Obituaries Australia

Edward Stribling, n.d.

from Pastoral Review and Graziers' Record, 15 September 1956

One of Victoria's most prominent woolgrowers, Mr. Edward Stribling, of Euroa, died on 14th August at the great age of 93 years after a very full and successful life devoted mainly to the rural industry. He was best known for his Drysdale Estate, Euroa, which he worked up from nothing to an annual shearing of 30,000 sheep, but he and his family had other wide business interests in both Victoria and New South Wales.

Mr. Stribling was born at Port Fairy, Vic., and on leaving school at the age of 14 joined the Colonial Bank. He served in the bank at Winchelsea and Kilmore, and at the age of 21 was appointed manager of the Euroa branch. In May 1888, feeling that the bank did not offer full scope for his ability and ambition, he resigned and went into business for himself as a stock and station and financial agent, by purchasing the business of Gordon and Hay, Euroa.

Mr. Stribling's holding of pastoral properties commenced in 1894 when he purchased, for about £1 an acre, two paddocks near the Euroa township. His first shearing took place on the Euroa showgrounds and his first clip (branded ES/Drysdale/Euroa) comprised only four bales. In 1951, when he disposed of his pastoral interests to the family company, known as Drysdale Estate Pty. Ltd., the Drysdale clip comprised approximately 1000 bales annually and was well known at Melbourne wool sales for its high quality.

In the field of public affairs Mr. Stribling was for many years a Justice of the Peace and chairman of the Euroa Bench. He joined the Pastoralists' Association of Victoria, the forerunner of the present Graziers' Association, in 1901 and was a member of its first council in 1902. He was also auditor of the Shire books, a prominent churchman, and a keen Mason. He was the first candidate admitted to the Euroa Masonic Lodge, its Master in 1906, and had attained Grand Lodge rank.

In his younger days Mr. Stribling was a good cricketer and a first class rifle shot. He took part in interstate and one international rifle match against South Africa and was a member of the Mounted Rifles. During more recent years his sports were mainly croquet, of which he was once runner-up in the Victorian championship, and bowls, which he played even last season, despite his great age.

The late Mr. Stribling was noted for his wide and accurate knowledge over many subjects and his advice was always sound and helpful. Throughout the years he earned the reputation of being an excellent employer, treating his staff justly and well, and on two occasions recently his employees had shown their appreciation by entertaining him at anniversary parties.

Mr. Stribling's wife died in 1950, but he is survived by two sons, Kenneth and Hector. Two other sons predeceased him.