FOUNDING FAMILIES CELEBRATION
VENUE: CITY HALL, BRISBANE,
OCTOBER 13, 2009
On October 13 2009 in City Hall a re-enactment of the founding of Brisbane Municipality was played out for the Brisbane 150 Celebrations Founding Families Celebration.
Invited guests included descendants of the first aldermen of the newly formed municipality, past Lord Mayors and Councillors.
Accolades flew thick and fast following the event, which was attended by the Governor, the Member for Brisbane Central and the Lord Mayor.
It was both a pleasure and privilege to work with the talented team of actors who, dressed in period dress and aided by modern technology, convincingly became the characters they were all portraying.
The event was a mixture of tradition and technology with a live feed of a filming by City Hall Restoration.
Images used in a prelude presentation were supplied by ABC Printing and were used in the publication of Brisbane 150 stories which sold out on the first day of distribution.
The script, written by our Director, has been archived in local, state and the national libraries.
THE PLAYERS
John Petrie 37 Building Contractor Mayor AND Contemporary MC
Norman Doyle
James Gibbon,Government Appointed Returning Officer
Alex Lanham
Robert Cribb 54 Retailer
James Fitzgerald
George Edmonstone 50 Butcher
David Bell
Albert John Hockings 33 Nurseryman and Seedsman
Mark Fell
Joshua Jeays 47 Architect and Builder
Gavin Drogemuller
Patrick Mayne 35 Butcher, Newspaper Proprietor
Cal Crilly
William Pettigrew 34 Baker Businessman
Daniel Grey
Thomas Blackett Stephens 40 Small scale industrialist, Newspaper contractor
Greg Stiff
William Sutton 69 Hotel keeper
John Sayles
George Warren 31 Cafe Proprietor
Jonathan Howard
Hecklers
Darcy Maddox, Peter Denham and
2 x Members Australian Army Band
Script researched, written
© Carolyn McDowall 2009
The Culture Concept
Commissioned by
Caz Osborne, Project Officer
Brisbane 150 Celebrations
Brisbane City Council
BRISBANE: A CRUCIBLE FOR CHANGE
IMAGE - COURTESY OF ABC PRINTING, BRISBANE, BRISBANE 150 STORIES
SCRIPT FOR FOUNDING FAMILIES CIVIC EVENT
...Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city with a robust cultural life applying its creativity to generate innovative solutions in the fields of medical research, science, design, the arts, resource management and sustainable urban living. It is a multicultural city of opportunity, one whose layers of diversity enrich ennoble and embolden us all.
Our Brisbane was founded in 1859 on the hopes of a people whose visionary leaders looked to the future daring to imagine and plan for what it might be possible to achieve. Because of their significant achievements our Brisbane is today a creative city, one of great optimism… and a crucible for change…
GIBBON
Gentlemen, on Saturday September 3 1859 after a successful petition by 420 householders it was reported in the Moreton Bay Courier that our Brisbane had been proclaimed a municipality. A proclamation in the Government Gazette at Sydney on September 6 made
it official. The Governor General Sir William Thomas Denison appointed me, James Gibbon, Returning Officer for Brisbane Municipality.
We meet at temporary offices in the Police Court today to announce the result of the subsequent poll for the election of nine aldermen for the city of Brisbane. Gentlemen, your names are all declared this day Thursday 13th October 1859 at noon…
HECKLER 1
HEY JIM…HOW ABOUT THE AUDITORS…
… only two of the gentlemen proposed were eligible and I now declare Mr Ebsworth and Mr. Phelan elected….
GIBBON continuing... Now, gentlemen...your election represents the inauguration of constitutional liberty, which the citizens of Brisbane have fought for. Brisbane is a dominant urban centre for the north; linked by land with the northern pastoral settlement and by sea with Sydney and London. It serves pastoral holdings, provides surplus labour and displays commercial initiative.
We have all the basic amenities of a civilised society. Education, churches, a hospital and free press, as well as a growing consciousness of the opportunities, which lay ahead.
Some 5000 residents have demonstrated their readiness to have you guide their affairs. Your role is to establish procedures, construct the municipality machinery and have a care and responsibility for town infrastructure.
To make it work you need to create a method for closing the gap between function and finance. Alderman Cribb - would you take the chair please for the purpose of electing the 1st Mayor at Brisbane.
CRIBB
Gentlemen, thank you, thank you…. you have given me more work to do today and I welcome you to this important meeting… indeed a momentous occasion.
It is our duty to elect the chief man on the seat of judgment; his must be a simple dignity to proclaim the will of the people. It is incumbent upon me to invite you to introduce yourselves so we may best elect the one man who will lead us forward.
I will make a start…
Robert Cribb 54 arriving at Moreton Bay in 1849 on the good ship Fortitude I opened a bakery and supported the founding of a Merchant Group to assist with the growth of the commercial interests in the city. I supported separation from New South Wales and am vigorously opposed to a revival of convictism, forced labour of any kind and support free settlement. Please know I pledge to do my duty and give notice I will cautiously guard the expenditure given into our care.
EDMONSTONE
George Edmonstone age 50. Born Edinburgh, Scotland my father died when I was 12 so in 1832 seeking a new life I immigrated to New South Wales. I arrived at Brisbane in 1842 hoping to profit from trade with the newly settled Darling Downs as a butcher. Active in the affairs of the town I seek to be involved in it’s planning. Quiet by nature I would rather be seen fulfilling my obligations, than heard…
HECKLER 2
WHAT BOLLOCKS GEORGE…who are you kidding…
HOCKINGS
Albert John Hockings - 33 - a seedsman…I came on the William Jardine in 1841. My good fortune began on the brigantine Sarah Wilson in 1846. On the journey we visited a number of South Pacific Islands and I collected a great variety of seeds and plants. When we arrived here at Brisbane I realised this was the place to cultivate new crops – so I stayed. I have a keen interest in the growth of agriculture and want to serve this city well.
HECKLERS: GOOD ON YOU HOCKINGS
PETRIE
Gentlemen, John Petrie. Aged 37. Born Edinburgh, Scotland I arrived at Sydney with my family in 1831. My father became Clerk of Works at Moreton Bay in 1837 and was its first free settler. As a young man I accompanied him on many explorations, especially into the hinterland around Brisbane. As a result I am well acquainted with the indigenous peoples, the vagaries of the land and, the enormity of the task ahead. A man of practical experience and common sense I want to assist establish a system of municipal administration that delivers great public works and services, especially a clean water supply.
JEAYS
Gentlemen, Joshua Jeays 47 an architect, stonemason and carpenter my wife Sarah and I and our three children immigrated to Moreton Bay in 1853 from Leicestershire in England building our first home - Roma Villa on Roma Street. I thank you for my election and congratulate you on the choice of men you have made. They are all men prepared to do their duty…
HECKLER
HEY JEAYS SHUT UP
JEAYS continuing...I suppose your motive for rudeness is so you can tell people you told an Alderman of the 1st council to shut up…my advice…well take your own advice…gentlemen, thank you…the prospect of being involved in the development of Brisbane as a municipality is as exciting as the prospect of erecting fine buildings for prominent citizens that leave a mark on the history of this place.
MAYNE
Gentlemen…Patrick Mayne 35 born Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. In 1848 I purchased the goodwill of a butcher shop in Queen Street Brisbane. With little formal schooling myself I want to contribute to the growth of education at Brisbane. My concerns are also with matters practical such as water, sewerage, the levelling of streets, ensuring rates are paid and, appropriately spent. I’m proud to be an alderman of the first council at Brisbane and thank all those who have valued what I have done. I want to work, not talk.
PETTIGREW
William Pettigrew 34 - born near Ayr, Scotland I arrived in the Fortitude with promises of work as a surveyor that did not eventuate. For the first three years I worked a farm at Woogaroo. In 1853 I established the first steam sawmill in William Street. It is my desire to support the moves to end convict transportation and encourage free immigration. Noted for my determination, which I freely admit borders on stubbornness at times - I do have a vision for this city and will promote its railways, improve sanitation and actively advocate for forest conservancy.
STEPHENS
Thomas Blackett Stephens - 40 encouraged by a cousin I emigrated in 1849 and became a wool broker. Arriving at Brisbane in 1854 I founded my first enterprise at Ormiston and purchased land at Stones Corner and Annerley. My business interests include fellmongery, which involves removing hair from hides by hand prior to tanning. Broadcasting the founding of Brisbane to the world is very important - so I am presently working toward acquiring a newspaper business. We have been elected to work and I accept the post as a matter of duty….
SUTTON
William Sutton 69 eldest here - a Hotelkeeper at Kangaroo Point I have an interest in the advancement of this city and am prepared to advocate in its best interest.
I am honoured to be elected and will use my influence to distribute expenditure impartially.
WARREN
George Warren--- 31 --- youngest here I’m a Hotelkeeper in Fortitude valley and also a respected Café Proprietor… you may all know Harts café in Queen Street…an upmarket and popular establishment. My views on many of the issues facing us are well known …and, both liberal and progressive.
HECKLER
HEY WARREN YOU MADE A BET YOU SHOULD BE AT THE HEAD OF THE POLL NOT THE BOTTOM…
GIBBON
Thank you Gentlemen, now as Aldermen it would not be competent to elect a Mayor until after the official declaration has been read
HOCKING
I disagree….the council is not perfect until the Mayor is elected.
MAYNE
Gentlemen I propose Mr John Petrie as Mayor for two reasons, his long residency and consequent intimate knowledge of our wants. Secondly, in deference to public opinion, which by recording a large majority of votes in his favour has expressed its will to elect him by popular acclamation?
SUTTON
I second the nomination of Alderman Petrie as Mayor of Brisbane
CRIBB
…all those in favour say ‘aye’….
ALL Aye…
CRIBB
Then, it is unanimous. Gentlemen let us invite Brisbane’s The Worshipful, the Mayor John Petrie to address us.
PETRIE
Gentlemen I beg to return thanks for the great honour you have done me, and express my deep sense of the generous manner in which you have welcomed me.
Proud of your confidence, encouraged by your empathy I will discharge the duties of the office of Mayor faithfully. We are no rude, uncultivated horde of quarrelsome border men as systematically represented by the metropolitan press in the past. The faults others affected to find with us are all upon the surface. Beneath lies the strong sense of men who value the privilege too highly not to use it well.
No grander sight in the world can be exhibited than a community of free men assembling to frame their own laws, arrange their own taxation and control the expenditure of their own revenues. The people do not want old habits, old traditions or old convictions. They want us to increase public service: endow the church, feed the poor, guard the land in case of war and,
above all, execute justice.
We have a lot to consider: the perilous present state of the cities water supply, the continuing appalling state of our thoroughfares, the ongoing threat to the safety of women and children and we need to urgently regulate the ferry service. To achieve our aims we need to come together with perseverance, unanimity and determination and deliver Brisbane as a crucible for change… …change, gentlemen, change is inevitable and in a progressive country, change is constant.
I respectfully ask that you work with me. We have plenty to do, very little money to spend, but we all share a great vision for this city. Prudence demands we select active men to assist us to take up the challenge, watch over her interests, and take her forward... power is a trust and we are all accountable for its exercise; from the people and for the people all springs and all must exist …
PETRIE
Gentlemen I would respectfully suggest we remember the distinguished representative of the crown. The Governor represents the power of the State but it is the people who really exercise that power and if the privilege is great, so also is the responsibility. ‘
We inherited this freedom – but permit me please one sentiment of gratitude to the good Queen Victoria who granted us justice in spite of much opposition. Let us then with one heart and one voice welcome with joy and affection her representative.
MC
Gentlemen, Ladies it is now my very real pleasure to invite to the stage Queensland’s representative to the Crown, Governor Queensland Her Excellency Penelope Wensley (AO)...
ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR
M.C.
Thank you Your Excellency.
It would be fair to say the aldermen elected in 1859 would not really have imagined a time when ladies would guide Australia’s affairs of state. It is however entirely appropriate to their vision for Brisbane as a crucible for change that the first elected female Premier in Australia would be from their home town. Representing our Premier today, would you please welcome the Honourable Member for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace to the stage please.
ADDRESS
GRACE GRACE, MEMBER FOR CENTRAL
MC
Thank you Grace Grace. Today we are acknowledging, celebrating and saluting the achievements of Brisbane’s founders, many of whom have had streets, gardens, suburbs and other places of interest named after them. Our players will now tell us about their legacy. Ladies and gentlemen, I’d ask that you please reserve your applause until the final alderman’s testimonial.
MC: James Gibbon
GIBBON: An early settler in the Newstead area I was
one of the people who petitioned Captain Wickham, the Government Resident of those days, to find ways of providing a new bridge over Breakfast Creek after the old one collapsed. It was built and opened in 1858. Known as “Street Corner Jimmy” I purchased a large tract of land in 1850 naming my property Teneriffe after one of the Canary Islands
MC: William Pettigrew
PETTIGREW: I held many memberships and was an Alderman 1863-6, the Mayor 1870 – 1871 a member of the Legislative Council 1877 – 1894 and member and chairman of the Caboolture Divisional Board in 1881. As a member of the Philosophical Society of Qld I delivered many lectures five of which were published. A founder of the Caledonian Association, Justice of the Peace from 1864 I was a magistrate, member of the Board of Health and trustee of Paddington and Toowong Cemeteries established an insurance company and supported the building society movement. My sawmill businesses were hit by flood, fire and economic depression and I was bankrupted in 1898 and laid to rest in1906 at Bowen.
MC: Thomas Blackett Stephens
STEPHENS: Renowned for my clear intellect, business tact, judgement of private affairs and furtherance of the public interest. I became Mayor in 1862 and remained an alderman until 1864. A member for South Brisbane in Queensland’s second parliament I retained my seat until 1875. I was Colonial Treasurer in 1867, Colonial Secretary in 1868 and Chairman of Trustees of the Brisbane Grammar School. Proprietor of the Moreton Bay Courier I changed its name to the Courier in 1861, floated the Brisbane Newspaper Company in July 1868 and then sold out for a handsome profit when I retired in 1873.
MC: William Sutton
SUTTON: A hotelkeeper I obtained the confidence of my fellow townsmen to secure election because they believed I could contribute because of my wide and varied experience as a practical man who had endured the rigours of pioneering.
MC: George Warren
WARREN: A member of the Queensland Liberal Association I served the council 1859 until1862 when I was actively involved in the movement to separate Fortitude Valley as another municipality that was defeated due to prohibitive costs. It did give impetus to the movement that divided the city into four wards in 1863 to alleviate discontent relating to expenditure.
MC: Robert Cribb
CRIBB: Nicknamed Robert the Restless I represented East Moreton in the NSW Legislative Assembly from 18 June until 10 December 1859, sitting with the Liberal group. I was an alderman of the new municipality of Brisbane until 1861 when I was elected to the first Qld parliament representing North Brisbane 1860 – 1863, West Moreton 1861 – 1867 and Ipswich 1870 – 1873. My major achievements were in the economic and social development of Ipswich where I founded the department store, Cribb and Foote with John Clarke Foote brother of my second wife Clarissa. We promoted the cotton growers in the West Moreton district and in return their support ensured our success.
MC: George Edmonstone
EDMONSTONE: I played an active part in municipal affairs until 1866 serving on many of the committees putting in place its infrastructure. Elected Mayor in 1863 I was closely associated with the first Brisbane Bridge and Town Hall. A Member of the Legislative Council1860 – 1877 I was made a life Member until my death in 1883.
MC: Albert John Hockings
HOCKINGS: English botanist Joseph Bank’s report on flora led to Australia’s colonization. In following my dream I became Brisbane’s leading nurseryman supplying the agricultural implement market at Brisbane. I wrote a number of books on gardening and was an Alderman 1859 – 1860 and 1864 – 1867. I was Mayor in 1865 and 1867 and served on many committees.
MC: Joshua Jeays
JEAYS: I built the gallery of 1st St John’s Church of England, homes for Andrew Petrie, John Petrie, Walter Hill, Patrick Mayne and the Cribb Family. I provided stone from my quarry for Brisbane’s first Government House, built the George St facade of Parliament House and assisted with the development of Brisbane’s drainage systems. I was Mayor when the first Victoria Bridge was erected and my home in the Paddington hills is still in the grounds of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School at Bardon, the suburb it gave its name to.
MC: Patrick Mayne
MAYNE: I built my business empire by investing cleverly becoming one of Brisbane’s richest men. Following my election in 1859 I supported education generally, contributing 100 pounds towards building the National School and I donated funds for the Catholic school system and the building of St Stephens Cathedral where my wife and I are commemorated in its stained glass windows. I served the council for the remaining six years of my life before I died aged 41 and my life and my sanity remains, for many, a subject of much controversy.
JOHN PETRIE
Mayor of Brisbane on three occasions I also served as an alderman until 1867. An elder of the Presbyterian Church, Justice of the Peace, Member of the Licensing Board, Chairman of the Board of Waterworks, Chairman of the Relief Board and Chairman of the Committee of Brisbane Hospital I was also a trustee for the Brisbane general cemetery and a ranger for protecting native birds on the Enoggera Water Reserve. A Director of several building societies and the Queensland Steam Navigation Company I was elected to the North Brisbane School of Arts Committee and a member of the first Masonic Lodge. As Manager of Petrie & Sons my family built - the Supreme Court, Post and Telegraph Offices, Immigration depot, the original section of St John’s Pro-Cathedral and the gaol at Petrie Terrace.
MC
It is scarcely possible the transcendent importance of the change that has taken place since the election of the first council. However we must not subscribe to a miserable philosophy that in our modern age ascribes everything to the ‘spirit of the age’ believing nothing can be done by the influence of individual character.
It is individual character that is the inducement to great actions and the spur to great achievements. We are all called upon to make our voices heard. Not one among us will be in a position to pursue his livelihood unless he becomes part of an enlightened majority - one that is animated by that very same ‘spirit of the age’.
The past cannot be changed. The future can. We may never reach the end of the journey, but, far from being discouraged we should be sure that what we contribute adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
Ladies and Gentlemen it is a pleasure to introduce a modern man of individual character one who firmly believes in what he can do. Our Brisbane’s Lord Mayor during its 150th anniversary year is a qualified civil engineer who was elected first in 2004 and then successfully re-elected in 2008 to bring to fruition his vision of making Brisbane a smart thinking easy living city. He is drawing on his diverse range of experience to put in place many initiatives that will support Brisbane’s future growth. Please join me in welcoming Campbell Newman, Lord Mayor, to address us.
ADDRESS BY LORD MAYOR
MC
Thank you Campbell Newman Lord Mayor. Renowned 20th century American born British Poet T. S. Eliot said ‘the purpose of re-ascending to origins is so we should be able to return, with greater spiritual knowledge, to our own situation’. The first Mayor at Brisbane guided a community of free men in a city yet to be made. In just 150 short years their vision has been exceeded many times. The change they encouraged others to embrace has been constant as well as socially progressive and Our Brisbane in 2009 is a vibrant city - a dynamic crucible for change.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we hope you have enjoyed today’s special presentation. We invite you now to celebrate living in Brisbane in its 150th anniversary year by joining us for high tea. If you would like to take a tour of our wonderful City Hall, today’s the perfect day, as it will be closing on 31st December 2009 for restoration. Feel free to view the original proclamation and other original documents from 1859 in the Museum of Brisbane exhibition City Machine. Also on Level 1 you can visit the honour boards the Lord Mayor unveiled earlier today that recognise our past city administrators and Lord Mayors.
My thanks and best wishes to you all.
Would you please rise for our National Anthem.
SCRIPT:
© Carolyn McDowall 2009
EVENT:
BRISBANE 150 FOUNDING FAMILIES CELEBRATION - CAZ OSBORNE PROJECT OFFICER
HIGH TEA:
CUISINE ON CUE - BRENT HICKS
RECORDING:
CITY HALL RESTORATION - JOHN MILLER
DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER STAGE PERFORMANCE:
THE CULTURE CONCEPT - CAROLYN MCDOWALL
Bibliography
Brisbane 1859 – 1959 A HISTORY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Gordon Greenwood, M.A. (Sydney), PhD (London)
John Laverty, B.A. (Queensland)
Edited by Gordon Greenwood
Produced by Oswald L. Ziegler for
Council of the City of Brisbane (Queensland Australia)
Moreton Bay Courier
1846 - 1861 Australian Newspapers Archive
Brisbane Courier
1861 – 1864
Ipswich First Ipswich City Council Publication
The Mayne Inheritance Rosamond Siemon
National Trust Website Queensland Book of Memories
Archive Documents Prepared by Annabel Lloyd
City Archivist
Brisbane City Council September 2008
Original Minute Book Brisbane City Council (Facsimile copy provided)
Original Proclamation
Government Gazette Mitchell Library, Sydney