not expect to got sewerage, a thing that was badly needed. He had thought that in State schools, hotels and boarding houses where more than a certain number lived, they should each have a septic tank. That seemed to him to be a weak spot with schools and the other places he referred to. In conclusion, he again thanked the Chamber for the honour accorded him. (Applause.)

Another obituary of 4AN's maternal grandfather David Scott

Social Gossip. PERSONALITIES. . . . Mr. E. M. Gibson, Toowoomba, re-ceived advice on Friday that his father-in-law, Mr. David Scott, of East Bundaberg, had died that morning. The late Mr. Scott, who had reached an advanced age, was one of the pioneers of the Bundaberg district. He was born in Scotland, and came to Queensland as a young man. He was first pattern worker at Messrs. Walkers Ltd., Maryborough, and later founded the firm of Manchester and Scott, sawmillers, Bundaberg, and was actively engaged in the business until about five years ago, when he retired. His wife predeceased him some years ago, and he is survived by four daughters, Mesdames E. M. Gibson (Toowoomba), Topping (Bingara plantation), Mclntosh (Winton), and Grayson (East Bundaberg).

1920 04

4AN's father, as consulting engineer to Maryborough Council, receives approval for his street lighting scheme

ELECTRIC LIGHT. COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME FOR MARYBOROUGH. DEFINITE STEP FORWARD. £25,000 LOAN FOR FIRST SECTION. A special meeting of the City Council was held last night in the Council Chambers, when definite steps were taken in regard to bringing Maryborough into line with other up-to-date communities in the matter of installing electric light and power. The tone of the meeting showed that the aldermen were fully seized with the importance and the necessity of the undertaking, and the scheme was advanced a considerable stage. The.fact was disclosed, too, that the aldermen, and particularly Alderman E. H. Warry had been devoting close attention to the scheme, and the Council was right up to date with its arrangements insofar as the necessary preliminaries, or the spade work, as it were, are concerned. A special tribute was paid to Alderman Warry for his zeal in advancing the scheme, Alderman Wells observing that the present up-to-dateness of arrangements was really due to Alderman Warry's energy in furthering the proposal since it was first mooted. The Mayor Alderman I. Bushnell) presided over last night's meeting, and there were also present Aldermen E. H. Warry, H. J. Hyne, S. J. Fowler, Dr. Lee Garde, P. B. Chauvel, W. Wells, H. A. Reed, the Town Clerk (Mr. D. Woodrow) and Mr. A. Neal. THE SCHEME. Alderman Warry moved the adoption of the recommendations of the Electric Light Committee with regard to adopting Mr. Gibson's scheme for the complete installation of electric light and power in Maryborough. The motion, he trusted, was one of the final stages towards the installation, of electric light and power in Maryborough. Mr. E. M. Gibson, whom the Council had appointed to draw up plans and specifications, had submitted a most comprehensive scheme, embracing the city to the furthermost extension of the street gas lamps. The proposal for the complete scheme, Alderman Warry pointed out, was estimated to cost £50,000, which Mr. Gibgon had divided into different sections. The first section, and Alderman Warry made it clear that the Council was only committing itself to this portion for the present, was estimated to cost £25,000. The complete scheme, he further explained, provided the Council saw fit to extend it, would embrace an expenditure of £16,000 for the second year's estimate. The third year provided for an additional £6000, that was, if the scheme were further extended, and similarly £2000 for the fourth year„ and £1000 for the following year, or a total of £50,000 spread over five years. Mr. Gibson, Alderman Warry pointed out, considered the superheated steam overtype engine condensing type, as the most suitable for the scheme. One point in its favour was that a site on the river bank was not necessary, as the quantity of water required for condensing was small in comparison. This machine would be coupled direct to a dynamo generating 175 kilowatts. Mr. Gibson estimated that this would be ample to supply the city^s requirements, both for electric light and power, for possibly the next three years. It was anticipated that the result of the second year's working would net 7 per cent on the capital invested. The transmission system would be by aerial cable. THE SITE. Contrary to expectations, Alderman Warry proceeded, the site contemplated would be exactly at the opposite end of the town from that generally, understood by "the man in the street." Mr. Gibson had recommended two sites, his first choice being the old cemetery, opposite the flour mill. But this was out of the question, as arrangements had been made with the Minister for the transfer of this to the Council as a public park. The second site was not more than a stone's throw from the old cemetery, and the Electric Light Committee, was now negotiating with the owners for its purchase as a site for the works. Mr. Gibson dealt very fully with the whole scheme in his report to the Electric Light Committee, and he formally moved the adoption of his recommendations. TRIBUTE TO ALDERMAN WARRY. Alderman Wells seconded the motion with pleasure. He was pleased to know that the scheme was so far advanced. People had repeatedly enquired "When are we going to get the electric light?" Most people, however, were not aware that the Council had to wait for three months for the Order-in-Council to go through. As a matter of fact, the Council was really up-to-date, thanks mainly, to the energy of Alderman Warry, who had applied himself wholeheartedly to the scheme and had done his best to accelerate it. The Council, hie thought, was indeed, in its arrangements, ahead of the Order-in-Council, which awaited some minor details, before its final signature. He could not allow the opportunity to pass without observing that the present up-to-dateness of the scheme was probably due to the zeal which Alderman Warry had given to it since it was first mooted. Alderman Lee Garde, in supporting the motion, pointed out that Mr. Gibson had emphasised the fact that £25,000 would give the Council a complete outfit sufficient, for the town's requirements for some considerable time. Any further expenditure would depend on whether circumstances warranted it. Mr. Gibson was quite satisfied in recommending one unit to proceed with. The motion was carried unanimously. CONSULTING ENGINEER. Aldermian Fowler moved the appointment of Mr. E. M. Gibson (who had been specially appointed previously to draw up plans and specifications and report on the scheme), as consulting engineer, for the purpose of carrying out the installation of electric light and power in Maryborough. Alderman Chauvel, who seconded, and Alderman Wells who supported the motion each paid a high tribute to Mr. Gibson's qualifications and practical experience. Alderman Wells observed that Mr. Gibson's appointment should go a long way towards ensuring the success of the undertaking. APPLICATION FOR LOAN. Alderman Warry moved that the Council, to cover the cost. of the first section, apply to the Treasurer for a loan of £25,000 in terms of his and Mr. D. Weir's personal interview with the Treasurer. Alderman Reed seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. PURCHASE OF SITE. The question of the purchase of the site previously mentioned was, at the instance of Aldermen Warry and Garde, referred to the Electric Light Committee of six to deal with. This concluded the business.

4AN's father about to depart on a six month overseas tour

PERSONAL. Messrs. E. M. Gibson and Mark Harrison will leave Australia shortly for America where they will make a six months' tour. Mr. Harrison left Toowoomba on Sunday, being joined later by Mr. Gibson en route to the South. Whilst in America Mr. Gibson will represent the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce at an important international congress in San Francisco.

1920 05

4AN's father's house contents auctioned in Toowoomba

TUESDAY'S IMPORTANT SALE. Mr. E. M. Gibson (late of the Toowoomba Electric Light Company) favored Mr. E. E. Palethorpe, auctioneer and property salesman, with instructions to sell his splendid collection of furniture and effects. The sale takes place on Tuesday. Location: Campbell-street, Range. Time: 11 a.m. On view next Monday. 678

4AN's father offers to Toowoomba Council to inquire into a tram system for Toowoomba during his overseas trip

AN OFFER REGARDING TRAMS. Mr. E. M. Gibson, in a letter dated Brisbane, April 13th., wrote to the City Council stating that he was going to visit America with a view of looking into matters concerning mechanical and electrical engineering. Should the Council desire the latest information relative to a tram system to meet Toowoomba conditions, he would be prepared to make full inquiries and report in writing for a fee of 100gns. He had letters of introduction to most of the largest electric undertakings in America. The letter was received.

4AN's father continues his company responsibilities by Brisbane representative

CITY COUNCIL. . . . The Mayor (Alderman I. Bushnell) presided at the fortnightly meeting of the City Council on Tuesday night, there being also present Aldermen E. H. Warry, H. J. Hyne, S. J. Fowler, Lee Garde, P. B. Chauvel, W. Wells, the Town Clerk (Mr. D. Woodrow), and Mr. A. Neal. CORRESPONDENCE . . . . From Jas. W. Chew, Brisbane, acting as representative for Mr. E. M. Gibson, consulting engineer in connection with the electric lighting scheme, wires, advising that he would meet the committee on Friday next. — Received.

1922

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1922 Coorparoo

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1922
• Subdistrict: Coorparoo
• State: Queensland
• District: Moreton
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 2197, Gibson, Davina, Banff, Kirkland avenue, Greenslopes, home duties, female
• Entry: 2198, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Banff, Kirkland avenue, Greenslopes, electrical engineer, male

1925

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1925 Coorparoo

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1925
• Subdistrict: Coorparoo
• State: Queensland
• District: Moreton
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 2927, Gibson, Davina, Banff, Kirkland avenue, Greenslopes, home duties, female
• Entry: 2928, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Banff, Kirkland avenue, Greenslopes, electrical engineer, male

1928

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1928 Coorparoo

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1928
• Subdistrict: Coorparoo
• State: Queensland
• District: Moreton
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 3540, Gibson, Davina, Banff, Kirkland avenue, Greenslopes, home duties, female
• Entry: 3541, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Banff, Kirkland avenue, Greenslopes, electrical engineer, male

1930s

1936

4AN's family's Electoral Roll registrations 1936 Wynnum

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson, Linda Maud Gibson, Lindsay Scott Gibson, William Leighton Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male, Female, Male, Male
• Electoral Year: 1936
• Subdistrict: Wynnum
• State: Queensland
• District: Moreton
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 2436, Gibson, Davina, Ivona, Carlton terrace, Manly, home duties, female (4AN's mother)
• Entry: 2437, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Ivona, Carlton terrace, Manly, engineer, male (4AN's father)
• Entry: 2441, Gibson, Linda Maud, Esplanade, Manly, home duties, female (4AN's wife)
• Entry: 2442, Gibson, Lindsay Scott, Carlton terrace, Manly, farmer, female (4AN's brother)
• Entry: 2448, Gibson, William Leighton, Esplanade, Manly, salesman, female (4AN)

1937

4AN's family's Electoral Roll registrations 1937 Wynnum

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Edgar McLean Gibson, Linda Maud Gibson, Lindsay Scott Gibson, William Leighton Gibson
• Gender: Male, Female, Male, Male
• Electoral Year: 1937
• Subdistrict: Wynnum
• State: Queensland
• District: Moreton
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 2537, Gibson, Edgar McLean, Ivona, Carlton terrace, Manly, engineer, male (4AN's father)
• Entry: 2541, Gibson, Linda Maud, Esplanade, Manly, home duties, female (4AN's wife)
• Entry: 2542, Gibson, Lindsay Scott, Carlton terrace, Manly, farmer, male (4AN's brother)
• Entry: 2549, Gibson, William Leighton, Esplanade, Manly, salesman, male (4AN)

1940s

1943

4AN's parents' Electoral Roll registrations 1943 Bulimba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Davina Gibson, Edgar McLean Gibson, Lindsay Scott Gibson
• Gender: Female, Male, Male
• Electoral Year: 1943
• Subdistrict: Bulimba
• State: Queensland
• District: Griffith
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 5482, Gibson, Davina, "Givelda," 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, home duties, female (4AN's mother)
• Entry: 5484, Gibson, Edgar McLean, "Givelda," 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, engineer, male (4AN's father)
• Entry: 5494, Gibson, Lindsay Scott, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, brewery worker, female (4AN's brother)

1950s

1954

4AN's family's Electoral Roll registrations 1954 Bulimba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Edgar McLean Gibson, Gweneth Joan Gibson, Lindsay Scott Gibson
• Gender: Male, Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1954
• Subdistrict: Bulimba
• State: Queensland
• District: Bowman
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 7788, Gibson, Edgar McLean, "Givelda," 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, engineer, male (4AN's father)
• Entry: 7797, Gibson, Gweneth Joan, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, home duties, female (4AN's sister-in-law)
• Entry: 7804, Gibson, Lindsay Scott, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, storeman, male (4AN's brother)

1958

4AN's family's Electoral Roll registrations 1958 Bulimba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Edgar McLean Gibson, Gweneth Joan Gibson, Lindsay Scott Gibson
• Gender: Male, Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1958
• Subdistrict: Bulimba
• State: Queensland
• District: Griffith
• Country: Australia
• Entry: ????, Gibson, Edgar McLean, "Givelda," 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, engineer, male (4AN's father)
• Entry: ????, Gibson, Gweneth Joan, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, home duties, female (4AN's sister-in-law)
• Entry: ????, Gibson, Lindsay Scott, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, storeman, male (4AN's brother)

1960s

1963

4AN's family's Electoral Roll registrations 1963 Bulimba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Edgar McLean Gibson, Gweneth Joan Gibson, Lindsay Scott Gibson
• Gender: Male, Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1963
• Subdistrict: Bulimba
• State: Queensland
• District: Griffith
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 3249, Gibson, Edgar McLean, "Givelda," 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, engineer, male (4AN's father)
• Entry: 3254, Gibson, Gweneth Joan, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, home duties, female (4AN's sister-in-law)
• Entry: 3256, Gibson, Lindsay Scott, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, storeman, male (4AN's brother)

1968

4AN's family's Electoral Roll registrations 1968 Bulimba

Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980

• Name: Edgar McLean Gibson, Gweneth Joan Gibson, Lindsay Scott Gibson
• Gender: Male, Female, Male
• Electoral Year: 1968
• Subdistrict: Bulimba
• State: Queensland
• District: Griffith
• Country: Australia
• Entry: 3330, Gibson, Edgar McLean, "Givelda," 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, engineer, male (4AN's father)
• Entry: 3336, Gibson, Gweneth Joan, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, home duties, female (4AN's sister-in-law)
• Entry: 3338, Gibson, Lindsay Scott, 88 Virginia ave., Hawthorne, storeman, male (4AN's brother)

1990s

1995

1995 04

Death Notice for 4AN

• Surname: GIBSON
• Given Names: William Leighton (Gibby)
• Notice Type: Death notice
• Date: 24 APR 1995
• Event: Death
• Age: 87
• Other Details: late of Sorrento, formerly of Palm Beach
• Publication: Gold Coast Bulletin
• Published: 03 MAY 1995

1995 07

Probate Notice for 4AN

• Surname: GIBSON
• Given Names: William Leighton
• Notice Type: Probate notice
• Date: 11 JUL 1995
• Event: Publication
• Age: blank
• Other Details: late of Sorrento, Qld
• Publication: Gold Coast Bulletin
• Published: 11 JUL 1995