Colly Creek Station Records, 1854 - 1956

Comprehensive station records of Colly Creek pastoral property, documenting operational, financial, and breeding activities across three management periods (James Clark 1897–1916; Hurtle Morphet Mair 1916–1940; James Crane Tanner 1940–1955). Holdings include cash books, ledgers, wages records (1898–1955); livestock management documentation—horse books, cattle books (including Hereford Stud pedigrees), sheep books, and wool clips (1893–1954); and monthly station returns detailing expenses, stock movements, and rainfall.

Extensive managerial correspondence with William Weatherly covers operational and business matters. Financial papers document land acquisition, investments, and taxation assessments. The collection encompasses the Weatherly family papers—personal and business correspondence spanning a century (1853–1920s), relating to family members in Scotland, USA, and Australia. Additional materials include property valuations, and contemporary newspaper clippings regarding the Hereford breeding program and station management.

Prior to its sale in 1955 Colly Creek Station comprised some 36000 acres of land which had been taken up by Andrew and George Loder around 1837. Within a few years George Loder gave up his interest in the station and it remained solely in the hands of Andrew until his death. The station was renowned for its good cattle and Andrew Loder was amongst the first to breed Herefords in Australia. Upon acquiring the property in 1897 William Weatherly of Melbourne continued this tradition by establishing a Hereford Stud in the 1920s.