Page 32 SOUVENIR-CHARTERS TOWERS, 1872 TO JULY, 1950

WHEN PUGHEY BURNT THE PANTS

Written by Bill Archer
The day was bright and the wind was high
And everything seemed as right as pie
So to the lake we all did go
Dad and I and Pugh and Joe.
And carefully our way did wend
Right down to the bottom end.

The ducks were scarce and flew too high
We collected few that's the reason why.
Big Frank Carrington topped the score
With sixteen and a couple more.
It was fairly dark when we got to camp
Unsatisfied and more than damp.
We all sat down to a real good meal
Corned beef sausage, pork and veal
With plenty of cake to top us up
And black tea in the old bush cup
Each one telling of what they's done
For they all seemed satisfied with the fun.

The wood was scarce and the fire was low
So Pughey and I for fuel did go
To dry our clothes for the morning's wear
But the old Dad said he didn't care.
And he hung his pants on Joey's spare
But he dreamt not by morn he'd have none
to wear.
In the middle of the night Pugh got his chance
He got up and burned two pair of pants.
It wasn't spite or just to tease
But he'd a hell of a set on dungarees.
And only for me staying up late
Every dungaree would have shared this fate.
There were all sorts there except milanese
But his mind was bent on dungarees.

Actually what happened was that after coming out of the lakes on the Saturday afternoon, all wet clothes were hung about to dry. Old Charlie put his dungarees over the spare tyre of the car, whilst everyone else put their wet clothes close to the fire to dry. Just before retiring, Pughey took hold of the dungarees and placed them over a log near the fire and all they found next morning was the buttons.

All of Charlie's sons are first class gunmen, Bill, Charlie, George and Frank are a team to be reckoned with not only on the tracks at the grounds, but out in the field. As a matter of fact our present day local champions, Sammy Ball and Jimmy Ball, Ronnie Berryman, are all offsprings of the greatest duck and pigeon shot that we will ever know in Charters Towers.

Photo opposite shows Charlie Archer exhibiting a trophy handed to him when he was doing too good for some of his opponents. Charlie was quite proud of his ging. Mrs. Archer admitted after that she was a little worried about him, as he used to get away up the creek shooting birds with his ging sling and she could never tell where he was.

WELL KNOWN IDENTITIES

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chappel, -- Mr. Chappel came to field in 1877, lived at Rishton, married in Townsville, 1889. Mr. Chappel was born at Adelong in March, 1868. Always took very active part in public affairs; was on Ambulance and Hospital Committees and a member of the old Queenton Shire Council; also a member of Charters Towers City Council and Mayor from 1925 to 1927.
Was a keen supporter of T.P.A., being an active committeeman for years. Was also connected with Oddfellows and Masonic Lodges.

Dr. Woodburn Stevens-retired in 1949 from private practice after 44 years -25 years as Government and City Medical Officer and 20 years service as visiting medical officer Home, Charters Towers.

Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Sellars.-Mr. Sellars, with his father, were responsible for introduction of cyanide treatment plants in early days of field. Later conducted a general carrying and forwalrding business up till March, 1946, when he retired. Mr. and Mrs. Sellars celebrated their Golden Wedding Anni.. versaryon 17th January, 1950. Among the guests was a Mrs. Phillips, who was bridesmaid at the wedding.

Mr. E. T. Russell-born in Charters Towers, lived here for 73 years, would be one of the oldest inhabitants living in town to-day. Was.appointed Secretary of N.Q.R.A. in 19907, and took over