QUEENSLAND'S GERMAN CONNECTIONS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

In vino veritas? A petition to the new Queensland parliament, in 1863, “praying for” (to use the language of the time, still anachronistically used today) a railway line from Ipswich to Dalby was, coincidentally, accompanied by another “from certain German freeholders and residents of Toowoomba and Drayton, praying for the appointment of an agent in Germany, to propose emigration thence to Queensland.” Both petitions were “received” according to the Thursday 23 July issue of The Courier, but the railway took rather more doing. Two years later, following what today we might politely term ‘vigorous public debate’ – especially having regard to the stiff and flowery formality of the English language of the time – Queensland opened the first narrow-gauge main line railway in the world: the 16 mile (25km) sector from Ipswich west to Grandchester, on 31 July 1865. Two years and several hundred thousand pounds’ Sterling later, and 1,400 feet (426m) higher, the line at last arrived at Toowoomba, atop the escarpment of the Main Range at the head of the Lockyer Valley, with the broad and fertile plains of the Darling Downs at its back now open to the world. Governor Sir George Ferguson Bowen gcmg (pictured opposite) was intended to do the honours on 30 April 1867, but Works Secretary John Watt deputised in his stead. THE GERMAN ADDRESS TO HIS EXCELLENCY. The following address from the German farmers of the district, was handed to the Hon. John Watts by a deputation on Wednesday morning shortly before his departure for Brisbane, for presentation to the Governor, and with it was the following products, which were sent down as a present to Lady Bowen:— Four doz. wine by eight different growers, large variety of vegetables, grapes, melons, figs, &c., and several bouquets of flowers. To his Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bowen, Knight Grand Cross of the most distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, Captain-General and Governor in-Chief of the colony of Queensland and its dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same, &c., &c., &c. “MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY “When important national works are carried out annihilating time and space, and the rich country of the Darling Downs is brought within close proximity to the metropolis, it becomes us all as loyal subjects of her most gracious Majesty the Queen to

offer to her representative our homage of respect on the inauguration of so great a boon. “Though far removed from our fatherland, we appreciate the benefits conferred by a wise and prudent Government, and we hail with satisfaction the measures which promoted the recent reservation of a large quantity of land for agricultural purposes at a time that a railway is opened to bring us the future occupants of this country, and to convey our produce to a market. “It is now some years since your Excellency favoured this district with a visit, on which occasion you were pleased to expatiate upon the capabilities of the soil and the beauty of our climate ; we may safely affirm that were your Excellency to visit the surrounding district you would find your predictions verified, and a large population established, amongst whom are many of our countrymen, who are desirous of expressing their sentiments, in common with the towns- people of Toowoomba, on the occasion of your Excellency’s visit. “The only regret we feel is, that at this season of the year we cannot present your Excellency with the product of the soil as our offerings of good will, beyond the samples of wine, vegetables, and flowers, we had the honor to lay before your Excellency ; proving beyond any doubt that however capable the land may be of producing the cereals required for domestic purposes, it is no less adapted for the culture of the vine. “When sufficient time has elapsed to find out the grapes best adapted for the soil and climate, we are of opinion that our wines will compete with the best Continental productions, and be the means of establishing a desire for light drinks, and abolishing the use of ardent spirits detrimental to the happiness of the people, a consumation in which we feel assured your Excellency will cordially concur. “With our best wishes for the health and happiness of your Excellency and Lady Bowen, we beg to subscribe ourselves your Excellency’s most obedient humble servants. For the German population — “ David Zeyer. “ Frederick Bauer. “ Charles Hartmann. “ Martin Klein. “ Frederick Wockner.

“ Jacob Narktrieb. “ James Heuschel.

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