However, little more than a year into their enterprise Robert was badly injured in a fall from a horse and the couple moved to Brisbane where Atkin became a journalist and politician.

He resigned on 29 January 1869, claiming it was the only honourable course of action due to "the treachery, the weakness, and the lust for office" of the leaders of the Queensland Parliament.

At his request, he was buried in Sandgate on the crest of the rise on which he had enjoyed sitting under the shade of the trees and looking out onto Moreton Bay.

[8] The inscription on the monument says:[7] Erected by members of the Hibernian Society of Queensland in memory of their late Vice-president, Robert Travers Atkin, born at Fern Hill, County Cork, Ireland, November 29th, 1841.

His days were few but his labours and attainments bore the stamp of a wise maturity This broken column symbolises the irreparable loss of a man who well represented some of the finest characteristics of the Celtic race — its rich humour and subtle wit, its fervid passion and genial warmth of heart.

Distinguished alike in the press and parliament of Queensland by large and elevated views, remarkable powers of organization and unswerving advocacy of the popular cause.

His rare abilities were especially devoted to the promotion of a patriotic union amongst his countrymen irrespective of class or creed combined with a loyal allegiance to the land of their adoption.