TURNER'S MARSH
McKenna Just beyond the railway station the road drops considerably, and follows a serpentine course for nearly half a mile till almost level land is gained near the residence of Mr James M McKenna. As a family name, that of M'Kenna is widely known, and also well represented in this locality. The gentleman mentioned holds 190 acres of agricultural land, and his brother Hugh, just at the rear, a 100 block. These two farms are much alike in soil and general features. Hugh McKenna's farm, known as Glenleigh, runs up the hill to the road. Excellent oaten crops are either in stooks or being cut.
The prospects of the present season are brighter than those of last year, although the crops were then good. Potatoes are doing well. Peas are not a great yield on light soils, as already stated. A good pear plot is located on this farm, some of the trees being very well shaped, and loaded with fruit. A few trees are fully 40 years old, and yet bearing well. The evenness in size at once attracts attention. Mr Hugh M'Kenna has some good young horses of the Clydesdale strain. Lennox is a pure-bred stallion, of splendid propor tions, but has been retained on the farm for the present season.
Mr Richard M'Kenna is located near the two brothers already named. In all he has about 300 acres. He has from 10 to 11 acres of good quality wheat, the same being the leading feature among his crops. A small dairy is maintained. Up to the present, the cream has been churned at home, but it is probable Launceston factories will in future receive regular consignments of cream from this farm.
Messrs. Geo. and W. M'Kenna hold 160 and 100 acres respectively, and follow general farming. A coastal visitor recently gave Mr Hogan first place for potatoes, but without having seen Mr W. M'Kenna's tuber crop. It is a difficult task to pronounce a definite opinion in this respect, or rather to form correct estimates of the relative value of growing crops.
A local farmer states he has given up making guesses and estimates, on account of so many changeful factors making their appearance in large paddocks of grain or potatoes. That the present grain and hay yields are in advance of last year is most gratifying.
Matthew Taylor of Wahroonga
By taking the first turning to the left at Hogan's property, a few minutes ride brings one directly opposite that beautifully situated property known as Wahroonga.
Although Mr Matthew Taylor professes to be a farmer, he has a fine orchard, or better, three, comprising 16 acres. Originally 21 acres were planted out, but great damage being done a portion, Mr Taylor uprooted a big portion, with the view of renewing it some day possibly. The new portion (4 acres) has been planted six years, and are making satisfactory growth, and with regular attention will assume the generally prescribed symmetry. A fine crop of Sturmers give the trees a loaded appearance. Several good kinds of trees make up the complement. Jonathans claim 100 trees, Five Crowns 100, New Yorks 50, and Delicious, a new apple, 25. These latter are very clean and healthy, be ing quite free from blight and blemish. The lower and older portion is loaded with apples. Nonpareils are an exceptionally fine show, while the dozen Dutch Mignons are simply loaded.
The pruning in this portion of the apple area has effected very noticeable im provement in the shape of the trees. However, the different sorts have not been treated on one hard and fast rule, but varied to secure the best result from each for the present. Another year's dressing will round them off nicely, and yet leave plenty of space for young wood.
Old trees, probably nearly 30 years of age, are very consistent in their yields. An ancient cherry tree yields about 20 bushels of fruit of a rich flavor. That the soil is suitable for orchard purposes cannot be doubted; it is capable of producing excellent oaten and hay crops. Indeed, one portion, sown early and feed off up to the middle of September, yielded over 3 tons of hay to the acre. This property is admirably served by water courses, and, if necessary, could be easily irrigated. The rising ground behind the orchard is of good quality, and when cleared will well repay for the outlay. Improvements are being effected near the road, the land being cleared along the face, and at considerable expense.
To keep the orchard clean, and make the work remunerative, Mr Taylor thoroughly ploughs the ground, and takes a crop, the lower yield being blue peas for this year. The traveller can not fail to notice the very taking residence erected on Wahroonga, the site being so well chosen, and the dwelling commodious and convenient. 7 rooms, kitchen, and necessary attachments, with hot and cold water service. The sheep sheds and barn are removed some distance from the residence, and on dry sloping ground.
Mr W. Rolley joins Wahroonga. Here a nice orchard of about 2 acres is seen. The position of the land is about south-east. A healthy growth is noticeable in this orchard, while the trees have not been allowed to became ungainly.
Turner's Marsh Railway station is within a couple of miles. It is encouraging to find the natural capabilities of the local soil being put to the best use. A few years should bring about vast improvement in this locality. Lilydale has taken the lead with orchards, but there is no valid reason why a good start given that part should act as a deterrent here. Land owners of some years residence have a great advantage over new localities, say, Spreyton, for instance, for they are farming while their orchards are maturing. The latter place is simply waiting for the trees to become fruitful. A short period back the land was under forest; but here many areas are under cultivation. That comparatively only a small number of orchards are planted out is, no doubt, due to the fact of the land owners being straight out farmers, and while that industry pays, they will stick to their calling. Here and there the suitableness of the soil for other culture is being recognised, and in making use of the same, the best will be won from the land, and that should mean higher remuneration for toiling.
TURNER'S MARSH (1909, January 22). Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 - 1928), p. 3. Retrieved August 29, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151945230
"Rolley" should be spelled Rowley after which family Rowley's Hill and its Road are named. They feature also in Nigel Burke's Book, "The Piper's Call," 2016.
Matthew Taylor's sawmill at Lilydale was completely destroyed by fire in 1954. The obituary of Matthew Taylor appeared in the Examiner on 7 Nov 1956 (posted on HL Facebook by Kathy Hawes. He was aged 82.