Monto, Queensland

Sunday, 8th June, 2014.

Monto is about 200km west of Bundaberg.  The township came into existence in 1924, as a consequence of the Land Development Scheme.  A few large properties were resumed to provide agricultural land for returning soldiers and pioneer settlers.

 

The Monto Town Hall (1939-40) was designed by Hall and Phillips.  Hall was the architect for both the Brisbane City Hall and the Sandgate Town Hall.  Can you see the resemblance?

We made a trip into Monto, where the historical society was having a “Pioneer Day”.

 

There was a “Cooee” competition where you could win $50.

 

Men were having chainsaw competitions, something like chainsaw wood chop.

 

There was a Model T Ford …..

 

….. and a shiny red McCormick Farmall tractor, similar to the one we had on our cane farm, only I think ours was bigger.  It’s a bit off-putting to find vehicles you’re familiar with feature in a pioneer’s day.

 

There was an old-timer making damper with flour, baking powder and beer.

 

He looked a lot like a pioneer himself.

 

Here is a damper he’d helped a little girl make.

 

There must be some very thirsty people in Monto.  The main street is dominated by two of the biggest pubs I have ever seen:

 

 

That afternoon, Chris collected a couple of huge logs on the way back, and made this superb ham and cheese damper.  It was quite splendid enjoying this damper under the stars, and rugged up against the cool night air around the fire.