General Progress Reports

1910

KANGAROO ISLAND.

A writer in the latest issue of the Kangaroo Island 'Courier' says: — "To any one acquainted with the country three or four years ago, the progress in the new hundreds of MacGillvray and Seddon is very noticeable; and together with the amount of work done in the southern part of the hundred of Newland, is an indication of industry of the settlers. It is also evidence of the fact that the Government and the local governing bodies are doing something for the new settlers. The jetty at Vivonne Bay has been commenced, and will, when completed, be a fine structure, about 1,000 ft. in length. Miles of newly-cleared roads are constructed, and several small timber bridges have been erected. The most pleasing feature, however, is the extent of cleared land in the once, unbroken scrub. 

Commencing at the Eleanor head station, where Mr. O. V. Roberts is busily clearing and improving his holding, and travelling past Kaiwarra, Lake Ada, Hawk's Nest, and White Lagoon the improvements are very extensive. At the Eleanor River several hundred acres of scrub have been rolled down, and over a part of the area the stubble shows that a very fair crop was obtained at the last harvest. Mr. P. Anderson's farm, which adjoins the Eleanor River holding on the north, is showing the effects of solid work, and a new residence is being erected on a nicely-cleared part of the farm, surrounded by gum trees and sheoaks. 

Between the Eleanor River and Kaiwarra estate Mr. A. Lloyd has cleared a fair-sized area of scrub land, which will be ready, for the plough next season. At Kaiwarra there is a considerable area cleared for cultivation, and a stack of about 80 tons of hay, near the homestead, represents the first harvest. On the flats to the west of the homestead several acres of potatoes are making good growth. 

Not far from Kaiwarra Mr. Whitto has cleared a fair-sized piece of land, and is getting it ready for the plough, having first taken the yacca gum from the trees. 

Overlooking Lake Ada, Mr. Ford has erected his homestead, and started the battle with the scrub. A lot of new fencing has been done, and shortly the whole of the section will be fenced in. About 100 acres of clearing meets the eye where but lately was dense scrub. 

At Hawk's Nest there has been remarkable development during the last few years, and now several acres of cleared land extend round the homestead, and a great deal of it is well grassed, whereas before the property was farmed there was less than 100 acres cleared. This property is showing the effect of systematic working. 

At Messrs. Smith and Sons' and Mr. Ayris' many acres of scrub land have yielded to the plough, and the grass is rapidly following the cultivation. 

White Lagoon, one of the older settled parts, is the centre of a great deal of development, and on all sides patches of cleared land can be seen. 

To the south east Messrs. Robertson and Cooke have been clearing their farms. South-west is Mr. Badman's holding, and on the northern side are Messrs. Reid & Co.'s and Mr. Weber's farms and the Eucalyptus Company's property, on all of which a lot of clearing has been done. This part of MacGillivray has received more attention than the rest, and is proving that the scrub land can be profitably farmed. 

West Of Birchmore Lagoon, and on Mr. J. Dewar's section, a considerable area has been cropped, and some in the north-eastern part of the hundred. The returns from most of the cultivated land at the last harvest were very satisfactory. Not many years will elapse before the greater portion of MacGillivray and the southern parts of Seddon will be under cultivation or will be well grassed, and returning the farmers hand-some profits.

His Excellency the Governor, who opened the new Kingscote Jetty on Monday, was given every opportunity by the residents to obtain some idea of the productiveness of the settled portions of Kangaroo Island. 

The farming community resent keenly the suggestions of the Premier that the country does not merit a developmental policy, and were determined that His Excellency should have occular demonstration that the land is capable of great things in an agricultural sense. 

The new jetty on Monday bore some resemblance to the orthodox country show, for it was lined on both sides for a considerable distance with the products of the district of Kingscote. The yacca gum industry, which is so much prized that the Nord Deutscher Lloyd has erected a large shed for the storage of the product, was represented by large yacca trees. Magni-ficent sheaves of wheat, barley and oats, taken from growing crops, testi-fied to the capabilities of the land. Mr J. Turner, a well-known farmer of Smith's Bay, 16 miles out from Kingscote, exhibited some wheat standing over six feet high, magnificent samples of barley, oats and rape, and some of the barley (grain) with which he beat all-comers in an inter-national show in Great Britain. Mr S. Buck had a display of wheat, barley and oats grown at Shoal Bay. Mr A. C. Burgess, of the Hundred of MacGillivray, exhibited 'Gallant Hybrid' wheat going 25 bushels to the acre, Algerian oats which had cut 4 tons to the acre, and Federation wheat which promises to yield 25 bushels. 

Other exhibitors of cereal crops were Messrs M. Chirgwin, of the Bay of Shoals, O. S. Smith, and R. Chapman. The latter has a paddock of 60 acres under barley which is expected to yield 50 bushels per acre. Vegetables — huge cabbages, beans, and onions — were shown by Messrs W. Bates, of Emu Bay ; J. N. Davis, of Highgrove ; and M. Chirgwin. 

During the afternoon His Excellency was driven to Smith's Bay, 16 miles from Kingscote, where he saw a crop of barley, level as a billiard table, giving promise of 50 bushels to the acre. This crop, grown by Mr J. Turner, was put in only last August, and its remarkable growth is attributed to its having escaped the heavy rains which spoilt some of the earlier sown crops. On the whole farmers at Kangaroo Island will not realise such good returns as they have done in past seasons. The rainfall this year has been phenomenal, with a record of 38 in., or just about double the average. Several times crops were flooded, and many never recovered from the excessive dampness.— ' Register.'

[1911] THE MAN ON THE LAND.

KANGAROO ISLAND. SOIL POSSIBILITIES. VICTORIANS FAVOURABLY IMPRESSED. [By Agricola.]

'A great country for fruit, vegetables, and sheep.' That is how Messrs. J. Ware and F. J. Tallboy, of the Upper Goulburn, Victoria, summed up for the writer their impressions of Kangaroo Island. They made it clear at the outset that they were not in a position to express an opinion concerning the cereal crowing capacity of the land, and that the limited time at their disposal had prevented them from inspecting the country at the eastern and western ends of the island. From what they had heard, however, they were satisfied that its character would in no degree diminish their estimate of the value of the whole.

—See For Yourselves.— 

Messrs. Ware and Tallboy arrived from the sister State three weeks ago with the one object of visiting Kangaroo Island, which, they had been informed, was much nearer to the metropolis and served infinitely better in the way of steamer communication with the mainland, than King Island, to which they had previously been. On making enquiries from persons whom they had been given to understand could speak authoritatively regarding the island, however, they were surprised to learn that it was not reckoned to be up to much, and, indeed, were advised to look elsewhere if they wanted land. Thereupon they dismissed the idea of going to the island, and probably ere this would have forgotten all about it but for what might be termed a coincidence. They were strolling along the Glenelg Jetty one evening when the steamer Karatta arrived from the island with a number of passengers, including two residents, Messrs. H. Ayris and J. Dewar, who, in the course of conversation with Messrs. Ware and Tallboy during the train journey to the city, urged them to inspect the island for themselves. Accordingly, a fortnight ago, the visitors proceeded to Kingscote, and, under the guidance of Mr. Ayris, who kindly accommodated them for a couple of days, carefully scanned the country in the neighbourhood of his farm. 

—Prolific Growths.—

Thence they went to Mr. C. F. W. Parson's property, Eumalla, near to Hawke's Nest, where they were particularly struck by the wonderful growth of imported grasses and all kinds of vegetables. "It was a complete eyeopener to us," remarked Mr. Tallboy, enthusiastically. "The potatoes and carrots," added Mr. Ware, "were simply magnificent, and I have brought some back with me to take to Victoria." "Fourteen pounds of seed," explained Mr. Parsons, in whose office the interview took place, ''yielded over three bags of splendid tubers. "The ground," continued Mr. Ware, "is some of the poorest in appearance I have ever seen. It is of a light sandy character, with a clay sub soil, varying in depth from 6 to 18 in., but there is not the slightest doubt it will grow grasses, rape, kale, choumoellier, onions, and, indeed, every kind of vegetable to perfection. The fact which appeals to me is that there are thousands of acres of land, similar to that owned by Mr. Parsons. We also visited Messrs. Smith Brothers, of Yalumba, who have some grass which is doing first rate. Of course, in viewing the products brought under our notice we bore in mind that in consequence, of the excessive wet the past year was one of the worst ever known on the island, and are confident that with more propitious conditions the results achieved will be increasingly satisfactory."

—On the South Coast.— 

Then Mr. Tallboy resumed the role of speaker, "Having returned to Kingscote, we travelled by coach to Karatta, a portion of which is now owned by Mr. Edwards, who is producing paspalum and various vegetables with complete success. We inspected a bit of his back country, where he has a little plot of ground, sur rounded by a fence to keep the wallabies out, on which he is growing nearly every kind of vegetable. Notwithstanding that this country is about as sour as it can be, it seems to be eminently suited for lucerne."

The visitors called upon Mr. Anderson, of Eleanor River, who has tried cereal growing with encouraging results, and last season cut about 1½ tons of hay to the acre off a small flat near to his house— a first crop, too, at that. "On the Kywarra Estate," said Mr. Tallboy, there are 13 acres under potatoes, the seed having been brought from Victoria." "We tried the plants in all parts," added Mr. Ware, "and personally I can say that the crop as a whole is as good as any I have seen in the best potato districts of Victoria, where the value of the land ranges from £25 an acre upward. Choumoellier have been raised to a wonderful height on Kywarra. As an onion growing country Kangaroo Island is an ideal place, and some of the land is fully equal to that at Cheltenham, near to Melbourne, which cannot be purchased for £60 an acre. During our travels we saw some first-class merino and crossbred sheep in excellent condition." 

—After Land.—

Asked if he or his companion had decided to settle on the island, Mr. Ware replied, "Yes, we have been so favourably impressed by all that we have seen that we have determined, if the Government will allow us, to each take up 3,000 acres in the southern portion of the Hundred of Ritchie. There we propose to engage in sheepraising and the growing of vegetables and fruit for market. There is ample opportunity for the development of these industries. Having cleared the scrub, we intend to plant artificial grasses, rape, mustard, and peas, with the object of sweetening the land, and then stocking it with sheep. Should we be successful in obtaining the block upon which we have set our eyes, we have resolved to do the thing thoroughly, and it will not be our fault it we fail to come out on top. But of that we have little fear, for having once got the land into good working order the sailing should be fairly plain."

1928

KANGAROO ISLAND.

Some Fine Farms. A Splendid Season.

II. By G. R. Laffer.

. . . 

The Turner Family.

Apart from the fact that you pass some of the best farms and farmland on Kangaroo Island on the way to Smith's Bay. I was particularly pleased that the doctor took that route because I met an old friend in Mr. George Turner, a son of one of the most respected pioneers on the island, Mr. George Turner, sen. The Turners are held in the very highest esteem by a range of friends far wider than the island. John and George Turner, now nearing the evening of a long and splendid pioneering life have done much to make the island what it is. Mr. George Turner, jun., was busy putting up a fence on his farm on the roadside. Like all the successful farmers here he works hard, and the result is to be seen in the general condition of the property. "A splendid season; we have never had a better," was his comment. This was borne out by the capital condition of the crops. They are of course much later than on the mainland. One of the features of farming on the island is the way they have dropped barley for wheat during the last two years. One of the agents told me that about equal quantities of wheat and barley were shipped last year. The reason is that wheat prices are more staple, and do not fluctuate so much as barley prices.

. . . 

Splendid Farmers.

In descending one of the Wisanger Hills a glorious vista of Shoal Bay opens out with the Spit and the Mainland, and the Penneshaw Hills clearly before one. At this angle one looks straight through Backstairs Passage. North Cape, which is the most northerly point on the island is here clearly seen. This was the property of the late Mr. Richard Chapman, one of the pioneer settlers of the island. It is now divided between Mr. Noske and Mr. William Chapman, both splendid farmers. Mr. Chapman also works land at Shoal Bay, and has recently taken up a fairly large holding on the Upper Cygnet, and is sparing neither labour nor money upon its development. It was here that I saw in October, 1928, ten months after he had taken the land up, subterranean clover equal to any I have seen in any part of the State. Mr. Chapman goes in largely for sheep, and it does one good to have a talk with him. His wonderful faith in the island land and the way he backs his opinion with money and hard work make one feel that he is sure to succeed. The flocks on the island are yearly increasing. I understand there are now over 60,000 sheep, all held by farmers who are fully alive to the value of new blood. I met a number who are coming up to the ram sales which are held during show week.

Thrift and Hard Work.

When one sees what is being accomplished by thrift, determination and hard work, and realizing the possibility of ex-tension, it seems a thousand pities that so many young men should be wasting their time tramping the city streets singing "Solidarity" and suchlike rubbish. However, time is a great revealer, and the lesson has to be learnt, and the day in which it is learnt is the day on which prosperity will again set in to the State. They are having a splendid season on the island, considered the best for years. For this time of the year, feed is good, and the crops look excellent. Lambs are to be seen in every direction. Altogether the people are full of confidence. It is hoped that the spring rains will be sufficient; if so, it should be a wonderful year.

. . . 

KANGAROO ISLAND MERINOS.

KINGSCOTE; November 29. [1928] — At the Kangaroo Island Show, held early this month, the judges and others experienced in wool-growing remarked on the exceedingly fine display of wool, which afforded ample demonstration that Kangaroo Island, can produce typical merino wool in an extended range of qualities. The marked improvement is undoubtedly largely contributed to by the efforts of the owners of our four local registered studs, in charge of Messrs. G. G. Ayliffe C. E. Buck, R. W. Chapman, and G. A. Turner. At the last ram sales, held in Adelaide, Messrs. Chapman and Turner secured well-bred rams' from the stud of Mr. G. J. Hanlin, of Hallett. The latest importation is that of Mr. G. G. Ayliffe, who secured the ram 505 Loyalty, bred by Messrs. J. & A., Hay, of The Glen; Harrogate. The ram, which is now five years old, has been used for several seasons in the stud of Mr. L. W. Gebhardt, of Nokota, Mount Bryan, and is a son of Loyalty, for which Messrs. Hay paid 44,000 gs., and a special stud Wanganella ewe. It is expected that a further improvement, in quality of local flocks should result, as many breeders are now obtaining what rams they require from this stud.

[1945]  DEVELOPMENT OF KANGAROO ISLAND

SOIL TYPES AND PASTURE PERSISTENCY Investigation Needed Into Sheep Complaint 'Dystokia'

By 'The Chronicle' Special Representative

Further evidence of the remarkable pasture production possible on Kangaroo Island is provided in the following article, but from experiences of enterprising and energetic settlers it must still be admitted that extensive research work in connection with pasture production on various types of soils and animal diseases arising from clovers and other pasture plants is most essential.

The persistency of rye grass, clovers and phalaris on certain soils and the reverse results on others are problems that remain to be solved, while the outbreak of the sheep complaint, known as dystokia, from which heavy losses have been recorded by one settler and which is caused, it is presumed, through a surplus of Dwalganup clover, calls for immediate investigation.

Virgin scrub country developed to carry almost 2½ sheep to the acre in four years, at a cost of between £4 10/ and £5 an acre, is what Mr. A. E. Hawke, of Cygnet River, has achieved since he commenced clearing his 6.500 acre holding in 1936. Before settling on the island he had had extensive experience in the development of new country on Eyre Peninsula, in the South East and at Victor Harbor, and this has proved invaluable during the past nine years. Having demonstrated what can be done on this type of country by proper management, he has almost completed arrangements for the sale of his holding to Mr. Les J. Bishop, leading Adelaide fruit merchant, who will have as his manager Mr. W. Villis, formerly managing for Mr. A. J. McBride. Almost unaided Mr. Hawke has cleared 770 acres of what was once considered virtually worthless country and has sown it down with pasture. In addition, he has 700 acres, twice ploughed, as fallow. Requisitioning of his tractor by the Allied Works Council during the war prevented further development of this area. His success has not been accidental or easy, as he experienced all the growing pains associated with the opening up of this type of country. 

Early Pioneering Methods 

Like other island pioneers, Mr Hawke began by rolling and burn in his scrub, and then scratching in Wimmera rye grass to get a second burn. After considerable costly experimentation he and many others, abandoned this method for deep ploughing and the establishment of mixed pastures after initial soil-enriching crops, such as peas. The history of a typical field treated in this manner is interesting. Four years ago it was autumn sown with peas, and topdressed with one bag super and 5 lb. copper sulphate. After being fed off it was sown in spring with rape and a similar dressing of super and copper sulphate, and again grazed by sheep. The following autumn 4 lb. Dwalganup and Mount Barker strains of subterranean clover, 2 oz. perennial rye grass. 2 oz. phalaris tuberosa, 1 lb. lucern and a few ozs. of cluster clover were sown with a bag of super. The resultant growth was three feet high, but stock were not admitted until the pasture had dried off, thus permitting the clovers to firmly establish themselves. The following year a bag of super was applied, and this was followed up with 1 cwt. in each of the next two years. Last year this paddock carried 2.49 grown sheep to the acre, and Mr. Hawke is confident even better results can be obtained by the judicious use of molybdenum. Last year he experimented with this minor element, which has proved so successful in other parts of the State, notably at Mt. Compass, but no apparent result was noticeable. This year, however, the pasture on the treated area is greener and denser than on the untreated. 

Persistency Of Pastures 

Mr. Hawke has found perennial rye and lucern do not persist, but believes the latter worth inclusion in original pasture mixtures. Phalaris, on the other hand, has persisted, and this he attributes to the fact that deep rooting plants on his property encounter alkaline conditions, whereas on other island properties the opposite is the case. Much of his property is undulating ironstone, but he also has limestone outcrops. Scrub is mostly narrow leaf mallee and broom, whereas on properties where phalaris has not done well acid soil conditions prevail and low stringy bark and yaccas predominate. Compared with properties such as those owned by Mr. A. J. McBride and Mr. W B. Kelly in the north of the island, Mr. Hawke is able to grow a reasonably good cereal crop on new land. With copper sulphate he has produced a nine-bag oat crop, but without this dressing the return was only nine bushels! 

Chaff To Balance Ration 

Discussing the predominance of clover pasture on developed country as a possible reason for sheep eating back yaccas and low scrub, Mr. Hawke admitted good results from the use of a large feeder filled throughout the year with chaff. Its use was inspired by the manner in which sheep on lush clover pasture rushed a few sheaves of hay. His sheep, generally speaking, have been healthy. He has never had to resort to drenching, but he is a firm believed in copper sulphate and salt licks. Over the past three years he has carried an average of 1½ Corriedale cross sheep to the acre. His lamb drop last season was nearly 100 p.c. but unfavorable conditions early this year reduced the number marked. Corriedale hoggets cut more than 10 lb. wool last year, and his top lines realised to 21¼d. per lb. This year fleece wool sold to 20¼d. Situated on the banks of a lagoon on the eastern fringe of the island's backbone, Mr. Hawke will be loathe to leave his picturesque property, but he will be able to do so knowing that his pioneering efforts have contributed in no small measure towards the island's ultimate successful development.

Reducing Development Costs 

At 'Camelback,' less than 15 miles away in the Hundred of Cassini, another progressive settler, Mr. Jack Bennett, has sown down 1,100 acres under pasture and has another 500 acres in various stages of preparation. Up to 18 months ago this splendid 4,400 acre property was farmed by Messrs. Shearer, Jacobs and Bennett, but it is now in the hands of Mr. Bennett and Mr. Harry Morris. Through inexperience and in sufficient knowledge of the island's soil deficiencies when development began in 1937, Mr. Bennett estimates it has cost £6 an acre to develop his property to the stage where it will carry between one and two sheep to the acre. He believes, however, that he will be able to achieve the same result in future at a cost of not more than £3 10/ an acre, including fencing and the construction of dams. 

Government Costs Compared 

This compares with the Government's estimate of £5 18/ an acre to bring its experimental block up to its present standard of development, and the Land Development Executive's estimate of £5 an acre for future large-scale development of similar country throughout the island. Because of the absence of stringybark on his property. Mr. Bennett believes his rolling costs have been less than on the experimental block, but he is somewhat sceptical of the latter's reputed carrying capacity. Consisting chiefly of poor ironstone and sandy loam over ironstone, 'Camelback' has some of the finest pastures on the island. The basic pasture mixture used has been Dwalganup and Mount Barker strains of subterranean clover, perennial rye grass, cocksfoot paspalum, phalaris, tuberosa, and evening primrose. The Dwalganup clover has made phenomenal progress, and now constitutes the bulk of Mr. Bennett's pasture. Cocksfoot has given promising results on ironstone rises, and the evening primrose seems to do well in the sand. 

Crippling Sheep Losses 

The luxuriant growth of Dwalganup clover has cost Mr. Bennett dearly. During the past three years he has had nearly 3,000 sheep and lamb fatalities due to dystokia. This complaint was first noticed among sheep grazed on Dwalganup clover in Western Australia, where more than 2,000,000 sheep have now been affected. Extensive research work is now being carried out in this State and in WA as to its exact cause. It is believed by some to be associated with deficiencies of certain minor elements in the soil. Guinea pigs fed solely on Dwalganup clover have developed the trouble, and there is little doubt that this pasture is the primary cause of Mr. Bennett's crippling losses. After spending seven years building up a first-class Corriedale flock, Mr. Bennett has been forced to sell those sheep which survived, and he is now grazing an entirely fresh flock. Attempts to reduce the predominance of Dwalganup clover by ploughing up the pasture and resowing with increased quantities of perennial rye grass may prove effective, particularly as this has encouraged the growth of soft brome and other grasses. Dismayed by his losses, Mr. Bennett intends to grow pines instead of pastures on most of his poor ironstone rises in future. He already has three acres of seedlings to be planted out, and intends to treat 12 acres in this manner this year. 

Corriedale Sheep Stud 

Another venture in which Messrs. Bennett and Morris are interested is a Corriedale stud. This was founded In 1938, and is one of the few Corriedale studs in Australia established on the noted Hui Hui blood. Their latest acquisition was a stylish, well-bred ram costing 170 guineas. So far they have had few stock for sale, but hope to be better represented at sales in the near future. Mr. Bennett is so impressed by results obtained from the use of molybdenum last year that he has ordered five tons for distribution next season. He believes, however, that much of his country is not yet ready for this minor element, as its superphosphate level, due to rationing, is not sufficiently high. His ration was so low that he was just able to prevent pastures dying out in some paddocks.

Transport Difficulties 

Questioned on the difficulties experienced by settlers in getting their stock to mainland markets, Mr. Bennett said the formation of a company to run a number of military landing barges across Backstairs Passage had been mooted, but it was generally felt such a venture should be sponsored by the Government. Trucks carrying 200-250 sheep or lambs could be run straight onto these barges and be at the Abattoirs six or seven hours after leaving the property. At present lambs leaving 'Camel-back' on Thursday were not sold at Gepps Cross until the following Wednesday, with a resultant loss of bloom, which invariably depreciated values 2/ to 3/ a head. On top of this loss, selling costs, involving freight, wharfage, commission, &c, amounted to 3/9 a head for sheep and lambs, Mr. Bennett said. Is November, 1944, fat sheep for sale could not be transported to the mainland until February 3, 1945. The loss involved was not difficult to appreciate. 

Soldier And Settler 

With an average carrying capacity of more than one and a half sheep per acre, Mr. W. B. Kelly's 5,000 acre holding is convincing proof, if any was now needed, that almost any part of Kangaroo Island can be developed into a highly productive area. It is one of the few developed holdings in the Hundred of Duncan, 30 miles north-west of Kingscote, and although generally similar to the Government experimental block in the Hundred of Seddon, there are differences in soil types and native vegetation. Like the Government block, Mr Kelly's property is mostly poor ironstone soil carrying low mallee, broombush and yacca in its virgin state, but he also has some sandy loam which was originally covered with stringybark, honeysuckle and yacca. Mr. Kelly (who is a son of the well-known ''Merrindie" stud Dorset Horn breeder, Mr. W. S. Kelly, of Tarlee) settled on the island in 1936. Since then, in spite of a long term as a prisoner of war in Italy, he has cleared and developed 1,200 acres. On this area, which is divided into 150-200 acre paddocks, he is at present carrying 1,800 sheep and 30 Shorthorn cross cattle. The present carrying capacity is not a true reflex of the holding's capabilities, as a considerable area was not top-dressed during the war, and subdivision has not been possible because of a shortage of fencing materials. Many of the ironstone rises were left as Mr. Kelly believes the application of less than 60 lb. of super an acre useless. 

Annual Top-dressing Necessary 

The difference between top-dressed pastures and those which were not treated was most striking, and proved conclusively this country needs continued annual applications of super at the rate of one cwt. to one bag per acre. New country is the most severely affected as it would appear four-five cwt. of super per acre is needed to build up a reasonably high fertility level. Where Mr. Kelly's land has been consistently manured a change in soil color and texture was apparent. Top-dressed pastures were a dense, fresh mixture of subterranean clovers and rye grass, while those untreated were mostly dry, thin mixtures of native grasses. The basic pasture mixture used by Mr. Kelly has been Dwalganup and Mount Barker subterranean clovers, and Wimmera and perennial rye grasses. Phalaris tuberosa as on other properties inspected, has proved a disappointment as it does not persist for any length of time. Last year 1 lb. of copper sulphate per acre was tried with the super, but no apparent effect is noticeable. Molybdenum, too, has given no results as yet. Noticeable in some paddocks was a fair percentage of drooping clover. This has apparently spread from a small patch around Mr Kelly's house, and is proving particularly palatable to stock. 

Sheep And Wool 

Mr. Kelly hopes to top off some of his late lambs with the aid of a field of rape which he is trying for the first time this year. His lambing percentage was 92 this season and 97 last year. He believes a 100 per cent. drop or better [sic] should be possible by better management and more favorable seasonal conditions. A small Dorset Horn stud, founded with 'Merrindie' stock, is providing him with rams for mating with Corriedale ewes. The latter were well-grown, roomy sheep in really good condition when inspected. They yielded 32 bales of wool this season, which realised to 20½d. per lb., and averaged 19½d. for fleece wool. There was a time when Kangaroo Island wool seldom realised more than 15d. per lb. The rise in wool and stock values in recent years can be attributed to improved methods of management and the use of better class breeding stock. The first consignment of Mr. Kelly's Dorset Horn cross and Corriedale lambs will be offered at the Abattoirs next week. Although somewhat mixed as a flock, they included many thick, lowset, well bred types in really prime condition, and should be in keen demand. Judged by the growth and quality of his pastures, the condition and type of his stock, and the well planned farm buildings, Mr. Kelly must be considered one of the island's most practical and enterprising young farmers. There is no reason to doubt that the output from his property will be greatly increased as super rationing is relaxed and materials and labor be come more plentiful. 

Another Enterprising Settler 

Another settler whose enterprise is bringing results is the well known Adelaide bookmaker. Mr Harry Morris, who bought land on the island back in 1939 with a view to settling his two sons there. In addition to 3,000 acres in the Hundred of Haines, he is in partnership with Mr. J. Bennett, who has a 4,500-acre property in the Hundred of Cassini. In spite of insufficient rain during the past two years to fill his dams, Mr. Morris is carrying 1,600 sheep and lambs on approximately 600 acres of developed country. This season he obtained a 90 per cent, lambing by mating Romney Marsh rams with Corriedale ewes. The rams all come from a small stud he runs in partnership with Mr. Bennett, and which was founded on Hui Hui blood. Striking proof of what this low fertility country will produce if correctly developed is the fact that in 1941-42 season his wool clip was only seven bales. This year, in spite of unsatisfactory seasonal conditions, he marketed 30 bales, which realised to 17d. a lb. Last year his top price was 18¼d. a lb. — all from ewes rearing lambs. By concentrating on shallow ploughing and firing, in preference to deep cultivation and stump picking, Mr. Morris estimates his country has cost less than £4 an acre to develop. This is appreciably less than the Government's estimate of £5 18/ an acre for its 564-acre experimental black, which was ploughed deeply and stump picked. Mr. Morris admits he loses some feed and has to wait longer for maximum results through his inability to use harvesting machinery among the stumps, but he believes this is more than offset by lower development costs. Contrary to the experience of other settlers on the island, notably Messrs. A. J. McBride and W B. Kelly, Mr. Morris is well satisfied with the growth of his phalais tuberosa. It had proved more satisfactory than Wimmera rye grass, he said, and provided an early green picking for lambs. His original seeding was 2 oz an acre, sown with 31 lb. Mt. Barker clover. 1 lb. Dwalganup clover, and 2 oz. Wimmera rye, and he believes a heavier seeding will yield even better results. Like Mr. H. L. Rymill, he is confident perennial veldt grass has a future on the sandy soils of the island. A trial sowing this year proved unsatisfactory, as most of the seed proved to be Wimmera rye grass, but he intends to plant an extensive area when sufficient good quality seed is available.

Photo: Landing Craft Tank, used in amphibious operations for carrying transport, troops or stores, of which up to 100 tons can be taken. Suggestions have been made that some of the large surplus held in the Pacific be acquired to ferry stock transport lorries across the 11 -mile wide Backstairs Passage from Kangaroo Island to the mainland. This would give quick transport to the metropolitan markets and solve the difficulty which has always been associated with marketing of the Island's livestock. Island residents consider that such craft should now be available at reasonable prices and that the Government should support such a scheme.

Photo:  Mrs. W. B. Kelly and her son Bryan reclining in a magnificent field of subterranean clover and rye to illustrate its height and density. Five years previously this land was considered worthless scrub country.