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fore under the worst conditions. I think that, if, in Queensland, the advance is 
in the right direction, there is a great and glorious future awaiting the residents 
of this country. Students, when you go out into the world it will not be to 
engage in warfare. You have not to subdue some unfriendly foe. Nature 
lays before you, for your use, her best resources. Your enterprise is indeed a 
peaceful one, and the furrows you will plough here or on the bosom of the 
rolling downs will serve to reveal rich treasures that. are hidden. Your 
advance in time will take place on the great Western plains, and these will 
blossom in your wake. Corp, wine, and plenty will spring where you have 
trod. I have the greatest pleasure in inaugurating an institution which I 
believe is fraught with the utmost promise for the future development of the 
riches of Queensland. 1 believe Parliament has been wise in undertaking such 
a work as this; and I think the thanks of the country are due.to those gentle- 
men who have organised and earried out this project. Above all, I congratulate 
those who come here, as the first recruits of the great army which is to develop 
the lands of the colony in the future, upon the facilities which are offered to 
them here to prepare for a career which is one of the most beneficial that is 
open to mankind. (Applause.) With these words I beg to thank you, 
Professor Shelton, for the opportunity you have afforded me of being here 
to-day ; and I have the utmost pleasure, with the fullest hopes of its prosperity, 
in declaring this Agricultural College now open. (Cheers.) 
7 
