Chapter:

A PICTURESQUE CENTENARY
The Murdochs of Craigow
PIONEERING AND PUBLIC SERVICE RECORD
EARLY TASMANIAN DAYS

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cillors C. Elliston, W. P. Chapman, and McDermott, and G. Bignell (Council Clerk), Rev. D. Milne (Congregational minister of Bellerive and Cambridge), Messrs. P. and T. Facy, W. A. Roberts, J. G. Turner, C. Davis, 0. L. and R. A. Mather, and Mr. R. A. Black, representing the Department of Agriculture. In the majority of cases prominent visitors were accompanied by members of their families.

The task of catering for the throng throughout the day was facilitated by the skilled assistance of representatives of the American Catering Company, with whose aid afternoon tea was served on the lawn facing on to the beauties of Coal River and Pittwater.

At an appropriate moment, Hon. J. W. Evans. C.M.G., mounted a chair, and, on behalf of all present, expressed their gratification at being present on such a unique occasion, and tendered their congratulations to the family of their host and its connections. As Speaker of the House of Assembly, and as Master Warden of the Marine Board, both of which bodies, if sitting, would, he said, have undoubtedly requested him to do so, he conveyed congratulatory greetings. How proud those who were being honoured would be if they could see the position occupied in Tasmania by their descendants to-day. (Applause.) The late Mr. John Murdoch and his wife, of whom he (the speaker) had recollections, were possessed of all the attributes necessary to make men and women what they should be, and in their family they had given to Tasmania those whom they could all be proud of, and whose character and capacity were exemplified by the scenes of agricultural extensiveness and thoroughness surrounding them. (Applause.) They could all congratulate their host on the position he had attained to. (Applause.) Next him (sic) came Mrs. Fisher, and they were all sensible of the services which the Hon. T. Fisher had rendered to his country. (Applause.) Then there was Mr. Hugh Murdoch, whose commercial activity was only too well known -  (applause) - and Mr. Peter Murdoch, concerning whom he would not say too much, because he was coming out in opposition to him. He was told by him that he had got all the number one votes; if he could get them, good luck to him. (Loud laughter.) Mr. Tom Murdoch's pluck and energy were unequalled, and than Mr. John Murdoch at the Savings Bank there was no better fellow. (Applause.) Mr. George Murdoch, the solicitor, they should not approach nearer than was necessary - (laughter) - and there remained Mrs. J. Miller and Mr. Harry Murdoch, who was away on the mainland. Lastly, they would not forget the late Mrs. James Murdoch, a splendid woman, whose capabilities were shown in her family, and they would honour the memory of her soldier son, who, with others from his native land, had made the supreme sacrifice. The record of the family was one on which they could all join in congratulations.

At the conclusion of his speech, Hon. J. W. Evans called for cheers for the present head of the Craigow clan, and these were enthusiastically given.

The Hon. J. Murdoch, in responding, said that twenty-five to thirty years ago he used to wonder if he would live to the age of seventy, and see the centenary. He was thankful that he had been given the health and strength to do so. He was now seventy-one, and as to whether he would live another thirty years, all he could say was that he was feeling hearty and strong. (Applause.) His only regret was that there were not more Murdoch youngsters about. The descendants of old Dr. Murdoch throughout Tasmania and the Commonwealth must number over five hundred; that was something to be proud of. It was for members of the family to see that they did not get a set-back. (Laughter.) They should try to swell the numbers of the million farmers that were being talked about such a lot. (Laughter.) The million farmers should not be brought in from outside, but should be reared by the people in the Commonwealth, and grow up where they would be used to the climate and place. (Applause.) He was greatly pleased that such a large number of their kith and kin had come together, and for the tokens of respect shown and expressed by all who had joined them he thanked them from the bottom of his heart. (Cheering and applause.)

Before setting out on the homeward journey, the many companies of motorists admired the extensive apricot orchards denuded of their crop, and showing faint tinges of coming autumn, as well as the heavily-laden blocks of apple and pear trees. Special interest was taken in any objects or relics connected with the early days. The attention of many was directed to an ancient medlar tree planted in the garden soil of a neighbouring gully, close to whose shade the body of the old Doctor's wife, Grace Beveridge #2, lies buried. Nearer home, in the midst of a block of heavily butted apricot trees, was pointed out a healthy mulberry tree reputed to have ninety-five years to its credit. Among the strongly-built and well-kept stables and other outbuildings a stone barn set up in the doctor's days compared favourably with all improvements following it. The great acreage under fruit and the thorough working and supervision of the whole property made it the more understandable that, including members of the Murdoch family resident upon it, Craigow is kept in order and made productive by the loyal cooperation of over seventy workers.

22/6192 Printed at "The Mercury" Office, 95-99 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania