Were there a lot of dairies around here then?
ROLLO. Nearly everyone dairied in those times.
What was the maximum amount of cows that
you would milk by hand?
ROLLO. Twenty to thirty-five. That's a family.
There was Dick Brownlie ('Towamba Station')
he milked his seventeen to twenty-five cows,
up here, Ramsey ('Hillview') he dairied about
his twenty-five cows and run sheep besides.
Then there was 'Elmgrove' that was Love's,
they milked up to one hundred cows.
So how many people would they have milking?
ROLLO. That was a big family.
So how many cows could one person milk...?
ROLLO. You'd average out eight cows each hour.
What type were they. Jersey?
ROLLO. Yes. Mostly Jersey. Grey Jersey. And Shorthorn
cross. And there was Freddie McPaul, where
Ronnie McPaul is ('Rosebank') they milked
up to ninety to one hundred cows there. Then
there was Eltons, they milked seventeen to
twenty cows.
*** Excerpt from Rollo South's interview in 'The Forgotten Corner Interviews.'
The Towamba valley, once cleared by the early
settlers, had generally rich and fertile
soil. River flats and undulating hills attracted
dairy farmers who milked and separated the
cream by hand to be sent off to the local
butter factory. Small dairy herds could yield
enough cream to supply cash for living expenses.
The separated milk was fed to pigs that were
fattened and often walked to the bacon factory
at Pambula on the coast.
Many families share-farmed for properties
that had large dairy herds. The children
would help with the milking before and after
school. Most farms supplied their own meat,
vegetables, preserves, fresh fruit and bacon.
Supplies were brought by coastal steamer
from Sydney or Melbourne to the port at Eden
and picked up by horse and bullock teams
that hauled the ordered goods back to the
valley. Many items were ordered from catalogues
or via the local village store at Towamba
which for many settlers living at Pericoe,
Letts Mountain or Wog Wog was still a day's
ride away.
Self sufficiency was survival in this remote
area.
![]() |
View of the fertile Towamba Valley from Towamba
Road towards Model Farm, Towamba River and Log Farm, looking east. 1967 Courtesy J. Love |
July 26, 1946
'The Land '
* History of the Kameruka Estate dates back
to 1851 when the Twofold Bay Pastoral Association
was formed to take up six stations including
Kameruka and Towamba-extending from the Coast
to the Monaro-a total area of 400,000 acres.
The Association continued in existence until
1861. A year later, Mr. Frederick Tooth purchased
Kameruka, the sale being regarded, as one
of the biggest transfers ever undertaken
in the State.
LINKS :
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Albie and William Love cutting hay at Love's
Valley, Pericoe. c 1937 Photo courtesy M. Price. |
30 October 1880
'Australian Town and Country Journal'
BOMBALA.-17th to 20th, strong winds, cold and bleak
for time of year; 21st and 22nd rain, 23rd
fine. Pasture good. Water abundant. Condition
of stock good. No disease. Stock passings:
93 head of cattle from Towamba, for Gippsland
; 254 head of cattle from Bondi, for Goulburn.
30 September 1882
'Freeman's Journal'
AUSTRALIAN FARMING.
No greater evidence of the increasing prosperity
of the colony can be found than the ability
manifested of late years by the class known
in the old country as yeomanry to acquire
small agricultural or dairy farms, to be
to them and their children homes which they
in truth can make their own. The settlement
of such a class on Australian soil cannot
be overrated as an element of strength and
stability to the colony. For generations
past the class referred to has been the real
backbone of the British nation, and the accumulation
of large estates to the exclusion and diminution
of the numbers of such men as we refer to
has ever been regarded by thoughtful and
patriotic minds as a calamity to any country
where such a state of things prevails. In
the more favoured land of our adoption or
birth, as the case may be, the tendency (in
many parts at all events) is towards disintegration,
rather than the accumulation of large farming
properties. North and South we have of late
noticed various estates which have for years
past been vested in sole owners, that are
now being sold in parcels which come within
the reach of men of moderate means; and we
now observe that the well-known Towamba Estate,
belonging to Sir W. Manning and Mr. C. T.
Stiles, in the extreme south of our rich
coast district, is in the market for sale
in moderate sized farms on very easy terms
of payment. This circumstance must necessarily
be of great importance to those interested
in dairying pur suits, as it is well-known
that the area most suitable from soil and
climate for that particular industry is confined
to a comparatively narrow strip on the southern
seaboard. Commencing with the famed Illawarra
district, where such small portions of land
as occasionally find their way into the market
for sale realise £20 to £30 or £40 per acre;
further south we come to the celebrated Bodalla
Estate, of which the late Mr. T. S. Mort
was so justly proud, and which is without
exception the most beautiful and productive
farm on the continent of Australia. And still
further on there is the rich and prosperous
Bega district, where during the past few
years every available acre has been utilised
for cheese and butter making, and corn-growing.
The Towamba Estate of about 10,000 acres
is now we believe the last on the South Coast
where any considerable area of land suit
able for dairying is likely to be procurable,
and the liberal manner in which the owners
are put ting it before the public will no
doubt be the means of settling many happy
and prosperous families where heretofore
has existed simply one large fattening farm.
21 October 1882
'Freeman's Journal'
Towamba Estate, Bega. - The auctioneers for this estate,
Messrs. Rixon and M'Leod,
have sent to us for distribution a few placards
of this estate which is advertised in our
columns for sale in November. We shall be
glad to forward one to any person who purposes
visiting the sale. A plan may be also seen
at this office.
26 October 1882
'The Shoalhaven Telegraph'
Sale of the Towamba Estate
In an article under the heading of 'Australian
Farming,' the Freeman's Journal thus refers
to the forthcoming sale of the Towamba Estate
at Bega, by Messrs. Rixon and Macleod, as
set forth in our advertising columns: -
No greater evidence of the increasing prosperity
of the colony can be found than the ability
manifested of late years by the class known
in tho old country as yeomanry to acquire
small agricultural or dairy farms, to be
to them and their children homes which they
in truth can make their own. The settlement
of such a class on Australian soil cannot
be overrated as an element of strength and
stability to the colony. For generations
past the class referred to has been the real
backbone of the British nation, and the accumulation
of large estates to the exclusion and diminution
of the numbers of such men as we refer to
has ever been regarded by thoughtful and
patriotic minds as a calamity to any country
where such a thing prevails. In the more
favoured land of our adoption or birth, as
the case may be, the tendency (in many parts
at all events) is towards disintegration,
rather that the accumulation of large farming
properties. North and south we have of late
various estates which have for years past
been vested in sole owners, that are now
being sold in parcels which come within the
reach of men of moderate means; and we now
observe that the well-known Towamba Estate,
belonging to Sir W. Manning and Mr. C. T.
Stiles, in the extreme south of our rich
coast district, is in the market for sale
in moderate sized farms on very easy terms
of payment. This circumstance must necessarily
be of great importance to those interested
in dairying pursuits, as it is well known
that the area most suitable from soil and
climate for that particular industry is confined
to a comparatively narrow strip on the southern
seaboard. Commencing with the famed Illawarra
district, where such small portions of land
as occasionally find their way into the market
for sale realise £20 to £30 or £40 per acre;
further south we come to the celebrated Bodalla
Estate of which the late Mr. T. S. Mort was
so justly proud, and which is without exception
the most beautiful and productive farm on
the continent of Australia. And still further
on is the prosperous Bega district, where
during the past few years every available
acre has been utilised for cheese and butter
making and corn growing. The Towamba Estate
of about 10, 000 acres is now we believe
the last on the South Coast where any considerable
area of land suitable for dairying is likely
to be procurable, and the liberal manner
in which, the owners are putting it before
the public will no doubt be the means of
settling many happy and prosperous families
were heretofore has existed simply one large
fattening farm.
18 November 1882
'The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern
Coast Advertiser'
Towamba.-A number of Bega gentlemen off to Towamba
yesterday to inspect the lands about to be
sold. As an item, Mr. Tom Rixon informs us
that on some of the sections there is wattle
bark sufficient to pay the cost of clearing
the ground. We believe every acre will be
sold at a handsome price.
25 November 1885
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
The Bombala Herald of November 20 laments
that the protracted drought is causing much
anxiety in this, as well as in the Bega-Eden
district. Under the mountain there is scarcely
a blade of grass to be seen. The losses among
the dairy herds will be very heavy; it will
take some time even with a break up of the
drought to replace the grand lot of cows
that the different dairies possessed. A large
number of dairymen have been at considerable
outlay for forage, to save their cattle,
and in so doing have in many cases expended
their means. Unless blessed with immediate
change, their prospects are such that it
means certain ruin. A destructive fire has
occurred at Towamba, not only destroying
what little grass was left, but there has
been great destruction to property.
January 12, 1894
'Pambula Voice'
TOWAMBA
The late fall of rain was not so heavy here
as it was in other parts of the district
although several farmers have had a quantity
of hay damaged.
March 19, 1894
'The Maitland Daily Mercury'
LOCAL NEWS.
A Hint to Farmers.- A Warrnambool potato
grower has made an experiment with a small,
crop of potatoes, similar to that tried in
France, with splendid results. Some 12 months
ago he adopted the allowing system:- Used
sound potatoes of medium size, and planted
them whole, first ploughing the ground very
deeply. Before planting he steeped the tubers
for 21 hours in a bath composed of sulphate
of ammonia and nitrate of potash, of each
6lb to 25 gal. of water; then he allowed
them to stand 21 hours before planting. On
digging the potatoes last week the result
of the experiment was at once apparent. There
were from 30 to 40 large tubers on each stalk,
and a little patch 16 feet by 9 yielded 180lb
net, being equal to 24 tons 6cwt 18lbs per
acre. An adjacent plot of ground was planted
in the ordinary way, and only gave a yield
of 7 tons to the acre.
November 3, 1894
'Australian Town and Country Journal'
* Registered Brand-Towamba : The registered
cattle brand of Mr. A. C. Stubbs, Towamba,
is AC over S.
13 April 1897
'Evening News'
PAMBULA, Tuesday.- John Whalen, whilst working in
the pig yards of Mr. Young at Towamba, was
suddenly thrown down and attacked by an old
boar which inflicted several gashes and serious
injuries. Fortunately Whalen managed to crawl
through a fence, or he would have been killed.
He is now receiving medical and surgical
attendance.
On Saturday at midnight Mrs. Bollman, wife
of a settler at Towamba, was driven into
town, having been bitten by a black snake
on the leg in the afternoon. Mr. Bollman
had scarified and bound round the wound,
and then drove his wife over thirty miles.
On arrival here she was delirious, but was
quickly attended by Dr. Stoney. She is now
progressing.
![]() |
BULLOCKS WITH SLED. (Possibly Pat Farrell at 'Old Basin' (creek). Rocky Hall.) Photo Jean McPaul Collection, Eden Killer Whale Museum. No date. |
January 12, 1899
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
A HEAVY MAIZE CROP.
The dry weather continues, but the maize
and potato crops look well notwithstanding.
Judging from present appearance the maize
crops on the Kiah River promise an average
of between 50 and 60 bushels to the acre,
and some exceptionally big fields are expected.
November 17, 1899
Burragate
Employees on "Lyndhurst" estate
- presentation to Mr. J.H. Martin, who is
about to retire from the management of "Lyndhurst"
and take up his permanent abode in Pambula.....
He was in charge of "Lyndhurst"
for 10 years.
February 16, 1900
Wyndham
One of our local residents, Mr. W. Robertson,
of Honeysuckle, has been appointed manager
of the "Lyndhurst" Estate at Burragate.
March 16, 1900
'Pambula Voice'
EDEN ITEMS
Some very fine cobs of early maize grown
by Mr. Robert Hazelgrove of Lower Towamba
are on view at the office of Messers Phillipps
Bros. The variety in question is known as
the 'Early Leman' and appears to mature much
earlier than other kinds grown locally.
September 14, 1901
'South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus'
* On account of the late disastrous seasons
for dairying, some of our dairy farmers are
going in for sheep. Mr. Jas. A. Love has
bought about 400 sheep, and is giving up
dairying.
* Mr. John M'Donald has stocked his farm
with sheep; he says he will have about 600
with this season's lambs, and is doing away
with all milking stock. Mr. Benjamin Beasley,
at Towamba, is giving his attention to sheep,
and has not been doing any dairying for a
considerable time past. Messrs. Alexander
Bros, also have as nice a little flock of
sheep as could be seen anywhere: proving
without a shadow of doubt that sheep will
do well under the mountain if the right class
are procured.
June 16, 1902
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
SOUTH COAST.
The Pastures and Stock Protection Board for
this district (Eden-Bega) has decided to
offer a bonus of 2d each for hare scalps.
The bonus for wallaby and dingo scalps has
been discontinued.
Rabbits appear to be gradually gaining ground
in this locality, the discovery of several
burrows having been reported of late.
A family near Towamba has trapped over 1100
wallabies during the past few mouths, killing
them for their skins. An opossum hunter in
the same vicinity (Pericoe) also succeeded
in trapping 200 opossums in one week, 60
being captured in one night. The skins are
of the highest market value just now, as
the opossums have their winter coats of fur.
Paddocks have been taken near Wog Wog, in
the southern part of this district, for depasturing
about 6000 sheep and some 600 head of starving
cattle from the direction of Goulburn.
Grass is not at all scarce hereabouts, the
district being particularly favoured in this
respect.
The annual harvest festival services conducted
in Christ Church, Pambula, during the week
wore most successful.
Most of the corn crops have been gathered
in, and farmers are obtaining as much as
from 4s 6d to 5s per bushel for the grain,
the highest return for many years.
January 8, 1904
* Messrs. D. Grant & Co. of Wyndham having
sold on account of Mr. Jas. Doherty 100 acres
of land at Burragate, Mrs. Rebecca Robertson
being the purchaser.
July 9, 1904
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
THE CROPS.
PAMBULA.
* During the past season some 415 acres of
land at Kiah River were placed under maize,
and the satisfactory average yield of 60
bushels to the acre has been harvested. Fifteen
acres of potatoes were also grown, yielding
an average return of 6 tons to the acre.
'The Bega Budget'
4 October 1905
* T. Hite (Towamba) notifies. Thursday, 5th
October. - At McKee's Hotel Yards, Towamba,
at 11 o'clock, 200 head cattle and 6 draught
horses. The cattle are store bullocks, springers,
mixed young cattle and team of working bullocks.
The same auctioneer will also offer J. A.
Love's farm of 770 acres.
January 26, 1906
Wyndham
* Your scribe paid a visit to Mr. H.A. Kraanstuyver's
orchard on the farm, Long Flat, last week
and again this week. His crop of cherries
is the largest I have ever seen.... The orchard
is situated on the river bank on a rich alluvial
flat, and is well sheltered... The corn crops
on the farm are also looking remarkably well...
The crops of some of the adjoining neighbours,
particularly Messrs. Rixon and Edwards, also
look splendid. This locality has benefited
by several nice thunderstorms which other
parts of the district unfortunately missed.
July 5, 1907
Rocky Hall
* Mr. W. Booth, who has been managing Mr.
Edwards' "Carlyle" farm for some
considerable time, has removed to Burragate.
Henceforth, Mr. Edwards will reside on "Carlyle",.
he having relinquished postal business at
Wyndham.
November 20, 1907
'The Bega Budget'
*
There are some progressive spirits down Burragate
way. A meeting was held recently at which
Towamba and Burragate residents were present
when the question of irrigating the lands
of these localities was discussed. It is
proposed to dam the Towamba River at Burragate.
February 15, 1908
'The Bega Budget'
TOWAMBA.
Just now Towamba presents a beautiful appearance,
and is a regular paradise. Any one who saw
the place a few weeks ago could hardly credit
the great change that has taken place since
the rain. The crops and pasturage are growing
luxuriantly. The river, too, adds greatly
to the beauty of the place. During my stay
in this locality, I visited Mr. Alex. Binnie's
Log Farm, and saw one of the choicest dairy
(Jersey) herds it has been my lot to see.
The farm is prettily situated, the homestead
and yards being built on a slope running
back from the Towamba river. Mr. Binnie goes
in extensively for hand feeding and has some
large stacks of ensilage ready for winter
use. The farm is highly improved and can
justly be called a model farm. One great
convenience is the cyclone gates which can
be easily opened and closed without dismounting
or getting out of a vehicle. Rabbits are
fairly plentiful, but with the constant use
of a poison cart and one of Fortescue and
Sons famous fumigators Mr. Binnie manages
to keep the pest within bounds. I also visited
Mr. J. T. Mitchell's farm on Lower Towamba,
and he was kindly invited to stay the night.
I was glad of the hospitality, for the night
was near at hand and the roads rough. When
one leaves the Eden road and starts down
the river, he has a bad time and needs a
staunch horse to take him on his journey.
A new road has just been completed and when
opened will prove a great boon to the settlers.
Mr. Mitchell has a nice farm and goes in
for dairying, maize growing, and raising
pigs. He, too, has a fine dairy herd, his
return for the past year averaging £18 per
month from 19 cows. Mr. Mitchell is also
a believer in hand feeding, and at pre sent
has 15 acres under planter's friend, and
60 acres of maize and peas. Mr. Mitchell
is one of the pioneers of this district,
and is full of anecdotes of the early days.
I was very sorry to bid farewell to Mr. Mitchell
and family who entertained me so hospitably.
August 11, 1909
'The Bega Budget '
An Irrigation Proposal.
To the residents of Towamba belong the distinction
of making an attempt to introduce an irrigation
scheme on a fairly large scale on the South
Coast. It was represented to the Works Dept.
that an area could be readily irrigated by
damning the Towamba River. Through the representations
of a committee of residents, of whom Mr.
Alfred Porter was secretary, an officer was
sent down to inspect the locality. Following
is a copy of his report furnished through
Mr. W. H. Wood, Chief Secretary; I beg to
report having made an inspection of the area
proposed to be irrigated from the Towamba
River. Owing to the recent dry seasons, Mr.
Porter and other landowners fronting the
Jingo Creek and Towamba River were of opinion
that the waters of the Towamba might be conserved
by the construction of a dam a short distance
above Burragate, and used for irrigating
the country between Burragate and Towamba.
The catchment at the dam site is 176 square
miles. It is of granite formation, rising
to a considerable elevation, is subject to
a fairly high rainfall towards the mountain
range, and, owing to its impervious character,
a big percentage of the rain falling on its
gathering grounds would be discharged into
the stream. The suggested site for the dam
is not a good one. On the eastern side of
the river, and across the bed, the granite
outcrops, but towards the western end there
is a long stretch of shingle, sand and clay,
with no rock showing, and I am of opinion
that rock would not be met with for a considerable
depth, Even if the scheme for utilising the
water for irrigation were practicable, the
site suggested would be altogether too costly
for the construction of a dam. In company
with Mr. Porter I examined the river for
some distance, and find that a much better
site exists about a mile up-stream from the
site suggested by the residents. The area
proposed to be irrigated is generally poor
granite country, rising to several hundred
feet, much broken by water-courses, with
occasional small pockets of rich alluvial
land immediately adjacent to the Towamba
River and Jingo Creek. Much of the country
is fully 200 feet higher than the suggested
dam site, so that from the question of levels
alone the scheme is not feasible. Again,
the flats above the dam site between Burragate
and Rocky Hall would be submerged even if
a dam of 108 feet were constructed. These
flats are much more extensive and valuable
than the country proposed to be irrigated
between Burragate and Towamba, and on this
ground alone, if other conditions were favorable
to the carrying out of the scheme, it must
be dismissed.
January 11, 1911
'Southern Star'
* Mr. J. T. Mitchell, of Towamba, pig buyer
for M'Lean and Co., shipped about 200 fine
animals at Tathra on Saturday. One of the
animals went over the wharf during shipping
operations, and put up a great swim, finally
effecting a landing on the rocks. It was
then secured by a rope, hauled through the
water to a boat manned by the redoubtable
W. Hanlon, and finally shipped.
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
22 June 1911
SOUTH COAST AND MONARO.
FAVOURABLE WINTER PROSPECTS.
On Monaro, landholders consider the present
season the best experienced for some years
as regards natural fodder. Dairying is not
gone in for to any great extent. If the farmers
went in for rugging and housing their cattle
in a severe climate, such as Bombala has
in the winter, better results would be assured.
There are a number of large station properties
in this part, the principal being Gunningrah,
Buckalong, Bibbenluke, Maharatta, Aston,
Koorang and (unreadable). Maharatta and Bibbenluke
(unreadable) and 26,000 acres respectively,
have been surveyed, and will be available
for closer settlement within a few months,
but the residents state this will be of little
use without a railway. The reason no doubt
why dairying is not extensively carried on
at Bombala is on account of the expense of
bringing the product to the market, as the
nearest port is about 50 miles distant, over
mountainous roads. The advent of a railway
to Bombala would tend in a great measure
to encourage this industry, for which the
district has every natural advantage. At
the present time the locality is mainly dependent
on sheep breeding and the wool Industry,
it being estimated that no less than 20,000
bales went out last season, practically the
whole of which was shipped to Sydney market
for disposal. The sheep are principally merinos,
which thrive to excellent advantage in this
district, both as regards wool and mutton.
As a result of the closer settlement scheme
of the Government, some 15,000 sheep and
1300 pure shorthorn cattle from Maharatta
Station were recently disposed of. The herd
was established over 40 years ago, the foundation
being high-priced imported stock, which had
been kept pure by the frequent Introduction
of fresh blood from the best studs. The sheep
disposed of were all pure Wanganella and
Burrawang blood, and noted wool-cutters.
The vast expanse of cleared, undulating
country extending for miles as far as the
eye can reach, the major portion of which
is in the hands of a few stations, approximately
totalling 100,000 acres, is the most startling
feature of this district. With its natural
advantages and the establishment of closer
settlement on this vast territory the district
should become one of the most flourishing
in the State. A feature that must eventually
play an important part in the development
of this part of the State is the construction
of the Cooma to Nimitybelle railway, which
is nearing completion. The earth works are
well forward, and rails have been placed
in position for a distance of about 15 miles
out of Cooma in a total length of 23½ miles.
The municipal council at Bombala has been
moving lately in the matter by urging the
Government to commence the railway extension
on the second section from Nimitybelle to
Bombala, a distance of 40 miles. The reply
received from the Works Department was to
the effect that the Government had not yet
decided when the extension would be commenced.
The reply has occasioned much disappointment,
as it is claimed that the establishment of
this railway would be the means of opening
up a lot of fine property now in the hands
of a few, and give an impetus to wheat-growing
and farming of all descriptions. There are
hundreds of thousands of acres to be developed,
and it is asserted that the district has
thus been kept back for many years for want
of a railway. Although the land at present
available for wheat growing is very limited,
the progressiveness of the district is demonstrated
by the fact that the town possesses an up-to
date flourmill, the full output from which
is disposed of locally.
Cathcart, Rocky Hall, Wyndham, and Bemboka
are small centres of a scattered district,
and rather sparsely settled. Unfortunately
this part of the country for a few years
past has experienced adverse seasons, with
the result that a good number of the settlers
have gone elsewhere. It is confidently expected,
however, that with favourable conditions
settlement will increase. The district being
practically wholly dairying, everything depends
upon the rainfall. Round about Bemboka, Bombala,
Cathcart, Bega, Candelo, Pambula, and other
centres the rabbit has become such a nuisance
that it was recently decided to establish
a rabbit canning factory at Wyndham, near
the town, the opening of which will take
place early in July. The financial success
of the venture is already assured on account
of a great number of the farmers having shares
in the company.
This will turn what has hitherto been considered
a pest into a revenue-producing commodity,
as an unlimited market is already assured
for the product. The building is finished,
and is composed of iron, with concrete floors
throughout. It is expected that at the outset
quite 40 men will be employed in and about
the factory, and it is hoped within six months
that employment will be found for 100. It
is expected that 2000 pairs of rabbits will
be daily dealt with for five days in each
week, and it is stated that one firm in England
alone is prepared to handle all the tinned
rabbits that can be turned out during the
next five years. The British Admiralty is
also expected to be a large purchaser. Mutton
and veal will be also dealt with. When the
works are in full swing employment will be
found for six expert tinsmiths, three skinners,
and 60 or 70 trappers. If there should be
a falling off in the supply of rabbits during
the summer months store cattle, sheep, and
poultry will be dealt with.
Round Burragate the country is excellently
adapted for trapping operations, and this
part is within easy distance of the factory.
All these combined factors should tell in
favour of the trapper making good wages.
Already many applications have been made
to local landholders, and no trouble is experienced
in getting the necessary permission to trap
with- out a bonus. One fur dealer at Wyndham
recently packed and despatched from that
centre six bales, each containing about 400
lb of rabbit skins, the number in the parcel
totalling about 30,000. This is an enormous
quantity of skins, the bulk being obtained
by trappers and poisoners operating on the
holdings of farmers living in the vicinity
of Pericoe, Towamba, and Burragate.
At Nimitybelle some splendid yields were
recently obtained from experimental potato
plots. Eight varieties were planted, six
being manured with 4 cwt of manure per acre.
The whole yield averaged well over eight
tons per acre, and in three instances the
splendid yield of nine and a quarter tons
was obtained. The area sown with frost-proof
potatoes without manure yielded over ten
tons to the acre. Some farmers throughout
the district had an average of about-seven
tons per acre.
Members of the Eden-Bombala Railway League
in discussing the Decentralisation Commission
report referred to the commissioners having
apparently dealt with the subject of decentralising
the existing volume of traffic only, and
had not taken into due consideration the
developmental effect of the proposed railway
to connect the port of Eden with Southern
Monaro. It was pointed out that Eden already
possesses in an ample degree the facilities
requisite for shipping produce. The league
has since resolved to co-operate with kindred
bodies continuing the agitation for the construction
of a railway linking up this port with the
main line system at Bombala.
September 27, 1911
'The Bega Budget'
*
A motor car will leave Brown, Sharpe, and
Blacker's office on Thursday morning for
Towamba, where this firm has 300 head of
cattle for sale.
September 29, 1911
'South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus'
*
Mr. J. Mitchell shipped at Eden last week
a few short of two hundred prime fat pigs.
The consignment was made up of purchases
from Messrs. T. McMahon, B. Bruce, F. Newlyn,
R. Goward (Kiah), Dickie Bros., W. Beasley
(Towamba), and W. Stevens (Wangrabelle, Victoria).
Mr. Mitchell states that he intends shipping
another consignment of 200 pigs next week.
December 18, 1912
'The Bega Budget '
* A small herd of 13 cows, in the Towamba
district, last month returned the owner,
£26 16s 8d. The milk was separated and butter
made up on the premises.
May 17, 1913
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
* As far as we can learn, no nominations
have yet been submitted from Candelo district
for the Pastures Protection Board elections,
and Mr. Geo. Keys, of Towamba, is the only
retiring Director renominated. Other nominations
to hand are: R. V. Ritchie, E. H. Otton,
J. A. Baldwin, E. J. Tarlinton.
October 4, 1913
TOWAMBA
Newspaper Unknown
Nearly 6 inches of rain within 21 days! The
country is verdant, stock are looking well,
and the cream cans show a marked increase.
Most of the farmers have their ground ploughed
and are ready for planting. Of course they
are three weeks early, but I hear several
of our more progressive farmers talking of
cross ploughing.
August 25, 1915
'The Bega Budget'
Land for Settlement.
The landless dairyfarmer is at last going
to have a chance to get a home on the South
Coast of New South Wales, on one of its most
favored properties, Nangutta, which is now
available for application by those in need
of a good dairying home. The vendor has made
extensive improvements to the property, and
practically exterminated the rabbit. Thirty
miles of netting have been erected, and useless
timber destroyed. The estate has been heavily
stocked by starving sheep during the past
eight months, which should improve the country
for dairying purposes. The land is being
sold under closer settlement conditions,
and the settler has only to find 5½ per cent,
of the purchase money as a deposit, and then
has nothing more to pay for two years, when
an annual payment of 5½ per cent, is payable,
which covers interest and part payment off
balance of purchase money. The areas are
exceptionally liberal, and range from 455
acres to about 700 acres, at prices from
£3 10s to £4. It is magnificently watered
by never-failing running streams, and has
many miles of rich lucerne and corn flats.
Having been occupied by the one family for
over sixty years, the improvements effected
are permanent, and the country which was
once heavily timbered is now very open and
park-like. It is noted for its heavy carrying
capacity, and for the large number of prime,
fat cattle that have been reared upon it.
Numerous enquiries are to hand by the vendors
from Gippsland, Riverina, and other districts,
and it will be necessary for applicants to
quickly apply if they want a block. The vendor
is erecting a cheese factory on the property,
and will also securely fence each farm. The
area of Nangutta is 11,200 acres, and it
is divided into 19 farms. A school will be
erected on the property, and a telephone
connected. The property com prises the pick
of the country for miles around, and has
long been the envy of the landless dairy
farmer. Eden is 40 miles from the boundary,
Bombala about 30 miles, and Towamba 20 miles.
It is right on the Victoria border, and has
a rainfall of over 30 inches. Our advice
is: Go and see it for yourselves, and you
will secure a farm.
February 22, 1919
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
* Mr. David Binnie, Towamba, lost 20 cows
the other day, through them eating poisoned
rabbits.
July 30, 1920
'The Bombala Times'
* Towamba Station is being sub-divided into
farms for returned soldiers, the estate having
been purchased by the Department for that
purpose.
![]() |
Jim Beasley and son Laurie (in buggy), Alf
(son) in front. 'Log Farm' Towamba. c. 1927 Photo courtesy Alf Beasley |
EXISTING INDUSTRIES 1929 ( in Bega Valley
Shire area)
Maize growing Fishing
Timber Oyster culture
Sheep farming Fruit growing
Dairying Whaling
Pig raising Mining
Wattle growing
April 30, 1929
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
ROADS NEEDED.
FARMERS' DIFFICULTIES.
EDEN.
The Main Roads Board divisional engineer
(Mr. Donaldson), recently inspected a route
for the proposed developmental road from
Lower Towamba via Kiah River to the Prince's
Highway at Kiah, a distance of 12½ miles.
The area capable of development by a road
comprises some of the richest alluvial flats
in the far South Coast. It is not provided
with a road, and much of it is now accessible
only by horseback. Crops of 100 bushels of
maize to the acre cannot be marketed, but
have to be fed off to pigs, which, when fat,
are driven through the bush tracks to the
roads, for transport to market. Mr. Donaldson
said that he had never seen settlers living
in such isolation.
TOWAMBA
'Magnet' June 1929.
* Country looking well around Towamba and
Pericoe. Sheep weighing 100 lbs. dressed,
and two others at 80 lbs.
![]() |
Prize winning maize crop. Fred Booth and
Roy Mitchell at Lower Towamba. 1938. Photo courtesy Mary Mitchell. |
July 13, 1929
'Magnet'
* Typical winter weather during the past
month, severe frosts and a good many cold
days. Farmers have almost completed their
corn pulling and can by no means boast of
heavy yields as in former years. Potatoes
are nearly unprocurable here, the crops being
a failure on account of too much rain after
such a long spell of dry weather.
July 20, 1929
'Magnet'
* Mr. Roger Boland of Rocky Hall now has
900 sheep on 'The Ridges', at Towamba.
![]() |
UNKNOWN FAMILY. PERICOE. (Possibly Lizzie Love and Bill Love's team) Photo Jean McPaul Collection, Eden Killer Whale Museum. No date. |
September 14, 1929
'Magnet'
* Ploughing is in full swing here. Influenza
has been rather prevalent but no serious
cases so far.
* We have had further good falls of rain
with warm days. We should have plenty of
grass after this.
* Mr. & Mrs. A. Tasker Snr., have taken
over Mrs. L. M. Love's property at Fulligan's
Flat, Pericoe and are moving from here during
the week.
![]() |
Carting hay at Pericoe. c.1900 Man in white suit is Percy Alexander, on his left (in middle) is his brother Robert (known as Beau) Alexander and the others are believed to be other brothers, Syd, Alf and Horace (known as Eden). (Names courtesy of Kathy Jones) |
February 15, 1930
PERICOE
'Magnet'
* A new cemented sheep dip has been put down
at 'Pericoe Station'. It measures 45 feet
long, 2 foot 6 inches across with a depth
of five feet. It is expected that the quality
of the wool will be improved for the next
shearing as well as benefiting the health
of the sheep.
April 12, 1930
'Magnet'
TOWAMBA
* The weather continues very dry. The prospects
for a good winter are by no means favourable.
The annual autumn sowing of oats for green
feed is held up for lack of rain.
January 31, 1931
'Magnet'
* Owing to the rains the countryside now
looks well and on most places there is a
good growth of pasture. We have received
more than our share of chilly blasts though,
for this time of the year.
* Mr. Alf Alexander attended the cattle sale
at Cathcart on Easter Saturday amid reports
that the majority of the lots admitted to
auction were of poor quality and bidding
was dull.
![]() |
MAN AND CHILDREN. (Possibly Jim Rixon, Annie Farrell's Husband. Rocky Hall) Photo Jean McPaul Collection, Eden Killer Whale Museum. No names. No date |
October 3, 1931
'Magnet'
* Eagle hawks have been causing the sheep
men much concern as these feathered gentry
are very partial to young lambs. At 'Nungatta'
a sheep was poisoned with strychnine and
this juicy bait quickly accounted for eleven
large eagles.
November 7, 1931
'Magnet'
* Mr. Roy Shelley has finished shearing on
his Towamba Station. The wool was exceptionally
clean and of excellent quality.
100 year old shearing shed. 'Sheepskin' Burragate. Photo K.Clery |
![]() |
Shearing shed, 'Elmgrove', Pericoe. Photo K.Clery |
October 22, 1932
'Magnet'
ADVERTISEMENT
FOR SALE The property known as 'Daisy Hill' Farm, Towamba containing 960 acres of land, half of which is netted. Well watered, good cattle country. Access by good roads to Bombala, Bega and Eden. G. R. Phillipps, Estate Agent, Eden. |
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Corn shed architecture. 'Daisy Hill' Pericoe. Photo K. Clery |
* Noxious plants declared by Bega Council are: Horehound, Khaki Weed, Bathurst Burr,
Cats' Head, Scotch Thistle, Blackberry, Sweetbriar,
Purple Top, St.John's Wort, Opium Poppy,
Cocoa Leaf and African Boxthorn.
October 29, 1932
'Magnet'
* Mr. Bill Greer has returned from his shearing
expedition to South Australia.
July 15, 1933
'Magnet'
PERICOE
July 15, 1933
* Mr. A. J. Clements is operating as district
buyer of pigs for Messers J. Birch &
Co., of Orbost.
24 August 1933
'The Farmer and Settler'
FROM PIGS TO DAIRYING
Towamba Farmer Takes Bold Step and Starts
on Sound Lines SETS A LEAD IN PASTURE IMPROVEMENT
Until the recent crash in the pig market,
farmers on the Towamba River, south of Bega,
earned a reasonably good living from pig
raising. When low prices made it impossible
for them to carry on, they switched to dairying,
and to-day one of their number, Mr. R. J.
Goward, of Kiah, has some of the best, pastures
on the South Coast. Other farmers are also
going in for pasture improvement on approved
lines. Mr. GOWARD is a fine type of Australian,
and some years ago was the hero of a boating
catastrophe at Mallacoota. For his gallant
bravery he was awarded the Royal Humane Society's
medal for life-saving. Now he is engaged
in an equally gallant fight against adversity,
but he is coming out on top, and if his luck
still holds he will have in a year or two,
one of the most up-to-date little farms on
the Far South Coast. Essentially a good farmer-
he represented the district in the R.A.S.
maize championship in 1931- Mr. Goward received
a big set back two years ago, when the bottom
fell out of the pig market. At that time
he was running 200 to 300 pigs. Quick to
grasp the situation, this farmer decided
that his only hope, was to launch out into
dairying, and it was fortunate that he sought
the advice of the local agricultural instructor,
Mr. J. L. Green. Plans for subdividing the
property, and sowing the suitable portions
down to the best grasses available, were
quickly formulated, and Mr. Goward has started
out full of enthusiasm, and with the knowledge
that he can build on solid foundations. Mr.
Goward's property is twenty-two miles from
the Victorian border and twenty-five miles
from the Pambula but ter factory, whence
goes the cream. Of the 200-acres in the holding,
all but 50 acres is steep forest country
not yet cleared. Fortunately, the 50-acres
consists of rich alluvial flats, and on this
area there is running at the present time
twenty cows, eight heifers, and a bull. The
cattle are Jerseys, and the bull is a purebred
animal bred by Mr. J. A. Martin, of Pambula.
Under the guidance of Mr. Green, the owner
has subdivided the flats into two acre paddocks,
and a mile of netting keeps out the rabbits
which abound in the neighborhood. Two paddocks
are under lucerne, and although usually regarded
as a summer crop, it grows prolifically on
the Towamba country at this time of the year.
It would indeed be hard to find a better
stand of lucerne than the one Mr. Goward
has. With the exception of a small patch
of oats and maize, the rest of the flats
have been sown down to perennial rye grass
and clover. No super has been used yet, and
the natural richness of the soil has produced
some of the finest pastures of introduced
grasses on the coast. As time goes on, and
the plans for the more convenient laying
out of the paddocks are completed, Mr. Goward
will have one of the finest intensive dairying
properties in the State. Although he has
only been dairying since September, 1931,
Mr. Goward has already learnt the value of
certified seed when it comes to planting
rye grass. Two paddocks, one with certified
seed and the other with non-certified seed,
were put down in March, 1932, 25-Ib of rye
grass and 1½-lb, of white clover an acre
being grown in each paddock. The non-certified
paddock made wonderful growth last winter,
producing grass 7-in, to 8-in, tall. There
is a different story to tell to-day. After
the first flush, the rye grass began to disappear,
until now only the clover, with an odd plant
of rye grass, remains. The paddock of certified
seed, however, has made steady growth, and
in this the second season contains a nicely
balanced sward of rye grass and white clover.
This is typical of the experience wherever
the ordinary commercial strains of rye grass
are sown- in other words, they are not true
perennials like the certified seed.
Mr. Goward has also tried his hand at bean-growing
with a reasonable measure of success. Last
year, he planted 10 acres to this crop, but
the January floods washed half it them out;
nevertheless, he garnered 38-bush, an acre
from what remained. This year he hopes to
have 20-acres under Canadian Wonders, and
if the season is kind he will probably get
a yield of 40-bush, an acre. Seed of this
variety has brought up to 30/- a bushel,
so it is not surprising that Mr. Goward regards
the future with a certain amount of optimism.
Here is one farmer who deserves all the success
that can come his way. He was born on the
Towamba River, and ill-fortune seems to have
dogged his footsteps. In 1918 he bought his
present property, but the following year
the floods came down and washed everything
except the house off it. He made a fresh
start then, and two years ago launched out
once more. This time it is hoped he has unimpeded
progress, for it is certain that the 16-acres
he has under rye grass and clovers will be
giving milk-producing feed for the cattle
when farmers who are content to rely on paspalum
are at their wits' end to know how to feed
their stock.
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Corn shed, Towamba. Photo K.Clery |
FODDER CONSERVATION
Local judging results
Following are placings in the judging by
Mr. J. L. Green, agricultural instructor
of entries in connection with the fodder
conservation competition under the auspices
of the Eden Exhibition Society.
FIRST. W. A. Green Towamba
SECOND W. R. Roberts Towamba
THIRD R. J. Goward Kiah
FOURTH J. McMahon Snr., Kiah
FIFTH J. C. Roberts Towamba
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|
Corn shed, Lower Towamba Photo Kate Clery |
Detail of corn shed structure. |
June 23, 1934
'Magnet'
FODDER CONSERVATION
Eden and Pambula district competitions
Eden competition winner is Mr. Wal Green.
The winner, Mr. W.A. Green of Towamba submitted
an entry that the whole district should be
proud of and one that should go a long way
in the south coast championship. The total
area of this farm is only 81 acres of which
12 are alluvial flat and 69 comparatively
poor hill country. On this area, 29 head
of cattle and 4 horses are run with an average
of 18 cows going through the bales throughout
the year. There are only seven acres of cultivation,
one acre being sown to lucerne but from this
during the last two seasons 30 ton of silage,
13 ton of lucerne hay and 3½ ton of maize
grain have been conserved. The silage pit
has been filled and emptied last year and
again has recently been filled with sorghum.
When feeding from the pit last year the loss
was practically nil. In addition to these
fodders he conserved 2 tons of excellent
quality rye grass, white clover hay was made
from sown improved pastures. Also 8 ton of
sorghum has been cut and stooked for immediate
feeding. The silage, lucerne and grain are
in excellent proportions for rations for
dairy cows and are all conserved adjacent
to recently constructed feed stalls. Under
the method of judging. Mr. Green has more
than double the quantity required conserved
and scored 6 points for surplus.
Mr. Walter Roberts' entry
Mr. W. R. Roberts who gained second place
was noteworthy for the large quantity of
lucerne hay stored. This farmer has truly
shown the way in growing this valuable fodder
in the Towamba district and not only is it
stored but used extensively for feeding.
Practically the whole of the 52 tons has
been made from the 16 acres under lucerne
during the past summer. Perhaps it is more
in regard to quality than quantity that Mr.
Roberts should be commended. No better lucerne hay was to
be seen during the judging than was conserved
on this farm and when it is realised that
the season was against the making of good
hay the performance is more noteworthy. This
competitor lost points for access to his
fodder as the bulk of the hay was stored
on the opposite side of the river from his
dairy and feed stalls. Also as the hay was
stored in an old butter factory building.
It was difficult to store and difficult of
actual access.
![]() |
Old corn shed. 'Parkside', Towamba. Photo K.Clery |
September 29, 1934
'Magnet'
* Visitors who realise the farming possibilities
of Towamba and surrounding districts and
evince a desire for local progress, suggest
the formation here of a branch of the Agricultural
Bureau and a branch of the Junior Farmers
Club. Unquestionably, live wire branches
of these organisations would do much to make
life for our farmers mutually more helpful
and strengthen the faith of our young folk
in themselves and their homeland.
* A recent addition to our farming community
is Mr. James Curtis who is dairying on shares
for Mrs. L. M. Love on 'Elmgrove' Towamba.
* So far the conditions for farming operations
have not been normally favourable, the season
being rather late. With dryer weather the
ploughing is now in progress with continued
warm weather a good spring in pastures should
result.
![]() |
CARTING WATER. (George 'Brickie' Farrell, 'Basin Creek', RockyHall) Photo Jean McPaul Collection, Eden Killer Whale Museum. No date |
November 17, 1934
'Magnet'
PERICOE
* The season is well advanced here and prospects
look good. Old hands say that the growth
of clover this year is phenomenal.
* Preparations are being made on Pericoe
Station for a busy sheep shearing period.
* Mr.& Mrs. E. Love and family, formerly
of McPaul's dairy, Pericoe, are now residing
in Eden.
November 24, 1934
'Magnet'
TOWAMBA
The following complimentary reference to
a Towamba entry in the Far South Coast Pasture
Improvement Trials appeared in the official
report on areas sown by dairy farmers in
the autumn of last year: Mr. A. J. Clements'
'Model Farm' Towamba. The following mixture
was sown per acre on a five acre plot of
alluvial land: 16 lbs certified perennial
rye grass, 4 lbs akaroa coxsfoot, 4lbs red
clover, 1½ lbs New Zealand white clover. This plot
was sown in continuation of a definite plan
of pasture improvement work on this farm.
Germination was excellent and good grazing
was obtained throughout the year. It would
have been advisable to have included about
3obs of Italian rye grass per acre and to
have reduced the perennial rye by this amount.
Italian rye makes stronger growth during
the first and second seasons than does perennial
and will give more grazing. Italian rye should
be included in all pasture mixtures to be
sown on alluvial country. On this farm, as
on many other farms, a considerable amount
of pasture improvement work has been carried
out with a resultant improvement in production
and in the health of the stock. There is
one feature that has arisen, however, and
that requires attention. In flush periods,
as in the past spring, the growth is so luscious
that clover flavours are strong in the cream.
The latter is frequently graded down with
the resultant financial loss to the farmer.
This flavour is very nearly unavoidable where
a large area of improved pasture has been
sown down. And what is more regrettable is
the fact that it is the progressive farmer
who is being penalised. It is possible to
eliminate this flavour at the factory by
the installation of a Vacreator or deodorizer
which experience has shown also has the faculty
of improving the general cream quality. It
now devolves on the factories to install
one of these machines and thus assist these
progressive men. It would appear that the
next step in the advancement of pasture improvement
lies with the factories. Improved pastures
will undoubtedly increase production so all
that could be done to encourage this work
will be for the betterment of the district
and individual farmers.
December 1, 1934
'Magnet'
WOOL AWAY!
Wool from the Towamba and Pericoe districts
is being brought to Eden for shipment to
Sydney. Some growers are selling in the shed
and various buyers, chief of whom are the
old established Eden firm Messers Stone and
Littley, are operating.
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CARTING WOOL AT PERICOE (POSSIBLY FROM PERICOE STATION). c. 1925. Photo courtesy M. Price |
March 9, 1935
PERICOE
'Magnet'
* The farming prospects in Towamba district
are better than for very many years. The
maize crops look extraordinarily well; fodder
crops are at normally heavy and grass is
green, succulent and plentiful. Mr. Walter
Roberts is filling a silo that will give
him 80 tons of chaffed maize silage and has
found it necessary to construct another silo
that will enable him to conserve an additional
40 tons.
Mr. Wal Green is also about to fill his pit
silo with choice chaffed fodders which, together
with a nice lot of fine lucerne hay will
provide his stock with ample reserves of
feed for a considerable time to come. Other
farms in the district appear to be well worked
and an appearance of general improvement
is everywhere observable.
March 9, 1935
'Magnet'
FARMERS PROBLEMS
Within the coastal territory served by the
port of Eden are at least two important districts,
namely Towamba and Burragate which could
not fail to benefit largely by the local
establishment of an operation of the branches
of the Agricultural Bureau of New South Wales.
Both are old and well established settlements.
Both merit all the efforts that can be made
to promote their further progress. With the
many up to date and progressively minded
farmers in and around these centres to constitute
in each a nucleus, branches could easily
be established and become important factors
in furthering local interests and in assisting
in cooperation with others to pave the way
to progressive prosperity.
April 27, 1935
'Magnet'
TOWAMBA
Mr. Wal Green has just completed the filling
of his silos. Others have also been filled
by Mr. W. Roberts, Mr. C. Roberts and Mr.
A. Clements. It is puzzling why more farmers do not go
in for fodder conservation, particularly
by the pit method which is recognised as
a cheap and efficient way to make ensilage.
There is no doubt that equally as good quality
silage can be made in the pit as in the tub
silo. Owing to the rainy season, maize crops have
been considerably reduced in yield on the
river flats. Blight has been very prevalent.
13 June 1935
'The Farmer and Settler'
SECOND WIN
Young Towamba Farmer on the Right Track for
Success
MR. W. A. GREEN, of 'Limerick, Vale,' Towamba,
is one of the younger generation of dairymen,
and his winning of the Eden show society's
competition against six others was a repetition
of his last year's success. His stored fodder
consisted of chaffed maize and sorghum silage,
maize grain, and lucerne hay. This, with
his improved postures, was typical of the
holdings in this portion of the Towamba valley,
where the only farming activities are maize
growing and dairying. He improved his position
so well this year that he will be hard to
beat in the championship. A native of the
far South Coast district, Mr. Green has been
on his property ten years. After he improved
his pastures with clover, he was seriously
troubled with bloat in the early spring,
and had to watch his herd very carefully
at that period each year. He has got over
that trouble now, which is another indication
of the value of conserved fodder, and the
benefits of the R.A.S. competitions; for,
after a word or two with the instructor,
Mr. J. L. Green, and the Judge, Mr, Stenning,
last year, he found that by feeding silage
to his cows in the morning before turning
them on to the clover, he overcame the bloat
trouble. Hiss herd consists of thirty-eight
Jerseys, twenty-three of which are milking.
His last test showed an average return of
300-lb. of butter a head, the twenty-three
milkers giving a production of 6970-lb. of
butter in the past twelve months. The foundation
blood is Kameruka, and he has improved the
strain with a Cole bull from Pambula, and
a Robertson bull from Wyndham. At present
he is hand-feeding his cows at the rate of
30-lb, of sorghum, 7-lb, of lucerne, and
4-lb, of ground maize. This, he says, not
only keeps them well through the winter months,
but means that when the flow of milk comes
again, the cows are fit to begin delivery
right away. In his little corner, among the
foothills of the Great Divide, M. Green shares
with his neighbors a constant battle against
encroaching bracken fern. The beautiful evil
can be seen high up on the hillsides overhanging
the farms, and anyone who knows anything
about it is seized with the imagery that
it is waiting there for one sign of weakness
on the part of those who have fought it back,
before sweeping down on the lower pastures.
Mr. Green is satisfied that ploughing up
the fern, keeping it mown or cut, and planting
vigorous pasture grasses is the only triple
means of beating it. 'Limerick Vale' comprises
81 -acres, subdivided into numerous small
paddocks. There are 12-acres in the flats
on the river and 19-acres on the hills. The
flat is estimated to carry a cow to 2-acres,
and the hills a cow to 8-acrcs. Three acres
are sown to maize for grain, 1½ acres to
maize for fodder, 3½-acrcs to sorghum, 1-acre
to lucerne, 1-acre to red clover, and 4-acres
to perennial rye, cocksfoot, and red and
white clover mixture. The fodder was stored
in two pit silos and a shed, and consisted
of 14-tons of lucerne hay, 64-tons of maize
and saccaliec pit silage, and 5-tons of maize
in the cob. This 83-tons was considered sufficient
for forty-five cows over the five months,
and as the capacity was sixteen, nearly the
maximum (10), was gained for surplus. Excellent
scores were given to Mr. Green for suitability,
quality, and protection, and he will probably
be among the place-getters in the championships.
(WINS IN 1934, 1937, - Editor)
June 15, 1935
'Magnet'
TOWAMBA
* Most farmers have completed harvesting
their maize crops. Some splendid yields have
been obtained from late maturing crops. The
early varieties were badly blighted.
* On Tuesday last, Mr. H. C. Stenning, Chief
Agricultural Instructor, Accompanied by Mr.
Skidmore, Assistant Secretary of the R.A.S.
together with the representatives of the
'Farmer and Settler' , 'Telegraph' and 'S.M.Herald',
arrived to judge the entry of Mr. W.A.Green
for the fodder championship, he being the
winner of the local fodder competition with
Mr. W.R. Roberts as runner up.
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Mouldboard plough. Photo 'The Farmers' Handbook' |
June 15, 1935
FODDER CONSERVATION
Eden District Farmers Example
Mr. Wal Green again the winner.
Splendid work in fodder conservation mainly
by means of pit silos is revealed by the
second annual competition conducted by Eden
Exhibition Society in conjunction with the
R.A.S. and again won by Mr. Wal Green of
Towamba.
Mr. J. L. Green, agricultural instructor
reports:
There were seven entries in this competition
which is two in excess of the number obtained
in the initial competition conducted in 1934.
MR. W. A. GREEN
Mr. W. A. Green of Towamba was again the
winner with a very good entry which showed
improvement in quantity of fodders stored
and general quality of that of last season.
This competitor shows what can be done on
a small property in the way of fodder conservation;
although he has only eighty-one acres of
land, twelve of which is alluvial country
and utilised to the full, the remainder being
in rather poor hill land, country which never-the-less
is being improved by the use of subterranean
clover and super. Mr. Green was the first
farmer on the Towamba River to fill a pit
silo; this was in 1933. Each year it has
been fed out during the winter and spring
and filled the following summer. This season,
owing to the success of the previous one,
another pit has been constructed and filled.
Most of the fodders inspected had been conserved
this season and showed that Mr. Green believes
in the value of feeding his stock in order
to get the best from them. In fact, his production
is taken as the basis for comparison at Towamba, more than one farmer saying that
' Wal Green got so much per cow for the month
and mine was only a few shillings less'.
Fortunately many local men have followed
the lead of this farmer and thus we see in
Towamba, well sown and cared-for pastures
and comparatively large quantities of fodder,
particularly pit silage, stored. It is only
a few years ago that Towamba produced little
else but pigs.
MR. ROBERTS
Mr. Roberts of 'Parkside' who secured second
place submitted a fine entry also. He has
two pit silos filled with maize, a large
quantity of lucerne hay and maize grain but
points were lost for location as the hay
is a considerable distance from the feeding
stalls - in fact, across the river - and
for protection as stock were damaging this
same hay. All the same, there was a good
quantity of fodder conserved which when fed
will help boost production.
MR. A.C. CLEMENTS
Mr. A.C. Clements who is competing for the
first time, gained third place with an entry
that was outstanding for the amount of red
clover hay conserved. This particular clover
does particularly well in Towamba and Kiah
and local farmers would be well advised to
sow down a small area, say one or two acres,
with it alone at the rate of £10 per acre.
This would give half an hour's grazing on
pure clover during the summer months when
the majority of clovers is more or less dormant.
It is an accepted practice at Moruya and
Bodalla and might be followed with advantage
by farmers further south.
Mr. J. N. HARRIS
Mr. J. N. Harris of Kiah had in his entry
a quantity of mangolds that had been pulled
and stored in a heap. Mangolds yield very
heavily on rich land. Yields of over one
hundred tons per acre being obtained in New
Zealand. The half acre on this farm yielded
at the rate of about forty-five tons per
acre. Cattle like mangolds and for pig feed
they are grown quite extensively at Hawksbury
College.
MR. D. LAING
It was not until this competition, the last
judged, that an entrant was met who had protected
his oaten hay from vermin damage. Mr. D.
Laing, Towamba, had taken suitable precautions
by building his small stack thirty inches
off the ground and posts being wrapped with
sheet tin and as a result his hay was as
good as the day it was stacked. For those
who conserve this type of hay a simple method
such as this as protection might be adopted.
When farmers have to enclose their stack
with iron walls let into the ground to a
depth of eighteen inches to prevent the ravages
of mice and rats.
OBSERVATIONS
No other part of this district with the possible
exception of Bodalla have farmers made full
use of pit silos. Three years ago the Eden
district didn't know them. Two farmers had
two pits each. In not one instance has the
silage come out of a pit other than as good
quality stuff. Another pleasing feature is
that all the pits are of the trench type
and have been well constructed and carefully
filled. Mr. Clements constructed his first,
this year and with two men, two horses, a
plough and scoop, the work was completed
in five days. Six and a half hours work being
done each day. Except for making the batters
at each end less than the usual length, and
having to use pick and shovel for this, the
job was completed without any hand work being
necessary. This pit is fifty-two feet long,
eleven feet wide at the top and ten at the
bottom and six feet deep and will hold forty
tons of silage. Filling took just on five
weeks and as a result the pit has not settled
down below the ground level which is a fault
frequently seen with many pits. Mr. Harris
of Kiah, on easier working ground, excavated
a pit forty-eight feet long, nine feet wide
and six feet deep in quicker time than this.
The filling was extended over a period of
five weeks and as a consequence he has a
well filled pit that is showing no loss at
all on the surface. Farmers in older dairying
districts could learn a lot from the farmers
of Kiah and Towamba and it is safe to state
that many of the latter have done more in
the way of pasture improvement and fodder
conservation in three years than many farmers,
further north have done in a lifetime. Production
figures prove the value of the work being
done.
![]() |
Horse drawn scoop used to dig out silage
pits. Photo courtesy Leo Farrell |
November 30, 1935
'Magnet'
TOWAMBA
*After experiencing rather cool weather with
a couple of frosts this month, summer came
with a vengeance; the thermometer reached
the hundred degrees mark today (Wednesday).
We could do with a shower of rain to freshen
the pastures though hot weather is needed
for maize crops which are very backward.
11 June 1936
'The Farmer and Settler'
TOWAMBA
'Limerick Vale' as a Closer Settlement Argument.
For the third year in succession, Mr. W.
A. Green, of "Limerick Vale", Towamba,
was successful in winning the fodder conservation
competition promoted by Eden agricultural
society. This property consists of only 81
-acres and is an example of what closer settlement
means for such districts. Mr. Green is a
married man with five children, he runs a
car, participates in rifle-shooting, fishing,
and other sports, and thoroughly en joys
life. He has been on the property for eleven
years, and has spent sixteen or seventeen
years in the district. He owns the farm,
and rents 2-acres. There are about 12-acres
of alluvial flats on the Towamba River. The
remainder is undulating granite loam soil.
The curse of this district is bracken fern,
and in an attempt to beat it, Mr. Green has
ploughed 5 acres of fern.
18 June 1937
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
MAIZE CHAMPIONSHIP.
South Coast Division.
TOWAMBA ENTRY WINS.
The Royal Agricultural Society announced
yesterday that Mr. W. R. Mitchell, of Roseneath,
Towamba, via Eden, had been awarded the first
position in the South Coast maize championship.
Mr. R. Cochrane, of Parrabel, Bega, was second,
and Navua, Ltd., Grose Wold, via Richmond,
third.
The judge, Mr. W. D. Kerle, special agricultural
instructor, said that, considering the difficult
season, the average yield of 110 bushels
to the acre for the competition was excellent.
The winning crop of Leaming was grown on
the fertile Towamba flats, and was expected
to yield 120 bushels to the acre. Mr. Kerle
said the crop was very pleasing in appearance,
being tall and straight. Germination was
almost perfect with three grains dropped
22 inches apart and 3ft 31n between the rows.
Weeds were practically absent due to harrowing
a week after sowing, twice scarifying in
November, hilling in December, and hand hoeing
once. The ground was first ploughed on August
10 with the mouldboard set six inches deep.
Cob rot was present, and some root rot also
caused loss of points. The seed was typical
of the variety. The ears were not large but
were produced in profusion.
Mr. Cochrana's crop of Funk's Yellow Dent
was sown on an old cultivation paddock of
alluvial loam. It had been disc-ploughed
early in July, and re-ploughed in September,
the harrows following each ploughing. The
rigid-type cultivator was used just, prior
to planting, which took place in the first
week of October. Light furrows were run out
3ft 9in apart, and seed dropped, one and
two grains 15in to 18in apart. The maize
was very well grown, with exceptionally good
ear development. It was estimated to yield
115 bushels per acre. The crop was lodged
to some extent, and the root rot fungus was
generally associated with this condition.
Some secondary cob rot, following ear worm
invasion, was also present. The variety type
was very good.
May 20, 1941
'The Braidwood Review and District Advocate
'
DINGOES! BLACK, BRINDLE, SPANIEL AND COLLAR-MARKED
VARIETIES
Board's Insults Not Appreciated
At the last meeting of the Pastures Protection
Board in Bega there was more trouble over
dingo scalps. Since the Board raised the
bonus to £2 per head many scalps have come
in, and the directors have not been satisfied
that some at least were pure dingo or showing
dingo characteristics. A letter was received
from Mr. A. J. Pheeney, of Wolumla, in reference
to a scalp sent in by his son, Austin, and
rejected by the Board. Mr. Pheeney stated
he was surprised this one had been rejected
while the other was paid for. Both had been
caught in a trap near Chalk Hills by his
son, who was now in Camp. Chalk Hills was
the home of dingoes, and they could be heard
howling at night. He considered that it was
a personal insult on the part of the Board
to reject one of the scalps, as it made it
appear that his son was out to defraud the
Board, and that the Board thought, 'Oh, one
will be enough for Pheeney.' He did not appreciate
the Board's joke about collar-marks at his
son's expense. The matter of the bonus of
£2 did not concern him, but these were his
personal views. The reading of the letter
made the directors sit up and take note and
they said it was insulting to suggest that
the Board decided that 'one was enough for
Pheeney.' A motion was carried that the Board
resented the tone of the letter, and the
remarks were insulting and uncalled for,
and that Mr. Pheeney be informed that the
scalp thrown out had no characteristics of
the dingo, while the other had some characteristics.
Mr. Kewin, of Wyndham, had writ ten asking
why scalps sent in by him had been rejected,
and the secretary stated that he had replied
to Mr. Kewin in the same terms as to Mr.
Pheeney, that the scalps did not show dingo
characteristics. Mr. Connelly said he was
speaking to Mr. Umback at Towamba on the
previous night, and he told him that Mr.
Allen Brown, of Nangutta, had informed him
that be had trapped dingoes similar to those
sent in by Mr. Kewin. They were numerous
down that way, and were black and tan in
colour. They appeared to be a distinctive
type of wild dog. Mr. Umback had to bring
his sheep in close to the homestead to save
them from these dogs. Mr. Connelly though
these men should be protected by the Board
pay ing a bonus less than £2 for such scalps.
Mr. McGregor said he had heard of such dogs,
and was told that they appeared to be a cross
with the black spaniel.- 'District News.'
THE AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRODUCERS UNION TOWAMBA BRANCH MEMBERS |
|
SAME AS TABLE BELOW BUT THESE NAMES ADDED FOR 1955 BUT NO PRODUCE LISTED |
|
16th February, 1955 | |
LUCAS. R.A. | Daisy Hill, Towamba |
ORMAN. A.F. | Sunnyside, Towamba |
McINTOSH. G.C. | Nungatta, Rockton |
ROBERTS. A.C. | Parkside, Towamba |
THE AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRODUCERS UNION TOWAMBA BRANCH |
|||
£3/3/- Members | 14th April, 1958 | ||
BEASLEY. B.D. | Back Creek, Towamba | Wool, Beef, Maize | |
BROTHERTON. W.L. | Station, Towamba | Wool, Meat | |
BUTCHER. J.E. | Limerick Vale, Towamba | Dairy, Pigs, Maise | |
CLEMENTS. A.J.& SON | Model Farm, Towamba | Dairy, Pigs, Maise | |
DICKIE. & SON | Honeysuckle Farm, Towamba | Maize, Pigs, S&P, Peas, Beans, Tomatoes | |
FARRELL. D.J. & SONS | Rockleigh, Burragate | Meat, Wool | |
FLEMING. V.W. | Sunnyside, Rockton | Wool, Meat, Potatoes | |
HARRIS. H.E. | Cambourne, Lower Towamba | Vegs, Maize | |
LOGAN. C.S. | Restalrig, Towamba | Wool, Beef | |
LOVE. J.C. | Elmgrove, Towamba | Wool, Beef | |
LOVE. O.L.D. | Hillview, Towamba | Wool, Meat, Pigs,Maize | |
LOVE. R.G. | Tyrone, Towamba | Wool, Beef, Maize | |
MARTIN. W. | Hayfield, Pericoe via Towamba | Wool, Meat, Maize | |
PAGE. C.W. | Riverdale, Lower Towamba | Pigs, Maize, Vegs, Meat | |
PARKER. D.E. | The Pines, Towamba | Dairy, Wool, Meat, Maize | |
RYAN. I.W. | Wattle Park, Towamba | Wool, Beef | |
SOUTH. R.S.W. | Glenoak, Towamba | Dairy, Maize, Pigs | |
TASKER. A. & SON | Ridges, Towamba | Wool, Meat, Maize, Pigs | |
TASKER. H. & SONS | Jerusalem, Burragate | Wool, Beef | |
UMBACK BROS | Daisy Bank, Wyndham | Wool Meat | |
UMBACK. F.J. | Marion, Burragate | Wool, Meat | |
UMBACK. V. & SONS | Baelcoola, Bombala | Wool, Meat | |
WALTERS. J.T.P. | Lyndhurst, Burragate | Wool, Meat |
THE AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRODUCERS UNION TOWAMBA BRANCH |
||
3 August, 1966 | ||
BEASLEY. B.P. | Back Creek, Towamba | Wool, Meat, Maize |
BUTCHER. J.F. | Limerick Vale, Towamba | Dairy, Pigs, Maize |
CLEMENTS & SON | Model Farm, Towamba | Dairy, Pigs, Maize |
FARRELL. D.J. & SONS | Rockleigh, Burragate | Meat, Wool |
HARRIS. H.F. | Cambourne, Lower Towamba | Vegs, Sorghum |
LAWRANCE. D.J. | Dunblane, Burragate, via Bega | Wool, Meat Vegs |
LOGAN. C.S. | Restalrig, Towamba | Wool, Meat |
LOVE. A.J. | Towamba | Wool, Meat |
LOVE. R.G. | Tyrone, Towamba | Wool, Meat, Maize |
McDONALD. C.V.S. | Towamba | Dairy, Pigs |
PARKER. D.E. | The Pines, Towamba | Dairy, Wool Meat, Maize |
SOUTH. L. | Towamba | Dairy, Meat, Pigs |
UMBACK BROS. F.G.& A.J. | Daisy Bank, Wyndham | Wool, Meat |
UMBACK. S.V. | Burragate | Wool, Meat |