BATHURST is not a city famed for its pears and yet in an almost forgotten corner of the city there are fruiting pear trees that have reached the grand old age of 118.
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Horticulturist Roy Menzies, who worked at the Agricultural Research Station for 37 years and is now retired, said the pear trees are located at the station, which was founded as an experimental farm in 1895 by the Department of Agriculture and Mining.
One of three experimental farms in NSW, it waited 100 years before it got its official opening.
Mr Menzies said the experimental farm began operations after the 1890 drought so scientists could find ways to help crops, animals and farmers survive future droughts.
Within 12 months, 2500 fruit trees of all varieties had been planted. Only the pears have survived.
Pear trees are one of the longest living fruit trees, although the climate and soil here in Bathurst was not really conducive to their growth.
As a result they are quite small for their great age, something that surprises orchardists visiting from overseas. The trees were planted 20 feet apart so there is enough room for a horse and wagon to get under the branches.
The variety is Williams’ bon chrétien, or Bartlett pear.
They are mainly used in canning because of their shape and sugar content and the fact they don’t store well. There are around 30 trees remaining.
The horticulturist said Bathurst’s senior citizens attended a 100th birthday party for the pear trees 18 years ago.
Mr Menzies will be hosting two tours of the facilities in April as part of the Autumn Colours Festival. The tours will be held on April 12 and 26 and more details will be available in the Autumn Colours brochure.
Mr Menzies said in many ways the Agricultural Research Station was ahead of its time. He said the farm was originally 800 acres and showcased anything and everything to do with farming.
“Researchers and students grew tobacco, cereal crops, vegetables, and fruit trees. They ran a cannery, piggery and dairy farm,” he said.
“They sold the produce, making money for the government of the day.”
He said many students learnt their craft there, including Gordon Edgell, who went on to revolutionise the canning industry. However, the ag school component closed during World War II and never reopened.
The research station, however, continued.
