November 14, 2014
Well-known Nanango mechanic “Uncle” Arthur Smith has finally hung up his spanners after years of helping South Burnett residents out of a jam.
Arthur owned “Uncle Arthur’s Workshop”, located next door to the BP Roadhouse but has also been the familiar face behind the wheel of the local RACQ breakdown van for about 17 years.
Arthur, who is “almost 73”, came from Chinchilla to Nanango 45 years ago.
He spent 16 years with Alexander’s Garage in Nanango before working for a number of other South Burnett businesses, including Huston Motors and the BP in Kingaroy.
About 20 years ago, Arthur decided to go out on his own and start his own business.
He opened his “Uncle Arthur’s Workshop” beside the Mobil Garage in Nanango. Two years later he shifted to beside the Nanango BP where he’s been ever since.
Today was his final day at work and he was cleaning out the last of the tools from his workshop.
He admitted he would miss it a little but his aim now was to do “as little as possible”.
“I’ll play bowls, go fishing and do a bit of gardening,” he said.
He said cars – and their owners – had changed over the years which was changing the way mechanics worked.
Up until a few years ago, people would pay to have an engine rebuilt; these days with the cost of parts for small cars skyrocketing, owners often chose to buy another vehicle.
Arthur said he always did his best to help people who came to his business.
“I am a firm believer in helping people. If someone is in trouble I will help them,” he said.
Footnote: southburnett.com.au experienced some of Arthur’s help recently when we had double trouble on the D’Aguilar Highway late at night; not only did he organise a tow but he stayed with us until the truck arrived. Thank you, Arthur … and enjoy your retirement!
