Laidlaw, Robert, J.P., Heidelberg, is a native of Scotland, who came to Melbourne in 1839, and went to Boroondara, on the Kooyong Creek, where, in partnership with Mr. Kerr, he purchased a station from Messrs. J. and W. Wood for £15. The partnership lasted for eighteen months. They bought sheep at £1 16s. per head, which sheep and their offspring were sold in 1843 for 4s. 6d. per head by Kerr and Doobie. In 1843 Mr. Laidlaw commenced farming, and continued it until 1864. During ten years of that time he was in partnership with the late Mr. Alex. Duncan, the firm being known as Duncan and Laidlaw. In 1853 Mr. Laidlaw went to Spring Bank, where he still resides, and in 1854 bought 92 acres. He has from time to time obtained a number of medals for farm produce, and the second prize for the best managed farm. In 1855 he gained a gold medal for the best exhibit of wheat, and a silver medal – the first prize – for the best exhibit of potatoes. In 1857 he took the first prize at Geelong for both wheat and potatoes, obtaining two silver medals, the wheat being subsequently sold in Melbourne for £2 per bushel, and afterwards sent to London; and he has also taken a number of prizes for stock. For some time he has retired from personal direction of the business of his farm, but still takes an active part in the Victorian Agricultural Society. He was for many years president of the shire of Bulleen, and is a magistrate for the central bailiwick, in which capacity he attends regularly at the Heidelberg court.
from “Victoria and its Metropolis: Past and Present” written in 1888 by Alexander Sutherland.
Chapter 19, “The Upper Yarra District” pages [402] – 415. Includes descriptions of some townships and short biographies of local residents.
Further reading
Early Pioneer families of Victoria and Riverina: a genelogical and biographical record, compiled and edited by Alexander Henderson, Facsimile reprint by The Genealogical Society of Victoria Inc, 2004, p. 79
