John Douglas addressing his Gladstone constituency March 1865

MR. JOHN DOUGLAS BEFORE HIS CONSTITUENTS AT GLADSTONE.

(FROM OUR GLADSTONE CORRESPONDENT.)

The Guardian (Brisbane), 10 March 1865, p. 3.

On the evening of Friday last, Mr. Douglas met and addressed a number of his constituents in the Queen's Hotel. There was a large attendance, the majority not being able to obtain accommodation within the room. Mr. Walsh, the member for Maryborough, also took part in the proceedings, and gave an exposition of his views on several matters of interest in the district.

On the motion of Alderman Browne, seconded by A. H. Browne, Esq., of Gin Gin, the Mayor took the chair. He opened the proceedings by declaring the object of the meeting, and introducing Mr. Douglas. He said it was usual for representatives to visit their constituencies occasionally, and give an account of their stewardship. In accordance with this excellent custom Mr. Douglas had determined to meet the electors and afford any information, or answer any questions on whatever matter of public interest might suggest itself to the meeting.

Mr. Douglas, on coming forward, was loudly cheered, and spoke as follows:—He had great pleasure in attending the meeting that evening. As had been observed by the worthy chairman, it was usual for representatives to meet their constituents occasionally, and explain what had occurred during past sessions of parliament, and what was likely to happen during the session that was about to commence. He had not come to deliver an elaborate address, but rather to hold a friendly conversation—more for the purpose of answering questions than for declaring a policy or principles—more to elicit the opinions of his constituents than to enunciate his own.

It was fully three years since he last had the pleasure of meeting with them in that room as a candidate for the representation of that district. There was at that time a much larger gathering than there was at present. He hoped this arose from no political apathy or indifference, or from a diminished regard for their mutual relationship as electors and representative.

At that time the railway policy of the Government was under discussion, and they naturally felt that that policy was forced on the country to their disadvantage, and to the exclusive benefit of the Southern districts of the colony. He had strenuously opposed that policy, and did his utmost to defeat it. But now the country was committed to it, and the question simply was how best to take advantage of it. He entirely repudiated factious opposition to the Government on this question.

He had identified himself with a distinct Opposition, solely because he had no confidence in the plans proposed by the Government, and because he believed the interests of the majority would be sacrificed to the wishes of a few. But that great question was now at rest. And it had been decided by the Parliament that the Government should take upon itself the construction of railways generally, and should commence with the line from Ipswich to Dalby.

Now, he had to accept that decision, and it only remained for them to consider what were their prospects of deriving any advantage from it. As the Southern portion of the colony is so likely to gain largely by the construction of railways, they too might look forward to similar advantages.

Now, what he had to say on this subject might be unpalatable to them, but he would speak as he felt, always having in view the general good of the country, and the particular benefit of his constituents. With regard to a railway from Gladstone to Rockhampton, that all were anxiously looking forward to, it would be a work of time. Eventually it would be constructed, but when it would be commenced, was a question much more difficult to determine.

He had just come from Rockhampton, and he had not observed there any extreme jealousy of Gladstone. All due allowance was made for your natural advantages—for your magnificent harbor and the situation of your town. But they said if we are to have seventy miles of railway constructed, by all means let us have it from the head of the navigation and to the westward, and not where there is already a navigable river.

The settlement of this question depends solely on the amount of pressure that can be brought to bear on individual members by their respective constituencies. Mr. Walsh may be expected to advocate a railway from Maryborough to Gayndah, and the member for the Kennedy or Mitchell, a line from Port Mackay to the Peak Downs. Every constituency is now looking for a railway to develop the resources of their district; but it is not possible that every constituency can be so accommodated.

With our small population and slender resources it is not possible for us to construct 500 miles of railway in Queensland at a cost of five millions of money. The time will no doubt come when that amount will be considered a trifle, but it has not arrived yet, and we must be content to wait for it.

A short time ago they commenced governing themselves with a revenue of only £100,000; now, they had accumulated a debt of a million sterling; but the time had not yet come when every constituency could be gratified with a railway.

His idea of carrying out a railway was different from what the Government had assumed. He considered that the land on either side of the line should be made to pay for the railway. Under such a system as that, a railway hence to Rockhampton might be carried out successfully. It might cost £700,000, but, under judicious regulations, the land would cover the entire cost.

There was a suicidal niggardliness with the public in dealing with Crown lands. They lose both time and money in hanging on for high prices. They must sell it in larger blocks, and at smaller rates, otherwise they would have to wait a long time for their railway.

Every constituency was continually hankering after public expenditure, and each one imagined that its claims were superior to all the rest. This was no peculiarity of Queensland constituencies; it was common to all districts in any country under the sun. [Here the speaker quoted from a paper on Canadian affairs, which went to show that favoritism was there the order of the day.] Some districts being under the special protection of governments, while others were altogether neglected.

Unfortunately, similar complaints could be made in Queensland, and it was the great difference paid to the Darling Downs that caused the people in the outlying districts to put in unreasonable claims which could not be satisfied. He had no doubt they felt that he had not obtained an adequate expenditure for their district. He had done his best, however, and obtained all that could be got.

Considering that their chief demand was for extra expenditure on the Dawson Road, he applied every year for a sum of money to be placed on the estimates for its maintenance and repair. Last year £800 was placed on the supplementary estimates for this purpose.

There was another important question on which he desired to say a little. That was the Provincial Councils Bill that had been passed by the Government. He did not approve of the measure as it stood, and he had endeavoured to amplify its provisions and render it more generally available. But he had been opposed by the Government, and had to content himself with the measure as they had introduced it.

The bill did not appear to have met with much favor, for few thought it worth their while to act upon it. Yet the measure was not to be despised, and he thought the people of Port Curtis would do well to take advantage of it.

Under the bill the members of the Provincial Council would be nominated by the Government. But they were empowered to expend all money voted by the Parliament for the district, and they were expected to advise the Government on matters generally connected with the district. Viewing it in this light, the establishment of a Provincial Council in Port Curtis might be a boon to the district.

He was glad to see Mr. Walsh present on that occasion, and he had no doubt he would have in that gentleman a cordial ally during the coming session. Mr. Walsh was more intimately connected with the district, and, doubtless, knew more of the inhabitants and their peculiar wants than he (Mr. Douglas) did himself. He thanked them for the cordial reception they had given him, and trusted that nothing would occur to disturb the friendly relations which subsisted between them.

Mr. Douglas resumed his seat, and was greeted with loud applause.

Mr. Bolimeade said he accepted the suggestion of Mr. Douglas, with reference to the object of the meeting, and would state his views on the railway question. He considered that a railway to Rockhampton would eventually cost less than the dredging of the Fitzroy. The dredge was at present raising nothing but white sand and the channels that were cut would be filled up as soon as opened. At Yaamba there was sufficient sand piled up to destroy the work of twenty dredges.

Mr. Douglas said it was true that the dredge was only raising white sand at present; but Mr. Francis had found a spit which might be easily cut through, and which was composed of mud instead of sand. If it was a mere question of spending a half-a-million of money in raising the sand of the Fitzroy and deepening channels that would immediately fill up again, then they might demur to the useless expenditure; but Mr. Francis was of opinion that the work could be satisfactorily performed. The population of the whole colony was about 60,000, scattered over a vast territory; and it was not for such a population to undertake works of great magnitude in every portion of the colony.

Mr. Friend said the cutting through the dense mud would be filled up as soon as it was opened by the loose sand. Besides the railway would be remunerative while the dredging would not. In England it was found that the passenger traffic returned a much larger profit to the shareholders than the goods traffic; and he was certain, from what he knew of the steamboat trade on the Fitzroy, that the passenger traffic on a railway to Rockhampton would alone pay all the working expenses of the line, and yield a profit in addition.

He said there were several other matters which he wished to refer to in the presence of Mr. Douglas and Mr. Walsh. It was very necessary that a lighthouse should be erected for the protection of shipping at Gatcombe Head. They had a rapidly increasing coast trade, and it was not too much to expect a considerable direct trade with England. It was the duty of the Government to erect a lighthouse on some prominent point, whence it would be recognised as a guide to the port, by vessels in the offing.

He also expressed his regret that the Chief Commissioner of Police had placed a sub-inspector, who was a stranger in the district, over Mr. Weir, who had been here ten years and upwards, and knew every inch of the country. The Commissioner was doing his best to destroy the efficiency of the force and bring it into contempt.

In reply to Mr. Friend, Mr. Douglas suggested that Mr. Seymour should be communicated with. With regard to the lighthouse, a select committee of the Legislative Assembly, with Mr. Joshua Peter Bell, as chairman, had taken voluminous evidence on the subject of coast lights, and had brought up and presented a report. It was found, however, that the recommendations involved the expenditure of so large an amount of money that the idea of carrying them out could not at the time be entertained.

The necessity for lighthouses was becoming every day more pressing, and he fully recognised the expediency of establishing one near the entrance to Port Curtis.

Mr. Walsh, in answer to a general call, then addressed the meeting as follows:—They had heard from their representative a brief exposition of his sentiments on matters of public policy, and now, as an elector of the district, he had much pleasure in moving a vote of confidence in Mr. Douglas.

It was not the first occasion of his meeting publicly with Mr. Douglas, although it was the first occasion on which he had the opportunity of stating his appreciation of the public services of that gentleman. His address, like his whole conduct, was marked by candour, and they might feel certain that he was a representative who never would mislead or deceive them.

The coming session would be a most important one for the North. With the increase in the number of their representatives they would be able to take a firm stand, and show a bold front. If the people were only true to themselves, they would exact from their members what was justly due, and inaugurate a new era in the history of Northern Queensland, and destroy the pernicious influence of the South. The ministers, too, must be taught that henceforth they must govern for Queensland, and not for the Darling Downs alone.

He did not think that the question of a railway would disturb the Government of the colony. The question of representation was of much greater importance. They had obtained six additional members, but larger concessions were required of the Parliament. They only accepted what they had got as an instalment of their rights.

It was but just to expect that Northern interests should be represented in the Legislative Council, as well as in the Legislative Assembly. At present the South monopolised all the influence of the Council, which did not contain a single member from the North. They had five-sixths of the population, and contributed five-sixths of the revenue, but yet they were entirely unrepresented.

Again, the gold-fields of the district wanted proper development. The Government appeared almost to ignore their existence. They had a pet field of their own at Talgai, to whose interests all other fields must bow. The Minister for Lands and Works was there the other day, and made a speech to an admiring audience. Of course he praised Talgai, and all that it contained. He said it was in fact the only gold-field in the colony.

But it was no new thing for the Minister of Lands to make such rash assertions. Perhaps it was all the rasher from being post-prandial. Was it from a constitutional love of telling the truth or from a desire of fostering one district at the expense of another that the Minister for Lands came out so boldly? The Peak Downs gold-fields have yielded fifty times as much gold as Talgai, and the Calliope diggings are by far more productive than any gold-field in Southern Queensland.

In his opinion the question of the capital of the colony had yet to be settled. Had Port Curtis been as wretched a harbor as Moreton Bay, it might have been more highly regarded by the Government, and Gladstone might have been constituted the capital of the territory. Before separation Sir George Bowen confessed to Mr. Eliott and myself that Brisbane ought not to be the capital of the colony, and he promised that before the question of the capital should be settled, he would appoint a commission to take evidence and report. He appears, however, to have entirely forgotten that promise.

This question has been entirely overlooked by northern constituencies, but he trusted that when the next general election took place, it would not be lost sight of. It was with the northern electors to say whether or not a wretched town, within forty or fifty miles of the southern frontier, should continue to be the capital of the colony.

He thanked the meeting for the reception they had accorded him, and concluded amongst much cheering with moving a vote of thanks to Mr. Douglas.

In returning thanks, Mr. Douglas said that it was impossible that Brisbane could remain the capital of Queensland, if the vast territory bearing that name were to remain undivided. But he looked forward to the subdivision of the territory; and he advised the electors to have this eventuality continually before them.

The revenue at present received from the Port Curtis district and the north was greater than the whole revenue of Queensland before separation. He believed in small colonies. He also believed in population as the basis, the only legitimate, basis of representation; and, believing this, he held with Mr. Walsh and the northern districts were not yet adequately represented.

In conclusion, he would say that he would never shrink from what he conscientiously believed to be his duty, and would hold to his principles, irrespective of party feeling or private interest.

He was one of those who considered that every elected member of the Assembly should consider himself not merely as the representative of a particular district, but, as the representative of the whole colony. He should study the good of the majority, and not the particular advantage of those who elected him as their member.

He was happy in having Mr. Walsh as a coadjutor, and he tendered that gentleman his thanks for the manner in which he had spoken of him. (Mr. D.)

He concluded with moving thanks to the Mayor, for his kindness in presiding.

Three cheers were then given for Mr. Douglas, three for Mr. Walsh, and one for the Mayor, and the meeting separated.

Inauguration of the School of Arts, Rockhampton, February 1865

Rockhampton Bulletin and Central Queensland Advertiser, 25 February 1865, p. 2.

Yesterday evening at eight o'clock, the new School of Arts building was opened by an address from J. Douglas, Esq., M.L.A., followed by an amateur concert. Notwithstanding the state of the weather, which was very unpropitious, a large audience, many of whom were ladies, assembled at the celebration. The proceedings commenced by the SECRETARY reading the following report:—

“The Building Committees have the pleasure to inform subscribers, that their duties are now nearly at an end, and that in a few days the Hall in which we are now assembled will be completed and ready for the use of the Institution.

“It was only in August last that it was attempted to resuscitate the School of Arts, and subscriptions came in so rapidly that in the beginning of October the committee considered themselves in a position to call for tenders, and accepted that of Messrs. Dowland and Hartley, who have executed their contract in a manner highly creditable, and which meets with the approval of the architect.

“The cost of the building with fittings and extras, will be £1100, of which sum £976 17s. may be considered as paid. The balance, £123 3s. will be paid by bills, and will be the only debt on the building. The amount subscribed (including £53 14s. 6d. collected in 1862) is £517 9s. 6d., of which £488 8s. 6d. is paid. This, with the Government endowment for a like amount, (£478, already received,) makes, as above stated, £976 17s.

“The committee have to acknowledge from Messrs. Laing and Den Taffe the handsome donation of their commission, which appears as a subscription, thus entitling us to an equivalent amount from Government.

“In conclusion, the Building Committees trust that they have discharged their duties to the satisfaction of the subscribers, and hope that the proceeds of this evening's entertainment and the ball next week will do much to reduce the debt on the building.”

Mr. JOHN DOUGLAS, M.L.A., President of the institution, then rose and said:-

Ladies and gentlemen, founders and patrons of the School of Arts at Rockhampton,—It has been my pleasing duty on several occasions to meet you, and to confer with you on matters of public moment to your town and district. The topics of our conversation on these occasions have certainly been of a character most interesting to us both, for they have involved the consideration of our political circumstances and the principles by which I should be guided in attempting to represent you in the Legislature of this country.

On the present occasion, however, I am called upon to give expression to your thoughts on a class of subjects, which, though intimately connected with politics, will admit of a separate classification, and are certainly of an earlier formation (to borrow an illustration from geology) than the State of Queensland, or even than the still more primitive rock—that indestructible British constitution, which, like granite itself, is composed of three elemental principles, and has been not inappropriately symbolised as those rampant and pugnacious animals, the lion and the unicorn, who are always fighting with each other about the crown, but who only lay aside those animosities which belong to their animal nature when they are called upon to face a common foe.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the constitution under which we are conceived to-day is older than Magna Charta,—older than Saxon Wittemagamot or Roman Pandect, for it is contemporary with the first dawn of civilisation, and it professes to deal with matters which are not only national but which are social, and in which the whole family of man are alike concerned.

Under it—under this constitution, which is exceeding broad, and which owes its existence to no earthly lawgiver, we exercise a franchise not defined as either freehold or leasehold nor of any fixed annual value whatever, but one which is universally recognised, and which is binding wherever thoughts can reach, and over which is monarch the ever-present Spirit, the bountiful Father of life and light.

I will not dwell on this—I only ask you to look for one moment, thankfully and reverently, at the radiant source of all thought and all knowledge, and then, turning from this sight which, in its perfection, is too bright for mortal vision to rest on, let me ask you to consider the immediate work which we have in hand to-day.

We meet, then, to-day, to inaugurate a School of Arts at Rockhampton. It is scarcely ten years since the first School of Arts was erected near the spot where we are now assembled. It was in 1855 that the late Mr. Charles Archer, the patriarch of the Fitzroy, pitched his tent at Gracemere. It was in that same year that Mr. John Palmer, your respected townsman, built the first habitation within these municipal boundaries near to those Rocks on the river, which suggested to Mr. Wiseman the name which you now bear.

I am not, therefore, as some might suppose, the first President of the first School of Arts in Rockhampton. Mr. Palmer, you see, preceded me by several years, and your artificers, who have followed him and worked on in the school of civilisation and colonisation, are now making me, to illustrate each branch of human art, a co-operative system.

Education, once a watchword of strife and distrust, has become the theme of dispassionate discussion and accurate analysis. Not only in Lancashire and in Yorkshire do we recognise the intelligent love of order which characterises the mass of those who in our country are engaged in industrial pursuits, but throughout Europe; in Italy, the hope of Europe, we see the same admirable spirit animating the ranks of labour.

What can be more encouraging than to observe that at Naples even,—Naples but lately the seat of a corrupt and corrupting tyranny,—at Naples, where the people were thought to be so demoralised and degraded, such marked testimony has lately been given to the cause of a well-ordered monarchy by the great body of its operatives. Men who but a few short years ago were looked upon as the most dangerous exponents of subversive socialism.

Yet the signs of the times are not invariably favourable: the great ebb and flow of the tide of human progress advance and recedes with equal step. We hear a good deal about the measures to be taken to cleanse away the corruptions of our great cities: we hear less, I suspect, of the frightful extent of those corruptions—the result of our civilisation.

We are often felicitated on our national prosperity and the grandeur of our commercial supremacy; yet our flatterers forget to tell us that in the great emporiums of our industry one-half of the children who are born fade out and die before they are five years old. It is somewhat startling in these days of science and of sanitary reform, to be told that it takes but ten years of Indian sun, and Indian filth, and Indian arrack, to rot off an average regiment of English soldiers. Yet so it has been.

The enemy within our gates is not less terrible, and far more subtle, than the enemy without; and it is against these destructive energies—these hidden powers of darkness, that (let us hope not in vain) the teachings of science and the methods of art are being reverently invoked.

All this we learn, all this we may continue to learn, from the periodical literature to which you will have access in this room; but as experience guides you, you will of course desire to extend your operations.

A free library, containing standard works for reference and study, may perhaps be established. You may become really and truly a School of Arts, with regularly appointed masters of art to give precise instruction. There are many Schools of Arts now in England, which have passed out of the eras of blackboards and discursive lectures—such as this—and are really educating mechanics in their arts.

The vast improvement in all the branches of ceramic art, are, I believe, attributed to careful instruction imparted in Schools of Design and Art. But whether you attain to this or not, you ought at least to keep up the standard of knowledge in this town; and it will be your object and your duty to promote everything which is humanising and civilising.

As a community of colonists, your prospects for the future are most encouraging; you have a highway to the ocean along your noble river—you can add house to house in confidence that no enemy from without can make you afraid.

The construction of railways will open out a country of vast extent and great resources; you will buy and sell in the markets of the world; your climate, though for three months in the year the heat is distressing, is by no means injurious to those who will take care of themselves.

Moreover, I suppose that by-and-by, we shall have laid aside those most rampant John Bullisms, which in these latitudes are an insult to common sense. Black hats have, I am happy to see, succumbed to solar topies; black coats are, though intrepidly retreating, gradually losing ground in favour of China silks, or grass cloth fabrics. Thus we shall gradually establish innovations, and by-and-bye, we shall become quite reformed when the merchants of Singapore and Shanghai pay you visits in those monthly eastern steamers which you may shortly expect.

With the thermometer over 100 degrees in the shade, as I am told it was last week, they will certainly tell you that somehow or another you must supply yourselves with ice, and I suspect they will delicately hint to you that brandy and those other highly British distilled mixtures are the very Devil, in spite of their contributions to the revenue.

They will tell you, if you do not know it already, that the nearer you approach the equator the more intense is the malignity of those evil spirits with which we are so familiar, and that the followers of the prophet of Mecca are certainly actuated by humane, if only human insight, when they discourage among the votaries of their faith the use of stimulants so especially noxious under a tropical sun.

India, in connexion with this subject, I had some thoughts of proposing, in my office of President, that one of our first efforts in art should be directed to the discovery of a grateful beverage suited to our circumstances. But at the outset of my inquiry I was met with the difficulty that your water—necessarily the basis of all beverages, is far from being good, and that in the first place, and before making any fresh discoveries in mixture, we must obtain a good supply—pure and plentiful.

There is one other little matter about which I must say a few words. You have elected me your President. For that I thank you much, but in future I think your office-bearers ought to be more intimately interested and concerned in the working of the institution than I can be; but my reign is happily limited to six months from my election, and I shall then gladly resign in favour of some one more intimately connected with you.

He will, doubtless, extend your borders, and when I revisit this town, a year by year I hope to do, I shall, no doubt, find that you have availed yourselves of all fitting opportunities for making this institution not only useful and edifying, but also attractive and popular in the best sense of the word.

If I may hint at some further improvements, I would say we must have venetian shutters for our windows, we ought to have lots of good water laid on, and of course a comfortable bath-room. As we grow rich (besides all the lecture rooms for the learned) I must bespeak a coffee-room and a smoking-room, if you please, for idle talkers and light literature.

But permit me to explain myself. My ideas of development and progress are limited; I have not yet arrived at billiards—our school is not at present prepared to admit of this illustration of the science of angles; I must distinctly affirm that in this matter my principles are fixed and conservative. Anything else in reason; anything that will please and instruct the community; anything, in fact, harmless, which will conduce to the enjoyment of life—that life which is not intended to be a mere struggle for existence in a crowd, where the weakest must go to the wall, but a life practically embodying the great truth, that there are higher objects of existence than either wealth or power; that intellectual capacity alone is not the chief aim and end of man; but that in all states of life, and under every sky on the face of dear Mother Earth, infinite sources of happiness and comfort are accessible to the living soul of man.

“What is chiefly needed at the present day is to show the quantity of pleasure that may be obtained by a constant well-administered competence, modest, confessed, and laborious. We need examples of people who, leaving Heaven to decide whether they are to rise in the world, decide for themselves that they will be happy in it, and have resolved to seek not greater wealth, but simpler pleasure—not higher fortune, but deeper felicity; making the first of possessions self-possession, and honouring themselves in harmless pride and calm pursuits of peace.”

These last are “golden words,” the words of Ruskin, (“Ad valorem”) one of the greatest living masters of art. This building may indeed most appropriately be dedicated with harmless pride to the calm pursuits of peace.

To those purposes I now declare that the present and new School of Arts at Rockhampton flourish and abound.

Mr. Douglas, who had been frequently cheered during his address, sat down amidst loud and long continued applause. When the cheering had subsided, his Worship the MAYOR proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Douglas, which was seconded by Captain HUNTER, and carried by acclamation.

After a short interval, the amateur concert was opened by an adagio of Westerholz, well executed by the Volunteer Brass Band, under the direction of Mr. Draeger. This was followed by the Integer vitæ, a glee sung by five amateurs, led by Mr. Feez, which was loudly applauded and encored. Mr. Feez's usually fine voice did not appear to be equal to the higher notes of this adagio—he was obliged to attack in falsetto, and the notes were rather indistinct—probably the newness of the hall had much to do with this. The glee was encored, and a German glee “Springs to Life,” was substituted.

A solo on the pianoforte by Mr. Burnet, was so well played that it merited an encore, when one of Mendelssohn's compositions was given. The duet by Messrs. Feez and Herat, “I would that my love,” one of Mendelssohn Bartholdy's most exquisite airs, was most artistically rendered, Mr. Herat's voice coming out with great effect. It was loudly applauded. “Phoebe Dearest,” a solo by Mr. Pollock, was loudly encored, and he then gave “Good bye, sweetheart, good bye,” though not with the same effect as the first, but the piano accompaniment rather drowned his voice, which is not of the strongest.

“Robert toi que J'aime” was sung by Mr. Feez in a style rarely surpassed by amateur; and when he sat down a unanimous encore being demanded, he substituted the “Tempest of the Heart,” which was loudly applauded. The gem of the glees of the evening, however, was “Hail, smiling morn,” sung by Messrs. White, Bailey, Pollock, Johnson and Chisholm; this was rapturously, and we may say, deservedly encored, but the encore was not carried off with that entrain that distinguished the first; it wanted vivace movement.

A waltz, played by the Volunteer Band, under the direction of Mr. Draeger, was well executed and applauded; and this concluded the first part of the programme.

The second part was opened by Polonaise, beautifully played by the string band. Mendelssohn's glee “Beautiful Forest,” followed, and merited an encore. Mr. Bailey's “Madoline” was also encored, and he sang part of it again, to the evident delight of the audience. For the solo on the harmonium by Mr. Burnet, a duet on the piano by Messrs. Reddick and Burnet was substituted, and the manner in which it was played elicited an encore. “Home of my Heart,” sung by Mr. Feez, was, in our opinion, his greatest achievement during the night; he seemed to have recovered all his voice, and he gave the song with a tenderness and pathos that displayed the consummate artiste, if not the feeling man. The song was loudly applauded, but Mr. Feez was too fatigued to come again on the platform.

The ceremony concluded by the Band playing the National Anthem, after which the company separated, highly pleased with the evening's entertainment.

John Douglas addresses his constituents, Rockhampton 14 July 1864

Rockhampton Bulletin and Central Queensland Advertiser, 14 July 1864, p. 3

MR. JOHN DOUGLAS AND HIS CONSTITUENTS.

A public meeting was held yesterday evening at the Royal Fitzroy Hotel, convened by his Worship the Mayor, at the request of the Committee of the Central and Northern Queensland Association, to obtain an expression of opinion on the political action pursued by the member for the District, Mr. John Douglas, in relation to the legislation of the present Parliamentary session. The brief notice given—only a few hours before the time of meeting—affected the attendance, the room being only moderately filled until the proceedings were somewhat advanced.

The MAYOR presided, and having explained that the Meeting was called for the purpose of expressing the opinion of this community with regard to the parliamentary conduct of Mr. John Douglas, called upon Alderman Fees to move the first resolution.

Alderman FEES then moved the following resolution:—

1. That this Meeting entirely approves of the course of action pursued by John Douglas, Esq., M.L.A., as the representative in Parliament of the District of Port Curtis, and hereby tenders to him its thanks for the zeal and ability he has displayed in advocating the claims and interests of his constituents.

In support Mr. Fees dwelt upon the difficulties with which Mr. Douglas had to contend, and said that the want of support given that gentleman alone prevented the success of his efforts.

Mr. HEADRICK briefly seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Mr. REA moved—

2. That, in the opinion of this Meeting, the present circumstances of the colony demand a comprehensive re-adjustment of Parliamentary Representation, and that any legislation not fully recognising this want, or necessity, be partial and injurious in its operation.

Mr. Douglas was permitted to return without some recognition of his past efforts and prospective exertions. It was, therefore, considered proper, that a meeting should be convened for the purpose of ascertaining whether or no Mr. Douglas’ nightly efforts in Parliament carried the sympathy of his constituency. After a brief résumé of the Ministerial policy of the session, more especially as bearing the question of Electoral Reform, Mr. Rea expressed his belief that any trifling increment of representation granted to the North would be more than counterbalanced by similar extensions to the South. Passing in review Mr. Macalister’s conduct in connection with the Provincial Councils Bill proposal, and indulging in certain sarcasms upon that gentleman’s alleged complicity with the profits derived from railway contracts, Mr. Rea illustrated Southern proclivities by a few fancy Acts to be passed by a Northern Parliament, on the principle, apparently actuating Southern legislation, and concluded by requesting the meeting to affirm the resolution he had read.

Mr. M‘WILLIAM seconded the resolution, which was forthwith carried.

After a few remarks from some inebriated gentleman excessively troubled about the interests of the colony, and Coolie labour, loud calls were made for Mr. Fyfe, who excused himself from impromptu oration, and promised to speak to the resolutions proposed.

Mr. SHAW then proposed the third and following motion:—

3. That this meeting expresses its opinion that any representation not based on a principle fully recognising population, revenue contributions, and property, as a whole, would be unjust, and tend to foster the evils at present existing in the representation of the colony.

Mr. SHAW, in support, remarked that it was high time legislation was based on some principle. Unless that was done, the colony would be involved in difficulty. Commenting upon the sentiments on representation expressed by the Ministry prior to the last census, as compared with their present bungling of the subject, Mr. Shaw asked for a fair trial for the Ministry, but would at once put a stop to any double dealing on their part. There was some deep laid scheme to do this part of the colony out of its fair share of representation, and unless their member was duly fortified by some assurance on the subject from this community, he would be powerless to serve them when the struggle commenced.

Mr. ALEXANDER FYFE, who, on rising to second the resolution was received with loud cheers, said the resolution the meeting had just heard read was one that spoke forcibly to the mind of every one present, and one that every sensible man in the community would cordially endorse. (Cheers.) It involved, in his opinion, questions of vital importance to the entire community, whose duty it was to support and strengthen the hands of their member, Mr. Douglas, in his efforts—made unfortunately by him almost single-handed against a determined and uncompromising opposition—to obtain justice for them and their rights. (Cheers.) It was their duty to back him up heartily, as their interests were identical with his. When he pleaded the cause of the Northern Districts in the House, it was most essential that not only himself but his auditory should know and feel that he only spoke the unanimous sentiments of a large and important section of the colony, which had sent him there expressly to signify its wants, and demand its just rights and privileges. (Loud cheers.)

It was of the highest importance, especially in the present political aspect of affairs, that the utmost unanimity should prevail with respect to the opinions and wishes of the Northern Districts. He believed those opinions were fully set forth in the resolution now before the meeting. He was glad to see the meeting endorse that resolution, but in order to carry out those views it was most desirable—it was imperative—that the House should know that Mr. Douglas entirely and thoroughly represented his constituency when he spoke upon the questions that came before the House. (Cheers.)

Mr. Douglas, it must be borne in mind, had a hard course to be imposed upon him. His were no light, easy duties. He was bravely fighting a battle where the odds were tremendously against him. But let him know, and let his opponents become convinced, that not only he had justice and right on his side, but that he likewise had the support of a large, an intelligent, and influential section of the colony, that was daily growing in strength and in wealth, intelligence, and influence. Let this be once thoroughly understood, and his task would become easier and his labours would be materially lightened. (Loud cheers.)

It was their duty, if they approved of his acts as their representative, to give him their utmost support. (Cheers.) The principles set forth in the resolution were so manifestly just, the fact was so patent and so clear to the thought and mind of every one, that it was unnecessary for him further to enlarge upon it. It was a sad thing to see so promising a colony as this, at its birth placed under the care of men whose views were so contracted that they could not appreciate rightly the importance of the charge entrusted to them. Selfishness was their motto, and centralisation their policy. And so it would continue so long as the Government felt itself strong enough, and sufficiently secure to set public opinion at nought.

They now invariably turned a deaf ear alike to all petitions and remonstrances coming from these districts; but the time was fast approaching when their voices would be listened to and their wants attended to. (Cheers.) At present it resembled the sledge-hammer wielded by the blacksmith, which descending with great force upon the anvil, only burst the arm which struck the blow.

The speaker then proceeded to compare the two Houses—the Upper and the Lower—with respect to the liberality of their views and opinions where the welfare and prosperity of the colony at large was concerned. He considered that the Upper House, although composed of members elected by the Governor, contained men more liberal and enlightened in their views than many that were to be found in the Lower House. He had no wish, he said, to see the existing franchise disturbed. He disapproved of its being extended so far as had been done in one of the other colonies. The present franchise in his opinion was quite liberal enough. (Hear, hear.)

But he was convinced that if the present Bill of the Government was carried, and the measure became law, two-thirds of the electors of the colony would be disfranchised. It was a measure that might suit a coterie of Darling Downs squatters, but if it met the views and was in accordance with the opinions of the constituency, he was very much mistaken. (Cheers.)

When measures such as this were brought forward, depriving the people of their rights, it behoved men to look about and bestir themselves. Let the present Government once get impressed with the idea that the people in the North of the colony were too busy attending to their own private affairs, or too apathetic to care or trouble themselves much about what was passing in Brisbane, and that Mr. Douglas was merely clamouring without reason, and without support from the constituency he represented, then would they turn round and gladly seize the opportunity of telling him they did not consider his constituents actually desired or required what he was asking for.

Elated with their past unexpected success, the present Government fancied it could afford to despise and ignore the wishes of this large community, but he would tell them that they might venture too far in this. (Loud cheers.) It was a very unwise policy, and could not possibly be long continued. The Ministry might, for a time, succeed in retarding the progress of these new settlements, and they were doing so; but they could not stop their advancement, however much they tried to do so. (Cheers.)

His earnest advice was, that they should send their member down with the firm conviction that he received the unqualified support of his constituents, which would greatly strengthen his hands and increase his influence and power in carrying out their wishes. (Cheers.) He had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. (Cheers.)

Mr. BUZACOTT moved the fourth resolution,—

4. That in the absence of any bill defining the proposed allocation of new members, this meeting views with distrust the resolutions on the question of Electoral Reform submitted by Mr. Herbert to the Legislative Assembly, (and subsequently adopted by the House,) as compromising the official programme of the Government announced by his Excellency the Governor at the opening of the first session of the present Parliament.

[Mr. Buzacott’s speech begins here.]

He remarked that there was nothing very particular at present to excite public indignation. With regard to the position of the colony, he thought room existed for serious consideration. Now the Ministry had come forward as the champions of Rockhampton, and promised a railway, drainage, extended representation, river clearance, and “is there anything else, you can have it,” style of policy. The speaker thought he could, from their official policy as announced by themselves as a Ministry, prove by a few facts that the Northern Districts had ground of complaint.

In pursuance of this assertion, Mr. Buzacott reviewed the history of the past and present Parliament, shewing the inconsistency of the so-called appeal to the country, and criticising the action of his Excellency in the matter. Reading the fourth clause of his Excellency’s speech, at the opening of the first session of the present Parliament, Mr. Buzacott contrasted the action taken with the programme put forward, and stigmatised the piecemeal policy which had characterised Ministerial treatment of the subject.

The resolutions of Mr. Herbert, on the question of electoral reform, were then read and criticised by the speaker as showing a covert design. Extracts were abundantly quoted in proof of the assertion, and it was demanded why the question of representation had not been disposed of in the early part of the session rather than adjourning the House for six weeks, by which time the Darling Downs men would want to look after their lambing, and there would be no quorum of the House.

On the 18th of this month the Houses meet, the Estimates will be hurried through, and the other important measures will be pitched overboard on the excuse that no House can be obtained. There was no doubt that if the Government persisted in their present course that separation would ensue. (Interval caused by turning out inebriated gentleman.) The cry of separation had something in it, and time would prove it. He (Mr. B.) would conclude with one remark. It was affirmed that it was better to get a morsel at a time, but though no final settlement could be come to, some definite plan ought to be submitted to the country, and the question fairly and honourably met. They did not always know how they were treated, and like Englishmen in general, liked to have a voice in the matter.

By giving Ipswich one member, and Port Curtis three, the Ministry could strictly comply with the population basis as shown by the Census, but they did not want to do that; it would cut the ground from under their feet, and compel them, for the purpose of retaining their seats, to come and solicit the suffrages of the Port Curtis Electors.

Mr. BOWDEN rose to second this resolution. He said this district had generally been designated as containing a “rowdy lot,” but he thought it had been of late much too passive. They did not want the railway which had been held out to them as a sop half as much, nor one quarter as much as a fair and equitable representation. That they considered their rights. (Cheers.) Give them proper and just representation first and foremost, and afterwards when they could afford to pay for the luxury of a railway they would call for one.

The Government, whether they wished it or not, sought to compel them to pay for the railway from Ipswich to Dalby, but it would have been more honourable, more fair, and more just, to have got the colony properly represented in the House first, and then introduced that measure to the public for its support. (Loud cheers.)

Mr. REA (in the absence of Mr. R. M. Hunter) moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Buzacott—

5. That the Resolutions, as adopted by this meeting, be handed by the Chairman to the Secretary of the Central and Northern Queensland Association, with a request that he will transmit the same to John Douglas, Esq., as embodying the sentiments of this community in relation to his efforts on behalf of his constituency, and what is desired in regard to representation.

The utmost unanimity prevailed throughout the proceedings, all the resolutions being carried without a dissentient voice.

Mr. DOUGLAS, in reply to numerous calls, said he had remained away in order that the meeting should express its opinion independently of him. He could not conceive, nor could it be desirable, that his opinions should always agree with those of his constituency. He hoped the tenor of his conduct had pleased his supporters. (Cheers.) His duties had not been hard. It was not desirable, perhaps, to touch that night upon political matters, but he would refer to one or two.

He hardly hoped to attend and meet his friends that night. His associations with that room were pleasing, but he somewhat regretted that they did not possess, like the other towns, some large public room. It was only lately that the Corporation of Brisbane had been empowered on very favourable terms to erect a Town Hall. The Government had granted the land, and the banks had advanced the money. He had not the slightest doubt but that if he was authorised to bring in a bill for the purpose, he would obtain a similar advantage for Rockhampton. The security here was fully equal to any that could be offered by Brisbane. Perhaps if they were not ready to go to the length of a Town Hall, they might procure a grant in aid of a Society of Arts. There was a fund provided for that purpose.

Mr. Douglas then explained the six weeks’ adjournment as arising partly from the Ipswich Races, partly from the Toowoomba Agricultural Show, and partly from the very cogent reason that the Immigration Committee would have time to deliberate and place the subject in a position it had not yet attained, of perfect legality. Mr. Douglas expressed the opposition he had felt to the tampering with the legislature on immigration by the Executive, and affirmed that now it was agreed a cessation to such an evil was required, and would be provided by the result of the deliberations of the committee on immigration.

Mr. Douglas could state that the main cause of his visit was the alarming ravages of the cattle disease, and assured the meeting that the fine weather and remedial measures had greatly diminished that scourge. Relative to the gold-fields Mr. Douglas had seen and heard nothing that diminished his sanguine expectations of their continued development, and attributed much of the prevalent sickness to unacclimatisation and imprudent exposure. From those who remained, and that was a large number, he found a general feeling of satisfaction at their earnings.

On the question of roads he thought the fact that not a sixpence had been spent on the old road from Yaamba, did not redound to the credit of the Ministry, as it was not a question of policy but administrative detail. On the new road a considerable amount had been spent, but much variety of opinion prevailed as to its practicability over the old road. It was undoubtedly shorter than the existing route.

In fine, Mr. Douglas formally reviewed the prospects of the gold and copper mines at the Peak Downs, and argued that any existing depression from the stocks of goods on the roads to the mines could be but temporary.

Reference had been made to the resolutions before Parliament on the question of representation. The only practical test that could be applied was population. Population and property were convertible terms. If one or the other were taken, both were represented. Broadly he saw no principle except that of population. The Reform Bill of England was based on population with the exception of London, and he (Mr. Douglas) thought a capital ought to be excepted, from the fact that the whole of the Legislature sitting there were not likely to forget its existence.

Touching some sparring between Mr. Douglas and Mr. Taylor, Mr. Douglas said that he felt the constant iteration of local requirements somewhat weakened advocacy, but as he had told Mr. Taylor, should the capital be removed to Toowoomba, Brisbane might be allotted a few more members than even that favoured spot.

On the question of Provincial Councils, Mr. Douglas felt no interest in the measure brought forward by the Government. He had his own ideas on the subject, and after having seen their bill he drafted one, but found it was not in order to have two bills on a similar subject before the House at the same time. He would not, however, detain the meeting that night; he had not come to talk politics, but on the subject of representation it was his advice that this community should hold themselves clear from identifying themselves with any bill that did not involve the principle of conceding full political rights.

After the meeting had broken up, Mr. Douglas was entertained at a public supper given by the Mayor and Corporation. About thirty gentlemen sat down to the supper table, at which his Worship the Mayor presided, Mr. Fyfe officiating as Vice-chairman. The usual toasts having been given and responded to, several speeches were made, and harmony prevailed until a late hour.

“The Islands and Inhabitants of Torres Strait.” Queensland Geographical Journal, 15th session, 1899-1900, pp. 25-40

THE ISLANDS AND INHABITANTS OF TORRES STRAIT.*

By the Hon. JOHN DOUGLAS, C.M.G., F.R.G.S., Government Resident, Thursday Island,

(Hon. Corresponding Member R.G.S.A.Q.).

Hon. John Douglas, who was received with cheers, said: I have come here to-night to address to you a few words—an explanatory lesson I may call it—upon the geography of Torres Strait, to explain these charts, and to tell you something of the inhabitants of the Islands. Of course, any remarks on an occasion of this kind must be very discursive, and of merely a popular character. Early last year we had a visit from a deputation of very learned men, headed by Dr. Haddon, of Cambridge, who have already taken a great deal of interest in the inhabitants of Torres Strait. He was accompanied by five other gentlemen, all of them of high standing and reputation in the Universities of Cambridge and London, and these gentlemen spent nearly six months in the islands of Torres Strait and on the shores of New Guinea. You can imagine that such an important scientific deputation as that would deal most exhaustively with the subject. It will be some time, no doubt, before we reap the benefit of their researches. Indeed, Dr. Haddon told me that it would be possibly some years before they could embody in a lasting form all the information that they had obtained during their residence in Torres Strait. Of course, the arrival of such a body of gentlemen was most agreeable to myself. I had instructions from the late Mr. Byrnes to be as hospitable as possible to them, and do everything I could to further their views. Unfortunately, at that time there was no steamer stationed at Thursday Island, so that I was not able to give them the assistance in that way which Dr. Haddon had expected. However, on Mr. Byrnes’ instructions I was able to be useful to them in many ways, and the Government for the time being, under Mr. Byrnes and on Mr. Byrnes’ recommendation, voted £100 towards the expenses of the expedition. From that source, at any rate, we may expect a very exhaustive statement in reference both to the islands and inhabitants of Torres Strait. My purpose, however, is merely to give you more general ideas than I daresay many of you have, of the geographical position of the Islands. I have had two or three charts prepared on a somewhat larger scale than any of the existing charts, in order to bring out the prominent places.

You see here (indicating) a chart with which I propose to commence my remarks. It is an enlargement of the actual chart made by Capt. Cook, in 1770; and the landmarks, and the places which are laid down in this chart correspond with almost complete accuracy with all the observations of the present day—(applause)—showing what a careful observer Captain Cook was. He only spent a few days in passing through that portion of Northern Australia, which is here indicated. All the names on the chart were given by Capt. Cook. I need hardly remind you, I am sure, that Capt. Cook’s vessel, “The Endeavour,” was on a reef to the South of Cooktown, near what is known as Cape Tribulation. Cook named that Cape, because he got into trouble, and very serious trouble too, there. He had to throw over his guns to lighten the vessel, and we know now almost the exact position in which, in all probability, those guns may be found. Still we have never been able to find them. Captain Mackay, our Portmaster here, on several occasions I believe, has endeavoured to find these guns, but without success. It has always been considered that it would be a great triumph if we could pick up those guns. Probably by this time they are well encrusted in coral. As you know, the story is a deeply interesting one. “The Endeavour” was repaired in the river where the present town of Cooktown is situated. By-and-bye I will show you a slide representation of the monument, which has been erected to Cook, at Cooktown. However, when he had repaired his ship at Cooktown he set forth to explore the inner passage if possible. He met with very great difficulties. The account of his voyage is most interesting. Pray let me invite you to look up the subject. It is quite as interesting as any novel you can read. It is full of incidents. Capt. Cook I regard as one of the greatest men of the 18th century (Applause.) He was certainly one of the greatest navigators, and for us Australians, he was the greatest of all explorers and of all discoverers. We venerate his name as one of those men whose past we should revere, and who we should respect as one of the great men of his time. He discovered for all practical purposes the Eastern coast of Australia, and was our first and the greatest of all our explorers. He was a great man in every sense of the term.

I would like to mention here I have found in your library—a library which I observe is increasing every day—a book which was received lately from Sir Henry Norman, a most valuable contribution in the shape of the original journals which Capt. Cook kept. “Cook’s Voyages” were originally compiled by Dr. Hawksworth, and there is a good deal of stuffing in them. Now, we have recovered the originals of his journals; they are well worth looking at, and any day, if you call on Mr. Thomson, I have no doubt that he will be very happy to show you this book, which is of the very greatest interest. It is published by the authority of the Admiralty, or at any rate is edited by Capt. Wharton, who has in every respect faithfully recorded Cook’s own observations and memoranda at the time when he made them.

Now having said this I will endeavour to pick up Capt. Cook’s course from Lizard Island. We know that island very well. It is a high island about 60 miles to the N.E. of Cooktown, and it was there that Capt. Cook left the inner passage, and took the open sea. When he got to the open he found his trouble had only just commenced. He found he was gradually being drifted in towards the Great Barrier Reef. Before following him, let me say a word to you about him. He was born of a Yorkshire peasant father and mother. He went to sea as an able seaman, and it was only after many years of service that his great qualities were found out by those under whom he served. He rose in rank and gradually attained the rank of lieutenant. He is known as Capt. Cook, but he never rose above the rank of lieutenant. Still, whatever his rank, he was a great man in every sense of the term.

When he got outside, as I have said, he found he was gradually being drifted in towards the Great Barrier Reef. He was beset with calms and drifted on to this great reef. He speaks of the terrible anxiety which he and those who were with him felt when they found themselves within 80 yards of the Barrier Reef. The huge breakers bursting upon this precipitous rock. There was no bottom at 200 fathoms, and these huge precipitous rocks were ahead, upon which the seas were breaking. Gradually, however, he was drifted off again. I have experienced very much the same thing in the little “Cairns.” On two or three occasions I have been very close, very uncomfortably close to the Barrier Reef, and being gradually sucked in, in a calm toward the breakers, but somehow or other we always got off. It was the same thing with Cook. He found a small opening first. That opening was not sufficient. There was a strong tide coming out, which apparently took him out to sea for about two or three miles, and then he was sucked back towards the reef, and eventually got through by what he termed a providential channel (Mr. Douglas now pointed out on a chart the course followed by Cook).

This is Forbes Island, well-known to us now. Cook passed outside Forbes Island. We invariably pass inside and round Piper light, one of our lighthouses. Forbes Island is frequented by beachcombers, at any rate by beche-de-mer men, and sometimes by natives. Then here is Cape Grenville, which is a well marked point on the coast; and a bay called Margaret Bay, which the natives have corrupted into Mackum Bay. At one time this was the habitat of a very powerful aboriginal tribe. I am sorry to say there are not many of them left now.

Passing Cape Grenville there is an opening through the Barrier Reef at Rain Island. Capt. Blackwood, who was sent to find a convenient passage, erected a beacon here. Rain Island is a rather inaccessible place. I was there once when we were getting guano from it. Capt. Cook gives a full description of Cape York and the islands in the neighbourhood, and then he passed Possession Island, where he hoisted and saluted the flag. He felt confident, when he had rounded Cape York, that he was clear of most of his difficulties, which he was. He did not explore Prince of Wales Island. He passed through Endeavour Straits, which he describes as about 10 leagues long, by 5 leagues wide, and he tells us also that he saw natives on Possession Island. They came down, apparently, in somewhat hostile form; they wore ornaments of pearl shell; they had lances; and one was armed with a bow and arrow. We do not find any bows and arrows in Torres Strait now, so far as the natives are concerned. When you get to the coast of New Guinea there are plenty, and very beautiful and interesting instruments they are, from an artistic point of view. The only explanation I can offer of Capt. Cook seeing a native armed in this way, is that the native was probably a visitor from the other side of the strait.

However, as I have said, he passed through Endeavour Straits and close to Wallace Island. He then reached Booby Island, which was used for some years as a kind of post office. There was no settlement on the Cape York Peninsula, but there was a kind of cave on Booby Island, where provisions were placed for shipwrecked mariners. There was a log-book kept on Booby Island, but we have never recovered it. It was taken away by somebody, and there are legends of it having been sent either to Brisbane or Sydney. Possibly it may be found among the old records in the offices, either here or in Sydney. However, that may be, inquiries have been made here, and they have failed to elicit any record of the log that had been kept there. If it can be discovered anywhere it would be a most interesting document. For many years it was used by the passing ships as a means of recording their passages through Torres Strait.

Beyond that we come to Cook’s Shoal, and he then passed over to Timor and Java. I do hope that some day or other a monument will be erected to him on Possession Island, where he planted and where he saluted the British flag to show that he had taken possession of the whole of the country from 38 par. of latitude to Cape York 10.55, in the name of his then Majesty George III. He does not speak of New South Wales, but of New Wales. He named the whole of that country New Wales, and he took possession of it on behalf of the King who was then reigning, George III. Cook himself was never satisfied until he found that there was a passage between Cape York and New Guinea. You know, a good many years before that, about 170 years before, Torres had actually passed through and got to Manila. He sailed away from South America right across to Manila, which was then in possession of the Spaniards. How it is that his account of his voyage did not transpire it is difficult to say. It is certain that it did not transpire until many years afterwards, when it was raked up by the Britishers when they were occupying Manila in the early years of George III.’s reign. It would never have transpired probably if it had not been that, when we were in possession of Manila, we discovered an authentic account of his voyage—an account which he had addressed to the King of Spain. It has been said that these discoveries were purposely kept secret by the Spanish Government, because they were afraid of the depredations of our British buccaneers of those days. There were some very queer characters abroad in those days—men who did not hesitate to take any ship that they came across. Drake was one of them. It is supposed that they kept this discovery secret in order that we might not become acquainted with the results of Torres’ passage through the strait. Cook writes on more than one occasion, that his great object was to discover whether there was a passage between Australia and New Guinea. He was the first man that really set out to demonstrate the fact that there was a channel between New Guinea and Australia.

Now, here (indicating) in this map we have an illustration on a somewhat larger scale than you could possibly have recourse to, of the islands in the immediate vicinity of Cape York. Geologically these islands are granitic—diorite and porphyry prevail. Some of them are rather high islands, and are different altogether from some of the series of islands which we meet with beyond. For instance, here is Naghir Island. That is the highest island shown on this map. Mount Ernest, on that island, is about 800 ft. high, and is a very prominent feature in the strait. Here is the Escape River, on the mainland, where poor Kennedy was knocked on the head by the blacks. He saw Albany Island, where he knew there was a vessel waiting for him. Kennedy, however, was too late. The blacks were on him, and they killed him. Jacky Jacky, who was with him, got away, and reported the matter, and the schooner was enabled to go off and relieve those portions of the company who were still alive at Weymouth Bay. Two only of that noble band of explorers were rescued. I forget their names, but there was a botanist and another man. Months afterwards two bodies of the remainder of Kennedy’s company, which had consisted of thirteen men altogether, were found, and they were buried on the top of Albany Island. Capt. Stanley, of the Rattlesnake, erected a monument on that island. Albany Pass is recognised as very picturesque. It is exceedingly well surveyed, and vessels now can pass through with certainty in spite of the strong tides which prevail.

Poor Kennedy’s body never was recovered. Capt. Stanley put up a wooden tablet—a good substantial wooden tablet—on which were recorded the names and the fact of the burial of the remains of the ill-fated men which were recovered. Unfortunately Albany Island is often swept by fire; and a fire came along and burned this tablet. Mr. J. Jardine, who was the first Police Magistrate, at Somerset, renewed it. Kennedy’s expedition was in 1848. It was despatched from Sydney to explore the Cape York Peninsula. They, unfortunately, landed too far down the peninsula, and they had to pass through an impracticable country. Before they got through they were completely knocked up, and they were not fit to encounter the difficulties and perils of a journey through the peninsula. Jardine, as I have stated, renewed this tablet, and he still lives at Somerset. Well, I ran through there four months ago, and I found that this tablet—a large slab—was decaying gradually, and being burned, and I therefore brought it in to Thursday Island.

Now, I want to enlist your sympathy, Sir Hugh, and the sympathy and interest of the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland in this matter. You could not do a better or a nobler act than assist, by your prestige, and in any other way you can, in erecting a monument to these men—to Kennedy and his companions. (Hear, hear.) He was one of the first of the explorers. The result of his expedition was unfortunate, but he was a brave man. He was like the volunteers now going to fight the Boers. He failed, unfortunately, but he deserves that he should have a monument to perpetuate his memory for all time, and the memory of his companions. (Applause.) It is not necessary to spend much money. All I ask for is a mark or cairn of some kind, which could be seen by all the vessels passing through Albany Pass. I have no doubt that the Government will assist in the object, but I want the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland to take this matter up. It will be responded to, I am sure, in New South Wales, and I believe throughout Australia. Kennedy was an explorer who deserves, especially at the hands of those who are interested in that part of the world, to have some mark or memorial of his achievements. I am quite sure that with your assistance, and possibly with the assistance of the Government, we shall be able to erect a fitting memorial for this brave man. (Applause.)

Somerset at one time was supposed to be a rather important place. The whole of the trade and shipping were concentrated there for some time. The reason why it was abandoned was that the tide was extremely strong, and large steamers never felt comfortable when they were anchored in the passage. They often had to put down two anchors, and even then they did not always hold. I am not certain that the selection of Thursday Island was a very wise one. I believe myself that at that time good anchorage could have been found in one of these bays on the mainland not subject to the difficulties experienced at Somerset. If that had been done settlement would have remained on the mainland, which would have been a great thing. It is just possible that in some wild flight of imagination we might have had a railway. In fact a railway was deliberately talked of at one time, and Somerset would have been the point of departure for the East. When the settlement was changed to Thursday Island we had to give up all hopes of this Northern railway to the Cape York Peninsula.

The shellers moved from Somerset to the Prince of Wales Group, and it was thought most prudent for the Government to follow the settlement, and the Police Magistrate and resident officials were moved to Thursday Island. It became my duty when in office down here to effect this change, and the change to Port Kennedy was made at the instigation of Capt. Heath. On the ordinary charts you cannot see Thursday Island at all. There is a group of islands called after the Prince of Wales, and Thursday Island is a mere spot among them. Port Kennedy, situated on Thursday Island, is surrounded by an archipelago of islands. It is virtually surrounded, and the grouping of these islands constitutes a fine anchorage. The actual area of Thursday Island is very small—I think it is less than 900 acres altogether. That sounds very small, but it is wonderful when you come to go into details, what a large space 900 acres really is. We, who are accustomed in our great Western country, to regard 9,000 acres as a mere flea-bite, and 90,000 acres as not a very large area, cannot view an area of 900 acres as of much importance. There is a population of about 1,500 on it, and that occupies about a third of the island. There is space still for ten times the population.

The island, as you know, is the centre of the pearl-shelling industry. Prince of Wales Island is about twelve miles square. At one time there was a very formidable tribe on it, numbering about 400 or 500. The navigators in the time of “The Fly” and “The Rattlesnake” speak of them as very formidable. Their number does not exceed 100 altogether now. Since I came down I have heard of the death of their chief, who was familiarly known as Tarbucket. He was a very portly man, and sometimes used to inherit my garments, when I had done with them, and the consequence was that there were people who rather confused his identity with mine. This was a source of amusement to some of the inhabitants, but when they saw his visage, I hope they saw the distinction between us.

Horn Island is the seat at present of our hopes of the future, so far as gold is concerned. The position of the gold diggings is close to what is called Horn Hill. As to the prospects, it is impossible for me to say what they will eventually turn out. Some say it is no good, and others say it promises very well indeed. At any rate the Melbourne Syndicate now working it, are spending a lot of money in putting up expensive machinery and so on, and they hope for a good return. Their assays and tests are sufficiently encouraging for them to speak of them as indicating that they will make a good thing out of it. I hope they will, because they have spent a lot of money on it. They have about forty men working, and in the course of a month or so they hope to commence crushing. Of course, it will be a great help to us if it turns out well, because we desire above all things to be supported by a European population, and of course the presence of gold diggers there will contribute very much to our advancement in every way.

On Thursday Island, as you know, there is a most varied population. Nearly every nationality is represented there. The Europeans, I am happy to say, still head the list in spite of everything; and the Japanese come next. Then, of course, there are a great many working on the boats. The population of the island is about 1,500, and the population working in the shelling boats a little over 2,000. I will not trouble you with the details of the statistics, but I would like to say that from a strategic point of view Thursday Island is regarded of very great importance. Some people, however, run away with the idea that the guns in the forts completely command the Straits. That is a fallacy. The fort was never placed there with any idea that it would command the Straits. A man-of-war could, of course, come through Endeavour Straits. Navigation is somewhat difficult in consequence of the shoals and reefs there, but still it is quite possible to make your way through, and any foreign man-of-war could come through there. The course which is generally followed by all our steamers from the westward is through the Prince of Wales Channel and outside of Hammond Island. Steamers drawing more than 17 or 18 feet of water all have to come through the Prince of Wales Channel and come under Goode Island, and those drawing less than 22 feet come to Thursday Island, and those which draw more drop anchor at the Black Rock.

Our jetty at Thursday Island will not admit of vessels berthing there which draw more than 21 feet. However, there are many ways of getting past, but Thursday Island is a good strategical point because it has a convenient harbour, and coal can be obtained there, and in the event of war it is a place within sight of which all vessels must pass; and no vessel really could pass without it being known. There are passages through which foreign vessels could pass if it were necessary.

Booby Island is about 18 miles West of Goode Island, and we are not connected by cable with it, though I think we ought to be. Here is Mount Adolphus Island. It stands about 500 feet above the level of the sea. It is a rather picturesque island, but viewed from a distance it presents the appearance of a flat-topped island. Near by is the scene of the terrible wreck of the “Quetta,” which all mourn so much, as we lost many dear friends among the passengers. Most of those who were saved were taken to the Little Adolphus. These islands are strongly marked, and can be seen by everybody coming up the Strait.

Here is the Banks Group, an important group similar from a geological point of view to the Prince of Wales, primitive rock diorite. Three of the group are Moa, Badu and Mabuiag, and probably the last is of the most importance. There is a population there of about 250 natives and a few South Sea Islanders. They have lately been very fortunate. They have learned, I am glad to say, to work on their own account. They owe this to the Rev. Mr. Walker, a missionary, who was established among them for a short time. He taught them how to co-operate and work together in such a way that they could buy their own luggers. There had been attempts to buy luggers on previous occasions, but they failed, to a certain extent because when they had worked off a certain proportion of the price they got tired; and as they did not pay up, the persons from whom they had bought came down and took possession again. However, thanks to Mr. Walker, a different spirit came over them, and they have been able to acquire their own luggers and work on their own account.

They were fortunate in one respect. A short time ago they found a lot of derelict copper. This brought them several hundreds of pounds, made them rich men, and helped them to buy their luggers. They are allowed to work among these reefs without licenses in their own fishing ground. They are rather lazy, but on the whole they are interesting people, and their village is a very orderly one. There are some beautiful cocoanut groves immediately in the vicinity of the village, but the island itself is not very fertile, and there are only a few patches that can be called arable, and there they cultivate their sweet potatoes and bananas.

I am trying to get a teacher, either male or female, to go there and help in the instruction of their children. There are nearly 100 children on Mabuiag Island. The people are very anxious that their children should learn English, and they desire them to learn English because they know their prospects will be materially assisted by their knowledge of English. I am trying, as I said, to secure a volunteer either male or female. I sometimes think if I could secure a good woman of experience and enthusiasm I should prefer it. A good school ma’am while teaching the young children would thereby obtain an influence upon the people. Whether we shall be successful in that I don’t know, but I hope we shall.

At Mabuiag there is a healthy population, and it is not decreasing. There are some South Sea Islanders among them, and some have married Mabuiag women, so that on the whole the population is not retrogressive. They should be looked after, because we may get many useful workers in the Strait from the natives of this island.

Badu is a much larger island, but the population is not so large as that of Mabuiag. Still, the people are very interesting, and I have lately managed to establish a school there also. The population of Badu at the present time is scarcely 200. They are nice people; but they are rather lazy. There is a good deal of fair timber on it. The people make use of the native yam, which grows rather abundantly, and is known as the Boer. It is an excellent yam, very much superior to most of the yams I know of. I sent some of them to Captain Pennefather to see if he could get them to grow at St. Helena.

Then here is Green Island, which is very much resorted to by the pearl shellers, who pursue their calling on what is known as “the old ground.” There they can always make sure of getting a certain quantity of shells, and the extent of the area is very considerable. I am sure it is much larger than is at present known, but the difficulty about going further is that the luggers don’t like to go too far from the mainland. If it blows they come into Badu or Green Island. Not long ago a change was made in the direction of moving the village to a position called Greenwell, and at that place there are a good many houses built.

Moa Island is also a very fine island—a large island with great diversity in its area. There is a high mountain on it called Mount Augustus, about 1,600 feet high. There is a good deal of scrub, and also a good deal of good pasture land. There are not many natives on Moa. I believe in the old times they were decimated. At one time the population was much larger, but a warlike tribe famous in the old times fought the Moa people, and cut them up to such an extent that they never recovered. I don’t think the population at the present time is more than 40 or 50 at the outside.

Here is another island called Naghir, occupied by a South Sea Islander called Jimmie Samoa, a very big man, weighing about 20 stone, and he has a large family. There are only about half-a-dozen natives upon it. It is a very picturesque island, with some good land on it. Jimmie has some very good cultivated garden ground. I may say that a question of nationality arose the other day with regard to him. I have known him as an inhabitant of the island ever since I have been there, and it seems rather hard that he should be deprived of getting a license because he does not happen to be a British subject. However, it was held the other day that he was not a British subject, but a Samoan. Still he has some grown-up sons, and they are certainly British subjects; these people here are British subjects, and they are entitled to the rights of British subjects; and I hope we shall see that they secure them.

The native-born population are British subjects. They are civilised people; they are being educated, and they are entitled, and I say, should be treated as British subjects. Still they are not enumerated even in the census. I hope that in any future census notice will be taken of them. They marry and they are given in marriage. They live in good houses. They live on a vegetable diet and fish. They are human beings; they are our own flesh and blood; they are born under our jurisdiction; and they are entitled, I maintain, to the privileges we enjoy. Of course there is a very great distinction between the natives of the islands of Torres Strait and the natives of Australia.

I think even the natives of Australia deserve to be enumerated in the census, and those of Torres Strait should certainly be enumerated as part of our population. Still there is a decided distinction between the two people. The natives of the islands of Torres Strait are capable of exercising all the rights of British citizens, and they ought to be regarded as such. They are a growing and intelligent people, and they want to be educated. They want to be educated even more than our people. They show an inclination for education which often exceeds that of our own white population. This is not an extreme statement. It is a true statement, which I can prove by facts, and I am quite sure that anyone who saw these people would be quite convinced that what I have said is true. (Applause.)

Now, as another indication of the civilisation of these people I must not forget to mention that they observe our tactics in training soldiers. Most of them have visited Thursday Island at some time or other, and have seen our soldiers drilling at the barracks. This struck them as exceedingly delightful and interesting. They have got together on Mabuiag, for instance, a force of 20 men, put them into a uniform of their own, and made them to look as like soldiers as they could. They got a few wrinkles from the way our sergeants set about training their men, and amongst them is a man who can put them through their facings almost as well as the sergeants themselves. In this way they have shown their desire for discipline and training, and I have not the slightest doubt that if it be necessary, from the natives of Mabuiag, Moa and Badu you could raise an auxiliary force which would be very useful. They are men fond of that sort of thing. They look upon it as a kind of play, but they are fine men, capable of hard work, and they could pull about the guns; and there is not the slightest doubt they could be used with great benefit if we were put to the necessity of employing them.

That is an indication of what these people are capable of. Having seen our soldiers drilling, they are anxious to drill themselves, and they have actually managed amongst themselves to put together a force of men which is very presentable.

The map I have here illustrates the whole of Torres Strait. Formerly when a man got away to one of these islands there was no law to touch him. It became necessary to extend our boundary, and when I was in office—I think in 1876—we got a bill passed which authorised us to extend our maritime boundary. The Great Barrier Reef was then made the eastern boundary, and it was extended so as to include the islands along the coast of New Guinea. There is a popular belief that the whole of this area is British territory, but that is a mistake. It was stated, I think, during the controversy going on about the Behring Strait that John Bull had annexed not only the islands and the whole of Torres Strait but that he was going to bar the passage of Torres Strait against the rest of the world. Of course he could not do anything of the kind. All the islands within the boundary were annexed, but we did not attempt to annex the ocean. We have not attempted to do that yet; and I do not think John Bull will ever attempt it.

However this must not be forgotten, that in this space there is very little ocean, where there is no island and when we annex an island that means we annex everything within three miles of that island, so that if you annex all the islands and claim jurisdiction over the sea within three miles of each island there is not much left which can be regarded as the open sea. (Laughter.) It is a distinction possibly which may be said to be without a difference. At any rate we do not presume to annex the ocean, whatever we may have done with regard to land annexation.

All these islands have been taken in, and are now Queensland territory. I will just go over a few of them. The Three Sisters are here, where we have had a good many wrecks. I don’t know how it is, but somehow they seem to attract vessels in an extraordinary way. Possibly it is because vessels can go ashore so easily there. They are a comfortable distance from Thursday Island. We have had several wrecks there, and one of the last was an Italian vessel. We went out to see it, and we found the vessel comfortably berthed on a reef—a very nice, safe, coral reef; and we thought there would not be much difficulty in getting the vessel off. The captain and all his crew had deserted her, and declared that she was abandoned, and a total wreck. We went out, and with very little assistance got her off, and she sailed away after a few necessary repairs. Unfortunately, she got ashore again in a most extraordinary way, and she was finally lost, and I believe paid for by the insurance company. How that may be, I don’t know, but at any rate that is part of the history of that vessel to which I refer. It is not libellous to say that there is a good deal which can be hardly explained, and the circumstances are such that there must have been some extraordinary fatality connected with that vessel, and with these Three Sisters, which on various occasions have attracted vessels to be wrecked in some way or another.

Then here is Cocoanut Island; it is rather a landmark. It is called Cocoanut Island because cocoanuts do grow there. I am trying to get cocoanuts grown systematically, and people are beginning to see that they are a good stand-by. But I would have you understand that it is not so easy a thing to cultivate cocoanuts. It is said that all these islands might be covered, and it would be very pleasant to navigators if they were. All I can say is, that it is not so. Cocoanuts, like everything else, require lots of attention for the first two or three years of their lives; and if they are not attended to the probabilities is that they will not reach maturity.

We have now on several islands people who are really doing a little in the way of cultivating. York Island, for instance, which is inhabited by a wonderful individual. His name, or rather what he is always called, is Yankee Ned. He is an American, and his real name is Moseby. He is an intelligent man, and has for many years lived on York Island. He has made lots of money, but he is one of those unfortunate men, who, as soon as they make money, go into Thursday Island and spend it. He lives on this island. Lately he has taken to raising cocoanuts, and now has at least 500 cocoanuts growing there and coming to maturity. Somewhat the same may be said of a man on Warrior Island. This is a famous fishing ground, and there has been an immense quantity of very good shell taken from that reef. The island was once the centre of a very powerful tribe. There is a story that at one time they came out and attacked “The Fly.” They certainly attacked a man of war that was surveying. Now they are reduced to very few. There is one fine fellow amongst them who is the representative of the old Warrior Tribe. They were a very powerful tribe, and now they are almost all gone. The few that are left live on Turtleback Island.

Here let me point out to you three islands of a different character altogether—Darnley, Murray, and Stephens. They are of volcanic origin. Here they grow an abundance of cocoanuts. They are perfect gardens, and the people on them live entirely by what they grow. They have good houses. Murray Island, as you may observe, is right on the Barrier Reef. There is a very good entrance here—the entrance for the great North-east Channel, which is near Bramble Cay. I could tell you stories about that, but I have not time to-night. This is the entrance all the sailing ships go through. It is the great entrance for all ships that pass through the North-east passage.

Now, I come to Saibai. I was there a few weeks ago, and left a schoolmaster there. Since that he has got together a school of 90 children, all of whom are keen to learn the English language; and who are now learning it. The Saibai people, even in my time, were absolute savages, and now they are amongst the most enterprising and industrious of the whole of the Torres Strait people. They have built a church. There has been an epidemic, I may say, in church building. It is wonderful what money they have collected for the purpose. They got the timber from New Guinea, and they have built it all themselves, and purchased iron for the roof. They have put up a very good structure, and it will hold as many people as this little hall (the School of Arts’ Hall), and they are very proud of it.

Saibai is a long island, swampy right through, with a fringe of cocoanuts right round it. Yet it is not unhealthy, in spite of that. It is a curious thing that Cornwallis Island, close to Saibai, which stands out very high, and has a granite peak, and you would think was healthy, is not so; for some unaccountable reason it is not healthy. Well, Saibai is a prosperous island. They have now bought two luggers of their own, which they have paid for, and they are working on their own account. They have a shrewd idea of the value of money, and they will not part with anything without getting very good value. I think that is a good sign. It is an indication of civilization. (Laughter.) It is undoubtedly.

I used to think in New Guinea, where I was, that when they once began to traffic and exchange their shell for tobacco, etc., that they would progress, and when I found that they were dealing with actual coin instead of the barbarous exchange of tobacco, trade, etc. I said to myself that was a step on the upward grade. (Sir Hugh Nelson: So it is.) Now they understand the value of money and coin, and they prefer to go into the stores and price what they want, and buy and pay for it.

Here is Boigu. It ought to belong to New Guinea. There has been a good deal of discussion as to what should be the maritime boundary between us. Here is another island, Deliverance Island, which is in Queensland territory. It is a curious low little island but you see it a long way off, because there are a lot of Wangi trees upon it. They bear a very edible kind of plum, and they are largely eaten by the natives. In fact they are a very nice fruit for anybody, and are appreciated as a delicacy, much in the same way as the Torres Strait pigeon. In the Wangi season the Torres Strait pigeons come and feed upon them. Talking about birds, when I was last on Saibai there were immense numbers of ducks and native companions. Just at sundown the geese came across in thousands, and fine large birds they are. The natives shoot them. They have their guns now, and they get powder and shot. At one time I used to supply them with cartridges.

At that time there was a great scare about the Togari men, who came from Dutch New Guinea and along the coast. They were great fighters, and head hunters, and they carried off a good many heads in the old times. When I went there I supplied these Saibai men with ball cartridge wherewith to encounter the Togari men if it were necessary. That ceased to be the case after Sir William MacGregor had dealt with them. After Sir William had met them, the Togari men thought it better not to come over again; and I don’t think they will ever trouble us very much in the future. They were formidable, and they may still be, but at any rate, for the last few years we have heard nothing of them; and I don’t think the Saibai people now think it necessary to be on the look out for them.

Deliverance Island is a curious little island—a sandbank swarming with turtle, and there are some very high Wangis there. When I visited it last it was inhabited by five European sailors, who lived most luxuriously. They did nothing. They had ducks galore, fowls galore, besides turtle whenever they liked to catch them, and they cultivated sweet potatoes and bananas. Altogether they were most luxurious dogs. I don’t know whether they are there now, but Deliverance Island has often been resorted to by white men, beach-combers, who live idle lives of that kind.

Just let me say a few words about the proposed maritime boundary, which has been talked about a good deal. It has been proposed that a portion of the islands included in our present boundary should be given to New Guinea; but whether that will come about I don’t know. The proposed boundary would pass through Deliverance and Turn Again Islands, and so on through Moon Pass on the Warrior Reef to Dalrymple Island, and thence to Bramble Cay. This is contended for by Sir William MacGregor, on the ground that the old fishing ground belonging to the natives of New Guinea should be preserved for them, and there is a good deal to be said in favour of it. Of course, the people of Thursday Island do not look favourably upon the transfer of any of the islands. They think it would injure their interests. I do not think it would, because, I think, whatever is got from Torres Strait would go to Thursday Island to be exported. I am quite sure it is not fair that Saibai, which is only a mile or two from New Guinea, should be Queensland territory and not New Guinea. It ought to be transferred to New Guinea, and I think on the whole the natives would be better off if that were done. The administration of New Guinea is, of course, based on the principle of taking care of the natives, and doing as well for them as possible. I am, therefore, an advocate for an alteration of boundary, whenever it may come about.

Some of you may not know what has been done towards the settlement of New Guinea. All along here (indicating) anybody may live as safely as in Queensland, but when you get up towards the mouth of the Fly River, the condition of the natives is just what it was a hundred years ago. There has been no change. They are as savage and as dangerous as ever they were; and if there are any explorers here to-night, or anyone who is ambitious to become a great explorer, here is an opening. All that country is absolutely unknown. We know scarcely anything of the inland country here or of the rivers, and the people are as they were a hundred years ago.

Dowdi has a good deal in its future. There is a good deal of fair country there, and the natives are tolerably friendly.

Daru is the headquarters of the New Guinea Administration—that is for British Western New Guinea. It is a rich island. That is as far as I can take you now. In conclusion, I would again assure you that the people in Torres Strait desire your sympathy and help to secure to them the rights which are their own, which ought to belong to them, and which I hope some day will belong to them. (Prolonged applause.)

“The Islands and Inhabitants of Torres Strait.”  Queensland Geographical Journal, 15th session, 1899-1900, pp. 25-40