Agriculture

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Agricultural related secondary industry was part of the early development of Katanning with the construction of the Premier Roller Flour Mills by Frederick and Charles Piesse in the 1890’s. However, agriculture was what bought settlers to the region and it is still the mainstay of our community today.

The earliest sign of European industry however was the sandalwood cutters of the mid 1800s who would cut the precious wood and cart it by pack-horse to Albany for shipment overseas.

Sandalwood Cutters

They were followed by English born Elijah Quartermaine who would drive sheep from York and Beverley to an area now known as Yowangup and then return them in time for shearing. After about twenty years Quartermaine permanently settled and was the first to secure land (1852).

Yowangup Homestead was constructed by Elijah c.1860-62, with assistance of builder John Cronin, as his primary residence and, with the exception of 1906 to 1914, has been owned and mostly occupied by his direct descendants from the 1860s to around 2017. It was built on land purchased in 1855 and used for seasonal grazing of sheep from at least 1852 and probably the 1840s.

Early wheat harvesting

Further settlers followed and, with the construction of the Great Southern Railway and the flour mill, Katanning flourished and was gazetted as a town in 1889.

Many agriculturally related secondary industries have come and gone over the years although the only one that has stood the test of time has been the flour mill although it closed production permanently in 1978.

Katanning Railway Yard c1898

Building the railway

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Early farming days in Katanning

Agriculture Farming has played a vital role in the history of Katanning and its subsequent development. Our indigenous population “farmed” the land by living off native flora and fauna and left only footprints.

Farming practices, as we know them today, however started with the arrival of our British and European settlers into the region. After twenty years of droving sheep from York to Katanning and back, Elijah Quartermaine finally brought his family here making them the first family to settle in the district. They were quickly followed by several more families including the Cronin’s, Haddleton’s, Beecks, and others.

However, it wasn’t until the arrival of the Great Southern Railway that the area began to boom. Frederick Piesse and his brother Charles had sold their business in Williams and set up a mobile provisions store to follow the railway workers as they constructed the railway south from Beverley. A similar rail construction project was working its way northward from Albany with the two sections meeting five kilometres north of what is now Katanning. This joining of the two sections meant that the railway workers packed up and moved on to the next job.

Frederick and Charles realised there were already farmers settled in the area so they set up their mobile provisions store permanently here. With a regular supply of grain, the brothers decided to expand their business by building the state’s first roller flour mill. With the construction of the mill settlers looking for land to farm saw a regular buyer for their grain so more and more people began to take up land in the region.

It was a hard, tough life for the settlers and their families. They had to be able to provide their own water, produce most of their own food and most of the land was cleared by back breaking hard work.

Katanning continues to thrive on its agricultural background and remains one of the important towns of the rural Great Southern region of Western Australia.

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AGRICULTURAL NEWS 1895

KATANNING NEWS
AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK

West Australian
30 July 1895 – P6

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)

During the whole of the current month the weather has been of a character most favourable to cereal growth. The surface of the whole country, thoroughly saturated by the heavy rainfall in June, has been continually refreshed by welcome showers at intervals during July, and this long looked for climatic change has revived pleasant recollections in the minds of the earlier settlers, whose tales of overflowing pools and running creeks of years ago have hitherto been listened to with the bland smile of polite incredulity.

The satisfaction which beams from the faces of these older residents at the confirmation of their oft-questioned reminiscences is only equalled by the glow of anticipation which illuminates the faces of the new comers at the prospect of a good season at last. Early sowing has, as a rule, even in the face of bad seasons, proved most remunerative, and this year a large proportion of the farmers have followed this plan. Mr. F. H. Piesse has, perhaps, the largest acreage under cultivation some 250 acres of wheat. Mr. E. L. Holly will have about 200 acres, and Mr. R. S. Taylor about the same acreage. Mr. Eli Quartermaine has 140 acres under crop and Mr. P. Cuneen about 70 acres. Mr. Severin has 160 acres in, mostly wheat and the balance barley.

Mr. F. T. F. Crosby has gone in for Tartarian oats, of which he has sown 80 acres, devoting 60 acres to wheat. On the whole the acreage under cultivation is steadily and surely  increasing. Mr. M. Beeck has 70 acres under crop, Mr. W. Beeck 30 acres, Mr. A. Prosser 75 acres, Mr. C. Beeck 30 acres, Mr. G. A. Beeck 90 acres, and Mr. E. Wilhelm 45 acres.

All these areas are under wheat and represent a greatly increased acreage from last season. Mr. W. C. A. Quartermaine has about 150 acres of wheat in and around the picturesque old homestead at Youangup. And in all directions smiling fields of sprouting corn give indications of a prosperous future for the district in vivid contrast to the years recently passed, a continuation of which would have engendered an incurable spinal complaint into the ” backbone of the country,” as the farmer is anatomically styled.

The rainfall up to the present has exceeded 15 inches, and at this writing the rain is on the roof while the dull leaden canopy of sky gives every promise of a continuance of showery weather for the next 24 hours. Cold winds and occasional frosts have prevailed during the month and on the whole July has borne a greater resemblance to winter than any month for three past at the least.

ROADS BOARD BUSINESS.

1896 Katanning Road Board Members:
Front: Michael Cronin, Tom Haddleton, F.T. Fisher-Crosby (chairman), R.S. Taylor, Tom Garstone.
Back: Elijah Bell, L.D. Hart (pressman), T.H. Stansbury (secretary), Pat Cuneen.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Board was held on July 29th. The result of the extraordinary election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dr. F. M. House, was read. This resulted in the election of Mr. T. Haddleton, who, with Mr. T. Garstone, polled 49 votes and obtained his seat by the casting vote of the returning officer, Mr. W. Andrews.

The secretary reported that the balance credit of the Board was £35 with the National Bank and £223 with the Treasury. Tenders were then accepted for the following works; Clearing about 66 chains, 24ft. wide, on McKail Road, Higgins and Day, 2s. 6d. per chain; clearing about 66 chains, 24ft. wide, on Wellstead Road, J. J. O’Mahoney, 3s. per chain. The following accounts were then passed for payment: W. J. Forster & Co. £2.21., Mr Lebad £4 .0s., Newton and Baker £31 5s., Secretary £3 2s. 6d.

FARMER’S ASSOCIATION.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this society was held on July 20. Correspondence was read from the Bureau of Agriculture asking the association to forward a list of members who would be willing to act as judges at agricultural shows, and stating if they would be willing to judge on the point system. In accordance with this request the following judges were appointed: Dogs and poultry, Mr. T. H. Stanbury; horses, Mr. W. K. Adam; sheep, Mr. W. Andrews; grain and machinery, Mr. R. S. Taylor; cattle, Mr. W. Pemble.

From the Agricultural Bureau asking for an expression of opinion as to the adoption of the two bushel bag for grain instead of the four bushel bag at present in use. A lengthy discussion ensued on this question, great diversity of opinion being expressed. Finally a ballot was taken, with the result that the association advocated adherence to the four bushel bag by ten votes to eight.

A letter from Mr. F. H. Piesse to Mr. W. K. Adam was read by the secretary in Mr. Adam’s absence. This contained a request that the recipient would read Mr. Piesse’s speech on the Tariff Bill (enclosed) at the meeting of the association. It was decided that the speech should be read at the close of the ordinary business.

The question of railway freights and charges on produce was brought forward, and it was finally resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Pemble and Cronin, that the secretary be instructed to write to the general manager of the Western Australian Land Company, asking him to appoint a day on which to meet a deputation at Katanning, assembled for the purpose of arranging if possible for a reasonable reduction in the freight on locally grown produce, also that a committee be appointed to draw up a list of such articles of produce, and that the Wagin Arthur Farmers’ Alliance be advised of the matter as having expressed willingness to actively co-operate. This was carried unanimously. It was also resolved that a special general meeting be called at a suitable date, and that the W.A. Farmer’s Alliance be made acquainted with Mr. J. A. Wright’s reply.

Mr. F. H. Piesse’s speech on the second reading of the Tariff Bill was read and at its conclusion a vote of appreciation to Mr. Piesse for his efforts on behalf of the farmers was passed.

A short discussion took place on the best means of destroying vermin pests, and it was decided to ask the Government to supply the farmers with pure poison free of duty, the farmers only to pay actual cost of same. The seeds forwarded by the Bureau of Agriculture for experimental purposes were distributed and the meeting closed.

A meeting of the Branch Bureau of the association was held on July 27th. The chairman stated that since October 11 of last year the business of the Branch Bureau seemed to have been transacted at the ordinary meetings of the Farmers’ Association, but in future it was intended to alter this for the better furtherance of the interests of the association. Correspondence was read from the Central Bureau in reply to a question asking what were the duties of branch bureaus, and forwarding a copy of the Journal containing the required information.

From the same, calling attention to a resolution passed at the Producers’ Conference with reference to the co-operation of associations in the appointment of an agent for the purchase of artificial manures in quantity. After discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Crosby and Pemble, that the secretary be instructed to write to the Wagin Arthur Farmers’ Alliance Society, asking if they would co-operate for this purpose, and suggesting Messrs. F. and C. Piesse as suitable agents.

The secretary mentioned that he had also received a letter from the Central Bureau requesting that all those to whom seeds had been distributed should report as to selection of soil for each kind, growth of seed, etc., etc. It was resolved that members be notified of this at the next ordinary meeting.

A short discussion ensued regarding tree planting, and the secretary was instructed to write to the Central Bureau asking whether, in planting a tree, the sub-soil should be restored to its original position and placed round the roots of the trees, or whether the surface soil should occupy this position. The stinkwort pest was considered, and the secretary was instructed to apply to the Roads Board asking the cost of eradicating this weed within the Roads Board district, and to communicate the reply to the Central Bureau.

Mr. Crosby brought up the question as to the possibility of the associations at Broomehill, Wagin and Katanning combining for the purpose of holding agricultural shows once every three years at each place. It was resolved to lay the matter before the next meeting of the Association, and on its approval to communicate the result to the other societies named. The subject of ornamental trees was discussed, and it was resolved that the Central Bureau be asked if they would import young trees or seeds for distribution among the branch Bureaus either free of cost or at a nominal figure.

A resolution passed at the last meeting of the Bureau was brought up by Mr. Hoglin, who asked what was to be done with regard to the prizes promised to the children for the best entomological and floral collections. After a short debate it was resolved on the motion of Messrs. Cronin and Beeck that the original proposal be carried out and that two prizes of the value of 10s.6d. each be given for competition among the children of the district for the best collection of insects and flowers.

The chairman announced that it would be necessary to elect a member of the Bureau in place of Dr. House, resigned, and this should be done at the next monthly meeting. This concluded the business and the meeting rose.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE.

On the 3rd July Bishop Riley administered the rite of confirmation to sixteen candidates in the Mechanic’s Hall, in which building the services of the Church of England are held and will continue to be held until the new church has been built in Aberdeen Street. Prior to the ceremony Bishop Riley gave an explanatory address on the origin of and necessity for confirmation, and after the ceremony he again addressed the congregation, which was an exceptionally large one. The Bishop was assisted in the ceremony by the Rev. F. A. C. Robinson, the incumbent of the district, who examined and presented the candidates. In the evening the Bishop preached to a large and appreciative congregation, and on Thursday the 4th inst conducted a confirmation service at Wagin.

Although the time was short and the opportunities few for seeing the district, the Bishop expressed himself as most favourably impressed and promised to pay a more lengthy visit to this part of the diocese at no very distant date.

GENERAL ITEMS.

The work at the local cemetery is progressing rapidly, almost all the residents having contributed their share of labour towards the clearing, and before the end of the current year the cemetery will, in all probability, present an appearance which will reflect credit on the people of the district.

Another important institution rapidly approaching completion is the hospital, of which the first brick was laid considerably over two years ago. All that now remains to be done is to finish the mortuary, which will be out of the hands of the contractor during the coming week. The building proper has been finished for some time, and last week the first death occurred within its walls, the deceased being an old man named Clifton, who died from a complication of diseases.

The forming of Austral Terrace and Argent Street has been started by the contractor, E. R. Ball, but the continuous rain has effectively prevented any attempt at gravelling, the roads being far too heavy to allow of any carting being done, and judging by the result of the last slight fall of rain, some difficulty will be experienced in draining the water from the western water table.
Katanning, July 27.

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FARMING 1905

By 1905, the town of Katanning was well established and the Piesse roller flour mill was operating to capacity. Traders, manufacturers, retailers and agencies had been opened and the central business district was expanding rapidly. New areas were being thrown open for farming and there was an air of optimism in the region.

However, farms, even established farms, were still being developed as new land to the east was being made available for settlement by the state government. In 1905, the local newspaper, the Great Southern Herald, ran a series of reports titled “Around The Farms” about a number of local farms over several weeks.

You can read those reports here: Continue reading

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KATANNING FARMERS’ CO-OPEDRATIVE COMPANY

The first statutory meeting of the shareholders of the above company was held in the Town Hall, Katanning, on Thursday afternoon. The business being to accept the article of the Association, and to appoint Directors.

Mr. A. Prosser, who was voted to the chair, stated that the initial meeting of the company had been held on 26th May last, when five provisional directors had been appointed to draw up articles of Association and form a Company. The provisional directors appointed, had, with Mr. A. Thomson, become joint guarantors for the sum of £250 as a working capital. Finding this sum insufficient, the directors had become surety for a further sum of £250, or £500 in all.

Those shareholders present had a statement of accounts, which had been prepared by their secretary, Mr. J. Nicholls. By this statement it was shown that 257 pigs had been purchased for £690 12/9, of which 165 were still to be disposed of, either in process of treatment or alive. Bacon to the value of £330 had been sold, in addition to £16 worth of bacon still on hand, and £41 5/- for by-products. The estimated profit on every pig was 10/-, which to date had been more than realised. Continue reading

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CLOVER REPORT 1938

SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER.
Carrying Capacity Trebled.

West Australian
1 July 1938 – P9

KATANNING, June 27 – The cultivation and establishment of subterranean clover pastures in the Katanning and surrounding districts, where some of the State’s best stud sheep are grown, and practically every farmer carries a flock of comparatively heavy cutting Merinos, is passing from the realm of experimentation to one of acknowledged surety of return.

Although one might expect to find subterranean clover almost universally established in the Katanning district because of its ability to increase the stock carrying capacity of the land, investigation has shown that many have failed to introduce this fodder to supplement to their pastures. On the other hand, some have been using it up to the past 15 years and now have illuminating achievements to show for their foresight. Continue reading

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ANNUAL RAM SALE

The Australian Merino sheep industry started on the east coast of Australia and spread quickly right across the country. Settlers in Western Australia discovered that the southern part of the state was ideally suited to the breeding of high quality Merinos and the industry blossomed. As the quality of WA’s stud stock grew, sales of stud rams and ewes became more organised. The first organised stud sheep sale in the district was held in 1917 in conjunction with the annual Katanning Show. It wasn’t long before the Great Southern Merino Sheep Breeders organisation was set up and began holding its annual sales in its own right, on separate days to the Annual Show. The annual Katanning Ram Sale is one of the most prestigious livestock sales in Australia. It showcases the high quality of Australian Merino Rams bred in the district and has done so since its inception in 1917, when the ram sale was introduced as part of the annual Katanning Agricultural Show. Continue reading

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FURTHER READING

SHEEP THEFT – 1918
With Western Australia’s vast open spaces it seems sheep stealing has always been a problem for the farming community. It was obviously a major problem in this region in 1918. So much so that a number of farmers pooled their resources to provide a reward of £200 and to place the advertisement below in the local newspaper. Continue reading

FARM NAMES – 2008
There have been many farming properties, and hence property names, since Katanning and the surrounding districts started after the arrival of European settlers. Many have disappeared or have been absorbed into neighbouring properties. This is a list of farm names on the 2008 Katanning Shire fire map. Click here

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AGRICULTURAL BEGINNINGS

How did it all start?

With the construction of the Great Southern Railway by the WA Land Company and the Premier Roller Flour Mill by Frederick and Charles Piesse, land became available for the development of agriculture in the Great Southern region. Continue reading

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CAN YOU HELP?

I am always looking to add to these pages to record as much of our early history as possible. Although I have a number of resources available to me there is still much left untold. If you have historic information, photographs or documents relating to your family and family farm I would love to hear from you.

I can be contacted by email at admin@lostkatanning.au
or you can complete and submit the form below:

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Agriculture

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