Arrived in Queensland with Sixpence—Now a Well-to-do Farmer.
One of the best known identities in the Clifton district (Darling Downs, South Queensland) is Mr. Maas H. Hinz, J.P., typical pioneer, and one whose industry and perseverance have done so much to push on that busy farming place, Clifton. Mr. M. H. Hinz was born in Holstein, Germany, in January, 1841. After leaving school he worked as a farm labourer. Left the Fatherland for Queensland on 28th May, 1864, by the ship “La Rochelle,” and landed in Brisbane on 6th September, the same year. On landing all he
Possessed was a Solitary Sixpence!
After residing two days in the depôt he secured a job with a farmer named Mr. R. Wilson, of Biley Creek, at 10s. a week. Subsequent to six months with Mr. Wilson, Mr. Hinz got another job on the construction work of the Ipswich-Toowoomba Railway line, and later on worked as a navvy on the Dalby and Warwick lines. In 1867, when wages were very low, he went across to the Burnett district, and took on shepherding on Coringa Station. He remained in that district until 1870, and then returned to the Toowoomba district, where he took up fencing and other contract work until 1872. The discovery of tin at Stanthorpe about this time attracted his attention, and he went there to try his fortune in the tin rush. On 30th December, the same year, he took up 760 acres on Back Plains, about 10 miles from Clifton. Three or four months after selecting he started working his land. For twelve months his life was a lonely one. In December, 1873, he married, and, to use his own words, “the taking up of a farm and the securing of a good wife I can safely say were the two best things I ever did in my life.” In 1875 he selected another 320 acres. When he secured the last block there were no less than thirty-two applicants. His luck was right in on that occasion. In 1877 he bought from a neighbour 160 acres; and in 1893, when the Clifton Estate was sold, he purchased 960 acres adjoining his own property. In 1900 he bought 160 acres from a man leaving the district, and shortly afterwards purchased another 760 acres of grazing land. It will thus be noticed that while working his farm land,
By Hard Work and Indomitable Perseverance,
he gradually increased his holdings. During the whole of the time he carried on mixed farming—dairying, maize and wheat growing, and sheep and horse breeding. Mr. Hinz is a magistrate of many years’ standing, and was a member of the divisional board for twelve years, once occupying the position of chairman. He was also chairman of the local cheese factory, school committee, School of Arts, and several other bodies.
Enjoying the Fruits of his Arduous Labours.
His life has been an active as well as useful one, and it is his privilege now to enjoy the fruits of his arduous labours and early settlement. Mr. Hinz toured the continent of Europe in 1900, and visited the Paris Exhibition, as also the earlier scenes of his youth. He has reared a family of eight children, five girls, and three boys. On January, 1911, on attaining the age of 70, he gave over the farm lands to his three sons, who are now working the property on the same lines as himself, while he and his wife and two daughters are living privately at Clifton. He and his good wife have worthily earned a rest, after putting in such good work in developing the district of Clifton.