George Riddoch
George Riddoch | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1842-08-10 Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Died | 1919-04-23 |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, politician |
| Years active | 1861–1910 |
| Known for | Member of the South Australian House of Assembly (1893–1896), Member of the South Australian Legislative Council (1901–1910) |
George Riddoch (10 August 1842 – 23 April 1919) was a prominent Australian pastoralist and political figure. He represented the electoral district of Victoria in the South Australian House of Assembly from 1893 until 1896 and later served as a member of the South Australian Legislative Council for the Southern District between 1901 and 1910.
History
Riddoch was born in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and relocated to Victoria in 1851, where he received his education at the Geelong Seminary.
In 1861, he ventured to South Australia's South-East region to join his brother, John Riddoch (1827–1901), a significant investor in pastoral enterprises. George took on management responsibilities for Yallum and Katnook stations near Penola, and around 1876 acquired Weinteriga station along the Darling River, New South Wales.
Together, the Riddoch brothers acquired the large Glencoe station, encompassing 53,000 acres and notable for its historic woolshed now conserved by the National Trust. After ending their partnership in 1898, George retained ownership of the northern section, which he renamed "Koorine," focusing on breeding Merino sheep and Hereford cattle. Meanwhile, John subdivided his share to promote closer settlement. Additionally, George owned Nalang, Wirriga, and Cannawigra Stations near Tatiara, expanding into dairy farming and wheat production with up to 8,000 acres under cultivation.
Politics
Following his brother John's previous tenure representing Victoria in the House of Assembly (1865–1870, 1871–1873), George was elected to the same seat in 1893 for a three-year period. He then secured a position in the Legislative Council for Southern District in 1901 and served until his retirement in 1909. As a member of the National Defence League, Riddoch consistently championed the interests of rural communities and primary producers throughout his political career.
Other interests
Riddoch actively participated in community organizations, serving as Chief of the Mount Gambier Caledonian Society and sharing membership with his brother at the Adelaide Club. He sought to preserve Adam Lindsay Gordon's cottage "Dingley Dell" for public benefit but was unsuccessful when it was sold privately.
In 1908, he acquired Edwin Douglas's painting Jersey Beauties during a visit to London and generously donated it to the Art Gallery of South Australia. He also held the position of vice-president within the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia.
An enthusiastic horseman, Riddoch owned multiple racehorses and was involved with the local Hunt Club.
Family
On 26 August 1873, Riddoch married Ann Eliza Wilson (circa 1841 – 3 March 1914), daughter of Rev. James Yalverton Wilson from Portland, Victoria.
Their only child, Adelaide Mary Riddoch (28 May 1874 – 3 January 1904), wed Captain George Frederick Napier in 1898. The Napiers subsequently managed "Koorine" after George and Ann retired to their residence "Corega" in Mitcham.