Holmes' Camp during the construction of the Ipswich to Toowoomba Railway, 1865
The Brisbane Courier
Wed 22 Aug 1866
HOLMES' CAMP
(From our own correspondent)
A proof of the present state of this portion of the line was given yesterday. Some twentyfive navvies, who had been working near Helidon, armed themselves with sticks and guns and perambulated the upper portions of the line, with the avowed intetion of compelling all who might be out of work to join them in a general emeute. Luckily they had so badly arranged their plans that, ere they had been in the open air many minutes, the whole of their policy was laid bare and means taken to circumvent them. Sergeant Raleigh, who has been for some time stationed at Fountain's Camp, immediately on hearing of the intentions of this body of men, followed in their wake, with the view of maintaining peace and order, but did not consider it necessary to telegraph to Ipswich for any reinforcements, as the men had promised to conduct themselves in such a manner as would prevent any breach of the peace. On the arrival of the men at this camp they complained of hunger, and went to Mr Dixon's, who gave them about forty pounds of meat; next to Mr Davidson's, where they obtained tea and sugar; and after that they visited two bakers, and got a goodly allowance of bread; but all without any attempt at intimidation. They camped for the night, and expressed their intention of proceeding to Toowoomba, and enlisting as many of the unemployed as would join them, with a view of proceeding to Brisbane, to lay their grievances before the authoritees; but, after going about three miles, without receiving any sympathy from the men on the line, considered that discretion was the better part of valor, and retired from the contest, going home again in a body. Too much praise cannot be given to Sergeant Raleigh for the firm but yet considerate manner in which he and the men under his charge acted throughout - nipping the affair in the bud, and giving the men no chance of creating a disturbance.
Petty robberies are still very numerous, and it is really essential that some permanent force should be stationed here, this being the most populous part fo the line, and without any protection.
Today was the usual sub-day, but again there is no money. Many of the navvies have been looking forward anticipating they would receive something to carry on with, but they are now left to the tender mercies of the storekeeper, who will not give one shilling credit to any of them; the consequence therefore is, they must either borrow or starve, and then comes the question, "Where will it end?"
Holmes' Camp during the construction of the Ipswich to Toowoomba Railway, 1865
The Brisbane Courier
Wed 22 Aug 1866
HOLMES' CAMP
(From our own correspondent)
A proof of the present state of this portion of the line was given yesterday. Some twentyfive navvies, who had been working near Helidon, armed themselves with sticks and guns and perambulated the upper portions of the line, with the avowed intetion of compelling all who might be out of work to join them in a general emeute. Luckily they had so badly arranged their plans that, ere they had been in the open air many minutes, the whole of their policy was laid bare and means taken to circumvent them. Sergeant Raleigh, who has been for some time stationed at Fountain's Camp, immediately on hearing of the intentions of this body of men, followed in their wake, with the view of maintaining peace and order, but did not consider it necessary to telegraph to Ipswich for any reinforcements, as the men had promised to conduct themselves in such a manner as would prevent any breach of the peace. On the arrival of the men at this camp they complained of hunger, and went to Mr Dixon's, who gave them about forty pounds of meat; next to Mr Davidson's, where they obtained tea and sugar; and after that they visited two bakers, and got a goodly allowance of bread; but all without any attempt at intimidation. They camped for the night, and expressed their intention of proceeding to Toowoomba, and enlisting as many of the unemployed as would join them, with a view of proceeding to Brisbane, to lay their grievances before the authoritees; but, after going about three miles, without receiving any sympathy from the men on the line, considered that discretion was the better part of valor, and retired from the contest, going home again in a body. Too much praise cannot be given to Sergeant Raleigh for the firm but yet considerate manner in which he and the men under his charge acted throughout - nipping the affair in the bud, and giving the men no chance of creating a disturbance.
Petty robberies are still very numerous, and it is really essential that some permanent force should be stationed here, this being the most populous part fo the line, and without any protection.
Today was the usual sub-day, but again there is no money. Many of the navvies have been looking forward anticipating they would receive something to carry on with, but they are now left to the tender mercies of the storekeeper, who will not give one shilling credit to any of them; the consequence therefore is, they must either borrow or starve, and then comes the question, "Where will it end?"