In 1890 the value of Victorian wool exports was 5,121,852 pounds.
In the same year in terms of rolling stock on our railways, there were 8,259 goods trucks and wagons.
For 1889-90 the number of passengers traveling by rail is listed as 71,058,940. Obviously, this would to be number of tickets sold rather than the number of individuals traveling.
During the same period, 4,170,463 tons of goods and livestock were transported by rail
It appears that due a crop failure of hops over successive years, hop production in Victoria was stimulated from around 1882-3.
It was noted that there was significant raspberry production in the Yarra Ranges.
Sheep ‘scab’ was petering out in Victoria.
The tobacco industry was declining with only 618 acres under cultivation.
Total agricultural production for the year ending 1 March 1891 was reckoned to be worth more than 7 million sterling.
The Year-book notes that dairy figures have never been complete. In 1889-90 it was estimated that 42,285 gallons of milk were being produced each day. Additionally, there was 2,200,000 lbs. of butter and 1,790,000 lbs. of cheese.
The state was exporting butter to the UK.
Victoria was also sending fresh meat to London from 1880. Initially the quantities were relatively low – just 60 beef carcasses and 555 of mutton.
By 1890 the Year-Book is making reference to rabbits – an introduced specie which soon became feral. The government had wanted to “suppress the evil”.1 An array of options for their eradication was considered. Some advocated introducing a second non-native species to prey on the rabbits. Ferrets, weasels, or the “mongouse” were all considered. But this was soon ruled out – in part because of the danger that would be posed to poultry. A preferred method was to use phosphorized grains. Arsenic could also be used. The pumping of bisulphide or carbon directly into rabbit warrens was even looked at. Easier methods were trapping and shooting.
A use was found for the rabbits in Victoria. Their skins were exported. By 1884, almost 5 million of them were being sent outside the state.
They were also eaten for their meat and in 1890-91 it seems that more than half a million of them were sent to Melbourne.
By this time, the Year-Book is listing facts and figures related to forestry and timber production.
The timber for that quintessential Australian tree, the wattle, was deemed to be “valueless”.2
There were a number of sawmills operating. The number listed is 202, employing 2,767 people. The ‘superficial’ feet of timber produced stood at 152,434,583.
Source: Victorian Year-Book, 1890-91, pp. 58-59, pp. 140-141, pp. 264-335
Australia and the World Past and Present 
Leave a comment