19oice 06 lhe mounlains JOURNAL OF THE MOUNTAIN DISTRICT CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA 1983 · 84 EDITION NO. 8 "l9oice ol lhe mounlains Journal of the Mountain District Cattlemen's Association of Victoria Compiled by J. Commins, H. Stephenson and G. Stoney OFFICE BEARERS 1983 - 84 President J .A. Commins, Ensay Vice-Presidents C. Hodge, Valencia Creek H . Ryder, Tawonga W. Cumming, Glenmaggie Liaison Offleer G. Stoney, Mansfield Special Assignments L. Mccready, Myrtleford Sec/Treasurer C. Aston, Ensay Marketing Officer Joanne Rogers, Box 744, Bairnsdale INDEX From the President . ...... ...... ........ ........ ..... ...... ........ ·.... 2 Holmes Plain Get Together 1984 .. ........................................... 3 Vale - Mr Eric Cumming .... ...... ......................................... 3 A Sad Loss and a Message ........................... ....................... 4 For the Future .................................. .......................... 4 Study of Cattle on the High Plains ........................ ................. 8 The Old Bush Forge - at Gow's Hut ..... ..................................... 10 The Beveridge Brothers .. .. .... ..................... ... .. .. .. ....... .. 12 The Valley .. .......................... .......... ....... .................. 15 The Rumpffs ........... ... ..... ... .... .................. .. ....... .. ... 16 The Pack Horse ........... .......................... .... .. .. .. .. .. .... .. 21 Hot Billy Tea ............ ... ..... ........................................ 22 Huts and Tracks of the Mountain Country .................................... 24 Close the Door .................................... .. .. ................... 27 High Country Telemovie ............................ .. .... .............. 27 The Upper Murray Scene .......................... ........ ............... 28 Tawonga Calf Sale ............ .. .. .. ............. .. .. ............. .. .... 39 The Ghost of Antonio Gianettoni ........ .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. ................ 44 Water Birth .. ... .. ........ ................ ..... .... ............... .... 44 Bogong High Plains ..................... .. ........... .. .. .. .. ..... .... ... 46 Stand up and Fight ........................................................ 51 Rain Forest ............................................................. 51 In Defence of the Mountain Cattleman .................. ..... ............... 52 Cattlemen Care for the High Country ......................................... 54 Stranded in the Snow .................................. ..... ............. 55 Looking Back .................. .. ... ............ .. .... .................. 55 Connley .................... ... ........................................... 56 Printed by the Mansfield Courier, 11 High St, Mansfield (057) 75 2115, 75 2888. Typesetting courtesy Harry Stephenson, 14 Railway Avenue, Armadale (03) 509 0051 . Front cover photo: Mountain cattlemen are pictured befor.e the start of the 1st Annual cattleman's Cup last February. The winner, Ken Connley is pictured centre rear on the front. Photo courtesy Stock & Land FROM THE PRESIDENT Another year has passed and the future the film, "The Man From Snowy River", and for alpine grazing remains unclear. We are following that there have been other helpful exposed to two real dangers - the first and television and news media releases in which perhaps least likely is that a total prohibition our members have participated. What is most of cattle grazing will be gradually urgently needed is thorough and unbiased implemented. The second, and very much studies of matters relating to mountain more likely, that the same result may be grazing. achieved more rapidly by very substantial rises If time can be gained for that it will be in grazing fees. shown that grazing has far more benefits to Grazing cattle on the high plains already offer than just those gained by the owners of costs. our members as much or more than good the cattle and many false and distorted accus­ pasture in private secure paddocks, taking into ations will be laid to rest. A good example in account all costs involved. recent research on cattle grazing on the In last summer's drought mountain Bogong High Plains. cattlemen did not have to call for subsidised In February last we enjoyed another most assistance and had their summer grazing runs successful get together and the Mansfield not been available the cost to the State under branch members who are few in number and th.e drought assistance scheme would have whose turn it was to be the organisers are to be been well in excess of one million dollars. congratulated on a wonderful achievement. For example, if 20,000 cattle at, say, There were many most valued helpers but one $2.50 per head per week Government contrib­ I must make special mention of was Miss Suzie ution (a subsidy of 75f1/o cost of transport and Howie for her generous help and expertise in fodder purchased was available) were paid for the field of press relations. The publicity sixteen weeks then the cost to the State would gained from the function and the race has been have been $1,000,000. invaluable and ongoing. Submissions in respect of fees have been For the production of this issue of VOM made to Government but no discussion on fine many thanks are due to all those who provided details have as yet followed with the articles, photos etc. and a special thanks is M.D.C.A.V., but figures bandied about from extended to Harry Stephenson for his most official circles indicate that savage rises in valued donation of time, equipment and Government charges that could force runhold­ professional know-how to do the type setting ers of long standing out of business, are likely, and his part in preparing the magazine's and perhaps imminent. contents. This would be welcomed by our ill It weighs rather heavily upon me that I informed and subversive opponents alike but it have been unable to write personal notes of would be a very backward move, not only for appreciation to all the people who have been so pastoral interests but also for water catchment helpful in writing letters of encouragement as values, for sight seeing, for intensive local well as supporting submissions to Government knowledge and so on. and offers of assistance in other ways during Much time and travelling has been the past year. donated to our cause by members of our assoc­ The numerically small (in relation to the iation, and many associate members have population) group of activists who oppose us, made generous offers of help. Much interest in who also are financially supported by large the mountains and in the people who live and annual grants from public funds and are work there was inspired by the presentation of organised to even international level make our 2 contest seem something like a David and If they have already written to their Goliath event. However, I am confident that if Members of Parliament or other members of only a complete cross section of community Government or perhaps made representations opinion can be heard on the matter we will to any public organisations they may be find that. the maj,ority of people can see no involved in then, they m.ight now try and harm and only benefits to be gained from our persuade their neighbours to do the same. traditional contributions to food production If you haven't written to your local under the most natural traditional and member and other politicians, please do so. uncomplicated conditions. Any such message, no matter how brief, must Members should actively seek public help and any sympathiser who does not make a expressions of support and associate members personal representation might at least add his can be most helpful in the same way. Since it is or her signature to a supporting submission if possible and indeed likely that firm decisions the opportunity arises. will soon be made at Government level before There is an urgent need to have impact at many areas of interest are checked by objective political level NOW. research it is vitally important that people act without delay. James Commins, Ensay HOLMES PLAIN GET TOGETHER 1984 The second annual Cattlemen's Cup will An inspection of surrounding High be run on Holmes Plain, at the 1984 Mountain Country grazing leases will complete the Cattlemen's Get Together to be held on weekend. February 4 and 5, 1984. F<?r further information please ring Bill Ken Connley from Benambra won the Cumming (051) 48 0223. first cup last year at Sheepyard Flat and the competition will be hot and strong to take the cup to another section of the Alps in 1984. Holmes Plain is 60 miles north of MR ERIC CUMMING Heyfield up in the High Country and a We regretfully record the passing, in delightful setting for a weekend get together. August J982, of one of the pioneers of The Gippsland branch· of the Mountain the Glenmaggie area, Mr Eric Cumming. Cattle(tlen 's Association is hosting the event Mr Cumming was widely respected and a great program is planned. in Mountain Cattlemen circles · and For the Saturday night a barbecue and played an active role for many years in booth will operate with short speeches and M.D.C.A.V. activities. long entertainment to the early hours. The Cumming family now carry on On Sunday please have your camp the example set by Mr Cumming and his organised by 10 a.m. when the Cattleman's son, Bill, and his family are very active Cup is to be held. within the association. 3 A SAD LOSS AND. A MESSAGE FOR THE FUTURE Ian Stapleton, 'Mittagundi'. The sudden passing