Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Friday 25 October 1912, page 3


DEATH OF CHARLIE SAMUELS.

Noted Aboriginal Champion.

News has been received of the death of Charlie

Samuels the one time famous aboriginal pedes-trian who died in the Barambah Hospital on 13th instant. Charlie Samuels was as a Queensland

aboriginal who for some time past had been at the aboriginal settlement at Barambah. In his day he was believed to be the fastest sprint runner living. He was certainly one of the fastest men over a short distance who ever lived. Samuel's running attracted attention in Queensland in the eighties. A big boom in professional sprint running was shortly afterwards inaugurated, having its principal centre in Syd-ney, where the late Mr Frank Smith promoted a series of sprint handicaps at the Sir Joseph Banks Grounds, Botany. The big prizes at-

tracted the world's best runners, including the famous Harry Hutchens, of England, Ed Skinner of America, and others. Thee boom gathered strength by the opening of the Carrington Run-ning Grounds and afterwards the Lillie Bridge Grounds. On August 30 1886, Samuels won the   Eights Grand Handicap at Botany, the competi-tors including some of the world's best men. His record of 124 yds, run in 12½sec at Sir Joseph Banks Grounds in December, 1888, still stands in the record books. Samuel's last ap- perance in public was in Brisbane in May, 1901

on the occasion of the visit of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary. It will be remembered that on the historic occasion, when

the then Duke and Duchess of York visited Bris-

bane, an aboriginal arch was erected in

George street, where it formed one of the most sinking and interesting features. When their Royal Highnesses were driven under the arch, on the day of their arrival, a number of abori-

ginals were grouped upon and about the arch in native attire, and carrying their aboriginal arms. The tall athletic figure of Samuels was sufficiently striking to induce his selection to

occupy the most commanding position on the apex of the arch, where his appearance attracted the attention of their Highnesses. Samuels pos-sessed the kindly feeling of all who knew him.   He had no idea of the value of money and

though he is believed to have won fortunes for others he probably reaped but little pecuniary

benefit himself from the wonderful gift he pos-sed. When the running boom fell through, he spent some time at the aboriginal encamp-ment at La Perouse, not far from the scene of his victories, and later he found his way back to Queensland. At Barambah he was known as "a decent old chap, and very honourable." Jerry Jerome, the aboriginal boxer, who has at tracted a great deal of attention of late, claims

to be a nephew of Samuels.