In the early years of the 20thcentury, Eric McMaster arrived in the Nabiac area. In 1912 he married Catherine (Katie) McKinnon, the youngest daughter of the late Captain Donald McKinnon of Glen-Ora, Nabiac.1 Eric commenced the manufacture of dried fern fronds which were then fashionable in floral arrangements. These were exported almost exclusively to Germany.2
Business was first conducted from sheds at the Bullock Wharf in Nabiac and in Bulahdelah. When the Nabiac shed was destroyed by fire, the operation moved to ‘Glen-Ora’.3
In August 1913 a new company, Australian Botanical Products Limited, was registered for the purpose of drying and preserving ferns and other flora. It had a capital of £5,000 and its first directors were Messrs E H S McMaster, D Avery (an industrial chemist), C A Hack and George W Parramore (a local doctor).4
Giant Maidenhair Fern was especially favoured and was gathered from the coastal forests. However, war with Germany was looming and, by late August of 1914, workers were being laid off with other markets sought for the product.5
Regaining momentum in the interwar years and having provided work for local people, including many young women, the business finally ceased with the on-set of World War II and the regulations introduced by the Forestry Department.6
Eric McMaster died in 1958 and is buried in Failford Cemetery, together with his wife Catherine.7
References:
1Richmond River Herald and Northern District Advertiser Tuesday 9 January 1912 Pg 2
2 Sydney Morning Herald Friday 22 March 1912 Pg 6
3 The History of Tuncurry, Darawank, Failford, Nabiac, Wang Wauk, etc. Great Lakes Historical Society 2000
4 The Evening News Friday 29 August 1913 Pg 6
5 Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 22 August 1914 Pg 14
6 The History of Tuncurry, Darawank, Failford, Nabiac, Wang Wauk, etc. Great Lakes Historical Society 2000
7 http://www.austcemindex.com/
8 Wingham Chronicle, 4 April 1914, pg 7.
