- the Burdekin, where water is obtained in quantity at a shallow depth and is distributed by pipes 
“unpopular and distasteful in Germany. Looking at it from an Australia 
point of view, it should be noted that it has largely been the experience 1 
America, that the class of people who came out indented for a number of 
years, did not prove to be the most desirable class for the ultimate settlement ~ 
of the continent of America. This was doubtless one of the chief reasons — 
why legislation had been passed in America prohibiting the introduction of 
labour under contract. In the Tnited States, it was necessary that every man — 
coming into the country should come in as a free man. These were two Or ~ 
paige pons of view from which this question of indented labour should be — 
studied. ‘a 
. Mr. J. H. Noakes said a question had been asked on the preceding day, — 
why black labour was employed in cane cultivation in preference to white. — 
The answer was because it was reliable. In the midst of harvesting, when the — 
cane was ready for the mill, and a couple of days’ delay might spoil a year’s: 
work, the black man was not in the habit of suddenly demanding his wages, 0 
making some similar demand, and threaten that unless it was complied with he — 
would stop work. ‘he same, however, could not be said for the white — 
labourer. a 
IRRIGATION IN QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURE. 
- 'Turs was a matter which was brought up for general discussion at the request — 
of the Central Queensland Farmers’ and Selectors’ Association. To open Ih — 
‘Mr. J. Leny said that, so far as he knew, the only district in the North © 
Queensland where irrigation was carried out was on the Burdekin.* Irrigation — 
without draining was a success there, because the subsoil was very porous and ~ 
consequently did not require drainage. On the other hand, however, in most 
soils, irrigation was money simply thrown away unless drainage had been gone — 
in for previously. if 
Mr. T. Wurrecey said that so far as he was concerned, he wanted irrigation 
in connection with orchard work. For his water supply he would have to — 
sink about 40 feet, and that chiefly through gravel. He would also have to — 
lift it, so that, on the whole, the expense would be considerable. He would — 
therefore be glad to know if Mr. Benson or anyone else would ba able 0 ~ 
inform him if irrigation under such circumstances would be profitable. a4 
Mr. A. H. Bryson said he had had some experience in irrigation Mm ~ 
California and New South Wales, but the question was a very big oue — 
In irrigation, the first thing was to get your water, and, unless a plentiful — 
supply of water was always available, it was hardly worth while considering 
irrigation. The next point was the quality of the water. All water would not ~ 
do. Many of our artesian waters were too strongly impregnated with 
alkaline salts for irrigation. Most Queensland river waters were, howevely — 
rood. Then came the matter of soil, and no soil was suitable for irrigation — 
unless the drainage was perfect. The land from which the best results could 
be got, was that on which two or three inches deep of water could be 
placed and then twenty-four hours after could carry a horse safely over it. 
 Trrigation, however, was useless on Jand with a shallow soil, especially m 
orchards, as the water would kill everything. The next question was the cosh — 
of the water. The cheapest water was artesian water, for the reason that it 18° 
-yaised to the surface, from which it can be distributed all over the land without 
lifting. The next cheapest water was that from rivers or lagoons, where the lift 
required was only slight, say up to 30 feet, and which could be done by means 
of centrifugal pumps. On a small scale irrigation can be done with small 
pumps and windmills; and in some parts of California, where irrigation 18 
carried on to a great extent, windmills are very largely used. In Califorma 
irrigation is chiefly used in connection with the growth of fruits, vegetables, and 
lucerne. Having secured the foregoing necessary conditions, there were mind 
* The best scheme of irrigation in Queensland is carried out on the Pioneer Plantation on 
over the land. Irrigation ona small scale is also carried out with marked good effect at ° The 
Palms,” Mackay.—Ed. Q.4.J. 0 e ; : a 
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