Alderman R.L. Phillips - Mayor Salisbury Rhodesia

By Glyn Hall

The advert for The Art Printing Works  from 1936. refers

Why it was of interest was because my Grandfather was the owner of it, having bought a controlling share in it in 1919! He was Robert Lawrence Phillips and was also the mayor of Salisbury in 1930/1931.

Alderman R.L. Phillips - Mayor Salisbury Rhodesia 1930.

I am attaching a couple of photographs of him - one in his mayoral garb and the other is on the steps of Salisburys Town House (1934) - he is on the left with my grandmother, middle is the Mayor, Reid Rowland and Prince George. Out of interest, my mother dug the 1st sod of the Town House when they built it. Also Phillips Ave which ran off 2nd Street was named after my grandfather and Lorna Avenue (in Mabelreign) after my mother. The photograph is the 'new' Art Printing Works is from 1934 with the decorations celebrating Prince Georges visit.

Art Printing Works circa 1934
     

HRH Prince George 1934     

Art Printing Works circa 1930

I have also included some articles from 1938 and the 1940's.

You previously ran some photos of my Dad, Jack Hall who was written up in the Pride of Eagles & was in the Southern Rhodesian Air Force at the beginning of the 39/45 war - interesting little story from the Rhodesia Herald about him shooting a lion while driving home! Imagine what would happen today?

The other rather tatty articles are from 1943 and 1948 about my grandfather.
  

Column which my mother got at a function in their honour on 14/09/1930. 

Rhodesia Herald Newspaper 1 Feb 1943.

 My great grandfather was Herbert Phillips and he was something to do with the Rudd Concession who went to see Lobengula in 1888 to see if the land that became "Rhodesia" was worth it. He started the Beatrice gold mine in Rhodesia in 1890 - from what records I have he was the "South African Inspector of Gold Mines".

Don't know if this is of interest to you but when I saw the Art Picture Works and it got me digging!

Alderman R. L. Phillips

Popular and Much Loved Public Man
By. ARGUS

IT is an indication of his character that Mr. R.. L. Phillips, J.P., is.so frequently spoken of as " dear old Bob." That  does not mean that he is not a fighter. He is. But he always directs his attacks towards policies not persons.

In the long course of his public life he has has many opponents but not enemies. If " Bob " Phillip fought a cause  this antagonists knew that he believes in it but his strong blows were directed towards what he was convinced were  the weak points in the arguments of the other side not towards the individual supporting the other view.

He gave 22 years' service on the Town Council, including a period as Mayor, and It was Inevitable that he should be  selected among the first to be honoured with the title of alder- man. His farewell to the Council in 1941 was made  the occasion for a special meeting at which other tributes were  were paid to various aspects of  the life and character, and a presentation was made to him Mr.. O. P. Wheeler the then Mayor, said Mr. Phillips had achieved a record In Municipal service as a councillor.

Several ex-Mayors spoke and Mr. Reid Rowland said Mr. Phillips had been an outstanding member. Mr. J. E. Stone spoke of 'the strong position Mr. Phillips held in the estimation of the public.

APPRECIATION

The Hon. J. H. Smit, a former Town Councillor and then Minister of Finance, expressed his appreciation of the. influence "R.L." exercised. He had done a great deal to make Council meetings pleasant and had always urged the  adoption of the reasonable attitude .

"Mr. Phillips is a fine man who has done line work and assisted greatly in the development of the town," sad Mr. J.  Elsworth, whilst Mr. L,. B. Fereday believed there was no man more loved by the people of Salisbury who had placed  him higher in the polls than any other Councillor.

Mr. N. A. Phillip referred to his personal debt for the encouragement Mr. Phillips had given him and to the work he had done in the building up of a tradition of integrity and disinterested public service.

GREAT HORSEMAN

Col. D. McDonald added anecdotes of the time when "Bob" was a great horseman and, as the newest councillor, Mr. A. N. Gibb proposed the health of the guest who, he said, wan leaving the Council with a great record.

In his reply Alderman Phillips revealed a phase of his character when he said the tributes paid reminded him of when he was a small boy, and his mother told someone he was good. She did not know half of what he had done  when she was not there.

In summarising his policy for the Council, he said they must get good men, pay them well and keep them. "Bob"  Phillips was born in Nottingham in September, 1869, and finished his education at the Nottingham University. He  was intensely Interested in mining and travelled far in India, Germany, U.S.A. and South Africa.

He was interested in coal and gold mining, in commercial work, and even served a period as a cowboy and,  traditionally, sold newspapers in the streets of Denver.

He arrived in Umtali in 1897 and took up mining work which carried him to a considerable number of properties, such as the Alliance, Asp, Lily, Speculator, Amazon, Left Bower, Joker, Kimberley Reef and Kingsley. He worked as a distributor and also as manager, finishing mining as manager for the Indarama G.M. Co.'s Butter- fly Mine and  Cecil claim, Hartley district.

He then turned his attention to commerce. In 1919 he bought an interest in the Art Printing Works and during his  period as manager the business grew from employing- five white employees to fifty-five.

USED AEROPLANE

He was the first Rhodesian Mayor to use an aeroplane officially, travelling with Mr. R. L. Pollett, Town Clerk, to  Bulawayo to attend the unveilling ceremony of the statue in memory of Sir Charles Coghlan. Mr. Pollett sent the  gold chain by train as air service was not regarded as reliable in those days.

BTW: Robert Phillips was my Granddad not my Dad!)

He was also the first Mayor to use the Beam Station on an occasion when he sent greetings to the Mayor of  Salisbury, Eng- land, receiving a reply in less than an hour.

His daughter, Miss Lorna Phillips, dug the first sod of the present Town House.

His life has covered many activities, in all of which he showed energy and enthusiasm. In his early days in coal  mining he was dissatisfied and studied mining generally, obtaining honours which qualified him for important  posts in Rhodesia.

MASTER BUILDER

When he first arrived at Umtali, mining opportunities were few, but rather than be idle he sank most of the wells in  the present Umtali, and even became a master builder to the extent of putting up wood and iron shanties. In the  following year, on the advice of the late Mr. E. A. Begbie, he came to Salisbury.

He was . always a hard worker, and his final successes were undoubtedly due to his industry and enthusiasm,  which drove him to work a dozen hours a day and sometimes even sixteen. But through it all he maintained a level  head, believed in the power of sweet reasonableness and gave freely of his time and' money for the social  advancement of the citizens.

Source: The Sunday Mail dated 28/11/1948

The End

Another story:-

I am not sure if it is mentioned in those articles but in the 1890s he had finished a building some way out of Umtali  and was returning to the town on a bicycle along a path through Christmas Pass when he was confronted by a large  lion. He wasn't armed but fancied himself as a singer (he was the male solo in the local choir) so he started  singing a hymn at the top of his voice and evidently the lion bolted into the bush in fright!

Just another note of history - my mother was instrumental in the planting of the palm trees which went down the centre of Kingsway - I think they changed the name of Kingsway to something else but the palms endure. I seem to recall it was Samora Machel?

The autograph book started in the mid 1800 goes all the way through to the end of Rhodesia and the last signatures are Ian and Janet Smith and Clifford and ; Armenell duPont.

-------

Comments are always welcome, please mail them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com 

 

To view the Blog Home Page - Please Click Here

(Please visit our previous posts and archives)

  

BAC ONE-ELEVEN AT SALISBURY

Above: "At Salisbury Airport to meet the One- Eleven were Mr. M. Stuart-Shaw, Chief Executive, Central African Airways (right) and Captain M. O'Donovan. Operations Manager, Central African Airways (left). They are seen here talking to  Captain Roy Radford of BAC."

A BAC One-Eleven twin jet aircraft, G-ASJA, under the command of British Aircraft Corporation experimental test  pilot, Captain Roy Radford, visited Salisbury on January 18th, en route for Johannesburg.

During its three-week stay in Johannesburg, the aircraft, the first to visit Southern Africa, undertook a special flight  programme designed to measure the performance of the One-Eleven and its two rear mounted Rolls Royce Spey engines at airport altitudes and ground temperatures much higher than those experienced in Europe where the greater part of the certification programme was completed

The BAC One-Eleven will go into service with Central African Airways and its associate airlines, Air Malawi, Air Rhodesia and Zambia Airways, in the autumn of this year, and will operate between Rhodesia, Zambia, Malawi, Mocambique, South and East Africa.

The One-Elevens on order by CAA will cruise at 550 m.p.h. and carry 74 passengers.

Airlines who have so far ordered the BAC One-Eleven include, American Airlines, Braniff, British United, Mohawk. Aer Lingus, Kuwait and Philippine Air Lines

The BAC One-Eleven at Salisbury Airport en route to Johannesburg for Tropical Trial tests. 18.1.65.

End

Source: Inter Africa - Feb. 1965 After UDI on 11.11.65, the BAC was prevented by the application of sanctions from delivering the aircraft ordered to Rhodesia!

Made available by Dave Vermaark. Thanks Dave

Comments are always welcome, please mail them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com 

To view the Blog Home Page - Please Click Here

(Please visit our previous posts and archives)

Ref. Rhodesia

Dog Show (Salisbury)

Dog Show (Salisbury)

PRETTY Lee Van Aardt cuddles Cousin Itt, one of the entries in the "fluffiest dog" and "youngest looking dog" competitions yesterday at the Fun Dog Show sponsored by the SPCA.

Lee was quick to explain that Cousin Itt belonged to a rare breed known as Schih Tzu, and that there were no other "cousins" in Rhodesia.

About 150 dogs were entered in the show to raise funds .for the SPCA. The judges were radio and television personalities Mike Westcott and Gail Adams.

End

Source: Rhodesia Herald - Monday, October 3rd, 1977 made available by Rob Picton (Intaf). Thanks Rob.

Comments are always welcome, please mail them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

To view the Blog Home Page - Please Click Here  or on the link below

http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/

(Please visit our previous posts and archives)

ORAFS records its thanks to the publishers, editor and photographer for the loan of their material.

Ref. Rhodesia

Rhodesia's Capital - Salisbury

Salisbury was born on September 13, 1890, when the Pioneer Column raised the flag after their long and

hazardous journey from what was then Bechuanaland. The site of their rough fort is now marked by Cecil Square in the centre of the city (upper left on cover picture of this brochure).

The spacious, modern city that has risen from such recent and humble origins is the capital of Rhodesia, has a population of half a million (all races) and extends over 536 square kilometres. Here the visitor may enjoy all the comforts and amenities expected of a modern city.

One of the glories of Salisbury, softening the hard lines of high-rise modern buildings, is the display of colour afforded by the flowering trees which line the streets. In September and October the purple jacarandas give their name to the city's annual festival held in early October when a street procession (Below: inset 1), and cultural and sporting events provide a concentrated programme.

The jacarandas are followed by the brilliant flamboyants (main picture left), the spathodias, bauhinias and many others. More natural colour may be seen in the Cecil Square flower market (Below inset 2), where vivid local and exotic blooms provide an extensive, ever-changing display.

The visitors shopping interest will naturally focus on the many curio shops. Goods in glowing Rhodesian copper (Below: inset 3), and animal skins are available, and some shops specialise in products made by African villagers in local natural materials. Sculptures in wood and soapstone of a very high quality are available at bargain prices.

As the capital, Salisbury is the administrative, judicial and communications centre of the country. In the Rhodesian Parliament, the visitor may watch the legislators at work (Below: inset 6) and, when the House is not sitting, conducted tours of the building with its historic possessions are permitted.

Salisbury is also the home of the country's National Gallery, a modern art centre (Below: inset 4) with a permanent collection covering many periods of historical art. The Gallery's workshop school of African art has received world-wide acclaim and some of its remarkable work is available for sale.

The history of man and animals in Mashonaland, the highveld province of Rhodesia in which Salisbury is situated, may be seen in lifelike displays at the Queen Victoria Museum, an institution that has as contemporary an approach to its subject as the giant sculptures which form part of its facade (Below: inset 5)

Salisbury at night provides the visitor with a choice of entertainment to round off a day's sightseeing. Night-clubs offer dancing, dinner and cabaret (Below: inset 1) for those who wish to stay up late.

For those who prefer to dine, there is a large choice of restaurants (Below:inset 2) offering the cuisine of many lands and of course. Rhodesian steaks. By world standards eating out in Rhodesia is cheap and the local wines, though young, are very reasonably priced.

Regular theatre, both visiting professional and local semi-professional, operates throughout the year. There is a regular ballot season (Below:inset 3) and visiting celebrity musicians include Salisbury on their Southern African circuit.

There is, of course, a choice of modern cinemas and for the stay-at- homes hotels have television, some providing sets in every bedroom, others with special lounges.

At week-ends the sporting Rhodesian and visitor come into their own. At Borrowdale Park (main picture right), the racegoer is provided with amenities comparable with any in Southern Africa. Due to Salisbury's superb climate, racing takes place throughout the year. Another form of horse-racing that has a considerable folic wing, is trotting, (Below:inset 7) an exciting and unusual sport.

Both Africans and Europeans support a vigorous football league and hard fought matches attract thousands (Below: inset 6). Rugby also has a large following, and club matches are of a high standard with visiting international sides providing special excitement during the season.

With its abundance of open spaces Salisbury offers a choice of over a dozen golf courses, some within sight

of the city centre's high-rise buildings (Below: inset 5). Visitors are welcome and will find the green fees to be most reasonable.

Salisbury recently opened an international standard motor-racing circuit at Donnybrook on the outskirts of the city. Here racing, from Formula 1 to motor cycles, takes place regularly during the year (Below: inset 4). At other tracks the exciting sport of motor cycle scrambling takes place during most weekends.

Thirty-five kilometres west of the city is Lake Mcllwaine, the country's third largest lake. and. like all the others, man-made. This fifty-seven square kilometres stretch of water and its shoreline form the Robert Mcllwaine National Park, which has been developed as a water playground.

Around its shores, yacht and motor boat clubs provide facilities for members and visitors. An hotel overlooks the lake and there are tea-rooms which provide refreshments for the casual visitor. Fishing here is excellent, particularly for bream and tiger fish.

On the road to the park from the city is a private lion and cheetah park, where the photographer will find an opportunity of making close studies of lion (Below: inset 1). cheetah and other species kept here.

The north bank of Lake Mcllwaine has been developed to provide re creation facilities, including caravaning and camping (Below: inset 5). On the southern shore, however, the natural surroundings have been protected and an extensive game park established. On a network of game-viewing roads the visitor may see kudu (main picture right) white rhino (Below: inset 2), zebra, ostrich, sable, impala, wildebeeste and eland.

The combination of woodland and lakeside environments provides an unusually high population of birds, and some ornithologists have made counts of over 200 species in a single day. For the nature lover who specialises in trees, there is an arboretum situated near the massive Hunyani Poort dam. The spillway here is a spectacular sight in the rainy season as the overflowing water - cascades into the river below.

Evidence of an earlier occupation of the area may be seen in the rock paintings, some dating back hundreds of years, which are to be found on many sheltered rock faces within the park (Below: inset 3).

In the game park and on the northern shore, are National Park caravan and camping facilities. Within the game park are chalets, and situated at certain scenic points are fully serviced lodges which may be rented (Below: inset 4). For those who wish to explore the lake, boats may be hired, with experienced coxwains who know the area well.

Beyond the city area there are drives which will take the visitor through a variety of Rhodesian highveld scenery.

One of these drives passes through the attractive Mazoe Valley. 40 kilometres from the city, where vast citrus orchards extend over 21 square kilometres (Below: inset 1). Fruit from these orchards may be purchased from a kiosk at Mazoe Dam where the road cuts through the Iron Mask range of hills which form one side of the valley.

Twelve kilometres south of Salisbury is an area of granite boulders which vividly displays one of the most memorable features of the Rhodesian landscape — its rock formations. Sculptured by rain and wind, some formations have acquired fantastic balancing shapes (Below: inset 2). On the sheltered faces of some rocks are ancient paintings executed by former inhabitants of Rhodesia.

Ewanrigg National Park, 35 kilometres from Salisbury, is a treasure house of colourful aloes and ancient palm-like cycads — seen at their best in July and August but an impressive sight at any time of the year. There is also a large collection of cacti from ail over the world and many exotic trees. The 24 hectares of landscaped gardens are set within 283 hectares of natural veld (Below :inset 3).

More detailed information on the area described in this brochure is available from the Salisbury Publicity Association, P.O. Box 1483, Salisbury.

For information on other areas of tourist interest in Rhodesia please contact the Rhodesia National Tourist Board, P.O. Box 8052, Causeway, Salisbury.

End

Source: Rhodesia Calls January - February 1975 made available by Denise Taylor. Thanks Denise.

Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris for use on "Our Rhodesian Heritage" blog.
 
Thanks to the author, the photographer, the publishers for the use of their material.
 

Comments are always welcome, please mail them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

To view the Blog Home Page - Please Click Here  or on the link below

http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/ 

(Please visit our previous posts and archives)

Ref. Rhodesia

First Brewery in Rhodesia

By Nick Baalbergen (Intaf)

The Cameron Street Brewery built in 1899, demolished in 1960 s.

The brewing of beer was amongst the earliest commercial / industrial activities established in the fledgling country. The Cameron Street Brewery was built in 1899, a mere nine years after the pioneers first arrived on the site of what was to become Salisbury. The first photo is of the original Cameron Street Brewery, shortly after it was built in 1899.

The original Cameron Street Brewery was taken over by the South African Breweries in 1910.

In 1910, the Cameron Street Brewery was taken over by South Breweries Limited, which became the dominant brewer in the country. This original brewery was demolished in the 1960's. The above photograph shows a more developed Cameron Street Brewery in 1910, at about the time it was taken over by South African Breweries.

The partial panorama of Salisbury circa 1910, shows the location of the Cameron Street Brewery in the context of a rapidly developing town.

End

Thanks to Nick for sharing his photographs and information with ORAFs.

To view an advertisement for Castle Lager from 1950 please visit the link below.
http://rhodesianadvertisements.blogspot.com/2012/12/castle-lager-1950.html

To view the Blog Home Page - Please Click Here
(Please visit our previous posts and archives)

Comments are always welcome, please either enter them below as a comment or mail them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com