This, in common with other districts somewhat removed from city life, has its history, but recorded mostly in the memories of a few of the older inhabitants, whose later years have somewhat marred the retentiveness of that faculty of the mind. To link incidents consecutively it would be necessary to live among the people, and gather from lucid intervals the materials required for weaving the complete fabric.
Pioneer life has never been freed from difficulties, and often hardships of a pressing character. And while many instances might be collected, one will suffice as an illustration, that of the late Mr Arnold, who left Dorset, England, with his wife, in the year 1858, in the ship Mindoora. Arriving in Launceston
after a trying voyage, Mr Arnold entered the service of the late Mr Noake, of Longford, to whom he had expressly come from the old country.
Mr Arnold was located at Hagley, on the property now occupied by Mr Charles Heazlewood, but returned to Longford after a severe illness. His passage money from England had been paid by his people, to be repaid as funds permitted. His employer greatly assisted in that direction, and had purposed to take over the whole responsibility, and place Mr Arnold on another property, as an advantage to the latter. Death overtook his benefactor while making the journey from Longford on horseback from the completion of the said contemplated change.
Mr Arnold then entered the service of Mr Montgomery, of Homevale, Hagley, receiving special kindness from his employer, also from the late Mrs Hogg, of Hagley.
During this new employment, one of their daughters received a sunstroke, which had its own special symptoms, the same being the averred means for complete cure. The young woman treated thus became hale and hearty, and is the present Mrs Bardenhagen, of Lilydale. More than one cure is
credited to the means employed, which is capable of confirmation, and becomes an illustration of the application of the principles of homoeopathy.
Ten years after landing in Tasmania Mr Arnold purchased land in this district, and later added other blocks from the Government. The first purchase comprised 50 acres, of which a portion was scrubbed and laid down under grass. There being no house upon the said land, a dwelling was rented at £6 per annum. Another block, formerly owned by a Mr Scott, came into Mr Arnold's hands.
The roads at that date were in an awful condition, bogs being general dangers to contend with. In course of time, Mr Arnold began the construction of a residence on the second block bought, but died before its completion.
By road, Lilydale is about 21 miles from Launceston, and over that distance, and when the general route was a mere track, Mr Arnold used to tramp on foot, carrying eggs and butter, to the city market, to raise ready cash, or exchange for groceries, etc., which were carried home next day on his strong shoulders. Despite these perplexing conditions, that good man plodded on with unswerving purpose, ultimately
securing a comparative degree of comfort, and building up a good foundation for his sons to carry on after work.
Mr Isaac Arnold has already been mentioned in these notes. Another son resides at West Kentish, as manager for
Mr Kermode, on the large property recently purchased from Mr H. Rockliff, now at Barrington. The experiences of the late Mr Arnold, sen., represent the common incidents of social
life in the early days of the settlement.
Mr Turner has a nice orchard, not far removed from Mr Wade's orchard and nursery. Careful attention is given
the trees and land. Like others however, his fruit yield for the season will fall below anticipations. Another promising apple area., owned by Mr C. H. Grandfield, is located on the top side of Lilydale-Lebrina road, over two miles from the township. Fully six acres are enclosed, 11 of which are new orchard planting. The whole block of land comprises 99 acres. Fruit sold in Launceston last year reached 800 cases. A por
tion of the trees are fully, twenty years old; Mr Henry Walker is located on the opposite side of the said road. He
holds 100 acres, and follows mixed farming, his orchard being a small one.
A number of other holdings are distributed throughout the district, but at such distances from the post office, established at the Lilydale railway station, that they are shut off from regular daily intercourse with the township, and
regular market information, and get it in a big budget occasionally. Those who have educated themselves in the importance of unbroken touch with the news of the world do not fail to find a means of getting their newspapers and correspondence regularly.
LILYDALE (1909, February 1). Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 - 1928), , p. 3. Retrieved March 30, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151940148