Rosewood History ©

First sawmill (Collett Bros) in Rosewood c.1895
Photo: Rosewood Scrub Historical Society

ROSEWOOD SAWMILLS

Sawmills in Rosewood and reports about the mills. (Q.T. = Queensland Times)

The first sawmill was located where the present Bowling Green is situated at 75-79 Mill Street. There were six members of the Collett family and all worked at the mill. The proprietors were William Edward Collett, James Ford Collett and Wallace Henry Collett.

1885 – Collett Brothers – Rosewood Steam Saw-Mills
In October 1885 the Collett Brothers from Three Mile Creek decided to move their sawmill to Rosewood. It proved to be a a valuable addition to the town.

Collett’s Siding was 34 miles 79 chains from Central Station. Mr. Alfred Gower (1855-1934) worked for the Collett Bros. for 27 years. Mr. William Yarrow (1860-1941) was engaged in bullock-driving and the carting of timber (pine and hardwood) to the Rosewood sawmills.

On Tuesday last, Mr. William Perrem met with a severe accident at Messrs. Collett Brothers sawmills, near Ipswich. While working at the bench, the piece of timber he was sawing deviated from its proper course. In endeavouring to rectify this, his left hand came into contact with the teeth of the revolving saw, which so severely mutilated the two centre fingers as to render their amputation necessary. The ball of the thumb was also badly cut. Mr. Perrem was brought into town, and attended to by Dr. Webb; and at latest accounts the injured limb was is a satisfactory condition. [Q.T. Thursday 26 March 1885, page 5]

On Thursday afternoon last a painful accident befell Mr. Wm. E. Collett, of the firm of Collett Bros., sawmill proprietors, of Rosewood. He placed his left hand against the side of a circular saw to stop its motion, thinking that the driving-belt had been thrown on the loose pulley. It was not drawn quite off the fast pulley, however, and Mr. Collett’s hand was drawn in and badly hurt. The first joint of the middle finger was taken off, and the bone of the next joint split, while the third finger was slightly lacerated. He came down to town, and had the injuries attended to by Dr. Lightoller, and, yesterday afternoon, was reported to be doing well. [Q.T. 10 April 1886, page 5]

Collett Brothers’ Steam Sawmills was established by William, James, and Wallace Collett, who, prior to doing so, conducted a mill at Three-mile Creek, Ipswich. The timber operated on is procured from the Rosewood scrub, and is chiefly pine and hardwood, for which a ready sale is found in and around the district and at Brisbane. Driven by a sixteen horse-power engine, the mill is fitted with the latest improvements and appliances. The firm supply, in addition to the articles embraced in the above, builders’ ironmongery and window sashes, doors, &c. They are steady and energetic tradesmen, gained their experience in Queensland, and find employment for twenty persons. The eldest brother is a native of Gloucester, England, whilst the second and youngest brothers are natives of the colony. [Aldine History of Queensland 1888 – W. F. Morrison]

Permission was granted to Messrs. Collett Bros., Rosewood, to cross the road with a siding to connect their saw-mill with the main railway line. [Brisbane Courier, 6 Feb 1888, page 6]

It Frightened Him. Water being somewhat scarce at Rosewood, the Messrs. Collett Bros., sawmillers, recently set about sinking a well. They encountered hard rock, and were blasting it with dynamite. A charge had been put in, the fuse lighted, and all hands awaited (at a respectable distance) the result. The explosion delayed so long that Mr. W. Collett, thinking the charge had missed fire, went to the brink of the shaft and looked down, though why he did so is not very clear. One thing, however, was clearly brought home to him – namely, the danger of such a proceeding under such circumstances, for the blast went off and a couple of splinters of rock passed through his hat. [Telegraph, 7 February 1889, page 5]

The firm of Collett Bros., proprietors of one of the local saw-mills, has been re-organised through the withdrawal of Mr William Collett, who, I understand, has left the district to undertake work in the northern part of the colony. [Q.T. 18 March 1890, page 4] 

We now possess two sawmills, both of which seeem anything but idle. Messrs. Collett Bros., the proprietors of one of the mills, have just discarded their engine and boiler as being inadequate to do the work required. They have imported, through Messrs. Smellie and Co., Brisbane, one of much larger dimensions and more serviceable capabilities. They also contemplate the erection of additional machinery. These additions and improvements will involve an outlay of over £500. [Q.T. 18 April 1889, page 2]

Fire at Rosewood. At about’ 3 o’clock on Saturday morning last an alarm of fire was given in the township of Rosewood, and it was soon ascertained that a cottage situated near Messrs. Collett Bros.’ sawmill, which is a short distance from the main street, was on fire. There being very little water at hand, the building was soon in flames, and though several neighbours used every endeavour to check them, the place was burnt to the ground. Only a small portion of the furniture was saved, and a large collection of tools was also consumed. The house was owned by Messrs. Collett Bros., and was occupied by Mr. R. Mason, who is employed at the sawmills. Building, furniture, and tools were, we understand, uninsured and therefore, both landlords and tenant will be considerable losers.  [The Week, 23 December 1892, page 24]

In June 1894 Mr. L. Sutton wrote a letter to the Editor of the paper that upset the Collett Bros.
TAPE MEASUREMENT.              REPLY TO L. SUTTON.

Messrs. Collett Bros. are making very extensive additions to their saw-mill. The new building will far surpass the old one, over which it is being built, and will thus afford ample accommodation. [Q.T. 5 March 1901, page 7]

A BROKEN ARM. A young man named Frederick Scheithauer, who was working at Collett’s saw-mill, at Rosewood, had the misfortune to have his right arm broken on Thursday evening last. He was assisting to unload some timber, when the limb was jammed between a log and the railway waggon and was fractured just above the wrist. He was brought to Ipswich and admitted into the hospital. [Q.T. 1 June, 1901, page 4]

Messrs. Collett Bros. have gone in for extensive improvements in connection with their sawmilling business, and have added some up-to-date machinery, including a 28 horse power engine. A comfortable well-ventilated office has also been built. Several weeks have been occupied by these improvements, on which the proprietors may well be complimented, and there is no doubt that they will be more than recouped for the time and money expended by an increased output. [Q. T. 10 February, 1903, page 9]

On Tuesday last a storm of a cyclonic nature passed over the southern portion of the township and extended to Ebenezer. The wind blew with terrific force, and was accompanied by a heavy rain. Hundreds of trees were blown down, and the roads in some places were rendered impassable for vehicular traffic. At Messrs. Collett Bros.’ saw-mill a part of an old building was unroofed, and a small structure used as men’s quarters was blown down. [Q.T. 7 March 1903, page 7]

1911 J. F. Collett only

1918  Collett Bros changed hands to H. Woodford

BUSINESS CHANGES. The sawmilling business which was so long conducted by Messrs. Collett Bros, Rosewood, and more recently by Mr. J. F. Collett as sole proprietor, has changed hands this week. Mr. H. Woodford builder and contractor, Ipswich, being the purchaser. As Mr. Woodford will not be able to devote his attention to the Rosewood branch of his business, Mr. Alfred Gower, who was Mr. Collett’s foreman, has been appointed manager, which is very gratifying to Mr. Gower’s many friends for he was always considered to be a man of excellent ability. [Q.T. 9 Sep 1911, page 15]

FAITHFUL SERVICE RECOGNISED. After disposing of his business at the beginning of this week, Mr. J. F. Collett invited Mr. and Mrs. Gower to partake of tea with his family on Tuesday evening last, as he stated he would just like to have a chat with Mr. Gower and give him his reference. After tea had been partaken of, Mr. Collett, in a very quiet but effective manner, told Mr. Gower how highly he had appreciated his services during the 25 years he had been accountant to the firm and said he could not allow the occasion to pass with out giving Mr. Gower a reference. He then handed him a beautiful Gold Elgin Keyless lever watch, bearing the following inscription:-”From J. F. Collett, Esq., to A. Gower, for 25 years faithful service. Rosewood, 1911.” ‘To say that Mr. Gower was astounded would be putting it mildly. He expected a reference of the ordinary kind, but Mr. Collett’s generous recognition of his work stirred him to the very heart. They both felt the parting very much, and at that particular moment, words could not express their feelings. The presentation, which was made in an unostentatious manner and without any glamour, tells its own tale. Mr. Gower’s motto trough life has been “Do unto others as you would that others should do unto you.” He has carried this practice into his work as well as into his private life; and Mr. J. F. Collett’s handsome token will ever remind him of a true and kind-hearted employer, who did not allow his good work to go unrecognised. Mr. Gower’s many friends will feel pleased that he has been so fitly rewarded by his late employer. Mr. Gower was also recently presented with a testimonial from the Grand Council of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society for having held the position of secretary to the local branch for 25 consecutive years. September 8. [ Q.T. 9 September 1911, page 15]

BOILER TROUBLE. Owing to some trouble with the boiler, Mr. Woodford’s saw-mill had to suspend operations for, a couple of days, and, in consequence of the wet, both mills were idle for a time. July 5. [Q.T. 6 July 1912, page 14]

SLACKNESS OF TRADE. Owing to the slackness of the building trade Woodford’s sawmill closed down on Monday. [Q.T. Thursday, 3 February 1916, page 7]

1886 – Rosewood Sawmill – owned by Richmond River Timber Co. (Mr. G.F. H. Atkinson and partner A. F. McDonald, accountant.) Located at 7 Railway Street, Rosewood.

1889 – C. Runge & Co (Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Runge)

To the left of the Rosewood railway station are the two saw-mills, belonging to Messrs. Collett Bros. and Messrs. Runge and Co. respectively. At the former place the water to supply the engine is obtained from a well 76ft. deep. In sinking for this a fine seam of coal was passed through. The mill itself is in good working order, and includes the usual breaking-down benches, cutting benches, plaining benches, &c. In addition to this is a shingling bench (made by Messrs. Hancock Bros., of North Ipswich) for turning out shingles – a line in which trade is pretty brisk. Timber of all sorts is cut, and the proprietors have now in hand more orders than they can conveniently supply. About eight or nine men are employed in the mill, and several teams of bullocks are engaged in drawing the timber. At Messrs. Runge and Co.’s mill, work of a somewhat similar nature is carried on, about six men being employed and six teams of bullocks engaged in hauling the timber. Trade with them is also pretty brisk, which is a somewhat pleasing statement to be able to make in these times of general dullness and depression. We trust that the briskness noted may long continue, and that it may become general throughout the district. [Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Saturday 14 March 1891, page 2]

1891-1904 Wohlgemuth & Spann
Sawmill Accident. An accident of a very painful nature happened to a man named Wm. Bennett, employed at Messrs Wohlgemuth and Spann’s mill, Rosewood, yesterday morning, at about 9 o’clock. It appears that he was working at a saw bench when a piece of wood flew back off the saw and struck him a severe blow across the pit of the stomach and the left forearm, which he had across his chest. The result was a nasty gash in the arm, and it is feared internal injuries. He was removed to the shop of the local chemist, and eight stitches were put in the wound. The unfortunate fellow suffered great pain, but was slightly easier last night. [Telegraph, 15 September,1891, page 5]

In August 1897 Wohlgemuth and Spann extended their already extensive premises and erected new machinery including a steam boiler.

AN ACCIDENT.  Mr H. F. Zornig, who is employed at Messrs. Wohlgemnth and Spann’s saw-mill, was unfortunate enough to meet with a painful accident on Tuesday last. He was assisting to move a log, when by some mischance it rolled on his foot, crushing it considerably and causing him to take a temporary rest. It is, however, progressing favourably, and no doubt he will be able to resume work in a week or two. [Q. T. 15 April 1902, page 9]

A PROBABLE NEW SAWMILL. There is every probability that, in the near future, Mr. A. F. Spann will commence sawmilling operations at West Ipswich. Mr. Spann, who was a member of the firm of Messrs. Wolgemuth and Spann, sawmill proprietors, of Rosewood, has been negotiating for the purchase of a portion of the land at West Ipswich on which Mr. Josias Hancock conducted a sawmilling business for some years. It is understood that a definite agreement was arrived at with the owners of the property on Tuesday, and it is almost certain that steps will be taken on an early date to get the place in readiness for the reception of an up-to-date sawmilling plant. [Q.T. 28 January 1904, page 4]

1904 – Dissolving of Partnership between Julius Wohlgemuth and August Spann.
Julius died at Easter time in 1902 and his wife Caroline inherited his share.

1904-1908 Wohlgemuth & Co Ltd

1908 – Rosewood Saw and Planing Mills – Wohlgemuth and Co. Ltd sold to James O’Shea.
ROSEWOOD SAWMILLING BUSINESS.  We have been asked to state that the saw-milling business of “Messrs. Wohlgemuth and Co. Limited Rosewood, has been disposed of to Mr. James O’Shea, who will carry on the business in future. [Q.T.  18 June 1908, page 9]

AN ACCIDENT. A very regretable accident happened at Mr. Jas. O’Shea’s sawmill this afternoon, whereby Mr Albert Hay, son-in-law of Mr. William Yarrow, sen.., had the misfortune to have his thigh broken by the falling of a stack of timber. Mr. J. K. Burns, our local railway station-master, redered first aid, and the sufferer was conveyed to his home by his fellow employees. In the absence of our local medico (Dr. Anderson), who was away at Marburg, Dr. Flynn, of Ipswich, was telephoned for by Mr. O’Shea, and set the injured limb. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Hay. [Q.T. 14 July, 1908, page 13]

Mr. Jas. O’Shea, saw-mill proprietor, had the misfortune to have two of his fingers very badly crushed. He was attended to by Mr. F. R. Tomlin, chemist, and the injured members are progressing favourably. [Q.T. 27 March 1909, page 7]

SAWMILL AT ROSEWOOD DESTROYED   EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. September 8. About 4 o’clock this morning Mr. Kelly, night porter at Rosewood, observed Haines rising from a shed close to Mr. James O’Shea’s sawmills, near the town. He at once gave the alarm, but the fire had spread to the main building, and reaching a huge pile of shavings, in a few hours reduced  the structure to a pile of blazing logs. Very little of the machinery was saved, and about £500 worth of timber, chiefly pine and crow’s ash, was also destroyed. The mill was insured for £1000. This fire will place a large number of hands put of work. [Brisbane Courier, 9 September 1909, page 5]

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT ROSEWOOD. SAW-MILL DESTROYED. At an early hour (4 o’clock) on Wednesday morning Mr Jas. O’Shea’s saw-mill at Rosewood was totally destroyed by fire. The outbreak was first observed by the assistant railway station master Mr R. Kelly who gave the alarm, but by the time he and others reached the place the flames had secured such a hold of the building that it was impossible to do anything beyond save a comparatively small quantity of timber. The building, which was an extensive one was completely destroyed, and the machinery was rendered useless, whilst a quantity of dressed and other timber, as well as mouldings was reduced to ashes. Mr O’Shea estimates his loss at about £3000 which only £1000 worth was covered by insurance. The origin of the conflagration is a mystery. Mr O’Shea had, we are informed, worked up a splendid business connection, the trade of the mill having increased very much of late. Consequently the fire will mean a very heavy blow to him, but, severe as it is, Mr O’Shea is not likely to let it discourage him to the extent of causing him to abandon his enterprise. Indeed, he has already been negotiating for the re-erection of the mill, and he is hopeful of being able, before long, to resume milling operations. [Q.T. 9 September, 1909, page 5]

July 1910-1913 Rosewood Sawmill changed hands from James O’Shea to E. A. Maher
BUSINESS CHANGE. The saw-milling business which was carried on by Mr. Jas. O’Shea for the past few years has recently been purchased by Mr. E. A. Maher. July 20.

It was stated that the Marburg railway branched at Rosewood opposite E. Maher’s steam sawmills.

Maher & Ruhno was listed at 35 miles 8 chains (about 200 meters west of Collett’s siding).

1913-1920  Boyle & Atkinson
MILLING INDUSTRY. Messrs. Boyle and Atkinson’s sawmill has been idle during the past week, owing to the breaking of a large shift. The manager. Mr. M’Donald, has now placed a new shaft in position, and it is expected the mill will be in full swing to-morrow. [Q.T. 22 August 1913, page 6]

At an early hour this morning Mr. S. Chalk noticed a blaze at Boyle and Atkinson’s sawmill caused by bark and chips near the engine-room catching alight. He immediately roused his neighbour, Lieut. D. J. Binnie, and they were soon on the spot, and as buckets and a supply of water were available, they soon had the fire out. [Q.T. 29 November 1913, page 3]

ACCIDENT AT A ROSEWOOD MILL. Mr. W. Claydon, a married man, employed at Boyle and Atkinson’s sawmill, was struck by a piece of timber at about midday to-day (writes our Rosewood correspondent under yesterday’s date), and received internal injuries and an incised wound on the head. The sufferer was attended by Dr. Wallace, and was afterwards conveyed to his home by the local ambulance bearers. The injuries will necessitate Mr. Claydon remain at home for a fortnight. [Q.T. 27 February 1915, page 4]

A ROSEWOOD PRESENTATION. On Wednesday evening (writes a correspondent) the employees of the Rosewood sawmill (Messrs Boyle & Atkinson) met at the residence of the manager, Mr. M’Donald, to formally bid farewell to him. Mr. H. Delacour occupied the chair. After the toast of ”The King” had been honoured the Chairman, in a well-chosen speech, presented Mr. M’Donald with a handsome writing desk on behalf of the employees. Mr. M’Donald suitably responded. Messrs. Straker, Hohnke, and Clayton endorsed the chairman’s remarks. Mr. M’Donald, in a brief speech, welcomed the new manager, Mr. Straker. Several toasts were proposed, including that of the firm. Songs were given by Messrs. Sullivan, Crimins, and Clayton, and an enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” [Q.T. 21 August 1915, page 13]

SAW MILL ACCIDENT. Mr. Wm. Klauke, employed at Boyle and Atkinson’s sawmill, had his hand severely bruised yesterday after noon, through a log rolling on it.  [Q.T. 6 April 1916, page 5]

Mr. Jack Wyatte, an employee at the Richmond River Timber Company’s sawmill at Rosewood, had a miraculous escape from serious injury on Saturday morning. He was attending to one of the belts when his shirt got caught in the machinery and his clothes were completely torn off him. He was fortunate in escaping with nothing worse than a few bruises. [Daily Mail, 25 September 1917, page 3]

At the Richmond River Timber Co’s. sawmill, Rosewood, on Saturday, Mr. W. Clayton, on behalf of the employees, presented Mr. F. C. Straker,  who . has been manager for some time but who has been promoted to the management of the mill at Pomona, with a silver-mounted fountain pen. The gift was suitably acknowledged. [Daily Mail, 9 April 1918, page 3]

1920 – Rosewood Sawmills was taken over by G. F. Atkinson, R. Atkinson. Destroyed by fire 15 September, 1920

ROSEWOOD FIRE SAWMILL COMPLETELY DESTROYED. Wed 15th. The Rosewood sawmill, owned by Mr. Geo. F. H. Atkinson. of Brisbane, was completely destroyed by fire early, this morning. The outbreak was first noticed about 3 a.m., when it was making great headway. The ringing of St. Brigid’s Church bell quickly aroused the residents, who promptly turned out in large numbers. The manager (Mr. R. Atkinson) and Mr. E. O’Sullivan were amongst those present, and they assisted by employees and the general public, rendered excellent service in preventing further destruction. The mill was working at full capacity, consequently a large number of men will be thrown out of employment The business had lately changed hands, and the loss to the proprietor is great, as the building was only partly insured. It is estimated that over £200 worth of stock was also destroyed. The office, which is away from the mill, was not damaged. [Q.T. 16 September 1920, page 5]

A SAWMILL BURNED. MANY THOUSANDS LOST. Brisbane, September 15. The Rosewood Sawmill, together with the machinery and a large quantity of sawn timber, was completely destroyed by fire early to-day. The damage rans into many thousands of pounds. The owner of the mill is Mr. Atkinson, of Brisbane, who recently bought out the Richmond River Timber Company. [Advertiser, Adelaide 16 September 1920, page 16]

Mt Walker Letter Log Hauling. A number of teams are at present engaged in drawing logs to the Rosewood sawmill, principally blue gum, and one log containing over 3,000 superficial feet has been taken from the bank of the Bremer. May 8  [Q.T. 11 May 1922, page 6]

Axe Handles. The American axe handles are recognised as being the best on the market but Rosewood Sawmill is turning out what may be termed decent handles which are capable of a good deal of hard work. There are several bundles coming to the city. [Darling Downs Gazette, 15 June,1922, page 4]

From time to time bundles of axe handles come into the city from Rosewood, where they are manufactured. They are made of hardwood, and although it is not claimed that they are equal to the American ones, it is said they are very good, and are preferred by many people on account of their cheapness. They cost 1/9 each, whereas American ones cost 4/6. To show that they arc finding a market, bundles of them were consigned about the end of last week to different places in the State, and to Toowoomba. [Toowoomba Chronicle , Wednesday 18 October 1922, page 8]

ROSEWOOD. Presentation. A pleasing function took place during the luncheon hour at the Rosewood Sawmill on Monday, when Mr. E. O’Sullivan (Manager) received a handsome case of stainless cutlery, in honour of his approaching marriage. Mr. W. Claydon, on behalf of the employees, made the presentation, and wished Mr. O’Sullivan every happiness in the future. Mr. Sullivan suitably acknowledged the gift and good wishes. [Q.T. 9 September 1922, page 13]

ROSEWOOD DISTRICT ROSEWOOD. The Eclipse. Great interest in yesterday’s glorious phenomenon, was taken by the residents of Rosewood. The weather conditions here were almost perfect, and the topic of conversation from early morning was the approaching eclipse. Instruction on the subject was imparted to the school children by their teachers, and the schools in the district closed at 3 p.m. The business houses relaxed efforts during the period of the eclipse. The Rosewood sawmill, according to regulations concerning work in the dark, ceased operations at noon. The residents generally were thus free to obtain a continued view of the phenomenon. With the aid of blackened glass an excellent view of the progress of the shadow crossing the sun was obtained from its commencement some minutes after three o’clock, until it had almost reached totality. At this period the effect over the district was delightful, the country being beautifully shaded, and a delightful freshness was in the air., On the shadow passing on again, bright sunshine prevailed. [Q.T.  23 September 1922, page 13]

ROSEWOOD. Personal. Mr. M. O’Sullivan, for some years an employee of the Rosewood Sawmill Co., has accepted an appointment as manager of the Forest Hill sawmill, and will leave for that centre with his wife and family shortly. [Brisbane Courier, 11 August, 1923, page 9]

The death of Mr. Thomas O’Sullivan, a highy esteemed resident of Rosewood, which occurred on Sunday night at the age of 61 years. About a fortnight ago deceased, while working at the sawmill received injuries through a log falling on him. He was invalided at his home and pneumonia supervened. Deceased was manager of Strathfield station in North-west Queensland for 23 years, and subsequently he settled in Rosewood. [Brisbane Courier, 9 October 1924, page 6]

While out after a fox today a young man named George Claydon, employed at a sawmill at Rosewood, met with an accident. He was chopping open a log to get at the fox, when he chopped his foot, causing a severe wound, almost severing the toe. He was brought in to the Ipswich General Hospital for treatment. [Daily Mail, 3 November 1924, page 9]

Charles Alfred Smith’s bullock team with a load of logs, North Rosewood c.1919.

By 1925 – Richmond Timber Co. was using Collett’s old siding.

Mr. J. Wyatte, employed at the Rosewood sawmill, had his fingers severely crushed when at work.[Daily Mail, 11 June 1926, page 14]

Accident. While putting on a belt at the Rosewood sawmill on Monday, Mr. James Collett had the misfortune to severely lacerate his finger. He was attended by Dr. Wallace and the finger is progressing favourably. [Q.T. 14 September 1929, page 13]

STATE SAWMILL v. ROSEWOOD. [Q.T. 12 February, 1930, page 9]
A match a played here in the weekend between a team from the State Sawmill, Brisbane, and the local team, Rosewood winning on the first Innings by 38 runs.
Scores.
State Sawmill: First Innings: J. McGhie, c. Potts, b. Clarke, 33; J. Gibson, I.b.w., b. Clarke, 4; A. Anderson, b. Clarke, 0; J. Rogers, b. Clarke, 2; R, Simpson, c. Bennett. b. Clarke, 3; B, Gardiner. 3; A. Queale, c,. sub., b. Clarke, 7; W. F. Wrigley, r. Ker, b. Clarke. 1; T. McGrath, b. Clarke, 0; N. Leader. b. Ker, I; E. Burke, not out, O; sundries, 7: total 61.  Bowling: W. Kerr, two for 15; W. Clarke, eight for 19. 

Rosewood: First innings: W. Kerr, I.b.w., b. Simpson, 9; V. Smith. c. Simpson, Ib. Rogers, 21; R. Cover, not out, 31; W. Smith, b. Rogers, 1; T. Bennett, run out, 0; W. Bow, b. Rogers, 0; W. Clarke. b. Rogers. 13; J. Potts. c. Anderson, b. Rogers. 5: J. Southwell, c. Queale. b. McGhie, 10; W. Cannan, l.b.w., b. Rogers. 1; W. Johnson, h.o.w.. b. McGie, 3; sundries, 6; total. 99.  Bowling; R. Simpson, one for 21; J. Rogers, six for 38; J. McGhie, one for 22. 

MT. WALKER. Wednesday. Motor Power. The advance of motor power has become manifest in this district. Logs are being conveyed from Rosevale and Mt. Walker to Rosewood sawmill by Mr. Pagel with his motor vehicle. Hitherto timber was carted by bullock and horse teams on timber waggons. [Q.T. 19 April 1930, page 11]

ROSEWOOD ACCIDENT. Harry Mundt, a married man, who is employed at the Rosewood sawmill as rack bench-man, had his left leg fractured at the ankle this morning (our Rosewood correspondent advised yesterday), when it was caught between a heavy flitch of timber and the rack bench. He was attended by Dr. Wallace, and the Ipswich Ambulance bearers, and was later removed to the Ipswich Hospital. [Q.T. 23 September 1930, page 6]

Hermann Mundt started work at Rosewood Sawmills ca.1916 – ca.1943.

1931 – E. O’Sullivan “Ted” was the Manager. Alfred Blake worked there.

FIRE IN SAWMILL. An outbreak of fire occurred at the Rosewood sawmill early yesterday morning, but the fire was extinguished before, any serious damage was done. The outbreak occurred In the engine room, the walls being scorched, and a quantity of old material destroyed. [Telegraph, 30 April 1931, page 6]

ROSEWOOD. Accidents. While engaged at his work at the Rosewood sawmill, Mr. Victor Kuss met with a painful accident. A timber hook, which he was using, slipped, and, coming in contact with his left leg, fractured It. After receiving medical attention he was taken to the Ipswich Hospital -Bob Klauke, second son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Klauke, while holding a block of wood for his brother to chop, received the axe on the small finger of the left hand. [Brisbane Courier, 17 August 1933, page 16]

1934 – Rosewood Sawmills was under the control of the Estate of George Frederick Handel Atkinson. He died 26/1/1934.

Atkinson Estate Timber Co used Collett’s old siding. The siding was removed in 1958.

Mt Mort. Timber Hauling. Mr. R. Hodges and Mr. W. Pagel are hauling some very nice mill timber from Mr. C. Gehrke’s and Mr. W. Meier’s properties to the Rosewood sawmill. [Q.T. 3 August 1937, page 10]

1938 – Rosewood Sawmills burned down on 11th February at 2am.
Rosewood Sawmill Destroyed By Fire. Rosewood, February 11. The Rosewood sawmill, owned by the estate of G. F. H. Atkinson, and of which Mr. E. O’Sullivan was manager, was destroyed by fire at 2 o’clock this morning. First notification of the fire was the glare from the building, which was then well alight. Sergeant Aspinall and Constable Chapman cooperated with Mr. O’Sullivan and the mill hands and residents who had been aroused by the church bell in an endeavour to save stacks of valuable timber and logs in the yard. The intense heat hindered the operations of the bucket brigade, and valuable machinery was destroyed. The loss Is a serious one as the industry is only recovering after a depression and the men lately were working at top pressure to fulfil orders. About 20 hands were employed. The mills insured but the timber is not covered. [Telegraph, 11 February 1938, page 13]

Twisted masses of galvanised iron lying in tumbled confusion after the fire and the blackened and ruined posts of the vertical saw standing among the ruins.

Rosewood Sawmill. Wednesday. On Friday the work of cleaning up the ruins of the mill, which was destroyed by fire nearly three weeks ago, was started. The men had to exercise caution, as some of the old underground timber was still smouldering. This week a gang of men began work on the building of the new sawmill, which will be erected on the same site. The mill will be fitted throughout with new machinery, as practically all the machinery in the old mill was destroyed by the fire. [Q.T. 3 March 1938, page 12]

Sawmill Resumes. The Rosewood sawmill, which was destroyed by fire three months ago, has been replaced with a new building, which is now practically completed. New machinery has also been installed. Operations at the mill have been resumed, and this week the familiar mill whistle, which has been silent since the fire, was again heard. The resumption of work will be welcomed by employees, for although most of the men have been employed in the re-building, or in metropolitan branches of the firm, it has not been possible for all of them to be so absorbed. [Q.T. 12 May 1938, page 19]

BADLY LACERATED FINGER. A severe laceration to the fourth finger, and abrasions to the back of the left hand, were suffered by Edward Howe, a married man, employed as a sawyer at Rosewood, when a log rolled on his hand while he was at work yesterday. Ipswich Ambulance bearers rendered first-aid. and took him to the General Hospital, where he was admitted. Howe lives at Matthew-street, Rosewood. [Q.T. 1 August 1941, page 4]

1942 – Air-Raid Precautions. The warning signal of an air raid would be sounded by the Rosewood Sawmill whistle.

ACCIDENT AT SAWMILL. Loading timber yesterday, John R Bennett (labourer) employed at Rosewood sawmill, was struck by a piece of wood, causing a large wound on his cheek. Ipswich Ambulance rendered first-aid, and after further treatment at the Ipswich General Hospital, Bennett was able to return home. [Q.T. 4 May 1944, page 3]

Yesterday, morning, W. Claydon (married), sawyer, of Rosewood, received a badly lacerated small finger on his left hand. The finger came in contact with a circular saw at the Rosewood sawmill. Ambulance bearers gave the injured man first-aid. [Q.T.  6 July 1944, page 6]

YESTERDAY’S ACCIDENTS. Leslie King, Rosewood, received a large cut on the right elbow while he was using an axe yesterday at the Rosewood sawmill, his place of employment. Ipswich Ambulance bearers rendered first aid and brought him to the Ipswich General Hospital. [Q.T.  27 February 1945, page 6]

INJURED THUMB. When he caught his left hand between a log and a plank at the Rosewood sawmill yesterday, James Robert Bennett (married), of Matthew-street, Rosewood lacerated his thumb. Portion of the thumb was severed. Ipswich Ambulance bearers rendered first-aid, and took Mr. Bennett to the Ipswich General Hospital. After further treatment there, he was allowed to return to his home. [Q.T.  21 December 1945, page 2]

A. Dries, a bench hand employed at the Rosewood sawmill, received a badly contused wound on the great toe of his left foot, when a large piece of timber tell on it yesterday afternoon. First-aid was rendered by the Ambulance and he was taken to the Ipswich General Hospital for further treatment, after which he returned home. [Q.T. 28 August 1946, page 2]

FINGER LACERATED. When his hand came in contact with a circular saw yesterday the Rosewood sawmill, where he is employed, James Collett suffered a severe laceration of the second finger of his left hand. He was given first aid by Ipswich Ambulance bearers and conveyed to the Ipswich General Hospital for further attention. [Q.T. 15 May 1947, page 2]

H. T. Campbell, employed at the Rosewood sawmill, severed the tip of the third finger of his left hand when a piece of timber fell on it at work yesterday morning. He received treatment from the ambulance.[Q.T. 20 April 1950, page 2]

FINGERS CRUSHED. Hugh Campbell, single, of Rosewood, yesterday was treated by the Ipswich ambulance and at the Ipswich General Hospital for two crushed fingers. Campbell, who is employed at the Rosewood sawmill, caught his hand between pieces of timber. [Q.T. 31 May 1950, page 2]

LEG FRACTURED ROSEWOOD, Feb. 29. William Niethe, single, of Matthew Street, Rosewood, an employee of the Rosewood Sawmill, suffered a fractured left leg when a log rolled on him this morning. First aid was given by the Rosewood Ambulance, and Niethe was conveyed to the Ipswich General Hospital for further treatment. [Q.T. 1 March 1952, page 2]

Selwyn Qualischefski worked at Rosewood Sawmills in early 1950’s.

1960 – Rosewood Sawmills was bought by Rosewood Colliery.
Proprietors were Harold James Boughen, Mervin Nicol Boughen and Ernest Joynson. John “Jack” O’Reilly (Manager until 1987). Mr Harding drove the delivery truck. Barry Waters was an employee. 

1987 – Rosewood Sawmills was sold to Allan Joynson.

© Jane Schy, 2024

Photo of calendar kindly supplied by Zane Sinnamon