Biographical entry: McIlwraith, Sir Thomas (1835 - 1900)
- Born
- 1835
- Died
- 1900
Summary
Papers 1859-1897. Scottish born capitalist civil engineer and politician, Thomas Mcllwraith was Premier of Queensland 1879-1883, May-November 1888, and March-October 1893. In 1883 he ordered the annexation of south eastern New Guinea to forestall an anticipated annexation by Germany. This action was disallowed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Derby. Mcllwraith was awarded the K.C.M.G. in 1882. Correspondence, telegrams, commissions, legal documents, accounts, receipts etc relating to the career of Sir Thomas Mcllwraith. Most of the correspondence relates to political matters, but some personal and business matters are mentioned. Some financial records concern Beaufort Station in central Queensland. Other subjects include the proposed appointment of Sir Henry Blake as Governor of Queensland, the proposed transcontinental railway, the annexation of New Guinea in 1883 and investment possibilities. A large quantity of the correspondence is between Mcllwraith and Sir Arthur Palmer; other correspondents include James Murdock, Sir Anthony Musgrave, Charles Stirling, John Forrest, Oscar de Satge, Sir Charles Lilley and Sir Henry Parkes. ca.6 feet. Oxley: O.M.64-19.