In contrast, the new farming project in Murwillumbah showed great promise.
The more the devotees saw what was available, the more enthusiastic they
became. The land had a river, ample flats for grazing and all kinds of forestry
ideal for building purposes, including red and white mahogany, iron bark,
various types of eucalyptus and even camphor trees. The fact that out of the 810
acres, 350 acres were forest meant that plenty of wood was available for home
construction.
The amount owing on the farm was paid in cash, and on 7 April 1977, devotees
moved onto the property. A carload of boys were waiting at the front entrance
to join them, an auspicious beginning and within a month, 13 devotees were
living on the new farm.
The climate was hot and damp. In fact it rained for a month from the day the
devotees moved onto the property. As spectacular waterfalls ran off the slopes of
the 600 meter high mountain it reminded the devotees of Govardhana Hill, the favorite place of Krishna's childhood pastimes in Vrindavana.
Hari-sauri wrote to Srila Prabhupada, suggesting a name for the farm.
Prabhupada's reply, dated 1 May 1977, approved the choice.
Yes, the name 'New Govardhana' will be very appropriate for your farm.