Rosewood and Marburg History

(Fryer Library photo by Henry Mobsby)

Rosewood and Marburg Districts.

Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, Saturday 14 March 1891, page 2

The above-named are essentially farming districts. The amount of produce that is sent to Ipswich and Brisbane by rail is proof sufficient of this statement. These are districts which possess rare advantages for farmers to combine in order to mutually assist each other. 

Already certain steps in this direction have been taken, and as one instance may be cited the Lanefield Farmers’ Co-operative Company, whose premises are situated about a mile beyond Rosewood. This company was started in August, 1890, and, since then, suitable buildings have been erected, the necessary plant laid down, and a manager (Mr. Pass) engaged to superintend the work. Many difficulties at first arrayed themselves in the way and had to be met-one being the quality of the water obtainable. At present about 400 gallons of milk are put through the separator every day, the average being about two and a half gallons of milk to 1lb. of butter. In January last, about 50001b. of butter represented the quantity turned out for sale by the company. About 100 pigs are also being fattened on the premises, from the waste milk, &c. The milk is bought from neighbouring farmers each day, and paid for at the same time. I was shown a sample of the butter, as it was packed ready for market, and it was certainly of an excellent quality. 

Mr. M. Bensley, about half-a-mile further along, has also lately established a butter factory on his own account. A large and commodious building has been erected (Mr. Oxenford being the architect and contractor), and the necessary machinery for the proper working of the factory procured. Operations were commenced six weeks ago, and about 250lb. of butter are turned out weekly, the quality of the material being pronounced to be unquestionable. Water is procured from a well 75 feet deep, being beautifully cool and thus well suited for the purpose, although its brackish taste would render it less useful otherwise. The machinery is all in first-rate order and reflects credit upon the manner in which it was laid down by Mr. Oxenford. Milk is paid for according to its quality, that showing under 10 per cent, of cream being paid at the rate of 3½d. a gallon, between 10 and 15 per cent, 4d. a gallon, and so on. Temptation to defraud is thus guarded against, while there results the good effect of encouraging farmers to endeavour to increase the richness of the article, and consequently the quality of their stock. Some milk from Mr. P. O’Donnell’s cows, at the time of inspection, showed 12 per cent of cream, which is considered a high standard. A lactometer is kept on the premises for testing the milk. Mr. Bensley deserves the good wishes of the community for the success of his enterprise. 

There is no doubt but, that these factories will be initiated all over the colony, and the principle adopted will probably be that of allowing bonafide farmers only to become shareholders, and distributing the profits pro rata according to the quantity and quality of milk sent in. In this manner the colony will be keeping well abreast of the times, and in touch with more advanced countries, such as America. 

Mr. Bensley does not confine his attention solely to dairying, for he has a splendid fruit garden. In it are to be seen all varieties of trees, including grape, plum, pear, apple, orange, lemon, guava, olive, Spanish chestnut, mango, all-spice (giving out a beautiful scent), cherries, palms, and many others. The success attained by these should induce others to “go and do likewise.” 

A short distance from here is the Ashwell State School, presided over by Mr. J. Taylor. Among country schools and most town schools, also, for the matter of that-this place holds a position that is almost unique, and, under the skilled direction of Mr. Taylor, the interior has been converted into a perfect museum. In one corner of the building are to be seen specimens of the mineral, animal, and vegetable kingdom, all neatly done up and labelled. The mineral specimens are especially numerous and interesting, and bear evidence of careful selection; while among the animal kingdom are included several varieties of snakes, a death-adder (preserved in bottles with spirits of wine), a porcupine, &c., &c. The walls of the building are entirely covered with maps, diagrams, and the like, all peculiarly interesting, and illustrative of the lessons to be taught in school, most of them being also the work. of Mr. Taylor. A small library is kept in the school, to which the scholars have free access, thus holding out to them further inducements to pursue knowledge on their own account. 

Not only is the evident intention of making the work of the pupils interesting and agreeable perceptible in the school, but a praiseworthy attempt has been made to give an attractive appearance to the school grounds, which have been bountifully planted with trees and flowers. Each child, or a class, takes the responsibility of the welfare of a certain tree or plot of ground, and the growth of the interest that they take in the work is quite astonishing. The parents also are thus brought into contact with the school work, and they speak very highly of the management of the institution, both as regards the work in the school and the grounds. 

There can be no doubt that the efforts which have been put forth by Mr. Taylor will make school life both attractive and interesting to the pupils, and by bringing them into contact with tangible objects in the mineral, animal, and vegetable world will leave a more lasting impression on their minds, than would be given by mere theoretical teaching. Doubtless, his efforts will some day meet with that recognition from the proper authorities which they certainly deserve. Many other teachers would no doubt act in a similar manner to Mr. Taylor but for the fact that their period of stay at any particular school is so uncertain, as they are liable to be transferred by the Department at any time. 

In his private residence Mr. Taylor has a magnificent library, the large assortment of book comprising volumes of most of the standard authors, the writers of the pre-sent day being well represented. Mr. Taylor has just started a night school for the young men of the district, and the project has been enthusiastically taken up both at Rosewood and in the immediate vicinity. This attempt on the part of its promoter to elevate the rising generation of the community cannot be too highly commended, and should result in great good to those concerned, for the real practical education of a youth only commences after he has left school. 

To the left of the Rosewood railway station are the two saw-mills, belonging to Messrs. Collett Bros. and Messrs. Runge and Co. respectively. At the former place the water to supply the engine is obtained from a well 76ft. deep. In sinking for this a fine seam of coal was passed through. The mill itself is in good working order, and includes the usual breaking-down benches, cutting benches, plaining benches, &c. In addition to this is a shingling bench (made by Messrs. Hancock Bros., of North Ipswich) for turning out shingles-a line in which trade is pretty brisk. Timber of all sorts is cut, and the proprietors have now in hand more orders than they can conveniently supply. About eight or nine men are employed in the mill, and several teams of bullocks are engaged in drawing the timber. 

At Messrs. Runge and Co.’s mill, work of a somewhat similar nature is carried on, about six men being employed and six teams of bullocks engaged in haul-ing the timber. Trade with them is also pretty brisk, which is a somewhat please-ing statement to be able to make in these times of general dullness and depression. We trust that the briskness noted may long continue, and that it may become general throughout the district. 

The township of Rosewood itself is prettily situated at the foot of the hills forming the Rosewood scrub. There are four hotels-namely, the Rosewood Hotel, run by Mr. R. Hodge, the Rising Sun Hotel (Mr. B. Sloane), the Royal Hotel (Mr. J. E. Johnston), and the Commercial Hotel (Mr. J. Webber). The Rosewood State School, which has a large attendance of scholars, is under the efficient supervision of Mr. Swan. The guardians of the law are Senior-Constable Knox and Constable Leahy, both of whom are zealous and popular officials. Among the business places are those of Mr. J. L. Frederich (who does a large trade), Mr. H. Prebble (grocery and drapery), Mr. D. Akes and Mr. G. McCall (plumbers, &c.), Mr. J. Oliver (baker), Mr. J. S. Aspinall (bootmaker), Mr. J. W. Evans (chemist), Mr. D. Elder and Mr. P. Adams (blacksmith, wheelwrights, &c.), Mr. C. F. Arndt, Mr. Pfründer (general stores), and several other smaller stores. The Royal Bank is the chief monetary institution, with Mr. J. W. Hornby as manager, and the well-known “Monty” Carroll, presiding at the counter. The local justices of the peace are Messrs. J. Hudson, M. Bensley, W. J. Hornby, J. Yates, J. Lane, and H. M. Stevens. 

Even a partial glimpse at Rosewood would be insufficient without making mention of the Rosewood Farmers’ Club. There can be no doubt that, in the past, this institution has done a vast amount of good for the district, but of late its meetings have not been of so harmonious a nature as could be desired. For the good of the community, however, it is to be hoped that all petty jealousies will be sunk, and the Club worked upon a principle that will tend towards the advancement of the true interests of the farming community. Those who have been-or are likely to be-entrusted with the management of the institution should study well the model on which such societies are worked in America, and other countries, where farming is con-ducted on more co-operative and scientific principles than with us. 

To mention even the names of those occupying farms in the districts surrounding Rosewood would take up a large amount of space. Most of the scrub land has been cleared and is now being cultivated, and the richness of the crops is a sufficient proof of the quality of the soil. Many of the residents take an interest in the keeping of bees, and it is said that this is an interesting as well as a profitable hobby. 

A good idea of the country can be obtained by taking a view from the top of the hill opposite the Tallegalla State school. From here fields of waving corn, interspersed with small patches of unfelled scrub, are to be seen in all directions. The Tallegalla school is under the guidance of Mr. Watkins, and has greatly improved since he took charge of it. 

A ride of about six miles, during which cultivated farms on each side are passed, brings the traveller to the little township of Minden. The State school here has attained an almost exceptionally high state of proficiency under Mr. Cummings, who is very popular in the district. 

The greater portion of the Marburg district is almost an exact facsimile of that of Rosewood. Prettily situated in its centre is the rapidly-rising township of Marburg. This place furnishes another instance of the rapid development of Australian towns. The three principal business places are those of Messrs. J. L. Frederich, Geo. Dobson, and C. G. E. Weiss. All these places appear to be doing a large and flourishing business as general merchants and forwarders of agricultural produce. Among many smaller business places may be mentioned those of Mr. W. W. Finnimore (saddler), J. Walsh (tobacconist), and H. Deberg (baker). The two hotels are the “Royal George” and the “Marburg.” Both of these are fine commodious buildings, the latter being run by Mr. Sakrzewski (generally pronounced “sugar and whiskey”), while the former has just been taken over by Mr. A. J. McLean, the well-known secretary of the Ipswich Turf Club. The residents are justly proud of the fine large School of Arts which has been built, and in which all meetings of importance, concerts, &c., are held. A little judicious arrangement of the volumes and papers in the reading rooms, and a general clearing-up, however, would not be amiss at present. The post and telegraph offices are in the same building, Mr. Furlong being the genial postmaster. 

From the township the fine large new house of Mr. T. L. Smith looms out conspicuously in the distance. The large and numerously attended State school is under the able supervision of Mr. Hunt. The guardians of the law are Senior-Constable Short and Constable McNeill. Comment in this direction is unnecessary, as these two officers are well known both in and out of the force. The local justices of the peace are Messrs. T. L. Smith, J. L. Frederich, F. A. Müller, G. F. Müller, C. G. E. Wiese, F. W. Linning, and J. Tobin. 

On the hill immediately above the State school is the fine orchard of Mr. Fünkner. Three years ago this place had not been cleared. Now it has been converted into the finest orchard in the district, containing an area of seven or eight acres. A banana grove of about an acre is a sight well worth seeing, the trees being both large and prolific. About three-quarters of an acre also grows splendid pineapples. Among the other fruit trees are plum, apricot, mandarin, orange, lemon, guava, grape and many others. The orange, mandarin, and lemon trees are covered with a specially abundant crop of fruit, and should yield the enterprising proprietor a handsome return for the trouble taken. 

The district of Kirchheim lies a few miles at the Ipswich side of Marburg. It includes some really splendid farms, and many of the dwelling places are fine large buildings, some of them being surrounded by neat orchards. Many of the inhabitants engage largely in the making of wine from the juice of the grape. 

As an instance of what is or can be done in the soil may be mentioned the farm of Mr. F. W. Linning. This gentleman is a thorough practical farmer, and, besides his fine crop of corn, he goes in largely for dairy farming and the making of cheese and butter. For the latter purpose he has a Victorian cream separator, capable of putting through about sixty gallons of milk per hour. The machine, which cost about £45, or £70 including the horse gear to work it, has been found to give entire satisfaction. About 100 pigs are kept on the premises, being confined in separate paddocks of several acres, for the purpose of improv-ing the breed. Mr. Linning has an invention for shelling and sifting corn at the same time, which has been found to save a great amount of labour that would otherwise have to be expended. 

The hotel in this district is run by Mr. Lutz, while the State school is under the able management of Mr. Ridley. No adequate idea of the amount of settlement in the districts of Rosewood and Marburg could be obtained without personal observation. The crop of corn, which is the article mostly grown, is at present looking splendid. However, a deal of what is known as the late crop has been spoilt for want of a few showers of rain at the time when the cobs were beginning to develop. The stalk itself looks fine and healthy, but the cobs are mostly small and not very full of grain. A species of blight has also attacked the corn in some districts. Even taking all these things into consideration, however, there must necessarily be a very large amount of corn this year for the market, as the early crop was especially heavy. 

The principal drawback to the districts of Rosewood and Marburg is the scarcity of water, this being especially a serious hardship in times of protracted drought. Mr. J. B. L. Isambert, who has been member of the district for a great many years, has been on the war-path several times with a view to induce the different Governments to initiate a system of deep-well sinking, and no doubt, if some thing in this line were done, it would be a great benefit to the landholders, as good water can surely be found at a sufficient depth. Much of the money that has been spent by the Government on surface dams has, however, apparently been wasted, as some of these are now quite useless. 

The farmers in both districts are greatly handicapped-especially in wet weather, when the roads are bad through not having railway communication by which to take their produce to market. Anyone who wants to gain an idea of the amount of farm produce sent to market has only to station himself some mornings on the main roads leading to Rosewood and Walloon, and, as he sees the number of waggons passing by, he will scarcely fail to be impressed with the necessity which exists for a railway. There can be no doubt that the system of cheap trunk lines which Mr. Nelson said that he had under consideration, when Minister for Railways, if carried into effect, would be a great boon to the tillers of the soil, as well as a source of profit to the Government.