Rosewood History

ACCIDENT, DISASTER, TRAGEDY, CRIME

5th September 1859 – Mr. Thomas Wyman, sawyer, of  Seven Mile Creek, was returning home from Ipswich and when within three miles of his residence he was thrown from his horse. Not feeling seriously ill he remounted and rode home. When he arrived he became worse and died the next day. The deceased was perfectly sober at the time, and had been a teetotaller for some months. He left a wife and six children to lament his loss.

20th December 1860 – Thomas Connoly (4) was killed by the overturning of a bullock-dray near the Rising Sun Hotel. Thomas and his mother Eliza were sitting on top of a loaded dray being driven by Charles Gill. Eliza was holding her youngest daughter Agnes. When going down a sideling, the dray overturned and part of the load fell on Thomas and crushed him. Thomas was asleep when the dray turned over. Constable Matthew Connolly was escorting some prisoners from Gatton and saw the incident, which was deemed to have been an accident after an inquiry.

17th November 1862 – Thomas Bentley, a carrier heading from Ipswich towards Toowoomba, passed James Conway another teamster, on the Rosewood side of the Seven Mile Bridge. Conway had a large consignment of goods for the Downs from the stores of John Murphy (the first Mayor of Ipswich). Bentley stopped at the Rising Sun Inn and James came along and they had a few drinks then left together. At the first culvert Bentley turned off to the left and Conway kept going. Bentley returned to the same road as Conway had taken and caught up with him about a mile further on. The dray was standing still and Conway was lying on the road. He went back to the Rising Sun to report it and then back to Conway, who died about 5 minutes after his return. Bentley took his body back to Ipswich. It appeared that the “off” wheel of the dray had gone over a stump and as the dray was loaded very high it tilted and James fell off. He died from a fractured skull. He was killed while crossing the “logging” between O’Brien’s public-house at Rosewood and Brandy Gully. His wife was expecting at the time. Their home was in South Street, Ipswich. Charlotte gave birth to a son whom she named James after his father. Tragically young James died aged 17 months 12 days of scarlet fever and diphtheria.

26th January 1863 – James Hugh Rose, Jackson Curry and Edward Hendrick attempted to cross a flooded gully near the Rising Sun Hotel. When Rose’s horse started swimming they realised the depth of the water. Curry, who could not swim, yelled at him to jump off and swim back. The current was too strong so Curry yelled out for Hendrick to help if he could swim. Hendrick immediately jumped in and after reaching Rose both men were pulled under and drowned.

10th July 1889 – William Singleton, son of Joseph Singleton, a Rosewood farmer, was thrown out of the saddle when his horse bolted and dashed him against a tree. He was taken to the Ipswich hospital unconscious and suffering from concussion and he gradually recovered.

6th November 1889 – A most painful event occurred in Rosewood . A commercial traveller, named John Henry Wren, of Taringa, near Brisbane, had been staying for some time in the township, and, during his stay, had been treated professionally by Mr. Evans, the local chemist, for some ailment which caused his manner and movements to be strange and peculiar. The day before his body was found floating in the dam, he was observed loitering about the State school fence in an aimless way. When taken out of the water he was quite dead. How he managed to get into the water was a mystery. To make matters more painfull, his wife, to whom a message had been sent a day or two prior, came up by the evening train to find her husband dead. (The deceased had been drinking heavily for some days at the town and was suffering from the effects of drink.)

9th January 1890 – A young employee named George Brown very nearly drowned in the dam belonging to the Rosewood Dairy Company. He was watering a horse on which he was mounted bareback, when the animal’s foot slipped and it fell throwing George into the water, which was 8 feet or 9 feet deep. The accident was noticed by Mr. James Dale, a supplier of milk to the factory, who was then standing on the verandah and two carpenters who rescued Brown. One of these (Gerard Wooldridge), dived in and pulled George out of the deep mud he was stuck fast in. The other, Edwin Bond, also assisted in bringing out George Brown, who thankfully responded to the efforts made to revive him. It was only about a fortnight before that Brown nearly died through eating poisonous tinned fish. [Mr. Wooldridge was a well known carpenter in Rosewood, and lived at Purga Creek. Mr. Bond lived in Ipswich ]

2nd February 1891 – An accident occurred about noon, which was highly amusing to the persons who witnessed it. In front of a new shop and dwelling which had been recently erected opposite the Commercial Hotel, there was an awning. A small mob of vagrant horses were doing a loaf underneath it. They must have been discussing some topic of a contentious nature, probably the Rosewood Chairman’s Cup. At all events they came to blows, and one of them, in making a feint, put his head through a large pane of glass. Senior Constable Knox came up at this juncture, and one of the audience suggested that the offending quadruped should be taken to limbo. Another, who has probably heard the law expounded from our local Bench, pointed out that, as the damage was not wilful, the animal would have to be dealt with civilly. [Q.T. Wednesday 11 February 1891, page 3]

17th March 1893 – Shortly before noon the nine year old son of Mr. James Dale, of Rosewood was bitten by a snake. He was out looking for eggs on the farm, when something bit him on the left foot and disappeared amongst some weeds. He  went home, and on arrival began to vomit, his foot, as well as his face, becoming discoloured. He was given brandy and the foot was bound up. He was hurriedly taken to the Ipswich hospital in a very weak state. Dr. Thornton found that the he had been bitten by a snake. Under his care, the boy did well.

17th November 1893 – Author Bunney, a lad sixteen years of age, son of Mr. Walter Bunney, of Lanefield, was bitten by a snake. It appears that some time after dark he was walking through a paddock in front of his father’s house, when he felt something catch hold of his left foot. Looking down he saw a snake making off along the ground. The lad immediately went home, and from thence went to the Rosewood railway station and came on to Ipswich by the Sydney mail train. Mr. J. K. Burns, station-master at Rosewood very kindly signalled the train to stop to allow him to get on board. On reaching town the young fellow went to the hospital, where the medical superintendent (Dr. Thornton) applied the usual remedies for snake bite, and the patient returned home the following (Saturday) morning apparently out of all danger.

17th July 1894 – John Oliver, aged twenty-three years, a well-known resident and baker of Rosewood, was admitted into the hospital suffering from injuries as the result of an accident. He was out with his cart delivering bread in the vicinity of the town, when the horse took off and raced towards the railway gates. It is thought that John was standing by the cart when the animal bolted, and, in a plucky attempt to stop the runaway, he was knocked down. One of the wheels of the vehicle passed over his chest on the left side, breaking several ribs and also his left collar-bone, as well as causing other injuries of a less serious nature. He was attended at the hospital and eventually recovered.

26th February 1895 – Patrick James Farrell, fourteen years of age, was admitted into the Ipswich Hospital suffering from a fractured thigh. Early that morning he left home on horseback to bring in some horses from a paddock in the Rosewood Scrub. On the way he noticed a snake on a tree and, dismounting from his horse, he amused himself by throwing stones at it. After he got tired of it, he mounted his horse to leave when the animal took fright at the snake and bolted off at full gallop. The horse ran Patrick against a tree. He was thrown to the ground and had his right thigh broken. He lay on the ground till 4 o’clock in the afternoon, when he was noticed by a passer-by, who arranged for him to be taken to Rosewood. He was taken to Ipswich by the evening train. The injured limb was set by the medical superintendent (Dr. Thornton).

1st December 1900 – About 10 o’clock in the morning, the residents of Rosewood were somewhat startled to see a couple of staunch draught horses attached to a German waggon bolt from the vicinity of the railway gates along the main street and up Waight’s Hill. The pair went at a gallop along the street, with Mr. Joe Singleton, sen., of Ebenezer, in hot pursuit on his charger. In their flight the team successfully passed over a couple of culverts. Mr. Embrey took up the chase, and he and Mr. Singleton were eventually successful in bringing the runaways to a standstill. The waggon and horses were returned to their owner, Mr. William Reinke, none the worse for the escapade.

20th December 1901 – Mr. W. Chalk had the misfortune to lose a very fine horse. He was transacting some business at Messrs. Collett Bros.’ sawmill and had placed the animal in an adjoining yard. It became restless, and in attempting to jump the fence injured itself very severely and had to be destroyed.

18th January 1902 – A  bolting of a pair of horses attached to a buggy belonging to Mr. Fuchs, who had recently bought the Grange Farm from Mr. M. Bensley. The runaways started from Mr. J. L. Frederich’s store and continued their race straight along as far as Messrs. Wohlgemuth and Spann’s saw-mill where they were stopped by a fence. No damage was done beyond the breaking of the splash-board.

12th March 1904 – Mr. A. Spann met with a nasty accident while driving home from Ipswich. His wife and two daughters and a little grandchild were with him. Along the Seven-mile-road, about a mile from Rosewood town, the horse shied violently at some logs which had been thrown along-side of the road, which, for some distance was high and rather narrow. The horse swerved and went down an embankment throwing everyone in the buggy out when it overturned. The accident was witnessed by Mr. P. H. Adams, who immediately went to their aid. Fortunately none of them were hurt, beyond a severe shaking, except Mrs. Spann, who had injuries to her lower limbs and was in shock. The horse was freed from the buggy, which was  a complete wreck. Mr. Richter had meanwhile come on the scene, and rendered assistance to right the buggy. Mr. Adams drove the ladies home in his trap,. Mr. Richter took Mr. Spann in his cart. Mr. W. E. Collett was called in, and rendered first aid to Mrs. Spann. The bullock driver who had thrown the logs off onto the road-side had to do so, because the tyre came off his wheel. After Mr. Richter had taken Mr. Spann home, the tyre came off the wheel of his cart, and he was had to get assistance to transport the goods in his cart to his residence.

1st June 1908 – The building and contents of Mr. Robert Sellars was destroyed by fire.

23 March 1911 – Fred Voigt, grandson of Mr and Mrs William Voigt of Rosewood, was amongst the crew of the SS Yongala which ran into a hurricane off the coast of Townsville. All hands were lost. Fred was a fireman on the steamship. Aboard was a crew of 70 men and 31 passengers. The wreck wasn’t found until 1958 off Cape Bowling Green.

20th June 1911 –  A very serious fire occurred between Rosewood and Thagoona, when some 1000 odd acres of grass were burnt. The owners were Messrs. Dutney, Smith, O’Shea, Dow, Madden, Dale, and Mesdames M’Carthy, and Jas. Dale. The loss of pasture was severely felt by some of these. It was thought that the was caused by the careless action of some person who dropped a match in the rifle range paddock. Had it not been for the creek aiding the fire-fighters, the result would have certainly been much more disastrous on account of the strong westerly wind blowing at the time.

22nd June 1911 – Mr. George Harding was about to get into his spring cart when one of his feet slipped, and be fell from the step, breaking one of wrists.

8th November 1911 – An inquiry was held before Messrs F. J. . Eichstadt and W. E. Collett J.J.P. into the circumstances surrounding the cause of the death of Jane Wright who died at Ebenezer on Tuesday October 31, 1911, as a result of a burning accident. Acting Sergeant Allen conducted the inquiry, and evidence was given by John and Isabella Wright, Alf Bergman, and Acting Sergeant Allen. During the inquiry it was elicited that deceased was conscious to the end, and gave full explanation of the whole affair to her sister, Isabella Wright, shortly after the occurrence. The deceased said to her sister: “If I could only write a statement as to how it happened, for nobody saw it occur, but my poor hands, my poor hands, prevent me. I am dying, and I know there will be an inquiry.” The deceased expressed a desire to be buried in the Ebenezer Cemetery. Dr Caldwells certificate showed that death was due to burns, shock, and cardiac failure.

16th February 1912 – Mr. A. G. Allen, of Vancluse Farm, Mt. Walker, was bailing up a young cow, when he fell and came in contact with the horns of another cow. He sustained a severe wound on the right temple, necessitating several stitches being inserted.

17th February 1912 – A 14 months’ old child named Grant, was severely burnt by upsetting a saucepan of boiling milk. The child was attended by Dr. Wittrock. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Grant, were still very anxious as to the child’s condition two days later as there was very little improvement.

8th July 1912 – A fire completely destroyed Mr. Batholomew Coveney’s shop in Albert Street.

27th January 1913 – A peculiar accident happened to Mr. Henry Meier, of Gehrkevale, in company with his father, Mr. E. Meier, was out shooting hares. The father shot at a hare, missing it. At the time the son was standing about 20 yards away. The shot must have hit a rock and rebounding, struck Henry Meier, seven pellets entering his arm and side. He was conveyed to Dr. Wallace’s surgery, and the shot extracted. He was able to return home feelng none the worse for the accident.

30th January 1913 – Mr. P. Rafter, of Grandchester, was bringing a load of pigs to Rosewood when within a few yards of the pig yard, the wheel went on a small stump and Mr. Rafter was thrown from the dray, with the result that his left wrist was broken, and his face severely bruised. He was attended to by Dr. Wallace. 

 29th October 1913 –  At the Rosewood Police Court before Messrs. F. J. W. Eichstadt and W. G. Collett, Otto Dorris appeared on a charge of having deserted the German steamship “Hobart.” Constable Taege said he knew the man before the Court. He saw him in Rosewood on Saturday the 25th. He was unable to speak English and so he spoke to him in German. He said, ‘ls your name Otto Dorris?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ Const. Teage said, ‘Were you on the German ship Hobart ?’ He replied, ‘Yes ? I swam away from that boat while it was under quarantine orders at Brisbane.’ Teage said ‘You answer the description of a man wanted in warrant.’ He replied, ‘Yes, I’m the man.’  He then read the warrant to him in German and the man replied, ‘I thought they could not arrest me after the ship left Bribane. I will get from four to six weeks for this.’ On the application of the police he was remanded to Brisbane.

3rd January 1914 – Fire destroyed nine businesses in John Street including the Rosewood Hotel.  ROSEWOOD ABLAZE

8th January 1914 – Mr. Reg. Henning, carter for Mr. R. Sellars, was getting a load of wood at Woodford’s Sawmill when he slipped and fell on a sheet of galvanised iron, cutting a nasty ash his arm resulting in three stitches being inserted by Dr. Wallace.

21st May 1914 – Mr. Scott’s fine six-cylinder 45 h.p. motor-car was on the way to Rosewood about 9 p.m. When about half-a-mile from town the car ran out of petrol causing it to get overheated. The driver, Mr. Wolfe, obtained some petrol from town, and  attempted to start the car, but failed. He  tried to start the car by other means and it exploded. It is surmised that the  plugs were fused, and this caused trouble, resulting in the explosion. The car was valued at about £450, and was uninsured. It was Mr. Scott’s intention to remain in Rosewood with the car for hire at the races the next day.

12th February 1915 – Thomas Charles Mitchell, coal miner, poisoned himself with Lysol. The unfortunate man had been suffering from depression which had worsened after their move from Riverview to Rosewood about 5 months prior to the incident.

10th October 1915 – Mr. Geo. Dale was thrown from his horse at the railway gates and was picked up unconscious. He was carried to the Rising Sun Hotel for medical attention. After a lapse of two hours he regained consciousness and was able to proceed to his home.

31st December 1915 – Mr Joe Geiger, employed by Messrs. M’Geary and Grant, butchers, was firing off crackers at his father’s residence, Ebenezer, on New Year’s Eve, when one exploded in his hands and severely injured his face. Dr. Wallace was summoned and dressed the wounds.

4th January 1916 – Mr. W. J. Freeman was driving in a sulky down a steep incline near his residence when the horse fell and Mr. Freeman and his little baby, which he was carrying at the time, were thrown out, but fortunately neither was injured.

28th October 1916 – The quietness of John Street was disturbed on a Saturday about midnight when a number of young men, bent on having a word or two with Acting Sergt. Allen, assembled near his residence in John Street. They threw a quantity of road metal onto the roof of his house and joined together in giving him a hearty invitation out onto the street. The lads eventually dispersed and went home.

20th October 1917 – Miss Jessie Brown and Messrs. P. Hinkey and H. Capern were returning to Rosewood from Grandchester when the horse they driving fell, throwing them out. Miss Brown fell under the sulky with the wheel resting on her head. She was removed and taken home suffering from sever bruises and shock. The other two escaped with a severe shaking.

23rd October 1917 – Miss White, of Lanefield, was driving to Rosewood accompanied by her sister and her niece, May Evers, when the swingle bar broke and the horse bolted, throwing them out. The two little girls were bruised and shaken and it was later discovered that one had a broken arm, but Miss White was uninjured. The horse bolted down the Main Street but was caught before any damage was done to the sulky.

20th October 1918 – A Norwegian carpenter named Anthony Norbye was found hanging from the limb of a tree in a paddock along the Toowoomba Road by Rosewood Fruiterer, Fred Batzloff. The man was a stranger and had no relatives in the district. He had walked all the way from Brisbane and was heading for Toowoomba.

4th October 1919 – Henry Dow’s bakehouse was totally demolished by fire.

7th February 1920 – While cutting a block of ice, Mrs. H. M. McLaren, of Rosewood, met with a painful accident through the axe slipping and causing a deep incision in her hand Several stitches were inserted by Dr. Wallace.

29th December 1920 – A fire occurred in the hay-sheds of Mr. J. De Vries, Rosewood, which completely destroyed all of his hay, together with a chaffcutting plant and engine. The hay-sheds and contents were insured for £500.

5th November 1921 – A dam in a place known as Evans’ paddock, about two miles from Rosewood, was the scene of a fatal bathing accident last Saturday afternoon. Three boys, Leslie James Hawkins, Ronald Caley, and Walter Hughes, were battling in the dam. Hawkins, who was 11 years of age, could not swim very well, but made an attempt to swim across the dam, which was rather deep in the middle.When he was about half-way across he got into difficulties. Caley went in and attempted to get him to the bank. His strength was not equal to the effort, however, and the lad Hawkins was drowned. He lived with his parents in Walloon road, Rosewood.

8th March 1922 – Mr. Tom Yarrow, of Ashwell, was harrowing on his farm, when the horses attached to the harrow were frightened by an approaching storm and bolted down a hill. Mr. Yarrow was thrown to the ground and a spike of the harrow caught his leg tearing the flesh away.

24th October 1922 – While attending to a woodcutting machine, Mr. C. Hopkins, of Lanefield sustained painful injuries to his head, which necessitated the insertion of several stitches by Dr. Wallace.

28th February 1923 – The gatehouse at Tallegalla, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. H. Topp, was completely destroyed by fire. The family, with the exception of a daughter aged 17, were attending the pictures at Rosewood, when the fire occurred. It was noticed from Rosewood at about 11 p.m., and Constable Clark, and Messrs. Walsh and Ogilvie motored out to the scene. On arrival they found that there was no hope of saving the building. The daughter who had remained at home, stated, about 10.20 p.m. she retired to bed, leaving the lamp turned down low on the table. She was awakened about twenty mintes later by the fire, which then had gained a strong hold. The young lady had just time to make her escape. The house, furniture, and all contents were destroyed, as well as twenty pounds in notes, which had been placed in a chest. The furniture was insured for £400, but it was not known if the house was insured.

14th July 1923 – The house occupied by Mr. Dance, in Mill-street, Rosewood, was completely destroyed by fire. Shortly before 8.30 p.m. the house was seen to be in flames, and the ringing of St. Brigid’s Church bell attracted numbers to the scene. The fire had gained a complete hold, and in a short time the house and contents were completely demolished. The house stood on high blocks and a large quantity of chaff., a sulky, harness, &c., which were stored underneath, were also destroyed. At the time of the occurrence Mr. and Mrs. Dance, with their children, were attending the pictures. The house was owned by Mr. J. Green and was insured. Mr. and Mrs. Dance were heavy losers.

14th April 1924 – A single man named Michael Coleman, employed by James O’Shea, butcher, of Rosewood was found shot dead. Coleman left  for his employer’s slaughter yards, where he was to shoot a beast, and was found at about 8 a.m. lying near the slaughter pen shot through the head, his rifle lying nearby. It was thought that the unfortunate man committed suicide, but no reason was assigned for the deed. He came from Laidley.

2nd November 1924 – George Claydon of Rosewood, an apprentice at the Rosewood Sawmills, was out honey-hunting. A fox crossed his path and made for a hollow log. In an attempt to chop the animal out with an axe, he badly cut his foot and the Ambulance conveyed him to the Ipswich General Hospital.

29th November 1924 – A house occupied by Mr. L. Barnes was completely destroyed by fire. The ringing of church bells at 9.30 o’clock gave the alarm. A lamp, which Mrs. Barnes was carrying at the time, exploded. Her husband was away at the pictures with some of the children. The house was somewhat isolated so by the time help arrived it was enveloped in flames. The house was owned by Mr. J. Boughen.

28th December 1924 – Mrs. F. Ruthenberg, of Mount Walker, met with, a painful accident. She had occasion to go near the revolving bar between the intermediate and chaffcutter, and her clothes caught in the former. She was considerably shaken before being extricated from her perilous position, and her right arm was fractured. Mrs. T. A. Forbes rendered first aid, and Mrs. Ruthenberg was taken to Rosewood for medical attention.

7th February 1925 – Master Ernie Wright, who was employed by Messrs. O’Shea Brothers, butchers at Rosewood, had a serious accident. While he was riding into the shop yard the horse slipped and fell and Ernie fractured his leg. He was conveyed immediately to Dr. Wallace for medical attention. He was met at the Ipswich railway station by the ambulance, and taken to the hospital.

17th February 1925 – Mr. H. Embrey met with a painful accident when loading a wagon in Rosewood, his head came in contact with a protruding bar, which inflicted severe gashes. Dr. Wallace attended and inserted several stitches in the wound.

21st May 1925 – The Lyceum Picture Theatre was destroyed by fire.

28th January 1926 – The ringing of the church bell, with shouts of “fire” disturbed the quietude of Rosewood. A slight explosion occurred at Miss Brook’s pharmacy in the main street of Rosewood, but the flames were extinguished without delay and before much damage had been done.

22nd February 1926 – Some excitement was caused in Rosewood when two men, whose actions had aroused suspicion, were taken in charge after an exciting chase. Two men in a motor car called at the residence of Mr. Keane and asked to be shown the swimming pool. Their subsequent actions aroused suspicion, and the police were informed. Sergeant Tighe, in company with Mr. D. O’Brien, immediately motored over to Keane’s where they met the two men leaving in the car. When they yelled at them to stop, they drove off at a break-neck speed, and narrowly escaped disaster crossing the small Bremer bridge. The police car immediately gave chase. The fugitives used Keane’s lane as a “speedway” and “stepped on the gas” to such purpose that they were unable to take the turn at the end. The car took a clean jump across the main road and came to a full stop when it hit the barbed wire fence on the other side. The occupants again luckily escaped injury, and leaving the car, made off across the rifle range paddock, in the direction of North Rosewood, where they were lost to view for some time. After making inquiries, the police got on their track again, and they eventually caught up with them at the second railway bridge above Rosewood. The men offered no resistance and were conveyed to Rosewood. The sequel was heard in the Rosewood Court before Mr. C. S, Mossom and W.E. Thomas JP’s.

10th June 1926 – Louisa Caroline Bade, aged 17 years, was murdered at Ebenezer by Alen Christopher Jeynes.
CONVICTION STANDS – FULL COURT’S CONCLUSIONS

14th June 1926 – Mr. Max Rea’s residence in Mill Street, Rosewood  was totally destroyed by fire at in early hour of the mornIng. About 3 a.m. the ringing of a church bell awakened the residents. The house was completely destroyed and only a few minor articles of furniture were saved. Though the building was insured, Mr. Rea’s loss was a severe one.

4th August 1926 – A Vulcan motor truck, the property of Robert Charles Wyatte, Ashwell, was totally destroyed by fire.  After receiving a telephone call from Robert Wyatte, Constable Lawrence George Ernst, who was on temporary duty at Rosewood, drove with Robert to John Stokes’ paddock near Mount Walker, about eight miles from Rosewood, where he found the truck totally destroyed by fire. There still remained a heap of red-hot ashes under the machine when they arrived. Wyatte told him that it caught fire about 4 p.m. while he was conveying a load of wood from Stokes’ mill. The engine backfired and stopped. He re-cranked It, but it stopped again, and when he swung the handle over, flames burst from the carburetter. They advanced through the petrol pipe and exploded the tank; the lorry becoming enveloped in flames. A strong westerly wind was blowing and made it impossible for him to get near the fire. The lorry was insured for £500 in the Mercantile Insurance Co., but he estimated his loss at £600. He had been earning from £3/10/ to £4 per day with the lorry. Wyatte also said the truck caught fire about twelve months ago, but on that occasion with assistance, he prevented total destruction, and the insurance company paid for the repairs.

26th September 1926 – A fire completely destroyed a six-roomed dwelling with a detached kitchen in John Street, owned and occupied until shortly before the fire by Henry Geiger. The fire started in one of the front rooms about 7 o’clock at night and the place was burned to the ground within an hour. Mr. and Mrs Geiger were holidaying at Redcliffe, and their son was living in the house. Their furniture was packed in the front rooms ready for removal to Ipswich. Mr and Mrs Matthew Yarrow, of Lanefield, were moving into the house. They had a load of furniture in the house and were getting another load when the fire broke out. Most of their furniture was saved. One resident, eager to warn the neighbourhood of the fire, pulled so vigorously on the rope attached to the bell at the Church of England that it broke. Meanwhile, someone had started sounding another church bell. Henry Geiger had the house insured for £600 but his losses were £1,000.

9th May 1927 – Jeremiah Crane, a railway guard, employed on the St. Lawrence line, was taken to the Ipswich Hospital  with one of the arteries of his left arm severed. Crane, who was holidaying with his brother at a hotel at Rosewood was enjoying some sport with friends at the hotel, when, it is stated, he aimed a blow at what he thought was, the wall. However, it proved to be a glass window. His hand went through the pane of glass, and an ugly gash was inflicted on his right wrist. Dr. Wallace was called, and after applying tourniquets to stop the fast stream of blood, he called the Ipswich Ambulance to meet him, and then set off towards the city in a car. Ambulance-bearers left promptly, and the cars met near Walloon. Here the patient was transferred to the ambulance car, and, after another tourniquet was put on the arm to stop the still fast flow of blood, a quick run was made to Ipswich. Immediately Crane arrived at the hospital another tourniquet was applied. At first it had been thought that both arteries of the arm had been severed, but further medical attention at the hospital revealed that only one had been cut. That night Crane’s condition was fair.

1st August 1927 – In the Rosewood police court before Mr. E. Collett J.P.,  Theo Sklavos, James Phil, and James Comino (of Ipswich) were charged with a breach of the Sunday Observance Act in carrying and discharging firearms on Sunday. Sergeant Tighe prosecuted. Defendants were fined £2 each.

1st August 1927 – Charles Parker was brought into Rosewood Police Station on August 1st by a passing motorist. He was found at his camp at the Seven-mile in distress and suffering acute pain. Sergeant Tighe arranged for him to be taken by the Ambulance to the Ipswich Hospital, where an operation for peritonitis was immediately performed. However, he passed away that evening. The old man was well known on the roads.

29th February 1928 – Corrie Stubbs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Stubbs,  was bitten on the shoulder by a horse in the Rosewood State School paddock. Fortunately the skin was not broken, but a severe bruise was inflicted.

10th May 1928 – Mr. A. J. Hayes (postmaster) was filling the generator of a lighting plant with benzine at his home in Matthew-street, when the fumes of a small drop that was spilt fell onto the light of a hurricane lamp, about ten feet away causing it to explode. The kitchen and house were immediately in flames, but assistance was soon on the spot. Only the kitchen was damaged. Mr. Hayes’s hands were badly burned, and Mrs. Hayes had her hair singed. Their three little children bad been watching their father, and had only gone inside the house about a minute before the explosion occurred. The house was owned by Mrs. J. M. Bruce, Ascot.

17th May 1928 –  When Mrs. Walter H. Yates (of Ashwell) was preparing breakfast at her home, a spark from the stove ignited her clothing. She moved outside into the air and flames shot up around her neck and shoulders. Mr. Yates rushed to her assistance, removing the clothing, but not before she was severely burned on the neck.

25th April 1931 – Early that morning, a six roomed house owned and occupied by Mrs G. H. Kingston in William street was destroyed by fire. The flames had a good hold before the outbreak was discovered and Mr. and Mr.s Kingston escaped in their night attire. Only a sewing machine which was on the veranda was saved. The building was insured.

17th July 1931 – A break and enter occurred at the premises of Messrs. O’Brien and Yarrow.

17th July 1931 – Raiders spent a busy time in Rosewood on Thursday night (17th). They failed in an attempt to enter one building but succeded in breaking into another and stole some money. The same party, or another, attempted to steal two cars without success, but got away with a third, which was subsequently discovered in Brisbane.
The premises of Messrs. O’Brien and Yarrow, John-street, were entered and a quantity of tobacco and smokers requisites valued at betweeen £40 and £50 was taken. The thieves evidently gained entrance to the shop through the front door, where small holes had been bored opposite the screws in the lock, a small bar or chisel inserted, and the door prised open. Only 2/10 was in the till, which was also taken. 

Mr. D. O’Brien stated that members of the firm were working late in the shop last night and everything was in order when he left about 10 o’clock. The burglars evidently made their get away in a motor car as a car was seen going through the railway crossing without lights about 3 a.m. 

Mr. C. Willams’s store, John-street, was also visit, and an effort to smash the lock on the front doors was only partly successful. When Mr. A. Capern, an employee in the store, arrived to open up in the morning, he was unable to open the look, and an examination revealed that the lock, a six-lever one, had been tampered with. Evidently the lock was too strong for the burglars’ efforts and they went elsewhere. The police had the matter in hand.

Early proof of somebody’s efforts to steal a car was seen the next morning, when Mr. H. M. A. Grant’s Studebaker was found outside his garage with a case of benzene in the back seat. As the steering gear and ignition system on this car has a combination lock, all efforts to get it further failed. The thieves next turned their attention to Rev. A. E. Gilbert’s’ Chevrolet car. After taking it from the garage as far down as Cr. Gunthorpe’s house, about 200yds away, their efforts were againn frustrated and they left the car on the road. They made no mistake next attempt evidently, as Dr. Wallace, who lives nex door to Rev. Gilbert, found his garage empty and his Whippet car gone. Late the next evening Sergt. Tighe received word from Brisbane that the stolen car had been found at West End, Brisbane.

31st August 1931 – Mr. W. Pagel’s International truck, used for the conveyance of cream between  Mt. Walker and Rosewood, was badly damaged by fire. The truck, which was driven by Mr. N. Schealler, was making the return journey to Mt. Walker.

13 June 1932 – In the Rosewood Police Court before Messrs. W. Collett and J. Evans, Justices of the Peace, Thomas Quirk, Rosewood, was charged that between May 20 and June 11 he conducted a common gaming house. On this charge the police offered no evidence and the defendant was  discharged. On a second charge of having conducted a common gaming house in John Street, Rosewood, between May 28 and June 11, the defendant pleaded guilty. Sergeant H. Tighe stated that a raid was made on the premises on June 11. The defendant was convicted for betting on licensed premises in February last. Quirk was fined £30 with 3s 6d costs of court, in default two months imprisonment.

29th September 1932 – About 4 a.m. a large barn and its contents, owned by Harry Embrey of Perry’s Knob, was burnt down. The barn was about 100 years away from the house. It was impossible to save any of the machinery which included a corn husker and sheller. The barn was not insured.

6th January 1933 – James Carmody, the 12 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Carmody met with a painful accident, when his right hand became caught in a mincing machine at his father’s butcher shop. He was taken to Ipswich for medical attention, and it was thought that one of his fingers would have to be amputated.

4th June 1933 – Report in the Sunday Mail, page 15 – At Rosewood a man named Harsey was working on a crushing plant in operation when he slipped and his left foot was dragged between the great steel rollers. His screams sent another man rushing to the driving engine, which he promptly stopped, and at great personal risk tore off the revolving driving belt.The rollers stopped, but not before Harsey’s foot had passed through well over the middle, crushing it almost to a pulp. Thanks to modern surgical skill, amputation was unnecessary, and after some months in the Ipswich Hospital the man was able to get about again. Today he is working on road construction on the North Coast.

11th June 1933 – Norman Evers, a school boy, son of Mrs. J. E. Evers, Rosewood broke his left arm near the shoulder socket while cycling down a hill. He fell off his bicycle against a rock. After receiving medical treatment he was taken to Ipswich to be X-rayed and was admitted for treatment.

30th October 1933 – The Royal Hotel was badly damaged by fire and had to be rebuilt.

26th November 1933 – Vegetable and fruit crops were ruined and many windows were smashed in a violent hail storm which swept over the district. The storm was accompanied by a wind of gale force, vivid lightning and heavy crashes of  thunder. Hailstones penetrated the Congregational Church roof at Mount Walker just as they were beginning a service. A few hundred yards from the church a fire ball fell with a shattering detonation, and another fireball was reported to have struck the mountain near the township. Several trees were struck and splintered by the lightning, while one was hurled across the Mount Walker Rosewood-road, blocking it. For hours after the storm hail was piled 18 inches deep against fences. Rosewood was without electric light that night.

7th July 1934 – That night, Stanley Grant, farmer, of Rosewood, was taken to the General Hospital in an unconscious condition and was treated for a probable fracture of the skull, concussion, and shock. He was thrown from his motor cycle when it collided with a horse on Amberley Road. The collision was noticed by the occupants of a car on the road and the ambulance was summoned. He was still unconscious 24 hours late, but survived.

6th November 1934 – A remarkable accident occurred at the corner of Edmund-street and the main Brisbane-Toowoomba-road in Marburg at 8.30 that morning, when two cars collided, one somersaulting and throwing its occupants to the roadway without injury, except a few scratches and shock. Albert Herdst, a farmer of Tarampa, accompanied by his wife was driving a light touring car to North Ipswich, when it collided with the rear of a car owned and driven by Ernest Setch, of Rosewood. Herdst’s car rolled sideways, turning completely over and coming to rest on its heels. It was almost totally wrecked (photo below), while the other car had its undercarriage and rear wheels badly smashed. The driver of this car received only a wound on his right knee, the only severe injury suffered by the three persons involved in the accident.

26th January 1935 – Four men were found beside a damaged sedan car near a culvert at Seven Mile on the Rosewood road. The car apparently had somersaulted down an embankment, coming to rest finally on its wheels, only slightly damaged. Peter O’Reilly was driving and his bother James (both of Rosewood) was in the front passenger seat. W. Taylor (of Beenleigh) and J. Gibson were in the back seat. The two passengers in the front seat were jammed between the controls of the car. It was found necessary to cut the clutch pedal before Peter could be removed, as his foot was caught between the accelerator and the clutch. The gear lever and handbrake effectively jammed James O’Reilly, who also was badly injured on the temple. The impact rendered Gibson unconscious, while Taylor received serious injuries. A passing motorist, Mr. E. Battle, discovered the accident and drove to Rosewood for help. Ambulance bearers at Ipswich received a call at 8.50 p.m. notifying them of the accident, but on their arrival found that Dr. Wallace, of Rosewood had been summoned and had attended to them. The men were rushed to the General Hospital, two of whom James O’Reilly and Taylor were admitted in a serious condition.The condition of Peter O’Reilly and Gibson was satisfactory. Sergeant Scanlan and Constable Turner were also on the scene. The damage to the car was estimated at over £200.

2nd June 1935 – A plane giving joy flights struck a stump when taking off from Anzac Park. It was forced to land when the pilot found a suitable place to land, which happened to be in Charles Dutney’s sorghum patch.

18th July 1935 –  Fire destroyed seven horse stalls and some packing straw, valued at £100, the property of the Rosewood Show Society. The fire  started in the grass at the show grounds and spread westward to the boxes which were built against the fence. Townspeople organised by Sergeant Scanlan formed a bucket brigade and took water from a well a few yards from the fence. After half an hour the fire was under control. The stalls were not insured.

16th December 1935 – As the result of a head-on collision between his car and a motor truck at Marburg,  Acting Sergeant J. Greenhorn (50), in charge of the Laidley Police Station, was killed instantly, and his wife was slightly injured. Sergeant Greenhorn, with his wife, left Laidley in his car at 7.30 a.m., and half an hour later, when approaching the railway crossing at Marburg, at the bottom of what is known as ‘Hospital Hill,’ where the road is narrow, the car came into collision with a motor truck laden with drums of oil, and driven by Lionel Stein. Greenhorn’s car overturned, and he was thrown out and killed. Mrs. Greenhorn suffered from a cut over the right eye, caused by glass from the windscreen, bruises on body and limbs, and shock. Immediately following the collision the truck struck one of the railway gate posts and snapped it. Both the truck and the car were considerably damaged. Mrs. Greenhorn was taken to a friend’s residence, and subsequently to her home. A post-mortem examination of the deceased by Dr. Williams, of Marburg, disclosed that his skull had been fractured in two places, and that his right thigh and both arms also had been fractured.

10th April 1936 – Mr. James Higgins, licensee of the Royal George Hotel, Rosewood, and Mr. John Hefferan, radio salesman, of Ipswich, when approaching the curve on the road just near the Seven Mile their car failed to take the curve and ran into a gully nearby, where it struck some piles of an old bridge. John Herman was driving. The two were returning to Rosewood from Ipswich about 9p.m.. Les and Ron Williams, who were fishing at the creek nearby, heard the crash and immediately ran to the scene of the accident. They found both men lying on the ground, having been thrown out through the door of the car. A car driven by Colin Dutney came along and immediately returned to Rosewood and reported the accident to Sergeant Aspinall. The Sergeant and Dr. Wallace were quickly on the scene. The men were made comfortable until the arrival of the Ipswich Ambulance. They were taken to the Ipswich Hospital. The car, which was owned by Mr. P. Woods. of Ipswich, was badly damaged. The accident occurred at the same place where a sedan met a similar fate on Foundation Day, 1935. On that occasion four men were injured.

17th July 1936 – Mr. John Phillip Freeman, a well-known resident of Perry’s Knob, Rosewood, fell from a haystack near his home about 8 a.m. on Saturday and was killed instantly, his neck being broken.

18th October 1936 – Mr. Dan. O’Brien, a well known local business man, participated in the Gun Club shoot on Saturday 17th, winning the sweepstakes, and on Sunday went to the Rosewood golf course for a round of golf. He collapsed on the links with a heart seizure, and died a few hours later at his home in Rosewood. . Mr. O’Brien, who was 50 years of age, was a son of pioneer settlers of Mount Walker,  where he was born. For some years he had carried on the Rosewood Cash and Carry in conjunction with Mr. S. Yarrow.

20th October 1936 – Mrs. Ellen Fraser, of Lanefield received injuries to her chest in unusual circumstances. She was returning home by motor car along Ipswich Road with her husband, when, near Darra, a straying horse placed its forelegs on the bonnet of their car. The horse was severely injured, and the sudden jolt as the car was brought to a standstill threw Mrs. Fraser against the dashboard.

11th February 1938 – Fire destroyed the Rosewood Sawmill owned by estate of the late G. S. H. Aitkinson.

28th April 1938 – A fire broke out in a four- roomed wooden building with a detached kitchen in Matthew-street, completely destroying both the building and its contents. The house, which was owned by Mrs. Herb. Wright, was an old place. Mr. and Mrs. Wright were in the town at the time. From the time that the alarm was first given the blaze spread rapidly and it was soon obvious that nothing could be done to save the structure. Church bells in the town were rung and a large crowd had gathered. Although a few buckets of water were thrown on the burning house they had no apparent effect. The house and furnishings were insured.

9th September 1938 – Two men were injured this morning, one seriously, when a 2-ton truck got out of control when a tyre burst and left the Brisbane-Ipswich road, overturning in a culvert at Darra. One of the men was able to extricate himself from the wreckage, but it was nearly an hour before the driver could be released with the aid of axes and hacksaws. The injured men were:- JOHN  DE VRIES, 55, poultry farmer, of Rosewood, suffering from scalp wound, injured left ankle, and possible, broken instep. DAVID CHARLES HEDRICK, 18, farm labourer, who received a possible fracture, of the skull, fractured rib face lacerations, lacerations to right thigh and ankle. His condition is serious.

17th June 1939 –  Mr. and Mrs. R. Sellars had a car accident between Goodna and Redbank on their journey home to Rosewood from Tewantin. Their car crashed through a fence, slipped 40 feet down an embankment and came to rest on its side on a railway line. It was the culmination of a series of mishaps that evening caused by flooded watercourses and foggy conditions. Members of their family drove to the scene of the accident and took their parents home to Rosewood. Mrs. Sellars suffered from shock and minor injuries and Mr. Sellars’ injuries were minor also. Both had remarkable escapes.
See a report here.

Sellars’ Accident

5th January 1940 – A barn on Mr. Moses Freeman’s farm at Tallegalla was destroyed by fire. Besides large quantities of maize, the barn contained an engine, a chaff-cutter and a quantity of harness. All the contents, with a large supply of hay stored in the awning of the building, were destroyed. Mr. Freeman estimated his loss at £160. Neither the barn nor the contents were insured.

21st January 1940 – A violent, cyclonic storm hit Rosewood.  Rosewood’s Time of Terror

24th January 1941 – Bernard Joseph Carey (38), married, was swept from an overturned boat, in the Bremer River, near Bremer View, on the Mt. Walker Road and was never seen again.  With another man, he crossed the river by boat to move stock on the other side. On their return trip, a floating log hit the boat, and it overturned. Carey was swept away, but his companion reached the bank. Rosewood police searched the river banks until after dark, and resumed the the next day but Carey was not found. After searching for three days they found his body floating only about 30 yards from the spot where he disappeared originally. The police theory was that Carey’s clothes became entangled in the branches of a submerged tree, and were released by the grappling operations. In the dragging, the police used about 70ft. of rope, and they were aided by a boat lent by Mr. M. Yarrow. The hole at this point in the river normally was between 20 and 30ft, deep, but during the flood the depth was about 50ft. When found, he still had a bag he was carrying when his boat capsized.

13th April 1941 – Miss Lottie Harding (33 years) was found dead near her home with bullet wounds in her neck and mouth. The discovery was made by her parents, Mr. and Mrs.Ernest Harding of Cabanda, about three miles from Rosewood. They had left home in the morning to visit relatives in the district and when they returned about midday they found their daughter lying  near the house with a pea-rifle and some discharged caps nearby. She had been unwell for some time.

3rd July 1942 – Glyn Pocock (18), of Rosewood, received a compound fracture of the skull, and Marjorie Freeman, a schoolgirl, of Rosewood, received bruises to the chest and leg as a result of being thrown from a milk cart. They were riding in the cart near the Rosewood school when the girth of the harness broke, allowing the shafts to fall, and the horse bolted. Pocock was treated by Ambulance bearers and taken to the Ipswich General Hospital where, he was admitted. That night his condition was satisfactory. The girl was treated by Ambulance bearers and taken to the hospital. After further treatment she was discharged.

14th October 1942 – Vincent O’Brien (16) was riding a bicycle in John Street and was knocked down by a bolting horse and rendered unconscious. He was waiting on the Mill Street side of crossing for the passenger train to pass. The horse had taken fright about quarter of a mile up the street on the town side and bolted down the street. Immediately after the train passed it swerved around it and collided with the lad who was then about to pass behind the train. Vincent was taken to a private hospital then taken to Ipswich, still unconscious, for an X-ray where it was found he had a fractured skull and numerous bruises.

29th January 1943 – Garry Edwin Greet, 18 months, wandered from his home at Ashwell, near Rosewood and was found later by his mother and sisters floating in a dam about 40 yards away. His mother applied artificial respiration and he responded. Later he was taken to hospital.

2nd November 1943 – Joan Hohnke (nine years), of Mill-street, Rosewood, received a lacerated wound on her forehead when she was hit by a bat while playing rounders. The girl received treatment from Ipswich Ambulance bearers, after which she was taken to the Ipswich General Hospital.

22nd April 1946 – After having ridden a bullock almost to a stand still at the Rosewood rodeo and peace carnival, Terry O’Reilly, of Rosewood, was thrown to the ground, after which the beast trod on his face and broke his jaw. The Ambulance car took him to Ipswich and he was admitted to the Ipswich General Hospital in a serious condition.

13th May 1946 – While stepping through a fence into the grounds of the Church of Christ, Rosewood, just before the commencement of a function there on Monday night. Mrs. F. Jackwitz fell on a glass jar she was carrying. The article smashed and severely cut her left hand. She was taken to the Ipswich General Hospital.

25th January 1947 – At midday, two young ladies from Rosewood hitch-hiked two miles to view the flood waters of the Bremer River. They had not returned at 6 p.m. and parents and friends became ansxious regarding their safety. A search party led by Father O’Rourke, Rosewood, went out to the river and located the missing pair at the home of Mrs. E. Hogan, which was surrounded by water. Signals given across the flooded waters and the fact that Mrs. Hogan’s residence was on reasonably high ground indicated that the safety of all was assured, and the search party returned to town. When the flood waters receded the girls were able to relate how they had been cut off by the flood waters, and had had to wade through water waist deep to the home of Mrs. Hogan.

26th January 1947 – Collean Bourke (11), Rosewood, accidentally fell into the flood waters of Western Creek. Her brother, known as “Boy,” and another lad, Mervyn O’Neill, dived in and attempted to save her, and also got into difficulties. Prompt action by Mr. Henry Stubbs, a strong swimmer, saved all three.

1st June 1947 –  Many difficulties had to be overcome by a party which recovered the body of a youth killed in a fall 200ft. down a precipice at Mt. Beau Brummell, 19 miles from Rosewood. He was Gordon Thomas Meier, 17, of Mt. Mort, Rosewood district. Meier, Colin V. Manz, John Emmerson, and Roy Zahnow, were on a wallaby shooting expedition. They were walking along a very narrow ledge on the mountain and were holding hands. Meier, who was last and was holding Zahnow’s hand, slipped on some loose gravel, and Zahnow was forced to let go his hold, fearing that all four would be pulled over the precipice. Unable to descend the cliff face, the other boys returned, and Sgt. H. Wacker, of the Rosewood police, accompanied by Meier’s father and other civilians, set out for the scene. Creeks and ravines had to be crossed, thick lantana and bush traversed, and part of the cliff climbed, the journey occupying 21 hours. Twice the deceased had to be lowered by ropes, and two hours elapsed before level ground was reached.

15th June 1947 – Arthur Walter Neave, Rosewood, died from injuries received when he struck a horse on the One Mile bridge while riding a motor cycle. William Henry Hertrick, a contractor, found him lying on the bridge beside his motor cycle at 9.45 o’clock on the night of the accident. He set off for the West Ipswich police station for help, and on the way stopped to speak to a young man named Dudley Curwen. Curwen told him that he had been involved in the accident. He was riding a horse when the “chap” on a motor cycle ran into him. Hertick took Curwen with him to the police station. On the way they came across the Curwen’s horse which was being held by a man. The pair returned to the scene of the accident with Constable Rawlings, and shortly afterwards the Ambulance arrived. Arthur Neave’s body and Curwen were taken away.

6th October 1947 – The body of Edward Albert Gerber (50), married, of Marburg, was found less than 400 yds. from his home, lying on the bottom of a dam containing about 4ft. of water. He had a gunshot wound in the chest. A shot-gun was discovered on the bank of the waterhole. He told his family that morning that he intended to shoot crows on his property. He did not return for dinner, and the family notified the police. Constable E. McGrath, of Marburg, assisted by Constable McKenna, Redbank, and a couple of workmen, searched the property and found him in the dam.

10th February 1948 – Sam. Harding, of Matthew Street, Rosewood, suffered a severe laceration to the right hand when he caught it on a circular saw. He was treated at the Ipswich Hospital and allowed to return home.

9th October 1949 – Henry Charles Davidson, labourer, 34, married, with two children, was charged with the wilful murder of his father-in-law. The charge followed the death of his father-in-law, James Arthur Johnson, 70, in the Ipswich General Hospital. Police said that Johnson, a widower and miner-pensioner, lived with the Davidsons in Albert Street, Rosewood. According to police, Johnson was admitted to hospital with internal injuries. They alleged that after an incident at the home early on Saturday 8th, Johnson complained to neighbours of pains in the stomach. He alleged that he had been punched in the stomach after a disagreement over a bet. The Ipswich ambulance was called and took him to hospital. He was admitted at 4 a.m. Detective-Sergeant H. O. Cook, of the Ipswich C.I.B., and Detective Constable L. Ingram, investigated. Davidson was arrested and charged. He appeared in the Ipswich Court on 10th.

The charge was reduced to manslaughter on 24th. Murder Charge Is Cut    Murder Charge Reduced To Manslaughter  He was found not guilty.  Found Not Guilty 

25th October 1949 – What otherwise may have been a serious loss to the Rosewood Agricultural and Horticultural Association was averted through the action of an employee of the Rosewood sawmill, advising the Secretary of the association (Mr. Les. Schumann), by telephone, that smoke was coming from the pavilion under the grandstand on the Showground. Investigations showed that a short circuit in the electric wiring had occurred. Power was immediately cut off, and the fault was fixed.

1st January 1950 – Andrew Langford Fisher (20), single, of Albert Street, Rosewood, was killed instantly when the car he was driving left the road and capsized on the Ipswich-Rosewood road at about 12.5 a.m. Police inquiries showed that Fisher  was travelling alone and was driving an 8 h.p. roadster, the property of Robert Evans, of John-street, Rosewood. He was travelling from Ipswich to his home at Rosewood when the car left the road about half a mile on the Rosewood side of the Seven Mile Bridge. The car capsized and overturned several times. Its hood was torn off. Ipswich ambulance rushed to the scene and found Fisher lying about 10 yards away from the car. He was dead on their arrival. A post mortem examination disclosed that death was due to cerebral concussion, haemorrhage and shock. 

23rd March 1950 –  An elderly Rosewood motorist who usually drove down a back street because he did not like driving in the traffic in Brisbane-street, was involved in a fatal collision at the intersection of Brisbane and Burnett Streets, Ipswich. 

Constable William Llewellyn Bennett was patrolling along Brisbane-street when he saw a small utility truck jammed against the awning post of a butcher’s shop, and a larger truck with the front portion damaged. He also saw a man and a woman, whom he later ascertained to be Hulbert Gordon Munroe Hamilton and Lucy Hamilton, of Yates-street, Rosewood, lying on the footpath. The woman was then unconscious. Lucy died at the Ipswich General Hospital the next day.

Constable Bennett then interviewed Neville Gordon Davis, of 26 Gordon-street, Stone’s Corner, Brisbane, who was the driver of the truck. He said he was coming up Brisbane-street towards West Ipswich at a speed of 15 miles per hour with a load of about seven tons. When he stopped at the Burnett-street intersection he saw the utility coming in the opposite direction. It was travelling about 25 miles per hour, and was about 50ft. away from his vehicle. He then saw the driver extend his hand indicating that he intended to turn right into Burnett-street.

“I was halfway across the intersection. There was nothing to stop him from seeing me, and I thought he wanted to turn right behind me. All of a sudden I saw him coming in front of me. I hit the brakes with all I had, and the truck skidded into the near side door of the utility.” 

The Constable later interviewed Hulbert Hamilton at the Ipswich General Hospital, and told him that marks on the roadway showed that he had driven his vehicle from West Ipswich along Brisbane-street, and was turning into Burnett-street when the collision occurred. He had replied, “That would be right, as I usually drive up Burnett-street and park the truck in Limestone-street, as I do not like driving down Brisbane-street where all the traffic is.” 

31st August 1950 – Four members of the one family were injured in a collision between a car and a truck at the junction of Toowoomba-road and Chubb-street, One Mile. They were Rev. S. W. Vaham, Church of Christ minister, of Albert Street, Rosewood, contused wound above the right eye and injury to the right leg; Miss W. Vaham (16), lacerated wound above the right eye, concussion; Miss D. Vaham (18), lacerated wound above the right eye; Miss E. Vaham (15), front teeth knocked out.

All received first aid from Ipswich Ambulance bearers, and were taken to the General Hospital. Miss W. Vaham was detained for further treatment. Mr. Vaham was driver of the sedan, and George Williams, of William Street, Rosewood was the driver of the truck. It was loaded with sawn timber. Police were told that the truck, which was travelling from Rosewood, was turning from Toowoomba-road into Chubb-street when the collision occurred. Vaham was travelling towards Rosewood along the Toowoomba-road. The accident occurred about 6.50 p.m.

23rd October 1950 – DECISION RESERVED ON DANGEROUS DRIVING – George William Williams (47, miner)

6th February 1951 – About 6 a.m. a four-roomed home with verandah and kitchen at Ebenezer, was destroyed by fire. It was owned by Barry Arthur Deane, a farmer. The fire originated at the kerosene stove. Th house was insured.

5th April 1951 – A farmer was pinned to the ground by the steering wheel of a tractor which overturned while he was constructing drains on an unused road at his farm at Mt. Walker. George Hearne (39), formerly of Ipswich, was killed instantly. Hearne, who conducted a garage next to the Ambulance Centre at North Ipswich and later an agency in Down Street, took up farming about two years prior on a property in the Mt. Walker district about 10 miles from Rosewood. That morning, with a neighbour, he began constructing drains across an unused road which separated parts of his farm property. The work was done with a tractor. At the back, a small grader known as a ditch-digger, was attached. While Hearne was driving the tractor up a steep bank the grader blade dug deeply into the earth, causing the tractor to “rear up” and overturn backwards. Hearne was pinned to the ground. He was alone when the accident occurred.

17th May 1951 – David Morgensen (3), Just-street, Rosewood, was admitted to the General Hospital suffering from a large laceration to the head, concussion and shock. His condition was serious.The child was knocked down in Albert-street by a car driven by Percival Domrow. The accident occurred about 4.20 p.m. Treatment was given by the Rosewood Ambulance and a doctor, and the boy was then taken to the hospital. 

29th November 1951 – Colin Roach  of Allen-street, Rosewood, a baker employed at Evers bakery, suffered a large lacerated wound on the left thigh when he was struck by a piece of steel. The steel broke away from a splitting wedge. First aid was rendered by the Rosewood Ambulance, and he was taken to the local doctor’s surgery for further attention. 

Eric Anderson, of Ashwell, a miner employed at United No. 8 Colliery, suffered second degree burns to three fingers on the right hand and burns to the right arm last night while endeavouring to repair a motor car. First aid was given by the Rosewood Ambulance and he was conveyed to the Ipswich General Hospital. After treatment he was allowed to return home.

27th May 1952 – When the engine backfired, the carburetter of a Studebaker utilIty caught fire in Railway Street about 8.30 o’clock night. The car was owned and driven by Harry Alfred Lee (Matthew Street) who was accompanied by his wife and family. The heat from the flames burst the petrol filter bowl below the vacuum tank, and the fire spread over the engine. It was extinguished. however, before it had a chance of spreading to beyond the engine. None of the occupants were injured.

2nd July 1952 – Ronald George Embrey (17), of Rosewood, escaped injury when he was thrown from his motor cycle after it had collided with a calf at 11.45 p.m. on Wednesday. The accident occurred on the Ipswich-Rosewood Road on Elliot’s Hill, about five miles from Ipswich. The machine was slightly damaged.

4th October 1952 – When she slipped and fell on a step at her home in Belmont Street, Mrs. Annie Lee fractured her right ankle.

5th October 1952 – Daryl Brown (9), Skinner Street, suffered a fractured right leg while practising jumping about 5 o’clock that afternoon. 

23rd January 1953 – Raymond Court, of Mill Street, Rosewood, a pupil attending the Rosewood State School, suffered a large lacerated wound under the left foot when he trod on broken glass while paddling.

20th February 1953 – Mrs. A. Baills, John Street, Rosewood, received a large lacerated wound to the palm of her left hand when a tin-opener she was using slipped on Friday afternoon. She was given first aid by the Rosewood ambulance. and after further treatment at a doctor’s surgery was allowed to return home.

1st March 1953 –  Harry Evans (22, single), an employee of the United No. 8 Colliery, Rosewood, had the unusual but painful experience of being run over by his own car at Fernvale this afternoon. Evans had gone to Fernvale with a Rosewood fishing party, but the car became bogged before they had quite reached their destination. Evans, who was the driver of the vehicle, set the throttle, put the car in gear, and then got out to help push. His foot slipped, however, and he fell under the rear driving side wheel of the vehicle. He suffered abrasions to the right elbow and knee, toes, and ankle, and bruises to the right thigh. Evans was brought from Fernvale to the Rosewood ambulance, and after first aid treatment was taken to a Rosewood doctor for additional attention.

3rd May 1953 – A 22-year-old member of the Australian Regular Army was killed instantly when his motor cycle failed to negotiate a bend in the Mt Walker Road, about five miles from Rosewood. He was Corporal Raymond Bruce Pearsall. Corporal Pearsall was stationed at Wacol, and his home address was 19 Grafton Street, Cairns. He was thrown from his cycle against a fence, and was dead when the Rosewood ambulance arrived. John Fletcher (15) saw the accident occur while watchng from the window of a farm house. Cpl. Pearsall suffered a compound fracture of the right leg, chest and head injuries. The accident took place about 1.45 p.m..

23rd May 1953 – Trevor Alan Williams (8) was fatally injured at Rosemount Colliery. He rode a wagon down the tunnel for about 90 yards and it overturned.

6th January 1954 – (Q.T.) The Rosewood Ambulance Centre reports that there have been only three cases requiring transport in the past week. On New Year’s Day, Doreen Lamb (22), of Abbot Street, New Farm, Brisbane, who was visiting friends at Mt. Walker Road. Rosewood, fell from a horse. She suffered multiple abrasions to the body and possible concussion.

On Monday, Tom Purnell (63) was shifting spouting at his home in Mill Street, Rosewood, when he fell on a paling fence. A piece of wood 7½ inches long penetrated his right forearm. 

Yesterday, Gregory Domrow (6), of Rosewood, was playing at his home when a fall caused a double fracture of his left forearm. 

In all three cases first aid was given by the Rosewood Ambulance, which also conveyed the patients to the Ipswich General Hospital, where they were admitted.

25th February 1954 – A Marburg couple and their three children escaped uninjured when the Tourer in which they were traveling crashed over the side of Mason’s Bridge and fell shout 15ft to the gully below. Walter John Anderson, Marburg, was being driven by his wife, Ethel Mavis Anderson along John Street towards the shopping centre about 6.10 p.m. Ethel made a left hand turn on to Mason’s bridge and the car got out of control. It jumped the kerbing of the bridge and fell into the gully. The vehicle, an old model with a fabric hood, came to rest facing the way it had come. The crash was heard at the Rosewood Ambulance Centre and a car was sent to the bridge. Anderson, his wife, and their three children were examined for injury, and it was found they had escaped except for shock. The car later was put back on to the road.

9th August 1954 – Rosewood ambulance bearers treated a married woman after a collision between a utility and a timber truck at the intersection of Waight and John Streets, Rosewood, this morning. The woman, Mrs. W. S. Blake, of Tallegalla, was travelling in the utility with her husband and three children when it collided with the truck, driven by R. Gillam of Grandchester. She suffered lacerations to the right knee and bearers conveyed her to Ipswich for further treatment. The other occupants of the vehicles escaped injury, Damage to the utility was extensive.

3rd November 1954 – One wheel of a horse-drawn cart passed over Marian Rea of Thagoona twice while she was lying on a Rosewood street after being thrown from the cart. Suffering probable internal injuries and shock, she was given attention by the Rosewood ambulance and a Rosewood doctor and transported to the Ipswich General Hospital. She made a good recovery. The accident, which occurred in Railway Street, was caused when the horse took fright.

28th March 1956 – Michael Ahearn of Mt Walker lost his life when his car collided with a Brisbane bound mail train at the Rosewood Level Crossing.

10th April 1979 – Ruhno’s Store was completely destroyed by fire.

26th May 1989 – A Teenager lost his left foot and received multiple back injuries when he slipped beneath a Helidon-bound train. Matthew John Foyle, 15, of Calvert, near Rosewood, was alighting from the rail motor at Calvert Station at about 4.12pm when he slipped on the wet platform. He was transported to Ipswich General Hospital by the Rosewood ambulance and was reported to be in a stable condition last night.

1st December 2021 – About 1.10pm an unknown man entered the NAB on John Street and produced a firearm demanding money.

© Jane Schy, 2024

Published 07/02/2024