NORTHERN PIONEER.
LATE MR. JOHN McBRIDE.
With the passing of Mr. John McBride, sen., to that bourne whence no traveller returns, there was removed one of the earliest pioneers and residents of North Queensland. The late Mr. McBride landed in Brisbane in 1884, later going to Port Douglas. Late in 1885 he left Port Douglas with a mate for the Hodgkinson goldfield. The country was very parched and rough travelling. Journeying over the range they met a big man carrying two revolvers (the blacks being troublesome at that time) in his belt and presenting a wild appearance. The big man was Bill Groves, who had a farm on the road to Mt. Molloy, and, though wild looking, was very kindly disposed. Dinner was had at the Little Mitchell River or Rifle Creek, a coach stop. The coachman presided at the festive board and in a ponderous voice asked the diners if they were for corn beef or mustard. Journeying on they caught up with a drover who had 28 young bulls for stations thereabouts, and who advised of a good camp. Next morning a good breakfast and a nip of whisky was provided by Charlie Archer, who advised that work could be obtained at the antimony mines. After a week's employment Mr. McBride's mate was presented "with the order of the boot,"and disappeared. Mr. McBride's tent and wardrobe disappearing at the same time. The miners were very indignant and prepared to commit any sort of crime in retaliation. However, the storekeeper came to the rescue and provided tent and rations until pay day. Miners who were on the field at that time were Louis Grossgrove, Harry Davis, Bill and Frank Blackmore, Andy McFarlane, Dan Rowlands, Bill Robertson and Billy Freeman.

Later Mr. McBride was employed as engine driver at the Northcote gold battery, owned by a Mr. Peterson, and then at the Just in Time mine with Bill Blackmore.

About this time Frank Blackmore was blown up with dynamite in a mine called the Publican's Purse. Blackmore after lighting a fuse stopped to pick up a box of gold specimens and in the explosion received terrible cuts and had one arm severed.Fourteen men made a slab stretcher and set out with their mate for Herberton, a distance of some 40 or 50 miles. At the planted tree crossing, on the Walsh River, they were met by 40 men from Watsonville, who relieved the stretcher bearers, and reached Boghero's Hotel at Watsonville, whence Blackmore was taken to the Herberton Hospital, but died just after reaching the institution. That was in the latter part of 1886 or early in 1887. Crossing the Walsh River it was necessary for the stretcher to be placed on the heads of the bearers as the water was breast high. Billy Freeman and George Jackson preceded the party to boil water and fill bottles to keep the injured man warm.

In 1889 Doyle, a noted tracker and bushman, arrived at Northcote to ride a rebel piebald stallion that had unseated all the "gun" riders. There was great excitement, but Doyle yarded and rode the outlaw.

After residing on the Hodgkinson for six years Mr. McBride removed the family to Orient Camp per pack horses -two boys riding in gin cases slung on either side of a pack horse. There were no roads to follow in those days, and the distance travelled was 30 miles. After 20 years in Irvinebank Mr. McBride removed to Cairns, and joined the Cairns railway staff. Some years ago he met with an accident through a dog attacking him whilst riding a bicycle, breaking his leg. He retired from the railway on pension. There are five sons and two daughters living, and 15 grandchildren.

NORTHERN PIONEER. (1936, May 1). Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 - 1954), p. 14. TROVE

A William BLACKMORE is listed in the 1851 census for Devon as being an eleven year old boy at school and living in the workhouse as a pauper.

 

 

The following is a list of letters of administration granted in the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court from 18th May last to 31st August: William Blackmore, of Orient Camp, near Herberton, licensed victualler, £509 18s. 2d.; executrix, Margaret Blackmore, widow. SUPREME COURT (1889, September 5). The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), p. 3. TROVE

At Orient Camp in the early days there were two hotels, one of which was conducted by Bill Blackmore, who, by the way, came from Northcote, where he managed the Just-in-Time mine. Bill Blackmore's brother Frank was blown up in the Publican's Purse mine at Northcote. and received shocking Injuries, Including an arm blown off.
Fourteen of his workmates set out to carry him to Herberton hospital, and were met by about 40 miners from Watsonville at the Planted Tree Crossing on the Walsh River and conveyed to Borghero's Hotel at Watsonsvllle, then to Herberton, where he died after admission. The distance from Northcote to Herberton would be about 50 miles, all very rough country, but distance was no object when a mate was In distress. (This occurred during the wet season of 1887)

AROUND THE CAMP FIRE (1954, May 29). Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1907 - 1954), p. 3. TROVE