Verney, Rakeevan or Beth Eden

Brisbane's housing heritage can be seen in the expanding suburben growth through the decades of the  1860, 1880 and 1920 periods. The early town of Brisbane had the residents living within what we know today as the central business district, Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane. Residential living was based around the port facilities, commercial and retail businesses. In the 1880 decade the wealthy merchant class built their grand country villas on large estates in the suburbs we know today. Some of these estates were built in suburbs we know as Toowong, Graceville, Yeronga, Windsor and Hamilton. Verney in Graceville was built for the newspaper proprietor Charles Hardie Buzacott and designed by Richard Gailey. Inhabited by notable pioneer families of early colonial Queensland and designed by one of Queensland's finest architects the house is a reminder of that Victorian colonial Queensland.

The Queensland Heritage Register provides the following information

Beth-Eden is a two-storeyed rendered brick house with a weatherboard stables/coach-house, overlooking the Brisbane River. Originally called Verney, Beth-Eden was erected in 1888 for newspaper proprietor Charles Hardie Buzacott. The architect was Richard Gailey, who in 1884 had designed the Courier Building for Buzacott. In 1895, John Ferguson MLA, a Rockhampton parliamentarian and a major shareholder in the Mt Morgan Mine company, purchased the property, which became the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs A H Chambers. Mr Chambers was the manager of the Union Bank and changed the name of the house to Rakeevan, after his family home in Ireland.

In 1903 Ferguson's other daughter and her husband, Joshua Thomas Bell MLA, took up residence. Bell, from Jimbour Station, held various portfolios and also served as speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The Ferguson daughters established extensive tropical gardens in the grounds and in 1921 Rakeevan hosted the inaugural Sherwood Shire Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society Show. Most of the gardens have been destroyed by subsequent development. Rakeevan was lent by Mrs Bell as a military convalescent home during and after the First World War, following which it stood empty until purchased in the late 1920s by Gulf pastoralist James Stanislaus Kirby. Politician Dr Felix Dittmer was the next owner, and in 1957 he sold the property to the Glad Tidings Tabernacle. The property was renamed Beth-Eden and officially opened as a retirement home in 1958. The house was modified and associated accommodation and service buildings were constructed. The only remaining original outbuilding is the stables/coach-house to the southwest of the house.

Charles Hardie Buzacott

A newspaper man Charles Buzacott and his two sons spanned almost three quarters of a century of Queensland's early newspaper and journalistic history. 

F. E. Lord listed Verney as number 74 in her 100 Historic Homes of  Brisbane feature on September 17, 1931 in the Queenslander newspaper.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23142459?searchTerm=%22charles%20hardie%20buzacott%22

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Saturday 27 July 1918, page 29

Our Illustrations.

MR. H. C. BUZACOTT DEAD. POLITICIAN AND JOURNALIST. A QUEENSLAND VETERAN.

Advice was received in Brisbane yesterday week of the death at Stanthorpe that day of Mr. Charles Hardie Buzacott, one of Queensland's veteran journalists, and formerly a well-known politician. Mr. Buzacott had been seriously ill for some time, and his death was not altogether unexpected. The late Mr. Buzacott belonged to one of the oldest pioneering families in Queensland, and had been closely associated with Queensland's politics, journalism and local government.He was born at Torrington, Devonshire, England, on August 1, 1835. In 1852 at the age of 17, he emigrated with his brother to Sydney, where he made his first acquaintance with journalism, becoming connected with "Empire" then owned by the late Sir Henry Parkes he learnt the trade of a compositor In 1857 he married Miss Louisa Whiteford , daughter of the late Mr George Whiteford of Liverpool, New South Wales. Three years later he removed to Queensland, settled in Maryborough, where he founded the "Maryborough Chronicle" in 1860, 1864 he sold the "Chronicle" and went to Clermout, where he launched the "Peek Downs Telegram," and continued to conduct that journal until 1870 when he joined his brother, the late Mr. W. H. Buzacott, in the ownership and control of the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. Soon afterwards Mr. W. H. Buzacott removed to Brisbane to join the editorial staff of the "Courier," and Mr. C. H. Buzacott took over the "Bulletin/ which he owned until 1878, when he exchanged places with his brother, the latter taking the "Bulletin," while be assumed position of leader writer to the "Courier. Subsequently he purchased the late Mr Gresley Lukin's shares in the Bribane Newspaper Company, and became managing director, continuing to hold that position until 1894, when the company was reconstructed and he retired. For a short time he continued to contribute articles to the "Courier," but soon became tired of comparative inactivity and.purchased the Rockhampton "Argus," which he transformed into an evening paper under the title of the "Daily Record." About 13 years ago he decided to enlarge his sphere, and floated the Brisbane "Daily Mail,of which he became the first editor and managing director. A few years ago, however the strain of the conduct of a metropolitan daily morning paper became too much for him, and failing health compelled him to retire from active participation in the business. He retired to Stanthorpe, but continued to contribute regularly to the columns of the " Daily Mail" until a few months ago, when his sufferings from chronic neuralgia became so acute that he was unable. to continue. From the beginning of his career in Queensland journalism he always took a deep interest in political matters, and for some years represented Rocknampton in the Legislative Assembly. In 1879 he joined Sir Thomas McIlwraith's Ministry as Postmaster-General, with a seat in the Legislative Council. While associated with the Ministry he did a considerable amount of bill drafting, in which he took a keen interest. One of the greatest of these self imposed tasks was the drafting of the Divisional Boards Bill, which was a mammoth measure for those days, and which became the foundation of the Queensland Local Govern ment Acts. Finding the strain of his dual position too heavy, he withdrew from the Ministry before its term expired in order to devote closer attention to the affairs of his company, and since then, although he continued to hold his Seat in the Legislative Council until a few year ago, he had not been associated with the inner councils of the political arena. The late Mr. Buzacott leaves a widow and family of five children. Three other chidren predeceased him. The surviving members are Mrs. Stewart W. Hartley (Rockhampton), Miss A. Buzacott (Stanthorpe), Messrs. W. J. Buzacott Brisbane.C H. Buzacott. jun. (Townsville) and A. Buzacott (Devon Grange, Stanthorpe).

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 22 November 1937, page 12

Mr. W. J. Buzacott Pioneer Queensland Journalist, Dead

MR. WILLIAM JAMES BUZACOTT. who for- more than 50 years was prominently associated with Queensland journalism, died in his sleep at his home at Clayfield on Saturday night Though he had not been in good health, his passing was unexpectedly sudden. He wns a son of the late Mr. Charles Hardie Buzacott, and was one of the all-round men of the journalistic profession. With decided literary gifts and breadth of outlook in political and other affairs was blended a remarkable mechanical genius. His knowledge of Queensland politically and otherwise was profound, making him a most useful ready reference cyclopaedia to his colleagues, whom he was always ready to help in every way in his power. He took a delight in assisting the younger men who came within his wide circle to mould their journalistic lives on sound principles, and was ever ready with advice and factual contributions from his deep well of knowledge. Side by side with these gifts and characteristics went a charming humility.

SON OF POLITICIAN- JOURNALIST. Mr. Buzacott was born at Clermont 71 years ago. His father, at that time was conducting the '"Peak Downs Telegram and Copperfield Miner" there. Mr. Buzacott sen., later came into political prominence as Pastmaster-Gcneral in the first Mcllwraith Government. After leaving Clermont he became editor of the "Morning Bulletin," at Rockhampton, and later editor-in-chief of the "Brisbane Courier." He also became the founder of the Brisbane "Daily Mail."

 TRAINING AND SERVICE. Mr. W. J. Buzacott was educated at the Rockhampton State and the Brisbane Boys Grammar Schools. He entered the service of the Brisbane Newspaper Company, and received a sound training in the mechanical as well as the literary departments of journalism, and later was appointed editor of the Brisbane "Observer." In 1890 he was sent to America to obtain a first-hand acquaintance with the latest developments in process engraving. He there purchased a plant and was always proud of the fact that he produced here the first half-tone photographic illustrations which appeared in any daily newspaper in Australia. But it was as editor of "The Queenslander" that Mr. ' Buzacott 's chief work was performed. Ho was appointed to that position in 1891, and remained in it until 1931. He also acted as mechanical superintendent of the company's publications. In the latter capacity he superintended the erection of the company's machinery from time to time, and-when hitches arose it was he who personally set things right Mrs Buzacott survives her husband as also do a daughter Miss Constance Buzacott and two sons. Mr. Edwin Buzacott, of the Brisbane Tramways engineering staff, and Mr. James Buzacott, of the Government Entomological Department at Merinda, near Cairns. Two sisters and three brothers also are living.

Warwick Daily News (Qld. : 1919 -1954), Wednesday 16 November 1938, page 6

---

Obituary

MR. ALBERT BUZACOTT

BRISBANE, Tuesday.—Mr. Albert Buzacott died at his residence, in Too-woomba this afternoon at the age of 66. For ten years he was the Toowcomba district representative for the Brisbane Courier and Courier-Mail. He was the second son of the late Mr. Charles Hardie Buzacott, at one time part-owner of the Brisbane Courier, who was instrumental in launching the Daily Mail and several provincial journals. In his early years Albert Buzacott was on the literary staff of the Courier, and later went on to the land at Ormiston and at Stanthorpe. In March last he joined the business staff of the Toowoomba Chronicle. He is survived by his widow, one daughter and one son.

Joshua Thomas Bell The Man Who Died at Rakeevan

J. T. Bell the son of Sir Johua Peter Bell one of Queensland's earliest squatters and land aristocracy married into another of Queensland's notable families when he married the daughter of John Ferguson MLA. One of early Queensland's wealthiest men John Ferguson had purchased Verneyand it was used by two of his daughters and their husbands as a family home. John Ferguson died in Sydney in 

Joshua Thomas Bell (1863-1911), barrister and politician, was born on 13 March 1863 at Ipswich, Queensland, eldest son of Sir Joshua Peter Bell and his wife Margaret Miller, née Dorsey. He was educated privately and at Ipswich and Brisbane Grammar schools; in 1881-85 he attended Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where as president of the Union he debated with such luminaries as Austen Chamberlain. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple and in 1888 was a marshal on the Northern Assizes circuit. Returning in 1889 Bell became a director of the Darling Downs and Western Lands Company whose head-station Jimbour was the family seat. He was Sir Samuel Griffith's private secretary in 1890-92 and then, when the company collapsed, became member for Dalby in the Legislative Assembly in 1893-1911. In 1901 (Sir) Littleton Groom beat him for the Federal seat of Darling Downs.

After membership of the royal commission on land settlement in 1897, Bell became chairman of committees in 1902 and subsequently secretary for public lands in the Morgan and two Kidston ministries between 1903 and 1908. Home secretary for eight months during 1908-09, he was elected Speaker in 1909, a post which he held with distinction until his death. 'Joey' Bell's appearance, attitudes and 'somewhat pompous' bearing, inherited from his father, were apparently contradicted by his liberal views. Fashionably dressed, he was something of an aloof poseur with a superior air which, although it concealed shyness and insecurity, irritated Labor and conservative opponents alike. 'Smitth' of the Worker not altogether unfairly parodied Bell's manner in 1901:

But I'd like to—haw—to dwah

Your attention, Sir, to—haw—

To the way our time is wasted;

Sir, its weally quite a cwime;

While the Labah membahs theh,

talk of “Strikes” I do declah

that this horwid pwickly peah keeps on

gwoing all the time.

Nevertheless, he was able enough to represent the government in important Land Court cases and was a parliamentarian with an astonishing fluency, an unerring instinct for the correct word, and a mastery of polished, if stylized rhetoric, seldom found among Australian politicians. Bell's contemporaries considered that his tenure of the Lands Department, during which he encouraged closer settlement, improved public amenities and acquired private estates for small farming, was his main contribution to Queensland's history. His pioneering National Forests Act—perhaps his most important single legacy—and his alleviation of technical difficulties hampering farmers were impressive. His conciliatory role, when the rise of Labor had confused liberals and conservatives, is even more important.

Bell was a skilful electioneer. Hard pressed by Labor in 1893, 1896 and 1902 (when a family scandal temporarily lost him the Roman Catholic vote), his 'pocket-borough' was saved by his local appeal as a superb horseman and native pastoralist, and by provision of three branch railways for the Dalby area and assiduous favours for other constituents. A liberal without a coherent policy, he helped organize the Darling Downs members, then slowly stepped towards more radical attitudes. His liberalism was partly fuelled by his financial collapse: the Bells became virtual grace and favour residents at Jimbour, and he was dependent on his ministerial salary and his wife's income; he then sold Jimbour to the State for agricultural settlement. He could neither bring himself to join organized labour nor stomach the political and social stonewalling of the conservative establishment.

A keen rower and rifle-shot and patron of the arts (he secured the first grant in Queensland for a cultural society), Bell represented an increasingly anachronistic social group—the 'independent Australian Briton'. He combined in his person the manners and education of an English gentleman and the earthy political skills of the native-born, but his failure to attain the heights of brilliant contemporaries like Deakin and to really enjoy the rough-and-tumble of State politics suggested more an Indian summer than a springtime harvest.

On 25 July 1903 Bell had married Catherine Jane, widow of Sydney Jones, a Rockhampton solicitor, and daughter of John Ferguson; they had one son and one daughter. Between July 1910 and his death from septicaemia with peritonitis at Graceville, Brisbane, on 10 March 1911, Bell suffered agony from surgical treatment. A member of the Brisbane Synod of the Church of England, he was accorded a state funeral and buried in Toowong cemetery, high on the hill next to his father. His estate was sworn for probate at £4567.

John Ferguson MLA The Second Owner

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Wednesday 9 May 1906, page 5

Late Hon.J.Fergson

Details of His Will. SYDNEY. May 9

Probate has been granted in the will of the late Hon. John Ferguson, M.L.C., Rakeevan, near Brisbane. The will which is dated 7th March last, appointed his sons- in-law Alfred Henry Chambers (of Sydney), Mortimer Moore Mackellar (of Marlborough, Queensland) , and James Ambrose Thompson, solicitor (Sydney), trustees and executors. He bequeathed Rakeevan, together , with its pleasure-grounds and appurtenances, to his trustees upon trus, for his widow during her life and after her death to his daughter Mrs. Catherine J. Bell, absolutely. The carriages, horses, household goods, furniture, etc.he bequethed to his widow, as well as a legacy of £1,000 for her immediate use, to be paid as soon as possible, after his death. To each of his daughters, Cathorine Jane Bell, Mary Ann Ferdinand- Chambers, Janet Mackellar, and Helen Margaret Hope, he bequeathed £5,000. To his daughter Helen Margaret Hope, 2,500 shares in the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company; to his daughter Catherine Jane Bell, 4,000 shares in the business of Walter Reid, and Co., Limited, Rockhampton. £50 to his servant, Margaret Joyce who was also to receive 300 shares in the Mount Morgan Company, in the event of her being in his employ at the time of his decease. An annuity of £100 was devised to the testator's sister, Mrs. Christina Ferguson and an annuity of £50 to his brother-in law, Alexander Ferguson, in the event of his surviving his wife. Subject to the above mentioned legacies and annuities, the trustees were directed to hold the residue of the real and personal estate upon trust, and at their discretion to convert it into money, and invest therefrom a sum sufficient to pay his widow an annuity of £3,000 during her life or. widowhood. In the event of her remarrying, the annuity would be reduced to £1,000. The residue of the estate was bequeathed upon trust for the following children, in equal shares: John Henry Ferguson, Elizabeth Louisa Dalzeil, Catherine Jane Bell, Marv Ann Ferdinand Chambers, Janet Mackellar, and Helen MArgaret Hope. The net value of deceased's estate in New South Wales was sworn at £12, l79.

Rakeevan The Red Cross and Convalescent Home

Rakeevan has been used as a showground and a convelescent home while still in the possession of the Ferguson Estate. The western suburbs were still very much the rural and country outskirts of what we today know as Brisbane until the second world war. The Sherwood Divisional Board prior to the amalgamation of the town councils and shires to create the Greater City of Brisbane in 1925 was the controlling civic authority for the suburbs of Graceville, Sherwood, Oxley, Corinda and others in that area. In 1919 Mrs. Ferguson kindly gave permission for Rakeevan to be used by the Red Cross as a convalescent home for returned world war one soldiers. 

For further information concerning Sherwood and the residential development of this area teh Wikipedia link is below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shire_of_Sherwood#The_Sherwood_Shire_and_Urbanization

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Friday 28 November 1919, page 3

Convalescent Soldiers.

Rest Home Opened. Rakeevan, Graceville.

Rakeevan, Graceville, the third convalescent home, under the control of the Queensland Red Cross Society, was officially opened by Lady Goold Adams, in the presence of a large gathering yesterday afternoon. Her ladyship who was accompanied by her sister, Mrs. Pemberton, was received on arrival by the chairman, Mr. W. T. Robertson, and the members of the Red Cross executive. Mr. W. T. Robertson, in briefly introducing the speakers, referred to the great generosity of Mrs. Ferguson, in placing the home at the disposal of the society for a period of three years. Brigadier-General Cannan, in praising the work of the Red Cross, said that he felt he was voicing the opinions of the 350,000 men who had benefited as a result of the work of the society. Everywhere he went in Egypt, France, and Great Britain, he came closely in touch with Red Cross work, in the various hospitals, and there, he was able to see for himself, the great benefits derived by the men as a result of the generous supply of comforts, &c., provided by the society. He spoke in high terms of the work of Lady Robinson, wife of the Agent-General for Queensland, who was always untiring in her efforts for the welfare of the soldiers abroad. Continuing, he stated that he felt the efforts he and others had put in were small in comparison with the efforts put in by the women over here, and when the history of the war is written, he expressed the hope that a large share will be devoted to the big part played throughout by the Red Cross Society. Mr. J. C. Henderson, Deputy Controller of the Repatriation Department, also paid a warm tribute to the work of the society, making special reference of the assistance it had rendered to the Repatriation Department at all times. Lady Gould-Adams, in officially declaring the home open, expressed her warm appreciation of Mrs. Ferguson's generosity in lending a home with such beautiful surroundings, for, in her opinion the society could not have had a more ideal spot for the purpose for which it was required. It was hoped shortly to have a boat house, and already two boats and two garden seats had been donated by the New Farm Girls' Clubs. Her ladyship pointed out that the chief work, now occupying the attention of the Red Cross, was the establishment through out the State of convalescent homes, and Rakee-van was the third home established by the society. It was hoped to open shortly a home specifically for the treatment of permanent consumptives. Her ladyship thanked General Cannan and Mr. Henderson for their remarks, and expressed pleasure in hearing that the work of the Australian Red Cross Society had been appreciated both here and abroad. In conclusion, her ladyship expressed the hope that the home may bring comfort and happiness to those for whom it is intended. Subsequently an inspection was made of the house, and afternoon tea was served by the members of the Sherwood and Oxley branches of the society. Throughout the afternoon the military band, stationed on the lawn, rendered a programme of music. Rakeevan, which until lately was the home of Mrs. J. T. Bell, is the property of Mrs. John Ferguson (Mrs. Bell's mother), stands in several acres of ground, extending down to the river bank. It is surrounded by beautifully laid out lawns and picturesque gardens, which at the present time are one mass of colour. A tennis court is situated at the rear of the house, and this in addition to boating, will provide ample recreation for the men. The ground floor consists of a beautifully furnished lounge in tones of brown, with large easy chairs and settees, which opens into a spacious dining-room. The furnishings of these two rooms have been carried out by the Rockhampton branch of the society, and it is understood that this branch is also providing a pianola for the use of the men. On the same floor is a suite of rooms for the matron, including a private bathroom, and a small dining room, has been screened off for the use of the matron, nurses, and V.A.'s. There are also large linen cupboards pantries, storerooms, and kitchen, containing a large cooking range, &c. The second floor is devoted largely to sleeping apartments, where accommodation is provided for 36 patients. Two large rooms with bay windows and French lights, are arranged with six beds, and a third contains eight, whilst the wide surrounding balconies will accommodate a large number of the men for sleeping out purposes. Several smaller bedrooms will be utilised for those cases needing special treatment. The bathrooms have hot and cold water laid on, and the septic tank system exists throughout the house The large stables have been repainted, gas has been installed, one part having been transformed into a spacious billiard-room. The home will be run under the supervision of Matron Waller, who will have the assistance of Sister Harden, and four V.A.D.'s.

The Sherwood Show Rakeevan 1920

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 25 October 1920, page 5

Sherwood's Day Out.

A Successful Show. "Breeding Production Spirit."

It was Sherwood's day out on Saturday. The annual show, the inception of which dates back three years, attracted large crowds to Mrs. J. T. Bell's, paddocks, Graceville. Delightful weather prevailed. Although the entries, which totalled 1,500, were 400 less than the previous year, it was not because of any lack of enthusiasm on the part of the residents. Last year, poultry exhibits came forward in overwhelming numbers, and so great was the expense in housing them that the committee found It necessary this year to place a limit on the section. Hence the poultry entries were reduced by over 500  from 700 to 130. The cattle section was also eliminated, because last year it was far from being a profitable one. There were 160 dogs entered. IN THE PAVILION. In the pavilion one found much to admire and criticise. The women's work, in which the entries totalled 300, was, of course, the feature here. "Wonderful" was the word used by the judge in describing the collection of sweets. Few suburban shows stage such a tempting assortment of lollies. A centre of attraction were the one  man farm exhibits. Although there were only two entries in this class, what was lacking in quantity was quite made up for in quality. It was, indeed, a creditable display, and included some fine specimens of potatoes, which spoke of the fertility of the soil on Oxley Creek. Both Mr. T. Bowden and Mr. T. Mullen, the one man farm exhibitors, showed varieties of maize, swedes, chaff, hay, ensilage, and pumpkins. And great pumpkins they were. One, exhibited by Mr. Mullen, weighed at least 50 lbs. In a corner of the marquee, the reporter came across splendid specimens of soldiers' handicraft leather bags, baskets, carving work, toys for the kiddies, &c. This exhibit was mainly the work of the soldiers at the Rakeevan Hospital, Graceville. Mr. S. V. Colville, of Chelmer, exhibited wireless telegraph and telephone instruments, which he himself constructed and designed. Mr. Colville is the organiser of the Queensland Wireless Institute, of which he is the founder, and which has a membership of about 50. It was in-teresting to hear him explain the wonders of wireless telegraphy, in which he has since 1912 been experimenting at his home at Chelmer. One instrument he had on view has a range of 2,000 miles, and Mr. Colville has "picked up" many messages with it. One of his latest experiments has been with wireless telephones between his residence and the institute in Edward street. Promising progress has been made in this branch of Mr. Colville's hobby, which, by the way, he pursues merely for the advancement of the science, and definite results may be expected in the near future.

OFFICIAL OPENING. The president of the local progress association, Mr. J. W. Hammond, officially opened the show. He said their aims and ambitions were to breed the spirit of production in the community. Australia's greatest need today was production, and there was no better way of bringing that home to the people than by those annual shows. Although the exhibits were not so numerous as the previous year, their quality was far superior. On behalf of the committee, he thanked Mrs. Bell for the use of the grounds. He thought the time was ripe for the establishment of an agricultural, horticultural, and industrial society, and with that end in view he appealed to residents to cooperate with the progress association. 

An Interesting But Brief Occupant

While there is no mention in the Queensland Heritage Register of this occupant but George Houlton Mocatta is mentioned in the newspapers as having his address in late 1933 and 1934 as Rakeevan. It is possible that the house was rented as the politician Felix Ditmer took ownership in 1938. George had his first attempt to enter politics in the 1932 state election. Then in August of 1934 George Moucatta had a second attempt at entering politics when he nominated for the federal seat of Griffith. He was unsuccessful on both cases but he was obviously establishing a profile in the community. A solicitor and navy man he was a Leiutenant in the Naval Reserve but somehow he did serve in all services by the end of the second world war. 

The United Services Club on Wickham Terrace recognised the contributions of  Wing Commander George Houlton Mocatta OBE (1903-77) to the early establishment and management of the club. He was commissioned in all three services. On the fall of Singapore he sailed a junk to Perth and was club honorary solicitor for many years.

In October of 1934 George Mocatta was mentioned in Parliament concerning the controversial tender for the Mackay Harbour Development. He was the solicitor for a company that questions were raised about concerning the tender process.  In 1935 an interesting hotel development was proposed for the former home of P. J. Murphy at Hamilton. Glostermin the home of the former politician and Brisbane identity was proposed to be turned into a residential hotel called Chevron. One hundered thousand pound was the amount floated by the company to be raised by shares in the concept. George Mocatta was part of the board, solicitor and shareholder. The venture never proceeded but the house Glostermin did become a residential set of flats through to the 1960s. Currently the unit complex Glostermin in Whyenbah Street, Hamilton is where the Chevron Hotel venture was to take place. 

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Friday 15 April 1932, page 9

MR. MOCATTA

Youthful and Energetic

Solicitor-sailor-farmer is George Houlton Mocatta, chosen to contest the Brlsbano seat in the Nationalist interest. He is also a youthful candidate being a year on the right sldo of 39. Born at Cairns. Mr. Mocatta spent his early boyhood on the Atherton Tableland, coming south to attend the Brisbane Church of England Grammar School. As sailors seem always to hanker to be farmers, lads from the country appear equally keen to be sailors. Mr. Mocatta was early attracted to tho blue water and since the age of 14 has been engaged in naval service of some kind or other. At present he is a lieutenant in the RA.N.R. and as a quarter-deck man has been six years on the committee of the United Services Club. After being articled to Mr. W. H. Hart, of Flower and Hart, be commenced practice as a solicitor in partnership with Mr. F. W. Murphy in 1927, acquiring his partner's interest in the business in 1929, later acquiring also the practice of Mr. N. R. Mighell when the latter was appointed chairman of the Assessment Tribunal for Soldiers' Pensions. Eight years ago Mr. Mocatta joined the Country and Progressive National Organisation and has actively assisted in several election campaigns. His love of warships and all things naval has not made him forget the land, for he carries on dairying at Woodford on his own account and owns a tobacco farm at Marecba. His interest in primary products extends also to sugar, since he is the solicitor of the Queensland Canegrowers Association. However, his legal, naval, farming, and political interests have not taken up all his time or energies. For three years he was chairman of the Brisbane Rugby League, is one of the founders of the G.P.S. Rowing Club, and a member of the Indooroopllly Golf Club.

George Houlton Mocatta made headlines when after being a barrister at law he applied to be disbarred.

Central Queensland Herald (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1930 - 1956), Thursday 17 February 1955, page 15

DISBARRED AT OWN REQUEST

BRISBANE, February 16. In what was described by counsel as a case without recorded precedent in Australia, an Abergowrie canegrower with 28 years legal background today successfully applied to be disbarred, at his own request, as a barrister of the Supreme Court to enable him to stand for election as grower' representative om the Sugar Cane Prices Board. A regulation of the Sugar Cane Prices Acts provides: "No member of Parliament and no member of the legal profession, other than a judge or person well versed in matters relating to the sugar industry appointed as chairman, shall be qualified to be or act as a member of the Central Board." The application, heard before the Full Court, was made by George Houlton Mocatta, of Yeronga (Brisbane) and Herbert Vale (Abergowrle).

In his affidavit he said he had practised as a solicitor to Brisbane from February, 1927, to April 1939, following which he was employed by the Cane Growers' Council as assistant secretary and legal adviser, until December, 1953.

He had not practised as a solicitor from May, 1939, to February, 1953, when he was admitted as a barrister. Since his admission, he had appeared only in jurisdictions and matters relating to the sugar industry, and then only on behalf of an Industry organisation or someone engaged in the Industry. He had been mainly concerned with canegrowing. Mocatta said that, following the resignation in December, 1954, of Mr D. D. Lehane as growers' representative on the Cane Prices Board he had been requested by many growers to nominate for election as representative. He held a cane assignment of about 196 acres and had a considerable investment in canegrowing. He had been directly and indirectly involved in matters relating to the sugar industry since 1937. His activities would be devoted to the industry and not to the legal profession. Mr W. V. Campbell, counsel for Mocatta, said that to his knowledge, there was no recorded precedent in Australia of a barrister applying at his own request to be disbarred.

The secretary of the Cane Prices Board (Mr L Ferguson) said today that the resignation of Mr Lehane, who had been appointed general manager of the Moreton sugar mill at Nambour, did not become effective until February 17. Until then it would not be possible to make any announcement on the forthcoming ballot for growers representative.

G.H. Mocatta President's Cup (1978 to Present Day) The Brisbane Golf Club

This competition began when George Houlton Mocatta’s widow provided $600 for a permanent trophy fund in his memory. The Committee at the time decided the format would be an 18-hole fourball best ball Stableford qualifying round with 64 pairs to qualify for 18-hole match play. It was said this would spread the competition over most of the golfing season and give a large number of members the opportunity to play off for an Honour Board event. In 1985 it was reduced to 32 pairs to qualify but in 1993 the format returned to the original concept of 64 pairs.