Rosewood History

From the Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser (Qld.), Saturday 27 February 1892, page 2

Mental Jottings on a Flying Trip through West Moreton.
SOMETHING ABOUT THE DISTRICT. [By Hector] 

During the last few weeks it has been my pleasurable lot to traverse a considerable portion of West Moreton, and a few notes on the trip may prove of interest to the readers of this journal. My time was limited, so that observations were restricted to those areas which could be viewed from some of the main thoroughfares, the range of view, of course, being enlarged when the summit of any important rise was reached. This merely, by the way, us an excuse for the omission of any place of note which may have escaped my notice. 

The question of solving the problem of the cause of the wave of general depression which is undeniably sweeping over the colony, and the remedy for such is engaging the attention of the public mind, and, in my peregrinations, it was clearly demonstrated that the farmers of this district are enthusiastic politicians. The principal and burning questions of the day appear to engage a considerable portion of their spare time, special interest being evinced in the great labour question; and the manifesto but recently issued by the Chief Secretary has, according to some, supplied them with ample food for much thought. As a rule, country residents are only too pleased to acquaint a visitor of their opinions and decisions on various subjects of interest before the country, so that an itinerant who may heave any spare time need scarcely allow it to drag heavily on his hands. Needless to say, ideas differ widely. Some look on the future as a very bright one; others may see nothing but the dark side, and predict almost unceasing depression and much want. As to what the future is to bring forth for other centres it is not my province to surmise, but to anyone at all acquainted with the outlying districts of West Moreton there can be little doubt that there is a future before it as yet undreamt of by us. 

Certainly, producers are at present complaining of the low prices that are ruling for almost every line of produce brought to market, but apart from the depression, which, of course, to some extent, accounts for it, one cannot but think that the remedy to a considerable extent is in their own hands. For instance, there are large areas of land capable of producing almost anything, and yet one runs across field after field devoted to maize exclusively. Happily, however, a slight departure has by some this year, been made from what apparently was the stereotyped path of agriculture, and it is to be hoped that the experiment will prove a satisfactory one. Indeed, it has done so in at least one case i.e. Laidley, where a quantity of wheat has been grown with the most gratifying result, as has already been announced in this journal. The proposed cotton factory, too, has given a stimulus to not a few to diverge a little from the now time-honoured custom of maize growing, and try their lock at cotton growing. Fearful lest it should prove a failure, the area planted by each individual is limited to a few acres, but it is pleasing to note that, in almost every little centre of agriculture in the district, patches of cotton in a very promising condition are to be seen, and it is the general opinion that a much larger acreage will be placed under this product next year.

Kirchheim was the first place visited. The country in this place is very undulating but the land is rich scrub soil. It is thickly populated by a very industrious people, which is fully testified to by the large and well kept farms, whilst the houses are of a most creditable and substantial nature. Unfortunately, the day before passing this rural spot, a hail-storm of extreme severity had passed over, doing its devastating work, and leaving a complete wreck and sense of desolation to gaze upon. 

Mr. H. Lutz is the proprietor of the local inn (and he, with others, suffered very considerably from the fall of the pellets); whilst Mr. W. Feeney runs a miscellaneous store in that locality. 

Passing on to Marburg, which is situated in the valley of a couple of the many hills in that quarter, the commodious and substantially built residence of Mr. T. L. Smith stands out prominently to view, whilst surrounding it and reaching to the main road is an extensive field of cane, a sight well worth seeing. He has also a great quantity of grapes growing, and goes in extensively for wine making. Last at the entrance to Marburg is the residence of Mr. J. L. Frederich, one of the local storekeepers, about which is a beautiful fruit garden. The township itself is a compact little place, and, being the centre of a large agricultural district, a large amount of business is done. There are a few commercial business houses of some importance in the village, a couple of hotels, a-baker, blacksmith, &c, whilst the Queensland National Bank has a branch here, the local manager being Mr. G. F. Müller, and the bank building being a large and handsome structure. Marburg can boast of a School of Arts, which is well utilised for concerts, the local talent in this direction, being particularly strong, and the performers are ever to the front, when the interests of Marburg are concerned, or any deserving case requires assistance. 

Leaving the State school (the popular head-master of which is Mr. C. J. Hunt), to the right, a hill is ascended, passing on the right a beautiful orchard, belonging to Mr. F. Fünkner. The house stands in the centre at the top of the cultivation, and as viewed from there the garden presents a really grand sight. Scarcely four years have passed since Mr. Fünkner took up the land, then a wild waste, and in that short space of time he has, with commendable energy and perseverance, succeeded in converting it into a little garden of Eden. Everything is carried out in a systematic manner, and almost every conceivable kind of fruit finds a place in the garden, plums, peaches, apples, pears, oranges, &o,, &o. Pineapples are allotted an exceptionally large area, whilst quantities of grapes of a particularly large size, and of an extraordinarily good flavour, are grown, and were freely sampled at the kind invitation of the proprietor. A new Court-house has just been erected in the township, and the controllers of the peace are Senior Constable Short and Constable M’Neill. 

On either side of the road leading from Marburg to Glamorgan Vale well-conducted farms are observable, on which are erected domiciles of a very comfortable kind, whilst, as a contrast to those, every here and there is to be seen the primitive hut of the early struggler in agriculture. 

About Glamorgan Vale, at the time of my visit, the various crops were looking exceedingly well. The soil here is especially good and rich, and the scene, when the crops are approaching maturity, is most pleasing. Fruits, too, succeed very well in this locality, and some grapes of a most delicious kind were sampled with the utmost satisfaction. Mr. T. Pratt, who has for many years resided in this township, and who, it is understood, gave it its name, still holds the license for the local hotel. The school is located on the top of a hill, on the left-hand aide of the entrance to the village. Mr. E. Saunders has charge of this. Everything about the place is characterised by neatness and cleanliness. That night I had occasion to attend a meeting of ratepayers in the school room, and entered the place with some degree of uncertainty as to when it would conclude, for who does not know what bickerings and wranglings often time take place at such gatherings, but, to my astonishment, the meeting was concluded in a most orderly way. The enthusiasm was shown without boisterousness, the speakers were prompt and to the point, and the motions were put to the meeting with a precision that was strikingly at variances to scenes that are at times to be witnessed at similar gatherings. 

Rosewood is an important township situated on the main Toowoomba line about twelve miles from Ipswich. It is a busy little place being the main outlet for the inhabitants of the Rosewood Scrub. There are several well conducted and good sized houses of business, the chief amongst them being those of Messrs. J. L. Frederich with Mr. W. H. Ruhno as manager, Messrs. Prebble and Co., and Mr. D. Pfrunder, besides several smaller shopkeepers, whose names and actual occupations I cannot recall. There are four hotels, and on either side of the line, on the approach to the township, stands a sawmill, which adds still more to the business importance of the place. The proprietor of that to the left is Mr. W. H. Collett, and that to the right in run by Messrs. Wohlgemuth and Spann. When these are in full swing, the continual thumping of the machinery with the unceasing rattle of the farmer’s waggons leaving for the station, from which, it might be mentioned, large quantities of produce are consigned almost daily, the stranger is impressed with the true value of such a township. 

Of the famous scrub or agricultural portion of that district much might be said if each of the individual holdings could be visited. A glance from a passing train is a sufficient guarantee that a pleasant time is in store for the rambler through the scrub, and nothing is lost in the actual undertaking.

 

Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser (Qld.), Thursday, 3 March 1892, page 2

Mental Jottings on a Flying Trip through West Moreton. [By Hector.]

A run of a couple of miles or so from Rosewood, past fields of rustling maize, brings one, just after leaving Mr. M. Bensley’s dairy, to the Ashwell State school, which, to put it mildly, is a model place, Mr. Jno. Taylor, the head teacher, is a type of a man that is seldom met with in the country. That he is studious is a conclusion which cannot but be arrived at by anyone after a short conversation with him and an introduction to his library, the latter being a collection of books that would do credit to any public institution of that nature. Care has evidently been exercised in their choice, for there is none of that light trash which is not infrequently to be met with in some homes. 

As a teacher, it is needless to say that he is successful, but, then those who would not or could not learn under the tuition of such a careful and painstaking master, would not be likely to learn under another instructor. The training and forming of the young minds seems to be to him a work of love. He has many modes of working which cannot fail to attract the children. 

It is quite a treat to enter the school – it presents such a bright and cheery appearance. Round the walls are hung the school maps, and, in addition, various pictures which tend to set the place off, and which the teacher has been at great pains to carefully select. Mr. Taylor does not consider mere theoretical teaching on all subjects altogether satisfactory, and as, be says, there are many of his scholars whose knowledge of the world is limited to an area contained within a radius of a few miles of the school, he desires to impart to them as much knowledge of a practical kind as he possibly can, and this accounts for the miniature museum, which, to the wonderment of the visitor, is observed at one end of the room. Here are to be seen innumerable curiosities, as well as specimens of various ones, &c., &c., which are used to advantage during object lessons whilst the children are at any time allowed to inspect anything contained in the collection, and to question their teacher. Near this is a stand of books, and on inquiry it is ascertained that it is a small free circulating library which the teacher works amongst his pupils, an altogether novel departure in the case of a state school. 

So much for the inside, but the external appearance is none the less enchanting. In the front of the school is a good sized plot of ground which has been fenced off, and in which are planted trees, whilst there are thickly cultivated beds of flowers, the only fault to be found being that the place is rather to crowded. This is the work of Mr. Taylor and the pupils, as also is that of planting and caring for trees in other portions of the school, which is the outcome of arbor day. 

Speaking on schools a remark might be made which would apply generally to the most of the country schools in West Moreton and that is the evident benefits to the young which will follow the establishment of arbor day, judging from the country schools in this district. Previous to the institution of this day, the schoolgrounds, almost without exception, presented an uninviting appearance, but now what an agreeable change – at all events, at the seminaries under review in these notes, I found that in every case the teacher and children take great delight in caring for the trees planted on that memorable day of the year, and, in many instances, the children manifest special pleasure in keeping their flower-beds trim and tidy, and free from the encroachment of weeds, and this certainly most instil into their young minds a love for the beauties of nature. 

Leaving Ashwell school with the impression on my mind that there was many a useful lesson to be learnt from personal interviews with Mr. Taylor, a few charming cultivations were left behind, and a passing call made at Mr. W. Freeman’s and A. Rowlingson’s, each of whom are doing some good work on the soil. Then, at some risk, a cut was made through the scrub up hill and down dale, till the summits of Tallegalla Hill was reached, on which is located the State school, Mr. Watkins being the master. It was clearly noticeable that much attention is bestowed in the botanic line there, for the garden was in pretty good order. 

From this eminence, the beauties of the now famed scrub are to be seen to great advantage, as a view is commanded of the country for miles round. The place is well studded with farms, and they, with the variously designed dwellings, some apparently antiquated, the variety of crops, some on the verge of maturity with a yellow tinge, some with the deep green of the medium aged stuff and the rest with lighter tint, just peeping above the ground, the different colours of the newly-ploughed ground, dotted here and there enchanting little patches of scrub – all these form a sight that the admirer of nature might gage and muse upon for hours, in the invigorating breeze that is generally to be felt in this quarter. 

A run of a couple of miles past the holdings of Mr W. H. Austin, R. Newman, and others, and Minden is gained. Here Mr. A. Sakzzewski is without opposition in the commercial line, Mr. A. Kamp has a blacksmith and wheel-wright’s shop on the opposite corner, and there stands a similar place of business a short time distance further along the road, the State school being located a couple of miles or so farther on. 

An hour or two’s ride brings one to Rosewood. Striking for Calvert, via the scrub, the first place to touch of note, outside of the cultivations, is the premises of the Lanefield Dairy, which would repay close inspection, but I had only time to scan the outside of the building. Although not pretentious, there is sufficient evidence to be gained from a scrutiny of the exterior, and a chat with some of the share-holders to convince one that a fair amount of work is being done, and that scrupulous cleanliness is the order of the day. 

Touching at Mr. P. Lenehan’s and J. Hooker’s, a call was made on Mr. H. M. Stevens, the chairman of directors of the dairy. He has a comfortable home, with a nice piece of cultivation, and the same may be said of Mr. Geo. Colvin, who is also going in for bee-raising. 

A turn to the right and a run along towards Calvert and the farm of Messrs. C. Lane, W. Harrington, J. Henderson, J. Pickles, and C. Horne are passed, all bearing evidence of honest toil on the part of the owners, some of them having nice areas of grapes, notably at Mr Pickles. At the station there is nothing of a township, but a few private dwellings surround the place -those of Messrs. W. Mehan, J. Sharkey, and others about which are cultivated patches which relieve the monotony of forest view, whilst a quarter of a mile or so from the station is the house of instruction. 

Making track for Grandchester, the homes of Messrs. Barrett, D. Creedy, E. and H. Rafter, and others are passed and despite that farmers are at present so heavily handicapped in the way of bad prices, these agriculturists are all working away with a will, and, like others, console themselves with the hope that better times are in store. 

The township of Grandchester is chiefly constructed of private dwellings just at this quarter, each house having its complement of ground, on most of which stand crops of some kind. The local store is run by Mr. C. J. Gentner; who is likewise the proprietor of the public-house. The place is of some importance, from the fact that the engines of the Western trains have to take water there, and, for some time past, a number of men have been engaged in the construction of a capacious dam some short distance from the township for the purpose of conserving water for the engines. For some years a refreshment room was open at the station, but a couple of months ago, through some little misunderstanding, the rooms were closed, but it is rumoured that efforts are being made to have them again re-opened. The stationmaster (Mr. Webster) is a very obliging official, and is much respected by the residents of that district.

Lowood is a thriving little township, situated on the Brisbane Valley line, about twenty miles or so from Ipswich. Taking all things into consideration, it has gone ahead wonderfully of late, and is, in fact, developing into a business centre of some importance. Approached from Glamorgan Vale over a mountainous road the resources of the district are plainly visible. It is essentially an agricultural locality, as is seen from a glance round off the highest pinnacle of the road. The view is a charming one; the crops look splendid; and there is the township reclining as it were at the foot of the hill on the banks of the Upper Brisbane River, whose meandering course can be traced for some miles. Entering the village the school, which has just recently been enlarged, owing to the large increase of pupils, is the first building to attract attention. Mr. H. Lewson is the head teacher, and I am informed that he is well liked. There are several houses of business, stores being kept by Messrs. J. D. Handley, L. Schureck, G. Spresser, and Messrs. Cribb and Foote, all of whom, under the existing conditions of trade, are doing fairly well. Mr. C. Beutel has a butcher’s shop, and there are two hotels in the place, one being run by Mr. S. Jessop, and the other by Mr. T. Mortimer. The business men of this place are enterprising people. 

On the occasion of my visit, a meeting was held to make all arrangements for the coming day’s horse racing, under the auspices of the newly formed Lowood Race Club, on the 17th of March next. Messrs. J. D.. Handley and T. Mortimer were present amongst others, as was also Captain Vernor, who promised every assistance. Everything was arranged in business-like fashion. Since then some of thee most energetic of the committee have been busy collecting, and with the most gratifying results, which have altogether surpassed the expectations of the most sanguine. Substantial prizes have been offered, and support has been promised from several quarters, so that an excellent day’s sport is in store for all who attend. 

The journey to Fernvale from here, which some five miles distant, is quite a captivating one, and the attention of the observant traveller is engrossed during most of the time on the sights to be seen en route. For some little distance, the river bounds the road on one hand, while there is a precipitous rising on the other. On emerging from this temporary enclosure, there is opened to view a grand sight of the beautiful rich fields of produce – the bulk being maize, but there are some fine and promising areas of cotton, which the growers are in hopes will to some extent recoup them for the loss in the low prices ruling for maize, whilst there are also several patches of oats. (To be Continued.)