A Queensland timeline 1606 - 1908 per 'The Courier'.

 

'The Courier' (later the Courier Mail) of 8 December 1909, published a timeline of Queensland's history from the time of separation to the 50th Anniversary of the same, 1859 - 1908. For some reason they did not include the year that had just been, perhaps that was recorded in another edition.

QUEENSLAND'S HALF CENTURY 1859 TO 1909 NOTABLE EVENTS (1909, December 8). The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), p. 23 (Queensland's Half Century). Retrieved December 13, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19579953

To tell this story they reached back a few years before to set the context. I republish the list here unabridged as it appears in Trove. The original also included photographs which I have deleted, mostly because the image quality in the Trove Version is insufficient to justify publishing.

This long read is an interesting exercise in historical significance. What does a state as yet untouched by World Wars view as significant? Shipping, railways and churches are but three of the big themes I quickly found. What lens do they see the original custodians of the land? There is a clear link between race and criminality.

I have brought this information across into a spreadsheet to allow for the addition of keywords, and easier importing into other history projects.  There are over 2000 events recognised in the list below.

1606

Aug. 30.— Discovery of Torres Straits by Luis Valo (Vaez) de Torres.

1770

May 6.—Captain Cook left Botany Bay in continuation of his voyage of discovery to the north of Australia.

May 17.— Captain Cook in the vicinity of Moreton Bay named the Glasshouse Mountains.

May 27.— Keppel Bay discovered and named by Captain Cook.

1799

July 8.— Flinders left Sydney for Moreton Bay.

July 16.— Moreton Bay visited by Flinders in the " Norfolk." Point Skirmish named by Flinders ; also " Pumice Stone River " and Redcliffe.

Aug. 25.— John Dunmore Lang born at Greenock.

1802

July 26.— Flinders visited Moreton Bay a second time in the " Investigator."

1823

March 8.— Pamphlet, Finnigan, and party left Sydney.

May 8.— Dr. Lang, first Presbyterian minister, landed in New South Wales.

June 8.— Dr. Lang preached introductory Sermon.

Oct 16.— Lieut. Oxley received instructions from Governor Brisbane to search for new penal establishment.

Oct. 23.— Oxley left Sydney in search of a depot.

Nov. 5.— Oxley anchored at Port Curtis.

Nov 29.— Oxley anchored in Moreton Bay.

Dec. 2.— Oxley found the River Brisbane.

1824

Sept. 24.— Settlement founded by Oxley at Redcliffe.

Nov 4.— Penal Settlement removed from Redcliffe to Edenglassie—the first name given to Brisbane.

Nov 10.— Governor Brisbane left Sydney on visit to Moreton Bay.

Nov 25.— Governor Brisbane arrived in Moreton Bay.

Dec. .— Commissariat (now Colonial) Stores built.

1825

Sept.1.— Major Lockyer left Sydney in the " Mermaid" for Moreton Bay.

Sept. 6.— Lockyer arrived in the Bay.

Sept 10.— Lockyer, with captain Bishop and Lieut. Miller, left on excursion up river.

Sept. 20.— Lockyer named Redbank from the colour of the soil.

Sept. 28.— Lockyer discovered either Bremer or the Lockyer—there is a doubt which.

Nov. — Captain Logan appointed Commandant Moreton Bay.

1826

— Discovery of Logan River by Logan.

Dec. 19.— Death of Governor Brisbane.

— Limestone named by Logan.

1827

May 11.— 300 prisoners located Moreton Bay.

June 5.— Darling Downs discovered by Allan Cunningham.

June 8.— Logan found coal at Limestone - the first of Ipswich.

June.— Governor Darling visited Brisbane, and was unfavourably impressed with the site, believing that Stradbroke Island would be better.

July 10.— Stradbroke, Dunwich, and Logan proclaimed.

— Convict Hospital (at rear of old Lands Office, in George-street) built.

1828

—Prisoners' barracks, military barracks built ; date of completion undiscoverable.

Sept. 18.— Rev. J. Vincent appointed chaplain.

1829

— Windmill (present Observatory) built ; date of completion not available.

June 24.—Governor Darling reported that he would shift Settlement nearer Bay, as the water was bad and sickness common at Moreton Bay.

1830

April 17.— Pop. Moreton Bay : 1000 convicts, 100 soldiers. — Female factory built

Oct. 9.— Captain Logan left Settlement on an exploring trip on Upper Brisbane.

Oct. 17.— Captain Logan last seen alive by his men.

Oct. 23.— His body found near Logan Creek, between Ipswich and Esk.

1831

Dec. — Captain Clunie appointed Commandant Moreton Bay. Population : 1066 convicts, 175 soldiers.

1834

April 12.— Hunter S.N. Company (afterwards Q.S.N. Company) formed in Sydney.

1835

— Captain Foster Fyans appointed Commandant Moreton Bay.

1836

March 28.— Visit of Messrs. Backhouse and Walker (Quakers) to Moreton Bay.

1837

Aug.— Arrival of first steamer in Moreton Bay (the " James Watt") bringing Petrie family.

Nov. 5.— Governor Bourke expressed himself as favourable to closing Moreton Bay, and of reducing the number of prisoners to 300— all short sentence men. The maize grown at Moreton Bay he valued at £1046, and the cost per head per annum £13.

1838

March .— German mission to aborigines established at German Station; eleven men, eight women, eleven children.

March .— Arrival of Dr. Ballow in Brisbane.

Nov. 2.— Fast in New South Wales owing to drought.

1839

May 21.— Convict Settlement broken up.

June 27.— Allan Cunningham died in Sydney.

July 1.— All convicts except thirty-nine men removed.

1840

May 14.— Murder of Surveyor Staplyton and assistant Tuck at Mount Lindsay.

June .—Schooner "John" commenced to open up trade between Moreton Bay and Sydney—John Williams, owner.

June 4.— Patrick Leslie with assigned servant, Peter Murphy (who died a year or two ago at Charters Towers) and other convicts formed first settlement on Darling Downs.

Aug. 12— First pack bullocks took supplies to the Downs from Brisbane.

Oct. 19.— First dray taken through Cunningham's Gap.

1841

Jan. 17.— Great Flood Ipswich and Brisbane.

May 14.— Trial of blacks for murder of Staplyton and Tuck in Sydney— found guilty, and sent to Brisbane.

July 2.— First execution Brisbane at Windmill (present Observatory) for murder of Staplyton and Tuck.

July 28.— Flinders River found and named by Stokes.

Aug 1.— Stokes found and named the Albert.

1842

Jan 27.—News received in Settlement that Moreton Bay would be thrown open to free settlers.

Jan. 27.—Arrival first Hunter River S.N. Co.'s steamer.

March 24. — Governor Gipps visited Brisbane.

May 4.—Andrew Petrie, Henry Stuart Russel, and two other gentlemen started on trip Wide Bay district.

May 4.— Moreton Bay thrown open to selection.

May. 7.—Mr. Petrie's party found Wandi (Bracefield), escaped convict.

May 17 (about) .—Mr. Petrie discovered Mary River.

May 20.— Petrie found the runaway Duramboi (Davis).

June .— Moreton Bay defined.

Nov. 14.—Captain Wickham appointed police magistrate.

Dec 7.— First sale Moreton Bay lands in Sydney : 13½ acres realised £4637/10/.

.—Dr. Polding established his mission to blacks at Stradbroke Island.

1843

June 23.— First election for Moreton Bay under Representative Institutions Act (Alex McLeay returned).

Aug. 9—First sale of Moreton Bay lands conducted in Brisbane.

Oct. 11.—First sale of Ipswich land at Ipswich.

.—Coal found by Andrew Petrie at Redbank ; John Williams ran first ferry between Russell street and Colonial Stores; boiling-down establishment opened at Kangaroo Point.

1844

Jan. 10.— Heavy flood Ipswich.

March 19.— Captain Freeman while running from Sydney in schooner " William" discovered the channel which now bears his name.

April .— First indignation meeting held in Brisbane to protest against squatting regulations.

Aug. — Leichhardt left Sydney on Port Essington Expedition.

Oct. 1.—Leichhardt left Jimbour station.

1846

March 29.— Leichhardt returned to Sydney from Port Essington.

May 13.— Moreton Bay made a port of entry. June 11.

— Governor Gipps left Sydney for England.

June 17.— First race meeting at New Farm.

June 20.— "COURIER" First published/

June 29.— First steamer, the "'Experiment," ran between Brisbane and Ipswich .

June 30.— First census taken, population including Darling Downs. 2258.

July 13.—Arrival of first Customs officer — W. A. Duncan.

July 26.— Moreton Bay defined.

Aug. 2.— Governor Fitzroy arrived in Sydney.

Sept. .— Dr. Lang left Sydney for England on his famous immigration crusade.

Dec. 20.—Murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon by blacks at the Pine.

Nov. 13.— Colony of North Queensland proclaimed. Leichhardt left back country on last expedition.

1847

Jan. 2.— Courts of petty sessions for districts of Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Cressbrook, and Darling Downs gazetted.

March 1.— Surveyor Burnett left Brisbane intending to trace the Boyne to its source ; unsuccessful.

March 11.— Wreck of the "Sovereign." April .— Discovery of a road over the range to Southern end of Downs.

April 24.— First theatre opened by George Croft in Russell-street, South Brisbane.

April 24— Plan of northern entrance of Moreton Bay completed.

May 15.— First schooner built in Moreton Bay launched; christened "Selina" by Miss Petrie.

May 26.— Annual races New Farm.

July 20.— Surveyor Burnett made second and successful attempt to trace Boyne (Burnett) and Wide Bay (Mary) Rivers. Sept. 11— Murder of two sawyers at North Pine by blacks.

Dec. 3.— Oddfellows lodge opened in Brisbane.

1848

Jan. 20.— Steamer "'Experiment" foundered at "Brisbane wharf.

Jan. 22.— Rev. John Gregor drowned at German station.

Jan. 26.— First regatta held on the Brisbane.

March 27.— Discovery of horrible murder at Sutton's Hotel, Kangaroo Point.

April 4.— Leichhardt last heard of.

April 29.— Kennedy sailed on last expedition from Sydney.

June 2.—First mails despatched to Ipswich by steamer.

June 3.— Bishop Tyrell visited Moreton Bay.

June 20.— Petition sent to board of directors Union Bank, Sydney, asking them to establish a branch at Brisbane.

June 21.—First races held at Drayton (Toowoomba).

June 23.— Military recalled from Moreton Bay.

July 4.— Execution William Fife in Sydney for Kangaroo Point murder.

Aug. 22.— Colonel Snodgrass returned for Moreton Bay and other districts.

Oct. 20.— "Selina" found waterlogged in Keppel Bay.

Nov. 26.— Arrival of J. C. Bidwell, first land commissioner for Wide Bay.

Nov. 27— Arrival of sixty Chinese shepherds per " Nimrod."

Nov. 28.— Post office box at South Brisbane established.

Dec. 13— Arrival of " Artemisia," first Government immigrant ship in Moreton Bay.

1849

Jan. — Surveyor Burnett laid out township of Drayton.

Jan. 6.—News received in Moreton Bay of Californian goldfields.

Jan. 20.— Arrival of "Fortitude" Moreton Bay.

Jan. 23.— Post office established at Maryborough, name being given on this date.

Feb. 3.— First Brisbane gaol completed (originally female factory).

Feb. 7.—First batch of Fortitude folk brought up to Brisbane.

Feb. 8.— Death of Dick Ben, notorious aboriginal.

Feb. l8.—Rev. Charles Stewart conducted first service in old court house, Brisbane.

Feb. 19.— Thanksgiving service for safe arrival of " Fortitude", in old courthouse.

Feb. 24.— Site present Custom House approved.

March 7.— Site of old St. John's Pro-Cathedral granted.

March 10.— First Wesleyan Methodist Church erected (Albert-street).

March 21.— Rev. Charles Stewart appointed minister United Presbyterian Church.

March 21.— Brisbane made a free warehousing port.

May 1.— " Chasely" arrived in (Moreton Bay.

May 8.— Establishment of first temperance society in Brisbane.

May 13.— Rev. Kingsford conducted first service at Ipswich.

May 14.— Rev. Kingsford accepted call from Ipswich Presbyterians.

June 20.— Arrival of 45 convicts by the "Hashemy".

Aug. 1— Arrival of 30 orphan girls from Sydney.

Aug. 20.— Branch Lodge, Sydney District, G.U.O.O.F., established in Ipswich.

Sept. 18.— Execution of Owen Molloy in Sydney for the murder of John Leonard, Oxley Creek.

Sept. 24.— Brisbane School of Arts established.

Oct. 11.— Warner's plan of road to Bremer, via North Brisbane, sent to Sydney for approval.

Nov. 1.— Arrival "Mount Stuart Elphinstone" with 225 convicts.

Nov. 3.— " Lima" arrived in Moreton Bay.

Nov. 13.— Great antitransportation meeting held in Brisbane.

Nov. 13.— Detachment 11th Regiment took up their quarters in old barracks.

— Catholic Church built.

Dec. 6 .— Windmill submitted to auction; knocked down at £30.

Dec. 11.— Brisbane gaol proclaimed.

December 18.— Launch of steamer "Hawk" (built by Captain Winship) at South Brisbane.

1850

Feb. 11.— Circuit Court, Brisbane, proclaimed.

Feb. 28.— First letter-carrier appointed ; salary £30.

The first United Church in Brisbane; afterwards used as the Electric Telegraph Office, and later as a residence for the Government Printer. The site is now occupied by the new Executive Building. The building on the right is the old Government Printing Office.

April 26— Custom House completed

April 30— "Bangalore," last exile ship, arrived Moreton Bay.

May 6.—Arrival of 108 Chinese shepherds in " Favourite."

May 10.— Tender accepted to build bridge at Breakfast Creek.

May 12.— Service held first time in original St Stephen's, Brisbane.

May 13.— First Circuit Court held Brisbane.

May 14— Survey of Cleveland sent to Sydney.

May 15— Wagner and Fitzgerald sentenced to death for murder of James Marsden at Wide Bay.

May 20.— Meetings North and South Brisbane re national system of education.

July 6.— Foundation stone of old St. John's laid.

July 8.—Execution Wagner and Fitzgerald.

July 11.—Military withdrawn from Moreton Bay.

July 15.—Moreton Bay quarantine station proclaimed (Dunwich).

July.— Grant of £150 towards establishing National School at South Brisbane.

July 19.— "Moreton Bay Free Press" first published.

July 29.— Arrival of first dray (empty) from Wivenhoe to North Brisbane.

July 31.—First land sales in Ipswich, Drayton, Warwick.

Aug. 8.— Arrival of ship " Emigrant" with typhus on board ; forty deaths.

Sept. 5.— Marriage John Petrie with Miss McNaught.

Sept. 29.—Death Dr. Ballow at Quarantine station.

Sept. 30.— Tender accepted for erection of Dr. Lang's church, Brisbane.

Oct. 7.— Launch of steamer " Swallow" by Captain Winship.

Oct 13.— Severe hailstorm; lumps of ice ¼lb., 9½in. in circumference.

Nov. 14.—First bank opened in Brisbane. Dec. 13.— Cleveland township proclaimed.

1851

Jan. 8.— First separationist meeting held in Brisbane.

Jan. 12.— Mail robbery at Bundamba.

Feb. 2.— Maryborough township established.

Feb. 16.— Departure of " Rebecca," first wool ship direct from Moreton Bay.

March 1.— Second census taken : pop_3575.

April 13.— United Evangelical Chapel opened.

May 7.— Established Moreton Bay Amateur Musical Society.

May 12.— Affray between whites and Chinese at Ipswich. One killed, eleven injured.

May 28.— News arrived Brisbane Bathurst gold diggings.

July 23.— Party made first overland trip Cabbage Tree Creek to Brisbane.

Sept. 8.—Francis Bigge elected for pastoral districts Moreton Bay, Wide Bay, Burnett, and Maranoa.

Sept. 11.— J. Richardson returned for County of Stanley.

Sept. 12.— Richard Jones returned for Stanley Boroughs.

Oct. 7— School of Arts, Brisbane, opened.

Oct. 18.— Pearls found at Caloundra.

Nov. 8.— Arrival "'Duke of Roxburgh," with 227 Chinese.

1852

March 4.— Meeting held Brisbane to petition to Queen for system direct emigration.

March 26.— Expedition in search Leichhardt left Gowrie station.

April 11.— Heavy floods Brisbane and Ipswich.

April 17.— The "Thomas King" wrecked on Cato's Bank.

April 20.— Jane Ellis, wife of warder, sent to gaol for hanging servant girl up by arms, and other cruelties.

April 24.— Visit of Hargreaves (Bathurst fame) at Darling Downs.

April 26.— "Swallow" made initial trip to Cabbage Tree Creek.

May 17.— Arrival of survivors "Thomas King" in Brisbane.

May 24.— Gold found at Bingera ; caused rush.

June 27.— Murder of Halloran (shepherd) at McGrath's , Pine River.

July 4.— Arrival of "Maria Soames;" 281 immigrants.

July 30.— Dr. Allan (surgeon "Argyll"), first mate, and immigrant drowned off Dunwich.

Aug. 11.— Arrival of "'Meridian," 204 immigrants.

Sept. 9.— Burnett's plan of Sandgate sent to Sydney for approval.

Sept. 10.— Arrival " Rajahgopaul;" 351 immigrants ; 15 deaths influenza and typhus.

Sept. 24.— Bingera declared a duffer by returned fossickers.

Oct. 30.— Influenza epidemic Brisbane.

Nov. 6.— Death of Richard Jones, member for Stanley Boroughs.

Nov. 15.— Tinkabed (blackfellow) sent six years for outrage at Cash's, North Pine.

1853

Jan. 1.— Captain Wickham appointed Government Resident.

Jan. 1.— "Courier" enlarged.

Jan. 10.— Arrival " Parsee;" 493 immigrants.

Jan. 10.— Arrival "America;" 325 immigrants.

Feb. 14.— Election R. J. Smith for Bigge's seat.

Feb. 26.— Arrival " Agricola ;" 246 immigrants.

March 16.—Death of Mr. Didwell, commissioner Crown lands, Wide Bay.

March 25.— Arrival nine notorious Norfolk Island convicts in Moreton Bay.

April 1— Two of convicts captured, brought to Brisbane.

April 12.—Steamer "New Orleans" from Europe via Torres Straits in Moreton Bay.

April 25.—Arrival " Florentina;" 245 immigrants.

May 4.— Other Norfolk Island convicts captured near Brisbane.

May 29.— 5th and 6th section Native Police in Brisbane.

June 7.— Branch Union Bank Australia opened in Brisbane.

June 7.— Arrival "John Fielden; " 388 immigrants. June 15.— Strike of sawyers.

June 30.— Pettigrew's mill started.

July 5.— Brisbane Exchange opened.

Aug. 6.— Death John Gamie at Ipswich.

Sept. 20.—Branch Bank New South Wales opened Ipswich.

Oct. 8.— Capture Thomas Haywood, alias Anderson, Bushranger.

Oct. 31.—Wreck of " Countess of Derby " South Passage, bound for Cleveland.

Nov. 9 and 10— Sale Sandgate, Cleveland, Brisbane lands ; realised £15,000.

Nov. 10.—Escape of Lippey , notorious black murderer.

Dec. 3.—Outrage by blacks on Mr. Tom Dowse at Sandgate.

1854

Jan. 16.— "Courier," ship, 236 tons, burnt at Cleveland.

Jan. 22— Murder Stephen Swords at Kangaroo Point.

Jan. 27.— First Shipment of cotton from Brisbane.

March 5.— "Swallow" sunk South Brisbane wharf.

March 20.— Arrival Governor Fitzroy in " Calliope " at Moreton Bay.

March 23.— Governor's official entry into Brisbane.

March 30.— Police informed magistrates that unless pay was increased they would resign ; increase given.

April 1.— Robert Graham and Co. abandoned Cleveland store.

April 28.— Hodgson-Lang election ; latter returned majority nine.

May 16.— " Gazehound," first ship loaded at wharf, left direct for London.

May 23.— New election Lang-Hodgson, latter returned on casting vote.

May 25.— Capture of Dundalli, notorious blackfellow .

June 17.— Death of Brown, last of Newcastle tribe.

July 18.-Death of J. C. Burnett, surveyor.

Aug. 22.— Execution of Dave for murder of Trevethan at Wide Bay.

Aug. 10.— New election Lang-Hodgson; former returned one vote.

Oct. 29.— Consecration of St. John's by Bishop of Newcastle.

Nov. 21.— Dundalli sentenced to death.

Dec. 20.— John Fahey, runaway convict, eleven years at large, captured at Bunya.

Dec. 18— Death of Bungaree, educated black.

1855

Jan. 5.— Dundalli executed in Queen street.

March 8.— Meeting St. John's parishioners, protest against Offertory.

July 8.— Pettigrew's mill destroyed by fire.

Aug. 12.—Gregory expedition sailed Moreton Bay.

Oct. 2.—"North Australian" established Ipswich.

Nov. 21.— Wreck of "Venus" with 250 tons sugar in Freeman's channel.

Nov. 25.—Death of Captain J. E. Barney.

Dec. 20.— Fitzroy River navigated.

1856

Jan. 20.— Site for Goodna Village fixed.

Jan. 21.—First Circuit Court before Judge Milford.

March 1.— Tenders called for Cape Moreton lighthouse.

March l8.— Macalister's first address to electors.

April 7— First election under new Constitution.

May. 5,— " Phoebe Dunbar" went ashore near Amby with 270 immigrants.

May.6.— Brig "Maria" took first shipment sheep and cattle to New Caledonia.

June 21.— Arrival of " Persia;" 250 immigrants.

Nov. 20.— Great Separation meeting Brisbane.

Dec. 16.— Gregory expedition returned to Brisbane.

Dec. 31.— Population : 18,544.

1857

April 15.— Moreton Bay Supreme Court formally opened by Justice Milford.

May 19.— Great Floods Brisbane and Ipswich.

Sept. 20.— Labouchere's positive Separation despatch arrived Moreton Bay.

Oct. 27.— Hornet Bank outrage ; eleven murdered by blacks.

Dec. 31.— Population : 20,652.

1858

Jan. 31.— The " Leviathan" launched.

March 4.— Gregory expedition left settled districts search Leichhardt.

June 11.— "D.D. Gazette" first published.

June 13.— Rev. T. Binney visited Moreton Bay.

June. 9— First announcement of gold discovery on the Fitzroy.

July 22.— Rush to Fitzroy commenced.

July 25— Opening Presbyterian Church, Ann-street.

July 23.— Gregory's last expedition returned to Adelaide.

Sept. 12— Arrival of Rev. B. G. Wilson Brisbane.

Oct. 1— Return rush from Fitzroy commenced.

Oct. 7.— Flood at Ipswich.

Oct. 8.— Rockhampton made a port of entry.

Oct. 16.— Erection of Petrie-terrace gaol commenced.

Oct. 25.— Foundation stone Roman Catholic Church, Ipswich, laid.

Oct. 27.— First Municipality Act (N.S.W.) assented to.

Nov. 17 and l8.— First sale Rockhampton land (at Sydney).

Dec 19.— Meeting at Ipswich to petition for creation of municipality.

Dec. 25.— Pugh's Almanac first published.

Dec. 31.— Population : 22,305.

1859

Feb. 6.— Wharf-street Baptist Church opened.

Feb. 22.— Judge Lutwyche gazetted and sworn in Sydney.

March 8.— Arrival of Judge Lutwyche in Brisbane.

July 4.— " Ipswich Herald " first published. Aug. 26.— Brisbane erected Roman Catholic See ; Bishop O'Quinn.

Sept. 7.— Municipality of Brisbane proclaimed. First Council : John Petrie (Mayor), Patrick Mayne, T. B. Stephens, Joshua Jeays, A. J. Hocking. G. Edmonstone, R. Cribb, George Warren, and W. S. Sutton.

Oct. 12.— Circuit Court proclaimed Ipswich, Drayton, and Maryborough.

Oct. 13.— First meeting Brisbane Municipal Council.

Oct. 20.— Terrific hailstorm Brisbane.

DEC. 10.— QUEENSLAND SEPARATION.

Dec. 31.— Estimated population of Queensland : 23,520.

1860

Jan. 3.— Cable communication between Europe and Australia via Indian Straits and Red Sea first talked of in Brisbane.

Jan. 4.— Port Curtis, Rockhampton, and Wide Bay gazetted ports of entry.

Jan. 23.— Proclamation organising Queensland Civil Service.

Jan. 20.— Agitation initiated through Brisbane "Courier" for representation of Labour in the House by "Gaffer Gray."

Jan. 26.— Blacks raided Royal Oak Inn ; stole £45 and quantity of rum, leaving taps running : mad debauch.

Feb. 1.— Captain Wickham and Mr. and Mrs. James Swan left Brisbane on visit to England in the " Duncan Dunbar." Feb. 3.— Lieut. John O'C. Bligh with troopers chased a party of black desperadoes at Maryborough; two shot, several injured.

Feb. 7.— Publication of first message sent by telegraph from Sydney to Newcastle, thence by steamer to Brisbane.

Feb. 12.— Coach service between Brisbane and Ipswich, returning same day, started.

March 3.— Ipswich Municipality gazetted. March 12.— " Wide Bay and Burnett Times" published.

March 15.— Steam communication with Northern ports opened by "Tamar."

March 16.— Affray with blacks (Lieut. Carr); 15 blacks killed, including one of the ringleaders in the Hornet Bank outrage.

March 24.— News of the loss of the " Sapphire" reached Brisbane ; 18 of crew murdered.

March 24.— Visit of Sir George Bowen to Warwick.

March 30.— Murder of Morell by Wood on Campbell's station, Burnett district. March 31.— First issue of " Guardian" Brisbane.

April 4.— Proclamation calling together Parliament for May 22.

April 5.— Proclamation by Sir W. Denison enjoining the election and assembly of members of the Lower House.

April .— Supposed relics of Leichhardt found on the watershed of the Comet and Mackenzie Rivers.

May 19.— Col. C. G. Gray appointed Usher Black Rod and Parliamentary Librarian; R. J. Coley, Sergeant-at-Arms ; A. W. Manning being appointed P.M. at Ipswich.

May 22.— Parliament opened by proclamation.

May 22.— Complimentary dinner to Charles Lilley on his return to Parliament by Liberal Association, of which he was president.

May 22.— "Government Gazette" notified K. G. W. Herbert (Vice-President Executive Council), Stephen Simpson (Wolston), Henry Bates Fitz (Pilton), George Harris , Daniel Foley Roberts called to the Upper House ; Maurice Charles O'Connell appointed member Executive Council.

May 22.— Gilbert Elliott appointed Speaker.

May 24.— Governor Bowen's first levee; at the ball in the evening 450 guests were present.

May 29.— Parliament formally opened by Governor Bowen.

May 29.— First division in House on the question of adjournment during debate on Address in reply. Question negatived by casting vote Speaker.

June 1.— Colonial Treasurer (R. R. Mackenzie) laid first Estimates on table; probable income £100,000, expenditure £149,319 ; surplus, £11,281.

June 1.— Bowen Bridge (Brisbane ) opened by Judge Lutwyche.

June .— Branch Bank New South Wales established Toowoomba.

June. 10.— Opening services Wharf -street Congregational Church (Brisbane ).

June 13.— Memorable division in House as to whether it should be opened with prayer. The dissentients were Charles Lilley and P. O'Sullivan.

June l8.— Town Council, Brisbane, decided to pay convict labourers 2d. per diem.

June .— Warwick proclaimed a municipality.

June 20.— Series resolutions carried by Legislative Council expressing view that an elective Upper House was desirable ; Assembly treated them with contempt.

Dec. 31.— Imports for the year, £742,023 ; exports, £523,476.

1861

Jan. 4.— Election first Toowoomba. Municipal Council— Groom (51 votes), M'Carthy (40), Berkman (35), Shuttlewood (31), Boulton (30), Robertson (26), Annand (25), Peardon (24), Ryan (23) ; Groom, Mayor.

Jan. 10.— Tender accepted erection Maryborough Custom House, £952.

Jan. 8.— Large meeting held in St. John's church Brisbane, to protest against minute of Board of General Education abolishing State aid to denominational schools. Several similar meetings held throughout colony.

Jan 16.— Port Denison pioneers left Brisbane overland, namely, G. E. Dalrymple (Commissioner for the Kennedy District), Gordon (Harbour Master and C.P.S.). Thomas (clerk to Commissioner), Sergt. Riley, and 15 native police. Four of the latter after arrival deserted and joined the local blacks.

Jan. 15.— Mr. Jordan left Sydney for England on immigration tour.

Feb. 2.— " Courier" published correspondence which passed between Judge Lutwyche and Government relative to former's salary and his position in the colony. "Courier" designated action of Government as "a direct complicity in the disgraceful intrigue that has been long on foot to oust Mr. Lutwyche from his position."

Feb. 25.— Mr. Dalrymple and number squatters left Rockhampton for Port-Denison.

March 7.— "Santa Barbara," pilot ketch, under the charge Mr. Sinclair, one of discoverers Port Denison, left Brisbane for that place.

March 8.— A carrier who was taking party overland to Port Denison reported to police that on 3rd instant while looking for his bullocks at Pullen Pullen (Goodna), he was met by Hartigan (the Victorian bushranger) and a half-caste, and robbed of £21.

March 8.— C. F. Gregory, accompanied by three men and with eight horses, left Brisbane for purpose of opening up the more remote part of the Leichhardt District.

March 11.— " Jeanie Dove" left Brisbane for Port Denison with stores for pioneers.

March 16 — Eight-hour movement inaugurated in Brisbane.

March 23.— Maryborough gazetted a municipality.

April 2.— Branch A.J.S. Bank opened Warwick; J. W. Jackson, manager.

April 7.— Stock returns : Horses, 23,086; cattle, 425,896 ; sheep, 3,285,734 ; pigs, 7115 ; area under cultivation, 4000 acres.

April 13— Telegraphic communication established between Ipswich and Brisbane.

April 22.— Attempt to strangle Ald. Bethune at Ipswich by three men who supposed themselves prevented from obtaining work.

April 23.— " Burnett Argus" published.

May 10.— Arrival at Brisbane of Bishop O'Quinn and Sisters of Mercy from South.

May 14.— " Courier" published as daily paper.

May 30.— First championship race Queensland at Ipswich, sweepstake of 100 sovs. each, with 1000 sovs. added ; three miles. J. Tait's Zoe 1, J. Single's Ben Bolt 2, Balbi's Van Tromp 3. Time, 5min. 56sec.

July 1.— Large public meeting Brisbane to protest against Parliamentary Privileges Bill, which was considered threatened to "curtail the liberty of the subject and infringe upon the prerogatives of the Crown." Bill was modified by House, and passed.

July 1.— A.M.P. corner Queen andEdward streets changed hands at £1000, or £39/10/ per foot frontage.

July 4.— " Toowoomba Chronicle" first published.

July 9.— Telegraph line from Sydney to Tenterfield completed.

July 9.— £600 voted by Parliament for the establishment of a patrol in the Maranoa district for the suppression of sly grog selling and cattle stealing.

July 9.— " Rockhampton Bulletin" published.

July 23.— Petition from Rockhampton residents presented to Parliament praying for coolie immigration.

July 30.— Attorney-General instructed by the Legislative Council to prosecute " Courier" for publication of an article commenting on certain resolutions arrived at in respect of Judge Lutwych prior to their being considered by the Assembly.

Aug. 7.— Thos. Jones, Hugh Carter, Abel Alford, Edward Davis, George Smith, John Coleman, Thomas Stafford, and William Griffith charged at Ipswich Assizes with "illegally combining to raise the rate of wages by refusing to work and abandoning Campbell's coal mine at Redbank," and with combining to prevent other men working. Found not guilty.

Aug. 17.— Telegraphic communication established between Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Aug. 21.— First State trial in Queensland : Case against "Courier" brought by Legislative Council heard and dismissed, crowded court cheering; great demonstration at night ; bonfires and fireworks.

Aug. 23.— Public meetings held to sympathise with " Courier," and subscription list opened.

Oct. 22— Death of Arthur Sidney Lyon (father of the Queensland Press) at Cleveland ; aged 44.

Nov. 2.— Reported massacre by blacks of 19 men, women, and children at the Canal River ; four or five others missing.

Nov. 5.— News of massacre confirmed. Mr. Wells, pastoralist, of Nogoa; Mrs Baker, overseer's wife with grown-up daughter and two other children. Mrs. Marryon and three children, and a man named J. Scrotty, and others.

Nov. 6.— Communication (telegraphic) between Brisbane and Sydney established. Nov. 9.— First public telegram sent from Sydney to Brisbane.

Nov. l8.— " Geordie," aboriginal, sentenced to death at Brisbane for criminal assault at Ipswich.

Dec. 5.— Execution of "Geordie."

Dec. 11.— Death of James Canning Pearce, pioneer, at Brisbane.

Dee. 31.— Population : 30,873.

1862

Jan. 4.— T. L. Murray-Prior appointed Postmaster-General ; John Bramston appointed Master Titles.

Jan. 4.— First list medical practitioners chemists colony gazetted.

Jan. 6.— Steamer " Yarra Yarra" towed Brisbane by " Telegraph " ; machinery broke down off coast.

Jan. 8.— Parliament met proclamation to pass Act preventing introduction and spread pleuropneumonia in cattle.

Jan. 11.— Fred. Rawlins gazetted P.M. Drayton, Toowoomba, Dalby.

Jan. 13.— News of the arrival of November English mail received electric telegraph instead of by steamer.

Jan. 13.— Tom Dowse appointed Town Clerk, Brisbane .

Jan. 13.— J. Shapland sentenced death Toowoomba for murder his employer (John Brown) at M'Intyre Brook.

Jan. 13.— Dilemma in Parliament owing no quorum in Legislative Assembly on Diseases in Cattle Bill. House adjourned. Jan. 14.— Parliament prorogued until April 29 (both Houses being under adjournment) .

Jan. 14.— R. St. George Gore gazetted Minister Lands and Works.

Jan. 14.— Difflo, a German , who had been incarcerated in Brisbane Gaol two years five months for contempt court not producing a nugget as required in civil action, liberated under warrant from Governor.

Jan. 14.— Telegram received Brisbane contents which were dated London, December 2, news being only 40 days old.

Jan. 14.— Sensational scene Maryborough Police Court, ending suspension Mr. Kent, P.M., and Mr. Sheridan, Water P.M.,, who refused allow his son, 10 years old, sworn as witness. Case trumpery one assault against Church of England schoolmaster (Mr. Kerley), who sentenced six weeks' imprisonment, but was immediately released by Executive authority. Sheridan's son committed to cells for seven days, and Sheridan was seized upon by policeman while sitting on bench for ejectment from the court at order P.M.

Jan. 17.— Last Queenslander's contribution to International Exhibition of 1862 forwarded mail steamer.

Jan. 20.— Room set apart Brisbane Observatory to be devoted to purpose of forming nucleus of museum.

Jan. 23.— First exhibition Queensland Horticultural and Agricultural Society held Botanic Gardens.

Jan. 24. — Foundation stone Toowoomba Town Hall laid by Colonial Secretary (Herbert).

Jan. 25.— The " Saldanha" and " Jessie Mann," British immigrant ships, with 800 souls, arrived Moreton Bay ; also "Caesar Goddeffroy" (Hamburg) with 300 German immigrants.

Jan. 29.— First proclamation issued under Pleuropneumonia Act.

Feb. 4.— Billy Horton and Kipper Billy (aboriginals) sentenced to death Ipswich rape Mrs. Rae.

Feb. 5.— Meeting Port Denison to form Pier Company build stage for landing goods.

Feb. 7.— Rowdy meeting School of Arts consider question dismissing secretary (John Innes). Chairman had to adjourn the meeting owing to number non-members, who created disturbance.

Feb. 10.— First sale allotments in township Nanango ; 50 town, 15 suburban lots sold.

Feb. 11.— Convict Shapland reprieved; sentence commuted 15 years hard labour on roads.

Feb. 12.— W. H. Groom elected Mayor Toowoomba; J. Kingsford Mayor of Warwick, J. Johnstone Mayor Ipswich,

Feb. 17.— T. B. Stephens elected Mayor of Brisbane.

Feb. 15.— Arrival "Jennie Oswald' ; reported wreck "Firefly " vessel attached exploring expedition on Sir Charles Hardy's Island.

Feb.19.— P. D. Mansfield elected Mayor Rockhampton.

Feb. 20.— News of the "Trent affair" reached Brisbane.

Feb. 20.— Lease ferry between North and South Brisbane purchased at auction by J. Smith for £935.

Feb. 22.— Colonial Treasurer invited tenders for £53,800 debentures; second instalment loan.

Feb. 22.— Foundation stone National School, Rockhampton, laid by Colonial Secretary Herbert.

Feb. 23.— All Saints' Church, Wickham-terrace, opened for service by Bishop Tufnell.

Feb. 24.— Attorney-General refused file bill against defendant in libel case Haynes (P.M. at Gayndah) v. " Burnett Argus." Feb. 24.— C. R. Haly addressed constituents Gayndah ; meeting broke up in disorder.

Feb. 25.— Premier Bridge, Toowoomba, opened for traffic.

Feb. 27.— News death Prince Consort received Brisbane.

Feb. 27.— H.M.S. " Victoria" steamed into Port Denison on return from expedition to Gulf of Carpentaria.

March 2.— Officially proclaimed day mourning out respect Prince Consort.

March 3.— First military funeral since Separation— Sergt. Dutton, 12th Regiment.

March 3.— Kipper Billy shot while attempting escape ; it was intended to shortly reprieve and discharge him.

March 6.— Tommy (Chinaman), for murder G. Lang at Apis Creek, sentenced death at Maryborough.

March 7.— Another meeting School of Arts adopted report recommending dismissal Innes, secretary.

March 10.— Dalrymple returned to Port Denison from exploring trip to Wickham River, which he found was real outlet Burdekin.

March 12.— Body of deserters from " Jesse Munn," who had been wandering about Moreton Island some time, brought up by police in state great exhaustion want of food.

March 12.— Landsborough left the Albert to cross the continent, which he succeeded in doing.

March 14.— H.M.S. " Victoria" arrived Moreton Bay.

March 17.—Brisbane Catholic Young Men's Society held first picnic.

March l8.— New Court House at Gayndah opened for business.

March. 21.— St. George Gore resigned Minister for Lands, Works (A. Macalister accepted) owing to his defeat for Warwick by Mr. Jones.

March 25.— A. Macalister, B. Cribb, and G. Thorn elected trustee Ipswich Grammar School.

March 28.— First annual meeting Q.S.N. Company.

March 28.— Advanced portion Walker's exploring party reached Port Denison, having come in from the camp on Upper Burdekin. Reported after leaving Flinders Walker trailed Burke's party as far as eight or nine camps on their return route, but the tracks were ultimately lost owing to rough and stony nature country.

March 29.— Petition signed by inhabitants Drayton praying corporation privileges might be acceded that town.

March. 29.— News received gold discovery on Calliope River, 20 miles from Gladstone.

March, 29.— Heavy flood Rockhampton, 22 1/3in. rain in 39 hours. Fitzroy rose next day 20ft. above spring tide. Messrs. Archer sailed seven miles across country in open boat rescuing persons in peril.

April 1.— " Queensland Guardian" commenced publication three times a week.

April 2.— Tommy (Chinaman), for murder of Lang, Apis Creek, hanged Brisbane Gaol. Immediately after execution Billy Horton (aboriginal), sentenced for rape, liberated.

April 5. — Heavy floods Calliope and Boyne Rivers.

April 8.— The " Montmorency" and " Clifton," immigrant ships, with 220 and 254 passengers, arrived Moreton Bay.

1863

Jan.16.— Heavy flood in the Fitzroy.

Feb. 13.— Fearful gales along the coast.

Feb. 16.— Serious flood Brisbane and Ipswich.

Feb. 25.— James Morrell returned to civilisation after being 17 years with blacks. Morrell was wrecked in 1846 off Cape Cleveland, while on a voyage from Sydney to China in the barque " Peruvian." He made himself known on the date mentioned to some stockmen.

March. 9.— Stormy meeting Building Society, No. 4 (Brisbane) ; trustees and secretary ejected from office.

March.12.— Government announced that after October 1 practice granting land orders immigrants otherwise than those direct from Europe would cease.

March 14.— Loyal Queen of England Lodge Oddfellows formally inaugurated Brisbane.

1864

Jan. — Foundation stone Brisbane Town Hall laid.

Feb. 20.— Heavy floods throughout colony. March 18.— Tremendous gale experienced off the coast. (Similar occurrences were experienced in June and July).

July 18.— Irwin and Allwood sentenced at Toowoomba to ten and seven years on the roads respectively, for robbing the Goondiwindi mail. (Allwood afterwards escaped, but after being a month or two at liberty was retaken, and awarded twelve months additional).

July 19.— "Black Assize" at Toowoomba terminated. (The assizes were so named by reason of the number and the enormity of the crimes for which the prisoners were tried.)

Aug. 1.— Ritchie executed at Toowoomba for murder of Mr. Owens at Yandilla.

1865

Jan.9.— Crisis in Toowoomba Council, owing to a resolution being passed, condemning the Mayor (Groom) for "contemptuously disregarding a former resolution." Three resignations.

Jan. 11.— First locomotive ever started in Queensland made trial trip at Ipswich.

Jan. .— First exhibition of the Toowoomba Agricultural Society.

Jan. 22.— Sudden death of Mr. David Peattie at Brisbane.

Jan. 27.— "Courier" served with writ at the instance of the Attorney-General (Pring) for reflections made on him for failing to prosecute R. L. M'Fadden for perjury (nolle prosequi entered after three days' argument).

Feb. 4.— Death of Gustavus A. Dorsey at Ipswich. Accidentally shot by a schoolfellow named F. Forbes.

Feb. 6.—" Northern Argus" (Rockhampton) published as a tri-weekly.

Feb. 9.— Dr. Haran reported that the settlement at Port Albany would prove successful. Feb. 20.— Capture by Inspectors Lewis and Lloyd, at Brisbane, of Gibson, Ellis, and Brown, highway robbers, from New South Wales.

March 1.— Gilbert Elliott appointed P.M.and Goldfields Commissioner at Talgai.

March 1.— Discovery of slate on Main Range.

March 5.— Meeting of Jews, decided to build a synagogue in Brisbane.

March 6.— Strike of cabdrivers in Brisbane in protest of a by-law fixing fares and demanding a license fee. After three days the men took out their licenses.

March 17.— First Jewish service held Brisbane.

March 19.— A shepherd's wife outraged and murdered at Degilbo, by "Jacky," aboriginal, who was shot down by Mr. Single.

March 29.— Sarah Johnston attempted to sail in the ''Fiery Star" as a seaman.

March 30.— Supreme Court of Queensland given jurisdiction in matrimonial matters.

March 31.— Revenue three months, £136,000.

April 4.— First sale of Somerset land, Port Albany, at Brisbane; 70 lots sold at £40 each.

April 15.— "Courier" protested against "startling" increase of public houses in the colony ; 100 applications made at one sitting of the Court.

April 22.— First trip on the first railway in Queensland; run from Ipswich 8 miles towards Toowoomba; attempt made to wreck it.

April 24.— Robbery of jewellery, valued at £1400, from the Plough Inn, Dalby.

May 26. — Lieut. Hill and four native troopers speared by the blacks seventy miles from Rockhampton.

May 26.— News received in Brisbane of the loss by fire of the " Fiery Star" at sea.

June 8.— Sergeant Native Police and three troopers massacred at Rio station (Rockhampton) .

June 24.— Opening temporary Victoria Bridge.

June 30.— Population : Queensland, 78,757.

July 31. First railway Queensland formally opened.

Aug. 27.— Murder of German hawker, Bode, on the Logan River.

Sept. 27.— First sod Central Railway turned at Rockhampton by Governor Bowen.

Sept. 30.— Rush to Walsh's Flat, near Gladstone.

Oct. 26.— Arrest at Leyburn of Allwood, the bushranger, who escaped from Woogaroo, having feigned madness.

Nov. 3.— Execution of Jacky for murder of Mrs. Meeab, at Degilbo.

Nov. 6.— Serious strike of navvies for rise of wages at Toowoomba; disturbance at Ballard's camp.

Nov. 22.— Momberger, for murder of German hawker on the Logan, sentenced to death ; Schaig acquitted, but detained on another charge. (Momberger was executed on Dec. 13.)

Nov. 29.— Business places in Brisbane lit up by gas for the first time.

Dec. l8.— Terrific hailstorm at Gladstone; houses unroofed, and windows smashed.

Dec. 31.— Value of copper raised during the year, £40,000 ; coal, £18,750.

1866

July 9.— First brick Brisbane bridge laid by Hon. A. Macalister.

July 10.— 1000 railway men thrown out of work. Mass meetings held, one at Helidon deciding among other things to march on Brisbane and then assert their rights and make terms. They decided to proceed via various railway camps, and petition Governor ; at Ipswich they were met by J. P . Bell, and informed that immigration had been stopped and that relief camps would he formed. They then returned. Boisterous meetings of unemployed at Brisbane. The difficulty was temporarily got over by providing work on railways at 20/ a week and rations though a mob of navvies took possession of a goods train at Helidon, intending to make Ipswich. The driver however, managed after travelling some distance to disconnect the waggons, and left the men behind. Stores were robbed, and police and volunteers had to be sent out. The men eventually reached Ipswich, when 15 were arrested for travelling without tickets. They alleged Government had broken faith with them. On Sept. 11 police in William-street, Brisbane, were stoned. Other street disturbances resulted, for which the ringleaders were imprisoned.

July 10.— Ministerial crisis precipitated by the adoption of an amendment of the land laws.

July 12.— Financial crisis ; rush on the banks owing to panic in English money market.

July 12.—Wreck of the A.S.N. Co.'s " Cawarra," off Newcastle ; one survivor out of sixty people. Many other wrecks off the coast.

July 20.— Warwick Presbytery announced their intention of separating from the Union owing to the refusal to induct Rev. Colin M'Culloch.

July 24.— Queensland Bank suspended payment.

Aug. 23.— Instructions sent home to stop English and German immigration.

Sept. 8.— Free fight Brisbane Immigration Depot owing to married men by the " Rockhampton" refusing to leave the women's quarters.

Sept. 13.— " Wild Scotchman" sentenced at Maryborough to 25 years for robbery under arms.

Sept. 20.— Hunter ( Northern bushranger) sentenced to 22 years' penal servitude at Rockhampton.

Oct. 2.— Rockhampton police found in blacks' camp on Roper's Creek £200 in cheques and deposit receipts, supposed to belong to a man named Mohr, who was thought to have been murdered.

Oct. 8.— Disastrous fire Queenstreet ; row of buildings destroyed. (Other fires occurred in several parts of Brisbane and country under suspicious circumstances.

Oct. 27.— Terrific storm Brisbane. Buildings unroofed and town flooded, and loss of life through the upsetting of Cobb's coach at South Brisbane.

Nov. 1— First issue of Queensland Treasury notes, £50,000 (first instalment £300,000 authorised); £142,000 was tendered, however, and £85,000 accepted, ranging from £100/0/6 to £103.

Nov. 10.— Mackay created bonded warehousing port.

Nov. 17.— Telegraph line to Roma opened.

Nov. 30.— Cotton crop, 183,880lb.

Dec. 15.— Death by accident of Hon. J.D M'Lean (Colonial Treasurer) at Toowoomba.

Dec. 18.— Terrific hailstorm in Brisbane and suburbs ; serious damage occasioned.

Dec. 20.— Hart's Hotel, Bowen, forcibly closed ; a party went to take possession of it, when shots were fired ; two persons seriously injured.

1867

Jan. 7.— Ipswich mail robbed near Oxley Creek: (see August 17, I868).

Jan. 7.— Riots at the Crocodile and Mount Morinish diggings (Rockhampton ). Chinese driven from the grounds. Houses burned and demolished ; many injured.

Jan 8— Government offered reward of £3000 for discovery of goldfield at least distant 20 miles from existing field, "providing it shall have attracted and supported for six months a population of not less than 3000 persons."

Feb. 2— Serious floods in Brisbane, Ipswich and country.

Feb. 4.— Strike of railway navvies at Dalby in consequence of alleged non-payment of wages.

Feb. 5.— Banana mailman stuck up by Christian Burmester. (He was sentenced to 15 years' at Maryborough on March 29.)

March. 1.— First Eight-hour Day demonstration in Brisbane.

March 3.— Terrible gale with much damage to buildings, &c. at Townsville.

March. 14.— Death at Brisbane of Father P. O'Grady.

March 29.— Severe gale and hailstorm at Roma ; much damage.

March. 29.—Arrest at Toowoomba of a German for murder Mrs. Curtis two years before. (A man in New South Wales confessed in 1875 to having committed the crime. )

April 12.— Arrival of first train in Toowoomba (from Ipswich).

April. 20. —Find of 9oz. nugget at Crocodile Creek.

April. 21.— Severe flood at Brisbane and Ipswich; also gale, loss of life; houses unroofed ; damage to new Victoria Bridge works.

April 30.— Line between Ipswich and Toowoomba formally opened (Two passenger trains daily goods train when required.)

May. 6.—Excitement at Toowoomba, consequence of a split in a movement to welcome Governor Bowen.

May. 8.— Find of a 16lb. nugget by a Chinaman in an abandoned claim at Calliope.

May 24.— Scene in the House, in consequence of Parliament being suddenly prorogued by the advice of the Macalister Ministry.

June. 15.—Six unoffending blacks killed, and six wounded by native troopers at Mount Morinish.

June 22.— Large meeting, Rockhampton, pledged themselves to return John Bright, owing to failure of Government to keep expenditure within receipts and give them Separation. Notwithstanding this, only seventeen votes were recorded for him. (John Bright was, however, afterwards returned for the Kennedy.) July 9— Stoppage Dalby railway works, owing to non-payment of wages ; much destitution; special constables sworn in; an outbreak feared.

July 10.— Yates's station, near Bowen, pillaged by blacks ; sheep slaughtered.

July 15.— Riot by navvies at Toowoomba. Aug. 14.— Discovery of nugget at Raglan (Rockhampton), 30lb. (many nuggets were also found about Rosewood, Central District).

Aug. 20.— Controversy waged between Townsville and Bowen as to possession of Cape River goldfield; Townsville nearly depopulated.

Sept. 20.— Captain Cadell, surveying in Gulf of Carpentaria, reported seeing white man with beard to the waist ; thought to be Leichhardt; he was not again seen.

Sept. 28.— Henry Charles sentenced at Maryborough to five years' penal servitude for robbery under arms at Nanango.

Oct . 5.— Libel action, Sheridan v. Melville, arising out of an election, Maryborough, ended in verdict for plaintiff for £50.

Oct. 20.— Sensational finds of gold (locality near Maryborough) reported ; town deserted ; gold (including nuggets weighing pounds) brought into Brisbane; intense excitement; " Courier" withheld most sensational part of intelligence, believing it to be a fabrication ; a general exodus from the North as well as from Brisbane.— This find was the Gympie Field : then pronounced "Jimpy," and spelled " Gympy," though the field was first known as " Nashville," after Nash, who, by many, was regarded as the discoverer.

Nov. 1.— Christian Beck, for robbing the Roma mail, sentenced at Roma to five years

Nov. 9.— The Clermont gold escort (John Power and William Cahill) found dead in their camps on the Mackenzie; they were returning from Rockhampton with £4000 for branch A.J.S. Bank ; died from poisoning and shot wounds through the head.

Nov. 13.— Sensation caused by the arrest of Commissioner Griffin for the murder of the escort.

Dec. 24.— Death at Brisbane of Rev.

Thomas Mowbray, an old resident.

Dec. 26.— Toowoomba Hospital destroyed by fire.

Dec. 31.— Revenue for year, £610,860 ; expenditure, £666,610.

1868

Jan. 4.— Departure of Governor Bowen from Queensland.

Jan. 14.— Return to Brisbane of the "Eagle" with Captain Cadell, who, at the instance of South Australian Government, had examined rivers and bays in north-western territory.

Jan. 15.— Break-up of extended drought throughout the country.

Jan. 22.— Floods throughout the country, especially the southern parts.

Feb. 7.— Find by Curtis of the 1000oz. " Perseverance" nugget at Gympie, valued about £3000; a law suit ensued over this nugget, conducted by Curtis and Canny.

Feb. 24.— Visit of Duke of Edinburgh to Brisbane.

Feb. 20.— Duke of Edinburgh laid foundation stone of Brisbane Grammar School.

March 4.— Meeting of squatters at Toowoomba decided to support Mort's system of freezing meat for export.

March 12.— Attempt (in Sydney) to murder the Duke of Edinburgh by H. J. O'Farrel, lawyers clerk , who fired a revolver, the bullet lodging in the Duke's back.

March 25.— Griffin sentenced to death by Judge Lutwyche, for the murder of the Clermont escort.

March 31.— O'Farrell sentenced to death (Sydney) for attempted murder of Duke of Edinburgh.

April 7.— Robbery of the Gympie-Maryborough coach by three armed men; £ 200 notes, 30 sovs., and 15oz. gold taken ; 13 passengers on the coach at the time.

April 16.— Opening of railway to Dalby.

April 20.— Currie's Hotel, 15 miles from Gympie (Maryborough side), stuck up by five armed men. R. H. D. White, bank manager, fought desperate battle with robbers, eventually secreting himself in the bush.

April 21.— O'Farrell executed.

April 28.— Day of thanksgiving throughout colony for recovery Duke of Edinburgh.

June 1.— Griffin executed at Rockhampton.

June 10.— Griffin's grave opened by authorities, when it was found that the murderer's head had been stolen.

June 19.—Gold Commissioner Clarke and Dr. Mason stuck up by armed men near Kilkivan.

Aug. 4.— Parliament first met in New Parliament Buildings.

Aug. 5.— Miner named Eldridge, from Gympie, attacked by bushrangers; robbed and maltreated.

Aug. 14.— Arrival of Governor Blackall in Brisbane.

Aug. 17.— William Jenkins, alias John King, sentenced to 18 years' penal servitude for sticking up the Ipswich coach on January 7, 1867.

Aug. 31.— Chinaman stuck up near Bowen, when returning from the Cape diggings; the three bushrangers captured. (Elliott, Howard, and Hughes were, on November 17, each sentenced to 12 years for the crime.)

Sept. 4.— Gympie-Maryborough coach stuck up by three armed men ; passengers robbed.

Sept. 25.— Edwin Chadwick sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for attempted wife murder near Gympie.

Sept 25.— William Troden, alias Podgy, and Joseph Blake sentenced at Maryborough to 20 years' imprisonment, first three in irons, for bushranging at Gympie.

Oct. 2.— News of rich finds of gold at the Cape diggings reached Bowen.

Oct. 19.— News reached Roma from Currawillinghi of an affray with Thunderbolt (the notorious bushranger) and his companion, Rutherford. Constable M'Cabe shot dead.

Nov. 2.— Billy (aboriginal) sentenced to death at Ipswich for criminal offence.

Nov. 7.— Area under sugar in Mackay district, 500 acres.

Nov. 24.— Attempted murder of A. W. Manning, Under Colonial Secretary, by F. S. Bowerman, late P.M. at Leyburn. Attempt was made in Manning's office, Bowerman considering some injustice had been done him, struck his victim five times on the head with a tomahawk. (On March 2 Bowerman was sentenced for life. )

Dec. 5.— Libel case, Rockhampton "Bulletin" v. "Argus"; verdict for defendant.

Dec. 7.— Execution Billy at Brisbane.

Dec. 17.— Murder of J. T. Collins, of North Creek (Nebo), by blacks.

Dec. 31.— Fire Queen-street ; block from Finney's new building to Australian Hotel corner destroyed.

1869

Jan. 6.— Gympie coach (to Brisbane) stuck up by two bushrangers. W. E. King (Bank of New South Wales) and Rev. G. King behaved gallantly, wounded bushrangers, who escaped, however, with £25. W. Bond arrested, and on Oct. 26 sentenced to 20 years.

Feb. 1.— Opening Brisbane Grammar School by Governor Blackall.

March 11.— Opening of railway to Allora.

March 11.— Death in London of Stephen Simpson, one time Land Commissioner, Woogaroo.

Mar. 15.— Telegraphic communication opened between Brisbane and Townsville.

April 5.— Corner stone All Saints' Church, Brisbane, laid.

April 14.—Dr. Hobbs, M.L.C, .arrested by Usher Black Rod for " contempt"' in not being present when the roll was called. His explanation was after debate accepted. (A scene resulted from this act.)

April 25.— Halligan, a gold buyer, who had left Morinish for Rockhampton with 150oz. gold, missed.

May 6.— Halligan's body found, man having been brutally murdered.

May 13.— Arrest of Archibald (publican), Taylor (his groom), and Williams, for murder of Halligan.

May 10.— Rush to the Gilbert Diggings ; Chinese excluded; allotments at Normanton sold at £200.

May 28.— Arrest of George F. Palmer near Gympie by Inspector Lloyd and Constables King and Martin for murder of Halligan.

June 8.— Palmer made a confession.

June 9.— Decision of Government to connect Rockingham Bay with the Gulf settlements by telegraph'.

June 11.— Arrest of M'Nevin (Archer's shepherd) as accessory to murder of Halligan.

Sept. 7.— Capture of Rutherford (in Sydney), Thunderbolt's mate.

Oct. 14.— Palmer sentenced to death for murder of Halligan.

Oct. 16.— Williams sentenced to death at Rockhampton for murder of Halligan ( Archibald was sentenced on Oct 18 )

Nov. 17.— Charge of robbery against Horstmann, inspector of public accounts, by Hilliard, Sub-collector of customs, at Gladstone it transpired, however, Hilliard was the thief and sought to throw suspicion on Horstmann

Nov 24.— Executions at Rockhampton of Palmer and Williams for Halligan murder

Dec 22 — Execution of Archibald for Halligan's murder.

Dec 31.— Revenue, £738,218, expenditure, £784,356 , deficiency, £46,137 , population, 109,897 , land sold, 33,287 (57,070), amount realised, £32,638 ( £61,075 ), number of runs 3560 (3969) , area leased, 171,903,092 acres (179,696,950 acres) Live stock: Horses, 71,530 (66,878) , cattle, 994,600 (968,279) , sheep, 8,646,243 (8,921,784) , pigs, 29,466 (26,185) Pastoral produce exported, £1,358,787 (£1,278 206), imports £1,804,578 , exports, £2,166,806. The figures in parentheses are for 1868.

1870

Jan 2— Murder of Patrick Hartnett at New Farm by William Prendergast.

Feb 1 to 7 — Heavy floods throughout Queensland. At Clermont damage estimated nearly £ 15,000 , Mr C.H. Buzacott and composotors escaped by climbing a tree.

Feb 12.— Murder of Michael Klein by F.A. Herrlich at Perseverance and Crow's Nest Station.

Feb. 20.— Terrific cyclone at Cleveland Bay , much damage to property and shipping.

March 19.— Heavy floods throughout Queensland, Particularly at Gympie.

March 29.— Chris. Faust, a shepherd at Apis Creek, sentenced to 20 years for murderous assault on Peter Shaw, a traveller.

April. 10.— Capture of Herrick for murder of Klein at Toowoomba. (He was sentenced to 15 years on July 26.)

April 20.— L. Davies (alderman of Rockhampton) arrested for wife murder.

April. 26.— Find of a 166 oz. nugget at Gympie.

May 11.— Three men flooded out on the Flinders took refuge in trees, cut off from help for eight weeks; two died.

July 5.— Mr Gordon Sandemann expelled from the House owing to his "having been absent from Assembly during one whole session without leave"— such session having lasted, however, only two days.

July. 5— Speaker reported to House that "since receipt by him on July 24 last , of the writ of the election of John Bright, Esq., for the electoral district of Kennedy, no such person had ever presented himself or had subscribed the roll."

July 25.— W. Brown, alias Bertram, sentenced to death at Toowoomba for robbery under arms at Mangalore on December 7, 1869.

Aug. 3.— Ah Chong stuck up Shewcroft's store at Yabba, attempted to kill Mrs. Shewcroft and son.

Aug. 12.— Ipswich election ; Thompson, 399, Johnston, 397 , Cribb, 370 , Pring, 209, Matson , 48.

Aug. 2.— Execution at Toowoomba of Brown, alas Bertram, bushranger.

Oct. 1.— Gympie election Tozer, 469; Hamilton, 467; Woodburn, 177; Pollock, 175.

Oct. 3.— Trial at Rockhampton of Donald Ross and Sarah Burgess Rose for murder on March 3, 1870, at Springsure of George Rose , man convicted, woman acquitted (Ross was executed Nov. 21.) Nov. 14.—Libel case W. W. Walsh v. E. Thorne ("Wide Bay and Burnett News") ended in verdict for £20; £2000 claimed. Case arose out of the use of the epithet, " the greatest liar in Queensland."

Dec 31.— Population, 115,567 , 83,258 acres Crown lands sold, realising £76,503 squattages 2223, area leased being 106,492,334 acres , value of minerals raised, copper £86,795, gold £351,412 coal £12,321.

1871

Jan. 2.— Death at Brisbane of Governor Blackall. Sir Maurice O'Connell installed as administrator 6 p.m. same day.

April. 4.— Catherine Begg acquitted at Rockhampton of charge of child murder.

May 16 — Scene in the House on proposal to construct railway from Brisbane to Ipswich, and the election by ballot of a committee of inquiry and advice; W. H. Groom and Opposition would take no part in the ballot, and walking out of the House were cheered by those in the strangers' gallery. Action of Opposition endorsed throughout the country: the Opposition was tendered a public banquet in Brisbane on June 10. A crisis was precipitated.

June 22.— Mr Macalister attempted to address the electors at Allora but was not allowed to utter a sentence.

July .—Intense excitement throughout the country consequent upon the crisis and dissolution of Parliament, many disorderly scenes, and burning of effigies of late members and aspiring candidates. An example: Dr Byrne, at Maryborough, was hooted about the town and compelled to address the electors. He then offered to retire from the Wide Bay contest, but the meeting would not accept his resignation ; He was eventually pelted off the stage with eggs! The scene at Rockhampton were described as "painful."

Aug 10.— Visit to Brisbane of Anthony Trollope.

Aug 11.— Arrival in Brisbane of Governor Normanby.

Aug. 16.— Death at Warwick of St George R. Gore.

Aug 30.— Number of electors on the rolls in Queensland 18,792.

Sept. 1.— Census: Population of Queensland, 120,063 (males 71,750, Females 48,313).

Sept. 7.— Marquis of Normanby visited Ipswich.

Sept. 9.— German immigrants per " Lammershagen" landed at Rockhampton instead of Bowen, the captain refusing to go on to latter place.

Nov. 11.— Tambo mailman robbed the mail , burnt the letters , and absconded. Nov. 20.— Libel case Chas Lilley v. "Warwick Examiner and Times " (claim £2000) resulted in verdict for plaintiff, £475. Nov. 29.— Madden, an ex mailman, found guilty of sticking up the Springsure mail, sentenced 15 years.

Dec. 4.— John Willam Coath, master of labour schooner Jason, after six days' trial, sentenced five years and to pay a fine of £50 for kidnapping.

Dec. 6.— Representation Bill increasing the number of members to 43 and the electorates by 11 passed the second reading.

Dec. 21.— Destruction by fire of Ann Street Brisbane Presbyterian Church.

1872

Jan. 2.— Deadlock in House, Opposition refusing to grant supplies until Amended Electoral Representation Bill became law.

Jan. 2. — Telegraphic communication between Brisbane and Norman River completed.

Jan. 2.— Good Templarism inaugurated in Queensland.

Jan. 6.— Toowoomba Hospital Committee Advertising that they had to close doors on account of deadlock and short age of funds.

Jan. 9.— During deadlock in Assembly House had to be cleared of strangers in consequence of a scene in which Messrs. Miles, Morehead, Pring, and the Speaker were concerned.

Jan. 10.— Notorious criminal, "Professor Russell, arrested at Townsville in connection will the systematic stealing letters from the post office.

Jan.10.— Scene in the Assembly between Messrs. Pring and Clark. Speaker ordered Sergeant-at-Arms to take Pring into custody , and afterwards, on motion of the House, issued his warrant for Pring's arrest.

Jan. 11.— Mr Pring resigned his seat as member for North Brisbane.

Jan. 17.— Political deadlock at an end, a compromise having been effected by the Premier (Palmer) and the Leader of the Opposition (Lilley).

Jan. 17.— Machinery arrived at Etheridge, and crushing on large scale commenced.

Jan. 22.— Hon. R. Pring arrested at Dalby on Speaker's warrant.

Feb. 6.— H.M.S. " Basilisk" picked up the prison Hulk "Peri," belonging to the Fiji Government, having on board 14 natives in various stages of starvation, and three dead bodies.

Feb. 10.— Two thousand acres land under sugar in Mackay district.

Feb. 17.— Deadlock in Drayton Municipal Council owing to two Mayors having been elected, and neither being willing to give way.

Feb. 20.— Death of Andrew Petrie.

March 8.— Tin discoveries in Stanthorpe district occasioned much interest.

March 11.— New town of Bundaberg visited first time by steamer " Lady Bowen,"

March 20.— First steamboat built in the colony— the " Louisa"— launched in Brisbane by R. R. Smellie and Co.

March 30.— Shock of earthquake felt in Burnett District.

April 3.— Mr. (now Sir ) S. W. Griffith returned for East Moreton by a majority of 198 over his opponent (Mr. Cribb).

May 1.— Commissioner Dalrymple discovered the gap through the coast range which greatly shortened the distance between Cardwell and the Etheridge.

May 3.— Another deadlock in Assembly concerning the precedency of the Redistribution Bill and the voting of Supply.

May 14.— Swedish woman gave birth at Maryborough to four female infants ; all lived.

May 14.— Great political meeting held in Brisbane to express approval of action of Opposition. Deputation of Opposition members memoralised the Government expressing their views on the situation. May l8.— Government replied to the memorial unfavourable to Opposition views.

May 21.— One of the two Mayors at Drayton (Mr. Boland) fined for abusive and threatening language, but preferred imprisonment to payment.

May 29.— Patrick Collins executed for the murder of Zieman ; sickening spectacle. May 31.— " Young Australia," homeward bound, wrecked on Moreton Island.

June 12.— Political deadlock terminated ; compromise as to precedence of business arrived at.

June 24.— Tin ore discovered at Normanby.

July 14.— Rubies, garnets, and topaz found about 60 miles from Rockhampton.

July 23.— Mr. W. Miles, M.L.A., fined £250 by the Condamine bench for illegally impounding sheep; he appealed, and conviction was set aside, without costs.

Aug.6.— Explosion at the Union Sawmills, Maryborough ; two men killed, ten frightfully injured, six dying a few days later.

Aug. 23.— Great rush to alluvial diggings at Charters Towers.

Sept. 3.— Two hundred miners, with their families, left Morrita (South Australia) for the Mount Perry copper mines, which broke out a few months previous.

Sept. 14.— Death of John Deuchar, first white man to camp on present site of Warwick.

Sept. 10.— Brisbane practically depopulated of labour owing to rushes to various mining discoveries.

Sept. 27.— Boiler explosion Calliope Sawmills ; one killed, two frightfully injured.

Sept. 31.—Teams from the Cloncurry copper mines attacked by blacks ; two of the men in charge badly speared ; one died.

Oct. 1.— Brisbane "Telegraph" first published.

Oct. 9.— Return of mines registered in Queensland published :— Gold, 17 ; copper, 15 ; silver, 1 ; tin, 15.

Oct. 11.— Number of disappointed miners returning from Charters Towers were given work on railways by the Government.

Oct. 21.— Direct telegraphic communication with Europe established.

Oct. 23.— First telegram direct from Europe published in " Telegraph."

Nov.1.— Riot at Charters Towers amongst diggers owing to high price of meat ; shots were exchanged ; no one injured.

Nov. 11.— Violent thunderstorm Rockhampton ; considerable damage ; boat capsized in river— Mr. Wildridge and five children drowned, the wife floated on an oar.

Nov. 12.— Coal struck in Wide Bay District.

Dec. 12.— Capture of the first whale (33ft. long) in Queensland, at Sandgate.

Dec. 12.— One hundred and fifty tons tin ore sold in London at from £58 to £89 per ton.

Afterwards used to accommodate the Savings Bank, Registrar-General's Office, and other Government Departments.

1873

Jan. 17.— Scarcity, of provisions in the North ; at Charters Towers flour was £100, and at Ravenswood £90, and £150 per ton at the Seventy-mile alluvial diggings.

Jan. 25.— Serious floods throughout the North ; traffic suspended everywhere.

Jan. 30.— First sod of the Brisbane-Ipswich railway turned.

Feb. 21.— Fine specimens of opal discovered on the Bulloo River.

March 17— First Good Templars' Hall in Queensland opened at Beenleigh.

April 16.— Tailings from Ravenswood were tested in Brisbane for gold. The examination showed the loss of gold from imperfect milling to be from over 1oz. 3cwt. to 11oz. per ton ; and in one case the loss was 18oz. gold and nearly 4oz. silver.

April 21.— Party of timber-getters near the Susan River (Maryborough ) attacked by about 2000 blacks, who threw spears tipped with titree bark and in flames.

April 24.— Baptists of Brisbane and Ipswich adopted resolutions in favour of a purely national system of education.

April 26.— An "orderly" meeting held at Drayton to complete the Municipal Council by the election of three aldermen. (Disorder had reigned since early in 1872).

May 5.— A Mayor elected by the Drayton Council.

May 9.— Circular issued to teachers of non-vested schools, cautioning them against giving special religious instruction.

May 9.— In consequence of the increased demand for houses in Brisbane rents were raised 30 per cent.

May 19.—First regular ship to carry livestock from Gladstone to New Caledonia commenced to load.

May 28. — The " Crishna" and cargo condemned, with costs for kidnapping 35 Polynesians.

June 5.— Disorderly and disgraceful meeting in the Town Hall, promoted to call upon Mr. Handy (member for North Brisbane) to resign. The promoters could not obtain a hearing.

June 10.— Great meeting of Catholics at Brisbane and Ipswich to protest against the National Education Bill.

June 10.— Heavy flood at Brisbane ; Bremer rose 40ft, above ordinary level ; eight persons and over 6000 sheep drowned at Cecil Plains; great damage other places.

July 10.— After several days' debate Education Bill thrown out by the House by 12 votes to 11.

July 28.— Remains of the " Diprotodon Australis"— a gigantic mammalion animal found at Gowrie Creek.

July 21).— Boiler explosion at Noosa River Sawmill ; one killed, several severely injured.

Aug. 1.— Philip Handy sentenced to ten days' imprisonment for horsewhipping a reporter on the " Northern Argus*" (Rockhampton).

Aug. 7.— Completion of Lighthouses on Lady Elliot Island.

Aug. 9.— Another disorderly meeting of the Drayton Municipal Council ; two Mayors again elected.

Aug. 12.— Light first exhibited from Lady Elliott Lighthouse.

Aug. 13.— John Walker and Co. (Maryborough) completed the first locomotive built in the colony.

Aug. 25.— Wreck of the " Countess Russell" 15 miles south of Bustard Bay.

Aug 26.— Within past eight weeks 1000 immigrants obtained work in Maryborough district.

Aug. 29.— Libel action, Donkin v. Brisbane Newspaper Company; claim £2000, for publication par re Customs seizure ; verdict for defendant company.

Sept. 1.— Importation first hares into colony.

Sept. 2.— Libel action. Donkin v. "Telegraph"; £100 verdict for plaintiff.

Sept. 8.— Death of Colonel Gray at Ipswich.

Sept. 9.— Civil Service Co-operative Company formed in Brisbane.

Sept 12.— New rush to the Palmer goldfields.

Sept. 10.— Maryborough people protested against the preponderance of German immigrants.

Sept. 22— News received in Brisbane from London of death of Sir R. R. Mackenzie.

Sept. 27.— Royal Commission appointed by Government to inquire into condition of aboriginals.

Oct. 14.— Johnstone River lands first reported to be suitable for sugar growing.

Oct. 16.— Plague of caterpillars (denuding whole timber of foliage) on Dawson River.

Oct. 24.— Number of diggers returned to Brisbane from the Palmer; reported favourably of the field, but afraid of starvation.

Nov. 4.— "Courier" and "Queenslander" newspapers sold by auction to W. Baynes for £13,600.

Nov. 7.— Hon. E. I. C Browne and Mr. Gresley Lukin purchased "Courier" and "Queenslander" from Mr. W. Baynes.

Nov. 15.— Intimation received from the Home Government that German immigration had been stopped.

Nov. 29.— William Langley committed for trial for reading a newspaper and disturbing the congregation of Wharf-street Church, Brisbane.

Nov. 22.— Raid made by blacks on a Chinese camp near Gilberton ; two killed, two wounded, three missing.

Nov. 27.— One hundred Chinese, from the North, arrived on the Stanthorpe tin-fields ; indignation among the white population.

Dec. 9.— First steamer ("Sunfoo") of Torres Straits mail service arrived Townsville.

1874

Jan. 22.— Plant of "Mount Perry Mail" seized by police, the paper being unregistered.

Feb. 10.— Hon. Charles Lilley raised to a judgeship.

March 3.— Jury in case of libel brought against W. Langley by the Rev. B. G. Wilson, of Wharf-street Baptist Church, failed to agree, and were discharged.

March 10.— Gargett, for a horrible murder at Taroom, was executed at Brisbane.

March 11.— Death of Mr. B. Cribb, at Ipswich.

May 17.— St. Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane formally opened.

May 24.— Foundation stone of Roman Catholic Convent, Ipswich, laid by Archbishop Vaughan.

May 30.—Finnorta, the Tamworth bushranger, captured at Murilla Creek.

June 3.— First locomotive placed on the Brisbane Extension Railway, about 4 miles from Ipswich.

June 15.— Victoria Bridge opened ; Cobb and Co.'s coach first vehicle to cross it. June 22.— " Jason," first steamer of the Netherlands and India S.N. Co., arrived in Moreton Bay.

July 6.— Mr. Justice Lilley sworn in as a permanent Judge.

July 13.— Death of Mr. Uhr, Sergt.-at-Arms.

July 15.— Members of both Houses met in Congress to discuss several points in the Land Bill upon which there was some difference of opinion.

July 20.— New discoveries of gold on the Palmer caused great excitement and a further rush, notwithstanding the hardships endured by returned diggers.

July 27.— Mr. (now Sir) S. W. Griffith took office as Attorney-General.

July 27.— Mr. G. W. Paul appointed Judge, of District Court.

Sept. 24.— Banquet to Mr. P. Real at Ipswich on his being called to the Bar.

Sept. 27.— Extraordinary hurricane of wind passed over part of East and West Moreton Districts, destroying buildings and unroofing others.

Sept. 28.— Serious drought in the West ; carriers at Roma refused to accept loading.

Oct. 5.— Railway, Brisbane to Oxley, opened.

Oct. 12.— Inspector of Schools (Mr. Campbell) stuck up by a bushranger near the Gap Inn, on the Stanthorpe road.

Oct. 26.— Toowoomba Railway Station opened.

Nov. l2.— Maquis of Normanby (Governor) left Brisbane for England.

Nov. 12.— Attack by Catholics on School of Arts, Ipswich, during lecture by Rev. R. Porteus on " Martin Luther." Captain Townley read Riot Act. Several persons severely injured in the fray.

Nov. 30.— News received that Hume (the explorer) had perished between Nelson River and Cooper's Creek through want of water.

Dec. 12.— "Normanby," Torres Straits R.M.S., arrived, being the first of the fleet which reached the wharf, Brisbane.

Dec. 17.— Rockhampton lighted with gas for the first time.

Dec. 22.— A circular from the Colonial Secretary's Office notified the release of the " Wild Scotchman " (bushranger).

Dec. 31.— Gold despatched from Ravenswood during year, 20,719oz.

1875

Jan. 1.— "Rockhampton Argus" appeared as a daily paper.

Jan. 2.— " Capricornian"(Rockhampton) first published.

Jan. 5.— Maryborough magistrates refusing to license old slaughter yards, the butchers refused to supply meat until new ones were completed.

Jan. 12.— First Circuit Court opened at Townsville before Mr. Justice Sheppard. Jan. 22.— Arrival of Governor Cairns at Moreton Bay.

Jan 26.— " Leichhardt," on her voyage from the North, picked up four men in a boat ; found to be survivors of the steamer " Gottenburg," of Melbourne, on her way from Port Darwin, with 35 passengers, 36 of a crew, and 3000oz. gold ; wrecked on Barrier Reef, S.E. of Flinders Passage ; 63 persons drowned; gold recovered. Steamer " Leichhardt" also found small wrecked steamer on No. 1 Bunker Group Reef; took off captain and crew.

March 1.— Serious floods throughout Queensland ; position at Maryborough and Rockhampton very serious ; Mr. James Bartholomew (in Maryborough) and others in different districts drowned; loss of life heavy; Dawson rose 10ft. higher than 64 floods ; 45 persons for several days living on a punt at Laurel Bank, Dawson River, the current being too strong to rescue them. Several coasters wrecked.

March 20.— Howe, a Moreton Bay pilot, with all his crew, drowned.

March 22.— Government offered subsidy of £1000 for establishment of coach communication with St. George.

March 28.— Mulligan, discoverer of the Palmer, received £1000 from Government.

April 9.— Barbarous murder of Mr. and Mrs. Conn by blacks near Cardwell.

April 20.— Heavy floods about Mackay and S.W. districts.

April 23.— A.S.N. Co. establish a 28-days' service between Melbourne, Brisbane, and Maryborough.

May 2.— Mr and Mrs. Muir and Mrs. Ludwell drowned in the Fitzroy.

May 3.— Steamers "Japan" and " Scotland" landed 2000 Chinese at Cooktown. (800 were landed in March.)

May 3.— News received of decoration of A. C. Gregory , explorer.

May 14.— Further 650 Chinese landed at Cooktown.

June 2.— Blacks murdered a Chinaman in the North, and ate him.

June 20.— Education Bill (National) read a second time in the Assembly; voting, 25 to 13.

Aug. 7.— Great fire at Cooktown ; eight stores burnt; A.J.S. Bank lost £2000 in notes.

Aug. l8.— "Northern Miner"' issued as bi-weekly.

Sept. 14.— "Refuge Row" (present site of A.M.P. Buildings) purchased by the society for about £11,000.

Sept. 17.— Earthquake felt at Toowoomba and Gatton.

Sept. 19 .— Foundation stone of Christian Brothers' College, Brisbane, laid by Bishop of Hobart.

Sept. 30.— From Nov., 1867, to this date 410,555oz. gold, valued at £1,401,942, despatched from Gympie.

Oct. 2.— Captain Downing, of the ship "Star Queen," fined £200 at Maryborough for not having his ship sufficiently provisioned.

Oct. 14.— Another large fire at Cooktown; £8000 damage done.

Nov. 11.—Sir James Cockle presented £100 to Brisbane Grammar School to found annual prize for mathematics.

Nov. 11.— About 100 persons lodged applications for land on Cawarral Run (Rockhampton), the quantity land available being 115,000 acres less than was required.

Nov. 14.— " Great Queensland" arrived at Hervey's Bay from London; 414 immigrants.

Nov. 16.— Arrival " Kapunda" from Belfast ; 310 immigrants.

Nov. l8.— First telegraphic message despatched from Cooktown towards the Palmer Goldfield was received at a station 85 miles distant.

Nov. 20.— First pile of bridge over Pioneer River driven.

Dec. 4.— Great whirlwind at St. George raised the water in the river 100ft., causing much damage.

Dec. 14.— Arrival Bishop Hale at Brisbane.

Dec. 10.— Confession prisoner in Berrima Gaol (N.S.W.) that he murdered Mrs. James Curtis, of Toowoomba, in 1865.

Dec. 19.— Arrival of " Toowoomba" in Keppel Bay with immigrants.

Dec. 21.— Arrival "Gauntlet" at Moreton Bay, with typhoid on board; 330 immigrants.

Dec. 22.— Severe drought all over colony.

1876

Jan. 1.— First issue " Week," Brisbane.

Jan. 10.— Serious cyclone passed over Copperfield, damaging property to immense extent ; school razed, thermometer fell from 108deg. to 77deg. in 15 minutes.

Jan. 10.— Terrible storm Gympie , great loss.

Jan. 12.— Cooktown reported to be regular hospital, there being sickness in every house.

Jan. 12.— Judge Blakeney found drowned in Brisbane River near Indooroopilly.

Jan. 13.— Overend and Co's tender for construction Brisbane Dry Dock accepted; £61,968.

Jan. 13.— Arrival "St James" at Moreton Bay , 413 immigrants.

Jan. 17.—Excessive heat experienced all over colony.

Jan. 22.— Disastrous hailstorm Brisbane, much damage.

Feb. 2.— Great fire at Maryborough eleven large shops destroyed; damage £20,000. Feb. 17.— First issue "Bundaberg Mail".

Feb. 17.— Heavy rains Rockhampton; 9in. in 12 hours.

Feb. l8.— Heavy floods Central District and Gympie ; Mary rose 26ft in one night.

Feb 22.— Terrific tornado Bowen many houses swept away ; £100 subscribed in Brisbane for the relief of residents.

March 3.— Dock labourers demanded introduction eight hour system, which after deputation to Minister for works, Mr Overend agreed to.

March 8.— Murder of Joel Archibald Martin at Toowoomba by a German named Wenzel (Wenzel executed Aug 29 ).

March 9.— Attempt made to fire Judge Hirst's house at Maryborough.

March 21.— Great excitement over Mulligan's reported rich find of gold 160 miles from Cooktown.

March 26— Revelations made regarding the flogging to death of a black boy, on a Peak Downs station by inspector of police who was arrested, but being bailed out, absconded.

March 28.— Opening northern railway extension to Duaringa.

April 4.— Hodgkinson rush set in; much excitement; every ship earned full cargo, many horses, and full complement of passengers.

April. 6.— Death of C. J. Trundle, an old colonist at Brisbane.

April 22.— Adverse news received in Brisbane as to Mulligan's rush; Mulligan's life threatened.

April 22.— Reply to petition to Queen re Sir Maurice O'Connell's alleged complicity in the health of the Pope being drunk, in precedence to that of Her Majesty received ; prayer not granted.

April 23.— Roman Catholics at Gympie decided to prosecute certain newspapers for alleged libel in regard to clerical scandal.

April 27.—Favourable reports received from the Hodgkinson field.

April 29.— Foundation stone Trinity Church Valley, laid by Bishop Hale.

May. 2.—Arrival of "Strathearn" at Keppel Bay; 282 immigrants.

May. 8.— Crew of "Strathearn" took possession of ship; armed police arrested them.

May 8.—One hundred and fifty passengers by the " Leichhardt" paid their fare from Cooktown to Townsville but refused to go ashore there and were brought on to Brisbane. Eighty-Eight of them were sent to gaol on arrival.

May 12.— Hon. S. W. Griffith appointed Q.C.

May 13.— Foundation stone of Toowoomba School of Arts laid by Hon. A. Macalister.

June 6.— First sod of Western Railway extension turned at Dalby by Governor Cairns.

June 7.— "Victoria" brought from Cooktown reputed richest specimen quartz ever found in Queensland; 22lb. stone containing between 18lb. and 19lb. gold; specimens from the Palmer.

June 9.— New Police Court Brisbane, opened for business.

June 17.— Arrival "Florence" at Townsville ; 263 immigrants.

June l8.— Arrival " Windsor Castle" at Brisbane ; 382 immigrants.

July 6.— Phenomenal crushings from No. 1 Lady Mary Gympie, reported ; one ton stone 278oz gold.

July 13.— Arrival "City of Agra" at Hervey's Bay ; 316 immigrants.

July. 14.— Great storms in south and west portions of the colony ; floods unprecedented in height ; portions railway line in places swept away ; heavy weather at sea with injury to shipping and loss of life.

July 29.— " Golden Age " Croydon, published.

Aug. 3— Collision between "Barrabool" and " Queensland " off Wilson's Point ; later sank in 45 minutes ; second officer of " Barrabool" indicted for neglect, and owners muleted to tune £12,000.

Aug. 11.— Arrival "Scottish Bard" at Keppel Bay ; 255 immigrants.

Aug. 12.— Arrival Orient liner "Dilharee" at Brisbane ; 326 immigrants.

Aug. 17.— Dr. Lang's application for compensation negatived in the Assembly.

Aug. 29.— Execution of Wenzell for murder of Martin at Toowoomba.

Sept. 10.— Fierce gale on the coast ; wind, 153 miles ; numerous casualties. The "Dandenong" lost off Cape Jervis , with 40 passengers. " City of Melbourne'' nearly disabled ; nine racehorses worth £20,000 killed ; four coasters and all hands lost.

Sept. 19.— Mrs. Lancefield acquitted for the second time on charge of murdering her husband at Indooroopilly.

Oct. 3.— " Reichstag,"' from Hamburg, arrived at Brisbane ; 283 immigrants.

Oct. 4.— Trinity Bay proclaimed port of entry.

Oct. 6.— " Queensland Patriot" published at Brisbane.

Oct. 13.— Severe thunderstorms, lasting three days at Brisbane; several killed; hail in Wide Bay District killed many wild animals, also at Toowoomba and Warwick.

Nov. 20.— Announced that Governor Cairns would be succeeded by Governor Kennedy.

Dec. 30.— Gold sent to Sydney Mint from Queensland, 262,177oz.

1877

Jan. 18.— Fierce hurricane at Toowoomba; crops and buildings on Ackland Farm, near Toowoomba, destroyed.

Jan. 19.— Death of Mr. P. Gray, Brisbane.

Jan. 22.— St. George and Cunnamulla entirely surrounded by water.

Feb. 2.— E. and A. Co's steamer " Singapore" wrecked on L Island.

Feb. 9.— One hundred and thirty-five Chinese, with 2000oz. gold, left Cooktown for China (80 with 1000 oz. left the following day) ; in the meantime Chinese were pouring into the colony.

March.14.— Governor Cairns left Queensland.

March 19.— Mr P. Pinnock took his seat as P.M. of Brisbane.

April 10.— Arrival of Governor Kennedy, he having been delayed by smallpox, which broke out among Chinese on ship, and was quarantined.

June 30.— Gold exported from Northern goldfields to China through Chinese for the six months, 13,319oz.

July 14.— Avery Hotel, near Bendemere, stuck up by Crawley, bushranger, who was shot by Constable Bowen.

July 20.— Governor Kennedy sworn in.

July 21.— Sixty Chinese left Cooktown with 3000oz gold.

Jury 21.— " Refuge Row," Brisbane, demolished.

Aug. 13.— Warden Coward stuck up by armed Chinese and robbed of £200.

Aug. 26.— Death of Hon T. B. Stephens

Sept. 6.— Two hundred and eighty-six Chinese with £2000 and 6121oz. gold, left Cooktown.

Sept.17.— News received from Maytown of the murder of Storekeeper Jackson, of Limestone, the body being robbed and the store burnt.

Sept. 29.— Great fire at Townsville; estimated loss, £25,000.

Oct. 16.— Opening of the first Queensland woollen factory at Ipswich.

Oct. 17.— Opposition stonewalled until 3 p.m. on the 18th, refusing to pass money for projected railways.

Nov. 12.— Arrival ship "Newcastle" at Brisbane ; 397 immigrants.

Nov 12.— Great sale Western Railway lands, at Dalby , proceeds £74,000.

Nov. 14.— Very large meetings held at Brisbane and Ipswich ; prayers offered for break up of disastrous drought.

Nov. 20.— Sale of Western Railway lands at Brisbane ; net proceeds, £26,771.

Nov. 28.— Thanksgiving services held at Brisbane and elsewhere for rain.

Nov. 28.— 80oz. nugget found at No. 1 New Zealand mine, Gympie.

Dec. 5.— Bank of New South Wales at Brisbane robbed of £1300.

Dec. 13.— "Scottish Hare," with 318 immigrants, arrived at Rockhampton.

Dec. 17.— A 36-perch allotment corner Albert and Elizabeth streets sold for £3000.

Dec 18.— £2350 remitted from Brisbane to Indian famine stricken districts.

Dec 19.— News received Brisbane that Privy Council had reversed decision Fisher v. Tully ; Queensland Government to pay costs.

Dec 26.— New German Church, Toowoomba opened.

Dec 28.— Hailstorm passed over Brisbane breaking thousands panes glass, and greatly injuring property.

1878

Jan 24.— Execution Cunningham at Brisbane.

Jan 20.— Allotment of land, 1 rood, near Queen's Hotel, Rockhampton, changed hands; £4500, Bank New South Wales purchasers.

Jan. 31.— £1900 forwarded to the relief of Indian famine districts.

Feb. 6.— Annear and Co.'s tender for Maryborough-Gympie railway accepted.

Feb. 6.— Arrival " Sterlingshire" from Glasgow with 389 immigrants.

Feb. 11.— Death of Rev. G. B. Wilson (Wharf-street Baptist).

Feb. 18.— Arrival "Gauntle" from London with 260 immigrants.

Feb. 20.— Several deaths recorded Rockhampton consequence intense heat .

March 1.— Extension of Northern Railway to Comet River opened.

March 3.— New Congregational Church at Bundaberg opened.

March 8.— Terrible cyclone at Cairns great destruction of property.

March 13.— First sale Southport lands.

March 20.— Sir Arthur Kennedy turned first sod Maryborough-Gympie railway.

March 31.— Arrival " Robert Lees" at Brisbane with 319 immigrants .

April 9.— " Scottish Knight" arrived Keppel Bay with 260 immigrants.

April 10.— Contract for fifth section of Western Railway to Roma let to Bashford and Co.; £103,210.

April 13.— Crushing of 106 tons of stone from North Caledonian claim, Gympie, gave 950oz.

April 17.—Contract first section Warwick and Stanthorpe railway (20 miles 28 chains) let Overend and Co., £178,683.

April 8.— Maryborough gazetted a place for holding Courts of Petty Sessions.

April 22.— Outbreak typhoid fever at Toowoomba , many deaths.

May 17.— Arrival of " Ironsides" at Brisbane , 301 immigrants.

May 21.— First omnibus began to ply for traffic in Rockhampton.

May 27.— Arrival " Glamis" Hervey's Bay with 356 immigrants.

May 28.— Queensland loan of £1,200,000 taken up at 92½.

June 4.— " Old Trafalgar" died Dunwich ; aged 100.

June 22.— Arrival " Nairnshire" at Brisbane with 349 immigrants.

June 24.— Arrival "Kapunda" at Keppel Bay will 348 immigrants.

June 24.— Great massacre Europeans at New Caledonia.

July 1.— A sloop, "The Brisbane Adventurer," built by working men for New Guinea exploration, launched.

July 7.— Steamer "Victoria" picked up survivors French barque "Success" off Hinchinbrook Island; survivors been 13 days in open boat.

July 19.— " Queenslander " transcontinental expedition started from Blackall.

July 29.— "South Esk" arrived at Brisbane with 363 immigrants.

Aug. 1.— 28 miles Western extension railway opened traffic.

Aug. 4.— Arrival " Lammershagen" from Hamburg at Brisbane with 392 immigrants.

Aug. 7.— Royal Agricultural Society held first annual show at Toowoomba.

Aug. 8.— Death of Dr. Lang.

Aug. 8.— Seizure and burning of the schooner "Louisa Maria" by Whitsunday Passage natives.

Aug. 12.— Fatal Chinese fight at Maytown.

Aug. 14.— Ipswich lighted with gas for the first time.

Aug. 20.— Arrival at Brisbane of " Windsor Castle" with 350 immigrants.

Aug. 20.— Arrival of "Rodell Bay" at Brisbane with immigrants.

Sept. 1.— Consecration St. John's Church, Dalby, by Bishop Hale.

Sept. 8.— Arrival " Dunbar Castle'' at Brisbane ; 350 immigrants.

Sept. 10.— Arrival Maryborough " Herschel," from Hamburg ; 300 immigrants.

Sept. 10.— Intelligence received at Brisbane that the ship "Riser" had been wrecked off King's Reef, and crew massacred by blacks.

Sept. 30.— Arrival of "Sir William Wallace" at Townsville with immigrants.

Oct. 7.— Extensive frauds and forgeries discovered in Real Property Office. S. L. Peterson having confessed guilty knowledge of them, absconded and was arrested. In same connection was proved £900 of funds of South Brisbane Mechanics' Institute been misappropriated.

Oct. 11.— Arrival " Caroline" at Hervey's Bay with 327 immigrants.

Oct. 21.— Arrival "Scottish Admiral" at Brisbane; ordered into quarantine; 340 immigrants.

Nov. 6.— Terrible accident on G.N. railway at Comet, where a number of men were swept off a track by a rope across the line: 4 killed, 17 injured.

Nov. 13.— Strike of A.S.N. Co.'s seamen owing to the introduction of Chinese as sailors. (The men returned to their ships,on Jan. 2, 1879, the Chinese being discharged.)

Nov. 27.— Death of Mr. James Morgan, M.L.A., Warwick.

Dec. 6.— Captain M'lvor of the schooner "Morning Light," murdered at Maryborough by Chinaman, who suicided.

Dec. 23.— Execution of South Sea Islander for the murder of Charles Andrews at Nive River.

Dec. 21.— Steamer "Mecca," with Chinese, wrecked in Torres Straits ; no fatalities. 

1879

Jan. 9.— Death of Robert Jarrott, of Indooroopilly, an old resident.

Jan. 10.— Death of Robert Travis, an old colonist, at Maryborough.

Jan. 15.— During ceremony of opening at Parliament two men (Wilkie and Walsh) killed by bursting of a gun at the saluting point.

Feb. 13.— Ipswich waterworks formally opened.

Feb. 24.— O'Brien's store at Gilberton stuck up by bushrangers.

March 4.— Skeleton of a young child found in the waterworks yard, Brisbane.

March 5.— Instructions cabled to London to immediately stop free immigration. March 16.— " Queenslander" transcontinental expedition (E. Favene, leader) arrived at Port Darwin.

March 23.— Death of Sir Maurice O'Connell.

March 30.— Great rain storm at Cairns, causing landslips and destruction in stores, gardens , and houses.

April 13.— Mysterious disappearance of R. Aitkin at Maryborough.

May 9.— Heavy rain on the coast ; three men drowned while crossing the Thomson river ; damage done almost everywhere.

May 10.— Large dismissals from Government workshops and road gangs. A large mass meeting to protect against the action of the Government was held at Ipswich on the 12th.

May 17.— Hon R. Pring having been gazetted Attorney-General, went up for re-election at Fortitude Valley, and was defeated by Mr Beattie, by 227 votes

June 9.— Execution of Joseph Mutter, for the murder of a woman at Townsville.

June 10.— Attempted assassination of the Rev. Scortechim on the Logan.

June 24. 25, and 26.— Heavy storms, rain, and cyclone in South Queensland, doing great damage.

June 27.— S. W. Griffith declined the position of a Puisne Judge.

July 9.— Mr G. R. Harding accepted the position declined by Mr S. W. Griffith.

July 15.— Mr Justice Lilley sworn in as Chief Justice, and Mr G. R. Harding as a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court.

Aug. 3.— Maryborough first lighted by gas.

Aug. 19.— Fire in Parliamentary Library ; quickly got under control.

Aug. 22.— Stonewall, owing proposal to pay £1,700,000 for railways; sat from Wednesday to Friday continuously; vote eventually carried by majority of 3.

Aug. 23.— Robbery of the Gympie mail.

Aug. 27.— Heavy rains throughout the colony, Particularly at Dalby and Brisbane. R.C. Cathedral at Charters Towers blown down [Further floods Sept. 8, prevailing until the 16th]

Aug. 28.— Explosion at the big tunnel on the Warwick-Stanthorpe line , 1 killed, and 7 wounded.

Sept. 11.— Boucicault proprietor of "Northern Argus" fined £50 for contempt by comment.

Sept l8.— Parliament approved of proposal to run Sunday trains between Brisbane and Ipswich.

Sept 23.— Coal mining case. Bell and others v Gulland for trespass on the Waterstown Estate terminated; £1,600 for plaintiffs (amount paid into court).

Sept 27.— Fire on the Steamer "Leonie " from the Logan, destruction of sugar resulted.

Oct 12.— Bishop Bugnion obtained permission to pioneer 50 Mennonite families to Queensland.

Oct.13.— G. B. Molle found dead on the Old Cleveland-road, shot by a gun he was carrying.

Oct. 20.— Western Railway opened to Yeulbah.

Oct. 20.— Roma to Charleville coach stuck up by an armed man named John Haslin. Constable Pettit, who was on the box, arrested the man, and was awarded a gratuity of £20. Haslin got 10 years.

Oct. 25.— Destructive fire Durundur station. (head station destroyed).

Nov. 1.— Government prohibited acceptance of testimonials and gratuities by Civil Servants.

Nov. 8.— Fact became known that Mr. Stubley, M.L.A.. had for some time been drawing £1000 a week from the Brian O'Lynn mine at Charters Towers.

Nov. 9.— Warwick waterworks machinery set in motion.

Nov. 14.— Destructive fire at Port Douglas; damage £10,000.

Nov. 18.— Terrible storm with heavy damage at Ipswich.

Dec. 9.— Murder, at Goondiwindi, of George M'Guigan.

1880

Jan. 12.— Western Railway to Blythesdale opened.

Jan. 12.— Heaviest flood on record in the Daintree River; water rose 40ft, washing stock, produce, &c, into the ocean and drowning many men.

Jan. 16.— Q.N. Bank at Cunnamulla stuck up by J. Wells and robbed of £200 ; a storekeeper (Murphy) assisting in capture was shot and severely injured, but others pursued robber and arrested him ; he was tried at Toowoomba, sentenced to death, and executed March 22.

Jan. 21.— Steamer " Vesta" capsized 16 miles from Casino. She sank immediately with five passengers. Captain was convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced 12 months' imprisonment.

Feb. 12.— Smellie and Co. built and launched a 4000-ton hopper barge for the Government.

Feb. 17.— Floods in the North and West higher than those of 1864.

Feb. 29.— Sudden death at Brisbane of Sir E. J. Baynes.

Mar. 19.— Sir. J. P. Bell sworn in as acting Governor Queensland during absence in England of Governor Kennedy.

March 19.— Government offered reward of £1000 for discovery of remedy for rust in wheat.

April 3.— " Johnny" Campbell, the Wide Bay bushranger, sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment. [Government awarded natives who had assisted in Campbell's capture a whaleboat, oars, masts, sails, drag nets, and provisions.]

June 1.— First municipal election for Sandgate.

June 11.— £11,424 forwarded to relieve distress in Ireland.

July 5.— Attempt by Chinese pirates to seize E. and A. Co.'s steamer "Bowen"; the pirates captured.

June 21.— Toowoomba waterworks inaugurated.

Aug. 16.— "Johnny" Campbell, who was arrested for bushranging, but afterwards also arraigned for number of capital offences on women, executed at Brisbane.

Sept. 4.— Baker, pedestrian, walked 115 miles in 23h. 40min. in old theatre, Brisbane.

Sept. 16.— Railway to Roma opened.

Sept. 18.— Cran and Co. launched their steamer "Edith" at Maryborough.

Oct. 9.— Death of Capt. Harvard, of Ipswich

Oct. 21.— Fitzroy Brewery, Rockhampton, put through first brew.

Nov. 1.— Postal cards first issued in Queensland.

Nov. 29.— Dr. Paterson charged with embezzlement at Rockhampton was acquitted. A scene occurred in court, verdict being received with applause, and cheers being given for the doctor and Griffith, who defended him.

Dec. 1.— First issue " Gladstone Observer."

Dec. 2.— First dredge "Octopus" built by Smellie and Co. 1881.

March 11.— Death of E. Armstrong and Joshua Jeays, two old Brisbane residents.

March 20.— Bridget O'Donnell, South Brisbane, murdered her brother's wife and then suicided.

April 5.— Bashford's tender ( £33,634) accepted for the Sandgate Railway.

April 13.— Arrival at Moreton Bay of the B.I.S.N. Co.'s steamer " Merkara," first direct steamer with mails.

May 3.— Stanthorpe Railway declared open.

May 10.— First sod of the Sandgate Railway turned.

May 24.— Hon. A. H. Palmer and Sir Charles Lilley received Order of Knighthood.

June 29.— First meeting in Brisbane of the Queensland Political Reform League.

July 8.— Eight cases nitroglycerine condemned by the Customs authorities were ignited by a fuse three miles across theRoss River, Townsville, causing a terrific explosion. Considerable fear and excitement was caused as the shock was such as to extinguish the lights in Flinders-street and rattle the windows.

July 12.— The notorious Steel Rails Commission Report before the House. Sir S. W. Griffith's speech occupied 7 hours in delivery.

July 20.— Division on the report taken resulting in a majority of 7 for the Government.

July 30.— Foundation stone of Q.N. Bank, Brisbane, laid.

Aug. 4.— General Fielding and his staff left Brisbane on the Transcontinental Expedition.

Aug. 4.— First locomotive engine in the Mackay district started at Spiller's Sugar Factory.

Aug. 6.— Maryborough-Gympie railway opened.

Aug. 16.— Arrival in Moreton Bay of the Detached Squadron and the Princes (Albert Victor and George).

Aug. 18— Dr. O'Quinn died.

Aug. 26.— Libel action P. Perkins v. "Evangelical Standard"; verdict, £3 with cost.

Sept. 24.— Mysterious disappearance of a petition against the appointment of a Coolie Immigration Agent in India and containing 500 names while being handed round in the Rockhampton Court House for signature.

Oct. 29.— Mr. Thos. Archer gazetted Agent-General for Queensland.

Nov. 15.— Telegraph line opened to within 15 miles of Thargomindah.

Nov. 18.— Messrs. W. Sheehan, H. Slaughter, and two boys (Bullmore) drowned in Moreton Bay, Llewellyn Best being the only survivor of the party.

Nov. 19.— Death of Thos. Wright, proprietor of the " Northern Standard.''

Nov. 28.— Hon. J. P. Bell received the honour of knighthood.

Dec. 2.— First trial of M. J. Minnis for murder of William Pillinger at Milton, Brisbane. Jury unable to agree.

Dec. 6.— Telegraph line to Thargomindah completed.

Dec. 20.— Sir Joshua Peter Bell seized with apoplexy while riding in hansom cab in Queen-street, Brisbane, and died shortly afterwards ; honour of knighthood only conferred on him Dec. 1. [Mr. J. B. Dixon, who was in the cab with him at the time, died Mar. 6, 1882.]

Dec. 28.— Sir Arthur Palmer took up official quarters as President of Upper House.

1882

Jan. 5.— Mr. A. Archer accepted portfolio Colonial Treasurer.

Jan. 13.— Mr. W. Brooks defeated Mr. J. Sinclair for North Brisbane by 315 votes.

Jan. 22.— Remains of Mrs. Watson, her infant, and Chinese servant accidentally found by Capt. Bremer on No. 5 Island, Howich Group.

Feb. 4.— Professor Pepper unsuccessfully attempted to tap the clouds for rain at Eagle Farm. The " kite" could not be raised.

Feb. 7.— Two 18lb. round shot were found on the beach at Townsville at a depth of 2ft. Shot by exposure had been reduced to 2lb. in weight , and were supposed to have been fired 50 years previously.

Feb. 14.— Mr. F. Kates elected Mayor of Allora for eighth time.

Feb. 21.— Fatal boat accident at Flat Top Island ; eight Government officials thrown into the water ; three drowned.

Feb. 22.— Ceremony of laying the last rail of Sandgate railway performed.

March. 6.— Scene in Supreme Court between Mr. Ff. Swanwick and Justice Harding, as a result of which former was disrobed.

Mar 8.— Second trial of Minnis for murder; found guilty of manslaughter ; sentenced for life.

March 12.— Disastrous fire in " Telegraph" Office; newspaper published at "Courier" Office.

March 19.— Arrival Archbishop Dunne (R.C.) in Brisbane.

May 1.— News received Brisbane of massacre of Lockhead, Government agent, the first mate, and four of the crew of the " Janet Stewart" at the Solomons.

May 11.— A.S.N. steamer " Ranelagh" wrecked on King's Reef (Cardwell) : P. Perkins, a passenger.

May 13.— Death of M. B. Goggs, pioneer; aged 73.

May 21.— Dr. Cani consecrated first R.C. Bishop of Rockhampton.

May 21.— Drowning of W. G. Moffat (chemist ), his son, and a lad named Edwards at the mouth of the Brisbane.

May 23.— Execution of George Byrne at Brisbane, for capital offence.

June 6.— Sixteen 32-perch allotments in Bourbong-street, Bundaberg, sold by Government for £4,315.

June. 14.— Maurice O'Brien, supposed to be insane, entered A.J.S. Bank, Maryborough, and fired at Mr. Male, accountant ; Male fired three shots, which brought in passers-by, who seized O'Brien : no one injured.

June 18.— Dr. Dunne installed R.C. Bishop of South Queensland.

July 6.— Mrs. Evans and her three children drowned in the Logan River

July 13.— Miners at Cannibal Creek, Maytown, hunted the Chinese from the tin lodes they were working.

July 23.— First mail coach arrived at Herberton.

July 26.— Margaret Spillane found guilty of murder of Michael Irwin at Toowoomba, and sentenced to death.

Aug. 3.— Andrew Petrie's property at the corner Wharf and Queen streets, Brisbane, sold to W. Perry for £40,000.

Aug. 17.— Death at Brisbane of the wife of Samuel Plimsoll, the sailors' friend.

Sept.13.— Mr. T. M. King (present Deputy Commissioner for Railways) appointed collector of Customs in succession to Mr. W. Thornton, one of the first Customs officers at Moreton Bay.

Oct. 10.— Death of Judge Blake from buggy accident met with on Oct. 3.

Oct. 30.— Quarter acre unimproved land at corner Bazaar and Sussex streets, Maryborough, sold for £4000.

Nov. 10.— Mr. A. C. Gregory called to the Legislative Council.

Nov. 11.— Tender for Killarney line accepted ; £31,341.

Nov. 13.— Telephone exchange, Maryborough opened.

Nov. 18.— News received Brisbane that Mr. T. M'Ilwraith had been created K.C.M.G.

Nov. 18 — Anti-coolie disturbance at Bundaberg owing to a number of whites impeding the Cingalese in their work. Cingalese drew their knives ; no one killed.

Dec. 4.— Charters Towers Railway formally opened.

Dec. 8.— Death of Mr. J. P. Smith, pioneer temperance advocate in Queensland.

Dec. 8.— Concluding payment of " Griffith Reimbursement Fund" (total £709) paid to Hon. S. W . Griffith.

1883

Jan. 12.— Terrific thunderstorm, lasting an hour, passed over Goondiwindi, doing very great damage.

Feb. 1.— Arrival Ivo Bligh's team of cricketers, Brisbane.

Feb. 20.— Townsville gas works formally opened.

Feb. 23.— Death of Mr. G. Edmondstone, an old colonist.

Feb. 26.— Appointment of Sir. A. Musgrave as Governor of Queensland, announced.

March 5.— Heavy flood at Thargomindah ; the river in places several miles wide ; much loss of live stock.

March 30.— Visit to Queensland of Mr. J. E. Redmond, M.P.

April 9.— New telegraph office, Rockhampton, opened.

April 9.— Successful exhibition of electric Light, in the Government Printing Office, Brisbane.

April 18.— Death of Mr. G. Howard, one of the oldest residents of Maryborough.

May 2.— Departure of Governor and Mrs Kennedy.

May 5.— " Queensland Leader" (Brisbane) first published.

May 6.— Visit of Archibald Forbes to Brisbane.

May. 19.— Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the system and management of the Traffic Departments of the railways.

June 20.— W. T. Blakeney appointed Registrar-General vice Henry Jordan.

July 3.— McIlwraith Government defeated by 11 votes on Transcontinental Railway Bill.

July 9.— "Observer" purchased by the Brisbane Newspaper Company.

July 14.— Clermont ratepayers having demanded the retirement of their aldermen, the latter resigned in a body.

Aug. 11.— First issue of "Hughenden Ensign."

Aug . 29.— Severe shock of earthquake felt over considerable portion of South Queensland.

Sept. 12.— Lake's Creek Meatworks, Rockhampton, destroyed by fire.

Sept. 28.— Smith's tender for the first section Mackay Railway accepted.

Oct. 22.— Mrs. ("Granny") Ross, first resident of Dalby, died.

Oct. 30.— Great demonstration at Ipswichunder the auspices of the Liberal Association (effigy of P. O'Sullivan previously burnt, and after his election he was followed by a mob to the station, but escaped them).

Nov. 4.— Foundation stone of Nudgee Convent laid.

Nov. 6.— Arrival of Sir A. Musgrave at Brisbane.

Nov. 7.— First session of the 9th Parliament opened, but Griffith carrying an amendment on the Estimates against M'Ilwraith the latter resigned and the former formed a Ministry.

Nov. 27.— Unemployed numbering 500 held a meeting outside the Immigration Depot, Brisbane.

Nov. 29.— Visit to Brisbane of the Earl of Rosebery.

Dec. 20.— First sod Mackay Railway turned.

Dec. 23.— First issue " Charleville Times " .

Dec. 28.— Arrival Swedish schooner 'Natal" in Moreton Bay, Captain reported crew had mutinied, and that he had shot two of them.

Dec. 31.— Estimated population of Queensland 248,253.

1884

Jan. 1.— Hours of Civil Servants Shortened by one hour per day.

Jan. 8.— First meeting Royal Society Queensland held.

Jan. 12.— During the progress of a storm a ball of fire fell and burst in the Supreme Court yard, Brisbane.

Jan. 14.— What was described as liquid mud being sold at Muttaburra for 6/6 per cask ; drought very severe.

Jan. 15.— Col. French gazetted Commandant Queensland Forces.

Jan. 20.— Affray between white men and kanakas at Maryborough , glass bottles the weapons ; several injured.

Jan. 30.— Disastrous hurricane at Bowen; nearly every building unroofed, and many completely wrecked.

Feb. 6.— Bashford's tender (£109,000) for the Cooktown-Maytown Railway accepted.

Feb. 21.— Severe floods throughout colony, specially about Cooktown-Townsville.

Feb. 27.— Railway opened to Clermont.

March 13.— Brisbane " Courier" offices lighted by electricity.

March 16.— Destructive fire at Howard Smith's wharves, Brisbane, damage £25,000.

April 9.— Trial of T. W. Hill publisher of "Courier", for libel against the Elections and Qualifications Committee ; verdict not guilty.

April.23.— J. C. M'Groary returning officer at Woolgar, sentenced to six months imprisonment for falsifying returns.

May 2.— New offices of the " Bulletin" Company at Rockhampton opened.

May 4.— The first eight page penny paper ("The Evening Observer") issued in Brisbane .

May 20.— First shipment to England of frozen meat (per " Dorunda") from Brisbane ( Queensport Works).

May 26.— Second trial Ready v. " Figaro", verdict, £50. "Figaro" costs subscribed.

June 5.— Francis Rowan and John M'Lean sentenced to three years' imprisonment for kidnapping Kanakas, the first year in irons.

June 11.— The "Age"' exploration party (Captain Strachan) arrived at Thursday Island from New Guinea.

June 10.— First section (to Fernvale) of Brisbane Valley line opened.

June 27.— Death of Hon. W. Thornton, very old resident, having been attached to first Customs staff.

July 22.— Death of J..S. Calvert, the last survivor of the Leichhardt Expedition party ; died in Sydney.

Aug. 13.— Libel case; Thorn v. " Zeitung"; verdict, £50 and costs.

Aug. 18.— Writ for slander (£10,000 damages) issued by Hon. W. O. Hodgkinson against Hon. W. Miles. Eventually withdrawn by mutual consent, each side paying own costs.

Sept. 10.— James Warner (one of the first surveyors) gazetted Sergt.-at-Arms.

Oct. 3.— .Railway collision at Darra; driver Griffith killed ; several injured.

Oct. 23.— Part of New Guinea proclaimed English territory.

Oct. 30.— R. Thompson's tender (£19,225) accepted for construction of Brisbane tramways.

Nov. 15.— Sir. S. W. Griffith's effigy burnt at a Separation meeting at Ayr.

Nov. 27.— Neil M'Neil, captain of the "Hopeful," which was seized for kidnapping, sentenced to death; commuted to penal servitude for life, first five years in irons.

Dec. 3.— Bernard Williams (boatswain of the " Hopeful") sentenced to death.

Dec.11.— Scholefield (Government agent) found guilty and sentenced penal servitude ; five years in irons.

Dec.14.— Seven of the "Hopeful" men sentenced—two to penal servitude for life, one for ten years, three for seven, and one for two years; part of times in irons.

1885

Feb.14.— A. R. N. Pietzeker appointed an immigration agent for Germany.

March 26.— Death of Judge Pring, first Attorney -General of Queensland.

March 31.— Bishop Hale resigned.

April 8.— First section Logan Railway opened.

April 10.— Hon. C. S. Mein accepted Judgeship rendered vacant by death Pring.

April 15— Dredge " Maryboro" launched at Maryborough, and foundation stone Hospital laid.

April. 21.— First land selected under the 1884 Land Act at Toowoomba.

April. 23.— Tender of C. W. Midson, £39,429 for erection "Courier" Building accepted.

April 30.— First sod Stanthorpe Border Railway turned by Mrs J. F. G. Foxton.

May 11.— Visit of Major General Scratchley and G. A. Sala to Brisbane.

June 23.— Salvation Army commenced operations in Brisbane.

July 7.— Foundation stone Jewish Synagogue Brisbane, laid.

July 25.— Railway to Beenleigh opened.

July 31.— Struan Bond, Brisbane, destroyed by fire; damage — £200,000.

Aug. 12.— Brisbane tramways opened.

Aug. 22.— Second section Killarney Railway opened.

Aug. 31.— Death of Lady Palmer.

Sept. 1.— Formation of Trades and Labour Council Brisbane.

Oct. 9.— First direct shipment (9½ tons) of sugar from Queensland to England forwarded from the Pioneer Works by the " Merkara."

Oct. 26.— W. G. Gordon executed at Brisbane for murder of Walter Bunning, of Darr River station.

Nov. 8.— Death of Thomas Dowse, a very old resident of Brisbane, familiarly known as " Old Tom " under which nom de plume he contributed many valuable historical sketches.

Dec. 2.— While returning from New Guinea Sir Peter Scratchley died when nearing Townsville.

Dec. 5.— First Federal Council summoned to meet at Hobart in January.

Dec. 14.— Arrival of " Dorunda" with Asiatic cholera ; several deaths.

Dec. 30.— John Robb's tender to construct first section of North Coast Railway accepted.

Dec. 31.— Exports Queensland ; £5,025,899, or £845,715 over previous year .

1886

Jan 7.— Hon W. Miles turned first sod Fassifern line.

Jan. 15.— Strike of seamen on board "Burwah" and " Geelong," out of sympathy with strike in Melbourne.

Jan. 17.— Death of Scholefield (in irons), the Government agent of recruiting vessel "Hopeful " undergoing life sentence for kidnapping.

Jan. 25.— First meeting Federal Council in Hobart.

Feb. 2.— Opening Royal Bank of Queensland.

March 5.— Argument in celebrated Mount Morgan cases heard, and verdict given for defendants. [On appeal to Privy Council in 1887, the appeal was dismissed with costs, the company being victorious. ]

March 16.-Death at Caloundra of William Landsborough, explorer.

March. 21.— Amount of compensation paid in connection with repeal of Pacific Immigration Act stated at £20,553/7/9.

April 6.— Decision Privy Council upholding Legislative Assembly's refusal to allow Legislative Council to alter a Money Bill.

April 10.— Death of Mr. F. Beattie, an old resident of Brisbane.

May 10.— First sod Cairns Railway turned.

May 28.— Tender (W. Mason's, £57,762) accepted for construction of the Beaudesert Railway.

May 30.— Wreck of "Ly-ee-moon " at Green Cape ; over 70 lives lost.

June 1.— French flag hoisted on two islands in the New Hebrides.

June 11.— The despatch of the great Separation petition to London celebrated at Townsville.

June 10.— Instructions cabled to the Agent General to stop the system of bounty immigiation.

July 12.— Hon. W. O. Hodgkinson reported favourably on the Central Sugar Mill System in Mackay.

July 24.— Hon. S.W. Griffith created a K.C.M.G.

July 20.— Heavy flood at Charleville, six persons rescued from a tree by Mr. Yaldwyn in a canvas boat.

July 27.— Owing to the non-arrival of stores through floods, famine prevailed in St. George.

Aug. 2.— A bid of £28,000 was made for the Lakes Creek Works and refused. [ £26,000 was accepted a day or two later.]

Aug. 9. — Second section of Brisbane-Valley Railway opened.

Sept. 2.— Mount Morgan jumping cases heard at Rockhampton; dismissed.

Sept 2.— Hon. John Macrossan's motion in the Legislative Assembly for Separation negatived.

Sept 22.— Miners on Croydon made an attempt to expel the Chinamen on the field.

Sept. 24.— Death at Warwick of Allen M'Innes one of the early Downs settlers.

Oct. 3.— Nearly 2000 miners and other tradespeople attended an anti-Chinese meeting at Charters Towers.

Oct. 19.—On casting vote of the Chairman of Committees legislature decided to build the Fortitude Valley Railway.

Nov.5.— Chinese residents of Mackay petitioned the Government, praying for protection for their countrymen.

Dec. 7.— Steamer "Kellawarra" after collision with the "Helen Nicoles" foundered with nearly the whole of her passengers and crew.

Dec.14.— Scene at the Cairns Police Court during the hearing of a case brought by John Macnamara and the editor of the "Chronicle". A day or two afterwards the editor was horsewhipped by Mr Wimble.

1887

Jan. 20.— Robbs tender (£290,094) for second section Cairns-Herberton line accepted.

Jan. 23.— Serious flood in Brisbane , several lives lost and much damage to property.

Feb. 1.— Mr Hume Black representative Separation Council, left Townsville.

Feb. 19.— Privy Council sustained the appeal of the Government to unseat Hon. James Gibbon for non-attendance in Legislative Council.

Feb. 28.— Mr I. Lissner left Townsville for London as a separation delegate.

March 12.— Disastrous cyclone at Burketown ; five persons killed; nearly every building in town damaged.

March 14.—Severe floods at Roma.

March 31.— At Cairns during this month 71 inches rain were recorded.

April 14. — " Daily Northern Standard," Charters Towers suspended publication.

April 17.— Separation delegates (Messrs Black and Lissner) interviewed Sir Henry Holland re Separation, and were informed they must needs present a stronger case before their prayer could be granted.

June 8.— Very large meeting in Brisbane and throughout Queensland protested against Irish coercion laws.

June 13.— Execution of Ellen Thompson and John Harrison at Brisbane, for murder of husband of former at Port Douglas.

June 17.— Wreck of the Steamer "Wentworth " near Bowen.

June. 22.— Mayor of Roma fined for declining to put a motion to a meeting of aldermen.

July 16.— Anti-Chinese demonstration in Brisbane. (A conference was held on the 19th, at which it was decided to approach Government.)

July 22.— Death of the Hon. William Miles.

July 26.— Land tax proposals (in form of new Rating Act) carried by Government, who had a majority of eight.

Sept 1.— Heads of Government Departments, under pain of suspension, instructed to keep expenditure within estimates.

Sept. 17.— A.U.S.N. Co. purchases A.S.N. Co.'s Brisbane property for £95,000.

Oct. 17.— Death of Sir Ralph Gore at the Albion (near Brisbane).

Oct. 25.— Death of Mr. C. A. Fielberg, journalist (editor of Brisbane "Courier").

Oct. 19.— Railway to Charleville completed.

Oct. 29.— Death of Richard Aldridge, one of the original prospectors on Croydon.

Dec. 1.— New South Wales having announced its intention of assuming the name "Australia," Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia lodged a joint protest.

Dec. 4.— Archbishop Dunne invested with the Pallium by Cardinal Moran.

Dec. 13.— Death C. H. Hartmann, an old resident of Toowoomba.

Dec. 15.— Appointment of the Civil Service Commission, on the recommendation of which present Board was established.

Dec. 30,— Visit of Earl and Countess of Carnarvon to Queensland.

Dec. 30.— Sensation in Rockhampton on arrest of J. W. Rutter, Mayor, for forgery, [Rutter, who while under arrest, attempted suicide, was found guilty on January 28, 1888, and sentenced to seven years' imprisonment.]

Dec. 31.— Gold returns for the year: 425,923oz.

1888

Jan. 14.— W. Wright killed and Constable Corrigan wounded by blacks near Maytown.

Jan. 10.— Sir S. W. Griffith elected president Federal Council at Hobart.

Jan. 17.— First through train service between Brisbane and Sydney initiated.

Jan. 24.— Severe storm at Croydon did damage estimated at £3,000.

Feb. 7.— First election new Municipality of South Brisbane. [W. Stephens elected first Mayor on February 15.]

Feb. 17.— Disastrous tornado on coast, steamer "Geelong" wrecked near Mackay, two of crew being drowned; "You Yangs" was seriously damaged; several houses at Mackay demolished.

Feb. 18.— 21¼in. rain fell at Rockhampton in three days, causing floods ; Mount Morgan coach washed away (mails lost, one passenger drowned).

Feb. 19.— Ex-Alderman Summer, of Rockhampton, attempted suicide, by blowing himself up with powder.

Feb. 24.— Collision " Derwent" and "Otter" in Brisbane River; "Derwent" damaged.

March 1.— Railway to Charleville and to North Pine opened.

March 2.— Intercolonial Trades Congress met in Town Hall (60 delegates).

March 13.— Mr. Wilson-Henry and wife killed on the railway near Little Ipswich.

April 2.— Opera House, Brisbane, opened.

April 4.— Death in London of Hon. James Gibbon.

April 14.— Death of Mr. Henry Buckley, Brisbane, an old resident.

April 18.— Tender for Cleveland Railway accepted.

April 27.— First gold escort (1211oz. ) left Eidsvold.

May 2.— Tender for Bowen Railway accepted ( £54,700).

May 5.— General elections ; great excitement in Brisbane : Chinese shop windows smashed by rioters. Brisbane returns : M'llwraith, 1761 ; Griffith, 1127; W. Brookes, 1009. (Chinese at Kelvin Grove decided to cable Pekin demanding protection.)

May 9.— Extensive jewellery robbery at Maryborough ; A. Ebenezer the victim.

May 12.— Murder of Bridget Baker , nine years of age in the Bunya Scrub.

May 14.— Beaudesert Railway opened.

June 13.— McIlwraith Ministry gazetted viz. :—Sir T. M'Ilwraith (Premier), H. M. Black (Lands), J. M. Macrossan (Mines and Works), H. M. Nelson (Railways), B. D. Morehead (Colonial Secretary). A. J. Thynne (Justice), J. Donaldson (Postmaster-General and Education), W. Pattison (without portfolio).

June 15.— A Javanese run amuck at Normanton, killing three white men. (Serious rioting occurred next day in consequence; eighteen houses occupied by the aliens burnt by whites).

June.16. — Opening first section North Coast Railway.

July 3.— Bank North Queensland opened.

July 9.— Plague of cats at Thargomindah.

July 13.— " Ranelagh" " Spunkie" collision at Cape Moreton; latter (schooner) foundering.

July 18.— Cable communication with Europe having been interrupted for 19 days restored.

July 30.— Crisis owing to Governor refusing to endorse order of Ministry for liberation of Ben Kitt, who was sentenced for stealing boots. Ministry resigned, but Governor refused to accept it. Sir S. W. Griffith was sent for on September 5, but he declined to form Government. On 8th Governor received wire from Lord Knutsford instructing him to release Kitt. A mass meeting in Brisbane (7000) passed resolutions supporting Government who withdrew resignations on September 10.

Aug. 4.— Arrival in Brisbane of Sir W. MacGregor, Administrator New Guinea.

Aug. 18.— Foundation stone new Albert street Wesleyan Church, Brisbane, laid.

Aug. 21.— Libel case R. Bulcock v. "Boomerang ended, verdict plaintiff £50 and costs.

Sept. 11.— M'Ilwraith delivered financial statement introducing protective policy through Customs.

Sept. 18.— Great fire in Brisbane destroyed D. L. Brown and Co.'s warehouses and other buildings.

Oct. 9.— Unexpected death of Sir Anthony Musgrave.

Oct. 9.— Strike of Tramway Employees' Brisbane.

Oct. 19.— " A" Company Defence Force at Rockhampton mutinied.

Oct. 23.— Death of Hon. F. T. Gregory at Toowoomba.

Oct. 24.— Captain Townley Wright, Commandant Marine Forces, refused to give up command of " Gayundah" to Lieutenant Taylor, whom he placed under arrest. Captain Wright prepared to put to sea. On the 25th he was dismissed from service, and removed from ship by police.

Oct. 26.— Terrific cyclone at Thargomindah.

Nov. 7.— Sir A. H. Blake appointed Governor of Queensland. [General objection was taken to the appointment, which culminated in Sir A. H. Blake being withdrawn and Sir H. W. Norman substituted.]

Nov. 13.— Cultivation of virus for pleuropneumonia commenced in Queensland by Dr. Germont.

Nov. 19.— J. Newell elected first Mayor ofHerberton.

Nov. 21.— Excitement in George-street, Brisbane, occasioned by escape of a Bengal tiger from Higgins's menagerie. Attendant and proprietor injured before the beast was retaken.

Nov. 22.— Sugar Commission (W. H. Groom, .A. S. Cowley, and H. E. King) appointed.

Nov. 26.— Queensland Mortgage and Investment; Co. issued seven writs against Sir T. M'Ilwraith, Sir A. H. Palmer, E. R. Drury, and F. H. Hart, for damages for malfeasance as directors.

Nov. 28.— Tender accepted for second and third sections North Coast Railway (£109,300).

Dec. 11.— First prize (£500) in aquatic carnival, held at Brisbane, won by Searle, Kemp being 2nd, Matterson 3rd.

Dec. 15.— J. Richardson, an old Brisbane merchant, died in Sydney.

Dec. 15.— M'Garrigal (Queenslander) won the £800 handicap foot race in Sydney.

Dec.16.— Several deaths at Croydon owing to intense heat (109deg. in shade).

Dec. 22.— Disastrous storm at Mount Morgan, unroofing Anglican Church and other properties. [On the 19th a storm at Rockhampton unroofed the Ulster Hotel, and did other damage.]

Dec. 31.— Estimated population of Queensland : 384,000.

1889

Jan. 1.— International postal card system initiated.

Jan. 2.— " Evening Star," Townsville, published.

Jan. 8.— Death of Mr. Simon Fraser, an old resident of Queensland.

Jan. 17.— Thermometer at Cloncurry registered 127deg. in the shade .

Jan. 23.— Southport Railway opened.

Feb. 9.-Death of Peter Lalor, hero of the Eureka Stockade.

Feb. 23.— "Barcoo " collided with "Beaver,"' carrying 300 excursionists in Brisbane River ; no loss of life.

Feb. 25.— Michael Considine, while in delirium tremens, murdered his father at Ipswich.

April 4.— General strike in the printing trade in Brisbane. "Courier" Office suddenly deserted ; paper had to be produced by literary staff and employers. The strike, which was maintained until May 7, arose through a society office doing work from a non-union establishment. The demands of the men were defeated.

May 4.— "Major" Wright, of the Salvation Army, for neglect to pay a fine for parading the streets , committed to the cells for 48 hours.

May 1.— Arrival in Brisbane of Sir Henry and Lady Norman; welcomed by about 40,000 people.

May 7.— Death of James Davis (Duramboi).

May 10.— Messrs. J. Mathieson, Johnston, and R. Gray appointed Queensland Railway Commissioners.

May 25.— Dr. MacGregor, Administrator of New Guinea, knighted.

May 28.— Trades and Labour Council dissolved, and Australian Labour Federation formed. [The inaugural meeting of the Federation was held on June 11.]

June 14,— Death in Sydney of Capt. Francis, a Queensland identity.

July 19.— Heavy floods in Brisbane and throughout Southern Queensland ; five vessels got adrift in the Brisbane.

July 26.— Arrival in Brisbane of Messrs. Mathieson and Johnston, railway commissioners.

July 29.— First section of Gayndah Railway opened.

Aug. 12.— Meyenberg v. Patterson and others, claiming Mount Morgan Mine, commenced in Brisbane. [The first trial lasted eight days, the jury being unable to agree. On the second trial plaintiff lost.]

Aug. 27.— Prof. Shelton appointed Professor of Agriculture for Queensland.

Aug. 28.— Eight hour Bill negatived by the Queensland Parliament.

Sept. 4.— Large meeting held in Brisbane (and large amount collected) in aid of men on strike at the London Docks.

Sept. 14.— Split in the M'Ilwraith Ministry, Sir Thomas resigning owing to his colleagues refusing to place £40,000 on the Loan Estimates for the erection of Central (Brisbane) Railway Station. B. D. Morehead became Premier.

Sept. 28.— W. G. Geddes recognised in Louis Brennan, a lunatic in Adelaide Asylum, his son, who was thought to have been drowned in Caboolture River in 1877, and whose insurance the A.M.P. Society paid. The father had to refund the money with interest.)

Sept. 29.— Depredations by the Bunya blacks caused consternation in the district. The blackfellow, after many expeditions, was captured on December 11, and dealt with by the authorities.

Oct. 8.— £3900 stolen from the Woolloongabba branch Q.N. Bank.

Oct. 11.— Rev. G. R. F. Nobbs inhibited from preaching, on account of disclosure showing wholesale frauds on his parishioners and others .

Oct. 22.— Stonewall in Assembly by Opposition, owing to proposed loan of £1,000,000 for unspecified railways. Hon. H. Tozer spoke nearly eight hours. (Stonewall ended after 151 hours, Opposition winning.)

Nov. 9.— Captain John Mackay (discoverer of Mackay) appointed Harbour Master at Brisbane.

Nov. 19.— Further reconstruction of Cabinet (Mr. W. Pattison retiring, bitterly attacked Sir T. McIlwraith). Mr. J. Donaldson succeeded Mr. Pattison as Colonial Treasurer, and Mr. C. Powers accepted portfolio Postmaster-General and Minister for Education. 

1890

Jan. 7.— In consequence of the shortage of rations, principally through floods, flour at Croydon was reported to be selling at £100 per ton.

Jan. 23.— Floods occurred in the Maryborough district, doing damages estimated at £100,000.

Feb. 19.— Cabinet decided to remit the remainder of the sentences passed on Lewis Shaw (life), Thomas Freeman (10 years). James Preston and Edward Rogers (7 years), and Bernard Williams and Neil M'Neil (life) ; " Hopeful" prisoners ; sentenced for kidnapping.

Feb. 24.— Floods in the Central District and other parts of the colony.

Feb. 28.— Loss in Torres Straits of R.M.S. "Quetta," bound for England with a number of well-known colonists ; 123 lives lost ; 158 saved.

March 1.— Publication of " Worker," pioneer Labour paper in Queensland.

March 10.— Heavy floods occurred in the Brisbane, accompanied by stormy weather on the coast. Brisbane was entirely cut off from communication, flood waters reaching (on the 13th) a level of 5ft. 2in. above the 1887 flood. Heavy landslips occurred along the railway and on various roads there was also some loss of life (On the 29th a cyclone was experienced at Herbert, and serious floods occurred west of Roma.)

March 21.— 3% per cent Queensland loan of £2,264,000 was successfully floated, £6.000,000 tendered.

April 9.— Partial collapse, by the sinking of pier, of the Fitzroy Bridge at Rockhampton.

April 24.— Michael Barry, for wife murder, sentenced to death at Rockhampton. (He was executed on June 2 .)

May 1.— First section Bowen Railway opened.

May 5.— Threatened maritime strike owing to union wharf labourers being asked to handle wool shorn by non-unionists at Jondaryan. (A conference between the B.I.S.N. Co. and the Labour Federation was held, and a compromise effected on May 12.)

May 10.— Arrival in Brisbane of Henry George, apostle of Land Nationalisation.

May 17.— Death at Ipswich of Mr Thadeus O'Kane, well known journalist and proprietor "Northern Miner" Charters Towers.

May 27.— Strike of boot operative (strike terminated on June 11, each side making concessions.)

June 3— First bacon factory (Hutton's) established at Zillmere.

June 30.— Deaths of Mr Justice Mein (in Sydney) and Mr Henry Jordan announced.

July 2.— Mr. P. Real elevated to Puisne Judgeship ( He was gazetted on the 8th, and sworn in on the 18th.)

July 25.— Deficit on year's transactions stated in Treasurers report to be £969,000. To meet this and cope with falling revenue, Morehead Government proposed increased duties on liquors, a reimposition of the beer tax, and a land tax on all freeholds above the value of £500. Sir S. W. Griffith moved want of confidence motion, which was lost by 35 votes to 33 Government then upon resigned, and Sir S. W. Griffith being sent for, the result was the formation of the Griffith-M'Ilwraith coalition.

Aug. 15.— Maritime strike precipitated, all officers and men withdrawing from Inter-colonial shipping between this date and the 18th. Special constables were sworn in at different places throughout the colony to preserve order. Naval Brigade at Cooktown refused to do police duty, and at one of the meetings of the men in Brisbane Mr. D. T. Seymour, Commissioner of Police, mounted the lorry and delivered an address, for which he was censured by his Minister. Several riots occurred, and eventually the Civil servants were called upon to act as constables. The strike extended over ten weeks, the shearers in the meantime having been called out, and a loan of £20,000 asked for by the Labour Federation from England. At the termination of the strike the free labourers struck for increased wages, which was not given, and many of them were in turn replaced by unionists. Nov. 5.— Central Separation petition bearing 7700 names, forwarded to Brisbane from Rockhampton. Debates took place in the House on both Northern and Central Separation. Both questions were defeated, and Sir S. W. Griffith's motion re his Decentralisation Scheme was carried by 32 votes to 26. The powers he proposed to confer on the Provincial Parliaments established under the scheme was not generally favoured by the House, and as a result the matter was shelved .

Dec. 1.— Sir J. F. Garrick appointed Agent-General in succession to Mr. T. Archer.

Dec. 8.— Death of Dr Hobbs, an old resident.

Dec. 12.— Criminal libel case, Brentnall v Mabbot, arising out of Maritime strike, decided , defendant acquitted.

Dec. 31.— Gold yield for colony 588,147 oz, decrease of 150,000 oz. as against '89 returns.

1891

Jan. 6.— Practically the first note in the disastrous shearers' strike was sounded on this date by the refusal of 200 men to sign on under the new Pastoralist's agreement at Logan Downs. [On the 11th February great excitement was stated to prevail at Clermont owing to the arrival of non-unionists, and at Barcaldine on the 15th a meeting of 400 men decided to use force if necessary to prevent their replacement by free labourers. This was followed on the 19th by a procession of armed unionists to Peak Downs with the avowed object of compelling a cessation of work by free labourers which, together with other acts, led to the issue of a Proclamation on the 23rd calling on the men to lay down their arms and disperse. A riot was precipitated on March 17 at Clermont, where the Pastoralists' executive were assaulted in the streets and sergeant Dillon wounded . Passenger trains were rushed , and attempts made by alleged unionists to wreck trains (March 15) conveying free labourers, grass was fired, and on April a pile of Ebor Creek bridge was reported to have been sawn through. This was followed by the swearing in of special constables, and the despatch on March 20 of Colonel French with military and police to the seat of the trouble. Many men were sentenced for minor offences, including intimidation, and reports were received of the burning down of woolsheds and outstations, necessitating the increase of forces in the West. On May 20 twelve men were found guilty of conspiracy (the men's executive at Barcaldine) and sentenced to three years penal servitude; on June 4 two were sent for seven years for arson; the strike was officially called off on June 13. At intervals throughout the year crimes were committed in the interior presumably by a flying band of desperadoes. The now familiar "Freedom of Contract" came as one of the effects of this strike. The estimated cost of strike (independent of loss of wages of property and lack of business activity was £19,000 to the unionist funds and £78,500 to Government. It was stated on the close of the strike that a Socialist plot had been unearthed. The scheme was alleged to have been organised in Brisbane, and under it 8000 workers backed up by £20,000 were to seize the whole of the Central District and proclaim a Republic.]

Jan. 23.— Heavy floods in the Gulf country.

Feb. 2.— J. Quinn's tender (£20,400) accepted for the erection Exhibition Buildings, Brisbane.

Feb. 12.— Further serious floods in the Gulf entailing heavy losses.

Feb 12.— Death at Brisbane of R. S. Warry, old colonist.

Feb. 24.— First meeting of the Shops and Factories Committee in Brisbane. (The result of this committee was practically nil.)

March 4.— All hotels at Barcaldine ordered to close at sundown in consequence Shearers' strike and threatened disorder.

March 28. — Death at Brisbane of George Harris old resident.

March 30.— Death in Sydney of Hon. J. M. Macrossan, one of delegates to the Federal Conference.

March 31.— Nive Downs woolshed burnt.

April 3.— Remains of Hon. J. M. Macrossan interred at Nudgee.

April 4.— Foundation stone Brisbane Trades Hall laid by Sir Chas. Lilley. (The National Anthem gave place to the Marseillaise at the ceremony.)

April 5.— Quinquennial Census ; Population, Queensland 393,718. (Population of Northern districts was returned as 78,077, Central 40,875, and Southern 268,784.)

April 15.— News received Brisbane of destruction by fire of two woolsheds in the west .

April 10.— Man named Ryan murdered a mate and injured three others with a bayonet at Barcaldine.

April 29.— News received of the burning of a quantity of non-union wool on its way to Charleville.

May 9.— Three out stations near Charleville burned by mob of men.

May 12.— Memorial approving of Government's action in endeavouring to maintain order in the West presented to Chief Secretary. It bore 4000 signatures.

May 25.— Carriers' strike at Blackall terminated.

July 8.— Railway to Croydon completed. July 17.— Railway to Gympie (from Brisbane) opened.

Aug. 1.— Major General Owen successor as Commandant to Colonel French arrived Brisbane.

Aug. 19.— Opening of first Exhibition in new building, Brisbane ; attendance, 32,000.

Aug. 28.— Arrival at Brisbane of Australian Auxiliary Squadron.

Oct. 2.— Arrival in Brisbane of General Booth.

Oct. 12.— As a result of the agitation of unemployed, a Government labour Bureau was opened at Brisbane ; 342 men registered.

Oct. 31.— Shipment of sugar from Queensland to London for four months: 1000 tons.

Nov. 5.— The cases brought by the Queensland Investment and Land Co. against Sir Thomas M'Ilwraith, Grimley, and others, commenced. Trial occupied about 60 days. Practical result was a verdict against Grimley for £61,000 and interest, and for the defendants Drury, McIlwraith, Palmer, and Hart.

Nov. 28.— Queensland won Intercolonial eight-oar race at Melbourne.

Nov. 29.— Murweh woolshed with 300 bales of wool burned.

Dec. 14.— Visit to Brisbane of H. M. Stanley, explorer.

1892

Jan. 17.— Proclaimed a day of mourning for death of Duke of Clarence.

Jan. 20.— For the twenty-four hours 10½ inches of rain were recorded at Cairns. Jan. 26.— A difficulty arose between the Government and the Bank of England owing to laying of charges re the floating the last loan being preferred against the latter. (Matters in consequence became much complicated , and amicable relations were only restored when, in May, the Government withdrew the charges.)

Jan. 31.— Death of T. W. Hill, for many years publisher of the Brisbane " Courier."

Feb. 5.— Queensland stocks fell considerably in London.

Feb. 8.— Queensland Deposit Bank (Brisbane) suspended payment. (The Bank had to again reconstruct two years later.)

Feb. 13.— Considerable excitement consequent upon the issue of Sir S. W. Griffith's manifesto, expressing the intention of the Government to continue the Polynesian trade for a further period of ten years. (The proposal was made to the House on February 27, and, after debate, accepted.)

Feb. 16.—Toowoomba Deposit Bank suspended payment.

March 11.— Deeming, the notorious wife-murderer, arrested at Southern Cross (W.A). March 16.— A deputation of over 200 women, many of them carrying children, endeavoured to deputationise the Colonial Secretary, to lay before him their grievances in consequence of the delay occasioned in the distribution of relief rations.

April 2.— Cyclone experienced in Brisbane and suburbs. Many buildings damaged, two churches were razed, and injury to shipping done, one life being lost.

April 7.— Rudolph Weissmuller, a new arrival murdered at Mooraree ( near Brisbane). The lad's body was accidentally found in a paddock where it had been partially covered with bushes. The murder was traced to a lad named Horrocks, who was well connected, and who it was proved had committed the crime in a most cold blooded fashion. Horrocks was found guilty, and was executed at Brisbane on September 26. A Monument to Weissmuller's memory was erected by public subscription.

April 9.— Death at Brisbane of W. Munro Smith, very old resident.

April 18.— Death of Mrs E. Griffith ( mother of Sir S. W. Griffith).

April 19.— Death at Toowoomba of Mrs. Peardon, one of the oldest Downs residents.

May 22.— Death at Cleveland of Captain Winship Tailor, old colonist.

May 28. — M. Slack (Brisbane) won the Intercolonial Amateur Sculling Race at Melbourne.

June 5.— Death at Brisbane of Henry Biggs, a colonist of 35 years.

June 15. — Debate on the land grant railway principle initiated in the house [With a view to bringing the system into practical effect as soon as possible, preliminary resolutions authorising the Government to receive offers for eleven railways were adopted. No offers were however, received or, if they were, the terms were not accepted, and the question is now practically a dead letter.]

June 23.— Premier presented his provincial Separation Scheme. [The Bill proposed to divide the colony into three autonomous provinces, with a central government. On division it was decided by 34 votes to 22 that there should be two provinces only— Northern and Southern —and the principle was affirmed by 38 to 19. The necessary remodelled Bill was introduced on August l8, and on its second reading on September 13 Mr. Nelson then Leader of the Opposition, moved a motion to the effect that nothing short of territorial separation would be acceptable. This was defeated by 33 to 9, and numerous amendments having different objects in view were similarly thrown out. The measure eventually got through Committee, but on being sent to the Upper House it was thrown out—on October 17 —by 17 votes to 9. The Central people were naturally jubilant, and showed their contempt for certain members who had opposed their wishes by burning them in effigy and indulging in similar demonstrations.

June 27.— New meat works at Ross River (Townsville) started.

Aug.12.— Rev. Nathaniel Dawes elected Anglican Bishop of North Queensland. Aug. 14.— Visit of Mons. Blouet ( "Max O'Reilly") to Brisbane.

Aug. 16.— Chief Justice Lilley delivered judgment in the Queensland Investment Land Mortgage cases, setting aside the jury's findings and substituting his own. (The Full Court declared that Sir Chas. Lilley was wrong in so acting, and set aside his judgment. Notice of appeal was given, but was not gone on with. ) Sept 25.— Cardinal Moran unveiled the statue of the late Bishop O'Quinn in St. Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane.

BRISBANE FROM THE OBSERVATORY, LOOKING TOWARDS KANGAROO POINT, IN THE EARLY- SIXTIES.

Oct. 10.—Celebrated Robb arbitration case commenced. Robb's claim was for £269,311/9/2 against the Government for further extras in connection with the construction of the Cairns Railway, £110,000 having been paid him for extras a few months before. All the leading members of the Bar and experts were retained. The case went against the contractor, who was awarded £20,807/4/5. The total costs amounted to £23,657/8/5. Of this later amount £12.758/9/9 was for law costs, and £10,898/18/8 fees for experts, witnesses, reporting, printing, &c. Crown counsels' fees were :— Sir S. W. Griffith, £2778/3/6 ; Hon. T. J. Byrnes, £2968/13/; Mr. J. G. Drake, £1963/9/3; Mr. W. A. Shand, £1479/12/ ; Mr. P. N. Jodrell. £125/9/.

Oct. 15.— Mr C. F. Allcott appointed Government Meat Expert.

Oct. 24.— Sir Charles Lilley asked for four months' leave of absence on account of ill health, intimating that he would then retire on a pension, which he did.

Nov. 15.— Colonial Secretary officially stated cost of shearers' strike to Government to have been £78,681.

Dec. 8.— Death of John Petrie, who arrived in Brisbane in 1836.

Dec. 9.— Sensation in Sandgate owing to report that Dora Dora blacks had been seen in the neighbourhood. [These notorious blacks, after committing many depredations throughout the colony, were eventually run down by the brothers King (police constables), and sent South to be dealt with.]

Dec. 12.— Destruction by storm of Drayton Catholic Church.

1893

Jan. 12.— Federation resolutions carried in the New South Wales Assembly by 54 to 7.

Jan. 21.— Cyclone passed over Brisbane (wind velocity 65 miles an hour) doing damage to shipping, unroofing buildings, and razing others, including several churches.

Jan. 24.— Thargomindah (far south-western town) lit up by electricity.

Feb. 1.— Rain commenced in south-west Queensland with heavy weather at sea.

Feb. 2.— Gympie , Maryborough, Bundaberg, and other places flooded.

Feb. 3.— Brisbane, Ipswich, &c, flooded, train stopped; river communication also ceased.

Feb. 4.— Highest floods on record Brisbane and elsewhere ; 6ft. water in Edward-street at the Courier Buildings ; hundreds of houses washed down river, trees uprooted, and shipping torn from moorings ; shores Moreton Bay strewn with wreckage . On the 5th Indooroopilly Bridge was washed away; on the 6th the northern end of Victoria Bridge disappeared ; flood waters rose at Brisbane 23ft. 9in. above mean spring tide, and 10ft. over the previous highest flood mark (1890). Similar disaster befell other towns, where bridges and houses disappeared by hundreds ; at Gympie many of the mines were blown up ; much loss of life reported, particularly from Ipswich. Rainfall at Crohamhurst, head of Brisbane waters, was 105in. between January 1 and February 11. A second flood almost reaching the level of the first was experienced on the 19th, a lesser one having prevailed on the 13th . South Brisbane was without fresh water for some days, and the whole of Brisbane practically in darkness at night. A very large relief fund (£70,000) was established, subscriptions in money and in kind arriving from England, as well as from the other colonies.

March 11.— Sir S. W. Griffith resigned Premiership to accept Chief Justiceship; Hon. H. M. Nelson, in the absence of Sir T. M'Ilwraith formed a Ministry.

March 13.— Receipt of official information that Sir A. H. Palmer had been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Queensland.

March 14.— Sir S. W. Griffith sworn in as Chief Justice.

April 2.— Cyclone passed over Brisbane, doing much damage.

April 4.— Financial crisis initiated by suspension of Commercial Bank of Australia. [A.J.S. Bank closed on April 21 ; London Chartered Bank of Australia on 25th ; National Bank of Australasia on May 1 ; Bank of Victoria on the 9th ; Q.N. Bank, Bank North Queensland, and Brisbane Permanent Bank on 14th ; Commercial of Sydney, Federal Building Society, and City of Melbourne Bank on 16th ; Royal Bank of Queensland on the 17th the E.S. and A.C. Bank also closed. A run was made on the Government Savings Bank on the 16th, but after this date excitement abated somewhat, reconstruction schemes being sanctioned.]

April 16. Death at Brisbane of Mr. R. Cribb, who arrived in one of Dr. Lang's ships in the forties.

April 29.— Queensland elections practically commenced. [At this election 15 Labour members were returned.]

May 6.— Contracts made for the supply of Australian meat to British troops on the home stations.

May 10.— Imperial Institute, London, opened by the Queen.

May 17.— Ipswich Cotton Company made first piece of twill sheeting manufactured in Australia.

May 20.— "Miowera," first boat of the Canadian-Australian service, left Moreton Bay for Vancouver.

May 24.— Hon. R. Philp accepted Mines portfolio, A. S. Cowley elected Speaker, and J. T. Annear Chairman of Committees.

June 12.— Floods in the Brisbane, water being 14ft. 10in. above low water mark, or 1ft . 4in. higher than 1887 level.

June 13.— Sir S. W. Griffith appointed P.G.M. (Freemasons), I.C.

June 15.— Robb arbitration award lifted; £20,807 given, against £269,000 claimed. June 20.— Federated Seamens' Union in Melbourne rejected a proposal to reduce wages. [A strike was precipitated which lasted some time.]

June 30.— Estimated value of sugar crop of Queensland, £1,000,000. [On December 31, '92, the sugar exported for the twelve months was valued at £589,753.] July 5.— By the casting vote of the Speaker Border Tax Bill was carried; the Premier stating that under circumstances he had no intention of retaining office. [Governor, however, returned resignation of Ministry, whereupon Government retained office.]

July 16 —Departure of Royal Tar from Sydney with first contingent New Australian Socialists (209).

Aug. 1.— Cairns Railway opened to Mareeba.

Aug. 25.— Curtis's Central Separation motion negatived by 32 to 15.

Aug. 31.— A dispute as to whether rate wages offered should be accepted resulted in the woolshed at Naryilco being burnt.

Sept. 5.— Sir Henry Norman offered the Viceroyship of India. [Sir Henry refused the honour, to the intense gratification of the Queensland people.]

Sept. 7.— Temporary Victoria Bridge opened, a toll being collected.

Sept. 18.— Sir G. Dibbs having notified that the New South Wales Government were not willing that the Australian-Canadian liners should call at Keppel Bay as well as Moreton Bay, Sir Thomas M'Ilwraith refused to subsidise the line.

Sept. l8.— First crushing machine started at Mareeba.

Sept. 23.— Sensational arrest of nine men for the systematic theft of gold and amalgam from Mount Morgan. They were found guilty and sentenced to terms of imprisonment.

Sept. 30.— Gold returns for the nine months, £448,492oz. [For the nine months of '92 the return was 442,139oz., and for the full year 615,518oz.]

Oct. 16.— Queensland and New Caledonia connected by cable. [Secretary of State for the Colonies had written regretting action of Queensland and New South Wales in subsidising cable.]

Oct. 17.— Release of the twelve " conspiracy" prisoners, sentenced in connection with the Shearers' strike of '91. They were publicly welcomed in Brisbane on the 20th.

Oct. 24.— Sir Thos. M'Ilwraith resigned Premiership in favour of Hon. H. M. Nelson.

Nov. 5.— Death on board the " Airlie," near Keppel Bay, of Mr. G. R. Burns, M.L.A. for Townsville,

Dec. 4.— First contingent of Co-operative settlers (Mizpah) left Brisbane for Chinchilla. [There were a number of groups formed under the " Co-operative Communities" Land Settlement Act," but although liberal assistance was given them by the Government the scheme after less than two years' trial was generally conceded to have proved a failure.]

Dec. 10.— Silverwood Butter factory estab lished at Warwick.

Dec. 13.— Auction sale of £4290 worth of deposits in the Brisbane Permanent Building and Banking Society sold for 16/8 in the £1. [This Bank has, so far, met its engagements before the expiry of the period sanctioned by creditors.]

1894

Jan. 10.— State School Committee at Goondiwindi resigned in a body owing to a difference with the department concerning the purchase of certain stoves. The difficulty was got over by the Government withdrawing the stoves and substituting others.

Jan. 14.— The arrival of 112 camels at Charleville with wool caused considerable excitement. The council afterwards endeavoured to prevent the entry of camels into the town.

Jan. 16.— Plague of grasshoppers at Mareeba extending over several days.

Jan. 17.— Heavy floods in the North water 22ft. over the Burdekin Bridge on the 20th, and much inconvenience was experienced through want of provisions at Charters Towers. Severe drought existed in the south-west.

Jan. 19.— Wreck in Gulf of s. " Kanahooka," four lives lost altogether.

Feb. 7.— For the second time the Queensland Deposit Bank announced its inability to carry on. A further reconstruction scheme was eventually accepted.

Feb. 22. — John Robb filed his schedule in Melbourne; liabilities £658,000, assets £582,000.

March 6.— New School of Arts, Rockhampton, opened.

March. 10.— Mr. R. Fraser elected Mayor of Brisbane after a deadlock extending over a month.

March 28.— J. M'Cormack's tender; ( £109,932) accepted for new Victoria Bridge.

April 10.— Further heavy floods in the North ; Burdekin 15ft. over Macrossan Bridge ; much damage done.

May 9.— Colonial Secretary introduced system of relief in Brisbane by which one week's rations were given for one day's work for the State.

May 13.— Hon. A. J. Thynne, one, of the Queensland delegates to Ottawa Conference (Hon . W. Forrest being the other), left for Canada.

May 15.— Small strike of station hands at Camden (Cunnamulla). [This was the first note struck in the disastrous strike of 1894. On the 18th a representative Conference of Australian Bush Workers' Unions and the A.L.F., held in Brisbane, decided to resist the contemplated reduction of wages (which, however, was not intended to be introduced into Queensland) and the new agreement, the two main points of which were what came to be known as the wet sheep and the cook clauses. A general strike was ordered in Longreach on June 17. On July 2 the real trouble started at Oondooroo. Many woolsheds were burnt between this and Sept. 22 (when the strike was declared off), and indeed after this event, the loss of property being very heavy. On August 28 a new police manual was issued, permitting police to take drastic measures. This was followed by the passage of the Peace Preservation Act, which occasioned the most sensational scenes ever witnessed in an Australian Parliament. From Sept. 7 to 11 the Bill was stonewalled by the Labour Party, eight being suspended for a week. It was then passed, the remainder of the party leaving the Chamber. The matter was carried into the Law Courts, where the points of law were decided against the Labour Party.]

May 21.— Opening of a Female Court of Foresters at Maryborough.

June 12.— Colonel Drury appointed Commandant Queensland Defence Force.

June 16.— Sudden death of Dr. Bancroft, an old Brisbane resident.

July 3.— A band of fifteen armed men burned down Ayrshire Downs woolshed.

July 16.— An inflammatory leaflet, intended, it was supposed, for distribution in the West in connection with the strike, and urging murder and arson, discovered.

July. 17.— Parliament opened, the Labour Party now consisting of 17 members— Messrs. T. Glassey (leader), W. H. Browne, J. M. Cross, H. Daniels, A. Dawson, J. Dunsford, A. Fisher, H. F. Hardacre, E. Jackson, G. Kerr, R. King, C. M'Donald , A. Ogden, W. H. Rawlings, M. Reid (whip), H. Turley, J. Wilkinson.

July 20.— Large refinery of the Colonial Sugar Co. opened at Brisbane.

Aug. 1.— Treasurer Nelson's Budget showed a deficit of £8467 only. [In 1893 the deficit was £27,773; in 1894 the Budget showed a surplus of £104,000.]

Aug. 4.— Chinese further excluded for three years from the Russell River field.

Aug. 6.— A body of unionists compelled the shearers, &c., at Alice Downs to go into camp.

Aug. 20.— Death at Brisbane of Dr. Kersey Cannan.

Aug. 28.— Issue of the new police manual for observance in the West in respect of the strike.

Sept. 2.— Dagworth woolshed fired by a gang of armed men.

Sept. 3.— Wreck on Stradbroke Island of the ship " Cambuswallace" ; six drowned.

Sept. 11.— The "Peace Preservation Bill" stonewalled in the Legislative Assembly by Labour members. [The stonewall was carried on until nearly 2 o'clock, when seven members (Messrs. Browne, Reid. M'Donald, Glassey, Turley, Dawson, and Dunsford were suspended. At a later stage (Mr. Kerr was also suspended) the term in each case being for a week.]

Sept. 19.— Peace Preservation Bill passed by Legislative Council without amendment. Mr W. E. Parry-Okeden was appointed District Magistrate for the purposes of the Act ; the Flinders District was "proclaimed" on the 20th.

Sept. 29.— Henry Prior sentenced to six years' penal servitude for wounding with intent at Coombemartin. [Several cases of perjury arose out of this case, as well as a libel action in which the Brisbane "Telegraph" was muleted in damages.]

Oct. 2.— " Agricultural Lands Purchase Bill " (for the repurchase of estates for cutting up into small agricultural blocks ) passed second reading.

Nov. 10.— Coongoola woolshed burnt.

Nov. 12.— A reward of £200 granted to the discoverers of the Ulam field.

Nov. 17.— Sensation in Brisbane owing to arrest of the chief mate, Government agent, and several members of the crew of the "William Manson" for kidnapping Islanders. [The captain was afterwards arrested in Sydney. After an exhaustive trial defendants were acquitted.]

Nov. 29.— Crisis in consequence of a motion carried by Mr. J. Hamilton refusing Supply, the object being to get on the Payment of Members Bill. The voting was 32 to 28. The Premier at once moved the adjournment of the House. Next day he made Ministerial statement to effect that issue had not been fairly put to House. The motion that Supply resolutions be agreed to was then put (Premier having stated that result would decide the fate of Government), and carried by 31 votes to 30, whereupon business was proceeded with.

1895

Jan. 1.— Sir Samuel Walker Griffith, Chief Justice of Queensland, created G.C. M.G.

Jan. 11.— Sir Thomas M'Ilwraith left for England.

March 29.— Queensland National Art Gallery, Brisbane, opened by his Excellency the Governor, Sir Henry Wylie Norman, G.C.M.G., &c.

April 1.— First linotype composing machines in Brisbane established in the " Courier " Office, Brisbane.

April 8.— Heavy floods in North Queensland. Daintree River rose 8ft. above all previously known flood levels.

May 11.— Lady Norman, wife of Sir Henry Wylie Norman, Governor of Queensland, left for England.

July 19.— New railway bridge at Indooroopilly opened for traffic in place of the Albert Bridge, destroyed by the floods in 1893.

Sept. 1.— Death of Mr. Justice Harding.

Oct. 30.— First direct shipment to Manchester from Brisbane per ss. Gulf of Siam.

Nov. 14.— Sir Henry Wylie Norman, Governor of Queensland, left for Melbourne en route for England.

Dec. 20.— Mr. Virgil Power sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court at Rockhampton.

1896

Jan. 3.— Hurricane at St. George ; many buildings destroyed.

Jan. 9.— Heat wave at Cunnamulla.

Jan. l8.— Jubilee of the foundation of the German Empire celebrated in Brisbane.

Jan. 29.— Victoria Hospital, Barcaldine, destroyed by fire.

Jan. 31.— Mr. D. T. Seymour, ex-Commissioner of Police presented with a testimonial by the Queensland Police Force.

Feb. 1.— Floods at Clermont.

Feb. 6.— Floods at Rockhampton.

Feb. 13.— During flood in Brisbane River the steamer Pear, which, acting as a ferry steamer, was carrying passengers, was capsized, and many lives lost.

March 3.— Heavy floods at Georgetown.

March 7.— First issue of the Queensland " War Cry " published in Brisbane.

March 11. Plague of caterpillars in various parts of Peak Downs.

March 28.— Election riots at Eidsvold on declaration of the poll.

April 8.— Melbourne Cricket Club team arrived.

April 9.— Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland, and Lady Lamington arrived in Brisbane.

April 3.—Premier of New South Wales and party visited Brisbane.

May 21.— Cordalba Branch Railway (Isis Scrub) opened.

June 1.— Lord Lamington visited Rockhampton.

June 15.— First session of 12th Parliament of Queensland opened by commission.

July 13.— Serious fire at Townsville.

August 6.— First electric tram car landed in Brisbane.

Aug 10.— Destructive fire at Herberton.

Aug. 27. —The Rev John MacNeil, evangelist, dropped dead in George-street, Brisbane.

Sept 1.— Shock of earthquake at Georgetown.

Sept 8.— Lighting of North west Channel, Moreton Bay.

Sept 14.— Memorial stone of Nurse's Home, Brisbane laid by Lady Lamington.

Oct 9.— A female court of Foresters opened in Brisbane.

Nov. 6—Heavy hailstorm at Roma.

Dec 1 Commandant Booth, of the Salvation Army visited Queensland.

Dec 7.— Visit by the Hon. G. H. Reid, Premier of New South Wales.

Dec l8.— Pialba Railway opened.

Dec 26— Destructive fire at Bundaberg.

1897

Jan 3.— Remarkable solar halo observed in Brisbane. Severe fire at Mount Morgan.

Jan.14.— Goods trains collision at Goodna.

Jan 17.— Dr Cowie, Primate of New Zealand visits Brisbane.

Jan. l8.— Toowoomba millers offer 4/8 per bushel for wheat.

Jan 24.— Thermometer registered 100 deg. at 10 p.m. at Charters Towers.

Jan 25.— Cyclonic hailstorm at Bundaberg. Jan 29.— Installation of electric light at Charters Towers.

Feb. 27. — Artesian water struck at Bimerah at 4130ft.

March 10. — New find of gold near Clermont.

March. 12.— Lord Lamington laid foundation stone of St John's Institute in George-street. [A new building near the Cathedral has since replaced this. ]

March 20. — Cane Growers Association formed at Bundaberg.

April 12.— First consignment of goods passed over South Brisbane wharf railway.

April. 19.— Opening of neglected girl's Home at Riverview, near Ipswich.

May 1.— Banquet to Mr Thomas Glassey, M.L.A., at Clermont.

Mav 5.— Disastrous fire at Warwick.

June 5.— Logan Village Bridge opened by the Hon. E .J. Stevens, M.L.C.

June 21.— First electric tram ran from Logan road to south end of Victoria Bridge. Lord Lamington laid memorial stone of South Brisbane School of Arts.

June 27.— Farewell sermon by Rev. G. D. Buchanan.

July 3.— Electric trams began running in Queen-street.

July 7.— Cable rates between Queensland and Great Britain reduced to 5/1 per word.

July. 15.— First show Queensland Kennel Club.

Aug. l8.— Mr. Ben Tillett, English Labour Leader, arrived in Brisbane.

Aug. 20.— Death of Sir Charles Lilley, formerly Premer and for many years Chief Justice of Queensland.

Aug 25.— Destructive fire at Charleville.

Sept. 8.— Mirani Bridge, near Mackay, opened.

Sept. l8.— Proserpine Central Mill opened.

Sept. 25.— Severe hailstorm at Maryborough.

Oct. 2.— First mail train arrived at Gladstone from Brisbane.

Oct. 17.—A 50oz. nugget found on Clermont goldfield.

Oct. 22.— Mount Morgan Railway commenced.

Oct. 29.— Collapse of gallery at Charters Towers Town Hall ; many persons injured .

Nov. 1.— Severe thunderstorm, with very heavy hail, in Brisbane.

Nov. 16.— Big fire at Charleville.

Dec. 12.— Severe explosion at Mills' United mine, Charters Towers.

Dec. 13.—Telephone Exchange, Toowoomba, opened.

Dec. 20.— Small steamer Mystery capsized on bar at Southport.

Dec. 28.— Violent storm in Brisbane.

1898

Jan. 12.— Maize 12/ a bushel at Charters Towers.

Jan. 13.— Hon. T. J. Byrnes returned to Brisbane after a visit to England.

Feb. 1.— Foundation stone City Ambulance Brigade quarters laid by Sir Horace Tozer.

Feb. 4.— Cyclone at Mackay doing serious damage to buildings.

Feb. 20.— A.U.S.N. Coy.'s new steamer Paroo arrived at Brisbane from London.

March 1.— Rev. D. F. M'Swaine resigned as minister of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Brisbane.

March 2.— Opening of first Queensland United Methodist Conference.

April 13.— Hon. T. J. Byrnes gazetted Chief Secretary and Attorney-General.

April 20.— Madame Albani arrived to give a series of concerts.

May 8.— Record tide at Sandgate.

May 12.— Rev. J. S. Hassall, Sherwood, celebrated jubilee of his ordination.

June 6.— Mr. Charles Cartwright opened at the Opera House in " The Middleman."

July 15.— Flagship Royal Arthur arrived in Moreton Bay.

July 23.— Heavy fall of snow at Toowoomba.

Aug. 7.— Memorial service in Centennial Hall for the late Prince Bismarck.

Aug. l8.— Fire at Croydon ; damage estimated at £10,500.

Sept. 27.— Death of the Hon. T. J. Byrnes, Premier of Queensland.

Sept. 29— Public funeral to the late Hon. T. J. Byrnes.

Oct. 13.— Serious fire at Longreach.

Oct. 29.— Wool sales in Brisbane successfully inaugurated.

Nov. 17.— Opening Children's Hospital, Charters Towers.

Dec. 19.— Severe cyclone at Emu Park, near Rockhampton.

Dec . 26.— Murder of three members of the Murphy family near Gatton.

1899

Jan. 11.— Big find of opals at Opalton.

Jan. 20.— Fiftieth anniversary of arrival of the ship Fortitude in Moreton Bay.

Feb. 4.— Enoggera branch railway opened.

Feb. 22.— Terrible storm at Mitchell.

March 5.— Hurricane at Bathurst Bay, North Queensland ; pearling fleet destroyed ; 300 lives lost.

April 29.— New Technical College, Brisbane, opened.

May 1.— Jubilee picnic of Dr. Lang's immigrants and their descendants.

May 12.— Big meeting at Exhibition Hall in favour of federation.

May 23.— First railway train arrived at Winton.

June 4.— New R.C. Church at Caboolture opened and blessed.

July 9.— Heavy fall of snow at Cunnamulla.

July 16.— Commandant Booth, Salvation Army, conducted services in Centennial Hall.

July 25.— Banquet to Ministerial party at Winton.

August 15.— First female lodge G.U.O.O. opened in Queensland.

Nov. 1.— Departure first Queensland contingent for South Africa.

1900

Jan. 1.— Pioneers of Cairns held a banquet to celebrate the opening of the port.

Jan. 3.— Flour sent by parcel post from Hughenden to Boulia.

Jan. 13.— Second Queensland contingent left Brisbane for South Africa.

Jan. 28.— New R.C. Convent at Ipswich opened.

Feb. 4.— Dedication of St. Paul's Church, Winton.

Feb. 11.— Day of intercession in many Brisbane churches on behalf of the war in South Africa.

Feb. 15.— Patriotic sports demonstration at Gympie.

Feb. 20.— Laying foundation stone municipal buildings at Toowoomba.

March 1.— Departure of third Queensland contingent for South Africa.

March .4.— Thanksgiving services in many Brisbane churches in connection with British victories in South Africa.

March 12.— Patriotic carnival in Botanic Gardens ; 30,000 present.

March 21.— Explosion of fire damp in Torbanlea colliery, near Maryborough.

April 3.— Government took over Proserpine Central Mill.

April 8.— Great cyclone at Barcaldine.

April 11.— Chamber of Manufactures inaugurated at Maryborough.

April 13.— Lieutenant-Colonel Finn, a newly appointed Commandant Queensland Defence Force, arrived in Brisbane.

April. 22.— New R.C. Church at Clifton opened.

May 6.— Jubilee celebration of Presbyterian Church of Queensland.

May 9.— Shock of earthquake at Townsville.

May 17.— Destructive fire at Mary-street wharf, Brisbane.

May 18.— Fourth Queensland contingent left for South Africa.

June 1.— Return of invalided soldiers from South Africa.

July 14.— Rabbit pest conference at Bowen.

July 28.— Chinese of Brisbane hold meeting to express indignation at Boxer outrages.

Aug. 24.— Venerable Archdeacon White consecrated Bishop of Carpentaria.

Aug. 30.— West Moreton colliery strike.

Sept. 6.— Mr. G. A. White, of Maryborough, gave £1000 to the Municipal Council for the erection of public baths.

Sept. 9.— R.C. Church at Gowrie dedicated.

Sept. 28.— Severe frost on Darling Downs.

Oct. 3.— Stonewalling in Legislative Assembly on the Glassford Creek Railway Bill.

Oct. 28.— Foundation stone of new R.C. church at Ipswich laid.

Oct. 29.— Serious riot in Brisbane at lecture by expriest Slattery.

Oct. 31.— Lady Lamington Hospital (Brisbane) for Women opened.

Nov. 2.— Arrival in Brisbane of Lord Beauchamp, Governor of New South Wales.

Dec. 9.— Laying foundation stone new R.C. church at Mackay.

Dec. 30.— Special Commonwealth services held in Brisbane churches.

1901

Jan. 1.— Inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Jan. 10.— Death of Sir James R. Dickson.

Jan. 12.— State funeral to late Sir James R. Dickson.

Jim. 14.— Visit of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand.

Jan. 19.— Visit of the Hon. C. C. Kingston, Minister for Trade and Customs.

Feb. 7.— Contract let for new Lands and Survey Offices (Executive Buildings), Brisbane, signed by Mr. A. Midson, the contractor.

March 6.— Fifth Queensland contingent left for South Africa.

March 10.— His Majesty's Theatre (late Opera House), Brisbane , reopened.

April 13.— Laying foundation stone new Albert Hall, Brisbane.

April 16.— Opening Commonwealth Flour Mill at Pittsworth.

April I8.— Disastrous fire at Ravenswood.

April 26.— Successful trial of the Lindon Bates dredge Samson.

May 20.— Landing of Duke and Duchess of York in Brisbane.

May 22.— Laying foundation stone of new Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane, by the Duke of York.

June 20.— Lord and Lady Lamington left Queensland.

June 25.— Telephone inquiry held in Brisbane.

June 27.-Discovery of diamonds at Marburg.

July 1.— Death of Mrs. Herbert Hunter, of Stanley Hall, Albion, daughter of the late the Hon. Wm. Miles.

July 2.— Strike of wharf labourers.

July 25.— Sensational find of gold at Gympie.

July 29.— Heavy fall of snow on Darling Downs .

Aug. 13.— Purchase by the Government of the Goomburra Estate.

Sept. 12.— First animal show of Queensland Poultry Club.

Sept. 19.— Arrival in Brisbane of Lord Hopetoun, Governor-General of Australia.

Sept. 28.— Opening of new Albert Hall.

Oct. 20.— Dedication new R.C. Church at Mackay.

Oct. 26.— Mr. J. C. Williamson's Italian Opera Company's opening performance.

Dec. 17.— Mr. Bowtell, manager of Clifton station, and two horses, which he was driving, killed by lightning.

Dec. l8.— Intense heat in Brisbane ; thermometer read 103deg. in the shade.

Dec. 20.— Thermometer at Rockhampton registered 108.7deg.

Dec. 25.— Sailing championships, 10 and 14 footers (in which Sydney boats competed ) won by Queensland.

Dec. 26.— Sailing boat Roxana capsized in the Bay ; nine lives lost.

1902

Jan. 16.— Mining explosion Charters Towers ; two men killed.

Jan. 20.— Queensland unit of First Commonwealth Contingent to South Africa sailed.

Feb. 12.— Announcement of Anglo-Japanese treaty.

Feb. l8.— Public demonstration at Exhibition Building, Brisbane, enthusiastically approved of conduct of war in South Africa.

Feb. 21.— Brisbane wheat sales inaugurated.

March 18.— First section of the Pacific cable—Queensland to Norfolk Island— completed.

March 24.— Major-General Sir Herbert Chermside , Governor of Queensland, and Lady Chermside arrived.

March 28.— Fire at Childers ; damage estimated at £20,000.

April 1.— Cricket, N.S.W. v. Queensland, resulted in a draw. Mr. Albert Dahlke, station manager, and Constable Doyle reported to have been shot and their bodies burned by the brothers Kenniff in the Mitchell district.

April.4. — Disastrous fire at Longreach ; loss £30,000.

April 9.— First sod turned of Warwick to Goondiwindi Railway.

April 10.— First message between Queensland and Fiji by Pacific cable.

April 30.— Retrenchment of many officers of the public service.

May 12.— Suspension until May 16 of carriage of mails in the West by Cobb and Co.

May 21.— Sale by the Government of the Gowrie repurchased estate.

May 30.— Deputation to Premier urging extended tenure to pastoralists suffering from effects of drought.

June 2.— Announcement of Peace Conference in South Africa.

June 9.— Return of Sixth Queensland Contingent from South Africa.

July 1.— Two hotels and three stores destroyed by fire at Ilfracombe.

July. 30.— First advances Agricultural Bank approved.

Aug. 8.— Company formed in Brisbane to maintain a regular service with Northern Rivers of N.S. Wales.

Aug. 22.— Public ceremony of unveiling of statue of the Hon. T. J. Byrnes at Petrie's Bight.

Aug. 25.— Tragedy at Nanango ; a settler kills his wife and four children and commits suicide.

Aug. 31.— Queensland v. N.S.W. football won by Queensland.

Sept. 6.— Queensland v. N.S.W. football, won by N.S.W.

Sept. 18.— Bush fires between Brisbane and Gympie.

Sept. 30.— Frozen meat from Brisbane on sale at Warwick, fresh meat unobtainable.

Oct. 8.— Income Tax Bill adopted in principle by the Legislative Council.

Oct. 27-23.— Madame Melba's concerts in Exhibition Hall.

Oct. 31.— Completion of the Pacific cable.

Nov. 11.— Cricket, Queensland v NSW., won by last named by 77 runs.

Dec. 30.— N.S.W. defeated Queensland at cricket by two wickets.

1903

Jan 10.— Jubilee celebration of first immigrants to Brisbane (1853).

Jan.12.— Patrick Kenniff executed in Brisbane Gaol for murder of Mr. A. Dahlke and Constable Doyle.

Jan. 7.— Alderman Corrie re-elected mayor of Brisbane.

Feb. 16.— Destructive fire at Boonah.

March 9.— Cyclone at Townsville and Bowen; ten lives lost and much damage to property.

March. 21.— His Excellency Sir Herbert Chermside turned first sod of Gladstone-Rockhampton Railway.

April 1.— Flood in Warrego and Maranoa Rivers.

May 27.— Two men killed and several injured in mining accident at Charters Towers.

June. 10.— Railway collision near Ipswich ; serious damage to rolling stock.

July. 11.— New South Wales beat Queensland at football in Sydney by 11 to 6.

July. 13— Condemnation of Brisbane water supply by a Sydney expert.

Sept. 9.— Philip Ministry resigned.

Sept. 17.— Morgan Ministry sworn in. Hon. A. S. Cowley elected speaker. Splendid rains throughout Queensland.

Sept. 22.— Appointment of Justices of the High Court of Australia ; Sir Samuel Griffith, G.C.M.G., Chief Justice.

Oct. 5.— Splendid rains in Southern and Central Queensland.

Oct. 21.— Mr Justice Cooper appointed Chief Justice of Queensland.

Oct. 26.— First sittings of High Court of Australia in Queensland .

Nov. 13.— Ketch "Sir George" wrecked off Smokey Cape two men drowned.

Nov. 23.— First Federal Parliament dissolved by proclamation.

Nov. 25.— Brisbane Grammar School Cadets win Empire Cadets Rifle Match.

Dec 2.— Many Dismissals from State public service.

Dec.16.— Second Federal election.

Dec. 18.— First through train from Rockhampton to Brisbane.

1904

Jan.14.— Sir Hugh M. Nelson gazetted Lieutenant Governor of Queensland in succession to Sir S W. Griffith.

Feb. 10.— Premises of W. J Overell and Sons Fortitude Valley, destroyed by fire ; one man burnt to death.

March. 13.— A.U.S.N. company's steamer Aramac wrecked off Breaksea Spit , no lives lost.

March 26.— Steamer Lady Musgrave wrecked off Richmond River bar, all hands saved.

April 22.— Federal (Deakin) Government defeated.

May.4.— Morgan Government appointed seven new members to Legislative Council.

May. 7.— Australasian Eight-oared Race on Brisbane River won by Victoria ; Bourke, of Tasmania. won the Sculling Race .

June 22.—Resignation of Morgan Government, and Sir Arthur Rutledge sent for.

July 5.— Sir Arthur Rutledge fails to form a Cabinet.

July 23.— British team defeats Australia at football in Brisbane.

Aug. 9.— A. S. Roe selected as first Queensland Rhodes scholar.

Aug. 16.— Federal Government (Watson's) resigns.

Aug. 26.— Exported from Queensland to Great Britain 26,000 bags wheat.

Aug. 27.— State elections ; overwhelming majority for Morgan Government and Labour Party.

Sept. 30.— His Excellency Sir Herbert Chermside resigns as Governor of Queensland.

Oct. 2.— His Eminence Cardinal Moran opens and consecrates new R.C. Cathedral at Ipswich.

Dec. 21.— Dr. Donaldson enthroned as Anglican bishop of Brisbane.

1905

Jan. 3.— Heat wave throughout Australia, with the exception of the coastal districts of Queensland.

Jan. 4.—Second session of the 15th Parliament opened.

Jan 6.— Fire at Paddington ; three lives lost.

Jan, 7.— Gympie proclaimed a city.

Jan. 10.— Resignation of Sir Herbert Chermside as Governor of Queensland accepted.

Jan. 16.— Steamer Waiwera wrecked at Wide Bay.

Feb. 20.— Federal Navigation Commission sat in Brisbane.

March 31.— Q.M.E. and A. Company secured meat contract for American troops in the Philippines.

April 1.— Penny postage from and 2d. postage to Great Britain.

April 11.— Fitzwalter and Co.'s stores at Charleville and other properties destroyed by fire.

May 2.— Army contract for flour for British forces in Hongkong secured by Brisbane firm.

May 19.— Visit of General Booth.

May 30.— Influx of farmers from N.S.W.

June 5.— Right Hon. G. H. Reid, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, visited Brisbane.

June 13.— Federal Tariff Commission sat in Brisbane.

June 21.— Preferential railway rates abolished under federation.

July 5.— J. H. Jones and Co.'s premises at Toowoomba destroyed by fire ; damage £8000.

July 18.— Lady Lamington Hospital new buildings opened.

Aug. 3.— Ninth annual conference of local authorities.

Aug. 27.— St. Andrew's New Presbyterian Church, Brisbane, opened.

Sept. 20.— Land and buildings valued at £25,000 presented to Y.M.C.A.

Sept. 30.— Six persons (visitors) lost in boat at Southport.

Oct 4.— Fire in Melbourne-street, South Brisbane; several lives lost.

Oct 21.— Nelson Centenary celebrations.

Nov 21.— Schooner Kineo arrived in Brisbane from Java and other ports with berri-berri stricken crew.

Nov 29.— Lord Chelmsford, Governor of Queensland, arrived.

Dec 30.— Miss Atthow, of Kilcoy and Mr Fielding, of Redland Bay, drowned through the capsizing of a dingey at Redland Bay.

1906

Jan. 5.— Change in ownership of Orient line.

Jan. 12.— Minimum wage for Government contracts decided upon.

Jan. 19.— New State Ministry formed.

Jan 27.— Federal Shipping Commission sat in Brisbane.

Jan. 28.— Great damage at Cairns and other Northern areas by a cyclone.

Feb 2.— Five inches of rain at Hughenden.

Feb. 10.— Hon. T. O'Sullivan elected for Warwick.

March 1.— Severe hurricane at Croydon.

March 15.— His Excellency Lord Chelmsford ordered three months' rest.

March.16.— Chief Justice appointed Deputy Governor.

March 21.— Death of the Hon T. Macdonald-Paterson.

March 22.— Sir Arthur Rutledge K.C appointed District Court Judge.

March 20.— Death of the Hon John Ferguson, M.L.C.

April 3.— Royal sugar commission sat at Bundaberg.

April 25.— Federal Tariff Commission in Brisbane.

May 2. —Premier visits Cloncurry.

May 5.— Death of Mr John Sinclair, ex-Mayor of Brisbane. Deposit for Etheridge Railway paid to Railway Commissioner.

May.25.— Brisbane wool sales— prices equal to best since 1889.

May 28.— Brisbane Cup won by Scorcher at Q.T.C. races.

June 10.— Death of the Right Hon R. Seddon.

June 23.— Statue of Queen Victoria unveiled by the Governor.

July 3.— Treasury returns 1905-6 show a surplus of £127,000.

July 13.— Five new members of Legislative Council appointed. Brisbane New Fruit and Produce Exchange opened.

July. 22.— Farewell parade of Major General Finn, Inspector General Australian Military Forces.

July 24.— Opening of Parliament.

Aug.7.— Arrival of Governor-General in Brisbane.

Aug.8.— Brisbane Exhibition opened ; attendance 45,000.

Aug.11.— Interstate lawn tennis ; success of Queensland.

Sept.10.— Inauguration of Institute of Social Service.

Oct. 8.— Announcement that there is 24ft. of water at low water springs from the Pile Light to Customs House.

Oct. 12.— Two new High Court Judges appointed.

Nov. 6.— Arrival of Durnan, champion Canadian sculler.

Nov. 8.— Federal Parliament dissolved.

Nov.10.— Q.T.C. races ; Dalliance wins the King's Cup. First P. and O. cargo steamer visits Brisbane.

Nov. 16.— Death of J. E. Byrne, of " Figaro."

Nov. 29.— His Excellency Lord Chelmsford installed as Grand Master of Queensland Constitution of Free Masons.

Dec. 1.— Q.T.C. races ; Togo wins this Derby.

Dec. 11.— Interstate cricket, N.S.W. v. Queensland, won by the first named.

Dec. 17.— Death of Mr. E. B. Southerden, a Queensland pioneer.

1907

Jan. 3.— Mr. Hazen, American expert, began inquiries into Brisbane water supply.

Jan. 5.— Fire at Roma ; damage £8000.

Jan. 7.— Retirement of W. Yaldwyn, P.M., after 30 years' service.

Jan. 19.— Cyclone at Cooktown ; damage £20,000.

Jan. 30.— Tender of T. Hirons, £23,800, accepted for alterations to G.P.O., Brisbane.

Feb. 5.— Hon. D. F. Denham resigned from the Kidston Ministry.

Feb. 7.— T. W. Springfield, of Queensland, won Australasian ½ -mile Swimming Championship in 12min. 23 4/5sec.

Feb. 8.— Government decided to purchase Jimbour Estate.

March 7.— Y.M.C.A. decided to spend £22,000 on new buildings in Edward street.

April 15.— Fiftieth anniversary of opening Brisbane Supreme Court.

April 17.— Opening Brisbane Institute of Public Service .

April 19.— Issue of writ by Rev. Mr. Frackelton against the Brisbane Presbytery.

May 1.— Sharp shock of earthquake at Thursday Island.

May 9.— Rev. Mr. Frackelton cited to appear before General-Assembly of Presbyterian Church.

May 18.— State elections ; women vote for first time.

May 27.— State Premiers' Conference in Brisbane.

June 8.— Queensland footballers defeat N.S.W. by 11 points to 6.

June 11.— Two earthquakes at Thursday Island.

June 15.— N.S.W. footballers defeat Queensland 11 to 6.

June l8.— Silver Episcopal Jubilee of Archbishop Dunne.

June 23.— H.M.S Pyramus, with the Governor General on board, stranded on Sea Reef, north of Cooktown.

June 23.— High Court at Melbourne dismissed appeal of Chief Justice of Queensland against decision that he was liable for income tax.

June. 29.— Hon. Arthur Morgan, President of Queensland Legislative Council knighted.

July 3.— State Ministry reconstructed.

July 6.— Foundation stone of Y.M.C.A. new building laid by Lord Chelmsford.

July 20.— Canadian lacrosse team defeated Queensland by 6 to 3.

July 23.— Sixteenth Parliament opened ; Hon John Leahy elected Speaker.

July 30.— State political crisis ended by Mr Kidston (Premier) deeming to hold office under dubious support of Labour Party.

Sept. 13.— Man shot dead while attempting to enter Q.N Bank premises., Queenstreet.

Sept. 26.— Important reductions in railway rates.

Oct. 9.— Crisis in West Moreton coal industry settled by agreement.

Oct. 24.— T.M. King, I.S.O., Auditor-General, appointed Deputy Railway Commissioner , T. W. Connah. I.S.O., Under Secretary to the Treasury, appointed Auditor-General , W. L. Fowles succeeded Mr Connah.

Nov. 1.— Mr A. A. Spowers appointed Surveyor General.

Nov. 12.— Resignation Kidston Ministry.

Nov. 16.— Brisbane made port of call in new Orient contract.

Nov 19.— Philp Ministry formed; constitutional crisis.

Nov. 21.— Dissolution of Parliament granted.

Nov. 23.— Kidston and Labour Parties refuse Supply, which was afterward provided by the warrant of his Excellency the Governor.

Nov 26.— Prorogation of Parliament for general elections.

Nov. 30.— English cricketers in Brisbane.

Dec 1.— Destructive fire at Longreach; damage estimated at £40,000.

Dec 18.— Presentation to Archbishop Dunne in commemoration of his jubilee.

1908

Jan. 1.— Fijian cricketers play in Brisbane.

Jan. 21.— German Government agreed to pay Burns Philps and Co. £4100 in settlement of claims.

Jan. 22.— Government purchase Maryvale Estate.

Feb. 5.— Polling day general elections.

Feb 14.— Philp Ministry resigned as result of elections.

Feb. 18. — Kidston Ministry sworn in.

March. 3.— Meeting of Parliament; Hon. John Leahy elected Speaker.

March 31.— Extensive programme improvements port of Brisbane announced.

April 12.— News received loss of Ketch Port Stewart with eight persons on board off Piper Island Lighthouse.

April. 7,— Collision Queensland mail train and Sydney mail at Murrurundi ; 20 injured.

April 22.— Queensland won interstate cricket match by 171 runs.

April. 25.— Citizens' banquet to Mr. Kidston on his leaving for England. Electric lighting Brisbane Botanic Gardens inaugurated.

April 28. — Opening of Gayndah Railway. May 18.— Blackall Railway opened.

May. 21.— Visit of Cardinal Moran to Brisbane.

June. 9,— Turning first sod Rockhampton steam tramway.

June 20.— Hon J. W. Blair and "Courier" representative completed 3000 mile motor tour Western Queensland.

June 25.— Brisbane Zoological Society formed.

July 1. — State Treasury surplus 1907-1908 £115,301.

July 10.— First sitting old age pensions Court in Brisbane.

July 14.— Mrs Annie Besant arrived in Brisbane.

July 16.—Governor visiting Camooweal.

July 20.— Sir Arthur Morgan appointed Deputy Governor.

July 29— Arrangements completed purchase new Metropolitan Rifle Range, Enoggera.

July 30. — New offices secured for Queensland agency in London.

July. 31.— Empire Rifle Match prizes presented to Brisbane Grammar School Cadets.

Aug. 7.— Exhibition British pictures opened in Brisbane.

Aug. 11.— Poll Brisbane ratepayers decided borrow £100,000 for new Town Hall in Albert-street.

Aug 15.— National Association show closed ; weeks' receipts £4400.

Aug l5.— Opening new Y.M.C.A. Building, Brisbane.

Aug. 25.— Archbishop Halford selected Bishop of Rockhampton.

Sept 1.— Wages Boards Act came into force.

Sept. 5.— Seven men killed at Mount Morgan by fall of earth.

Sept. 9.— Lord and Lady Northcote arrived in Brisbane en route for Canada.

Sept. 10.— New Torres Straits service arranged with B.I. S.N. Company.

Oct. 15.— Welcome to Mr Kidston at Warwick on return from England.

Oct. I6.— Ipswich Choir won championship at Ballarat Musical Festival.

Oct. 23.— Fusion of Government and Opposition (Liberal) Parties arranged.

Oct. 24.— Messrs. Airey and Kerr resign their portfolios.

Oct. 27.— Fire at Roma gas bore, flames rising 80ft.

Oct. 29.— Mr. Kidston forms new Ministry ; Mr. Blair declines Northern Supreme Court Judgeship.

Nov. 3.— W.A.B. Shand appointed Judge of the Supreme Court.

Nov. 4.— Five men killed and four injured at Mount Morgan through fall of ore.

Nov. 7.— Brisbane wool sales ; 23,752 bales offered.

Nov. 10.— Federal Government (Mr. Deakin's) defeated by 49 to 13.

Nov. 11.— Opening new Central Fire Station, Brisbane.

Nov. 12.— Mr. Fisher forms new Federal Ministry.

Dec. 5.— Brisbane wool sales; 23,163 bales offered.

Dec. 10.— Flow of 4,000,000 gallons daily of artesian water struck at Quilberry East, Charleville district.

Dec. 30.— Returns show over 4¾ million acres of land selected in Queensland during the year.

A plea against reviving convict transportation for shepherding - 1842

The following post records a response to a proposed limited reintroduction of the convict system in Australia. Limited in the sense that convicts could only be imported to supply a strongly felt need for shepherds on the many unfenced sheep runs in the Colony of New South Wales. To give some context, Australia was used as a convict colony from the time of the first fleet in 1788.  Unrest about continuing convict labour in the 1830s saw the British Government establish a commission of inquiry headed by Sir William Molesworth in 1837.

“Molesworth, a Radical Member of Parliament, was sympathetic to causes such as colonial self-government and the abolition of slavery, and his commitment to these two causes had a significant impact on how he conducted the commission.” (https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/convict-transportation).

Emerging from the Molesworth Report  NSW decided to cease importation of convicts in 1840.  The flow on effect was that the cheap, almost slave-like, labour supplied by convicts for tasks such as shepherding created a gap in labour supply. It was a gap that could not be filled by other immigrants as the people owning and managing the pastoral operations were not offering enough money for the task, having been accustomed to the very cheap convict labour.

This post is an amalgamation of four articles that appeared in The Sydney Herald in the January of 1842.

• The Sydney Herald. (1842, January 20). The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), p. 2. Retrieved June 14, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12873399 
• The Sydney Herald. (1842, January 21). The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), p. 2. Retrieved June 14, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12873424 
• The Sydney Herald. (1842, January 24). The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), p. 2. Retrieved June 14, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28652755 
• The Sydney Herald. (1842, January 26). The Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), p. 2. Retrieved June 17, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12873460 

It is a fascinating piece of persuasive writing. So worth reading not just for the history it contains, but also as an example of persuasive text.

IS THE REVIVAL OF THE CONVICT SYSTEM DESIRABLE? I

"In his opinion, the best interests of the Colony would be forwarded by the discontinuance, at some future day which it was impossible to fix, of the transportation system. * * * Transportation had been of great advantage to this Colony: but there might be other considerations of greater weight and more importance than the mere acquisition of wealth." - Speech of Mr. JAMES MACARTHUR in Council, October 23, 1840.

In our late articles on the subject of Transportation and Assignment, we confined our attention to the one point, Is it likely that England would herself consent to a revival of the system in New South Wales? We endeavoured to answer the question in the negative, on the ground, that the Parliamentary investigations of 1837 mid 1838 had produced on the public mind so strong an impression, as to have led to the total discontinuance, in respect of this Colony, both of transportation and of assignment, within the short period of about two years after the publication of the Parliamentary Report; and we inferred, that after so unequivocal a demonstration of the national will, it was utterly improbable either that British opinion should of itself have veered round again, within little more than another twelvemonth, to the opposite point, or that such a revolution could be brought about by any representations of parties so suspiciously interested as the settlers of New South Wales. This inference, however, has been boastfully met by a reference to two articles that appeared last year in the Quarterly Review and United Service Journal respectively. Did we not well know how easy it is for men of influence, having a private interest in the question, to procure the admission into British journals of plausibly written articles on Australian topics, we might have been somewhat startled by the publications referred to; but, knowing this, and perceiving in at least one of these articles, that in the Quarterly, the most undisguised evidence of the source from which it had flowed, we can have no hesitation in rejecting them as anything approaching to a sign of change in English opinion. Nor do the articles, either in the facts they adduce, the arguments they employ, or the amount of ability they display, excite the slightest apprehension of their reconciling the people and Government to a system so recently reprobated, and so authoritatively put down. The writers betray throughout that, in each step of their proconvict advocacy, "the wish was father to the thought" — the wish, not of generous patriotism, but of private interests — the wish, not of men looking far into futurity, but of men intent on securing the narrow convenience of the passing hour.

In so far as these penmen have urged the impolicy of retaining the convicts in Great Britain, they may, for aught we know, have reasoned aright; but we protest against the mixing up of this consideration with the destinies of New South Wales.

If the mother country find it necessary that her offending children should be banished from her bosom, there is, in the vast range of her colonial territories, "ample room and verge enough" for their safe and profitable lodgment, without inflicting their vices, and miseries, and degradation upon this now free and prosperous community. Transportation may, and in this country it has proved to be, a good pioneer of colonization. But here the work of pioneers has been already done. We want no more of them. Let them go into the untrodden wilderness; and may peace, and prosperity, and reformation attend them!

But, for ourselves, is the revival of the convict system desirable? Were the QUEEN'S Government to offer us the option of accepting or rejecting it, how ought we to act? Guided by large views of our country's welfare; caring for our posterity as well as for ourselves; looking at Eastern Australia, not only as a wide expanse of sheep-walks, but as the germ of a mighty empire, and as the moral and religious nurse of the yet barbarous myriads of Polynesia; remembering, in short, in the emphatic language of Mr. JAMES MACARTHUR, that there are "considerations of greater weight and more importance than the mere acquisition of wealth;" should we do well to nip our country's nascent freedom and purity in the bud, and to pray that her green plains might be again polluted with the dregs of British and Irish gaols? We trust that the great majority of our right-minded fellow-colonists would make a better choice; but we deeply regret to find, that some of them, in whose moral rectitude and Christian philanthropy we had long been accustomed to repose unshaken confidence, are beginning to waver, and to betray signs of a morbid desire to bring back the ancient curse of convict labour, with its changing fetters, its disgusting gaol yard uniform, its scowling brows, its vindictive glances, its muttered maledictions, its reeking depravities, its harrowing stimulants of the triangles and the cat-o'-nine-tails, its fierce resentments, long perhaps smothered in the guilty breast, but sooner or later bursting out in acts of insubordination, in daring rebellion, in "taking to the bush," in pillage, arson, and blood. Some of our amiable and religious flockmasters are craving for these abominations, on the plea that they must be supplied with cheap labour. They flatter themselves that they have hit upon the grand secret of political alchemy, whereby convict labour may be separated from all its dross, and be reduced to pure gold. They acknowledge that in the ore it is a filthy substance, of which there is pollution in the very touch; that heretofore it has been introduced into the Colony in all its native ugliness, and has worked like a moral gangrene upon our social character and our public reputation; but they have found a crucible wherein to melt down the odious mass, and whence they can produce a metal without alloy — a species of convict labour combining the sweet industry of the bee with the gentle innocence of the dove!

All the mischiefs of felon labour, they contend, were caused by its assignment in towns, and to other occupations than that of sheep-breeding. Alter the old system in these particulars, and see what blessed results will follow! Let the convicts be driven into the pasture grounds, forbidden to associate with any but "pure Merinoes," or to handle any implement less poetical than a shepherd's crook, — and all their vicious habits, all their criminal propensities, will drop off like the sheath of a chrysalis! Let them call no man master who is not the master of sheep, and they cannot fail to become reformed characters! The innocent avocations of a shepherd, and the mild sway of a wool-growing master, will together act like a spell upon these crime-stained outcasts, extirpating the seeds of vice from their hearts, washing the Ethiope tinge from off their outer man, and clothing them with all the virtues and the graces befitting the primitive simplicity of pastoral life!

Such appears to be the theory of the lovers of convict shepherds. Such are the flimsy promises with which they would cajole HER MAJESTY to revive among us the horrors of convict slavery, their true object being, all the while, the augmentation of their own incomes, the extension and consolidation of their own fortunes, their own personal consequence, their own family influence.

(To be continued.)

IS THE REVIVAL OF THE CONVICT SYSTEM DESIRABLE? II.

"Transportation had been of great advantage to this Colony: but there might be other considerations, of greater weight and more importance, than the mere acquisition of wealth." Mr. JAMES MACARTHUR'S Speech

In opposition to those who advocate a recurrence to convict labour, on condition that it should be restricted to the single vocation of sheep-tending, we have to contend that it is not desirable either for the convicts themselves, or for the mother country, or for the interests of the Colony.

I. IT IS NOT DESIRABLE FOR THE CONVICTS THEMSELVES. 

Our opponents are pleased to hold a contrary opinion representing the life of a shepherd as the best kind of solitary imprisonment, having all the benefits of that mode of punishment, and none of its evils. We maintain, however, that his life, viewed as a system, is not solitary, is not imprisonment, and has none of the advantages for which that mode of punishment is approved.

1. The Convict shepherd's life is not solitary. — Even in the rare instances in which he is altogether shut out, for weeks together, from intercourse with his fellow-man, his social sympathies are awakened, and interested, and amused, by the animal creation. The feathered tenants of the grove, through their long gradations of rank from the tiny humming bird to the lordly eagle, with their gorgeous plumage, their cheerful melodies, and their evervarying gyrations; the kangaroo bounding across the plains the opossum scaling the giant trees — the emu pacing with majestic step — the black swan proudly sailing on the lake — the myriads of gay insects glittering in the air — the flocks committed to his pastoral charge, with the merry lambs frisking and gamboling all day long — and the very dog that crouches at his feet, and licks his hand, and obeys his nod and beck, — are the companions of his most sequestered hours, affording constant gratification to his eye, his ear, and his imagination, and banishing that oppressive sense of solitude and abstraction which belongs to the inmate of the cell. But we have said that the instances in which he is left wholly to the companionship of birds and beasts are rare. His hut-keeper, his brother shepherds, the visits of his overseer, beside the occasional appearance of way-farers through the bush, are so many links that connect him with the busy world, so many media through which he communicates with the masses of his kind, receives intelligence of passing events, and keeps up his interest in the great drama of life : they are his "loop-holes of retreat through which he peeps" at the outer world, and "sees the stir of the great Babel," though for the present he does not "feel the crowd." And every year will carry the streams of society nearer and nearer to the shepherd's haunts. The population of the interior is gaining ground with almost incredible rapidity. Within the five years from 1836 to 1841, the increase beyond the boundaries was in the astonishing ratio of more than 236 per cent., being upwards of 47 per cent, per annum! Already the shepherd has sufficient intercourse with his fellow to break that sense of isolation upon which the advocates of solitary confinement lay so much stress; already he has facilities for corresponding, by messages and by letters, with his old companions and his former haunts; already the newspaper, as well as now and then a talkative newsmonger, feeds his curiosity about the transactions that are going on in Sydney, in London, in all quarters of the globe; and as the tide of population continues to roll inward, this intercourse and these facilities must necessarily increase. So much then for the shepherds solitude.

2. The Convict shepherd's life is not imprisonment. His limbs are loaded with no fetters, his person is restrained by no stone walls, no grated windows, no bolted doors, no gruff turnkeys. He walks on the soft green earth, he breathes the purest air, he basks in the sun's cheerful ray; his prison is the mountain side or the smiling plain; his roof the blue vault of heaven; his fare wholesome and abundant; his mind free from fear, anxiety, or care. He is a free denizen of the wilderness. He may go or come — sleep or wake — work or play — stand true to his post of duty, or abscond in quest of more congenial employment, just as best suits his convenience or caprice. There are neither chains, nor locks, nor jailers, to coerce his movements. His person is as free as his will. — So much, then, for the shepherd's solitary imprisonment!

3. The Convict shepherd's life has none of the advantages of a prison. Generally speaking, "no man cares for his soul." The sound of the church-going bell never breaks upon his ear; the sacred pleasures of the sabbath never bring their tranquillizing influences to his heart; the solemnities of the sanctuary never appeal to his guilty conscience; the ministrations of GOD's servants never warn him of the sinner's danger, nor point him to the sinner's Friend. He is an outcast from the pale of Christian fellowship. He is abandoned to the gloom of his own ignorance, to the corruptions of his own nature. He may forget that there is a heaven above, or a hell beneath — that there is a GOD to judge him — that he has a soul to be saved. — And is this the way to reform guilty men? Is this the process of moral purification which is to transform the convicted felon into a good and virtuous citizen? Is this the new system of "prison discipline" which our Christian Government is to be taught by the Christian flockmasters of New South Wales? So much; then, for the reformatory tendencies of the convict shepherd's life !

Let us hear no more of the blessed " solitary imprisonment" of this new-fledged theory of "modified assignment." It has neither the safety of confinement nor the abstraction of solitude to recommend it to a moment's notice. It is a mere chimera of the wool-grower's brain — or rather, a mere pretext by which he hopes to blind the eyes of moral England, and to promote his own worldly interests.

II. IT IS NOT DESIRABLE FOR THE MOTHER-COUNTRY. 

We have nothing to say to the economic argument, unless it be the passing remark thrown out in our former article-that if transportation be less expensive than other secondary punishments, England may have recourse to it without inflicting her felonry upon this country, which has already completed its full term of service us national turnkey. But, as the honorable gentleman who supplies our motto has well observed, there are " other considerations, of greater weight and more importance, than the mere acquisition of wealth;" and, as the Parliamentary Committee nobly avow, England "cannot consent to weigh the economical advantages of Transportation against its moral evils." The grand question for England is, would the proposed system of pastoral assignment be efficient as a punishment? Would it serve to deter her poor from crime? Would it strike terror into her half-starved populace, and so counteract the temptations to guilt with which poverty besets them? There can be but one honest answer — No ! Let it become generally known among the hungry and naked wretches who throng the streets and highways of Great Britain and Ireland, that convicts transported to Botany Bay are not shut up in gaols, not bound in fetters, not kept to hard labour; but that, on the contrary, they are sent into the rich valleys of a sylvan country, where their only toil is to tend a flock of sheep; where they are well fed and well clothed; where they are in a great measure masters of their own actions; where they breathe the most luxurious of climates; where they are strangers to all kinds of privation, hardship, and care; and where, when they have completed the short term of their sentence, or have obtained the earlier freedom of a ticket-of-leave, they may be joined by their families, and earn, by frugal and industrious habits, a more comfortable and independent subsistence than they could ever hope to realize in their native land — let this glowing picture of a transported felon's life in New South Wales become extensively circulated in England and Ireland — and circulated it would be, with embellishments far exceeding the truth — and what would be the effect? Why, it would be equivalent to a Royal Proclamation offering to the famished poor a comfortable home, a plentiful supply of food and clothing, and eventual independence, on condition that they would first break the laws of their country, and submit to be carried beyond sea at their country's expense !

And would our champions of transportation have England thus league herself with the great Tempter of our race? Would they persuade the British Government to gild crime with an extra charm — to strip Justice of her terrors — and to make the gaol a mere avenue to peace and plenty? Whatever may be their hopes and aims, we fervently trust that HER MAJESTY'S advisers will never so far forget their own high duties, and the interests of twenty-seven millions of their countrymen, as to yield to solicitations so selfish in their origin, and so pernicious in their tendencies.

(To be continued.)

IS THE REVIVAL OF THE CONVICT SYSTEM DESIRABLE? III

We have shown cause why the proposed revival of this system is not desirable, so far as regards the convict himself, and the mother-country. Not for the convict himself, because the theory of solitary imprisonment in an improved form upon which its advocates recommend it to the notice of England, is not only visionary, but in direct opposition to fact, the convict shepherd's life having; in it nothing that can properly be called either solitude or imprisonment, and none of those moral and religious accessories which belong to all well regulated prisons, and which so powerfully contribute to the reformation of their inmates. Not for the mother country, because the easy occupations and comfortable circumstances of the mode of life to which it is proposed that the convicts should be assigned, would make transportation, instead of a punishment, a reward, and thereby act upon the British poor, not as a warning against crime, but as a strong inducement to its perpetration. We have now to show why we think

III. IT IS NOT DESIRABLE FOR THE COLONY. 

The argument of its advocates is, that woolgrowing is the grand staple of the country, upon the success of which the general prosperity depends; that of this success cheap labour is a vital element; that cheap free labour cannot be obtained; that convict labour has heretofore been found cheap and efficient : ergo, that a recurrence to convict labour is indespensable to the prosperity of the Colony.

There is here a mixture of truth and fallacy. That wool is the grand staple of New South Wales, no one can deny; but to argue from this postulate that to the cheap production of wool all other considerations must give way, is to assume that cheaply grown wool is literally and absolutely the only article upon which the colonists could thrive, and that great wealth and prosperity are synonymous terms. Highly as we prize our fleece, we are not prepared to acquiesce in the proposition that the existence of the Colony depends upon it. The congeniality of our climate and of our natural pastures for its profitable growth are not the only causes of its success : the almost exclusive devotedness of our capital and enterprise to that one pursuit, is another and a very material cause. Should circumstances occur to lessen or to divert that devotedness, we have confidence enough in the resources of this vast continent to believe that British skill, energy, and capital; would not be long in discovering other objects worthy of their attention. They have hitherto been concentrated in the fleece, because the fleece has presented an obvious source of profit; the fleece has hitherto rewarded its growers, because it has thus been the one centre of attraction; but let its attraction diminish, and its growers be compelled to transfer to other pursuits the same ardour and determination which have been absorbed in wool-growing, and we should have no fear for the result: the Colony would still prosper; its prosperity might, perhaps be less rapid, less magical; but it would be equal to our reasonably wants comforts, and enjoyments.

The advocates of convict labour attach to wealth a greater importance than belongs to it. To quote from our motto, once more "there are other considerations of greater weight and more importance than the mere acquisition of wealth:'' The simple possession of riches does not constitute either a wise, a virtuous, a respectable, or a happy community. If it possess no higher qualities than affluence or luxury, it may indeed present a scene of sensual gratification and voluptuous ease, but it can have no pretensions to rational enjoyment, to social wellbeing, or to national honour. In what ways convict-gotten wealth would thus degrade Australia, we shall have to point out in the sequel. But before we proceed to these more weighty topics, let us bestow a few words upon the question of cheapness.

1. Convict labour is not cheap. This assertion we are aware, will be regarded by some persons as a downright heresy; for nothing is more proverbial, in their mouths, than that convict labour is of all labour the cheapest. We have many intelligent Colonists on our side, however, when we say, we believe the proverb to be a mere fiction. Looking only at the bare fact, that the convict servant has no remuneration, further than his food, raiment, and lodging, the proverb would seem self-evident; but looking at convict labour as a whole, as a Colonial system, we think there, will be ample ground for the scepticism we have avowed. We doubt this cheapness as regards the individual employer; we doubt it still more as regards the community at large. When the employer considers, that his convict labourer rarely performs even half the quantity of an efficient man's work; that that half is badly done; that his convict frequently robs him, not only of his time, but of his property, that he corrupts the other servants, teaching them to be as idle and dishonest as himself; that he is insubordinate, and has to be taken, to the master's loss in many ways, before the bench of Magistrates, whose sentence of imprisonment or flagellation is another source of loss, causing a still longer suspension of work, and souring the culprit's mind with sullenness and revenge; that he not unfrequently runs away, joins the nearest band of bushrangers, and acquaints them with the secrets of his master's premises and property;— when the employer places all these, and the many other evils inseparable from the assignment system, in their proper position as items in his profit and loss account, we think he can hardly fail of arriving at the conclusion, that the loss of convict labour counterbalances the supposed profit of its cheapness, and that the supposed loss of an honest yeoman's wages is more than counterbalanced by the productiveness of his work, and the propriety of his conduct.

It is not cheap to the community. During the last six years and a-half, the assignment system has cost the Colony, in Police and Gaol Establishments alone, much more than half a million sterling; and if to this be added the cost of gaol buildings, of judicial expenses rendered necessary by the presence of convicts, and of the combined efforts of whole districts for the suppression of bushranging, we may safely say, the system, within that brief period, has burthened the country with an outlay of a good round million! A sum which would have sufficed to introduce full fifty thousand "sound and valuable emigrants." Let transportation continue to be prohibited, and this enormous expenditure will gradually subside, and the British Government may be induced in some way to reimburse at least a portion of our Police and Gaol Expenses; let the present attempt to procure its revival be carried into effect, and this incubus upon our revenue must remain for an indefinite period, nor can we hope that the British Treasury will ever hear a word about refunding.

Convict labour, then, as a whole, is not cheap. If it were, the community at large ought to participate in its benefits; for to allow the flockmasters to monopolize the whole, would be an act of gross injustice to all other employers. We could follow out this point to a considerable length, but believing as we firmly do, that the cheapness exists nowhere but in the imaginations of our opponents, we dismiss the subject with this mere allusion.

Another reason why we think the proposed revival of assignment not desirable is, that.

2. lt would stamp the calling of a shepherd with indelible disgrace. ln all slave-holding countries it has been found, that any class of occupations assigned to slaves has been held too degrading for free labourers to submit to; and so it would be with the pastoral occupations of New South Wales. Let them, as is now proposed, be once declared by the Government to be the appropriate and only employment of assigned convicts, end no free labourer, having a due regard for his character and for the respectability of his family, would either accept them himself, or permit them to be accepted by his children. The trade of a shepherd would be marked with the gaol-brand : it would be distinguished as "THE FELON'S OCCUPATION." The name of "a shepherd" would carry a stigma in its very sound. It would be a sufficient proof of infamy to say of a man, "He is a shepherd!" The emancipated convict would sneak of his past days of degradation as the days "when he was a shepherd." The offspring of a convict, when twitted by a cruel enemy with his base alliance, would be vilified as "the son of a shepherd!" The last extremity of debasement is now to be reduced to beggary;— it would then be, to be "forced to turn shepherd!" Our highwaymen, bushrangers, and murderers, would be known as "runaway shepherds!" The traveller would fear nothing so much as to meet "armed shepherds!" Our wives and children; when unavoidably left for a season in their solitary habitations without the protection of their husbands and fathers, would be in nightly terror of "a visit from the shepherds!" All that is hateful in vice, despicable In degradation, and terrific in outrage, would be associated throughout the Colony with the name of "shepherd!"

The consequence of all this would be, that as an occupation for honest men, shepherding would be ruined; and the flockmasters would be brought to the alternative of making the convict system perpetual, or having no shepherds at all.

(To be continued.)

lS THE REVIVAL OF THE CONVICT SYSTEM DESIRABLE? IV.

In our first two articles we showed why the revival of this system is not desirable for the convict himself, viewed as a system of reformation, nor for the mother country, viewed as a system of punishment. In the third we stated two reasons why it is not desirable for the Colony, namely 1. Because, taken as a whole, as a Colonial system, it is not cheap—not cheap to the individual employer, not cheap to the community at large; and, 2. Because it would stamp the calling of a shepherd with indelible disgrace, thereby shutting out the services of free labourers, whether native-born or immigrant, and reducing the flockmaster to the alternative of making the penal character of the Colony perpetual, so as to keep up a constant supply of convict shepherds, or having no shepherds at all. Our next objection to its revival is, that

3. It would be injurious to the moral welfare of the Colony. — It is an axiom in political science, as well as in the discipline of the nursery and the school-room, that "evil communications corrupt good manners." If the students of a college not only permitted, but deliberately sought, the companionship of youths of notoriously abandoned character, defending their vicious choice by the plea that these reprobates were necessary to their sports or to their studies, what would be thought of them by their parents and preceptors? But if the parents and preceptors themselves were so far to forget their duties as to throw open their doors to all the profligate lads of the neighbourhood, and invite them to mingle freely with their pupils and their sons, what would the public think of them, but that they had lost their senses? And if the parents were to go a step farther, and invite these reprobates to visit their private dwellings, and to associate with their daughters as well as with their sons, would they not be universally denounced as a disgrace to the parental name? And yet in principle this conduct would be a perfect counterpart of that pursued by our advocates of convict restoration. They seek to introduce into their country the very worst description of human beings — men not of evil repute only, but whom the free ordeal of trial by jury has convicted of crime, and branded with the deepest infamy. They seek to bring in these criminals by thousands upon thousands, and by fresh thousands every year; to bring them within reach of their thresholds and their hearths, exposing their sons and daughters to the demoralising influences of those "evil communications" which not only "corrupt good manners," but endanger every principle of virtue and happiness. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump;" but these gentlemen are doing their utmost to fling into our social circle the leaven of iniquity, not by little morsels, but by large masses. By the formation of schools, the building of churches, and the support of a Christian Ministry, they are endeavouring to counteract the moral poison; and yet, in the strangest spirit of inconsistency, they are doing that which would spread the poison all over the land, and fearfully add to the virulence of its operations. While with one hand they are building up, with the other they are for pulling down. While with one hand they wield an apparatus for quenching the flames of vice and irreligion, with the other they would scatter firebrands to increase the conflagration.

The objection to this irruption of felons, on the ground of their depravity, is not the only one: there is another, which no sophistry can either surmount or alleviate, — which no good citizen, no sound Christian, can contemplate without a shudder. We allude to the circumstance of their being of one sex. Our convict-seeking flockmasters want men convicts, and men-convicts only. The force of our objection on this head cannot be fully expressed in print without risk of indelicacy; but the reflecting reader will perceive it in his own mind. Of the persons now living in the Colony, brought hither by transportation, there are 39,000 males to 6,700 females, leaving a deficiency of nearly 33,000 females. Of the whole number of convicts transported, from the commencement of the Colony to the end of the system in the year before last, 51,000 were males, and only 8,700 females, being a deficiency of 42,300 females; or the enormous disproportion of 100 males to 17 females. This unnatural state of things, revolting to every correct feeling of the human breast, was, one would have thought, quite bad enough : but it was innocent and amiable, compared with the state of things now sought to be established. For whereas the old Transportation System admitted of some females, though out of all proportion to the males, the new system, "modified and improved," will admit of no females at all! Its sole object is to provide and keep up an ample stock of shepherds. Women must therefore be kept away, for to introduce single women into the pasture-grounds would be to inundate them with profligacy; and to allow the men-shepherds to marry, would be fatal to the main consideration of the whole — cheapness — entailing upon the master, the extra burthen of wives and children so support.

Taking the average of late years, we should thus have an annual importation of between 3000 and 4000 convict men, without one convict woman ! There is already in the Colony a most deplorable inequality of sexes, brought to pass by the old system; but this would be not only to perpetuate the evil, but to make it worse and worse every succeeding year.

Now, we put it to any man, what would be the moral tendency, of this gigantic scheme of wholesale celibacy? What would be its effects upon the shepherds, the convict men-shepherds, themselves? How would it act upon their passions? How would it reconcile them to the supposed solitude of the bush? What images would be most familiar to their imaginations? Accustomed as they have been to give the reins to all their appetites, and to drain the cup of licentiousness to its very dregs, how would this unnatural constraint contribute to that moral reformation of which its advocates so loudly vaunt?

But, besides its grosser evils, this forced celibacy would have the effect of raising up a large body of men who would feel none of those incentives to industry, patriotism, good order, morality, and religion, which the endearments of domestic relationship so beautifully supply. From the finer sympathies of our nature they would be utterly estranged; and what could be expected in lieu thereof, but the smouldering fires of every bad passion, which opportunities would not be wanting to call into fierce action, and to pour forth in destructive violence upon the frame-work of society?

One consequence of this never-ceasing fermentation of corrupted blood would doubtless be, that the interior of the country would be infested with organised hordes of banditti. As in Van Diemen's Land, some fifteen or twenty years ago, the flocks committed to these ruffians' care would be driven away and slaughtered by five hundred at a time. Stations would be pilfered of their stores — travelling in the bush would be full of danger — highway robbery, burglary, arson, rape, murder, would be crimes of daily recurrence, fixing the seal of outrage and blood to that "modified system of transportation and assignment" of which such high plaudits are now trumpeted abroad.

Another bad consequence of the system would be, that that division of caste which has heretofore cost the Colony so much internal discord, and so bitter a sacrifice of political rights, would be revived and perpetuated. The Emigrant class are now disposed to expunge all civil distinction between themselves and the

Emancipists, because they believe that time itself will soon blend the races into one indiscriminate brotherhood. But if Transportation be revived, the distinction of castes, with all its heart burnings and collisions, must revive also. And as we are soon to have a free Legislative Constitution, and a series of Municipal Institutions, the distinction would be more broadly marked, more invidiously upheld, and more fiercely contested, than it has been since the Colony began.

The inevitable effect of this internal demoralization and wretchedness would be to damn the character of New South Wales in the eyes of the world, and, of course, to scare away those men of capital, those respectable and virtuous families, who are now turning wistfully to our prosperous settlements, and disposed to flock to our shores by thousands and tens of thousands. The old stigma of "Botany Bay" would again cling to us, and we should become, as we were in years past, "a desolation, an astonishment, a hissing, and a curse."

And for what purpose would our opponents expose the Colony to these fearful dangers? That they may grow cheap wool! We have shewn why we think this end would not be gained; but if it would, we earnestly ask, do they not demand a bounty upon wool "much more costly than the wool is worth? They claim a system of protection immeasurably more onerous to the community than that of the corn laws of England, and not a jot less disgusting than that of the late slave-trade of the British West Indies. They seek to multiply their flocks, to enhance their fleeces, to aggrandize their families, not only at the expense of our revenue, but at the heavier expense of our public peace, our public morals, our public character, our public happiness. Their system, in fine, attaches more consequence to the well-being of sheep, than to the well-being of souls.

We would implore our erring fellow colonists to reflect, that the difficulties which have tempted them to call back the convicts, are incident to the present crisis of our history, but are on that very account only temporary in their nature. We have just been relieved from the felon incubus, and left to the better resources of immigration. The change could not take place without more or less of convulsion. Old habits are broken in upon — old calculations disconcerted — old profits for a time reduced. But as we gradually become familiarized with the change, its irksomeness will wear off, its disadvantages will be surmounted. Free shepherds, in numbers equal to the growing demand, and at wages proportioned to the returns of wool, will ere long be attainable. When the shade of odium which still lingers on the shepherd's calling, from its having been so long in the hands of convicts, shall have disappeared — when the nature of its duties and circumstances shall have become more generally understood — and, above all, when flockmasters shall have contrived to make it more attractive in the eyes of free, men with their families, which is practicable without trenching upon ultimate profit — shepherds will come in troops; and such shepherds as, by honesty and judicious management, shall abundantly repay to their employers the extra cost of their own wages. Time and patience will assuredly bring this improved order of things to pass. The life of a shepherd will hereafter become hereditary; fathers will train up their sons to it; it will then be a trade thoroughly understood, being experimentally studied from the very cradle; and hence will arise improvements in all the little arts by which breeds may be advantageously crossed, fleeces improved, expenses curtailed, and profits enhanced.

Let our flockmasters thus cast their eyes upon the future, and not gaze with so narrow-minded an intentness upon the present. Let them think for their posterity, as well as for themselves. Let them look at the wool-trade in its relation to the other and higher interests of their adopted country, and be content that it should prosper by the ordinary means supplied by a beneficent Providence, and not seek to force it into an artificial prosperity by means which must be injurious to the moral welfare of the community, and fatal, in all human probability, to its advancement in the scale of civilized states.

We have thus stated, hastily and imperfectly, some of the considerations which have led us to believe that the proposed revival of the Convict System is not desirable; but that, on the contrary, it would be to New South Wales a heavier calamity than plague, pestilence, and famine.

A bush naturalist visits the asylum - 1881

Front elevation of the Woogaroo female refractory ward (1878)
Queensland State Archive ID 580226

The following post is a composite of five articles first published in the Queenslander and then the Brisbane Courier of March 1881.  

This series of articles belongs to a broader genre of reports by visitors to Woogaroo, some of which have already been reported on in this blog. See my Woogaroo Index for more details.

The author clearly states his purpose in writing the articles “I take up my pen now in order to try and interest people in poor humanity as existing in Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum, and, by describing a visit I paid to that establishment, to create a greater sympathy for this necessary institution.”  This a theme often returned to in the articles. 

Perhaps more interesting is to guess the editorial team's purpose in sending ‘a bush naturalist’ to the asylum. Surely this speaks to a view that the inmates are to be viewed as animals. From my viewpoint with an early 21st Century understanding of mental health and disability the writing is quite offensive. Patients are frequently referred to as imbeciles, halfwits, idiots etc. The ‘bush naturalist’ is frequently surprised that they can do anything of worth. 

But his writing is also supportive of the management of the asylum, Dr Smith the surgeon superintendent is frequently praised, and the level of industry and apparent contentment of the working inmates is observed.  This feeds into a broader narrative about the management of the asylum, to which I would refer the reader to the work of J. Bradshaw Façade of success - Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum 1865-1969. CQU PhD Thesis. (http://hdl.cqu.edu.au/10018/1046363), her themes of toil and sobriety are clear in this 1881 text also.

I. [The Woogaroo Asylum]

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Saturday 12 March 1881, page 333

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20705843 

It has often been my lot, as a writer in these pages, to depict Queensland scenes in their fairest and brightest aspect, to paint Nature in her smiling moods, to try and interest the reader in the love-songe of the birds and the beauty of our Australian woods and dales. But Nature has her sad and silent moods; it is not always fair and bright; and the saddest sight of all is an imbecile man! I take up my pen now in order to try and interest people in poor humanity as existing in Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum, and, by describing a visit I paid to that establishment, to create a greater sympathy for this necessary institution. Asylums for the insane are not now the fearful dens they used to be. Knuckle-dusters, coercion, and villainy have given way to persuasion, kindness, and firmness. At Woogaroo this is most apparent, for as much liberty is given to the patients as is compatible with due safety; light work is found for such as are capable of doing it; and cleanliness, good food, and a good bed are the lot of all. A beautiful view is around, which in itself has a wholesome effect on the mind, and amusements are regularly provided for such as are capable of appreciating them. But there is a want of outside sympathy for the institution, felt not only indirectly by the patients but sensibly by the officers and matrons. People are so apt to cover up these ulcers of society and to shut them out from thought as if they never existed, that Woogaroo is never now mentioned but as a byword, with a jest and a laugh, instead of exciting the sympathy of all to be charitable. " How much could be done by the public if they would," said Dr. Smith to me, "to help to enliven the dull life of these poor fellows! What baskets of flowers and fruit might be sent; what books, pictures, and illustrated papers and toys could be given; and if amateur musicians would spare an evening now and again to give a little concert, or get up some sort of 'penny-reading' or theatrical entertainment, how appreciated it would be! and we officers would not feel that we are altogether isolated from the rest of the world." 

All but the veriest new comers know that Woogaroo Asylum is situated at Goodna, some fourteen miles from Brisbane, and upon the banks of the river. The situation is admirable for its purpose, as from the high hills upon which the newer buildings are placed a most commanding and beautiful view of the country is obtained, and the exquisite water view caused by the double bend of the river gives lightness and completeness to the scene. The place looks healthy too, for the soil is light and porous, and the air feels fresh and wholesome. The state of the hospital bears out this feeling, its inmates being only three men and one woman. It is upon Dr. Patrick Smith that the anxious responsibility of this vast establishment devolves, and on introducing myself as the representative of the Courier and Queenslander I was not only courteously but kindly received, and informed that I should be allowed to see every part of the institution. My first introduction to any patient was to old Miles, who faithfully performs the position of groom, and who now took buggy and horse to the stables. He is a quaint old fellow, a sort of privileged servant, who walks on to the verandah or into the doctor's house, and addresses himself to strangers with the perfectly unabashed air of one of our native blacks. Dinner hour is a great event in the day's routine, but unfortunately I was just too late to see the scene; but to the refractory men's ward we first went, for, as my conductor said, "It is just as well to see the worst first." The large original building on the low ground is used for these patients; it is of two stories, and built of brick. We walked down to it, and a close-boarded 12ft. high fence or wall was come to. A small gate in the wall was opened, and I stepped into the yard attached to the refractory ward. At first the feeling was as if it was simply a prison yard, the high unclimbable wall and the uniform dress of the patients giving this impression. But a glance around revealed what to me was the sad-dest sight I had ever seen.  In the centre of the yard was a large covered shed, under which was a strong and long table, and strong forms and seats, amply sufficient to shelter from the sun or weather all the patients in the yard, yet so per-vene are these poor fellows that many of them never will avail themselves of this shade, but stay out in the sun. Reader, bear with me while I glance around this yard, and tell you what I saw, for it will do you no harm this once to hear of humanity in its saddest form, for thus your sympathy may be aroused and so your charity extended. About sixty men, I should think, were the occupants; some of these were lying or sitting on the table and others on the benches; many of them big powerful fellows, with bushy whiskers (for the prison shave is not enforced here), and of manly appearance until the eye is seen; then, alas, the tale is told, for in that lack-lustre look, in that meaningless stare, we see that the soul's power is gone. Walking rapidly up and down, like a caged lion, is a powerful middle-aged man, a man whose look is dangerous and who is incessantly talking and loudly de-claiming; he is the first one to walk up and salute the doctor and the stranger with him, and he informed me that " Things were not at all properly understood in the world; that Jesus Christ was a much overrated man —at least that was his opinion; that the credit of His teach-ings should by rights be given to the lawyer St. Matthew, in fact that the lawyers were the salt of the earth; witness St. Paul and Moses and Lord Brougham." Much more like this was volubly and incessantly told me, until the doctor wished him good day. This man has actually lived twelve years in this strange home, and has given more trouble than any other patient in the place, and once even managed to escape. His chatter I felt to be a relief from the misery around me. 

In the centre of the yard, squatting down on his feet, with his head between his knees, his arms clasped over the head, and crouched up into the smallest possible space, was one poor fellow. The sun was streaming down on to his bare head, yet he was utterly heedless of anything or anyone around him. "He is always so," I was told. This sitting squatting posture seems to be a favourite one with these worst cases, for in every corner, and at the bottom of the posts of the shed, and at intervals alongside the walls were to be seen these crouching semblances of humanity. Many nationalities are represented in this ward—indeed, they are in all—and all reduced to the one level by the want of mind; the Briton, the German, the Chinaman, are as one in their vacant stare and meaningless face. There are two Australian blacks in this ward; at the call of the doctor they crept from under the shade of a huge fig-tree and stood before us. As I gazed at them I could not help thinking how different to the splendid physical proportions and intelligent vivacity of the manhood of this race as seen in a state of savage nature are these two decrepit insane remnants of what was once a happy and numerous people. A row of single cells is built at one side of this yard; these are conveniently handy for instant use, for among all these poor fellows a paroxysm of extreme violence may at any moment break out, and a separation from the others is immediately necessary. There are many epileptics here, who are never for one moment lost sight of, and who at times must be instantly attended to. These single cells are not punishment cells, but rather safety cages, yet their appearance necessarily is depressing in the extreme, for not even the rudiments of furniture can be allowed; a good thick well-stuffed mattress and a quilted cover being the whole of the fittings, and these frequently are destroyed by filth or in mania. These solitary cells—at least those lately built, are lofty and well ventilated, and all are thoroughly clean. Those poor fellow-creatures whose nightly lot is to be shut up in such gloomy confinement fortunately do not number more than a dozen or so among the men and the same number among the women of the 561 patients under Dr. Smith's care. Poor creatures, they are but as beasts, and know neither cleanliness nor decency, and there is not a ray of hope that their life will ever be any joy to them. 

"Now you have seen the worst in this ward, and these men are all going out to the recreation ground, so come and see where they sleep," said Dr. Smith; and we went into the brick barracks. Here all was spotlessly clean; some rooms had five or six beds, some ten or twelve, some more, and some were for solitaries who could not be trusted with others, but who were amenable to the rule of cleanliness. The beds were all iron stretchers, and upon them the universal thick well-stuffed mattresses, and for covering every bed had perfectly clean sheets, and a heavy counterpane. There was no overcrowding, and ventilation was excellent. The epileptics alone are not allowed bedsteads, as to fall off might be fatal, so their mattresses are put upon the floor. 

The recreation ground is a small paddock, with a pleasant green sward under foot, and the 12ft batten fence around it is not so close but that the view of the surrounding pretty country can be seen. Here football, quasi-cricket, and all sorts of games are indulged in, and even the refractories are quieter and more amenable than when in the yards, but I noticed some of these poor crouchers immediately assume their doubled-up attitude, sitting with their doubtless throbbing head again between their knees, thinking—God only knows what, or if at all, or if they are but as a figure of stone!" 

Before showing you the industrial workings of the place," said Dr. Smith, "we will go into the next ward, which I am afraid you will find to be even a sadder sight than the last, for in it are the aged, the paralytic, the epileptic, and the imbecile." Another yard is entered, this time the fencing, although high, is not closely boarded, and no single cells open into it; neither were the inmates so numerous, perhaps forty men, but I only write from a mental note. In the centre is the usual open large and cool shelter shed; running the length of this is a table; on this there were as usual one or two sitting and lounging. These were the better patients of this ward, and there was nothing more idiotic than usual in their looks; but a painful sight was around, for ranged in two regular rows, one on each side of the table, like beds in a hospital, were the well-known comfortable squatter chairs of the bush—those creations of canvas and battens which do duty for sofas in every verandah—and lying on these, each one with its own occupant, was that saddest sight on earth—the paralytic lunatic! Here is one whose idiotic stare is intensified by the constant jerkings of St. Vitus's dance; near by, coiled up in another chair, utterly unconscious of our approach, is a young man, once a lively active boy, who was kicked on the jaw by a horse, and which some way caused a cessation in the development of the brain, and now he is transformed into a hopeless idiot. "Ah, this old man must have been a shepherd," I said, as we paused before a gray-headed old man. "Yes, you are quite right," was the reply from my conductor. Poor fellow, my sympathy for him was great, for my thoughts took me back to the time when I had much to do with his class; it reminded me of the words so often, in olden times, heard by the sheep overseer, "Please, sir, I am getting very dry, could you send a man to take my flock for a week or two." And here before me is the ending of these bush "sprees"—this gray-haired, rheumatic-struck, paralytic idiot, who feebly lifts his head at the cheery salutation of the doctor, stares vacantly at the stranger, incoherently mutters a word or two, and again subsides into nonentity. Oh, ye vendors of alcoholic poisons! is it on you, or is it on the manufacturer, or on the merchant who sells wholesale, that punishment for the frightful destruction of mind evidenced in this asylum as brought on by strong drink will fall? Or is it to be, as to us on this earth appears to be the case, that the victims only will suffer? 

No need to particularise the occupants of the other chairs; one is but a repetition, with variations, of the other; in each one is, to be seen blank insanity, or aged idiotic imbecility. Poor fellows, they are as comfortable as they can be made, and are as tenderly cared for as children— which, indeed, they are, aged children—for they are fed, are clothed, are put to bed, and in the fine days are carried out into the fresh pure air, where, in these comfortable chairs, they lounge and—exist without thought! 

[to be continued.]

II. INDUSTRIAL OCCUPATIONS.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 23 March 1881, page 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article919772

Leaving the paralytic imbeciles to doze away their life in the comfortable chairs of this ward, the next yard I was shown into was a populous one, the number of patients being about equal to what I saw in the refractory division, but there was a decided improvement in their physique; however, here also was much to distress the eye; for, walking rapidly up and down, shouting at the top of his voice, and so making a terrible noise, was a red-whiskered, rough-looking bush-man — a victim to alcohol. The impression forced upon the stranger by a sight like this is astonishment that no one takes any notice of another's eccentricities; all this man's bawling created not the slightest sensation; that poor fellow lying flat on the ground, with legs extended and head buried in his hands, never even stirred; those three miserables coiled up and crouching against the fence took no heed when their noisy companion came near them; even the more intelligent who were sitting under the shelter shed were utterly heedless of the raving of their fellow maniac; and the warders gave no heed to it. As long as no violence is shown the patient can rave and do what he likes; there is no restraint, the only precaution taken being to put him in a ward in which he can do no harm, and among such fellow-patients as cannot be influenced by his excitement. When I asked Dr Smith the cause of this man's excitement the answer was "Poor fellow ! It is only a case of delirium tremens, and he is now recovering."

However, the saddest sight in this yard was not this noisy drinker, but a young-looking man who was standing alone, still as a statue, rigidly immovable. Out there in the centre of the yard he is heedless of the hot rays of the sun and of everyone and everything around him; one hand is stretched out in front of him, and the eyes are never for a moment lifted from the ground. Thus all the day long he stands, apparently in the deepest thought, in reality — thoughtless! Solitary and soulless, he exists but as a living monument, for the man within is dead! Poor fellow, my sympathy for him was keen indeed. This solitary standing seems common among the worse class of patients, but in no other case did I notice such excessive immobility.

But enough of these sad scenes, they could be multiplied by one hundred, and each one be as sad as the other. May the few I have described help to increase the sympathy of the charitable, and so cause them to sometimes think of these unfortunate fellow colonists of ours!

I will now pass on to the pleasanter parts of the establishment — for even at Woogaroo it is not all dark. The domestic arrangements of the place are well carried out. The bakery was the first of those I happened to enter. It is in charge of an expert tradesman, whose only assistants are patients. The bakehouse was thoroughly clean and the bread most excellent. I was pleased with the evident pride the man took in his work as he showed me the ovens, in which were hundreds of loaves nicely browning, and insisted upon cutting a loaf to show how good it was. The number of loaves baked every day is 350 to 400.

The kitchen was a busy place indeed. Here again the chef is the only paid man; and a smart man he need be, too, to cook for such a vast establishment, with only insanity as an assistant; notable among these assistants is a powerful Chinaman, who has long been a resident of the asylum. The blacksmith's shop is a useful adjunct to the place; all the bedsteads used are of iron, and are made in this shop, and the repairing of tools and machinery keeps the forge and vice always at work. It is presided over by a paid mechanic, whose only assistants again are patients. The sawmill was a very busy sight — one that quite astonished me by its comparative magnitude, for I saw a powerful steam-engine turning a large circular saw and breaking down logs worthy of Pettigrew's mill. The adjoining timber-yard was full of sawn stuff of all lengths and thicknesses, and numbers of patients were busily at work. But the carpenter's shop was a still more surprising sight and a yet busier scene. There were, I should think, quite half-a-dozen well-made double benches, at each end of which was the usual screw, and at every bench work was going on as regularly and exactly as if it had been a city joinery. I could hardly credit it when I was told that one only of all the men before me was not a patient — that all the mortising, measuring, and other exact work going on was being done by those who were incapable of taking care of themselves, and who yet were showing every evidence of reason in their work, and who, besides, were in constant reach of tools which might prove deadly weapons at any moment. Alas, it was only necessary for me to stroll among the benches and address a word to the workmen to discover that reason had only partial control. This shop and all these men are under the superintendence of one skilled artisan, and wonderful is the work that has been done in it, both in quality and quantity. It is Dr Smith's constant thought and study to find suitable work for his patients; all that can be employed are so employed that there must be some little exercise of the mind. The work is never so excessive as to fatigue, but sufficient to ensure health. I was much struck with the difference in demeanour between these poor witless men and the workers as seen in penal establishments and gaols. At Woogaroo there was no sign of the "Government stroke;" all seemed to work with a will and to the best of their reason, and there was not the sulky dogged look of the criminal about them. The great inducement to work is the tobacco which they are allowed, but the willingness to labour is one of the first signs of recovery of reason. Tables, long and strong deal tables, constitute the principal furniture of the Asylum; I had noticed this as I went through, as they are in every room but the sleeping apartments, and in every yard. As the patients delight to sit and lounge on them they need be well made, and this they certainly are. There is an immense lot of wooden fencing around the various yards and wards; these are rather wooden walls 12ft. high and made of sawn hardwood. All this has been put up, and the strong tables manufactured by the patients themselves. The trees were cut on the reserve, the logs sawn up at the mill, and the wall built by the inmates, and it is well done too. Near the saw-mill is the dam for supplying water to the place; the watershed that fills it is kept sacred from contamination by cattle or horses. At present it has been pumped very low, and a party of patients were at the time of my visit engaged in clearing out the mud from the bottom and heightening the dam. These men were working willingly and cheerfully, and again I was struck with the difference between the prison gang and these unfortunates, to the manifest advantage of the latter. There was here no armed overseer ostentatiously standing with loaded rifle in hand, but the one warder in charge had his coat off and was busily setting an example in filling the barrow and the cart — an example which was willingly followed; but no coercion was used, each one appeared to do only just as much as he cared to do. From this dam the water is pumped into a reservoir upon the top of the highest hill, and thus, by gravity, a pressure is got which is sufficient even for fire extinguishing purposes, except for the newest building near the reservoir itself, and for this special power will have to be provided. The view from this hill is superb, and it now seems extraordinary that the original founders of the Asylum should have chosen the low lands upon which all the older buildings are erected, and which in flood time are covered with water quite up to the doors of the wards, in preference to the airy pleasant site on the hill top. The piggeries were the next "ward" to which I found my way. The scraps and waste from such a numerous congregation of people as are in this little colony must of necessity be very considerable, and the best use to make of it is to turn it into pork; no less than 140 pigs are at present in the sties. To keep such a large number in health, and so that they shall not be a nuisance, can only be done by having properly constructed sties; this end has been gained by building them upon the slope of the hill, a trap door in the floor enabling them to be easily cleaned out, and the offal falling into a barrow is at once wheeled away. Our farmers might with advantage imitate this example. The pigs all look well, and there is a pure Berkshire boar among them remarkable for its size and symmetry. Breeding sows are principally kept, and as an adjunct to the sties a pig-proof paddock is being made, for it is found that where so many are kept confined in a small space the number of young produced at a litter rapidly decreases; and the resources of the establishment are equal to the production of twice as many as are now kept. One old patient has these pigs in his charge, and he seems as happy and delighted with them as if they were his own. The cow-shed adjoins the piggery, and here again our farmers might take a hint, for each cow is allowed a separate stall, in which is a bail and feeding-rack, the whole building being comfortable and clean, and neither the milker nor the animal is exposed to weather. The cows are milked by patients, and I was astonished when told that these substantial farm buildings had all been erected by the labour of the inmates, under the guidance of the one special head carpenter. A large heap of well decayed cow and pig manure was now being carted out to the field for the coming planting of the potato crop; a group of patients were busy at this work, loading the dray, which was also driven by one of them. The cultivation ground attached to the establishment consists of a river flat, and the soil is good. The greater portion of this is in lucerne for the cows and horses, and it was a pleasant contrast to the scenes in the yards to watch the dozen patients cutting, raking up, and loading this lucerne. It is nice light work, as there are plenty of them to do it, and although they are using hayforks and scythes, which could be turned into deadly weapons, an accident never happens, unreliable men being never put to such work. I saw about five acres already ploughed and harrowed, and it was on to this the manure was being carted preparatory to at once commencing potato planting. The ploughing is not done by the patients, a hired man being required for the skilled agricultural work as well as for the other skilled occupations. Millet is grown for the cows, and a few acres of sweet potatoes; also a full acre of tomatoes for use in the kitchen. All the water from the washhouse is used for irrigating some of the low ground, and but for this an acre or two of pumpkins would have this year proved a failure. The farm of course does not pretend to supply the wants of the establishment; it would take far more land than there is here capable of cultivation to grow even the potatoes required. The object of it is to find a light pleasant outdoor occupation for such patients as require that treatment.

Notwithstanding the length to which this report has been extended, so vast is this establishment for the control of our lunatics that I find I have not said a word about the ward for pay-patients and convalescents, or about the female branch (the saddest of any), or of the new buildings, or of the merry dance that I witnessed in the evening. These subjects I must therefore leave for another paper.

III. The Convalescent Wards.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 6 April 1881, page 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article918938

The ward for those patients whose friends can afford to pay for their support is a one-storied building pleasantly situated up on the top of the hill; the rooms are single-bedded, but except in its isolation it is in all respects similar to any of the others. Nearby are two recently erected two-storied brick buildings. These are for convalescent patients, and are built according to the latest devised and best plan of carrying out the cottage-system of lunatic asylum. In them the "prison" is entirely eliminated, and the patient while sitting upon the upper balcony and viewing the panorama of mountains in the distance, with the foreground of forest, through which every hour or so can be seen the railway train whizzing along, has every opportunity of recovering both bodily and mental health. The spotlessly clean floor, white walls, regular beds, and scanty furniture, however, give a strong smack of the "hospital" to the place, but this is unavoidable. The large main building for convalescents is also high up on the hill. A number of men were in the enclosed ground — it is no longer a yard — but none of these showed any of those distressing symptoms so common in the other wards; indeed it would take the stranger some time before he would detect that anything was amiss with many of those around him. There is a large dining-room in the building, and on the walls are hung maps of the world, and of various countries, and pictures taken from the Graphic and other illustrated papers; these latter are pasted on a stretched calico ground-work, and being varnished give a wonderful relief to the "hospital" feeling before mentioned. I noticed a bagatelle table in the room, and many of the men were reading, for books are supplied from the asylum library and changed every week from ward to ward. Donations of books will be thankfully received; novels, light reading, or illustrated works, are most suitable. One sailer-looking man was intently poring over a map of the world; he had found out Australia, and was evidently looking for something. Expressing to Dr. Smith my impression that surely that man was sane, he stepped up to him and asked him what he wanted to find. Poor fellow! he was looking for the telegraph cable between King George's Sound and Brisbane which he had helped to lay when a sailor; he could find Brisbane and Melbourne, but when King George's Sound was pointed out to him by the doctor he would not have it that it was there at all, and we left him hunting for that place, in — New Guinea! There was nothing distressing to the eye in this ward; all was bright and cheerful compared with those lower down the hill. There is, of course, an unclimbable fence around the building, but it is some distance off and is of open battens, so that the view is not entirely obstructed, and, moreover, the area enclosed is large and includes several of these newer buildings, so that the effect of being confined in a yard is scarcely noticeable. It is Dr. Smith's intention this year to plant the whole of this enclosure with shade trees, shrubs, and flowers, and already he has had made a bowling green. Another great, very great, improvement he contemplates introducing as soon as the dam-making is finished. It is the making a 6ft. deep ha-ha, and placing this 12ft. high fence in it; thus the patients at the buildings will be able to see completely over for it is on somewhat lower ground, and the 3ft. of fencing that remains above ground will have none of that prison-yard look so distressing to the convalescent, who will be securely imprisoned without the fact being forced upon him every time he looks at the beautiful scenery around him.

The kitchen arrangements and accommodation are now insufficient for the establishment, and they are awkwardly situated, being in one of the old buildings on the flooded land. So a new and commodious kitchen and laundry is being erected upon the top of the hill, it is of brick and is being done by contract work, not patient labour; it will be built in the ornamental style of the new "cottage" wards. It is Dr. Smith's intention to have a tramway running down the hill from this kitchen to all the wards on the lower levels in order that the dinners may be easily sent down; as it is now is the great majority of them have to be laboriously carried up hill. The tramway will of course be con-structed by the patients, and the rails used will probably be discarded ones from the railway.

The intention is that all future additions shall be erected upon the hill in the form of a crescent of detached buildings; thus all will have the benefit of the purer air and of the beautiful scenery around, and will be removed beyond the reach of fog and flood. The wards being so detached the risk from fire is reduced to a minimum, and the occurrence of such a frightful tragedy as lately happened at the burning of an American asylum will be rendered absolutely impossible.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

IV. THE FEMALE DIVISION.

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Saturday 9 April 1881, page 460

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page2250554

Doubtless some lady readers will anxiously ask, "How fares it with the poor women whom fate casts into this refuge?" Well, I will tell them; for I was admitted into all, even the very worst, of the female wards, in order that I might be able to give the public an answer to this very question. Of the 561 patients in Woogaroo and Ipswich, 223 are women. Their quarters are all upon the top of the hill, and completely separated from those of the men. The sad scenes of the one are just duplicated in the other, but all is not sad; there is a good deal that is bright and lively, and I will tell it first. Miss Millar is the matron, and on this lady devolves the chief control of all the females — truly an anxious and a heavy responsibility, and one requiring the peculiar temperament which combines the nerve of a man with the sympathetic kindness of a woman to effectually carry out Miss Millar possesses both. The new convalescent cottage of this division is a facsimile of the one in the men's department. It is two stories high, built of brick, with lofty walls and well ventilated rooms, but the view from the upper verandah far surpasses that I described as from the corresponding balcony of the men's quarters, for it looks down upon the most charming river view possible—one of Nature's lovely tit-bits, a scene which cannot but have a salutary effect on the returning reason of the convalescent. These upper balconies, like the walls of the staircase, are protected by wire netting, to prevent any attempt at jumping off or down. 

I was duly introduced to Miss Millar, and that lady first conducted me to the workroom. Here was indeed a busy and cheerful sight, for sitting in a double row facing each other were some thirty women, all sewing at some sort of garment. At the end of the row was a Singer's sewing machine, which one of Miss Millar's assistants, who superintends this department, was working. At one corner on a table was a pile of print dresses in the rough; and the whole scene was bustlingly cheerful. When it is considered that all the clothes worn in the establishment, men's as well as women's, are made by the patients, it will become evident that there is plenty to do; also all needlework connected with the beds, sheets, quilted coverings, towels, &c, is done by the female patients; and the repairing is in itself a heavy item, for taking care of their clothes is the last thing thought of by most of the inmates. Leaving this busy hive, I was taken to the wash-house; here again all was bustle, steam, and slop. Order and system evidently were well carried out, for there was no confusion, and nothing whatever to indicate that there was anything abnormal in the washers. All around the sides of the large shed were troughs of convenient size and height, and at each compartment of these was a patient washing. In the centre were some half-dozen square boilers, each of which is heated by a steam coil in the bottom, and this steam is supplied from a pressure boiler in the yard, which is attended to by a paid workman, not by a patient. Adjoining the wash-house is the laundry; it seemed full to excess with the results of the day's wash, and in mates were busy folding and mangling. Neither the wash-house nor the laundry is nearly large enough to be conveniently worked; but when the latter is removed to the new building now being erected things will be better. The opinion I formed from my casual visit was that these witless women worked with more zest than do many of our domestic servants in Brisbane, and I certainly must compliment Miss Millar upon the efficiency of her working army. But some of the women will not work, and there are, again, others who cannot be trusted to do so; there are incorrigibles among them as well as among the men, and these I was to be next shown. 

The yard into which I was now taken had a shelter shed in it, and benches and a table under its shade. Here the scene in the men's yard was but repeated, only — frightful to contemplate! — all these were women. No work was going on, and there were many bad cases here, for the patients were idiotically sitting or sprawling around. Flitting about and between, over the benches and over the table, was a child of some eleven or twelve years; in her hand she carried a bunch of green grass, which I was told she never, if she can help it, parts with. This poor little girl has been an idiot from birth, docile and lively as long as she has this bunch of grass in her hand — an uncontrollable chattering idiot when without it. Poor daft child! badly begotten and witless as thou art, this love for the green grass gives hopes that the soul within thee is not entirely dead; perhaps when freed from thy wretched body it may expand and find a heaven at last; who can say thee nay? 

Crouching down in a far corner of the yard, away from all the other inmates, was a poor demented woman in an agony of mental woe. Creeping close to the fence, as if for protection from fancied devils, was another patient — a tall dark-haired woman in a paroxysm of madness; shriek after shriek she uttered, her eyes literally glaring with horror, and with an expression of extreme terror on her one-time handsome face, as she never for one minute ceased from her loud declamation and cries. For three days had this outbreak continued, and the matron told me that, although as much liberty as possible was given, to prevent her exciting the others, it was probable, this poor woman would have to be confined. What is it that these poor demented fellow-beings of ours see and hear and talk to, and are frightened of, and are the unfortunate tools of? Is it possible that there is a world of phantoms just beneath the ken of normal eye sight, to which when the body is weakened by disease or drink it then becomes a prey? Is there any truth in the old Scripture text which says that devils go about seeking whom they can devour? Verily, I believe it, and I put down many of these lunatic cases to the old Scripture notion of possession by devils — that is, evil spirits; but Dr. Smith and the medical faculty tell me I am wrong, and that the stomach, epilepsy, and malformation of body and excess, will account for it all. 

"Is there any worse ward than this?" I asked. "Yea", was the answer; "these you now see are not incurable. I wish you to see all. They are in the next ward." So into it I was taken, and I glanced around. Ah! fair reader, the sad sad scene that met my eye — I will not, for I cannot, depict it, but say, "Enough of these distressing pictures;" surely I have given sufficient to rouse your sympathy and charity. Remember, you mothers and daughters who are healthy, or happy, or fair, that many in this yard were once as you, and now they apparently are — soulless! aye, even worse than the beasts of the field. So, think of them, and send them heaps of baskets of flowers and fruit and toys and pictures; not once and for all, but regularly and systematically; and you will be the cause of giving much simple pleasure to some at least of these unfortunates; others, alas, whose present situation is the result of crime, debauchery, and lust, are beyond redemption or even amelioration of condition.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

V. MUSIC AND DANCING

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 16 April 1881, page 6

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article918135

It took the entire afternoon to show me over this complete establishment, but when we had finished our round Dr Smith said he could not let me go yet awhile — that I must have a counter-irritant to the sad scenes I had witnessed in the shape of a sight of the dancing in the big hall, which would take place that evening.

How strange is the freemasonry of the gaol, or of places like this and how rapidly does news spread! While I was sitting in the verandah of Dr Smith's cottage, old Miles, the lunatic groom, came up and gave me a piece of his mind about "editor folk," whom he abused right royally for writing in the newspapers nothing but "lies;" only he emphasised this word by putting a strong adjective before it. Then he went off at a tangent by telling a rambling story of his taking, in his boyish days, the sermon-book out of the coat-tail pocket of a parson, and how the parson swore when he found it gone, and then he got to growling at Dr. Smith for keeping him imprisoned. This is the end of all their ramblings of tongue; commence how they will, one and all get back to the same theme — "Why are they kept in prison?"

It was pleasant while sitting in this verandah, after having had a refreshing cup of tea, to suddenly hear the lively strains of dance music spring up from the building below. It seems that by dint of practice among the warders and employés of the place an excellent instrumental band has been formed, and that upon every alternate Wednesday evening some two hours of dancing is indulged in. This is carried on all through the year, except in the hot summer months, and it is the one bright spot that gives light to the dreary occupations of all in the place. On going down to the ballroom I found it crowded, and dancing in full swing. The patients were arranged in rows on each side, the men on one side and women on the opposite the band is placed in an alcove at one end and at the other is a raised platform, upon which was a good piano, and seats for the superintendents or visitors. Among the dancers were the young folk of the warders, and people in other ways connected with the establishment, and also some of the younger warders and nurses. These, when we entered, were dancing a quadrille. It is not many of the patients who care for the quadrille or waltz; the figures are rather too intricate and delicate for them, they prefer the jig. To my astonishment, amongst this quadrille party, going through the figures correctly and in a gentlemanly and quiet manner, was the very man whom I had observed as so excessively noisy in his talk in the first yard I went into; the man who expressed so free an opinion about Christ, and who has given so much trouble to the authorities. He never misses these balls, and he joins every dance, and evidently considers himself a long way above the rest of the crowd. On the conclusion of the quadrille Mr. Hamilton, the chief warder, and the master of the ceremonies, gave orders to "choose partners for a jig." At these magic words all was delight, instantly a number of the men jumped up and ran over to the other side, and secured their favourite partners. A long double line was formed, and the fun began. No sad scene now, no crouching and moaning alone, or dreaming of phantoms; on the contrary, all was jollity and merriment. How these witless fellow-beings do enjoy this simple jig! each one in his own style, will have it that his is the best, and the variety is extraordinary. The floor need be strong to stand that stamping. No wonder this Wednesday evening enjoyment is looked forward to by them all, it is indeed a glorious institution for giving relief to these troubled minds. In spite of the hilarity there was not the slightest misbehaviour; all seemed as happy as overgrown children, as they are. I don't think they would ever tire, but the band tires, and stops, when instantly all are in their places again. This enjoyment is kept up till 9 o'clock, then tea and cake are allowed as a supper, and the one bright day of the week's existence is over. Dr Smith was quite right in insisting on my remaining to see that there is a bright and merry evening to be spent even in — Woogaroo.

I cannot conclude these papers without testifying to the thorough order and complete systematic working of the asylum, also to the spotless cleanliness and excellent sanitary arrangements, the dry-earth system is carried out in its entirety, and the contents of the whole of the outhouses are removed every day. The general health of the patients is good, only four being in hospital, and they were incurable. It is Dr Smith's wish to carry out the cottage system to its fullest development — that is, more complete subdivision of the patients. That this is much needed is apparent even to a casual visitor like myself; more especially is it necessary among the women. But subdivision means more buildings, and that means more money, and a parliamentary vote for a lunatic asylum is not a popular one. People should remember that, although there is among the inmates the very essence of crime and immorality, and though in many cases their present condition is only a punishment brought on by themselves, yet a large minority of the patients are there through unfortunate circumstances, such as prenatal causes, accidents, excess of grief or joy, persons of emotional and affectionate nature, and all these are worthy of pity and consideration and of the most tender treatment.

Dr Smith wished me to take notice of the rapid increase in the influx of new patients for this year, no less than twenty-five fresh cases having come to him in January and February last. This is at the rate of 150 a-year — a most alarming fact when our small population is considered. However it may be only temporary; perhaps the hot summer weather has had something to do with it, let us hope so, for it is a disagreeable fact.

Reader, I was sent as a reporter to Woogaroo in order to let you know what goes on there, and neither editorial fiat nor the medical superintendent of the asylum put the slightest restriction upon my report. I have just told of things as I found them.