Galambine

1907

10 October 1907
Social at Galambine.
(From our Correspondent.)
Mr. J. R. Atkinson's woolshed was the scene of a convivial gathering on Tuesday evening, 1st inst., when the shearers of that shed tendered a social to their many friends on the eve of the "cut out" About 20 couples responded to the invitation, and a most enjoyable time was spent. Messrs. W. Martin (concertina) and W. Rayner and Miss Elsie McCullum (violin) supplied excellent music, whilst Mr. J. Cluff as M.C. gave every satisfaction. At intervals during the evening, Mr. W. Rayner gave several selections on his gramophone, which were greatly appreciated and enjoyed. The dance room was nicely decorated with greenery, the handiwork of Misses Cluff and Riley. The slipper room was presided over by Mrs. W. Riley, who, together with her band of willing helpers, saw that everyone was plentifully supplied with the good things provided. At 4 a.m. the company dispersed, thoroughly satisfied with their night's amusement, and expressing the hope that it will be an annual event. A word of praise is due to Mr. G.. Bruce for his efforts to make the social the success it was. Not being able to obtain a description of the dresses worn by the ladies present, it is sufficient to say that one and all were tastefully and becomingly attired1 .

1908

15 December 1908
FARMING METHODS.
WHEAT ON THE GALAMBINE SLOPE, A STUDENT OF AGRICULTURE.
MUDGEE, Saturday. - The other day the writer paid a visit to Galambine, the beautiful farm and station property of Mr. J. R. Atkinson, whose scientific methods of farming have been attended with marked success for years past. In the driest of seasons extraordinary yields of wheat were known to have been obtained at Galambine, but when it was recently reported that six or seven bags were expected this season, old farmers shook their heads and smiled.
The wheat fields are about a mile and a half from the residence. These were crossed and re-crossed several times from different points of starting, by way of showing that there were no bare or flaggy patches. The crops were then ripe enough for the binder. An experienced wheat-grower who was also present, said that rarely in the best of seasons, and on the best of land, had he seen better wheat than that which had been produced, on the Galambine slope this year.
Four species were grown, namely; Sussex, Schneider, Cleveland, and Federation. Making a rough estimate, the whole area should average 25 bushels to the acre. One of the most pleasing features of all the different crops was the utter absence of any dirt in the form of weeds, wild oats, etc. In fact, not a single blade of oats could be found. The different species were all in about the same stage of ripeness, the Cleveland being, if anything, not quite so matured as the others. The land on which these flourishing crops have been raised is not what can be called good, by any means. Much of it is of a gravelly nature, and even stony, but the scientific methods adopted by Mr. Atkinson, have made up for these deficiencies.
The owner of Galambine was reared among sheep, and though he is still a grazier in a large way, he is a farmer because he likes his work. He first took to agriculture as a hobby, some years ago, and learning of the late Willliam Farrar, and his devotedness to the science of wheat culture, Mr. Atkinson also commenced to experiment with different classes of seed. Success attended his efforts in this direction, and finally he decided upon the four species mentioned above, mainly because of their being drought-resistant and containing the greatest flour percentages. Sussex contains 72 per cent., Schneider 73, Cleveland 72, and Federation 70.
After carrying on his experiments for a few years, Mr. Atkinson saw that there was more in agriculture than a mere hobby, and he then launched out as a wheat-grower on a fairly large scale. Droughts came along, but he found congenial work in evolving a method of dry-farming suitable for the semi-arid conditions of a climate such as prevails in the Mudgee district. He is a firm believer in fallowing and rotation, rarely does he sow wheat in the same paddock two years in succession. Deep ploughing, thorough harrowing to get the soil into the tight condition of tilth before sowing, a liberal use of superphosphates where necessary, the use of good seed only, harrowing after the crop is several inches high, grazing sheep on the young crop - these are his methods in a nutshell. Although he might now be called an expert wheat-grower, he refuses to pose as such, believing that he has still much to learn. He is a close student of the chemistry of agriculture, and states that if an experimental farm were established in this district he would be a frequent visitor to it; he might even enrol himself as a student for a short term. His son Eric, now verging into manhood, has been a resident student and prize-winner at the Bathurst Experimental Farm, and thus father and son are able to study together in their own little laboratory.
Close to the residence is an experimental plot of about four acres, where irrigation is carried on, the water being raised from the Cudgegong River by two windmills. In this miniature farm, cereals and vegetables of numerous varieties have been planted, and their propagation is carefully noted. Galambine is nine miles from Mudgee, and is on the Mudgee-Gulgong-road. - Our Mudgee correspondent2 .

1909

16 December 1909
A Model Wheat Farm.
GALAMBINE VISITED.
(By a “Guardian” Representative.)
A representative of the “Guardian” called on Mr. J. R. Atkinson, the enterprising squire of Galambine last week, and was shown over the wheat crops, which cover a total area of 200 acres. Harvesting operations were in full swing, and two harvesters (a Massey-Harris and a Sunshine) were whirling around the standing patch of Federation variety, and drawing over to a stack to deposit the golden grain, which had averaged throughout 40 bushels to the acre. The grain taken off this field was a splendid sample, full, and free from any foreign matter or other variety of grain.
“I notice your grain is unusually clean, Mr. Atkinson,” said our representative.
“Yes, the whole depends on the grading of the seed. I had a grader here which I found unsuitable, but I afterwards sent to Melbourne and got the machine which I have now.
You see that grain?”
“Yes.”
“It all appears to you to be the same size.”
“Yes.”
“Well, the grader I have would make four different lots of the best of the grain there. You could not detect the difference with the eye. The general mistake is to procure seed wheat from the mills, where and the result is that the crop produced ripens unevenly. My wheat brought over and above market price last year, and I always save my own seed.”
“Then you believe that a great deal of the success of a wheat crop depends upon the selection of the seed?”
“Yes,” replied Mr. Atkinson, “but a good deal also depends upon the working of the land and crops. I have different varieties of wheat here and each of these crops will ripen later than the one we are now harvesting, so that I do not lose seed by having it fall before I can harvest it. This is Federation. Next to be dealt with are the crops of Chants prolific and Bobs; then follow Sussex, Schneider and Cleveland in order. The Schneider and Cleveland will be just ripe by the time I start on them. I also take advantage of the young wheat with my stock by planting early and regularly no matter what the season is, and allowing my sheep to eat the wheat down until the spring. I saved 2000 ewes during the early part of the winter on these fields, and the advantages to the wheat are difficult to estimate. Sheep are great fertilisers, and by eating the wheat down until the spring they cause the stools to become hardy and the roots get a good hold.' 'Do you believe in rotation, Mr. Atkinson?' 'Yes, but not in the fallowing. I do not approve of allowing land to lie idle for a season, especially when there is a chance of a bad season at any time. My idea is to change the crop in each field alternately. Now, if you are growing wheat, and you plant maize or oats for one season, you are actually spelling the land as a wheat field, because the energy absorbed from the land by the oats or maize is of a different nature to that taken up by wheat.' Proceeding across to an adjoining field of Cleveland variety, our representative was shown about 30 acres of perfect wheat, with heads containing all full grains and as level from the aspect as a bowling green. Further over, in another direction, was an exceptionally fine 60-acre crop of Schneider, perfectly uniform and about 5ft. 6in high, the balance of the 200 acres being utilised by the other varieties already mentioned. Careful observation clearly showed an average of 38 grains per head in the whole of the wheat crops, and with the exception of the Fede-out is estimated to be 35 bushels, the average yield per acre, throughout is estimated to be 35 bushes. There is no such thing as small grain at Galambine, and the cultivation of wheat is pursued on scientific lines. Attention is paid to every detail - the working of the horses and even to the sowing of the seed. The crops throughout are exceptionally uniform in height, while the drills are drawn with mathematical accuracy and a credit to the man who traversed them with the drill - John Riley. Sixteen active draught mares are employed on the harvesters, a relay of eight being worked alternately before and after lunch each day, while two are kept in reserve to avoid delay in case of accident to those at work.
Mr. Eric Atkinson, who studied at the Bathurst Experimental Farm, has not neglected what he there learned, and conducts experiments with every known variety of cereal on his father's property. Our representative was shown into a dark room, where, suspended from the ceiling, were no less than 60 odd varieties of wheat, 30 samples of various oats, 4 of barley, 2 of rye, and 3 of linseed. The object is to prove the varieties of wheat and other cereals most adaptable to the soils of Galambine.
Having completed an inspection of the various other up-to-date improvements about the farm our representative, after being hospitably entertained, left for home with a pleasant remembrance of probably the leading experimental farm of the district - and certainly the one showing the most profitable returns3 .

1910

10 Mar 1910
GALAMBINE WHEAT YIELD. Mr. J. R. Atkinson, of Galambine, whose wheat crop for the 1909-1910 season has been referred to at length in the columns of the 'Guardian,' has harvested no less than 1870 bags of grain from 190 acres of wheat. Each bag contained 6lbs, over 3 bushels. The yield throughout was 33 bushels per acre, while in many parts the harvesters took over 40 bushels per acre4 .

1912

26 August 1912
SHEARING AT GALAMBINE.
Shearing commences at Galambine on September 16. Three machine shearers are wanted to start on that date5 .

1919

24 April 1919
SCHOOL BOYS AT GALAMBINE
On Tuesday morning Mr. J. N. Peek, headmaster of the Mudgee District School, left the school in charge of between 30 and 40 pupils, bound for Mr. J. R. Atkinson's fine Galambine property, where camp was entered into, and will be continued until Saturday. Mr. Atkinson has generously placed his fine big woolshed at the disposal of the campers. The boys are having a most enjoyable time fishing, shooting, etc. Mr. Frank Beatus is engaged looking after the culinary part6 .

1928

6 December 1928
GALAMBINE CLIP Mr. J. R. Atkinson's Galambine clip was submitted at auction in Sydney this week, and sold well. Seven bales made 25 1/4d per lb. while six bales reached 232 3/4d 7 .

1935

17 October 1935
GALAMBINE SALE
THE sale of the noted Galambine property, which has been in the possession of the Atkinson family for a great many years, is attracting widespread attention, and it will not be surprising to see a record crowd at the Mudgee Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon next, October 23, when Messrs. Crossing and Cox will conduct the auction8 .

1936

9 January 1936
GALAMBINE' HOMESTEAD SOLD
WE have to report that the old and favorably known home stead, 'Galambine,' has now been sold by Mr Roley Atkinson to Mr James Taylor, of Orange. 'Galambine' has been held by the Atkinson family for over 70 years and is one .of the best known properties, in the Mudgee district with a 3 mile frontage to the Mudgee River. 'Galambine' Homestead block is recognised as being one of the safest and best grazing and mixed properties In this part of the State and Mr Taylor Is to be congratulated on having secured such a fine block of country. The many friends of the Atkinson family will regret to hear of this sale, but will hope that the sale will not mean their departure from the district. We understand Messrs O. L. Miiilns and Co., Dunedoo, were the sale agents9 .

20 February 1936
'GALAMBINE' SOLD
Sir Victor Wilson 'GALAMBINE,' which has been in the hands of the Atkinson family for many years, has been sold by Messrs Dunn and Co., of Mudgee, to Sir Victor Wilson, at a satisfactory figure. The sale included the whole of 'Galambine' except the homestead block and a small area of back country. Many people will regret that Mr. J. R. Atkinson and the members of his family are leaving the property with which they have been associated for so long, but they will join with us in hoping that this pioneering family will not be lost to the district. Sir Victor Wilson owns extensive landed interests In South Australia. One of his properties consisting of 640 square miles of territory. It is a tribute to Mudgee and the selling agent that he has chosen this district as the first in N.S.W. in which to extend his operations. Sir Victor is well known in business circles In Sydney. For a long time he has been chairman of the Film Renters' Association of Sydney. He Is a very keen and progressive man with a genial disposition that will quickly win him a host of friends in this district. We extend to him and his family a hearty welcome and trust that his sojourn in our district will be both lengthy and prosperous (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 20 February 1936, page 2)10 .

20 February 1936
"GALAMBINE" SOLD
To Sir Victor Wilson
"GALAMBINE," which has been in the hands of the Atkinson family for many years, has been sold by Messrs Dunn and Co., of Mudgee, to Sir Victor Wilson, at a satisfactory figure. The sale included the whole of "Galambine" except the homestead block and a small area of back country.
Many people will regret that Mr. J. R. Atkinson and the members of his family are leaving the property with which they have been associated for so long, but they will join with us in hoping that this pioneering family will not be lost to the district. Sir Victor Wilson owns extensive landed interests in South Australia, one of his properties consisting of 640 square miles of territory. It is a tribute to Mudgee and the selling agent that he has chosen this district as the first in N.S.W. in which to extend his operations. Sir Victor is well known in business circles in Sydney. For a long time he has been chairman of the Film Renters' Association of Sydney. He is a very keen and progressive man with a genial disposition that will quickly win him a host of friends in this district. We extend to him and his family a hearty welcome and trust that his sojourn in our district will be both lengthy and prosperous11 .

24 February 1936
"GALAMBINE" CLEARING SALE
OWING to one of the dates advertised for the above sale clashing with the Dunedoo Show, it has been decided to hold the sale on Monday and Tuesday, 9th and 10th March, commencing at 11 a.m. sharp on each day. The sheep, cattle, horses and as much of the plant as possible will be sold on Monday, 9th March, and the household furniture, balance of the plant and sundries on Tuesday, - 10th March. Light luncheon will be provided each day12 .

1941

9 July 1941
GALAMBINE TENNIS.
IN spite of the foreboding clouds and a cold wind, a successful day's tennis tournament was held at Galambine last Sunday. The function was arranged by Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor in aid of the Cullenbone War Comforts Fund, and it proved an outstanding financial success. The president of the Gulgong Shire, Cr. Brophy, made a short and appropriate speech, declaring the new tennis court open. The mayor of Mudgee, Ald. R. A. Roth, made the supporting remarks, and stated that, as a keen tennis player, he could assure the big crowd present that the surface of the court would stand up to continuous play remarkably well. The big event of the day was won in brilliant style by Master William Taylor and Mr. W. Kerr. The runners-up were Miss Underwood and Mr. R. A. Roth. The golf putting competition for ladies was won by Mrs. G. M. Brownhill, and in the same competition for men, Mr. Bruce Lester was the winner. At the conclusion of a delightful day's sport, the president of the Cullenbone War Comforts Fund, Mrs. Bartle Cox. presented two handsome cups to the winners of the tennis13 .

1971

17 December 1971
GALAMBINE SOLD
The sale is reported of the well and favourably known property “Galambine” account Mrs. E. J. A. White is Country Properties Pty. Limited of “Goree”, Mudgee.
The sale was negotiated by J. M. Milling and Son Pty. Ltd. Dunedoo.
The Galambine cattle have been moved to the White family property, “Havilah”.
Mr. Lloyd Foyster of “Gooree” said yesterday that he intended to run “Galambine” as a stud.
“Galambine” contains 1012 acres of rich loamy soil enjoying a lovely setting with a long frontage to the Cudgegong River.
“Galambine” was originally a grant to George Cox in January 1836 and has been well held since.
It was acquired by Mr. James Atkinson in 1836 and held in the Atkinson family till 1936.
The property was purchased by Mr. James Taylor from the Atkinsons at around $14 per acre. When Mr. Taylor died it was purchased by Mr. Reg Hill at $84 an acre.
Three and a half years ago Mrs. White bought “Galambine” at public auction for $112 an acre.
The current price has not been disclosed by the parties. It is believed to be just under $150 an acre14 .

References