Obituaries Australia

George Watson, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 June 1926

Brief reference was made in last issue to the death of Mr. George Wade Watson, of Tandawanna North, Bungunya, Q., on 8th May. His demise at the relatively early age of 55 came as a great shock to a very wide circle of friends, for he was one of the best known and respected men in the pastoral world of South Queensland.

Mr. G. W. Watson was a son of the late John Watson, of Tyabb and Bungunya Stations, Victoria, and his early days were spent in western New South Wales. After holding the position of overseer on Cambridge Downs, Q., he went to the old Tandawanna Station in 1895, and although only 24 managed it for the Harding Estate. He retained the position during the subsequent occupancy of Messrs. Chapman and Higgins, and when Meynink and Co. bought the station in 1908 joined that company. On the dissolution of this partnership Mr. Watson withdrew from Tandawanna, and in 1914 purchased the 25,000 acres of the original holding that is now known as Tandawanna North. There he resided until his death.

Mr. Watson was a very keen breeder and judge of sheep, and he maintained a stud Merino flock for over 25 years, taking half of the stud at old Tandawanna—when split up— to his own property, Tandawanna North. He kept them at a very high standard throughout, using only high class Wanganella blood rams, principally from Stud Park North, N.S.W.

Mr. Watson always took an active interest in the affairs of the Goondiwindi district, and was at one time or another president of most of the public movements. He was a keen sportsman and raced, in conjunction with others, several well-known horses, including Kaffir Chief, Master Warkon, Muguet and Serella. Five years ago he founded the Mclntyre Amateur Picnic Race Club, and for two years held office as president. He was also president of the Goondiwindi Jockey Club. He is survived by his wife and six daughters.