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Andrew Darbyshire January 2017 Initial Draft January 2006 Formatting, minor edits and Introduction – January 2010 Supplementary notes - road alignments Milton Rd and Coronation Dr – January 2017 Private Study Paper – not for general publication St Lucia History Group PO Box 4343 St Lucia South QLD 4067 Email: [email protected] Web: brisbanehistorywest.wordpress.com



INTRODUCTION The opening up of Moreton Bay for free settlement in the early 1840s provided settlers and speculators alike with the opportunity to purchase land in and around Brisbane. Vital cogs in the wheel were the Government Surveyors who established the original survey baselines and reference points, documented existing land claims and established the road alignments and land sub-divisions which form the basis of the real property descriptions we use today. Their services appear to have been in high demand. These notes were compiled both out of general interest and to inform research being undertaken into the lives and activities of some of the individuals who were the original purchasers of land in St Lucia and adjacent suburbs. They take the form of abbreviated extracts from the District Surveyor’s Office Letterbooks (correspondence out), bound volumes held at Queensland State Archives. The volumes contain a handwritten copy of the (handwritten) outgoing correspondence and reports sent to head office in Sydney and various individuals. The Brisbane office appears to have been very much a branch office and treated accordingly with limited resources and little opportunity for initiative. The life of the early surveyors was also very harsh, surveying parties spending considerable time on the frontiers of settlement in all weathers. Poor health was not uncommon. The supplementary notes go part way in answering what the options were for the early settlers of St Lucia to bring their produce to market in Brisbane by road. References Letterbooks 1844 to 1860 QSA (Reference SUR1/G -G4) As noted in text Illustrations Cover – Circumferator (Museum of Lands, Mapping and Surveying Brisbane) From Letterbooks unless noted in text



Abbreviated Notes 1844 SA Perry Deputy Surveyor General in Sydney Simpson Local Commissioner for Crown Lands Government Resident JC Wickham JC Burnett Acting District Surveyor Jul 1844, early surveys underway include Purga Creek, Brisbane Town boundaries and in the Ipswich and Goodna areas Jul 1844, 8 small farms measured out at Breakfast Creek at the request of JC Wickham Mar 1845, 15 acres measured out at Woogaroo, Lot contains a wooden house used as an Inn plus outbuildings. Original request by Mr Chambers, his interest now passed to Mr John Stevens Oct 1845, marking out Lots at south Brisbane. Proposed plan of Section 3 Town of Ipswich forwarded to Sydney Jan 1846, plan of land for RC Church, school and parsonage forwarded to Sydney following discussions with Rev Mr Hanley Jan 1846, pressure for land on north bank of Bremer at Ipswich to be surveyed Jun 1847, location plan and valuation of Government buildings in Brisbane forwarded to Sydney Oct 1847, Stephens forfeits deposit on land at Woogaroo Oct 1847, plan of 7 allotments near Ovens Head [Dutton Park] Yeerongpilly forwarded to Sydney Oct 1847, North Ipswich survey forwarded to Sydney Dec 1847, land for RC Church, school and parsonage at Ipswich marked out Feb 1848, measuring small farms on Bulimba Creek Warner 1 Acting District Surveyor, circumferator received via ‘Thistle’. Warner suggests land sales be advertised and Auctioned in Brisbane rather than Sydney Feb 1848, surveying land in Parish of Toogooloowa then will complete Mr Burnett’s survey of Ipswich Jul 1848, trip up River on steamer with proprietors to look at coal bearing land. Tracing forwarded to Sydney with suggestion this be divided into small lots rather than the typical 40 acres Jul 1848, discussions with Rev Glennie, 2 acres in Ipswich selected for site of Church, school and parsonage Sir Thomas Mitchell noted as Surveyor General

1 James Alexander Warner remained as a government surveyor until 1853 when he decided to practice in his own right as a licensed surveyor. His sons Frederick Horatio and Charles James followed him into surveying. James Alexander W married Clara Lindo the widow of his close friend in one of the earliest marriages performed at Moreton Bay. His stepson Alexander Pacifico Lindo was also a surveyor

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1848, Hockin

1848, difficunt to provide

1848, John Ceyors crossin

1848, suggeson in anticipa

1848, Darby

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1849, recent

1849, plan oney

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Burnett Assistant Surveyor Sep 1849, tracing of land surveyed at confluence of the Brisbane River and Pullen Pullen and Moggill Creeks forwarded to Sydney. Warner acknowledges a rough job but aware Surveyor General looking for land for Fortitude immigrants Sep 1849, Warner has queries regarding the proposed boundaries of Ipswich Oct 1849, Warner forwards survey/proposed route of road from Brisbane to the confluence of the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers. Road on north side of river via Parishes of Moggill and Indooroopilly. Only one major bridge required on Moggill Creek which in any case has a good shingle bottom suitable for fording in the meantime. Warner makes recommendation for a 20 acre farm at the proposed Ferry point together with provision for Village Reserve 2 Oct 1849, Murphy and Bagot out surveying at Drayton Nov 1849, some confusion over published Lot numbers used at the recent Moggill land sale Dec 1849, tracing of Darby McGrath leased areas forwarded to Sydney Dec 1849, proposal to locate Brisbane Market on Lots 3 and 4 forwarded to Sydney Dec 1849, tracing of proposed boundaries for parishes north of river forwarded to Sydney Dec 1849, John Petrie provides report on condition/repairs required to Surveyor’s office Jan 1850, plan for 7 Portions of land at Yeerongpilly forwarded to Sydney as requested by Surveyor General. Land to meet the needs of the Moreton Bay Sugar Company Jan 1850, battling the weather which is delaying the Cleveland survey. Requests approval to hire a whale boat Apr 1850, still need a boat if sea approaches to Cleveland are to be surveyed properly May 1850, report on Cleveland Point as a Maritime Town forwarded to Sydney. Notes site for town elevated above water line, good soils in area to support town. Water available in local water holes and in swamp at head of Hilliard’s Creek which could be piped. 7 ½ foot rise in tide noted. Will also forward survey of possible Brisbane Cleveland Road once completed June 1850, (16 year old) Lindo requests small salary to attend office (has been covering for Warner whilst away on Cleveland survey and Burnett up on the Downs) Jun 1850, Thomas Laffey applies for land adjacent Mr McGrath on Moggill Creek. Office advises this particular land not surveyed yet but blocks available on other side. Can be purchased without competition on payment of upset price under 12th clause of 5th and 6th Victoria Cap 36 and Land Regulations 1 March 1843 Jul 1850, plan of suburban lots marked out on Kangaroo Point forwarded to Sydney. Reserve nominated for potential future bridge Jul 1850, John Chambers applies for more land at Woogaroo (bounded North by Douglas, west by Rankin and south by his former application)

2 Refer Supplementary Notes

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1850, small to graveyard

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Feb 51, Darby McGrath suggests Warners Village Reserve should be small farms Apr 1851, plan of 12 allotments on Kedron Brook adjacent Missionary Section forwarded to Sydney Apr 1851, plan of allotments in the Town of Cleveland forwarded to Sydney noting high demand Jul 1851, plan and description of land for National Elementary and Industrial School North Brisbane forwarded to Sydney Perry back in Acting Surveyor General role in Sydney Aug 1851, Lindo applies to be promoted to Clerk Aug 1851, Warner forwards plans for Sections 4, 5, 6, 23, 24, 40, 61 and 63 Town of Cleveland Sep 1851, noted large swamp in Elizabeth street Oct 1851, plan of 7 lots at Moggill forwarded to Sydney as requested by Mr Russell Oct 1851, 13 lots laid out along bank of river in western suburbs

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1851, J McG

1851, plans oests by Georg

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852, forwardmediate ?) aran River, D Gale Andarramests they will

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853, Warner

853, plan of wing Major P

1853, plan anhase request

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1853, plans o

1853, James in the Parish

1853, Rawns

854, results kham, forwar

1854, Mr Roovements to

1854, Licensbane (Town b

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1854, site for

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Dec 1854, plan of 320 acre racecourse reserve at Toombul finalised and marked out together with 20 adjacent allotments Feb 1855, advice to SG on proposal to relocate ferry landing at Kangaroo Point, no objection to additional location but does not support deleting old location May 1855, Warner out surveying land at Goodna May 1855, plan and survey of Custom House Wharf forwarded to Sydney May 1855, Warner survey of site of Village at Woogaroo received Aug 1855, difficulty of extending the regular grid pattern of Brisbane Streets to the north and north west discussed with Captain Wickham Aug 1855, Warner out surveying in North Ipswich and 24 lots in the Parish of Clinmar (?) Aug 1855, Lindo surveying 33 country lots at Walloon Aug 1855, advice to Mr John Bothwick that the Government no longer sell coal bearing land, they intend to offer it for lease. Appears to be land at Pullen Pullen Creek, Parish of Moggill Perry resigns, Galloway takes over office and reports on general status. Office in some disarray, no catalogues, limited copies of plans, hardly any furniture etc. Galloway recommends changes to practices in particular outside surveyors being given direct instructions from Sydney etc. Galloway needs horses and a boat Sep 1855, Warner returns request to survey areas on the Pine River, too dangerous, Aborigines aggressive Sep 1855, Roberts out surveying at Oxley Creek and intent is to leave him in County of Stanley to complete the survey/definition of Reserves Sep 1855, tries to catch up on outstanding requests including TLMP (Nov 1854)/Charles Coxton/Robert Grifton applications for land at Burnett’s Creek, Parish of South Brisbane Catherine Curragher taken on as office keeper, salary ₤1-10-0 per month Sep 1855, Mr A Keith Hay advised land at Indooroopilly will soon be marked out for sale Perry wishes to return Sep 1855, Warner reports on proposed pre-emptive purchase by Mr George Thorn of 2 x 640 acres and 1 x 160 acres at Normanby Plains, Warrill Creek, Ipswich (under 11 February 1849 Regulations). Warner values improvements at ₤500 excluding fencing and advises land worth no more than 20/- per acre Sep 1855, Warner plan for Village of Fassifern forwarded to Sydney Oct 1855, Warners plan for Church etc at Ipswich forwarded to Sydney Oct 1855, advice to Messrs Barker, McConnel and Duardin that lots between the new bridge and Newstead will be surveyed soon



Oct 1855, advice to Messrs Little and Mortimer that lots at 3 Mile Scrub and The Gap will be surveyed soon Colonel George Barney now Surveyor General Nov 1855, recommendation that Roberts complete County of Stanley reserves prior to undertaking other work Nov 1855, offers advice on coal bearing lands at Ipswich, suggests lease rather than sell Nov 1855, plan of South Brisbane allotments requested by Hockings and TB Stephens forwarded to Sydney Nov 1855, letter to Mr Brookes requesting he remove fence at riverbank which is preventing access to Mr Eldridge’s property Dec 1855, letter to John Souters re request for 200 acres near 1 mile swamp (Burnett’s swamp ?) previously applied for by TLMP and TB Stephens Dec 1855, Galloway advises already transmitted field books to Mr Henderson, New England Surveyor Dec 1855, Robert Cribb supplying goods and forage on contract to survey parties [subsequent complaints over quality of meat provided to Cribb by Mayne] Jan 1856, Galloway gets authority from Sydney to issue direct instructions to Moreton Bay Licensed Surveyors working for Government Jan 1856, Roberts out surveying 62 country lots at Yeerongpilly Feb 1856, instructions to Warner to survey land at Normans Creek/Burnett’s Swamp (Bulimba/South Brisbane). Response to TLMP (12 farms), Stephens (250 a) and Souter (200 a) requests Feb 1856, Galloway offers his (limited) advice to Surveyor General following Governor General’s proposal to extend a series of railways across the Colony. Notes experience of potential routes through New England District with suggestion via Warwick and Darling Downs may be the easiest grades. Tamworth to Darling Downs fairly flat although not very populated area. Galloway anticipates this will be mainly cattle country although the provision of dams for irrigation could make the rich soils productive. If a more populated route was required then this could run Tamworth to Armidale to Warwick. Provides advice on dray roads in New England Feb 1856, Surveyors Henry Sanderson, Malley and Grogan sent from Sydney to undertake survey for railway Warwick to Ipswich and Brisbane. Galloway irritated that these surveyors are not apparently under his control Feb 1856, Warner working on Ipswich town survey. Colonel Gray wants water reserves identified and pegged out Feb1856, Minto marking out road to Drayton Feb 1856, Galloway writes to Warner about survey and plan of Ipswich (G a bit tetchy) Feb 1856, Brown submits plan of 5 small farms on Enoggera Creek, notes unable to tie in with One Tree Hill Base Line



Feb 1856, R Holey, James Swan and 126 others file Petition for George Street to be opened for public access down to the river. Currently used as a paddock for horses belonging to Surveyors Office, Government House Reserve on one side, Botanical Garden reserve the other. New fencing required if to be opened Mar 1856, forwards New England field books to Sydney via Shamrock Mar 1856, forwards Warners survey for suburbs south of Ipswich to Sydney noting no allowance for railway or terminus. G makes suggestions on potential layout of streets. Warner believes land south of Town will be good for agriculture. Notes some use of rough astronomical sightings Mar 1856, Ipswich residents petition for an extension/larger public recreation reserves Mar 1856, Rev Yeatman requesting additional land for C of E Church between Ann Street and proposed Terrace. Current church too small, requests an acre. Also second portion of 2 acres for church, school and parsonage just outside Fortitude Valley township, 2 acres requested Mar 1856, Lindo out surveying farms near Ipswich, Warner doing Brisbane suburban lots and Roberts on Reserves and pre-emptive rights portions Mar 1856, Patrick Cosgrove applies to lease 30 sections of land on the Caboolture River (west of John Vaughan/GKE Fairholme leases) Apr 1856, advice to Louis Hope that his request for land on east side of Norman Creek will be attended to Apr 1856, receives confirmation that George Street to be opened up to public once fencing complete Apr 1856, advice to Reynolds re withdrawal of lease for Lot 25 Tingalpa (original Mr Slaughter) Apr 1856, Warner requests review of standard rates for out of town lots (vegetation making work slow). Notes G has requested all survey work be done with Theodolite rather than circumferator Apr 1856, Queens Wharf plan and description prepared for possible lease to Australasian Steam Navigation company (Government representative’s request) Apr 1856, Warner requested to survey river obstructions (Brisbane and Bremer) liaising with Captain Geary the Harbour Master Apr 1856, Warner to mark out ‘coal lots’ at Ipswich as requested by Mr Harvey and others. To be careful and include allowance for river crossing reserves [Galloway writing instruction] Apr 1856, Roberts to survey land for Bridge over Stanley Creek at Durandor Apr 1856, tracing for site of Ipswich Court House/lock up forwarded to Sydney Apr 1856, TLMP/Stephens/Souter selected lands at Yeerongpilly, South Brisbane and Bulimba surveyed and roads pegged out by Warner Apr 1856, Roberts plan and description of 320 acres at Lagoon Station, Fassifern for Mr Kent forwarded to Sydney. Land in addition to the 640 acres at the head station May 1856, thoughts on Electoral Boundaries for Brisbane forwarded to Sydney



May 1856, new plan for Ipswich burial grounds forwarded to Sydney, insufficient depth of soil to bury deceased, bodies etc may need to be re-located Roberts to become ‘Surveyor of Roads’ (following completion current tasks). Hands over equipment and horses Blackbutt, Billy and Jack May 1856, Galloway suggests review of upset price of land at Ipswich (₤8 per acre), currently selling at ₤100 per acre George Pratten taken on to replace Perry as Clerk/Draftsman May 1856, Warner suggests hiring a light boat and crew to undertake river obstructions survey. Proposes ₤2-10sh daywork rate to undertake this survey work May 1856, Galloway advises Surveyor General to retain existing water reserve [assumed above reservoir] until such time as new site found. Various suggestions going around including a plan to dam Breakfast Creek, hence providing a road crossing and a water supply May 1856, Mr Lindo plan for 48 small farms at Yeerongpilly forwarded to Sydney Lindo’s account for 3 months ₤196 May 1856, plan of 1200 acres for Samuel Owens (or Ovens) at Yeerongpilly forwarded to Sydney May 1856, Galloway advises high demand for small farms (5-20 acres) close to Town, many do not have the cash for the larger country allotments. Notes roads in very poor condition particularly in wet weather Lindo applies for permanent position Jul 1856, John H Grogan wants more work on Railway survey Jul 1856, Warner plan for lots on Norman Creek forwarded to Sydney (TLMP/Stephens/Souter/Louis Hope requests) Galloway complains about apparent lack of progress and co-ordination of railway survey. Believes holding up sale of lands etc [Not happy it is not under his control] Jul 1856, list of streets aligned in Ipswich forwarded to Sydney Jul 1856, Galloway advises no objection to P Reynolds proposal to lease land south of Cleveland Road between Bulimba and Tingalpa Creeks Aug 1856, Lindo out surveying ‘coal lots’, 100 lots at 2 acres each Aug 1856, Darby McGrath (Ipswich) re land at ? Lagoon on Bundamba Creek – already 5 farms marked out for sale from 1853, will be some time before more survey done Railway surveyor Sanderson finally accepts/gets instructions accepting reporting responsibility to Galloway Aug 1856, Galloway requests copies of plans of Drayton Swamp [Toowoomba] be forwarded from Sydney, people requesting land in the area



Aug 1856, Village of Alfred on the Downs, Owens and McKeow have dispute on who owns the improvements to the Old Mans Water Hole on the Woolpack Inn Aug 1856, Warner out surveying at Kedron Brook Sep 1856, report to Sydney on proposed dams on Enoggera/Breakfast Creek. Galloway not happy with Breakfast Creek option, provides flying levels (quick job) and notes several butchers have slaughter yards just above Breakfast Creek. Notes Brisbane may someday become the capital of a separate Colony Sep 1856, notes tracings of rail line Ipswich to Warwick complete Sep 1856, Warner survey of 18 farms at Kedron Brook forwarded to Sydney Sep 1856, Broad out surveying farms and roads at Bald Hills Oct 1856, Galloway pays a visit to Railway Surveyor’s camp and not impressed Oct 1856, Lindo’s survey of proposed 5 acre Hospital Site at Ipswich forwarded to Sydney Oct 1856, Lindo provides report on 89 coal lots marked out at Ipswich. Has allowed for dray roads and creek crossings. Notes river allotments subject to flood inundation. Surface outcrops show good coal and notes ‘gatherers’ advised this is government land. Account included [average surveying cost ₤1 per allotment] Interview and recommends Pratten be taken on as a Surveyor, ok for small farms etc – (no experience with sextant etc) Oct 1856, Sanderson forwards plan for Brisbane Ipswich rail line. Sanderson used top of pile on ASNC Wharf at South Brisbane as bench mark Oct 1856, Arthur Broad survey of 15 sub-farms at Drayton Swamp forwarded to Sydney. Survey ongoing noting 3 or 4 lots already have improvements on them Oct 1856, advice from railway surveyors they are within three miles of Warwick with final survey Galloway suggests he retire on a pension due to ill health arising from his service (exposure etc) Nov 1856, Sanderson provides plan of benchmarks for Ipswich-Brisbane railway which include points on (in sequence) Woolston Woogaroo Road…Brisbane River side of Woogaroo Creek…. No 47 145.160 Mr Priors House…..Young’s (or Grays) House…Ipswich Road 1½ miles from Woogaroo Lindo short of cash and looking for advice in respect to his application for a permanent position Nov 1856, railway surveyors investigating alternative routes over the dividing range Dec 1856, Warner plan for 29 farms at Bulimba forwarded to Sydney Jan 1857, Woods out surveying Warwick way Galloway again applies for pension/retirement (kidneys ailing) Jan 1857, Woods provides survey of 160 acre pre-emptive right at Cecil Plains for Messrs Russell and Taylor. Recommends reserve at Drayton Swamp for church, school, police etc



Jan 1857, plan of reserve for North Brisbane Wesleyan Church, school and parsonage forwarded to Sydney Jan 1857, Warner out surveying at Tingalpa, Lindo at Moggill Sanderson requests transfer to Goulburn, surveyor recently died, for family reasons Jan 1857, Woods out surveying at Warwick Mar 1857, Lindo provides plans of 13 country lots Parish of Moggill with recommendations to reserve lot 31 as a water reserve (permanent water hole) and Lot 36 as a potential rafting point for timber due to terrible state of roads

Base map Queensland State Archives

Galloway recommends Pratten become Licensed Surveyor Mar 1857, Anderson issues tracings and sections Ipswich to Warwick railway via Spicers Peak Apr 1857, Warner surveying Bulimba Creek area, thinks will become shipping basin for Brisbane once outer bar cut through May 1857, land at South Brisbane for German Lutheran Chapel identified (at request of Hamburg Vice Consul) May 1857, Pratten appointment approved, first job to survey Goal reserve for estimates and plans to be prepared (Clerk of Works for Goal Mr Tiffin) Galloway has a major fallout with Warner and Lindo [some suggestion he physically throws Warner out of office]



Blank pages left in Letterbook May to October Aug 1857, Mr Rawnsley (Licensed since 1853) applies for work (Oct) Burrows relieves Galloway as District Surveyor, notes general disarray, no plans, boat needs repair (Cobra attack). No Clerk/Draftsman in office since May Oct 1857, Copies of Lithographs for land sales at Indooroopilly, Tingalpa, Bulimba and Yeerongpilly received from Sydney. 30 each for sale, 2 for office use

Nov 1857, suggests hold be placed on North Ipswich town extension land sales Nov 1857, inspects site of proposed Village at mouth of river Dec 1857, Warner plan for 41 suburban lots at Town of Cleveland forwarded to Sydney, Burrows to go out and view including Hilliard’s Creek Woods publishes letter in MBC under (mistaken) title Acting District Surveyor



Dec 1857, Rawnsley surveys 42 lots Parish of Enoggera Mr Perry Clerk/Draftsman arrives Jan 1858, visits Village of Wellington Point, also referred to as King Island Reserve and Hilliard’s Creek area Jan 1858, Rawnsley working on Pine River survey and trouble with Aborigines, has broken his theodolite and can’t afford a new one, requests issue of one from Government Store and will pay off by instalments Jan 1858, Burrows sends comments on previously forwarded plan of proposed Village at Kings Island Reserve (Wellington Point), thinks land too dry and too near Cleveland. Suggests land is not marked out, will be some considerable time before needed. Jan 1858, Supports Warner’s suggestion for land adjacent Portion 83 as graveyard. Land falls to swamp and then out to Raby Bay, not via Hilliard’s Creek Jan 1858, Wood still out surveying at Warwick [appears to have gone walkabout for a while] Jan 1858, Warner provides plan for 18 small farms on Hilliard’s Creek noting 20 and 21 are larger than instructed, poor land probably only suitable for pasture Jan 1858, Rawnsley out surveying at Sandgate Burrows requests another ₤100 pa in salary Woods appointed New England District Surveyor Mar 1858, Lindo out surveying at Brassall, Ipswich Mar 1858, Warner out surveying small farms at the Gap, advises having trouble with his eyes June 1858, Louis Hope enquires about reclaiming and occupying foreshore land on Moreton Bay. Suggests way forward may be to purchase adjacent block/s but consider impacts on neighbours. Enquiry should be referred to Public Works. At same time enquiring about land adjacent his Yeerongpilly holding Aug 1858, Hope advised land at Hilliard’s Creek (west bank) Gazetted and due for sale 9 Sep Sep 1858, advice to Hope, his pre-emptive right application for land adjacent Kilcoy holding forwarded to SG Oct 1858, response to Thomas Prior Esq JP letter (address New Farm) advising him land at Wellington Point has been identified as the site for a village, B will seek instruction from Sydney on this and other lands applied for Oct 1858, advice to TLMP that the land he has applied for at Wellington Point, mouth of Brisbane River and at Tingalpa Creek will be surveyed for sale in near future Oct 1858, Duckett White interested in 40 acre farms in Tingalpa area Jan 1859, Burrows apologises to Hope (address Cleveland) for late response to his request for land at mouth of Hilliard’s Creek to be surveyed, due to ill health



Feb 1859, advice to John Bergin (Brisbane) advising him that 14,000 acres between North and South Pine Rivers coming up for lease Perry suspended by Burrows for being intoxicated and insubordination. F Warner taken on as Acting Draftsman Apr 1859, Bergin chasing response to his tender for land north of Caboolture River May 1859, Lindo out at 6 Mile Creek (Redbank) surveying Aug 1859, Hope chasing application for land near Ovens Head [Dutton Park ?] Aug/Sept 1859, Francis Bigge Esq JP (Cleveland) and TLMP JP (Eskgrove) complain of proposed Cleveland road alignment through Mr Reynolds property on Bulimba Creek – appears to have reneged on previously route agreed with Warner and Burrows Sep 1859, Hope advised Warner on his way to survey requested land but must complete previous requests at Lytton and Tingalpa Creek first. All subject to Warner engaging new survey party, previous crew went off to Tooloom diggings 21 Dec 1859, seeks advice from Colonial Secretary Brisbane re appointment of 2nd surveyor to Darling Downs District Correspondence, details of selections etc now addressed to Colonial Secretary Brisbane AC Gregory sets up Surveyor Generals Office in Brisbane and signs outgoing correspondence Jan 1860, Mr Richardson of the Maryborough and Wide Bay Cotton Growing Association advised Licensed Surveyor Buchanan will be sent to survey 5 or 6 2-300 acre farms on the left bank of the Mary River 9 or 10 miles below Maryborough Jan 1860, correspondence with treasurer regarding boundaries of Rockhampton, Port Curtis and Wide Bay E Bennett taken on as Chief Draftsman at salary of ₤400 pa Estimates prepared for establishment, SG takes payment of salaries to Agents for Crown Lands under his wing May 1860, Portion 51 Parish of Tingalpa 30 acres, previously offered as Portion 14 to be withdrawn from sale Jun 1860, advice to TLMP that Government has no power under existing regulations to alienate roads running through his property on the shores of Moreton Bay



Supplementary Notes There has often been discussion at SLHG meetings about the reported difficulties experienced by the early European settlers in accessing Brisbane by land in the late 1850s/early 1860s. The requirement to deliver their produce to market in town by boat is well recorded and reflects on the state of early roadmaking. When the surveyors prepared the original sub-division plan for (what would become) St Lucia in the late 1850s they included for ‘Government’ roads. In reality these were merely identified road reserves. They were provided to enable free access to each of the portions, without the need for easements, and in addition, common access to the riverbank. The individual portions were in the order of 40 acres each and dedicated roads were kept to a minimum, road reserves generated no income from land sales. St Lucia had one east-west spine road, Carmody Road 4, collecting on its way (from the east) ‘Jetty Road’ a north south river connector in the line of Mill Road, and Ryans Road, before turning south and joining Swann Road. Swann Road extended from Sandy Creek (just south of its current junction with Carawa Street) through to Moggill Road. Its intersection with Indooroopilly (Pocket) Road was the logical way to head off to Brisbane. Initially this was via Burns Road. Gailey Road and the bridge over Toowong Creek near the river would not be constructed until the 1880s. But which direction from the intersection of Burns and Moggill ? Milton Road or Coronation Drive ? These notes track the pattern of the development of the main east west road connectors immediately north of the Milton Reach of the river. Warner’s Road north of the river 1849

Warners 1849 plot of his proposed route for the road north of the river from Brisbane to the confluence of the Bremer and Brisbane Rivers

(M.1076.74 Museum of Lands, Mapping and Surveying DNRM, January 2014)

4 Current day road names generally used in text for simplicity. The roads were unnamed for many years – see Peter Browns Paper 12 History of Roads and Road Names



(Above and below) Low tech superimposition 5 of Warner’s 1849 road survey plot onto a mid-1890s McKellar street map.

Warner’s suggested route, believed to be to avoid the need to build bridges across the significant creeks running into the river, was clearly neither along the line of Milton Road nor Coronation Drive. Its (crudely projected) route was much further from the riverbank, along today’s Heussler Terrace and Haig Road, crossing Milton Road near Dixon Street, bisecting Sylvan Road and then just north of the route of the railway to the intersection of High Street and Burns Road. A cursory examination beyond this point suggests current day Moggill Road more closely matches Warner’s proposed route. The drawing has a later note referring to £100 being allocated for the repair and improvement to the line of the road (Mr Buckley and others – the ‘Road Committee Brisbane’- yet to be followed up, possibly a colonial government committee).

5 AD/Peter Brown exercise



Land Sub-division and Sales

Extent of the 1850s sub-division plans overlaid on a later (1880s) base. The initial sub-division plan was prepared by Warner (yellow) in 1850, Burnett (green) c1851 6 and an unknown surveyor

(salmon) in 1854 6 Signed by Burnett but with no decipherable date, this plan is believed to be the one noted in the Letterbooks (13 allotments western suburbs) forwarded to Sydney in October 1851



Detail from Warner’s 1850 (much over-written) sub-division plan for the first suburban allotments to be offered for sale west of the Brisbane Town boundary. This section shows

Allotments 1-12 Parish of North Brisbane, the balance, Allotments 1-16 were in the Parish of Enoggera

(B1234.14 Museum of Lands, Mapping and Surveying DNRM, January 2014) The 1850 sub-division plan is for the land from the town boundary to Western Creek, between the river and current day Milton Road. 28 allotments are identified and it is fairly clear what provision the surveyor made for roads. These allotments were offered for sale in August 1851. Five allotments in the Park Road area were re-offered in January 1852 suggesting they did not sell at the first auction. The description of the allotments in the Government Gazette proclaiming the sale (and subsequently reported in the Moreton Bay Courier) identify the road reserve which would become Coronation Drive, describing it as ‘1 chain 50 links wide from high water mark’. The GG also refers to this as the ‘present road to Brisbane’. This is somewhat confusing, at least west of Boundary Creek. To this point the road would be a logical extension of North Quay, beyond this there is no indication that any of the creeks had been bridged on the early surveys. The c1851 plan, the balance of the riverfront land from Western Creek to just beyond Toowong Creek, was offered for sale from 1852. This included the first land to be sold in St Lucia, Portion 7 which was purchased by Robert Cribb who established it as Lang Farm. Again take up must have been slow as notifications continued until at least July 1853. The 1854 plan defined the line of the balance of Milton Road, the GG noting that Portions 36 to 41 would be offered for sale by auction on 2 August 1854.



Newspaper articles 26 Dec 1857 (Moreton Bay Courier), correspondent complaining of ‘skewed’ bridge:

THE BRIDGES IN THE MILTON SUBURBS. To the Editor of the Moreton Bay Courier. Sir, I would crave a small space in your columns to draw attention to the manner in which a portion of the grant for public works has been ex-pended. When we invest our money in the erection of bridges, we may reasonably expect that those in authority will see that we secure the best possible article for our cash. Three bridges have just been erected in the Milton suburbs, one near to Mr. McDougall's, and two others at intervals towards Lang Farm. The first does not seem objectionable, the second is below the level of the road; but, being anxious to avoid, the reputation of being a mere grumbler, I avoid further comment. The third, however, is a very stupid job, and, to the eye of a person uninitiated in the mysteries of Government engineering, presents a perfect puzzle. The workmanship in all those structures does not appear, to be open to censure, the fault is in the plan of the third ! Instead of being placed so as to form a continuation of the right line of the road, the third bridge crosses it diagonally ! The creek does the same, and the party preparing the plan seems to have been anxious to set the bridge square across the latter ! I should like to see our Engineer (if it is his planning) drive a team of bullocks and a dray past the sharp angle of this bridge. It is possible that he has been unjustly censured, and that he is not to blame for this waste of money, so pitiable, where a few pounds more would have avoided the evil. Who then is it attributable to, the Engineer himself, the Board of Works or the Board of Incapables may be doubtful, but this is certain, that as at present constructed, the bridge in question is made to fit the road to Nowhere. VIATOR.

9 Jan 1858 (MBC), separation meeting, complaints about lack of investment in Moreton Bay by NSW government, cites ‘skew’ bridge as an example of grudging expenditure 13 Mar 1858 (MBC), correspondent complains of roads being fenced in by adjacent owners, suggests more frequent inspections. Example noted in Milton Suburbs, however, notes roads fairly lightly used 5 Feb 1859 (MBC), correspondent notes two bridges along the river after leaving Brisbane (by this time the town boundary had been moved west to Boundary Creek). One in the vicinity of Robert Cribb’s new house Dunmore (Western Creek), one in the vicinity of the Markwell’s original Moorlands Villa (Langsville Creek). [He takes a side trip on his journey to Moggill, crossing a creek by a fallen tree (Toowong Creek) to have a look at Lang Farm] 21 Feb 1860 (MBC), Council meeting, considering using prisoners on road making including the ‘continuation of the road to Milton’ 12 Apr 1860 (MBC), correspondent from South Brisbane complaining of Mr Cribb’s comments/proposals in respect to town ferries (SB’s go to church in NB by ferry). Mr Cribb would soon complain if they put tolls on the bridges at Milton 31 Mar 1862 (Brisbane Courier), Milton Bridge repairs underway, closed to traffic, described as ‘condemned’



4 Apr 1862 (BC), Goal construction, stone landed at the wharf near Milton Bridge, tramway being installed to site to transport it Oct 1862 (BC), Milton Bridge at Boundary Creek, government resolved to replace. A timber bridge with stone piers proposed 14 Nov 1862 (BC), Milton Bridge pulled down for rebuilding 9 Jan 1863 (BC), Dept of Lands and Works - tenders received for clearing and stumping Milton Road from Milton Creek to Water Reserve 14 Mar 1863 (BC), Milton Bridge, noted still working on piling for piers. Delays caused by rushes of water down the creek washing away temporary dams etc needed for piling activities 18 Apr 1863 (BC), night soil being dumped off North Quay onto wharf next to Milton Bridge 15 Aug 1865 (BC), Real Estate advert notes Milton Road (river) has been perfectly formed recently, converting it to one of the pleasantest carriage drives out of Brisbane Summary Warner’s 1849 Road – the proposed alignment of the Milton section appears to have been superseded by the opening up of this area for land sales (likely only existed on paper) Milton Road – alignment identified by the mid-1850s although limited information revealed on the state of roadmaking Coronation Drive – alignment identified by the mid-1850s, main creeks bridged by 1857 (although Langsville Bridge skewed and compromised for bullock wagons), ‘carriage’ friendly by 1865 So which road for the early St Lucia settlers in the early 1860s ? No clear answer at this stage, perhaps it depended on what you were transporting.

31 morton bay district surveyor's office · 2017-01-31 · apr 1851, plan of 12 allotments on...

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