“A Cloud of dust indicated the arrival of the Vice-Regal party.” Charles Augustus Constantine Phipps, Marquis of Normanby, was appointed Governor of Queensland to replace the lamented Governor Blackall. Despite his grand origins and grander name, he was an able and humble administrator, who brought calm and prosperity to Queensland. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR paidContinue reading “The Marquis of Normanby visits Ipswich – September 7, 1871”
Author Archives: Karen B
Amateur historian and writer.
“Eels very large.” Major Lockyer arrives in Moreton Bay – 06 September 1825
THE BRISBANE RIVER. Major Lockyer returned to Headquarters, on the Mermaid cutter, on Sunday last, from his arduous survey of the above valuable River at Moreton bay. This Gentleman very kindly put into our hands an Extract of his Official Report that evening, after our Paper was completed, but a detention of course took place,Continue reading ““Eels very large.” Major Lockyer arrives in Moreton Bay – 06 September 1825″
All the news fit to print – September 5, 1850
A glance through the Moreton Bay Courier of September 5 1850 shows the reader the era in Brisbane Town in a nutshell. Rosewood was out in the never-never, and locals banded together to discourage (in their worldview) indigenous raiders. This was the time when relations between determined free settlers, and dispossessed indigenous people was at itsContinue reading “All the news fit to print – September 5, 1850”
On this day – September 04
1880 – Pedestrianism On September 04, 1880, a famous pedestrian named Baker walked 115 miles in 23 hours and 40 minutes in the old Brisbane Theatre. Pedestrianism was a popular pastime for participants and spectators in the 19th century. Baker had been involved in some promoted events before – including a challenge against a wire-walkerContinue reading “On this day – September 04”
Chinese Australians – 03 September 1895
1895 Following the murder of Christian missionaries in China, representatives of the Chinese community in Brisbane met in the St John’s Cathedral precincts to condemn the killings. This is one of the most sympathetic descriptions of 19th century Chinese Australians I have seen. Normally the Chinese were seen as a menace to mining and trade,Continue reading “Chinese Australians – 03 September 1895”
Oxley returns to the Bay- 02 September 1824
1824: Oxley establishes a settlement at Redcliffe MORETON BAY. It will be remembered that the brig Amity left this port on the 2d September for the purpose of forming an establishment, under the command of Lieutenant Miller, 40th Regt. in Moreton Bay, at which place she arrived on the 12th. It is intended to haveContinue reading “Oxley returns to the Bay- 02 September 1824”
Great Logan’s Ghost!
In the early 20th century, the ghost of Captain Patrick Logan, late – very late – Commandant of the Moreton Bay, began to appear in newspapers. Logan himself had died on October 17, 1830, murdered by indigenous people in the Somerset region of Queensland (official version), or by escaped convicts seizing an opportunity to getContinue reading “Great Logan’s Ghost!”
Lockyer’s expedition – 01 September 1825
1825: Major Lockyer leaves Sydney in the Mermaid for Moreton Bay. 1873: Importation of first hares into the Colony (well, that went well) 1885: Formation of the Trades and Labour Council, Brisbane 1887: Heads of Government departments, under pain of suspension, instructed to keep expenditure within estimates (the more things change….) 1825: Major EdmundContinue reading “Lockyer’s expedition – 01 September 1825”
Bushrangers on the goldfields – August 31 1868
On 31 August 1868, a man named – in the doubtful 19th century translation of Chinese names – Ah King Gun Woo, was returning to Bowen from the Cape River Goldfields with about 360 pounds in gold and notes and two silver watches. He was accosted by three armed bushrangers, who had blackened their facesContinue reading “Bushrangers on the goldfields – August 31 1868”
Luis Vaez de Torres charts the straits – August 30 1606
1606 Luis Vaez de Torres was on his way to Manila when bad weather forced him to take a detour below Papua New Guinea. On his way, he charted the coastline, stopped for provisions, claimed everything he saw for Spain and fought with indigenous people of the Islands, taking a small sample of the furiousContinue reading “Luis Vaez de Torres charts the straits – August 30 1606”
Moreton Bay and More 