R F ‘Reg’ Moses (RFM)

‘The Star Kingdom Dynasty’ Video has been one of the most popular hits on this website. I have written earlier about two of Star Kingdom’s owner S T Wootton and A O Ellison. The third member of the triumvirate was R F ‘Reg’ Moses.

RFM was born at Randwick in 1900 and taken to the family property at Moree. His father was F A ‘Frederick Albert’ Moses of the famed duo of brothers W & F A Moses of ‘Arrowfield’. They were the most successful of breeders from 1910s to the 1930s. Their sire ‘Valais’ was champion for five seasons in succession 1922-23 to 1927-28. Among many great horses either bred and/or raced by the Moses brothers were ‘Poitrel’, ‘Heroic’, ‘Valicare’ and ‘Manfred’.

The Moses family had been closely associated with Richard Wootton since the time of his return from England in 1915. It was natural that RFM would strike up a relationship with Stanley Wootton (STW). Reg Moses had been breeding thoroughbreds in his own right since the 1920s. He consolidated his interests into the Fairways Stud Pty Limited which purchased the eponymous property at Muscle Creek, Muswellbrook.

At the time Star Kingdom arrived in Australia RFM and STW were already in partnership in the sires ‘Confessor’, ‘Newtown Wonder’ and ‘Port Vista’. ‘Newtown Wonder’ proved to be something of a sensation siring multiple winners of major sprint races including ‘Cultured’, ‘Apple Jack’, ‘Apple Bay’ and ‘Dubbo’. ‘Port Vista’ was initially very promising with ‘Gay Vista’ (bred by STW) in his first crop. Later he faded but still sired good performers in ‘Our Cobber’, ‘Toi Port’ and ‘Regal Vista’. RFM had been an AJC Committeeman between 1945 and 1954. This ended ignominiously with insidious accusations of illegal betting transactions involving a leading jockey.

Many other Moses family members also played major roles in thoroughbred breeding through the Star Kingdom era adding considerable cachet to his outstanding success. Brothers Bill, Fred, Geoff and Henry all purchased shares and/or nominations to Star Kingdom. They bred some of the best racehorses including ‘Fine and Dandy’, ‘Time and Tide’ and ‘Gold Stakes’. A cousin R W (Rupert) Moses bred ‘Magic Night’ who was Star Kingdoms’ fifth successive winner of the Golden Slipper Stakes in 1961.

The Moses’ family tradition in thoroughbred racing and breeding continues to the present day. Fred and Mary Moses (nee Munro) own and run Kanangra Farm at Scone. Henry Field is RFMs great grandson. He is the Principle of the burgeoning gargantuan ‘Newgate Farm’ at Aberdeen.

I was most fortunate to share lunch with Mr & Mrs Reg Moses at ‘Fairways’ every spring season Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This homely privilege dissipated with the failure of RFM’s imported Rockefella stallion ‘Radames’ (Fr).

Of the three owners of Star Kingdom RFM was the most astute observer of bloodstock despite losing an eye as a young man; STW the most sagacious and sapient; AOE the best gardener.

I acknowledge my good friend the late Peter Pring as the source of much of this dialogue in his seminal tome: The Star Kingdom Story (The Thoroughbred Press, Sydney).

Toby Edmonds

Toby Edmonds is another Scone-bred local who is making tsunami scale waves at the very top level. I am reminded by Geoff Palmer in the ‘Belmore Hotel’ that he taught Toby to ride when at Noisy Noonan’s old stables at the bottom end of town. Another stable mate was emerging champion trainer Peter Snowdon. There must have been something in the feed; or water in lower Aberdeen Street? Maybe it was Geoff’s exquisite early tuition? Geoff was multi-skilled at shearing, stockman, horse breaker, track work rider, trainer, rouse-about, slaughter man and a variety of other. I clearly recall a dedicated young ingenue asking all questions and desperately keen to learn.

The mix of old school horsemanship taught to him by two greats in Neville Begg and Peter Snowden and new training techniques learnt by vying his trade in some of the best training centres in Australia has given Toby the necessary tools to compete with the best.

Based on the Gold Coast at Bundall the climate and facilities enable horses to produce their best performance possible on race day.

Toby believes in his ability to place his horses to perfection giving owners the ultimate chance at success they strive for.

Toby offers first class facilities at the Gold Coast Turf Club home to the famous Magic Millions Carnival and also the time honoured Hollindale Stakes.

After spending 2010 as Patinack Farm’s Queensland foreman Toby is now training back in his own right and has already firmly entrenched himself as one of Queensland’s leading trainers. Toby’s facilities consist of a 37 horse barn, 8 horse-walker, a beautiful canal walk to the track where the horses can stop for a pick of grass and all the world class training tracks. Col Watts told me Toby has recently expanded his stables with some serious 21^st century construction. With nearby beaches frequently utilized there is every reason to believe any horse will be a winner with Edmonds Racing!

This prediction was franked ‘in spades’ with wins by ‘Tyzone’ in the Group I Stradbroke Handicap @ Eagle Farm and also ‘Vanna Girl’ in Group II ‘The Roses’ at the same track.

See: https://7news.com.au/sport/horse-racing/tyzone-wins-the-group-one-stradbroke-hcp-c-1083251

See: http://www.races.com.au/2020/06/13/2020-the-roses-winner-vanna-girl-too-good/

 

Thailand grinds to a halt for King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s five-day funeral in Bangkok

See: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-26/thailand-stops-for-cremation-of-revered-king-bhumibol/9085174

Liam Cochrane reports from the Bangkok about the incredible funeral for the late King Bhumibol of Thailand. The elaborate five day ceremony at the golden royal crematorium is labelled as ‘heaven on earth’ for the devout Royalist Thai Nation most of whom have never seen such a spectacle. King Bhumipol ruled for 70 years before passing away on 13^th October 2016.

Australian horses used in ceremony

There is an Australian link to this royal event.

Most of the horses used by the ceremonial King’s guard are either Australian or the offspring of Australian horses.

They will form an honour guard on the final day, as the King’s ashes are moved to their final resting place.

“Just a few weeks ago, the Royal Thai Army bought 55 new Australian horses to take part in this event,” Australia’s Ambassador to Thailand Paul Robilliard said:

“We’re very proud and pleased that Australian horses are going to be part of that honour guard.”

Australia’s Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove will represent Australia at the event.

In fact the vast majority of the ceremonial horses were sourced through a passionate local agent in Murrurundi.

Haydon Angel Jewel

This is about a famous Hunter Valley horse; not a person. Bred in the Upper Hunter Valley by Peter and Ali Haydon ‘Haydon Angel Jewel’ (Haydon Tourmaline ex Haydon Drawn) has been acknowledged as the ‘World’s Best Polo Pony’.  Played by the ‘world’s best Polo Player’ Adolfo Cambiaso ‘Haydon Angel Jewel’ has been retired to his stud farm and he will be breeding from her in Argentina. He was described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the greatest sportsman you’ve never heard of’ on December 8^th 2014 following yet another stellar victory by his team La Dolfina. The imperious sportsman repeated the dose in his 16^th victory in the Argentina Polo Open in December 2016; 12 Open victories in succession. Adolfo Cambiaso has a more than fleeting connection with the Hunter Valley having played for Kerry Packer’s Ellerston White/Ellerstina Teams during his early career.

Haydon Angel Jewel has recently been inducted into the International Polo Hall of Fame. A special video on the Haydon Family’s excellent website depicts the amazing historical journey by the mare to win every major Polo Tournament in the world. I’ve just received the Weekend Australian supplement ‘Beersheba: Legend of the Light Horse’. It’s intriguing to speculate that both ‘Midnight’ (Major Guy Haydon Beersheba 1918) and ‘Haydon Angel Jewel’ (Adolfo Cambiaso, ‘La Dolfina’, Argentina 2018) are from the same seed stock at Blandford NSW.

See: http://www.haydonhorsestud.com.au/

I have it on good authority the Scone Horse Festival Committee will institute a new category in 2018 equivalent to the Horse Week ‘Human’ VIP. The champion horse (all breeds) will be celebrated for the first time at the Scone Horse Festival in May 2018: Hunter Valley Horse of the Year. It’s a first-up dilemma of staggering proportions. Is Haydon Angel Jewel superior in her category to WINX in hers’? I’m just musing.

‘What About Winx’ Update

This is ‘hot from the press’ of Scone local Jamie Payne. The featured image is the brand of Galloping Media which doesn’t come out on a ‘blog’. I also refer to my earlier blog on ‘What About Winx’ and good mate Rick Wright which I think may have caused this to happen? Is that being presumptive and/or arrogant?

From: Jamie Payne <jamie@gallopingmedia.com>

Subject: “What About Winx” – By Rick Wright

Date: 27 October 2017 at 6:34:15 am AEDT

Good morning all,

A poet from the Hunter Valley near Scone has penned a poem “What About Winx” and on the eve of “TeamWinx” historic 3rd Cox Plate race we thought we would put it together with some vision to show the world.

Here is the link;

https://youtu.be/ZyAs0yoo7hU

I hope you enjoy.

All the very best for tomorrow.

Many thanks,

Jamie

Jamie Payne / Director
jamie@gallopingmedia.com / +61 0428 452 400

Galloping Group Pty Ltd
www.gallopingmedia.com

Morning Rick,

Hope you are getting some of this nice rain!

We’ve put the piece together & pushed it live this morning on the eve of the Cox Plate.

We had a VO artist from QLD record it & I think he’s done a great job.

Click the link below;

https://youtu.be/ZyAs0yoo7hU

See below email that went to the owners this morning.

Thank you once again for the use of the poem & if there is any request from any of the media – I will forward them your number.

We’ll be in touch.

Many thanks,

Jamie

Equine Genetic Research Centre for Scone

This is the best possible news for all of us who’ve been involved in equine research for so long. It at last justifies the establishment of the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre.

The Featured Image is of EGRC Director Dr Natasha Hamilton and staff Dominique Dolgenar (EGRC Manager), Taelor Mackenzie and Emalyn Batley (EGRC Laboratory Technical Officers) at the new Centre

More information on the Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre can be found at: www.equinegeneticsresearchcentre.horse  

Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre ‘officially’ opened at Scone

Official opening of Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre at Scone

Monday 23^rd April 2018

https://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/story/5359183/an-australian-first-in-nations-horse-capital-photos-video/?cs=5790#slide=3

THE new Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre represents the strong future the horse industry has within the Upper Hunter Shire, according to deputy mayor Maurice Collison.

The nation’s first laboratory service of its kind was officially opened at Scone on Monday by Racing NSW’s Russell Balding and former chairman, and local identity, John Messara.

The facility – located within the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre complex – will undertake DNA typing of all thoroughbred foals to confirm parentage and establish a unique pedigree that is accessible throughout its life.

It’ll also provide services to 30 other horse breed societies across Australia.

An estimated 20,000 tests will be analysed at the centre each year.

“Council is elated that Racing Australia chose to locate Australia’s inaugural equine genetics research lab at Scone,” Cr Collison said.

“This centre is a perfect example of business investment in the area.

“Through building this facility in Scone, Racing Australia has endorsed the importance of the region to the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry.

“Their investment is great for the economy, offering local employment for four staff – two of which are relocating to the shire, a third is already a resident in town; and a fourth regularly commutes to Scone from Sydney.

“On behalf of council, I’d like to congratulate those involved with the development of the Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre; as well as their determination to enhance the integrity of Australian racing and breeding.

“Their commitment will help solidify Scone as the ‘Horse Capital of Australia’ and build on the proud history the shire has with the industry.

“And, it’s not just about racehorses either.

“The Upper Hunter produces, trains and spells a wide range of equine breeds, including heavy draught horses, those for carriage work, endurance and other sports such as polo, polocrosse, dressage, racing and recreational use.”

Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre chairman Bill Rose was thrilled with the facility’s location, ahead of Sydney or Melbourne.

“The establishment of the Equine Genetics Research Centre in Scone brings enhanced integrity to Australian racing and breeding,” he said.

“We are delighted Racing Australia has made the decision to establish a world-class facility in the heart of our thoroughbred breeding region.”

Dr Natasha Hamilton was appointed by Racing Australia as the inaugural director of the Equine Genetics Research Centre.

She has worked at the University of Sydney as a researcher and lecturer, most recently teaching neurophysiology and equine science within the Faculty of Science.

Dr Hamilton is also a contributing member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ Gene Doping Control Subcommittee, the International Equine Genome Mapping Workshop and the International Society of Animal Genetics.

“Today is a proud moment for me – and my team,” she said.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to become a contributing member of the industry that I have loved for so long and I am particularly excited about the research possibilities of this role.

“I look forward to working closely with industry participants to ensure Australia’s racing industry continues to be the world’s leading thoroughbred industry.”

Breednet – Media Release – Wednesday, 25 October 2017 – Racing Australia Release

Australian racing’s first equine genetics research laboratory service is to be established at the centre of one of Australia’s premier Thoroughbred horse breeding districts, the Chair of Racing Australia, Ms Frances Nelson QC announced today.

The Equine Genetics Research Centre will be located at Scone in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales.

“Locating these new laboratory facilities in the heart of one of Australia’s internationally recognised breeding regions makes perfect sense given the vital functions it will perform for the Australian Thoroughbred racing industry,” said Ms Nelson.

“The work of the Centre will be critical to the ongoing integrity of Australian racing. Its DNA testing underpins both the breeding and racing sectors of our sport.”

“To ensure the Centre met world standards, Racing Australia worked with the International Society of Animal Genetics to successfully gain approval and institutional membership,” Ms Nelson concluded.

The new facility will be established within Scone’s Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre complex and is expected to be operational by April 2018. Building works are due to be completed by the end of this year.

Chairman of the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre, Bill Rose welcomed the new facility.

“The establishment of the Equine Genetics Research Centre in Scone brings enhanced integrity to Australian racing and breeding and we are delighted Racing Australia has made the decision to establish a world class facility in the heart of our Thoroughbred breeding region” Mr Rose said.

The Centre will undertake DNA typing of all Thoroughbred foals to confirm parentage and establish a unique pedigree that is accessible throughout its life. It will also provide services to 30 other horse breed societies across Australia. An estimated 20,000 tests will be analysed at the Centre each year.

Ms Nelson also announced that Dr Natasha Hamilton had been appointed by Racing Australia as the inaugural Director of the Equine Genetics Research Centre.

Dr Hamilton has worked at the University of Sydney as a researcher and lecturer, most recently teaching neurophysiology & equine science within the Faculty of Science.

She is also a contributing member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ Gene Doping Control Subcommittee, the International Equine Genome Mapping Workshop and the International Society of Animal Genetics.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to become a contributing member of the industry that I have loved for so long and I am particularly excited about the research possibilities of this role. I look forward to working closely with industry participants to ensure Australia’s racing industry continues to be the world’s leading Thoroughbred industry,” Dr Hamilton said.

RACING AUSTRALIA EQUINE GENETICS RESEARCH CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED

The Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre (EGRC) was officially opened on Monday 23 April 2018 by Russell Balding AO Deputy Chair Racing Australia & John Messara AM former Chair Racing Australia.   Russell Balding AO Deputy Chair Racing Australia & John Messara AM former Chair Racing Australia (Photo courtesy of Rod Thompson of The Scone Advocate)   Located within the Hunter Valley Equine Research Complex in Scone, Racing Australia now has a permanent presence in the heart of Australia’s leading Thoroughbred and Equine Breeding region. “Through the establishment of this Genetics Research Centre here at Scone, Racing Australia is proud to be returning to regional Australia some of the support it has always given the Australian Thoroughbred industry”. said Russell Balding AO. The Centre will undertake DNA typing of all Thoroughbred foals to confirm parentage and establish a unique pedigree that is accessible throughout its life. It will also provide services to 30 other horse breed societies across Australia. An estimated 20,000 tests will be analysed at the Centre each year. The gathering of over fifty guests from politics and the breeding industry were introduced to the EGRC team and toured the facility. The EGRC team combines experts in equine genetics research, technical scientific and diagnostic skills with a love for horses of all shapes, sizes and colours.   Dr Natasha Hamilton EGRC Director, Dominique Dolgener EGRC Manager, Taelor Mackenzie and Emalyn Batley EGRC Laboratory Technical Officers (Photo courtesy of Rod Thompson of The Scone Advocate)   With an equine geneticist on staff, Racing Australia will now be able to keep up with the latest cutting-edge developments in horse genetics. This Centre will also ensure Racing Australia also has the capability to perform its own research into genetic diseases in horses-of all breeds-and offer the findings to others working to improve equine health. In 2017 Racing Australia participated in the International Horse STR DNA Typing Comparison Test and achieved rank 1 with 100% genotyping accuracy. Rank 1 is necessary to allow parentage verification of Thoroughbreds for the International Stud Book Committee. More information on the Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre can be found at www.equinegeneticsresearchcentre.horse

A few years ago I wrote a tribute to three senior medical colleagues in Scone; all of whom added cachet to the already impressive order of preference in the local medical fraternity. This was to celebrate the trifecta of OAMs which came their way when Dr John William Houston Paradice was eventually and rightfully honoured in the Australia Day Awards in January 2016. I called it Erudite Medical Trifecta which I provided to ingenue journalist Ben Murphy at the Scone Advocate. It emerged as the following. I acknowledge the source; but claim the original.

The featured image actually shows a photograph taken in 2011. Dr Barton had since passed away.

January 26 2016 – 8:00AM

Doctor’s OAM completes local medical trifecta

http://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/story/3686387/doctors-oam-completes-local-medical-trifecta/

Ben Murphy

AS the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

It’s been a long time coming, but Dr John Houston Paradice has today been awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his dedication and service to the Scone community over many years.

“I’m a bit overcome because in all the time that I was in medicine I was just doing my job so I didn’t expect this,” he said.

Dr Paradice now joins former colleagues Dr Toby Barton, who learned of his national award of Australia Day 2001, and Dr David Barton Warden, a recipient on this day last year, in winning the medal.

The trio, along with Dr Walter Pye MBE, did exceptional work during their time together at the Scone Medical Practice from the early 1950s through to the 1980s.

Dr Pye was made a Member of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 1973.

Dr Paradice, who retired in 2004 after spending most of his extensive medical career in Scone, said all four men had similar backgrounds and training.

“The Scone practice was well-known as one of the longest established practices in the country,” he said.

“We had a practice that remained a great training ground for rural general practitioners because of the nature of it; we all became skilled in many areas of medicine.

“In those days, we were fortunate in that we were able to do more I believe than the general practitioners in the country.

“For instance, I was the government medical officer carrying out post-mortems which they would never do now.

“It was a rather unpleasant and difficult part of the job.”

Dr Paradice also reserved special praise for the role of nurses throughout his career.

He said a doctor’s work was only as good as the support they received.

Dr Walter Osmond Pye MBE

The featured image shows Dr Walter Osmond Pye in consultation with Dr Toby Barton and Mrs Janet Barton in the garden at Belmore House (‘Geraldton’).

I have many illustrious peers in Scone in writing and recording important social history. Nancy Gray would head the list with Audrey Entwisle following closely behind. The latter wrote several books when closely associated with the Scone & Upper Hunter Historical Society which the Grays (Mr & Mrs) instigated.

Among the many fine tributes recorded by Audrey is her possible personal apogee: ‘Walter Osmond Pye 1905 – 1994 A Celebration’. I treasure the copy I have. When I was Chairman of the Board of Strathearn Village I purchased all the last available copies from the Historical Society. I presented them to fellow Board Members and the new CEO as ‘mandatory homework’. I’m not sure if it worked or not?

Audrey’s encomium embraces the full circle of life of an outstanding rural medical practitioner. In her foreword Audrey says there is no doubt that Scone’s “Man of the Century” is Dr Walter Osmond Pye. Many would agree. Federation Publication No. 3 of the Scone and Upper Historical Society 2000 chronologically lists the litany of achievements of this ‘leviathan’ medico. There are tributes from fellow doctors and nursing sisters. Three great totems to Walter Pye endure in the form of the Upper Hunter Village Association (now Strathearn Aged Care); Scone Aerodrome and St Luke’s Anglican Church. Memorials in his honour are the MBE awarded in the 1973 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for ‘Services to the Community – especially Medicine’; Walter Pye Wing at the Scott memorial Hospital; Inaugural Hunter McLoughlin Citizen Award; ‘The Town Says Thank You’ celebration at St Luke’s Parish Centre on 13 October 1991 and Aged Care Australia’s Award of Life Membership of the Upper Hunter Village Association.

‘Hobbies and Interests’ is Audrey’s finale tribute. These are many and varied and include dairying (‘Little Fields’ Dairy); Scone Golf Club; Cars including the vintage RR and Model T Ford; Scone Historical Records Centre and finally his last resting place at “Oakland”, Coraki. At his funeral service in St Luke’s the Reverend Paul Robertson summed up Dr Pye’s life with exactitude:

“God gave many gifts to Walter Pye and used them well. He will be remembered by a grateful Scone and Upper Hunter Community as a dedicated medical practitioner, a fine community servant, and generous Christian benefactor. We mourn his death, we celebrate his life and its achievements, we express our thanks to him and to God for his life’s work among us.”

Dr Walter Pye’s prevailing philosophy in founding the Upper Hunter Village Association is summarised as follows:

“People should be able to remain among their friends and their workmates, hopefully close to their family, their doctor, their clubs, their pub, friendly trades-people and neighbours where they are known”.

“In retrospect it would seem that the greatest and kindest care would be the ability to allow people to be able to die peacefully and quietly in their own home and to supply the comfort and care which is required to do so”.

“People living far out of country towns would need to be cared for in the towns (hostel or villa) where the auxiliary services are available”.

“Remember: The height of any civilization can be judged by the manner in which they care for their aged. This community must rank high”.

Dr H J H Scott

I wrote earlier about an outstanding professional who chose to make his home in Scone in the late 1800s. This was lawyer J A K Shaw. If anything he was surpassed by one of his closest friends in Dr H J H ‘Tup’ Scott. They shared similar backgrounds in proving to be outstanding sportsmen in their chosen fields: Shaw in Rugby at Sydney University and Scott in cricket for East Melbourne and Victoria. Scott achieved even greater renown as the Captain of the Australian Test Team in England in 1886. This was only the second (white) team to make the journey. An Aboriginal side had pre-empted them both earlier in the century.

The featured image shows the Robertson Electorate Cricket XI in 1895. (Federation Publication no 2 – Scone and Upper Hunter Historical Society). The equivalent team today would be the Upper Hunter Select XI. Charles W. Rock (second left back row) was also an outstanding individual and sportsman. He grew up in Tasmania and excelled at Launceston Grammar School. A brilliant scholar Charles Rock attended Clare College, Cambridge where he was considered to be the best amateur cricketer in England. He returned to teach at Launceston Grammar School and then at William Pullings’ Scone Grammar School. He was selected to play for Australia in a Test Match in 1888 but had to forgo the opportunity due to illness. It can safely be claimed that Pulling, Scott, Rock and Shaw formed an exceptional and eclectic sporting professional claque. I wonder if it has ever been exceeded as a cabal. It is almost certain that rising writer, journalist, sportsman and bard A B ‘Banjo’ Paterson visited Scone on regular occasions to catch up with his friends Scott, Shaw & Co.

Alf Ebsworth, related to the White Family of ‘Belltrees’ was also a notable cricketer of the times before forfeiting his life on the South African Veldt in 1900 during the Boer War. J H Bettington was from the eminent Brindley Park/Terragong, Merriwa family and also distinguished himself overseas. In his case, together with brother J B Bettington, he was in the winning Guy’s Hospital XI Cricket Team which won the Inter-Hospital Challenge Cup while both were studying medicine in London. He also performed outstanding feats for the University teams of the day.

Dr Scott and Charles Rock together formed the Robertson Electorate Cricket Club. They must have provided formidable opposition? All of them proved to be eminent and outstanding citizens in what seems like a more genteel age. Dr Scott was a magistrate and twice Mayor of Scone. Both he and J A K Shaw shared many common interests with the Local Government, Jockey Club, nascent Polo Club and also the Masonic Lodge. I am indebted to erstwhile friend and direct descendant of Dr Scott Ms Belinda Scott for writing the article on her ancestor in the Australian Dictionary of Biography. I have a penchant for acknowledging eminent citizens who have gone before us.

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John Abbott Kingsmill Shaw

John Abbott Kingsmill Shaw & Mrs Geraldine Shaw

John Abbott Kingsmill Shaw was arguably one of the finest, naturally gifted and most capable citizens to make a home in Scone in its entire history. He showed outstanding promise in his school and University days. Dr Thomas V. Hickie wrote in ‘A Sense of Union – A History of the Sydney University Football (Rugby) Club’: “John Shaw was one of the great University Captains pre-1900. Shaw captained the team to the premiership for three years undefeated from 1887 to 1889. The accompanying letter was included in a photo album the club had specially commissioned to present to him on Christmas Eve 1889 prior to his departure from Sydney. In the album are the certificate and individual photographs of the 1889 team. The album is held by the Sydney University Archives on behalf of the football club.”

Sydney’s loss was Scone’s gain. J. A. K. Shaw was destined to spend the whole of his working professional life in outstanding service to Scone and district until his passing in 1920. J. A. K. Shaw might have been drawn to the Upper Hunter as his mother was a daughter of John Abbott of ‘Murrulla’, Wingen. The Abbott family of Wingen were very active politically prior to and after Federation in 1901. Biographer John Merritt labelled W. E. Abbott as ‘that voluminous squatter’. As a respected solicitor in Scone J. A. K. Shaw first occupied premises in Guernsey Street beside Campbell’s Store which later became Campbell’s Garage. In 1917 he acquired Cornwall Chambers in Kelly Street which were later demolished to permit the erection of the Commonwealth Bank on the same site. From 1903 – 1910 J. A. K. Shaw lived at Mrs Hopper’s House in Kingdon Street which later became the home of prominent Scone identity Mrs Audrey Johnson. This was beside the old Presbyterian Church in Kingdon Street which is now the Masonic Lodge. J. A. K. Shaw purchased Belmore House in 1909 and renamed it Geraldton in honour of his wife Isabel Geraldine Fitzgerald from Muswellbrook who was the only child of Hon. R. G. D. Fitzgerald M. L. C. The Hon Fitzgerald served for 16 years as member for the Upper Hunter in the Upper House of the inaugural Federal Parliament.  The house was registered in the ownership of Geraldine Shaw which was common practice with the professional caste of the day.

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