Queensland National Bank, Pine Hill 1883.
The towns of Pine Hill, Alpha and Jericho were established as the railway line from Rockhampton to Longreach was constructed. Original sales of town allotments depended on a survey having been made and took place after the first settlers had begun to establish businesses, hotels and agencies to service the railway construction workers in each terminus.
The surveys attempted to accommodate the more permanent buildings already structured, in particular, along the street running immediately parallel to the railway line. Alpha’s town plan was most significantly affected, especially in Section I in which the surveyed allotments ranged from 24.4 to 40 perches (1 rood), but few could be surveyed at the standard area for this part of town – 1 rood.
Details for the only Pine Hill sale have been difficult to verify as the sale record has not been located. Deeds of Grant recognising ownership were also complicated by discrepancies in the size of allotments between the first and later surveys. As Pine Hill did not continue as a rural town but as a railway siding, and no longer exists, the confusion did not have long term significance. Instead, the list of purchasers provides evidence of men and women moving westwards as the railway line was being built.
The Queensland National Bank built premises on Allotment 8 of Section III, Pine Hill remaining there until moved to Jericho in 1885.
Details of the original sales are listed for each town: Alpha, Jericho and Pine Hill.
