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26°34′14.55″S 148°47′5.26″E / 26.5707083°S 148.7847944°E
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Roma Courthouse is located at 141 McDowall Street, Roma in Queensland, Australia. The heritage-listed courthouse, which remains in use today is a rendered, masonry building and was constructed in 1901. [1] Predominately influenced by the federation free style, it is considered a stunning example of Federation colonial architecture at its best. [2]
History
[edit]The maiden District Court assizes were held on 14 February 1866,[3] in the original timber Courthouse facing Albert Street, which was completed the same year. An extention in 1884 allowed the Supreme Court to sit when on circuit, however local magistrates had conducted court hearings in rented premises in the town from 1863. [1]
In 1872, Harry Redford, widely believed to be the inspiration for the fictional character Captain Starlight,[4] stood trial for stealing approximately 1000 head of cattle from a station west of Roma, with the proceedings held in the original courthouse. It was alleged he and four mates mustered-- driving them overland to South Australia. A feat that had seen the explorers Burke and Wills perish nine years earlier. The cattle were eventually sold at the Adelaide sales for £5000. He was tried and infamously acquitted in 1873. The result of this case saw Roma Courthouse struck off the District Court circuit list for two years,[5] however the decision was rescinded on 20 January 1874, restoring the power of exercising.[6]
The advent of the railway in the 1880s and the tapping of the Great Artesian Basin saw Roma flourish. Consquently, growth in the Maranoa Region meant an increased need for justice administration and by the late 1890s it was felt the Roma Courthouse should reflect the town's optimism for the future. When plans were presented for a modest, timber building, based on an H-shaped design with a residence attached in 1897, the citizens complained with many petitions. However, the petitioners were fortunate to find a receptive ear in Sir Arthur Rutledge, who in March of 1899 contested and won the seat of Maranoa, also becoming Attorney-General.
The current Roma courthouse faces south toward McDowall Street and was designed by architect John Smith Murdoch and built in 1901.
Mayor of Roma, Alderman J.M. Hunter on 4 September 1900 layed the ceremonial foundation stone on 4 September 1900, and was completed in December 1901 for a cost of £5964.
It is one of only ten surviving masonry courthouses built in Queensland in the 19th century. The courthouse is located on a hill west of the Roma town centre. Its location influenced the town's continued development, resulting in the area becoming known as the West End.
renovated to celebrate its centenary in 2001[7]
Blakeney, Charles William (1802 - 1876)
Footnotes
[edit]- ^ a b "Roma Court House and Police Buildings". Environment Protection Agency. 04 April 2006. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Roma builds a courthouse". The Department of Justice and Attorney-General. 1 February 2010. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
- ^ "Roma". The Brisbane Courier. 2 March 1866. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
- ^ "No bull - jury's verdict saves rogue Redford". The Department of Justice and Attorney-General. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
- ^ "Telegraphic". The Brisbane Courier. 7 April 1873. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "The Roma District Court". The Brisbane Courier. 24 January 1874. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
- ^ "Ghost of Harry Redford". When in Roma. 2010. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
References
[edit]- Rutledge, Sir Arthur (1843 - 1917) Australian Dictionary of Biography Online
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