Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Rural Depopulation In Western Australia, Ross Kingwell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Western Australia's population has recently drifted from inland rural areas to cities and coastal regions. Changes in fanning practices over several decades and the recent falls in wheat and wool prices, have forced many families to leave inland farms and rural towns .

However, many families are also developing sources of off-farm income and other activities to keep themselves, local businesses and towns suroiving.

The Extension Programme, W K. Russell, G. K. Palmer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

From the start of the Peel-harvey study in 1976, scientific research and extension have been closely linked. Trials, some involving major drainage works, have been set up on about 30 farms and several field days and seminars have been held.

The Peel-Harvey Study Group anticipates that farmer acceptance of the Department of agriculture's recommendations will reduce the phosphorus input to the estuary by 30 to 40 per cent over the next three to five years. At the same time farmers will benefit from modified cultural practices better suited to the sandy soils of the coastal plain.

The Comprehensive Water Supply Scheme, K J. Kelsall

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Comprehensive Water Supply Scheme has been a great boon to the agricultural area, and it has received strong support from all political parties. The Scheme has been responsible for increased prosperity of country towns, the decentralisation of industry, and general improvements in the standard of living.

This is a look at the development of the Scheme.

P.W.D. Supplementary Public Water Supply Schemes, J E. Davis

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Shallow wells and soaks with very limited yields were the principal water sources for the early settlers.

Hundreds of such wells were constructed by the Public Works Department in remote areas.

In the early 1930s major development of water supplies from rock catchments was begun in the central wheatbelt.

After the war, larger and more effective earth moving equipment became available. The Public Works Department rehabilitated many old excavated dams as well as constructing new ones.

Roaded catchments were also developed during this post-war period. many farmers took advantage of Public Works Department technical advise and hired a P.W.D. grader …

Agriculture And Pollution In Western Australia. Part 1. Background, C V. Malcolm

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

For centuries there has been awareness of pollution but it has received dramatic publicity in recent years.

In Western Australia, provisions for its control are written into the Health Act and many other Acts besides the Environmental Protection Act of 1971.

A number of factors have acted worldwide and locally to increase awareness and concern about pollution, and to justify careful examination of the problems it causes.

New Assistant Directors, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In September, the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. H. D. Evans, announced the appointment of two new Assistant Directors in the Department of Agriculture.

They are Mr. T. E. McDowell and Mr. J. Craig, replacing Mr. S. T. Smith, who was recently appointed Deputy Director, and Mr. G. H. Burvill, who retired.

Assistant Director Retires, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Mr. G. H. Burvill (63) retired on September 3 as Assistant Director of Agriculture after 44 years with the Department of Agriculture. He joined the Department as a cadet in 1927.

One of Western Australia's best-known agricultural scientists, Mr. Burvill has had an important influence on many aspects of the State's farming industries over more than 30 years.

He has an unequalled knowledge of the State's soils, climate and agriculture.

Introducing The Hon. H.D. Evans, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE new Minister for Lands, Agriculture and Immigration the Hon. Hywell David Evans (46) brings to bis work a background of country experience.

The Protection Of Primary Production : The Role Of The Agriculture Protection Board Of Western Australia, A R. Tomlinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE main function of the Agriculture Protection Board of W.A. is, as its name implies, "protection", and, in this case, it is the State's primary production which is being protected from pest animals, birds and weeds.

In general, the Board's activities are centred on the prevention, destruction or management of animals and plants which are troublesome to agricultural or pastoral production, or are capable of being troublesome.

Holiday Activities For Youngsters, O. Evans Scott

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

"Only those who have Hie patience to do simple things perfectly acquire the skill to do difficult things easily" (Schiller).

SCHOOL holidays, eagerly anticipated by children should be a time of joy for all.

Mothers can not drop everything to entertain their children and bored children crying "what can I do?" and getting in her way often cause a mother to dread school holidays.

Gnowangerup Plaque Recognises Value Of Light Land Research, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Gnowangerup Shire Council has paid a unique tribute to officers of the Department of Agriculture by erecting a plaque in recognition of the value of research leading to the development of light land in that district.

Whimsies : New Idea In Easy-To-Make Hats, O. E. Evans Scott

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

I T has often been said that buying a new hat is the best way to boost a woman's morale.

But have you tried making one?

Festive Fare : Bring A Plate, H M. Gloster

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

CHRISTMAS is the season for parties and party fare. Most housewives will have a busy time from now until well after Christmas Day itself.

There will be heavy demands for supplying the inevitable "plate" for party or social.

Fire Hazard Forecasts For Farmlands, J Hogan

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The ever-increasing destruction by grass and forest fires during the summer months serves to emphasise the fact that may people are still showing considerable apathy towards this serious danger to property and life. In an effort to stimulate interest in prevention and control the Rural Bush Fire Prevention Advisory Committee, towards the end of last summer, convened a meeting to which representatives from the Forestry, Railways and Meteorological Departments were invited. The outcome of this meeting was that the Weather Bureau agreed to institute a fire hazard forecasting network to cover most of the agricultural areas in the South-West of …