1913 to $759,422,400.00. Extensive shipping facilities are available,
and the producer has cheap and constant access to the world's markets.
The Australian wheatgrower is practically able to compete on equal terms
in this regard with the farmer in the North and Midland counties of
England.
The postal, telegraphic, and telephonic services are also State
concerns. There is a universal penny post throughout Australia,
telegrams are conveyed at cheap rates, and special facilities are
provided for groups of neighbouring farmers to secure a united telephone
service. The farmer is able to keep in close touch with the world's
markets through these means.
The Departments of Agriculture in the different States have, of course,
been created to advance the interests of the farming community. They are
large and important departments, well equipped, and have proved of great
practical value. Wheatgrowing being the most important crop in
Australia, the industry receives special attention, and scientific
investigation and experiment is being constantly made, and the results
communicated to the wheatgrowers.
Agricultural colleges, where accommodation is provided for students, who
are given theoretical and practical instruction in different branches of
farming; experiment farms, where students are also trained;
demonstration farms; and farmers' experiment plots are conducted by the
Departments of Agriculture. Wheatbreeding and pathological and
bacteriological work is carried on, and expert instructors work in the
field assisting the farmer in every possible way. Bulletins dealing with
different phases of work on the wheat farm, giving the results of
experiments made, lists of varieties of wheat to plant and when to plant
them, are issued in large numbers, and either given to the farmer free
or sold at a nominal price. Agricultural gazettes and journals are also
issued monthly, while topical information is made public through the
columns of the press, which in Australia devotes an unusual amount of
space regularly to rural topics.
In New South Wales wheat experiments are conducted at the Cowra
Experiment Farm, which is the headquarters, and at the Hawkesbury
Agricultural College, and Wagga, Bathurst, Glen Innes, Nyngan, and Yanco
Farms. At Nyngan tests are made with a view to determining the
suitability of the different varieties for cultivation in dry areas. The
work at each farm consists of:--Pedigree plots of the main varieties
grown on the farms; crossbreds in course of fixation for local
conditions of soil and climate; a "stud variety trial," including all
standard varieties, newly-introduced wheats, and samples sent for
identification; "stud bulks" to provide seed for planting the farm areas
which supply seed wheat for sale.
Since 1897 the Government agricultural experts have been endeavouring to
determine the varieties of wheats most suitable for different districts,
and to secure new types which return the best milling results locally,
and their efforts have been very successful. In this connection the work
of the late William Farrer, wheat experimentalist of the Department of
Agriculture, New South Wales, has become world famous. His efforts were
directed to the production of new varieties of greater milling value and
more rust-resistant. Farrer's wheats, which rank among the most prolific
grain varieties, are largely cultivated in Australia. Farrer's work is
still carried on, and it has been proved that Australia can produce
strong white wheat equal in flour production to the old varieties, and
equal in strength to the famed standard Manitoba wheat. Australian wheat
is eagerly sought after by British millers.
Farrer's work has been of direct and material value to the wheatgrowers,
and his memory is held high in Australia. Prior to the introduction into
the wheatgrowing areas of his crossbred wheats, growers depended mostly
upon Purple Straw varieties. Hardly any varieties were known, and little
attention was paid to the advisability of sowing certain varieties
either early or late in the season. The advent of these new varieties
has brought about a great change. Such an extensive range is provided
that farmers can begin their sowing much earlier, and finish with other
varieties much later than was the case before. The sowing season has
been lengthened by more than two months. Not only is the sowing period
considerably prolonged, but the harvesting period is prolonged also, for
the late varieties sown early mature late, those sown in mid-season are
harvested in mid-season, and the early varieties which have been sown
late mature and are harvested early. Thus instead of the whole crop
becoming ripe at the one time it ripens in stages, and is harvested
accordingly. Such a system has immense advantages over the old days,
when practically the whole crop ripened at once.
The foremost variety bred by William Farrer is "Federation," which has
become a general favourite in New South Wales, Victoria, and South
Australia. This variety is a very heavy yielder, has good
drought-resistant qualities, and withstands wind and weather so well
that it may be said to be storm-proof. It would require a storm of
exceptional violence to either cause the crop to lodge or the ear to
shed its grain. Consequently it is most popular with growers, and a very
large proportion of the wheat area is sown with this variety. It is
estimated that in New South Wales and Victoria alone the increased value
in yield obtained from this variety is worth over $2,880,000.00 annually
to the growers. It is estimated that the yield of Federation is at least
3 bushels more per acre than the next best yielding variety in New South
Wales.
Other of Farrer's wheats have been singularly successful, as an instance
"Bunyip," which can be sown safely a month later than was the case with
any variety previously. It must be recognised that the result of such
experimental work is of great value to the grower.
New wheat varieties are bred at the experimental farms, and thoroughly
tested and proved before they are put out to the farmer. In New South
Wales they are then grown on farmer's experimental plots. The State is
divided into divisions, and in each an inspector supervises the sowing
and cultivation of these plots, which are situated on private farms by
special arrangement, the farmer carrying out the work and the department
finding seed, manure, and supervision, usually near the roadside, where
the plots can be seen by district farmers and progress noted. The
inspector advises growers generally, while the plots are a silent
teacher all the time. They have proved a valuable medium of practical
education amongst the farming community, special attention being given
to cultural methods. In 1911-12 plots were cultivated in New South
Wales in eighty-three districts. In 1911 there were seventy-two farmers'
plots in Victoria on which manurial and variety wheat trials were
conducted.
In the latter State, however, a change has been made, and the majority
of these plots have been discontinued, and a commencement made towards a
policy of concentration in experimental investigation. It was decided to
establish a Central Research Farm at Werribee, on which the initiative
with regard to all experimental and research work is undertaken, while
other State farms and the Agricultural College will be used as district
experiment stations. The work at the Central Research Farm is intended
to confer on agriculture the benefits of the most scientific advances by
the prosecution of investigations and trials under practical and
accurately-recorded conditions concerning problems involved in
increasing the agricultural output. Attention will be given to
improvement of wheat, soil renovation, fertilising and tillage methods,
rotation of crops, &c. The farm is within 18 miles of the capital city,
Melbourne, and is easy of access by farmers from all parts of the State.
Much of the soil closely resembles in physical character and chemical
analysis that of the principal wheatgrowing districts. At Longerenong
Agricultural College and the Rutherglen Viticultural College attention
is given to the improvement of wheat by systematic selection,
crossbreeding and hybridisation in one case, and the fixation and
testing of new crossbred wheats in the other.
South Australia also has its Government Agricultural College, where
extensive wheat experiments are conducted. The college has been of the
greatest benefit to the farming community. In that State there are
several demonstration and experiment farms established by the State,
including the Parafield Wheat Research Station, 170 acres in extent,
which is set apart for the raising of high-grade seed wheat for
distribution amongst growers, and the raising of new varieties of wheat
by crossbreeding and selection.
In Western Australia several State farms were established for the
purpose of demonstrating the possibilities of farming on up-to-date
principles in the different districts. Having achieved that object as
far as pioneering work is concerned, they are now maintained as
experiment stations for the production of purebred cereals, &c. At
Narrogin State Farm students are accepted for instruction in practical
agriculture.
Queensland has its Agricultural College and State Farms. Although the
area under wheat has not yet attained large dimensions in that State,
principally because stockraising proves so profitable, good average
yields are obtained as compared with the other States, and considerable
scientific attention is being devoted to wheat culture. At the Roma
State Farm and Hermitage State Farm extensive wheat experiments are
carried out in the way of manurial trials, variety tests, and methods of
tillage. The greater portion of the State Farm, Hermitage, is devoted to
the production of seed wheat true to type, thus making available a
supply of tested seed for the growers.
Agricultural High Schools are also established in some States, and
agricultural teaching and agricultural education extends from the
classes in the State Public Schools, through the High Schools,
Agricultural Colleges, and finally the University.
Agricultural Societies exist in practically every farming district in
Australia. They are usually subsidised by the various State Governments,
and conduct annual agricultural shows, which are a source of education
and social entertainment. They are the leading functions in the
different country districts. Usually experts from the Departments of
Agriculture attend these shows--at times a special exhibit is made by
the State Experimental Farms--and lecture on agriculture. In the capital
cities Royal Agricultural Societies hold annual shows, which are
magnificent exemplifications of the resources of the States and the
progress in agriculture. Wheat competitions are naturally a strong
feature of these exhibitions.
South Australia led the way in the formation of an Agricultural Bureau,
which has branches throughout the country districts. The members meet
regularly, and discuss farming subjects, are periodically addressed by
officers of the Department of Agriculture, and also hold an annual
conference. The bureau has proved a valuable means of education, as it
brings the farmers together, and engenders a spirit of co-operation and
mutual assistance. In New South Wales an Agricultural Bureau was formed
within recent years, and is now well established, having nearly 100
branches. Farmers' unions and associations are also powerful bodies in
Australia, exercising both an educational and political influence.
SOCIAL LIFE IN AUSTRALIA.
Australia is essentially a "White Man's Country." Over 90 per cent. of
the total population of 4,872,059 people are of British descent. The
people are free and democratic, and their laws progressive and advanced;
in industrial and social legislation Australia leads the world. It is
essentially a peaceful country, and so far has been blessed by never
having war within its boundaries. Respect for the law, and absence of
violent crime is a marked feature of life in the Commonwealth. In the
country districts crime is practically unknown, and it is common for
houses to be left unguarded, and locked doors are rare. The people are
kindly and hospitable, and there is very little class distinction. In
its place is an equality of opportunity that opens all avenues to those
with ambition. Working men and their sons frequently rise to the highest
positions the States have to offer, and such an occurrence is so common
as to fail to arouse any comment. In politics there is a universal
suffrage, every man and woman having a voice in the government of the
country, therefore the laws are framed for the good of the majority. No
land offers better or freer social conditions to the homemaker.
Advantages offer not only to the settler himself, but he has every
reason to hope for a happy destiny for his children.
As has been stated, the climate is exceptionally healthy and mild. The
dry atmosphere, long hours of sunshine and open-air life tend to health
and happiness. Indeed it is no exaggeration to say that the fertility of
the soil and the congenial climate has greatly lead to easy-going
methods of farming, which are not altogether in the interests of the
country. Few countries could carry on their rural industries with
similar easy methods; none would leave the people as prosperous as the
people of Australia.
The information already given shows that the wheatfarmer, except in the
most isolated districts, has the facilities for educating his children
at little or no cost. Living is cheap on the farm. In most parts of the
wheat belt fruit grows luxuriantly, and within three or four years a few
trees will provide the settler with sufficient fresh fruit for home
consumption, and to make jam and preserves for the family use.
Vegetables can be grown during the greater part of the year, and
throughout the twelve months if there is an ample water supply. Ideal
settlers' homes are to be met with in all districts--a weatherboard or
brick cottage, comfortable and roomy, with wide verandahs, covered with
creeping grape or passion fruit vines, a few beds of brilliant flowers,
a vegetable patch, and an acre or so of fruit trees. Many wheatgrowers
combine fruitraising or poultry-keeping with wheatgrowing; some, in
suitable districts, find great profit in cultivating a vineyard. These
developments depend upon the man and his capability and tendencies, and
upon the co-operation and talents of his wife.
For his meat supply the farmer usually depends upon his own flock of
killing sheep, varied with beef or bacon procured from the township. If
he is within 10 miles of the township he will obtain his bread supply
from the local baker, although, of course, many housewives do their own
baking. In the country districts, however, bread and stores are
delivered long distances, 20 miles and more.
The smallest country town has its church, school, post and telegraph
office, bank, savings bank, stores, blacksmith's shop, hotel, and so on.
There is usually a School of Arts, with a circulating library.
The country districts enjoy a system of local government, and the farmer
elects the councillors who manage local affairs.
He has his annual show, usually an annual race meeting. There are
football and cricket clubs for his boys. Open-air sports are popular in
the country districts of Australia, and are a splendid means of bringing
the young fellows together.
The Agricultural Bureau or Farmers' Associations' meetings provide
intercourse with other men on the land. Farmers' picnics or carnivals
are an annual function in many places.
Within 2, 3, or 4 miles away, according to the size of his farm, there
are neighbouring farmers and their families. The settler is not an
isolated unit in a strange land, but is living in a civilised country
amongst civilised progressive people, enjoying the advantages and
facilities of modern conditions, and living under a system of political
and religious liberty.
To all white men Australia, with its vast tracts of untilled wheat land,
holds out a welcome hand. The self-reliant man, with a small capital,
can come to Australia, confident that with energy and attention to his
work he can build up a prosperous career, and rear his children in a
contented home surrounded by health and happiness, helping in the making
of a young, clean nation, part and parcel of an enlightened race.
_By Authority:_
McCARRON, BIRD & CO., MELBOURNE,
479 COLLINS STREET.