In 1884: For the first occasion since its inception the Show Society had no show, because of the ravages of drought, development slowed down in the whole colony.
The following is an excerpt from the historical book, ‘They Came to a Plateau’, from the chapter ‘Mighty Oaks out of Little Acorns Grow’.
‘In light of further research interesting patterns of settlement emerge.
In 1880 it was felt by those wishing to develop horticulture that there was apathy by the Government to open up the best portions for selection, but the Government was hampered by objections from the mining community, who did not wish land to be offered for selection which might still produce tin.
With the completion of the railway, land values increased by 20 per cent.
The pattern of development was dictated by areas available, not always the best agricultural land.
George and Eliza Smith selected Lyra and commenced fruit growing in 1887.
Mr Smith, a builder by trade, had sleeper cutting contracts on the railway extensions from 1885-87.
Robert Mungall had bridge building contracts and also selected land, both inspired by T.H. Fletcher’s success with the first commercial orchard.
Thus the first fruit growing took place at Lyra, Ballandean, Wallangarra, Sugarloaf and Broadwater – but not necessarily on the best lands, which was known by Smith Bros. who moved quickly into Ballandean and Glen Aplin areas as selected prices opened up.
A later example was Mr. A. H. Paget who was up to 1913 was at Eukey, but quickly saw the potential of the infant are of The Summit, and changed location.
Mr. T. H. Fletcher, Fr. Davadi and Mr. Robert Hoggan, as said elsewhere, demonstrated the potential of horticulture.’
