DEATH OF MR. ANDREW PETRIE, SEN. The death of the oldest free resident in our community and colony, is an event not to be allowed to happen without notice; and the aged, revered, and useful citizen who has just left our world for a better was no ordinary man. The name of ANDREW PETRIE isContinue reading “February 20, 1872 – the death of Andrew Petrie.”
February 18, 1867 – Mr Perry was found sane.
How did Courts deal with mental illness in the Moreton Bay era? Today, expert evidence would be sought prior to a trial as to the fitness of the defendant to stand trial. Psychiatrists and psychologists could be called for the defence at trial. The jury would be asked to decide on the balance of allContinue reading “February 18, 1867 – Mr Perry was found sane.”
February 17 1873 – Mayors at ten paces.
Today the town of Drayton has more or less been absorbed by the city of Toowoomba on the Darling Downs of Queensland. It was a town in its own right in the 19th century, a lovely little hamlet established in 1842, and was one of the oldest settlements in Queensland. Some of the charming oldContinue reading “February 17 1873 – Mayors at ten paces.”
February 15, 1851 – Patagonia survivors reach Brisbane
The Patagonia, a British Brig of 323 tons was on a routine cargo run from Sydney to Manilla in what was then the Spanish East Indies. There was a small crew and a cargo of coal on board. On February 05 1851, the vessel struck Bond’s Reef just off New Caledonia and could not beContinue reading “February 15, 1851 – Patagonia survivors reach Brisbane”
February 14, 1848 – Ludwig Leichhardt’s final visit to Brisbane.
He’d been away, presumed missing before. This was going to be the big one – Dr Leichhardt would cross the continent, to arrive in Western Australia in early 1850. As that year dawned, people began to prepare for his arrival in Western Australia. And waited, hopefully. Perhaps he had been delayed. Months became years. Expeditions set outContinue reading “February 14, 1848 – Ludwig Leichhardt’s final visit to Brisbane.”
February 13, 1863 – Fearful gales and wild weather
As the Severe Weather warnings roll across Queensland, a timely reminder that this is not unusual. At all. Throughout the whole of yesterday the wind blew strongly in fitful squalls from the eastward and south-east, and the rain fell without intermission, occasionally pouring down in drenching showers. As it had also rained through the previousContinue reading “February 13, 1863 – Fearful gales and wild weather”
February 12, 1860 – first same-day coach service between Brisbane and Ipswich begins.
MAIL AND PASSENGER COACH FOR IPSWICH.—Mr. James Collins, contractor for the daily mail between this place and Ipswich, has purchased a suitable four-wheeled carriage for the conveyance of mails and passengers. The vehicle is light in construction, admirably adapted for the use for which it is intended, and fitted with seats, which are ornamented withContinue reading “February 12, 1860 – first same-day coach service between Brisbane and Ipswich begins.”
February 11, 1850 – Circuit Court proclaimed.
Moreton Bay had been open for free settlement for eight years, and had a Police Magistrate in the august person of Captain John Clements Wickham, RN. In the absence of a higher court sitting at Brisbane, and indeed a serviceable gaol, those charged with indictable offences were shipped to Sydney for District and Supreme CourtContinue reading “February 11, 1850 – Circuit Court proclaimed.”
February 10, 1862 – first land sales at Nanango
Although the first official Land Sale in Nanango took place on 10 February 1862, the area had a long history. Before white settlement, the area was an important stop on the ancient route taken by people from many far-flung indigenous nations to meet for the Bunya nut feasts, important in terms of diplomacy, trade andContinue reading “February 10, 1862 – first land sales at Nanango”
February 9, 1860 – Ipswich Courthouse
On 09 February 1860, the Circuit Court sat at Ipswich on a particularly hot sub-tropical summer’s day. Here’s how the Moreton Bay Courier recorded the day: THE court opened at 10 o’clock. There were seven prisoners for trial. The attendance of jurors was very good, two only of those summoned being absent, a good andContinue reading “February 9, 1860 – Ipswich Courthouse”
Moreton Bay and More 