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ROMA: ITS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT [By HOPE SPENCER]

(Submitted to the meeting of the Historical Society of Queensland, Inc., on April 22nd, 1948)

In the month of May 1946, centenary celebrations extending over one week, took place in the town of Roma, the "Capital" of the Maranoa district. Roma is a sound, prosperous and thriving country town situated 318 mUes by rail west of Brisbane, on Bungil Creek. It has an altitude of 979 feet above sea level, and a popu­lation of 3,880.

To all who were privileged to v/itness the gala spectacle presented then, it was a memorable occasion. Over the streets serving all the main business sections of the town, a canopy of multicoloured electric lights sparkled and twinkled, presenting a fairyland appear­ance. Flags waved from every building. An agricul­tural show was followed by a race meeting, and a circus came to town. Each night a big ball was held, and for those who had passed the stage of getting their enjoy­ment from "Tripping the light fantastics," the town catered in no uncertain measure, to ensure for all a hearty good time. Entertainment ranged from a merry-go-round to a buck jumping show, which I feel you wiU agree, covers a fairly wide scope.

One very lovely gesture, and I venture to say the one which caused the greatest happiness, where it was perhaps most deserved, was the honouring of the grand old pioneers, by extending to them The Freedom of the Town, for the week of the celebrations. The qualifica­tions for this honour, were that each recipient of the coveted badge of recognition, must be seventy years of age or older, and a resident of the town or district for at least half a century. Old Roma stalwarts who were residing in other towns were not overlooked, and their letters of appreciation all bore testimony to the fact that "It was nice to be remembered,"

As a member of the Centenary Celebrations Com­mittee, it was my very pleasing duty, to seek out these grand old people, and arrange that they be honoured in this way. The knowledge of the great pleasure it: gave them, wiU ever remain with me, a memory of last­ing joy.

"Back to Roma" seemed the unofficial slogan, and back to Roma they came, many travelling hundreds of

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miles to join in the celebrations—to see what progress we were making, but chiefly I feel, to pick up the threads of friendships formed many years ago.

Perhaps the most colourful Australian personality to make the homeward flight was The Right Hon. W. M. Hughes, P.C, C,H,, K.C, M,H,R,, that "Mighty Atom," affectionately known through the length and breadth of the Commonwealth as "Billie Hughes," who was greeted with a hearty cheer when he stepped from his 'plane, as he came back to view with much relish, the scenes of his humble beginnings.

In his Foreword to the Brochure compiled by the writer to commemorate our centenary, he states—

"I too, have played a small part in the develop­ment of this great district, for in the days of long ago, I dug post holes for the railway fence between Roma and Muckadilla, helped to build the goods shed at Mitchell, and to lay the sleepers on the line from Mitchell to Charleville, and laboured in the famous vineyard of Bassett—a name familiar in the mouths of tens of thousands—one of the outstanding pioneers of Roma,

"In those days I knew the Maranoa from Yeulba to Charleville, and even to Adavale, not as one, who, flying on the wings of the morning in a swift rushing 'plane, sees the land beneath him as a con­fused blur, but intimately, as the man 'humping bluey' knows the good earth on which he treads." Yes, the celebration of our centenary was a

memorable event, but let you be confused, I hasten to explain, that it was not the centenary of the town of Roma which we celebrated, but the arrival one hundred years previously of Sir Thomas Mitchell, the first ex­plorer to set foot in the district. It was therefore fit­ting that a large crowd assembled in the Roma Town Hall on 7th May 1946, the centenary of his actual arrival, and a plaque was unveiled by Mrs. Henry Robertson,-M.B.E., F,R,G,S.A,, President of the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, to perpetuate his memory,

Lt.-Col. Sir Thomas L. MitcheU, Kt„ D,C.L,(Oxon), Explorer, Surveyor-General and Savant, arrived at a natural rocky crossing on the Balonne River on 23rd April 1846 (St, George's Day). He named it St. George's Bridge, and here the important pastoral town of St, George now stands. He journeyed on, and even-

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tually came to a mountain, about twenty miles from what is now Roma on 7th May, The following day he climbed this mountain, and was in such raptures over the beautiful scenery, and the natural richness of the country, that he called it "Mount Abundance." The great expanse of country as far as the eye could reach, he named "Fitzroy Downs," after Governor Fitzroy.

In the following year, a New South Wales grazier, named Allen McPherson, got a copy of Mitchell's chart, and went out to take up "Mount Abundance." He built his hut about twenty miles from what is now Roma, and held the property until 1857, when it was purchased from him by Mr, Stephen Spencer (great uncle of the writer), When McPherson first settled in the district, he had serious trouble with the blacks, and appears to have come into collision with them from the beginning. In after years he published a pamphlet, describing his adventures and troubles with the natives, and it is astonishing that he and his hut keeper ever escaped alive.

On 4th April 1848, the epoch-making explorer, R, W. L, Leichhardt, called on McPherson, who was at that time living in a bark hut, with his hut keeper as his only companion. It was in this hut that Leichhardt wrote his last recorded letter, and it was forwarded to Sydney by McPherson, An extract from that letter reads—

"The 'Fitzroy Downs' which we traversed for about twenty-two miles from east to west, is in reality a beautiful country, and Sir Thomas Mitchell has not exaggerated in his description of their beauty. The soil is rich and stony, covered profusely with grass, and to judge by the Myall (Acacia pendula) of nutritious value,, I went straight towards 'Mount Abundance,' and passed with my caravan through its ravine," Leichhardt adopted the usual method of Uving

mainly on what the country produced, and finaUy gave his life for Australia with a mysterious ending, in an endeavour to cross the continent from east to west.

Although Mr, Stephen Spencer acquired "Mount Abundance" which contained an area of about 500,000 acres from Mr, AUen McPherson, in the year 1857, it was not until the following year that he brought his family to live there. His two children, David (who is buried in Roma cemetery), and Mary Ann, were the

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two first white children to enter the district. The lat­ter eventually became Mary Ann McManus, and her book of reminiscences is now regarded, almost, as the official history of Roma and district. The party travelled from "Ironbark," Baraba, New South Wales, and consisted of Mr, and Mrs. Spencer, their 2 children abovementioned, 13 men, 1,000 head of cattle, 60 horses, a spring cart and 4 bullock drays, laden with rations and household effects. 'The journey of 400 miles took 4 months to accomplish—think of it, a hundred miles a month. Of course there were no traffic limits or speed cops in those days. Many blacks were encoun­tered on the trip some of them real Myalls, but they were treated kindly and firmly, and no trouble was ex­perienced. Altogether about 250 blacks, their gins and pickanninies followed the party, but with the exception of about 20, these were finally dismissed, and the 20 blacks retained were employed to do station work, and cut bark for the erection of buildings.

A few days after the arrival of the party at "Mount Abundance" most of the white men left. The news of the murder by the blacks of the Fraser family at "Hornet Bank" on the Dawson frightened them— or, they pretended to be frightened. The real cause was the rush to the "Peak Downs" goldfield.

Native police patrolled the district at that time. In 1862 Mr, A. C. Gregory, a Government Sur­

veyor arrived at "Mount Abundance" with instructions to select a suitable locality for a town. "Mount Abun­dance" was then the chief depot for station supplies which came by bullock waggons from Dalby, the near­est railhead. The Post Office was also conducted there.

The site for Roma was eventually chosen by this gentleman, and the late Robert Austin, then also a Gov­ernment surveyor.

It was named after Lady Bowen, wife of Sir G. F. Bowen, first Governor of Queensland. Her maiden name was Diamentina Roma, and she was a daughter of a Governor of the Ionian Islands. Roma was the first town formed after the separation of Queensland from New South Wales.

The first building to be erected was the Bowen Hotel, the second Maranoa Hotel, and the third the late Thomas Reid's hotel—three hotels before they built a single house; rather an achievement for a town credited with having a "dry" climate—or maybe that

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was the cause of it. We once boasted a brewery too,but this was washed away in the '90 flood—apparently they "Put more water with it" in those days. 'The first houses were built of bark, the ruling price for which was from 4d. to 1/- per sheet.

By 1863 there was a store, also a doctor, and, I should imagine, a few more customers for the three hotels.

In 1867 Gregory Street was the main business cen­tre of Roma, and what is now known as Chinatown, at that time had more residents than the west side of the Bungil. There were a great number of Chinamen resid­ing in Chinatown, hence its name. They were employed on the surrounding stations as shepherds, burr cutters,and at other work. There were three hotels in China­town, the principal one being conducted by a mannamed Johnnie Thompson, a great sport who promoted many fights (bare knuckles in those days), also foot and horse races.

Blacks were numerous, and there were often 300 to 400 in camp near the town.

It is interesting to reveal that the three first births registered in Roma, were those of people born else­where—two of them in England and one in Brisbane, and eight civil marriages were performed before the first marriage by a minister took place. The first death registered was on 25th July 1863, that of Patrick Rees, who died fifteen days previously, and was buried by Police Constable Patrick Hogan. Out of the first six­teen deaths recorded, five died by drowning in the first six months, and two met death by gunshot wounds.

Old identities, now passed on, claim that a Roma Town Council was established prior to 1867, but this was later disbanded; however, there is nothing in the official records to substantiate this. The official records state that Roma was constituted a municipality by proclamation dated 25th May 1867. In August of that year the first election was held, and eleven electors recorded their votes. As ten gentlemen presented themselves for election as Aldermen, and six were re­quired, it can safely be claimed that nobody was elected by a very big majority. Two candidates tied for sixth place, and a decision was made by the casting vote of the returning officer. A meeting was held on the same day, and Alderman T. McEwen was elected Roma's first Mayor. This small band of enthusiasts held another

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meeting two days later at McEwen's Bush Inn (the temporary Council chambers) and the Mayor was directed to apply to the Manager of the Bank of New South Wales, Roma's first bank, who had that year established a branch, for an advance of £50 for the use of the council for six months^surely a modest request. The valuation of the area at that time was £6,203, and a rate of 1/- in the & was struck. A tender of £170/15/-was accepted to build Roma's first Town Hall, which was 40ft. X 24ft. In 1872 the present Golf Links site was declared a public reserve, and the present Show­grounds site declared Showgrounds Reserve. School was conducted in the Town Hall on week days, and Divine Service on Sundays. Dances were held in the Town Hall, but balls were always conducted at the Court House.

In 1874 labourers employed on Town Council work had to supply two sureties in the sum of £10 each for the safe custody of things entrusted to their care. What inspired the following motion is not known, but in 1878 a resolution was carried that all labourers em­ployed by the Council, who neglected to pay their just debts for supplies, on a complaint being made to the Mayor, would be discharged, and rendered ineligible for employment on the Council works.

The contract was signed for the erection of the present Town Hall building in November 1913, and in the following year the Foundation Stone was laid, and the building later erected. Roma Town Council is one of eleven Councils affiliated with the S.W. Local Au­thorities Development Association, who meet at Roma and CharlevUle alternatively twice a year.

The Bungil Shire Council, with Roma as centre was constituted by Order-in-Council on 21st May 1880, The area now controUed by this shire is 4,908 square miles, and the valuation amounts to £401,559, The number of properties rated is 1812.

Many years ago, when the Mayor and Aldermen of the town were notified of the opening of a district court at Roma, they made preparation for the reception of the Judge on his entering the town boundary. Prac­tically all the inhabitants who owned a vehicle or could secure a seat in one, set out at the appointed time with an abundant supply of liquid refreshments to meet the Judge at Bungil Creek. As usual, the coach conveying his honour was late in arriving, and the day being hot,

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and the citizens thirsty, it was decided to start on the liouid refreshments before the arrival of the Judge, with rather unfortunate results. It was with great difficulty, that the elaborate address which had been prepared, was read out to the Judge, who at once sensed the condition of the citizens, and prefaced his reply by stating that he had come prepared to deliver an epistle to the Romans, but it appeared that it would be more appropriate to deliver an epistle to the Tight-uns. Thus the district court of Roma was established quite early in the history of Queensland, and many notable trials have since taken place.

Perhaps the most noted of these is that of Regina V. Redford. The charge was stealing 1,00 head of cattle from "Bowen Downs," which was part of "Mount Cornish" Station. The "Steal" is said to be the biggest in the world's history, something that would make the wild desperadoes of Yankee Land seem "softies" by comparison. 'The evidence of the trial disclosed that about 1867,, the owners Morehead and Young of "Mount Cornish" and "Bowen Downs," acquired a valu­able stud bull (pure white) from the Archers of ^'Gracemere" Station. This bull proved to be the princi­pal link in the chain of evidence against Redford. The mustering of the cattle, and the droving of them down the Thompson River and Cooper's Creek and across the South Australian border by Redford and his mates, must be regarded as one of the most daring and cheeky cases of cattle duffing ever attempted. The stations from which they were stolen comprise so large an area, that it was only at the general muster nearly six months after, that the loss of the cattle was noticed, and it took six months to trace the white bull to "Wal-lelderdine" Station in South Australia, where it had been exchanged for some clothing and stores. It was ascertained that the cattle were sold to some other station 100 miles further on for £5,000. The cattle were stolen in March 1870, but it was not until three years later, that the trial of the case against Redford took place at Roma, and the jury brought in a verdict of "Not Guilty." This so shocked the Judge, Mr. Justice Blackney, that he remarked to the jury: "Thank God, gentlement of the jury, that is your verdict, not mine." The sequel to this case came two months later, when by proclamation in the Government Gazette, the Criminal Jurisdiction of the Court at Roma was with­drawn for a term of two years. It is said that Redford

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was no other than the bushranger "Starlight," the hero of Rolfe Boldrewood's book, "Robbery Under Arms."

In 1875 Cobb & Go's coach took three days to come from Dalby, the nearest railhead. To-day, less than two hours is the flying time from Brisbane by 'plane.

Much progress too, has been made since the days of the "buUocky," when the long team with "Bally" and "Spot" as leaders puUed a load of "The Golden Fleece" up a creek bed, to the accompaniment of the rapid cracking of the long greenhide whip, and a flow of the traditional "picturesque" language. The pace travelled in those days was about ten or twelve miles a day, or from one waterhole to the next. To-day modern trucks travel over a hundred miles a day com­fortably. Of course the language of the truck driver may be just as "picturesque," when a spark plug re­fuses to spark, but there is a modern way of overcom­ing modern problems, owing to the fact that the latest model truck engines are not equipped with the sensi­tive ears of Bally and Spot.

The first sheep to cross the Bungil Creek were owned by the late Stephen Spencer, and the wool from these sheep was the first that crossed on its way to the Brisbane market. All sheep had to be shepherded in those days, as netting and fences were unknown. The chief industry of the district now is grazing, and we are justified in claiming that it is the safest and best natural grazing area in Queensland. This is borne out by statistics compiled by Mr. A. C. Sorensen, Acting Director of Employment, State Employment Council as at 31st December 1940, the last year in which complete records were compiled to my knowledge.

The records reveal that the carrying capacity of the Roma District is 1 sheep to 2.6 acres, whereas Charleville, AugatheUa, Blackall and Tambo, MitcheU, Springsure and Emerald districts average from 1 sheep to 3.2 acres, to 1 sheep to 6 acres. This result was not attained by overstocking, but by the experience and prudence of graziers over a long period of years, and is one of the accepted bases on which lending institutions in Roma transact business with grazier clients. The proved carrying capacity in terms of cattle, can safely be said to be 1 grown beast to 25 acres in all seasons. Merinos are the chief breed of sheep in the district, and in the beef cattle Hereford, Shorthorn, and Here-^ ford/Shorthorn Cross are most favoured.

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The Maranoa Graziers' Association, and Selector's Associations have strong representation in the district.

The fertility of the soil compares favourably with that of other districts. The Winter growth of herbage compares favourably, and has a marked effect in re-inti'oducing to the soils the necessary fertility, so that the full benefit of early Spring and Summer rains is obtained quickly. Thus the usual time lag existent in other fattening areas between November and January, is overcome to a very large extent. The natural grasses are capable of fattening all classes of stock to first class prime condition. The principal market for fat stock is Cannon Hill, while southern meatworks buyers operate extensively in the district, and local butchers are able to fill their requirements.

The natural grasses which grow in the district in­clude Mitchell, Flinders, Blue, Umbrella, Star, Button, Nut Grass and Couch, and the herbage several varieties of Salt Bush, Pig Weed, Carrots, Parsnips, Crow's Foot, Lamb's Tail and Trefoil.

There are many edible trees including Mulga, Wilga, Myall, Whitewood, Ironbark, Beefwood, Emu Apple, Kurrajong, Bottle Tree, Supple Jack and Myrtle.

Roma is well and favourably known as a grape growing centre. It is perhaps not so well known, that the first grape vine in Roma township was planted in the garden of the old Roma post office in McDowaU Street. The late S. S. Bassett "Romavilla" in 1863 acquired the land on which he planted the first vine­yard from which wine was made and sold. Later, this wine was to win prizes in competition with Australia, also at the Wembley exhibition in England in 1924. This vineyard, which is perhaps the largest in Queens­land, is still held by members of the Bassett family.

•About eighty per cent, of the wheats grown in Queensland were bred at the Roma State Farm by Mr. Richard Soutter, of the Quensland Department of Agri­culture and Stock. The Maranoa end of the Queens­land wheat belt, grows a type of wheat that commands the highest demand of all Australian wheats by the flour millers, because of the high gluten content, and general hardness of texture, thus making it so highly suitable and desirable for blending with other wheats to improve the standard of flour.

The Roma wheats Puora and Pusa Flora Cross, bred by Mr. Soutter gained fourth place at the

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Canadian World Show at Regina, Canada, and this be­came a fitting culmination for the lifelong endeavour of one whose name thereby took its place among the agri­culturalists of international renown. A large Co-opera­tive Milling Association is established in Roma.

The first Co-operative Dairy Association was opened in 1909. There was friendly rivalry to see who would be the first to deliver cream to the factory. The late A. B. Anderson arrived bright and early with his supply on the opening morning, only to find that Mr. C. Kieseker had taken the precaution to leave a three gal­lon can of cream on the loading platform overnight, thereby becoming the first supplier. Mr. Kieseker has been chairman of the Association on several occasions since. The highest output of butter was 573 tons in che year 1939. Cream is drawn principally from the Wallumbilla and In June districts, where there are many modern dairies equipped with refrigeration for cream cooling and holding, and there are a large number of well bred, and improved herds. The present building of the Association is an up-to-date brick structure, equipped with modern plant.

Our only working colliery in the district, is along­side the railway line four miles from In June, and was opened in 1933 to supply the locomotives on the West­ern line running from Roma to CunnamuUa. Operations are still on a limited scale, for there has been no call for coal in our district for industrial purposes.

The first train came to Roma in 1880. Men worked until midnight to complete Bungil Bridge, and a ballast train was taken across at midnight to test the struc­ture, pending the arrival of the Goveriiment party for the official opening the following morning, when a man ran ahead of the train, ringing a bell to announce its arrival. To-day, the Superintendent of Railways sta­tioned at Roma, has under his control a district which extends from Chinchilla on the east to CunnamuUa and Quilpie on the west, and north to Injune. The Roma railways are divided into three main branches: Main­tenance, which attends to the maintenance of tracks, bridges, etc.; Locomotive, which keeps locomotives, etc., in good running order; and Traffic, which controls the dispatch and running of trains. When it is taken into consideration that there are approximately 160 men employed by Roma branch of the railways, it will readily be seen that it is a very important rail centre.

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Several thousands of gallons of petroleum and some thousands of millions of cubic feet of natural gas have been produced in Roma, and in the Roma district since 1900.

In that year, when drilling for water for the town supply at Hospital Hill a little gas was found at about 3,683 feet, and rather than risk gas increasing and spoiling the water supply, drilling was stopped.

By February 1904 the gas flowing from the bore increased to 72,000 cubic feet per day, and in June 1906, after being laid on to, and burning in the street lights of Roma for a fortnight, the gas disappeared, and has only shown up in that bore in small quantities sincG

Between 1906 and 1908 the Roma Mineral Oil Com­pany driUed one well, and between 1915 and 1921 the Queensland Government also drilled one; both wells struck large flows of gas. The Mineral Oil Company's bore caught fire, and the gas burnt for several months before it was brought under control.

In 1927 The Roma Oil Corporation tapped a large flow of wet gas in No. 1 bore on Hospital Hill, Roma, and the production from the bore of light oil in quanti­ties up to 120 gallons per days, led to an oil boom.

The driUing boom between 1927 and 1933 resulted in a number of encouraging finds in an area of 25 to 30 square miles round Roma, in the triangle Roma-Blythdale-Roma Blocks No. 1 Bore.

In one period of fifteen months, whUst Roma Oil Corporation was operating on Hospital Hill, the gas from R.O.C.L. No. 1 was the only fuel used by that company.

Since then many other wells were driUed. Then the search gradually died down, and was practically abandoned, but not before it had yielded very tangible results.

We have had many oil companies in Roma, caUed by their promoters many names, and by their share­holders many other names, but our faith is not yet broken. New movements are afoot, and our hopes are high.

Citrus fruits grow to an exceptionally high stan­dard in Roma district, with orchards ranging in size up to 2,200 trees. Washington Navel and Valencia Late oranges are very popular varieties, and do remarkably well, while Marsh's seedless grapefruit leave little to be desired. The Emperor, and Beauty of Glen Retreat

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varieties of mandarins are most successfully grown, and Lisbon lemons are in no way lacking in first grade qualities.

A thousand bearing trees is estimated as a good living for one man, and it has been proved that one man with suitable machinery is capable of tending 2,000 trees unaided for nine months of the year, though of course, considerable additional help is required for the packing season, which extends over about three months of the year. This is chiefly due to the fact that the insect pests are negligible, when compared with most other districts, where citrus fruit is grown.

In the last few years, Roma has come into great prominence in the sporting world, and we have in I)enise Spencer a prospect, and an extremely likely selection for this year's Olympic games, in the free­style swimming events. For the last two years in suc­cession, Denise has been awarded the trophy for Aus­tralia's most outstanding lady swimmer, and in addi­tion to this, she holds many State and National Swim­ming titles. Another up and coming swimmer is the schoolgirl, Thelma Wehl, who has already earned for herself a national title.

The administrative quarters of the Leichhardt Rabbit Board are in Roma, and the specific duty of the board is to see to the proper administration of the Rab­bit Act of 1913. The area under its control amounts to S6,000 square miles, embracing all the country north of the Western Railway line between Brigalow and Dulbydilla, extending to as far north as Charters Towers.

The fact that this area is, and has been kept free of rabbits for the past fifty years, is sufficient indica­tion to show that the farmers and graziers residing within the district, are a long way ahead of their fel­lows in other States in the eradication of this major and most costly pest.

The Board's income is derived from the assess­ment at a pro rata rate, based on the numbers of sheep, cattle and horses held.

It is a weU known fact that prickly pear only flourishes on good land, and it is therefore not surpris­ing that when this menace was spreading, Roma dis­trict had difficulty in combating it. After trying many

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hundreds of materials, cochineal and cactoblastis were found to be the best and cheapest means of eradication. In 1922 Mr. J. B. Henderson and two sons, confident from the results of experimental work, applied for, and were granted an area of land east of Dulacca. It was from this land, where the first marked increase in the numbers of parasites became very noticeable, that the government collected and distributed the parasites. Ow­ing to the splendid results achieved, prickly pear has now become so scarce in this district, that it is con­sidered almost a curiosity. Consequently many thous­ands of acres of fertile land, have been reclaimed.

Taking the period 1876 to 1945, Roma's average rainfaU was 2163 points, but the year 1946 was the driest year in our history when little more than six inches were registered for the year. The average monthly rainfall over the 1876-1945 period shows that the greatest number of points of rain fell in the month of January, while the month of August registered the lowest number of points.

It would be safe to say, that thousands of people suffering from chest complaints have found relief and health by coming to Roma, owing to the climatic condi­tions which prevail, while the Muckadilla Bore, situated about twenty-six miles west of Roma, is claimed to con­tain healing elements for rheumatism, and many re­markable cures have been effected there.

In 1924 the interest of the Director of the Bris­bane Museum was aroused by the finding of the bones of a prehistoric animal of immense proportions on "Durham Downs" Station, near Roma. 'These bones were subsequently collected, and sent to the Brisbane Museum, where they were assembled, and have proved to be the first consequential discovery of a large dino­saur in Australia. The animal is believed to have been a bulky herbivorous quadruped, with dominant hind limbs, and a somewhat rigid tail, and it probably at­tained over 40ft. in length.

Roma has good reason to be proud of the part her citizens have played in the two world wars. In World War I, it is claimed that one in every ten men who served, paid the supreme sacrifice. This is claimed to be an Australian record, and possibly a record for the

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British Empire. A very fine memorial avenue of bottle trees, extends through one of Roma's most important streets, which is a living tribute to their memory. In World War II, our young men and women were well to the fore in service for their country, while on the home front, all branches of patriotic bodies rendered splendid assistance. We stUl have in our midst, one veteran of the Boer War, Mr. J. J. Robinson, who conducts the local weekly newspaper, "The Western Star."

The first issue of the "Western Star" appeared in 1875. On St. Patrick's day of that year, Mr. Ben Ray-ner's bullocks and drays arrived with the original plant, and deposited it in a small building with a cobblestone floor, which had previously been used as a butcher's shop. It formed part of a block of buildings which was later burnt down. Mr. F. Kidner, the founder of the new venture, borrowed "Old Harry" and some labourers from the contractor of the Post and Telegraph Office, and personally directed the installing and equipment of the plant, while Mr. H. J. Page and Mr. G. A. Baker un­packed the' type and "laid" it in the cases, and pro­ceeded to set up the first newspaper in the town. The first edition (500 copies) appeared on 27th March 1875,

The residents, black, white and yellow were con­siderably puzzled as they stole a glance at the type being set up, as most of them had never seen anything like it. The Chinamen and blackfellows made most amusing enquiries, which were sometimes difficult to answer. One Oriental gentleman, more inquistive than the rest, got a little too near, collected the return of the carriage, which knocked the wind out of him, and they lost his presence and patronage after that. In 1879 Alfred Robinson (father of the present editor), J. H. Thompson and C. Galloway formed a company. Mr. Thompson was a city man, and arrived in Roma by coach. His first enquiry on arrival, after a very bumpy journey, was "When does the next coach leave for Brisbane?" He caught it shortly afterwards, but re­tained a financial interest in the paper for a year or two. Mr. Galloway had been on the staff in the days of Mr. Kidner's ownership, but he severed his connection with the new firm, even before Mr. Thompson did. Thus Mr. Alfred Robinson became sole proprietor, and his son now conducts the business.

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Perhaps the most imposing buildings in Roma to­day are the General Hospital, which was opened in 1940, constructed of brick and fitted with all modern appliances, the State School, opened in 1939, a three storey building of Spanish Mission Type, and St. Paul's Church of England, built of concrete blocks, and opened on 14th November 1915. Practically all buildings in the main business section of the town, are built of either brick or concrete, while all principal streets are of bitumen.

In 1936 an up-to-date flood lit swimming pool of 33 1-3 metres v/as built in McDowaU Street. The pool is owned by the local Town Council, and has a purifica­tion system of oxygen and chloride of lime installed, and is second to none in Queensland for cleanliness.

The Radio Station, 4ZR, The Voice of Western •Queensland has programmes, plant and studio which compare favourably with any country centre in the State. The transmitting house is in Bowen Street, and the studio on the top floor of the Municipal Buildings, in McDowaU Street.

Roma is well catered for in the line of education, as in addition to the abovementioned State Primary School, we have a State High School, where pupUs are prepared for scholarship. Junior and Senior University •examinations, also a modern Convent of high standard, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy.

The Queensland C.W.A. have two hostels, one for boys and the other for girls, where country children wishing to attend any school in Roma, may secure ac­commodation at a reasonable cost to the parents. These hostels are well conducted, and well patronised, and provide opportunities for country children, which would otherwise not be available.

The Girl Guide and Boy Scout Movements are very attractive and worthwhile bodies in Roma, and most lodges and benefit societies have strong representation.

The Western Pastoral and Agricultural Associa­tion conducts agricultural shows annually, and proves a "Show Window" for the products, stock, handcrafts and cultural arts of the town and district.

The "Sport of Kings" flourishes, and during the

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last few years, camp drafts and rodeos have come to stay.

As many as ninety-nine nominations for one event in a rodeo have been received, and it is safe to say that nowhere in the Commonwealth can be seen such a col­lection of outstanding horses and riders, as at the camp drafts and rodeos held in the Maranoa district.

In conclusion I would say, we are proud of Roma, and feel that its achievements justify the faith and vision of our grand old pioneers.

We realise, however, that the knowledge of their greatness is not something on which to lean. Rather do we feel, that it leaves to us, the added responsibility of maintaining the high standard which they have seL

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THINK

I like sometimes to think that the Wild American West of which I read so much during my childhood had its counterpart in this country; and sometimes I think that by contrast with the tales I have heard from the north-east of Victoria, the Wild American West was not much more than a Sunday afternoon school marm's picnic alongside the every day social life of these early Australian hillmen.—Niall Brennan, Victorian His­torical Magazine, Vol. XXII, No. 2.