My return to clerking after a short stint as a Commercial Artist with Graphic Advertising in 1957 eventually took me to the Yeerongpilly, Brisbane terminal of Thomas Road Transport in 1962 as an accounts clerk. The company was just about to expand and I seemed to be in the right place at the right time, aged 26.
I had parked my artist brushes and pencils and found myself positioning for a role in administration as the business developed quickly from operating a Road Transport service to creating a huge network of Road and Rail haulage terminals and warehouses throughout Australia as Thomas Nationwide Transport (TNT).
Within a year or two, I had graduated to Office Manager of the newly built Brisbane warehouse, directing the recording of stock movements, through the warehouse, of several Australian businesses to whom TNT was contracted. My work with TNT continued there for 10 years, the last few as Brisbane Warehouse Manager.
Along the way, my cartooning was not to be entirely subdued. there were opportunities to use cartoons as teaching aids for staff (storemen and drivers) as well as illustrating the company's staff newsletter. It took me a while to reconcile the two interests of Art and Stock Control. Eventually, I came to see the link of design and order in both.
The man who started up the Brisbane newsletter was Arthur Bray, Queensland Manager at the time and a vibrant, much-loved individual, concerned for the welfare of all his employees. He was energetic and fun-loving, friends with everyone. Below is a caricature of him, printed in the newsletter, TNT TOPICS, issue No.1 in 1965. Arthur was appointed Director of Western Australian operations around 1971 and moved to Perth. Sadly, he died there from a heart attack in 1979. Under the illustration is a link to a Rotary Club Memorial established in his name and funding worthy needs of others, such an appropriate project in Arthur's memory.
A few other cartoons will be found on my page: TNT- after hours 1962-1972 when I get to it.
A few other cartoons will be found on my page: TNT- after hours 1962-1972 when I get to it.
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