Obituaries Australia

Herbert Power, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 June 1919

Mr. Herbert Power, a very well known figure in racing and pastoral circles in Victoria and New South Wales, died in Melbourne on the 1st inst. in his 84th year. He was the second son of the late Mr. T. H. Power, and born in Surrey, England, came to Australia with his parents when quite a boy. Educated in Melbourne, when he left school he went on the land, and became manager of his uncle David's Mount Gambier estate when only 19 years of age. Meanwhile his father had started a stock and station agency business in partnership with Mr. Gideon Rutherford, and with which his two sons, Robert and Herbert, eventually became associated. Many changes occurred in the firm, there being numerous partners, until in 1880 it comprised the Power Bros., Mr. J. G. Stanford, and Mr. T. J. Finlay. Afterwards Mr. Robt. Power and Mr. Finlay dropped out, and Mr. Herbert Power and Mr. Stanford carried on the business for many years, until the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Power established a new firm with his son, Mr. Reginald Power, as his partner, under the style of Herbert Power & Son. When Mr. Reginald enlisted, the firm finally became Herbert Power, Manson & Co.

At various times Mr. Power was largely interested in pastoral properties. He owned Bungowannah Park, near Albury, N.S.W., until he handed it over to his son, Mr. Reginald Power. He was interested in a large property in Riverina with the late Mr. C. B. Fisher, in Retro, near Capella (Q.), with the late Mr. Thomas Chirnside, and Cowl Cowl, on the Lachlan River (N.S.W.), with the late Mr. Charles Mackinnon and the late Mr. George Dill. Mr. Power was a famous horseman, in fact a good all-round sporstman. Victorian racing owes a great deal to him, for in 1875 he was one of a band of enthusiasts who founded the V.A.T.C. This club had its first meeting at Ballarat in 1876, but soon settled down at Caulfield, and from 1875 until he retired in 1916.

Mr. Power was a member of the committee, and was chairman in 1889, 1895, and 1907. He was a successful owner, his best year being 1899, when Diffidence won the Sydney Cup for him, and Merriwee landed the Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup double.

Mr. Power leaves a widow, one son, Mr. Reginald Power, and four daughters. His youngest son was killed in the war.