Army on exercise
The Third Task Force based at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, held its annual major officer training activity in the high range training area south-west of Townsville.
More than 400 officers took part in the week of training which included a full scale command post exercise, hypothetical problems and simulated combat.
At the time of the training week the majority of North Queensland army officers were out in the field but were able to keep in contact with officers at the barracks via a radio link established by the 103rd Signals Squadron.
Herds well up on Aboriginal reserves
At the end of March, 1977, the Department of Aboriginal and Islanders Advancement recorded 34,454 head of livestock on Queensland Aboriginal reserves.
In the twelve months prior to June 30, 1977, the sales of beef from the reserves grossed $225,000 and beef stock slaughtered for the communities totalled 1344 head.
Kowanyama reserve on the Mitchell river was recorded to carry the highest number of cattle with 16,000 head.
As a part of the department's $800,000 stocking program 558 purebred Brahman bulls, 3047 selected breeders, 125 selected calves and 500 stockhorses were transported north to the reserves.
Inverary bull sets Australian record
The Australian Poll Hereford Society announced a new all breeds record when Anderson Pastoral Co. purchased Inverary Foralmost for $75,000.
Two additional parties were also involved in the sale, a family from New South Wales and one from Western Australia, each purchasing one-quarter semen shares.
Under the terms of the sale, the bull would remain in the possession of Anderson Pastoral Co. and the other buyers received semen for exclusive use within their own herds.
No money for horses
Sixty horses were sold and an equal number passed through at the annual Primaries-Mactaggarts horse sale in Mackay, which grossed $8000.
Dry weather conditions and the beef slump were blamed for the reluctance in bidding from graziers.
A spokesperson for the agent described the sale as "very poor", with the top price brood mare selling for just $435.
Also read: Remember when: Looking back on NQR headlines
Also read: Check out the headlines of October 29, 1977
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