Plantation agriculture in the Northern Territory (1878-1889)

Made available by the Northern Territory Library via the Publications (Legal Deposit) Act 2004 (NT).This study investigates one of the earliest attempts at sustained agriculture in the Northern Territory. The story itself spans some twenty years from its beginnings when the South Australian Government first devised the idea and passed an Act offering a bonus of five thousand pounds for the first five hundred tons of sugar produced and manufactured in the Territory. The study investigates the background to the decision to promote the establishment of plantations and thus encourage large-scale investment. - AbstractIntroduction -- The literature -- General background of events -- The question of labour, logistics and other costs -- The growth of an idea 1870 to 1872 -- The beginnings of the plantation era 1872 to 1878 -- The development of the idea 1878 to 1880 -- Owston selects his site 1880 -- The 'boom' commenced 1880 to 1881 -- The 'boom' at its peak 1882 -- Some disquiet regarding Delissaville and the 'boom' continues 1882/83 -- The Palmerston Plantation Company withdraws its investment and the immediate aftermath 1882/1884 -- The end of the saga 1884 to 1889 -- Analysis: in particular reference to the 'sugar' plantations on the Daly River and associated references -- Conclusions -- Bibliography -- Appendices i-viiThesis submitted for Master of Education (Honours) Department of Education, NT University, Darwin. March 199