Introduction of postal notes and postal cards in Queensland

Logan Witness (Beenleigh), Saturday 6 November 1880, p. 4

An Act to provide for the issue of Postal Cards and Postal Notes, and to extend The Postal Act of 1871

Assented to 21st September, 1880

Be it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly of Queensland in parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: —

1. This Act shall be read and construed with the Postage Act of 1871, hereinafter designated the principal Act.

2. The Postmaster-General may, from time to time, issue single post cards, each bearing thereon a postage stamp of the value of penny and also double or reply post cards, each bearing thereon two postage stamps of the same value.

Except as aforesaid, a post card issued under the provisions of this Act shall be deemed a letter within the meaning of principal Act.

3. The Postmaster-General may, from time to time, issue postal notes for remittance purposes. Such notes shall be of four classes (that is to say) —

(1.) Of the value of one shilling, each bearing thereon a one halfpenny fee-stamp;

(2.) Of the value of two shillings and sixpence, each bearing thereon a one-penny-fee-stamp;

(3.) Of the value of five shillings, each bearing thereon a two-penny fee-stamp; and

(4.) Of the value of ten shillings, each bearing thereon a three-penny fee-stamp.

4. Every such postal note shall —

(1.) Be numbered with a distinctive number;

(2.) Bear on the face thereof its appropriate fee-stamp, and also its cash value, printed in both words and figures;

(3.) Be signed by some person authorised by the Postmaster-General in that behalf;

(4.) Be issued from the General Post Office, Brisbane, for sale at any post office at its face value, together with the amount of the fee-stamp added thereto; and

(5.) Be payable to the bearer, on demand, at the General Post Office, Brisbane, and at such other post offices as are from time to time appointed for that purpose.

5. A postmaster or other officer who sells a postal note shall, in every ease, before delivery thereof to the purchaser, obliterate the fee-stamp printed on such postal note by impressing thereon' the office date-stamp, of the day of delivery.

6. A postmaster or other officer who cashes a postal note shall in every case, thereupon cancel the some by impressing on the face thereof a stamp, to be provided for the purpose, bearing the word 'Paid.'

7. The lawful holder of a postal note may write or stamp across the face thereof, between two transverse lines, the name of any bank, firm, or person to whom he desires payment to be made. Such crossing shall be deemed a material part of the postal note, and shall not be obliterated, added to, or altered by any person whatever. No postmaster shall cash a postal note so crossed until it has been endorsed or stamped by some person duly authorised in that behalf with the name of a particular hank, firm, or person specified on the face thereof.

Articles on the establishment of travelling post offices in Queensland

Queenslander, Saturday 30 December 1876, p. 8

Arrangements have been completed by the Postal Department for "travelling post offices," in connection with some of the trains on the Southern and Western Railway. These post offices are to be in charge of mail officers, who will make up mails for the different stations, en route. Loose letters bearing a late fee of twopence, in addition to the ordinary postage, may be posted at the travelling post offices at any station, and all letters so posted, not bearing the late fee, will be charged double the amount of the late-fee rate, or four pence, on delivery. These travelling post offices will be a great convenience to persons residing near stations along the line. It must be borne in mind, however, that under the new arrangement, although mails may be sent by other trains than those enumerated, no loose letters will be taken under any circumstances by any other train than that to which a travelling post office is attached.

Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Thursday 28 February 1884, p. 2

Residents along the Central Railway and country readers of this journal will doubtless hear with pleasure that sorting vans are to be established on the line. The department have acknowledged the necessity of remedying the present unsatisfactory delivery of correspondence, and have decided to construct carriages each to be used solely as a travelling post office. A man will be placed in charge who will have the management of the postal business, and he alone will be responsible for the non-delivery of letters and papers along the line. It has not yet been agreed where the carriages are to be constructed, whether by contract or in the railway workshops here, but as they are urgently required it is probable they will be made in Rockhampton.

Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Tuesday 5 August 1884, p. 4

On many occasions we have referred to the urgency that exists for the establishment of travelling post-offices on the Central line. Most of our readers have no idea of the amount of business that is transacted by the guards on trains at present. For their information we quote the following from the report of the Postmaster General, with reference to the business done on the Southern and Western Railway:-"The returns of the work performed by the travelling post offices show a satisfactory increase as compared with 1882. In letters posted there was an increase of 34,263; of letters registered in the usual way, of 349; of mails received, of 1750; and despatched, of 1281; while of letters received the increase was 42,673, and despatched 71,463. Newspapers and packets show a small decrease as compared with 1882, of 16,748; and letters officially registered, of 113." The report also states:-"The Railway Department having suggested that the guards on the Central Railway should be relieved of postal work, owing to the increase of other duties, it has been decided to extend the system of travelling post offices, now in operation on the Southern and Western Railway, to that line, so soon as the requisite carriages for the performance of the work can be built. It is expected that this will be carried into effect in July or August next."

In the Australian National Archives retrieved by Dave Elsmore

It may also interest them to learn that the officer in charge of the T.P.O., who discharge all the duties of itinerant postmasters, receive salaries of £170, with an annual allowance of £50 to cover all travelling expenses. (reference unknown)

At first the mails were dealt with by railway employees, but from January 1st, 1877, postal personnel took charge, the service being provided on a through train from Brisbane to Dalby and on a connecting branch train from Toowoomba to Warwick. At first a late fee was payable on letters posted on the T.P.0., but from March, 1877, this was abolished. As the Brisbane - Dally was an express train, mechanical means of exchange bags at non-stop stations were provided from July, 1877.

One of the many economies introduced during the depression yours was the elimination of all Travelling Post Office in Queensland, and the Travelling Post Offices on the Southern and Western Mail routes ran their final trips on August 12th and 16th, 1932, respectively. The first Travelling Post Office was established on the Queensland railway on 23.2.1885 and the last trip was run on September 13th, 1932. The first on the northern railway was introduced on 15.5.1899 and the last journey was completed on September 14th, 1932. The first T.P.O. on the north coast rum (Brisbane to Bundaberg) was established in 1900 and ceased to function on the last day of 1930.

(J.W. Rawlinson, Secretary, Postal Historical Society, Qld.

24.12.1956)

Thursday Island Jubilee - 1927, pt . 1

A four part series on the Thursday Island Jubilee in 1927. This is part 1

Telegraph (Brisbane), Saturday 17 September 1927, p. 14

THURSDAY ISLAND JUBILEE

1. Story of Its Settlement: Scenic Beauty: Strategic Importance

Fifty years have elapsed since Thursday Island first was settled. It was a very small village port then, but it afterwards rose to the dignity of a municipality, became the administrative centre of the Anglican Diocese of Carpentaria, and had a trade output which was greater in proportion to its population than any other port in Queensland, or perhaps in Australia.

Scenic beauty

It is a revelation to these who have not seen Thursday Island to find that it possesses great scenic charms. The harbour is commodious, safe, and pretty, and the town nestles snugly on a slope of the island, with a panorama of tropical follaged adjacent islands which appeals very strongly to the lover of the beautiful in nature. Approaching the island in fine weather, when the water of the strait is for all the world like a crystal sea here and there in the pearling days dotted with the luggers used in the industry, one realised that there was a beauty in the tropics not to be found elsewhere.

Strategic Interest

The fact that Queensland's north-most port is situated on an island instead of on the mainland is accounted for by the fact of the island strategic importance. It is the key to the entrance to the inner route of Torres Strait. The first settlement was at Somerset, on the mainland, but it was not long before the advantages of the island were recognised, because of its fine harbour, as well as of its sentinel position. Mr. E. B. Kennedy refers to this fact In his "Early Days in Queensland."

First Officials

A reference to the blue book of Queensland for 1877 shows that Mr. H. M. Chester was appointed police magistrate at Thursday Island, with the subsidiary offices of sub-collector of customs and harbour-master on July 20 of that year. Mr. Allan Wilke— the name given in the blue book as Wilkin— was appointed pilot on September 14 of the same year.

The first reference to Thursday Island as a settlement in Pugh's Almanac is contained in the volume of that important Queensland publication for the year 1884. The passage reads thus: "Thursday Island lies some 625 miles to the northward of Townsville, off the extreme northern point of Queensland. It is the rendezvous of the pearl shellers, where they meet the mail steamers, etc., and tranship their cargoes. It is also a harbour of refuge. Burns, Philp and Co;, of Sydney, have the only store there. There is a police magistrate (H. M. Chester), who acts as harbour-master, also as a sub-collector of customs (F. G. Symes), and postmaster (D. Cullen). The sub-collector of customs acts as savings bank officer, shipping master, and registrar for the district of Somerset. The London Missionary Society makes this their headquarters for receiving their provisions. The E. and A. Company makes this their first port of call, and have a fine hulk— the Belle of the Esk — as their receiving ship, where there is always a plentiful supply of coal. The B.I.S.N..Co, also used their hulk. The Truganini or Gunga take all the Normanton cargo from here. There are two hotels, the Torres Strait (G. Cockburn) and the Thursday Island (T. McNaulty)."

The reference to the London Missionary Society is in regard to that society's operations In New Guinea. The mail service mentioned, then run by the Eastern and Australian Steamship Company, was that which had its eastern terminus at Singapore, where it picked up mails from Europe and delivered these from Australia. As showing the importance of Thursday Island's trade, even in these days of its infancy, Pugh's for the year mentioned states: "The Customs collections alone from this district arc between £9,000 and £10,000 per annum; for the year 1883 the total receipts from Customs and licenses were £10,412.”

Healthy Climate

"The climate," Pugh's proceeds, "is very healthy, and the year is divided into two seasons, the dry season, southeast monsoon, from March till after full moon in December, and the wet season, north-west monsoon, from full moon in December till the end of February." In his book, "The Never Never Land, Mr. A. W. Stirling, B.C.L., F.R.S., refers to the salubriousness of the climate of Thursday Island, and to the beauty and usefulness of the harbour.

A Pioneer's Reminiscences

Mr. James Clark, so well-known as a pioneer in the pearl shelling industry in Torres Strait, at present, is in the East Indies. Mr. P. P. Outridge, now living at Redland Bay, however, has kindly furnished the following reminiscences of his many years' association with Thursday Island: — "I arrived in Thursday Island in October, 1882; the settlement had been in existence for five years, and there were very few buildings outside of these which were owned by the Government. The magistracy was situated on top of the hill at Vivian Point, and commanded a fine view of the three entrances to the harbour; the house was the largest of a row of five. Mr. H. M, Chester was the Government Resident, and had charge practically of all the Government departments. Next to the residency was the Court House, the rear part of which was used ns the Post Office and Custom House. The chief officer in this department was Mr. D. H. Duff. The Post Office was under the control of Mr. D. D. Cullen, who also was junior customs officer. The next house in the row was occupied by the water police, the force consisted of a sergeant and four constables. The next building was the residence of the principal officer of customs. The last building of the row was occupied by the harbour master and pilot, Captain Alan Wilke, whose duty was to pilot vessels into the rather difficult harbour, also to attend the various buoys and beacon's in the vicinity.

On the island there was one general store, owned by Mr. James Burns. This business was later formed into one of the branches of Burns, Philp, and Co. Ltd., whose establishments are all over Australia and the islands. The manager of the firm at that time (1882) was Mr. Vivian R. Bowden, now the head of a well-known firm trading In Japan.

Annexation Expedition

It was In March, 1882, that the Government Resident left for New Guinea in the Government schooner Pearl to hoist the British flag, and, under instructions to take possession of that part of New Guinea not claimed by the Dutch. The schooner was laden with large quantities of the trade for distribution amongst the natives of Port Moresby. The position of the Imperial authorities in repudiating the action is well known, and as events proved it was a matter of the greatest regret that the annexation was not completed.

Early Pearling Vessels

In the early 80's the communication with Brisbane was by the steamer Coren (Captain James Lawrie), of the Q.S.S. Company Limited. She made monthly trips, taking supplies to the various pearling stations, and bringing pearl shell on the return trip. It was very interesting to observe the doings on the arrival of the steamer. In those days the pearling stations, or as they were called, shelling stations, were located on the various Islands round Thursday Island, and each station had a smart little fore-and-aft schooner yacht of from 30 to 50 tons register to transport the shell from the stations and carry the provisions back. Some of the shelling firms were Mr. F. L. Jardine of Somerset, with the schooner Victory; Captain George Pearson, of Marbiag Island, with the schooner Lord Loftus; Messrs. Kelly and Cussen, of Prince of Wales Island, with the schooner Regent Bird; and Captain J. A. Riddel, of Prince of Wales Island, with the schooner Dairymaid. This vessel, which was of 30 tons register, was a topsail schooner with a large wooden centreboard and was a very fast sailer. Then there was the firm of Messrs. Scott, Henderson, and Co., with the schooner Osprey. The largest firm of shellers at one time was the Queensland Pearl Fishery Company, Limited, which had one station at Wai-Weer Island, with a schooner of the same name (Wai-Weer). It also had a station at Roko Island, near Possession Island, where Captain Cook landed and hosted the British flag.  Roko station schooner was the Two Brothers. Another large station was owned by Captain Joseph Tucker. It was located at Goode Island, and possessed a beautiful little vessel called the Dauntlett. There were several other shelling stations on the various islands, owned respectively by Messrs. James Clark, George Smith, Albert Collis, George Kerr, Captain Parkyne, Captain W. R. Mogg, and others. On arrival of the Corea the various schooners would manoeuvre to get alongside the steamer first, and it was a revelation to witness the skilful handling of the vessels on getting their lines aboard, and so secure the best berths. Eventually there would be half a dozen vessels alongside.

Pearling Boom

At that time shelling was very brisk, a new and very rich patch of shell was discovered west of Torres Straits. It was locally known as the old ground, was very extensive and very prolific. Largo quantities of shell were obtained each fortnight. Everyone was doing well and much money was circulated. The water was shallow, being from 6 to 10 fathoms in depth, and the ground extended out to sea. The fleet was not very large at that time, but on discovery of the old ground all haste was made by the progressive shellers to increase the fleets. Mr. James Clark, then in Brisbane, purchased the oyster cutter Amy, and loading her up with stores and shell cases, left Brisbane in September, 1882, with a crew consisting of Messrs. John Tolman, Wm. Wilson, and P. P. Outridge. After a very fine run of 11 days, Thursday Island was reached and the Amy was soon in commission. Speed was the first consideration, because fine, weather prevailed in the last four months of the year, and consequently good catches, were made. Later two boats were built for Mr. James Clark in Brisbane by Mr. Harry McCleer,  one was called the Banana, the other the Cocoanut.

Noted White Diver

Jack Tolman was given a trial as diver of the Banana and was very successful. He turned out to be one of the very best white divers in Torres Straits, and was always known as "Jack Banana." A fairly large number of white divers were engaged in the industry in those days, because the money was large and easily earned. Any young fellow possessing physique and grit could dive successfully in the comparatively shallow water of the old ground. Although there were many white divers employed, the majority of divers were South Sea Islanders (from Rotuneah principally). Malays and Manilla men, a few Japanese were employed, but not in such numbers as today.

Ships That Passed

In those times it was most interesting to observe the sailing ships passing through the straits. A good view of them could be obtained by climbing the hill to the signal station, at Goode Island, where Captain Walter Powell (afterwards stationed at Cape Moreton) was light keeper and signaller. It was the day of sailing ships. Coal was convoyed to the East from Newcastle, large quantities being sent to Java, Singapore, and China. The route being very dangerous, several ships would sail in company, so that if one got into trouble the other could render assistance. Frequently six full-rigged ships would he passing at one time generally under easy sail. When off Goode Island, with the most dangerous part of the route passed, full sail would be set and the vessels would soon disappear out of sight to the westward.

(To be continued on Saturday Next).

Part 2 is here

Centenary of John Douglas - 1928

Brisbane Courier, Saturday 24 March 1928, page 24

Centenary of John Douglas. A Thursday Island Tribute

By G.H.V.

On 6th inst, residents of Thursday Island gathered around the grave of the late Hon. John Douglas to mark the centenary of the birth of that notable public man. Born in London, he spent the greater part of his life in Queensland, and it was as Government Resident at Thursday Island that this tribute of affection was paid.

Let Southern people cherish his memory for what they will, up in this outpost and through the far-flung islands that lie like gems before Australia's Northern gateway, his name will ever be held in love and respect as the grand old man of Torres Strait. Every locality has its "G.O.M.", some outstanding personality who is regarded by all classes as the father of the district, and whose memory is kept in reverence and handed down to posterity, though all personal knowledge of the man has long passed away. And so it is with John Douglas in Torres Strait

Who could have filled the position better, physically? His whole appearance marked him out as a leader, and his countenance inspired confidence. The dedicatory window in the Douglas Memorial Chapel, situated in a side aisle of the Quetta Cathedral at Thursday Island, shows the man exactly as he was before he was called to his rest. His great, lion-like head, and his rugged but beautiful countenance, framed in a full flowing white beard, proclaim him a giant in stature as in intellect. He looks, indeed, like one of the old Biblical patriarchs, and his whole character and life seem to carry out this personal resemblance - born leader of men.

Thursday Islanders know little of Douglas' career in Australian politics, except that it was a long and honourable one, culminating in his holding office as Premier of Queensland from March 8, 1877, to January 21, 1879; but of his later career, in what some men may regard as a backwater, one can say that his work was thoroughly congenial, and therefore, eminently successful. After the political reshuffle of '79, Douglas must have slipped into his new position at Thursday Island as a hand into a well-fitting glove so perfectly did he fit it. The job was no sinecure in those days, and he possessed all the qualities necessary for the administration of a turbulent and perplexing community, where a strong loader was required to further the aims of so many conflicting interests. He brought to his task a frank, honest Scotch character enhanced by a public school education at Rugby and Durham University. Behind him were his years of training as a politician, and his experience on the gold-fields of New South Wales, and as a pastoralist in Queensland. A great love of nature and powers of observation aided him in the scientific possibilities of his situation. But above all, was a great love for his fellow men - this with his devotion to duty completed his genius for government, and allowed him to further the interests of the white pearlers of the day, without interfering with his plans to conserve and elevate the natives under his charge.

His Work in Torres Strait

He had a neat way of meeting difficulties. On one occasion, friction arose between rival nationalities on Thursday Island, and the two parties were spoiling for a fight. But in deference to the Resident, some of them appeared before him one morning and ingenuously explained that they would like to have his permission before starting hostilities. Realising that this would only result in the escape of a little hot air which would clear the air to the benefit of all, the Honourable John was quite willing that they should settle their differences in this way, but, as Government Resident it was not his place to say so. He asked the participants to return for an answer at five in, the evening. When they did so, the office was closed, and the Honourable John safely located elsewhere beyond the, necessity for giving an embarrassing decision.

John Douglas was beloved of all, for to all, no matter what their colour or creed, he offered his friendship. His faith in the future of Torres Strait was unshakable, and his admiration of nature's gifts to this region unbounded. To him everything was perfect, the mild and equable climate unequalled, the lovely prospects of island and sea unsurpassed, the varying types of humanity worthy of study in every way. In fact he clearly intimated in one of his lectures that he considered Torres Strait the modern counterpart of the old Garden of Eden, though Douglas himself must have recognised the presence of many a serpent. How different was his attitude from that of many living round these parts to-day, who regard themselves as exiles if separated from Collins Street or the Stock Exchange. To him, his islands and his sunny seas offered a thousand compensations for the strenuous life of cities, and be never scrupled to say so. Perhaps his faith in Thursday Island has not been wholly justified, but it remains as the ideal of a great and good man.

Around the islands, among the amiable, though frail-minded natives of Torres Strait, John Douglas was thoroughly at home. His sympathy, love of justice, and knowledge of the various people therein, made him a beloved visitor, and to-day his memory is carefully cherished on many a distant palm-clad island beyond the ken of most Queenslanders. Had it been possible to invite the island people in to do honour to his name on the day of the ceremony there would have been an instant response, and the gathering at the graveside swelled by many who regarded him almost as a god, and certainly as a dear personal friend.

Memorial Ceremony

The simple ceremony that marked the Douglas centenary, was inaugurated by the local branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, which recently organised the jubilee celebrations at Thursday Island. In spite of showery weather, a little band of citizens, including some island folk, gathered at the cemetery towards sundown, and placed wreaths and bunches of flowers at the foot of the tall granite column, which marks the grave. A short address by the Mayor of Thursday Island (Mr. A. Conan) was listened to with great interest, and this was followed by a service in the Douglas Memorial Chapel, conducted by the vicar of the parish (the Rev. F. W. Slade).

The number that attended was not large, but it was marked by a sincere wish to do honour to the grand old man, who was known personally to many who were there. Everyone must have noted and carried away in their minds the little sentence that is engraved on the column; "Write me as one who loves his fellow men" - and no truer epitaph on John Douglas' life "and character could have been chosen. 

Interview with John Douglas - 1900

Queenslander, Saturday 13 January 1900, p. 93

THURSDAY ISLAND. INTERVIEW WITH THE GOVERNMENT RESIDENT

Discussing the position of the pearlshelling industry with a representative of this journal, the Hon. John Douglas, Government Resident of Thursday Island, said the season had not been favourable. The loss of so many boats, when about 300 men lost their lives, in the early part of the year, was a great blow. Since then there 'has been a good deal of wind, which always has the effect of clouding the water and (preventing the divers from seeing: the conditions, therefore, tended to indifferent results. The prices in London, too, have not been altogether good. On the other hand, the prices of black-lip shell advanced, and as the yields of it have been good, the people with small boats profited. The people on Thursday Island have been suffering severely from want of water. If it had not been for the reserve of water at the fort the position would have been worse. The Government Resident is now endeavouring to do something which he hopes will lead to a sufficient water supply being obtained; in fact, it is one of the objects of the present visit.

An occasion recognised as of some importance was the visit during the year of the Home Secretary and Mrs. Foxton. The extended tour which they took through the islands has, "Mr. Douglas considers, enabled Mr. Foxton to understand the position of the people more thoroughly than any Minister has yet done. They felt that be now knew all about them, and that he would do his best for them. Mr. Foxton has taken a great Interest in the education of the Islanders of Torres Straits. It would be a great mistake, Mr. Douglas interposed, to identify these with the mainland aboriginals of Queensland. They are much more advanced in civilisation, live in well-built grass houses, and subsist by means of cultivation and fishing. They are very anxious to improve their position, and eager for education. Wherever education can be given, Mr. Douglas feels sure Mr. Foxton will endeavour to provide the means of teaching them English. In connection with this subject it may be mentioned that Mr. Douglas has undertaken to deliver a lecture, probably on the 16th instant, under the auspices of the 'Royal Geographical Society, on the subject, "The Islands and inhabitants of Torres Straits.'' He has several interesting charts on a rather large scale, which will enable the people to understand the relative positions of the Islands, about, which so little is known.

Not very much has been done during the year on the goldfields. On Horn Island very extensive works for crushing and conserving water are being erected, about forty men being employed. But it is not anticipated that there will be any crushing for two or three months. One reason there was so little in gold mining done this year was that the leases" were being transferred to a Melbourne syndicate, who are erecting the machinery referred to. Within the next few months it is anticipated that there will be eighty stampers at work on Horn Island. The field is of the character that all the soil contains more or less gold, everything being taken to be put through the mill. The gold is not of a high class, but it appears to pervade the whole of the workings. A little gold is being got at Possession Island, the yield being nearly an ounce to the ton.

Trade with New Guinea does not make any appreciable advance. A certain amount of copra and sandalwood comes to Thursday Island, and it is shipped on, principally by the China boats, it is understood In Thursday Island that the prospects of the goldfields of New Guinea are very good. At Cloudy Bay there has been a new discovery. Between Milne Bay and Mullins's Harbour there is an extensive highland region which yields gold. Though the deposits are not rich, all the diggers there are satisfied, as the ground pays, and there are plenty of carriers from Mullins's Harbour, a very populous district.

The Japanese Government are keeping to their contract with the Queensland Government with regard to the admission of Japanese to Thursday Island. None without passports are now coming in, and very few even with passports. Occasionally a few Japanese go to Japan, and some of these get permission to come back. "I don't think there is any dread at present of any great Japanese inroad," said Mr. Douglas. "They make capital boat builders, and they command that industry altogether. They turn out just as good boats as any built In Sydney."

In connection with the defences, Mr. Douglas said a road party had been at work all the year, and had done very well, under a Mr. Park and Captain Coxon. The latter took a great, interest in the military occupation of Thursday Island. The Rifle Club is in a very healthy condition, and a new drill shed has been erected. It was hoped that these would impart some vigour to the Garrison Artillery, a volunteer force. Most of the men of the Permanent Force volunteered for service in South Africa, but their offer has not so far been accepted. The military force is in a very sound condition. The men give very little trouble, and attend to their duties.

There have been a few cases of typhoid fever during the year. A new surgeon has arrived for the hospital, to which a new wing is about to be added.

Mr. Douglas returns to Thursday Island about the 20th of the month.

Official postage stamps in Queensland - 1888

Articles on the introduction of official postage stamps in Queensland

Queensland Figaro and Punch (Brisbane), Saturday 3 March 1888, p. 15

Official Postage

The funny manipulation of postage stamps required by Government offices, as revealed by the Colonial Stores enquiry, brings up a few strong thoughts in connection with official postage generally. There can be no reason, and certainly no convenience in requiring official documents posted to be stamped with the same postage stamp as ordinary letters.

Many years ago "Victoria got a sickener of this system. It was discovered that Higinbotham's "turbulent Civil servants" of the Crown Law and Crown Lands Departments paid for their daily luncheons out of prigged postage. This game was stopped by the issue to each Government department of a frank stamp seal, with which all sorts of envelopes were stamped and then issued to the subordinate offices. This, however, did not stop the plundering, for, in 1870, a Superintendent of Police was dismissed for cutting out a frank stamp from a letter and affixing it to a newspaper.

In New Zealand an officer of a department franks letters with his name. In Fiji the franked stamp consists of crossed batons—something like the badge of a British military field-marshal. In England and France official letters are also franked. In America each department is supplied with envelopes, each having the following words printed on its obverse face:—"Any person using this envelope to evade payment of postage on private matter will be subject to a fine of $300."

Cannot Queensland improve on its old jog-trot style, and invent a stamp, or an official envelope, that will sufficiently answer all departmental purposes, and yet will be difficult to be nefariously used?

Week (Brisbane), Saturday 3 March 1888, p. 11

Colonial Stores Commission.

Recommendation 11.  The supply of special postage stamps for the use of the service.

Warwick Argus, Saturday 3 March 1888, p. 2

The supply of special postage stamps will do much to check possible speculation and an unfair use of official postage, and to ascertain readily the cost of postage to each department.

Regulations relating to railway parcel stamps in 1884

Two articles on regulations relating to railway parcel stamps in 1884

Capricornian (Rockhampton), Saturday 5 January 1884, p. 14

A notifications of much interest appears in the Government Gazette of the 15th December re extension of regulations for use of adhesive parcels, stamps and cloak room tickets, and amended parcels rates on all Queensland railways, which will come into force on the 1st January, 1884 (to-morrow). Adhesive parcel stamps, similar to postage stamps, will be issued at all principal railway stations, and parcels bearing them will be forwarded without booking. They will also be sold by authorised agents. The railway Department will not be responsible for any miscarriage, etc, the reduced rates being strictly conditional on all parcels being forwarded solely on the risk of the owner, and delivery of them may be made irrespective of the ownership thereof, to the person who, from his description of the parcel or other evidence, appears to represent the owner or his agents. Packages of fresh fish, fruit, butter, eggs, milk, dead game or poultry, fresh meat, ice, vegetables (not bulky), and bags of bread, may be forwarded at stamped parcels rates, but hats and bonnet boxes and cases of millinery will be charged double rates. When a package such as fish, butter, eggs, milk, fresh meat, etc, will not allow a stamp to properly adhere a label should be secured to the package, on which the stamp can be affixed. Live poultry, bicycles, feathers, furniture, glass, mirrors, perambulators, pictures, sewing machines, wicker-work, and wire cages, will not be conveyed at stamped parcels rates. When the stamps affixed are not of the full value for the weight or distance according to table of rates, and the sender omits or refuses to affix the additional stamps necessary, the stamp may either be cancelled and the parcel forwarded and surcharged at destination, or the Department may refuse to receive the same. When two or more parcels are consigned to one person the rate will be charged on each separately. All stamped parcels must be brought to the station at least five minutes before the time fixed for the departure of the train they are to be sent by; but the Department will not guarantee to forward by any particular train. The stamped parcels rates apply only to packages 56 lbs. and under. In no case will a receipt be given for a stamped parcel, and 25 per cent extra will be charged if they are booked.

Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Tuesday 19 November 1889, page 7

QUEENSLAND CENTRAL RAILWAY. PARCEL RATES

All parcels to be at stations thirty minutes before the advertised time of departure of the train by which the senders wish them forwarded,

?, hats, bonnets boxes, and cases of millinery, and items of clothing double rates. Parcels over £10 value and under £50 double rate; £60 and over, quadruple rate Although these rates are charged, and the value of parcels declared, the Commissioner will not hold himself responsible for contents.

Newspaper parcels and despatches, half-rates; minimum charge, 6d,

Packed parcels, quadruple rates.

All parcels arriving at stations should be taken delivery of within twenty-four hours after arrival. If left over that time they will be subject to the following charges, vis:

Large parcels, 6d.; and small parcels, 3d.) up to 48 hours. And if over 48 hours, an extra charge of 2d. on large parcels and ld. on small per diem, will be made.

Special Regulations for issue of adhesive Parcel Stamps

1. Adhesive Parcel Stamps, similar to Postage Stamps, will be issued at the office of the Commissioner for Railways, Brisbane, and at all the principal Railway Stations. Parcel Stamps will also be sold by such agents as may from time to time be approved.

2, Parcels bearing the above stamps will be forwarded without booking.

8. The Railway Department are entirely exempt from responsibility, the reduced rates charged being strictly conditional that all parcels forwarded under the stamped parcel system are solely at the risk of the owner,

4. The delivery of stamped parcels may be I made, irrespective of the ownership thereof, to the person who, from his description of the parcel or other evidence, appears to represent the owner or his agents. Every care will be taken for the delivery, but without responsibility as per conditions above. Stamped parcels, to whomsoever delivered, are solely at owners' risk.

5. Packages of fresh fish, fresh meat, tee, and bread, will be charged at half stamped parcel rates.

6. Hat and bonnet boxes, and cases of millinery will be charged double rates.

7. When a package such as fish, butter eggs, milk, fresh meat, etc etc will not allow a stamp to properly adhere, a label should be secured to the package, on which the stamp could be properly affixed,

8. No receipt will be given for stamped parcels under any circumstances.

9. When the stamps affixed are not of the full value for the weight or distance according to table of rates, and the sender omits or refuses to affix the additional stamps necessary the stamp may either be cancelled and the parcel forwarded and surcharged at destination, or the Department may refuse to receive the same,

10. When two or more parcels are consigned to one person the stamped parcel rate will be charged on each parcel separately.

11. All stamped parcels must be brought to the station at least five minutes before the time fixed for the departure of the train they are to be sent by; but the Department will not guarantee to forward by any particular train.

Sale of revenue stamps in Queensland - 1886

Article on the sale of revenue stamps in Queensland

Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, Friday 9 July 1886, p. 2

Hitherto it has been the practice to allow a commission on the sale of duty and postage stamps to Sub-collectors of Customs, Clerks of Petty Sessions and other Government officials. In no case will the commission be allowed in future. The Post and Telegraph Department will in future at all of its offices throughout the colony supply excise as well as postage stamps, and the total proceeds will be paid into consolidated revenue.

John Douglas visiting England in 1902

A newspaper article on John Douglas's visit to England in 1902

Brisbane Courier, Saturday 13 September 1902, p. 5

THE HON. JOHN DOUGLAS, C.M.G, RETURNED TO QUEENSLAND

The Hon. John Douglas, C.M.G., Government Resident at Thursday Island, returned to Queensland on Friday evening last, after a holiday trip to England. Mr.  Douglas was for many years a conspicuous figure in the political life of this State, being at one time Premier, and his views upon certain questions of the day which he very courteously gave a representative of this paper at Riviera, North Quay, yesterday will be read with interest. At the outset, it may be said that Mr. Douglas seems to have benefited in health by his trip. He is robust and fresh-looking, and all his physical nobility and charm of manner are with him just as they were when some twenty-five years ago he led the Parliament of Queensland with honour and distinction.

Mr. Douglas, without any affectation or tho "fume of little minds" on the subject of being interviewed, at once began to speak of his trip. "It was a pleasure trip," he said. "I went to see my friends, and saw them all, and was delighted to think that they were pleased to see me. I had a charming time, and am glad that I am permitted to come back again to live in this good old country, which is really now my own country." Mr. Douglas spoke with the enthusiasm ono notices in so many returned Queenslanders.

"I was in London," he said, "during the time of excitement regarding the King's illness. It was a terrible disappointment to everyone in London, for London had made up Its mind to have a supreme show. Londoners like a show. In my early life London was a very steady-going place, and people did not care for display; at least they affected not to do so. But they go in for show now, and appreciate it. The King is personally very popular. He is very tactful, and deserves all the personal goodwill which he secures. It is really the personal liking for him which is at the bottom of his great popularity. I had an Invitation to attend at the Abbey for the Coronation, but the postponement of the ceremony prevented me from being there. I could not remain longer in the face of all the changes that are taking place. I did not know what they would do with me; but they must have someone at Thursday Island, and I do not know if there is anyone who knows the work there better than I."

Mr. Douglas returned to Australia by way of the Cape and Hobart. He was very pleased with Cape Town, but disappointed with Tasmania. "I expected to see more cultivated country there," he said. "I found it very rough between Launceston and Hobart. Tasmania does not seem to be a very go-ahead place, and though the climate is delightful, I was very glad to get into the Queensland temperature again. From the Cape to Hobart we scarcely once saw the sun, and we were down in the Roaring Forties; as far as 48 deg. south, and had snow on the deck several times. On the ship wo had a number of Immigrants for New Zealand; a fine lot of people, full-paying passengers. Our ship, the Paparoa, like the other New, Zealand boats, is a line vessel, and passengers are very comfortable."

Discussing the drought, Mr. Douglas said that he had heard a great deal about it, but he has great faith in Queensland soon pulling round. "I believe that Queensland will come to be a big wheat exporting country," he said. "When the Burnett and other splendid lands are closely settled, we shall be exporting a lot of wheat. I stated that at the annual Queensland dinner in London; a dinner which nearly all Queenslanders attend, and where I was able to meet many old friends, including some of our South African warriors, who had a very hearty reception, as they have everywhere."

Asked to give an expression of opinion on the Imperial Conference in London, Mr Douglas said: "I don't think much has come of it, but I believe that a growing good feeling has been stimulated by it. Public men in England, like Mr. Chamberlain, had an opportunity to know exactly what the mind of our public men is. There is an idea in England that we should contribute largely to the Imperial, military forces. I do not think that will come about, and believe that as long as we prepare to protect ourselves, and show our vitality and give assistance in the time of trouble, that that is as much as can be expected at present in the way of Imperial Federation. But no doubt the Imperial federation feeling has immensely increased, and is predominant at the present time.”

"Amongst the changes I observed, especially in the provincial cities of England and Scotland," said Mr. Douglas, "was the marked improvement made In the sanitary arrangements. You can have no conception of it in that respect. There are lavatories everywhere, and on a most complete scale. The London County Council and tho municipal bodies in the provinces have contributed very much to that. Public convenience is carefully studied by the provision of underground lavatories in the streets, and I noticed that more perhaps than anything else in the large cities. I only wish we were up to the same standard of comfort, which induces, I believe, cleanliness and decency, it is the same at all the railway stations.

Mr. Douglas was not inclined to talk, very freely upon the pearl shelling question. He said: "I saw several leading men in Melbourne, and I gathered that they are prepared to meet the actual conditions of the case. What I believe they wish to avoid is the filtering of Asiatics in any considerable number into Australia, so that they can keep control over them. Otherwise, I take it the public men of the Commonwealth, as far as I can judge, will be willing to deal with these matters from a common sense point of view, without seriously disturbing existing interests. I may add, in connection with the matter, that the Thursday Island yield has been for the past few years very good, taken on the whole.”

Upon the question of retrenchment in Queensland, Mr. Douglas expressed himself thus: "I suppose there will be a serious reduction all round here, and the Ministry are quite right to make it, so long as they do not imperil the efficiency of the Government service, which has been of a very high character."

Mr. Douglas was asked to give his views on the subject of the agitation at Thursday Island, respecting the operation of the Factories and Shops Act. He said: "It has been represented that the action has been "taken in consequence of a recommendation in one of my reports. That I most emphatically deny. I have not referred to it; but there are a number of small traders at Thursday Island, and I can conceive that the closing of their shops in the evening, when most of the business is done by the residents, will cause them some loss, but that is a, matter which I believe is before the Government. It has been represented to me from Thursday Island that the hardship is being seriously felt. I am not informed fully on the subject, and I must reserve my opinion; but I unhesitatingly say I have not recommended tho action myself. Mr. Farquhar, one of the leading pearlshellers is expected, down by the next Japanese boat, and I believe he is charged with making representations to the Government on this subject.''

"I saw Sir Henry Norman in London” said Mr. Douglas," and he expressed himself very warmly regarding Queensland and all his old Queensland friends. I spent an afternoon with Lord and Lady Lamington, at Westminster, and it happened to be the day on which Lord Salisbury's resignation was announced, so we went to' the House of Lords, and it was rather an interesting occasion. Lord Lamington has been spoken of as the future Governor at Ceylon, and I do not know how that may be, but Sir West Ridgeway, the present Governor, is returning to Ceylon for another year. Lord and Lady Lamington are very well and they were very kind. Sir Horace Toser is full of business, but I do not think favours the removal of the Agent-General's office to the city. Mr. Chamberlain is anxious that the different offices should be merged into a central office, under the Commonwealth. I rather doubt myself the wisdom of moving from Victoria-street, where the Colonial offices have been settled for many years, and where they are known and identified with the locality. If they go into the city they will have to pay to get anything like an equivalent to their present premises. It is suggested that the Agents-General should mix more with the business people and that they be regarded more as mercantile agents. How that will work remains to be seen. I rather suspect that they will notice a good deal of opposition from the present mercantile representatives of the state in the city.

This concluded the Interview.

Queensland Postmaster-General's report for 1876

Rockhampton Bulletin, Monday 17 September 1877, p 2

In a recent article we reviewed that portion of the Postmaster-General's report for 1876 relating to the transit of Ocean Mails, chiefly with a view to illustrate the advantages derived by the colony generally, and the central and northern divisions particularly, from the Torres Straits mail service. We have not, however, exhausted … the Torres Straits mail service and the general operations of the postal department.

In reference to the former, it may, perhaps, suffice for the present to show the British and foreign correspondence carried on by the various Queensland ports of call via Torres Straits during last year. The returns are as follows:

DISPATCHED.

Letters:

Brisbane 77, 883; Rockhampton 17,406; Bowen 3,190; Townsville 9,656; Cooktown 1,414; Somerset 487. Total = 110,756

Books:

Brisbane 1,605; Rockhampton 279; Bowen 63; Townsville 135; Cooktown 9; Somerset 13. Total = 2,104

Papers:

Brisbane 102,158; Rockhampton 14,385; Bowen 2,444; Townsville 7,226; Cooktown 1,124; Somerset 50. Total = 127,384

RECEIVED.

Letters:

Brisbane 89,916; Rockhampton 14,000; Bowen 5,273; Townsville 9,371; Cooktown 239; Somerset 407. Total = 119,206

Books:

Brisbane 23,416; Rockhampton 2,562; Bowen 577; Townsville 852; Cooktown 11; Somerset 53. Total = 27,501

Papers:

Brisbane 133,894; Rockhampton 24,235; Bowen 10,351; Townsville 22,422; Cooktown 162; Somerset 520. Total = 191,584

Coming to the general returns we find a large increase in the business of the department. The total number of letters posted in the colony last year was 3,083,552, and the total cost for all mails, £65,183-the number per head of the population being 16.5, and the cost 6s. 12d. The above totals were made up in the following manner:-Inland and Coast-wise-letters, 2,554,066, cost of mail services, £43,821 ; Intercolonial letters, 397,922, cost of mail services, £1255; British and Foreign, 131,564, cost of ocean mails, £20,107. With regard to the last-mentioned sum, a note is appended stating that it is subject to future reduction, and the net cost of the three services is elsewhere approximated at £15,92:. The number of letters posted has shown an uninterrupted increase, except in the year 1867 and 1870, having risen from 199,168, in 1860, to 3,083,552, in 1876. Of Inland and Coastwise letters posted the only year in which an increase did not take place was 1867; Intercolonial have fluctuated considerably but show a large general increase. The British and Foreign letters posted in the colony showed a yearly increase, from 22,438 in 1860, to 127,322 in 1866; but then declined till 1870, the annual numbers being 103,688,  99,266,  94,438, and 93,826. This was the turning point again, and a yearly increase is shown up to 1875, when the number was 131,930. Last year there was a small decrease to the extent of 366, the number being 131,564. The correspondence for last year, however, including letters posted and received, showed a considerable increase in every class. The letters posted in Queensland for delivery within the colony, numbered 2,554,066, the increase on the preceding year being 15.66 per cent; the letters posted for dispatch beyond the colony numbered 529,486, increase on previous year, 11.18 per cent. The letters received into Queensland during the year numbered 474,323, increase 3.85 per cent. The total number of letters posted and received was 3,557,875 showing an increase of 13.27 per cent. There was also an increase in the total number of newspapers passing through the post office of 19.07 per cent, and on packets of 18.46 per cent, and on newspapers and packets posted in Queensland for dispatch beyond the colony, the increases last year as compared with the returns of 1875, were respectively 43.90 and 57.56 per cent.

On the 16th December last, a contract, in place of that terminating in January, 1877, was entered into with the A.S.N. Company, substituting a weekly for a fortnightly service between Brisbane and ports to the northward, and including Cairns, the new contract dating from the 1st January of the current year, and to continue for three years, terminable after one year, by six months' notice from either party, and the annual subsidy for this coast service is £7400.

The Travelling Post Offices on the Southern and Western Railway are referred to, and the reasons stated which led to their establishment. Some years ago it became a practice to send letters by the railway guards for the purpose of being posted at the terminal stations. The number of letters sent in this manner became so numerous that, although the practice was considered to be irregular, additional accommodation was afforded by means of post office boxes attached to the guards' vans, and the guards were controlled by regulations, and paid £12 per annum each, for duties connected with this arrangement, and also for acting as mail guards, and delivering and receiving mails at each station. It was found, however, that this interfered too much with the guards' proper duty, and the Commissioner for Railways intimated to the General Post Office in August last year that after the close of that year the attention of the guards on the Southern and Western Railway must be given exclusively to railway duties. It therefore became necessary to provide for the post office work, and arrangements were made for the establishment of travelling post offices under the charge of mail officers appointed by the Postmaster-General, at which all ordinary business could be transacted, such as the purchase of stamps, registration, and posting. As this system only came into operation on the 1st January of the current year, its working is not reported on, but will be dealt with in the next annual report of the postal department.

As regards the Inland mail service, a table is given showing that in 1876 the extent of miles on the various inland postal routes of the colony, amounted to 15,539 being an increase over 1878 of … being an increase' of 83,708; the cost of conveyance, including landing and shipping, amounted to £37,988, being an increase of £4827; the average cost per mile was 4^5/8d. as against 4^1/4 d, in the previous year; and the number of post offices was 175, increase 13.

The revenue of the department shows a considerable increase last year. The receipts by sale of stamps, amounted to £29,536, increase 2698; by fees for private boxes and bags, £710, increase £92; by postage on unpaid letters, £801, increase £46; by money order commission, £1483, increase £154; by amounts received from other colonies for conveyance of mails via Torres Straits, £1490, increase £432. The amounts due for postage collected in the United Kingdom have not yet been received, but are approximated at £3900 for 1876 and £3875 for 1875, making the total revenue for 1876, about £37,900, as against £34,472 for the previous year. The expenditure last year, including £19,351 for salaries of officers and country postmasters, made a total of £90,159.

The Money Order system calls for some notice. Business in this branch of the postal department was opened between Queensland and India on the 1st January, and between Queensland and the German Empire on the 11th February, 1876. The commission on Inland Money Orders was reduced on 1st August last year - the object of this reduction being to enable remitters to send small sums without much expense, - and there has apparently been a considerable increase of business in consequence. The number of offices on the 31st December was 56, increase 9; the orders issued, 25,889, increase 3193; the aggregate amount of orders issued, £106,026, increase £14,811. The orders paid numbered 17,578, increase 3014; and the aggregate amount of these orders, £69,201, increase £12,957.