Lucerne hay field, McGrath's farm, Laidley Creek

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[038]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 152 x 21 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph showing a wheat field being harvested. The title of the photograph indicates the field to be a lucerne type wheat at McGrath's farm in Laidley Creek in Queensland. Philip McGrath and his family were the first European settlers in Laidley Ctreek when they moved there in 1867. HistoryAlthough Phillip McGrath and his family were successful farmers and residents of the Laidley area, establishing businesses and being involved in government and agricultural bodies, they were not without their difficulties. An article from 1895 shows some of the trials faced: "A fire was discovered at 1 o'clock this morning on Mr. P. H. McGrath's farm, at McGrath's Crossing, near Laidley. The hayshed, containing eighty tons of hay, and two stacks containing twenty tons of hay, together with the stables and farming implements, were destroyed. The value of the hay is estimated at £500, and of the shed at £200. None of the property was insured. The fire is suspected to have been the work of an incendiary." - The Brisbane Courier, 27 June 1895 SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.