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STOCK-PROOF FENCING AND 7 WIRES
Mr. F. J. MADDEN, Inspector of Stock, Tamworth.
Fencing Posts
Straining and Gate Posts
Battens
Stays Gates Bed Logs for Gateways
Plain Wire
Barb Wire
The specifications for the timber and other material required for the erection of this stock-proof fence would be similar to that fully described under rabbit-proof fence.
ERECTION OF FENCE
Proposed Line for Fence.
This should be carefully selected, steep grades, rocky nobs, sharp slopes and such difficult country should be avoided if possible. All standing timber should he cleared from the line within half a chain from each side of same.
Length of Panels.
As in a netting fence, one has to be guided by the class of country to be traversed, short panels are necessary if the proposed line is across rough or very hilly country. If the country is undulating or fairly level, so then the panels are lengthened, and if possible a 15 feet panel with 2 battens is found to make a very good fence for all classes of stock. If shorter panels are necessary or longer panels desired then either of the following will he found effective for keeping stork within bounds; 9 feet, no batten: 9 to 12 feet, 1 batten; 12 to 16 feet, 2 battens: 16 to 20 feet, 3 battens.
Fencing Posts in Ground.
Should be sunk 22 inches in ground, well rammed, 3 feet 10 inches out of ground, straight along line, and level on top line.
Straining and Gate Posts in Ground.
Straining posts along the line are placed 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet in ground, corner strainers 3 feet in ground, gate posts 3 feet, all should be thoroughly rammed when filling in.
Distance Between Straining Posts.
It is found that strainers should be as far apart along line as the country will permit, every 5 chains is close enough, as a long strain makes it possible to keep the wires tighter than in short strains, but straining posts must be provided at all angles and turns irrespective of distance between.
Bed Logs.
Not so necessary as in a netting fence, if provided adds to the life of the fence, should it be used, it is let into the ground to the ground level, between the gate posts and should fit flush to both posts, the top should be squared.
Boring.
Posts are bored through the centre after erection, battens are dealt with on the ground, the top hole in both should be about two inches from top.
Wire.
Six plain and one barb has been found to make the most effective fence to keeping in bounds all classes of stock; No. 8 black, or No. 10 galvanised is used, hard for preference—if hard wire is used, very little is stolen as it does not make such good "rabbit bows" or for repairs to vehicles,etc.,. which is another advantage.
Spacing of Wire.
From bottom upwards, 1st 6 inches from ground, 2nd 5 inches above No. 1. 3rd 5 inches. 4th 5 inches, 5th 6 inches, 6th 8 inches, and the barb, 9 inches which brings it to the top of posts.
The barb wire is not run through holes, it is secured in position by a tie of No. 10 soft wire through the top bore hole.
Gates.
Double wooden each 6 feet wide, or single iron gate 12 feet wide, well hung between the gate posts, easy to open and a simple fastening.
Stays.
Every straining post at angles and corners must be stayed to prevent movement, the post has a mortice hole or notch made in same about 10 Inches from top, the stay is let into this notch, brought back along the line of fence, let into the ground some inches, then a wedge of hard wood is driven into the ground at the end of stay to force it into the notch of the strainer to keep it in position. Other methods of staying is sometimes adopted, but the style explained is found effective.
Gully and Creek Crossings.
Crossings are made in various ways, sometimes the netting apron Is used, but most times the timber flood rails are used, the latter is found to be effective, these "blocks" are made by running a cable across from two trees or posts as in a netting fence, from the cable to the bed of the watercourse posts of light timber are erected. 2 inch holes are bored into these posts, pegs are inserted, on the pegs are placed rails and are effective.