Russian Naval Gunner’s Success as a Farmer.
“Mr. P. Hebenko, ex-torpedo-man on a battle cruiser, native of the Black Sea district of Russia, arrived in Australia towards the end of July, 1913. He took up 160 acres of land near my farm in September, 1913; it is good chocolate soil, and is under brigalow and light scrub. Shortly after having taken over his land, Mr. Hebenko got his wife and three children from Russia, and they arrived here in November, 1913; whereupon Mr. Hebenko promptly left for his farm. I last visited his farm in April, 1914. He had by that time cut down, cleared, and under crop 8 acres, 6 acres being under maize. He had also built a house, and possessed a horse and various agricultural implements. Having expended all his ready money, he then set off in search of work, which he obtained 9 miles from his home at 9s. per day, leaving his family on the farm well provided for by the various vegetables and fruits which were growing in the orchard. All his children visit an English school at Wycarbah Station, about 1-1/2 miles from his farm.
“Both the settlers referred to above have expressed themselves highly satisfied with everything, and especially with the fate that directed them to Australia.
“In addition to those mentioned above, the following also took land in the vicinity of Wycarbah:—Messrs. Bikovsky, Pagin, and Krasnih.