Image right: Professor J.D. Stewart with the first veterinary science students at Berry, 1913. Courtesy University of Sydney
Although born in Windsor, NSW, James Douglas Stewart studied veterinary science in Edinburgh, Scotland, the birthplace of his father who was also a veterinary surgeon. In 1880 there were fewer than 50 veterinarians in the colonies, and no institutions at all in which to train them.[1] Stewart’s grandfather, who arrived in Sydney in 1841, is thought to have been the first qualified veterinarian in Australia.[2]
Australian Town and Country Journal 10 September 1913 p.24 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263945748
Sydney Mail 8 April 1914 p.12 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/158398721
In 1894 J.D Stewart founded the Veterinary Medical Association of NSW and later became a lecturer in veterinary science, farriery and meat inspection at Sydney Technical College. Working with the Department of Agriculture he introduced measures to control tuberculosis and ticks in cattle. He became veterinary surgeon and advisor to the Australian Jockey Club in 1908, a position he held until 1953. In 1909 he accepted the Foundation Chair of Veterinary Science at Sydney University and lectured in every subject. The first intake consisted of just 16 students.
Daily Telegraph 20 February 1912 p.11
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/239054567
By 1912 Professor Stewart had settled in Strathfield, where he bought the lovely home Berelle at 81 Homebush Road, and became an active member of the local community. (See: https://strathfieldheritage.com/2018/06/25/quisiana-81-homebush-road-strathfield/)
During September 1913 he addressed a meeting at the Strathfield Council Chambers to discuss the erection of a drill hall in the district. The Mayor, Alderman Gelling presided and other dignitaries who addressed the gathering included Dr A.E. Mills, Major J.M. Arnott, Colonel and Reverend H.A. Rose (Senior Military Chaplain), Reverend Cunliffe Jones, Colonel R.C. Simpson, Major W.C. Gray AMC and the local area officer, Captain R.H. Beardsmore.[3] All these gentlemen went on to play major roles during the Great War which began less than a year later. Stewart himself became captain, and then major, of the Australian Army Veterinary Corps during World War I.
At an inquiry concerning the Homebush Abattoirs in 1918, Stewart advocated a complete chain of cold storage from slaughter yard to consumer. ‘he was of opinion that in time the abattoir authorities would be compelled to adopt a complete refrigerating scheme.’[4]
Faculty of Veterinary Science Staff and Students, 1921. Courtesy University of Sydney
By 1920 Professor Stewart was extremely concerned about bovine tuberculosis, quarantine and the lack of sufficient meat inspectors throughout the country to ensure the health of stock. He urged the consolidation of legislation and the amalgamation of inspectors working under different departments.[5] In 1922 he became President of the Australian Veterinary Association. In 1924 the Board of Veterinary Surgeons of NSW was established.
During 1924 he campaigned against the tick menace, urging the government to assist[6] and asserting that it was the most critical period in the state’s history. ‘… the position calls for an extraordinary effort to prevent the grave economic losses that are certain to result from a further spread of the outbreak.’[7]
He was a frequent writer to the Sydney Morning Herald where his advice and recommendations were given prominent attention. In 1929 he travelled to the UK and North America, touring the world’s veterinary schools, impressed with Canada’s research programs to improve sheep and wool.[8] He also urged the establishment of scholarships in veterinary science.[9]
Professor Stewart also argued for scientific methods of stock feeding, especially in beef raising.[10] In November 1930 he gave a lecture titled ‘Wool: its origin, nature and characteristics’ tracing the history of wool back to Babylonian records. He claimed that wool had once held an ‘unrivalled position as a textile material’ but that little attention was being given to the scientific study of its qualities in Australia which was ‘a national reproach.’[11] He later gave the same talk on Radio station 2BL.[12] Another talk on 2BL in 1934 was titled ‘The Relationship of Veterinary Science to National Prosperity.’[13] The following year he spoke about ‘The Silver Jubilee of the Sydney University Veterinary School’ which he founded.[14] A 1933 talk on the same station was titled ‘The Man on the Land – Problems of the Beef Cattle Industry.’[15]
From left Ann Flashman, Nick Thornton, RMC Gunn, Reg Oxley, Alan Dumaresq and JD Stewart (standing) in Berry, 1935. Courtesy University of Sydney
In 1932 he took an interest in the controversial death of Phar Lap, asserting that the size of his heart was not unusual as ‘he was a big horse of phenomenal performance. The size of his heart was in keeping with the work this organ was required to carry out.’[16]
The same year he was called upon to determine the age of the racehorse Jeanie McNish, discovering that she was older than represented and had won a number of races in which she was ineligible to take part.[17]
In 1936 he was elected a fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ‘in recognition of his eminent services in the cause of veterinary science.’[18]
In 1937 he urged The Australian Wool Board to write the history of the famous Australian merino breed at the farewell dinner for Dr I. Clunies Ross.[19]
By the outbreak of World War II there was a great shortage of veterinary surgeons throughout Australia but Stewart welcomed the increase in students entering Sydney University who would be welcomed by stock breeders.[20] This was shortly before the start of war. A Professor J.D. Stewart Prize for the best essay on graduation was also instituted in his name.[21]
Stewart retired in 1939 but maintained a lifelong interest in horses through the Australian Jockey Club. He was also founder and director of the club’s apprentice school, taking a great interest in the young jockeys.
In 1942 he took part in the training of women for the Women’s Land Army, giving lectures.[22] Professor Stewart was also behind the introduction of swabbing to detect doping in racehorses at Randwick, having experimented with the process for several years before it was introduced in 1948.[23] That same year in June, aged 78, he was knocked down by a hit and run driver in Randwick, suffering a fractured hip, facial abrasions and severe shock.[24]
The Farmer and Settler 3 June 1955 p.13 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/123144801
Professor Stewart died in 1955. Today, the J.D. Stewart Veterinary Science Foundation at the University of Sydney continues his work. His portrait was painted by celebrated painter, Norman Carter. See: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/1936/19567/
In February 2024, the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley welcomed vets to celebrate the centenary of the Board of Veterinary Surgeons of NSW and acknowledged Professor Stewart’s pioneering work.[25]
By J.J. MacRitchie
Local Studies Advisor
References