(From America, Canada, South Africa, and India.)
_Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, Limited._
From San Francisco to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $232.08 (£48 7s. 0d.)
Second Saloon $152.40 (£31 15s. 0d.)
Third Class $94.80 (£19 15s. 0d.)
From Chicago to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $291.84 (£60 16s. 0d.)
Second Saloon $202.16 (£42 2s. 4d.)
Third Class $144.56 (£30 2s. 4d.)
From New York to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $309.84 (£64 11s. 0d.)
Second Saloon $218.16 (£45 9s. 0d.)
Third Class $160.56 (£33 9s. 0d.)
The above fares are subject to alteration without notice.
_Canadian-Australian Royal Mail Line._
From Vancouver to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $232.08 (£48 7s. 0d.)
Second Saloon $152.40 (£31 15s. 0d.)
Third Class $94.80 (£19 15s. 0d.)
From Chicago to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $288.96 (£60 4s. 0d.)
Second Saloon $200.40 (£41 15s. 0d.)
Third Class $142.80 (£29 15s. 0d.)
From New York to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $309.96 (£63 19s. 0d.)
Second Saloon $213.36 (£44 9s. 0d.)
Third Class $155.76 (£32 9s. 0d.)
From St. Louis to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $286.44 (£59 13s. 6d.)
Second Saloon $197.88 (£41 4s. 6d.)
Third Class $140.28 (£29 4s. 6d.)
From Montreal to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $303.96 (£63 6s. 6d.)
Second Saloon $211.68 (£44 2s. 0d.)
Third Class $154.08 (£32 2s. 0d.)
All above rates are subject to alteration without notice.
_Children_ (Canadian steamer).—Under 12 and over 5 years,
half rate; under 3 years and over 2 years, quarter rate; one child,
2 years, free; others, quarter rate.
_Baggage._—First Class passengers allowed 40 cubic feet,
or 350 lb. free each adult; Second Class passengers allowed 20
cubic feet, or 175 lb. free each adult; Third Class passengers
allowed 20 cubic feet or 175 lb. free each adult. On coastal
steamer (First Class), 40 cubic feet; (steerage), 20 cubic feet.
Excess baggage charged at the rate of 2s. 6d. (60 cents) per cubic
foot Vancouver to Sydney; and 10s. ($2.40) per ton of 40 cubic feet
Sydney to Brisbane.
_Oceanic Steamship Company._
From Boston to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $310.95 (£64 15s. 8d.)
Second Saloon $219.15 (£45 13s. 2d.)
Third Class $161.15 (£33 13s. 2d.)
From San Francisco to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $232.20 (£48 7s. 6d.)
Second Saloon $152.40 (£31 15s. 0d.)
Third Class $94.80 (£19 15s. 0d.)
From Chicago to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $291.95 (£60 17s. 3d.)
Second Saloon $202.15 (£42 2s. 4d.)
Third Class $144.55 (£30 2s. 4d.)
From New York to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $308.80 (£64 6s. 8d.)
Second Saloon $217.00 (£45 4s. 2d.)
Third Class $159.40 (£33 4s. 2d.)
From Vancouver to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $262.20 (£54 12s. 6d.)
Second Saloon $177.40 (£36 19s. 2d.)
Third Class $104.80 (£21 16s. 8d.)
From St. Louis to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $287.80 (£59 19s. 2d.)
Second Saloon $198.00 (£41 5s. 0d.)
Third Class $140.40 (£29 5s. 0d.)
From Montreal to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon $307.75 (£64 2s. 4d.)
Second Saloon $217.00 (£45 4s. 2d.)
Third Class $159.40 (£33 4s. 2d.)
_Family Concessions._—Families consisting of parents and
children only (equal to three adult fares), 10 per cent. off single
rates; (equal to four adult fares or over), 15 per cent. off single
rates; one child, under 2 years of age, free if no separate berth
required; children, 2 years and under 6 years of age, quarter fare;
children, 6 years and under 12 years of age, half fare.
Men only carried in Third Class from San Francisco to Brisbane.
Passengers can travel by train between Sydney and Brisbane. A
reduction of 15s. ($3.60) will be made on the above First Saloon
rates for a first-class railway ticket from Sydney to Brisbane.
_Luggage Allowance on Oceanic Steamers._—First-class, 350
lb., or 40 cubic feet; second and third classes, 175 lb., or 20
cubic feet. Excess baggage, 1-1/2d. (3 cents) per lb., or 1s. 6d.
(36 cents) per cubic foot.
_Aberdeen Line_—
From Capetown to Brisbane:—
Saloon (Single) From £32 upwards
Third Class (Single) From £11 11s.
_White Star Line_—
From Capetown to Brisbane (all one class):—
Single fares from £17 15s.
_The Blue Funnel Line_—
From Capetown to Brisbane:—Fares (Single),
saloon only, £32.
_P. and O. Branch Service_—
From Capetown to Brisbane:—Fares (Single):—
Third Class only, £11 11s.
_P. and O. Line_—
From Bombay and Calcutta to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon £41 16s. 0d. (Rupees 627)
Second Saloon £34 2s. 0d. (Rupees 512)
From Colombo to Brisbane (Single):—
First Saloon £38 10s. 0d. (Rupees 578)
Second Saloon £31 18s. 0d. (Rupees 479)
_B.I.S.N. Company, Limited_—
From Calcutta to Brisbane (Single):—
First Class Rupees 473
Second Class Rupees 289
(Allow rate of exchange 1s. 4d. for each rupee.)
Passengers maintain themselves awaiting train or steamer at Sydney.
_Note.—All the above fares include the cost of travelling from
Sydney to Brisbane by one of the Queensland-bound coastal steamers._
_Some Successful Queensland Farmers._
During a recent tour through Queensland the Compiler was enabled to
obtain the practical experiences of a large number of new and old
settlers on the fertile areas in this land of great possibilities and
substantial realities. The cases cited here will serve to illustrate
what the men on the land in the districts visited are doing to
develop the agricultural resources of the country. Despite that the
new settlers were faced with many difficulties at the outset, they,
by indomitable pluck, determination, and perseverance, succeeded in
conquering the dense scrubs and mountain fastnesses, and converting
them into wealth-producing agricultural homesteads. Many of these
settlers started with only a few pounds in their pocket, but they had
what money cannot buy—stout hearts, courage, and energy. To-day quite
a number of these have turned the corner of adversity into the highway
of success, and are reaping the fruits of their labours.
A Successful Mixed Farmer.
In the Springsure district (Central Queensland) Mr. M. T. Bourke is
one of the most successful dairymen and mixed farmers. His dairy herd
consists of pure-bred Shorthorns and pedigreed bulls. On an average he
milks 88 cows once daily during the year, and these are fed on natural
pastures. Last year he obtained 19,094 gallons of milk, and 9,339 lb.
of cream produced 2,649 lb. of commercial butter. In April, 1913,
1,039 lb. of cream sent to one of the Rockhampton factories returned
over 576 lb. of commercial butter. His year’s transactions in pigs
realised £91 12s.; turkeys, £27 3s.; fowls, £2 10s. 8d.; eggs (317
dozen), £16; fat bullocks, 400 at £7 per head; horses (artillery and
draught), £626 10s. Several of the horses brought from £26 to £28 per
head.
What the Daniels Family are Doing.
The Daniels family, which numbers no less than eight distinct
branches, are also very successful mixed farmers in the Gindie
district (Central Queensland). Their operations comprise
wheat-growing, dairying, sheep-breeding, &c. In 1913 they had about
250 acres under wheat.
Mr. T. C. Daniels gives the following particulars in regard to the
cultivation and harvesting of wheat:—“The first ploughing,” he says,
“will cost 15s. per acre, but afterwards it will only be 5s. for the
same area. Other expenditure includes: Seed wheat, about 8s. per acre;
cultivating after first ploughing, 2s. 6d. per acre; harvesting with
reaper and binder, 5s. per acre; carting and stooking, 5s. per acre;
total expenditure, £1 5s. 6d. per acre. The cost of cutting a ton of
chaff is about £1 5s., and bags are 8d. each. His crop averaged 30
cwt. to the acre, and he received £6 10s. per ton for his wheaten
chaff on the rails at Gindie Station.”
Started with £100.
In the course of an interview, Mr. J. Edminstone, of Craigend Farm,
Belmont Pocket, near Rockhampton (Central Queensland), gave some
information which should be invaluable to intending settlers in
Queensland. Mr. Edminstone is, at the present time, one of the most
prosperous dairymen in the State.
“A labouring man,” Mr. Edminstone said, “could easily earn about
£200 a year at farming in Queensland. I have made that myself. I had
experience on a farm in the old country, but that is not absolutely
necessary.
“I consider farming is the best thing for new settlers to turn their
attention to in Queensland.
“I would recommend a man to take up dairy farming. Cows can be bought
for about £4 to £7 each. Then you can buy good dairy land for about
£1 per acre. You have long terms, about twenty years, to pay for
your land, and the payments are not equal to a good rent in the old
country. When a man has got his land he can grow plenty of feed for
his cattle for the few months of the winter, when they have to be fed
on account of the pastures being dry. During the rest of the year his
cattle find their food in the natural grasses of his pastures.
“A man could easily make a good start here with about £150. That money
would be used for paying the first instalment on his land purchase,
buying a few cows, and putting up his house. Of course, a pioneer
doesn’t spend much on his house at first, until he has made some money.
“I began with £100 about fifteen years ago. I have paid for my land
some time since, and I reckon that at the present time I am worth
about £2,000 in land and stock.”
Mr. Edminstone milks, as a rule, 90 cows during the year, and each of
these earn, on an average, 20s. per month. The highest return from one
cow was 27s. per month. The cows are fed on the natural grasses only.
In January last 105 grade Ayrshires, Shorthorns, and Jerseys earned
£121; February—115 cows, £111; March—105 cows, £101; April—100
cows, £104; May—90 cows, £66; June—75 cows, £55; July—60 cows, £58.
Mr. Edminstone has, according to his books, been receiving similar
satisfactory returns from his milking herd for many years past. Pig
raising and general farming also claims a great deal of his attention,
and the annual returns from these sources are highly satisfactory.
New Settlers’ Experiences.
Mr. C. W. L. Bryde, who has taken up a selection in the parish of
Dambulla, near Lake Barrine, Atherton, North Queensland, about
two years ago, is satisfied that his new home has been pitched in
“the garden of Australia.” He was born in Liverpool, England, and,
adopting the sea as a profession, reached the position of chief mate.
Several severe trips between Newcastle and Valparaiso with coal for
the Chilian Government cooled off his ardour for the sea, and, faced
with nervous breakdown, he was attracted to North Queensland. He took
up his selection, and threw himself with enthusiasm into his new
employment. Mr. Bryde says that the soil is extraordinarily rich, and
it is quite clear that the district has a great future. Permanent
creeks abound everywhere, and on his holding there are seven streams
carrying crystal water. Chokos, pumpkins, and piemelons, the seeds
of which were dropped, grew wild, and the scrubs contain scores of
passion-fruit vines. At present the timber does not pay to market,
though it is only eight miles from Kulara, on the Tolga-Johnstone
line; but if the railway from this point to Mobo, via Lake Barrine,
were constructed, cedar patches and other timbers, such as red and
white beech, kauri, and silky oak, would be made available. Mr. Bryde
has seen the Richmond River, and he considers that the land in his
neighbourhood is superior. But he states that it is of no use for any
one to go in for land there unless he is willing to rough it.
A Victorian (Mr. Herbert C. West), who settled at Eurobin Park,
Jandowae, in the Dalby district (Southern Queensland), about two years
ago, is also satisfied with his experiences in Queensland. Writing
to the Department of Lands, he said:—“We have just had a delightful
rainfall, and my lucerne, maize, and other green crops are looking
well. This is a splendid district, and I am more than satisfied with
my adopted country.”
Had a Stout Heart, Strong Pair of Hands, and Plenty of Pluck and
Determination.
Mr. J. McLellan, of Miriam Vale, in the Gladstone district (Central
Queensland), stated that he started as an agriculturist sixteen years
ago with a stout heart, a strong pair of hands, plenty of pluck and
determination, and 6s. per day while he was working on the railway
line. His frugality enabled him to save money out of his wages to buy
a couple of head of cattle at a time. In his spare moments he cleared
his land, and got it ready for its first crop. After a little time
he devoted the whole of his exertions to his farm, with the result
that he soon became independent of outside employment. That he has
become a successful man is abundantly proved by the fact that he is
now enjoying a trip to Scotland. As a dairyman and general farmer, Mr.
McLellan can hold his own with any one in the State.
Successful Efforts from Small Beginnings.
In the Barmoya Scrub, Rockhampton district (Central Queensland), a
good percentage of the recent settlers had very small beginnings, but
now they are fairly well off. Mr. J. Kersey (a carpenter) had a horse
and cart and £7; Mr. A. T. Vaisey (formerly an employee in a New
Zealand flax mill) had £75; Mr. F. W. A. Broszat (a bricklayer), £250;
Mr. Reuben Johnson (a shift boss on Mount Morgan Mine), £100. All are
well satisfied with their lot. The German settlers, of whom there are
a large number, frankly admit that they are contented, and say that
one and all have splendid opportunities to become prosperous, but they
must be prepared to work hard to attain this object.
Mr. R. Johnson is one of the most prosperous settlers in this
district. He was one of the first to settle in the district about
ten years ago, and he has had no reason to regret it. He milks on
an average 42 cows of the grade Jersey strain daily, and each beast
returns him about 15s. per month regularly. The herd includes a
pure-bred Jersey bull and cow. There are 130 acres under Rhodes grass
and 7 acres under maize and pumpkins. Mr. Johnson has done wonders
in the short time that he has been in the district, and his efforts
should prove a strong incentive to others to do likewise.
Started as a Farm Labourer.
In the Bushley district, near Rockhampton (Central Queensland), Mr.
E. Holland has a splendid farm of about 3,000 acres on Sandy Creek.
He states that he started farming with little or no money. Soon after
his arrival from England he found employment as a farm labourer, and
accepted cattle as payment for his work. A year or so later he took
up a 160-acre block at a rental of 2s. 6d. per acre, and then started
dairying. As years went by he acquired further areas, and increased
his operations to such an extent that he is now one of the most
successful settlers in Central Queensland. His dairy herd is made
up of grade Shorthorns and a pedigreed Shorthorn bull, and totals
500. On an average 80 cows are milked once a day during the year.
The young steers are fattened up and sold to the butchers when about
twelve months old. Last year (1913) he sold thirty-six of these at £3
10s. per head. Horses (light draughts and saddle) are also bred. He
also finds time for raising Berkshire and Yorkshire pigs. There are
35 acres under cultivation—4 acres lucerne and 31 acres rotation
crops—wheat, oats, rye, panicum, &c. Mr. Holland is also a maker
of Cheshire cheese of splendid flavour, but his operations in this
respect are only on a small scale.
Had a Horse and Saddle and 3s. 6d.
Mr. J. T. Alexander, of Glenlyon Farm, Dalma, near Rockhampton
(Central Queensland), arrived in Queensland from New South Wales in
1887, with a horse and saddle and 3s. 6d. in his pocket. At first
he engaged in droving, then was a stockman on a station, and later
manager of several cattle runs. Seven years ago he purchased 3,000
acres of the Glenlyon Estate, which consisted of open forest country.
Then he turned his attention to the breeding of dairy and beef cattle
and Border-Leicester sheep. He is getting £5 per head for 2-year-old
steers, £3 for 12-month-old steers, and £4 15s. for 3-year-old
heifers. The area under cultivation totals 14 acres—barley 4 acres,
lucerne 2 acres, maize 2 acres, panicum 4 acres, sweet potatoes 2
acres. He has 150 head of beef cattle, and a small dairy herd of grade
Jerseys.
Fruit-grower Starts with £5.
After paying for his freehold of 21 acres, Mr. A. Neale, of Parkhurst,
North Rockhampton (Central Queensland), had only about £5 in cash,
three horses, and a few agricultural implements. By dint of hard work
he cleared his land of the forest, planted it with fruit trees, and in
a couple of years he gathered his first crops. Later he erected his
present home. To-day he is in a comfortable position, due entirely
to fruit-growing. In all 5 acres are under fruits of different
kinds. Citrus fruits, which number 300 trees, are most generally
grown. Grapes, peaches, papaws, loquats, plums, and mangoes are also
cultivated. In 1913 citrus fruits returned £250, grapes £130, and
other crops, £30. He milks a few cows of the Shorthorn-Hereford cross
for his own wants, and pigs are bred for a like purpose. Poultry and
vegetables are annually raised for market. Mr. Neale is a strong
advocate of dry farming.
Had only a Few Shillings left after Paying the First Year’s
Rent.
Quite a number of the new settlers in the Woodend and Bushley Scrubs,
in the Rockhampton district (Central Queensland), started in a small
way, and are now in very comfortable circumstances. The Lehfeldt
Brothers were formerly employed as labourers at the Mount Morgan
Mine. In 1895 they selected 160 acres, and after paying the first
year’s rent (£5 15s.) had only a few shillings left. When they had
finished fencing the land and clearing portion of it, they arranged to
supply the Mount Morgan Mine with firewood. By this means they made
sufficient money to acquire a further 160 acres for £100 cash, and
effect more substantial improvements on their holdings. Farming was
begun in real earnest in 1906, and since then success has attended
their efforts. Last year the Messrs. Lehfeldt took up another block
of 160 acres at a rental of 20s. per acre. They have 328 acres under
cultivation—20 acres lucerne, 90 acres maize, 170 acres Rhodes grass,
40 acres paspalum, 5 acres panicum, 3 acres English potatoes. Last
year (1913) they averaged 110 bushels of maize to the acre from a
10-acre plot, and annexed the championship for Central Queensland.
Patches of sugarcane and cotton are also grown. The dairy herd
comprises 20 grade Ayrshires and a pure-bred Ayrshire bull. It is
their intention to increase their operations in dairying at an early
date. Pigs are being profitably raised, likewise light draught and
saddle horses. The Messrs. Lehfeldt have one of the best conducted
farms in the State.
Mining Engineer—Now a Successful Fruit-grower, &c.
Mr. J. T. Coates, of Harveston, Rockhampton (Central Queensland), was
formerly a mining engineer before he took up 327 acres on the bank of
the Fitzroy River. He has 10 acres under fruits—1,100 papaws, 150
citrus (including oranges, limes, lemons, cumquots), 500 grape vines,
50 custard apples, 20 mangoes, also figs, bananas, apples, pears,
peaches, quinces, persimmons, pineapples, granadillas, &c. There are
also 30 acres under lucerne, 11 acres of Japanese millet, and 5 acres
of sweet potatoes. White Leghorns and Black Orpingtons of pure strains
are largely raised, the former by the thousands. Mr. Coates also pays
much attention to dairying, and his herd of grade Shorthorns give good
returns monthly. Although his fruit trees only started to bear last
year his returns in this direction amounted to £150. From poultry and
eggs he received £150, dairying £101, chaff £180, and miscellaneous
£35. The total receipts from all sources were £616. Last year Mr.
Coates paid away over £400 in wages.
Inexperience no Obstacle to Success.
Among the new settlers in the Stanwell district (Central Queensland)
are quite a number who started with limited capital, and no previous
experience in farming. Mr. T. P. Connor was a miner, and had £500. Not
only is he dairying, growing crops, and raising pigs, but he is also
breeding beef cattle and horses with much success. Messrs. J. Thomas
(stockman) and J. Todman (miner) started with £250, and are now doing
well out of general farming, dairying, pig-raising, &c. Portion of
the farm is irrigated, the water being lifted by a pump from Neerkol
Creek, and conveyed in galvanised iron piping to the cultivation
areas. They estimate the cost to irrigate an acre at 8s., exclusive of
their own labour. Mr. W. H. Teakel (a Victorian farmer) started with
£400, and says that he is doing better than he did in Victoria. Every
year he is getting good crops of maize, lucerne, wheat, pumpkins,
potatoes, &c. He has a small herd of grade Ayrshires, and a few pigs.
The Plunkett family have been farming for three years, and are
getting splendid returns from their farming operations. They have a
fairly large area under maize, lucerne, potatoes, &c., milk 15 grade
Ayrshires daily, and breed horses and pigs for market. Mr. Plunkett
paid £1,400 for the farm of 411 acres as a going concern for his sons.
Had no Previous Agricultural Experience.
Mr. W. J. Barber selected 640 acres of dense vine scrub and brigalow
country a few miles from Banana (Central Queensland) in 1913 at 10s.
per acre. He came from Young (New South Wales), with £190, and had no
previous experience of agricultural life. About 46 acres of the scrub
have been cleared and planted with Rhodes grass and maize, the latter
being sown with the aid of a hand planter. From 30 to 40 acres more
scrub are being cleared, and will be put under cultivation when it is
ready. The first year’s outlay on the farm amounted to about £190.
Made a Start with £150.
Mr. Peter Jensen started in the Banana district (Central Queensland)
with £150 by taking up 880 acres, a little over a year ago, at 10s.
per acre. The country comprises brigalow scrub and open downs. He has
cleared 50 acres, and put in Rhodes grass and maize. A further 50
acres is to be cleared, and planted with Rhodes grass and maize. Mr.
Jensen’s first crop of maize of 34 acres yielded 900 bushels.
On the High Road to Success.
Mr. Charles Roderick is one of the pioneers of the agricultural
industry in the Banana district, Central Queensland. He has 1,280
acres of land, for which he paid 10s. per acre. In addition to raising
crops, Mr. Roderick is engaging in dairying and pig raising. Last
year he obtained 840 bushels of maize from 33 acres. This year he has
27 acres under maize, and 33 acres of Rhodes grass. Mr. Roderick was
previously a publican.
Landed in the District with £200.
Mr. C. G. Young selected 136 acres at Deeford, in the Dawson Valley
country, Central Queensland, in 1912. Previously he was a commercial
traveller in Sydney. When he landed in the district he had £200. After
clearing the dense vine scrub from his farm, he planted 24 acres with
maize, Rhodes grass, and pumpkins. The price paid for the Crown land
was 50s. per acre. Mr. Young estimates his first year’s expenditure
at slightly over £100. Dairying and pig-raising on a small scale is
carried on. This young farmer stated he was well satisfied with his
prospects.
Tasmanian takes up a Farm with £600.
Mr. E. Stevens, of Deeford, in the Dawson Valley (Central Queensland),
came from Tasmania nearly two years ago, with £600. His farm consists
of 174 acres, of which 65 acres have been cleared of the dense scrub,
and planted with maize and Rhodes grass. He intends to give dairying
some of his attention at an early date. The first year’s operations
involved an expenditure of about £185.
Miner Starts Farming with £50.
Mr. C. F. Holton, who was a miner by occupation, took up 160 acres at
Grantleigh, in the Gogango district (Central Queensland), seven years
ago. At the time he had only £50 in his pocket. For a couple of years
he undertook to cut timber for the Mount Morgan Mine, and also worked
on the selections of several of his neighbours. By this means he made
sufficient money to enable him to start farming on his own account.
To-day he is making a profit of over £100 annually by growing lucerne,
maize, potatoes, &c. Last year he obtained from 65 to 70 bushels to
the acre from his crop of maize, and his lucerne yields from five
to six cuttings annually. Berkshire and Yorkshire pigs are bred on
a small scale. Among other crops grown are Rhodes grass, millets,
barley, cowpea, pumpkins, and grapes. In partnership with Mr. H.
Gates, he has acquired a prickly-pear selection of 640 acres on the
opposite side of the line. The pear, which is very thick, is being
eradicated by burning. It takes two men a day to clear two acres.
About 150 acres of this property is to be planted with wheat, oats,
English potatoes, and fruits
of various kinds.
Queensland—The Finest Agricultural Country in Australia.
Mr. Robert Laver, a Victorian farmer, together with his nine sons,
took up 13,000 acres under the group system in the Gogango Scrub
(Central Queensland) five years ago. They have now 3,000 acres
cleared, and 500 acres under cultivation, 400 acres being under Rhodes
grass. The other crops are:—Maize, 30 acres; lucerne, 50 acres;
cowpea, 5 acres; pumpkins (planted in the same area with the maize),
30 acres. Citrus fruits and grapes are also grown on a small scale.
Last year 10 acres of oats and 9 acres of wheat averaged 2 tons of
hay to the acre. Herefords, crossed by a Devon-Shorthorn strain of
bull, are bred for the butcher every year. The dairy herd is composed
of grade Shorthorns and Ayrshires, crossed by an Illawarra bull. The
return from 20 to 40 cows for the year was 5,649 lb. of commercial
butter. The 60 cows milked daily earn about 15s. per head per month.
All the milking is done by machine. Last year 100 tons of oaten,
wheaten, and lucerne chaff were sold at £4 10s. per ton. The Laver
family also devote much attention to pig raising. A few years ago
they bred pure-bred Lincolns, and in 1912 fattened 27 merinos on an
acre of rape. The land is of a rich chocolate nature, and is watered
by Gogango Creek, several lagoons, and the Fitzroy River. Steps are
to be taken at an early date to irrigate the farms by lifting the
water from the river by means of a pump, and then adopting natural
gravitation. The Laver family, who started with plenty of money, are
in a position to carry on their operations on a large scale. They
estimate the cost of clearing their scrub land at £3 per acre. They
state that Queensland, particularly the Gogango Scrub portion of it,
is the finest agricultural country in the Commonwealth. The climate,
too, cannot be equalled.
A Well-known Grazier’s Opinion.
The testimony of Mr. John Moffat, of Camoola Park, a well-known
grazier in the Longreach district (Central Queensland), is of more
than ordinary interest. Mr. Moffat says:—
“There were never better opportunities than the present in Queensland
for young men and women who have energy and ambition, and are not
frightened of honest work. I came from Scotland when a baby with my
parents (emigrants) during the fifties to Adelaide, South Australia.
My father worked as a blacksmith, and afterwards as a carrier taking
goods to the Victorian goldfields, and subsequently began farming in
New South Wales. I had seven brothers and three sisters.
“I left home without a shilling, and took to shearing during the
season, and did contract work at other times until I had enough
money to select a half section (320 acres) in New South Wales. There
I married, and in time increased my area sufficiently to carry on
sheep-grazing and wheat-growing. In time I sold out to good advantage,
and came to Queensland, where I am now a grazier. My brothers are all
employers of labour. I have reared and educated three sons and two
daughters. If I were a young man now with my usual health, I would not
be afraid to start life again under similar circumstances and present
conditions. I attribute my success to perseverance and ambition, and
using the proceeds judiciously. Australia is a good field for any
industrious man or woman who sets his or her mind to honest work and
tries to give satisfaction, as there are employments to suit nearly
all classes of labour, as also for a man of moderate means, to take
up a small farm in a suitable locality, especially after getting some
experience in one of the State Agricultural Colleges. I have been in
the State now nearly twenty years, and consider it a very good field
for emigrants.”
Started Cane-growing with £147.
Mr. Robert P. Sneesby started sugar-growing on the Maroochy River,
North Coast Line (South Queensland), with only £147. Four years ago
he arrived from the Clarence River (N.S.W.), where he was a dairyman
and maize-grower. He took up 80 acres on the Maroochy River, for
which he paid £8 per acre. This he cleared and cropped, and then
sold for £1,800. Then he purchased his present holding of 153 acres
of dense scrub, the price paid therefor being £4 5s. per acre. Other
expenditure—House, 18 ft. x 24 ft., £30; plough, £4 10s.; harrows,
£4 10s.; scuffler, £2 12s.; hoes, mattocks, spades, &c., £1 10s.; 2
horses, £50; harness, £8; slide for cane haulage, £1; total, £102 2s.
Estimate per acre for getting land ready for first crop—Brushing,
felling, burning, and clearing scrub, £4; holeing with mattock, £1
17s. 6d.; plants, £1; planting, &c., £1; chipping (3), £3 15s.; total,
£11 12s. 6d.
In 1912 he cut 215 tons of cane, and his crop of maize yielded 450
bushels. From 12 acres of cane last season (1913) he harvested 370
tons. The contract for cutting cane and haulage by punt across the
river entailed an expenditure of 6s. 9d. per ton. Mr. Sneesby has
also a dairy herd of twelve, consisting of grade Ayrshires and
Shorthorns. Regularly every week he sends 13 gallons of cream to the
Caboolture Butter Factory. A dairy and separator is also established
on the farm. About 6 acres have been planted with bananas, 2 acres
with pineapples, and 1 acre with citrons.
Another Successful Sugar-cane Grower.
One of the most successful growers in the Johnstone River district
(North Queensland), is Mr. David Hunter, of Goondi. Prior to starting
cane-growing eight years ago, he was overseer of labour for the
Colonial Sugar Refining Company at Goondi. He started with very little
capital, but the terms on which the Colonial Sugar Refining Company
sold him land were so reasonable that he had no difficulty in not only
meeting his engagements, but also making a profit out of his labours.
Good cultivation and manuring with mill refuse were the reasons for
his success. _His first season’s crop in 1906 yielded 1,820 tons, the
net profit therefrom, after paying all liabilities, being 3s. 4d. per
ton. In 1907 he cut 1,910 tons, and realised a net profit of 8s. per
ton; in 1908, 1,861 tons, net profit, 10s. 11d. per ton; in 1909,
2,134 tons, net profit 11s. 6d. per ton; in 1910, 92 acres yielded
2,832 tons, net profit 12s. 5d. per ton._ His average yield per acre
for six years was 28 tons. In addition to mill refuse, he used green
and dry manures to fertilise his land. He paid his permanent field
workers 30s. per week and found. Yields for 1911-12:—1911: 90 acres,
2,423 tons; 1912: 64 acres, 1,365 tons. The best yields per acre were
43 tons in 1910 and 40 tons in 1911.
Arrived with an Empty Pocket.
Mr. H. Denning, in responding to the toast of “The Pioneers,” at a
banquet at Mount Tarampa, in the Lowood district (South Queensland)
in 1913, said:—“It was now 35 years since he became a resident of
the district. He arrived with an empty pocket, and on arrival found
he was compelled to cut a road 1-1/2 miles through scrub to get to
the boundary of his selection. He cleared 2 acres, and after six
months harvested his first crop of maize and sweet potatoes. He hired
a wagon, and took a load into a firm in Ipswich. For the maize he
received 9d. per bushel, and the sweet potatoes realised sufficient
to pay the hire for the wagon, leaving him nothing for his labour.”
He added: “He had seen selectors compelled to walk 4 or 5 miles for
water, and carry it to their holdings in kerosene tins. Numerous times
he had seen children waiting for their father’s return with water so
that they could quench their thirst. Those were the days,” concluded
Mr. Denning, “when the settlers required ‘grit,’ and he could
truthfully say that they had abundance of it.”
Arrived in Queensland with Sixpence—Now a Well-to-do Farmer.
One of the best known identities in the Clifton district (Darling
Downs, South Queensland) is Mr. Maas H. Hinz, J.P., typical pioneer,
and one whose industry and perseverance have done so much to push on
that busy farming place, Clifton. Mr. M. H. Hinz was born in Holstein,
Germany, in January, 1841. After leaving school he worked as a farm
labourer. Left the Fatherland for Queensland on 28th May, 1864, by the
ship “La Rochelle,” and landed in Brisbane on 6th September, the same
year. On landing all he
_Possessed was a Solitary Sixpence!_
After residing two days in the depôt he secured a job with a farmer
named Mr. R. Wilson, of Biley Creek, at 10s. a week. Subsequent to six
months with Mr. Wilson, Mr. Hinz got another job on the construction
work of the Ipswich-Toowoomba Railway line, and later on worked as a
navvy on the Dalby and Warwick lines. In 1867, when wages were very
low, he went across to the Burnett district, and took on shepherding
on Coringa Station. He remained in that district until 1870, and then
returned to the Toowoomba district, where he took up fencing and
other contract work until 1872. The discovery of tin at Stanthorpe
about this time attracted his attention, and he went there to try his
fortune in the tin rush. On 30th December, the same year, he took up
760 acres on Back Plains, about 10 miles from Clifton. Three or four
months after selecting he started working his land. For twelve months
his life was a lonely one. In December, 1873, he married, and, to use
his own words, “the taking up of a farm and the securing of a good
wife I can safely say were the two best things I ever did in my life.”
In 1875 he selected another 320 acres. When he secured the last block
there were no less than thirty-two applicants. His luck was right in
on that occasion. In 1877 he bought from a neighbour 160 acres; and
in 1893, when the Clifton Estate was sold, he purchased 960 acres
adjoining his own property. In 1900 he bought 160 acres from a man
leaving the district, and shortly afterwards purchased another 760
acres of grazing land. It will thus be noticed that while working his
farm land,
_By Hard Work and Indomitable Perseverance,_
he gradually increased his holdings. During the whole of the time he
carried on mixed farming—dairying, maize and wheat growing, and sheep
and horse breeding. Mr. Hinz is a magistrate of many years’ standing,
and was a member of the divisional board for twelve years, once
occupying the position of chairman. He was also chairman of the local
cheese factory, school committee, School of Arts, and several other
bodies.
_Enjoying the Fruits of his Arduous Labours._
His life has been an active as well as useful one, and it is his
privilege now to enjoy the fruits of his arduous labours and early
settlement. Mr. Hinz toured the continent of Europe in 1900, and
visited the Paris Exhibition, as also the earlier scenes of his youth.
He has reared a family of eight children, five girls, and three boys.
On January, 1911, on attaining the age of 70, he gave over the farm
lands to his three sons, who are now working the property on the same
lines as himself, while he and his wife and two daughters are living
privately at Clifton. He and his good wife have worthily earned a
rest, after putting in such good work in developing the district of
Clifton.
Happy and Contented Russian Settlers.
Mr. A. Mendrin, of Wycarbah, Central Queensland, under date 27th
July, 1914, writes as follows:—“In 1912 I visited a large number
of districts, as I intended taking up some land for agricultural
purposes. I finally decided on a place near Rockhampton known as
Wycarbah Scrub, close to the Wycarbah Station, on the Queensland
Central Railway. I decided to start a mixed farm; the climatic and
other conditions being extremely favourable for the growing and
cultivating of maize, cotton, potatoes, and various sorts of citrus
fruits. At the present time I must say that I am highly satisfied
with my land, so also with the terms and conditions offered me by the
Government, and subject to which I received my land. As soon as I had
settled down at Wycarbah, and had started felling and clearing my
land, I received numerous inquiries from a number of my countrymen,
who, knowing that I have a thorough theoretical and practical
knowledge of agriculture in all its branches, requested me to assist
them in choosing land for agricultural and pastoral purposes. To the
majority of them I recommended the district where I had chosen my own
farm. The others whom I had not time to conduct and go round with
personally, I gave introductions to Mr. Harvey, of the Rockhampton
Lands Office, where they were given every attention and courtesy, so
that they did not feel in the least handicapped because of not knowing
the language. I now bring some of the cases of these men before you.