Our First Half-Century: A Review of Queensland Progress Based Upon Official Information

This work offers a clear, concise look at Queensland’s first fifty years, tracing its birth as a separate British colony and its early steps toward self‑government. It walks listeners through the arrival of the first governor, the establishment of a responsible ministry, and the spirited debates that shaped the new parliament, all while keeping the narrative lively and free of dense tables.

Beyond politics, the book explores how the fledgling colony financed its growth, from modest land sales to ambitious railway schemes and daring fiscal experiments. By weaving together key figures, landmark legislation, and the optimism of a young society eager to define its future, the volume paints a vivid picture of a region in rapid transformation—setting the stage for the promises that would follow after federation.