722 Journal of Agriculture, Yiiforia. \\o Dec, 191 2. 



LEONGATHA LABOUR COLONY. 



Trustees: — E. J. Nevell (Chairman), Dr. S. S. Cameron, P. J. Carroll, 

 J. H. Mullally, and J. R. Pescott. 



In presenting the Annual Report of the Leongatha Labour Colony, 

 the Trustees desire to place on record a complete and comprehensive 

 statement of the transactions and conduct of the farm for the year 

 ending 80th June, 1912. 



We wish to draw attention to the fact that this institution is now 

 in the twentieth year of its existence, and during this term some 

 1,200 men have received assistance. In the case of those that have 

 been physically fit a good sound training in agricultural work 

 generally has been obtained. Many of the colonists have become 

 competent farm labourers, and in a few instances successful farmers 

 in the district. 



In 1893 the farm comprised 822 acres of virgin land; since then 

 some 400 acres have been disposed of at prices ranging from £12 to 

 £25 per acre, and this land is to-day studded with prosperous farm 

 houses. The portion retained for Colony purposes forms one of the 

 best improved farms in South Gippsland. An additional 40 acres 

 have recently been excised for the purposes of a High School, and the 

 balance, consisting of 382 acres, is valued on the Colony books at 

 £26 per acre. After taking full credit for the improvements effected, 

 and the value of land sold and excised, the debit balance stands at 

 £1.700. When the number of men relieved and the benefit received 

 by them is taken into consideration, the position should be considered 

 satisfactory. 



For the year under review, 117 acres of land were put under 

 cultivation, the whole of the produce being used on the farm as food 

 for dairy stock and pigs. For the coming season, the following areas 

 have been either put under crop or brought into a good state of 

 cultivation preparatory to cropping : — 



61 acres Oats. Estimate yield, 122 tons. 



21 „ Oats and Tares, silage. Estimate yield, 168 tons. 



30 ,, fallowed for Millet, Maize, and Sorghum. Estimate yield, 



300 tons. 



23 ,, Peas (10 acres in now). Estimate yield, 445 bushels. 



8 ,, Pumpkins. Estimate yield, 120 tons. 



7 ,, Mangels. Estimate yield, 105 tons. 



8 „ Potatoes. Estimated yield, 40 tons. 

 15 „ Millet, for grazing purposes. 



13 „ New pasture sown down. Rye and Clover (mixed). 



The advantage in this respect will be readily understood when it 

 is pointed out that the area the previous year was only 117 acres. 

 The yield for the season just closing must, however, in view" of the 



