MILDURA.
Lord Ranfurley's manager, and Mr. Levien, are the most remarkable of all. Mr. Pickering gives 740l. as the net return from 20 acres of lemons. Deducting cost of cultivation at 6l. an acre, which is apparently not included, the net return is reduced to 620l., or 31l. an acre. Mr. Levien gives 149l. as the net return from two and a half acres (quarter acre being affected by seepage), after deducting all expenses of cultivation, &c. This is equivalent to a return of considerably over 60l. an acre. To the objection that the returns which have just been quoted are not the average results from land at Mildura, it may be fairly replied that many successful settlers whose land is mortgaged would obviously be reluctant to publish the profits they are realising; and that the settlers who were examined before the Commission, with but one or two exceptions, expressed themselves as exceedingly hopeful if not as confident of success. The favourable opinions expressed as to the future of Mildura are always subject to the provision of a proper water supply, for which many said they would be willing to pay twice or three times the present water-rate of 1l. an acre.
Markets for the Mildura products.Melbourne is at present the principal market for Mildura produce, which is carried by river to Echuca (past Swan Hill) and thence by rail, at 37s. a ton. In 1895 the prices obtained for certain fruits, notably for raisins, were low, owing to individual growers throwing this produce on the market at the same time. In 1895, the prices obtained were 1½d. to 2d. per lb.; in 1896, 3½d. to 5d. per lb. A considerable proportion of the fruit is now dealt with by the Mildura Fruit Preserving Company, and by the Mildura Fruit Growers'217
