The research by Steve Hutcheon into the history of various large telescopes in Queensland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries prompted my interest in the subject. His continued dogged research has provided much of the background for this paper which I hope provides a balanced historical perspective. In many respects I am merely piecing together his research into a chronological account.
I also acknowledge the assistance of Mr W. Kitson, now retired and Former Senior Curator, Queensland Museum of Lands Mapping and Surveying. Other material has been derived from the astronomical historical papers by Professor Wayne Orchiston, and finally I express my appreciation to the State Library of Queensland for the assistance rendered by their researchers.