flict with strong and powerful
influences.

I met him later in the Parliament of 1888. In this were many able men,
but none, not even the great chiefs McIlwraith and Griffith, could
overshadow Macrossan.

In his private life, which was most exemplary, I found
Macrossan--although it was said he was otherwise--to be most tolerant to
all who might differ from him in social and religious matters. Like most
of his countrymen, he was, however, in politics, a strong, bitter
partisan. Once a question became political, if one did not agree with
Macrossan, he made an enemy. Between him and McIlwraith a close,
personal friendship existed for years, but towards the end of
Macrossan's life they became estranged. This was due to the strong,
independent stand Macrossan took on a political matter which gave
McIlwraith offence.

In a conversation I had with McIlwraith just prior to his leaving
Queensland, as it turned out to be, for ever, he spoke most feelingly of
Macrossan's memory and their earlier friendship.

Although Macrossan had many chances of enriching himself, he died, in
1891, as he had lived, a man, poor in the world's goods, but rich in the
esteem and respect of all, not excepting those who very widely, and
strongly differed with him on political, national, or religious matters.

Had he lived in latter years, I doubt if he would have become a popular
leader of what is generally designated as "The People."

He was not an opportunist, and he could not submit his independence of
mind, character, or principles to any person or junta.

His breach with Sir Thomas McIlwraith proved this.

If an impartial biography of John Macrossan should ever be written, it
will prove interesting and instructive reading.

CHAPTER IX.

We started the teams from Townsville about the end of July, 1878, and
passed a gang engaged on construction of the railway line to Charters
Towers at Double Barrel Creek, now known as Toonpan, 17 miles from
Townsville.

Our destination was Collingwood, more widely known as the Conn
Waterhole, where the Government Surveyor had laid out a township
situated about 40 miles west of Winton.

Having heard that the business men of Charters Towers were offering a
reward of L50 to any carrier who would open a more direct road to the
western country, and that a road party had left to mark the line, we
decided to try and win it. On our arrival at the Towers, we interviewed
the merchants, who disclaimed