Obituaries Australia

Mr. George Riddoch, whose death is announced from South Australia at the age of 77 years, was closely identified with the pastoral industry in that and other States for nearly 60 years. Like so many other successful sheepmen in Australia, the late Mr. Riddoch was a Scotsman, having been born at Turriff, Aberdeenshire. At an early age he settled in the south-east, and he and his brother John established the name of Riddoch as being synonymous with everything that was good, progressive, and honest. While building up substantial pastoral interests in South Australia and the Darling, the late Mr. Riddoch devoted considerable time to serving the public in various ways. He was a legislator —first in the Assembly, and then in the Legislative Council —for a number of years. He was president of the Stockowners' Association, and as such endeavoured in the nineties to induce fellow Stockowners to follow New Zealand and establish freezing works. They declined to follow his lead, and the Government stepped in and nationalised that industry. He also took a great interest in agricultural society work, and was always an active supporter of local public affairs and healthy outdoor sport. The late Mr. Riddoch was a breeder of stud Merino sheep, and Hereford and Jersey cattle, and horses. He was in every respect a fine type of the Scottish-Australian gentlemen who have done so much for Australia, and was greatly loved by those who knew him best.