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Mallee - Part 2
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Image 117
Mallee - Part 2
Image 117
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A visit was paid to the Dalyup River district , the holding of Mr. Arthur Bow , near Gibson's Soak , being inspected en route. This farm is on some of the poorest quality sand plain seen by the Commission , notwithstanding which , the crop , it is understood , has cut about 13 cwt. to the acre.\ Mr.Irvine's holding at the Dalyup was inspected. The country hereabouts consists of deep loamy soil , including portions which are well grassed. Mr. Irvine's orchard considering the small amount of cultivation it has received showed wonderful growth. It will be observed from his evidence , that the fruit is carted to Norseman , 126 miles distant , and some goes to Raventhrope, 100 miles west ward. Mr. Daw's orchard was next visited . It is situated on land equal to any in the State , and has been established about 20 years. The returns are stated to be most satisfactory. The commission then visited Mrs. Johnson's holding. where a fine orchard exists. The settler is carrying on under difficulties , having to cart her fruit twice weekly to Esperance (23 miles distant) , where she retails it. The district is undoubtedly well adapted for orchard purposes, stone fruit in particular doing well there. Mrs. Stewart's place was also visited , and the crop inspected. Professor Paterson took a sample of soil from the crop growing on the edge of a salt lake. On the return journey the Commission passed some of Mr C. E. Dempster's land on block 38 , where a fine crop, which it is estimated would return about 30cet. per acre,was observed. The land here , near the entrance of the Dalyup River into Gage lake is of a deep loamy nature. There is a good deal of similar country on the various branches of the Dalyup. the following day , the coast hills between Esperance and Butty's Harbour , seven or eight miles westward , were visited. This is excellent country for grazing , and possibly dairy farming could be inaugurated with advantage. There are many thousands of acres of this class of land which should be made available for selection under grazing lease conditions. The next inspection included the holdings of Mr. F. Bow and Mr. Scholey. These are situated on the sandplain , a mile or so east of shark Lake.Good grass was noticed on the cleared portions of Mr. Scholey's holding.Mr. Bow is sanguine of making his farm profitable , and it will be interesting to note his progress, as he is located on very light land. The holding of Mr. Carter , at Myrup , was also inspected , and the Commission was pleased with what was seen , particularly the fine class of sheep and other stock kept. Mr. Carter has adopted proper farming methods , and works his place to the best advantage. There is a good deal of similar country available in the district. The strong springs of water on the high lands were particularly noticed , from which a very large area could be irrigated at small cost. The Commission had not an opportunity of visiting the Boyatup lands , but an indication of their value may be gathered from the evidence of Mr. Andrew Dunn ,which the Commission believes accurately defines local possibilities. On the return journey to Norseman a stop was made at Scaddan , where another witness was examined. The opportunity was also availed of to inspect land and holdings on both sides of the road. On the east side some strong mallee country was inspected , and soil samples were taken about six or seven miles out from among the timber , and also from a samphire flat. There is a covered concrete tank at Scaddan , of 200,000 gallons capacity. This cots £1,800. The following day the holding of Mr. Willis, at Swan Lagoon, was visited, There is a good deal of loamy soil in the locality , which the Commission considers suited to wheat growing. At Swan Lagoon crops were frequently grown in the early days, and in 1896,according to the evidence , a good crop of hay was obtained. Mr. Willis , at the time of the Commission's visit , had 40 acres under crop , which , for new mallee land , looked well , and should strip about ten bushels. The Commission then visited Mr. Grove's farm, which is situated in heavy mallee. There were about 65 acres under crop , and considering the difficulties under which this settler is labouring , the results were all that could be expected. Meadows's Swamp was also seen. This is a sheet of fresh water covering about 20 acres , and , it is understood , is reserved for water supply purposes. The land around is nice open grassy country. Mr. Sweet's farm was next inspected. He himself holds 1,000 acres, and also works 1,000 acres for Mr.Stearne. The Commission saw the growing crops , and although perhaps on the light side , they were good , considering they were dry ploughed , and bearing in mind the methods of cultivation used. A large area has been cleared , and the land is quite equal to that at Grass Patch. It is noted that Mr. Sweet's average yields were , for 1912(dry year), 6cwt. hay , and four bushels wheat ; while in 1915 he obtained 7½ bushels. This season he is credited with six bushels , but a lot of the crop was damaged by hail. The holding of Mr. Harrison was then visited. He is a hard-working and deserving settler, and if within reach of ordinary facilities should make a good living on his land, which is similar to that held by Mr.Sweet. The following day North Patch was visited. Adjoining is the holding of Messrs. Stevenson. The land here is timbered with good strong mallee, and with proper cultivation should produce good crops. The Commission called at MR. Holman's farm, which is on a patch of good average mallee. Mr. Holman is an unusually deserving settler. He has 400 acres cleared , and this season average ten bushels. There are two dams on his holding , which provide a plentiful supply of water for stock and domestic purposes. Mr. Ottey's holding was also visited. He is a worthy settler , who , under normal conditions , would probably be successful. At the various holdings , dams were inspected , and the settlers appeared perfectly satisfied as to their efficiency , and the quality of water. During the return journey from Esperance , Professor Paterson collected soil and water samples at various points , the lats being taken at the 120 mile post , It was considered desirable to engage the services of a photographer , and several interesting photographs of growing crops and of typical mallee country were secured. These are reproduced elsewhere. Arrived at Norseman , The Commission took evidence from Mr. Johns. who kindly volunteered his services as guide to the Commission during its tour. On the way to Perth , members of the Commission called at Kellerberrin , York , and Meckering where further soil samples were taken. Perth was reached on 11th November.
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