Richard Chapman, Point Marsden

Kangaroo Island Farms.

No. VIII. MR RICHARD CHAPMAN'S PROPERTY.

One of the finest properties on the Island is that of Mr Richard Chapman, of Point Marsden, situated about 12 miles from Kingscote. The holding comprises 2,500 acres— 2000 freehold and 500 leasehold — and is composed of sandy loam, limestone, and chocolate loam.

On the death of his father, about 30 years ago, Mr Chapman came in from the Harriet River and entered into possession of the holding. The late Mr W. Chapman had taken up 14 square miles of country under a lease and the majority of the land had reverted to the Crown and the freehold portion was acquired just about the time of Mr Chapman's death. When the country was first occupied by Mr Chapman's father in 1866, the family lived at what was then known as Point Maude, near the beach.

The road from Kingscote to Point Marsden runs round the Bay of Shoals, and the visitor en route to Mr Chapman's witnesses some pretty scenery. From the front garden of the homestead a fine sweeping view of ocean and uplands can be obtained. In company with Mr Chapman the visitors were taken for a walk through the various paddocks. He is cultivating this year 150 acres of barley and 20 acres of oats, for hay, all of which is looking well. As for grass — well, it is not disputed that the property comprises some of the best grass country on the Island. The luxuriance of the feed observed in one paddock on the coast was remarkable for the time of year, and it waved and billowed under a gentle breeze like a green sea. Here a number of horses and cattle were feeding away — evidently more than contented with their lot.

As an instance of the carrying capacity of Mr Chapman's country, it might be pointed out that the year before last 1500 acres of it carried 3,300 head of sheep. Mr R. W. Chapman also had 900 sheep running on 500 acres at that time — and for that year father and son sent away 65 bales of wool. This year Mr Chapman has 2,800 sheep running on 1,200 acres. In addition to 4 or 5 head of sheep to the acre 50 head of great stock has been carried on portion of the Point Marsden property. Mr Chapman always secures a fair price for wool. He favors the come-back for the Island climate, as being hardier than the pure merino, and finds that the crossbreds are bad for the fences.

When the late Mr W. Chapman senr, took up the country the first work undertaken was to clear the land of wallabies. Later on a start was made in the cultivation of the land, and the average used to be about 40 bushels of barley per acre. In wheat, good results used to be obtained with the Purple Straw variety, over 40 bushels per acre being realised but the red rust came, and wheat-growing was abandoned. For some years past Mr Chapman has been cultivating from 100 to 160 acres a year, averaging 25 to 30 bushels per acre right through for barley, and in oats for hay up to 4 tons per acre. He uses bone super in the proportion of about 90 to a hundred weight to the acre. The property comprises some good dairying country and some little time back, from 12 cows, 90lbs of butter weekly was obtained. Mr Chapman ploughs and cross ploughs his country, but has never gone in for fallowing. The property is subdivided into 15 paddocks.

As a supporter of the turf and a keen enthusiast in local racing matters on the Island, Mr Chapman is well known. He has been treasurer of the Kingscote Racing Club for 30 years and, in the early days of the picnic meeting he carried away all the cups. His well known racing mare Lolo won the cup for five consecutive years.

WOOLGROWING ON KANGAROO ISLAND

—Mr Richard Chapman, of Point Marsden, recently shipped away 74 bales of wool taken from about 4,000 sheep who have been running on 2,600 acres of country, part of which is he cleared. In addition to growing the above wool on 2,600 acres, the same country has had from 120 to 150 head of big stock continually grazing there. This is a result that would be very hard to beat in any part of South Australia.

See descendants of Richard Chapman.