“As previously stated, the above are extracts from Mr. Godalov’s open letter, he is well-known by the farmers of his district. Other characteristic cases are those of Messrs. Danilchenko and Ilyin, in North Queensland.
“I satisfy myself with mentioning just these few cases, but, of course, there are a good many other similar cases amongst the Russian colony in Queensland. I have taken the above cases at random, and think that they clearly illustrate that a good, honest, and energetic Russian agriculturist cannot find a country with more favourable conditions than those offered him by Queensland for applying his knowledge and labour to.
“In view of my having received a large number of inquiries as to the shortest space of time in which profit can be obtained from land still to be cleared, I, in the interests of intending emigrants, would like to give the following facts, which are based on my own experiences:—
Mr. A. Mendrin’s Experiences.
“We will say, then, that you have gone through the formalities of obtaining your land (in Queensland they are not complicated). From the first day of your arrival on your farm you will start cutting down your trees (these are mostly soft), a normally healthy agricultural peasant should fell from 2 to 2-1/2 acres of brigalow scrub in a week. In this way in a month’s time you should have about ten acres of trees felled, provided you started this during the summer months. You will want, say 2-1/2 months, for the fallen timber to dry before you burn it. Having burnt it, you promptly start sowing maize between the stumps, and while this is taking root you continue felling or putting up your fence, as the case may be. It will take about 105 days for your maize to grow. You then pull the cobs, and prepare them for drying and threshing, which should take about two weeks, at the end of which time you will be in a position to realise your first crop. Virgin soil in the district I am speaking of (Wycarbah) will yield about 60 bushels of maize to the acre; that is, from 10 acres you will get 600 bushels; the average price is 3s. per bushel, or £90 for the 10 acres you have cleared. In this way seven months have gone by since the day on which you started work, and you have £90 in your pocket, less from £10 to £12 for various expenses, such as packing, delivery, &c. I would like to make it quite clear that I have taken only the average price of maize above. Lately this article has been quoted at Rockhampton at from 4s. to 4s. 3d. per bushel.
“Knowing how popular pig and poultry breeding and farming is amongst Russian peasantry, I can say, with conviction, that these two yield a very good source of income, as do all other branches of pastoral and agricultural enterprise, all of which I cannot give details of here in view of the space such information would take up.
“Finally, I consider it my bounden duty to assert that my two years of careful study of agricultural and other conditions of life in Queensland give me good foundation on which to consider this country as the
Most Convenient, Favourable, and Attractive Country
for the average Russian agricultural or other peasant to emigrate to.
“I have to express my thanks to the Lands Department for the kindness and attention shown by them in all cases when Russian subjects have approached them requesting advice and assistance.”