Biggenden State Farm, Queensland

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[048]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 152 x 200 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph showing partial bushland with a fenced off area at Biggenden State Farm in Queensland. Experimental farms were established throughout Queensland to assist new settlers and develop agriculture in the region. Biggenden Farm was established on the outskirts of the town in 1898.HistoryAlthough experimental farms assisted many and some such the Hermitage Farm near Warwick proved very successful, that at Biggenden did not. "It is understood that the Government has offered to sell the Biggenden State Farm, the Gayndah district, to the settlers in the locality. Very large amounts of money have been spent on the Biggenden farm, but the suggestion to place it on the market seems to indicate that it has been a hopeless failure as a Government speculation. Official inquiries show that the Agricultural Department has not utilised this place as a State farm for some three years. The land has been handed over to the Lands Department and will probably be sold in suburban allotments. The buildings will also probably be sold, or utilised for some other purpose. " - Brisbane Courier, 19 August 1916SignificanceThis 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.