Feb 18th. North eastern tobacco growers like growers in other parts of Australia, were at their wits end to try to produce tobacco which could compare favourably with the American leaf. So to get first hand advice, the Vic Department of Agriculture engaged an American tobacco expert named Alex Bondurant who arrived in Wang on this day to tour the tobacco farms in the district. He was responsible for setting up a research station in the King Valley and for introudcing new seed varieties new methods for growing, picking and curing tobacco. The position of advisor was filled by his deputy Temple Smith when Alex returned to the States. >From On this Day in the N/E - G Jones There was also a select committee into Tobacco the year before in 1895 during November. G-gf Hiram was interviewed at length by the commission. The committee took 5 months to make their inquiries. If anyone is following the history of Tobacco or their rellie may have an interest in a farm, I can let you know the paper etc this interview was reported - along with others. Denise