Book Description

This volume of eleven papers had its origins back in June 1992 when the Brisbane History Group presented a seminar entitled ‘150 years ago: Profiles of Brisbane in 1842’ at the Commissariat Stores. Most of the papers delivered on that day were published in a previous volume, Brisbane: Squatters, settlers and surveyors, BHG Papers No.16. Although it was intended that the focus of this collection would be primarily immigration, the more general term arrivals has been chosen to more accurately reflect the inclusion of some of the earlier chapters dealing with exploration, survey and settlement. Written by amateurs, professionals and academics, the chapters look at the achievements, contributions and, sometimes, the failings of a number of these early ‘arrivals’. Themes include: • John Thomas Bigge’s report and its significance for the future settlement and development at Moreton Bay • the difficulties in establishing a settlement • the work of the valiant and largely unsupported missionaries at German Station • the arrival and impact of the first free migrants to travel directly to Moreton Bay • the voyage of the Fortitude and the trials and tribulations of the Lang migrants • the life of John Clements Wickham and the many roles he performed • the life of soldier, surveyor and sugar industry pioneer Captain Claudius Whish • the rector’s daughter who helped impoverished silk ribbon weavers in the English Midlands emigrate to Australia • the effect of the short-lived immigration policy which sought to ‘populate’ Queensland with skilled tradesmen • the effectiveness of emigration agents in promoting Queensland to the Scots • the story of a Brisbane wharf which witnessed changes in shipping, cargo and the ultimate demise of the city’s industrial heritage Not all the schemes and dreams were successful, but overall the chapters tell of groups and individuals who were prepared to rise to each new challenge in their determination to make a better life for themselves in early Brisbane.