This article appeared in the Kilmore Free Press on 7 July 1838 (page 2) on the retirement of Rody Maher (my great grandfather) as mail contractor between Kilmore and Lancefield.

On Wednesday afternoon last week at the residence of Mr and Mrs Stockfeld, at “The Gap”, on the Kilmore-Lancefield Road, there being a gathering of residents of the Springfield, Mt William and Lancefield district, who met to do honour to Mr Roderick (“Rody”) Maher, who was making his last trip on the mail route from Lancefield to Kilmore, via Springfield. Despite the cold and showery nature of the day, there was a very representative attendance of about 50 persons present – a definite testimony to the popularity of Mr Maher.

Mr M. Clement, of Springfield, referred to the wonderful services and many kindnesses rendered by Mr Maher during his term, in which he travelled about 250,000 miles; and he then called on Dr Wilson to speak on behalf of the residents.

Dr Wilson said they all felt a certain amount of regret at parting with the services of their old friend Rody Maher, but he was pleased to have the honour of making the presentation. He was possibly the oldest friend of Rody, as they were boys together about 60 years before at Tickawarra school. His recollections of Rody were the happiest and most cheerful, and he recalled the Rody was a magnificent footballer. He had been on the track for 30 years, during which time he rendered services which would never be equalled for the courtesy, consideration, kindness and many little acts done for the people along the track. He had done wonderful service. In wet, sunshine or shadow, he was always punctual, and every obligation was always cheerfully carried out. He (Dr Wilson) had the pleasing duty of handing him a wallet of notes subscribed by the residents, not as a reward for many kindnesses, but as a token of regard felt for him, and as a slight recompense for all he had done for them. (Applause)

Mr Maher said that when he started on the job he fully intended to carry it out to the best of his ability. His work had never been questioned by the Postal Department. He also tried to do all he could to oblige the people on the route. He thanked the residents of Springfield, Mt William and Lancefield for all the kindness they had shown to him, and all postal officials for their treatment. He specially thanked Mr and Mrs Brazier, of “High Park”, who always had a warm lunch for him; the business people of Lancefield, who had never delayed him; and Mr and Mrs Heald who had treated him as one of their own. A lot of respect was due to Mrs Stockfeld, who looked after the goods for the Mt William people. If ever she left, he hoped the residents would gather as they had that day, and he would be there. He thanked them all sincerely. (Applause)

Prior to the above ceremony, an excellent afternoon tea was enjoyed by all present; and, afterwards, all stood and drank the health of Mr Maher, with musical honours.

“Mercury”

Esteemed local historian James Alipius Maher penned a series of articles entitled ‘Reminiscences of an Old Road’, published in the Kilmore Free Press in March 1939 about the Kilmore-Lancefield Road. Part one discusses Rody Maher and other mail contractors who carried out the service before the advent of the railway.