James was the son of  William Symington (1824-1890) and Jane Dalziel. He was born in Sanquhar on 22 October 1848. [1] He died from heart disease at the age of 66 years in Dr. Bird’s hospital at 41 Spring Street Melbourne on 6 May 1920 and was buried in the Yackandandah cemetery on 7 May. [2]

[1] GROS 848/00 0002

[2] Presbyterian Row 6 Grave 15 (same grave Mary buried 7 December 1919)

This carte de visite photograph by Tuttle & Co. is from the collection of Margaret Symington (1892-1978) who stayed with her uncle James after her mother was left a widow. The photograph is not labelled but was filed with “Symington” portraits kept by Maggie McLeod and is the only male portrait from that era. The subject was clearly a significant Symington figure and James and Peter were the only surviving Symington men of that generation. The style of dress consistent with the period circa 1900 (Frost, Lenore, 1996, Dating Family Photos 1850-1920). Another copy of this c.d.v. was in the album of Jean McCabe.

Messrs. Tuttle & Co. opened their photographic portrait gallery at 84 Elizabeth Street in September 1880 as the “San Francisco Portrait Parlors.” (The Age, Friday 17 September 1880, page 1.)  In late October 1887 the business moved to 62 and 64 Elizabeth Street. (The Age, Saturday 29 October 1887, page 10) Tuttle & Co. exhibited at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition.

After emigrating in 1862, the family lived at Deep Creek on the Beechworth goldfields. In the early 1870's they acquired land on the Mitta Mitta at Huon Lane.

In 1871 James selected 30 acres on the Yackandandah Road (Section V Allotment 1A), upon which he erected a dwelling house where he lived, measuring twelve by ten feet and constructed of slab walls and a bark roof. Three acres were sewn to oats. In 1881 he purchased 120 acres on the northern aspect of that property (Section IV, Allotment 4).

On the death of his father in 1890, James Symington and his sister Mary inherited Berringa Park. Their brother Peter was nearby at Teviotdale. By 1910, James Symington was the largest ratepayer in the Yackandandah Shire. [1]

James did not marry. After his father died, he continued to live at Berringa Park with his sister Mary who predeceased him by only a few months. 

James Symington  donated land near the Huon Lane railway station for a Presbyterian Union church which was built in 1910. The building was removed to Red Bluff in 1931 when the Hume Dam was under construction but it was destroyed in the 1940 bushfires. [2]

[1] Yackandandah Times 22 December 1910 page 2

[2] Esther Temple, The Kiewa Valley, 1971

CATTLE BREEDER (see newspaper reports below)

In his “Memoirs of a Stockman,” stock agent Harry Peck records his memories of the Newmarket Sale yards from the late sixties into the eighteen-nineties. Newmarket was then one of the largest stock markets in the world. He relates: “On the opposite or west side of the Mitta was James Symington’s well-known fattening property near the Huon Railway station, equally famed with Springdale for the quality of its bullocks at Newmarket, where James Symington, always well turned-out, was well known as a fairly regular attendant.” [1]   

PURCHASE OF BUNGOONA PASTURE 1917

Upper Murray & Mitta Herald Thursday 4 October 1917 page 2

A sale of Bungoona Estate, Huon, was held at Wodonga yesterday by Dalgety and Co. Lot 1, 285a., was sold to Jas. Symington at £17 per acre. Lot 2, 160a., was passed at £14/15/ per acre. Lot 3, 319a. was bought by Robt. Hempel, at £10 per acre. Lot 4, 216a., was passed-in at £14 per acre.

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 5 October 1917 page 3

LAND SALE AT WODONGA.   Dalgety and Co. Ltd. report holding a land sale at Wodonga on Wednesday 3rd lnst., when they submitted the Bungoona Estate under instructions from Mrs S. J. Huon. Representatives from Warrnambool, Melbourne, Wagga Wagga, Wangaratta, Gippsland and all parts of the   district being present. Competition was very keen for block one comprising 285 acres, the purchaser being Mr James Symington, of Berringa Park, at £17 per acre. Block 3, containing 320 acres was secured by Mr R. Hempel at £10 per acre, after spirited competition; and blocks two and four were passed in at £14 10/ per acre for the time being and are likely to be sold during the next few days at an advance on this price.

BUSHFIRE IN 1915

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 near by. 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.

ILLNESS AND INJURY

Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth), Saturday 18 November 1899, page 6

YACKANDANDAH DISTRICT. FROM THE BENAMBRA AND BOGONG ADVERTISER.

Illness of Mr. James Symington. — Deep concern is being manifested for the condition of Mr. James Symington, the well-known grazier, of Huon Lane, who has been, and who is still, very seriously ill at Albury. Mr. Symington failed about three weeks or so ago, with what was diagnosed as stone in the kidney. He was removed to Dr. Woods’ private hospital at Albury, and Dr. Ryan, of Melbourne, operated this week for its removal. It is understood that an internal examination revealed the fact that no obstruction of the kind conjectured was present in the kidney. Mr. Symington remains in a low and critical condition, but we believe that hopes are entertained of his recovery by his medical attendants.

Ovens and Murray Advertiser Saturday 20 January 1900 page 7

ILLNESS. — From information received from Albury we learn that Mr. James Symington, of Huon Lane, who was reported to be seriously ill of an internal disorder some time ago, is now recovering, and is contemplating a change of air. We regret to learn, however, that his brother, Mr. W. Symington, [2] is now ill, and that he has been obliged to let his station and leave the district in quest of health. 

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 21 January 1907 page 2

(also Yackandandah Times (Vic.), Thursday 31 January 1907, page 2)

Mr James Symington, of Berringa Park, was the victim of a painful accident one day last week. He had just mounted a hack that was usually very quiet, when the animal started plunging, despite the heavy burden on its back. The throat lash had not been affixed, and the bit fell from the horse’s mouth; so that when Mr Symington, who had relinquished hold of the mane in favor of the bridle, took a pull, he fell backward, landing heavily on his right hip bone. Having been assisted inside, the injured man decided to avail himself of the train for Wodonga, and on his arrival at Dr Schlink’s surgery his injuries were attended to. Unfortunately the patient insisted on returning home, in place of remaining under surgical treatment, and next day his condition became rather serious, necessitating the summoning of Dr Schlink, who afforded him relief. Next day, however, Mr Symington was again in a bad way, and this time he determined to return to Wodonga to put himself in the hands of Dr Schlink. Fortunately, Miss Dunphy was ready to receive a patient-the first at her Private Hospital. Owing to his big weight-Mr Symington turns the scale at 17st 7lb-he came down heavily, and his injuries are undoubtedly severe; so that it will be some weeks before he is himself again.    

The Yackandandah Times Thursday 1 July 1909 page 3

Mr James Symington, of Berringa Park, who had been under the care of Dr Schlink for some weeks, is now convalescent.    

The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 12 December 1919 page 27

Mr. J. Symington, the well-known grazier, of Huon, is at present lying very ill in Sister Brown's private hospital, Wodonga. 

James Symington remained single. An immensely overweight man, he died from heart disease at Dr. Bird's Hospital, 41 Spring Street Melbourne where his attending physician was Dr. F. Bird.

DEATH NOTICES

The Argus Friday 7 May 1920 page 1A

SYMINGTON. —On the 6th May, after a long illness, at private hospital, Melbourne, James, second son of the late William and Jane Symington, of “Berringa Park,” Huon, aged 66 years. At rest.

The Argus Saturday 8 May 1920 page 11

SYMINGTON. -The Friends of the late JAMES SYMINGTON, of “Berringa Park,” Huon, are informed that his remains will be interred in the Yackandandah Cemetery.

The funeral will arrive at the Cemetery gates To-morrow (Sunday, the 9th inst.), at 2 p.m., per motors. A. A. SLEIGHT, Funeral Directors.

OBITUARIES

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 7 May 1920 page 3

OBITUARY Mr. JAMES SYMINGTON Word was received in Wodonga yesterday that Mr. James Symington, the well-known grazier of Berringa Park, Huon, had died at 9.30 that morning at Dr. Bird’s hospital, Melbourne, where he had been an inmate for the past four or five months. The deceased gentleman was born at Sanquhar, Scotland, and came to Australia when quite a young man. On arrival in this State Mr. Symington immediately settled at Huon, where, for about half a century, he has been carrying on grazing and cattle breeding on a large scale. Until the end of last year the late Mr. Symington resided with his sister-who pre-deceased her brother by about five months-on the property at Huon. Apart from being keenly interested in matters pertaining to livestock, the departed gentleman did not identify himself with public life. Mr. Symington, who was unmarried, was 69 years of age. Mr. R. C. Darton was a cousin of deceased. The funeral will take place on Sunday next, the place of interment being the Yackandandah cemetery. A singular coincidence, in connection with the demise of the above-named gentleman, is that Mrs. Dunphy, of Beechworth, a cousin of the late Mr. Symington, died at her home yesterday (the same day).

Border Morning Mail and Riverina Times (Albury), Friday 7 May 1920, page 2

The death occurred yesterday at Dr. Bird’s private hospital, in Melbourne, of Mr. James Symington, of Berringa Park. Deceased was born in Sanquhar, Scotland, in 1851, and had been in Australia since he was 16 years of age. He had resided at Berringa Park for over 50 years, and was a well-known and highly respected resident. He had been ailing for some time past, and never seemed to fully recover from the shock of his sister’s death, in December. The late Mr. Symington was a descendant of William Symington (1763-1831), an eminent Scottish inventor who made the first practical steam boat. The name of the boat was the “Charlotte Dundas,” and it was working on the Forth and Clyde Canal in 1802. The remains will be interred in the Yackandandah Cemetery and the funeral will probably take place on Sunday.

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW), Saturday 8 May 1920, page 5

Mr. James Symington, of “Berringa Park,” Huon (Vic.), died at Dr. Fred Bird’s private hospital in Melbourne on Thursday after an illness of about six months’ duration. Mr. Symington was a well-known grazier in the Huon district, and his property “Berringa Park,” is famous for its splendid stud of Shorthorns. He was a well-known and successful exhibitor of cattle at country and metropolitan shows.

Yackandandah Times Tuesday, 13th May, 1920 page 4

Mr. James Symington of Berringa Park, Huon, died on Thursday morning, at Dr. Bird’s Hospital, Melbourne where he had been an inmate for the last four or five months. The deceased gentleman was born in Sanquhar, Scotland and came to Australia when quite a young man. He was a descendant of Mr. Wm. Symington, an eminent Scottish inventor who made the first practical steamboat. On arrival in this state, Mr. Symington immediately settled at Huon, where, for about half a century, he has been carrying on grazing and cattle breeding on a large scale. Until the end of last year the late Mr. Symington resided with his sister - who predeceased her brother by about five months - on the property at Huon. Apart from being keenly interested in matters pertaining to livestock, the departed gentleman did not identify himself with public life. Mr. Symington, who was unmarried, was 69 years of age. Mr. R. C. Darton was a cousin of the deceased. Another cousin, Mrs. Dunphy, of Beechworth, died at her home also on Thursday. The burial took place at Yackandandah Cemetery on Sunday last.

The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 14 May 1920 page 28

Word was received in Wodonga on Thursday that Mr. James Symington, the well-known grazier, of Berringa Park, Huon, had died that morning at Dr. Bird’s hospital, Melbourne, where he had been an inmate for the past four or five months. The deceased gentleman was born at Sanquhar, Scotland, and came to Australia when quite a young man. On arrival in this State Mr. Symington immediately settled at Huon, where for about half a century he had been carrying on grazing and cattle breeding on a large scale. Until the end of last year the late Mr. Symington resided with his sister- who predeceased her brother by about five months- on the property at Huon. Apart from being keenly interested in matters pertaining to livestock, the departed gentleman did not identify himself with public life. Mr. Symington, who was un married, was 69 years of age. Mr. R. C. Darton was a cousin of deceased. The funeral took place on Sunday, the place of interment being the Yackandandah cemetery. A coincidence in connection with the demise of Mr. Symington, is that Mrs. Dunphy, of Beechworth, a cousin of the late Mr. Symington, died at her home the same day. The late Mr. Symington was chairman of the board of management of the Huon Presbyterian Church, having been connected with the church since its inception. In fact, the church and land on which it was built were practically donated by him. A memorial service will be held in the Huon Church as a tribute to his memory at an early date.

FUNERAL

The Argus Saturday 8 May 1920 page 11

SYMINGTON. -The Friends of the late JAMES SYMINGTON, of “Berringa Park,” Huon, are informed that his remains will be interred in the Yackandandah Cemetery.

The funeral will arrive at the Cemetery gates To-morrow (Sunday, the 9th inst.), at 2 p.m., per motors. A. A. SLEIGHT, Funeral Directors.

The Border Morning Mail and Riverina Times Thursday 30 May 1920 page 2

ABOUT PEOPLE  

The funeral of the late Mr. James Symington, of Berringa Park, took place on Sunday, the remains being interred in the Yackandandah Cemetery. Rev. Fletcher, Presbyterian Minister, read the service, and the following acted as pall bearers: Messrs. W. Turner, D. Jamison, ? Moffatt, G. Beatty, G. Leighton and D. Davis. The chief mourners were: Messrs. R. C. Darton and J. S. Darton (cousins), and Messrs. D. and H. Symington (nephews). The remains were conveyed from Melbourne, where deceased died, the funeral arrangements being in the hands of Sleight and Co. Melbourne, in conjunction with Logans, Albury. The late Mr. Symington was chairman of the Board of Management of the Huon Presbyterian Church, having been connected with the church since its inception. In fact the church and land on which it was built were practically donated by him. A memorial service will be held in the Huon Church, as a tribute to his memory, at an early date.  

PROBATE

Probate duty amounting to £7839 was paid on the estate of James Symington of Berringa Park. (The Age, 24 February 1921, page 8)

The Argus Wednesday 19 May 1921

NOTICE is hereby given, that after the expiration OF fourteen days from the publication hereof application will be made to the Supreme Court of the State of Victoria, in its Probate jurisdiction, that PROBATE of the WILL and Codicil of JAMES SYMINGT0N, late of Berringa Park, Huon, in the said State, grazier, deceased, may he granted to Duncan Jamieson, of Wodonga, in the said State, bank manager, and Richard Charles Darton, of Berringa Park aforesaid, overseer, the executors appointed by the said will, leave being reserved to Edward Trenchard, of Edward Trenchard and Company, of Collins street, Melbourne, in the said State, stock and station agent, the executor appointed by the said codicil, to come in and prove the said will and codicil.

Dated this nineteenth day of May, 1920.

EDMONDSON and EDMONDSON, Sydney street, Wodonga, proctors for the applicants.

The Argus Friday 13 May 1921 page 3

NOTlCE TO CREDITORS. -All persons having CLAIMS against the estate of the under-mentioned deceased, are requested to FORWARD PARTICULARS thereof to the executors of the Will of the said deceased, care of the undersigned, on or before the first day of July next, on and after which dale the executors will proceed to distribute the assets amongst those entitled, having regard only to such claims of which they shall then have received notice.

JAMES SYMINGTON, late of Berringa Park, Huon, grazier, deceased.

Dated the thirteenth day of May, 1921.

EDMONDSON and EDMONDSON, Sydney street Wodonga, proctors for the executors.

[1] Harry H. Peck, Memoirs of a Stockman, 1942

[2] should read Peter; William died in 1898

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

James Symington breathed his last on 6th May 1920 in Dr. Bird's hospital in Spring Street, Melbourne, where he had been admitted about five months before with cardiac failure. [1]

His nephew Harry was living and working at Berringa Park when he enlisted in the AIF in 1916. He had assumed that he would inherit Berringa Park from his bachelor uncle. However, he was to be disappointed. He had learned about a "codicil" to the will which would be to his disadvantage but it was the content of the will itself and not the codicil which would lead to disappointment. He expressed his concerns to his brother Peter. James Symington's final will which he signed on 25th January 1920 revoked any previous will. Harry had returned from Belgium with a serious head injury from which he was essentially incapacitated; he had married, his first son was born in 1919 and he was living in St. Kilda. He was requiring ongoing medical attention. James Symington left his estate of Berringa Park to his cousins Charlie and Aggie Darton. With Harry serving overseas, Charlie was already strategically positioned as the "overseer" at Berringa Park. The content of any prior will cannot be known. The final will of James Symington was signed in hospital and witnessed by nurse Ethel S. Bayly. The "Codicil" attached to the will was signed on 31st January 1920 and again witnessed by Nurse Bayly and his solicitor Edmundson. The codicil related only to the administration of the will, appointing Edward Trenchard, Stock and Station Agent, as an executor, and joining Duncan Jamieson, Bank Manager of Wodonga, and Richard Charles Darton as executors. [2]

This is the Last Will and Testament of me James Symington of Berringa Park Huon in the State of Victoria, Grazier. I appoint Duncan Jamieson of Wodonga in the said State Bank Manager and Richard Charles Darton of Berringa Park aforesaid Overseer executors of my said Will. I direct payment of my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses after such payment I bequeath to the said Duncan Jamieson the sum of five hundred pounds in lieu of commission & bequeath to my nephew Peter Symington the sum of two thousand pounds to my nephew Harry Symington the sum of two thousand pounds to my niece Margaret McLeod the sum of two thousand pounds to my niece Jessie McDougall the sum of two thousand pounds to my niece Mary Dein of Castlereigh Street Sydney the sum of five hundred pounds to my sisters-in-law Annie Symington and Rebecca Symington the sum of one thousand pounds each to my Aunt Agnes Symington Darton  and my cousin James Symington Darton the sum of five hundred pounds each to John McKay of Huon aforesaid labourer the sum of two hundred pounds to James Ritchie and Rick Byers  of the same place labourers the sum of one hundred pounds each to the Beechworth Hospital and the Albury Hospital the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds each and to the Ovens Benevolent Asylum the sum of fifty pounds. I devise unto my nephew Victor Douglas Symington all that piece of land containing about five hundred acres bounded on the South by the Kiewa Road and on the East by the Wodonga Tallangatta Road and abutting on the land of Rebecca Symington and known as the Cow Paddock and I devise and bequeath the rest and residue of my estate real and personal in equal shares between my cousins Agnes Helen Darton and the said Richard Charles Darton as tenants in common. I revoke all previous wills made by me and declare this to be my true last Will and Testament In Witness where of I hereunto set my hand this Twenty fifth day of January One Thousand nine hundred and twenty.

James Symington

Witnessed by

F. W. Edmundson, Barrister & Solicitor, Wodonga

Ethel S. Bayly, Trained nurse, 9 Hood Street, St. Kilda

James Symington's  assets were valued at £81,466/0/10.

Harry Symington was bequeathed £2000, not what he had hoped for but still a healthy inheritance. [3]

[1] See his obituary Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 7 May 1920 page 3

[2] Will PROV VPRS7591/P2/634 item 171/492

[3] Probate VPRS28/P3/1106 item 175/492

JAMES SYMINGTON'S REAL ESTATE

 WILL dated 25th January 1920 with Codicil dated 25th January 1920 VPRS 7591/P2/634 175/492

He bequeathed to Victor Douglas Symington about 500 acres of land, known as the Cow Paddock, bounded on the South by the Kiewa Road, on the East by the Wodonga-Tallangatta Road, and abutting on the land of Doug's mother, Rebecca Symington.

PROBATE ADMINISTRATION: PROV VPRS 28/P3/1106 175/492

Total Estate £81,466/1/0

Real Estate £31,173/0/6

Personal Property £50,293/0/4

REAL ESTATE

Allotments 1A and 1B Section 5 Parish of Beethang 70a 1r valued at £6 per acre £421/10/-

Allotment 4 Section 4 Parish of Beethang 120a 2r 34p at £15 per acre £1810/13/-

Allotment 4 Section 3 and part Allotment 7 Section 4 Parish of Beethang 399a 2r 3p £20 £7990/7/6

Allotments 1 and 1A Section 6 Parish of Beethang 16a 0r 36p £10 £162/5/-

Allotment 1B of Section 6 Parish of Beethang 3a 2r 21p £20 £72/12/6

Allotments 3 and 6 of Section 2 Parish of Beethang 298a 3r 13p £5 £1482/10/-

Allotments 12 and 12A Section B Parish of Beethang 159a 3r 23p £2 £319/15/9

Part Allotment 7 Section 4 (Parish not stated) 11acres £25 £275

Part of Allotment 5A Section 6 Parish of Berringa 4a 3r 27p and Allotment 4 Section 6 Parish of Berringa 131a 1r 29p, in all 136a 1r 16p £15 £2045/5/-

Allotments 4A Section 6 Parish of Berringa 31a 2r 10p £14 £441/17/6

Allotment 5B Section 6 Parish Berringa 76a 2r £8 £612/-/-

Allotment 5E Section 6 Parish Berringa 30a 0r 3p £9 £270/3/-

One half share of the following Allotments: 2 and 5, Section 3, Allotments 2 and 5 and part of 6 of Section 4 Parish of Beethang 505a 2r 15p at £20 per acre L5055/18/9

Allotments 7 of Section 1 and Allotments 2 and 7 of Section 2 Parish of Beethang 273a £9 £1228/10/-

Allotments 1 and 1A Section 3 Parish Beethang 250a 2r 24p £10 L1253/11/3

Allotments 7 and 8 Section 6 Parish of Beethang 19a 1r 54p £20 £194/12/6

Allotments2, 3, and 3a and part of A of Bungoona Pre-emptive Right Parish of Beethang 258a 2r 23p £20 L2856/8/9

Allotment 3 of Section 2A Parish of Beethang 240a £14 £1680

Also half share in part of leased grazing area number 11 Parish of Beethang 32a of third class hilly and rocky land, valueless apart from the fence £2/10/-

PARISH OF TANGAMBALANGA

1119/19.20 48a 1r 18p Section 23 12 May 1879

4365/19.20 26a 1r 3p Section 22 of 11 3 May 1879

JAMES SYMINGTON CATTLE BREEDER 

From Memoirs of a Stockman by Harry Peck 1942:

“Springdale originally part of Bethanga run higher up the river than Bethanga Park, has been made famous by the prime bullocks sent therefrom to Newmarket by both Albert Terrill and James Lobban. The Pooley family also held several farms thereabouts in the vicinity of the Koorilla Post Office. On the opposite or west side of the Mitta was James Symington’s well-known fattening property near the Huon railway station, equally famed with Springdale for the quality of its bullocks at Newmarket, where James Symington, always well turned-out, was well known as a fairly regular attendant.”

VICTORIA POLICE GAZETTE

31 March 1886 page 115

Stolen from James Symington, grazier, near Bethanga, between the 15th and 19th instant, a yellow cow, bald face, branded D near ribs and 2 near rump, very fat. Value £10.

Leader Saturday 22 April 1899 page 2

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

An important purchase has been made by Mr. James Symington, of Berringa Park, Mitta Mitta, in the shape of a high class Shorthorn bull, from the stud of Mr. J. H. Angas, of South Australia. He is a son of the bull selected in England by Mr. Donald Forbes for the Collingrove herd, and being of the Bates’s strain should prove a valuable acquisition to the herd at Berringa Park.

The Argus, Saturday March 17, 1906. 

Yackandandah

About 1,000 people attended the fifteenth annual Yackandandah Show on March 14. Special trains brought visitors from Beechworth, Wangaratta and Albury. There was a fine exhibition of fat cattle, with keen competition between Messrs Bowman and Symington, who took the principal prizes. Mr Bowman exhibited a white bullock, estimated to weigh 1,500 pounds. In the minor grazier’s section, Robert Reid was first and Samuel Maddock second. Sheep—Gambold and Lack. Mr Clutterbuck won dairy cow test, with 14 1/2 pounds milk. Pigs—Lorimer and Lack. Draught stock—Elliott (Wooragee), E. McCoy (Wodonga), and Goodgee (Indigo). Blood stock—Dallinger and Mrs Hayes. Hacks, McColl and Symington.

Ovens and Murray Advertiser Saturday 14 March 1908 page 4

YACKANDANDAH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Yackandandah Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society were favored with delightful weather for their seventeenth annual show, which was held at the Yackandandah park on Wednesday. The attendance, though perhaps  not a record one, was fully up to the average, and was thoroughly representative of the entire North-Eastern district. The special train which arrived at about half-past 10 o’clock, was crowded, and brought over a hundred and fifty people from Beechworth alone. In addition, a large number availed themselves of the ideal autumn morning to travel by road. The exhibits were about equal in number to those of last year, and amounted altogether to about 1200. 

Eleven competitors also tried for the 13st. hackneys, the honors falling to Mr. J. Symington. 

The fat stock, which has ever been a special and very striking feature of the Yackandandah Show, was never in better evidence. Here Mr. J. Symington carried everything before him with five or six colossal bullocks which, for general excellence, were probably the finest ever exhibited in these sections at Yackandandah. They were the cynosure of all eyes and won their owner universal eulogies. Dairy cattle, too, were rather better represented than usual. In shorthorns Mr. J. Symington was the principal prize-taker. 

The Yackandandah Times Thursday 23 July 1908 page 2

Two immense carcases of mutton were recently on view at Mr Bowden’s butcher’s shop in Albury. These sheep which turned the scale at 162lbs and 156lbs, were purchased at the market by Mr Bowden through Messrs Herbert Power & Son at £2/18 and £2/3 per head. They were bred and fattened by Mr James Symington, at Berringa Park, and are good evidence of what land in this district will produce.

Albury Banner & Wodonga Express Friday 13 May 1910 page 27

High Price for Stock. — A Melbourne firm has sold on behalf of Mr. James Symington, of Berringa Park, Huon-lane, 12 prime fat bullocks at the high price of  £14 per head, in the paddock, to Mr. H Terry, the well-known butcher of Toorak road, South Yarra, and Hopkins-street, Footscray. This is the highest price obtained in the paddock for a similar number of fat bullocks for a number of years.  Notwithstanding the unfavorable season the price obtained speaks highly for the fattening qualities of Berringa Park.  

Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 29 April 1911 page 8

 LIVE STOCK. THE MITTA DISTRICT. RAISING SHORTHORNS FOR MEAT. BY OUR AGRICULTURAL REPORTER.

Mr. J. Symington, of the Mitta Valley, near the Huon railway station, is a leading Shorthorn breeder, whose speciality is fat stock for the Melbourne meatmarket, his fat beasts, bearing his brand, commanding, as a rule, top prices. In the drought year of 1902 he sold 45 fat cattle to a Sydney buyer at the high figure of £27 a head all round, which was exceptional for so large a number, although £30 in individual instances are even now not uncommon. Some of his show ring winners on being slaughtered have weighed nearly 2000 lb., and there are at present some bullocks on the run estimated to scale an equal weight. The cattle are depastured on the Mitta flats, which carry a heavy growth of rye grass, clover and various native grasses. 

RICH PASTURES. 

Originally the land was heavily timbered, but now little trace remains of the original forests. Most of the grasses that comprise the pasture are the result of self-sowing. The only seed sown— and that many years ago— was a small proportion of English rye grass. There are several trefoils and clovers well established on the deep alluvial soils of these rich river flats, and the nutritive

character of the fodder is shown in the weighty beasts that are fattened. So rich are the pastures that no cropping or hand feeding are necessary, and as droughts are unknown, conservation of fodder is not needed. The valley of the Mitta at this point is relatively warm, so that housing of the stock is not required, and apparently the whole business of stock raising on this property is carried out on easy going lines. From the time of calving until four years old, when they are turned off as fat, the stock simply graze the pastures, and practically look after themselves. Yet with all the results are unexcelled, which fact bears tribute to the richness of the land and the mildness of the climate. 

THE FOUNDATION OF THE HERD. 

From the beginning, 40 years ago, the owner of this property determined to breed nothing but the best, and this policy he has steadfastly adhered to throughout. The herd has been founded by selection from the best of some of the leading shorthorn strains, including those of Mr. Hore, of Cumboroona, the Finleys of Glenormiston, and, Captain McDonald, of Noorongong. Among the sires, an early purchase, was that of the 2nd Duke of Alva, descended from the Duke of Alva, his dam, a daughter of the 8th Duke of Trequenter, which latter at C. B. Fisher’s dispersal sale achieved the reputation of being the highest priced bull (4000 guineas) ever sold in Australia. The Duke of Alva was bred by the Robertson Bros., and sold by them to Mr. S. Gardiner, of Bundoora Park, for 2000 guineas. One of the latest sires acquired by Mr. Symington, was a pure Bates, shown by Mr. J. H. Angas, at the Sydney Royal, where, as a yearling, he annexed first prize. The progeny of this bull are distinguished for their great docility, which is an important characteristic in cattle whose sole business it is to put on the maximum weight of beef within a   minimum period of time.

TREATMENT OF STOCK. 

The Symington cattle are a massive, quick maturing type of Shorthorn. A feature of the cows is their milking capacity. Most of them are so good in this respect that their calves cannot cope with the supply of milk until they are upwards of two months old, so that hand milking has to be freely resorted to for the surplus. Calves are weaned when six months old, and the cutting of the young bulls is done when they are a month old.

The young stock are turned out into hill paddocks, where the pasture is not so good, until they are about 3 1/2 years old, and then brought into the fattening paddocks in early spring. By the following autumn and winter they are ready for market. Now-a-days there is a preference for young beef, consequently the tendency is towards fattening off the young stock much more rapidly, and it is reckoned to be possible to turn out a two-year-old steer fat that will weigh 1000 lb. in the carcase. The raising of heavy beasts has, however, Mr. Symington admits, become somewhat of a hobby with him, and it is probable, he thinks that he will adhere to his established methods notwithstanding the admitted benefits of the new. 

POINTS OF THE SHORTHORN.     

With reference to points, the head of a good Shorthorn, in this breeder’s judgment, should be small, the face well cut out below the eyes, tapering to a fine muzzle, with open nostrils. Small or hollow eyes, he   finds, mostly indicate viciousness or nervousness, and beasts of this class are not as a rule good doers. The neck being moderately long and running neatly into the shoulders is a good point, while also the latter should be well rounded into the forequarters and fully covered with meat.   

A thin, broad neck is usually indicative of weakness and poor feeding qualities. In a well bred Shorthorn the chest is broad and deep, while a brisket full and broad, rather than narrow, and projecting, is of importance, as affording external evidence of the beast’s capacity to fatten. Legs short, straight and well set under a square, massive, yet symmetrical body, are further distinguishing features of this breed, as are also a wide back, level from neck to tail   with no depressions back of the shoulders, and the rump well set up, but not too high. As to the ribs, they should spring well from the spine. A beast with flat sides and a narrow throat lacks the vigor and health which conduce towards fattening. What is called “touch,” as with all the best judges, is with Mr. Symington of supreme importance, as it affords a safe indication as to the quality and quantity of the meat. The ability to judge a beast by handling it to ascertain whether the touch is right is not easily learnt. The experienced judge grips the skin over the ribs in his hand and judges by its elasticity and other conditions. A good judge likes to find a soft and mellow touch, which is regarded, as a sure indication of a beast that will readily take on fat. If, instead of the skin being soft, thick and elastic, it is tight and of a harsh feel, the sign is a sure one that the animal cannot possibly attain to the perfections of the best class of well bred Short-horns, whose hair must be thick, soft, mossy and fine.

Yackandandah Times, Thursday 21 March 1912, page 3

THE RECENT SHOW.

The Yackandandah A. P. and H. society's 21st annual show. 

Mr James Symington, of Huon, another large exhibitor in the fat cattle sections was awarded eight first prizes and two second prizes. 

In the evening the president, Mr J. F. Lack, entertained the visitors, judges and exhibitors at smoke social. Amongst the visitors were Mr P. J. Moloney, member for Indi, and Mr A. W. Craven, representative of the Benambra electorate. Mr Moloney ably responded to the toast of the Federal Parliament, and thought that credit was due to the Labor Government tor extending telephone facilities to the country districts. Mr A. W. Craven responded on behalf of the State Government. The toast of 'The Exhibitors' was responded to by Mr J. Symington, who expressed in no small measure the pleasure it gave him to exhibit at the Yackandandah Show. 

Yackandandah Times, Thursday March 25, 1915, page 3A.

Yackandandah Annual Show

 “The fat cattle were of very fine quality, bullocks shown by Mr Symington being of immense proportions, and would easily bring ₤30 each on the Melbourne market” 

Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth), Saturday 27 March 1915, page 1

The Yackandandah Show. 

CLASS E. - FAT CATTLE Two Fat Bullocks. - Jas. Symington Pair Fat Bullocks, bred and fattened by exhibitor - Jas. Symington. Pair Fat Cows - Jas. Symington. Fat Bullock - Jas. Symington, 1 and 2. Fat Cow - Jas. Symington. 

SHORTHORNS. Bull, any age - J. A. Adams Cow - Jas. Symington, 1 and 2. Heifer, under 3 years - Jas. Symington.

The Richmond River Express and Casino Kyogle Advertiser Friday 5 March 1915 page 3

Cattle Shortage.

Mr. J. Symington, of Berringa Park, on the Mitta River, Victoria, a successful breeder and show-ring exhibitor, sees the cause of the   cattle shortage thus: — “The drought is responsible for the limited supplies of cattle. The seasons have all to do with the production of cattle; it is the shortage of cattle to-day through the drought, and not any result of the war, that has made beef dearer. In a drought like the   present, — the worst since I have been breeding cattle for 46 years— I am carrying 20 per cent. fewer bullocks than ordinarily. It can be taken for granted that generally there has been a lesser production of cattle during the last year. It is this shortage that causes the   prices to rise.”

James Symington regularly exhibited his livestock at the Yackandandah Annual Agricultural Shows:

The following is an extract from the Yackandandah Times, Thursday March 25, 1915, page 3.

Cattle Two fat Bullocks- J. Symington etc. (9 prizes)

“The fat cattle were of very fine quality, bullocks shown by Mr Symington being of immense proportions, and would easily bring ₤30 each on the Melbourne market"

Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth), Saturday 27 March 1915, page 1

The Yackandandah Show. 

CLASS E. - FAT CATTLE Two Fat Bullocks. - Jas. Symington Pair Fat Bullocks, bred and fattened by exhibitor - Jas. Symington. Pair Fat Cows - Jas. Symington. Fat Bullock - Jas. Symington, 1 and 2. Fat Cow - Jas. Symington. 

SHORTHORNS. Bull, any age - J. A. Adams Cow - Jas. Symington, 1 and 2. Heifer, under 3 years - Jas. Symington.

Leader (Melbourne), Saturday 26 June 1915, page 9

Everything nowadays is called a “record,” until the word is becoming misused. A real record, however, was the pen of Short-horn bullocks from Berringa Park, Huon, at Flemington last week, which realised £37 per head.

The Yackandandah Times Thursday, March 30, 1916 (page 2, column 7) published an article “Huon Vale Shorthorns” which refers to James Symington’s philosophy on dual purpose shorthorns.

Upper Murray & Mitta Herald Thursday 16 March 1916 page 3

HUON VALE SHORTHORNS.

The agricultural reporter of the Leader writes: —

Opinions antagonistic to the breeding of dual-purpose cattle have been quoted in recent issues of the Leader, and in each instance the point of view was expressed by enthusiastic supporters of breeds devoted exclusively to milk production. The functions of meat and milk production are so essentially different, they claim, that they cannot be satisfactorily combined in the one animal. Some of our most successful Shorthorn men refuse to accept this line of reasoning. They say that cows can be produced which are not only heavy milkers, but which, from a butcher's point of view, are very desirable animals. It is claimed that Victorian experience furnishes satisfactory evidence of cows yielding 1000 gallons of milk in the year, and when fat representing a carcase weight of 800lb. It is significant that Mr. James Symington, of Huon Vale, in the Mitta Valley, is a strong believer in the dual purpose Shorthorn. He approaches the subject from another point of view. As a breeder of fat Shorthorns, he emphasizes the need of a good dam, one, that is to say, well furnished with milking equipment. “Unless the cow is a good milker, how,” he asks, “can she successfully suckle the large calves which she drops?”

MILKLESS BREEDS.

The Huon Vale breeder is known solely as a producer of mammoth Short horns. Frequently the large, well fleshed beasts from his property command the highest prices at leading markets. He is not a dairyman, and in no sense can he be said to view the position from any other standpoint than that of the stockbreeder desirous of producing the greatest amount of fat meat to the acre. Yet there is no authority more opposed to the milkless types of Shorthorns which are produced on many well-known stations. The Shorthorn beast, in his opinion, is made or marred in the first twelve months of its existence. A good mother, carrying abundance of nourishment, will afford the young calf every opportunity to make its maximum growth. The treatment at this stage determines the after career of the Shorthorn. If it does not have its daily wants liberally supplied by the dam, the young Shorthorn will become stunted in habit, and no amount of after treatment can repair this serious defect. Mr. Symington insists on his breeding cows being heavy milkers solely in the interests of the calves. Milkless types have occasionally been introduced on to the property, but have been promptly culled, as soon as their tendency in this direction was discovered.

MILK AND MEAT.

The Huon breeding cows are all massive animals that milk well. They are marked by the characteristics which denote rich meat production, and at the same time are possessed of large, well shaped udders, and the capacity of milk making. Those who incline to the idea that Shorthorn cows do not milk well would soon be disabused of the idea if they inspected Mr. Symington's animals. They would find large-framed, fleshy cows that have not long calved giving a fairly generous yield after the calf had its wants satisfied. In the first three months after calving, some of the best of the Huon Vale cows produce so much more milk than their calves can take that hand milking becomes imperative. After the calf is three months old, it usually is so large and of such a healthy appetite that it is able to consume the bulk of what the dam can yield. The more quickly it learns to absorb the whole of the maternal milk supply the better is the owner pleased. For rapid strong growth in the youthful days of the Shorthorn mean ability to fatten to great weights later on.

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 10 November 1916 page 3

FAT COW. -Mr. Spencer Stephens, of Yackandandah, recently killed a Short-horn cow fattened by Mr. Jas. Symington, the well-known breeder of Berringa Park, Huon. It turned the scale at 1004 lbs, and is the heaviest cow killed at Yackandandah for many years.

Yackandandah Times (Vic. : 1890 - 1931), Thursday 2 November 1916, page 2

Mr Spencer Stephens, butcher, of Yackandandah, killed yesterday a Shorthorn cow fattened by Mr Jas. Symington, the well known breeder of Berringa Park, Huon, and sold in Mathieson and Davis's yards by Mr W. Moore. It turned the scale at 1004 lbs, and is the heaviest cow killed here for many years. It was greatly admired in the yards for its quality and condition. Mr Stephens usually has good beef, but he has excelled himself  this week end.

DUKE OF DERRIMUT

Upper Murray & Mitta Herald Thursday 10 October 1918 page 2

At the recent Melbourne Show sales, Mr. James Symington, the well-known breeder of Berringa Park, Huon, purchased an exceptionally well-bred yearling shorthorn bull, Duke of Derrimut, bred, by a prominent New South Wales breeder in Mr. H. L. Austin, of Eli Elwa. The price paid for the yearling was 650 guineas, which was 100 guineas less than the reserve placed on him by his owner. A number of prominent breeders estimated him to be worth 1000   guineas. Mr. Symington’s newly made purchase, gained second prize at the recent Melbourne Show, among a large number of exhibits. On various other occasions Mr. Symington has given a lot of money for shorthorn bulls with satisfactory results, but he considers his new purchase the best bull he ever owned. Duke of Derrimut should have an excellent chance of producing something of his own class at Berringa Park, where there are breeding cows fit to adorn any stud in the Commonwealth.