Before the internet, algorithms, bots, moderators and so on, content moderation was the domain of the Editor of one’s paper of choice. This individual dealt with the epistles of would-be poets, seekers of ‘justice,’ scandalmongers, and the political fixations of sundry other Gentlemen with Views. Their published interactions with their correspondents ranged from helpful advice,Continue reading “The Editor Strikes Back.”
The First Circuit Court of Moreton Bay.
On this day – 10 February 1850 – Proclamation of the Circuit Court. From the introduction of free settlement in 1842 until the Gaol and Circuit Court opened for business in 1850, Moreton Bay had no place to hold trials or accommodate prisoners. There was only a Court of Petty Sessions, which was empowered toContinue reading “The First Circuit Court of Moreton Bay.”
The Flood – 1893.
On this Day – Floodwaters rise to 6 feet over Edward Street. There have been so many catastrophic floods in Queensland – whether caused by tropical cyclones, low pressure systems or, in the elegant parlance of today’s news reports, “rain bombs.” The 1893 flood was the first natural disaster to be thoroughly recorded by photographers.Continue reading “The Flood – 1893.”
Tapping the Clouds, or Professor Pepper’s Very Bad Day.
On this day, 4 February 1882. Brisbane had been drought-stricken for months. A gentleman named Professor Pepper had a scientific idea – “tapping” the clouds that had hung low over the town, but which had failed to produce a drop of rain. The idea involved an iron-framed kite, cannons and rockets. A donkey was present.Continue reading “Tapping the Clouds, or Professor Pepper’s Very Bad Day.”
The English Cricket Team bowls over Queensland, February 1883.
Ah, Summer! Time to go to the cricket. Something rather unseemly had happened in the cricketing world in August 1882. An Australian side had won the test series against the English, on English soil! A mock obituary was printed in the Sporting Times: “In Affectionate Remembrance of ENGLISH CRICKET, which died at the Oval onContinue reading “The English Cricket Team bowls over Queensland, February 1883.”
”I do not know how to describe to you the beauty of this place.”
On this day – January 27, 1842. Word reaches Moreton Bay that it is to be thrown open for free settlement. On this day in 1842, the inhabitants of Moreton Bay found out that the area was to become a free settlement. The convict settlement had been gradually dismantled with this end in mind. OnlyContinue reading “”I do not know how to describe to you the beauty of this place.””
Reasonable people see a Bunyip – 1850.
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.”
Suffering in sunshine and fresh air.
One immigrant family’s struggle. Life in colonial Queensland could be harsh – a cruel reality not suggested to the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who uprooted their old lives and took long sea journeys to the new world. The idea that thrift and industry in Queensland could take one away from the generational poverty andContinue reading “Suffering in sunshine and fresh air.”
“Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark.”
How the Old Windmill nearly disappeared in 1850. The oldest surviving building in Queensland, built by convicts for convicts, was very nearly demolished in 1850. It’s hard to imagine Wickham Terrace without the sail-less Windmill, set slightly back from the road and surrounded by trees. Since 1828, it has been a grain grinding and punishmentContinue reading ““Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark.””
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”
Moreton Bay and More 