Chapter:

Dr. James Murdoch M.D. of Craigow 1785-1848
Early Pioneer of Medicine in Van Diemens Land

11.

The picul was a variable weight, equal to roughly 133 pounds. Indian Opium was then pouring into Canton. In 1839-1840, Britain was to fight the "Opium War" with China. However, opium from Tasmania played no part in the matter.

Dr Murdoch was certainly living at CRAIGOW in 1834; in that year his son Thomas was born there on 4th June. He farmed there on an extensive scale. The bulk of the farm work was performed by assigned servants, some immediately available, others sent for. A note dated 16th July, 1840, states that he had sent England for three ploughmen, one gardener and one farm labourer.

Velvet and Golden Swan wheats were sown at Craigow after the heavily timbered land had been cleared and fenced, and Chevalier and Moldavian barleys, as well as aniseed and poppy for medical purposes The bulk of the farm work was performed by assigned servants, some immediately available, others arrived on the ships ISABELLA EDEN and ROYAL GEORGE. The place was stocked with sheep and with cattle bought at the Bagdad sale, and as a side line which rapidly assumed substantial commercial proportions, the extraction of salt by evaporation in pans in the tidal shallows of the Coal River was undertaken. Portion of the estate is known by the name of the Salt Pans to this day.

On 21st October 1829 he attended the Land Board in support of an application he had made for an additional grant. At that time he had cleared 50 acres of Craigow and 12 to 15 acres were sown that year with wheat and turnips. He had merely a hut to reside in but was preparing materials for a house. His garden and orchard consisted of ten acres surrounded by a good fence. His farm was situated eight miles from Kangaroo Point.

The proceeds of his property in Scotland were not imported to the Colony, but if he could obtain land then he would import it. Under all the circumstances reported to the Land Board, the Board could not recommend that more land should be granted to Dr Murdoch.

In the "Courier" of 21st February 1834 he advertised to be let a small farm nine miles from Kangaroo Point, on the Coal River Road, consisting of 80 acres nearly all cleared, to which, if required, would be added 100 acres of pasture. Particulars could be ascertained on application to him at Craigow. On the 3rd May 1834 he is mentioned as a resident at Risdon and a cultivator of opium.