AUSTRALIA GAINING IN COTTON.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 13, 12 February 1907, Page 2

AUSTRALIA GAINING IN COTTON.

Australians are expecting to be cotton growers. The suitability of soil and climate for cotton growing in the greater part of Queensland, Northern West Australia, and the vast northern territory of South Australia has long been beyond dispute, but the scarcr&y of population, apart from other considerations, hitherto has been an obstacle to the development of cotton growing. In the northern territory tho cotton plant has diffused itself without man’s help, and may almost be regarded as a part of the North Australia flora, no less than seven out of the eight known species flourishing there. Some years ago a cotton mill was established in Queensland, but failed for want of capital, low prices and lack of experience. This discouraged the farmers, who turned to dairy farming. Things are different now. The farmers have faith once more in cotton growing, and are ready to undertake it on large scales if assured of sufficient labour in tho picking season. It is said that an average farmer’s family could work out an area of from ’five to ten acres, besides doing other farm work.