Maryborough Courthouse History – 143 years

The original courthouse built on the corner of Kent and Adelaid Streets in 1861 by Fritz Kinne. The building was converted into Police barracks in 1880 and eventually demolished in 1908 to make way for the current City Hall. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society Inc.

Standing in picturesque surroundings on the corner of Wharf and Richmond Streets in relationship to Queens Park and the Mary River, the Maryborough Courthouse has both historical and architectural significance to the city and the state. The longest serving courthouse in Queensland, the building has been identified as having national significance on the Register of the National Estate and is also included on the Queensland Heritage Register (Fraser Coast Regional Council, 2015).

“Completed in 1877 by noted colonial architect FDG Stanley, the courthouse is a fine example of the Victorian Classical Italianate style” (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007). Its design and position in the city reflect a time of rapid development. Maryborough was selected as a venue for the Court of Petty Sessions on January 1, 1850. A chief constable and clerk of the court were appointed, with the position of magistrate to be filled on a voluntary basis by local residents (Queensland Government, 2020).

Original Maryborough Courthouse. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society Inc.

The first courthouse was designed for Maryborough by Alexander Dawson, the colonial architect of New South Wales in 1856, three years before the formal separation of Queensland (Michael Gunn Architects, 1998). After this, the first resident law officer was appointed on December 30, 1859, when Richard Bingham Sheridan was appointed Water Police Magistrate (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007). The first circuit court arrived in the following year and was held at the Fitzroy Hotel (Queensland Government, 2020). Shortly afterward, the first courthouse, not from Dawson’s original design, was constructed at the corner of Kent and Adelaide Streets, the current City Hall site. Completed in 1861 by Fritz Kinne, it was the first brick building in the town (Michael Gunn Architects, 1998).

Sketch of Maryborough Courthouse. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society Inc.

Maryborough Courthouse, Richmond Street, Maryborough, ca1900. The courthouse was built on the site of the original immigration barracks. The building was completed in September 1877. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society Inc.

Within ten years of its construction, the original building was having significant structural problems and by 1872, it was decided to construct a new building in Wharf Street (Michael Gunn Architects, 1998). This site was previously used for immigration barracks, but these had been relocated.  New courthouse plans were submitted by FDG Stanley. The contract was won for £7345 by Thomas Annear on the 19th November 1875. The old courthouse was converted to the police quarters and remained until 1908, when it was replaced by the City Hall (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007). Stables were later added for the police horses.

New Maryborough Courthouse view from Queens Park. Source: Maryborough Wide Bay & Burnett Historical Society Inc.

In 1982 a second courtroom was added. The courthouse was damaged in the 1983 floods and was repaired shortly after. In 1912 a savings bank was moved into the building, air conditioning was installed in 1994, with a full refurbishment in 2001 (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007).

The 1909 case of Arthur Ross, heard at Maryborough Courthouse, speaks to the kindness of locals. “In 1909, 21-year-old Arthur Ross was convicted of murder and sentenced to the death penalty. Ross had decided to rob the bank at Gayndah. He had hidden in the bank during the day and that night when the bank was closing, he had assaulted the bank clerk, James Muir” (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007). The clerk, although severely stunned, fought back fiercely. “Ross, fearing he was about to be caught, drew a pistol and shot Muir dead” (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007).  He went through two trials. The first outcome was undecided and the second found him guilty but advocated mercy. This was not to occur. “As the date for the execution approached, many meetings were held in Maryborough and over 3000 signatures were collected on a petition (against execution) and sent to Premier Kidston. Nine of these signatures were from members of the jury” (Matthews, 1995). The Premier stood firm. The execution took place and at the gallows Ross begged for forgiveness for his sins (Matthews, 1995).

Maryborough Courthouse from Richmond Street. 

Given its significance, it is expected that this building will continue to serve the state of Queensland and community of Maryborough well (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007).  “The building’s ongoing function and aesthetic qualities remains a testimony to FDG Stanley’s original vision and the continuing significance of the region in Queensland history and development” (Supreme Court of Queensland Library, 2007).

References:

Fraser Coast Regional Council. (2015). Maryborough Open House Booklet 2015. Retrieved from Issuu: https://issuu.com/fcrccommunications/docs/final_open_house_program_with_crop_

Matthews, T. (1995). River of Dreams: a history of Maryborough and District (Vol. 1). Maryborough, Queensland: Maryborough City Council.

Michael Gunn Architects. (1998). Maryborough Courthouse Conservation Study. Brisbane: Project Services Department of Public Works.

Queensland Government. (2020). Maryborough Court House. Retrieved from Queensland Heritage Register: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=600714

Supreme Court of Queensland Library. (2007). History of the Maryborough Courthouse 1877 - 2007. Brisbane, Queensland: Supreme Court of Brisbane Library.

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