Obituaries Australia

Thomas Wilding, n.d.

from Pastoral Review and Graziers' Record, 16 September 1954

The death of Mr. Thomas Henry Wilding, of Mokine, W.A., a well-known pastoralist and stock breeder in Western Australia, was briefly reported at time of going to press in last month's issue of the Pastoral Review. The late Mr. Wilding, who was in his 88th year, had been seriously ill for several years, and had spent the last five years of his life in close retirement.

Whilst managing Mokine, Mr. Wilding took an active interest in all matters pertaining to pastoral and agricultural activities in Western Australia. From 1903 to 1950 he served as a councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia, and was president on three occasions—1903, 1923, and 1929. In 1950 he was made an honorary life councillor in recognition of his services to the society. He was also president of the Northam Agricultural Society for many years. In his earlier years, he was interested in politics, and served for six years as a member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia, after being elected to office in 1908.

Mr. Wilding founded Mokine Merino stud, which was established and maintained on Koonoona blood. He also established the Mokine stud of Jersey cattle. Both these studs achieved an excellent reputation and were prominent in Royal and country shows in Western Australia. In one year they won 300 first prizes. Mr. Wilding was also a foremost breeder of Clydesdale horses, and his most successful sire, Royal Blue, was a familiar figure at the Perth Royal Show, winning the Clydesdale championship for seven years in succession. Apart from his breeding interests, Mr. Wilding was also a prominent judge of sheep, cattle, horses, and pigs. He is survived by his widow, two sons, and one daughter.