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MacFarlane’s Lantern

Newsletter of the Clan MacFarlane Society, Australia, Inc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No. 121 March 2012 Website: http://www.clanmacfarlane.org.au

Australian Descendants of Colin Dawson McFarlane

Colin Dawson McFarlane, 1810-1890 Photo submitted by Alison McFarlane

Our main story in this issue refers to the descendants of Australian pioneer, Colin Dawson McFarlane, pictured above, wearing the serious, determined look in his eye, so common among early 19th-century Scottish patriarchs. The following details are the result of dedicated research carried out by our worthy Members, Don and Alison McFarlane, NSW, their daughter Marie Pennykid, NSW and Ann Wickham, SA, whose families are all descended from one or other of the nine Australian-born children of this proud clansman. We give thanks to the researchers for sharing with us. Colin was born in 1810 at Stirling, being the third of five children of James McFarlane (b.1775) and Agnes Walker (b.1790). Little is known of the parents beyond the fact that they had a merchants business in Baker Street, Stirling, and are buried in a family plot in the Holy Rood Cemetery beside Stirling Castle. Colin Dawson McFarlane - - the middle name was in honour of his father’s business associate and friend – served for a while as a trooper in the Scots Greys Regiment, which might have influenced his later choice of career as saddler. However, in 1839 he finally emigrated to South Australia, sailing on the ship ‘Superb’. Here, he met and married Scots-born Marion Muir, whose family roots were in Ayrshire. In 1840, Colin is listed as a saddler in Hindley Street, Adelaide. (Continued next page).

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(Continued from Page 1) Colin married Marion sometime around 1840. Their first child Christine Paterson McF. Arrived in 1841; followed by James McF (1844); David Muir McF. (1846); Agnes Walker McF. (1849), all born in Adelaide. He later moved his family to Strathalbyn, SA, where Marion had several relatives named Rankine, Sloan, Paterson and others most of whom had arrived on the ship ‘Fairfield’ in 1839, and who soon held property in Strathalbyn, this being a community which by its very name harks back to Auld Scotia! Colin and Marion again resumed their saddlery business in the town, and where their next five children were born, they being: Colin Dawson McF.,Jr .(1851); John Muir McF. (1852); William Muir McF. (1855); Robert Muir McF. (1857); and Mary Davidson McF. (1858). We stress the names of these siblings, since all but one went on to establish the eight orginal families descended from Colin and Marion and which later served Australia with great distnction. Yet, a curious aspect of all this is that it appears the none of old Colin’s own siblings produced any children!(?)

Essentially, therefore, we have here really Eight families to consider, each with its own story, and which would require a lot more space than in this humble newsletter. The main custodian of the story is Marie Pennykid (nee McFarlane), Photo Left, who has done much to rally the various families and has even

organised family gatherings at the old homeland in Strathalbyn. During the 1850s Gold Rush period in Victoria, Colin joined with a party of eight, Rankines, Patersons, Walkers and other relatives, who either legged it or rode the three-week journey overland to the lodes. It seems they did not return empty-handed, and were able to set themselves up comfortably in back SA. David Muir McFarlane m Mirium Smith Due to lack of space, the remainder of this article concentrates on the family of Old Colin’s third child, David Muir McFarlane (b.1846), who married Mirium Smith (b.1848), daughter of Samuel Smith, founder of Yalumba Wines, now the oldest family-owned winery in the Barossa Valley, SA. He named his thirty acre property with an Aboriginal word meaning ‘all this land’! Their first child was Jessie Mary McF. born 1875 in Angaston, SA. She married (1901) Henry Robert George Adamson at Malvern, Adelaide, where they

appeared to have lived throughout most of their lives. Henry died 1938. Jessie died in 1952 and is buried in Mitcham Cemetery, Adelaide.

Family of David Muir McFarlane and Mirium Smith

L to R: Mirium (nee Smith), Sidney Colin.; Jessie Mary; David Muir (Father); Walter Muir; and Herbert Samue l.

David and Mirium’s next child was Sidney Colin McF. born 1876 in Angaston, SA. During the Boer War (1899-1902) he served as a trooper with the 2nd West Western Australian Contingent, but he soon received a commission. Later, during the Zulu Rebellion (1906), having remained in South Africa as a farmer, he joined the Johannasburg Mounted Rifles and was killed in action at Mome Gorge, Natal. He was was awareded the DSO. There is a memorial stone in honour of Captain McFarlane erected in Mitcham Cemetery, SA.

Captain Sidney Colin McFarlane’s War Medals The third child born to David and Mirium was Herbert Samuel McF. born 1878 at Angaston, who also served in the Boer War, and after the war farmed for a while in South Africa with his brother Sidney. On returning to Australia, he again took up farming at Lodden, Lake Charm, Victoria. Herbert married (1912) Janet Whyte Rattray, born 1881 at Kerang, Victoria. He died in 1960 at Camberwell, Melbourne, only three years after is beloved Janet. (Next Page).

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Walter Muir McF. born 1881 at Port Lincoln, SA. More often known simply as Muir, he was the fourth child born to David and Mirium. He received his education at Muiden Business College and Waye College, Adelaide, SA, and later farmed property at The Fountain, on the Ayre Peninsula, SA. Walter married first (1909) Douglas Dickerson Schild [unusual first name for a woman?] born 1887 and who died in1931 (aged 44 years). Walter married (1935) his second wife Elinor Hope Beckwith at Unley, SA. Walter died in 1959 and is buried in Happy Valley Cemetery, Port Lincoln, SA.

* * * * * As stated earlier, the extended family details of the Eight branches are too numerous to include in this edition of ‘Lantern’. Realistically, the entire wealth of data would best be displayed as a single volume in book form. In this, it would appear that Marie has already taken giant steps in that direction with her extensive story entitled ‘A Story of the McFarlane Family in Australia’ which runs to eight chapters packed with a mass of photographic evidence of documents and people. In her own Introduction she writes: “My involvement with family research started in about 1987, with a request from my mother to put her cousin’s family tree research on computer and print it out. This was barely underway when I discovered a third cousin working in the same office as myself, and the genealogy bug had bitten! Since that time, I have collected and collated research from many people and places, and at the time of writing have over 18,000 people in the combined family tree of myself and my husband. I’d attended a family reunion on my mother’s side in 2001, and two on my father’s side in 2003 and 2004 before deciding to organize one myself in 2005 (with much assistance from my parents and others). This collation (I hesitate to call it a book) is a natural follow-on from the McFarlane Family reunion. Data and photos in this document can be attributed to many sources. Some have sent stories, some sent photos and some newspaper articles. I would like to thank everyone for their contribution to this document.” Marie is the daughter of Donal Muir McFarlane and Ivy Alison Rose (more often known as Don and Alison), our worthy members living in Narrabri, NSW. This family line comes down via old Colin Dawson McFarlane’s fifth child and namesake, Colin Dawson McF. Jnr. (b.1851 Strathalbyn, SA). Don and Alison are actively involved in the Scottish scene of NSW and were recently featured in

our September 2011 ‘Lantern’ when they were photographed at the Bonnie Wingham gathering NSW, by our Councillor Roy Nash. Sadly, however, we have learned that Don’s mother Edith Helen McFarlane (nee Weidenhofer) passed away on New Year’s Day this year. (See Obituary Page ). We understand that Edith has written a book about her early life and which should be of interest to MacFarlanes and many other families in Australia.

Don and Alison McFarlane, NSW 2011, parents of Marie Pennykid (Photo: RoyNash)

To give more detailed cover to the Colin Dawson McFarlane family story and its many collateral branches, we propose to run a feature in later editions of ‘Lantern’. It will take some time to cover all the branch families, and we want to be exact in our attempt. From what we have already learned, it becomes clear that Marie sought and received considerable support from other members of the Colin Dawson lineage in Australia. As an exercise in family history research and fact gathering, it shows what can be achieved by a group of likeminded folk, and is a wonderful example of what modern Clan societies should be aiming for. Marie’s efforts should not be neglected, and she deserves not only credit for that which she has accomplished to date, but she also needs further support and assistance to sustain her work for posterity. That which she hesitates “to call a book” should nevertheless be preserved for posterity with a copy sent to the National Library in Canberra. I hope our Society can assist her with this.

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~ ~Root Lines ~ ~ (Members’ Genealogy Page)

More on the New Era Fruit Growing Company

Responding to our request for information relating to the New Era Fruit Growing company at Morgan down on the Murray Riverland (‘Lantern’No,120), we received a long letter from our Member Allan McFarlane, Shepparton, Victoria,

who – not surprisingly – is also descended from Colin Dawson McFarlane. Allan’s grandfather was Herbert Samuel McF., who features in our lead story in this issue. Allan also sent us many period newspaper clippings concerning McFarlane activity during the Boer War, in Africa, but he also penned the following family data. “In regard to the query on the New Era connection, Sidney C. McFarlane was a grandson of Samuel Smith. Samuel established Yalumba in 1849 with early planting of vines and fruit in the Barossa. He pioneered the preserving of fruit and was instrumental in the development of the Angaston Preserving Company, and controlled that company by 1887. Samuel’s daughter Miriam married David Muir McFarlane and Captain Sidney Colin McFarlane, DSO was one of their sons. David was involved initially in travelling the districts where Yalumba [Wines] traded and this would have included Morgan and Renmark. Sidney’s cousins Fred, Walter and Burney Smith of Yalumba were attached to the new settlements established in Renmark and Mildura. Fruit was being sourced from Renmark for processing at Yalumba before 1900. Sidney C. McF. initially worked for his father David M. McF. on leaving school and this may have allowed him to be known in the Riverland. The original New Era enterprise on the Murray River failed and was taken over by Samuel Smith’s family, running the property successfully from 1900 to 1926. David M. McFarlane was a director of the New Era Fruit Growing Company near Morgan and he also had interests in the provision of stores. Sidney’s mother, Miriam, used to travel from Morgan to Swanhill by river boat. David Muir McF. and his brother Robert Muir McF. [b.1857] established a trading business mainly on the Eyre peninsula with the leading store at Port Lincoln. Capt. Sidney C. McF. DSO was born at Angaston but was reported to be at Port Lincoln by 1880 at the age of about three years. . . .

. . . There would have been Renmark and district men in the 6th Imperial Bushmen’s Corps, and Sidney C. McF was leading that force when he won the DSO, no doubt this would be the major reason why he was known to those men.” We appreciate Allan writing to us and passing on so much additional family information relating to our lead story in this edition. There is little doubt that the descendants of the man from far off Stirling have maintained much of the old Clan MacFarlane spirit. In the interests of clarity, and for the benefit of the growing number of ‘Lantern’ readers who are not so acquainted with MacFarlane lore in Australia, we have slightly edited parts of Allan’s report. We feel sure he will forgive us on this. Thank you, Allan.

* * * * More McFarlanes from Buchanan parish

We were pleased to receive a letter from one of our Queensland members, Rob Macfarlane in Yeppoon who, with his wife Lynne, joined our Society last year. Acting on our open appeal for members to share family history details, we received from Rob an excellent ‘tree’ showing his forebears back to Robert McFarlane (circa 1756) m. Elizabeth McFarlane (circa 1760) in Buchanan parish, Stirlingshire. In this case the spouse, Elizabeth, is of another McFarlane family – thus presenting two Clan lineages open to research. Exciting stuff, indeed! Our member contact, whom we shall call Rob to avoid confusion (full name Robert Ian James Macfarlane) is a seventh generation descendant of the aforementioned Robert and Elizabeth (m.1780, Buchanan) whose g-grandson – another Robert McF. (b.1850 Callander, Perthshire) – migrated with his wife, Mary Tait Stewart (b.1840), and three children; Elspeth (1874); John (1876) and Margaret (1877). The family sailed on the ‘Kincardineshire’ out of Glasgow, August 1883, a direct voyage to Brisbane, and they later went on to Rockhampton, Qld. Robert became an accountant in the well-known furniture retail store James Stewart & Co., Criterion House, Rockhampton, then owned by his brother-in-law James Stewart. Our own member Rob was also involved with the same company. Apart from researching his family roots and producing an accurate ‘tree’, he has also written an 850-page, hardback history of the James Stewart Co. Titled “By Any Criterion” priced $55.00 +p&p. We are told that, apart from business history, the volume contains a considerable amount of Macfarlane and Stewart family history. It can be purchased from Rob at 39 Prospect Street, Statue Bay, Yeppoon, Qld. 4703. We hope to write more on Rob’s Scottish family history in later editions of ‘Lantern’.

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51st Mount Barker Gathering

South Australia Sunday 19th February began hot and sunny at Mt. Barker oval. Malcolm arrived early with the tent, joined shortly after by Ron and Janet Marsh (nee McFarlane) and their cousin, Anita Renfrey. Soon the two MacFarlane banners were in position, and we were open to the public.

Oor Wee Hoose, at Mount Barker!

During the day we were visited by our SA members Janis Moore, Sue Kite; Margaret Cross; Ann Wickham; and Graham Miller. Whilst it would have been nice to meet other members, our tent was seldom idle, as numerous members of the public stopped for a chat, many asking for details of tartans and possible clan connections. More importantly, one lady with Macfarlane links took and application form and promised to join. As the temperature soared to the 30s, we were obliged to lift the side flaps of the tent to allow air to circulate – our air-conditioning was constantly managed to great effect by Ron. Speaking of whom, it is rumoured that he will shortly be the proud wearer of MacFarlane tartan! Watch this space!

Stalwart members, Janet and Anita, poised for action!

As usual, the main Highland Gathering in SA was packed with many interesting events; the Oval looked more crowded that previous years.

Clan banners on parade: MacFarlane to the forefront! This year, compared with the other clans present, it seemed as though we were pretty much the ‘poor’ relations in terms of accomodation. Our mini display tent was dwarfed by those around us. Clan Donald, as usual, brought their normal canvas ‘mansion’, which we believe this year also accomodated Clan Macneil. Next door we had Clan MacLeod who apart from their display tent also erected a spacious lounge tent (see our 1st photo). We, meanwhile, had it rained, would have been in dire straits to say the least -- there is a message in all this1

New member Janis Moore with grandson William New member Janis Moore, whose husband , Steve and son Jason are members of The City of Elizabeth Pipe Band, brought 10-month-old grandson William Skirrey to our tent, whose Daddy is also a drummer with said band. As usual, however, it was the entertainers who made the day. The massed pipe bands, the dancers, the strong men – and lovely lassies – the children’s camel and pony rides. In all, a great day out for the family and a credit to the organisers Mount Barker Caledonian Society. We all went home tired, but happy. ALBA GU BRATH!

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Other Clans & Families

of Scotland Taking a short break from MacFarlane lore, we find time to learn something of the many other Highland Clans and Lowland Families that made up the Scottish nation, beginning

with the Weirs. Although the surname Weir is often listed as a Sept of Clan MacFarlane, this does not in any way suggest all who bear the name were dependants or supporters of our Clan. The following article appeared during the 1960s in the now defunct Weekly Scotsman, as part of a popular series written by Allan Douglas. “Some called him ‘Angelic Thomas, the Bowhead Saint.’ Others, who accused him of being on first name term with Auld Nick himself, referred to this seventeenth-century zealot as ‘The Wizard.’ By any name, Major Thomas Weir has become an Edinburgh legend. Who knows? Perhaps his spirit may still roam the shadowy closes of what was once the old West Bow, and when a ghostly sea-haar creeps in over Castlehill, perhaps one may still imagine one hears the ‘tap-tap-tap’ of his stick along the Lawnmarket. Witnesses swore that his magic staff writhed and coiled like a dying serpent when, at the last, both stick and master perished. Major Weir was burned at the stake in 1670 for self-confessed crimes of witchcraft. Belonging to those violent days of religious fanaticism which swept post-Reformation Scotland, he is said to have arrived in Edinburgh from Lanarkshire – which certainly connects him with the Weirs, or Veres of Lesmahagow. Robert Louis Stevenson helped immortalise ‘The Wizard’; and although Deacon Brodie is given a lion’s share of the credit, I suspect the tales of Major Weir – which R.L.S. heard as a boy – also contributed to the whole image of ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.’ The early history of the Weir family is caught up with the events which led to the Reformation. In 1572, James Weir of Blackwood, in the Parish of Lesmahagow, was accused with many others of being an ‘accessory’ to the murder of Darnley. Many who adhered to the cause of Mary Queen of Scots were also arrested on the same charge, but as there is no record of Weir of Blackwood’s trial, it is possible that it never took place. At any rate, he was included in an Act of Restitution passed in 1585. Weirs of Blackwood were always the chief representatives of the name. Not only were they of considerable importance with their numerous

branches, they occupied a very large portion of the Parish of Lesmahagow. There were cadet families at Stonebyres, Kerse, Kirkfield and Auchterfardle, all in the Upper Ward; and at Kirkhall in Ayrshire as well as Woodend and Barrachan, Stirlingshire. Dr. George Black says the name is of Norman origin from one or other of places named Vere in Normandy. He maintains the word was originally Norse, appearing as ‘ver’, a station, as in ‘fiskiver,’ a fishing station. It is akin to the Old English ‘weir,’ ‘wear’ or ’ware,’ meaning a dam Dr. Black adds that the Macnairs in Cowal anglicised their name to Weir. In Dunbartonshire the name may have derived from ‘Macamhaoir,’ ‘son of the officer.’ Weirs received Blackwood in 1400 when Rothald or Rothaldus de Were gained a charter from the abbot of Kelso. The line of James Weir of Blackwood, already mentioned, continued to Catherine, an heiress, who wed the Hon. Charles Hope of Craigie Hall, near Edinburgh, second son of the second Earl of Hopetoun and governor of Blackness Castle, West Lothian. He assumed the name and arms of Vere – and their descendants still style themselves Hope-Vere. After Catherine’s death, her husband remarried a second and third time; and from the third marriage descends the Marquis of Linlithgow line. Weirs of Stonebyres claim lineage from a brother of Rothaldus de Were, the progenitor of the Blackwoods. In early history, the two families were always on friendly terms, but there is evidence of a sixteenth century feud. The Laird of Blackwood’s son, John Weir, was allegedly slain some time before 1587 by Weir of Stonebyres. As a result, it is recorded that William Weir of Stonebyres was forced to grant his bond of man-rent to Blackwood, agreeing to serve under the latter’s [Sic] ‘pensall, or banner.’ In 1650 another William Weir of Stonebyres is on record of received a testimonial from the Presbytery of Lanark for ‘his constancy and faithfulness in the Covenant during the time of the unlawful engagement.’ The Stonebyres family eventually became involved in heavy debts, and were forced to sell much of their estates. In 1842, the last of their property, the mansion house of Stonebyres, went on the block. It has frequently been described as the oldest inhabited house in Lanark. Tradition says the first private carriage in Lesmahagow belonged to the Weirs of Kerse (or Carse). Little is recorded of another group, the family of Auchterfardle, whose estates finally passed to their kinsmen, the Kennedys. (Cont. Next page)

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(Weirs: Continued) Woodend in Strathblane was an old holding of the Weirs of Barrachan, who are said to have received it as a reward for services to the Earls of Montrose. Weirs became tenants of Kirkhall, Ayrshire, near Ardrossan in 1719, purchasing the estate 29 years later. Apart from Edinburgh’s notorious Major Thomas Weir, ‘The Wizard,’ one Robert Weir was executed in the capital in 1604 for the murder of John Kincaid of Wariston. Kincaid’s wife, Jean Livingstone, who had commissioned Weir to strangle her husband, was beheaded in the Canongate.” Aye life in Auld Scotia certainly had its ups and doons! And the Weir families were not unique by any means! Ed.

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Granny Mac: Household Tips When I was a wee lassie, my

granny used arrowroot to put on insect bites. She mixed it into a paste with water and spread it on the bite which

instantly stopped the itching. It is wonderful for the bairns and much better than any chemicals, that can pass into your blood stream. So many of today’s generation have never heard of Arrowroot which is available in most supermarkets. It is also good to thicken up your gravy or jams and a teaspoonful in a glass of water is great for an upset tummy. Granny Mac

* * * * * Old Postcard Humour This cartoon is a Memorial to the days before the Political Correct Gestapo invaded common sense!

EDITORIAL

Since our AGM last November

our Secretary, Glenda Dickson

who now also acts as Treasurer,

has been a busy wee soul looking after our

interests as well as her own family duties. She has

produced the Minutes and Financial statement,

copies of which are available on request,

either by email or Post.

Conducting the AGM by way of Skype seemed to

work out quite well – although there were some

‘sticky’ moments due to brief technical hiccups

but, thanks to our Robert Millar’s guidance from

Japan, we got through the agenda quite well – and

with more practice we will do even better next

time.

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Since the December ‘Lantern’ I have received

considerable family history data from members,

so much so that, for the first time, I have more

than enough material to include in this edition –

and future issues. But please keep it coming.

Special thanks go to our NSW member Marie

Pennykid, who has provided a wealth of data on

the Australian descendants of Colin Dawson

McFarlane, running to seven extended families.

I have other equally interesting stories on hold

from other members – great stuff, indeed. At this

rate, we shall quickly build up an excellent archive

of MacFarlane genealogical data. I should also

mention that our New Zealand member Andrew

Macfarlane (Genealogical Advisor) has not been

idle and has added most of our material to his

extensive website.

Although I frequently mention MacFarlane in

this report, I still wish to hear more from those

members who bear Sept names in this regard we

are not doing so well. So, all you Millers, Allans,

Robbs, McNiders, etc., let’s hear from you.

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As you will learn from this edition of ‘Lantern’

we have extended the hand of friendship to our

kindred society Clan MacFarlane Worldwide,

Inc. We think it is only right that MacFarlane

branches throughout the world should adopt a

common policy to further the knowledge and

kinship of the ancient Clann Pharlain.

ALL clan societies are essentially democratic

organisations made up of fee-paying members.

Our rules are made by the members and for the

members in common friendship. There are no

provisions -- or desires -- for despotic heirarchy.

Ed.

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Vikings to Torpedoes

History Project What is the connection between ancient Viking warriors and modern naval torpedo weaponry? The answer lies at Arrochar, cradle of Clan MacFarlane. Many of our readers will recall our ‘Lantern’ reports on the archaeological dig at Morlaggan, Loch Long (2009-10) and another at

Ardess, Loch Lomond, both instigated by two local ladies, Fiona Jackson and Sue Furness. The projects involved volunteer members of the public, including parties from local schools. All guided by professional archaeologists and financed by various community grants and private donations. The projects were so successful, not only by what the team uncovered in the way of domestic artefacts, but also by how they captured the imagination of the local community in general. All of which has inspired the intrepid ladies to venture forth again with a new four-year plan to highlight the history of the Arrochar district from the time of the 13th century Viking raiders, who plundered the district, to the more recent arrival of a Ministry of Defence Torpedo Range at Arrochar. That which at first sight may seem like such a mammoth undertaking is the next challenge for Fiona and Sue and plans and costing have already been written, part of which reads as follows. ‘Vikings to Torpedoes’ will work with the community – including young people – to: 1. Build a sustainable state-of-the-art heritage attraction in Arrochar with exhibitions, glass-fronted café, gift shop, public toilets, learning and workshop spaces.

2. Install a sustainable floating pontoon to open up marine access to the community, the heritage and to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

3. Build a Viking longship and re-enact the Viking boat pulling, culminating in a Viking Festival (annual event). 4. Create signage and interpretation for a circular heritage trail between Arrochar and Tarbet on Loch Lomond side.

5. Provide training in documentary and place-name research, recording, surveying mapping and excavation, particularly focussing on the land between Arrochar and Tarbet.

6. Support local heritage/archaeology groups by providing office/research space for heritage activities and collating, archiving and interpreting local history; topics could include: subsistence farming, Clans McFarlane and Colquhoun, drove routes, military roads, steamship tourism/trade, mountain climbing, fishing, West Highland Railway line, forestry, hydro-electric development and military torpedo testing.

7. Commission a professional, design and media company to develop displays/exhibitions for the heritage facility and heritage trail.

8. Commission iconic heritage and landscape art installations. For more information, to become involved in the project or to offer financial support and ideas, please contact Fiona Jackson, Morelaggan Cottage, Arrochar, G83 7AH; Tel: 07789 561 842; email: fionaejackson@gmail.com This might be a worthy project in which our Australian Society and our kindred Clan MacFarlane Worldwide might work together on. We would like to hear what our members think of the idea. And since we mentioned torpedoes, we might as well finish off with an example:

A Royal Navy Mk.24 Tigerfish torpedo, of a type once tested in Loch Long at Arrochar. (photo Wikipedia) Footnote: It is of fundamental importance that a clan society does its best to maintain tangible links with its heartland (duthchas): and the old barony of Arrochar is where Clann Pharlainn began. It matters not that the last chief/baron sold the hereditary lands, the Clan’s roots are still there, along with the bones of our early forebears. We should always feel an affinity with that part of the old Lennox and, indeed, all the lands surrounding Loch Lomond. I am happy to give space and a hearing to Fiona Jackson and Sue Furness. Whilst their eight-point plan might to some appear just a wee bit too ambitious as a starting phase, their record of past achievement in the district is excellent If only a fraction of their dream is finally realised, I feel sure it will do only good for the Arrochar area. To this end, I would like to hear the views of Aussie MacFarlanes. Ed.

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Other Clan MacFarlane Topics (Aussies friendship reaches out Worldwide)

Back in June 2010 (‘Lantern’ No.114) we reported on ‘Unrest among International MacFarlanes’, which resulted in several office-bearers and members of Clan MacFarlane Society International, Inc. being expelled from membership due to alleged breaches of the Society’s written constitution. Whatever the reasons, the period of unrest led to those ‘expelled’ members bonding together to form a separate organisation now recognised as Clan MacFarlane Worldwide, Inc. and which appears to have been flourishing happily for the past two years. During this time we in Australia have enjoyed friendly relations with the new society, and one of its directors, Andrew Macfarlane, New Zealand, has since become a worthy member of our Society, bringing with him a wealth of genealogical – and genetic testing – experience. Some of our members have also tapped into his private website and were assisted freely with their family researches. The Aussie belief in a ‘square go’ prompted your Committee to extend the hand of friendship to CMW, beginning with the exchange of letters as follows: “Hello Randy, Greetings from Clan MacFarlane Society Australia, Inc. I am happy to pass on the good wishes of the Committee of Management and Australian Members of our worthy branch of the Honourable Clann Pharlainn, to our kindred Members in Clan MacFarlane Worldwide, Inc. My Committee has asked me to convey a wish that, whilst we zealously guard our unique Australian autonomy, we believe our two organisations should in future share a closer common regard in a joint effort to bring Clan MacFarlane into greater recognition worldwide. In this, we will be happy to share with you results of historical research, ideas and future social promotions. A website link is currently being planned and should take place early in 2012. Our webmaster, Robert Millar, has been asked to liaise with Andrew Macfarlane, New Zealand, who is no stranger to both organisations. I believe we are well aware of the recent sad and untidy history which largely brought about the creation of CMW. We therefore support you in your efforts to bring happier, honest enlightenment into Clan MacFarlane affairs, and for this reason we hope such a liaison will help to magnify this goodwill in future. We will be pleased to hear your response to this proposal. Meanwhile, I take this opportunity to wish

CMW every success in and beyond the New Year 2012. Respectfully, Malcolm Lobban President, Clan MacFarlane Society, Australia, Inc. Dated: 26 December 2011. The following is President Randy McFarland’s response, Dated 27 January 2012.: “Hello Malcolm. Thank you so much for the warm greetings and kind words. I am pleased to extend the good wishes of our entire Board and Membership to our fellow Clan Pharlainn family. We are excited about working towards a common goal of promoting Clan MacFarlane with you and The Clan MacFarlane Society Australia, Inc. Our goal since the founding of Clan MacFarlane Worldwide has been to re-establish communications and relationships with our international brethren. We respect the fact that you wish to maintain your autonomy as we do ours. Working together to reclaim MacFarlane's prominent role amongst Clans can be more easily achieved by working together instead of working against each other. Your commitment to this on a personal and organizational level will be instrumental in achieving this goal. For that, I THANK YOU! We have felt we were on an island isolated from other MacFarlane Organizations. The friendly words, faces and camaraderie are most welcome. The past two years have brought a lot of trying and wonderful times both. A good number of the current Board were subject to a tremendous amount of attacks, some on a very personal level, but we endured and we are all in a much better place since we broke away and founded CMW. Your support means everything to us and we hope we can justify your support in us at CMW. We have great momentum from our first year, going from a small group to reaching membership approaching 300 in a year’s time. We are confident, that the team of CMW and Clan MacFarlane Society Australia, Inc will be recognized as the go to Organizations for MacFarlanes around the world in the not too distant future. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with our brothers and sisters of "CMSA, Inc." Wishing you and Clan MacFarlane Society Australia much success and good health in the coming year. Yours Aye, Randy McFarland President, Clan MacFarlane Worldwide, Inc.” And the Aussies respond in the time-worn fashion:

“GOOD ON YER. MATE!”

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Oot ‘n’ Aboot! BANGKA MEMORIAL SERVICE, 12 Feb. 2012

Report by Janet Marsh; SA Councillor

After receiving several invitations to attend The Bangka Memorial Service, husband Ron and I thought it was time to attend the 70th Memorial Service of the Massacre

of the Nurses in Bangka Straits held at the Women’s Playing Fields, Shepherds Hill Road, St. Marys. Here on those grounds I have played hockey several times. The Service started promptly and with precision as with the tradition of a Military Service. The Patron is Mrs. Liz Scarce, the wife of our present state governor. As with Military tradition there was a Catafalque party to respect all nursing Sisters who lost their lives and those who were prisoners during the Second World War. We found the service very moving, about the girls who never came home! Of course as a Clan MacFarlane Society, we must remember one of ours who did not come home, Mary Hamilton McFarlane of Cowel, SA. She trained at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, completing her time there in 1938. She was a Nursing Sister on the “Centaur”, a hospital ship which, although clearly marked and bringing wounded servicemen home to Australia, was nevertheless torpedoed by the Japanese off the Queensland Coast on 14th May 1943. Also included in the memorial service, was a small museum display concerning the women who had lost their lives, and in which there was mention of Mary. Next year we perhaps may think of laying a wreath in memory of Mary Hamilton McFarlane and her fellow nursing comrades? After the Service light refreshments were available, and a chance it to mingle with the crowd over a cup of tea or coffee and something to eat. FOOTNOTE. Yes, I think the Society WILL provide a wreath for next year’s service --- Ed.

* * * * * * Email ethics Many of us are now at the receiving end of a mass of ‘advice’ which is passed on by family members and friends via the email circuit: some of it is blatantly racist, or downright politically seditious! But there is also the element of good humour, as in the following wee story. On a beautiful summer's day, two English tourists were driving through Wales. They stopped for lunch at the town that bears the longest name, which begins with “Llanfair” -- and sometime later – ends with “gogoch”! One of the tourists asked the very blonde

waitress: “Before we order, I wonder if you could settle an argument for us? Can you pronounce where we are, very, very, very slowly?” The girl leaned over and said: “Burrr....Gurrr.... King”!

* * * * * Panda Tartan The tartan saga gets more curious by the minute! The latest pattern to be added to the umpteen thousands already listed came from Edinburgh Zoo (24/01/12) to celebrate the arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang, two pandas from China.

The whole tartan scene is now quite ridiculous! But the model is not bad looking!

* * * * * * What have we learned in 2,066 years? “The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.” Written by Cicero -- 55BC.

* * * * * * Geelong Scots expand Gathering The 55th Geelong Highland Gathering will be held on March 17th and 18th, expanding to a two-day event, for the first time in many years – the 17th being St. Patrick’s Day. For the second successive year, the Gathering will be held at Geelong Showgrounds, Breakwater, Geelong, Victoria. The Saturday will be a Free Day, but confined to solo piping and drumming competitions and a mini pipe band contest. On Sunday, the usual full agenda will showcase a wide range of Scottish events and culture, with an expanded children’s programme, including ‘Wee Heavy Games’, with foam cabers, etc., and Highland Passports for children to be stamped as they move from one event to another. There will also be Clan tents and Scottish genealogy groups. For further information see website: www.geelonghighlandgathering.org.au or email: secretary@geelonghighlandgathering.org.au

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Flowers o’ the Forest It is with great sadness that we report the death of Edith Helen McFarlane on 2nd January, 2012 in Brisbane, aged 108 years. Edith and her late husband Douglas were descendants of the earliest settlers in Adelaide, South Australia. Edith’s g-g-grandparents were Robert & Mary Thomas, who printed the Proclamation of South Australia in 1836 and the SA register. Douglas McFarlane was a grandson of Colin Dawson McFarlane & Marion Muir who arrived in Adelaide in 1839, they had a saddler and harness business in Strathalbyn, SA. Edith and Douglas met at Durham Downs cattle station in SW Queensland in 1925. She worked as a governess and he was a stockman. They were married in Cloncurry, Qld. in 1930 and later settled at Cooper Creek, near Durham Downs; their home for the next 25 years. After retirement they moved to Narrabri, NSW, where Douglas died in 1958. Some years later Edith settled in Cleveland, Qld., near her daughter Helen and son Colin. Here she recorded her story of life in Outback Queensland in a book “Land of Contrasts and Recollections”. She became actively involved with volunteer work Meals on Wheels – retiring in 1998 after 32 years service to the community. This was recognised with a Premier’s Award in 1994; Life membership of M.O.W.; Australia Day Bowmen Community Award 1998; Commonwealth Seniors Award 2000; and she featured prominently in the State Library Exhibition of 2000, the “Channels of History”. Edith was the mother of our members Don and Alison McFarlane, NSW and grandmother of member Marie Pennykid, to whom - and to all other members of the family - we pass on our deepest condolences.

* * * *Beannachd Dhe leat!* * * *

Report from Membership Secretary, Anita “Hi Malcolm and Glenda. When I was wandering through Kadina Cemetery, SA – as you do – I found the grave of one William Henry McFarling, who was accidentally killed at Broken Hill (NSW) 9th January 1893, aged 28 years. He is buried with William McFarling (d. 9th Nov. 1906, age 74yrs); Mary McFarling (d.21st Aug. 1908, age 82yrs) and John McFarling (d. 18th Nov. 1908, age 51yrs). I wrote to the Broken Hill Family History Group and a lady named Jenny found information on “William McFarlane/McFarling” whose mother’s

surname was Lock. William was born/christened at Kadina (20/08/1864). He was married to Margaret (nee Mitchell), daughter of Thomas Mitchell (1885) at Kadina Bible Christian Manse. . . .” Anita promises to research this family further with Kadina History Society Thanks for that, Anita.

* * * * * * MacFarlane Memorial, Anzac Cove Yet another report from our much-travelled Anita Renfrey, this time on a visit to Anzac Cove, where she noted the memorials of the following MacFarlane soldiers at Lone Pine. Private McFarlane F. (3rd Bn. Australian Infantry) “ McFarlane D.R. (13th Bn. “ “ “ MacFarlane S.J. (2nd Regiment) “ McFarlane D. (Otago Infantry Regiment) L/cpl. MacFarlane G.R. (NZ Auckland Infantry). If any reader knows more about these servicemen, we would like to hear.

* * * * * * FUTURE EVENTS

March 2012 10: Torrens Park, SA – 50th South Australian Highland Dancing Championships. At Scotch College, Blythwood Rd. Info: saschdi_secretary@bigpond.com or 0407012197 17: Sydney, NSW – Scots on the Rocks, Chaotic Ceilidh. Includes supper (BYO alcohol). Tickets $30. Information: www.sotr.org.au or 0435154433. 25: Bathurst, NSW – Scots School Highland Gathering Pipe band competition. Children’s events, stalls etc. For info: contact Michael Ireland asherton@bigpond.com 26: Morningside, Qld. – Queensland Highland Pipers Society, Senior and Junior Contests. Held at Balmoral Bowls Club, Jean Howie Drive. Info: (07) 3397 4512.

April 2012

1: Ringwood, VIC – Ringwood Highland Games at Russell Lucas Oval, Jubilee Park Gardini Avenue. Free Shuttle Bus will operate from Ringwood Station to and from venue. Info: www.ringwoodhighlandgames.org.au or (03) 9876 4140. 6 -8 Ballarat,VIC – Australian Pipe Band Championships At Eureka Stadium. The top pipe band will compete. Info: www.australianpipebandchampionships.org.au 6 –7: Maclean, NSW –108th Maclean Highland Gathering at Maclean Showground many events and more. Info: (02) 6645 2887 or www.macleanhighlandgathering.com.au 21: Bundanoon, NSW – Highland Gathering, Australia’s largest Scottish event. A great family day out. For info: Bundanoon Highland Gathering, PO Box 74. Bundanoon, NSW, 2678 or www.brigadoon.net.au 22: Ormiston, QLD. Ormiston House Highland Celtic Celebration: Info. (07) 3286 1425.

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Committee of Management 2011/12 PRESIDENT/EDITOR/HISTORY RESEARCHER: Malcolm Lobban, 9 Davies Place, Pooraka, SA 5095. Tel: (08) 83590578, E-mail: president@clanmacfarlane.org.au VICE-PRESIDENT / PUBLIC OFFICER : Chris Culling, 81 Farnham Road, Bayswater, VIC 3153 E-mail: vice-president@clanmacfarlane.org.au SECRETARY/TREASURER: Glenda Dickson, 23 Blamey Drive, Melton Sth., VIC 3338 E-mail: secretary@clanmacfarlane.org.au MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Anita Renfrey, 579 Military Road, Largs North, SA 5016 E-mail: miltonr@adam.com.au STATE COUNCILLORS: NSW: Roy Nash, 1 Sale Street, Grenfell, NSW 2810 E-mail nsw-councillor@clanmacfarlane.org.au Tel: (02) 6343 1085. QLD: Louise Piper, 126 Curtis Road, North Tamborine, Qld. 4272 E-mail qld-councillor@clanmacfarlane.org.au Tel: (07)5545 2107 SA: Janet Marsh, 648 Burbridge Road, West Beach, SA 5024, E-mail: sa-councillor@clanmacfarlane.org.au Tel: (08) 8356 7785. COMMITTEE MEMBERS : Robert Miller, 12/10 Station Street, Fairfield, VIC 3078. Leona Job, Unit 2/1 Asquith Street, Kew, VIC 3101. Glenn McFarlane, 7 Kelbourne Grove, Sunbury, VIC 3429 Robert P. Millar , rpmillar@gmail.com

Clan Merchandise for Sale

MacFarlane crest teaspoon/s (unboxed) $10.50 each Or ~ at $8.00 each ~ the following: MacFarlane crest lapel badge (butterfly clip) MacFarlane crest lapel badge (brooch fitting) MacFarlane crest tie pin Macfarlane crest key ring (Please note the above prices include postage and are subject to availability of current stock). Please make your cheque/money /order made payable to Clan MacFarlane Society, Australia, Inc. and post to the Secretary at 23 Blamey Drive, Melton South, VIC. 3338.

Badges are approximately 2cm in diameter _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

New Member

We take this opportunity to welcome our newest Member, David MacFarlane, of Gerald-ton, West Australia, who joined us in February this year. David’s family background is full of interest, with forebears in Adelaide and others in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

* * * * * * Well, folks please keep your letters coming in, we like to hear from you and learn all about your family history. We try to help where we can. This is your newsletter USE IT