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Stool of rappoe cane, Bingera sugar mills
Stool of rappoe cane, Bingera sugar mills

Stool of rappoe cane, Bingera sugar mills

Date1900-1920
Object numberANMS0227[063]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 201 x 151 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam
DescriptionA black and white photograph showing a man standing next to a tall bunch of rappoe cane in north Queensland. The title of the image is 'Stool of rappoe cane. Bingera sugar mills'.HistoryRappoe cane was one of a number of species being grown by farmers in Queensland during the late 1800's. In the mid 1870's a widespread sugar cane disease known as 'rust' effected many crops and an inquiry was carried out to try and manage the outbreak. An extract of the full report refers to rappoe cane: "Iveragh Plantation. Mr. M. Canny. The proprietor showed beautiful health rappoe cane, growing upon land that had last year borne very badly rusted Bourbon cane, thus showing that no source of disease was present in the soil, nor any lack of salts essential to the growth of one of the fastest growing and largest varieties of canes known to planters. It is called by some the 'bamboo cane' on account of its size; like the Bourbon its roots are neither so numerous nor so long as some other varieties, and in consequence is subject to be blown down by heavy winds." [The Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 17 November 1875]. 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.