A furious gale along the northern coast destroyed much property. At St Lawrence a new wharf disappeared, the Post Office and miles of telegraph lines were blown down and several stores were wholly or partially destroyed. Trees for miles around were uprooted. The schooner Countess of Belmore was badly damaged. At Keppel Bay some of the houses were partially unroofed and the jetty was washed away. Although it was neap tides the sea rose 3 feet higher than ever before. The ketch Hibernia was driven ashore on Northwest Island (all safe). The James Patterson grounded on Masthead Island (all rescued).The S.S. Lord Ashley was caught in it and was almost wrecked.

Rockhampton Regional Council in partnership with the Queensland a…