History

In the late 1800s there was considerable interest and activity with gold-mining in the area, and a small settlement with the name Kirkdale was established on an area of this property. Prospectors came, claims were posted, mines were dug, dirt was panned and washed in larger batteries. The small hamlet had a school, a post office (operated by Ellis Butt’s grandfather Charles Henry Butt) and an assay office for a while. About 1,000 people lived in the area. Eventually the quantity of gold produced was considered not economically viable, interest waned, and disappeared by the 1930s. Since that time, a few die-hard old prospectors occasionally visited the property, and after much hard work panning in the local creek, recovered a few Pounds’ value of gold dust. Even this practice has proved fruitless and nobody bothers anymore. The creek is now overgown with reeds and basket willows, and due to the drought has stopped running, making work more difficult.

Panorama (click for larger view)

Today, Kirkdale is totally devoted to growing fine wool from Merino sheep. It is divided into 10 paddocks, with a total of 1,100 sheep. All the sheep are bred on the property, with the aim of maintaining a flock with wool measuring in the 15 to 17 micron range. Lambing is planned for September, so as to miss the harsh cold winter, and precedes the shearing. The lambs are usually weaned in February and tagged by year of birth marking in June. Shearing is conducted in late Spring, usually mid-November, and this is the busiest time of year.

The shearing shed (click for larger view)

If the season has been good, there is plenty of food in the pasture, and the owners can have a little rest and relax during the hot months of summer.