A Well-known Grazier’s Opinion.
The testimony of Mr. John Moffat, of Camoola Park, a well-known grazier in the Longreach district (Central Queensland), is of more than ordinary interest. Mr. Moffat says:—
“There were never better opportunities than the present in Queensland for young men and women who have energy and ambition, and are not frightened of honest work. I came from Scotland when a baby with my parents (emigrants) during the fifties to Adelaide, South Australia. My father worked as a blacksmith, and afterwards as a carrier taking goods to the Victorian goldfields, and subsequently began farming in New South Wales. I had seven brothers and three sisters.
“I left home without a shilling, and took to shearing during the season, and did contract work at other times until I had enough money to select a half section (320 acres) in New South Wales. There I married, and in time increased my area sufficiently to carry on sheep-grazing and wheat-growing. In time I sold out to good advantage, and came to Queensland, where I am now a grazier. My brothers are all employers of labour. I have reared and educated three sons and two daughters. If I were a young man now with my usual health, I would not be afraid to start life again under similar circumstances and present conditions. I attribute my success to perseverance and ambition, and using the proceeds judiciously. Australia is a good field for any industrious man or woman who sets his or her mind to honest work and tries to give satisfaction, as there are employments to suit nearly all classes of labour, as also for a man of moderate means, to take up a small farm in a suitable locality, especially after getting some experience in one of the State Agricultural Colleges. I have been in the State now nearly twenty years, and consider it a very good field for emigrants.”