January 11, 1918 HARVESTING A SOLDIER'S CROP 16 HARVESTERS ENGAGED 72 ACRES CARTED AND STACKED The person who evolved the idea of harvesting 72 acres of wheat which Private Alex BLACK, on active service, had growing on Pleasant Banks, Goroke, had every reason to feel pleased on Wednesday, when fully 200 of the district folk were present at a working bee. The large attendance, the enthusiasm and energy shown throughout the day, proved that the well wishes of the local people when they bid farewell to Private BLACK were not merely lip service. The magnificent spirit displayed evidenced unquestionably that their patriotism had the practical in it, for farmers left their own ripened wheat unstripped, business men left their shops for the day, lumpers stacked the soldier's wheat, and the women folk left their homes to cater for the creature comforts of the harvesters. It seemed fitting that such an event should be held at Pleasant Banks. There was the smiling corn and the pleasant earnest faces of the men whether they were on the harvester, dumping or sewing bags, or loading or carting wheat. A start was made at 9.35 a.m. and the last harvester had finished at 10 minutes to 5, 16 harvesters having engaged, and owned by the following farmers------Messrs. Geo. ROBINSON, M. KIELY, W. TULLY, J. DELANEY, F.O. ROBERTSON, Chas. RICHARDS, Chas. D. BLOCK, F. SCHUMAN, H. STEHN, O. STEHN, Geo. BURNS, John MOLLOY, C. WALKER, John CUMING, John COMPATON, Geo. STANTON. Teams were sent by Messrs. L.A. BULL, D. BULL, C. BAILEY, J. MITCHEM, W. TIERNEY, A. PERRY, F.SMITH and J. J. WEBB. There were 150 Draught horses on the ground and 16 harvesters------13 Sunshine, one Federal, one Mitchell, and one Shearer. Some of the harvesters were 8 wide and were drawn by 8 horses. Mr F. McKAY, of the Sunshine Works, was present with 4 or 5 district representatives, to render expert help, 11 teams were at work. As the wheat was brought in the bags were sewn up, loaded and carted. The 72 acres yielded 610 bags. The working bee was admirably managed by Messrs George BAILEY and George ROBINSON. Mr Albert SCHINCKEL made an admirable and persistent manager of the commissariat, and the excellent dinner showed the deep interest the ladies had taken in making the bee a success. There were drones amongst the lady bees. The dinner was served under the shade of a spreading tree on the bank of a swamp, really an ideal spot. Mr SCHINCKEL, on behalf of Private BLACK, thanked everyone who had assisted, assuring them that Private BLACK when he heard of what had been done would much appreciate the kindness of the people of the Goroke and district. Mr J.B. SCOTT informed the gathering that it was intended to send a cable to Private BLACK informing him of what had been done. Two cinematography operators were present, and two films were taken, one to be used for recruiting and one for advertising purposes. The films will also in all probability be shown in the trenches in France. Large group photos were taken in the field and at the railway station. West Wimmera Mail extracts are on the Web www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/index.html Daryl Crabtree Gladstone C.Qld Australia