On Saturday November 6 ‘Richlands,’ 10km north of the village, will play host to relatives of those who bought lots when the 10,000 acre estate was subdivided in 1910. At that time, the government had resumed the holding, originally owned by Edward Macarthur, for closer settlement.

Taralga Historical Society members Pat and Bob Blay said about 37 people applied for selections when the subdivision was put up for sale.

“They embarked on potato and other crop growing, dairying and grazing,” Mrs Blay said.

“Families included the Bensleys, Crokes and Connors...We are hoping this will be a day for them to share their memories.”

The area now known as Richlands was absorbed into the Macarthur holdings in 1838. Although leased in subsequent years, according to Patsy Hunt’s book ‘We are Their Heirs,’ the property fell back into family hands through the Macarthur-Onslows in about 1894.

In 1910, surveyors Sheaffe, Isaac and Riley subdivided the estate and hopeful buyers applied for lots. A ballot applied for conflicting blocks.

“The terms were five per cent of capital value x 4pc per annum including principal and interest, the principal to be paid off in 38 years,” Mrs Hunt’s book states.

“A good deal later, the offer was made to convert into a 99-year lease if desired, but only if the selector took advantage of the offer.”

The sale represented a quantum shift from the early Macarthur days when convict labour existed on the estate.

Richlands became virtually a working village with dairy enterprises, a vineyard, grazing and more. Mrs Blay said none of the subdivided lots would have been very large. Henry Twynam bought the homestead block and his family has owned it ever since. Daughter Joan lived there until her late eighties when she moved to Taralga’s Sunset Lodge.

She passed away in 2008.

Her nephew, Stephen Horn and wife Rosanna now own the property. Taralga district man Max Wright’s father also purchased one of the blocks (about 60 acres). He recalls many of the families nearby, including the Cusacks, the Howards and McPauls.

Mr Wright grew up in the war years and went to school at Burra Lakes near Richlands, on Crokes property. There was also a small school at Richlands.

“I remember Captain and Mrs Twynam and their daughter, Joan,” Mr Wright said.

“I used to go up there occasionally and they were a very decent, community minded family.”

Taralga Historical Society is expecting some 200 descendants on Saturday, November 6. They will visit Richlands after a lunch at the Society’s complex in Taralga. Mr Horn and a settler’s descendant, Charlie Phipps will speak on the day.

On Sunday the 7th, the National Trust and the owners are throwing Richlands open to the public. Tours of the homestead and grounds, including the shearing shed and old wheat silos, will be conducted from 10.30am. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch will be available for a cost.

For more information contact Pat or Bob Blay on 4840 6162.