Migrantweb.com Hostels Forum

hdavies · New Member Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 4

My name is Hugh Davies and I arrived from Scotland in September 1955 age 5. We stayed at the Colmslie Hostel in Brisbane and now, at 59 I have a hankering to take a closer look at those times. I have found some good info on passenger lists etc. on the boat we arrived on (MV Georgic), as well as a plan of the Colmslie Hostel.

I believe that what remains of the Hostel is part of a Hans Smallgoods factory and has been Heritage Listed. I still live within easy driving of the site but haven't been there in years. I hope to get permission from the current owners to visit the remains of the Hostel and take some photos. There appears to have been a couple of other members who stayed at the Colmslie Hostel and would be glad to share any photos I am able to take and any other information I come across.

Regards to all!

Len · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 6:23 pm Post subject:

Hi Hugh welcome to our forums. I it�s great to have you here.

Smile

Phyl · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:19 am Post subject:

Hi Hugh,
Would love to see the photos if you get Len to post some.My photos are of my kids and mostly in the house. Though have a good one of the lounge chairs we had at that time.
Were you still there in 1958 as we were there then.? Do you remember "Bounce" one of the manager's cocker spaniels? He was always biting someone me included Smile

.
_________________
Kind regards,
Phyl

hdavies · New Member Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 4

Hi Len and Phyl,

Unfortunately, my memories of the Colmslie Hostel are a bit dim (I had only just turned 5). We arrived in September 1955 and stayed for about six months. I remember the mossie bites covering my arms and legs and anything else that was left uncovered for too long. Vague memories of a jetty and getting my leg stuck when one of the boards broke and a fire in the paddock next door (which I believe was a fuel storage area) with the fire brigades trying to put it out.

I also remember starting a fire in our hut when mum and dad were visiting someone at another hut. We had one of the old (state-of-the-art in those days) fly spray units (pour the fly spray into the canister then pump the handle to spray it around) and I discovered that if I lit a match and propped it up using the matchbox, I could blow it out using the fly spray. Worked well the first two times, but on the third attempt the spray ignited and became a flame thrower setting my mother's handbag alight on the table.

I talked to my mum (now 88) earlier tonight about the hostel and asked if she could remember the manager's name or any other staff member names. I have attached a map that I found in the National Archives. It shows the layout of the buildings as at 1949.

Ooops. Seem to be having trouble attaching the image. Will try to send direct to Len.

Anyhow, until next time.

Hugh

Len · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:08 pm Post subject:

I bet the fire in your hut didn�t go down to well with your parents Hugh. Mr. Green

I got the map thanks Hugh. Not too sure about copyright etc but I�ve added it via a link because unfortunately the image will be too large for the forums. I�ve also added (Printed on) where the image has originated from. i.e. National Achieves of Australia.

Colmslie map here:

hdavies · New Member Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 4

Hi Len,

Ian G · New Member Joined: 29 Dec 2014 Posts: 2

Hi I was there in 1961. Please would love to see photos and have any information about the place location excetera , please. E-mail me with information

docannie · New Member Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

I was there in 1959 aged 5 and along with my two other sisters and three brothers. We came from Biggar Scotland on the Orontes boat. Six week voyage through the Suez canal etc. Pretty exciting for a family who had never been out of Scotland. Any pictures of the place would be great to see.
_________________
Annie