Ploughing match, Laidley

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[047]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 152 x 201 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph of the Laidley ploughing match. Marquees and milling crowds can be seen on the paddock with rigged horses and the competition field to the right.HistoryPloughing matches were a popular form of community entertainment and engagement in rural Australia and started in the early 1800's. Not just a spectacle for ploughing and discussing farming equipment, ploughing matches were also an important social occasion for towns outside regional areas. "During the day, Cramers Band, from Ipswich, played capitally, and did much to make the time the real holiday it proved to fully 500 persons. There was a bountiful luncheon during the afternoon and in the evening a ball. The district of Laidley is essentially farming. The products are corn, potatoes, and as nice-looking-children (Mr.J.J.Brown is their teacher) and oranges as could be found in a long travel. The ladies were on the scene liberally, and evidently enjoyed the proceedings." - The Brisbane Courier, 30 June 1877SignificanceThis 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.