lo Dec, 19 1 2.] Report on Leongafha Labour Colon v. 



737 



cost of food purchased. The number of pigs was, however, Ivept 

 up to the full complement, and, with the advent of the high prices 

 now prevailing, a good year in this branch of our farming operations 

 is anticipated. The number of pigs on hand at present is 239. 



Some splendid specimens of the breeds kept are at present on the 

 farm, including boars and sows from imported strains purchased at 

 the Royal Show of 1911. The progeny of these are much sought 

 after by the dairymen along the line. Although very little thought 

 or attention is given to the matter of exhibiting at the shows, we 

 have been fairly successful where our pigs have competed, having 

 secured second place with a Yorkshire boar at the Royal Show, 1911; 

 champion, first, and second at Foster ; and at Leongatha, five firsts and • 

 champion, three seconds, and first for porkers and haconers. 



Horses.- — There are 15 horses on the farm, 3 having been sold 

 during the year; one, a ten-month old colt, realizing £25. The foals 

 last year numbered 3, two draught and one light, all being good speci- 

 mens and thriving well. 



BROOD MARES. 



A two-year old colt and a filly of the same age have been broken 

 in and are working splendidly. Four draught mares have been served 

 this year and have all proved in foal. 



General Remarks. 

 For the year, 266 men have been sent to the farm from the Mel- 

 bourne office, excluding the 37 on the establishment at the com- 

 mencement of the year. Of these, 37 remain on the farm at the 

 present time. After putting in various terms, 266 have left, 

 chiefiy to accept employment in the neighbourhood. Every considera- 

 tion is given to the farmers requiring labour, and they are permitted 

 to select the best men on the farm for their own purpose at all times. 

 I am pleased to say that some of those who have passed through the 

 Colony are now farming on their own account. A large number of 

 the men coming to the Colony are physically unfitted for hard work, 

 and have to be given light employment which is not at all times of a 

 reproductive character. 



