AGY-2498 | Bathurst Agricultural Establishment

Full description

Bathurst Agricultural Establishment began sometime in 1823 with the clearing of land and increase of convict labour in the Bathurst area. (1) On 10 November 1825, A McLeod was appointed Superintendent of Agriculture. (2) Well educated convicts, were sent to Bathurst, where they worked on the land, cultivated the land, planted crops for the colony, and took care of cattle. (3) Other Agricultural Establishments were located at: Emu Plains, Port Macquarie, Grose farm, Wellington Valley, Morteon Bay and Norfolk Island. (4) In June 1825 the Establishment at Bathurst was being reduced. (5) The Establishment had been unable to raise sufficient grain to support itself, the transportation of grain was too expensive, and it was expected that selling the land would be more profitable. (6) It was reported in December 1827 that there were only 205 horned cattle and 4 horses at the settlement. (7) In 1828 the Agricultural Establishment at Bathurst was dis-continued.(8) The last Superinendant appointed was Archibald McLeod Esq. He was appointed, by the Governor on 1 July 1826. (9) Notes: 1) HRA Jan 1823-Nov 1825 Series 1 vol 11. p79 2) Returns of the Colony 1825 p.130 3) HRA Jan 1823 - Nov 1825 Series 1 vol 11. p80. 4) Returns of the Colony 1828 p92-93. 5) Historical Records of Australia Jan 1827 - Feb 1828 Series 1 vol 18. p661. 6) Historical Records of Australia Jan 1823-Nov1825 Series 1 Vol 11 p.648. 7) ibid. p.662 8) Historical Records of Australia 1828 - May 1829 Series 1 Vol 14 p.401. 9) Returns of the Colony 1828 p92.