1919 Chillagoe
Data still required about this railway ambulance.
About this Railway Ambulance

Basic data
Name 1919 Chillagoe Power 6h.p.
Wheel Arr Class Type A
Gauge 3ft 6in
Builder C Price & Sons Manchester, Eng
Year 1919

.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In service summary by J.W. Knowles 1990
From a QR file (35/361,batch 5) it would seem that Chillagoe Railway and Mines allowed its three light rail motors (earliest of which is believed to have entered service in 1913) to run in cases of illness from Almaden to Chillagoe.  There does not seem to have been a specific ambulance rail motor.
On the takeover of the company's line by the QGR in June 1919, the car used for this purpose passed to the Manager of the State Smelters, but the QGR would not allow it to run in cases of illness.  In November 1919, the Einasleigh Shire was charged by the QGR for the running of a rail motor from Almaden to Mt Surprise during the influenza epidemic. This was probably a former Chillagoe Railway car, one taken over by the QGR.
The local dissatisfaction with all of this was added to when the engine of the car which passed to the Manager of the State Smelters failed beyond repair.  With the decline of Chillagoe it became a place served by the rail motors of Mareeba QATB.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Out of service     
Above photo of RM 24, primary purpose was as a Rail Motor but was known to be used as an Railway Ambulance from time to time.  Out of service some time between 1950 and 1961.
Source Sunshine Express June 1976, 2nd last page.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the location(s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the railway line (extracts used from Triumph of Narrow Gauge, J Kerr)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the people helped
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More info from the JDK database
CHILLAGOE

1919 - G.A. Kingston, Clerk, Chillagoe Shire Council to Minister for Railways Oct.28, 1919 - directed by Council to raise problem that arises when urgent attention of doctor required. When the Chillagoe Co. owned the works, the motor car was always available in cases of urgent sickness to bring the patients to Hospital here. This car has been taken over by the Manager of the State Smelters and application was recently made to bring seriously ill woman from Almaden to Chillagoe and was granted. It was then necessary to obtain the Acting Traffic Manager's sanction, and although no traffic on the line, it was refused. In correspondence, he stated "The motor car is not for the conveyance of passengers. A special train can always be engaged when necessary." The Council considers decision unfair and requests your assistance.

Private Secretary acknowledges 11.11.19. Sec to GM Townsville re above 13.11.19, and follow up letter 11.12.19. (File 1935/361 Batch 5 (taken from 1920 6/2310 on front), A/12867, QSA)

1919 - John Conall (?spelling) Etheridge Shire Clerk, Georgetown 11/11/19 to D. Riordan re costs £26 for use of Railway motor car ordered by Chillagoe Shire Council on our account to convey an ambulance assistant Almaden to Mt. Surprise to deal with influenza. Influenza costs to shire very great due scattered population, over £800. Would you ask Minister or Commissioner for reduction to costs outlayed only.

A.J.Crowther, GM ND, 6.12.19 - advise that Mr Hastie who was acting Commr's agent at the time of the purchase, was instructed by Commr. to leave the car for the use of the Smelter staff to travel over the Chillagoe Railway system as required.

Provided Mines Dept do not object, I have agreed that when car required as ambulance in emergency, it may be allowed in same manner as other RM cars - viz. interested parties pay fares, car hire, and any expenses in wages and stores. District Super. Cairns is taking it up with Mines Manager.

H.StG.H.(?) Benson, Chillagoe Shire Clerk 3.12.19 to Minister thanking him for reply of Nov.11. Sec. to U/Sec Mines Dept 19.12.19 asking if any objection. (File 1935/361 Batch 5 (taken from 1920 6/2310 on front), A/12867, QSA)

1920 - Sec. to D. Riordan, acknowledges 2.1.20. Sec. to GM Townsville 2.1.20 asking for details of costs. Telegram 10.2.20 to expedite enquiries.

John Conall to Riordan 24.1.20, thanking for letter on 3.1.20, realises corresp. slow with strikes and floods.

Note 20.2.20 Mr Riordan asking how matter stands. Telegram 20.2.20 to GM Crowther, wire information quickly.

Telegram 21.2.20, I replied Feb.11 - of £26, half special train hire charge (plus 1 fare collected) exp. £6.1.1 incurred by Mines Dept who were given credit of £13. £13 could be refunded by Railway Dept, profit made by Mines Dept is matter for them to deal with.

Letter Crowther to Sec. 11.2.20 similar. Endorsed - refund £13 and ask Mines to refund £6.18.1.

Sec. to U/Sec Mines 25.2.20 with details, asking £6.18.11 refund to Council. Sec. to Riordan 25.2.20 and Memo to GM Townsville informing of decision. Sec. 4.6.20 to U/Sec reminding, and again 17.6.20. U/S Mines 24.6.20 awaiting reply of GM State Smelters. U/Sec. 8/7/20 GM Chillagoe State Smelters has posted cheque £6.18.11 to Council.(File 1935/361 Batch 5 (taken from 1920 6/2310 on front), A/12867, QSA)

1920 - GM Townsville 2.1.20 the car has become disabled and sent to Ipswich for repairs if possible (inked note "the engine is beyond repair"). There is great need for a motor car for Cairns District more substantial than the present 6hp one. Good motor required for inspection, also one for Mine Manager, Chillagoe. If cars now at Ipswich, not in use, could be used profitably if sent to Cairns.

Act.Sec. to U/S Mines 20.2.20 requesting reply to letter 19.12.19. Copy - P.L.Goddard, Manager Chillagoe State Smelters to U/Sec Mines 11.2.20 - at present we have no car available. Further if available 'it would be unwise to allow use of same because in many cases the applicants would not be genuine."

U/Sec Mines 5.3.20 to Sec. enclosing copy of above.

A.J.Crowther 9.3.20 approval given to transfer the spare Panhard car at Ipswich, with accommodation for 10 passengers, to Cairns to replace the 16hp rail motor taken over from the Chillagoe Co. and which is out of commission due to engine beyond repair. (Notes - Panhard, built; shipped to Cairns 12.3.20; shipped Cairns-Townsville August 1921; October 2, 1922 shipped Townsville to Normanton.  J.Armstrong)

Sec. to U/Sec Mines 10.3.20 - another car will be shipped when available. It is Dept practice to convey persons needing prompt medical assistance when ordinary train service not available, request that previous arrangement to continue. Dept experience has not been as Mr Goddard's suggests re bona fides.

Sec. to U/S Mines 6.4.20 asking if Dept proposes to meet Shire Council's request; and again 20.4.20. U/S Mines 29.5.20 Manager Chillagoe State Smelters advises no objection provided costs entailed in use of same are paid. (File 1935/361 Batch 5 (taken from 1920 6/2310 on front), A/12867, QSA)