William Blaikie

One of the best known pioneer residents of Bundaberg William Blaikie, died at home, Bingera street Bundaberg, at 6 pm 12 6 1919, at the age of 50 years. He had been in failing health for the previous year, and had relinquished his stationary and tobacconist business. The son of Robert and Jane Blaikie, William was born in Dalkeith, Scotland, and after arriving in Queensland in 1884 S.S. Roma with his family he moved to Bundaberg and joined the staff of Mr. G. J. Young, stationer, with whom he learned the business. About 1893 he launched out for himself, in a stationery, tobacconist, and newsagency business in Bourbon street, Bundaberg.

Musical ability

William Blaikie “was endowed with exceptional musical attainments, his tenor singing and violin playing delighted very many audiences spread over many years. As a conductor of choirs, he exhibited a wonderful interpretation of music, and achieved great success with the baton.”

During 33 years in Bundaberg William was involved with the arts: • Associated with the early-day Philharmonic choir, • foundation member and conductor of the Liedertafel • foundation member and conductor of Choral Society . • foundation member and conductor of the Presbyterian Church choir. • Involved with organizing innumerable concerts and musical festivals • Performer in the more important characterisations in amateur theatricals with his brother Alec, • Involved with the Eiseddford including committee-man

Business and Comminity involvement

His obituary said “his business enterprise and his personal popularity brought their due reward.” “he won the lasting respect and good wishes of the population, his charm of manner, and straightforwardness in everything he undertook being dominant factors in the success which he undoubtedly achieved, and which received general and merited recognition.. “a valued citizen who gave his best to the community among whom he lived.”

During 33 years in Bundaberg William was involved in community development: • Treasurer of the Mutual Aid Lodge, M.U.I.O.O.F., • Member of committees for the General Hospital the School of Arts and Race Club • Past Master of the Lodge Athol

A wife and two children, survived, Joan Blaikie, L.T.C.L., and Douglas Blaikie. There is one brother, Mr. A. P. Blaikie, who will be remembered as having been in business in Bundaberg many years ago, and one sister, Mrs. G. Smith, formerly of Toowoomba, but now of Redcliffe. Mrs. BIaikie is a member of the well-known, Fleming family, being a sister to Mr. J. Fleming, Mrs. Bushnell, and Mrs. C. W. Buss, all of Bundaberg, and Mrs. Colthurst of Brisbane.

1919 'DEATH OF MR. W. BLAIKIE.', The Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 - 1925), 13 June, p. 5. , viewed 19 Jan 2019, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article216249502