
ATLAS OF AUSTRALIA—1886.
CLIMATE—Qi
of latitiido, possesses
tliere ia
•cl, Tvith a surface oxcendiug uvtsr 18 degrees
climnt« ill wliich, as migLt bo anticipated,
irietv. Tlie character of its coastline tends
also towards the eatiiblisliuient of difforoiicea. Nenr tlie sea,
the hent of suiniuer is oonsidevably modified by the trade -wiuds
whiob then prevail, [n tlie interior, there is no restraining iiiliuouce;
there the heat of the sun has its full effect on anima! and vegetable
life. On the southern portion of the Tableland, where the elevation
exceeds 2,o00 feet above the level of the sea, and, in some places,
reaches nn altitude of 8,000 feet, is seen the effect of one of the
most important modifying agents. Situated for the most part
within the torrid zone, the climate is such as is found to obtain in
all countries where the sun's rays are vertical during part of the year.
In the coast district-s the heat is tempered by the cool sea-breezes, but
there, frequently during summer months, the atmosphere becomes
charged with vnponr, and is very oppressive. Humidity is a marked
characteristic on the north coast. As distance from the sea is
increased, and generally, on the inland side of the Binding Chaiu,
the air becomes dryer, and on the plains of the interior this
dryness reaches its extreme, a condition, the effects of which are
only too e\-ident on the surrounding vegetation, and the various watei--
comses, This dryness of the atmosphere forms an aggravating
circumstance, during the i-flinless periods so much dreaded by
pastoralists and farmers. Though over the greater portion of the
iutei-ior the prevailing condition is marked by an insufficient rainfall,
yet, genei-ally speaking, tho coast district is well watered, and in some
places, condensation is not infrequently in excess of requirements. In
Febniary, J8S-1, the rainfall at Cooktown and the neighbourhood of
the Endeavour River, reached a total of over 23 inches during 24
hours, On the Johnstone River, which lies between the 17th and
18th parallels, it often exceeds 100 inches annually. The meteorological
i-etiinas for 1884-, show a total there, for that year, of 123
inches. Among the localitioa where the fall is abundant, are Cainis
Tort Douglas, Hloomiield River, Cooktown, Southport, CapeMoreton
ilackay, Hei-bert River, Low Island, Bloomsbury, and Cabooltnre
In these places, the annual average varies between 60 and 100 inches.
The average annual rainfall around Brisbane, e.>rtendiug over a period
of twenty-five years, is 49'150 inches.
During summer, the temp.^rature in the shade in various pai-ts of
the colony often reaches 00° Pahr,, and not infrequently exceeds 100®.
The mean maximum temperature in the shade at Brisbane, during tbf
hottest month, is SO-S"; :it Rockhampton, 79-2"; at Townsville
81-6®; at Cooktown, 8.5-2''; and at Goode Island in Tmres Strait
The following table illustrates the principal elements of climate ai
ascertained at the more important observing stations in the colony:—
In general terms, it may be said that the climate of Queensland
though extremely hot in summer, especially on the low lands of thi
interior, is healthy, and favourable to the constitutions of Europeans
The weather, during a considerable portion of the year, is genial and
pleasant, the sky clear, and the atmosphere bracing. On tho Tableland,
the natural conditions are even more favourable to continued
health. This part of the colony is therefore regarded as one well
suited to invalids. Winter brings with it cool nights, and days bright
as an Italian spring. Fever and ague are not uncommon on the low
lands which line the banks of some of the northern rivers, but it i.-
found, that as the area under cultivation becomes extended, the
liability to these diseases .sJiows a marked decrease.
POPULATION.—For many years after tho first settlement in th,.
territory now embraced within the colony of Queensland, its |)0]iulation
was treated as being included in New South Wales, of which it
formed a part. ITie distance of the principal settlement from Sydney
and the importance of the situation commercially, developed, at
very early period, independence of action, and created a. divergence
of interests, which, moro than anj-thing else, prepared the way for
subsequent sepai-ation and tho foi-mation of a new governing centre.
The first settlement within the boundaries of the colony took place in
connection with the convict system; a penal station was proclaimed
at Moretori Hay in 182(i, and tho transfer was made, about four years
afterwards, of 1,000 prisoners from Sydney, guai-dcd by 100 soldiers.
Abo\it the year 1840, the suri-ouuding country began to be occupied
by free settlei-s, and in 1842, a magistrate was appointed, The first
immigrants arrived in 1848, and during 184!) and 18.'50, the numbera
were considerably increased. In 1851, the population was about
8,575. During the following decade, the small settlement extended
rapidly, and much of the back country became occupied for pastoral
]iurposes. In 1860, tho year after separation from Ne^v South Wales,
tho population of Queensland amounted to 28,056. At the close of
1870, the numbers had increased more than fourfold, 115,5(57 being
the official return. In 1881, the census gave a retui-n of 2I3,.")2.5,
and at the end of 1684, the numbei-s were 30f),91S. 'L'lie population
of the colony, according to the census returns of 188G, is 822,853,
the capital embracing about one-seventh of this number. The
prinoi])al centres, other than the metropolis, are situated either on
the eastern seaboard, or-within the coast territory. The townships of
the interioi-, with but few exceptions, are sparsely pojnilated. This
fact, liowever, must be viewed in connection with the ago of the
colony, which does not yet cover a period of 30 years.
The discovery of gold on the banks of the Fitxroy River, in 1858,
somewhat accelerated the increase in population, for though the
" rush " proved disastrous in many respects, it directed attention to
the now territory, and led to settlement of a more enduring character
thau that which results, generally, from mining. The following table
will illustrate the rise of population in the more important centres
during the three quinquennial periods 1871-1876, 1876-1881,
and 1881-1886:—
iTiox or 74 low:
. 187:-187G. ]S7
w
S i S ; : :
s i î ! "
Kiiigsho™
¡ - . i f
Ì7U
i s
u
i n
I t will be observed that the incroa.se presents a considerable
amount of variation, the rate in some cases being widely different
from that obtaining in others. Where deci'eases ai e evident, it is, for
the most part, due to a decline in mining, in localities formerly
prospei-ous. The establishment of ti-ade, the extension of agi'iciUture
in iind around the coast t.owns, and the Steady progress of tho
QUEENSLAND. 11
pastoral ludu.stry farther inland, have a direct tendency towards the
gradual increase of population, and tho development of settlement,
enduring and substantial in character, and devoid entirely of the
ephemei-al element which foi-ms so conspicuous a feature of many of
tho mming centres of Australia. Though largely indebted to vast
mineral treasures for its prominent position, tho colony owes much to
the fei-tility of Its soil, and the suitability of its weil-grassed slopes
and fertile vaUeys to the pasturing of (locks and herds.
The gradual increase of population, caused by the e.'icess of births
over deaths, and by immigration, for each year between 1800 and
1884, is shovvn on the following table:—
S S s
LAND.-l'he aim of recent legislation in Queensland hx-s been in
the direction of retaining, so far as possible, the public estate, in
oraer to clenve therefrom a pei-manent revenue, and a share for the
commonwealth of the rising value resulting from an increased population.
The principle of lease has, therefore, received more p^minence
than m the past, while the limits of sale have been somewhat narrowed
The history of tlie land question in older countries furnishes
evidence of the wisdom of such a policy. The greater part of the
colony is, and ha« been since its settlement, held under a lease te
but the Act at present in force, though increasing the rent of le
makes their position much more secure, and provides for compens
1, Kxiscing pastoral leases.
2, Agricultural and grazing farms.
3, Occupation licenses.
•t. Sales by auction.
5. Special grants, leases, and reserves.
The administration of the law is vested in the Tllinister for Lands,
a Laud Board consisting of two persons ajipointed by the Governor in
Council, and Commissioners. The supreme authority rests with the
Minister for the time being; questions upon which the members of
tho Boai'd do not agree a re referred to him for decision. The proceedrags
of the Land Board are similar to those of the ordinaiy courts of
iustice. Inquiries are held in various parts of the colony, disputes aa
to boundaries of holdings settled, conflicting claims decided upon, and
rent and compensation valuations determined. Section 21 provides
for appeal to the Snpremo Court, in cases where tho decision of the
Land Board is not satisfactory. The Commissioners act under the
Board, and deal .vitli questions relating to the granting or refusal of
lease and purchase ajiplications. Their decisions, however, are not
final, unless confirmed by tho Board.
The exUting pastoral leases, the interests in which receive confiideration
in the law of 1884, have arisen tinder the Pastoi-al Leases
Act of 1869, the Settled Districts Pastoral Leases Act of 1876 and
the Amending Act of 1882. Lessees under these statutes may apply
to tho Secretary for Lands to have their runs brought under tho
operation of the existing law. The inducements to such a course are
the increased security of tenure, and the provision for compensation
upon resumption of the land by the Crown. Section 20 provides for
tho division of runs. Each holding is divided into two parts-^ne
called the rasmncd purl, and the other known as the Icnsehold
area. The portion of the run retained by the original lessee is
secwed to him under lease for a term of ten or fifteen years. The
for agricultural settlement and grazing
r portion of the Act. These lands may. however,
grazing right by the original occupiers until,
on of settlement, they become divided into smaller
F the la
Pri<
required by the Crown,
to the constitution o ... -f- Queensland a. ^ a separate governing
, - considerable area of both town and country lands bad been
disposed of by auction sale, under the autliority of the Cro>vn. This
area, however, is very small, compared with the vast extent o
colony. The followug table shows the number of acres alienated
each year from 1842 to 1850 inciu:
The fear of retarding, and placing obstacles in the way of settlement,
has hitherto done much to ma.uoam. to its lullest o'
to its fullest extent, the
policy of alienation of the pubHc lauds, regai-dless of the reqi
off I The experiences of a new countiy, untrammelled
by the hoaiy usages and customs of past centuries, have sho^vn th„.
such a fear has no foimdation in fact. With his capital inve.sted in
imin'ovements and the necessary stock, the lessee of the C.•o^vn is less
l.kely to succumb to the vicissitudes of a varying climate, than the
purchaser in fee simple, who is compelled to sink part of his nrevious
earnings in obtaining a title to hold and occupy. That ex,,erience in
t b s direction is not confined to Queensland alone, but is found to
obtam in the older colonies, may be acce|ited as additional evidence
in tavour of lease tenure as compared with purchase.
n e Crown Lands Act of 1884, which came into opemtion on the
1st March, 1885. after taking into consideration ],reliminary matters.
farms under anoth
be retained undei
through the extens
holdings.
Land
lud c
deals with
ected V th the ad;niiii.5tration of tho
> selectors of agricultural or grazing farms are
defined by proclamation, after being divided into lots containing
areas suited to the character of the soil, and the surrounding climatic
conditions. Agricultural farms must not exceed 1,280 acres, nor be
less than 320 acres; in other cases the maximum is fi>cod at 2,560
acres. An agricultural fai-m is leased for a term of fifty year.«, and a
grazing farm for thirty years. 'I'he agricultural fanner must either
enclose his holding with a good substantial fence, or make improvements
upon it of an equal value, within five years from the issue of his
license, while the selector of a gi-ai-.ing farm is required to fence his
land within three years. The penalty, in each ease, for non-observance
of this condition, is the forfeiture of the claim. An extension of time
is gi-aoted whore the cause of delay is unavoidable. Residence, either
in person, or by a recognised agent, is also necessaiy during the term
of lease. Pastoral lessees, that is, those who hold runs, are not
permitted to take up areas as agricultural or grazing farms. This
made to prevent monopoly of the land by the adjoining
largo 0^vnBr3, and tends towards the settlement of a rural population.
Section 73 provides for the acquisition of freehold by selectors within
agricultural areas, after a personal occupation of the land for a period
of ten years. Whore the area does not exceed 160 acres, the selector
may become the purchaser of his holding before the expiration of seven
years from the commencement of his term of lease, upon proof that he
has occupied the land for a period of five years, and that improvements
to the value of ten shillings per acre have been efiected. The application
of this part of the law is limited to one holding in the case of
3ach selector, and is otherwise restricted.
Occupation licenses are granted over certain Crown lands from
,-ear to year. Such tenure is only applicable to what would othervise
be -waste lands. Distance from ordinary means of communication
sterility of soil, and the effects of droughts, not infrequently unite to
render the fixed occupation of large tracts in the northern and
westei-n parts of the colony, notonly nnremunerative to the pastoralist
but almost impossible. Such lands are. for the most part, remote
from towns and villages, and lie. generally, on the confines of settlement.
Tho increase of population, and the gradual extension of
pastoral and agricultural interests towards the interior, will have
the effect, ultimately, of reducing the area under annual license,
and causing absorption in the runs, and agi-icultural and grazing
Land within towns, and in the immediate vicinity thereof, is sold by I
auctibn, after being surveyed and due notice given of such intended I
sale. Within tho boundaries laid down for a'town, no allotment
exceed one acre. The areasof suburban lands may vaiy between