1850-1899: Consolidating the Gains

1856

Ogilvie and and Robinson hold the first sale in Victoria, offering a few bales in Geelong. However wool brokers had established stores in both Geelong and Melbourne many years before this (leaders included Strachan, Dalgety, and Dennys).  

1867

Elder Smith & Co., Luxmore & Co. and Priestley & Co. begin wool selling auctions. In Victoria catalogues offering between 4000 and 5000 bales are not uncommon. Nevertheless the bulk of the Australian clip is still shipped to London for sale.

1869

E.J. Strickland & Sons begin business in Ballarat, Victoria and commence wool auctions in that centre. 

1895

Young Husband Ltd acquires Chenery Bros. and commences wool sales in Albury, Victoria.

Possibly the most severe drought ("the Federation Drought" ) ever experienced, since european settlement, commences and continues until 1903.  Practically the whole of Australia is affected but most persistently the coast of Queensland, inland areas of New South Wales, South Australia, and central Australia.  Sheep numbers, which have reached more than 100 million, are reduced by approximately half.

1898

Brisbane sales commence, with catalogues submitted by Dalgety & Co. Ltd., Messrs B.P. Morehead & Co. and Messrs Fenwick and Co.