Mystery medal bidder | Warwick News | Local News in Warwick

The medals won by shearer Jackie Howe are up for auction.

By GEORGIA DONOVAN

CAN you put a price on a piece of Warwick's history?

With Jackie Howe's medals to go under the hammer next month at a Sotheby's auction in Melbourne, interest has been expressed by a mystery buyer to retain the medals in Warwick where the champion blade shearer was born.

As reported in Saturday's Daily News, the two gold medals Howe won in 1892 are being sold by his family and are expected to reach a price of up to $35,000.

The interested party, who yesterday wished to remain anonymous, indicated they would bid for the medals at the May 27 auction to keep the valuable items in the district.

Southern Downs mayor Ron Bellingham said the council would consider the possibility of purchasing the medals but he was not confident it could justify such an expense to ratepayers.

"The community would like to foster that connection but it's a different thing when they're expected to pay for them," he said.

"I think they (councillors) would struggle with spending that estimated mount of money."

Cr Bellingham said he would raise the issue at a meeting before the auction.

Jackie Howe Motel and Function Centre owner Trish Roberts said many guests passing through Warwick were drawn to the hotel because of its name.

"So many shearers who come through Warwick see a hotel called Jackie Howe and are interested," she said.

"A lot of people would think of him from Blackall not many know he's from Warwick.

"He was born here... he's a local."

Mrs Roberts suggested somebody "truly interested and passionate" should purchase them.