Obituaries Australia

Peter Tait, n.d.

from Pastoral Review and Graziers' Record, 16 October 1951

Mr. Peter Tait, who in association with the late James Clark ("The Pearl King") built up one of the greatest pastoral businesses in Australia, mainly in Central Queensland, died at his home in Bowral, N.S.W., at the end of last month at the age of 78.

Born and educated in Brisbane, he was the son of David Tait, of Kirkintulloch, Scotland, and he and the late James Clark eventually became the owners of Northampton Downs and Mt Enniskillen (Blackall)—the former subsequently being sold in the early '30's—Barcaldine Downs (Barcaldine), Bimerah (Longreach), Gordon Downs (Capella), Mantuan Downs (Springsure), Boongoondoo and Hobartville (Jericho), and Powella (Aramac). When James Clark died in 1933 the partnership was carried on by his son Colin, and on the latter's death last year his family continued the association with Mr. Tait.

The late Peter Tait had a very sound and extensive knowledge of finance, especially as applied to the pastoral industry, and in 1934 he was appointed a director of the Commonwealth Bank Board, a position he held until he retired in 1939. His great pastoral experience and knowledge were also put to valuable national use during the period when he was a member of the Federal Land Advisory Board in 1928. Before he retired from residence in Central Queensland he lived at Powella, but for many years past his home has been at Bowral.

Though Mr. Tait had not been in robust health for the last few years his death was sudden and unexpected, and he was still actively controlling his great pastoral interests until a few days before he died. In 1907 he married Lilian, daughter of W. H. Griffin, of Clermont, and their two sons now reside on their own properties at Larras Lake North, Molong, N.S.W., and Gunnong Jugrawah, Coolac, N.S.W. A daughter (Mrs. Margaret Welsh) lives in Sydney, and another daughter died some years ago. Mr. Peter Tait was a brother of the late Mr. Archie Tait, who owned and resided at Wilton, Aramac, for many years.