Rosewood History

From the Queensland Times (Ipswich), Saturday, 9 January 1915, page 11 No 3

Through the Rosewood District
(3)
(By Our Travelling Representative)

From Minden to Tallegalla is within easy distance and around this centre there is some very nice scrub agricultural country, and in any kind os a good season the slopes of the hills present a very pretty picture with their crops of various types.  There has been a considerable increase in the area under cane around Tallegalla, and those who have had nay experience in this industry are well satisfied with the results.

A lot of dairying is done in this centre and the cream production is taken to either Marburg or Rosewood. The country around Tallegalla was looking somewhat parched at the time of my visit but the district has since benefited from the bounteous rains. There is a fine large dam at a very convenient spot, the water covering some acres of ground when the dam is full. The engine of the Marburg railway draws its supply from this source. 

Ashwell, like Tallegalla is all scrub country and is near Lanefield, Rosewood and Tallegalla. The crops in this centre were looking a lot brighter than in most places, and some good yields have been recorded. 

Ashwell and Lanefield districts have, during the past few years, come into prominence for their superior dairy herds, the quality of the stock having commended the eulogistic remarks of various show judges.

At Ashwell, Mr. G. H. Crowther, of “Montrose Farm,” has a very choice holding which is conducted on up-to-date lines, The proprietor has made an especial hobby of Jerseys, and the record secured by him in show rings is one which any exhibitor might well be proud. I had the pleasure of being shown through his herd in which there are splendid specimens of dairy cattle. The herd is headed by Duke of Hazelbank three years old by Afriston Duke (imp.). Mr. Crowther has had this sire a little over 12 months and his show career for 1914 is a creditable one, he having gained champion honours at Marburg Gatton, Lowood, Boonah, Rosewood and second prize at the Brisbane Exhibition in August last, there being 15 competitors in the class.

In the female section some choice animals are on view. Afriston Queen, a handsome beast, considered to be one of the finest animals in the State, has the honour of being champion Jersey cow during 1914, at Ipswich, Beenleigh, Boonah, Gatton and Marburg, and reserve champion at Brisbane where she won in the big milking class. At Beenleigh show, Afriston Queen won the milking competition, her record after being 14 hours in the truck, being 2.65lbs for the 24 hours. Tulip, by King Lear (imp.) won in 1914 championships at Lowood and Rosewood. Primrose won various prizes at West Moreton shows and gained the blue ribbon for the milking competition at the Gatton show, producing 2.55lbs butter in 24 hours.

The handsome heifers have each won wherever shown, excepting at Brisbane, where they scored second and third prizes. These records speak for themselves, and the remaining high-class stock are also splendid specimens. 

The present season’s progeny include 28 beautiful calves-19 heifers and nine bulls-all about six months old. I was informed by Mr.. Crowther that he only went in for Jerseys when he bought out the present holding three years ago, and in view of that fact the state of perfection to which he has bought his cattle us certainly most creditable.

During last year Mr. Crowther secured 82 first prizes and whenever he was awarded second prizes it was only following on a first award both coming from the same stud. It is worth of mention that at the shows in 1914, at Beenleigh, Rosewood, Gatton, Marburg and Boonah, the Jersey section was won right through theses cattle. With the object of maintaining, and, if possible improving the quality at present in the herd, Mr. Crowther commissioned Mr. E. Burnton, of Wanora, to purchase for him at the Jersey Islands a bull and a heifer, and these animals have possibly been landed at their new quarters ere this. 

Some days prior to my visit, an officer of the Stock Department had made an inspection of seven head of the stud animals with a view to purchase by the Government, and Mr. Crowther said the price put on by him practically been accepted. 

The cattle are milked in a well-appointed shed, being a portion of a fine large hayshed, which measured 64ft by 60ft. In all, 28 cows were being milked, the milk being separated, and the cream despatched to the Silverwood Dairy Co. 

There are 120 acres on the farm, which is all scrub country, and which carries 66 head of cattle and 10 horses. There are 41 acres under cultivation, which is utilised mainly for the growing of produce for consumption on the farm. The cows are regularly hand fed, in the winter months, the feed being usually chaffed by a chaff-cutter, worked by an oil engine, which is also the controlling element for the driving of a corn-sheller, husker, and bagger. 

The trophies in the possession of Mr. Crowther, won by his famous Jerseys, include a beautiful silver cake dish, for group at Beenleigh show, 1913, and a heavy silver biscuit barrel for group, Beenleigh show, 1914. The Beenleigh show association also, presented Mr. Crowther with a handsome silver tea service for his enterprise in bringing down his exhibits, and, for their numerous victories. A cup valued at £6 6s was also won by Mr. Crowther with his breeders group, but was withheld on a point regarding district qualification. It is hoped that the success which has attended Mr. Crowther’s enterprise will be maintained for he has earned an enviable reputation with his high-class animals, and there is no doubt that the district in general must benefit by such splendid quality cattle.