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Contributor
- News of the day
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Central Queensland Herald, Thursday 28 October 1948, page 23
WINTON
At Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Thomson’s residence there was a happy gathering of more than 60 people, including the staff of the NBA Bank. The party had been organised to farewell Miss Joyce Latham, who will, in future, live in Mackay. Singing, dancing and games on the big lawn, provided enjoyable entertainment. Mrs. Stockham, of Ascot, as pianist, and Mrs. Mellick also helped to make the function a success. Mr. Quail, manager of the Winton branch of the NBA, on behalf of the younger set, presented Miss Latham with a fountain pen and pencil.
The CWA mask and domino ball in the shire hall gave dancers an enjoyable time. Door takings amounted to £35. Miss H. W. Riley (secretary) occupied the ticket office, and Mrs. A. Garrett (president) with the aid of other CWA members, attended to the supper arrange-ments. Mesdames Brushe and Jewell sold soft drinks. Music was supplied by Mrs. Stockham (piano), Messrs. M. Ross (violin), W. Brushe (sax.), and Mrs Mellick (drums). Mr. F. N. Bray was MC. Mrs. F. Mitchell held the lucky number mask and the prize for a novelty item was won by Mrs. Flemming. A euchre tournament, supervised by Mrs. E. C. Philipson, was won by Mrs. Yates, sen., and Mr. Fred Hutcheson.
The body of Mr. James Carr, aged 58, was discovered at Verdun Valley by Mr. E. Perry, mail contractor. Accompanied by Mr. Thos. Allen, Mr. Perry was returning from his mall run to Mayne Junction and on arrival at Verdun Valley station he did not see Mr. Carr about. He walked over to his hut and found him lying dead on his bed. There was no telephone at Verdun Valley and Mr. Perry went to Old Cork station where he phoned Mr. Seymour, manager at Cork station, who notified the police Carr had been found dead on his bed. A post-mortem examination showed that Carr had died in his sleep.
James Carr was born at Townsville on March 20, 1890, and lived all his life in Queensland. For the last 20 years he was employed on stations in this district, and prior to that, at Charters Towers and Homestead. He is survived by his brother, Joe, of Toowoomba, and three sisters, Mrs. Maule (Charters Towers), Mrs. Saxby, and Ms Denning (Townsville). He was predeceased by another brother, Harry. Mr. J. H. Carr, Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Gall, of Winton, are his nephew and nieces. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Winton.
Akunam Homestead was the scene of a gay and very happy party recently when Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Bucknell entertained over 100 guests (town and country) at a pre-wedding all-day party given in honour of Jessica, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Anderson, Lanifer. Lunch was served on the veranda overlooking the tennis court and the tables were attractively decorated. The brightly illuminated lawns made a lovely setting for the evening meal which was served in buffet style. Dancing, interspersed with community singing and competitions, were conducted in the evening.
It is expected a boost will be given to cricket in the Winton district since the establishment of a competition, for which a shield has been donated by Mr. F. S. Alford, of Enryb Downs. The organising work has been carried out by Mr. Jim Purdon. Mr. Alford was prominent in cricket many years ago, and his action in donating the trophy has brought appreciation from all quarters. The shield is not to be won outright by any club, but is to be played for in perpetuity.
Full teams played in the cricket match at the Winton Park recently. The sides were captained by Jim Purdon and Peter Prosper, the latter's team won by 15 runs. The best score was compiled by D. Johnson (36), and L. Foster secured the bowling average with four for six. Purdon's team compiled a total of 83 runs, and Prosper's team responded with 98. For the winners, L. Thorne scored 31 runs and took four wickets for 24.
A sporting wager at the match resulted in the addition of £2 to the Winton Cricket Association's funds. Three barrackers became engaged in an argument regarding their own individual prowess. One contested he could bowl out the other two in one over, and his mates took up the challenge. The loser or losers was to give £1 each to the Cricket Association. The bowler then gave an amazing performance, bowling out each batsman twice with successive balls.
In the Institute Hall a farewell by the Winton people was accorded to Miss Joyce Latham. Miss Latham has helped with, and been interested in, every happening in the town, and has earned the reputation for being ever helpful, efficient, and verv pleasant. There was a very large attendance which was proof of Miss Latham's popularity. There were games, dancing and community singing during the evening. A statue waltz was won by Mr. and Mrs. C. Dooley. Mrs. H. A. Stockham played the piano and Mr. Merle Brushe the sax. Speakers during the evening were Mr. W. Williams (on behalf of the Winton people), Mr. J. C. Carey (School of Arts), Mr. Sexton (the bank staff), and Miss Jean McGregor (for the Younger set and National Fitness). Miss Latham was presented with a weekend leather bag.
- Background
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The ruins of the homestead at Old Cork are part of Winton’s Pioneer Trail, 126km south-west of Winton. It is a vintage sandstone homestead of one of the original properties in the Winton Shire. The property was settled in the 1870s and was the mail distribution point before Winton was established.
As the homestead was often cut off for several weeks at a time, the administration centre of the property moved at the turn of the 20th Century. However, the families of the workers on the property continued to live there until the 1980s, when it was abandoned. It has since been allowed to deteriorate.
Sadly, little is known about the history of Old Cork as few station books and records remain, removed as the property changed hands.
The ruins of the homestead are a poignant reminder of the pioneering history of Australia.
"Welcome to www.oldcorkstation.info
This website has been set up to help record the history of Old Cork Station, which sits beside the Diamantina River in the Winton District of western Queensland, and of the people who breathed life into it."
