ALFRED JOSEPH SADLIER:         1894  -  1973

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Alf Sadlier was born to German immigrants, possibly in Gayndah, Queensland. Alf learnt the saddlery trade from his uncle, Fred Schmierer, who also resided in the town of Gayndah. Obviously, after he completed his apprenticeship he moved to Moree, on a date unknown. Alf was employed at Mellor Bros. Saddlery and then, in approximately 1926, he purchased the saddlery portion of the Mellor Bros. store, Moree.

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In May 1928, Alf Sadlier was being announced in the local newspaper as producing a fine display of saddlery, harness, etc. which attracted a great deal of attention at the local show.  A few months later, in December, a devastating fire swept through Moree central, destroying eight shops, one being Alf’s own saddlery store. Two months on, in the North West Champion, he advised that he would be carrying on business as usual in temporary premises at the rear of his late business premises, in Balo Street. He must have been feeling the pinch of not having a fully functional shop and work station, as he expressed he could not compete for any prizes at the show, mainly because of the disorganisation of his business due to the Moree fire.

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One year on from the fire, Moree Saddlery, with Mr. A. Sadlier as proprietor, was generally recognised as the leading house in the north-west NSW, reported the Moree Gwydir Examiner. The business was situated in Balo Street and his stock of saddles, harness, etc., together with accessories, was one of the largest and most up-to-date in the north west of NSW. In 1932 Alf placed an advertisement stating that it was: “A clear proof that the horse is coming back into favour”. He stated that under the stress of hard times, for four years he had supplied the saddlery wants of the district and had kept four men in constant employment, including himself.

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The Moree Saddlery was considered a particularly well-managed business, as this local enterprise was known all over the north west NSW, and in Southern Queensland. Visitors to the town, were reported to have stated to Mr. Sadlier, that they were surprised to find such a well stocked shop in the district and it was regarded as one of the best of its kind in New South Wales. The Moree Saddlery had been well known for its saddles — -the Moree Kemp Poley (an exclusive line), Moree Rodeo Poley, Camp Draft Poley, Station Poley,  and Break Saddle. Those saddles were built on special rust-proof trees. Travelling goods, King Whips (made expressly for Mr. Sadlier) catching ropes, Arnold's Bosca saddlery and all sporting gear, were stocked by this up-to-the-minute saddler's shop. An instance of the popularity of Moree Saddlery goods was provided at the 1932 Garah Rodeo, when practically all saddles and harness in use, came from Mr. Sadlier's business. In 1949 Alf Sadlier's exhibit of leather goods was well patronised by the local show riders who bought saddles, whips, horse clothing, also various lines of snaffles and bits, curb bits and brushware, plus all types of racing equipment. Mr Sadlier used this event to promote the Moree Rodeo Poley.

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As a note of interest, the renowned Australian saddle maker John Davis of Tamworth, served his apprenticeship with Mr Alf Sadlier at Moree. His indentureship was from 1951 until 1958 with a one year sabbatical jackerooing on a country property. Mr Davis related to those days by stating Alf always wore a tie, even at the bench, and everyone in the shop was made to wear a white canvas apron, to protect their clothing, which was to be cleaned each week, for a fresh start on Monday morning. John also mentioned that they were expected to commence a new saddle on Monday and have it finished by close of business on Saturday morning. He fondly recalls that Alf was always called “the boss” by his workers.

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As with many smaller saddle shops, diversification of stock crept in over the ensuing years, with the last mention of Mr Sadlier still in retail in 1965.