Burns Philp and Co. Ltd. Merchants
“General Merchants, Shipping, Insurance, Forwarding, & General Commission Agents, Abbott Street, Cairns.”
They were agents for: Eastern and Australian Steam Shipping Company; Queensland Steam Shipping Company; Gibbs Line China Steamers; Swallow and Ariel Biscuit Manufacturers, Melbourne; Commercial Insurance Company, Colonial Fire and Marine Insurance Company; Union Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand; Mackie & Co.’s Islay Whiskies; Adelaide Milling Company.”
Burns Philp and Co. would move to much more impressive and commodious premises in 1901 as their very successful business expanded. Image: Cairns Fire Brigade outside the new Burns Philp & Co. building c. 1920 courtesy State Library of Queensland
Vacant Shop
In January 1887 the vacant shop would be occupied by R. Sturt & Co.: “Customs, Insurance, House, Land, and General. Commission Agents. Next Burns, Philp & Co.’s Stores, Abbott Street.”
They were also agents for local landowners such as David Thomatis. In an advertisement on September 5, 1888 he declared that he had appointed Messrs. Robert Sturt & Co. as his agents “to collect rents, and generally transact all business in connection with my properties.”
A. R. Fullarton & Co. Tobacconists in Abbott Street.
An advertisement in May 1887 stated that they sold “Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes of Every Description. Best Quality.”
Also “Coffee, Hot Pies, and Ham and Eggs. Every Evening.”
In 1887 there was a very real fear of fire breaking out in Abbott Street. It was lined with single and double storey timber buildings such as these. There had already been several close calls such as the great fire of March 1885. Flanagan’s New Haven Hotel and six stores were gutted by that fire. Practically all buildings in Cairns at that time were constructed of timber so residents and shopkeepers were desperate for a fire brigade to be established in the town.
Despite a concerted effort by the residents, the Chamber of Commerce and newspaper proprietor, F. T. Wimble, Cairns would not have a fire brigade until late 1891.
