Site 3 – Harry Jones Stock and Station Agency and Residence
This building was once the home and business premises of Harry Jones, one of the best-known stock and station agents in the early history of Burren Junction.
Harry Jones first arrived in the district in 1897 when he came to ride a racehorse named Grand Son for the Houlahan and Dempsey families. The horse proved highly successful, winning three bracelets in successive years. Like many pioneers of the era, Jones worked in a variety of occupations before establishing himself in business. He operated a butchery at Pilliga, worked as a station hand and manager, and gained a reputation as a capable stockman.
During the devastating drought of 1902, Jones undertook the challenging task of droving 6,000 sheep to the New England district in search of feed and water. After eight months away, he successfully returned with the entire flock—a remarkable achievement given the harsh conditions of the time.
Following the drought, Jones operated the mail contract between Pilliga and "Yarraldool" before entering the stock and station agency business in Burren Junction. In 1905, he joined Bill Ryan and Peter Kennedy in establishing one of the town's earliest agency businesses. An advertisement in the Namoi Valley Echo described Burren Junction as a flourishing centre for stock and wool trading, highlighting the growing importance of the district.
Stock and station agents played a vital role in rural communities. They organised livestock sales, arranged property transactions, supplied rural merchandise and acted as an important link between local producers and wider markets. As Burren Junction developed into a thriving agricultural district, businesses such as Harry Jones' agency became essential to the local economy.
In 1916, Harry Jones purchased the property "Plain View" from Jonathan Houlahan and continued his involvement in the district's pastoral industry. His name remained closely associated with Burren Junction for many years, and his contribution to the development of the town is still remembered today.
The residence and agency building remains an important reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit and determination of the early settlers who helped establish Burren Junction as a centre for farming and grazing on the black-soil plains.
Historical information sourced primarily from Visions of the Plains – A History of Burren Junction and District (2nd Edition) by Judy Field, together with local family recollections and community records.
More about the Agents on No 9. Hec Radford Agency.
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The former Harry Jones Stock and Station Agency and residence, as it appears today.
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The Harry Jones residence and agency building, in earlier years, was recognisable by the distinctive palm trees that remain a landmark today.