Obituaries Australia

Eric McConnel, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 February 1927

Short reference was made in last issue to the career of Mr. Eric Walter McConnel, of Mt. Brisbane Station, Esk, Q., who died at Southport on 31st December last. We have since been supplied with further details of his interesting life.

On finishing his education at the age of 20, Eric McConnel joined his brother, the late James Henry McConnel, at Cressbrook. This was in 1883. On the death of their father in 1885 the then existing firm of D. C. McConnel and Sons was carried on, Eric being included in the partnership. The firm in those days also owned Glen Haughton, Apis Creek, Clifton, Moura, and Banana Stations.

His connection with Mt. Brisbane commenced about 1889, when he was appointed manager for the then owner, Mr. Francis Bigge, under the control of Alex. Raff. Subsequently Phillip Bigge, a nephew of Francis, went to the station to gain experience. After a time he and Eric McConnel came to the conclusion that they could do well with the station, so Phillip Bigge returned to England to see his uncle. As a result the two young men took over the property. They had no money, but the Queensland National Bank advanced all they wanted on the recommendation of its inspector, Mr. John Forrest. With careful management all went well, and the liability was soon paid off. The firm then bought Consuelo Station, which Mr. C. W. Ogg managed, and later became a partner in. Eric McConnel also had an interest in the Marshlands Pastoral Company, and was consulting director.

He was well known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Clydesdale horses.