In 1862, Queensland had been a separate Colony for two years. The streets of Brisbane were not paved, bullock-teams rested in the streets and ladies negotiated the subtropical climate and noisome streets wearing the unwieldy hoop skirts of the period. Some substantial buildings adjoined tin shacks and stores. Entertainment for those unable to afford tickets to the few theatres, or who were unable or unwilling to attend numerous “improving” lectures at the School of the Arts, consisted of getting really quite drunk.
While the forlorn women plied their trade in Frog’s Hollow, some rather less forlorn women erupted into churches to disturb sermons and even the House of Assembly, in a state of intoxication. On 02 August 1862, an unrepentant Jemima Smith appeared before the Police Magistrate in Brisbane, charged with “habitual drunkenness and behaving in a riotous and indecent manner” in the lobby of the House of Assembly. What I would give to know the particulars of the offence. However, all that comes down to us from history is Mr Bernays having seen and heard Jemima behave in a most outrageous manner.
Ms Smith declared herself innocent of all charges, having lived a pure and sober life, free of the vices of which she had been accused. For some reason, the Magistrate chose to believe the evidence of Constable Coffey and Mr Bernays and gaoled her for a month.
Exactly one month later, Jemima Smith was a free woman, but not for long. She appeared before the Magistrate again, looking “somewhat dilapidated” and “old”, having hurt her wrist badly the night before in a state of intoxication. She had very nearly severed an artery, whether through self-harm or drunken clumsiness, and Dr Hobbs examined her at the lock-up, and recommended a hospital stay.
In those days, admission to the hospital meant paying upfront or obtaining a “ticket” for admission from a respectable hospital subscriber. The Magistrate told Jemima to call at his house after Court, and he would give her a ticket. And to please stop drinking.
On 23 September, Jemima was back before the Police Magistrate, hotly denying having “taken a drop” of intoxicating liquors. She was gaoled for a month, probably to dry out and save herself from further harm.
The month having elapsed, Jemima made her final, quite dramatic appearance before the long-suffering Police Magistrate.
“Jemima Smith, a powerful-looking woman who has been frequently before the Court, was charged with drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and making use of obscene language. From the evidence of the apprehending constable, it appeared that on being arrested prisoner became exceedingly violent -it taking no less than eight policemen to lodge her safely in the lock-up. She was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment under the Vagrant Act. The prisoner, who expressed a hope that the Magistrate might “break his b—y neck,” was then removed from the court struggling with half-a-dozen policemen.”
Sadly, for all of her appearance of strength and fight, she survived only two weeks of the six months’ imprisonment. She collapsed around 12 o’clock on 13 November and was found by a fellow prisoner Ellen Forster, who called for help. By the time help arrived, Jemima Smith was gone.
A post-mortem revealed severe congestion of the lungs, aortic valves that were thickened and contracted, and her heart was enormously enlarged. It weighed 26 ounces, compared to a standard of 10 or 11 ounces in comparable patients. She was 45 years old. The inquest found death from natural causes, having heard Dr Bell’s evidence that the enlargement of her heart alone could have killed her at any time.
Another lady, who disturbed a church service and very nearly found herself liable to be punished under an Act that dated back to Queen Mary (“bloody Mary”), will appear in a later post.
SOURCES:
Courier (Brisbane, Qld.: 1861 – 1864), Monday 4 August 1862, page 2
Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 – 1864), Thursday 4 September 1862, page 2
Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 – 1864), Thursday 25 September 1862, page 2
Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 – 1864), Saturday 1 November 1862, page 2
Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 – 1864), Saturday 15 November 1862, page 2
State Library of Queensland, John Oxley Library – photograph: Original premises Messrs Perry Brothers Ltd. ca. 1860. The ladies in the foreground are Mrs W. Perry and her sister.
State Library of Queensland, John Oxley Library – photograph: View of Brisbane from Wickham Terrace, ca. 1860. Winding dirt track in foreground is Edward Street.
Moreton Bay and More 