BELL’S TREE

Event date: 1 Apr 2010 - 3 Jul 2010

 

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By Merv Bunney, Tewantin

This is the name that was given to a giant Kauri pine that once grew only 60 feet from the junction of the Kin Kin – Neusa Vale and Moran Group roads in the former Noosa Shire.  It takes its name from the then Minister for Lands, the Hon. J.P. Bell.

In 1912 the Minister declared a small reserve (5 perches) to have this majestic giant protected for all time.  Most of the scrub around was cleared from the adjoining properties thus leaving the monster tree exposed to the elements.

Approximately 6 years later, on 28 October 1918, a fierce storm blew the tree out.  The tree, by this time, had become quite famous. Photographs of the fallen tree show a large gathering picnicking on the site of the fallen tree. The tree was blown down onto the adjoining property then owned by Mr. Charles Vines, who had previously selected the property.

 A pioneer of the area, Mr. Clem Moore, now living in Brisbane, tells the story of how, when the Main Road was being formed near-by, many of the roots of this tree were cut, helping in the downfall of this historic tree. 

The fallen giant was cut into 5 logs for transportation to be milled.  These logs were conveyed by bullock team to Cooran.  These logs, when loaded on the rail-wagons would not clear the Eudlo tunnels en route to Brisbane, so they had to be sent north to Henderson sawmill at Gundiah. Six feet of the butt log was left behind owing to that section of timber being faulty.

The lengths of the logs were: -

14ft with a 208 inch girth;

14ft with a 213 inch girth;

12ft with a 221 inch girth;

13ft with a 229 inch girth;

12ft with a 247 inch girth.

The total was approximately 17,000 super feet.

So much for the tree’s past.

Now, to the erection of a sign and of the planting of a replacement Kauri pine on this historic site.

Over the years I have been curious to know the exact location of this tree site.  Several months back I invited several people who I knew would remember these times to revisit the site. These included two daughters of the late Charles Vines.  One is now Mrs. Frances Duncan of Caloundra, and the other Mrs. Molly Cassidy of Pacific paradise.

Others included Ruby Hasler of Nambour, Nell Crang of Gympie, Fred Bunney of Boreen Point, Muriel Robinson of Margate, and many others.  At this time we understood that the tree stood on a 5 acre reserve.  Many thanks to Bill Kitson of the Museum of Maps and Surveys, Brisbane who supplied us with a blown-up map of the immediate area (map date 1912).  This map showed the Reserve was merely 5 perches. This map put us right on target to erect the sign and for the replacement of a new Kauri tree.

A day was set; 21 May 1989, and we celebrated a “Back to the Site” picnic.  The sign was unveiled by Charlie Vine’s two daughters. 

The day, though wet, was a memorable one with approximately 60 folk attending.

I wish to conclude with expressions of many thanks to Gordon Simpkins for allowing access to the property; to Wayne Griffiths for obtaining the replacement tree from the Forestry, and to the Cooroora Historical Society for financing the project.  Also thanks to Basil Ostwald, Vera Young and Fred Bunney who gave time and energy to the project.

Following on from this story from Merv Bunney, representatives from the Noosa Museum visited the site on 23rd September 2009 (the day of the dust storm to be exact) only to find the area very overgrown and un-accessible but the tree was healthy & had grown considerably since 1989.  Also the sign erected at that time is still there although in need a bit of care and attention.

Some investigation was done with the help of a member of staff from the SCRC in Tewantin and we have confirmed that the land is still designated State Reserve with the SCRC as Trustee.  A request has been put in to Council to mow the area, which once this has been completed the Museum, with the help of its volunteers and anyone else who may be interested, is hoping to be able to restore the area to a pleasant little reserve where members of the public can enjoy the story of these great trees.

Upcoming Noosa Museum Event

"Remembering Noosa - 1910-2010".  This event is to celbrate 100 years of Noosa's history.
This is a project of the Noosa Museum in Pomona.  Come & celbrate Heritage week from 9th May to 16th May including a Heritage walk out to the Reconciliation Island in Cooroora Creek Park & then to the old Pomona Courthouse.  Download the attached PDF about the event. 

PDF Downloads

Flyer.pdf

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