The Story of Pozieres (Source: Hamilton) in 1925:
In 1925, the Pozieres R.S.L. put forward the suggestion that abandoned farms should be planted with pine trees as part of a re-afforestation scheme.
Men on the land continued with the day-to-day struggle to make ends meet.
If they went out to work the employers could not afford to pay very much, so often they were paid in kind or on an exchange of labour basis.
A Light Horse Troop was formed in the early thirties, and its complement included many young men from the Pozieres district and other centres in the Soldier Settlement areas.
The “Light Horse” made regular appearances at Anzac Day and Armistice Day celebrations.
They also carried out exercises and took part in sporting events at Stanthorpe Shows and at various sports meetings throughout the district.
At last in 1934, the settlers were granted the right to appeal against their valuations, but by this time it was too late for many.
However, the economy of the country was picking up and there seemed to be promise of better times ahead.
The orchardist’s lot, however, was not an easy one.
He not only had to contend with the weather, but many orchard pests as well.
To help combat fruit-fly damage, an official direction was issued that all windfalls had to be picked up daily and destroyed, either by burning or burial.
Inspectors were appointed to see that the direction was not flouted and errant growers were fined for neglecting to carry out the directive.
“Luring” was considered an important adjunct in the compulsory programme for controlling the spread of fruit-fly.
Glass fly-traps baited with a mixture containing vanilla essence were hung in the trees in an attempt to attract and trap the male fruit flies.
Specially treated “bandages” were secured to the butts of the fruit trees to trap the grubs of the codlin moth.
The bandages were removed at an appropriate time and burnt.
By this time the mid-Thirties – many of the original settlers had left their farms and the newcomers were predominately Italians.
This fact caused some resentment as it seemed that the migrants were able to purchase properties on much easier terms than had the original owners.
Today, Pozieres is a perfect example of the blending of two cultures – the integration is complete, with each complementing the other; the gradual merging of customs has been of benefit to both.
