Tomaque or Tongala PR

410 Hall Road, Skye

Citation:

History

This pre-emptive right site was once part of the large Tomaque pastoral run taken up in 1836 by the five Ruffy brothers, district pioneers.1 It was later known as Tongala, or Tongola.

The latter name was adopted because of confusion with another run on the Goulburn River near Echuca called Tongala.1

Lands Department records show that on 3 January 1851 A. Linton transferred his lease of the Western Port run, used for sheep depasturing, to John Blois and James Butchart. The run was listed as Tongala in this correspondence.2 Butchart and Blois secured the pre-emptive right to the homestead block of this run on 16 June 1853.3 This block was south-east of the Skye township.

Although no physical evidence remains of structures associated with this early run, some landscape elements relating to early pastoral use of the area may be discerned. This may warrant an archaeological investigation of the site.

Description
Currently occupied by a 20th century farmhouse; the Hawthorn hedges and stone pines opposite suggest the earlier occupancy but nothing is evident on this site which links with its history except its use as grazing land.

Condition
The site today has little to suggest its former historic role, with new buildings, pasture grasses and tree plantings: although it still supports farming.

Context
The site adjoins other rural properties in the flat terrain typical of the area; Hawthorn hedges line fences across the road and stone pines are used as driveway planting, all suggesting earlier times.

Significance
This site has local historical significance as an example of early pastoral land use in the district and the only pre-emptive right in the study area. The site has potential for archaeological investigation because of its long period of occupation.

Boundaries
Extent of pre-emptive right boundaries and public sight lines to those boundaries; its archaeological potential; and the grazing use for 50% or over of the land area.