Torrie Lodge is a very charming home indeed, where Mr. Authony Tindale has resided for the last thirty years, and erected the present solid residence, which, I understand, is in as good a state of preservation to-day as when the foundation-stone was laid. Additions of late years have been made to the building, the increase in family having necessitated it, so that one wing - ten years old - is comparatively new, whilst older portion is thrice that age. The composition, however, being of lime and freestone, there the is no striking aspect of modernity about any portion of the house, and taken en bloc Torrie Lodge presents that desirable sere and yellow look so pleasing to one who loves ancient harmony in modern architecture1
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The high-class cattle which have been bred here are all the result of Bylong blood in the first instance, and have earned a good reputation wherever they have been sent. Queensland buyers, as a rule, make special journeys to this part to choose the cattle themselves and can generally be supplied with what they require. The day unfortunately has gone by when an owner could sell his bulls to advantage in this colony, receiving perhaps, as much as twenty guineas for calves, that now-a-days might not bring half that amount. The supply has long since overtaken the demand, and breeders have become discouragcd in consequence.
In other branches of stock, Mr. Tindale has also made a name, especially in connection with good coaching horses, the progeny at Torrie Lodge having been sired by Lord Kembla, a handsome brown horse with black points.
It is a pity to see so fertile a spot as this destitute of any great amount of cultivation, nothing being grown beyond what will just suffice for home use. In proof of the fertility of the soil, it may be stated that the owner of this place has seen oats attain a height of 7 feet, cleanly showing that the soil must be possessed of extra strong properties. Portions of the estate have been sold from time to time to selectors, and have realized satisfactory prices. One of these settlers, Dale by name; purchased 4000 acres at 22s Gd, (c.p.), and 35s (freehold). Another is Davis, whose hard working characteristics have proved him to be a very desirable neighbour, and who has gone in on rather a large scale for fattening and breeding cattle, besides putting extensive areas under the plough. These are the stamp of yeomen who help to send the colony along, and give backbone to the agricultural classes.
Touching the live subject of land taxation, Mr. Tindale, who is an out and out freetrader, is inclined to the opinion, that the present system of levying on the squatting community will subsequently be the means of splitting up our large estates and leasing land to tenants, who in a measure will lighten the burden that landowners now have to bear. In other words the lessee will pay the tax. This is by no means unlikely, for quite recently Mr. Vincent Dowling, of Rylstone, has been endeavouring to procure suitable tenants, with no other reason - presumably - than to relieve him of the onus of taxation. All is fair in love and politics, and who shall blame Mr. Dowling for looking after Number One?
Before quitting Torrie Lodge I had my curiosity, at length satisfied by seeing Mr. Tindale give an exhibition of his powers as a water-finder by means of the divining-rod, a subject mentioned in a previous article. Our coup de main took place in one of the paddocks where water in some part was believed to exist owing to a well-having been sunk in an orchard some distance off with good results. The 'rod' - so called - is simply a long forked stick, the prongs of which are held in either hand, so that the apex may just touch the hat's rim. Mr. Tindale having arranged it so, proceeded to walk slowly, with hands firmly set across the paddock, whilst I scrutinised him like ahawk in case he was trying to 'have' me2
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The fall in cattle may be said to have reduced Torrie Lodge from a state of affluence to one of bankruptcy: a sad fact, which has made the whole countryside sympathise with this estimable and popular family3
1 April 1899
Bankruptcy Court.
The following voluntary sequestrations were filed: Anthony Nesbit Tindale, Torrie Lodge, Bylong, grazier out of business4
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