3. Free passages may be granted from the_Our First Half-Century: A Review of Queensland Progress Based Upon Official Information

Queensland to agricultural labourers introduced under contract if the

employer pays a fee of L5 for each labourer introduced, provides him

with suitable accommodation, and guarantees him a year's employment at

wages approved by the Chief Secretary. The choosing of such labourers

to be left to the Agent-General, unless they are known to the

applicant, in which case the Agent-General's duty is restricted to

passing or rejecting them.

FREE IMMIGRANTS.

4. The Agent-General may grant free passages to the wives and children

(under the age of 18 years) of assisted, nominated, and contract

immigrants and to female domestic servants who are desirous of

emigrating to Queensland.

5. The Chief Secretary may direct that a passage warrant be not issued

in respect of any person nominated or proposed to be indented.

6. The Order in Council of the fourth day of June, 1891, published in

the _Government Gazette_ of the 5th June, 1891, shall be and is hereby

rescinded.

And the Honourable the Chief Secretary is to give the necessary

directions herein accordingly.

APPENDIX G.

SOME STATISTICS AND THEIR STORY.

The figures contained in this Appendix, save those for 1908, and in

relation to certain financial matters for 1908-9, are drawn from the

Statistics for 1908 laid before Parliament this year, but all are

official.

GROWTH OF POPULATION.

The population of Queensland, estimated at 28,056 on 31st December,

1860, a little more than a year after separation from New South Wales,

more than doubled during the succeeding three years. Thence it again

more than doubled in the next eight years, the census of April, 1871,

providing a basis for the estimate of 125,146 at the end of that year.

Thence to 1882, two years before the close of the quarter-century,

the figures had again nearly doubled, the population on 31st December,

1884, reaching 309,913.

Of the number of arrivals in excess of departures there is no record

for 1860 or 1861, but of the total increase, 51,509, for the four

years ended 1865 the recorded arrivals in excess of departures

aggregated 46,422, leaving only 5,087 for excess of births over deaths

for the period. In 1866, in spite of the crisis resulting from the

Agra and Masterman's Bank failure, there was still an excess of 6,632;

but by the next following year the number of such excess had fallen to

917, while the net increase of population in that year was only 3,648.

The census of 1886, the second year of the new quarter-century, showed

a total population of 342,614, and the next census five years later

410,330. This marked the end of the "boom" period, and the amount

spent on immigration, as compared with 1883 and 1884, was cut down in

the next year by nearly three-fourths, or from the maximum of L361,632

in 1883-4 to L91,143 in 1889-90. In 1891 there was severe commercial

depression, and by that time arrivals had annually decreased, and

departures came very near in numbers to the arrivals. During the next

ten years the increase in population, as shown by the census, was

95,614, bringing the total up to 505,944.

Here it may be explained that the intercensus estimates between 1891

and 1901 proved fallacious, for the total number in the latter year

was 6,660 less than the estimate had been for two years previously,

although the arrivals for the intervening period recorded an excess

over departures of 6,389. So that adding to that number the 17,350

increase by excess of births over deaths the population in 1901 would

have been shown as 536,343 had the estimates between the censuses been

continued on similar lines. The error would therefore have been 30,399

had not the census figures in 1901 enabled an adjustment to be made.

Similar over-estimating had occurred previously, it is understood,

through many oversea departures not being recorded by those who

supplied information to the department. Of late years allowances have

been made for unrecorded arrivals and departures in preparing

the intercensus returns, and it may be hoped that in future the

discrepancies will be less disconcerting than in the past.

The population at the end of the first quarter-century having been

309,913, and on 31st December last year (1908) 558,237, the increase

for the period was 248,324. But the second quarter-century does not

actually close until 31st December next, when the total population

should be approximately 570,000 souls. During the half-century,

therefore, the number of people in Queensland as compared with the

population in 1859 may be taken to have multiplied by twenty-two.

In other words, at the time of separation, a year earlier than the

official record begins, the total population was scarcely greater than

it now is in several of our provincial cities.

PUBLIC FINANCE.

Public revenue, which began in 1860 with a total of L178,589, reached

L2,720,656 in 1884-5, the figures of the natal year being multiplied

nearly fifteen times at the close of the quarter-century. The second

quarter-century showed continued increase until 1888-9, but the

figures of that year were not again reached until 1895-6. They

progressed until in 1899-1900, the last year before federation, they

reached over 41/2 millions sterling, an amount not again realised till

1908-9. In 1901 the State figures were considerably disturbed by the

proclamation of the Commonwealth on 1st January. In 1901-2 there was

a large apparent decline of L1,053,145, the Commonwealth having

taken over the whole of the postal and telegraph revenue and about

one-fourth of the Customs. There was also a considerable loss by the

discontinuance of State border duties, as well as by the Commonwealth

tariff, which took effect in the second quarter of 1901-2, many

revenue duties being either sacrificed or lowered in favour of

protectionist imposts which only yielded revenue until they excluded

imports. By 1908-9, despite the loss of post-telegraph and Customs

revenue, the total receipts at the State Treasury formed the

half-century record of L4,766,244.

The expenditure on loan account began with the foundation of the

colony. At the end of the first quarter-century the public debt

amounted to L16,570,850, exclusive of Government Savings Bank and

Treasury bills obligations. In the first decade of the second quarter

it had almost doubled, standing at the end of 1894 at L30,639,534.

By the end of 1900 there had been a further increase of nearly 5

millions, and on 30th June, 1909, it stood at L41,568,827, or at the

rate of L74 per head of the estimated population. But the railway net

earnings alone of the last two financial years (1907-8 and 1908-9)

have provided a mean sum of L884,616 per annum towards the interest

charge.

LAND STATISTICS.

In 1860 there were 108,870 acres of land alienated in Queensland.

In 1872 the area exceeded 1 million acres, the first quarter-century

closing in 1884 with over 7 million acres. The 10-million-acre limit

was passed in 1890, and the 15-million-acre limit in 1908, when the

total area alienated was 15,108,439 acres.

The cash received at the Treasury from land sales up to the close

of 1884 was over 43/4 millions, and at the close of 1908 exceeded 81/2

millions sterling. In process of alienation there were then over

6 million acres. For the last ten years the total area leased or

otherwise in occupation has been recorded. In 1899 the area thus

occupied was 2961/2 million acres, and in 1906 only 247 million

acres. Since then there has been some recovery in this respect, the

total occupied area of Crown lands being now 273,180,864 acres. The

unoccupied area in 1899 was over 1311/4 million acres, and in 1902

only 1211/2 million acres. Since then there has been both an increase

and a decrease, the area unoccupied in 1908 being almost 135 million

acres, equal to nearly one-third of the total area of the State. This

unoccupied land consists largely of rangy and waterless country, but

a not inconsiderable area would be occupiable were water and transport

facilities provided, and much of it is in what the geologists have

delimited as the artesian area.

LIVE STOCK.

In 1860 the number of live stock in Queensland totalled--Horses,

23,504; cattle, 432,890; sheep, 3,449,350; pigs, 7,147. There was an

almost continual yearly increase in horses until 1902, when drought

reduced the number by 62,997, or at the rate of about 14 per cent. Not

until 1907 was this loss recovered, when the total number of horses

stood at 488,486, the number being still further increased in 1908 to

519,969. There was an almost uninterrupted increase of cattle until

1882, when the total exceeded 41/4 millions. At the close of the

quarter-century the number was 4,266,172. In 1885 and 1886, owing to

a drought, there was again a small decline in cattle numbers, but from

that time there was a continued increase until 1894, when the total of

7 millions was recorded. But droughts and the tick pest had cut them

down to less than 21/2 millions in 1903. In 1908 the number had

recovered to 4,321,600. The enlarged Australian consumption has been

a factor in the shrinkage of numbers, but the large increase in prices

fully compensated the owners for the diminished numbers of their

herds. The increased price of wool during recent years renders the

same remark applicable to the sheep-owners of the State; and it may

be said generally that the pastoral industry was never in a more

flourishing condition.

Sheep, which totalled fewer than 31/2 millions in 1860, reached 71/4

millions in 1866, and 9 millions two years later. Thence till 1878

there was a series of fluctuations which brought the total in that

year below 6 millions. But in 1882 the number had vaulted to over 12

millions, after which there was a descent to a little more than 91/4

millions at the close of the quarter-century. The year 1885 closed

with a further decrease, but by 1887 the number had increased to

nearly 13 millions. Three years later it reached 18 millions, and in

1892 it touched the record of nearly 213/4 millions. By 1900, which

had been preceded by bad seasons, the number of sheep had dropped to

10-1/3 millions, and in the second year of the twentieth century the

low-water mark of less than 71/4 millions was touched. Since then

there has been a rapid increase, and the numbers in 1908 had recovered

to 18,348,851, or within 3,359,459 of the record number of seventeen

years ago. It must be mentioned that, while scanty rainfall on the

Western pastures was accountable for much of the depletion in stock

numbers, overstocking and absence of possible provision for bad

seasons had much to do with the losses incurred. However, the second

quarter-century will close with flocks in number almost equal to those

of 1892, and with fleeces immensely more valuable than the pastures

then carried, and the stock-carrying capacity of the country has

also been much increased by fencing, water conservation, and artesian

wells.

Pigs are also becoming a valuable asset of the Queensland

dairy farmer. In 1860 they numbered 7,147; at the close of the

quarter-century, 51,796; and in December, 1908, 124,749.

[Illustration: HAULING TIMBER, BARRON RIVER, NORTH QUEENSLAND]

DAIRYING.

The phenomenal growth of the dairying industry is shown by the table

headed "Dairying." It shows that, whereas in 1860 10,400 lb. butter

were imported and 450 lb. exported, in 1908 there were 23,838,357 lb.

made, 13,752,118 lb. exported, and only 201,924 lb. imported. Even in

1896 Queensland could hardly be accounted a butter-exporting country,

when the shipments were only 13,942 lb., the imports 1,003,680 lb.,

and the quantity made 6,164,240 lb., for in that year the excess

of imports was 989,738 lb.; while in 1908 the excess of exports was

13,550,194 lb., or more than a moiety of the amount manufactured. Of

cheese, in 1896 the quantity made was 1,921,404 lb., whereas in 1908

it had increased to 3,199,510 lb., and the amount exported was 732,090

lb., the excess of exports over imports being 685,629 lb. Twenty-five

years ago the excess of imports over exports was 1,068,033 lb., which

meant that there were practically no exports. Even in 1896 the cheese

exported totalled only 8,505 lb. It is evident that the dairying

industry in Queensland is yet only in its youth, and that in another

quarter of a century the exports of both cheese and butter will have

increased enormously.

SUGAR PRODUCTION.

Sugar first appears as a Queensland export in 1870, the quantity

being, however, only 26 cwt. By 1879 the quantity had reached 206,269

cwt., the quarter-century closing in 1884 with 368,626 cwt., valued

at L454,759. But these figures do not represent the quantity of sugar

manufactured, the total in 1884 being given at 33,361 tons, the export

being 18,431 tons. In 1885 the export, as compared with the previous

year, increased by 581/2 per cent. in value. In 1888 the value

declined to L384,375, or by more than one-half as compared with

1886. Thence for many years there was a fluctuating export, a drop to

L681,038 in 1897 being followed by a jump to L1,329,876 in 1898. Two

years later there was a heavy fall to L669,389 worth; then two years'

progression followed by a fall to L646,875 in 1903. In 1904, owing

to the Commonwealth bounty and good seasons, there was a recovery to

L1,257,815, followed by substantial progression each following year,

till 1907, when the record export of L1,779,624 was made. In 1908,

owing to abnormal frosts, there was a decline to L1,482,320.

The quantity of sugar made of course showed corresponding

fluctuations. In 1896 the 100,000-ton limit of manufacture was for the

first time passed. It was followed by a slight drop in the following

year, but in 1898 the record to that date in manufacture, as well as

in export, was made, the product of the mills reaching the high figure

of 163,734 tons. After that year there was a fluctuating decline in

manufacture to the minimum of 76,626 tons in 1902, the great drought

year; but there was an improvement in 1903, and in 1905 152,722 tons

were manufactured, the two following years being very close together

with a mean production of 186,342 tons. In 1908 the sugar manufactured

was 151,098 tons, a decrease, through frost, of 37,209 tons for the

year. In glancing through the figures not only will the effects of

good and bad seasons be recognised, but also of the suspension of

kanaka labour importation in 1888, its revival in 1890, and the

payment of the Commonwealth bounty during the last five years.

MINERAL PRODUCTION.

When in 1866 railway construction suddenly ceased, both on the

Southern and Central (then called the Northern) lines, there was

general distress, mitigated shortly afterwards by the discovery of

gold at the Crocodile Field, near Rockhampton; and in 1867 by the

opening up of the Gympie Goldfield. The first important discovery of

gold, however, had been on the Peak Downs in 1862, after which the

production of that metal advanced from 2,783 oz. in 1863 to 15,660 oz.

in 1864, slightly in excess of which level it remained for the next

two years. The gold raised then jumped to 35,581 oz. in 1867, and to

111,589 oz. in 1868. During the next two years the production dropped

by about 19,000 oz., but it recovered to 115,986 oz. in 1871. In 1874

it made another big jump to 254,959 oz., owing to the discoveries at

the Palmer, Charters Towers, and elsewhere in the North. This volume

of production was rather more than maintained during the next two

years, after which there was a fluctuating annual diminution until

1887, when there was a recovery to 348,890 oz. For seven years of

the first quarter-century the value of gold won exceeded a million

sterling per annum, high-water mark being touched in 1875--a year of

heavy rainfall and abundant water--with a gold yield of L1,196,583.

In gold production the second quarter-century opened well with a total

of 250,137 oz., and this yield for 1885 was followed by continuous

progression until 1889, when the total of 634,605 oz., valued

at L2,695,629, was reached. Thence for seven years there was a

fluctuating decline, the minimum of 477,976 oz. being touched in 1891.

From that year there was a gradual recovery until in 1898 647,487 oz.

was reached, the record being made with 676,027 oz. in the last year

of the century. Since then there has been a continuous annual decline

until the total gold raised in 1908 had fallen to 465,085 oz., which

is rather less than half the quantity declared to be exported in 1898

and 1903. But the export and production figures of course differ, the

former being the actual weight exported in the year, which may be

less or more than the production. Moreover, the production figures

are stated in fine ounces, so that the difference between gold won and

exported is considerably less than the figures would at first sight

indicate.

Of copper the recorded quantity produced in 1860 was only one ton,

valued at L50; but two years later the value reached L10,332 through

the discovery of the Peak Downs mines. The two following years showed

an almost entire cessation of export, although some L90,000 worth had

been won. In 1865 the value of copper produced was L58,440. Thence

there was fluctuating progression until 1871, when the value rose to

L174,300, with a further rise to L196,000 in 1872. Declension

followed until in 1882 the production had dropped to L14,982, the

quarter-century closing in 1884 with a total of L30,872 worth. The

explanation is that during the period there was practically only one

copper mine at work in Queensland, and that in 1871 the policy was

commenced of smelting all the richer ores and paying the highest

possible dividends. In one year an amount of about L300,000, equal

to the total capital of the company, was distributed, and shortly

afterwards the mine was closed for want of remunerative ore. Had money

been freely spent in exploration, as at the Mount Morgan Gold Mine,

and only moderate dividends paid to the shareholders, it is

believed that the life of the Peak Downs Copper Mine would have been

indefinitely prolonged.

During sixteen years of the second quarter-century copper mining

languished, the highest production in any one year being valued at

L20,340, while in 1891 the lowest descended to L865. In 1901, however,

through the opening of the Chillagoe mine, the production rose to

L194,227 worth; by 1906 it had continuously ascended to L916,546,

and in 1907 to L1,028,179. In 1908 there was a phenomenal decline in

production value, owing to the low price obtainable for copper, the

total being stated at L882,901.

The first production of tin is recorded in 1872, when the yield was

valued at L109,816, through the discovery of stream tin in the Severn

River district of Queensland. The record year for tin production of

the half-century was in 1873, when the value raised was L606,184.

Thence there was a fluctuating decline in output till 1884, which

closed with L130,460 worth for the year.

In the second quarter-century there was a fluctuating diminution of

production, till in 1898 it was only worth L36,502. After that date

there was a continuous improvement, the figures reached in 1907 being

L496,766. The tin won in 1908 was declared to be of the value of only

L342,191, the reduction arising chiefly from lowered market prices.

The coal raised in Queensland in 1860 was only 12,327 tons; in 1884

120,727 tons were raised; and in 1908 the production was 696,332 tons,

valued at L244,922.

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.

The imports into Queensland in 1860 were of the declared value of

L742,023; at the close of the first quarter-century they exceeded

61/4 millions a year; in 1900 they exceeded 7 millions; in 1908 they

totalled nearly 91/2 millions.

The declared value of exports totalled a little more than half a

million in 1860; the first quarter-century closed in 1884 with a total

of under 43/4 millions. In 1889 the value was slightly under 73/4

millions, and in 1908 it reached over 14 millions. During the last

quarter-century the exports have trebled in value, while the imports

have increased by only about 48.4 per cent. These figures indicate

that the State is rapidly liquidating its external indebtedness

on private account, whatever may be the increase in public loan

obligations.

RAILWAYS.

Railways form a very gratifying asset. In 1865 there were only

twenty-one miles open for traffic, and they yielded no net revenue.

In 1884 there were 1,207 miles open, of which the net earnings were

L273,096. In 1898 2,742 miles open had L534,992 of net earnings. In

1901 there were 2,801 miles open, with net earnings of L223,853 only,

the cause being the historic drought of the period. Since then there

has been a rapid increase in both traffic and profit, the net earnings

of 3,498 miles in 1908-9 having been L885,622. These figures afford

complete justification for a policy of vigorous construction, for they

show that the capital invested in our railways, L25,183,529, earned

L3 10s. 4d. per cent. in 1907-8. In 1908-9 the net earnings were

L883,610, the return on capital invested being L3 7s. 6d. per cent.

With the object of supplying the latest official data, the Government

Statistician, Mr. Thornhill Weedon, has compiled the following tables,

which practically divide the half-century into four equal periods. It

must be borne in mind that, except under the heading "Finance," the

statistics are for the calendar year and not for the financial year,

which closes on 30th June:--

COMPARATIVE STATISTICS.

VITAL STATISTICS.

-----------------------+-------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

-----------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------

Births No. | 1,236 | 5,265 | 10,679 | 14,017 | 14,828

| | | | |

Marriages No. | 278 | 1,125 | 2,661 | 2,823 | 4,009

| | | | |

Deaths No. | 478 | 1,936 | 6,861 | 5,645 | 5,680

| | | | |

Population, State No. | 28,056 | 133,553 | 309,913 | 472,179 | 558,237

| | | | |

" Brisbane [a] No. | 6,051 | 15,002 | 23,001 | 110,554 | 137,670

-----------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------

[Footnote a: The area in 1860, 1872, and 1884 is not quite the

same as that in 1896 and 1908, but the population quoted is

fairly representative.]

FINANCE.

----------------------+----------------------------------------------------

| FINANCIAL YEAR.

+---------+---------+----------+----------+----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1883-4. | 1895-6. | 1907-8.[b]

----------------------+---------+---------+----------+----------+----------

| | | | |

Excise L| 59,210 | 419,853 | 900,916 | 1,361,212| 1,498,131

| | | | |

From other sources L| 119,379 | 576,471 | 1,665,442| 2,280,371| 3,953,501

| | | | |

Total Revenue L| 178,589 | 996,324 | 2,566,358| 3,641,583| 5,451,632

| | | | |

| | | | |

From Revenue L| 161,503 | 865,743 | 2,532,045| 3,567,947| 5,336,330

| | | | |

From Loan ... ... L| 19,384 | 156,424 | 1,665,823| 592,158| 1,033,676

| | | | |

----------------------+---------+---------+----------+----------+----------

[Footnote b: The figures for 1907-8 include both Federal and

State collections and disbursements on Queensland account.]

BANKING.

----------------+-----------------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+---------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

----------------+---------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------

| | | | |

Assets L| 574,661 | 2,200,346 | 11,155,423 | 18,850,945 | 19,122,646

| | | | |

Advances L| 490,861 | 1,489,515 | 9,338,716 | 15,481,960 | 14,698,195

| | | | |

Liabilities L| 332,173 | 1,842,848 | 7,662,543 | 11,346,303 | 16,072,757

| | | | |

Deposits L| 286,917 | 1,590,283 | 6,322,025 | 10,879,640 | 15,440,427

| | | | |

| | | | |

Depositors No.| 163 | 8,121 | 33,067 | 58,226 | 100,324

| | | | |

at end of year L| 7,545 | 466,754 | 1,220,614 | 2,329,381 | 4,921,881

----------------+---------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------

CROWN LANDS.

-----------+---------------------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+-----------+------------+------------+------------+------------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

-----------+-----------+------------+------------+------------+------------

Acres | 108,870| 1,069,208| 7,099,275| 12,850,843| 15,108,439

| | | | |

of | | | | |

Acres | ... | ... | ... | 1,776,034| 6,200,930

| | | | |

Acres | 41,027,200| 123,737,093| 316,113,760| 254,787,200| 273,180,864

| | | | |

Not | | | | |

Acres |387,983,930| 304,313,699| 105,906,965| 159,705,923| 134,629,767

-----------+-----------+------------+------------+------------+------------

LIVE STOCK.

-------------+------------------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+-----------+-----------+-----------+------------+-----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

-------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+------------+-----------

Horses | 23,504 | 92,798 | 253,116 | 452,207 | 519,969

| | | | |

Cattle | 432,890 | 1,200,992 | 4,266,172 | 6,507,377 | 4,321,600

| | | | |

Sheep | 3,449,350 | 6,687,907 | 9,308,911 | 19,593,696 | 18,348,851

| | | | |

Pigs | 7,147 | 35,732 | 51,796 | 97,434 | 124,749

-------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+------------+-----------

DAIRYING.

------------------+------------------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+-----------+------------+-----------+-----------+-----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

------------------+-----------+------------+-----------+-----------+-----------

| | | | |

Made Lb.| ... | ... | ... | 6,164,240 | 23,838,357

| | | | |

Imported Lb.| 10,400 | 454,698 | 1,271,964 | 1,003,680 | 201,924

| | | | |

Exported Lb.| 450 | 1,310 | 12,724 | 13,942 | 13,752,118

| | | | |

Imports Lb.| 9,950 | 453,388 | 1,259,240 | 989,738 | ...

| | | | |

Exports Lb.| ... | ... | ... | ... | 13,550,194

| | | | |

Butter Per Lb.| 1s. 111/4d. | 91/2d. | 11d. | 10d. | 103/4d.

| | | | |

Made Lb.| ... | ... | ... | 1,921,404 | 3,199,510

| | | | |

Imported L| 1,559 |lb. 186,916 | 1,069,620 | 77,275 | 46,464

| | | | |

Exported L| 247 |lb. 20 | 1,587 | 8,505 | 732,093

| | | | |

Imports L| 1,312 |lb. 186,896 | 1,068,033 | 68,770 | ...

| | | | |

Exports L| ... | ... | ... | ... | 685,629

------------------+-----------+------------+-----------+-----------+-----------

AGRICULTURE.

-----------------------+----------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+-------+--------+------------+-----------+----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

-----------------------+-------+--------+------------+-----------+----------

| | | | |

Acres| 3,838 | 62,491 | 187,381 | 322,678 | 535,900

| | | | |

Acres| 196 | 3,661 | 11,389 | 34,670 | 80,898

| | | | |

Bushels| ... | 78,734 | 195,727 | 601,254 | 1,202,799

| | | | |

Acres| 1,526 | 21,143 | 61,064 | 115,715 | 127,655

| | | | |

Bushels| ... | ... | 1,312,939 | 3,065,333 | 2,767,600

| | | | |

Acres| 333 | 2,837 | 3,775 | 7,672 | 6,227

| | | | |

Tons| ... | ... | 6,834 | 18,451 | 11,550

| | | | |

Acres| ... | 5,018 | 29,930 | 66,640 | 92,219

| | | | |

Cane Tons| ... | ... | ... | ... | 1,433,315

| | | | |

Sugar Made Tons| ... | 6,266 | 33,361 | 100,774 | 151,098

-----------------------+-------+--------+------------+-----------+----------

MINING.

-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+--------+---------+-----------+-----------+----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

-------------------+--------+---------+-----------+-----------+----------

Queensland Oz.| 2,738 | 124,163 | 250,127 | 502,146| 465,085

L| 11,631 | 537,365 | 1,062,471 | 2,132,979| 1,975,554

| | | | |

Queensland L| | | 35,327 | 32,162 | 117,889

| | | | |

Queensland Tons| 1 | 2,448 | 1,653 | 580 | 14,698

L| 50 | 196,000 | 30,872 | 21,042 | 882,901

| | | | |

Queensland Tons| | 1,407 | 3,383 | 1,554 | 4,826

L| | 109,816 | 130,460 | 49,018 | 342,191

| | | | |

Queensland Tons| 12,327 | 27,727 | 120,727 | 371,390 | 696,332

L| 9,244 | 16,120 | 60,025 | 154,987 | 244,922

| | | | |

Queensland L| | | 6,469 | 30,440 | 281,030

| | | | |

Total L| 20,925 | 849,301 | 1,325,624 | 2,420,628 | 3,844,487

-------------------+--------+---------+-----------+-----------+----------

SECONDARY PRODUCTION.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALENDAR YEAR.

-----------------+-------+---------+-----------+------------+------------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1906. | 1908.

-----------------+-------+---------+-----------+------------+------------

FACTORIES No.| 13 | 593 | 955 | 1,332 | 1,481

Employed No.| | | | 19,733 | 29,510

Machinery L| | | | 6,145,548 | 4,484,340

Output L| | | | 6,482,824 | 11,242,437

Leather Lb.| | 427,168 | 2,221,856 | 3,324,832 | (c)152,611

Butter Lb.| | | | 6,164,240 | 23,838,357

Cheese Lb.| | | | 1,921,404 | 3,199,510

Hams Lb.| | | | 5,108,726 | 11,324,323

Cured Lb.| | | 4,283,024 | 69,442,447 | 50,418,522

Super. Ft.| | | | 22,309,900 | 100,759,016

-----------------+-------+---------+-----------+------------+------------

[Footnote c: Now collected on sides.]

IMPORTS.

---------------------+-----------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+---------+----------+----------+-----------+---------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

---------------------+---------+----------+----------+-----------+---------

Boots and Shoes L| 32,701 | 113,371 | 318,910 | 232,077 | 552,071

Haberdashery L| 154,454 | 293,155 | 742,357 | 806,638 |1,233,776

Spirits L| 66,909 | 177,601 | 394,764 | 247,259 | 325,484

Tobacco, Cigar, &c. L| 17,727 | 30,659 | 78,093 | 74,501 | 204,131

Biscuits, &c. L| 95,318 | 208,447 | 383,504 | 555,460 | 483,794

Products thereof L| 4,867 | 42,991 | 197,929 | 118,968 | 202,549

Potatoes and Onions L| 3,410 | 15,789 | 77,897 | 104,233 | 147,584

and Jellies L| 3,487 | 27,755 | 118,309 | 73,184 | 175,967

Goods L| 63,622 | 217,659 |1,019,374 | 766,217 |1,661,999

Paper, &c. L| 16,482 | 26,528 | 148,682 | 135,127 | 220,746

Oils L| 3,916 | 32,580 | 69,202 | 94,048 | 156,460

| | | | |

Total all imports L| 742,023 |2,218,717 |6,381,976 |5,433,271 |9,471,166

---------------------+---------+----------+----------+-----------+---------

EXPORTS--HOME PRODUCTION.

----------------------+-------------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+-----------+----------+----------+----------+----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

----------------------+-----------+----------+----------+----------+----------

Wool--Clean Lb.|}5,007,167{|12,622,067| 9,030,701|24,479,769|23,459,014

Greasy Lb.|} {| 5,171,245|26,495,276|64,012,465|66,802,873

| | | | |

Clean L|} 444,188{| 952,450| 682,774| 1,130,170| 1,670,664

Greasy L|} {| 217,362| 1,206,730| 1,846,814| 2,459,190

Total Value L| 444,188 | 1,169,812| 1,889,504| 2,976,984| 4,129,854

Tallow--Quantity Tons| 640 | 2,890| 2,623| 18,554| 7,292

Value L| 25,628 | 100,201| 76,019| 337,967| 197,229

Gold--Value L| 14,565 | 660,396| 923,010| 2,089,166| 1,941,229

Copper--Value L| 50 | 257,723| 3,014| 32,401| 831,699

Tin--Value L| ... | 108,310| 228,457| 46,779| 290,389

Cattle, Sheep) L| 510 | 366,003| 572,010| 859,367| 1,699,381

including extract) L| 5,356 | 67,579| 70,833| 898,545| 850,772

Sugar--Quantity Cwt.| ... | 23,959| 368,626| 1,507,503| 2,645,333

Value L| ... | 36,833| 454,759| 863,080| 1,482,320

Hides and Skins L| 14,030 | 93,218| 109,291| 449,265| 421,987

Pearlshell L| ... | ... | 94,021| 94,865| 49,898

+-----------+----------+----------+----------+----------

Total all Exports L| 523,477 | 2,998,934| 4,673,864| 9,163,726|14,194,977

----------------------+-----------+----------+----------+----------+----------

[Illustration: FALLS NEAR KILLARNEY]

[Illustration: ABORIGINAL TREE CLIMBERS]

INTERCOMMUNICATION.

-----------------+---------------------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+--------+-----------+-----------+------------+-----------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

-----------------+--------+-----------+-----------+------------+-----------

| | | | |

Miles Open | ... | 218 | 1,207 | 2,430 | 3,498

Passengers No.| ... | 40,539 | 1,025,552 | 2,462,020 | 6,538,411

Construction L| ... | 2,345,385 | 8,631,835 | 17,248,678 | 23,102,158

Net Revenue L| ... | 18,213 | 273,096 | 424,862 | 806,797

| | | | |

| | | | |

No.| 210 | 522 | 1,042 | 649 | 881

Tonnage| 45,736 | 148,630 | 572,124 | 562,759 | 1,601,107

| | | | |

No.| 183 | 507 | 1,061 | 645 | 847

Tonnage | 39,503 | 143,380 | 579,988 | 531,289 | 1,563,911

-----------------+--------+-----------+-----------+------------+-----------

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, EDUCATION, AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

--------------------------+---------------------------------------------

| CALENDAR YEAR.

+-------+--------+--------+---------+---------

| 1860. | 1872. | 1884. | 1896. | 1908.

--------------------------+-------+--------+--------+---------+---------

| | | | |

| | | | |

Number | 6 | 21 | 46 | 77 | 107

Persons Relieved | 397 | 2,796 | 11,614 | 19,917 | 28,310

| | | | |

| | | | |

Number of Schools | 41 | 210 | 528 | 957 | 1,104

Scholars on Rolls | 1,890 | 23,728 | 60,701 | 103,733 | 105,436

Average Attendance | ... | ... | ... | ... | 67,309

| | | | |

| | | | |

Number of Subscribers | 538 | 1,711 | 5,185 | 6,904 | 12,770

Volumes in Libraries | 4,945 | 20,890 | 60,257 | 129,883 | 249,257

--------------------------+-------+--------+--------+---------+---------

APPENDIX H.

DIGEST OF HYDRAULIC ENGINEER'S REPORTS.

OUR ARTESIAN WATER SYSTEM.

The water supply problem is of importance so momentous, and the

official information collected by the Hydraulic Engineer being

scattered through reports covering about twenty-five years--from 1883

until 1908--it is thought desirable to present the main official facts

in a convenient digest for the general reader.

SUB-ARTESIAN WATER IN 1884.

Up to 1883, when the McIlwraith Government created the Hydraulic

Engineer's Department by appointing Mr. J. B. Henderson to organise

it, little had been done by the State for the improvement of the water

supply of the country except in cities and towns. At that time no

artesian water was known to exist in Queensland, but there was a

popular belief that there were great underground supplies, especially

in Western Queensland. Many station-owners had been active, and the

diamond drill had been brought into use, but deep drilling had

not then been undertaken. In October, 1884, the Hydraulic Engineer

reported that he had just visited Widgeegoara Station, where the

owners, Messrs. E. and J. Bignell, partly by sinking shafts and partly

by boring, had obtained an underground pumped supply aggregating

94,000 gallons every twenty-four hours. This resulted from sinking

four 5 ft. x 21/2 ft. shafts an average depth of 102 ft. each, and

thence boring and tubing below the bottom of each shaft to the average

depth of 161 ft. Of the total quantity 20,000 gallons a day was

obtained from the Four-mile well, a shaft sunk to a depth of 150 ft.

below the natural surface. Besides this there was a homestead well

33 ft. deep. Analyses of the water showed that, in the opinion of the

Government Analyst, only in one bore was it useful for watering sheep,

it being brackish; but according to the station reports the supply

from the Four-mile well and Nos. 1 and 2 shaft-bores was good

stock water. Mr. Henderson warmly commended the Messrs. Bignell's

enterprise.

IMPROVED BORING MACHINERY.

During the same month the late Hon. George King, of Gowrie, brought

under the notice of the department a report by Mr. Darley, C.E.,

to the Government of New South Wales respecting certain American

well-boring machinery by the use of which in Mr. King's opinion

three-fourths of the cost of L6,000 incurred by his firm in sinking

shafts in the Warrego district might have been saved. Besides which

much greater depths could be reached, a machine costing L600 in

America being capable of boring 2,000 ft. The matter being referred to

the Hydraulic Engineer, that officer made inquiries which induced him

heartily to endorse Mr. King's suggestion that the Government should

secure from America a machine with two men experienced in working it

and capable of themselves making any ordinary repairs. Mr. Henderson

also recommended that a staff should be trained by the Americans after

arrival, and expressed the opinion that this course would save both

money and time, and prove a large gain to the colony. But he reminded

the Minister that until there had been an abundant rainfall extensive

operations in bore-sinking in the West could not be carried on, though

he advised the introduction of a sufficient number of machines and

enough tubing in order that during the next season, if rain fell, work

should be vigorously commenced.

On 4th September, 1885, the Hydraulic Engineer replied in unequivocal

terms to a minute of his Minister requesting him to comply with the

wish expressed that he should purchase a Victorian diamond drill, then

under offer, for coal-prospecting purposes. Mr. Henderson strongly

recommended that no drill be purchased unless capable of boring holes

at least from 5 in. to 2 in. in diameter. He also pointed out that

where drifts and loose gravels were met with, and tubed, a deep bore

must be commenced of large diameter to ensure success. Although the

proposed drills were not ostensibly to be used for water-finding, it

is evident that the Hydraulic Engineer, in reporting upon them, had

that kind of work in view.

GOVERNMENT URGED TO IMPORT PLANT AND MEN.

On 2nd December following the Hydraulic Engineer addressed the

Minister touching water-boring operations, and pointed out that, while

there would be no difficulty in importing the machinery and appliances

requisite for deep bores, he was convinced that men must be introduced

from America to start and teach others here to work them. He

recommended that an efficient plant should be ordered capable of

boring up to 12 in. in diameter to a depth of 2,500 ft., for (say)

L1,000, delivery at the works, and four good drillers under a two

years' engagement brought out to work them at 21s. to 23s. per day,

apparently of twelve hours; board, lodging, and travelling expenses to

be defrayed by the Government.

OBSTACLES FROM DROUGHT.

On 20th February, 1886, the Hydraulic Engineer wrote that,

understanding from conversations with the Minister that "the policy of

the Government is to carry on water conservation works and boring for

underground water with increased energy, he recommends the purchase of

three Wright and Edwards' boring machines, capable of reaching a depth

of 1,000 ft., for delivery within four months from the date of order."

Three days later Mr. Henderson wrote:--"Unfortunately it can be said

with much truth that, ever since the department's existence, the

seasons have been unfavourable in the extreme for carrying out its

plans." After mentioning the specific difficulties encountered, he

added:--"I do not share in the idea that the late rains broke up the

drought, as I cannot disguise from myself the fact that they have not

been general, or even yet of sufficient quantity."

FIRST BORING STARTED AT BLACKALL.

Although the Hydraulic Engineer, so long before as December, 1884, had

recommended the Minister to import American boring machinery with men

trained to work it, it was not until 19th October, 1886, nearly two

years later, that he was able to announce that his advice had been

so far followed that Mr. Arnold, an American borer from Honolulu,

had gone to Blackall with a Pennsylvania Walking Beam Oil Rig boring

machine which had been constructed in Brisbane. It seems that so long

previously as July, 1885, two tenders for boring by Americans--one

being from Mr. Arnold--were submitted by the Hydraulic Engineer to

the Minister, with the intimation that they were both too vague for

acceptance, and expressing the hope that Mr. Arnold, "who seemed a man

of considerable experience, would submit a more liberal and definite

offer." The same report mentions that on the 30th June previously the

Blackall bore had been carried to a depth of 775 ft., and that at 127

ft. good water had been struck that rose to a height of 60 ft. below

the surface, but was deemed insufficient for the requirements of the

town. Up to that time nine bores had been completed, chiefly by the

ineffective Tiffin auger, but not one had reached artesian water, the

deepest being that at Blackall, and the average depth 371 ft.

ARTESIAN WATER STRUCK AT THURULGOONA.

In his report of 12th November, 1887, the Hydraulic Engineer states

that it is essential that only the best quality of tubing, or

"casing," should be used in bores. In April he had visited, by

direction of the Treasurer, Thurulgoona Station, on the New South

Wales border, and there carefully inspected boring operations. He

found that one bore had, by means of the Canadian Pole Tool boring

machine, been sunk to 1,079 ft., a supply of excellent water having

been struck at a depth of 1,009 ft., "the water overflowing in my

presence to a height of about 20 in. above the surface of the ground."

This was apparently the first artesian water Mr. Henderson had seen in

Queensland, though he had years previously seen the artesian well at

Sale, in Victoria; and he naturally pronounced the opinion that the

result at Thurulgoona was "very satisfactory." During this year

boring had been carried on in Queensland without success so far as the

formation of flowing wells was concerned. Mr. Arnold, having sunk

to 1,039 ft. at Blackall, resigned, but it was decided to continue

sinking, all the tubing being recovered with the exception of a few

feet, and being capable of use several times over if need be. During

this year also tenders had been received from Mr. Loughead, of

Thurulgoona, to put down three bores of 2,500 ft. in Queensland, and

Mr. Henderson reported that there was every prospect of a tender being

received from a company recently formed in Brisbane at a slightly

lower price than Mr. Loughead had named.

GOVERNMENT'S FIRST FLOWING WELL.

It was at this time, after three years' fighting with difficulties

arising from drought, the want of knowledge of deep-boring machinery,

and the indisposition of the Government to spend much money in so

speculative an undertaking, that the first gleam of daylight appeared.

On 6th October, 1888, the Hydraulic Engineer reported that four

contracts had been entered into for deep boring, with as many

different persons or companies, in the aggregate over 20,000 ft.

Included among these was the contract with the Canadian Pole Tool

Company (of which the late Mr. Percy Ricardo was then the financial

head, and Mr. William Woodley, who had been induced to come over from

Canada, was the head driller) for completing the Blackall bore to a

depth of 2,000 ft. if necessary. In this bore, on 26th April, 1888,

after many vexatious stoppages, "an abundant supply of overflowing,

sparkling, fresh artesian water, excellently adapted for domestic

purposes, was tapped at a depth of 1,645 ft." The rate of flow, as

measured from 3 in. piping attached to a screw plug and valve to

control the flow, was found to be 210,000 gallons per diem, with a

temperature of 119 degrees. This had been an expensive bore, for it

cost L5,748. It was not the first artesian water officially utilised

in Queensland, for four months earlier than water rose to the surface

in the Blackall bore the Barcaldine bore was yielding 175,416 gallons

of water a day, at a temperature of 101 degrees, obtained from a depth

of 691 ft., and at a cost of only L1,220.

THIRTEEN ADDITIONAL BORES.

These results were so encouraging that the Hydraulic Engineer

recommended the sinking of thirteen additional bores, and the

recommendation was approved. As early as possible tenders were

advertised, and there then seemed some difficulty in getting eligible

applications, partly, it may be assumed, because of the activity

of private enterprise in bore-sinking. To those engaged in this

undertaking Mr. Henderson in his 1889 report pays a graceful tribute,

congratulating them on their successes, and expressing regret at their

failures, in which they only met the same luck as the Government had

encountered. It was in this report also that the Hydraulic Engineer

suggested that a map be prepared showing the position, altitude, and

other useful particulars of all Government and private bores and wells

in Queensland, and he invited information from all persons capable

of giving it. Mr. Henderson mentioned the successful sinking of

the Cunnamulla bore, having a flow of 22,500 gallons per hour of

"excellent fresh water," with a pressure of 186 lb. to the square

inch, a temperature of 106 degrees, and a depth of 1,402 ft. The total

cost of this bore was L1,928. The success of the Tambo bore was also

reported at the same time, 8,333 gallons per hour having been obtained

at a depth of 1,002 ft., with a temperature of 98 degrees, and for a

cost of L1,515.

THE CHARLEVILLE BORE.

The Hydraulic Engineer's report dated 11th September, 1890, supplies

evidence of the importance of the discoveries made up to that date of

artesian water in Queensland. The striking of a supply of 3,000,000

gallons a day of "water clear, colourless, soft, and potable" in the

Charleville bore is noted with satisfaction. In the text of the report

this was said to be, so far as the writer knew, the "best well in

Australia," but a footnote added that soon afterwards a bore in the

Cunnamulla district was reported to have been tapped with a daily

supply of 31/2 million gallons. The depth of the Charleville bore

was only 1,370 ft., and its cost L2,389. The striking of a supply of

1,095,000,000 gallons per annum at so small a cost was naturally a

subject for both official and general congratulation.

INFORMATION SOUGHT AS TO PRIVATE BORES.

In the same year is reported the striking of water in the Muckadilla

bore, which yielded about 10,000 gallons a day from a depth of over

3,000 ft., and was then believed to be the deepest bore in Australia.

The cost was L2,673. A somewhat better supply was afterwards struck at

3,262 ft. In this report the Hydraulic Engineer expresses regret that

through the absence of barometrical measurements, owing to scarcity of

money, the height above sea level of proposed sites for bores was

not known, but sites were selected from surface indications and the

results achieved by sinking in the neighbourhood. The wells sunk by

the Government had been of much use in assisting private enterprise

to select likely sites, but it would have been more satisfactory

had better information been obtained by the use of the spirit level.

Acknowledgments were made to those who had responded to the circular

invitation sent out for information, and regret was expressed that in

some cases there had been no response. The effort made, however, had

enabled several new features to be embodied in the report, among which

was a table containing a list of both public and private bores, and a

large map locating, so far as possible, the position of each. Another

map showed the rainfall in different parts of the colony, while a

handsome diagram of the Brisbane rainfall was furnished for the first

time. Both of these remained features of the Hydraulic Engineer's

annual reports until 1901, when revenue considerations compelled their

suspension.

HINDRANCES FROM FLOODS.

During 1890 excessive rains and bad roads hindered work in

bore-sinking, instead of the dry periods which had been the cause of

embarrassment for the preceding seven years. The only newly completed

bore during this year was that at McKinlay, which at 1,002 ft. gave a

supply of 224,000 gallons a day. Water was struck in two other bores,

but of insufficient quantity, and work was still proceeding. The

obstacles encountered in boring, often from the breaking of machinery,

but more frequently from the want of thoroughly skilled drillers, must

have been disheartening, especially in cases where the sinking was

done without useful scientific information, and bores had to be

abandoned after months--even years in cases--of labour and worry.

In his report of 20th January, 1893, the Hydraulic Engineer discusses

at length the question of artesian water supply. The country is, he

holds, now in a much improved position to encounter long droughts.

Valuable information has been and is still being obtained by

exploration as to the prospects of artesian water being found, and

also as to the conservation of surface water by artificial means. He

says that fifteen bores, averaging 1,571 ft. each, have been sunk by

the department, and that although the work has been of a pioneering

character only one sunk to the contract depth has proved a failure. He

estimates that about 88,000 square miles in the western country have

been proved to be water-bearing, and he urges that as large areas

still remain to be explored the present is a favourable time for

inviting tenders for the work.

STREAM-GAUGING RECOMMENDED.

In this report the Hydraulic Engineer directs attention to

the necessity of acquiring information as to the extent of our

surface-water resources. In three of the southern colonies, he

mentions, a systematic practice of gauging streams has for some time

been in force. The work will be useless unless it is carried on for

a number of years. The essential thing to be ascertained is not the

maximum flow of a stream, but the minimum; or rather, perhaps, the

maximum that can be expected from a stream in a season of maximum

aridity. "Without such data," he continues, "no fair distribution of

water, no scheme of water supply, or irrigation, or drainage can be

well considered; nor can storage and distribution or drainage works be

economically designed, or their permanency and efficiency ensured."

He therefore urges the matter of stream-gauging upon the favourable

consideration of the Government, adding that the paramount necessity

of active administration in respect of water conservation generally

has been recognised by Parliament by legislation already placed upon

the Statute-book.

WASTE OF ARTESIAN WATER.

Two official pages of the 1893 report are devoted to the "misuse

of water," a member of Parliament having already objected to the

application of the word "waste" to water allowed to flow unchecked

from bores. The aggregate capacity of the ten Government bores then

flowing was 5,000,000 gallons daily, all measured; while of the 137

private wells the flow was estimated at 100,000,000 gallons daily.

This total of 105,000,000 gallons would be equivalent to a rainfall

of 29 in. on 91 square miles of country. This was the rate of average

rainfall on the assumed outcrop of water-bearing country that supplied

the artesian area. And it had to be remembered that a part of this

rainfall of 29 in. had to be carried off by streams as well as by

evaporation, and therefore did not sink into the water-bearing strata

of the arid west. As to the extent of the outcrop, it was estimated

not to exceed one-eighth of a mile, with a total length of 1,600

miles, which meant a total supply of 200 square miles of water-bearing

outcrop area.[a] Arguing on these and other grounds, the report

contends that the falling off of the yield of many bores affords proof

that, wherever the supply comes from, the outflow already exceeds the

inflow. The Engineer can only regard as wasted two-thirds of the water

that now flows from the artesian bores in Queensland; indeed, adopting

the language of an American, "the waste is a crime against the

well-owner and against the State."

[Footnote a: For fuller particulars see Hydraulic Engineer's

Report for 1893, pages 5 and 6.]

CONTROL OF FLOW NECESSARY.

The Hydraulic Engineer adds that while he cannot assert that the

artesian flow is being exhausted, he yet holds that the flow ought to

be controlled by legislative action.[b]

[Footnote b: On this passage the Hydraulic Engineer notes

that, in 1891, a bill was introduced into Parliament by Sir

Thomas McIlwraith for controlling the artesian water supply,

and passed through the Assembly, but was rejected by the

Council. Since then no action in that direction has been

taken.]

IRRIGATION BY BORES.

The same report contains an interesting article on irrigation.

It points out that at the beginning of 1892 there were only 200

irrigators among the land cultivators of the colony, and that the area

irrigated was only 5,000 acres. It was believed that in the last year

the amount of land so fertilised had largely increased. Many of the

plants and distributing apparatus were of a most primitive kind.

"Some are expensive, others badly erected, and not a few are of a type

ill-adapted to the object in view."

The report goes on to discuss the probability or otherwise of water in

sufficient quantities for irrigation being obtainable by conservation.

In summarising his argument the Hydraulic Engineer says, "Looking at

the question broadly, I am much disposed to regard the possibilities

of a sufficiently abundant supply of water being obtained for

irrigation, especially for land in small areas devoted to intense

culture, as of considerable promise." He then urges the inadequacy of

artesian wells for the irrigation of large areas, pointing out, among

other things, that the entire discharge of the wells then flowing in

Queensland would suffice to irrigate only 219 square miles to a depth

of 1 ft. He thinks that in Queensland we shall have to depend upon

"natural" water for irrigation purposes.

A VALUABLE MAP--376,832 SQUARE MILES IN ARTESIA.

A new feature in the 1893 report was the map giving information as to

(1) artesian bores applied for, (2) under contract, (3) in progress,

and (4) completed. It showed that out of a total of 668,497 square

miles of the "Rolling Downs Formation" (Lower Cretaceous) no less

than 376,832 square miles, chiefly in the arid west, was likely to be

water-bearing. This estimate, it may be noted, has been very slightly

reduced of late, but the scope for exploration in water-finding seems

still great in Western Queensland. The report alludes to the success

attained in the Queensland manufacture of well-boring machinery. All

the plant used, the wire rope alone excepted, was manufactured in the

colony, where improvements had been made in the originally imported

article. Yet it is admitted that the apparatus used was "not a

perfectly scientific one, because it does not produce a core by means

of which the nature of the strata and the angle and direction of the

dip can be fully ascertained." Queensland yellow-wood (_Flindersia

Oxleyana_) had quite replaced American timber in the manufacture of

drilling poles.

[Illustration: SCENE ON LOGAN RIVER, SOUTH QUEENSLAND]

EFFECT OF GOOD SEASONS.

In closing, the Hydraulic Engineer reports that the succession of good

seasons experienced (years 1890-93), and the abundance of water

and grass resulting, has occasioned much inattention to water

conservation, and he also expresses regret that financial exigencies

have compelled the dispensing with some valued members of his staff.

The article is illustrated by diagrams, and the studious reader will

peruse it with profit.

THE SOURCE OF ARTESIAN WATER.

In his report for 1st November, 1894, the Hydraulic Engineer recurs to

the source of artesian water. He regrets that very little can be added

to the previous assumption that it lies in the outcrops of the porous

beds of the Lower Cretaceous formation on the western slope of the

coast range; and he urges the necessity of accumulating facts relating

to the bores already sunk, and complains that some owners neglect to

give the department the information sought. He urges that legislation

should make the furnishing of statistical matter of this kind

compulsory. He doubts whether, in the absence of information as to the

precise geological conditions subsisting beneath the surface, a map of

Queensland can ever be prepared showing with certainty where artesian

water can be found; but much may be done by accumulating accurate

information with respect to the sinking of bores, nature of strata

passed through, amount and pressure of flow, temperature of water, and

depth beneath the surface whence obtained in each case. The map issued

by the Geological Department would show the water-bearing areas, which

means the formation in which water may be expected to be found; but

bores can only be put down with reasonable certainty when the entire

western country has been prospected.

THE LIFE OF ARTESIAN WELLS.

The life of an artesian well with a permanent spring, says the report,

is limited by the durability of the casing. The corrosive action

of some water is much greater than others; but there should be no

difficulty in renewing the casing when necessary. It has often

been discovered that an interruption of the flow, or its serious

diminution, is the result of worn-out casing. So much is this the case

that there is still controversy as to whether there is any general

diminution in the supply consequent upon continuous waste.

ARTESIAN WATER POWER.

The report then discusses the question of using artesian water for

power in the industries. The Hydraulic Engineer points out that of the

total horse-power used in the United States at that time about 39.5

per cent. was hydrodynamic. Artesian water, he says, can be applied

to driving all kinds of machinery, "from a sewing machine or a cream

separator to a saw or flour mill; and for fire-extinguishing it is

most excellent." He therefore recommends the employment in Western

Queensland of turbines and Pelton wheel motors for sheep-shearing,

electric lighting, and other kinds of machinery used there, pointing

out that the horse-power available was--At Blackall, 8.04; at

Cunnamulla, 41.53; at Charleville, 123.41; and at Thargomindah,

63.51.[c] He further recommends the utilisation of the artesian supply

for street mains, a suggestion since carried out with great public

advantage in several western towns. While Mr. Henderson doubts the

utility of artesian water for irrigation, he says that, generally

speaking, it is quite as valuable as that from town mains, rivers,

and falls for developing power. The aggregate area to date in which

precious artesian water has been found in Queensland is 117,000

square miles, and he feels that this area would be rapidly enlarged

by exploration by both Government and private borings. The shallowest

completed flowing well in Queensland at that date was 60 ft., and the

deepest 3,630 ft.; the average depth so far as known to the department

was 1,289 ft.

[Footnote c: Mr. Henderson notes that these horse-powers have

since been very much reduced.]

STATIC PRESSURE AND HYDRAULIC PRESSURE.

Explaining why the volume flowing from a well does not depend upon

the diameter of the "static" pressure of the water, Mr. Henderson says

that the flow depends principally upon the relative altitudes of the

outcrops of the water-bearing beds, and of the mouth of the bore or

well, and upon the character and texture of the porous beds from which

the well derives its supply. The static pressure is ascertained by

stopping the flow by artificial means, when the pressure generally

rises, sometimes quickly, at other times slowly, until it reaches a

maximum. But when the well is again opened it will be found that

the static pressure has been more or less reduced by friction. This

reduced pressure is called the "hydraulic." The hydraulic pressure can

never exceed the static pressure; nor can the volume of water flowing

from an artesian well be ascertained by its pressure, or the height to

which the water may rise over the top of the casing, any more than the

pressure can be ascertained by knowing its volume.[d]

In the same report is announced the striking at Winton, at a depth

of 3,235 ft. of a supply amounting to 100,000 gallons a day, at a

temperature of 140 degrees. It was determined to continue sinking

under a new contract.

[Footnote d: See Votes and Proceedings, 1894-5, for Hydraulic

Engineer's Report, 1st November, 1894, page 5.]

SUBTERRANEAN WATER BELONGS TO THE STATE.

Mr. Henderson again returns to the misuse of water, suggesting that

the utility of the artesian supply can easily be tested by intense

cultivation of a small area at each bore. He complains that one of

Queensland's most valuable assets is not as carefully guarded as it

should be. He estimates that the quantity allowed to run uncontrolled

and generally misused amounts to 66,000,000 gallons per diem, or

66 per cent. of the estimated total flow in Queensland. He invites

attention to a recommendation in a previous report that all

underground or artesian water should be declared State property.

This would not prevent owners of artesian water taking and using a

reasonable supply of water, but all consumption beyond what might be

called a "liberal" amount should be paid for, the State receiving the

water rate. The experience of America in this matter proved that in

some States control by the Government was enforced, while in others

the greatest care was exercised to prevent any further granting of

subterranean water franchises unless the absolute right of the State

was reserved to regulate the consumption. Appended to the report is a

copy of a recommendation by a Commission in the State of Colorado for

regulating, distributing, and using water. Mr. Henderson thinks the

recommendation too severe, but insists that some State control should

be exercised.

The same report contains an interesting review of the condition of

irrigation enterprise in Queensland, and again insists that scientific

stream-gauging is indispensable if surface water is to be made

generally available for irrigation purposes.

EXTENT OF ARTESIAN SUPPLY.

The report dated 5th October, 1895, recurs to the Hydraulic Engineer's

previous estimate that the outcrops of the water-bearing beds of the

country covered an area of about 200 square miles. He is glad to learn

that Mr. R. L. Jack, Government Geologist, had since worked the matter

out, and, while approving of Mr. Henderson's suggestion as to the

source of artesian supplies in Queensland, estimated the area as

5,000 square miles, or twenty-five times the Engineer's estimate.

This information seems to have allayed Mr. Henderson's dread of the

exhaustion of the supply, for he says that the Geologist's figures

indicate that "the gathering-ground is larger than can possibly be

required for years to come if there is no extensive leakage, of

which as yet there is no evidence that I am aware of." He next writes

strongly in favour of a comprehensive search for artesian water by

the Government, and of Government aid being offered by loan to persons

willing to sink bores on Crown lands or even on private property.

Such assistance would encourage settlement by leaving the settler in

possession for other purposes of money which would otherwise be spent

on water provision on his holding, and prove an incalculable benefit

to the State by mitigating periodical droughts.

PROGRESS TO 1895.

The report then gives statistics relative to artesian bores as

follows:--Number of bores, 397; average depth, 1,195 ft. Of these

286 overflow with a total output of 2131/2 million gallons per diem.

Total cost of boring and casing, L860,321, as nearly as could be

estimated, "remarkable results for eight years' work, as in 1887

boring in Queensland was in its infancy." With a view to greater

accuracy provision for the salaries of two inspectors had been made

on the Estimates for the year, in order that uniform records might

be secured as to the strata pierced, the flow, the pressure and

temperature of the water, amount of rainfall at the outcrop of

water-bearing beds, and the alleged diminution of artesian streams.

The suggestion is then made that land, the leases carrying water

rights, might be made available for settlement in small areas around

tanks and bores.

THE WINTON BORE.

In this report the Hydraulic Engineer is able to announce the success

of the Winton bore. At about 3,555 ft. a daily supply of 720,000

gallons of excellent artesian water was struck, and boring being

continued to 4,010 ft. without increasing the supply work ceased,

the total cost of the bore having been about L7,000. An article on

irrigation shows a total irrigated area of 7,641 acres, an increase

for the year of 2,240 acres. Included in the area are 2,000 acres of

natural grass land and 2,000 acres sown with artificial grasses; also

111/2 acres irrigated from artesian wells in the Warrego district.

Flood mitigation is also dealt with at length, and a system of flood

warnings on the various streams recommended.

DR. R. L. JACK'S OPINION.

The report for 2nd October, 1896, brings records up to date. By map it

is shown that not only does the water-bearing country extend over 56

per cent. of the area of Queensland, but also continues into New South

Wales and South Australia, and enters Western Australia. It "marks

the position of the ancient Cretaceous sea which connected the Gulf

of Carpentaria with the Great Australian Bight," and "divided the

continent into two islands." "They were," wrote Dr. R. L. Jack, "laid

down by this sea; their present position is due to subsequent general

upheaval, and they lie directly and unconformably on schists and

slates of undetermined age, or on granite or gneiss. Except in

Queensland, where they are overlaid here and there by the remains of

the Upper Cretaceous or Desert Sandstone formations which have not

been removed by denudation, they seem to be covered to a considerable

extent by Tertiary rocks. The Desert Sandstone beds lie horizontally

but unconformably on those of the Rolling Downs, which dip to the

south." [e]

[Footnote e: See "Geology and Palaeontology of Queensland and

New Guinea," by R. L. Jack, F.G.S., Government Geologist,

and R. Etheridge, jun,. Government Palaeontologist, New South

Wales, page 390.]

IMPROVED DRILLING MACHINERY.

In the same report the improvement in drilling machinery is discussed,

and Queensland manufacturers are congratulated on making American

and Canadian machines with improvements which greatly add to their

efficiency. Bores in Queensland are generally begun with 10-in.

casing, and carried to not lower than 500 ft. Then 8-in., 6-in.,

and 5-in. casings are used. The necessity of these casings being as

perfect as possible is emphasised by the Engineer. The cost of sinking

bores by contract, which is almost the universal method, depends

upon the facilities offered by the site for the transport of wood and

water, but the range then was from 17s. to 24s. per foot for the first

500 ft., and increased with depth until, at 4,000 ft. odd, sinking

had cost 55s. per foot. The inspectors appointed the previous year had

done good work, though the wet season delayed travelling. Sectional

diagrams compiled from the inspectors' reports appear among the

appendices.

Then follows an interesting description of surface artesian water

known as Elizabeth Springs, in latitude half a degree south of the

tropic, and in 1403/4 degrees west longitude. The account of these

remarkable springs is well worth reading.[f]

[Footnote f: See Votes and Proceedings for 1897 for Hydraulic

Engineer's Report, 2nd October, 1896, page 5.]

PROGRESS TO 1896.

Number of bores in Western Queensland to October, 1896, 454; average

depth, 1,168 ft.; feet bored, 530,332 (nearly 100 miles); overflow,

193,000,000 gallons per diem. There were also nineteen deep bores on

the coast. The total cost had been L928,081.

BORES IN THE GULF TOWNS.

Reporting on 2nd August, 1897, the Hydraulic Engineer mentions that

the Burketown bore has been carried to a depth of 2,304 ft., with a

supply of 155,560 gallons of good water at a pressure of 60 lb. per

square inch, and a temperature of 155 degrees, the cost being L4,155.

A few months earlier the Normanton bore had struck water at 2,330 ft.,

for 293,000 gallons a day, with a temperature of 151 degrees, at a

total cost of L3,803.

PROGRESS COMPARED WITH SOUTHERN COLONIES.

The same report glances at the progress made in artesian water

discovery in the southern colonies. Queensland aggregate flows on

30th June, 1897, were estimated at 140,000,000 gallons daily, or

51,135,000,000 gallons annually. This would suffice to cover 294

square miles with water 1 ft. deep, or 100 square miles 35-1/3 in.

deep. In New South Wales, in 1897, there were thirty-four flowing and

twelve pumping bores, yielding 221/2 million gallons of water per diem.

In Victoria only one or two flowing bores had been put down, the

country being generally unfavourable for artesian water. In South

Australia there were in all sixty-two bores, seven being still in

progress, but of the total only nineteen wells gave good fresh

water, and twenty-two wells salt water. Seeing that artesian water

exploration began in the three colonies named before any steps were

taken in Queensland, the success here may be regarded as phenomenal,

although of course a very considerable amount of capital was lost in

sinking abortive bores.

GRAZING FARM SELECTORS' BORE.

The report dated 15th September, 1898, mentions that the Bando bore

sunk for the Lands Department for the accommodation of grazing farm

selectors was completed during the year at a depth of 2,081 ft.,

giving a supply of 2,000,000 gallons daily, and at a cost of L3,289.

It was estimated to water 146,000 acres. The Roma bore for the town

supply had also been completed at a depth of 1,678 ft., and yielded

a controlled supply of 111,000 gallons daily, which sufficed for the

wants of the town.

STATISTICS TO DATE.--THARGOMINDAH ILLUMINATED.

Particulars of thirty-seven bores sunk in the colony to a depth of

3,000 ft. and over are given. Of these eleven had reported flows,

either large or small, during the year, three had been abandoned, and

nine were still in progress. The yield of 376 bores in the colony was

estimated at 214,000,000 gallons a day, the average per bore being

over half a million gallons. Besides these, fifty-five sub-artesian

wells--those whose water did not rise above the surface--yielded

21/2 million gallons a day; and perennial springs gave an ascertained

continuous flow of nearly 4,000,000 gallons a day. The report calls

attention to a serious diminution in the yield of certain wells, and

says that it has been ascertained in some cases that the loss was due

to loss of head, and not to any leakage or obstruction in the casing.

The Hydraulic Engineer therefore again urges legislation to give the

Government control of bore water. As to power, it is mentioned that a

small electrical installation had been set up at Thargomindah by

the Bulloo Divisional Board, and that the number of lamps of sixteen

candle-power that would exhaust the bore power was 150 to 200.

THE DROUGHT OF 1899.

When the report dated 30th August, 1899, was prepared the country was

held in the throes of a protracted drought, and the Hydraulic Engineer

speaks of compression in his report on the ground of economy.

For years past the reports had been becoming increasingly bulky,

appendices and maps being supplied on a generous scale. Government

expenditure in bore-sinking had now nearly ceased, presumably because

private enterprise had already benefited greatly by Government

prospecting for water, and the same necessity did not exist for State

action as in previous years. The new feature of the departmental

year's work is stated to have been the comparative analysis of the

height of bore sites and the water potentials thereat, upon which the

iso-potential map, with the full description given in page 56 of the

report, is based. By this time the number of bores sunk to a depth of

3,000 ft. and over was fifty, an increase for the year of thirteen,

which shows that private enterprise was still active in the search for

artesian water. The total number of flowing bores in the colony was

given as 440, with a yield of water of nearly 2661/2 million gallons

a day.

The report dated 25th August, 1900, mentions that during the year in

the Adavale bore 9,000 gallons of water a day had been struck at 1,494

ft., and although further sinking had been carried to 2,930 ft. there

was no increase in the supply. By this time the number of bores sunk

to 3,000 ft. and over had increased by nine, or to fifty-nine, while

the aggregate flow of artesian water was put at over 3211/2 million

gallons per day.

REGRETTABLE ECONOMIES.

The report dated 31st August, 1901, was the last to supply the very

full information customarily given annually by the department. There

was almost universal drought and difficulty. In some parts of the

State, however, the drought had broken, so that needful works could be

again pushed on. But this was by no means the end of the great drought

of 1898-1903, and the appendices and valuable maps which added so

greatly to the permanent value of the reports of the department were

discontinued, and only a brief report was presented. This is much to

be regretted, but retrenchment was enforced by revenue shrinkages and

the dislocation temporarily caused by federal union. Happily, however,

the information has since been carefully collected, and is now

available to complete this sketch of the work done and results

achieved since the year 1883, when the department was created under

Mr. Henderson's direction. In the 1901 report the success of the

Adavale bore is recorded, the depth being 3,398 ft., with a flow of

990,890 gallons per day, and at a total cost of L5,369. The striking

of a supply of water in the Dalby bore to the amount of 46,470 gallons

an hour at a depth of 1,841 ft. is also mentioned in this report.

This success is interesting on account of the site being the furthest

easterly where artesian water has been found.

The report for 1902 was cut down to the minimum limit. It was prepared

while the country was in the grip of the worst drought ever known,

and yet private enterprise was active as ever in bore-sinking, no less

than thirty-six flowing wells having been completed during the year.

The total number in the State was thus brought up to 563, yielding

375,000,000 gallons a day, the average flow per bore being 666,231

gallons.

ADDITIONAL FLOWING BORES IN 1903.

The report for 1903 was brief. During the year the number of flowing

bores had increased by thirteen, and the aggregate flow by 10,000,000

gallons. The average flow was 669,279 gallons, or 3,048 gallons

increase upon the flow for the preceding year. This in the face of

the diminution of the flow in many bores cannot be considered

unsatisfactory. The entire cost of well-boring in the State to 1903 is

set down at L1,463,326, including abortive bores, and heavy sums for

carriage of boring plant in the earlier days. It is mentioned in this

report that the Whitewood bore, Bimerah, yielding only 70,000

gallons a day, at 5,045 ft., is still the deepest in Queensland. The

shallowest is given as at Manfred Downs, at 10 ft., yielding 2,000

gallons a day; and the hottest water at Elderslie No. 2, where from a

depth of 4,523 ft. emerge more than 11/2 million gallons per diem at

a temperature only 10 degrees below boiling point. The greatest static

pressure is at the Thargomindah bore, where it is nearly 240 lb. to

the square inch.

LATER INFORMATION.

Since 1902 until this year annual reports at length have not been

furnished by the Hydraulic Engineer; but this year the work has been

resumed, and advance information supplied in a condensed form.

In the foregoing epitome of the Hydraulic Engineer's reports extending

over twenty-five years, no particular mention has been made of the

failures inevitable when either the Government or private persons

were engaged in deep boring for water exploration. The following

particulars show some of the obstacles encountered in tapping the

subterranean springs of our arid western country:--

In his report for 1902 the Hydraulic Engineer mentioned that a

contract had been entered into with Mr. W. Woodley for the sinking of

a bore at Eromanga to a depth of 2,000 ft. for the sum of L1,438, but

that work could not be prosecuted in consequence of the prevailing

drought in the West. The contract depth was reached on 29th August,

1903, without finding water. A further contract to carry the bore to

3,000 ft. was subsequently entered into, and on 30th June, 1904, at

a depth of 2,612 ft., the work was suspended until the arrival of

casing, which was delayed by rain. It was not until November, 1904,

that the casings reached the bore site, and that work could be

resumed. A suspension of work occurred on 4th March following for want

of a competent driller. Boring was resumed in August and continued

till March, 1906, without success. The only water tapped up to that

time was a supply of 10,000 gallons per diem at a depth of 1,640 ft.

The casings were allowed to remain in the bore, the gross cost of

which had been L4,480. In May, 1906, a new contract with Mr. Woodley,

for sinking another bore to a depth of 3,000 ft., was entered into. At

1,660 ft. a supply of 12,000 gallons a day was tapped; but, this being

considered insufficient, another contract for deepening the bore to

3,500 ft. was entered into with Mr. Woodley, the additional cost being

L1,000. On 9th March, 1908, the depth of 3,500 ft. was reached without

any additional supply. Then a contract for sinking a further 500 ft.

was entered into. At 3,980 ft. a small flow was tapped which dribbled

over the surface, and the 4,000 ft. depth being reached arrangements

were made for sinking another 100 ft. At 4,050 ft. a small flow of 110

gallons per hour was struck. At 4,135 ft. the flow increased to 250

gallons per hour. Delays occurred after this, until January, 1909,

when boring was resumed, and at 4,270 ft. a flow of 306,234 gallons

per diem was struck. The water was then brought under control,

and found to have a pressure of 219 lb. per square inch, with a

temperature of 198 degrees F. The water was fresh and drinkable,

though having a slightly gaseous taste; but this was not noticeable

after it had stood exposed to the air for a little time. On completion

of the surface fittings the discharge was measured, and the flow

ascertained to be 256,825 gallons per diem. The cost had not been

adjusted at the date of our information, but it will be understood

that a work extending over five years, and then yielding a

comparatively small supply, makes bore-sinking a highly speculative

industry, even in what the geologists declare to be artesian

water-bearing country.

[Illustration: COOKTOWN AND ENDEAVOUR RIVER, NORTH QUEENSLAND]

[Illustration: PEARLING FLEETS OFF BADU ISLAND, TORRES STRAIT]

At the Kynuna bore, work had been suspended at the time of the last

annual report at a depth of 2,221 ft., the flow being 807,608 gallons

a day. When cased to the bottom the flow was 880,154 gallons per day.

It was handed over to the Winton Shire Council, the total cost having

been L2,610, half of which was granted as a loan to the council by the

Government, and the other half as a free gift.

Another unsuccessful bore was at Windorah, where, under contract, a

depth of 4,000 ft. was reached, with no water save an insignificant

spring touched at 103 ft. below the surface. The total cost, including

casing and supervision, was L7,508.

A bore at the joint expense of the Booringa Shire Council and the

Government was started at Mitchell in January, 1908, and on 18th May,

at a depth of 1,405 ft., the work was stopped, the supply, equal to

205,000 gallons a day, being considered sufficient. The cost of the

bore was L1,935.

SUMMARY BY THE HYDRAULIC ENGINEER.

Summarising the information supplied in the accompanying tables, Mr.

Henderson writes:--"The total continuous yield from 716 bores--the

flows from which have been estimated by various persons, not connected

with the department, and communicated to me either directly or through

the public prints, for the accuracy of which I cannot vouch, and

measured under the hydraulic survey which was suspended in 1899 and

not yet resumed--is now estimated at 479,268,000 gallons per diem;

hence the average flow per bore is 669,369 gallons in the same time.

"These figures do not include the flows from nine sub-artesian wells

the flow from which is artificially produced by cutting down the

outlet, but which it is understood have since ceased to flow, nor do

they include the yield from 215 sub-artesian wells which are pumped

more or less regularly during periods of drought, and which are

estimated to yield 8,600,000 gallons per day, or an average of 40,000

gallons per well if pumped continuously night and day; but as it is

impossible to form a trustworthy estimate of the daily volume raised

I have put it down at what I think is approximately true--namely,

1,720,000 gallons.

"I may also mention that owing to the suspension of the departmental

hydraulic survey previously mentioned, I have obtained no official

data relating to perennial springs. The last data to hand are given in

my summarised report for the year 1902."

WELLS SUCCESSFUL AND ABANDONED.

The following table shows the progress of boring and artesian supplies

to end of 1908 [but it must be stated that only part of the data for

the years 1907 and 1908 is to hand]:--

----------------------------+----------+-----------+--------------+--------

| Artesian | Pumped | Progress |

Sunk by | Flows. | Supplies. | Abandoned or | Total.

| | | Uncertain. |

----------------------------+----------+-----------+--------------+--------

[g] Government | 32 | 10 | 76 | 118

Local Governing Authorities | 16 | 0 | 24 | 40

Private Owners | 668 | 205 | 315 | 1,188

+----------+-----------+--------------+--------

Total to end of 1908 | 716 | 215 | 415 | 1,346

----------------------------+----------+-----------+--------------+--------

[Footnote g: Pioneering bores sunk to explore and ascertain

the artesian possibilities of new country.]

AGGREGATE MILEAGE BORED, AND AVERAGE FOR EACH WELL.

For comparison with former years I may mention (writes Mr. Henderson)

that the total aggregate number of feet bored in search of artesian

water in Queensland up to end of 1908 is estimated, from the best

information at hand, at 1,498,700 ft., equal to 283.84 miles. The

average depth per bore is 1,113 ft. The total aggregate depth bored is

as follows:--

-------------------------------+-----------+--------------------------------

Date | Miles. | Increase in Each Year.

-------------------------------+-----------+--------------------------------

Up to the end of October, 1894 | 82.75 |

" " " 1895 | 92.21 | 9.46 miles in twelve months

" " September, 1896 | 102.43 | 10.22 miles in eleven months

" " June, 1897 | 111.02 | 8.59 miles in nine months

" " " 1898 | [h]135.85 | [h]24.83 miles in twelve months

" " " 1899 | 159.61 | 23.76 miles in twelve months

" " " 1900 | [i]184.98 | [i]25.37 miles in twelve months

" " " 1901 | 202.01 | 17.03 miles in twelve months

" " " 1902 | 215.04 | 13.03 miles in twelve months

" " " 1903 | 221.87 | 6.83 miles in twelve months

" " " 1904 | 225.04 | 3.17 miles in twelve months

" " " 1905 | 229.53 | 4.49 miles in twelve months

" " " 1906 | 236.41 | 6.88 miles in twelve months

" " " 1907 | [j]273.66 | [j]37.25 miles in twelve months

" " December, 1907 | [k]276.50 | [k] 2.84 miles in six months

" " " 1908 | [k]283.84 | [k] 7.34 miles in twelve months

-------------------------------+-----------+--------------------------------

[Footnote h: This includes a considerable number of old bores

discovered and added to the 1898 year's list.]

[Footnote i: This includes thirty-four sub-artesian wells

and bores in the Dalby district, representing an aggregate of

3,500 ft.]

[Footnote j: Data collected by Police Department at the

beginning of 1907, which include a number of old bores not

previously heard of.]

[Footnote k: Only a small part of data to hand, which was

chiefly compiled from newspaper reports. It is a fact well

known to this Department that never before was there in any

year so much boring done as during the years 1907 and 1908.]

FLOWING ARTESIAN BORES--1908.

Number of artesian flows of various magnitudes to end of 1908:--

Under 10,000 gallons per day 49

From 10,001 to 150,000 gallons per day 151

" 150,001 to 750,000 " " " 296

" 750,001 to 1,500,000 " " " 129

" 1,500,001 to 2,500,000 " " " 57

Exceptional flows of over 2,500,000 gallons per day 34

----

Total flowing bores 716

The continuous yield of water is estimated at 479,268,000 gallons per

diem, equal to 1,763.22 acre feet, or 2.755 square miles of water 1

ft. deep, in the same time.

The average flow of the 716 bores is thus 669,369 gallons per day, and

their average depth is 1,575 ft.

The estimated value of 1,346 borings is L1,873,375.

ARTESIAN WELLS OVER 3,000 FEET DEEP.

The following is a list, compiled from the latest available

information, of the Artesian Wells of the State over 3,000 ft. deep,

in order of their depth:--

Our First Half-Century: A Review of Queensland Progress Based Upon Official Information · 第 14 / 15 章

3. Free passages may be granted from the United Kingdom to any part of