George Espie (Charleville) One Pound Private Trader's Note 1919 Fine

Location: Charleville (Southwest Queensland)

Date of Issue: February 1st, 1919

An intact note issued by a dynamic businessman who was a founding shareholder in Qantas.

The note form of this "shinplaster" indicates that it was printed for George Espie, a merchant in Charleville in Southwest Queensland.

The 1920 report of the Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland stated the following about a display of local produce mounted by George Espie: "The display from the Charleville district was organised by Mr George Espie, the well-known Charleville merchant, and we cannot too highly compliment both Mr Espie and the growers, for better quality fruit could not be grown anywhere. Size, the thinness of skin, and flavour left nothing to be desired."

Just whether that is the case isn't yet known - judging by the size of Espie's premises and the fact it was trading under a slightly different name of "Espie's Stores" in 1929, and yet another name of "Espie's" was seen later again, it doesn't appear George Espie went out of business.

An online obituary covering Espie states the following:

"One-time Mayor Of Charleville George Martin Espie was one of the most colourful personalities to occupy the position of Mayor of Charleville. He came to this town none Help
from Bendigo about the year 1888 to join his brother, D. E. (Ted) Espie, and the brothers, with their bullock teams, ranged the south-west from the Warrego to the Cooper.
He commenced storekeeping about the year the railway went on to Cunnamulla and continued at that occupation until his death in 1944. A forceful character, he was twice
Mayor of Charleville, and many times an Alderman. He was a founding shareholder in Qantas and noted for his progressive ideas, and for the aggressive energy with which he
pushed them."

Qantas' first flight was from Charleville to Cloncurry on November 2nd 1922, another online reference states that the first meeting held regarding the formation of Qantas was held in the home of George Espie. 

SKU: 208538