Post by braided-rug on Apr 24, 2006 17:14:39 GMT 10
All seed, seeder, chaff and implements had to be carted out from Kellerberrin on bush tracks, and each trip would take 3 days or more according to the load. The camps, naturally, were at certain wells where the teams could be watered; and it was fortunate that they were at useful distances from each other, so the trips were made without inconvenience to the horses.
During 1911 practically all the land in the Shackleton District had been surveyed, and so great was the demand that there would be several applicants for each block. The usual plan was to allot the land to the man with a large family in preference to a bachelor; and when a bachelor of our acquantance put in for a certain block near us, he was passed over for a gentleman who claimed to have a family of 19.
An indignant lady, who could only claim a family of 2, remarked to our acquaintance that "it was a wonder South Australia let a man like that get away", but however, the family consisted of sons, sons' wives and families, single daughters and a single son; I am not sure that a full roll-call reached the 19 mark then. However, the next few months saw the arrivals of John Craigie; the Foale Family; Mr and Mrs. Howse and family, late of Canada; and Geo. Hoase - all South of the Lakes. Practically all the good heavy forest land was taken up by now, and gangs of clearers were at work chopping down and clearing on every block.
1911 was not a good year - the rains were late coming and then there was a dry spring to follow, and the harvest was discouraging; but the settlers were ready to try again and hope for better luck next time. The lack of water was now our main worry and unforunately the Government refused to assist us in any way. Mr. Bland, Mr. Craigie and C. Smith and Sons were compelled to cart water 16 and 17 miles from Jelbercutting Well, from which well the surrounding settlers were also dependent for most of their supplies. Looking back it seems extraordinary that a responsible Government should have displayed such a stupid and short-sighted policy. We were almost desperate, when fortunately an Election occurred and the Labor Party won the poll. In a very short time, bodies of men were dispersed all over the country sinking wells and clearing feeder roads. Agriculturual Bank Loan sums were raised considerably, and under the Scaddan Government the whole new area made considerable headway. Although the homes were of a primitive type, gardens were made around them, and a social life began for the settlers' wives and families. New babies were welcomed and made life happier and more interesting for both parents and neighbours. Tragedy, too , claimed its toll - the young wife of Mr. Tony Garbin of North Erikin was lost in the bush during her husband's absence in Kellerberrin; and when the Police and tracker from Kellerberrin at last found the poor lady some long miles from her home, she had died from shock and expossure some hours before.
It is a marvel really that there were not more of these tragedies considering the density of the bush, the sameness, and the lack of distinctive features. It was very easy to lose one's self as I know by experience; and I remember one bright autumn morning when our new rooster was proudly crowing on his own dunghill and so saved an unfortunate wanderer from a dreadful fate. While Co ckerico was still crowing vigorously there came tearing over the rise from the uncharted forest behind, a frantic man with a gaunt Kangaroo dog. He was "Lost! Lost! Lost!" and while plunging desperately through the bush, the crowing of the co ck burst on his ear, and as he siad "No sound in the world was ever so welcome!: Instead of going due north to Cookine from Graves' block he was travelling due East some 10 or 12 miles S. East from his goal - completely "Turned around". As there was no settlement for miles in the direction he was facing, his case would have been hopeless but for the crowing of our new Chanticleer.
During 1911 practically all the land in the Shackleton District had been surveyed, and so great was the demand that there would be several applicants for each block. The usual plan was to allot the land to the man with a large family in preference to a bachelor; and when a bachelor of our acquantance put in for a certain block near us, he was passed over for a gentleman who claimed to have a family of 19.
An indignant lady, who could only claim a family of 2, remarked to our acquaintance that "it was a wonder South Australia let a man like that get away", but however, the family consisted of sons, sons' wives and families, single daughters and a single son; I am not sure that a full roll-call reached the 19 mark then. However, the next few months saw the arrivals of John Craigie; the Foale Family; Mr and Mrs. Howse and family, late of Canada; and Geo. Hoase - all South of the Lakes. Practically all the good heavy forest land was taken up by now, and gangs of clearers were at work chopping down and clearing on every block.
1911 was not a good year - the rains were late coming and then there was a dry spring to follow, and the harvest was discouraging; but the settlers were ready to try again and hope for better luck next time. The lack of water was now our main worry and unforunately the Government refused to assist us in any way. Mr. Bland, Mr. Craigie and C. Smith and Sons were compelled to cart water 16 and 17 miles from Jelbercutting Well, from which well the surrounding settlers were also dependent for most of their supplies. Looking back it seems extraordinary that a responsible Government should have displayed such a stupid and short-sighted policy. We were almost desperate, when fortunately an Election occurred and the Labor Party won the poll. In a very short time, bodies of men were dispersed all over the country sinking wells and clearing feeder roads. Agriculturual Bank Loan sums were raised considerably, and under the Scaddan Government the whole new area made considerable headway. Although the homes were of a primitive type, gardens were made around them, and a social life began for the settlers' wives and families. New babies were welcomed and made life happier and more interesting for both parents and neighbours. Tragedy, too , claimed its toll - the young wife of Mr. Tony Garbin of North Erikin was lost in the bush during her husband's absence in Kellerberrin; and when the Police and tracker from Kellerberrin at last found the poor lady some long miles from her home, she had died from shock and expossure some hours before.
It is a marvel really that there were not more of these tragedies considering the density of the bush, the sameness, and the lack of distinctive features. It was very easy to lose one's self as I know by experience; and I remember one bright autumn morning when our new rooster was proudly crowing on his own dunghill and so saved an unfortunate wanderer from a dreadful fate. While Co ckerico was still crowing vigorously there came tearing over the rise from the uncharted forest behind, a frantic man with a gaunt Kangaroo dog. He was "Lost! Lost! Lost!" and while plunging desperately through the bush, the crowing of the co ck burst on his ear, and as he siad "No sound in the world was ever so welcome!: Instead of going due north to Cookine from Graves' block he was travelling due East some 10 or 12 miles S. East from his goal - completely "Turned around". As there was no settlement for miles in the direction he was facing, his case would have been hopeless but for the crowing of our new Chanticleer.