aSSUEDBV > GOVERNMENT ^CE‘AfSD JUREAU- “QUEEM & BRISBANE With the Compliments of , . . THE DIRECTOR Queensland Government Intelligence and Tourist Bureau. BRISBANE. Compiled and issued by The Queensland (government Intelligence and Tourist (Bureau , Queen and George Streets, Brisbane. «gx8x>-. — THE Maranoa District (South Western Queensland) Its Wonderful ‘Pastoral and t Agricultural Resources, and its Illimitable Possibilities. First Edition , 1916 . Compiled and issued b\) The Queensland Government Intelligence and Tourist {Bureau , Queen and George Streets, Brisbane. I CONTENTS tr » AZAZ Introduction f ^0 Area Climate . . , Birth and Death Rates Temperature Population Rainfall Physical Features Boundaries Rivers, Lakes, &c. Mountains, &c. Health and Tourist Resorts Brief Description of the Country Industries of the Maranoa District The Pastoral Industry Sheep . . Shearers’ Rates Grazing Farms Cost of Acquiring a Grazing Farm Artesian Bores Water Conservation and Irrigation What a Grazing Farm will Carry Cattle Horses Angora and Common Goats Agricultural Development State Encouragement Wheat . . Cost of Cultivating and Maize Other Crops The Fruit Crop Dairying Largest Suppliers of Cream Operations of Butter Factory Harvesting Pigs CONTENTS. PAGE. Other Agricultural Pursuits . . . . , . . . . 56 The Timber Industry .. .. .. .. ... 57 Mineral Possibilities . . . . . . . . . . 59 Petroleum and Natural Gas Prospects at Roma . . . . 60 Secondary Industries . . . . . . . . . . 65 Educational Facilities . . . . . . . . . . 65 General Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 South-Western Railways . . . . . . . . . . 69 Chief Towns in the Maranoa District . . . . . . 71 Roma . . \ . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 St. George . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Yeulba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . °1 Surat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Wallumbilla . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Other Small Townships . . . . . . . . 83 Experiences of Settlers . . . . . . . . . . 84 Map of the Maranoa District, facing page . . . . . . 108 State Assistance to Settlers . . . . . . . . 119 Erection of Workers’ Homes by the State . . . . . . 121 Land Available for Selection in the Maranoa District . . 121 Queensland’s Golden Prospects . . . . . . . . 124 % a The Maranoa District (South- W estern Queensland.) ♦ The Maranoa pastoral district, together with that tract of country to the north and west of Roma situated on the western slope of the Carnarvon Range, which is included in the electoral district of Maranoa, is the subject matter for this book. Within the pages of this publication will be found a concise, and. INTRODUCTION. THE vastness of Queensland is difficult for even its people, let alone outsiders, to comprehend. Its total area is 429,120,000 acres, or, in other words, 670,500 square miles. And this vast tract of country is divided into three divisions — Northern, 158,425,600 acres; Central, 135,823,360 acres; and Southern, 134,871,040 acres. Then it is further divided up into fifteen pastoral districts, each of which cover a considerable area. £ Eurombah Creek, Myall Doivns Station, Roma District. 2 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. withal, informative, description of the immense resources and unlimited possibilities of the Maranoa District. The statistical information has been obtained from official records, and the remainder of the data was collected by the Compiler during a recent tour through the District. With an area of 27,136,640 acres (42,401 square miles), the Maranoa District, though now chiefly used for pastoral purposes, bids fair to become the scene of extensive agricultural activities in the near future. The cutting up of the large pastoral holdings into smaller areas as grazing and agricultural farms is calculated to bring about the utilisation of the vast portions of productive country to their fullest advantage, and will also tend, as a natural sequence, to induce closer settlement. That there is room for a marked improvement in this respect at the present time is abundantly exemplified by the fact that there are only a little over two persons to every square mile of land within the Maranoa District. Such a district, so rich in natural resources and with such great possibilities awaiting development, should carry a^population of, at least, 100,000. To-day the Maranoa District is the home of the Merino sheep, but the day is not far distant when large portions of the huge sheep walks will be converted into agricultural farms, whereon will be raised annually bountiful crops of wheat, maize, green fodder, and fruits. Abundant evidence is forthcoming, even under existing circum- stances, that agriculture can be successfully carried on under normal meteorological conditions. Even a cursory study of the information published in this book in respect to the agrarian production of the district will convince readers as to the logic of the foregoing statements. Then, too, there is abundance of room for expansion so far as the dairying industry is concerned. The disintegration of the large sheep runs does not necessarily mean that the lessees will have to relinquish their occupations; far from it, but they will have to be content with smaller areas as is the case in other parts of the Commonwealth. Then, by subdividing their reduced holdings into paddocks, the pastoralists would be able to carry equally as many, if not more, sheep to the acre than they do at present. In point of fact, it is contended by authorities on the matter that the carrying capacities of the country would be considerably in- creased if such a state of affairs were brought about generally in Queensland. The Darling Downs is a case in point of what THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 3 can be done by means of close settlement. To-day, com- paratively speaking, it is carrying the same number of sheep on smaller holdings as it did thirty-four years ago on consider- ably larger runs. Furthermore, the Darling Downs, to-day, is a very prosperous agricultural and dairying district. Similar possibilities exist in the Maranoa District, as the soil is not one whit less productive than the Darling Downs. The breeding of beef cattle and horses also occupies much attention in the Maranoa District, many of the cattle runs carrying a large number of stock. Crossing the Great Dividing Range on the road to Mount Hutton Station , Roma District. The great stand-by of the Maranoa District is its inexhaust- ible supply of water, which is obtained from artesian and sub- artesian bores. Every town and pastoral holding has one or more of these bores, and by this means the domestic require- ments of the people in the towns and on the stations are adequately supplied. The district is also well watered by a number of permanent rivers, creeks, and lagoons. The existence of petroleum and natural gas in Roma, “ the capital ” of the Maranoa District, strengthens the assumption of experts that this town is likely to figure prominently in the commercial world at an early date. Boring operations are now § © Q to On © © 8 © 8 8 r© to 8 8 © © ©5 8 8 flQ 8 © to © a* On to u0C0C0C0(NC3O3C3co-iOt>I>OOOOiOrH©Op ^COCNG^r-tTHi— i- © TH03TH0303rHT-ir-(THrH 03I>©t— lOO^iOOOCOH Tt 03 03 C003 tHtHi— I r-tT-HrHrH •Iiidy £ 57 48 44 43 24 25 28 21 28 26 19 19 •qaxejlj £ 68 57 44 48 32 28 30 26 28 28 14 28 •Aiunjqaj £ 47 35 32 34 29 17 23 21 25 23 8 25 •Ajununp . I>- Cso0 00l>-C003©©I>03'^H TjHCOCOC003030303r“i03rH03 Address. Wallumbilla Euthella (Roma) . . Pickanjinnie Euthella (Roma) . . Yeubla Wallumbilla Blythdale Yingerbay (Roma) Mungallala Mungallala Roma Blythdale • !-v^ / . ' • . •" ‘ V : ■ ' • \ St. George is surrounded by a number of large sheep and cattle stations. Mixed farming, dairying, and fruit growing is also carried on, but only on a small scale. The possibilities in these directions for expansion are considerable, for the soil, which is exceptionally fertile, will produce all kinds of crops. The district is particularly well adapted for fruit culture, and the plentiful supply of water in the Balonne River emphasises the practicableness of the adoption of irrigation on a large scale. In point of fact, many of the market gardeners and orchardists are at present raising crops by this modern means. Wheat also does well, the yields therefrom being very satisfactory, indeed, whenever favourable meteorological con- ditions prevail. Among the public and commercial institutions, which call for special mention, are the Shire Hall, Court House, Lands Office, State Savings Bank, Post Office, Hospital, State School, School of Arts, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian Churches, Fire Brigade, dramatic, musical, and debating societies, pastoral and agricultural society and show grounds, THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 79 two racing clubs and racecourse, polo grounds, recreation reserve, town band, cricket, football, tennis, swimming, boating, gun, and athletic clubs, two public halls, one newspaper (pub- lished twice weekly), two picture shows, two motor garages, iceworks, two sawmills, and friendly societies. The majority of the business places are lighted by acetylene gas. A good deal of boating is done on the Balonne River, particularly along the town reaches. Fishing for Murray cod, bream, dew, golden perch, and eels is also popular. Stephenson Street , Y eulba. Horse coaches run regularly to and from Surat and Yeulba, Mitchell, and Thallon. A motor coach also runs to and from Thallon railway station. It is projected to connect St. George by rail with Dunwinnie (on the Warwick-Dirranbandi line), and when this is brought about the town should go ahead by leaps and bounds. Production of district in 1914: — Sheep, 983,512; cattle, 25,855; horses, 7,636; pigs, 217; farmers’ butter, 972 lbs.; hay, 54 tons; pumpkins and melons, 25 tons; grapes, 16,450 lbs.; oranges, 984 bushels; potatoes (English), 9 tons; (sweet), 2 tons. 80 THE MARANOA DISTRICT 1. Wool Team on road to Roma. 2= Mount Abundance Homestead , Roma. 3. Rlood Mares and Foals on Mount Abundance Station . THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 81 Yeulba, one of the oldest towns in Queensland, is on Yeulba Creek, and is 37 miles east of Roma and 281 north-west of Brisbane. It is connected with both places by rail, and is 987 feet above sea level. The area of the Bendemere Shire is 1,720 square miles, and the town has a population of about 500. Cattle and horses are chiefly bred in the district, and a number of mixed farmers devote some attention to the raising of sheep. Wheat, maize, lucerne, and all kinds of fruits do well. The owner of Bendemere Station is experimenting with the breeding of ostriches on a small scale. Several market gardens and orchards are carried on by means of irrigation successfully. The district is also suitable for dairying, and many of the settlers are doing well in this direction. The principal public and commercial institutions are. Post Office, State School, Court House, Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, Public Hall, Bendemere Shire Council Office, branch of the Ambulance Brigade, two sawmills, carriage works, many stores, Progress Association, racing, athletic, cricket, football, and tennis clubs, racecourse, and recreation reserve. Most of the business places are lighted with acetylene gas. Two coaches run to and from Surat and St. George weekly. Production of the district in 1914:— Sheep, 1,244; cattle, 15,865; horses, 1,498; pigs, 48; farmers’ butter, 1,302 lbs.; grapes, 4,000 lbs.; wheat for grain, 504 bushels; maize, 24 bushels; green fodder, £255. Surat, a rising township on the Balonne River, is 47 miles south-west from Yeulba railway station, 50 miles south of Roma, and 328 miles north-west of Brisbane. The area of the territory comprised within the Warroo Shire is 5,091 square miles, and the population of the township is estimated at 300. It has an altitude of 820 feet above sea level, and is a very healthy locality. Sheep and cattle raising are extensively carried on in the district. A little mixed farming, dairying, fruit-growing, and market gardening is also engaged in. The streets are wide, and are planted with Bauhinia trees, which look very pretty when in flower. 82 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. The public institutions consist of Post Office, Court House and Lands Office, School of Arts, Hospital, Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, State School, Warroo Shire Council, Shire Hall, bank, several stores, sawmill, two racing clubs, cricket, tennis, and athletic clubs, Progress Association, town band, Oddfellows’ Lodge, and a racecourse. The business places are lighted with acetylene gas. Water for domestic and other purposes is pumped from the river. Murray cod, bream, silver and golden perch, and dew are caught in large numbers in the Balonne River, and plain and scrub turkeys, duck, black swans, pigeons, emus, and native companions are plentiful in the district. Marsupials are also found in large numbers. Mr. R. F. Nimmo’s Farm, Wallumbilla. When Surat is connected by rail with the Dalby-Tara line, the township, which has great fruit-growing and mixed farming possibilities, will, without doubt, become a very busy centre. Several of the settlers on the banks of the river are growing fruit and vegetables by means of irrigation. The line from Tara towards Surat is now under construction. Production of the district in 1914: — Sheep, 561,098; cattle, 23,009; horses, 4,011; pigs, 46; farmers’ butter, 300 lbs.; green fodder, £125. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 83 Wallumbilla, a thriving agricultural and dairying district, is on Wallumbilla Creek, and is 24 miles west from Roma and 294 miles north- west from Brisbane, with both of which places it is connected by rail. The town has a population of about 1,200. It is the largest wheat-growing and dairying district in the Maranoa. The soil is exceptionally fertile, and the future possibilities of the locality are, practically, unlimited. There are large areas of splendid agricultural land in the Chadforth district awaiting development. The projected line from Wallumbilla towards Durham Downs will, when constructed, open up some very fine agricultural and grazing lands for settlement. There are several Government artesian and sub-artesian bores in the district. The public and commercial institutions include:— Post Office, Court House, State School, large Government Grain Stores, Public Hall, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Christ Churches, bank, many stores, sawmill, Progress Association, cricket, tennis, racing, and athletic clubs. The business places are lighted with acetylene gas. Wallumbilla has an altitude of 1,019 feet above sea level. Other Small Townships. Among other small townships, which call for passing men- tion, are:— Amby (1,136 feet), a thriving pastoral and agricul- tural district, with a population of about 300; Muckadilla (1,170 feet), pastoral district, and also noted for its rheumatism-curing thermal baths, population about 200; Mungallala (1,389 feet), pastoral district (all of the foregoing places are on the main South-Western line to the westward of Roma), population about 300; Bollon (630 feet), 148 miles south-westerly, by coach route from Mitchell, large pastoral district carrying (in 1914) 627,285 sheep, 66,312 cattle, and 5,762 horses, population about 200; Thallon (570 feet), pastoral and agricultural district, population about 250; and Dirranbandi (558 feet), pastoral district, popula- tion about 150 (both connected by rail with Warwick and Brisbane; Hebei (about 54 miles from Dirranbandi), pastoral district, population about 250. The highest point in the Maranoa District is at Dulbydilla, which is 93 miles from Roma, and 411 miles from Brisbane; the altitude at this spot is 1,445 feet above sea level. 84 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. EXPERIENCES OF SETTLERS. On the occasion of a recent tour through the Maranoa Dis- trict, the Compiler of this hook interviewed over one hundred settlers in regard to their experiences since their advent in the District. It is impossible, however, to publish the whole of these in this book. The cases instanced will demonstrate most emphatically how men endowed with courage, determination, grit, perseverance, and thrift carved out comfortable homes for themselves in the back-blocks of Queensland, even under the most adverse circumstances. There is room for thousands of others to do likewise to-day under conditions more favourable than those of yesterday. McDowall Street , Roma , from Police Station. r ' Mr. J. G. Brompton, of Plain Farm, Hodgson, Roma district, is one of the most successful wheat-growers and mixed farmers in Queensland. He arrived in the State from Croft (Lincoln- shire, England), in 1883. After paying his passage as an immigrant, he had very little money left in his purse. In fact, when he obtained employment on the Roma-Mitchell Railway line, he was 25s. in debt. For six years he worked as a navvy, and during that time he saved money. Later, he and his two THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 35 brothers (Herbert and William) took up a homestead selection of 160 acres from the Crown at 2s. 6d. per acre, the payments extending over five years. Though he lived on the selection, he still continued to work on the railway line. His two brothers, who lived with him, improved the selection. In 1889 he devoted the whole of his attention to farming, and 6 acres of land were ploughed and put under wheat. Later, he rented two blocks of land, which his brothers had taken up; subsequently he pur- chased these properties at 20s. per acre. From the outset he did well on the land. About 1898 a co-operative flour mill was established in Roma, and gave a decided fillip to the wheat- growing industry. Additional areas were acquired by Mr. Brompton. He started operations with a few sheep, and had no luck. He, however, persevered, with the result that success attended his efforts. To-day he combines sheep breeding and wheat-growing, and is doing well in these directions. He has 1,000 head of merino sheep at present on his holding of 1,267 acres, and 900 of them averaged 7 lb. of wool when shorn. Over 200 were sold, and realised 9s. per head off the shears. In 1914, he had 270 acres under wheat, 50 acres of which were grazed, 70 acres were cut for hay, and 150 acres harvested for grain. The last-named yielded 3,168 bushels of grain. He sent 3,018 bushels to the Roma flour mill, and kept 150 bushels for seed purposes. From the mill he received 4s. 6d. per bushel. The crop gave a return of 20 bushels per acre. Until four years ago Mr. Brompton devoted some attention to dairying, and sent his cream to the factory. He estimates the cost of cultivating and harvesting wheat in the Roma district at 37s. per acre, receipts per acre, £4 10s.; profit per acre, £2 13s. Mr. Brompton is a strong advocate of dry farming. He keeps the soil loose, and free from weeds. In point of fact, he runs his sheep on the cultivation areas in order to keep them clear of weeds. He has a very comfortable home, and has a small herd of milkers for his own use. The young stock are sold to the butcher. That he makes a good living out of farming is exemplified by the following figures taken from his books: — Receipts for 1914: wool, £168 11s.; cattle, £61 15s.; sheep, £30; wheat, £664 7s.; chaff, £512; total, £1,436 13s. His expenditure for the same year totalled £700, leaving a profit on the year’s transactions of £735 13s. 86 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 1 . Thomas Bros.’ First Home at Orallo, Roma District 2. Selector's Home at St. George , 3 . Mr. 1. Giddin’s Home , Yeulba. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 87 Mr. J. H. Harland, of Grapeview Vineyard, Bungeworgorai, Roma district, has been sixteen years on the present holding. He is a native of the district, and for years worked on Bassett’s vineyard. With £50, he acquired, on easy terms, 55 acres of land, portion of which was under vines. There was also a small house on the property. Success attended his exertions from the beginning, and he gradually increased his area. To-day he has 433 acres, 16 acres being under grapes, and 1 acre under oranges, peaches, and apricots. He has now a very comfortable Stripping Wheat on Bungeworgorai State Farm , Roma. home. In 1914 he sold his crop of grapes in Brisbane and Toowoomba, and realised £250. The other fruits returned £30. The profit for the year was £356, and averages about £300 under normal conditions. He employs labour in the grape-picking season, but does all the cultivation work himself. Mr. Harland is also a maker of excellent sweet and dry wines, which sell readily in the local market. He makes from 1,600 gallons to 2,000 gallons annually. Mr. J. W. Aisthorpe, of Boxvale Farm, Hodgson, Roma dis- trict, only had about £23 in hard, cash when he arrived in 88 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Queensland in August, 1889, from Lincolnshire (England). Now he has 160 acres of freehold at Hodgson, and about 400 acres rented on Clark’s Creek. At first he worked on the railway line for twelve months, then on Bindango Station wool-rolling for a season, and then for fourteen months with a neighbouring farmer. In 1891 he selected 80 acres of open forest and plain country from the Crown at 2s. 6d_, per acre. During the first year he cleared and planted 14 acres with wheat, and erected a house. Every year he increased the area under wheat, and also went in for dairying with grade Shorthorns, Ayrshires, and Jerseys. Five years ago he relinquished dairying, and devoted all his attention to wheat-growing. Occasionally he undertook contracts for tank-sinking on stations. In 1914 he had 135 acres under wheat, and obtained 1,050 bushels of grain therefrom, for which he realised 4s. 6d. per bushel. He cut about 100 acres for grain, and the balance (35 acres) for hay. The crop yielded 10J bushels of grain per acre. In 1913 Mr. Aisthorpe commenced sheep-raising, and crossed the merino with the Romney Marsh strain. He has now a flock of 470. The clip returned 1,500 lb. of wool. The wheat is harvested with a stripper and winnower. The receipts in 1914 aggregated £400, and the expenditure about £200, leaving a profit of £200. Mr. J. Telford, of Glenmaggie Farm, Orallo, Roma district, was previously farming at Tenterfield (New South Wales). He arrived in the Roma district four years ago with £1,000, and a dairy herd of Shorthorns. He has 1,280 acres in his present holding. During the first year he cleared 15 acres, and went in for dairying and raising cattle for the butcher. Though the district was admirably suitable for dairying, he was compelled to desist from this occupation owing to lack of railway communication with the Roma Butter Factory. In 1914 he had 10 acres under wheat, one plot of 6 acres averaging 15 bushels per acre, and the other 4 acres (on a rainfall of 25 points after sowing) yielding 9 bushels to the acre. Four acres of maize produced 15 bushels to the acre. He has also a splendid crop of Rhodes grass. Mr. Telford considers that the district cannot be excelled for wheat, maize, fruit (particularly grapes and oranges), dairying, and sheep raising; in fact, it is all that is required for mixed farming. The opening up of the country as THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 89 far as Injune Creek will bring about considerable agricultural development. Mr. Telford has three married sons in the district, each of whom are doing well on the land. Mr. W. J. Dray, formerly a shearing mechanic, settled at Orallo, Roma district, eighteen years ago. At first he took up an agricultural homestead of 320 acres from the Crown at 2s. 6d. per acre. In 1902 he selected 636 acres at 10s. per acre, and six years later a further area of 1,420 acres were acquired at 10s. per acre. When he arrived in the district he had less than £100, a few horses, and some farming implements. He, how- ever, had a stout heart, brawny muscles, and four strapping Municipal Buildings , Roma. sons. In the first year he cleared 10 acres of dense forest, and planted it with wheat, which yielded 24 bushels per acre. A like area was planted with maize subsequently, the return therefrom being 16 bushels per acre. The following year 40 acres were planted with wheat, the crop averaging 24 bushels per acre. The maize crop of 10 acres was only a partial success. In 1903, he had 80 acres of wheat, which yielded as high as 40 bushels per acre. In 1910, he obtained only 630 bushels from 90 THE maranoa district. 110 acres of wheat. Mr. Dray also breeds sheep, and is meeting with much success in this direction. He has now a flock of 1,836, besides 50 head of beef cattle of the Shorthorn-Hereford strain. The country, at the time of the Compiler’s visit, was carrying a beast to about 1J acres. Like Mr. Telford, he is well satisfied with the possibilities of the district. He says that anyone with grit and determination could, under favourable meteorological conditions, make £1,000 annually on country similar to his own. The flats on Bungeworgorai Creek are suitable for the cultivation of lucerne. Mr. Alex. Fortune, of Lyndean Farm, Yingerbay, was pre- viously a carpenter. He has 3,200 acres of country, about 500 acres being freehold. It is twenty-three years since he settled in the district He came from Berwickshire (Scotland) fifty years ago, and started farming with only a few hundred pounds sterling. Shortly after his arrival in Queensland he was em- ployed as a carpenter; subsequently taking up land in the Coomera district (South Coast line), where he cultivated sugar- cane for about ten years. When he settled at Yingerbay, he cleared about 10 acres of forest country, and cultivated it. As years went on he increased his areas. According to his records, the rainfall ranged 10.5 inches to 38.49 inches over a period of twenty-two years. From 10 acres of maize in 1893-94, he obtained 40 bushels per acre, and at later periods he had from 24 to 33 bushels per acre from plots of 20 acres. In 1912, he had 220 acres of wheat, which averaged 10 bushels per acre. In 1914, 80 acres yielded 7 bushels per acre. Grapes and potatoes (English and sweet) are grown for his own require- ments. He also milks a few cows, and breeds pigs on a small scale. Mr. Fortune has 120 head of beef Shorthorns, and 30 head of saddle and draught horses. He has a very comfortable home, which he erected himself. Despite that he is eighty years of age, Mr. Fortune is still hale and hearty, and able to do a hard day’s work. Thanks to his energy and thrift in his early days, he is able to spend the evening of his life in ease and comfort. Mr. James Stinson, of Comyndale Farm, Cattle Creek, Roma district, hails from Fermanagh (Ireland), and has been twenty- six years in the district. He arrived in Queensland with about £15. For sixteen years he worked on Mount Abundance Station. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 91 Then he purchased 160 acres of land at 35s. per acre on easy terms. After erecting a home, he cleared 40 acres, and planted it with wheat. The first crop was only a fair one. Further areas were cleared and planted with wheat each year. He has now 73 acres out of 1,100 acres cleared. In 1914, he had 60 acres of wheat, of which 20 acres were cut for hay, and the 40 acres returned 12 bushels per acre. For about seven years he has been dairying with satisfactory results. The herd, which numbers twenty-five, consists of grade Jerseys and Shorthorns. He breeds saddle and draught horses, and also pigs. “ Globe Wood,” the pedigreed trotting stallion, is his property. Mr. Mrs. P. Smith's Vineyard and Orchard, Northern Road, Roma. Stinson is a prosperous man, and has a comfortable home. The property is watered by Cattle Creek, and there are several large dams and tanks for the conservation of water. Messrs. Zumpe Bros., of Avondale Farm, Northern road, Roma, are natives of Queensland, and have lived in the district for thirty years. Their parents came from Germany with £25 a little over forty years ago. Their holding of 1,200 acres was purchased at from 2s. 6d. to 20s. per acre. The greater part of the clearing on the farm was done by contract. During the first year 20 acres were put under wheat, and the crop produced 92 THE MARANOA DISTRICT 1. Weribone Homestead, Surat. 2. Gundy Lagoon, Basin Downs Grazing Farm , Surat. 3. Persimmon Tree in fruit, Mr. J. Miles' Orchard, St. George. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 92 40 bushels per acre. Increased areas in subsequent years gave a return of from 10 to 16 bushels per acre. Varying success attended their efforts during succeeding years, the average yields per acre ranging from 8 bushels to 20 bushels. Messrs. Zumpe Bros, have a small orchard, the fruits comprising grapes, plums, and peaches. For years beef Shorthorns have been bred for market. A small herd of Jerseys are milked for home requirements. Draught horses and pigs are also bred for the same purpose. The house is large and comfortable. The receipts from all sources in 1914 totalled £1,000. Mr. W. Auchter, of St. John’s Park Farm, Northern road, Roma, had only enough money to pay the first instalment on his farm when he settled in the district. He, however, obtained employment on neighbouring farms, and in his spare time cleared his own. As soon as he was able to save sufficient money, he employed men to clear his own land. For years he has been growing wheat successfully, though he had a few failures. In 1914, he had 150 acres of wheat, of which 100 acres were har- vested for grain, and 50 acres cut for hay. The grain yielded 10 bushels per acre. As a market gardener, Mr. Auchter has had much success for years past. His receipts from this source alone in 1915 amounted to £100, and his total income was £470. For wheaten chaff he obtained £6 per ton. Mr. J. Neill, of Frogmoor Grazing Farm, Yeulba-Surat road, Surat district, came from the Castlemaine district (Victoria) with £400. Previously he was a wheat-grower. He has 5,000 acres in his holding. The agricultural farm he purchased at from 10s. to 12s. 6d. per acre, and the grazing farm of 1,700 acres at l|d. per acre. For fifteen years he was breeding beef Shorthorns and horses, and later sheep. He lost heavily during the big drought, and was compelled to borrow money in order to stock up again. In 1903, he had 10 acres of wheat, from which he got 3 tons of hay. In 1914, he shore 2,800 sheep, and received 14Jd. per lb. for the greasy wool. At present he has a small herd of milking Shorthorns, and a number of horses of his own breeding. The country is well watered with lagoons, the Balonne River, and Beranga Creek. He has a comfortable home, and is doing splendidly. Mr. Neill considers the locality one of the finest districts for mixed farming. G 94 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Mr. A. G. Nason, of Newington Grazing Farm, Surat, started with £375 and 500 sheep, and 6,000 acres in his holding. All the improvements on the farm were effected by himself, including the erection of a very comfortable home. When he took up the country it would not carry a sheep to 10 acres. To-day it carries a beast to 3 acres. This has been brought about by ringbarking and subdividing the holding into paddocks. He , was a heavy loser during the big drought. In 1904 he recovered, and stocked up again. Since then he has been very successful. In 1910 (the best year) the clip from each sheep averaged 8 lb. The Terrace , St. George. In 1914, he shore 3,000 sheep, which averaged 7| lb. of wool each. This year (1915) the same number of sheep averaged 71 lb. of wool each. He has a small herd of Shorthorn milkers, and also breeds the horses required on the holding. Four years ago he went in for wheat-growing on the share system, and got 900 bushels of grain from 80 acres. Mr. Nason considers that the prospects of success in the district are splendid under normal conditions. It is the right place for grazing farmers. He has managed to save money. “ If one is thrifty and willing to work,” he says, “ he cannot fail to do well.” Messrs. Wolbank and Davidson, of Surat, started five years ago as market gardeners and orchardists with £40 on 30 acres of THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 95 land. To-day they are making from £200 to £400 annually from their operations. In 1914, their receipts totalled £220, and this year they expect to make £400. They have lh acres under citrus and stone fruits, and 21 acres under vegetables. This year they are putting a much larger area under other crops. The crops are grown by irrigation, the water being lifted by a pump (driven by an oil engine) from the Balonne River, and distributed over the cultivation areas by means of galvanised iron piping. Two large overhead galvanised iron tanks are used for the storage of water. Mr. John Tebbs, of Outlands Orchard, St. George, came from the Hawkesbury River district (New South Wales) with only £15, and has been fruit-growing and general farming for seven years. Seventeen years ago he took up 160 acres for grazing purposes. For three years he was employed as chainman for a surveyor. Then he married, and erected a home on his farm; and then was engaged in carrying for five years. With the money he saved, he bought horses, and went in for breeding them on a farm of 428 acres, which he leased. Later he acquired an additional 204 acres for grazing purposes. Subsequently he obtained a loan from the State Agricultural Bank, and purchased the 428 acres, which was under fruit trees and had a good house on it, for £900. He has now 848 acres of freehold. A good deal of the land, which he purchased from the Crown for 10s. per acre, was thickly infested with prickly-pear. It is now free from the pest. He has 7 acres under fruit trees — oranges, grapes, apples, pears, figs, plums, peaches, persimmons, nectarines, and apricots. About 25 acres are annually put under rotation crops — wheat, maize, potatoes (English and sweet), and vegetables. In 1904, he got 35 bushels of wheat from a small area. The district, he contends, will produce 35 bushels per acre under anything like fair meteorological conditions. In 1913, he obtained 10 tons of hay from 14 acres of wheat; and, in 1914, 1 acre yielded 2\ tons of English potatoes, | acre of Swede turnips produced 2 tons, J acre of pumpkins returned 2\ tons, and he cut 54 dozen cabbages from a i acre plot. The fruit crop during the same year returned £114. He made a nett profit of £195 from all sources in 1914. Mr. Tebbs has a small milking herd of Shorthorns, and breeds his own horses. The fruit crop is sold in Brisbane and the principal Western 96 THE MARANOA DISTRICT 1. Moorenbah Homestead, Dirranbandi. 2. Town Bore Lagoon , St. George. 3. Sheep on Moorenbah Station , Dirranbandi. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 97 towns, while the vegetables are disposed of locally. Being a strong advocate of irrigation, he raises his fruit crop in this scientific way. The water is lifted from the Balonne River by a steam pump, then carried through steel piping for a distance of 13 chains to the orchard. Then it is run into drains, which intersect the orchard. He estimates the cost of irrigation at about 3s. per acre. Mr. Tebbs claims that he has grown the largest melon in Australia in his orchard, its weight being 79J lbs. He also raised a cabbage weighing 491 lbs. He suffered severely from the big drought, and was £327 in debt as a consequence. This was soon liquidated, and now he is more prosperous. The country, he says, is all that is required for dairying and mixed farming. If the settler is prepared to work hard, he can attain success on a small block of land. Mr. J. Tebb’s Orchard, St. George . Mr. Ernest Klinge, of Welcome Home Orchard, St. George, was formerly a blacksmith, and is now demonstrating most conclusively what can be done by means of irrigation on a small area. He has only 5 acres, and of this 3 acres are under oranges, peaches, apricots, plums, quinces, pears, nectarines, figs, grapes, and vegetables. From 2 acres of wheat he obtained 2 tons of hay. A 12-year-old orange tree yielded a crop of 100 dozen in 1914. The water for irrigation purposes is obtained from a well by means of a windmill, and distributed over the orchard by fluming and galvanised iron piping. 98 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Mr. H. A. Robertson, of Ivy Cottage, St. George, has been growing fruit and vegetables successfully for the past twenty years on his 3 acre block by irrigation. For four years in succession he has carried off first honours at the local show for maize, which was grown on another holding of his in the district. He was also a grower of wheat. He is now 88 years of age, and finds pleasure and profit in tending his small orchard. Grapes, oranges, peaches, and plums are chiefly raised. One orange tree frequently yields a crop of 110 dozen. Mr. J. Miles, of Riverview Orchard, St. George, purchased the present holding quite recently for £600 as a going concern. There are 40 acres cleared, and ready for the plough. The orchard, which consists of oranges, peaches, apricots, plums, persimmons, grapes, quinces, pears, apples, &c., has been established for about six years. Mr. Miles was formerly a well- sinker in the Mungindi district. The crops are grown by irrigation, the water being obtained from the Balonne River by a steam pump. It is then carried through galvanised iron piping into long lengths of fluming, and then transferred to drains intersecting the orchard. Riverview Orchard is one of the show places of the district during the fruit season. Splendid crops of fruit are gathered annually. Mr. Miles intends to devote some attention to the cultivation of wheat, maize, and vegetables. Mr. W. G. Crothers, of Moorenbah Grazing Farm, Dirranbandi, is one of the most successful graziers in the Maranoa District. The area of his holding is 40,000 acres, and he is also a shareholder in the Binda Pastoral Company in the Bollon district. He started operations nine years ago with £16 and 1,500 sheep — his share out of the estate of his father. He, however, obtained a loan from a financial institution, and selected a 20,000 acre block with 1,900 sheep on it. In the following year, he was enabled to clear his holding of the mortgage, and then acquired the adjoining block of 20,000 acres with 8,000 full-woolled sheep on it for £8,000. He then set to work clearing the properties. The country was ringbarked, and subdivided into paddocks. A number of excavated tanks were also made. Then he erected his present charming home, having previously lived in a very small house. There are few home- steads in Queensland more comfortably furnished to-day than THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 99 Moorenbah. It is lighted throughout with gas generated by air. All the buildings on the station are substantial and commodious, particularly the woolshed and shearers’ quarters. The improvements entailed an expenditure of £7,000. Mr. Crothers was fortunate in starting operations under favourable meteorological conditions, the first four years being particularly good. The country is exceptionally well watered by Donegri Creek, and at the homestead there is a windmill for domestic purposes. He has also the use of a bore from a neighbouring station. The carrying capacity of the holding under favourable McDowall Street, Roma, from Post Office corner. conditions is one sheep to 2 acres. In 1914, he shore 26,000 sheep, and averaged 8| lb. per sheep. He is a breeder of thoroughbreds for stock purposes; in fact, one of his horses (Prudent Lady) won the first £1,000 race for 2-year-olds run in Brisbane a couple of years ago. Mr. Crothers states that his first outlay on the holding amounted to £1,098 13s. 4d. (Full details are published under the heading of “Cost of Acquiring a Grazing Farm”). He intends to test the wheat-growing possibilities of the district at an early date. Mr. P. Nolan, of Ashfield Farm, Mitchell, arrived in Queens- land in 1864 with 5s. in his pocket. He first obtained employ- ment as a shearer, then he undertook fencing contracts, and then became a carrier. Next he was foreman for sixteen years 100 THE MARANOA DISTRICT - - ■*>: 1 and 3. Woodlands Homestead and Woolshed, Mitchell District 2. Balonne Diver , George. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 101 for the Shire Council. In 1886 he selected portion of his present area of 394 acres, and, after clearing it *of the dense forest, put 7 acres under maize and imphee. In 1898 he had 30 acres under wheat, and obtained an average yield of 30 bushels to the acre. Every year he increased his area, and, in 1912, he averaged 24 bushels per acre from 60 acres of wheat. Portion of the crop yielded 36 bushels to the acre. He has now 90 acres cleared and ready for the plough. In 1914, 60 acres returned 15 bushels per acre. Mr. Nolan uses fertilisers freely on his farm. Though nearly 80 years of age, he works like a Trojan on his farm. He is happy and contented, and considers the district the best in Queensland. Mr. H. C. Loughnan, of Rutland Estate, Mitchell, is one of the most successful pastoralists in the Maranoa District. He came to Mitchell about eight years ago from Walgett (New South Wales), where he had been sheep-raising since 1886. He was only 10 years of age when he arrived in Victoria from Cork (Ireland) in 1870. As a boy he was employed on a station, and received 6s. per week. Five years later he was paid 12s. 6d. per week. Then he was employed on another station at 17s. 6d. per week. When he was 20 years of age he proceeded to Walgett (New South Wales), and was engaged in droving until 1888. Then, together with his brother, he took up a grazing farm of 50,000 acres, and started sheep breeding. Later, he selected country near Hebei (Queensland), and eventually disposed of his New South Wales property. He had fair average luck on the whole, though he met with disaster from flood, fire, and drought at different periods. The holdings of Abbieglassie (202 square miles), Crystal Brook (158 square miles), and Rutland Estate (1,560 acres) and an occupation license (469 square miles), in the Mitchell district, were taken up later. On Abbieglassie there are 6,000 head of beef Shorthorns and 200 head of horses, and on Crystal Brook 9,000 beef Shorthorns and 70 horses. There are two artesian bores on Abbieglassie, and one artesian and three sub-artesian bores on Crystal Brook. Mr. Loughnan considers that Queensland is the best State in the Commonwealth. There is an air of comfort and plenty in every nook and corner of the homestead on Rutland Estate. Mr. J. W. Westcott, of Sandford Grazing Farm, Mitchell, has been in the district for thirty-three years, and is one of the 102 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. most successful grazing farmers. The homestead, which is comfortable in every particular, is surrounded by 6,000 acres of freehold land. He has also Tyrone Grazing Farm, a freehold of 3,600 acres, in the Mungallala district. The properties are stocked with from 7,000 to 8,000 sheep, and 50 head of horses. The clip of wool averages annually about 8 lb. per sheep, and the lambings in 1914 aggregated 90 per cent. Mr. Westcott, who - has a well-equipped woolshed and shearers’ quarters, shears, by contract, all the sheep belonging to grazing farmers in the district for a radius of ten miles. He was one of the first to grow wheat in the district, and has been thus engaged since School of Arts, Roma. 1900. For years he has had 150 acres under crop, and, in 1903, he averaged 24 bushels per acre. Oats has also been successfully grown. Top prices were realised in Brisbane for his clip and fat wethers. Mr. Westcott was only a youth when he arrived in Queensland from Devonshire (England) ' with only a few shillings in his pocket. For five years he did fencing in the Darling Downs and Maranoa districts. Then his father sent him £200, which enabled him, in 1887, to take up 160 acres of agricultural land from the Crown at 2s. 6d. per acre. He first started growing grapes, peaches, apricots, nectarines, figs, melons, potatoes, pumpkins, and vegetables, and did exceedingly well until the drought brought disaster. Recovering, he THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 103 acquired further areas, including Sandford, and stocked them with sheep. He has been prosperous ever since. The country is watered by the Maranoa River, wells, and tanks. Mr. C. Leadbetter, of Almavale Farm, Mungallala, has an area of 640 acres, on which he is successfully dairying. He is one of the largest suppliers of cream to the Roma Butter Factory. Five years ago he was a stockman on one of the stations. He also did some fencing. When he started, he had little or no capital, but he had plenty of pluck and energy. Now he is in comfortable circumstances. In February, 1914, 30 cows earned £25, and in the two following months the same number earned £28, Berkshire and Middle York pigs are also bred. Mr. M. Byrne, of Nalpa Downs Farm, Mungallala, has an area of 7,600 acres. He was formerly a stockman in the Moree district (New South Wales). Soon after his arrival in Queens- land he invested £200 in a 900-acre farm in the Roma district, and paid 15s. per acre for it on easy terms. For six years he cultivated wheat, and obtained 28 bushels per acre from 150 acres on several occasions. Subsequently he sold out for £850, and took up an agricultural farm of 5,600 acres in the Mungallala district. This he stocked with 1,400 sheep, and had good luck from the beginning. At present he has a flock of 4,000. The weight of a fleece from a full-grown sheep averaged Sh lb. The country is well watered by a sub-artesian bore, five dams, and a well. The homestead is commodious and comfort- able. Under normal conditions it is claimed that the country will carry a sheep to the acre. The farm is sub-divided into seven paddocks. Mr. Byrne considers that Queensland is a long way ahead of New South Wales for grazing purposes. Mr. D. A. Cameron, of Woodlands Station, on the Maranoa River, Mitchell district, has one of the finest homesteads in the State. It is fitted up with electric light, and is beautifully appointed both inside and outside. His holding aggregates 240.000 acres, and he has also Rookwood (75,000 acres), and Foyle View (52,000 acres). The holdings carry 60,000 sheep, 6.000 beef Shorthorns, and 250 saddle and draught horses. There are three large artesian bores, with an average depth of 2,500 ft., and the daily flows range from 500,000 gallons to 1.500.000 gallons. There are also several sub-artesian bores, 104 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. with an average depth of 300 ft., and a daily flow of 20,000 gallons. The average weight of his clip is 9 lb. per sheep, and he generally obtains top prices. Nine years ago he selected 15,000 acres with only a limited amount of capital. He, however, obtained assistance from a financial institution to stock up. Prior to settling on the land, he was a drover, and he managed to save sufficient money to start grazing sheep. From the outset, Mr. Cameron made headway, and, to-day, he is one of the most prosperous pastoralists in Queensland. He has demonstrated most conclusively what men with pluck, perseverance, and industry can do in the backblocks. Mr. W. Brompton, of Richland Farm, Amby, though reared on a farm, followed a seafaring life for many years. Then he Concrete Silo on Mr. IT. Bromytori* s Farm, Ara~by. was employed on stations and on the railway line. Twenty-one years ago he settled in the Amby district, but prior to this he was associated with his brother at Hodgson (Roma) farming. He first took up 520 acres in Amby, for which he paid 10s. per acre on easy terms. This he cleared of prickly-pear, scrub, and boulders, and planted 5 acres of wheat, which yielded 16 bushels to the acre. Every year he increased his holding, and placed a larger acreage under wheat. For fourteen years he had 40 acres, and for five or six years 50 acres. His best yield for any one year was 22 bushels per acre, but occasionally small plots THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 105 returned 30 bushels per acre. For nine years a leased area of 110 acres, which he planted with wheat, gave 20 bushels to the acre. Small areas of maize were grown, and the best yield therefrom was 32 bushels per acre. In 1914, he grew maize, and used it for ensilage, a 67-ton concrete circular silo being used for this purpose. Pumpkins and cowpeas have also been grown successfully. From the beginning he has been dairying with grade Jerseys for his own requirements. The surplus butter was sold locally. Pigs are also bred for market. He has a family of five boys and four girls, the eldest being 20 years of age. For years he has been breeding sheep for market, and also for their wool. Mr. Brompton, who has made a thorough test of the possibilities of the soil and different varieties of wheat, considers that the district cannot be excelled for the successful growing of the staple agricultural product; in fact, he is a strong advocate for wheat-growing and sheep raising combined. He has 1,100 acres in his farm, portion of which is freehold. Mr. W. J. Sullivan, of Turtle Grove Farm, Amby, is also a wheat-grower and sheep breeder, and is making a good living on his block of 3,000 acres. He has 1,700 sheep, 20 Jersey and Shorthorn cows, and a number of horses and pigs. For thirteen years he has been growing wheat. In 1913-4, he got 9 bushels to the acre from 60 acres. Portion of his flock are sold to the butcher every year. Mr. O. Kinchington, of Revilo Grazing Farm, Mitchell, started with £100 and horses, wagons, &c., worth about £200. He came from Victoria in 1883, and followed the occupation of contractor for fencing, dam-making, &c., for several stations until 1895. Then he took up a prickly-pear selection of 1,280 acres, and after clearing and fencing it, and erecting a home, he put in 50 acres of wheat. Within ten years he had 200 acres of wheat, which yielded 13 bushels per acre. In 1903, however, he had 400 acres of wheat, which averaged 20 bushels per acre. Some of the plots yielded as high as 26 bushels per acre. Sheep- raising engaged his attention from the start, his first flock numbering 1,500. This was soon increased to 3,700, but the big drought reduced the number to 700. He has now 9,000 sheep, 50 head of saddle and draught horses, 100 beef Shorthorns, and a 106 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Crop of Bunge No. 1 Wheat, Bungeivorgorai State Farm , Roma. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 107 few pigs. Years ago he bred pigs on a large scale, and had as many as 300 at a time. He considers that the district is admirably adapted for wheat-growing on a large scale. In point of fact, his wheat crop, Mr. Kinchington stated, saved him from ruin when his sheep failed. His holding aggregates 23,000 acres, Date Tree in Fruit at Mr. Jas. Simmons 9 Home , Roma. 3,400 acres of which is freehold. The normal carrying capacity of the country is one sheep to the acre. He has a splendidly- equipped woolshed, and does a good deal of shearing for neighbouring selectors by contract every year. The average weight of a fleece from a full-grown wether is 9 lb., and that of a ewe 7 lb. 108 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Mr. George Mailer, of Alston Farm, Wallumbilla, was previously growing wheat at Pickanjinnie for thirteen years. There he had 80 acres under wheat, which yielded 16 bushels to the acre. Since his arrival in Wallumbilla he has been one of the largest suppliers of cream to the Roma factory. Usually he milks fifteen grade Shorthorns, Ayrshires, and Illawarras daily. The best return per cow was 27s. 6d. per month, while the average was about 20s. The milkers are fed on natural grasses. He buys young pigs, fattens them, and then sells to the butcher. Mr. J. R. Hornick, Wallumbilla, came to the district with his parents twenty-five years ago from the Riverina district (New South Wales). He worked on his father’s farm until 1907, when he selected 600 acres from the Crown at from 2s. 6d. to 10s. per acre. In 1914, he had 115 acres under wheat, which yielded 900 bushels. Some years ago 20 acres of maize returned 16 bushels per acre. He has 2J acres under oranges, peaches, plums, figs, grapes, apples, pears, nectarines, and apricots, and has 12 acres of Rhodes grass. Mr. Hornick is a breeder of beef cattle on a small scale. He started with limited capital, but this did not prevent him from making a profit of £2,500 since he commenced farming. Mr. W. A. Mailer, of Bore View Farm, Pickanjinnie, has 2,200 acres, of which 800 acres are freehold. He has been twenty- two years in the district, and has been growing wheat until four years ago. In 1903, 200 acres of wheat averaged 28 bushels per acre. For the past six years he has been dairying. In February last his cream cheque from 55 cows was £50. In May last he was milking 20 cows. The herd consists of grade Shorthorns and Ayrshires. He has a pit silo, and intended erecting a galvanised iron circular one. Pear, sunflower, sorghum, and cowpea are used for the making of ensilage. A 14 disc plough, driven by a traction engine, is used on the farm. Messrs. Roebig Bros., of Kia Ora Farm, Pickanjinnie, were formerly wool-classers. Five years ago they selected 640 acres of prickly-pear country at 10s. per acre. During the first year 5 acres were cleared, and planted with wheat. The next year 2 acres were cleared, and put under lucerne, which yielded three or four crops in the year. In 1914, they had 9 acres of wheat, 108 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Mr. George Mailer, of Alston Farm, Wallumbilla, was previously growing wheat at Pickanjinnie for thirteen years. There he had 80 acres under wheat, which yielded 16 bushels to the acre. Since his arrival in Wallumbilla he has been one of the largest suppliers of cream to the Roma factory. Usually he milks fifteen grade Shorthorns, Ayrshires, and Illawarras daily. The best return per cow was 27s. 6d. per month, while the average was about 20s. The milkers are fed on natural grasses. He buys young pigs, fattens them, and then sells to the butcher. Mr. J. R. Hornick, Wallumbilla, came to the district with his parents twenty-five years ago from the Riverina district (New South Wales). He worked on his father’s farm until 1907, when he selected 600 acres from the Crown at from 2s. 6d. to 10s. per acre. In 1914, he had 115 acres under wheat, which yielded 900 bushels. Some years ago 20 acres of maize returned 16 bushels per acre. He has 2 \ acres under oranges, peaches, plums, figs, grapes, apples, pears, nectarines, and apricots, and has 12 acres of Rhodes grass. Mr. Hornick is a breeder of beef cattle on a small scale. He started with limited capital, but this did not prevent him from making a profit of £2,500 since he commenced farming. Mr. W. A. Mailer, of Bore View Farm, Pickanjinnie, has 2,200 acres, of which 800 acres are freehold. He has been twenty- two years in the district, and has been growing wheat until four years ago. In 1903, 200 acres of wheat averaged 28 bushels per acre. For the past six years he has been dairying. In February last his cream cheque from 55 cows was £50. In May last he was milking 20 cows. The herd consists of grade Shorthorns and Ayrshires. He has a pit silo, and intended erecting a galvanised iron circular one. Pear, sunflower, sorghum, and cowpea are used for the making of ensilage. A 14 disc plough, driven by a traction engine, is used on the farm. Messrs. Roebig Bros., of Kia Ora Farm, Pickanjinnie, were formerly wool-classers. Five years ago they selected 640 acres of prickly-pear country at 10s. per acre. During the first year 5 acres were cleared, and planted with wheat. The next year 2 acres were cleared, and put under lucerne, which yielded three or four crops in the year. In 1914, they had 9 acres of wheat, UaWAiil * *~v THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 109 which was cut for hay. At present they have 60 acres of dense scrub and prickly-pear cleared ready for the plough. There are 40 acres under Rhodes grass, which was, at the time, about 6 ft. high. These artificially grassed paddocks carry two beasts to the acre. Until quite recently they have been dairying, and received £22 for the cream from 16 cows. Around the newly- erected home, there are 1| acres of peaches, grapes, apricots, plums (English and Japanese), nectarines, and figs. Herefords Roman Catholic Convent School , Roma. and pigs are also bred. Messrs. Roebig manufacture a very effective poisonous powder for the eradication of prickly-pear. Many of the large stations use it with good results. Mr. O. J. Finnigan, Wallumbilla, has 1,300 acres, portion of which is infested with prickly-pear. Previously he was a butcher, and started farming with £35. At first he selected a homestead area of 222 acres at 2s. 6d. per acre. Having improved and cleared it, he undertook contracts for fencing and road clearing. Then he purchased an agricultural farm of 160 acres for £60. Five years later he cultivated 40 acres of wheat, and obtained 16 bushels per acre. In 1904, he had 150 acres of wheat, which yielded 12 bushels per acre; and, in 1914, 40 acres returned 7 bushels per acre. He has been dairying for about six years. The cheque for cream from 28 cows in H THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Ill September, 1914, was £37. The milkers were fed on green wheat. The milking herd of grade. Shorthorns numbers 50, and he has also 100 beef Shorthorns. The total receipts for cream in 1913 were £240, and, in 1914, £170. Mr. Isaac Giddins, of Rayburn Farm, Yeulba, arrived in the district from the Hawkesbury River district (New South Wales) in 1879 as a lad. He was employed on stations for several years, and then he selected 160 acres from the Crown, but he had only enough money to pay the first year’s rent and survey fees. A loan was obtained from the State Agricultural Bank, and this enabled him to effect improvements and buy stock. Thirty acres were planted with wheat later, and the crop, which was 7 ft. 2in. high, yielded 32 bushels to the acre. Had it been harvested with a reaper and binder instead of a stripper, Mr. Giddins contends that he would have got 60 bushels per acre. The area of his country was increased until he had 640 acres, and about 6 years ago he had 140 acres under wheat. Eight years ago he went in for dairying, and selected grade Shorthorns and Ayrshires for this purpose. The best monthly return for cream from 26 cows was £22. Fruit- growing, poultry-raising, and bee-farming also engaged his attention. The honey was sold locally. Mr. Giddins disposed of Forest Farm about eighteen months ago, and acquired a prickly-pear area of 1,895 acres from the Crown free of charge, with the proviso that it was cleared of the pest within the stated period. He has erected a comfortable home, and has about 1 acre under all kinds of fruits and vegetables. The crops are irrigated by means of water pumped from Yeulba Creek. Mr. John Ryan, of Wingfield Farm, Yeulba, is very comfortably situated. He came to the district in 1880 with his father, and obtained employment as a butcher boy. His father selected an agricultural homestead of 640 acres at 20s. per acre, and started dairying with Shorthorns. Later more land was taken up until he had 3,000 acres. Mixed farming wheat- growing, dairying, and sheep-raising — was then engaged in for a number of years. In 1903, he had 25 acres under wheat, which yielded about 28 bushels per acre. A 10 acre plot returned 40 bushels per acre. In 1906, the wheat area was 120 acres, and the average yield 12 bushels per acre; and, in 1909, there were 112 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 100 acres, which produced 9 bushels per acre. For some years past Mr. John Ryan has . been a part owner of the farm with his mother. All their attention now is devoted to breeding sheep (with a Shropshire cross for lamb export), beef cattle, and horses. They have 300 sheep, a like number of cattle, and 50 horses. Mr. Samuel York, Wallumbilla, came from England twenty- five years ago with very little spare cash. He was first employed in a butchery in Ipswich for many years. Then he came to Wallumbilla, and selected 160 acres. This he cleared, and then went in for dairying on a small scale. He also worked on neighbouring farms. About sixteen years ago he started Dirranbandi Railway Station. wheat growing, and to-day he is one of the largest growers. His farm comprises 1>300 acres, for which he paid the Crown from 2s. 6d. to 10s. per acre. In 1910, he had 100 acres, yield per acre 18 bushels; 1911, 100 acres, yield per acre 9 bushels; 1912, 100 acres, yield per acre 3 bushels; 1913, 100 acres, yield per acre 9 bushels; 1914, 130 acres, yield per acre 9 bushels. Maize is also grown annually. From 10 acres he obtained an average of 36 bushels to the acre. Usually he plants 20 acres, and gets about 12 bushels per acre. Two acres of vegetables are raised annually for market. He has a small dairy herd, and sends his cream to the Roma factory. The young stock are fattened for the butcher. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 113 Mr. Arthur McCutcheon, of Lanhydrock Farm, Wallumbilla, was previously in the British Navy. When he arrived in Australia from Plymouth (England) he had £2 in his pocket. He worked for a couple of years on stations in New South Wales, and then came to Queensland in 1890. For fifteen years he followed the occupation of a shearer. In 1893, however, he selected 160 acres in Wallumbilla, and improved and cleared it in the off season. About seven years ago he gave up shearing, and turned his whole attention to farming. In 1903, he had 40 acres of wheat, and got 30 bushels per acre. He increased the area of his farm every year, and also went in more extensively for wheat cultivation. In 1910, he had 265 acres of wheat, and Cottage Hospital f Mitchell. obtained 3,900 bushels; in 1911, 400 acres, 3,300 bushels; 1912, 400 acres, 3,000 bushels; 1913, 80 acres were grazed off by stock; 1914, 50 acres (10 acres cut for hay, and the balance yielded 318 bushels). Mr. McCutcheon has now 2,120 acres in his farm, of which 1,600 acres are freehold. For the past eight years he has grown maize successfully. Usually he has 40 acres under this crop. In 1914, 18 acres yielded 38 bushels per acre. For the past three years he has been dairying with grade Shorthorns and Jerseys, crossed with an Ayrshire bull. In August, 1914, 55 cows produced cream valued at £47, and 15 cows in July of the same year averaged 33s. per head per month. The herd numbers 200 head. Milking machines are 114 THE MAHAN O A DISTRICT Scenes on Thuraggi Station, St. George. 1. Homestead. 2. Artesian Bore. 3. T Yoolshed THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 115 used in the well-equipped dairy. Berkshire and Middle York pigs are bred for market. There is a stack silo on the farm, with a capacity of 130 tons. The ensilage is made from maize, panicum, and Japanese millet. Giant Bottle Tree on Mount Abundance Station , Roma District Other settlers, who started with limited capital, and are now in comfortable circumstances: — Messrs. John Bates, Wilga Farm, Northern road, Roma, dairyman and wheat-grower, started with £130; Joseph Tuche, Sawmill Farm, Cattle Creek, 116 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Roma, dairyman and wheat-grower, started with £43; Mrs. P. Smith, Sunnyvale Vineyard, Northern road, Roma, vigneron. wheat-grower, and dairying; C. W. T. Shefe, Orange Hill, Northern road, Roma, wheat and fruit grower, and dairyman; George Hadley, Woodbine Farm, Durham Downs road, Roma (Victorian), wheat-grower, dairyman, and sheep farmer; James Moran, Mitchell, market gardener, crops raised by irrigation;' A. Chisholm, Silver Glade Farm, Mitchell, wheat-grower; T. Railway Department’s Dam , Roma. Shannon, Mitchell, wheat-grower and stock-breeder; M. Sorensen, Allison Vale, Mungallala, wheat and maize growing and dairying, feeding stock on boiled prickly-pear, came from Denmark with only a few pounds in cash; E. J. Simcoe, Albion Park Farm, Womalilla, Mitchell district, formerly brickmaker in Orange (New South Wales), had only a few pounds left after paying first year’s rent, growing wheat, all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and dairying, has small flock of sheep, considers district better for mixed farming than Orange; A. Irwin, senr., Auribah Farm, Mungallala, came from New England district (New South Wales) five years ago with about £400, doing well as dairyman, milks from 15 to 20 cows daily on an average, best cheque from 25 cows was £25; H. McLaughlan, Yeulba, successful wheat, maize, lucerne, and fruit grower, and THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 117 dairyman, previously a lengthsman on the line; M. Murphy, Yeulba, wheat-grower and vigneron, and breeder of beef Short- horns, formerly a carrier; W. Judd, Yeulba, breeder of beef Shorthorns; R. E. Nimmo, Orchard Villa, Wallumbilla, wheat, maize, panicum, and fruit grower, and dairyman, has a stack silo, milks from 30 to 40 grade Jerseys and Shorthorns daily, best cheque for cream £29, also a breeder of Herefords and pigs, had 100 acres under wheat two years ago; F. Rubatto, Top Hill Farm, Wallumbilla, wheat, maize, and fruit grower, and dairyman, cultivates from 100 to 110 acres of wheat, best yield per acre 20 bushels; S. Yeo and J. Harvey, of Wallumbilla, are each sucessfully raising lambs for market; George Wells, Pickanjinnie, formerly a fettler on the railway line, has been growing wheat for twenty years, had 300 acres under wheat in General View of Bungeworgorai State Farm, Roma. 1903 and 160 acres in 1914, got 18 bushels per acre, dairying for seven years, best return per month for each cow 20s., also bee- farming and sells honey locally; Joseph Hoffman, Hope Farm, Pickanjinnie, formerly carter in South Australia, has been mixed farming for years, had 200 acres of wheat in 1914 and obtained 1,350 bushels, has a herd of 150 milking Shorthorns, the cream from 30 cows realised £23, also has 130 crossbred merinos. 118 THE MARANOA DISTRICT 1 and 2. Bonus Downs Homestead and W oolshed, Mitchell District. 3. Eversfield Homestead , Mungallala District. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 119 STATE ASSISTANCE TO SETTLERS. The Government issues to the intending settler desirous of inspecting Crown lands, with a view to selecting an area not greater than 5,120 acres, a railway ticket from the railway station in Queensland nearest to his home at half the ordinary fare. If the intending settler subsequently selects a selection subject to personal residence conditions, and not exceeding 5,120 acres in area, the half-fare paid by him is refunded, and his family, self, ordinary household furniture and effects, agricultural implements, seed, one dray, and one set of harness, are carried free to the railway station nearest to his selection. The maximum area mentioned above is only available in remote districts. Roman Catholic Convent , Roma. The man on the land is also assisted to improve his home- stead. Since the inauguration of the State Agricultural Bank in 1902, the loans to the end of June, 1915, were as follows:— Advances approved £416,190; instalments paid £296,396, total advances to date, £1,147,996; total advances approved, £1,669,736. Under “ The Agricultural Bank Acts Amendment Act of 1911-14-15,” advances are made to settlers at the rate of 13s. 4d. in the £1 on the value of the land and improvements thereon up to £200 for unspecified purposes. Advances (not exceeding £800) are also made for any of the following purposes:— Erection of 120 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. Flock of Sheep on Mount Abundance Station , Foma District. THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 121 buildings, ringbarking, clearing, fencing, draining, or water conservation, payment of liabilities existing on the holding, purchase of stock, machinery, implements, &c. Interest at the rate of 5 per cent, is charged, and repayment of the loan must be made in two half-yearly instalments of £4 Os. 3d. each on every £100 borrowed. The advances are made on freehold land, agricultural homesteads, agricultural farms, grazing farms or homesteads, unconditional selections, prickly-pear selections, goldfield homesteads, free homesteads, and land acquired under perpetual lease conditions. ERECTION OF WORKERS’ HOMES BY THE STATE. The Workers’ Dwellings Act of 1909 and Amendment Act of 1912, which has been so much availed of since its introduction, provides a means of enabling persons under certain conditions to obtain their own homes by an easy process of repayment. The maximum sum that can be borrowed is £300, at the rate of 75 per cent, of the total security; the borrowed amount is repayable at the rate of 13s. 3d. per month per £100 for twenty years. The interest is charged only on the monthly balance. The land must be freehold, and the applicant must not possess any other dwelling in Queensland or elsewhere, or his salary must not be over £200. To 30th June, 1915, 5,014 dwellings under the above Act have been erected, the monetary advances aggregating £1,288,074. Quite a number of dwellings have been erected in the Maranoa District under the provisions of the above Act. LAND AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION IN THE MARANOA DISTRICT. There is room for tens of thousands of new settlers in the Maranoa District. A careful perusal of the preceding pages of this book will enlighten the reader of the varied character of its resources and its unlimited possibilities. With a view of promoting close settlement, the Government has resumed a large number of the large pastoral areas, and these will shortly be cut up into suitable blocks for settlers with limited capital for grazing and agricultural purposes on easy terms and conditions. The majority of the areas to be thrown open for % selection are within reasonable distance of the railway. 122 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. The following areas will be available for selection within the next few months as either agricultural or grazing farms, perpetual leases, or prickly-pear selections: — Bullamon run, 154 square miles, at Thallon, in blocks of from 810 to 1,440 acres, red and grey soils, watered by Moonie River, half infested with light prickly-pear; Waroonga run, 102 square miles, near* Mitchell, in blocks of from 760 to 2,560 acres, sandy loam and black soils, watered by Amby, Peg Leg, and Burgagay Creeks, and dams and tanks; Amby Downs run, 20 square miles, near Amby railway station, in blocks of from 1,030 to 2,270 acres, Vineyard on the Northern Road, Roma. sandy loam, and black and red soils, watered by Burgagay and Taboonbay Creeks; Cypress Downs run, 625 square miles, in the Bollon district, in blocks of from 11,800 to 29,000 acres, mostly black soil, watered by four artesian bores; Mount Abundance run, 39 square miles, near Muckadilla railway station, in blocks of from 2,933 to 6,330 acres, brown and red chocolate soils, watered by Muckadilla Creek; Merivale and Merivale West runs, 212 square miles, in the Mitchell district, in blocks up to 10,000 acres, sandy loam, black, and chocolate soils, watered by Merivale River, Clyde, Spring, and Sandy Creeks; Ularunda run, 132 square miles, near Morven, in blocks of from 16,500 to 25,600 acres, red and brown soils, watered by Durella Creek, three tanks, and two sub-artesian bores; THE MARANOA DISTRICT. 123 Clifford and Emu runs, 44,800 acres, near Yeulba, in blocks of 2,560 acres, sandy loam and red chocolate soils, watered by Kangaroo Creek. Further list of run resumptions to be opened for selection as grazing and agricultural farms at an early date: — Myall Downs (48 square miles), Euthulla (76 square miles), and Mount Hutton (250 square miles), Roma district; Surprise (11 square miles), Morocco (16 square miles), The Triangle (9 square miles), Collingwood (10 square miles), Napier (18 square miles), Weribone (19 square miles), and Noorindoo (2f square miles), Surat district; Whyenbah South (43 square miles), Tate Historic Bottle Tree near Rabbit Board’s Gates , Mitchell. (34 square miles), Tilquin (69 square miles), Yincentia (43 square miles), Newinga (20 square miles), Brenda (15 square miles), Currawillinghi (24 square miles), Mugrugulla (10 square miles), Wilky (20 square miles), Grassmere South (19 square miles), Burgurrah (23 square miles), Mona (120 square miles), and Whyenbah (205 square miles), St. George district; Eurella (8 square miles), Muckadilla district; Noogilla (78 square miles), Hillsborough (22 square miles), The Overflow (20 square miles), Kilmorey (41 square miles), Southlands (19 square miles), Mitchell district; Moongool (37 square miles), Yeulba district. The rentals for the grazing farms will range from |d. to 3d. per acre. The respective rentals and purchasing prices for the perpetual leases and agricultural farms have not been fixed yet. 124 THE MARANOA DISTRICT. The area of land selected in the Roma Land Agent’s district during 1914 was as under: — 13 agricultural farms, 10,617 acres; 22 grazing farms, 248,114 acres; 13 grazing homesteads, 87,944 acres; 2 agricultural homesteads, 480 acres; 2 unconditional selections, 2,537 acres; 129 prickly-pear selections, 131,062 acres; total selectors, 181; total area selected 480,754 acres. There are still over 10,000,000 acres under pastoral lease in the Maranoa District. QUEENSLAND’S GOLDEN PROSPECTS. Speaking at a banquet to Mr. James A. Robertson, the Queensland Trade Commissioner at the Panama Exposition, on September 15th last, prior to his departure: — Commissioner Nielsen said they were met that day to wish Mr. Robertson good fortune on his departure from San Francisco. Mr. Robertson represented Queensland, the third largest State of the Common- wealth of Australia. That State he (Mr. Nielsen) knew intimately. The natural resources of Queensland were enormous. Its pastoral interests were extensive, and its extent of agricultural land was greater than the whole area of his own State of New South Wales. That he ascertained when he (Mr. Nielsen) was Minister of Lands in New South Wales. At that time he ordered a survey of such lands of New South Wales, and at his suggestion the area of the agricultural land of the sister State of Queensland was undertaken. The gold fields of Queensland were among the most valuable of Australia at the present time, and they occupied a high place as among the great gold producers of the world. The State of Queensland, with its wealth and natural resources, was still more fortunate in the men who represented it. The Queensland qualities were synonymous with those of men of high principles, and wide liberal mind, and of those attributes Mr. Robertson was representative. Acknowledgment. — Valuable information has been supplied for this book by the following : — State Bureau of Statistics, Railway Department, Lands Department (Inquiry and Survey), Hydraulic Engineer’s Department, the State Agricultural Bank, and the Departments of Public Instruction, and Agriculture and Stock. The different Town and Shire Councils in the Maranoa District rendered invaluable assistance by placing motor-cars at the disposal of the Compiler while in their districts. Note . — Full information in regard to the resources, &c., of Queensland will be found in the 1915 edition of “ Pocket Queensland.” Compiled December 24th, 1915. Anthony James Cummins, Government Printer. Brisbane.