As soon as test and trial proved in this special case that life on the periphery of the whirl of civilisation was not only endurable but “so would we have it,” arrangements were made with the Government of the State for a change in the tenure upon which the right of possession was upheld.

In obedience to those altruistic tendencies which, with due recognition of the law of self-preservation, comprehend the duty of man, it is necessary that the terms and conditions upon which others may acquire freehold estates in tropical Queensland—­the most fruitful and the most desirable part of Australia—­should be briefly detailed.  As insurance against intrusion, a small area of the island had been secured from the Government under special lease for a term of thirty years, at the rental of 2 shillings 6 pence per acre per annum.  This lease was maintained only for the period during which our verdant sentiments were put to the test.  That phase having passed without the destruction of a single illusion, no restraint was imposed upon the passion to possess the land.  Negotiations resulted in a certain acreage being proclaimed open to selection, and in such case the original applicant has the prior right.  What is termed under the exceedingly liberal land laws of Queensland an agricultural homestead may comprise 160 acres, 320 acres, or 640 acres, in accordance with the classification of the land as of first, second, or third quality.  The selector must pay 2 shillings 6 pence per acre at the rate Of 3 pence per acre for ten years, and must reside continuously on the land.  Five years are allowed for the completion of improvements—­house, clearing, fencing, cultivation, etc., which in valuation must equal 10 shillings, 5 shillings, or 2 shillings 6 pence per acre respectively, according to the classification of the land.  At the end of the five years the selector may pay in a lump sum the second moiety of rent, making the total 2 shillings 6 pence per acre, and he is thereupon entitled to the issue of a deed of grant of the land in fee-simple.  Otherwise payments may extend over the term of ten years, when the land becomes freehold.  Briefly, for the sum Of 2 shillings 6 pence per acre distributed over ten years, in addition to a trifle for survey fees (also payable in easy instalments) and the construction of improvements equal in value to 2 shillings 6 pence per acre, the freehold of land unsurpassed in fertility in the whole world may be acquired.  The selector may build his own hut and erect his fences of timber from his clearing, and the officials assess improvements on a liberal scale.  Who would not be a landed proprietor under such terms?  Other clauses of the Land Act are far more encouraging.  Not only are payments held in abeyance until the selector is able to meet them out of his earnings from the land, but in special cases monetary assistance is afforded him.  Literally the meekest of men may inherit the choicest part of the earth.