YOUNG FARMER DESCRIBES TOUR OF AUSTRALIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 4, 27 June 1949, Page 3

YOUNG FARMER DESCRIBES TOUR OF AUSTRALIA

Here follows a further commentary on the Young Farmers’ Clubs’ tour of Australia, contained in a letter to the Beacon from one of the party just Returned:—

“After a sight-seeing trip around Sydney and the northern beaches (none comparable to Ohope) the party visited Taronga Park (Sydney’s Zoo). The park is very well laid out. It was here that the party saw the only kangaroo, koala bears and snakes that they were to see on the tour.

“A 3-day trip to the Jenolan Caves through the Hawkesbury River plains and returning through the dairying area of Penwith, where we were met by the Mayor and other citizens of note, was of considerable interest. On Sunday, May 22, 19 members attended the .morning service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The afternoon was spent on the Sydney showboat, which sailed through both the main and middle harbour. Saturday evening was spent at Coney Island. The party left on the 23rd for a 5-day trip south through the Illawarra district which is famous for the Shorthorns that are bred there. Eight different herds of cows were seen. Other interesting establishments we were shown through were the Port Kembla steel works, where there are 3,500 workers employed, the cement and lime works at Berrima and a goal originally built in 1866.

“After a morning visit to the Sydney sheep show the Young Farmers went to the Sydney cricket ground to witness the Maoris defeat New South Wales by 19 points to 14. The party left on the Newcastle “Flyer” which' travelled approximately 100 miles to Newcastle in 2-| hours. The party then travelled through the Hunter valley where irrigation is' put to good use.

“The party returned to Sydney on June 31. Next day 13 members went through Cooper’s engineering factory where they saw shearing machines, petrol motors and electric egg beaters being made. Eight members went to Mascot aerodrome, from where they left for a halfhour flight over the city. These members were shown through the hangars as well as a Constellation of the 8.0.A.C. The “Southern Cross” was also seen. * The party left on the Wanganella on June 3. The voyage was uneventful until Monday evening when heavy swell and high winds forced the ship to reduce speed. By Tuesday morning New Zealand was well in view but because the wind had increased to a velocity of 10 points (55 to 63 miles per hour) it was. impossible to enter Wellington till 24 hours later. The ship; finally berthed two days three hours after her original arrival date.”