Obituaries Australia

Charles Mills, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 June 1916

Mr. Charles Mills, of Uardry Station, in the Hay district, N.S.W., died at his Melbourne residence, Fyan's Lodge, Toorak, on 20th May.

Born at Horsburgh Castle, Peebleshire, Scotland, in 1832, and educated at the Edinburgh Institution, Mr. Charles Mills came to Australia in 1863. He gained his first experience in sheep under Australian conditions on Mount Pleasant Station in the north-eastern district of Victoria. Later, in conjunction with Messrs. J. J. Smart and the late Andrew Neilson, he took up Morton Plains and Watchem, two large leasehold properties on the fringe of the Mallee in the northwest of Victoria. Mr. Mills sold his interest in these about 1873, and returned to Scotland, where he married. He came back to Australia in the following year, and bought Uardry Station in 1876, residing there continuously until a few years ago, and maintaining his connection with the property up to the day of his death.

It is recognised by everybody that Mr. Charles Mills was in the foremost rank of sheepbreeders in Australia. He devoted practically his whole attention to building up the Uardry Merino stud flock, which has become so well known. He was a man of very high character, greatly respected by all who knew him, his opinion and advice in pastoral matters being much sought after. He leaves a widow, three sons, and two daughters.