Monthly Archives: November 2011 Back

The 1936 fire at the Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Posted on 30 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

In the early evening of 21 November 1936 the Bundaberg Rum Distillery was struck by lightning. The resulting explosion caused a raging inferno within minutes, as the contents of the rum vats fed the flames. There were 63 vats of rum and spirits each containing 10,000 gallons. This spectacular fire drew a large crowd of spectators and the glow from the flames could be seen as far away as Childers and Gin Gin.

By midnight the flames were brought under control but the building itself was in ruins. The damage was estimated to have been approximately £200,000. The fire also had a devastating effect on the wildlife in the adjacent Burnett River with thousands of dead fish washed up on the river bank. Although it took three years the distillery was rebuilt and is currently operating on the same site today.

Fortunately for posterity, this infamous historical event was captured on film and forms part of the State Library of Queensland’s wonderful collection of photographs.

The State Library of Queensland also holds some of the original correspondence and financial records for the Bundaberg Distilling Co. Ltd relating to the 1936 fire.

Myles Sinnamon, Project Coordinator – State Library of Queensland

Indigenous Languages Discovery Workshop

Posted on 25 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

Through funding made available by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office of the Arts’ Indigenous Language Support program the State Library’s Queensland Memory Unit recently held a 3 day Indigenous Languages Discovery Workshop in the John Oxley Library Reading Room.

Visitors from Townsville, Woorabinda, Bundaberg, Stradbroke Island and the Sunshine Coast participated in the workshop facilitated by Des Crump from Monday 20 to Wednesday 23 November.

Thanks very much to Des for organising and leading the workshop and to all of our presenters and participants for their contributions. This was another great opportunity for people involved in the preservation and revival of Indigenous languages to come together, learn from each other and discover the John Oxley Library’s rich array of collections documenting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language and culture.

Simon Farley – Queensland Memory

White Gloves Tour to Tablelands November 14-19

Posted on 25 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

John Oxley Librarian Brian Randall and Arts Technician Anne Scheu recently toured the Tablelands Region following an invitation from the Tablelands Regional Council and Local Studies Librarian Gwen Price, based in Atherton.

The materials on display included early ration cards and significant World War I and World War II commemorative programs, depicting Queensland’s pride and acknowledgement of the young men and women who left Australian shores to fight in two wars.

Significant photo collections highlighting Chillagoe and the Cairns region during the 1890’s were of particular interest in each of the townships, with visits arranged to Atherton and Mareeba Libraries, Yungaburra, Ravenshoe, Herberton, Millaa Millaa, Malanda, Kuranda and Chillagoe, where the entire State School of thirty students participated.
The early North Cedar Group Settlers minute book, dating the Ravenshoe and Evelyn Scrub settlement to 1908 generated enthusiastic discussion in all centres because of its clarity and rare status in the John Oxley collections.

Brian thanked the communities for hosting the talks, displaying the material and sharing personal collections of historic interest and value.
More images of the Tablelands district may be viewed through the One Search catalogue.

Anne Scheu, Arts Technician – State Library of Queensland

Launch of Queensland Speaks

Posted on 24 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

A Minister for Racing never sounded right to me. What about a Minister for Backgammon or Scrabble or a Minister for Netball or Hockey? The late Russ Hinze, who was the Queensland Government’s Minister for Racing 1980–82, certainly didn’t look like particularly sporty or a keen board gamer. Like many politicians of this era, he was known as a ‘colourful character’ – a term used to describe many-a Queensland politician. But the ‘colourful character’ of pre-Fitzgerald Queensland, may later be exposed to be corrupt, authoritarian and nepotistic. Such is the nature of hindsight.

Stories about Queensland’s recent political history are the focus of a new website, Queensland Speaks (yes, Russ Hinze is there). For anyone interested in Queensland history – political or otherwise – Queensland Speaks is a impressive on-line resource exploring the role of policy and political decision makers in the shaping our State. Launched last week by the Centre for the Government of Queensland at the University of Queensland, the Queensland Speaks website is a wonderland of oral histories from key politicians and public servants over the last 4 decades. Exquisitely and clearly organised, one can browse the recollections of our past politicians and senior public servants by name, year, political party, and bailiwick (area of jurisdiction).
The stories of all participants vary enormously, which is a great thing as it keeps even the most casual browser engaged for long periods of time. Credit must also go to the interviewers who ensure that the hard questions are asked and the processes of past governments and parliaments are discussed. The personal and professional challenges of the female politicians such as Joan Sheldon, Judy Spence, Yvonne Chapman and public servant Robin Sullivan are particularly enlightening. This is the genius of the website – as one person’s experiences and perspectives are revealed, a greater historical and political context is painted.

Queensland Speaks is an insightful, valuable resource that anyone with an interest in Queensland history should discover.

Chrissi Theodosiou, Project Officer – State Library of Queensland

Queensland Light Opera Company archive

Posted on 24 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

In the early 1990s the historical Queensland Light Opera Company donated its rich archive of scores, photographs, programmes and production notes to State Library. The donation provided a detailed and entertaining picture of operatic activity in Brisbane from the early 1960s to the late 1980s.

Queensland Light Opera Company was formed in 1962 as an amateur Gilbert and Sullivan company, and many Brisbane singers took to the stage for the first time as cast members in these early productions. Others also developed their skills, as small orchestra players, directors, producers, designers or backstage crew.

In the 1970s the Company broadened its repertoire and received State government funding. Under the direction of David McFarlane, already well known as the director of music at the Anglican Church Grammar School, the Company was transformed into a semi-professional concern, and in additional to Gilbert and Sullivan light operas, it also presented The Student Prince, White Horse Inn, Kiss Me Kate, Samson and Delilah and many others. Artist Max Hurley was the talented theatrical designer for most of these productions.

The Queensland Light Opera Company continued to operate successfully into the 1980s, until its funding was withdrawn in 1982. It reappeared in 1983 under the auspices of the Queensland Light Opera Trust as The Brisbane Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, then as the Brisbane Light Opera Company, until its final curtain call in late 1990.

While some of the material, such as press releases, posters, flyers and subscription promotions reflect the public face of QLOC, much of the donation reveals the inner workings of the Company. Costume measurements, ticketing allocations, lighting plans, cast lists, advertising invoices, opening night VIP lists and a reservoir of glorious production photos provide a documentary narrative for shows such as Yeoman of the Guard, No! No! Nanette and Cosi Fan Tutte, and give shape to the working lives of the many singers, musicians, production staff and administrators who pulled together countless productions over the Company’s 30-year lifespan.

To highlight the Queensland Light Opera Company donation, the next event in State Library’s regular Tea & Music series has an operatic theme. On Tuesday morning 29 November at 10.30am, soprano D’Arne Sleeman, tenor Bernard Wheaton, and pianist Mark Leung will present Lovely Light Opera – a delightful selection of Light Opera classics.

Waltz into the festive season and book a ticket for Tea & Music through QTIX qtix.com.au 136 246 or The Library Shop.

Robyn Hamilton – Queensland Music Coordinator – Queensland Memory

Documenting Queensland’s Wartime Heritage

Posted on 21 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

Have you ever found weathered concrete structures in the scrub or near the beach in Queensland, and wondered what they were? The Department of Public Works has designed a website: Queensland WWII Historic Places to answer questions about Queensland’s World War II sites

As part of the project Dr Jack Ford, Brian Rough and Dr Brian Sinclair collected images, maps and information for a number of WWII places in Brisbane and South East Queensland. On Wednesday 16 November in the last of our Out of the Port lunchtime lectures for 2011 they discussed their research methods and the various types of wartime sites they uncovered.

Brian Rough and Jack Ford are both long serving, experienced historians with the Brisbane City Council’s Heritage Unit, and have an interest in military history. Brian was a major contributor to the work Brisbane, 150 Stories: 1859-2009; while Jack has published Allies in a bind: Australia and the Netherlands East Indies in the second World War.

Brian Sinclair is a Senior Heritage Officer in the Heritage Branch, Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). He researches a variety of places nominated for entry in the Queensland Heritage Register, but is particularly fond of military sites.

All three have worked together recently as contributors to the multi-author book A Most Promising Corps: Citizen Soldiers in Colonial Queensland, 1860-1903.

The Out of the Port series of free lunchtime talks, presented by State Library’s John Oxley Library and the Department of Environmental and Resource Management will recommence next year.

Special thanks to our partners at DERM and to all who presented and attended our sessions in 2011. Previous talks are available as webcasts through the State Library of Queensland’s website.

Simon Farley – Arts Portfolio – State Library of Queensland.

1893 Brisbane flood

Posted on 18 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

In 1893 the Great Flood of Brisbane left a path of destruction in its wake. The total rainfall in Brisbane for over 8 days was about 20 inches (500mm) and the Brisbane River rose 23 feet (7 metres) above its ordinary level – 10 feet (3 metres) higher than the flood of 1890. Brisbane suffered approximately £2,000,000 worth of damages. The Victoria Bridge and the Indooroopilly Railway Bridge were swept away and in Queen Street, the businesses of Finney, Isles and Co, drapers, Perry Brothers, the goldsmiths, Hall Company, H. L. Davies and Gordon and Gotch, all suffered major damage.

Brisbane wasn’t the only area hit. The countryside for miles on either side of the Mary River was devastated and the loss of settlers enormous. The Mayor of Brisbane composed the following cable for the Lord Mayor of London: “Brisbane, Mayborough, Gympie, Ipswich, Bundaberg and Rockhampton inundated by floods. Destruction of property and loss of life enormous. Relief urgently required. ” Against the wishes of the Queensland public, this message was never sent. (Western Mail, 18 February 1893 p.40)

In the Legislative Assembly, Sir Henry Parkes asked “if, in view of the disastrous floods in Brisbane, the Government had considered the desirableness of assisting by direct relief those suffering from the effects of the appalling disaster. Sir George Dibbs, in reply, said the citizens had initiated such a movement, and no doubt members of the Government and of the House would join in it, but he did not see that it was a matter where the Goverment could offer direct assistance.” (South Australian Register, 10 February 1893, p.5) However, citizens of Australia and abroad were touched by the disaster and rallied to raise funds for the flood affected.

In the Argus a reader wrote “The terrible disaster which has befallen Brisbane during the past few days has arroused universal sympathy amongst all classes”. The magnitute of the present calamity in Queensland calls for world – wide recognition and should touch the hearts and pockets of everyone whose last coin is not yet spent or pledged. I trust that Victoria, as a colony, will once more respond promptly and generously to the cry of suffering humanity beyond her borders.” (Argus, 11 February 1893 p.9)

“At the Municipal chambers, women, dirt besmeared and almost naked, trooped into the rooms set apart as supply stores, while their husbands carried on cleansing operations The mayor, aldermen, town clerk, and other officers of the council have worked with a will to cope with the distress. Relief funds have been opened at various centres of population throughout Australia.” (Argus, 13 February 1893 p.3)

Messages of sympathy were received from all over the world including the Secretary of State for Canada, the Queen of England and the Premier of New Zealand. Relief funds were received from all over Australia and abroad. By October 1893 the total amount of funds raised was £83,015.

In a gathering to thank fund raisers after the flood the Lord Mayor of South Brisbane in praise of the Flood Relief Distribution Committee said “The ladies had all along stuck manfully to their posts from 9 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon every day, and been ably assisted in overtaking the Work devolving upon them by the gentleman on the committee. He pointed out that many poople in South Brisbane who suffered severely through the flood seemed to forget their own losses in their solicitude for the sufferings of others. (Applause.) The calamity, dreadful though it was, was a means of good in one respect at all events-it brought poople of all shades of opinion and of all nationalities together to work for the common good and in the cause of suffering humanity ; and nothing but the greatest praise could be accorded to the Distribution Committee for the arduous duties they took upon themselves and so cheerfully and faithfully performed. (Cheers.)” (Brisbane Courier, 20 April 1983 p.6)

The State Library of Queensland holds an extensive collection of photographs covering the 1893 flood which can be viewed through our One Search catalogue.

Karen Hind, Librarian – State Library of Queensland

Cairns Suburbs – Redlynch

Posted on 17 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

Redlynch was an integral part of the development of the Cairns – Atherton Tablelands railway line. The first stage of the line was from Cairns to Redlynch, with Redlynch then being known as Eight Mile Camp. This first section of line was opened in 1887 and from there the Range section of the railway was constructed.

The name of the settlement was subsequently changed from Eight Mile Camp to Redlynch, with the origin of the name Redlynch, open to opinion. One version is that Redlynch is named after the English village of Redlynch, in Wiltshire. A second version is that the name honours the red haired, Irish, railway construction foreman, “Red” Lynch.

Prominent sites within the area include:

Kamerunga State Nursery – the nursery was opened in 1889 by the newly formed Queensland Department of Agriculture, to experiment with tropical crops. The first manager was Ebenezer Cowley who introduced a wide variety of tropical plants as well as opening the gardens to visitors and tourists.
Red Beret Hotel – formerly known as the Redlynch Hotel was built in 1926. This hotel was built opposite another hotel, the Terminus Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in the 1920s. The hotel has long been a hub for social activity in Redlynch.

One of Redlynch’s most famous residents was the renouned author, Xavier Herbert.

Redlynch retains many of the features of early settlement in the Cairns district, with small commercial sites as well as its proximity to the railway line. There are also a range of early cottages and houses which reflect the development of a small railway and sugar town, later to be subsumed by the suburban expansion of Cairns.

Brian Randall, Queensland Places Coordinator – State Library of Queensland

Far North Queensland cyclones

Posted on 14 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

Since 1858, there have been 207 tropical cyclones along the east coast of Queensland with the majority hitting North Queensland. There is a strong relationship with Eastern Australian tropical cyclone impacts and the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon with almost twice as many impacts during La Nina than during El Nino.

Since Cairns was founded in 1876, there have been at least 53 cyclones which have had a reported or measured impact on the city. Cairns comes under the influence of tropical cyclones on average, at least once every two years. One of the first, on 8 March, 1878, almost destroyed the settlement before it had a chance to fully establish.

On March 16, 1911, one of the worst cyclones on record hit Port Douglas and Mossman. By the morning after, both towns were wrecked. In Port Douglas, 2 lives were lost, most of the buildings in the town were levelled and only 7 of the 57 homes were left standing. Sixteen inches of rain had fallen within 24 hours. Cairns had balconies stripped off buildings and roofing iron lost. Verandahs collapsed and some buildings were unroofed. Winds and floods caused widespread damage to plantations near cooktown.

Port Douglas’s future became uncertain and many of the damaged buildings were never rebuilt. The town continued to suffer hardship after the devastation and the population fell from 325 in 1911 to only 162 in 1933.

The State Library of Queensland holds an extensive collection of cyclone themed photographs which can be easily browsed through our One Search catalogue.

To see the course of cyclones for any given year , see the BOM site. http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/cyclones-eastern.shtml

Karen Hind, Librarian – State Library of Queensland

Doug Ashton, "patriarch of Australia's most enduring circus", dies in Perth

Posted on 11 Nov 2011| by JOL Admin |

“Mr Ashton never had to run away to join the circus – he was born into the family business and went on the road when he was just six days old.” (Herald Sun, 3/11/2011)

Ashton’s Circus first began in Australia in 1847 by Doug’s great-grandfather and is fondly remembered by most Australians. After the Second World War Doug and his wife Phyllis relaunched the circus and toured the country with their three children in tow. Doug died on tour at the age of 92 and will be remembered as the patriarch of the world’s longest running family circus. His children Lorraine, Mervyn and Jan have all remained with the circus.

You can discover more about our collection of circus materials by reading our previous blog story, Heritage Circus Display. Items in the State Library’s collection include circus ephemera, photographs, programs, posters, tickets and newspapers.

The National Library of Australia holds materials relating to Ashton’s Circus. Four albums of photographs of Ashton’s Circus performers, taken by Gypsy Pennefeather in 1995-96, are housed in the Pictorial Collection at PIC P1473/1-312/R LOC albums. Two interviews recorded with Douglas, Phyllis and Jan Ashton in 1976 and 1993 form part of the Oral History Collection at ORAL TRC 560/7 and ORAL TRC 2590/DAT-57.

For the full story regarding the passing of Mr Doug Ashton read articles by the Sydney Morning Herald and West Australian.

Janette Garrad

Library Technician, Queensland Memory – State Library of Queensland