Obituaries Australia

In the passing of Mr. Richard Atherton, at the age of 79, at Yeerongpilly, on November 27, a sturdy link in the chain of tho past has been broken. He was the last of the original pioneer pastoralists of the Mackay district. In 1863 West Hill station, midway between St Lawrence and Mackay, was formed by the Athertons, and stocked with cattle from Mount Hedlow, and this had much to do with the blazing of the trail in that District. The blacks were very troublesome frequently spearing cattle, and chasing large numbers of them off the run. In 1865 the pleuro broke out among the cattle, and the blacks continued to give trouble, added to which fever and ague attacked the station hands, so in 1865 the cattle were removed to Plane Creek station, near Mackav, and West Hill was abandoned. In 1872 Mr Richard Atherton formed Woonon station, adjoining Plane Creek on the south side, and this station was held by him for over 20 years. During 1893 Mr. R. Atherton, Mr. E. Atherton, and Mr. H. Bell gave security over their freehold lands to the Queensland Government, and started the Plane Creek Central Sugar Mill Company, which has since proved one of the most successful mills under the Queensland Government Guarantee Act. Mr. Athelton also held Howard Park, near Mackay, Plevna station, on the Eungella Range, Sutton Creek station, and Mount Funnell station, about 50 miles south of Mackay. In 1914 the late Mr. Atherton sold out his interests in the North, and went to live at Yeerongpilly, at which place he resided until the time of his death. He took a keen interest in bowls, and was a member of the Yeronga Club.