38 Irrigation Farming in Australia. 



W. G. Parker (Australian), Shepparton, Victoria. Block, 44 

 acres. Had irrigation experience at Ardmona. Came eighteen 

 months ago to virgin country with $144.00, two or three cows, two 

 horses, and wife and three children. Has only half his left arm, but 

 cleared and fenced his land himself, built cow-sheds, and put in 

 channels and a few acres of lucerne. Got fencing wire on credit 

 from local storekeepers. Already possessed small two-roomed 

 wooden house, which he removed from Ardmona. Arranged with 

 local carpenter to re-erect house and add three more rooms, he 

 (Parker) assisting him where possible, and carpenter estimated cost 

 of this work at $840.00. When house was finished Parker submitted 

 improvements to Government valuer, and received on them advance 

 from State of $1286.40 cash. With this he paid carpenter and store- 

 keeper's accounts, and commenced new storekeeper's account for 



LUCERNE HAY. 



implements and living necessities. Having proved his credit, he 

 said, this was easy. Has eight good cows, five calves, seven pigs, 

 a good Ayrshire bull, three horses, and a few fowls.. At present 

 (eighteen months after starting) does not quite pay expenses, but 

 soon will. Has $y 2 acres pears and peaches, and the rest fodder. 

 Reckons cows return $1.28 a week each in cream. Intends breed 

 pigs as best quick-paying industry. 



J. Carver (from London), Shepparton, Victoria. Block, 60 

 acres. Has been in Australia cne month. Brother-in-law with him. 

 Capital, $2400.00. Wife will come out to him when house is ready. 

 Was ploughing for first time when I saw him. Will sow lucerne 

 millett for fodder; later, fruit trees. Hires horses and implements. 

 Has two cows for own use. W r ill start dairying and pig-raising as 

 soon as he has fodder in hand.. Had no previous farming experience. 



