Wilston House and Alexander Wynyard-Joss
Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register this house may not be well known by many and therefore does not receive the attention it deserves. The first part of this post is taken from the state heritage register. This provides a very good summary of the history of the house. The second part of this post is the story of Alexander Wynyard-Joss. He and his family occupied the house between 1930 and 1954. Alexander Wynard Joss is one of those Brisbane identities that has been lost in time and like the house he occupied has not received the recognition that he played in the early development of personal transport in Queensland. He was prominent at a time in history when personal transport was moving from the bicycle to the automobile. Alexander Wynyard-Joss is the man who among many achievements led a Queensland group of cyclists to fight in the Boer War.
This substantial, single-storeyed brick residence, designed by Brisbane architect James Cowlishaw, was constructed c1876 for William Wilson, a mercantile and insurance broker and later Brisbane representative for the Adelaide Milling Company, and a member of the Queensland Legislative Council from 1874 to 1878. The suburb of Wilston derives its name from this residence, which for many years was a prominent landmark in the Newmarket-Wilston district.
William Wilson, the son of Irish farmers James Wilson and Mary Richey, was born in Ireland c1832 and had emigrated to Queensland by August 1858, when he married widow Mary Coutts [née Mackay] in Brisbane. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits and from the early 1860s at least, the family resided in Mary Street, near his business. He was a protestant and a freemason, and became well known in public life.
James Cowlishaw, a Sydney-trained architect and businessman who established his Brisbane architectural practiced in the second half of 1860, appears to have had a long association with William Wilson - one of his earliest Brisbane commissions, in 1861, was for an elegant brick cottage in Mary-street, for Mr Wilson . . . cost £800 - possibly Frogmore Cottage, where the William Wilsons resided prior to the construction of Wilston House.
Wilston House is situated on part of what was originally portion 269, 46 acres [18.6 hectares] alienated by farmer William Lovell in 1859, with title transferred to William Wilson in July 1868. Wilson amalgamated the land with his own neighbouring portion 265 [which he had acquired in 1859] to create a property of 87.5 acres [35.5 hectares]. In May 1875, when both portions were surveyed as part of an application to bring them under the Real Property Act, the land was unoccupied, suggesting that Wilson was not farming here at this period.
In the 1860s and 1870s the district between Enoggera Creek and Kedron Brook was occupied principally by farmers, tanneries along Kedron Brook, and middle class commuter families residing in semi-rural hilltop retreats - such as Daniel Rowntree Somerset's Rosemount [established in the late 1850s], and Justice Cockle's Oakwal [erected 1864-65]. These estates were virtually self-supporting, with vegetable gardens, orchards, domestic livestock and dairies. On some properties, crops were cultivated also. Wilston, established in the mid-1870s at the pinnacle of William Wilson's career [during his period as a member of the Queensland Legislative Council], belonged to this tradition.
In July 1876, James Cowlishaw called tenders for a villa residence at Enoggera for William Wilson, which is understood to refer to Wilston House. Early photographs [circa late 1870s] show a core in face brickwork, with verandahs on three sides [to the west, south and east], a rendered masonry portico to the southern front entrance, a timber section along the north [rear] side of the house with a bay window at the eastern end, and an attached timber kitchen wing at the rear of the main building. The timber section of the house is understood to have contained one large room at the eastern end, divided by two sets of cedar doors from two smaller rooms, possibly guest bedrooms, at the western end. The cedar doors could be opened out to create a ballroom. Whether this wing was part of the original design, or a slightly later addition, is not clear. The portico to the front entrance may be a later addition, as the roof slates continue behind the portico roof structure.
Slightly later photographs, thought to have been taken during the Wilsons' residence and therefore prior to 1885, reveal that the core had been rendered and bay windows to the two front rooms [at the southeast and southwest corners of the house] had been added. These matched in design the bay window of the earlier timber section on the north side of the house. By this period, three terraces on the southern [front] side of the house had been established, with concreted steps leading to each. It is understood that the lower terrace contained a croquet or tennis lawn, on which a portable dance floor and marquee could be erected when the Wilsons entertained.
By May 1884, Wilson had raised a £5,000 mortgage on portions 265 and 269 from Sir Arthur Hunter Palmer, KCMG, premier of Queensland May 1870 to January 1874, acting governor 1883 and 1888-89, a director of the Queensland National Bank in the 1880s and early 1890s, and resident at nearby Oakwal through the 1880s. Whether the mortgage was used to finance the additions to Wilston House, or for some other purpose, is not known. Wilson may have been experiencing financial difficulties at this period, because in October 1884, title to Wilston House was transferred to Brisbane businessman and politician John Stevenson, MLA. One source suggests that Stevenson was part of a syndicate comprising himself, Maurice Hume Black [MLA for Mackay and Minister for Lands], and William Graham [MLC and a director of BD Morehead & Co.]. At the same time as Stevenson acquired title to Wilston House, he [or the syndicate] used the property to help raise a mortgage of £22,500 from the Queensland Investment and Land Mortgage Co. Ltd - of which Sir AH Palmer was a director and principal shareholder.
The Wilsons left Wilston House and Stevenson subdivided the estate c1884-85. In May 1885 Brisbane auctioneer John Cameron [later a director of the Queensland National Bank] auctioned the first section of the Wilston Estate, comprising over 300 residential allotments and Wilston House on about 8 acres of land. The residence was described at this time as comprising drawing and dining rooms elegantly finished, entrance hall, library, breakfast room, five bedrooms [all lofty, spacious, and well ventilated] - verandahs, kitchen, servants' quarters, scullery and storeroom. The grounds contained stables, carriage-house, buggy-shed, harness-room, man's room and hay-house - [possibly housed in one or two structures] - underground tanks holding a domestic water supply, and a flower garden.
Wilston House did not sell at this time, and was advertised for rent in December 1885. Squatter James Tolson [of the pastoral firm of Tolson and Cameron] occupied the house for a few years, and on the Wilston Estate reputedly conducted experiments in freezing mutton for export to Britain. [His landlord, John Stevenson, was a director of the Queensland Meat Export and Agricultural Co.]
Wilston House remained a rental property in Stevenson's name until 1898, when title to the house on about 27.2 acres [11 hectares] passed to his former business associate Boyd Dunlop Morehead, MLA and premier from 1888 to 1890, founder of BD Morehead and Co, and a former director of the Queensland National Bank. Morehead installed the Ladner family as caretakers but they left in 1899, the same year in which title passed to Morehead's mortgagor on the property, the Queensland National Bank.
In 1900, the Queensland National Bank sold Wilston House on 8 acres 3 roods to Major WG Cahill, for £1230. Cahill paid off the house in monthly instalments, which may account for why title was not transferred to him until 1915.
Major William Geoffrey Cahill was under secretary of the Queensland Justice Department 1890-1905, Queensland Commissioner of Police 1905-1917, and honorary aide-de-camp to two Queensland governors in the period 1912-16. He was resident at Wilston House by 1906, and possibly earlier, but this is not clear from the Queensland Post Office Directories.
Local knowledge suggests that the Duke of Cornwall and York [later King George V] visited Wilston House with the Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington, during the May 1901 Royal Tour to celebrate Federation.
In December 1925, by which time an extension of Watson Street had been surveyed close to Wilston House, the Wilston Hill Estate was again offered at public auction. The house on a little over one acre [.4 hectare], and several surrounding allotments, were purchased by Major Alex Wynyard-Joss, with title transferred in June 1927. Cahill remained resident at Wilston House as Wynyard-Joss' tenant until c1928. In the late 1920s the timber extension and service wing were demolished, and in its place a verandah was constructed along the northern side of the house. Major Wynyard-Joss also renovated the interior, installing electricity and a new bathroom and kitchen, and in 1930 took up residence at Wilston House with his bride. In the 1940s the house block was subdivided yet again, with the two lower southern terraces, and part of the grounds to the north and west of the house, were sold for residential purposes.
Major Wynyard-Joss died in 1954, and the property ultimately passed to his daughter. In 1982-83, a cottage studio was erected in the grounds, to the northwest of the main house.
Major Alexader Wynyard Joss a Very Interesting Life
Alexander Joss of Scottish heritage became prominent in New Zealand as a talented mandolin player, professional performer, prefessional and amateur cyclist, sportsman and businessman. The son of a Scottish born master mariner, by the end of the 19th century he had entered into business as an agent or manger of the Viking Cycle Company in New Zealand. A very charismatic person is how one could describe the impression received whe reading newspaper reports of the life of Alexander Joss. In March of 1896 he was performing at Ashburton near Christchurch as part of the St. Patrick's Concert at the Ashburton Convent playing his mandolin. The the best way to read about Alexander Wynyard-Joss is to break his life down into the different stages and reports from it.
The photograph above courtesy of the State Library of Queensland
New Zealand prior 1899
First appearing in the New Zealand newspapers with his involvement in professional entertainment as a mandolin player of great skill. He was a prominent cyclist and involved in the organistaion of the sport of cycling. He competed at a professional level and then applied to be reinstated as an amateur. The sport of cycling was a major activity prior to the introduction of engine powered machines. In early 1899 he decided to move to Brisbane, Australia. He had become manager in Auckland of the Viking Cycle Company which were selling at that time Cleveland Cycles. He was very well known in New Zealand and a farewell concert was given in his honour.
Auckland Star September 18, 1897
Wynyard-Joss has an announcement of special interest to those desirous of tuition on the mandolin. Mr Joss is a pupil of Gastombide, Spain's premiere mandolinist. Those who have heard him are enthusiastic in his praise, and it is in response to numerous requests that he has consented to receive pupils.
Auckland Star February 21 1898
Observer February 26, 1898A Christchurch paper declares that ' Sandy ' Joss is doing well in Auckland. Surely it cannot be Mr A. Wynyard-Joss (don't forget the hyphen), our boss performer on the mandolin, who is referred to in this alarmingly familiar style ?
Auckland Star April 22, 1898
On Tuesday, April 13, Mr W. J. White, of the Viking Wheel Company was made the recipient of a handsome set of carvers by the staff and employees of the above company. Mr Wynyard-Joss, on behalf of those present, made the presentation, and in a few happy words said they would not let pass this the eve or his marriage without making some slight token of the esteem and regard in which Mr White is held by those in the employ of the Viking wheel, and asked him to accept the best wishes and convey-the same to the future Mrs White.
New Zealand Herald May 22, 1900 page 6
Mr. A. Wynyard-Joss having been appointed to the managership of the Cleveland COycle Agency at Brisbane, will leave Auckland about the end of the month. A desire has been expressed by many members of the musical community in Auckland to give Mr. Wynyard Joss a complimentary send-off, and Messrs. Hipkins and Coutts have undertaken to act as joint secretaries, and arrange for a farewell gathering.
Auckland Star May 29, 1900
Queensland 1890 to 1902
On June 14 1890, he is recorded as passing through Wallangarra as he left the mail train bound for Brisbane. On the 26th. June 1890 he entertained at the Theatre Royal in Brisbane with a mandolin solo as part of the evening's entertainment. In July, 1890 he provided a braking demonstration on a bicycle from the Cleveland Cycle Company. The paper reports him as being from the Cleveland Cycle Company. The same month he was installed in as a brother mason of the Brisbane Masonic Lodge. He was very quickly establishing himself in his new place of residence.
In October 1900 he competed in a cycling event at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds. This event was part of the program for the Australasian Cycling Championship. Competing with him in the events was A. V. Dodwell as the captain of his team in a cycling polo event. Alexander Vaughan Dodwell went on to establish the Canada Cycle and Motor Company Queensland in Brisbane in 1905. Dodwell was in opposition with Edgar Eager and both were involved in the establishment of the automotive trade in Queensland.
The Brisbane Courier Friday January 25, 1901
The Boer War and The Cycle Company
Alexander Wynyard-Joss always the entreneuper and adventurer put a proposal to the Queensland Colonial Government that he could raise a company of men who were skilled cyclists and marksman and proceed to the Boer War. As Manager of the Cleveland Cycle Company they would use the Massey Harris cycles that he sold. The Massey Harris cycles were made in Canada and were sold by the Canada Cycle and Motor Company.
The Telegraph February 13, 1901
The Telegraph February 13, 1901
The Brisbane Courier, March 1 1901
Capture of Boer soldiers by cyclists
‘Capture of Boers by cyclists near Eerste Fabrieken’.
This somewhat romantic illustration appeared in After Pretoria: the guerilla war, which was published in London in 1902. The author, Herbert Wilson, claimed that this was the only time in the South African War that cyclists chased and captured Boer soldiers.
The cyclists were led by Lieutenant Alexander Wynyard-Joss, ‘Auckland’s favourite mandolinist’, who had moved to Australia before going to South Africa in charge of the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen’s cycle section. He described the incident in a letter that was published in a Brisbane newspaper, The Queenslander, on 22 June 1901:
"I am pleased to say that I have been personally congratulated by General Plumer for the smart capture of a small Boer convoy, consisting of nine Boers, four waggons, and 160 head of cattle. I took them completely by surprise with eight of the Cycle Company, and had the pleasure of smashing up their rifles and burning all their ammunition, securlng for myself a lovely Mauser carbine and Boer bandoleer full of cartridges."
Although each of the main centres had a volunteer cyclist company by 1898, New Zealand did not send any cycle units to the South African War. It is quite possible that other New Zealanders served in cyclist companies in South Africa, though Wynyard-Joss is the only one we have been able to confirm.
Later in the same letter Wynyard-Joss noted some of the pros and cons of using bicycles in the war:
We have had a terrible lot of horse sickness in the camps, and over 200 have been walking these last few days. This sickness does not attack the bikes, but, oh! the prickles and punctures are awful. The [Massey-Harris] machines I must say have stood well.
Wynward Joss (1872-1954) was born in Scotland but his family probably moved to New Zealand when he was still at school. By 1890 he was competing in cycle races in Christchurch. He then moved to Whanganui, where he taught mandolin and guitar before moving to Auckland and becoming manager of the the Cleveland Cycle Agency about 1898.
In mid-1900 he moved to Brisbane to managed the Cleveland Cycle Agency there. In 1901 he joined Queensland’s 5th Imperial Bushmen Contingent and was appointed officer in charge of the 500-strong cycle section, which arrived in South Africa in early April. He stayed with this unit until May 1902, when he served briefly with the New Zealand 8th Contingent.
By 1914 Wynyard-Joss was manager of the Canada Cycle and Motor Co. Agency, Brisbane. He enlisted for the First World War as a lieutenant in the Austalian Imperial Force’s 301st Mechanical Transport unit. Promoted to major, he was in 1919 awarded an OBE for his war service. In the 1930s he leased Cid Island in the Whitsunday group, north of Mackay. Alexander Wynyard-Joss died in Queensland in 1954.
Return From The Boer War
NEW ZEALAND HERALD, VOLUME XXXIX, ISSUE 12044, 14 AUGUST 1902, PAGE 3
Lieutenant Wynyard-Joss, of Queensland, who, was here last week with the returned troopers by the Britannic, is an old New Zealander, and was formerly in business for some years in Auckland. About twelve mouths before heading to the front with the Queensland Cyclist Corps, Lieutenant Wynyard-Joss went to Queensland to take up an appointment there with leading firm of cycle dealers, and in the course of a chat with him the other day, he informed me that he intends returning to his old situation.
Alexander Wynyard-Joss in Sydney Automobiles and Motor Boats
After the Boer War Alexander resided in Sydney before returning to Brisbane in January 1907 to join A. V. Dodwell's Canada Cycle and Motor Company. As soon as he resided in Sydney he joined the Free Masons. Alexander Wynyard-Joss became quickly involved with the new age of automobile transport and engine powered boats or the new term of motor boats. The personal friendship with A. V. Dodwell continued as the two of them were passengers on the ship Wodonga that arrived in Sydney in September of 1902. The Brisbane papaers reported that Alec Dodwell manager of the Massey - Harris Cycle Company had left Brisbane for Sydney aboard the Wodonga. Alexander Wynyard-Joss is also mentioned as leaving Brisbane for Sydney. The question is what was A. V. Dodwell doing travelling to Sydney? In February of 1904 Alexander Wynyard- Joss was unfortunately involved in one of the first motor vehicle accidents. In Elizabeth Street Sydney he collided with a baker who had his leg broken. The court case was quite a sensation as he was charged with furious driving. The casw was eventually dismissed. One of the first cases of a pedestrian and car accident.
Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), Wednesday 27 April 1904, page 7
The trial of Alexander Wynyard Joss, charged in connection with ithe motor-car accident at the corner of Market and Elizabeth streets on February 6 last, came on at the Darilnghurst Sessions yesterday afternoon before Judge Backhouse. The case, however,had not been in progress many minutes before the prosecution collapsed. The charge preferred against Joss was that being In charge of a carriage, he did, by furious driving, do bodily harm to one Louis Reichardt. The accused who was allowed to sit in front of the dock pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr. Mason, instructed by Mr. W. M. Daley. The prosecutor, who entered the court on a crutch, and had to be accommodated with a seat, gave evidence that on February 9 last he was coming out of Hyde Park, at Market-street, and had taken two steps off the footpath when he saw a motorcar approaching him. He tried to get clear but was knocked down, and had his leg broken. Witness explained the way in which he tried to get clear of the car, and said that he dodged backwards and forwards In front of the car two or three times, His Honor asked the witness how he could have done that. Mr. Harris (Crown Prosecutor) to witness: Is It a fact that you dodged back and forward two or three tlmes in front ot the car? Witness: Yes. His Honor: Surely there could not have been any furious driving? Mr. Harris: In the circumstances, your Honor, I cannot ask the Jury to convict the accused. The jury then, by direction of the Judge returned a formal verdict of not guilty and the accused was discharged.
The Australian Star December 23, 1905
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Friday 2 February 1906, page 7
Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 - 1909), Monday 20 November 1905, page 6
BIG COLLECTION OF MOTOR CARS.
The Automobile Club of Australia held -ts initial gymkhana on the Agricultural Ground on Saturday in the presence of a rather good attendance. There was a big muster of motor cars. The Vice-regal Band, under Mr. L. De Groen, rendered a programme of popular airs, which were much appreciated. At about a quarter to 4 p.m. the competitors of the Reliability Race made their first appearance within the enclosure. Not only were the cars black with dust, but the occupants also. After a brief rest a speed exhibition around the track was given. The sports officials were:— Committee: Messrs. C. O. Sherwood, H. Skinner, S. Hordern, jun., O. G. S. Lane, A. Hunter, FY Albert, Jun., H. A. Jones, H. S. Cusack, ,WV E. Pislier, A. Edwards (referee), - W. ' E.' Fisher (Judge), H. J. Vale (starter),- W. Karr, IV. T. Kerr. W. Easy; T. 1C. Roberts (time- . keepers), Dr. C. Helherington.z Messrs. Spencer Nolan, Chas. Todman, R. S. Glllett, G. O. Hyde, A. Wynyard Joss, (stewards). Mr. T. D. Scott was the sports secretary.
1905 The Formation of the Canada Cycle and Motor Company Queensland and A.V. Dodwell
Alexander Wynyard-Joss returned to Brisbne in early 1907 to work with his friend and former cycling companion Alexander Vaughan Dodwell. The two men together would be at the very start of Queensland motoring and the promotion of the automobile as a means of transportation.
Who was A. V. Dodwell?
The following is taken from the New Farm and District Historical Society newsletter of October 2021.
Dr Hilary Davies offered a detailed insight into the life’s work of Alexander Vaughan Dodwell who lived from 1913 in Moray St, New Farm. In 1905 A.V. Dodwell formed the Canada Cycle and Motor Agency (Qld) Ltd when he, as the local manager and with some help from others, took over the Brisbane operations of the Toronto-based Canada Cycle & Motor Company. Dodwell’s firm went on to operate in Queensland until 1929 with branches in Rockhampton, Charters Towers and Townsville, along with many agents throughout the State. The company sold the Canadian Russell car and a range of British cars including the ClémentTalbot and Humber, the Italian Fiat, the French Renault and Darracq, and the American Dodge and Studebaker amongst others, thus putting Queenslanders firmly on the road for work and pleasure. CCM sold popular brands of motorcycles: the British Triumph and BSA, and the Indian (USA). Another offering was custom-built bodies for ambulances, buses, and fire trucks, including in 1909 the Brisbane Ambulance Brigade’s first motorised ambulance, plus vehicles for the Ipswich Ambulance Brigade. There were even motorbikes converted to be delivery vehicles such as the Autocarrier used by Finney Isles & Company Ltd of Queen Street. The first motorised bus service between New Farm and North Quay was in 1911 using the 30-seater Commer bus from CCM. By about 1912, an Albion “Char-a-banc” bus from CCM was providing transport in the vicinity of Jundah in western Queensland. By 1909, CCM was delivering taxi cabs to the Brisbane Taxi-Cab Company Ltd as well as to other local taxi companies. In 1910 CCM built its headquarters including a showroom on the Adelaide and Creek Sts corner. The building, which was enlarged in 1925, still stands. From 1927, CCM faced financial difficulties leading to its closure in 1929 as an early casualty of the Depression. Mr Dodwell remained in New Farm until his death in 1945. Dodwell Lane links Maxwell and Moray Sts.
The following is taken from the Queensland State Library Blog
Canada Cycle and Motor Agency Queensland 1910 and the New Building
Queensland Country Life (Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Saturday 1 October 1910, page 17
CANADA CYCLE AND MOTOR AGENCY (Queensland) Ltd., are at present in Queen Street, opposite the G.P.O., with garage Market Square, corner of Albert and Adelaide streets, but will soon remove to the splendid new premises now being built for them opposite the Gresham Hotel, where the whole of this firm's extensive business other than the marine motor department will be conducted.
This business, which was established 15 years ago, under the management of Mr. A. V. Dodwell, as the Massey-Harris Bicycle Co., has always been a landmark for patrons of the wheel, and since 1905, when the business was formed into the present limited company, its success has been phenomenal. With head centre in Brisbane and branches in Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Charters Towers, and agents in every town and district in the State, THE CANADA CYCLE AND MOTOR CO. and its cars are known throughout the land, whilst its excellent taxi-cab service has become necessity among Brisbane, and Toowoomba's commercial and fashionable city life. The leading department motors has, under the able direction of that pastmaster in every thing pertaining to motoring, Mr. Wynyard Joss, placed itself in the forefront. This garage may be inspected the finest models from the worlds most famous car makers, Renaults, Talbots, Standards, B.S.A Humbers, Duracqs, and Russell cars of capacities and H.P. to suit all requirements. Theses makes are all well-known in this State, numbers of them having been sold to leading and well-known men in every district, whilst their Albion commercial vehicles for heavy cartage up to 7 tons have found purchasers throughout Western and Central Queensland, and persons interested have no need to come to the coast to personally inspect. They can see them doing practical work on the roughest roads on far back stations.
Another section of this department—motor cycles—is represented by Humber, B.S.A., Bradbury, Motor Reve, 20th Century, and last, but by no means least of these, the well-known C.C.M. All these motor cycles are thoroughly dependable, are from 1 to 4 cylinder, and are also to be found in every-day use in and around the cities, towns, and in use by the overlander and shearer, traveller and tourist. They also stock the every-day bike, which goes per foot, and here again the purchaser has his choice of Massey-Harris, Red Bird, Humber, Swift, and the "Tourist," built out of B.S.A. parts, all in bewildering array, and at prices to suit the purchaser. They have the Blackstone Oil Engine also, a real, good, honest slave, which never clamours for an eight-hour day, and but feed it now and again, and it is like to Tennyson's brook " goes on for ever.''
The repair department is a most important branch, doing all kinds of repairs, little or big, at the shortest notice, rush work a speciality and cost cut to the limit of efficiency. The marine motor department hires out motor boats, looks after this growing section, makes and builds, and boasts the largest motor boat building establishment in Australia, where one can get a motor boat remade, made brand new. The Queen street shop is where all the sports gear is kept, racquets, punching balls, footballs, cricket, and lacrosse outfits, fishing rods, lines, hooks, etc., etc. Here also is the office where dwell during business hours the managing director Mr. A. V. Dodwell, and the ever-busy secretary, Mr. Johnson, to meet either of whom, is to make business a pleasure. All the departments are under the control of men efficient in their work, and from the smallest of sport or repair to the largest question of motor car efficiency the firm is absolutely dependable.
Alexander Wynyard-Joss in Queensland 1907 onwards
Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Monday 21 January 1907, page 3
AN EXPERT'S VIEWS.
A recent arrival in Brisbane is Mr. A. Wynyard-Joss, who, however, is an erstwhile manager of the Cleveland Cycle Agency, Some seven years ago he crossed from the Land of the Aloa to take up that position. Further, Mr. Wynyard-Joss will be remembered by Queenslander by reason of the fact that he went to South Africa at the time of the Boer war as commander of the Cycle Corps attached to the 5th Contingent of Queensland Imperial Bushmen. This corps, mounted on wheels, went through the campaign with credit to themselves. After the war Mr. Wynward-Joss returned to New Zealand, and.paid a flying visit to his old wheeling friends in Brisbane. Ile next turned his attention to the motor business, and in doing, so manifested a keen foresight. A that time it was not every one who recognised that motoring was going to boom in such a manner as it has. Many can seo now that the boom up to the present is but a small thing compared with what is to follow, but to-day the evidences are so conspicuous that it does not need a seer nor a Sherlock Holmes to become seized of the fact. Mr. A. Wynward-Joss became sales manager for the Automobile Motorpower Company, Sydney, and was con-nected with that firm until the end of last year, when he entered into negotiations with Mr. A. V. Bodwell, of the local Canada Cycle and Motor Agency, Limited, to come to Brisbane and take charge of their motoring department,, which engages both in the motor-car and marine motor-engine business. Mr. A Wynyard-Joss is a thorough expert, both as a practical and a theoretical mechanician. Those negotiations proved fruitful, and he is now located in Brisbane.
In the course of a conversation with a representative of the "Courier," he re-marked on the rapid strides which the motor business has taken during the last two or three years. The rapidity of advance was noticeable all over Australasia, and applied both to cars and boats. About four years ago the motor cars in Sydney and the motor boats in "the Beautiful Harbour" could almost have been counted on the fingers of two hands. Now the motor boats which glide through the waters of Port Jackson run into thousands, and the motor cars many hundreds. While this is so, added Mr. A Wynyard-Joss, the innovation has come to stay. The man who can afford to keep a horse and buggy can afford to keep a motor car. In Sydney many owners of horses and carriages have disposed of them, and have found it a great deal more economical to invest in motor cars some of which run up to £1000 and £2000 in value. Quite a number of cars at the latter figure are now running in Sydney, and every steamer brings more. Until recently cars of French manufacture held a prominent position in the motoring world. English manufacturers, witli their usual conservative spirit, being slow to follow. They have, however, now awakened to the possibilities of the motor question, and have come ahead with wonderful rapidity. They are now turning out cars equal to the French article.
Canada has also made rapid progress, and Canadian manufacturers have surpassed their American cousins, which is in great measure due to the fact that they have followed British lines very closely in respect to workmanship. In the Dominion also they have had the advantage and experience of a number of French mechanics and have profited by the experiments ot Continental manufacturers. American cars, said Mr. Wynyard-Joss, must not be confounded with Canadian cars as in the case of agricultural implements, etc,, the Canadian manufacture is quite distinctive. Motor boats, said Mr. Wynyard-Joss. form another branch of the motoring business, which has gone ahead with great strides. In Sydney at present there are some very fast boats. The speediest is the "Invincible," which has an 80 horse-power engine developing a speed of twenty English miles per hour. There are many other boats of lesser horse-power, which are also very fast. Among these may be mentioned the "Cooee," "Bullet," "Standard," and " L.C.C." The Bullet is a 20ft. boat, designed by Mr. Wynyard-Joss, and with a very small engine of 6 horse-power, develops a speed of 13 miles per hour, which is an exceptional speed for such a small horsepower, but he claims that the design of the hull is responsible for this. He believes that the hull design is just as important in speed-promoting as the engine. Mr. Joss parted with the "Bullet" to Mr. Sandeman, and, although many others have been designed to compete with this boat, she is still the fastest of her class. The "Standard," another very fast boat, has a 25 horse-power engine, and develops a speed of 17 miles per honr.
In further conversation, Mr. Wynyard-Joss said he was very surprised at not seeing many boats on the Brisbane River, as right at our doors were ideal waters for motor-boating. The intention of the firm with which he is now assiociated is, it might be mentioned, to build boats for the river and Bay-boats which will be suitable, for those parties who spend so much time under sail. They anticipate putting on the river a 20ft. boat, with an engine capable of making seven miles per hour, for about £75. Such a boat would be of strong build, and will enable tourist groups to carry their luggage, tents, kits, &c. The cost of petrol for such a boat works out at %d. per mile, while in this warm climate even benzine may be used. Continuing, he said that motoring had not made such rapid advances comparatively speaking-in Brisbane as in Sydney, but he clearly sees, now that the motor boom is setting in in Queensland as well as in the rest of Australia. All the factories at home have their hands full with orders for the present season, and they are working day and night to cope with the demand. The high-grade factories say that once people recognise how economical motors are they will not hesitate to purchase.
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), Tuesday 9 February 1909, page 10
UNIQUE MOTORING FEAT AT TOWNSVILLE.
Mr. A. Wnyard-Joss, driving an 8-10 h.p. Darracq, recently attempted the conquest of Castle Hill, at Townsville. As most people who have visited Townsville know this mountain is of a very precipitous character, and exceptionally rough, there being no road or track to the top. Starting at 8 o'clock on Sunday morning last, accompanied by Mr. James Adam, the first pinch, well above the reservoir, was quickly negotiated. Then came the crossing of the deep gutters and the ascent of the first steep grade of one in three. From this on the car was determinedly driven by Mr. Wynyard-Joss through what he considers nerve-racking conditions, and it eventually reached the left shoulder of the mountain about 10 o'clock. Photos were taken here and their the descent was started, and although a seat beside the driver was repeatedly offered, there were, in sporting parlance, ''no takers." The descent was safely negotiated after a very unique motor test and trial, the car behaving magnificently the whole way. Castle Hhill is 1000ft. high and stands right over the town of Townsville. There are no roads and the grade in many places is one in three.
Alexander Wynyard-Joss a Report in a New Zealand Paper 1911
OBSERVER, VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 15, 23 DECEMBER 1911, PAGE 4
A. Wynyard-Joss, who arrived here by the Maheno on Sunday for a tour of the Dominion, is no stranger to this city, and is in reality only revisiting the scenes of his earlier years. Some twelve years or so ago, Mr Wynyard-Joss was a prominent figure in the musical world of Auckland. His specialty was the mandolin, of which instrument he was a veritable master, and the appearance of the name of Wynyard-Joss on a concert programme was in those days generally sufficient to ensure a crowded attendance. But it wasn't only in music that Mr Wynyard-Joss shone. He excelled in sterner arts. He was, for instance, a crack shot, and with a pea-rifle he could do trick shooting that would have opened the eyes of the uninitiated.
Mr Wynyard-Joss was one of the first Aucklanders to proceed to South Africa after the war broke out in 1899. This was before the time of the contingents, and he went out "on his own," trusting to luck and thirsting for adventure. He got it. Cycling was one of his many and varied accomplishments, and he set to work and organised a cycle corps, with himself as leader, and with his little army he shooed many a Boer Commando. One exploit that recieved special mention by the cable man, and special pictures in some of the home papers, was the chase and capture by Mr Wynyard-Joss's cycle corps of a band of Boers that greatly outnumbered them. For many years past, Mr Wynyard-Joss has been in business in Queensland.
He is now the manager of the Canada Cycle and Motor Agency, which concern, he says, in spite of strenuous competition, does some 70 per cent, of the whole trade. In the course of conversation, Mr Wynyard-Joss gave it as his opinion that no place can beat Queensland for young and enterprising men, whether they desire to go on the land, or to go into business in the city. "I," said Mr Wynyard-Joss, "like other New Zealanders, used to look upon the Dominion as God's Own Country, but since I went to Queensland I have altered my opinion." Any New Zealander visiting Brisbane need only look up Mr Wynyard-Joss, and he may be sure of a hearty welcome and any information of which he may be in need.
The Brisbane Courier Saturday September 12, 1914
THE MOTOR QUICK-FIRER GUN CARRIER.
Presented to the Expeditionary Force by the C.C.M. Agency, Brisbane. Body designed by Mr. A. Wynyard Joss, of the C.C.M., and built at the firm's local body works. There is ample room provided for ammunition by the boxes which appear round the gun and also under the seat. Tyres presented by the Barnet Glass Company, and searchlight by Messrs. Trackson.
Alexander Wynyard-Joss World War One Service
It is interesting that in WW1 the horse and donkey was still the main means of transport. It is reported that an estimated 8 million animals died during the war. The use of mechanical transport was first used in this war. The experience and knowledge of Alexander Wynyard-Joss in the new mechanical transport world would have been vital at that time. He served in the 23rd Ammunition Sub-Park. This was a mechanical transport unit which moved ammunition from the railhead to the forward ammunition dumps, from whence they were carried forward to the batteries by the horse transport units of the Division Ammunition Columns.
Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Thursday 24 September 1914, page 7
It is understood that Mr A Wynyard-Joss, of the Canada Cycle and Motor Agency Ltd, Queensland, has been granted a commission in the Divisional Ammunition Transport to accompany the Second Expeditainary Force for Europe. Mr Joss, it will be remembered, saw service in South Africa, having gone from Queenland in command of the Cycle Corps organised by the "Observer," in which he held a lieutenant's commission. He is now enlisting men who will be quartered at Bowen Park. In addition to the military experience he gained jn South Africa, Mr Joss is a foremost motor expert.
It has been decided to send some 40 bicycles for use, with the infantry section of tho First Queensland Expeditionary Force, and an order to immediately supply these machines has been receivcd by the Howard Motor and Cycle Co and the C. C. and M. A.
Mr Roy Johnson, the only, son of Mr. J Johnson, a director of the C. C. and M.A. is accompaying the First Expeditionary Force in the capacity of corporal mechanician, and he will drive the Renault motor presented to the Force by the C.C. and M.A., and fitted with a machine gun.
Punch Melbourne January 14, 1915
Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934), Friday 19 December 1919, page 19
Alexander Wynyard-Joss The Later Years
Warwick Daily News (Qld. : 1919 -1954), Saturday 16 October 1920, page 7
The Automobile Club of Australia (Sydney) and the Automobile Club of Queensland (Brisbane) have arranged an interstate reliability touring contest, the route being from Sydney to Brisbane. The test will include two hill climbs and a petrol consumption test, and the trip will occupy four days, from the 18th to 21st inst. The first day's run will be to Singleton, 142 miles; second day to Armidale, 196 miles; third day to Warwick, 193 miles; and fourth day to Brisbane, The party will arrive in Warwick on the 20th October. The route from the Queensland border is via Stanthorpc, Dalveen, Cherry Gully Warwick, and Spicor's Gap. Needless to say, the contest has caused widespread interest amongst motorists.
The following is a list of the competitor, car, and driver respectively, the driver's name being in parenthesis: —V. II. Evans, N.S.W., Nathis (V. H. Evans); A. V. Turner, N.S.W., Nathis (A. V. Turner); Aleck McNeil, Fiat (G. A. Druce); .T. Mc. G. Williams, Fiat (J. McG. Williams); W. G. Webb, Queensland, Overland (W. G. Webb); E. G. Jacob, Queensland, Overland (E. G. Jacob) ; F. Z. Eager, Queensland, Overland (F. Z. Eager); H. Garratt, Overland (J. Spencer); C.F. Sanderson, Huston Hornsby (C. F. Sanderson); C. O., Sherwood, Whitworth (C. O. Sherwood); P. Gambourne Scripps Booth (P. Gambourne); H. M..Hart, Esses (H. M. Hart); D. A. Shaw, Chevrolet (F. W. Elliott); Dr. B. C. Millar, Essex (Dr. B. C. Millar); W. T. Kelly, Chevrolet (W. T. Kelly); V. W. Croston, Queensland, Hupmobilc (V. W. Croston); B. C. Clark, Cleveland (L. A. Kane); H. S. Simpson, Queensland, Templar (H. S. Simpson); Boyd Edkins, Vauxhall (Boyd Edkins); J. K. Purves, Austin (H. Badford); S. H. Barnes, Queensland, Lincoln (S. H. Barnes); A. W. Jones, Queensland, Lincoln (A. W. Jones); J. Cantor, Chalmers (J. Cantor); W. J. Stuart, Chalmers (W. J. Stuart); J. Fielding, Buick (J. Fielding); Wm. Stuart, Buick (N. L. Smyth); J. C. . Humphries, Buick (J. C. Humphries); C. Ottoway, Vauxhall. (S. C. Ottoway); C. E. Mcintosh, Buick (P. A. Mcintosh); W. E. Arnott, Hudson (W. E. Arnott); F. Walsh, Chandler (J. H. Summers); A. Fenton, Hudson (A. Fenton); P. A. Morris, Mercer (B. Stringer,; F. Gagliardi, Cole (J. W. Fleck); A. Wynyard Joss, Queensland, Studehaker (A. W. Joss).
Mr. Morgan, secretary of the Automobile Club (Sydney), is coming up in the party.
Bowen Independent (Qld. : 1911 - 1954), Saturday 25 September 1926, page 7
Major A. Wynyard Joss a director of the Canada Cycle & Motor Agency, is at present in Bowen, accompanied by B. Thomas, late of the Thomas Radio Coy. and will be pleased to see all interested in Radio. He has with him a large range of the world’s latest wireless receiving sets and will be pleased to explain and demonstrate to those contemplating the adoption of a Radio set.
North West Champion (Moree, NSW : 1915 - 1954), Monday 29 September 1924, page 5
A well thought out motor car aerial has been designed, and installed lately by Major Wynyard Joss (Queensland) in his Studebaker car. The aerial is entirely concealed in the hood of the car, and is so made that it in no way interferes with the putting of the hood up or down. When in operation only two flexible silk covered wires are visible. A small folding table attached to the rear of the front seat provides a rest for the set so that one can sit at ease in the car and tune in. On the first test, held on top of Mt. Coot-tha, 2 B L (Broadcasters, Ltd.) Sydney, was the first station picked up. It is believed that this is the first motor car in Queensland so equipped, and probably many other cars will be fitted up similarly in the near future.
Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Tuesday 2 August 1927, page 39
ALTHOUGH for the first time in many years there will not be a motor section at the Brisbane annual Show. Messrs, Canada Cycle and Motor Agency, taking advantage of their three spacious car and truck showrooms, promise a combined motor display, which they claim will be the greatest ever attempted anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere by one organisation. This will give country visitors and others an opportunity of seeing and inspecting the big range of exhibits to advantage, and certainly with more comfort than was hitherto the case in the limited space allotted at the Exhibition.
The magnificent building on the corner of Creek and .Adelaide streets, owned by the company, is replete with palatial showrooms, which have already oharmed many distinguished visitors from other countries, and which will charm every one who pnstfos through their portals to view what will be a motor show in itself. Brilliant as will the C.C.M.'s exposition of cars be during the day, it will be more dazzling at night, for the company has, with its usual foresight, imported many months ago special equipment for the approaching occasion.
In addition to the elaborately designed and furnished showroom, which occupied the whole of the* third floor of the main building, and the used car showroom, occupying almost the whole of the fourth floor, the original double-fronted show-room on the street level has bean considerably extended and remodelled to hamonise with those above the street level.
Alexander Wynyard-Joss the mandolin player and cyclist from New Zealand did have a very interesting life. He was involved in the Boer War and the First World War. His military career gave hime the rank of Major and also the awarded the order of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (O.B.E.) (Military) in 1919.
A pioneer in the use of the automobile as a means of personal transportation and a person who crossed the line from cyclist to motorist at the turn of the 20th century. One of the more interesting activity connected to him is the creation of a portable radio to be used in a motor car. He was involved in the reliabilty trials of the 1920s which were adventures in themselves. He was involved in dog breeding and showing, a collector of historical artifacts, power boat racing, and sailing. Some could say he was a showman but probably more a very good salesman and promoter of anything that he believed in.
In 1922 his mother died in Wanganui, New Zealand. When Alexander enlisted in World War One his mother's address was given as Double Bay, Sydney. Alexander purchased Wilston House in 1927 and moved into the house in 1930 with his new wife. He and Ena McGill married in Wilston Brisbane at St. Alban's Church on December 20, 1930. He was 58 years of age at the time of his marriage. Alexander died in 1954 after leading a very adventurous life. The building at the corner of Adelaide and Creek Streets in Brisbane is well known in our Brisbane folklore as the place where the Battle of Brisbane took place in 1942. The next time you may be looking at that building think of it as the home of the Canada and Cycle Motor Agency and a place where Alexander Wynyard-Joss played a role in the early development of Queensland's automobile industry.
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