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| THE STATION CABINET MAKER. | |
| � | This is a tale told to our children by "Moonman": Over� the NSW border to the far north of Queensland,� there is a part of the Great Dividing Range called the Atherton Tablelands. The area is renowned for its high production due to the richness and fertility of the soil. On the Station property where "Moonman" was employed as a boundary rider, they also grew watermelons, rockmelons, pumpkins, peanuts and many other vegetables for the city markets. At the station was a full-time cabinetmaker, employed to make furniture; carry out� maintenance and various other repairs on the station. During the main growing season he was also employed to design and to make numerous tiny wagons. Why!!!??? You ask. And well you might ask:) As I have already explained, the land is very rich. Because of this the fact that the plants grew so fast, it is necessary to place the watermelons in these tiny� wagons so they keep pace with the fast growing vines. The result of neglecting to do this meant that by harvest time,� the watermelons were worn out� from being dragged along the ground. I tell you no lie, these vines really grow fast:). At the same time, I when I say tiny wagons, wellll!!!! let me� tell you, the wagons were not really so tiny". They had to be built approximately 5-6 feet long and around 2-3 feet wide. These melons also grew so huge!:). In dry weather, you could see dust for miles, thrown up by the wheels of these� wagons, chasing the vines. It is also a well known fact that even the peanuts grew� big and so tender. Why! One or two peanuts would completely fill the normal potato sacks (bags) used by the farmers down south. � Believe me! That�s Gospel. Would I tell you a lie. J  �
Worldwide Copyright John W. 1998,2001 �
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