1910 to 1911 Tenindewa Notes

October 9th 1910

Sunday Times

Mr. Fry presents another example of what can be done by hard work and perseverance. With a capital of less than 100 pounds [$200.00], he selected 619 acres of land at Wollya, 55 miles east from Geraldton [82 kilometres] a little more than two years ago, and immediately proceeded to work to get the quickest possible return. His family consisted of five, himself and wife and three children and there was no time to be lost.
The country was typical of the wheat lands, consisting of light sandy loam, timbered with Salmon Gum, gimlet and jam, and ringbarking was engaged in a once, this being varied by the building of a two roomed iron house, and the preparation of a homestead garden.
Helped by the Agricultural Bank his position last season, 18 months after starting, was that he had all his land fenced with 6.5 miles [10 kilometer] of good wire fencing, 200 acres [80 hectares] cleared and cropped, and 210 acres [90 hectares] ringbarked. From the 200 acres he stripped 184 acres for an average of 20 bushels per acre [1.3 tonne per hectare] and cut the remaining 16 acres for a return of 20 tons of hay.
This season there are 300 acres under crop, all looking well and a further area has been ringbarked and cleared ready for the coming season.
He has bought all the machinery he requires, some of which is fully paid for, and the whole is well housed in substantial sheds.

June 16th 1911

Tenindewa Talk (From own own Correspondent)

Seeding operations are just completed, and a fall of rain would be very welcome as the season has been unusually dry up to the present. In fact we have only had two inches of rain (50 mm) in the last 9 months, and some settlers are compelled to cart water. The early sown crops are looking nice, although the season, slow in starting, favors a late sown crop. It is the experience of the writer, extending over 13* years, that the season slow in starting usually continues favorably, rains falling when most needed, namely in the months of September and October, although no sowing should be attempted after the 24th of May (the date mentioned by Mr. Norman Fry at the last Producers Conference) and particularly after heavy rain. Some three years ago this gentleman cropped 80 acres (32 hectares). The 20 sown in the dry state cut one ton per acre (2.5 tonne per hectare) the balance sown after heavy rain, cut only 6 hundredweight per acre…..a difference of 14 hundredweight.
[20 cwt (Hundredweight) to the ton]

[*Possibly meaning that, that (13 years) is the extent of local rainfall records. Mullewa’s records started about then (1898) and Leo Critch would only have been 21 when the above was written. Indeed Tenindewa’s entire wheat growing history would have extended back only about 6 years at best in 1911.
Indeed, taking that “Our Own Correspondent” is one and the same person right the way through these articles it is interesting to note that he eventually gives us a glimpse of who he is in the article of November 1st 1928 where he states “I am a pioneer farmer on [sic] this area, and have learned a little during the past 20 years, and I have much more to learn”]

Its a great pity what great disappointment and misery (see previous article, October 1910) may be indirectly caused by giving misleading and highly colored statements to persons who, they well know, will have them printed, about what can be done with little capital on the land. Of course it is a cheap advertisement for the person supplying the information. The pressman knows no better, and being anxious for news of that kind, is imposed upon. I read an account quoted by Mr. Catton Grasby in the “Western Mail” of what a settler did here at Tenindewa with 100 pounds ($200.00). Mr. Grasby either had his leg pulled or he was imposed upon, because the par was was absolutely incorrect in details and rottenly misleading in general. I consider, as an experienced battling settler, that such persons should be dealt with by the law. Common manly principals do not always prevail. Success is often due to unusually good luck, and the efforts of genuine settlers are frequently belittled by comparisons.

July 3rd 1911

Tenindewa Notes (From Our Own Correspondent)

Since last writing, we have had 50 points of rain (12.5 mm) which of course was very welcome as many crops were feeling the effects of the dry weather, while others never looked better at this time of the year, notably those of Messes Dunkin, Valentine and Critch Brothers., whose crop is about 18 inches (46 cms) high. Messes Tullock and Oldham, some new settlers have a nice field of 150 acres (60 hectares) under wheat. These settlers had the good fortune to strike fresh water on their holding at 17 feet (5 meters). It was located by the mysterious divining rod. It would be a great boon to settlers if more proved water existed, as this difficulty has been a great drawback to the district.
The local Progress Association is doing good work. Through their efforts Tenindewa is to have a telephone, a special grant for roads has been obtained, and a townsite is to be surveyed as soon as soon as a site is decided upon. This body has been asked to choose from three suggested by the Lands Department. One is a quagmire the other is a sand-drift and the third is proposal to resume a splendid piece of land for this purpose. The owner, I believe in a public spirit is not opposed to the resumption, and the taking of the fencing, and a bit of clearing, and a small iron house, at the owners valuation. The Government would not be asked for more than 30 pounds ($60.00), an amount two town blocks would realize, because Tenindewa will be a distributing centre of some importance with 120.000 acres (30,000 hectares) of good agricultural land, and being the junction of 5 main roads.
It is sincerely to be hoped that Mr. H J Stafford, a local settler, will decide to stand as a candidate in the interests of the people’s party at the coming elections. The average farmer is a worker, and should vote with the Labour Party every time. And should the Labour Party be asked to form Ministry after the elections, Mr. Stafford’s 38 years railway experience would go a long way in making him a first class Minister for Railways. Reforms are badly needed in this department. For instance, hundreds of “cord’ of firewood lay around this center, while at least one hundred empties [rail trucks] pass weekly to Geraldton, which is a town threatened with a firewood famine. Its not the freight that prevents settlers from selling wood at a profit, but silly, unreasonable loading regulations to the disadvantage of all concerned.
In my last notes I referred to a “par” in the Western Mail merely to illustrate a point of public concern, because I honestly think the bright side of the settlers lot is too often held up as an example, while the ordinary state of affairs is hardly mentioned. I stated facts which still remain [facts] and I defy Mr. Fry to substantiate his insinuations that they were made use of for any other than a good purpose. There was no occasion for him to trot out a lot of meaningless second hand rubbish [see following article June 23rd 1911] in his efforts to live up to his reputation at my expense. Even if the par I referred to was true it was still misleading. This season he got his clearing done at 12 shilling and sixpence per acre ($3.00 per hectare) Now anybody in a position to judge knows clearing to be worth 30 shillings per acre ($7.50 per hectare) in Tenindewa. The Agricultural Bank allows one pound per acre as a rule ($5.00 per hectare), but one settler was only allowed 13 shillings and 4 pence per acre ($3.50 per hectare). It is impossible to get work done at trustees valuation without sweating labour, and that accounts for so many contactors failing. I know there are instances of farmers doing remarkably well with little capital, but they had good plant and of course can get unlimited credit. It was possible a year or two ago, on account of a glut in the labour market to sweat the workers and show a fair profit on an Agricultural Bank loan, but it is not a desirable basis of success. Mr. Fry does not miss the opportunity to boast that he has been richly endowed by nature. Intellect is a gift, and he should not dispose others who have been less fortunate in this direction, but [they] perhaps have some good points he himself does not possess. He should also remember that the year he did so well [was] the year rainfall was 9 inches above average (250mm) and average is about twelve and a half inches (350 mm). Now had it been 9 inches below [average] it would have taken a lot of energy, intellect and foresight to balance the difference. While the former two are gifts, more or less, the last, I think is acquired and it is this is the very one that Mr. Fry fails in because only last year he shipped wheat to Europe and it netted 2 shillings and 10 pence per bushel ($3.60 per tonne) while local buyers were offering 1 shilling per bushel. So he cannot claim credit for special ability in this direction.

[The correspondent (Leo?) refers to the price at which Mr. Fry got his clearing done. There is every chance the correspondent himself was that very person who was contracted at seemingly cheap rates to that work for Mr. Fry]

June 23rd 1911

Tenindewa Talk (To the Editor)
A Remonstrance

Sir, During the last few weeks several editions of scurrilous and vindictive diatribe, have appeared in the columns of the “Express” under the heading of the “Tenindewa Talk”. Sometimes by “Our Own Correspondent” and at other times under a nom-de-plume; which ostensibly represent one and the same person. I would suggest that in future your correspondent subscribe himself as “the Skunk” as it seems impossible for him to detail the items of interest without pouring out a volume of his slimly spleen over one or other of his neighbors, one who has great progress at his calling, than he himself has. He evidently imagines that the high road to success and fame lies in back-biting his neighbors and endeavoring to injure them in the eyes of the public through them, ie the medium of your columns. No doubt it is gratifying to the author to see his drivel come out in print, and at the same time it does no harm, as anyone who knows the parties concerned can readily detect the germ of envy lurking between every line of his invective harangue. In your issue of June the 16th he refers to some information that was published in the “Western Mail” by Mr. Catton Grasbey, of what a settler did here at Tenindewa with a 100 pounds ($200.00) Agricultural advance, and he describes the information as being “absolutely incorrect in detail and rottenly misleading in general”. Well Mr. Editor, I supplied that information to Mr. Grasbey and, I am the settler referred to, and further I vouch for the accuracy of that information. I challenge your correspondent to reveal his identity or to show any details of that statement that was incorrect or misleading. If he will, for an instant, remove those blinkers of jealousy and hate from his stilled senses, he will readily see that after all, I did nothing wonderful, but merely exercised a little foresight, energy and intellect--three faculties your correspondent has never been endowed—Yours etc.
Norman Fry “Kaburnie”

June 29th 1911

Tenindewa Talk (From our own Correspondent)

The usual monthly meeting of the Tenindewa Progress Association was held on Sunday week at Wollya Wells;
Present: Messes H. J. Stafford (in the chair) Oldham, Critch, Dunkin, Valentine, Stafford (2) and the secretary.

Mr. Oldham proposed and Mr. Critch seconded, that Mr. Norman Fry become a member. Carried
Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed.
Outward correspondence read, which included a letter from The Member advising [a] successful result of application for road grant.
From Postal Department re. Telephone and from District Surveyor re. townsite.
The meeting was informed, in an off-handed manner, that the Geraldton Road Board wished information, concerning the 100 pound ($200.00) special grant.
Mr. Stokes proposed and Mr. Fry seconded that the Geraldton Road Board be asked to supervise the outlay immediately.
Mr. Stokes moved that the money be expended upon certain works for which it was not asked. No seconder.
Mr. Fry moved as an amendment that the 100 pounds ($200.00) be spent on the salt bush flat between his house and the Government Well. Seconded Mr. Valentine and carried.
The Secretary, at this stage explained for Mr. Fry’s information, as he had not been a member of the Association before that day, that the money was asked for a particular purpose and granted, and should be spent accordingly. The money was applied for to open a road leading to twenty thousand acres (8,094 hectares) of surveyed land, and as it passed a fenced property the Act compelled the fencing of the road, and if the money was spent on any other work without the sanction of Minister for Works there would be trouble and it would not be in the “Transvaal”. However, the amendment succeeded and the meeting formed into an Inspection Committee to inspect the water track and report. Messes Critch, Stokes and J Stafford withdrew as a protest.
A townsite was next dealt with. A Sand-drift of Crown lands two miles from the siding was considered out of the question
Mr. Stokes moved that the Government be asked to resume North-East corner of Lot two for a site. No Seconder
He then moved an amendment that the townsite be surveyed on Reserve 145 as close as possible to the siding. Seconded by Mr. C Stafford and carried.
The Secretary was instructed to write to the member re. the level crossing for Messes Oldham and Tullock; to Postal Department re. the early erection of telephone apparatus; and to the Lands and Railway Departments re. letters unanswered.
The meeting was then declared closed.
A muster of the Tenindewa Dreadnoughts Football team was held on Sunday last, when a scratch match with nine men a side was played. Captain Gee’s team beat captain Buck’s team by eleven goals to five. Among the spectators was fair sprinkling of young ladies which no doubt accounts for the absence of bad language.
I fail to see why a friendly game of football on a Sunday in a centre where there is no place of worship should be looked upon as a sin. I think if no greater sin was committed there would be a fair assemblage in the happy hunting grounds later on.
Something like an inch of rain fell here this week and, there is every appearance of more approaching. The farmers smile for the time-being will stand the acid test, as a good season will give them what they are entitled too.
Almost everyone was touched by the sad news that Mr. Harold Woodley was accidently killed in a boxing tournament last week. Harold was well known and he was also well liked by everyone who came in contact with him during the two years he worked here. People who patronize prize fights and tournaments are to blame as much as the promoters as it is a class of sport that should be condemned. There does not seem much sportsmanship in going to see two trained men knocking one another about, when there is no reason why they shouldn’t be the best of friends, Its against common sense and, if its not against the law, it is not so bad in the case of two settlers, for instance, who have a real grievance and have heart enough to meet each other and settle things by rough and tumble, and after the bout (and as a rule they never hurt each other) they get along on the best of terms. A fight of this kind has a logical commencement and often a logical result.
Mr. Sid Hosken seems to be a new brand of politician, and should be given a trial. It is time a sample of his class was on the market. In my opinion it is desirable that there should be a third party. As things are now its quite evident some of the members, or or even all of them are mere voting machines and support or oppose a measure according to the dictates of their leaders.
Farmers will very soon be asked to pay their laborer’s a higher rate of wages, and be compelled to work regulated hours. Farmers should welcome these changes, because a better stamp of men will follow the farm work, and it will not be so difficult to obtain suitable men as has been the case hitherto.
1911 rainfall Tenindewa (Fry’s House) Kaburnie
Jan..7.6 Feb..0.0 Mar..0.0 April..23 May..16.8 June..38.1 July..45.3 Aug..16.3 Sept..6.9 Oct..5 Nov..0.0 Dec..0.0
Total 138.3mm or 533 points [133mm]

3rd July 1911

Tenindewa Talk (From our own Correspondent)

Since last writing, we have had 30 points [7.5mm] of rain, which of course, was very welcome, as some crops were showing the effects of the dry weather, whilst others never looked better, at this time of year, notably those of Messrs. Dunkin and Valentine, and Critch Bros., who’s crops are about 18 inch’s high [30 cm] Messrs. Tulloch and Oldham, some new settlers have a nice field of 150 acres under wheat. Those settlers had the good fortune to strike good water on their holding at 17 feet. [5.5 metres] It was located by the mysterious diving rod. It would be a great boon for settlers if more proved water existed, as this difficulty has been a great drawback to the district.
The local Progress Association is doing good work. Through their efforts, Tenindewa is to have a telephone, a special grant for roads has been obtained, and a townsite is to be surveyed as soon as a is decided upon. This body has been asked to choose a site from three suggested by the Lands Department. One is a quagmire and the other a sand-drift, and the third, a proposal to resume a splendid piece of land for the purpose. The owner, I believe, in a public spirit is not opposed to the resumption, and the taking of the fencing, and a bit of clearing, and a small iron house, at the owners valuation. The Government would not be asked for more that 30 pounds [$60.00], an amount two town blocks would realize, because Tenindewa will be the distribution centre of some importance with 120,000 acres [50,000 hectares] of good agricultural land, and being the junction of five main roads.
It is sincerely to be hoped that Mr. H. J. Stafford, a local settler, will decide to stand as a candidate in the interests of the peoples party at the coming elections. The average farmer is a worker and should vote with the Labor Party every time. And should the Labor Party be asked to form a Ministry after the elections, Mr. Stafford’s 38 years railway experience would go a long way in making him a first class Minister for Railways. Reforms are badly needed in this department. For instance, up to a hundred cords of firewood go to waste at this centre, while at least one hundred empty wagons weekly pass to Geraldton, a town which is threatened with a firewood famine. Not the freight prevents settlers from selling the wood at a profit, but silly, unreasonable loading restrictions to the disadvantage of all
concerned.
In my last notes I referred to a par in the “Western Mail” merely to illustrate a point of public concern, because I honestly think the bright side of the settlers lot is too often held up as an example, while the ordinary state of affairs is but rarely mentioned. I stated facts which still remain, and I defy Mr. Fry to substantiate his insinuations that they were made use of for any but a good purpose. There was no reason for him to trot out a lot of meaningless, secondhand rubbish in his efforts to live up to his reputation at my expense. Even if the par I referred to was true, it was still misleading. This season he got his clearing done at 12 shillings and sixpence an acre [$3.10 a hectare]. Now anyone in a position to judge knows clearing to be worth 30 shillings and acre [$7.50 per hectare] in Tenindewa. The Agricultural Bank allows one pound an acre as a rule [$5.00 per hectare], but one settler was allowed [to budget] 13 shillings and 4 pence. It is impossible to get work done at the trustees valuation without sweating labour, and that accounts for so many contactors failing. I know there are instances of farmers doing remarkably well with little capital, but they had good plant, and of course can get unlimited credit. It was possible, a year or two ago, on account of the glut in the labour market to sweat the workers, and show and show a fair profit on an Agricultural Bank loan, but it is not a desirable basis of success. Mr. Fry does not miss the opportunity to boast that he has been richly endowed by nature. Intellect is a gift, and he should not despise others who have been less fortunate in this direction, but [they] perhaps have some good points [that] he himself does not posses. He should also remember that the year he did so well the rainfall was 9 inch’s above average [225 mm], which [the average] is about 12 &1/2 inches [315mm]. Now had it been 9 inch’s below, it would have taken a lot of energy, intellect and foresight to balance the difference. Whilst the former two are gifts, more or less the last, I think is acquired, and this is the very one Mr. Fry fails in, because only last year he shipped wheat to Europe, and it netted 2 shillings and 10 pence per bushel, while local buyers were offering one shilling. So he cannot claim credit for special ability in this direction.

17th July 1911

******Tenindewa Talk (From our own Correspondent)******
******Note the variation*******and note the article that follows this one?

The usual monthly meeting of the Tenindewa Progress Association was held on Sunday week at Wollya Wells :
Present: Messrs. H. J. Stafford (in the chair), Oldham, Critch, Dunkin, Valentine, Stafford (2) and the secretary.
Mr. Oldham proposed, and Mr. Critch seconded, that Mr. Norman Fry become a member. Carried
Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed.
Outward correspondence read, which included a letter from the Member advising successful result of application of road grant.
From Postal Department re. Telephone
From District Surveyor re. Townsite.
The meeting was informed in an off-hand manner, that the Geraldton Roads Board wished information concerning the 100 pound special grant.
Mr. Stokes moved and Mr. Fry seconded that the Geraldton Roads Board be asked to supervise the outlay immediately. Carried.
Mr. Stokes moved that the money be expended upon certain works for which it was asked. No seconder.
Mr. Fry moved an amendment that the 100 pound be spent on the saltbush flat between his house and the Government Well. Seconded by Mr. Valentine and carried.
The Secretary, at this stage explained for Mr. Fry’s information, as he had not been a member of the association before that day, that the money was asked for a particular purpose and granted and should be spent accordingly. The money was applied for to open a road leading to twenty thousand acres of surveyed land, and as it passed through fenced property the Act compelled the fencing of the road, and if the money was spent on any other work without the sanction of the Minister for Works there would be trouble and it wouldn’t be in the Transvaal.
However, the amendment succeeded, and the meeting formed an Inspection Committee to inspect the water track and report. Messrs. Critch, Stokes and T Stafford withdrew as a protest.
The Townsite was next dealt with. A sand-drift of Crown lands, two miles from the siding was considered out of the question. [for a townsite]
Mr. Stokes moved that the Government be asked to resume North-East corner of lot 2 for a townsite. No seconder. He then moved an amendment that the Townsite be surveyed on Reserve 113 as close to the siding as possible. Seconded Mr. Stafford and carried.
The Secretary was instructed to write to the member re. the level crossing for Messrs. Oldham and Tullock: to Postal Department re. early erection of telephone apparatus: and to the Lands and Railway Departments re. letters unanswered.
The meeting was then declared closed .
A muster of the Tenindewa Dreadnought Football team was held on Sunday last, when a scratch match with nine men a side was played. Mr. Gee’s team beat Captain Buck’s team by eleven goals to five.
Among the spectators was a fair sprinkling of young ladies, which no doubt accounts for the absence of bad language.
I fail to see why a friendly game of football on Sunday, in a centre where there is no place of worship should be looked upon a sin. I think if no greater sin was committed there would be a fair assemblage in the happy hunting grounds later on.
Something like an inch of rain [25 mm] fell here this week, and there is every appearance of more approaching. The farmers smile for the time being will stand for the acid test, as [a] good season will give them what they are entitled too. [sic]
Almost everyone was touched by the sad news that Mr. Harold Woody was accidently killed in the boxing tournament last week. Harold was well known and he was well liked by everyone who came in contact with him during the two years he worked here. People who patronize prize fights and tournaments are to blame as much as the promoters, and it is a class of sport which should be condemned. There does not seem much sportsmanship in going to see two trained men knocking on another about, when there is no reason why they shouldn’t be the best of friends. its against common sense and, if its not against the law, it is not so bad in the case of two settlers, for instance, who have a real grievance and have heart enough to meet each other and settle things by a good rough and tumble, and after the bout (and as a rule they never hurt each other) they get along on the best of terms. A fight of this kind has a logical commencement and very often a logical result.
Mr. Cid Hoskin seems to be a brand of politician and should be given a trial, It is time a sample of his class was on the market. In my opinion it is desirable that there should be a third party. as things are now its quite evident some of the members, or even all of them are mere voting machines and support or oppose something according to the dictates of their leaders.
Farmers will be asked to pay their laborers a higher rate of wages, and be compelled to work regulated hours. Farmers should welcome these changes, because a stamp of men will follow farm work, and it will not be so difficult to obtain suitable men as been the case hitherto.

August 16th 1911

Tenindewa Talk (From our own Correspondent)

The following is a copy of the minutes of the Tenindewa Progress Association monthly meeting, supplied and signed by the secretary of that body, held on Sunday evening , the 5th instant.
Present–Mr. H. J. Stafford (chairman), Messrs. Critch, Meadowcroft, Dunkin, Valentine, Stafford, Fry, Oldham, Tulloch. Hackett, Eves and the secretary.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Inward and outward correspondence was read.
After discussion it was decided to erect a 8ft X 10ft (2.5 meters by 3 meters) iron room for a telephone office, and 9 pounds ($18.00) was collected at the meeting to cover the costs.
Moved by Mr. Dunkin and seconded by Mr. Oldham that the Postal Department be informed.
Carried
Moved Mr. Fry and seconded Mr. Oldham that the Railway Department be written to asking them to run a return passenger train from Mullewa to Geraldton on Saturdays.
Carried.
The Secretary was instructed to the Mullewa Progress Association asking for their cooperation on the matter.
Moved by Mr. Stokes and seconded by Mr. J Stafford that the lands Department be asked to set aside 40 acres (17 hectares) on reserve 945 as a recreation reserve. Carried.
Moved by Mr. Fry that the following resolution be forwarded to the Minister for Works:– That this Association views with no small amount of anxiety and concern the delay that is taking place with regard to the formation of the Mullewa Road Board and respectfully suggests that you [the Minister] will use your personal efforts towards having the Board put in working order without further delay.
Carried
Moved Mr. Valentine and seconded by Mr. Oldham that a copy of the minutes be forwarded to the local paper for publication. [see article preceding] Carried.
There is a movement at foot to start a rifle club, as there are a large number of “shooters” here, who are at present members of the Eradu Club, and consequently have to go over 20 miles (32 kilometers) to practice.
The “Tenindewa Dreadnoughts,” the local footballers are training somewhat, in anticipation of the forthcoming match with the Geraldton Shop Assistance on the 23rd instant.
Quite a stir was caused amongst “Jimmy Grants” * working hereabouts by a letter appearing in your columns on Friday last, signed “Ex-Victorian” casting a reflection on immigrants, English in particular. Some of the immigrants I have spoken to expressed themselves in language quite unfit for publication, and if Mr. “Ex-Victorian” ever makes his appearance in this locality I would advise him to conceal his identity. (* note the rhyming slang)
Wild Turkeys are very plentiful and are unusually quiet. Being protected during the mating season. In fact it is quite a common sight to see wild turkeys and settler’s [turkeys] feeding together.
A kangaroo drive, as suggested by a settler, has not yet materialized bit I think if the mover was again to bring the proposal to the surface , something would eventuate, seeing such a great interest is taken in rifle shooting here, and what would be a better pastime [be displayed] in the shape of guerilla warfare, than say a party of the Tenindewa Royal Standback Rifles, with H.J. Stafford in command, surrounding and ambushing a mob of grey kangaroos out on our back sandplain some fine Sunday afternoon.

August 19th 1911

Tenindewa notes (From our own Correspondent)

Rain, rain every day, water lying everywhere, and the crops looking splendid. It is a real feast for the eyes to see the nice green fields of wheat. Some crops are just coming into ear and the hay crop is assured. A real good wheat and hay crop would be the best thing to ease the money market. With a bumper harvest there would be plenty of work in the agricultural areas for the immigrants. Work has been almost at a standstill during the last year or so.
The Railway Department are hard at work here making way for the coming wheat harvest. They are lengthening the siding, also the ramp and generally making things better. One of the important matters they are overlooking, and that is the provision for loading and unloading sheep. A number of settlers have sheep and no doubt before long they will all have them. The only convenience for loading sheep at present is an old broken down sheep race. A cheap yard could be easily made and a great boon. It is hoped the Railway Department will please note this and the writer contends that the Geraldton Chamber of Commerce should pay some attention to such matters at sidings and at places outside of Geraldton because it is the out-country that will make Geraldton.
A new State School is wanted here badly. The present one is rather rough and in a very flat position hence very wet. In a rising district like this the Education Department could not go far wrong by erecting a small school. I understand a site has been selected in the reserve in the townsite

September 13th 1911

Tenindewa Notes (From our own Correspondent)

The “flu” has been raging around here for the last week, and its severity may be guessed where I state that it prevented the local Dreadnoughts from journeying to Mullewa last Sunday to take part in the local football scramble [carnival]
Mr. L I Nanson addressed a meeting of electors last Friday. The gathering was not as large as might have been, but the inconvenience of the hour no doubt accounted for such a small attendance. Mr. Nanson endeavored to show in the course of his speech that his opponent was not qualified because he was not a figure-head of one party or another but, that fact especially, qualifies Mr. Hoskin to represent a community of farmers. Should he be returned he will be elected on his merits and elected by the people, to serve the people, not the Liberal or Labour Parties whose political champions are more or less mere voting machines, and allow their opinions to be twisted and turned in any direction as long as the 1300 pounds ($2600.00) is in sight. It is about time farmers woke up and sent a farmer to represent them and their interests in Parliament, and I think Hoskin should get the thanks of every elector in the Greenough Electorate.
Unfortunately the season has not been up to expectations, and as its getting late, there is little hope of betterment. Crops however are looking well, and every farmer will get a fair return. Some of the crops are over the most dangerous stage, and no amount of hot weather will harm while others —-well six inches (150mm) of rain would do no harm. Farmers will have to fallow, and the Agriculture Department should encourage this method of agriculture by making an advance of say, 10 shillings per acre ($2.50 per hectare) to every farmer with less than 300 acres (120 hectares) of cleared land who fallow 150 [acres] or over.
The said advance could be repaid over eighteen months and every eighteen months with 5% added. The 60,000 pounds $120,000.00 the Government intends to spend on Parliament House would do for a portion of the capital required.
We have had only 5 inch’s (125 mm) of rain for the year. Settlers are carting water. The Government tank is just about dry, and the Minister for Lands has the opportunity of his life now to really do something for the ground down settlers who help to swell that rent roll of the department of which he is the head serang. Mr. Mitchell’s management has been more or less a success during the past period of good seasons and good prices. Now that we are up against a dry season he will be given a fair trial, and it is to be hoped that he will, not be found, wanting.
I have noticed several letters and remarks re. the proposed “Bachelor Tax.” The object of such a tax I gather, is to induce or compel men to marry, but if such a proposal became law, it would penalize the wrong party, I say tax the girls of marriageable age, of course exemptions for special cases. Young men “off the shelf” could act as tax collectors and the result can be guessed. Girls are mostly to blame, because they are in the minority and have a wiser choice. This accounts for the high estimation in which they hold themselves. Sensible young men don’t marry until they strike a margin in some girl worth marrying. Bargains being scarce, this accounts for so many young men remaining single. One writer, signing himself “Bachelor” mentioned how many jilted lovers drown their sorrows by drinking, but he must have mistaken the circumstances for in reality he must have been celebrating the good fortune of being refused, and therefore making jolly, on account of missing his doom by such a narrow shave.
The local Roads Board will soon be in working order. The election of the first members takes place on the 23rd. Settlers should try and return members in sympathy with the ward system, and in touch with the agricultural portion of the roads Board districts. Squatters [Station folk] should be strictly barred from having any say whatsoever, and to prevent this farmers ought not to vote for them if they have another choice.