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In 1877 when Queenslanders William Collins, William Forrest, and Sir Thomas McIlwraith were joined by Englishmen John Warner and Sir William Ingram to form The North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo), little did they know they were laying the foundation for more than 145 years of sustainable beef farming. Our five founders were the original lessees of the great Alexandria Downs Station in the Northern Territory – now known simply as ‘Alexandria’, it continues its flagship role within NAPCo’s operation. The new company survived the financial and drought-induced crisis of the 1890s mainly due to its Burdekin properties which were less drought-affected and close to abattoirs. The first two decades of the 20th Century saw more drought, a world war, and changes in the ownership structure. In 1937, Francis Foster invested heavily in NAPCo taking an interest that grew through his life bringing with it exceptional pastoral skills and long-term vision, which laid the basis for its composite breeding program and pioneering contributions to land care, conservation, and disease minimization. Source: napco.com.au/our-story/

FIRE AT GOONDIWINDI. Fire- broke out about 3 o'clock this morning, and the Commonwealth Buildings, comprising seven shops, and Mr. E. G. Lucas's Central Hotel, together with most of the contents, were destroyed. The Central Hotel was an up-to-date two-story building. The other places burnt were those of H. Nable, a tailor; H Gurtler, bootmaker; Mrs. Tanner, refreshment room; A. Andrews, billiard saloon; J. D. Hindmarsh, auctioneer; S. Cowell, mercer; J. Birkett, stationer. The total loss is estimated at £10,000. Source: The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 Oct 1916 trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/28101856#

From about midnight on Saturday until yesterday evening very little rain fell, and it was generally hoped that fine weather would set in for a time at all events ; but by sunset last evening steady rain again began, and the night as it fell over the city was perhaps the most gloomy that has yet been experienced. No gas had been available since an early hour on Saturday night, and though some lamps in Queen and George streets were lit by Messrs. Barton, White, and Co. from electricity generated at the Government Printing Office, this served to light but a small portion of the inundated streets. Every effort is being made to supply the immediate needs of the suburban residents driven from their homos, and while many in various districts were accommodated in empty houses, shelter and relief were also afforded at the Town Hall and other public places. Police and Defence Force men worked hard to save life and minimise, where possible, the destruction wrought, and many young men, members of athletic clubs and football and cricket teams, worked with a will, plying in boats the whole of Saturday night from point to point where help was needed. Where the local authorities took the work systematically in hand as in the case of Booroodabin much needless suffering was avoided, but an emergency of such an unexampled nature could not in any case be fully met. Source: The Brisba e Courier, 06 Feb 1893 trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3555422

" Clothes damaged by the flood being washed at D. L. Brown"