BACK                                                                                                                 HOME One of the buildings that still exist is a small stone prison cell which was built in 1894 during the big Pastoralists dispute.  An incident that did occur was the burning of the paddle steamer Rodney, on the morning of August 26.  Aboard the riverboat were 50 non - union shearers being transported to Tolarno Station.  The Rodney was moored in shallow water near the Moorawa shearing shed, ninety miles south of Tolarno.  A force of shearers waded to the steamer, ordered Captain Dickson and crew to transfer to the barge and removed the non - unionists.  The Riverboat was set alight and drifted downstream until it sank several hours later.  Eight men stood trial at Broken Hill in October, but were acquitted because of the absence of credible witnesses.  In the sand hills east of the station are two graves and only one headstone remaining, that of Colin McKiechen, who died at Tolarno on August 22 1899.  The blacksmith shop still remains, inside the shed could be seen the forge that was used and on the wall are the implements that were used in bygone days. Only little remains of the wharf, just a few pieces of rotten timber on the side of the riverbank. Still standing and over 100 years old is the remaining water tower with the water tank on top which is no longer in use.  The homestead itself consists of 20 rooms not including the hallway, and the servants’ quarters are semi detached from the main building.  I do believe there were 22 servants in those days. The ceilings and outer walls are covered in decorative tin imported from England.  At the bottom of the sand hills are a pile of broken bottles where the Cliffs Hotel could have been.  Former owners of Tolarno Station were M. S. Hawker, A. W. Bamfield, J. L. Warren in 1934 and W. E. and E. R. C. Hogan. Tolarno Station over the course of time produced different effects, whereas in the early years it could have been termed doubtful if anyone could hold the station and keep it for more than a short time. However, Mr A. McBride has held the property for many years.  And today the property is owned by Robert and Linda McBride.

Tolarno station Today                                                       The original station                                                                   MORE PHOTOS NEXT PAGE

Tolarno Station 1914                                                                       Tolarno Station 1914