Obituaries Australia

Mr. Ernest Roy Reynolds, one of the best known Hereford breeders in Australia, died suddenly at his home, Ennisview, Oakey, Q., on 8th June, at the age of 69.

A son of the late Mr. Sid. Reynolds, of Duninald, Paterson, N.S.W., he was a member of the famous Reynolds family which founded Tocal and Hobartville studs in New South Wales. He was educated at Barker College, Hornsby, near Sydney, and after leaving school returned to Duninald to work with his father. In 1911 he married Miss Reine McKenzie and moved to Queensland where he took up Ennisview, near Oakey, on the Darling Downs.

In 1917 Mr. Reynolds founded the Hereford stud which was later to play such an important role in improving the breed in Queensland. For a start he used Tocal blood, with members of the famous Cherry Ripe, Minerva, Last Day and Fancy Free families, and at a later stage the Golf Hill Cora family was introduced. The acquisition of Weston Illustrious (imp.) proved most valuable, as the success of this sire's progeny, both in the show ring and in Queensland's breeding herds, placed Ennisview in the forefront of Queensland Hereford studs.

The late Mr. Reynolds exhibited at Brisbane continuously from 1918 until his death, and this gave him the honour of being the exhibitor with the longest unbroken record for showing Herefords at the Royal National. He held at least eight Hereford Society medals for championships won at Brisbane. His breeding programme, which included the mating of daughters of Weston Illustrious (imp.) to son of Free Town Director (imp.), produced such champions as Ennisview Beau Geste, Ennisview Brilliant, and Ennisview Beau Caire.

Mr. Reynolds displayed an active interest in the Australian Hereford Society, being a member of its council since 1928, and president for three years from 1949. He was treasurer at the time of his death. He was also a councillor of the Royal National Association of Queensland for a number of years, but retired owing to ill-health. He was an active committee member of the agricultural society, Toowoomba, and was on the committee of the Downs and South-west Racing Association. For many years he bred blood stock, notably Sandlet, which won the 1929 Queensland Cup, and was a judge for the Queensland Turf Club and Toowoomba Turf Club.

The late Mr. Reynolds' wife died several years ago, and he married Miss Gertrude Ella Gordon, of Nanango and Maryborough. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Messrs. R. M. (Max.), of Naranga, Norwin, Q., and S. B. (Berry), of Moorlands, Oakey, and a daughter, Mrs. R. Freshney, Karena, Bowenville, Q.