SOUVENIR-CHARTERS TOWERS, 1872 TO JULY, 1950 Page 51

CATTLE INDUSTRY

IT is claimed that Charters Towers is the centre of the largest cattle district in the State; it would perhaps surprise many people however, to know that the first stock ever brought into the district was sheep and not cattle.

In 1885, the Allingham brothers, John and Christopher, came from the Armidale district with some thousands of
sheep and eventually settled on a ridge near the Fletcher River now known as Euriba where, under a primitive bush shed, they had their first shearing,

The Allinghams were allotted country which afterwards became Hilgrove.

Other notable pioneers of the cattle industry were the "Woodburns," Mr and Mrs, Joseph Woodburn. Mr. Woodburn was originally in partnership with a Mr, Deane as carriers as "Woodburn and Deane ;" these two men were the pioneers of the Burdekin Meatworks, Later on Mr. Woodburn acquired The Bluff and in 1910 placed his youngest son, Mr, George Woodburn, in control of the property and he is still managing The Bluff to-day.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Anning of Reedy Springs.

In 1875, 'Mr. Frank Anning brought his bride from Melbourne to Reedy Spring-s, travelling from Townsville by wagonette and camping on the way, The sons of this grand pioneer, Frank, Harry, Richard, John and William, have all played their part in building- up the cattle industry in the district around Charters Towers.

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Black, Pajingo.

In 1901. Mr,' Adam Black bought into Pajingo with Mr. W- J. Paull, then of Charters Towers, Pajingo is still run by Mr, Archie Black.

Other families of the cattle business who have played a part in the building up of this important industry were the late Mr. J. Bell and his wife, of Cardigan Station. Mr. and Mrs. W. Symes of Bletchington Park. Mr. Bill Symes controls Bletchington Park to-day. The Clark family of Mirtna and Mr, H. M, Clarke, Fanning River Station.

The Charters Towers cattle district comprises the area lying between the coastal and dividing ranges and between the Clark and Belyando Rivers. The total number of cattle would he in the vicinity of 400,000 and if averaged at £10 per head would give a total value of £4,000,000.

The main cattle are Shorthorn-Devon with a sprinkling of Herefords. Quite recently Zulu cattle have been introduced at Wandovale.

Under present conditions most of the cattle properties are fully or overstocked, but if more dams and water conservation schemes were put into use, the carrying capacity of the properties could be built up considerably. It would be safe to say that a 20 per cent increase in stock numbers could be brought about if many more dams were sunk and given two or three good rain seasons to replenish water supplies.

The Government are encouraging these water conservation schemes insofar as the cost of any such improvements to the property owners land are a direct deduction for Income Tax purposes. I am led to believe that private owners are taking- advantage of this allowance but not so much the companies who control certain lands.

It is felt that there should be more schools and junior farmer training colleges in the north and western areas. The establishment of these schools would perhaps encourage the younger men on the land to become more interested in working the land and raising stock.

The Department of Agriculture and Stock are desirous of assisting graziers and stock owners to every possible extent. They have the Animal Health Station at Oonoonba and quite a lot of people take advantage of this station. There is also a Hereford Stud at Nosnillor.