 The Birkbecks were the first in the Central District to be directly affected by the Crown Lands Alienation Act 1868.On 1 January 1869, over seven thousand hectares of the Glenmore run (over half of the Glenmore estate) was resumed and opened to selection.Although the Birbecks were offered a pre-emptive selection, in order to keep hold of some of their former land, the Birkbecks each selected blocks on the resumed half.