Industry
Below is information about the different industries that supported or came about because of, the Pikedale Soldier Settlement Scheme.
State sawmill
Sawmill
The State Sawmill at Amiens was built for the purpose of cutting timber to build the government offices and the homes for returned men on settlement blocks.
State store
Store
The State Store housed many food and equipment items that the settlers required. It was unique in that the train line ran straight past one of its doors for easy unloading.
Pikedale Soldiers Settlement Co-operative Jam and Processing Co. Ltd
Cannery
Official opening of the Pikedale Soldiers Settlement Co-operative Jam and Processing Co. Ltd on Dec 11th, 1920, with FC Sheldon (Manager/Sec.) presiding. This business became famous for its “Diggers” Tomato Soup.
Experimental farm
Experimental farm
In the state Experimental Farm grew 20 acres of fruit trees and 2 acres of grapes. Settlers were encouraged to work on the farm for 3 months to a year to learn the skills needed to tend their block of land and make a living from it.