The mythical creature of the Australian bush was a fairly new concept in 1850. Only five years before, the word first appeared in print (in the Geelong Advertiser), who used an indigenous term to describe some incredible-looking fossils discovered in the area. A strange animal skull found on the Murrumbidgee River was exhibited in SydneyContinue reading “Reasonable people see a Bunyip – 1850.”
Category Archives: Newspaper stories
Barry the Loafer – a Rogue and a Vagabond
James Barry was a labourer who made his way around Queensland in the 1870s. The term “labourer” might be a bit of an exaggeration – Mr Barry did not care to undertake much physical labour. He preferred to spend his time drinking, failing to pay for his board, and comforting the wives of men whoContinue reading “Barry the Loafer – a Rogue and a Vagabond”
Robbery Under Arms – 6 January 1869.
Mr W Selwyn King had received orders to return to Sydney from his posting at Kilkivan, near Gympie. It’s hard to imagine that he would be particularly reluctant to leave the remote town, but he had made good friends during his stay, and they toasted him at a farewell dinner at the Northumberland Hotel. TheContinue reading “Robbery Under Arms – 6 January 1869.”
Happy New Year (1866, that is)!
A snapshot of the celebrations across Queensland. Brisbane – a Regatta and the Races in a delicious breeze. THE advent of the New Year was celebrated by the citizens of Brisbane in a manner worthy of the occasion. The weather was delightful; the sun was very warm, as must be expected at this season ofContinue reading “Happy New Year (1866, that is)!”
The Magisterial Fracas at Rockhampton
Rowdyism in Rockhampton On 12 November 1863, a scandal that had been hinted at over the dinner tables of Rockhampton broke out in the most sensational fashion. Two prominent men of the town, who also held the Commission of the Peace as Magistrates were charged with committing assault in the public streets. At 10 inContinue reading “The Magisterial Fracas at Rockhampton”
The last of the Snob.
Part 4 – Forgery, a murder charge and Dunwich. The enduring allure of Springsure. Wikipedia helpfully informs its readers that Springsure is a town of around 950 people in the Central Highlands of Queensland. It boasts cattle farms, and plantations of sunflowers, sorghum, wheat, and chickpeas. It is close to a couple of coal mines,Continue reading “The last of the Snob.”
The Snob. Part 3.
More hard time. Edward Hartigan was released from Brisbane Gaol in January 1875. According to his account, he had been quietly at war with Samuel S Priday, the Principal Turnkey, Storekeeper and Clerk at the Gaol, for some months. He had been asked to keep tabs on other prisoners in return for special treatment. HartiganContinue reading “The Snob. Part 3.”
A Lifetime of Crime.
The long career of Alfred Allwood. How did Alfred Allwood manage to spend most of his life in gaol, considering that his haul of stolen goods over 40 years amounted to less than £10, a pair of boots, a gold watch, and a cake? He wasn’t a very good thief, and on a couple ofContinue reading “A Lifetime of Crime.”
A Fatal Error
How a terrible mistake cost a life and changed the law. OFFICIAL NOTIFICATIONS. [From today’s Government Gazette.] MEDICAL BOARD. – Henry Duckers and Robert James Hance, of Brisbane; and James Wilkinson, of Townsville, have been admitted as chemists and druggists. The Brisbane Courier, July 8, 1882. Sophia Jacobi’s baby James Francis Jacobi turned seven monthsContinue reading “A Fatal Error”
Henry Dagg’s Narrow Escape
[For the uninitiated, Wikipedia explains why the name Dag or Dagg might amuse an Australian: “Originally a word meaning the dried faeces left dangling from the wool on a sheep’s rear end, the word dag is more commonly used in colloquial Australian English to refer to someone’s unfashionable, often eccentric or idiosyncratic style or demeanor togetherContinue reading “Henry Dagg’s Narrow Escape”
Moreton Bay and More 