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Harvesting wheat at Queensland Agricultural College
Harvesting wheat at Queensland Agricultural College

Harvesting wheat at Queensland Agricultural College

Date1900-1920
Object numberANMS0227[049]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 151 x 200 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam
DescriptionA black and white photograph showing men harvesting wheat at the Queensland Agricultural College in Gatton. The college was opened in 1897 as a combined agricultural college and experimental farm and was the result of a 20 year debate by farmers and politicians on ways to boost agricultural production in Queensland.HistoryThe Queensland Agricultural College, established at Gatton in 1897, was a two purpose decision. It was to serve as an agricultural training college for young men from 16 years of age in addition to the experimentation and development of crops and farming techniques. The site of Gatton was finally decided upon after nearly two decades of parliamentary debate for its location near the railway and its various soil types. The college was seen as being an essential development for Queensland in attracting new colonists and addressing the diverse environment of Queensland farming. In addition to offering long term training courses for men, the college also offered shorter courses for established farmers such as milk testing and sugar farming in order to encourage diversity and expansion.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.