toys

Dear Family and Friends

A big hello to everyone.

First up we are still sorting toys ready for Christmas. Atherton don't have to prepare the hampers for Christmas, that is organised by others and paid for by the Mayor's Christmas Appeal.

On the other hand Atherton do the toys covering a huge area, anything above the mountain range comes here. That includes Mareeba, Walkamin, Kuranda, Atherton, Herberton, Miscellaneous ones and I think Innot Springs and Mt Garnet are in this area also.

We have toys donated by the public including what were given from the the Bikie run, We also recieve toys from Cairns and to fill the gaps with difficult ages toys and other gifts are purchased for the teenagers. Its a mammoth task but an enjoyable one and the range of toys is amazing.

Lots of little stocking fillers and a lots of stuffed toys, enough that we pretty much put them in all the Christmas bags. It's a happy time for every one but also a very tiring time as you are on the go all day.

In and around the Atherton area there has been a large Chinese influence over the years. China town actually existed as a town before Atherton was first explored in 1875. The chinese moved from the Palmer River goldfields to this area and are known as the pioneers of farming and agriculture. The soil here is either a rich dark colour or a deep brown colour depending where you are on the tablelands. It is said that as the population of Chinatown grew, small shops appeared and cooks, herbalists, doctors and merchants settled in the town and by 1909 the population was around 1200.

The Hou Wang Temple was built in 1903. It is the last surviving example of a timber and tin temple left in Australia made even more rare by the fact that many such temples in China were also destroyed during the cultural revolution. It's original furnishings remain in tact and include carvings, painted metal wall panels and furnishings import . Id from China in the late 19th and early 20th century. It's rareity not just in Australia but in the world bring tourists from all over the world here. China town was short lived as it was all but abandoned by 1920's, the temple being the only surviving building. It was used as a Temple till 1970's when its owners the Fong On family donated it to the National Trust of Qld in 1980 to ensure its conservation for future generations. It's just another great tourist attraction that brings people to this area.

Atherton and surrounding area through to Mareeba tell the story of the impact that the second world war had in this area. Prior to being sent overseas the army used this area as training grounds for their soldiers. The hunidity and dense jungles found closer to the coast acclimatised our soldiers for the tropical jungles they would fight in to keep our country safe. The bombing of Pearl Harbour impacted on Atherton with many people fleeing the coastal locations thought to be unsafe. Hospitals were set up to take the injured, many of whom didn't make it. There is a war cemetery at Atherton which bears rows of identical white headstones as a silent tribute to those who died for their country. There is also another war cemetery, an old army igloo, an airport with planes used in the war and a navel museaum all in and around Walkamin.

Well that's our history lesson for the day. What's next? Another great day on the tablelands. Thre is always something to see and do.

That's it for now

Love to one and all.

Ken and Lyn