Queensland State Archives posted a photo:
Christmas Waits.
The good old-fashioned custom of Christmas waits was observed in one or two directions, and the residents on River terrace, at any rate, or such as the melodious strains awakened, were delighted by some admirable selections of music, given with faultless taste and feeling, at an early hour of Christmas morning, by what appeared to be a compact little brass band, softened by a reed or two. The music performed had been chosen with evident care, and the effect, in the still, calm watches of the night, was exquisite.
Description source: The Telegraph, 25 December 1886
Image source: Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 5067