Copy of a photo of Cribb & Foote Store, Fernvale, Qld, c.1873
Picture Ipswich

Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser (Qld.), Wednesday 13 May 1891, page 3

Fernvale and Lowood. 

(BY OUR TRAVELLING REPORTER) 

Fernvale is a rapidly rising township of but comparatively recent growth that has sprung up around the railway station of the same name on the Esk line. 

The business places comprise a large and commodious store belonging to Messrs. Cribb and Foote, and managed by Mr. A. Phelps; Mr. J. Schureck’s general store; several smaller stores; a local bakery the property of Mr. A. Phelps, and managed by Mr. Gracie; Mr . W. Buelow’s blacksmithing and wheel right works; Mr. H. Jenkin’s saddler’s shop; Mr. W. Pooles butchering establishment; Mr. Zechting’s boot-maker shop, and sundry other places of minor importance. Good accommodation for man and beast is to be found at Mr. G. Brightwell’s fine hostelry, while Mr. E. Shine, of Dundas, has erected a large hall in which entertainments of all sorts are held. 

Amongst other items of note I may mention that Mr. M’Gregor the new station master who has replaced the popular “Jimmy” Kelly, appears to have already got upon a good footing with the travelling public. The Fernvale Amateur Minstrel Troup, notwithstanding the fact that they were only established in February of this year, have even now shown that many of their members are possessed of undoubted talent in the comic and dramatic line. Mr. Jos. Wade is the manager of the company, Mr. F. Ferguson secretary and musical director and Mr. R Beard treasurer. The Lions share the work falls upon these three office bearers and they have used their efforts assiduously to promote the interests and welfare of the troup. The local entertainments given by them are evidently appreciated by the inhabitants of the township and surrounding districts, and they have been accorded fairly liberal support. 

The day in which I arrived in Fernvale was miserably wet and the two previous days had also been accompanied with down pours of rain, consequently the streets, or more correctly speaking the street, for there is only one street of any importance in Fernvale was in a wretched condition, being knee-deep in mud. The townspeople are in hopes that the Walloon Board will take speedy measures to alter this state of affairs, and make a decent highway for a distance of half-a mile or so between the railway station and the State School. If the repairs are not affected before long, and rainy weather continues, those interested will have reached the stage in which “hope deferred maketh the heart sick.” The members of the Board therefore would do well to take the hint, and “mend their ways” accordingly. 

Some idea of the magnitude and resources of the Fernvale district may be obtained by noting the quantity of timber and produce that is deposited daily at the railway station. 

The night on which I stayed in Fernvale an entertainment was given in a tent by Professor Lorenski, an itinerant show man, who travels through the country, and periodically visits the larger town ships. Despite the wet weather and muddy roads, there was a very fair attendance. Feats of jugglery, of by no means a despicable order, constituted the first portion of the programme, while the second was devoted to a lecture on physiognomy. The natural acuteness of the professor has been sharpened by travel and observation, and his show, which is run principally by himself, is well worth a visit, and serves as a pleasant break to the monotony of country life. The audience on the night in question were respectful and attentive, but, almost severely critical. 

On the outskirts of the township is the State School. The building was originally one of Harris’s cotton-ginning establishments, but has been considerably improved by the Department of Public Instruction. Theirs is a large attendance of pupils, and Mr. Cooper is the presiding genius. 

After passing Messrs. Boyce and Wade’s farm, the Brisbane River is encountered. Signs of the devastation worked by the recent flood is here apparent in every direction. The crossing place into North’s Pocket is extremely steep and as it is the natural outlet for a large farming community, a few pounds spent upon it by the local Board would not be amiss. I commend the suggestion to the members in the confidence that it will be accorded consideration upon its merits. North’s Pocket is not by any means so insignificant in size as some people might be inclined to infer from the name. It consists of a large circular shaped piece of land bounded on three sides by the Brisbane River. To traverse the whole distance of the river on these three sides would entail a journey of about thirty miles, although the approximating points of the river at what may be called the outlet of the pocket are only about three miles apart. The whole portion of this “peninsula,” as it may be termed, would form an excellent piece of ground for a huge irrigation scheme. Almost the whole of the land— as may be judged from the crops now produced—is composed of some of the finest soil in the colony. The water, when once pumped to one of the hills near the river, would have a gentle fall from this point over the whole of the cultivation land. A large portion of the pocket, however, was submerged during the recent heavy floods, and much damage done to crops and property. 

Immediately upon crossing the river, Mr. John McDonald’s farm is encountered. The irrigation works here have before been described in this journal. Suffice it to say that, owing to the abundant rains of the two past seasons, it has not been found necessary to use the plant. This farm, with the adjoining properties of Mr. D. Shine and Mr. J. Roulston, are about as fine specimens of agricultural work as will be met with anywhere in West Moreton. Taking the three farms together, there is an uninterrupted crop of lucerne extending for several miles, and comprising several hundred acres. As the crop this year is especially good, the magnificent greensward thus presented to view may easily be imagined by those who have any idea of the country. Mr. Shine’s farm is generally considered to be the “gem” of the district. Mr. Roulston is also the proprietor of large grazing areas, and goes in extensively for improved breeds of horses and cattle. Adjoining Mr. McDonald’s farm, on the opposite side, is the fine agricultural property of Mr. John Reid. This gentleman, together with his sons, has also property further up the river, and is engaged in the timber trade. Mr. James Donald’s place comes next and on his fine piece of land he can exhibit a splendid crop of corn. Mr. Donald has, I believe, been a prize taker in this department on more occasions than one. Adjoining Mr. Reid’s place is the residence of Mrs. McIntosh and next to this the fine cultivation farm of Mr. J. Henderson. Passing along the road by Mr. Smith’s residence, Messrs. Aldham and Jone’s property is encountered. These gentlemen have a flourishing orangery and fruit garden in front of their premises and are engaged in dairying pursuits of a somewhat extensive nature, having a cream separator of their own. The next place of note is the well-known property of Captain Vernor. His residence, prettily situated on the banks of the river, never fails to attract the attention of passengers by the Esk railway line. There is a fine stretch of water in the river immediately in front of the house. The captain is one of the leading men in the district. Adjoining his property is that of Mr. D. Anderson, who is engaged in the timber trade and also does a little farming. 

The State school has been converted into a provisional school, and is being carried on by Mrs. Kennedy, widow of the late respected headmaster. At the time of my visit great preparations for Arbor Day were in progress. Some of the young men in the district were rehears-ing for an “awkward squad” performance. The affair was kept a bit dark as it was feared that the Minister for War might get to hear of the formation of the squad and order the men to proceed out West. It is said that the knowledge of how much they would be missed rendered this undesirable in the opinion of the members. 

There are two churches in the Pocket, the Church of England, and the Presbyterian. It is pleasing to note the friendly relations that exist between the two bodies, and it is to be hoped that this desirable state of things will long continue. The Presbyterian church has only recently been built. There is such a united number of Scotchmen among the residents that the place is quite a strong-hold of Presbyterianism. 

Leaving the residence of Mr. McDonald, where I had been so hospitably entertained, I proceeded next morning along the Mount Brisbane road. Beyond Mr. Roulston’s place are the residences of Mr. Denman and a few other settlers. The most conspicuous place, however, is the fine residence and property of Mr. Peter Thomson, J.P..

Crossing the river, one comes upon what is known as the township of Wivenhoe. The township, however, consists of the Police Station, a large building intended for a public-house but not yet licensed, the residence of Mr. S. North, and one or two other private places. The genial Senior-Constable Butler is in charge of the Police Station, with Constable Graham (at present out West among the shearers) as second in command. Mr. Butler and his good-hearted wife (Miss Dowden that was) are well known in the Ipswich and Helidon districts at both of which places they lived for several years. The Senior-Constable and his assistant (Mr. Graham) are highly spoken of in the district, although their names are rather a terror to transgressors of the law. 

After leaving Wivenhoe the traveller passes for several miles through Mr. Miskin’s splendid property, known as Northbrook Station. The station house is to be seen on the left of the road, encircled with fruit trees. Still pursuing the road, with a few patches of cultivation here and there on each side Mr. E. Hine’s large sawmill at Dundas is reached. Work is still going on here, and, in times past, a great quantity of timber was turned out from this mill. It is picturesquely situated on the bank of a small creek. Besides Mr. Hine, among the residents of Dundas are Messrs. D. Stewart. R. Stewart, J. Reynolds, T. Reid, J. Gardiner, R. Varley, Mrs. Stewart, and several others. Some of these places are a few miles back from the main road. The country is extremely mountainous, and the residents are engaged principally in hauling timber to Mr. Hine’s sawmill or to Fernvale station. 

About two and a-half miles further over a very hilly road, and Deep Creek is reached. Settlement then be comes much closer. The State School is presided over by Mr. King, while Mr. J. Fluck’s residence is in close proximity to it. Taking the school as the centre of a rather extensive circle, the principal properties included will be those of Messrs. M’Farlane, S. Dickens, W. Tit marsh, J. Brown, J. Davies, J. Laugh. ran, M. Gilligan . R. A. Thompson, Mrs. J. Crows, H. Hall, A. Forbes, P. O’Brien, A. Baker, C. Cross, W. Partitt, M’Kay, Corcoran, and. several others. Little cultivation is done, although the soil is extremely rich, but dairy farming is carried out on a very large scale, excellent grass country, and the large amount of landed property held by each person; making the district eminently suited for this purpose. Many of the farmers milk as many as from 100 to 200 cows, and several have cream separators of their own. Thrift and prosperity appears to be the order of the day. 

Two miles beyond Deep Creek School and about sixteen or seventeen miles from Fernvale is the residence of Mr. Conroy, a member of the Esk Divisional Board. Here I stayed for the hight, and was again hospitably entertained. Mr. Conroy is a large landowner, and has quite a model farm, consisting of stock of all description and an excellent underground dairy built after the style of the Victorian dairies. About five miles beyond Mr. Conroy’s is Mt. Brisbane station, so celebrated for years past for its famous stud. Near the station Mrs. Cross (late of Brisbane St.) runs an hotel and Mr. Walpole (also of Ipswich) presides over the State School.

Reviewing the district from Fernvale to Mount Brisbane it may be said that, besides other crops, it is eminently suited to the growth of cotton and wheat. Around Fernvale and North’s Pocket, in the old days of the cotton boom, some of the best cotton in Queensland was grown. About Deep Creek and Mount Brisbane way, wheat has been experimented with and the most satisfactory results obtained. The establishment of the cotton factory would be hailed with delight by the farmers both around here and at Lowood. 

The country on the southern side of the road from Fernvale to Mount Brisbane is a continuous chain of well-timbered mountains, and as many as fifteen teams at a time may be seen on the road, hauling timber to the railway station. The ferns, orchids, &c., to be found among the scrub would quite entrance the residents of the town, though they are passed by as very common-place by those who are so much among them. Indications of mineral wealth have also been found among the mountains. 

My next deviations were in the direction of the Lowood district. The town ship of Lowood, though of but recent growth, has already assumed considerable dimensions. It is very picturesquely situated, and the view from the main street, in front of the Railway Hotel, looking as it does upon the river on the one side, and the mountains, with their terraced slopes of brigalow, on the other, is extremely beautiful. 

Among the business places are-Messrs. Cribb and Foote’s bulk stores; Messrs. L. Schureck, Henley Bros., and Vorenbach with general stores; Mr. H. Jansen, saddler; Messrs. M. Mulcare and Volbrecht, and F. Otto and Klatt, blacksmiths and wheelwrights; Mr.J. Janke, bootmaker; Mr. C, Beutel, butcher; Mr. J. Emmel Hainz, cabinetmaker; the Esk timber yards (Messrs. Blank Bros.); and J. J. and W. Denning’s saw-mill; and Mr. J. Irving, carpenter. The premises once occupied by the Royal Bank have now been turned into a fruit-store. The large State school is under the capable

supervision of Mr. Lawson, with Miss M’Phail as assistant teacher. There are two hotels-namely, the Lowood Hotel and the Railway Hotel. The latter is about being taken over by Mr. Thomas Mortimer, the late popular lessee of the Royal George Hotel, at Marburg. 

About two miles from tile township, in the direction of Wivenhoe, is the Lowood butter factory. Although but recently started, the factory is already doing well, and has achieved the beat of results. 

A couple of miles still further is the residence and splendid property of Mr. J. Flewell Smith, J.P. Here I was heartily welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and stayed for the night. Like many of his neighbours, Mr. Smith lost heavily through the late disastrous floods, as the water not only covered the cultivation grounds, but rose several feet in the house, destroying the piano, furniture, &c., and also a fine apiary. The grounds, however, have now been somewhat reclaimed, and the fine lucerne meadow in front of the house, dotted with fruit trees, imparts quite a cheerful appearance to the scene. Mr. Smith has a excellent irrigation plant, the water being raised by means of a Cornish pump from the Lockyer, and then distributed over the ground with a canvas hose. As there has been a deluge rather than a dearth of water for the past two seasons, the use of the plant has not been found necessary. 

Opposite Mr. Smith’s house, is the residence of his son, Mr. J. Flewell Smith, the popular captain of F. Company Rifles. It seems rather surprising that such an efficient company as this has not been called to the “seat of war,” but probably it is the intention of the Government to keep some of their more experienced forces in reserve, pending more serious complications. The Moreton men if called out will undoubtedly do credit to the district from which they come. 

Beyond Mr. Smiths place is the property of the Noonan family. They, by the gradual acquisition of land both here and at Biarra, have now become property-holders on a very large scale. Mr. G. Chislett has also some excellent land in this district, and on one farm he is at present erecting a fine new houses. Mr. F. Chapman, Mr. Nunn, and several other farmers have small areas of cotton under cultivation, and the crops appear to be exceedingly good. 

On the next day I proceeded from Lowood in the direction of Tarampa. Coming into the Lowood railway station, I encountered twenty or thirty German waggons, all laden with pigs. It appears that the agent for Messrs. Hutton and Co.’s ham and bacon curing establishment, travels through the districts, buys the pigs from the German settlers, and arranges for a day on which they are to be at the rail way station. This method of selling the pig alive should be found to work much better than the old plan of each farmer curing his own bacon. 

Settlement for the six miles along the road which I travelled is extremely close, the holdings being mostly clearings in the scrubs farmed by a German population. The view is intensely picturesque, the farms lying dotted here and there in the heart of the brigalow scrub. In some places on the mountain it is extremely steep and the produce has to be brought down the sides a few bags at a time, on a “slide,” by taking a circuitous or zigzag course. Captain Flewell-Smith, who is taking the census returns in the district, told me with a merry twinkle in his eye, that some places were so steep that the farmers had to be secured with ropes while they conducted the chipping operations. Of course this was put down as a “fairy tale,” although it is not so very far from the truth. 

At Tarampa, Mr. J. F. Oberther (late of Laidley), has opened a new public house and the place appears to be re markably clean and well conducted. Mr. Pakleppa runs a general store. The State School, which is a fine building, is under the direction of Mr. J. J. Conn, with Miss Scelle (late of Milora) as assistant teacher. The school obtained capital results at the time of the last in section and the home work done by the pupils appears to be very creditable. During the time of my visit, the children were put through the new physical drill by Mr. Conn (who is a Lieutenant in the Defence Force) and the smartness with which some of the movements were per formed was really praiseworthy. Arbor Day preparations were also in full swing. 

The district about this place gives premise of rapid development in the near future. The crop mostly.grown by the farmers is corn, diversified here and there with patches of oats, lucerne, cotton, potatoes, rosella trees, &c. Both the Fernvale and Lowood districts are essentially agricultural and dairy farming areas. With favourable seasons and the prospect of a rotation of crops coming into more general practice, the inhabitants should become a prosperous and contented community.