"Is this the farm then, Mr Forrest?" asked Ricky.
"No, not until you get to that stand of trees, so obviously Mr Raynes has spread his care further along the road than he need. See this line of trees." Forrest indicated trees which grew along a fence boundary. As they drew near he said, "Here. The property begins here." He told his driver to pull up. Standing in the vehicle he showed where the farm ran down to the riverside and right along this to a ridge that cut down from the hills right to the banks. It was a wonderful sweep of lush green pasture that was breathtaking in beauty. Across the river were the thickly covered mountains where the bush came right down to the river flats. "It is something to delight in, isn't it, Ricky? And that isn't all. Raynes has more farmland over that ridge. It is harder country than this and that is where he keeps his Hereford herd."
"I didn't dream that it was as good as this, Mr Forrest. It seems to be very extensive, too. Do you think it is in my range, sir? I do have a limit, you know?"
"Well, lad you did say you were looking for two properties, and here I present you with two properties in one. It has everything you will ever need and if you could manage to buy it I can see that it will provide you with all the challenge you will ever want."
"And the price you told me, Mr Forrest, is that for all this. It seems to be a very good offer. How big did you say it is?"
"Over 500 acres, lad. Take your time, but in the meantime we'll go and see Raynes, for he will be expecting us."
Ricky sat down and found himself looking at Jenny opposite him. She had said little during the journey and nothing while they had been stationary. "Why so silent, Miss Elston? What do you think of it all?" Ricky asked.
"There is little that I can say, Mr English, for I do not know about buying properties. But Mrs Ormsby is my friend and I know she holds her father in high regard, both as an honourable man and as a farmer. I have heard Mr Ormsby say that his father-in-law is the best farmer he has ever met. I believe the dairy is renowned."
"Indeed, yes, Ricky wait until you see the set-up there. He has a wonderful dairy and an excellent staff who produce the best butter and cheese in these parts."
"Would the man Martin be able to manage a place like this, Mr Forrest? It would be beyond me for I would never pretend that I know how well or otherwise the farm should run. I would have to trust him to have complete control."
Forrest smiled and said, "I am happy to recommend him to you. I know him to be completely trustworthy. I would not say so unless I had that confidence. He is an excellent farmer and would still be on his own farm if it hadn't been for his tragic family life. He is a likeable chap, don't you think? I feel sure you would suit each other admirably."
"Do you know Martin, Miss Elston?" Ricky enquired.
"Yes, Mr English. My aunt and I visited his wife when they were still on their farm and often saw him when we did this. He appears to be a caring man and would I think be completely trustworthy," Jenny answered. "Of course, I know nothing about his farming methods but I do know he is well thought of in the district."
Ricky smiled his answer to her and sat gazing around him at the lovely piece of Australia that could become his own. They drove up a long well kept track and pulled up before a wide squat house that seemed to nestle into the hillside. The front was elevated and wide wooden stair ran up to a wide verandah that must look across the river to the mountains.
As they climbed the stairs a woman came out to greet them, "Good morning, Jenny, Mr Forrest." Mr Forrest introduced Ricky. "Welcome to "Rocklea", Mr English. Come along, Father is waiting to meet you. Jenny lead the way, Father is along on the east balcony, its warmer there in the morning."
They were taken round the corner of the long verandah and Ricky found that this wonderful building ran most of the way around the house. They found an old man lying on a lounge chair looking up anxiously at his daughter. Introductions were made and Mr Raynes bade them sit. Mrs Ormsby left them and soon re-appeared with a tea trolly loaded with tall scones and pikelets loaded with jam and cream, and a huge teapot. Soon they were sampling this repast and Ricky decided that “Rocklea” cream was the best he had ever tasted.
As soon as morning tea was over the two women disappeared and the men talked business. Mr Raynes wanted to know what a young town businessman wanted with a farm. He sounded a little scathing and so Ricky settled down to tell him a little of his own history and what his ambitions were for helping the young people in the colony. He was questioned closely and Ricky soon learned that Mr Raynes' body might be deteriorating but his mind obviously wasn't. There were questions that Mr Raynes also asked Mr Forrest about his guest and Ricky was surprised to find that his host had been making quite a few enquiries of his own. He felt as though these two men knew him through and through by the time the session had finished.
After a long while, it seemed to Ricky, a man arrived on the verandah, asking Mr Raynes if he may enter. On being asked in, he was introduced. Ron Fells was the manager, who Mr Raynes had asked to escort the two visitors to look over the farm.
"I must tell you now, that Ron does not wish to stay on the farm. He had given notice some time before this wretched stroke came upon me and has kindly stayed to help until I can sell the place. Ron now has his own farm and is keen to work on it . Now, go along. I will be anxious to hear your verdict."
Ron Fells took them to a buggy which was drawn up at the front steps. "We'll drive over to the far paddocks, Mr Forrest, and look at the pastures there."
"Right, Fells. I am looking forward to it for I haven't been over the ridge," replied Mr Forrest. "In you get Ricky."
The track from the house led straight to the huge ridge of rock that ran down from the hills to the riverside. At first Ricky could not see a way across this but as they drew near he saw a wire gate, which Fells opened after throwing the reins down casually. Edward Forrest moved to take them but Fells assured him that old Betsy would stand.
Ricky could see a track running along the fence and into the trees , they soon drew into higher ground and then the track turned up over the ridge itself. Fells drew up to look across the farm.
"This part is what we call the home farm. This is the dairy section. The beef cattle are over in the valley. That's where we are going," he said.
They sat looking at the lovely scene before them. Ricky drew a sharp breath at the sight of it all, wondering if it could ever be his. The thought was rather daunting and hard to take in.
"Seen enough, sir?" Ricky turned to face the man. Fells looked at him in his town clothes and Ricky felt rather surprised at the expression on his face. He knew that Fells was thinking that he was just a run-of-the-mill town farmer or perhaps had ambitions to be one. He was about to explain but then decided that if Fells was to be a near neighbour, he would soon find out what Ricky's motives were, so he stayed silent. Forrest had caught the expressions on both of his companions' faces and making a good guess as to their meaning he chuckled and said nothing.
"Yes, let's get on, Fells," Forrest said.
The track was surprisingly flat on the ridge as the actual ridge was quite wide. They rounded a corner and there before them was a lovely valley. The ground was sloped and quite extensive. Along the far side of it ran a creek that obviously came down from the hills. On the far side of the creek was thick timber and this formed a natural barrier. The cleared paddocks ran for some way up towards the hills and here and there stands of trees had been left to give the sleek cattle good protection, although in this sheltered area one would presume that they would not need it for it was a shelter in itself.
"Down this way," Fells said, pointing to their left, "the paddocks go almost to the river. You can't see the river for the trees, but we will when we get down there." He click-clicked at Betsy and she moved slowly down the track, which was quite steep but manageable. The horse trotted comfortably when they reached the track that lay at the foot of the ridge and soon they were looking over the river at the hills on the other side.
As they turned to go back Fells asked they wished to go the full length of that paddock to look at the cattle which were sleeping under the trees.
"Can we see all of the paddock from here, Fells?" asked Mr Forrest.
"Yes, sir. You can see it all. There's just bush further on and some very pleasant swimming holes. The young ladies used to like to go up there where Mr Raynes has had it cleared and they picnic beside the creek. Very pretty, it is," he explained.
"Are you anxious to return, Fells?" asked Ricky.
"Not if you wish to see more, Mr English, but I was instructed to get you back at the house for lunch at half after twelve and it has gone noon now. We could come again this afternoon, sir."
"It it possible to drive over to the cattle there under the trees? If it is I would like to see them and then we could return," said Ricky.
"Yes, we can go straight over now. The ground is level and we can drive anywhere in this field, Mr English. You'll find they are in fine condition. May I ask, sir, if you know cattle?" queried Fells.
Forrest and Ricky both laughed. "I daresay I know as much about cattle as you do about running a store," said Ricky. "I hope to learn a great deal in the future and I also hope that Mr Forrest and Rob Martin can teach me. But in any case I would like to see the cattle," he added happily.
"I would guess you would learn all right, Mr English, and if you have Rob Martin here to teach you you would not go far wrong. Is that no so, Mr Forrest?" the man asked.
"And I would imagine he would be a quick learner, Fells," replied Forrest, "I haven't noticed that he is a slow top."
Fells drove slowly across the paddock so as not to disturb the beasts, and indeed they just stayed quietly in the shade as the vehicle drew near. About a dozen young Herefords turned to look at their visitors. They stood lazily gazing at the men while slowly chewing away as is usual in such animals.
"They are in excellent condition, Fells," said Mr Forrest.
"Yes, sir, they do well out here. It is good pasture."
Fells turned towards home and they quickly scaled the ridge and through the gate to the home paddocks. "After luncheon, I believe Mr Raynes wants me to show you the dairy and the herd over here and so I will collect you when you are ready, Mr Forrest."
"Thank you, Fells," they said.
Mr Raynes was waiting anxiously for their return but refrained from asking his questions. He called, "Ada. Ada, where are you? Our visitors have returned."
Mrs Ormsby came to her father and greeted the men. "Come in, gentlemen, lunch is served. Father has his out here so we will be seated."
She led them to a dark paneled dining room where they found Miss Elston waiting. "Please sit. Jenny will show you where."
"What do you think of the farm Mr English?" asked Jenny.
"Very beautiful indeed, Miss Elston. But I believe we have only seen a portion of it. I am rather surprised at its size," Ricky replied. "You must have felt that it was a delightful place to grow up in Mrs Ormsby?" he remarked.
"I will be very sad to see it leave the family, Mr English. I was born here and I must admit it does seem to be part of me, but none of our family wish to take it on and it is far too much for Father now, so we are sensible and know that it must go. You see, all of my sisters have other interests, my family and I are the only ones near to here. Father is quite resigned to letting it go and I think he is quite keen to come to me so that I can look after him. He is very thoughtful."
Ricky made few comments during the meal, leaving the conversation to the others. Apparently Mr Raynes was anxious to hear what he thought of the place and asked straight out, when they returned to the verandah. Ricky shocked the man by telling him that he thought the place may be a little large for what he needed.
"Needed?" asked the invalid, "you need a property? Why would you need a place, Mr English? I thought you were just looking for a country property and I was rather dubious about that. Why do you need a property?" he repeated.
"Well, sir, I wish to train farmers by bringing boys out here and have them taught farming. I am sorry I though I had explained."
"What? What did you say?" The old man nearly exploded and looked quite offended.
"Well, sir. I am interested in giving young fellows a chance to make themselves useful citizens . We have training schemes for boys who want a city life but there are many who don't fit into the town scene and I want to establish a place where boys who have no country experience can learn farming," Ricky explained.
"You mean you would bring a lot of town scum to work on my farm? I won't have it, sir. This is a prize farm with prize herds and you want to turn it into a school or something." Clearly the old man was very upset and Ricky could see that Mrs Ormsby was becoming agitated.
"Father, stay calm and listen to what Mr English says. I am sure it isn't as bad as you think," she said.
"No sir, please, I don't want to upset you. I am sure I can explain what I want. You could help me so much for I will need a great deal of advice."
"Explain yourself then, young man," Ricky was told, tersely.
"Well, you see, Mr Raynes, there are a great number of people coming to the colony whose children don't seem to fit into the lives their parents have. Some are farming folk who have lived in one place all their lives and do not understand conditions out here. Many of them come from farms that have done one thing always and do not understand the diversification that our farms here in the colony have. Take for instance the Scottish farmers who have been thrown out of their farms because of the enclosures ..."
"What are the enclosures, Mr English?" asked Mrs Ormsby.
"Well the farmers in western Scotland, and I am thinking of the Western Isles as much as anything, have always farmed by grazing their beasts on common pasture, but since many of the farms have been sold to English landowners they have enclosed a great deal of the pastures and evicted the farmers. Crofters they are called. Some of the Scottish lords or lairds, have been very worried about their people and have developed a scheme for re-settling them in the colonies. This is fine and has saved the lives of many families, but the farming here is so different that the young fellows are quite at sea. I have found quite a few who just wander the streets not being able to find work. So my plan is to find a place that will be suitable to train fine farmers with men who can be trusted to train such boys."
"And you think this is the place for that, young man?"
"Well, sir I must admit that I had no thoughts of buying a place so grand. I haven't seen the dairy as yet, but if it is anything like the part I have seen, well, then I think it would be too expensive for me." Ricky then explained about his father's money and how he wished to use that.
"Don't you want the best for these lads of yours?" challenged the old man.
"Of course, sir," replied Ricky. "I want the best I can get for them, but, sir, I am not exactly made of money."
"How do you expect to keep this scheme of your going then, young man?" Ricky was asked.
"It would have to pay for itself, Mr Raynes. The boys would be trained to be experts, I would not have shoddy work. I plan to ask Rob Martin, who Mr Forrest recommends, to manage the place and I would employ the best men I could, but once the scheme is established it must run itself," Ricky explained.
"Well," said Mr Raynes mildly. "You had better get yourself to the dairy and look that over. Come back after I have thought about all this. I imagine Fells is waiting for you. Are you there Ron?" he called.
The dairy was an amazing eye-opener for Ricky. He had no idea that a dairy could be as clean or as large as this one was. He vaguely remembered the one on his father's farm but it had not interested him and it was not the main interest on the farm anyway. This dairy was built along the hill line above the milking sheds so that all the drainage could run freely down into the grassy paddocks and so remain moderately dry underfoot.
The inner walls of the dairy itself were whitewashed and everything was spotless. The dairymaids were just tidying up a
nd so there was not a lot of activity there, but they had just finished their washing for the day and one woman was hanging up the cloths and towels used for the day's work. There were many large bowls on scrubbed shelves which contained the rich milk setting under their cheesecloth covers in preparation for the morrow's skimming for butter. On other shelves were well scrubbed wooden pails and bowls, churns and other dairy implements. Butter pats were sitting in water to keep moist. In the room adjoining but quite separate were dozens of moulded cheeses hanging by their cloth coverings and next to this was the smoke house and cold room where carcasses of smoked pork, ham and bacon were hung.
"I have not seen a dairy as extensive as this, Mr Forrest. Ours at home was just a small one suited to our own needs for we were not a cream dairy but sold milk only," said Richard.
"There are not many as large as this, Ricky. This is really a specialist organization. Tell Mr English about it, Ron."
"Well, you see, Mr English we supply very special customers, most of the leading hotels in Sydney buy direct from us. It has taken Mr Raynes a long while to build up their very satisfied custom and I am sure he would be distressed if it was not carried on."
Ricky realised that this man was certainly not in favour of the property going to him. He understood his feelings and sympathised with him and with Mr Raynes. In fact Ricky was not at all sure that he wanted such a show place of a farm. It seemed so specialized and so top quality that he wondered whether paid staff could keep the quality up without a 'live in' owner. It would take a great deal of thought to come to a decision. He would have to have his man of business look over things and he would find a stock and station man to advise him. Mr Forrest would help, of course.
They looked over the rest of the farm with Ricky thinking hard and not showing a great deal of enthusiasm. He was so tied up with his thoughts that the other men presumed he was not interested. Fells left them as they returned to the invalid obviously showing his distrust of the city man. It was a great surprise when Forrest heard Ricky asking very intelligent questions of the old man and he could then see that it was not disinterest on Ricky’s behalf, just very deep thought.
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