Irrigation Farming in Australia. 



35 



An equipment of cream separator and buckets, new, costs about 

 $144.00, but these can often be bought second-hand for much less. 

 Stock, as has been said before and implements, too, for that matter 

 can be bought on money advanced by the Government on im- 

 provements made. It need not represent the settler's own capital. 



EXPERIENCES OF MEN ON THE SPOT. 



The following stories were got from men on the spot in No- 

 vember and December, 1913, on the irrigation farms in Northern 

 Victoria and Yanco (N.S.W..). These are the most advanced of any 

 Government closer settlement irrigation schemes in Australia : 



H. L. Clarke (from Attleborough, Norfolk), Bamawm, 

 Rochester, Victoria. Block valued at $55.60 per acre unimproved; 

 has 35 acres 12 acres lucerne, a few young trees, 10 acres wheat 

 and maize, 10-15 acres untilled. Keeps five cows; yield about $1.68 

 each a week in cream. Came to Australia four years ago with $240.00. 

 Worked for two years on sheep and cattle stations in New South 

 Wales back country. Saved $480.00 from wages, making $720.00 

 capital. With this moved to Victoria. Went to friend in Bamawm 

 settlement and took up block near by. Knew nothing about irriga- 

 tion ; worked for six months with friend on friend's block. Lent 



IRRIGATION FARMERS CAN ESTABLISH A HOME AT A MINIMUM OF COST WITH GOVERNMENT 

 ASSISTANCE WHERE NECESSARY. 



friend money, and in this way lost all but $120.00 of original 

 capital. Clarke then left to work own block.. Clarke, who 

 married in the meantime, had only small two-roomed house 

 on his land. Went on to land with $9.60 in pocket ; $96.00 of $120.00 

 he spent in buying little furniture, farm tools, and second-hand 

 separator, also an old horse for $14.40. W^hile he cleared land 



