Arbeit macht frei: - Fredrick Töben

Such good progress was made that by July, 1960, approval was given for
the planting of the stone fruit orchards and vineyards. At this stage the
development of the Centre was 12 months ahead of the planned time
table. In all 22 acres of peach trees consisting of nine varieties of
canning, and two of freestone, making a total of 1,800 trees planted in
July of 1960. Five and a half acres of apricots consisting of five varieties
and totalling 440 trees and six acres of grape vines—sultanas and gordos,
were also planted at the same time. During August, 1960, 20 acres of
lucerne and 14 acres of pasture were cleared and sown. A small
vegetable garden to serve the Centre’s own requirements was
established.
With the advent of lucerne, pasture, and cover crops which were
planted as the land was cleared, the way was open for the establishment
of a dairy herd. Three Jersey cows were transferred from the Yatala
Labor Prison, and eleven Jersey cows and one bull were purchased from
breeders to form a nucleus for the establishment of a stud herd of Jersey
cattle. All this progress was made under most difficult conditions, in
particular, irrigation water supply. The irrigation was carried out by
means of a temporary pump, at least 40 years old, with a capacity of
approximately 15,000 gallons of water per hour. Again is demonstrated
the tenacity of purpose of both staff and trainees, to win against most
adverse conditions. At the same time excellent progress was being made
on the farm itself, a beautification plan for the surrounds of buildings
and houses was proceeding, and drifting red sand and outcrops of
limestone were converted to lawns and shrubs. So much for progress
during 1960.
During 1961 the task was to hold what we had. This proved very difficult
because of inadequate water supply. Little progress was made on further
development of the farm area which required water. Before the land
could be cleared water was required to enable cover crops to be grown,
thus preventing sand from drifting and soil erosion.
Owing to lack of water the planting of 40 acres of citrus trees had to be
deferred for 12 months.
Attention was then turned to fending the property, establishing yards
and paddocks for cows and pigs. During May, 1961, six stud breeding
sows and one boar were purchased.
During January, 1962, the permanent pumping stations were completed.
A further 20 acres of lucerne were planted, and 2,000 citrus trees.
Twenty-four acres of land were cleared for temporary vegetable
plantings to be used at a later date for pasture.
The following gives some indication of the area now under cultivation.
Apricots—5½ acres – the first crop will be harvested in December, 1962.
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