Percy Manders General Carrier

Charles Manders, Percy's grandfather, had originally embarked on the business as a general carrier using a bullock team in the 19th century. Percy became the third generation to work the business.

In 1932 Percy purchased the cargo vessel Eclipse and on Monday 3 April 1933 commenced a regular transport service between Ipswich and Brisbane. 

In March 1933 Percy had made application to Ipswich City Council for a lease of the ground on the banks of the Bremer River, previousy occupied by Messrs. W. Collin and Sons, for wharf purposes, for a period of three years.

 The business provided cargo transportation and pleasure cruises from Ipswich. Mixed cargo was transported three times per week to Brisbane, carrying a load on the following day back to Ipswich. The company also used trucks in their business. In 1936 another vessel, the Bremer (formerly known as Cowslip), joined their fleet but  ran aground in 1938 and was eventually destroyed by fire. Following this development Manders often hired boats to deliver services. 

 After World War II another boat Percy operated was named the Srednam, which is  Manders spelled backwards. It was used for picnics, trips to the Junction, visits to Lone Pine, and  fishing in Moreton Bay until 1955.  

The company often hauled timber for Hancock's Mill. 

Percy Manders & Son were carriers and heavy lift specialists operating from East Ipswich, until the late 1960s. The family lived at Blackall Street, East Ipswich.