a freed convict. 19th century Rum was so popular—and official currency was in such short supply—that it became a semi-official currency for a period of time (see Rum corps), and even played a role in a short-lived military coup, the Rum rebellion in 1808. Drunkenness was a significant problem in the early colony: As a means of reducing drunkenness, beer was promoted as a safer and healthier alternative to rum: Although modern Australian beer is predominantly lager, early Australian beers were exclusively top-fermented and quick-maturing ales. Lager was not brewed in Australia until 1885. Early beers were also brewed without the benefit of hops, as no-one had successfully cultivated hops in Australia and importation was difficult. James Squire was the first to successfully cultivate hops in 1804, and he also opened a pub and brewed beer. The Government Gazette from 1806 mentions that he was awarded a cow herd from the government for his efforts. In September 1804, a government-owned brewery opened in Parramatta, followed by a rival privately owned brewery three months later. The government brewery was sold two years later to Thomas Rushton, who was its head (and only) brewer. Brewing rapidly expanded in all of the Australian colonies and by 1871 there were 126 breweries in Victoria alone, which at the time had a population of only 800,000. Notable events from this period include: 1832 – Peter Degraves starts the Cascade Brewery in Hobart. It is Australia's oldest operational brewery. 1835 – Tooth brewery established in Sydney. 1837 – James Stokes establishes the Albion Brewery, Perth's first brewery, which later became the Emu Brewery. 1838 – John Warren starts "The Torrens", Adelaide's first brewery. 1838 – John Mills establishes the first brewery in Melbourne. 1844 – William Henry Clark founded the Halifax Street Brewery in SA (Later to be known as West End Brewery) 1848 – James Stokes opens the Stanley brewery at the Foot of Mt Eliza. (Later Changed to the Emu Brewery) 1853 – Queensland's first brewery, "The Brisbane Brewery" is opened by John Beach. 1862 – Thomas Cooper establishes the Coopers Brewery in the Adelaide suburb of Norwood. The brewery continues to be owned and operated by the Cooper family, and since 2011 has been the largest Australian-owned brewery. 1864 – Carlton brewery opens in Melbourne. 1881 – CS Button opens the Esk Brewery in Launceston 1882 – Cohn Brothers' Victoria Brewery in Bendigo