Part 3

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.