Reminiscences of 1850s Brisbane Characters, Events and Aboriginal Corroboree

Portrait of Thomas Roper

 Thomas Roper arrived in Moreton Bay from London in 1849, on the ship Fortitude

Bookmarks:  A Walk Through Brisbane    Dr Lang's Immigrants   Carbon Corroboree    Fortitude Valley to Nundah    1849 to 1853    Separation from NSW   1860s

 Brisbane in the early days as I first saw it - then familiarly known as the Settlement: starting from Kangaroo Point Ferry Petrie Bight, I will first describe Queen Street.

A Walk Through Brisbane

 On the right hand stood the residence of Mr Andrew Petrie builder and contractor.  He has ever stood in the front rank in the early development of Brisbane.  He was for many years previous to Brisbane being proclaimed a free port in the services of the Government.  He was afflicted with blindness for many years during which the business was conducted by his co-partner and son, Mr John Petrie.  Their business was very extensive employing a large number of hands with whom they were very popular.  From here the road into town crossed a salt water creek (approx Creek Street). Over this was a dilapidated wooden bridge.  The creek was fringed with mangroves under the shade of which sundry boats were moored.  After crossing the creek the road diverged, one to the right circuitous to avoid the hill and emerging into Queen Street from behind the present site of the Courier buildings,(Edward Street) the other straight over what was then Jail Hill, the Jail (Women’s Factory) occupying the site of the present Post and Telegraph Offices (G.P.O.) and was under the care of Mr Feeney - Governor.  This is the first building after leaving Mr Petrie’s.  At the intersection of Edward with Queen Street was the beginning of Queen Street proper.  But very few who are travelling Queen Street of today would have the slightest conception of what it was in the Forties.  Then there were no friendly gas jets streaming forth to lighten the path of the luckless pedestrian - nothing more than a few oil lamps from the various little pubs by law compelled.  There were no asphalt pavement, no Macadamised streets.  Water worn ruts were allowed to travel where fancy guided them, with here and there an old stump of a tree to entrap the unguarded wanderer.  I remember meeting an old friend of the Samaritan type with his horse and dray drawing a load of stones to fill in a few of the deepest ruts around the corner of Messer’s Grimes and Petty.  This was the only attempt I saw at repairing streets.

In order to give a slight description of Queen Street I will start from the corner where now stands Hunters Boot Palace.  ( Edward Street Intersection)  This corner was then vacant enclosed by a rough split rail fence.  Adjoining this was a large brick building in course of erection by Mr M Skyring, in later years occupied by Mr E Southerden, now the site of the new arcade.  There were two small shops occupied by Mr I H Robertson and Mr Birch somewhere about the site off the present Oxford Hotel.  Mr Robertson was afterwards appointed Post Master in Maryborough.  Opposite these were a few tumble down cottage tenements.

On the left again was a marine store kept by Mr Charles Whitmore.  Next door was the residence of Mr Thomas Haynes who was then one of the town caterers of milk.  On the site of these now stands the business premises of Jack and McKenzie.  Opposite on the right was neat private dwelling, the residence of Wm Duncan Esq. sub collector of H M Customs.  He was well known as the Blackman’s friend.  Adjoining were some cottages belonging to Mr David Petrie.  Opposite this was a Hotel in process of erection by Mr Wm Sheehan opened as the St Patrick's Tavern, the present site of the Hotel.  On the right opposite was low wooden structure called the Sawyers Arms, also a bakers shop kept by Mr D Savoy, next came a butchery conducted by Mr Newbould.  The ground that these once occupied is now the present site of A.I.S. Bank, Stewart, and Hemmant and others.

There were a few small tenements intervening between these and the corner of Albert Street.  On the corner was a brick building owned by Mr Phelan.  In after years it was occupied by Mr McNab, it was then a Horse Bazaar.  Crossing Albert Street where the present butchering establishment now is, was then occupied by Mr Cairncross as a bakery. 

Higher up was Mr G F Poole, chemist and drugstore and Mr Sparks, general store on the opposite corner.  Now Messrs Grimes and Petty was the business premises of John Richardson Esq. then the leading merchant of the place.  Next to him was Mr James Sutherland general store.  A little higher up on the opposite side was Mr George Edmonstone, butcher.  Close alongside was the Smithy of Mr Lachlan McLean.  Here the ring and anvil could be heard from early morn to dewy eve.  There were no eight hour regulations then in existence.

Adjoining was the little Wesleyan Church, a wooden structure of humble appearance and dimensions free from all architectural adornments.  It would accommodate about eighty worshipers.  The first Wesleyan Church in Queensland, pastor the Rev William Moore, late Missionary from Fiji.  The first wedding celebrated was Mr and Mrs James Sutherland.  There was a new Wesleyan Church in course of erection in Albert Street on the ground now occupied by the Queensland Deposit Bank.  This in its turn had to give place to a more commodious building in the year 57.  As time rolled on this church had to make way for the noble edifice erected on the corner of Albert and Ann Streets.  The Telegraph Newspaper Buildings now occupies the site of the Smithy and the Church.

A little higher up was the Sovereign Hotel kept by George McAdam the usual resort of the Darling Downs squatters who occasionally made things hum.  Both Brisbane and Ipswich were very lively on the advent of the shearers after the seasons clip.  Cheques would be knocked down with a free hand called Lambing down.

Opposite the Smithy stood the Court House (building on extreme right).  This was the most conspicuous and extensive block of buildings in the street erected in the penal days.  The main entrance was a large stone archway with stone stairway on either side.  Many a bitter wail, many a heart breaking narrative could be told of scenes enacted within those sombre walls.  The clank of the prisoners chain, the shrieks from the triangle brought forth by the cruel lash are heard no more.  The leg irons and hand cuffs are passed into oblivion and the building then tenanted by the happy and the free, the first home of the newly arrived immigrants.  There were one or two flogged after Brisbane was proclaimed a free port with a few exceptions (one of these being Mr Eldrige, chemist) . 

There was continuation of Government Buildings which were being used as Police Barracks, Watch House and cells.  The last of these is the Post Office, Mr W A Brown, postmaster.  The allotment forming the corner of Queen and George Streets, is vacant enclosed by a rough fence where now stands Mr Troutous chemists shop.  The opposite corner was a brick building occupied by Mr Pickering, wine and spirit merchant, now the Bank of New South Wales.

After crossing George Street on the left stands a large stone edifice known as the Commissariat Store then occupied by a detachment of soldiers.  The ground was enclosed by a high close paling fence, the site of the present Treasury Buildings.  The soldiers were removed just previous to the outbreak of the Crimean War.  Immediately opposite was the little Episcopalian Church built of brick, free from all architectural designs further than a small turret where swings a solitary bell.  It would seat about 200 people .  The Rev Glennie was clergyman.

There is one more interesting spot before we leave Queen Street.  On the bank of the river is a small enclosure where some tombstones may be seen in various stages of decay.  From the inscriptions they were evidently officers attached to the different regiments located here during the penal times.  Every vestage of these has long since been swept away.  It must not be forgotten there were some advantages in walking Queen Street in the forties that we do not now enjoy.  There were no inconvenience through being jostled or crushed by the passing crowd or slipping on the glassy pavement or being knocked down whilst crossing by a passing bus or cab.  Brisbane was singularly free from these accompanying dangers of civilisation.

There is one rather peculiar feature of both professional and businessmen.  They appear to be associated in pairs, namely two doctors, Messrs Ballow and Karman, two chemists, Messrs Poole and Eldridge, two lawyers, Messrs Little and Ocock, two bakers, Messers Savoy and Cairncross, two blacksmiths, Messrs McLean and Davis or (Durumboi) (Bio), two butchers, Messers Edmonston and Newbould.  This will apply to North Brisbane only as there were others on the south side.  Writing from memory after so many years have elapsed there will naturally be many omissions and inaccuracies.  However, I doubt not there are many still living who will remember some of the old familiar names who departing left their footprints in the sands of time. 

Starting from George Street west of Queen Street there were not many buildings.  On the left was Davis Blacksmiths shop (there is an interesting history of this man who lived for some fourteen years with the Aboriginals and was by them named Darumboi)..  Near his shop stood the Hospital now the site of the Supreme Court.  Opposite where the Imperial Hotel now stands was a neat Villa , the residence of Robert Little Esq.  A few other cottages terminated the buildings in George Street.

On the opposite corner the present site of the New Crown Hotel then stood the Caledonian Hotel kept by Thomas Clune.  All around from this on every side was open Commanage.  The camping ground of bullock teams, said teams would frequently monopolise Queen Street during the process of receiving loading for Up Country.  Many of the bullocks would be lying down in their yokes chewing the cud of contentment perfectly indifferent to the requirements of traffic regulations.

At the back of Rankin and Morrow's Store, George Street, was large waterhole, a continuation of a chain of these running from the present Market reserve.  The town was supplied with water for domestic purposes from this.  There was no enclosure of any kind or any convenience of raising water.  The waterman simply backed their drays into the water and with rope and bucket filled their casks usually three for a load and sold at 9d. per cask.  What is lost in transparent purity was compensated by being both food and water, more especially after thunder storms.  This was a favourite resort for dogs to get a luxurious bath.  There were no galvanised tanks in those days and the great objection to catching water from the roofs was the houses were all shingled and discoloured the water.

What is now the Observatory was then a dismantled Grain Mill.  Here the convicts formerly ground their maize and wheat for daily food.  Further on in the vicinity of Warwick and Sapsford stood the Government pound in charge of Mr Hughes.  Crossing Queen Street on the bank of the river near D L Brown & Co Warehouse was the residence of Wm Thornton Esq. of H M Customs.

The whole of the present Botanic Gardens was grazing ground in common for all who owned a horse or cow.  Goats were plentiful in those days.  No restrictions or registrations were then enforced.  There were a few stunted Lime trees, Guavas etc. that the cattle had not completely destroyed.  A few clumps of Cactus or Prickly Pear and one of Bamboo.  The latter was famed as being the secreting place of an enormous Boa Constrictor.  This was gratuitously retailed to all new comers by the Blacks.  I never saw the snake or met with any one that had.

In Elizabeth Street about the side of Mr McLeans present business establishment stood and old building at one time a Government Barn.  This was used by the Roman Catholic's for holding religious services previous to their building the little stone church alongside the present Cathedral.  Father Stanley was then Parish Priest.

I must not forget Frogs Hollow which will ever remain fresh in the memories of all residents.  Its location is rather difficult.  At the intersection of Albert and Elizabeth Streets.  North was a large shallow swamp about one acre in area.  After a thunder storm it would be a miniature lake.  It was the receptacle of all the town refuse.  Dead cats, fowls and dogs would lie putrefying in the sun.  (No Sanitary Inspector walking about).  It was tenanted by myriads of bull frogs.  Their nightly concerts (more especially after a fall of rain) is beyond description and must be heard to be appreciated.

In George Street the late Captain Coley's old residence is yet standing near Gardner Bros Cordial Factory also Mr Kannans which has since been considerably renovated.  There was no Bellevue Hotel or Club House or Parliamentary Buildings or Government House or improvements of any kind.  Eastwards of this the South Brisbane Ferry was at the back of the Museum.  Close alongside was a wharf and store known as Tom Dowses Wharf; he was the first Town Clerk after Brisbane being proclaimed a municipality.  South Brisbane held an important position in the early days.  The Hunter River steamers moored here and discharged and received their cargoes.  The bulk of the wool from up country was delivered here into the Receiving Stores of the Company.  Many of the station teams delivered their loading in Ipswich.  It was conveyed form thence to Brisbane chiefly by punts.  The principal stores were the late I & G Harris, A I & H Hockings and Captain Daniel Peterson.  John McCabe and Grenier conducted the leading hotels.  Mr W Kent ran the drug store.   Return

Dr Lang's Immigrants

In January 49, the ship "Fortitude" arrived in the Bay.  This as you may imagine created quite a flutter in the usually quiet little village.  The news was hailed with gladness.  Unfortunately she was quarantined for three weeks on Moreton Island.  The Fortitude was the first of three ships sent out by the late Dr Lang.  Two others arrived the same year.  The Chaseley and the Lima.  As these were despatched under somewhat peculiar circumstances perhaps a word of explanation will not be out of place.  Through their not being under Government control the authorities in Brisbane at the head of which was Captain Wickham, Government resident refused to take charge as in the ordinary way of Government ships.  The Doctor's reputed agent, Mr John Richardson, would have nothing to do with them.  The only apparent way of solving the difficulty was for the new arrivals to consent to be classed as Government Immigrants.  This suggestion was at first denounced as Infra Dig (adj. Beneath one's dignity).  However after further discussion wiser counsel prevailed and they resolved to do so.  The authorities at once sent down supplies of fresh meat, vegetables also tents and medical comforts and a detachment of soldiers as a protection from the Blacks.  The Land Orders given then by Dr Lang on their leaving London represented twenty acres per stature adult.  The idea was to at once start cotton cultivation.  The Doctor had written a work entitled "Cooks Land" {Colonisation Scheme} which he proposed to name the present Colony of Queensland.

On the passengers arrival in Brisbane they at once interviewed the agent, Mr Richardson, to ascertain how they were to proceed.  He most determinedly objected his appointment as agent being without his consent or knowledge.  A deputation then waited on Captain Wickham.  He in his official capacity could do nothing seeing Dr Lang's Company were not recognised in Downing Street.  Public meetings were held and the matter further discussed but of no avail as far as procuring the land.  This unfortunate turn of affairs presented a very grave aspect to all interested.  How to solve the difficulty remained a problem.  There was no employment to be had in town.  Several of the young single men (there were forty in all) interviewed Rev Glennie.  He advised them to go up country and engage as shepherds and station hands which they did at salaries from £16 to £20 per annum.  The married portion, chiefly business men and mechanics having small capital entered into sundry pursuits both in Brisbane and Ipswich and gradually merged into Colonial life.

Correspondence was opened up with Dr Lang in London but nothing satisfactory came of it.  The scheme had evidently fallen through.  The passengers by the Chaseley shared the same fate.  Those by the Lima were more fortunate and got their land.  Some settled at Moggill, some at Bulimba and others at Boggo.  These were the Pioneer Farmers of Queensland.  Others speculated in properties and acquired homes in Fortitude Valley.  From this, the locality derived its name.   Return

Fortitude Valley to Nundah

At that time there were only three or four families located north of Petrie's Bight.  On the hill where the Convent now stands was Mr Skyring's residence and Pinery.  There was no cutting there and drays took the lower road, now Wickham Street.  The Massey Bros were brick makers in the hollow near Catholic School in Boundary Street.  On the corner at the junction of Ann and Brunswick Streets stood a Bark hut, the residence of Charlie Windmill, now the site of Corrigan's palatial building.

There were no other residents till you came to Breakfast Creek.  On the left hand was Flannigan's market garden with dense scrub at the back.  It is now the site of the bowling green and sundry stores.  Captain Wickham resided at 'Newstead'.  There was an old broken backed wooded bridge spanning the creek, only passable at low tide.  As the tide flowed in, the centre of the bridge was several feet under water.  Immediately opposite the present Toombul Wharf was another Market Garden owned by Mr Gage.  Both here and at Flannigan's were the scene of many depredations by the Blacks.

The German Station which is now Nundah was formed by eight or nine German Missionaries early in the forties.  The Homestead had a novel appearance.  The houses close together, presumably for mutual protection, and formed one side of a street.  One of these was set aside for religious services and school house.  When I first visited the place, Mr W A Noble (now of Myrtle) was conducting the school.  Fronting the street was an enclosure of several acres in area for cultivation.  There were spacious stockyards erected and a large herd of milking cattle daily operated on.  The social scheme of All things in Common was being worked with apparent satisfaction.  There are only two of the original pioneers left; all the others have gone over to the great majority.  However, their representatives of the third and fourth generation are to be seen on every side.  The mission itself was not a success.

The old racecourse on New Farm was a place of note in the early days.  Here resided Richard Jones, Esq., property.  North East of this stood a cottage, the residence of S Lyons, the original proprietor of Moreton Bay Courier, and a Mr Adams, a solicitor.  On the bank of the river near the late Mr Drury's residence was a little cottage, the home of Mr Doeg, one of the clerical staff and contemporary with Mr Wilkes of the local paper.  Where the Municipal Wharves are erected was them an undulating hollow.  There was no retaining wall but a gentle grassy slope from the present road to the river.

Here the little Ketch "Nelson" discharged her cargoes of oysters for the purpose of burning for lime.  They were burned on Kilns built with logs about five feet high.  Several tons would be consumed in one burning.  These oyster cargoes would be a great attraction to both Blacks and juvenile Whites.  Here they would fraternise and feast on the delicious Bivalve.  The owners gave free permission providing the shells were left behind.  To continue this wholesale destruction would soon have annihilated the oyster from our shores.  There were no leased oyster beds or fishing regulations in existence.   Return

Carbon Corroboree

Yorks Hollow (Victoria Park) was situated somewhere about the Horse Parade on the Exhibition Ground, was a favourite camping ground for the Blackfellows.  Bribie Island, Amity Point, Logan and Wide Bay would all send their contingent for the Carbon Corroboree.  These gatherings preceded a fight, generally of a tribal character.  More frequently the ladies were the unintentional cause of these Savage Appeals to Arms.  Both their corroborees and fights were patronised by the civilised white man.  It was the only evening's diversion.

The actors of the play took good care to freely advertise the forthcoming treat weeks before the event.  This would be verbal announcements only, as they never patronised the local paper.  Admission free, no tickets, no collection at the close further than most urgent appeals for tobacco or any stray coppers.  Having these trifles in your pockets you were always most heartily welcomed.  On these occasions Royalty would be presented.  Two or three kings with glittering badges on their breast denting their name and country over which they ruled.  Besides these there would be quite a posse of Dukes.

I well remember the Duke of York.  He was evidently a Chief whose smile was more courted than his frown.  Making Kippers, which means the young men are brought out - their first debut into society.  After this introduction and sundry ceremonies, they are recognised as full-blown warriors, eligible to marry and have a lady love to build his Gunyah, carry his household treasures and finish picking the bones of the newly-killed opossum after he has satisfied his inner man.  The wife usually squats down behind her Lord and Master during the meal time and he tosses the half picked bone over his shoulder to his hungry and patient spouse.  The scene of a first class Corroboree is one full of excitement mixed with a certain amount of timidity.  The Gins sit round in a large circle, say 200.

They are singing a War Dance, accompanying the song by slapping their thighs with the hollow of the hand and keeping good time to the tread of their Lords.  A peculiar feature in their dances.  The Ladies never joined in the frivolous fantastic step.  This was following our John Wesley's idea of a ballroom - the gentlemen dancing by themselves.

The refreshments during the interlude were of a very meagre order - simply a few Calabashes filled from the adjacent water holes, accompanied by the inseparable pipe.  The whole scene had a weird and pandemonium appearance.  Innumerable torches from strips of stringy bark (which is very inflammable), the warriors painted in a most fantastic way, usually in alternate red and white stripes from the face down to the feet.  Their hair would be stuffed with down and feathers.  They would come darting out from behind the big forest trees, waving their flambeaus and yelling like demons.  During the stillness of the night their revelling could be heard for miles.  The whole assembly would be attired in nature's costume, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  The following morning they would be lying about the camp - completely exhausted.  Usually there was an interval of a few days prior to the armies meeting on the battlefield.

It was customary for the opposing forces to assemble on two opposite ridges, having the valley between.  From these vantage grounds, they would send forth their taunts and challenges (reminding one of David and Goliath in Biblical History).  One after another of their leading champions, or some young hot-blood thirsting for distinction, would walk down into the valley and several single combats would take place.  They were very dexterous, both offensive and defensive.  Unlike European wars, the ladies would take part in the melee.  They would show extraordinary aptitude in the art of self-defence.

I remember on one occasion a goodly number of townsfolk had come out to witness the heroic deeds of the able champions.  During the heat of the battle, the retreating forces got mixed up with the non-combatants, or whites.  Away we all ran townward, followed by the victorious troops flushed with victory.  Probably the cunning of the savage saved him from a disastrous defeat, as the victors dared not throw their spears of boomerangs, fearing they might injure some of the white men.  I am not very clear as to their methods of Treaties of peace.  I never heard of any War Indemnities, either monetary or territorial.

They ministered not the daily wants and necessities of the dwellers in town as far as their intelligence and natural indolence would permit them.  They would come daily, marching in Indian file, accompanied by troops of dogs, the Gins usually with a bundle of firewood on their heads which would represent a breakfast.  The Gins were the burden bearers.  In addition to the load of wood, they would frequently have a piccaninny squatted in a blanket on their backs, also a dilly bag stuffed full of odds and ends, their household treasures.  The bulk of the domestic work such as scrubbing verandas, cleaning up back yards, hewers of wood and carriers of water, would fall to the lot of the poor drudging wife.

An unfortunate occurrence happened about the year '50.  A man reported in town the Blacks were spearing Mr Petrie's cattle at the Fisheries on Breakfast Creek.  A detachment of military went out, accompanied by the Chief constable, Mr Fitzpatrick.  On arriving at the camp somebody blundered respecting the word of command.  The military fired into the camp.  The Blacks were horrified as well as maimed and fled for their lives.  An investigation was held and punishment was metered out to the offending parties.  It turned out the charge of their molesting cattle was all a fabrication.   Return

1849 to 1853

Late in '49, the Mount Stuart Elphinston arrived with a shipment of exiles, which was soon followed by the ship "Bangalore".  This was the last shipment of this undesirable class.  The Hashemy was lying in Sydney Harbour with a similar cargo but were denied a landing.  The Eagle steamers ran alongside and brought them up to Moreton Bay.  Another eventful arrival about this time was the ship "Emigrant".  Both on the voyage and whilst lying in the Bay, a frightful epidemic was raging.  Between thirty and forty died whilst lying in quarantine.  The ship's doctor succumbed to the fatal malady.  Dr Ballow (the Health Officer in Brisbane) went down (with a strong presentiment he would never return).  He soon fell a victim.  The daily reports brought up from the Bay were mournful in the extreme.  Doctor Kannan volunteered to go down (to what then appeared the very jaws of death).  However he was spared to see the fell disease stayed and in due time a clean bill of health was reported. 

The year '50 was fruitful of notable events.  The visit of Sir Charles Fitzroy, who was then the Governor - we were then looked upon as far off dependency Colonel Snodgrass was our Parliamentary representative.  In the year '50 or '51 the first Circuit Court was opened by Mr Justice Terry.  The advent of these legal gentlemen, with their gowns and wigs, created quite a sensation.  The court was held in the big room upstairs in the old Courthouse.  On the calendar were two men,Wagner and Fitzgerald, who were tried for murder, condemned and hanged on the hill outside the jail wall, on the present site of the Electric Telegraph Office.  Another case, of little importance in itself, but was the cause of great financial change - a Publican named Genier had his till robbed of supposed cash.  On investigation it was found the cash consisted of I.O.U's. The charge fell through on the ground of its not being legal tender.  The issuing of these was prohibited and they were at once called in.  This system had previously been the chief circulating medium.  The amounts were usually from five shillings down to twopence.  There was but little coin of the Realm in circulation at that time.  However, the Bank of NSW was now the monetary difficulty arranged.

Communication with Ipswich by steam boat was first started by the Experiment, afterwards supplemented by the Hawk, owned by Boyland and Reid, which was followed by the Swallow, built by Mr Winship.  She was expected to be a rapid bird of passage like her feathered namesake, but failed to create a sensation as regards speed.  The following years saw quite a fleet of river boats - the Bremer, the Settler, the Breadalbane, the Emu, the Ballarat, the Brisbane and the Ipswich.  The four latter were owned by the Ocean Steam Company. 

The communication with Sydney was at long intervals and very irregular.  The monthly arrival of the old Tamar (occasionally relieved by the Shamrock).  The Tamarack was commanded by Captain Murphy.  Her arrival was quite an event - her smoke would be seen as he came up the river and the news of a Sydney steamer's arrival would be the universal topic.  (There were no means of signalling.)   Little groups would be gathered together awaiting her arrival with impatient expectancy, as this was the only means of communication with the outer world beyond a few small schooners.  The business men would have consignments on board.  One would have a few bags of Pampanga sugar, another two or three half and quarter chests of Hysonskin tea, another a keg of nails, the want of which has caused a delay in building.  The publican was expecting a consignment to replenish his cellars (no local breweries).  The delivery of the mails was of paramount interest.  The European news would be four or five months old.  There were no cablegrams or telegrams to flash as in our day.  A second steamer was placed on the Sydney Line - the Eagle started her maiden trip in '50 in charge of Captain Allen.  She decorated with bunting and welcomed with cheers as she rounded Kangaroo Point.  In after years the honour of making rapid trips fell to Captain O'Reilly, in charge of the Boomerang.  There was no steam trade to the North of Moreton Bay.  Maryborough and Port Curtis were the only two Ports and these were served by sailing coasters.

The Constabulary Force was composed of three constables and one chief, quite equal to local requirements.  A very small affair compared to the Force of the present day.  Our Coalfields were of limited character.  The first was at Moggill, owned and worked by Mr Williams.  The output was very small - I suppose equal to the demand.  This property was purchased by a Syndicate, Messrs Panton, Faircloth, H Buckley and others.  It had ceased working for many years.

In industry of the Boiling down Establishments created a large employment during the season.  They were in the hands of enterprising men, R I Smith, John Campbell and Peter Fleming, all on the banks of the Brisbane and Bremer.  This was the only outlet for the surplus flocks and herds.  Owing to the limited population the consumption was very small.  The idea of supplying the home markets with either frozen or living stock was left for the present generation to develop.

There were no vehicles in the early days of Brisbane beside the bullock and horse drays, with the exception of Captain Wickham's Sociable which was brought out on Sunday to enable the family to go to church.  The first public conveyance was started by a Mr Woods, if I remember rightly.  It was running from the Sovereign in Queen Street to the Royal George in the Valley - that is, when there were any passengers to carry.  The only road fit for driving was the road to Eagle Farm and this was the work of convicts.  Any kind of an outing had to be accomplished on horseback.  I am afraid many of the ladies would be denied this pleasure.

The timber supply for building purposes was all sawn by hand.  The day of sawmills had not yet arrived.  The Binstead Brothers on North Quay were the principal Sawyers.  Certainly there were no very extensive contracts rushing in.  If so, they exercised the virtue of patience.

The memorable year '51 electrified Brisbane by Hargreave's discovery of Gold at Summer Hill.  Most exaggerated and absurd rumours were startling the whole community.  The find at Summer Hill was quickly followed by another and far more important one on the Turon.  This last information threw all business completely our of gear.  Men of all classes were now seriously talking of going to have a look.  The steamer Eagle, also the brig Jack belonging to I & G Harris, were quickly filled to overflowing, so intense was the excitement.  After a few trips of the Eagle, the bulk of the able-bodied men w ere landed in Sydney, leaving their wives, sweethearts and children to the protection of the aged and infirm old men.  But a very small percentage of Brisbane crowd made a success of the venture.  The gold was not to be picked up on the surface of the ground.  After a month or so the fever had died out and many returned to their homes poorer, wiser and sadder men. 

During the year '51 the first School of Arts was opened.  The leading spirits were John Innes, James Spence, Langridge Poole and others.  The spirit of debate was just awakened and the first Separation meeting was held.  Taylor (the learned Blacksmith), Robert Cribb and other orators of note (at that time) addressed the meeting.

The year '52 saw the initiation of cotton cultivation.  Messrs, Poole and Eldridge, druggists, had the honour of pioneering this (at one time) important industry, thus emulating the Great Mechi of razor strop fame, London, who took such a prominent position amongst the British farmers during the Forties.  The cotton was found to take kindly to our Queensland climate and flourished luxuriously.  The following years several companies were formed and large areas were placed under cotton, but the scarcity of labour for picking the same proved fatal.  The Government stepped in to assist to nurse the infant into manhood by giving a bonus of £5 per bale of ginned cotton.  The following year it was reduced to £2 per bale and the third and last year to £1 The cessation of the bonus proved the death of cotton cultivation.  The agricultural districts around Ipswich took a prominent place.  The firms of Cribb and Foote and I & G Harris imported costly ginning machinery.  Thousands of bales arriving both by land and water during the season gave the town a busy and bustling appearance.  There was one peculiar advantage in its cultivation - the poorest land would produce the finest staple cotton.  The great and insurmountable difficulty was the scarcity of hands to harvest the crop, which was exceedingly perishable.  On a bright sunny day the balls would burst and give the appearance of a field of snow; a single day's rain would destroy the farmers' prospects - the cotton would be stained and unmarketable.  Another great obstacle was the competing with America in the home market.  It was found unpractable.  The cotton trees were rooted out and burned and a general resumption to the original staples, maize, potatoes and hay.

During these years, there was a constant war betwixt the squatters and selectors.  The former wanted cheap labour and broad acres for his flocks and herds.  They fought close settlement tooth and nail.  They had a great preponderance in Parliament and were masters of the situation.  The Darling Downs, they asserted, would not grow a cabbage.  To punish the Brisbane trade they threatened to make Cleveland the shipping port and deliver their work on Blue Water.  There seems to be an inherent antagonism between the flock master and the tiller of the soil, from the time of Cain and Abel, which culminated in Fractricide.

In '53 a new era in timber for building purposes now dawned on the community by the erection of a sawmill by our enterprising townsmen, Wm Pettigrew, Esq.  As usual in all progressiveness of this nature, opposition was his own by the craft which they looked upon as in danger.  They predicted failure and a speedy collapse.  Unfortunately their predictions of the latter were soon verified.  It was burned to t he ground in '55.  It was re-erected and again burned down in '74.  It was wrecked for the third time by the 'Big Flood' of '93.  Again restored and in full work up to date.  Surely the grit of the Scotsman was much in evidence here.   Return

Separation from NSW

Coming events cast their shadows.  The supposed boon of separation had for several years been the vital topic of the day, the appeal for which was unanimous, in which the whole country joined issue - squatters, farmers, business men and mechanics.  Crowded meetings were held.  All the eloquence of the local talent was poured forth most lavishly and enthusiastically cheered.  Dr Lang was indefatigable in keeping the prize well before the public eye and ear, both with pen and platform oratory.  The Home authorities were petitioned again and again.  At last the Royal Assent was granted, her most Gracious Majesty christening the new-born Colony "Queensland".  In the year '59, Sir George Ferguson Bowen was appointed first Governor. 

The year following, the first Parliament was formed and a new Nation sprang into existence, with an enormous territory and containing within herself all the elements for building up a mighty Nation, with ample room for millions of the over-populated British Isles to find a home and help to open out nature's rich storehouses.  The extent of her mineral wealth must remain to be developed by coming generations.  What a few years back was looked upon as Terra Incognito has now been taken possession of by the Frontier Squatter and vast flocks and herds are now depasturing thereon.  The time has arrived for Brisbane to lay aside her swaddling clothes and enter the arena of life's battle as a stalwart stripling.  A municipality is proclaimed.  The formation of streets and lighting the same call for immediate attention. 

In '65, a Board of Water Works was instituted.  The Enoggera Reservoir was constructed, The old town waterhole disappeared and a new era had set in.

Owing to the monopoly and consequently high rates of freight enjoyed by the A.S.N. Steam Company, a new Company was started, chiefly composed of Brisbane Shareholders.  Captain Putello (formerly an employee of the old Company) was appointed manager and sent home to superintend (supervise) the construction and sending out the infant fleet, consisting of the Queensland, Lady Young and Lady Bowen.  The senior Company at once lowered their freights.  For a time there was keen competition; however, through insufficient capital, the Queensland Company succumbed to its more powerful rival, which resulted in the older Company purchasing their complete plant and resuming supremacy of the Coasting Trade without a rival.  Some few years after this, Howard Smith and Son established themselves in Brisbane as Ocean Carriers.  They too met with similar treatment as the defunct Q.S.Company. however they were able for the strain and maintained their ground and are now powerful and friendly competitors for public patronage.   Return

1860s

In the year '63, Brisbane was subjected to a flood, which was succeeded in '64 by a disastrous fire, the first of any magnitude the town yet experienced.  Queen Street from the corner of Albert Street (well known as Cairncross's corner) nearly up to the Bank of NSW was laid in ruins.  There was a Volunteer Fire Brigade at work, but the appliances brought to bear were ill-adapted to contend with a fire of such magnitude.  Refuge Row, the site of the present A.M.P. Buildings up to the Telegraph Office.  Naturally these buildings were all of a temporary character and have long since disappeared.

The year '66 was noted as the year of the great Riot.  Navvies who had been employed in the construction of the Ipswich and Toowoomba Railway struck work and came down to Brisbane in a body about 60 strong.  There was some consternation amongst the inhabitants of the different villages as they passed through.  The bakers and butchers threw open shops as a peace offering.  However, there was no wrecking or violence offered until they arrived in Brisbane.  Here two or three of the ringleaders now became very prominent.  Making absurd demands of the government, threatening to sack the treasury, etc.  To meet such an unexpected emergency, all the Government employees were quickly enrolled and marched out, parading Queen Street.  The ringleaders now demanded bread or blood with threatening gestures.  They were soon taken in hand by the Police and locked up, and finally sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, where they got the bread they so defiantly clamoured for.  The main body quickly dispersed, and this ended the first Labour trouble of Queensland.  There were no Labour Unions then in existence.

About this time the Bank of Queensland failed and a terrible depression was experienced by the community.  However, the cloud was soon to be dispersed in a most unexpected way.  In '67, the Gympie Goldfield was discovered.  A Mr Nash, a gold prospector, after many weary months of fruitless toil among the ranges, most fortunately was led to prospect a gully, afterwards well and favourably known as Nash's Gully.  Here he came across rich deposits of the precious metal.  He reported the same to the authorities and claimed the one thousand pounds reward previously offered by the Government, together with a prospecting area.  The news spread like wildfire, both in Maryborough and Brisbane.  Thousands wended their way to the new Eldorado.  All sorts of vehicles and conveyances were pressed into the service.  One man landed on the Field having wheeled a barrow containing his little ones and necessaries over a hundred miles.  His indomitable pluck carried him through.  A man of such stamina was bound to succeed, which was verified in his case.  He became one of the leading men of the town and today holds a prominent position there.  This rich field came most opportunely for the country.  It had universally been acknowledged as the salvation of Queensland.  At one time over a thousand men (breadwinners) from the Valley alone were working at the alluvial ground, all getting something.  There was no capital required or months to wait before any return for labour expended, as in the case of deep sinking on the Reef, nor any costly machinery to invest in.  The outfit consisted of a pick and shovel, prospecting dish and cradle, and to start work at once, and, possessed with a Miner's Right (a Licence to Mine), the field was before him.  Working the reefs in search of matrix gold (which has grown to such an important industry) required a large capital.  To realise, this, Companies were floated and a large amount of labour is employed to work the same.  Many thousands of pounds are expendable on machinery.  The road from Brisbane to Gympie over the Blackall Ranges was about one hundred and twenty miles of very rough broken country.  It was a terrible experience, more especially for all vehicular traffic.  However, extravagant expectations on reaching a new goldfield swept aside all obstacles that would effectually bar any other enterprise.

The sugar industry is far too important to pass over.  In the year '62, the Honourable Louis Hope on his Cleveland estate started salt works by the process of evaporation form artificial pans.  The industry not realising expectations, he determined to form a sugar plantation.  A large amount of capital was expendable in machinery and plant and preparatory works but, not proving the success anticipated, after a few years it was abandoned.  The Logan and Albert appears to have been the pioneers' favoured locality, as it was thought the climate was more equable and the virgin scrub soils more productive.  Kanaka labour was now introduced, but from various causes the industry (except in a few isolated cases) did not realise expectations and in many instances the plantations have been converted into grazing and agricultural farms.  The climate of the Tropical North appears more congenial for the development of the sugar cane.

During the year '68, Brisbane was honoured by a visit form Prince Alfred (now Duke of Edinburgh).  The reception was truly Loyal and Royal.  As occurrences of more recent date are still fresh in the memories of many of your readers, consequently there will be no interest in perusing the same.

I omitted to mention when writing of the discovery of gold in Gympie that Canoona was the first Field discovered in Queensland in the year '58.  The present town of Rockhampton owes its origin to this discovery.   Return

"Old Colonist".