Mount Morgan Argus, Vol 10, Issue 9 4 -18 June 2015

www.mountmorgan.org.au

Volume 10, Issue 9

4 June to 18 June, 2015

Proudly brought to you by Mount Morgan Promotion & Development Inc. ABN 21 391 526 801

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REMARKABLE ERA DRAWS TO A CLOSE

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Take a fascinating journey in time!

Venture the historic township and heritage Gold Mine.

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REMARKABLE ERA DRAWS TO A CLOSE

What can only be described as a “remarkable era” will draw to a close when Ramm’s Bi-Rite Electrical closes at the end of this month.

It is a decision that has not come easily for the Ramm brothers, Keith and John, who started working for their father in the 1960’s when P.W. and A Ramm was located in a store near the Grand Hotel, but it is a decision that had to be made due to health issues.

The boys’ father, Percy Ramm opened the business in 1962 after leaving his Upper Ulam property where he grew French beans. The persistent drought of the day and visions of the future led to the departure from the property and the establishment of the electrical goods store in what was a bustling Mount Morgan community.

The 1960’s electrical appliance options were limited with mostly refrigerators, wringer washing machines, dry irons and toasters being the order of the day. As well as this, Ramm’s performed the 32 watt wiring to households in the Mount Morgan community. The advent of television added another dimension to the business.

Keith, the older of the two, started working in the store at the age of 14 in 1963, which gives him a massive 52 years in the family business, with John following in his footsteps in 1968. A couple of years later the business was relocated to its current location in Morgan Street. In 1972 Keith and John bought the business off their father and have continued to run it ever since.

Throughout the 53 years of the business it has had different names – P.W. and A. Ramm, Ramm’s Radio and TV (Betta Electrical), Ramm’s Retravision and finally Ramm’s Bi-Rite Electrical. The progression of names also reflects the changes in buying groups which has enabled Ramm’s to consistently offer comparative prices to Rockhampton electrical appliance stores. The past 52 years have for Keith, been very rewarding and he would do it all over again if he had a choice.

Keith reached aged 66 this year, but the many years of lifting washing machines and refrigerators has taken a toll on Keith’s back. The resultant bulging disc means that Keith is no longer allowed to do heavy lifting. As well as this Keith has had tumours removed from his vocal chords and has had these removed three times since 1997.

Keith’s main role with the business has been doing the deliveries, erecting antennas and repairing the washing machines. Erecting antennas has meant exposure to the sun over many years and as a result he is about to start his skin cancer removal treatment.

“You have got to retire some time and now is as good as any,” he said. Keith finished work on 2 May. Keith has always marvelled at the advancement in technology – from black and white televisions, to colour, from radiograms and reel to reel tape players to cassettes to CD’s.

“We would have sold appliances to four generations of Mount Morgan residents and it’s something that I will miss and has been one of the highlights for me,” he said.

Keith will miss talking with the people, but won’t miss the hard work.

He has no plans for retirement, but intends to spend time around his Walmul property.

The business is a partnership and as such when one partner retires, the natural course is to try and sell the business or close. They have tried to sell, but have not been successful and as such, the business will close.

As with all family businesses, Keith and John have not had any holidays in the time that they have been running the business. The only time they really have off is the time they have taken for medical treatment or illness.

After spending all of his working life in the business, John is not looking forward to retirement.

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“I haven’t made any plans because I honestly don’t know what I want to do,” he said.

“It’s not something I want to do, but I don’t have any other option,” he said.

The business almost closed five and a half years ago when John was diagnosed with mouth cancer.

“Without the help of John Hehir who helped while I was away having treatment and with some heavy lifting and deliveries, the business would have closed,” he said.

John’s main role within the business has been the ordering and buying and managing the financial side of the business.

The business has been John’s passion and it’s a passion that he will miss in the coming years.

He will miss the daily interaction with the customers and the feeling of making a worthwhile contribution to the business fabric of Mount Morgan.

“You can’t spend the better part of 47 years in one occupation and not miss it. For the last 47 years I have been coming to work in Morgan Street,” he said.

“I have seen the good times and the bad – not knowing how things will go following the closure of the mine, but persevering regardless of the people leaving the community.

“Closing the doors will be bittersweet for me – there are just so many memories that are interwoven with the business, the community and the people.”

John’s wife, Rhonda has also assisted with the growth of the business, introducing computers and computer related products to expand the goods and services offered by this one stop electrical shop.

John said he would like to thank the many customers in Mount Morgan for their continued support.

“We’ve had some very loyal customers who have continued to support us down through the years.

Without this support, we may not have been in the business so long.

“There have been some amazing people that have passed through our doors over the years.”

John has also been actively involved in the Mount Morgan Community, having spent many years in Rotary serving in all Executive roles throughout the years.

Ramm’s has also been a forerunner in supporting community organisations through sponsorship and contributions over the years. *** Argus’s Note: The departure of Ramm’s from Morgan Street will leave an insurmountable gap in the business community of Mount Morgan.

It will never be the same again, and it’s another piece of Mount Morgan’s history that will be indelibly etched on the town’s historical landscape.

The Ramm story is certainly one of perseverence and a truly remarkable era. Keith, John and Rhonda – all the best!

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Mount Morgan Promotion & Development news

Community Cabinet

Networking Night

Don’t forget about Mount Morgan! This was the message that MMPAD took to Community Cabinet hosted by the Palaszczuk Government on Sunday, 24 May. MMPAD President John Steinberger and Project Officer Paul Johnstone met with Hon. Kate Jones (Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games), Hon Dr Steven Miles (Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef) and Dr Brett Heyward (Director-General of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines) to discuss the recommencement of steam train operations at the Rail Complex as well as accessing the caverns containing dinosaur footprints.

Dinosaur footprints from the early Jurassic period are an invaluable asset to not only our town, but also as part of global history. They were a major draw card to our town and attracted tourists from far and wide.

It’s a shame that the area has been closed off but there are safety concerns regarding the geological stability of the area. We discussed with DG Heyward the importance of the site and have been informed that the State Government is looking at assessing the site over the next six months which will determine the options to reopen the footprints display. We eagerly look forward to seeing the results of the study.

MMPAD is working with State Government as well as Rocky Regional Council, who is the asset owner of the Rail Complex, to determine the feasibility of running a steam train once again in Mount Morgan. This is a major project which requires the support of both levels of government, but it’s a project which has great potential for our town and one that was proven successful in the past.

As a sign of interest in the project, Mirani MP, Jim Pearce visited Mont Morgan following the Community Cabinet meeting and discussed with MMPAD what needs to be done to get the project on track. This was an encouraging gesture of support and complemented Councils offer to assist with technical support.

MMPAD held the first local business networking night on Wednesday, May 27 which saw the coming together of over 30 local residents and business owners. The night was a way to discuss ideas which we can use to further promote and develop Mount Morgan. We will be following up with the suggestions presented over the next few weeks and look forward to working with the community and particularly local businesses to see the ideas come to fruition.

MMPAD greatly appreciates the input that community members have and the pride that they share in our great little town. We are only a small organisation but by working with the community we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes. If you would like to become a member of MMPAD please email your expression of interest to mmpad@bigpond.com A big thanks to Pete and Narelle at the Leichhardt Hotel for hosting the first of many to come networking nights. We look forward to hosting the event at different businesses each time so that everyone has a chance to showcase their business, come along and share their ideas. The night is a great way to meet up in a relaxed atmosphere and discuss ways to promote our town.

Lastly, we would like to say a warm welcome to Graeme, who has recently moved to the area and operates Collectables and Memories in East St.

Above: Some of the local business fraternity socialising at the networking night held at the Leichhardt Hotel. *** Pictured left:(Left to right) MMPAD President John Steinberger, Member for Mirani Jim Pearce and MMPAD Project Officer Paul Johnstone catching up at the Mount Morgan Rail Museum, discussing the 2000 Class Rail Motor as well as future proposals for the station’s rolling stock displays.

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THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF HILDA JOHN For this edition we are going to relate a little on the personality and success of a General Manager’s wife of Mount Morgan Limited for years 1944 to 1950.

The old saying goes... “Behind every successful man there is a strong, wise and hard working woman.”

This is so true in this case.

This lady’s name is Hilda John, wife of Morgan.

Words that were published about Hilda in 1949, after her death in 1948, are as follows, “A bright and shining example of all that is best and noblest in womanhood”. These words certainly reflect the work that she did in her years in Mount Morgan.

Hilda was born in 1886 in Paddington, NSW to Cornish immigrants. She trained to be a school teacher in Sydney and chose to work with disadvantaged youth. Then in 1911 she married Morgan John and came to Mount Morgan where he was working as Chief Engineer for the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company. Two of their daughters were born in Mount Morgan. Morgan resigned in 1925 when the mine was having difficulties.

The family returned to Mount Morgan in 1932 where Morgan was Chief Engineer and in 1944 appointed General Manager. Hilda returned in 1933 and she had reinforced her life to the devotion of noble causes.

In 1934 she formed the Mount Morgan Girl Guides Association and she became its first President. The first meetings were conducted in a shop in Morgan Street but Hilda John was instrumental in having the Directors of Mount Morgan Limited donate a block of land and all supplies to build a hut. The hut was built by volunteers and on 26 October 1936 the hut situated in Dee Street was named “The Hilda John Hut”.

In 1939 during a visit to Sydney she learnt first aid, St. Johns home nursing, how to operate a wireless buzzer and to read semaphore and Morse flag signals.

This knowledge she passed on not only to Guides but to locals of Mount Morgan.

Hilda John was a remarkable and caring woman and during the second world war she opened up her linen chest and storeroom to assist those in need, and had the Girl Guides giving excellent service where ever it was needed. Her skills and support was gladly donated to all avenues of life, namely Red Cross, Comforts Fund and others.

Sadly she died in January 1948 from a lung disease. A plaque on a memorial so fitting for this extraordinary woman is situated on a fountain and bird bath set in a goldfish pond hung with ferns, in a shady corner of the Calliungal House grounds where It has been standing over 60 years.

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LORIKEETS VICTORIOUS ON HOME GROUND Mount Morgan’s Lorikeets Rugby Union team brought home a convincing 22-14 victory in Saturday’s home game at Newman Oval against the Dawson Valley Drovers.

The win has put the Lorikeets at the top of the Reserve Grade Ladder according to Coach Clinton Connolly.

The Drovers were no match for the full strength Lorikeets who were cheered on by the home crowd.

Lorikeets’ try scorers wereWade McEffer, Lucas Marianetti, Blair Toby and John Gray. Blair Toby also kicked a conversion to help seal a convincing win.

Coach Connolly said it was a good team result with good runs by the fowards and plays by the backs.

He was also happy with the 100-strong crowd.

The team has a bye next weekend, but will play Brothers in another home game, which will be a double header with Brothers A taking on Gladstone A.

Above: Ernie Matheson, Regan Stewart, Damien Cameron.

Above: Sam Toby, John Gray and Nathan O’ Brien struggle to push forward and score against the Dawson Valley Drovers

Above: Dawson Valley Drovers feed the ball into the scrum at Saturday’s Home Game.

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OVER $3,000 RAISED AT CENT SALE Following a very successful Cent Sale, Carol Stock is well on her way to reaching her self-imposed fundraising total of $10,000.

A bumper crowd of 100 plus meant that it was standing room only if you arrived late. With 350 ordinary, 50 special and 35 multi-draw prizes the afternoon was guaranteed to be a success.

The Cent Sale netted over $3,800 and combined with other fundraising amounts, Carol is only $3,900 from reaching her goal.

This is the third time she has fundraised for the Freemasons Leukaemia units in Townsville which are made available to Leukaemia sufferers to use while they are undergoing treatment. Carol’s husband, Brian has multiple Myeloma (a type of Leukaemia) and they used the units while Brian underwent treatment.

Helping to support the operational and maintenance cost of the units is Carol and Brian’s way of giving back to the organisation that runs the units.

“The amount of money they require for maintenance, refurbishment and operation is quite high,” Carol said.

“This is our way of saying thank you,” she said.

Carol was overwhelmed by the response to the Cent Sale as well as the immense support she has received from the business community and volunteers.

“While we contribute personally towards holding the Cent Sale it’s really great that others support it as well. When I saw the crowd, I was so happy I almost cried.”

She said she would like to thank all of her supporters, the business community and the many volunteers who helped on the day and in the leadup to the event. Carol has conducted two previous fundraising campaigns for this cause – raising $3,150 (2011) and $6,000 (2013).

This round of fundraising will wrap up with another Cent Sale in September.

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Pampered Pets

MILESTONES, ARRIVALS AND FAREWELLS

Elaine Millers celebrating her 90th Birthday - what an achievement! Elaine celebrated this recent event with life time office friends from her Mount Morgan Limited days.

Have you ever heard the expression “acting the goat”?

Well raise a couple of kiddie goats and you will be left in no doubt where that saying comes from.

Their hijinks and escapades will often bring a smile to your face - unless of course they jump on the brand new Mercedes.

Meet Puddles, the first in what is hoped to be a regular column on pets and how they are an important part of the lives of many.

There are many who do not understand until they own a pet just how therapeutic they can. And there are, unfortunately many people who abuse them, but that’s another story.

This column is for pet lovers - the people who know and understand the value of keeping pets. Do you have a pet that you feel is pretty special? If so, send it in to mmpad@ bigpond.com and share a little information about your pet.

While this column is aimed at young readers of the Argus, it doesn’t stop the “young at heart” submitting a photo of their pet.

Just remember to include your pet’s name with your photo as well as a little information as to what makes your pet special. Now... a little information about Puddles.

When Puddles was young he hurt his leg and as a result he couldn’t move around much. Being unable to stand up he would leave puddles everywhere and well... that’s how he got his name. Puddles was born on a property “Ballyneety” near Aramac and to look at him today, you would never guess that his first few months of life was spent shuffling and hobbling around.

Congratulation to Shayla Wilson and Riley Lewis on the birth of their baby boy, Mason Anthony Lewis Wilson who was born on the 18 May weighing in at 3650g (8 pnds 5 oz). Congratulation from Granny and Pop Lewis.

FAREWELL

Hi Folks I am writing this last article today to say farewell to everyone. I have been at Mount Morgan Police Station since March 2013 and finished up at the end of May 2015. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has helped me during my time here. I have met some great people and had some good times here, but it is time for me to move on. I started my new adventure in Fortitude Valley down in Brisbane at the beginning of June. Thanks again for all your support, take care.

Constable Larissa WOODROFFE.

Queensland Ambulance Service - Mount Morgan Station News When to call Triple Zero (000) Below are SOME EXAMPLES of medical emergencies which would require you to call Triple Zero (000).

• Chest pain or chest tightness • Sudden onset of weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg • Breathing difficulties • Unconsciousness or an altered level of consciousness • Uncontrollable bleeding • Sudden collapse or unexplained fall • Fitting in adults/children • Injury from an accident/car accident • Falling from a height • Serious assault including stabbing or shooting • Severe burns, particularly in young children • Infants that are fittings or have an ongoing fever • Envenomation, e.g. Snake Bite • Fractured Bones This information should be used as a GUIDE ONLY. If you are unsure about whether a person requires an ambulance, you should call Triple Zero (000).

In a medical emergency, it is important that you do not drive yourself or another person to hospital as you may endanger your life, the patient’s life or members of the public. Not only are you unable to concentrate on driving but moving some patients can make the situation worse.

In a medical emergency, our Ambulance Communications Officers can provide medical advice over the phone and paramedics can commence essential life-saving treatment at the scene, as well as enroute to hospital, rather than beginning treatment at the hospital.

Far too often paramedics hear patients say that they are wasting an ambulance’s time but this is not the case.

Paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who are able to provide advanced medical treatment that is required prior to and during transport. Sometimes every minute counts.

Former local returns for a visit

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Mount Morgan Playgroup HIPPY Mt Morgan, in cooperation with Playgroup Queensland, has a playgroup available to anyone in the Mt Morgan area.

For children ages birth to 5 years Morning Tea is provided There will be lots of fun activities and games hosted by a qualified early childhood educator.

Every Thursday B4 Learners room at Mt Morgan Central State School 9:15am until 11:15am We look forward to meeting you!

TENDER NOTICE Quote 11681 Daily Locking of the Mt Morgan Toilets Closing Time: 2.00pm Wednesday 17 June 2015 A copy of the tender document may be obtained by registering your details on Council’s website at www.rrc.qld.gov.au, then follow the link to download the tender document.

Returning to Mount Morgan for a visit were Hazel Roots and daughter Margaret Knight. Hazel lived in Mount Morgan several years ago and now lives in Bundaberg.

Hazel and Margaret joined the 100 plus crowd at the Mount Morgan Community Services Hall for the Cent Sale held to raise funds for the Freemason Leukaemia units in Townsville. Such was the response to the Cent Sale that additional tables and spaces (such as the front foyer) were commandeered to enable patrons a place to sit. Hazel was amazed at the number of people attending this event.

Further information may be obtained by phoning 07 4932 9000 1300 22 55 77.

P: 07 4932 9000 or 1300 22 55 77 E: enquiries@rrc.qld.gov.au W: www.rrc.qld.gov.au

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Creative contributions

A children’s story by Edward Kay

Inspector Willly Wagtail and the Big Drought A grey crane and a white crane met by the water’s edge of a small billabong and asked where had all the water gone.

They walked around all day, poking their beaks in the mud as they looked to find where the water ran out. Then, as the sun started to set, the two cranes met again on top of a log overlooking the bog. After a lengthy discussion they agreed that the problem was really beyond them, so they sent out word for Inspector Willy Wagtail to come and take charge of the case.

“There must be a hole in the ground and the water is leaking out” the Inspector said when he arrived the next morning. “We can ask the ducks to see if they can spot it while they are swimming there” the grey crane said as he strode along the water’s edge.

So they asked all of the ducks and the water fowl to hold their breath and have a look under the water to see if they could see any sign of a hole where the water might be leaking out of the little billabong.

All of the ducks and the water fowl swam out onto the billabong and one after another, they took a deep breath and stuck their heads under the water.

Each day both of the cranes would count the number of stones from the dead grass to the water’s edge. The cranes turned each stone over as they counted them, to make sure of their tally before they gave their findings to Inspector Willy Wagtail, and each day was the same as the day before as more and more of the water disappeared from the billabong.

A mob of kangaroos came to drink from the billabong and Inspector Willy Wagtail fluttered from one to the other to make sure they only took the water they would need.

When they had all finished the Inspector asked the kangaroos if they would sit under some trees half way up the hill, where they could see the whole of the billabong without moving at all.

The kangaroos agreed to his request and because of the heat, they needed the rest. Day after day the kangaroos would sit in the shade of the trees half way up the hill and watch the billabong to make sure that no one was taking more than their fill.

The Inspector saw a platypus swimming by and perched himself on a rock so that he could talk eye to eye with the platypus. “Could you swim down where the water is deep and shovel mud with your fattened beak to try and find the hole that we seek, the one that is draining the water from this dying creek?”

The platypus disappeared with a splash and a swirl to go and dig the mud in the bottom of the pool.

The Inspector perched himself on the stump of a tree.

From there he looked down at a black snake curled up on a log sunning himself after eating a frog.

“Can you help me with my enquiries?” the Inspector asked the snake, as the snake eased himself down into the grass.

“We are trying to find where all the water has gone from this little billabong.”

But the snake disappeared without making a sound sliding on his red belly over the dry parched ground.

A rough necked goanna lumbered to the water’s edge, drinking his fill before eating some duck eggs.

He then climbed up a nearby tree and laid flat on a branch where he could watch the water’s edge as the sun set over the hill in the west.

Early the next morning the Inspector was on the scene again collecting figures from the gray crane, who assured him that he had checked them twice. More water had disappeared through the night.

A Bower Bird then happened by, collecting pieces for his bower nearby. A shining stone or an old snail shell – he collected them all to impress his girl. The Inspector followed the Bower Bird to his lair but could find no water there among all of the stones and shells that decorated the bower on the ground as the bird rearranged them by the hour.

Before he returned to the billabong, the Inspector went to visit the kangaroos up on the side of the hill. “We have been watching all day and through the night, taking it in turn so that we are on alert all of the time - but we haven’t seen anyone from up here on the hill take any more than drinking his fill.”

The big red roo stood up to his full height and squinted his eyes against the morning light. The rest of the roos in the shade sat still and watched the cloud of dust approach slowly from the hill.

Then, out of the glare of the blinding sun, the ground came alive and moved as one; followed by the drover herding the sheep as he sat upon his saddle half asleep while his black horse trudged slowly on, its head dropping in the morning sun.

The drover’s two cattle dogs pushed them on, a thousand sheep if there was one. They pushed through the bed of the dried up creek, onto where the fences meet – for that is where the river now flows since the last big overflow.

Then, as the stragglers came though the dry wash, one little lamb had to get lost, as he headed for the little billabong to quench his thirst at any cost.

Stuck in the mud up to his chest, he cannot move, though he tries his best. His struggles only make it worse.

His bleating cries are not heard.

As the dust now hides the rest of the herd and his parched throat begins to hurt, his bleating cries soon stop, as the dust settles back onto the dirt.

The sheep have now long since gone, disappeared into the setting sun, as the goanna looks down at the prize at hand.

With unblinking eyes, he watched the little lamb as the sun sinks slowly on the dry land.

Slowly, he climbs down from his branch, looking around with a sideways glance.

He crosses the log and onto the bog. His scaled belly slides easily over the mud as the lamb cries desperately for help. While the big lizard grins to himself.

Continued on Page 12

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From Page 11

Then the little lamb falls silent, given up all hope, as the goanna sticks out his tongue then opens his mouth to take a big bite. But a flutter of wings comes from the approaching night as a wedge tailed eagle comes into sight. He clutches the lamb just in time out of the mud without having to land. He flies after the mob into the setting sun and the goanna knows the eagle has won.

The next morning, the Inspector was up early as could be, as he sat on a branch of the big tree on the side hill where the kangaroos lay in the morning sun.

The sun rose higher into the sky, and the Inspector looked down at the billabong as the blue haze began to rise. He had almost given up hope of solving the case when a family of Willy-Willy appeared on the horizon.

There were four of these mischievous children of the wind, who would always appear from nowhere and throw everything around as they chased each other over the flat land.

Within a minute, they were all gone, leaving a cloud of dust to settle back down. Then, as the sun got higher in the cloudless sky, a lake of shimmering water spread over the land. Or was it a memory of the last great flood, come to haunt them of a recurring past?

The Inspector watched the shimmering water creep slowly closer until it at least reached the little billabong.

But he wasn’t fooled by this phantom flood – he had seen it before and knew it would disappear as soon as he approached it. But he also remembered that after each day that the phantom lake appeared, more of the water in the billabong was gone.

This time however he watched the creeping flood more closely, along with the little billabong at the same time.

He noted how the water rippled across the surface as the phantom approached. Then, they blended together until he couldn’t tell where one started and the other finished, becoming one.

He had solved the mystery. Now he was sure that the water from the little billabong was being stolen to make the phantom of the lake.

The inspector called all to order, as the animals gathered around. Then, he told them he had solved the mystery and now knew who it was that was stealing the water.

They all made accusations as they blamed each other.

The Inspector called them to order again.

“You cannot see the one that you seek.”

“Although he is now standing at your feet, but if you look over the pond, you can see him now! Before he is gone, you can see the ripples made with his tongue.” … But it was no phantom lake out there that had come to haunt them – so don’t despair.

For it is just the wind, stopped to catch his breath and have a drink and a short spell in the midday heat.

His thirst is quenched as the ripples get shorter, and by evening the hot wind will be cooler for that is where the water is gone.

The wind has been blowing all morning long sweeping the land in blistering sun. And has got real hot from the work he has done. But after a drink from the billabong, he will be nice and cool for the afternoon run.

The End

by Trish & Greg Mathers 0400 591 504

The Northern Brown Bandicoot often frequents local backyards. Even if you don't see them, you will often see where they have been by the small holes they dig around the yard. Contrary to popular belief, they are not destroying your lawns and gardens. In actual fact they are doing you a big favour by digging up insects and grubs that are detrimental to your lawn and your garden.

They are insect eaters, and will consume a good number of grubs and bugs each night. They are nocturnal.

The small holes they dig can easily be filled in. They also are aerating the soil for you!

The brown bandicoot (or brindled bandicoot as it is otherwise known) is the largest Australian bandicoot.

The head and body are up to 470 mm in length, and the tail can be up to 210 mm long.

The fur is a coarse brindled brown and sometimes has a rufous wash to the back and flanks. The underparts and forefeet are cream. The ears are short, and the tail is very thin and pointy.

They are a very shy and timid animal, however they will be fiercely aggressive when protecting their territory.

The bandicoot is a solitary animal. They shelter in nests of vegetation beneath dense cover. Their diet consists of arthropods, tubers, fruits and seeds; however they prefer insects and grubs when they are available. Births occur in all months. The female can have up to four babies every 10 weeks, depending on conditions.

Another bandicoot that occurs in our region is the Long Nosed Bandicoot. People often mistake them for Bilbies, as they look very similar.

Many times we have received phone calls from people saying they have run over a 'Bilby', when in actual fact it is the Long Nosed Bandicoot.

The little bandicoot in the photo is one that a cat brought into a local resident’s kitchen. It is only a baby and is extremely lucky that the cat’s claws and teeth did not puncture the skin, or he would not have survived the toxins.

He was put into an aviary a few days after this photo was taken whereupon he released himself. He could hunt his own food. We know he is doing well because of all of the conical shaped holes in our yard just recently!!

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KINNY Screens & Blinds

ABN No. 69293151026 Security Screens & Doors, Holland & Venetian Blinds, Vertical Drapes, Aluminium & Canvas Awnings, Glass & Window Replacement, Shower Screens Phone 4938 2055 ~ Mobile 0419 737 130 Cannot perform building work in excess of $3,300 FAX: 4938 2671 80a Gordon Lane, Mount Morgan

1st Tues of the Month

Proud particpant of Anonymous Friends

ABN: 80 213 293 434

Bob Wheeler Owner / Operator

Mobile: 0419 663 277 Ph/Fax: 4938 1502 PO Box 91, Mt Morgan 4714

Now also a licensed poison contractor

STEWARTS TOWING & SERVICE STATION 6 Central Street, MOUNT MORGAN Phone: 4938 1283 24 HOUR SERVICE ~ 7 DAYS A WEEK

PAINTER & DECORATOR W. & S. Cruickshank BSA 75608

Computer not starting or SLOW? Give me a call.

All repairs done professionally at affordable prices VIRUS removal and full servicing.

OVER 10 years experience.

CAN build a brand NEW PC to YOUR needs All new computers come with a 12 month hardware warranty.

Call Nathan S. from 8am to 6pm Mon to Sat on: 4938 2451 or 0421 411 249

5 Calliungal Lane, Mt Morgan Phone 4938 2637, Mobile 0488 104774 Email: sandracruickshank@bigpond.com

Roofs airless sprayed from $1,700, Gutters & Facia from $250, Exteriors gurneyed from $300 All materials supplied at trade price Pensioner discount on Painting.

Prices apply only in Mt Morgan area.

MOUNTAIN MOWING SERVICES Obligation free quote

Eric J Stevenson Firearm Dealer Lic.50001499

Guns and Ammunition - Mount Morgan Open Friday 2pm to 5pm & Saturday 9am to 12 midday (other times by appointment) SPECIAL- Norinco JW 15.22 LR $ 375.00 until sold out 11 Glen Gordon Street, Mount Morgan Please park in drive way and follow the signs.

Ph. 07 49 381073 Mob. 0417 006591

KEVIN COUGHRAN Owner

Mobile: 0428 678 096

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15

BUSINESSES, TRADES & SERVICES

ALAN HOUSMAN BUILDER

John Hawkey Plumbing ABN:93587510453 QBSA:43778

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ABN 52 081 926 QBSA 19514

Domestic & Commercial Work Specialising in: • Restumping • Extensions • Renovations • New Home

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Renovations Hot Water Systems Roof & Gutter Repairs Whirly Birds

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For All Your Maintenance Plumbing!

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Mobile: 0448 168 939

Phone: 4938 1887 ~ Mobile 0419 741 611

Building locally for over 20 years ~ Quality Workmanship Guaranteed

M.A.W. Mowing & Handyman Services Mr Mark Williamson 2 Clarence Street “Lawns fear me women want me”

MAW Mowing 0403 571 561 ABN 3070630026

MARK HUMPHREY’S ELECTRICAL 8 Baldwin Street Mount Morgan 4714 Electrical Lic. No. 74711

PHONE 0439 727 609 FAX 4938 2885

DOMESTIC, RURAL, COMMERCIAL I N S TA L L AT I O N A N D R E PA I R S P R O M P T LY S E RV I C I N G M O U N T M O R G A N & W O WA N D I S T R I C T S

CONCREATURE CONCRETING SERVICE All aspects concreting Restoration old slabs a specialty Exposed - Colour - Stencil Jobs under $3000 value

0428 154 172

- Competitive rates - Local bloke - Clean Ups - Maintenance - Repairs - Minor Home Repairs - Welding - Driveways - Landscaping - Fencing - Mowing and much, much more - Lifts up to 1.5 ton and carry up to 5 ton - 9m Tri Axle Trailer 3.5 ton electric winch

Phone Paul on 4938 1321 or 0429 987 130 ABN: 43920044782

Jobs under $3,300 value

16 Next Argus: Out Thursday, 18 June 2015 If you have something you’d like included in this issue, please note that inclusions are required by Friday, 29 May. For details: mmpad@bigpond.com / 4938 2312.

CLASSIFIEDS WORK WANTED: Trailer repairs, small welding jobs, gates made to order. Phone Peter: 4938 2965 / 0411 893 778.

NEED AN ELECTRICIAN?: RJ Electrician Pty Ltd. Licence no. 72288. Phone: 0431 576 101.

BUILDING WORKS: Any types! Contact Sonny on 0409 698 054. Licence no. 21951

Date Claimers June 11: Golden Mount Festival Association. Night Bingo at St Mary’s Hall. Doors open at 7 pm. Light refreshments and raffles available.

June 13: Mount Morgan Rugby Union Club Inc - Home Game, Double Header. Kick off @ 2 pm Mount Morgan Lorikeets v Brothers and Brothers A v Gladstone A kicks off at 3.30 pm June 14: Sausage Sizzle and dance (Old Time and New Vogue) from 1.00 pm to 5.00pm, Baree School of Arts Hall. Music by Twocan. Lovely home cooked supper, Lucky Door, Multi Draw raffles. Admission is $10.00.

Everyone welcome. Bring a friend. Phone 49382484.

June 20: Mount Morgan Rodeo Association Inc will hold a Barefoot Bowls day. Names in by 11.30 am with 12 noon start. BBQ lunch and bar operating. Lots of fun and prizes. Open to everyone.

June 27: Bouldy Bush Markets, 8 am to Noon. Call Janine 0149 141 160 to book a site.

July 4: CWA Cent Sale. 2pm, CWA Hall, East Street Mount Morgan. All welcome.

FOX VIDEO SPECIALS

• HIRE 3 OR MORE NEW RELEASES FOR JUST $5.00 EACH • JUST $10 FOR 7 MOVIES FOR A WHOLE WEEK! • BUY 4 DVID’S/GAMES/CD’S AND THE CHEAPEST ONE IS FREE! NOW THAT’S GOOD VALUE! GOOD THERAPY – TAKE 2 MOVIES & GO TO BED EVERY WEEK THERE ARE LOTS OF GREAT NEW MOVIES THAT YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF...COME IN & SEE WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MISSING OUT ON. OVER 9,200 TITLES & CHANGING ALL THE TIME!

SOME OF THIS WEEK’S BIGGIES

• AMERICAN SNIPER • TAKEN 3 • DUMB & DUMBER TO • FIFTY SHADES OF GREY • BLACK BEAUTY •INTO THE WOODS • FAT PIZZA VS HOUSOS MOVIE • HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 (...AND MANY MORE...)

*WILL BUY MOVIES, MUSIC VIDEOS & GAMES IN EXCELLENT CONDITION*

LOCAL BUSINESS - USE IT OR LOSE IT!!

DOB IN A PIRATE: 1800 251996

LOCATED AT THE RAINBOW BUILDING NEXT TO THE WHITE ELEPHANT BURGER BAR...’BEST BURGERS IN THE WORLD

MOUNT MORGAN PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Thursday 25 June at 5.30 p.m. Mount Morgan ..Tourist Information and Historical Railway Complex.

Nomination forms can be collected from the Railway Complex and are to be received by 16 June.

Positions open include: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary and two positions for Executive Members.

Address to Secretary PO Box 142, Mount Morgan Q 4714

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The Mount Morgan Argus is proudly brought to you

by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc.