Kidman the Forgotten King

by Jill Bowen

As a barely literate yough of 13, Kidman ran away from home and worked as an odd-job boy in a grog shanty in outback Australia. He went on to become the greatest pastoral landholder in modern history. During his lifetime he acquired a legendary reputation both at home and abroad. This is the story of his life.

Genres: Australia, History

490 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Marc Brackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bowen has written an exceptional book on a subject that perhaps even few in Australia are familiar with. The life story of Sid Kidman as he created a livestock and land empire (perhaps the largest ever) was a fascinating read.

Like others that have created much from nothing the tactics used by Kidman are identical. He had a passion for his work, hired good people, and had a bigger vision. This is a gem of a book that has received far to little attention.

A favorite quote of Sid Kidman that is just as true today, "I have always taken care of the little things and don't think one can go far wrong who does. If the small things are let go amiss, so will the big things."

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is a superb book that reflects the detailed research into Sir Sidney Kidman's life on which it is based. It can be repetitious and boring in bits when the author lists the properties acquired and sold by Kidman over the years, but it is a necessary evil. To me this book tells a very important part of Australia's history and, if its not, should be on the reading list for students studying the subject. I loved the stories of the cavalier manner with which Kidman treated the Bank of New South Wales when he acquired properties and told them afterwards how much they'd have to cover. But that was a two-way street as the Bank often called on Kidman to take a property off their hands as they were so confident in his knowledge and expertise in knowing when to turn it around and if that wasn't possible during drought conditions, know when to restock. In Australian business there is a saying that says that the first generation starts it up, the second generation builds it up and the third generation stuffs it up. Well the Kidman's skipped a generation and after his passing the family fractured into acrimonious jealously with the business being split between the Kidman male heir and the eldest grandson, the Reid's. As a result the business and the work of Government legislation it would never again reach the eights achieved by Sir Sidney. A great read.

[Jarrod Howarth · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting history and stories, but goes a bit much into all the finer detail. Great for historical records, but not as an entertaining read.

[Liam Polkinghorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of Sir Sidney Kidman, the Cattle King. Strategy was to buy properties that could connect remote properties together to act as a chain from the north to the southern cattle saleyards, providing links for feed and water. Had a particular focus on the '3 rivers' of the western Queensland channel country, which was often barron, but were vibrant after rains, where floodwaters flowed down from the north. He spent his youth travelling the country, working where he could, he knew the business and the country well.
Took advantage of weak market conditions to buy properties from distressed sellers or banks looking to off-load properties. Shunned more expensive properties near the more productive coastlines, even in stressed conditions to focus on solidifying their chain. Would buy a property with a small deposit, funded by debt, and would pay down debt quickly by selling any fat cattle from the property, and pay down debt from sales from other properties.
He remained humble and connected to the land: 'as his fortunes improved, he made no attempt to alter his lifestyle, which for the most part saw him away from home for long spells at a time working on his own or with his men. He was still slogging it out in the bush with the rest of them.
He didn't run any of the properties himself, but had managers on each of the properties, and he spent his time travelling between stations. Employing men of the best skill and calibre was an integral pat of his plan. He spent time with his men around the campfire. He was always on the alert for any likely new or younger fellows who showed potential, and he was willing to give them a go. He would incentivise some of his managers with shares in the properties they ran, or bonuses for drovers who delivered stock in the right numbers, on time, despite long, dry conditions. He spoke to his smallest station hand as he spoke to his most important managers - never instructions, always requests. This treatment engendered a strong loyalty from his men.
On his success: "I have always taken care of the little things, and I don't think one can go far wrong who does. When i ride onto one of my stations I look at the small things. If the trifles are strewn all about then I know why that station is not paying its way. If the small things are let go amiss, so will the big things."

[Doug Limbrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and written. An incredible amount of detail (at times too much but can be skipped over). Good insight into late nineteenth and early twentieth century rural industry, early politics and the people who pioneered outback Australia.

[Wendy Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but l got bored but had to finish. Non fiction is not my genre.

[Jacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

the true story of the greatest pastoral landholder in modern history As a barely literate youth of thirteen, Sidney Kidman ran away from home and worked as an odd-job boy in a grog shanty in outback Australia. He went on to become the greatest pastoral landholder in modern history, acquiring a legendary reputation both at home and abroad as the Cattle King. Kidman was much more than a grazier. In addition to his many successful business ventures and his contributions to the war effort, he was driven by a grand plan for the remote arid areas of Australia. this kept him locked in a battle with the land - and against drought. Wealth, power, fame and honours did not change Sidney Kidman. He remained the homespun, gregarious bushman for whom men worked with an almost savage loyalty. Greatly admired, he also had many enemies, and in his later years was dogged by controversies and untruths. this book explores the fascinating Kidman legend, and gives a balanced, thoroughly entertaining account of this larger-than-life Australian and his exceptional achievements. 'An addictive read, embracing the romance of the bush and the hardship of the outback