The last of the Dundee “Ranger’s Valley” WWII Soldier Settlers’ blocks, “Finlarig” of 1,720 acres went to auction on December 7.
Duncan, tired of working the cross-cut saw and ever inventive, came back a few days later with a saw attached to a motor bike, which after attacking three trees, ran down the hill, never to be seen again!
The post-World War II part of the “Rangers Valley” Station estate had been acquired under the War Service Land Settlement Scheme and divided into nine blocks.
It was said to be suitable land for wool growing.
The Glen Innes Examiner of April 14, 1952 published the names of the nine successful ex-servicemen about to become modern-day pioneers: Elvin Matley, Venor Dulhunty, Lloyd Donnelly, Ernie Sturtridge, John McLoughlin, Hugh Stevenson, Duncan McEwan, Wallace McEwan and Gib Bloxsome.
Hugh Stevenson named his block “Finlarig” – it was part of the original “Upper Brown Swamp” and “Paddys” paddocks on the station.
He started with seven head of hereford cattle and a little mob of sheep – his sheep were to become his great passion.
Unfortunately the wool boom was just over.
However, superphosphate had arrived and Val thought it then cost about $1 a hundredweight, ground spread.
There was certainly plenty of opportunity for improvement on the property.
The block had no buildings, just one fence across the middle, and no dams.
Duncan McEwan and Hugh shared a boundary, which of course had to be fenced.
Duncan, tired of working the cross-cut saw and ever inventive, came back a few days later with a saw attached to a motor bike, which after attacking three trees, ran down the hill, never to be seen again!
Every year Keith Williams gouged out another dam on “Finlarig” and now there are 40 in 24 fenced paddocks.
Betty Donnelly would invite the bachelor for a much appreciated baked dinner and apple pie every Friday night.
It appeared as though Hugh may have had a particularly bad worm infestation in his sheep as he was very frequently dropping into Eric Lynn’s Livestock and Real Estate Agency in the Tattersalls Hotel building to buy drench from the secretary Valmai Robinson.
Hugh and Val married in 1956 and a set of cement laundry tubs was an essential part of their luggage on the trip home from their honeymoon.
Originally they lived in a two room cottage – bedroom and kitchen with a bathroom on the verandah.
They had a fuel stove, a copper, wringer and kerosene lanterns.
There was no electricity until 1963.
Hugh milked daily, while Val separated and made butter.
Sadly, Hugh passed away just 10 years ago.
