File 4: Hassall family, correspondence, volume 2, pp. 1165-1708, 1814-ca. 1885

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the Districts was to acquaint myself from the Charts the lay of the country, its rivers, and settlements, and from the last census the population (resident in the various parishes) I found around Brisbane at that period to be upwards of 17,000 who had no Church of England Clergy now among them.

The population of the City of Brisbane was over 19,000.

The Caboolture electorate commencing from Kedron Brook and extending to the Caboolture comprises the portion I would undertake at present. The population is put down at 5,816 and may be divided into eight parishes requiring the celebration of Divine Service.

I propose to visit Sandgate and Eagle Farm [indecipherable] [indecipherable] twice per month, North Pine and Samford once per month, South Pine and Radcliffe once per month, Caboolture upper and lower once per quarter. The following particulars may be mentioned in reference to these places.

At the North Pine about eight miles from the Gympie road an old resident of 25 years has never been visited by a Church of England Clergyman but once and that was 16 years ago. A building has already been set apart for Divine Service and furnished

with a handsome desk, and temporary seats until better can be procured. I find one adult and ten children awaiting Baptism and probably a congregation of 30 persons will be present on Sunday next. There is no other denomination occupying this post, but a Presbyterian Chapel has been erected some miles lower down. The inhabitants have given me every encouragement that I could desire. It's school whatever exists on the North Pine - Two Provisional ones might be established.

From North Pine I should ride across the country to Samford about eight miles for afternoon service. The Revd. Mr. Veller visits this place monthly but many Church people reside there, and for several miles along the South Pine. I found some families with three and four children unbaptized and several with one or two. About four miles from the Bald Hills a large number (members of the Church of England) are settled.

Probably a congregation of 80 to 100 persons could be gathered. A building erected for an Orange Lodge has been offered me for [crossed through - a] Divine Service which I have accepted. There is no School nearer than the Bald Hills, at least 50 children would attend one.

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There is a Wesleyan Chapel and a minister occasionally attends it, but every other Sunday a local preacher takes the service in the afternoon. I could visit this part in the morning and proceed to Redcliffe for the afternoon service, where we had an attendance of 28 last Sunday in a room used by Mr. Francis and others for some time past.

Sandgate requires a fortnightly service, and a church may soon be erected £100 formerly subscribed and a promised loan of £120 more has been augmented by a donation of £20 from His Excellency the Governor and £10 from Lady Normanby.

Probably Ennogra may be taken in conjunction with Sandgate but I see no opening at the German Station and Bald Hills as they are occupied by other denominations and many there have joined them from the Church of England. I have not yet visited the Caboolture River.

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Willow Lodge, Glebe Point 22nd February 1875

My dear James,

Received your letter on Saturday informing me of your projected removal to Maryborough. I cannot say that I am pleased at the idea of your going there for I understand that it is a hot, dusty poor place. It is a step that requires much consideration and prayer to be guided aright, but perhaps it may be better for a family than Brisbane. What will Bob or Charley do? Will they remain behind? And can Freddie still go on with his education. I shall be very anxious till I know what your determination is, so write when you know. Lizzie started on Saturday

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with Fred Oxley, who is still very weak & ill, for Melbourne. I hope they are near their destination by this time. Lizzie dreaded the idea of going as she is always so fearfully sick. You ask me if the people at Cobbitty pay their rent well. They are always wanting a new chimney, or a new Kitchen or their roof shingled or barked, so that at the end of the year it is very little that comes in. McIntosh had to repair the stockyard which comes to £10. George Roberts is a very bad payer. He owes for more than half a year. I wish they would go away. We heard from Mariane today, they are all quite well, the doctor's complaint is Hypochondriasis, but I shall hear all about them when Lizzie comes back.

John Oxley's mill is getting on very fast. They hope to be at work in June but it is hard times with them just now, & if they didn't get assistance from Mariane, I dont

know what they should do. I help them a little sometimes. - 25 February 1875. I was disappointed that I could not send my letter by the steamer that went to day, so I am adding a little more now. We had a telegram from Melbourne on Tuesday "Freddie much better, not sick. Lizzie very sick". I suppose she is enjoying long chats with Kate & Mariane now. I should much like to join the party.

I hope you will be able to come to Sydney before you leave Brisbane, for it is a long time since we parted and I am wearying to see you all.

I have not [crossed through - since] seen your [indecipherable] [indecipherable] & Elizabeth for some time past. I understand Henry Bobart has lost his situation at Bourke through misconduct. I do not know where he is now. The Clergyman

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Clergyman who was at Bourke, named [Tadington?], has left our church and gone over to Rome. He has left his wife at Bourke, we hear. He is now in the Sydney University as a Professor. They staid with us at Denbigh before they went up, Mr Paine being acquainted with him at college. I am afraid the Bishop of Bathurst has much trouble with his clergy. Mr Thos. Smith is not what he ought to be.

Your Aunt Martha leaves the Orphan School this week. I think she will feel very odd with a small house & few servants. I hope all the children are quite well, my best love to your self & Fanny.

Believe me Your aff. mother Anne Hassall

P.S. When is Emily to be married.