Motivated: The James Gulland Story

Some people just make an impression. They stand out, they achieve, and they are often financially successful. James Gulland was such a man. He emigrated to Australia in 1864 at the age of 28 ^1., swiftly establishing himself in Brisbane, and maintaining a good standard of living as a public servant. Eventually he became a businessman and served himself, but first he served the people of Queensland.

Shortly after arriving in Queensland, Gulland became a clerk in the Treasury Department and then was ‘appointed accountant in the Lands Department. Later he was transferred to the Postal Department, and in July 1869 was gazetted as secretary to the post-office.’^2.   In 1870 he arrived in Ipswich, becoming a partner in Tivoli Coal and Coke Company Ltd. with Hooper and Robinson who owned the Old Tivoli Pit.^3. Gulland quickly assumed a leading position in the company and in 1872 he gained full control when the other partners sold out.^4.  This was the first of a number of collieries that he would  own including New Chum and Goodna, becoming a significant employer in the Ipswich region. He was to become a man of influence in the Queensland coal mining industry and a man of standing in Ipswich.

James Gulland was a tough Scotsman who ran his business ‘in an autocratic manner’^5.  He took risks and was sometimes rewarded for them. He was also a man who could inspire loyalty and trust, and enduring friendships.

The 1870s was an exciting decade for James Gulland. After becoming a colliery proprietor in Ipswich, Gulland proceeded to buy up Crown Land in the Parishes of Walloon and Chuwar. Then in 1874 he married Elizabeth Rowling in Sydney. ^6.  Back home in Ipswich the newlyweds rented Maryville and settled down to married life. This sizeable Limestone Hill property of 7 acres, plus 9 rooms with stable and coach house,^7. although rented, was another indication of Gulland’s financial and social success in the new colony.  In 1882 the couple would purchase the property, extend and re-name it Cintra.^8.  This would be their home for the next 28 years.

 Ipswich residence, Cintra, ca.1905 Image courtesy of Qld State Library

The 1870s was a decade of public service for James Gulland where he applied his considerable drive and energy for the betterment of the community. In 1873 he performed the role of Returning Officer for the Bremer electorate in the State poll, ^9.  He became a Justice of the Peace^10., and in the latter part of the decade served on the roster of magistrates^11. including the Licensing Committee, and on the Board of Management of Ipswich Hospital.^12. More leisurely pursuits, at various times, included membership of the Ipswich and West Moreton Agricultural and Horticultural Society, the Ipswich & District Rifle Club, and the Acclimatisation Society. James would also steward at North Australian Jockey Club meetings.^13. Such community engagement and involvement in civic affairs meant he was a well-known and respected figure around town.

James Gulland was an astute businessman. In the 1880s he moved his mining interests from North Ipswich to the Bundamba area to take advantage of the new 1875 railway line now linking Ipswich and Brisbane.^14. He was also a man of vision being ‘responsible for the private, mile long railway line connecting the mining area of New Chum with the main Brisbane to Ipswich line in 1881. By an Act of Parliament Gulland was able to have a railway line constructed, gazetted as Gulland’s Tramway.’^15.  This event made it possible for other collieries to also build private branch lines or establish sidings off the main line, thus decreasing production costs and stimulating the industry.^16.  

From the Qld Times, Ipswich Herald & General Advertiser, Tuesday, 19 July 1881, P4, Advertising.

James’ health deteriorated in 1903 and in November the Gullands departed Ipswich for Brisbane to live with their adopted daughter in Hamilton. His retirement was short-lived however and James died in February 1904 having distinguished himself in public service and in the coal industry.

Gulland Street at North Ipswich is believed (although unconfirmed) to be named for this coal mining pioneer and Ipswich colliery owner.

Sources:

1. Whitmore, R.L. Coal in Queensland : the first fifty years : a history of early coal mining in Queensland. Brisbane: University of Qld Press, 1981, P116.
2. Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Thursday 18 February 1904, P4, Death of Mr James Gulland.
3. Whitmore, R.L. Coal in Queensland : from Federation to the twenties 1900 to 1925, Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 1991, P158.
4. Whitmore, R.L. Coal in Queensland : the first fifty years : a history of early coal mining in Queensland. Brisbane: University of Qld Press, 1981, P116.
5. Whitmore, R.L. Coal in Queensland : the late nineteenth century, 1875 to 1900. Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 1985, P85.
6. The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 11 March 1874, P1, Family Notices.
7. Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Tuesday 7 February 1882, P4, Advertising.
8. Whitmore, R.L. Coal in Queensland : from Federation to the twenties 1900 to 1925, Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 1991, P160.
9. Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Thursday 27 November 1873, P5, Declaration of the Poll.
10. The Queenslander, Saturday 6 January 1877, P19, Commission of the Peace.
11. Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Thursday 27 March 1879, P3, Roster of Magistrates.
12. Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Thursday 20 January 1887, P5, The Ipswich Hospital.
13. Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Thursday 7 November 1872, P2, Advertising.
14. Whitmore, R.L. Coal in Queensland : the late nineteenth century, 1875 to 1900. Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 1985, P120.
15. Bork, Betty. Dinmore-New Chum history : 1859-2005, Ipswich, Qld : The Author?, 2005, P7.
16. Whitmore, R.L. Coal in Queensland : the late nineteenth century, 1875 to 1900. Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 1985, P12.

Other sources:

Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Tuesday 17 November 1903, P4, Sale of Cintra.