Berringa Park was the grazing property established on the Mitta Mitta river flats in the early 1870's by William and Jane Symington. William Symington's initial land selection centred on two triangular allotments, numbers five and six of Section 4 of the Parish of Beethang, County of Bogong. These allotments were separated by a right of way from which the local region derived its name. Huon Lane was the early stock route which ran from Paul Huon's Wodonga pastoral run on the Murray River to and beyond the Bungoona homestead on the Bungonia pre-emptive right. The first newspaper record of the name Huon's Lane from papers digitised by the NLA is in 1873. Bungoona, the homestead of the Huon family, was situated on the opposite side of Sandy Creek,  about two kilometres to the east of Berringa Park.

In 1862, William Symington settled in the Beechworth region, where his younger brother James 1828-1908 was already well established. In 1866 William purchased a small land holding on the road to Stanley which adjoined the gold diggings on the Deep Creek. Clearly he prospered because by July 1871 he was in a position to apply for a grant or lease of several allotments on the Mitta Mitta river in the parish of Beethang. 

Under the Land Act of 1869 William Symington applied to lease allotments 5 (100 acres) [1] and 6 (82 acres [2] of Section 4 in the Parish of Beethang. He also applied to lease allotments 5 of Section 3 and 2 of Section 4 (258 acres combined) [3] and allotment 2 of Section 3 (87 acres) [4] He was awarded the grants on all these allotments on 19 July 1877. He built the Berringa Park homestead on high ground on allotment 6, Section 4.  

William's brother James Symington and his sister Catherine Russell also obtained leases on nearby allotments.  In 1874 his son James and daughter Mary were awarded property in the Parish of Berringa, across the Mitta Mitta from Beethang, hence the name Berringa Park. [5]

In 1874 his niece Jane Russell was granted a lease on 26 acres of fenced land on which she grazed four cows and made butter. She was then living with her uncle James "senior" who was already established as a grazier in the district. [6]  

William's son James 1848-1920, who is designated as "the younger" in some lands documents to distinguish him from his uncle, began with a small land holding but ultimately he and his sister Mary would inherit all of the lands of Berringa Park. His first acquisition was a 30 acre selection, allotment 1A, Section 5 which was adjacent to his father's Beethang property. He marked out his boundaries by posts or stones on 17 July 1871. [7] In his application for a Licence dated 31 July 1871 and signed "James Symington Juner" (sic) he states his occupation as "farmer" of "Bongunia" (sic).  A Licence was granted on 12 December 1871.  In his application under Section 20 of the Land Act, dated 12 January 1875, he recorded the following improvements: he had erected a slab hut measuring 11 by 10 feet with a bark roof, a dam measuring 90 by 80 feet and 10 feet deep and 45 chains of chock and log fence. Seven acres were under cultivation with wheat and oats and the rest was considered unfit for cultivation because it was on a hillside. He also acquired an adjacent 120 acres under License (allotment 4 of Section 4) which he had under cultivation and used for grazing. The original License for that allotment was dated 17 September 1872. [8]

[1] PROV VPRS 629 P0 Unit 7 File 13328

[2] PROV VPRS 629 P0 Unit 7 File 13329

[3] PROV VPRS 629 P0 Unit 7 File 13330

[4] PROV VPRS 629 P0 Unit 7 File 13331

[5] Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth), Thursday 30 July 1874, page 3

[6] Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth), Tuesday 1 December 1874, page

[7] PROV VPRS 625 P0 Unit 300 File 20385/19.20

[8] PROV VPRS 625 P0 Unit 300 File 20400

In 1878, William's son Peter 1857-1916 was granted 320 acres of land in the parish of Beethang under Section 19 of the Land Act. [1] His property, Teviotdale, extended west from Berringa Park into the foothills which separated the Mitta Mitta valley from Tangambalanga.

The Mitta river flats were prime grazing country. Fat bullocks and cows from Berringa Park were sold at the Beechworth market. Regular consignments of cattle from William Symington are reported in 1875 and thereafter. [2]

Following the Huon Lane stock route, the railway branch line from Wodonga to Huon's Lane was opened in 1889. The line passed the front of the Berringa Park homestead and the station was only a short stroll away.

William Symington's wife Jane died at Berringa Park in 1878 and William died there in 1890.

In 1894 James Symington purchased about 400 acres of river flats which adjoined Berringa Park from W.J.M. Stuckey, who had farmed the property from the eighteen seventies. There was never any dwelling on this land which was subject to flooding. The principal Stuckey residence was at Bungoona West on Sandy Creek.

The Symington family accumulated land holdings on either side of the Mitta Mitta which ultimately amounted to about 2500 acres. 

After William died in 1890, brother and sister James and Mary Symington continued to run Berringa Park.  Their eldest son, William 1844-1898, was the only member of the family who did not take up farming. When he married in 1872, while other family members were acquiring property at Huon Lane, William was working as a drover in Urana.  From the 1870's he ran a butcher's shop in Warren until his death in 1898. As a teenager, William's daughter Margaret went to live at Berringa Park in the first decade of the 19th century. Margaret's elder brother Harry worked at Berringa Park and he was also living there when he enlisted in the A.I.F. in 1916. Mary died in 1919 and James died the following year.

James Symington donated land on which a Presbyterian Church was erected in 1910. When the Hume Weir was under construction, government workers were accommodated on land near the church. 

James left his Berringa Park property to his nephew and niece, Charlie and Aggie Darton.  By early 1921 Berringa Park was put up for sale. 

In 1927, Peter Symington's son Doug built a substantial brick house at Teviotdale which he initially named "Gleneffie" (possibly after a racehorse). The red bricks were made from local clay from Huon Lane. Situated on the peak of a small hill overlooking the Hume reservoir, this property was renamed Berringa Park. [3] The house occupies the original allotment selected by James Symington junior in 1871. Doug sold out in 1933. His property of 1495 acres was purchased by T. Macaulay of Kew. [4] Originally known as Teviotdale, the Macaulay property has since acquired the name "Tiviotdale." This transition may have arisen from a mispronunciation. In Doug's generation, the pronunciation "Tividale" was in use (e.g. Vera, Doug's cousin). Furthermore, there is a single mention of the "Tiviotdale" spelling in a report of Doug's 1923 wedding. [5]

[1] Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Saturday 6 July 1878, page 7

[2] Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth), Saturday 28 August 1875, page 5

[3] Wodonga & Towong Sentinel Wed 29 July 1927 page 2

[4] The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 16 June 1933 page 45

[5] Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 16 March 1923, page 27

THE BERRINGA PARK HOMESTEAD

The Berringa Park homestead was erected on a flat expanse of ground above the flood level of the Mitta Mitta River. The house faced the road which ran along the south-western boundary of Allotment 6 of Section 4 in the Parish of Beethang. When William Symington died in 1890, the homestead comprised a four-roomed weatherboard cottage with a shingle roof. The cottage was sparsely furnished and comprised a sitting room and three bedrooms. Each bedroom had an iron bedstead and a dressing table with looking glass and wash basin. There was a separate kitchen of slab construction with an iron roof, furnished with a dresser, table and six chairs. There was a slab stable with a single horse stall and buggy shed with a bark roof and there was a slabbed sunken dairy with a bark roof. The homestead block was divided into three paddocks by post and two-rail fences. [1]

When James and Mary Symington inherited Berringa Park in 1890, the house was a very basic construction. In 1902, a visiting correspondent from the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel described the residence as a diminuitive cottage. Next to the house was a luxuriant orchard planted with a wide range of fruit trees.

Describing James Symington's property, the correspondent wrote: [2]

At Huon-lane I left the railway and saw before me one of the finest river flats in Victoria- the perfection of a cattle-fattening pasture. Berringa-park, as part of this fine valley land is named, is the property of Mr J. Symington, who is well known in the fat stock markets of Sydney and Melbourne for the fine cattle he sends in for sale. Mr Symington’s residence is a diminuitive cottage, situated on a bank about 15 ft above the level of the river flats, and about a stone’s throw from the railway station. The bank on which the cottage is built, is evidently adapted for fruit-growing, for in Mr Symington’s garden are produced the finest apples, pears, plums, figs, peaches, apricots, mulberries, grapes, oranges, and lemons. The trees are remarkably healthy, and bear heavy crops. This bank, which runs for some distance along the valley, could easily produce enough fruit to supply the north-east district and then export a large quantity. The climate in this part of the Mitta Mitta is very fine; frosts are not as numerous nor as severe as higher up among the mountains, and it is cooler than at Wodonga. During the summer there is generally a cool draught of air down from the mountains at night. It would not be easy task to find a fairer view than the one looking from the steading up the valley.

The property the Dartons inherited  in 1920 included a modest weatherboard house with outbuildings, a dairy and the Berringa Park tennis court. The nearby station master’s residence at Huon Lane became infested with termites. The Berringa Park homestead may have encountered a similar fate although the house was still standing in 1930.

Sadly, no pictures of the house have ever turned up. A photograph taken in the early 1930s captures the removal of the railway goods shed to higher ground. This photo offers a  tantalising glimpse of the homestead behind a line of pine trees.

All family portraits from Berringa were destroyed by Doug Austen after the death of his wife Aggie Darton who had inherited Berringa Park with her brother Charlie. (Personal communication with Austen at Victor Harbour circa 1980.

[1] PROV VPRS 28/2/311; VPRS 28/0/572

[2] Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 21 November 1902 page

Early in 1930 work was underway to remove a lengthy section of the rail line to a position above the expected level of the reservoir. The work was expected to take about eighteen months. [1]

This photograph was taken by Mr. Simmonds of Huon Lane. The goods shed is being transported to the new station. To the right of the picture a gateway leads to the Berringa Park homestead through a line of pines. The house was set about forty metres back from from the rail line.

[1] Argus (Melbourne), Wednesday 15 January 1930, page 17

There are three buildings within the homestead enclosure. The House is on the fenceline and faces the rail line. The smaller construction behind the house was the separate kitchen. The building at the rear would have been the toilet or laundry. There are two constructions to the north and just outside the enclosure.

THE RUINS OF OLD BERRINGA PARK

The Berringa Park homestead site and most of the pasture was inundated after the Hume weir was erected at the confluence of the Mitta Mitta and Murray rivers. Construction began in 1919 and the weir was completed in 1936. The railway line was repositioned on higher ground as the level of Lake Hume rose.

On 21 June 2003 I first set foot on the property which was old Berringa Park. On this quiet and grey morning, I was able to drive across the coarse gravel bed of Lake Hume to the old Huon Lane railway station. The water’s edge has receded a full kilometre from the high-water mark just below the present railway platform which is in a derelict state. After decades of submersion, drought conditions had revealed the site of the old Berringa Park homestead within a sandy expanse. Blackened bricks from the chimney were scattered about a simple bluestone hearth.  Five paces north of the hearth was a skeletal tree.  The gnarled trunk was reminiscent of a mulberry tree. The foundations of the house were visible and comprised split logs driven into the ground, the cut ends level with surface of the ground. In the background toward the Mitta Mitta were the remains of a tank stand. The front of the house appeared to have faced west, toward the railway line. A line of slim tree trunks with a distinctly European appearance stood behind the ruins of the homestead and the homestead block was bounded on the south-west and south by the stumps of a line of pine trees which had been cut to the ground.

Further to the north-west and beside the road and site of the railway line were the foundations of the dairy. Beyond the dairy and over a ditch was an area bordered by tree trunks which was the site of the Berringa Park tennis court.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES 

BERRINGA PARK 1902 

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 21 November 1902 page 4

BERRINGA PARK. 

It was pleasant, after the ride through the withered looking country on the North-eastern railway, and a couple of hours’ wait in the close atmosphere of Wodonga, to get to the eastward of Huon’s Hill, on the Tallangatta railway, and see green country again. On crossing the Kiewa River I noticed, that the water was greatly discoloured with silt, and, in my judgment, not good for stock. Entering the Mitta Mitta valley I had a good view of the pastures on Bethanga-park. They were looking green, but not as luxuriant as is usual at this time of the year. 

At Huon-lane I left the railway and saw before me one of the finest river flats in Victoria- the perfection of a cattle-fattening pasture. Berringa-park, as part of this fine valley land is named, is the property of Mr J. Symington, who is well known in the fat stock markets of Sydney and Melbourne for the fine cattle he sends in for sale. Mr Symington’s residence is a diminuitive cottage, situated on a bank about 15 ft above the level of the river flats, and about a stone’s throw from the railway station. The bank on which the cottage is built, is evidently adapted for fruit-growing, for in Mr Symington’s garden are produced the finest apples, pears, plums, figs, peaches, apricots, mulberries, grapes, oranges, and lemons. The trees are remarkably healthy, and bear heavy crops. This bank, which runs for some distance along the valley, could easily produce enough fruit to supply the north-east district and then export a large quantity. The climate in this part of the Mitta Mitta is very fine; frosts are not as numerous nor as severe as higher up among the mountains, and it is cooler than at Wodonga. During the summer there is generally a cool draught of air down from the mountains at night.

It would not be easy task to find a fairer view than the one looking from the steading up the valley.

THE BOTTOM LANDS. 

When looking across this valley from the railway carriage one gets an impression that the low land is of the highest fertility, and this impression is confirmed when the land is put to the test of walking over it. The first paddock we entered was one of 60 acres; the grass was not as long as I expected to find it, but it was of a thick- ness that one seldom sees in Victoria. On inquiry I found that there had been kept in this paddock during the last twelve months 20 cows and their calves, about 60 sheep, and five horses. This is a remarkable thing in a season when the rainfall is only one-third of the average. The average rainfall is 30 in., and this year there has been only 11 in. I heard the remark made that the dwellers in this valley had no idea of what the bottom land was capable in the way of grazing stock, and what this paddock has done gave force to the remark. Mr Symington does not appear to be afraid of the outlook; he is of the opinion that the short grass will fatten as well as when the grass is so long that more than half of it is wasted, which is the case in ordinary seasons. An inch or two of rain soon would put the pastures right for the season. Walking across the larger paddocks to the river the grass was plentiful, but not too abundant. In seasons of ordinary rainfall it is difficult to walk on these flats for the tangle of clover and luxuriant growth of rye grass and native grasses. On the river bank I found prairie grass growing plentifully, though it is fed regularly by cattle. It is thoroughly established, and is spreading fast. The water in the river was excessively dirty from the quantity of silt dumped into it from the mining operations higher up the stream; it was certainly not good water for stock. Some time ago, during a flood, the river broke through the bank, and a large stream rushed down a water course, flooded a deal of Bethanga-park, and left a top-dressing of silt on the surface. The breach has been made good, and is now stronger than ever. The land on the opposite side of the river belongs to Mr Symington; it is shaded from the sun and the north by a line of hills, and is better summer than winter country. On the homestead side of the river the pasture is excellent all the year, and cattle fatten on it in winter. This flat has been greatly encumbered with the debris of the ancient forest, but a commencement has been made in clearing up the land. When this work is completed the property will have a greatly improved appearance and the grazing capabilities of the land will be considerably increased. The river flats form about one third of Mr Symington’s property; the rest consists of a higher level, of limited extent, and low hills, lightly timbered. The rising land is excellent for raising young stock, and it struck me that this property would cut up into a number of ideal dairy farms. The hills could be utilised for grazing the dry cows and raising young stock, while, if there is better land in Victoria for cows in milk than the river flat, I have not seen it. Under the dairyman's rule there would be no complaints of too much grass in the paddocks. It is probable that dairying is the only way in which these fertile bottom lands can be thoroughly utilised. 

THE LIVE STOCK 

Mr Symington has such a great name for the excellence of his fat cattle that I was glad to have an opportunity of inspecting his herd. He has kept up a breeding herd of pure shorthorns for some years, and his breeding cows now number about 100 head. The bull at present in use is one that was selected fur him by the late Mr. Charles Lynott. He is an admirable specimen of the breed, and is from the well known stud of Mr J. H. Angas, South Australia, Mr Lynott’s advice and assistance will be missed for many a year by the stockbreeders of Victoria. The original cows were obtained from some of the best studs in the country, among them being the herds of Messrs Robertson, Colac; Messrs Finlay, Glenormiston; Mr D. Mitchell, and others. The stock bred in the herd are of excellent character and show how well adapted the place is for raising the highest class of stock. The steers are often sold before they are three years old, and they make heavy weights. I saw some of the young steers just two and a half years old, and anyone to look at them would have given them another year. With these steers were grazing some four-year-old Herefords from one of the best herds in the north-east, and they were not “in it” in comparison with the home-bred steers Mr Symington has a good name for the fat stock he sends to market, and he evidently takes care not to forfeit it. The Herefords I saw were in very good condition, and lately a Sydney buyer offered a high price for them, but Mr Symington did not think them sufficiently good to go away, and he declined to sell. All the cattle I saw on this property were looking very well, and so quiet were they that we could walk among them, and they scarcely took any notice of us I could not help contrasting the modern treatment of cattle with what obtained in the old squatting days. Then if a footman appeared near a mob of cattle on the run they would have made off as hard as their legs would carry them and probably would not stop till they had galloped two or three miles.   Quiet treatment is the order of the day in the management of cattle at the present time. I doubt if such a thing as an old-fashioned stock whip is now in use in Australia."Br..i," in the Australasian.    

BERRINGA PARK 1909

The Yackandandah Times Thursday 22 April 1909 page 3

The Huon District.

HIGH-CLASS STOCK BREEDING.      

The Agricultural correspondent of the Leader has been visiting the district, concerning which he writes: - The railway from Wodonga to Tallangatta strikes the valley of the Mitta Mitta at the Huon railway station, and from thence to its terminus the line follows the Mitta flats. Near Huon an important branch of the Mitta named Sandy Creek, comes in from the south-east, and around the junction we found some of the most prolific soils in an exceedingly fertile district. Generally speaking, the Mitta flats in this neighborhood average about three miles in width, and some of the gentler slopes of their encompassing hills also comprise good cultivation land. The higher levels are fairly steep and only used for grazing. 

LANDS AGGREGATION. 

The history of these rich river flats shows how by the neglect of precautions lands originally set apart for cultivation have become converted into purely grazing areas. In the first instance these deep alluvial soils were classified into limited blocks, to which certain tillage covenants were attached the object being to encourage the cultivation of what were admitted to be eminently productive soils. No restriction, however, was placed upon the size of the areas that might be acquired in freehold, while also the residence conditions were not insisted upon. Hence, as the freeholds were acquired, some of the settlers who looked ahead commenced to purchase their neighbors’ holdings, and thus a process absorption set it, which steadily continued until now one cattle station of 3000 acres surrounds the Huon railway station, and another of 6000 acres comprises land that was at one time occupied by eleven families. Where there were eleven farmers there are now two graziers. 

THE SOIL’S PRODUCTIVENESS.     

It is not as if the early tillage covenants, which were a feature of the land tenure under which these areas were acquired, were such as to compel the settlers to perform unprofitable work   On the contrary, most of the crops raised demonstrate the exceptional fertility of the land. Mr Symington, the prevent owner of Berringa Park, and one of the early pioneers, tells of well-headed oat crops which grew eight feet high. With such a growth five tons to the acre is not an unusual return, while where the crops are thrashed for grain the yields range from 80 to 90 bushels to the acre. Even on the high lands, which merge into the river flats, Mr Symington has grown 50 bushels of wheat to the acre, besides correspondingly good crops of oats. In one instance the fence of a small field of two acres sown with oats was blown down by the wind. The cattle got in and ate the green feed bare, leaving the field as if nothing had ever been sown on it. The fence was repaired, the oats made a further growth of such vigor that much of the crop laid over with its own weight. It was then harvested and the yield averaged 63 bushels per acre. Maize reaching up to 13 feet high, and prolific crops of potatoes have also been taken off the Mitta flats in the neighborhood of Huon. 

PROGRESS OF LAND ACCUMULATION. 

It is admitted by the present large owners that the land was not parted with by its first holders because of any failure to respond to cultivation, but on the contrary, the foregoing facts are quoted to show that the land was and is remarkably productive. The original holders simply sold out because the offers tempted them, and the prices were given by the larger buyers because of their being no restrictions on the land once it was made freehold. As soon as the freehold was secured, all the protecting covenants against land aggregation disappeared. Person- al residence became unnecessary, the tilling of the soil was a matter purely for the owner, and any one individual could purchase as much freehold as he had money or credit at the bank to pay for. It is not strange therefore that shrewd men who had already realized the capabilities of these rich soils lost no opportunity of accumulating as much as possible, and then, when they had obtained sufficient to render them independent of cultivation that they entirely gave up tillage, and contented themselves with the very handsome financial returns which were realizable by the fattening of cattle on the natural pasture alone. 

RICH NATURAL PASTURES. 

In its natural condition the Mitta valley is heavily timbered with red-gum, which absorbs a considerable proportion of the fertility of the soil, to the detriment of the succulent grasses which covered these alluvial flats when cleared. For grazing however, the complete clearing required for cultivation can be done without. With the primitive work of ring-barking only new grasses made their appearance, and by degrees the clovers and rye grass take possession of the rich deep soil, spreading in all directions. Even on this ring-barked country, these grasses now grow from three to four feet high, and in such profusion that a good crop of hay can be cut between the trees almost anywhere at harvest time. Yet no rye grass or clover was ever sown by the present large owners, while in the same way, without sowing, other useful grasses come of themselves, among which is noted Kangaroo grass, which attains special luxuriance. In some districts this native grass has a reputation of being only good for stock during a few weeks in the year, but the experience of Mr Symington, of Berringa Park, is that the Kangaroo grass is a most valuable permanent fodder. Prairie grass is another good friend to the grazier, not to mention other native and unnamed grasses all of which are found excellent for stock fattening.   

SECURING GOOD STOCK. 

When Mr Symington first acquired the ownership of his present property, he decided that such rich lands were worthy of the best cattle that could be procured, and being a believer in the pure bred Shorthorns, an opportunity afforded him of obtaining some choice representatives of one of the most carefully selected pure Shorthorn herds then known in Victoria. The foundation of the herd was built upon cows which in themselves represented 40 years’ careful and consistent breeding, while many of the present Berringa Park Shorthorns can claim 80 years’ descent from noted stock.   Having acquired a select lot of Shorthorn cows and heifers, Mr Symington’s next step was to secure a good bull. His choice was made from a leading Colac herd, the bull’s sire having cost £2000, and his dam’s sire, a bull owned by Mr C. B. Fisher, realizing just double that amount. In this manner was commenced the breeding of a type of Shorthorn cattle which ever since have won recognition for their massiveness and quality. 

THE HOME OF FAT CATTLE. 

The climate of the Huon district is   exceptionally favorable for well-bred stock. Shut in by high hills, the piercing cold winds that prevail on the plains are unknown. The cattle turned out to fatten at Berringa Park have no artificial protection or feeding of any kind. They live in the paddocks continuously, and know no feed except that which Nature has provided. Last year a fat bullock owned by Mr Symington won prizes at many important shows in the State, and when it the close of his show-ring triumphs he was slaughtered the carcase (sic) weighed 1592 lb. Fats from Berringa Park have sold as high as £30, and one lot of 45 has averaged as high as £27 per head all round. While Mr Symington finds that his own bred stock fatten best, it is general practice to buy suitable stores outside. On several occasions regions as far away as Bourke have been visited, while in other cattle districts of New South Wales Mr Symington is a well-known buyer. On one occasion he purchased a fine mob of shorthorns some miles out of Bourke, when, owing to the dry season, the cattle were obtained at a total cost, landed at Berringa Park, of £5 15s per head. They were turned into the fattening paddocks, and in six months were sent to market, realizing an average of £18 per head. As the extended fastening capacity of these flats is a beast to the acre, some idea of the profits may thus be obtained. 

SHEEP AND CATTLE TOGETHER. 

It is found necessary on these pastures to run sheep with cattle, on the same principle as that adopted on some of the large dairy farms in the Western district. Where there is an abundance of pasture, consisting of rye grass, clovers and native grasses, it is found that the keeping of sheep along with the cattle improves the quality of the feed by fulfilling what is described as a sort of scavenging function by consuming grasses that the cattle pass over, and which if not kept down would detrimentally affect other valuable but more delicate growths. As to the sheep kept, a beginning was made with substantial comeback and Lincoln merino ewes, and some of them, in which the Lincoln strain was predominant, were accidentally served by a Hampshire ram. The progeny of this cross turned out to be of such a sturdy character that some grade Lincoln ewes were obtained and mated with a Hampshire ram. The ewes from this union was ultimately served with pedigreed Shropshire rams from a leading stud. The lambs turned out most satisfactorily. Two hundred of the Hampshire-Lincoln ewes were run into a paddock with two Shropshire rams. The result was one hundred and eighty strong lambs, which were sold when five months old at 13s 9d each. Their average weight in the carcase was 58 1b., and they were pronounced by market experts to be the finest ever seen in the yards. 

ENCROACHMENTS OF DREDGING. 

Although cattle fattening on the lines indicated proves to be a very profitable industry at Berringa Park, yet it is not contended that in this was the most effective use of the rich land is being made. Closer settlement, it is admitted, is bound to come, with its combination of other profitable agricultural operations along with the stock fattening on smaller areas, sustaining a larger population. Here also it is disquieting to learn that representatives of the dredging companies have already made determined efforts to obtain the right to set their engines of destruction at work on these rich valley soils. Mr Symington, at considerable expense, has defeated one dredging lease application, covering the richest of the land, and now other efforts are being made, as is noted in the fact that 1200 acres of the pick of the district is contained within the pegs of the dredging applicants, as indicating the land which they seek to destroy for all time. The prevailing sentiment here is that in the face of these facts, and others which have come to light in the Ovens district, it is time for legislative action to be taken with the object of totally prohibiting the wanton destruction of valuable agricultural lands. 

GOLD DREDGING

The Argus Friday 15 July 1904 page 8

GOLD DREDGING. INTERESTING TO LANDOWNERS.

YACKANDANDAH, Wednesday. - Warden Rowan sat here on July 11 to deal with the case of John Thomas Reid and David Dejarlais v. James Symington and Mrs. Huon. Mr. F. H. Mackay for applicants; Mr. J. Wilkinson for owners. In January, 1903, applicants pegged out and applied for 336 acres of land at Sandy Creek, near Huon-lane, owned by James Symington and Mrs. Huon, and, after survey, the applicants and owners being unable to agree as to compensation, the parties appeared at the Warden’s Court, and, after personal examination of the land and the hearing of voluminous evidence, the warden estimated the damage that would be caused to the owners at £25 per acre or some £8,400 for the whole area marked out. In the “Government Gazette”, 13th February, 1904, application was refused. On 19th February last, applicants remarked out the original area, including therein a prospecting area of 10 acres, in the portion owned by Mrs. Huon, under the 95th section Mines Act 1514. J. T. Reid, Melbourne, miner, producing M. R. 24/10/03, deposed that he was one of the lease applicants for 336 acres of private land, owned and occupied by James Symington and Mrs. Huon. Included within the area marked out is a prospecting area of 10 acres, owned solely by Mrs. Huon. He proposed to work this area by dredging machinery, and the sludge would be confined in a tailrace or channel to the Mitta River, and none allowed to lodge on any land outside the prospecting area. Prospecting would be begun by boring, but as bores only defined the depth, amount of wash, and traces of gold, he and his party proposed to test the area by mining it with a dredge. The former valuation for compensation was £8,400, the cost of plant and labour would be another £8,000. If they satisfy themselves the area was rich enough, after testing, they would pay the award ordered for the whole area. By registered letters they tried to treat with the owners, and he meant to offer £25 per acre for the 10 acres, and then a like amount per acre for the whole lease if the ground proved payable, taking the land in 10 acre lots at a time. The land to buy was not worth more than £10 per acre. He desired to work this 10 acres in exactly the same manner as if he had got the whole lease. Until they bottomed its value was not proved. Mr. Wilkinson contended that on applicant’s own evidence the prospecting area should be refused. He wished to actually mine it, and prospecting was not mining. No sensible man would ever spend £8,000 in testing ground. All the applicants would do was to test and not work the land. Prospecting should be done by bores or shafts, and his clients were entitled to know how many bores or shafts were to be sunk and the Court’s duty was to assess the value of the compensation for the 10 acres, and also damage to the reserved area. The warden held it was simply his duty to assess compensation, and not to decide whether applicants intended to mine or prospect the land. That duty was the Minister’s. Mr. Wilkinson was satisfied with the original award, but held that the former decision would be stultified if this 10 acres were assessed at the same value. If the area was granted, £50 per acre should be allowed. James Symington stated that he knew Mrs. Huon’s 10 acres applied for, and if they were granted as a prospecting area and mined as much damage would be done as if 50 or 100 acres were granted. The compensation would be difficult to calculate. In his own case he objected as much to lose one acre as the whole 300. The actual injury to one acre would be £7,500 to him. He wanted the same compensation for one acre as for the lot. Mr. Mackay held it was not for the Court to define either prospecting or mining. All it had to do was with the method of use, and to assess the damage accordingly. The warden determined to inspect the area, and reserved his decision accordingly.

BUSH FIRE

The Border Morning Mail and Riverina Times Tuesday 16 February 1915 page 2

BUSH FIRE AT HUON LANE. GRASS AND FENCING DESTROYED.

(By our Travelling Representative.)

Bush fires have broken out in the district, but the damage in all cases has not been of extensive nature as there is very little grass to burn. At about 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon a fire commenced on the boundary of Messrs J. Symington's and J. Lobban’s properties, Springdale, about three miles from Huon Lane railway station. Fanned by a north-easterly wind, the fire quickly spread. But on a number of residents engaging the fire, it was got under control, but not before the following losses occurred: --   Mr. J. Lobban, — 300 acres of grass, and a considerable quantity of fencing. Mr. J. Symington, — 100 acres of grass. 

The outbreak is attributed to the careless use of fire by a party fishing in creek holes nearby. Mr. Symington, in reply to a question, remarked that no property in Australia seemed to be private in the sense that individuals could feel any delicacy about trespass. 

Owing to the high prices for fodder, the loss of any grass in the district will be more severely felt than in a season when grass is plentiful.

BERRINGA PARK CLEARING SALE

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 22 July 1921 page 3

GIPPSLAND AND NORTHERN CO-OPERATIVE CO. LTD. HAVE been favored with instructions from the Executors of late James Symington to sell by Public Auction, at the Homestead, Berringa Park, Huon, on Thursday, 28th July, At ONE O’CLOCK, To wind up the Estate, Stock, Implements, Furniture, &c., as under: 

CATTLE.  2 Three year old Pure-bred Shorthorn Heifers 1 Yearling Pure-bred Shorthorn Heifer 1 Yearling Pure-bred Shorthorn Bull 1 Pure Shorthorn Cow 3 Pure-bred Shorthorn Cows with bull calves at foot (The most of the above are registered in the stud book) 4 Cows and Calves 2 Springers 3 Dry Cows 

HORSES. 1 Stud Book Brown (“Andrin”) mare 1 Bay Cob (broken to harness) 1 Buggy Mare 1 Draught Mare 1 Light Mare with “Warrior” foal at foot 1 Yearling Colt by “Warrior” 50 Fat Sheep 

IMPLEMENTS. 1 Tip Dray 2 Poison Carts 2 Scoops 1 Buggy 1 Gig 1 New Chaffcutter 1 Set Buggy Harness 1 Set Gig Harness Tools and Sundries 

FURNITURE. Three Washstands, Piano “Hanke,” Cedar Bedroom Table, Cedar Chiffonier, Duchesse Dressing Table, Bamboo Whatnot, 2 Kitchen Tables, Sewing Machine, Bedroom Mirror, Kapok mattress, Kitchen Sofa, Beds, Wringer, Meat Safe, Tables, Separator, Miscellaneous Articles, Kitchen Chairs, Sundries.

BERRINGA PARK ADVERTISED FOR SALE

The Argus Saturday 23 April 1921 page 4C

IMPORTANT PROPERTY SALE.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26. At Ten O’Clock.

CHOICE RIVER FLATS, SPRINGVALE, BETHANGA.

GIPPSLAND AND NORTHERN CO-OPERATIVE COMPANY LIMITED, in conjunction with Messrs. YOUNGHUSBAND LTD., have been instructed by the executors of the late James Symington to offer by public auction in the Gippsland and Northern sale ring at their Wodonga yards on Tuesday, April 26, at 10 a. m. (after the arrival of the Tallangatta train), that splendid property comprising    

646 ACRES CHOICE RIVER FLATS,

having extensive frontages to the Mitta Mitta River and adjoining the properties of Messrs. Terrill, Lobban, and Mitchell.

This well known property is cleared of all timber and is noted for its heavy carrying qualities, cattle fattened there having frequently topped the Melbourne markets.

Terms 20 per cent. on signing contract, balance 1st July, 1921; possession 1st July, 1921.

Further particulars next issue and may be obtained from

Gippsland and Northern Co-operative Co. Ltd.,

Tallangatta branch; Younghusband Limited Albury.

BERRINGA PARK SUBDIVISION SALE

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 26 August 1921 page 3

PRELIMINARY NOTICE.   

Great Subdivisional Sale Of The Choicest Dairying and Fattening Country in Victoria Thursday, 20th October, At 3 p.m. Sharp, At the   BERRINGA PARK HOMESTEAD THE GIPPSLAND & NORTHERN CO-OPERATIVE CO. LTD. BY order of R. C. DARTON, Esq., and   MISS. DARTON, will Sell, in lots to suit all classes of Buyers, that grand property known as BERRINGA PARK, Comprising about 2500 Acres, regarded by the keenest of judges as being absolutely the pick of Victoria. The vendors have decided to dissolve partnership; consequently, Every Block will he Sold right out. Plans in course of preparation.   Full particulars future issue. 

GIPPSLAND AND NORTHERN CO- OPERATIVE CO. LTD.   (Tallangatta Branch).

The Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 14 October 1921 page 3

BERRINGA PARK ESTATE TO BE SOLD ON THE EASIEST TERMS YET OFFERED WITH HIGH-CLASS DAIRY COUNTRY GREAT SUBDIVISIONAL SALE of the LATE JAMES SYMINGTON’S FAR-FAMED “BERRINGA PARK” 

THE GIPPSLAND & NORTHERN CO-OPERATIVE CO. LTD. HAVE been Instructed to Sell the above well-known Choice Dairying and Fattening Country at the SHIRE HALL, WODONGA, On Thursday, 20th October, 1921, At 2 p.m. Sharp, 2340 ACRES OF FREEHOLD LAND Subdivided into 11 Handy Farms, which will include about 800 ACRES of EXCEPTIONALLY RICH MITTA MITTA FLATS, admitted by the keenest of judges as being second only to Orbost for maize, pigs, root crops of all descriptions, and recognised as being the picked dairying country it the State of Victoria. The balance of the country is exceptionally rich, and undulating; also highly suitable for cultivation and fattening, and includes about 400 acres of exceptionally rich second flats which will grow anything. The whole Estate In situated about 12 miles from WODONGA, right at the HUON RAILWAY STATION, and its Subdivision gives an opportunity to buyers of securing some of the very pick of this State. Splendid rainfall and about 1000 acres highly suitable for maize. TERMS EXTENDING OVER EIGHT YEARS 20% cash; no further payment for two years, then 5% annually until 8th year, when the balance purchase money is due, bearing interest at 6%; buyers to have the right to pay off the whole or any portion of the purchase money in sums of not Iess than £100 on any interest date. GIPPSLAND AND NORTHERN COOPERATIVE CO. LTD. (Tallangatta Branch).

The Argus Friday 21 October 1921 page 10

Berringa Park Subdivision Sale.

WODONGA, Thursday. -One of the most important land sales held in this district took place at Wodonga today, when Berringa Park, formerly the property of the late Mr. James Symington, was submitted at auction. There was a large attendance of buyers from Melbourne, Colac, Gippsland, Orbost, and the Northern district.   Bidding was brisk, and every block was sold under the hammer at highly satisfactory prices to the vendor. The flats would have realised higher prices had it not been for the resumption of the land by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission for the Mitta Weir. 

Details: -

Lot 8, 190 acres, Miss A. Darton, Melbourne, £19 an acre; lot 11, 158 acres, H. J. Reid, Bonnie Doon, Huon, £16/5; lot 9, 210 acres, Miss A. Darton, Melbourne, £15/10; lot 10, 167 acres, Hempel Bros., Huon, £17; lot 7, 250 acres, Mrs. Grant, Kergunyah, £10; lot 6, 300 acres, W. Reid, Kiewa, £9; lot 5, 290 acres, Tom McAuley, Kew, £10/2/6; lot 4, 67 acres, H. Saunders, Wodonga, £19/10; lot 3, 210 acres, James Darton, Melbourne, £9/10; lot 2, 218 acres, Tom McAuley, Kew, £9; lot 1,280 acres, Tom McAuley, Kew, £12. The sale totalled £28,400.

The Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 21 October 1921 page 3A [1]

SALE OF BERRINGA PARK ESTATE The Gippsland & Northern Co-operative Co. Ltd., report:-On Thursday, 20th inst., we held a subdivisional sale of “Berringa Park” Estate, Huon, at the shire hall, Wodonga. There was a large attendance of buyers, Melbourne, Colac, Gippsland, Orbost and Western Disirict being represented. The bidding was brisk from the outset, and every block changed hands under the hammer, at highly satisfactory prices to the vendors. The flats would have realised much higher prices had it not been that the resumption of the land for weir purposes is an actual fact; consequently, buyers intending to build homes, hesitated to bid up to their full strength, thus leaving the competition more in the hands of the fatteners. Mr. Tom Farmer was the auctioneer. The following are the prices realised: -Lot 8.-190 acres, Miss A. Darton, Melbourne, £19 per acre. Lot 11.-158 acres, H. J. Reid, “Bonnie Doon,” Huon, £16 5/ per acre. Lot 9.-210 acres, Miss A. Darton, Melbourne, £15 10/ per acre. Lot 10.-167 acres, Messrs. Hempell Bros., Huon, £17 per acre. Lot 7.-250 acres, Mrs. Grant, Kergunyah, £10 per acre. Lot 6.-300 acres, W. Reid, Kiewa, £9 per acre. Lot 5. -290 acres, Tom McAuley, Kew, £10 2/6. Lot 4.-67 acres, H. Saunders, Wodonga, £10 10/ per acre. Lot 3.-210 acres, James Darton, Melbourne, £9 10/ per acre. Lot 2.-218 acres, Tom McAuley, Kew, £9 per acre. Lot. 1.-280 acres, Tom McAuley, Kew, £12 per acre. The total of the sale was upwards of £28,400, and is regarded as highly satisfactory, after taking into consideration the unsatisfactory state of the market. [The sale was carried out in a very business-like way, and reflects great credit on the management of the selling agents.  Mr. Farmer’s capabilities as an auctioneer, are too well known to need any comment].

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 3 February 1922, page 3

PRIVATE PROPERTY SALE The Gippsland and Northern Co-Operative Co. Ltd beg to advise having sold privately on account of Mr. Gus Hempel, of Huon, his property, situated at Huon, comprising 167 acres. The property was originally part of Berringa Park. The purchasers were Messrs. T. Macauley and Bruce Hedderwick, of Melbourne, at a satisfactory price.

STALLION

William Symington stood a stallion for a season at Berringa Park. Storm, a retired racehorse was then owned by Mr. A. Kyle.

Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth), Saturday 27 December 1879, page 6

TO STAND this SEASON, at Mr W. Symington's Farm, SANDY CREEK, KIEWA, the Thorough-bred Horse STORM. Storm by Snowden, out of Mayfly, by Zanga; Zanga by Jersey (imported), see Stud Book, out of Enchantress, by Little John (Imported), &c., see Stud Book. TERMS: £3 for one mare: a reduction of 10s. per head for two or more mares, the bona fide property of owner, will be allowed. Good paddocks provided and every care taken, but without responsibility. All mares must be paid for and removed by the 1st January, 1880, otherwise 3s per week will be charged for agistment. Any mares left with Mr J. O'Callaghan, Wodonga will be forwarded. 589 A. KYLE. 

Andrew Kyle, a native of Glasgow, had been a first class amateur rider and was a longstanding committeeman and steward of the Wodonga Racing Club. He was killed when he was thrown from a cart in 1898. [2] 

Border Morning Mail and Riverina Times, Friday 28 May 1920, page 3

Old Time Racing Memories.

STORM, A HARDY OLD RACEHORSE

(By Thomas Da Frocq).

My last contribution dealt with incidents which occurred in 1880. During the following year, going on a special trip across Riverina to Darlington Point, I called at Yamma Station, then owned by the late C. M. Lloyd. Met and had lunch with Walter Hickenbotham and his wife, after which I was kindly asked to have a look at one of old Snowden’s best sons — Swiveller — and have never forgotten the handsome picture I saw. On my return to Corowa a few weeks later, I received a letter from an old friend who had just raffled his stallion Storm (Snowden— Mayfly) for £100. His father-in-law had won the horse, and, having no use for him, they decided I should have the first offer. Without delay I rode to Wodonga, and found the 14 year old stallion in rather low condition, but as fresh and hearty as a two-year-old. His new owner, Mr. G. Allen, of the Terminus Hotel, also his son-in-law, Andrew Kyle, late owner of Storm, were both white men and friends of mine — both passed long since. On my asking Mr. Allen to name the price, he said £30, which I at once accepted, and led the old fellow to Barnawartha, where I had made my home. Soon hurried him along into good condition. Storm had done about nine years’ stud duty, and had proved himself one of the most useful sires in that part of Victoria. In short, there were 43 mares on his list, at £3 per mare. He got through the season safely, easily, and finished early. Looking so fresh and well, I decided upon giving him a light preparation for the Town Plate, one mile and a half, at Wahgunyah races in February. The course was very hard. With a light boy in the saddle, Storm led from the start, but he had gone at such a pace the first mile, he shot his bolt a quarter of a mile from home. Though not placed, he was close up. A fortnight later, with a stronger rider up, he started in the Germanton Cup, two miles. His rider— James de Manuel— was a good horse-man, though a novice in riding races. When about to make his run up two furlongs from home, seeing an opening on the inside, he made for it, just on the turn, where he should not have done so. The result was that he got crashed into a post, breaking the cap of his knee badly, thus losing all chance of winning. That was Storm’s last race— also De Manuel’s last ride in a race. That broken kneecap sent him into the Beechworth Hospital for some time, and it gave him much trouble afterwards. A couple of years or so later he went to Western Australia, got on well, being a hard worker, and is with his wife and family to-day in a prosperous position near Perth. Having gone so far about Storm I may as well complete the story just here. Shortly after Beechworth races in 1869, I happened to be staying for a couple of days at Mr. Street’s station, near Wodonga, where Storm was bred. He was then a fine two-year-old, handled, but had not been ridden. Mr Street arranged that I should come there and train Storm the following season, when the colt would be three years old. When that time came I was located on the Wimmera in charge of Woodman, whose deeds I have previously mentioned, therefore could not meet engagement re Storm. All the same, Storm won the Maiden Plate at Beechworth as a three-year-old, and raced in many of the principal handicaps in the north-east for three seasons. He was one of the first three horses in nearly every race he ran, and it was said by good judges that Storm was never once really fit in condition. Anyway, shortly after the Germanton Cup races the Messrs Edols, of Burrajaa Station, near Corowa, purchased Storm for £80, and kept him for station use only for two seasons. I, being an auctioneer and commission agent at that time living in Albury, they put the old stallion in my hands for sale at £50. I immediately sold him to Mr. Andrew Hore, of Mugwee, near Albury, who kept him for a season, after which he asked me to sell him again, which I did in short time for £50 to a resident in Germanton, who kept him for a season, then putting the old fellow into my hands to sell again. I had only advertised Storm for sale when a buyer came forward. I sent word to the owner in Germanton to send the horse in immediately, being sold to a resident of Albury. In reply I received a wire saying, “Sending Storm Albury to-morrow.” That morning was very cold and wet when Storm was sent along, ridden by his owner’s barman, a young fellow who knew nothing whatever about the care of a horse. Riding this old stallion 40 miles over a hard, rough road to Albury in ten hours, including an hour’s rest and feed, would not be too bad; instead of this, he came through — it pouring rain the whole way — in six hours. No stop, except to have a whisky at each hotel along the route. He had reached Albury two hours before I knew he had arrived, during which time the groom, another novice, had washed the horse down, put him in a cold, strawless loose box, and left him there without a rug or any further care. When I came along the poor old fellow looked a picture of misery; anyway, I attended to him myself for a couple of days before his buyer came to inspect. Being quite satisfied with my explanation of his low condition, the buyer handed me his cheque for £50, and had the horse taken to his private residence, that being the last I saw of Storm, as on the day following he became very bad, and a vet was sent for. However, Storm died.

[1] The same report also in The Argus, 26 October 1921 page 8

[2] The Wodonga & Towong Sentinel Friday 15 April 1898 page 2