Some of the eventual 400-strong crowd of Clayfield-Eagle Juction locals who turned out to celebrate the official opening of Kalinga Park by Toombul Shire Council worthies and legendary State Member for Toombul, Andrew Lang Petrie [1854-1928], on Saturday, September 1, 1910. The park turned 96 in 2006! Photo courtesy of the Brisbane City Council. Image BCC-B120-24877.
Opening of Kalinga Park
- a successful gathering
THE official opening of Kalinga Park, Eagle Junction, took place on Saturday afternoon (September 1, 1910) in the presence of some 400 people.
The weather proved delightful, and for the first time in its history the park presented a very animated appearance.
Four local clubs - St Colomb's Cricket Club, Kalinga Lacrosse Club, St Colomb's Lawn Tennis Club and the Gymnastic Club - combined to make the arrangements for the afternoon, the committee being pre¬sided over by Mr J.W. Wood, who worked hard to ensure the success of the function.
The Toombul Brass Band generously gave its services, and, under the direction of Bandmaster Larsen, contributed considerably to the enjoyment.
During the afternoon Mr Wood called upon Mr A.L. [Andrew Lang] Petrie, Member for Toombul, to perform the opening ceremony, at the conclusion of which the Union Jack was run up the flagstaff, the band playing the National Anthem.
Councillor W.B. [William Bulcock] Robinson (chairman of the Toombul Shire Council) gave a short history of the movement, attributing much of its success to ex-councillor, J.F. Maxwell; and Councillors W.P. [William Price] Cooksley and A. Walls, the members, with Councillor J.W. Wood, for No. l division, in which the park is situated, also spoke.
Attention was directed to the many improvements already effected in the park in leveling and clearing, and erection of a pavilion, and the laying down of a cricket pitch by the cricket club.
Councillor William Price Cooksley [1866-1934] of Toombul Shire Council.
The members of the cricket club opened the pitch, the president bowling the "first ball".
The Lacrosse Club played over their ground, and the afternoon was then devoted to a sports programme, and a fine gymnastic display by the Gymnastic Club.
Those present included Mr A.L. Petrie, M.L.A. and Mrs Petrie, Councillor W.B. Robinson and Miss Robinson, Councillor and Mrs J.W. Wood, Councillor and Mrs W.P. Cooksley, Councillors Westacott and Walls and Miers, Canon and Mrs Tomlin, Rev. C. Mayhew, Dr and Mrs Halford, Captain [George Christian] Neech [editor of the local newspaper, The Lilley Despatch] and Mrs Neech, Mr and Mrs H. Dennis, Mr and Mrs Rodgers, Mr and Mrs Lohoar, Mr and Mrs Graham, Mr and Mrs Nixon-Smith, Mr and Mrs T. Starkie, Mr and Mrs Potier, Mr and Mrs J.W.C. Drane, Mr and Mrs P. Little, Mr and Mrs Blanchard, Mr and Mrs Hewitt, Mr and Mrs England, Mesdames F. Bowcher, R. Banbury, Zillman, Bradly, K. Carier, Miers, Moody, Misses Milne, Goeldner, Lane, Wright, Jones, Shaw (2), Krone, Garget, Petrie, Bradly, Ingerfield, Jackson, Mayne, Halliday, Wood (2), Watson, Messrs W.G. Buckle, G.J. Walker, Bowcher, Deane, Thistlethwayte, Atthow, R. Sumner.
Councillor William Bulcock Robinson [1855-1930], chairman of Toombul Shire Council.
Following is the result of the sports programme: 100yds - W. [William] Lohoar 1, J.R. Hewitt 2; Hop, step and jump - A.W. Denniss 1, W.[William] Lohoar 2; 440yds - J. Hall 1, R. Raff 2; Long jump - A.W. Denniss (15ft 6in) 1, W. [William] Lohoar (15ft 5in) 2; Sack race - J.R. Hewitt l, R. Raff 2; High jump - J. Hall (4ft 6in).
A very amusing event was that of the bandsmen, each playing his instrument in a race.
- From The Brisbane Courier of Monday, September 3, 1910. Transcribed (and accompanied by a photo of the Kalinga Lacrosse A Grade Tream of 1912) from page 8 of the September 2006 edition [No. 67] of Nundah & Districts’ Historical Society Incorporated’s Bulletin newsletter.