May 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S. W. 381 



Cotton Growing in New Soutli Wales. 



W. E. FRY.* 



For several years in many parts of the State small experimental crops of 

 cotton have been successfully grown. The plant was first introduced into 

 New South Wales by Governor Phillip in 1787, from seed obtained at Rio 

 Janeiro when he visited there in H.M.S. " Sirius." At a later period a further 

 supply was forwarded by Governor King to Norfolk Island, where it proved 

 to grow Avell. 



In 1899 the Department of Agriculture cultivated a few acres at Moonbi, 

 near Tamworth {Afjricultural Gazette, August, 1899), whilst at the Hawkesbury 

 College and other experiment farms, it is grown annually for educational 

 purposes. 



The late Mr. John Mills was for years an enthusiastic grower in his suburban 

 garden at Ashfield, and a successful prizetaker at the Royal Agricultural 

 Show. 



During the past four years the writer tested several varieties at the Moree 

 Bore Farm, the product of which was exhibited at many shows, where it 

 created much interest and inquiry. Many applications for specimens and 

 seeds were received, principally from school teachers who desired to increase 

 their pupils' interest in the school gardens. The plots were also inspected 

 by many visitors, one of whom represented an American firm who contem- 

 plated establishing a cotton plantation and ginning mill in this State. 



So far, however, no attempt at cotton growing as a commercial crop has 

 been recorded in this State. Over the border in Queensland the industry 

 has been resuscitated, and the area under cotton is being increased. 



Various reasons may be advanced to show that cotton growing may 

 eventually become one of our leading industries. Under the Rural Bounties 

 Bill, recently passed by the Federal Parliament, a bounty of 10 per cent, on 

 cotton lint, and another 10 per cent, on cotton seed is granted for a period 

 of eight years, which is to apply to all the States. Owing to the consumption 

 of cotton increasing at a greater rate than the production, the cotton mills 

 in England have been forced into partial idleness. The chief demand is for 

 a long staple high grade cotton, as the British machinery is reported to be not 

 generally adapted to the short staple Indian cotton. Samples of cotton 

 grown in this State and submitted to experts in England, have been reported 

 of excellent quality, and in every case the staple was of useful length. 



* Late Manager, Moree Experiment Farm. 



