lo Nov., 1909.] 



Lcongatha Labour Colony. 



707 



for pigs, some pure-bred Yorkshire pigs having been bought to replace the 

 old sows. The result has been ver\- satisfactory as there have been con- 

 tinual demands for the young stock — a number of weaners having realized 

 ;^3 3s. each for stud purposes. In removing the old pigstyes and build- 

 ing the present up-to-date piggery, ^165 for new material was exf)ended. 



On account of the increased weeklv average number of men, 64.2 as 

 against 47.7 of last year, the food account went up; but, when it is 

 remembered that the men are given three good meals per day at a cost 

 of 3s. lod. per week per man, the increase is full\ explained. It will 

 thus be seen that by judicious management every item of economy is 

 studied without reducing the ration. 



Taking the items on the general balance-sheet it will be seen that since 

 the trustees were appointed (1905) a Government grant of ^500 per year 

 has been received, whilst the total grant for the first four years of the 

 colony's existence was ^12,107 los. 7d. ; for the first year it was 



COLONISTS HOEING BEANS. 



^4,813 15s. 2d., with ^614 IDS. id. from public subscription. The 

 original area of the colony was 822 acres, valued at ^25 per acre with 

 improvements, but from time to time it has been reduced and now con- 

 sists of 420 acres. Each year, 5 per cent, for depreciation on buildings 

 has been written off, the valuation now standing at ^1,864. 



In the profit and loss account it will be noticed that a loss of ^352 

 for the vear is shown, whilst for 1907-8 it was ^594, and for 1906-7, 

 ^830. It will thus be seen that the goal of self-support is in sight. 

 For the last three years the total loss was ^1.7 76. whilst for the previous 

 ten years it amounted to ;£i5,03r. 



The farm manager (Mr. J. J. Willoughby), gardener (Mr. A. P. 

 Prout), bookkeeper, (Mr. A. I. Spinks), and dairyman (Mr. A. Deveson) 

 continue to work with zeal and intelligence. The trustees are also in- 

 debted to Mr. W. H. Crate, secretary, for the valued and loyal as- 

 sistance he has at all times displayed in the performance of his duties. 



