In 1903, Stanthorpe Division became the Shire of Stanthorpe on 31 March and the first council meeting was held in April 1903.
The following is an excerpt from ‘They Came to a Plateau’ by Mervyn Royle and Jean Harslett.
Mighty Oaks out of Little Acorns Grow
It is interesting to note that the 1902 drought produced serious thought and action in irrigation.
The very complete system of irrigation on Mr Farrar’s Kyoomba orchard had been in existence for many years and was well known, utilising old mine waterways.
In several other instances gravitation, the cheapest method, was used.
Mr J Johnston of Ballandean purchased a double acting rotary pump driven by three h.p. engine and boiler.
It was capable of raising 6,000 gals an hour.
Mr George Smith of Lyra installed a Ryder – Erricksen hot air engine for the purpose of irrigating his land.
Hoggan and Rice installed machinery for irrigation, the Rover Tin Mining Co. and Manager Mr H.G. Hamilton proposed a major irrigation scheme commencing with five orchards laid down with underground pipes, to have the dual purpose of conveying water – or steam in cold weather to prevent frost damage – but the scheme did not develop as envisaged.
There have been an incredible number of societies formed over the years for the betterment of the industry.
The Lyra C-operative Syndicate of 1899 was surely the first fruit grower’s society and was appropriately under the inspiration and leadership of Mr Robt Hoggan, the grand pioneer of the industry.
