Tick, tock, tick, tock …
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As the clock struck three o’clock on August 8, 1968, it is questionable if John Campbell Miles spirit was in deed resting in peace or was he silently enjoying a smoke of his pipe.
Either way, the dedication of the John Campbell Miles Memorial Clock Tower was an important milestone in the history of the rich mineral fields which he registered with the name Mount Isa in 1923, and which he saw grow into one of the largest mines in the world.
Before he died in 1965, he asked for his ashes to be returned to his beloved Mount Isa.
There was no question of not bringing his ashes back to his greatest find, but rather how could the town honour him with a functional and lasting memorial that could be admired and enjoyed by future generations.
The answer was agreed upon when the three pillars of the community, Mount Isa Mines, Mount Isa Shire Council and the Chamber of Commerce, combined to pledge the erection of a town clock.
And there was no dissension when the ideal site was given as in the centre of Marian Street between the Post Office corner and the Golden Fleece service station.
With no dilly-dallying by the community leaders, an architect from Brisbane was commissioned to work alongside Val Pinkster (Mount Isa Mine artist) to design a structure that would incorporate copper, silver and lead from the mine into a tower that symbolised – the mine main head frame.
“It is appropriate,” George Fisher said, “that this impressive memorial to the late John Campbell Miles is completed and dedicated in the same year as Mount Isa achieves the senior status of a city.”
“Only in a thriving centre can such a memorial be meaningful.”
For it was only three months earlier the minister for local government and conservation, Harold Richter, surprised local residents with the news that Mount Isa Shire was to be proclaimed a city.
In announcing the new status, he said Mount Isa was an example of how mining communities could work together not only in attracting workers but enticing their families to build stable lifestyles here.
In the 1966 census, the population of the town was confirmed as 17,234 allowing the town to be given city status.
In his message from the chairman, MIMAG, September 1968, George Fisher wrote:
… that the moulding a city from what was for a number of years little more than a mining camp was in the hands of the community leaders – in civic and business life and on the sporting and social scene.
An importantly … that the leaders had something which could be moulded was largely due to the men who came to Mount Isa and made permanent homes for their families.
Finally he acknowledged that … they, too, were pioneers who made a recognisable contribution to the growth of a city.
Among the several hundred people who attended the dedication ceremony were Campbell Miles’ second youngest sister, Mrs Maud Gumley (78) and her son Roy, who flew from their home in Melbourne for the momentous occasion.
In acknowledging their presence, Alex Inch, State Member for Burke, said while Campbell Miles’ ashes were now interred under the clock tower, his spirit would soon be flying on-board a TAA Airlines Twin Otter aircraft that was to be named in his honour later that same day.
But before then, it was left to the President of the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce, George Beard to say a few words before he formally ‘handed over’ the clock to the first Mayor of Mount Isa, Ald. George McCoy.
“The clock has a practical use as well as being a tourist attraction.”
He emphasised how without the resilience of those pioneers who had stuck it out in the harsh, rough conditions and stayed when things were very low, there would not have been a Mount Isa, let alone a city.
“I will also remember the women of the West.”
“The men had companionship and could always talk to their mates over a beer, but the women had very little.
“If they hadn’t stayed then the men, would not have stayed either.”
In accepting the clock on behalf of the community, mayor McCoy, said that it was an historical occasion for the city now and for future generations.
“Much thought has been put into this project and it has produced a fine piece of architecture for the city,” noted the mayor.
While the member for Kennedy, Bob Katter Snr. said,
“If the schoolchildren were able to cross over and move among the pensioners on the other side they would be able to have the greatest history lesson of their lives,” he said.
As an amateur historian, Katter Snr said it was important to capture many of the stories as told by the pioneers before it was too late.
Chairman of Mount Isa Mines Limited George Fisher,said
“The memorial is a tribute to a pioneer, but the construction of it pays tribute to all who have played a part in the growth of Mount Isa.
He continued, “During this the 45th anniversary of John Campbell Miles’ discovery of the Mount Isa lead deposits, it is only fitting that the city should be honouring the man who gave it is name.”
“A permanent memorial will help to remind the community of the pioneer who made one of the most remarkable mineral discoveries in Australia’s history.”
When asked his opinion of Mount Isa, John Campbell Miles refused to say anything further than, “It will do me!”
Tick, tock, tick, tock…
Researched and written by Kim-Maree Burton www.kimmareeburton.com
Photos supplied by MIMAG and
North Queensland History Collections.