Morden, Surrey in England was Nellie's birthplace and she emigrated to Queensland with the family in 1910. She was enrolled at Biarra School on 9 May 1910 at the age of nine. Nellie has provided some of her early memories:
"We left England in February 1910 on a small vessel, the 'Rippingham -Grange', which became our home for two months. At one stage we saw nothing but water for three weeks. We had plenty of fun and amusements on board - concerts, dancing, games, etc, with both crew and passengers taking part. When we crossed the Equator, Father Neptune was there to give the men and boys a ducking, the usual procedure, which caused much merriment. There was very rough weather at times, coming through the Bay of Biscay and also down the Queensland coast.
Disembarking at Brisbane, we were taken to the immigration home at Kangaroo Point overnight. Then went to Esk and on to Biarra until finding a suitable farm nearby. Our experiences were many, varied and sometimes amusing. One of my cousins (a son of James Francis, Biarra) said he would teach me to ride - 'Get on behind me, put your arms around my waist, and hang on!' he said. Off we went, up hill, over stones and boulders almost at a gallop. Sitting on the back of the saddle did not make things easier either! On a later occasion another cousin (the other's brother) rowed me across the flooded Cressbrook Creek to get me to Biarra School.
The farm we eventually bought and named 'Morden', meant a four mile walk to school, but this improved when Father bought me a pony, saddle and bridle, the lot cost him four pounds. After leaving school, I would ride to Toogoolawah every Saturday for provisions carrying these back on the horse. The young people made their own amusements. A spring-cart with draft horse, amidst peels of laughter, would take them to a neighbour's for a sing-song. If there was no piano, an accordion and mouth-organ would suffice. When established in the stud cattle business and following the shows, we found life very interesting and made very good friends from all over Queensland and much of New South Wales. "
Nellie and her brothers, Gilbert and Stanley, sold 'Morden' in 1972, and a condition of the sale permitted them to continue living in the old home until they were all deceased. After the death of her brothers, Nellie continued to live an active life. Also, on behalf of the Mears family, she generously donated to many Toogoolawah town and district projeds, including the Alkira Retirement Home, the Toogoolawah Show Society which benefited by a new Show Pavilion, and the Toogoolawah Branch ofthe Red Cross received an extension to their Thrift Shop. The Show Society and the Red Cross honoured her with Life Membership.
In her final year, Nellie wrote a book titled "AS I REMEMBER", about her reminiscences. This was in the hands ofthe publisher when she died in the Esk Hospital so, unfortunately, she never saw the printed book or its successful launching in January 1992. |