Letter to the Editor, Cairns Post
4 May 1921
Family Homesteads.
Family Homesteads.
(To the Editor, "Post" and "Herald.")
Sir,— May I beg your favor, that I may make a few remarks on a problem which in my mind is most important in this vast Australia. I may say that I have seen the ups and downs of this State (Queensland) for over 50 years, and as the years are passing, so much the more is the evidence showing of the bright and prosperous future of this great country-provided, that the foreign propaganda which is now so much distributed throughout the country, is kept in check by common sense, and honest legislation.
There are different channels for a general advancement, and no doubt, the avenue for capital is most important; also factories and a speedy increase of population, as soon as conditions and finance will allow should be settled on the land. And in my opinion, this should bc done by allowing the family people having, say, four or more children, to draw out of the towns and cities on to selections,
or homesteads, which are prepared by the Government.
Now, I must explain myself, and my problem is for the Government to have areas of suitable lands surveyed under the village settlement scheme. Then receive applications from heads of families (of good repute) that would be willing to take on farm life. That done, then erect reasonable cottages, place the family there, and supply them with cows and all implements required for the work to be
done; and also allow reasonable rations for a term (similar to the Canadian system). This system of settlement would give many, yes hundreds, of good, honest working family men an opportunity of procuring a good home for their families, and the children are just the class to be trained in farm and agricultural life. This is the right class of people to settle on the land and far preferable to new
arrivals. Would it not be reasonable to give these family people—after a trial—perpetual leases at a mere acknowledgment of rent for their encouragement? Then again, as the children become strong enough, let the father allot each a plot of ground on which could be planted, well, say cotton, and let the proceeds from the sales be placed into the savings bank on the boy or girl's account, with perhaps a present added as a deposit, and encouragement.
I feel confluent that such a scheme would prove a great success, and there are, no doubt, thousands of families in this State that would gladly embrace such an opportunity, and thereby get away from the high costs of town living. Such a condition would be a blessing to the children, and they in turn would become a most satisfactory asset to the State. Is it not a well-known fact that there are large numbers of family men in every town that would gladly get on the land, provided they had the means to begin with? And I say that it's a pity, and, perhaps, a shame, that these people are not assisted, as I have briefly explained.
This fact bears out my version re the Family Peoples' Association—where unity is strength. Why under the proposed immigration scheme should new hands have the preference of being placed on the land, and our own people and children neglected? And these are just the class that are entitled to such State favors. Let the artist and mechanics from over the sea take on the pastime of our towns and cities.
There is an opinion expressed that many soldiers homesteads will be vacated during the coming twelve months, because of many such good fellows not being naturally adapted for such an isolated life. I say give the family man all such opportunities.—Yours, etc.,
C. RICHARDS.
Herberton.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article40126099
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article40126099