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In introducing this handbook to intending Settlers, we cannot do better than reproduce the graphic Editorial in which our scheme was so picturesquely paragraphed in the May, 1911, issue of “The Empire Illustrated,” with acknowledgments and thanks to the Proprietor of that publication, thus:-

A Great Colonisation Enterprise. The Midland Railway of Western Australia’s Scheme.

Western Australia has been not inaptly styled the Cinderella State of Australia; but of all those who have attempted to fill the role of the “Fairy Prince,” the Midland Railway Company most nearly approaches the ideal. We have previously in our columns referred to their great Colonising Scheme, to their Chairman (Mr. W. Capel Slaughter), and his colleagues on the board - Messrs. Andrew Williamson (Deputy Chairman) Geo. A. Touche, M.P., and W. Mendel, their Secretary (Mr. A. J. Barber); and their Land Agent (Mr. James Gardiner); who with their satellites have deftly fashioned the crystal shoes for Cinderella’s wear; and now we share with them the pleasures of their success, and tender our congratulations for the attention their labours have deservedly attracted.

The Scheme, it will be remembered, was to subdivide their lands into a large number of farms, each securely fenced, and one-third of it cleared and ploughed ready for sowing, to erect upon each a house, sheds, and outbuildings, and to provide an adequate water supply. The terms to settlers to be 10 per cent. cash down and the balance spread over 20 years at 5½ per cent per annum. One hundred farms were to be cut up for a start, and this, when you come to think  .....  Next Page >>