Dubbo and the "Mcquarrie (sic) River in Flood", with notes by W. Moseley. Christmas Card.
Ca. 1905 - 1910. Large photographic cabinet card with gilt stamped seasonal greeting, a view looking down at the street, towards Town Hall, from 2 doors down, showing the main street and the river in flood at Dubbo, New South Wales. The Post Office clock shows the time as 8:15.
The period ink annotation is on the verso, is signed W. Moseley, and describes the various buildings, including the "post office with clock tower, the building to the right is the Court House Hotel. Building on the left hand side of street to the right nearest the River Bridge is O'Hopes. Immediately opposite that is our bussiness (sic) premises and the Machinists Institute. The town hall is behind the trees on the left hand side of the street where a cart without a horse is standing".
Trove records Mr. Moseley's obituary in the 'Dubbo Liberal & Macquarie Advocate' (Tuesday 27 Jan 1914). Moseley had led quite a life: he was the son of Canon Moseley (Rev. Henry Moseley) of Bristol Cathedral, who was appointed one of the chaplains to Queen Victoria. Moseley Jr. ran away from home in his teens, and emigrated to Australia, sailing as the first mate on a convict ship (1860s).
Moseley settled first in Warrego, Queensland, where he became a prominent land owner. He then moved to Sydney, buying a large tract of land, and establishing a timber and shipping business. After his marriage he became an orchardist at Carlingford, near Parramatta; unfortunately he was cheated in an investment scheme and lost most of his fortune. Around 1897 he moved to Dubbo and took over a stationery business from a Mr. G. Plummer.
Photograph 7 3/4 x 5 1/2", laid down on thick gilt edged card stock 8 1/2 x 6 1/2". Gilt stamped greeting at right side of silvertone photograph, "With the Compliments of the Season" Very good condition. Item #25533
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