Solicitor and grazier. Educated at Newington College; articled to Sir Joseph Abbott, admitted as a solicitor in 1897, practised in Sydney from 1900 - 1902, Burrowa 1903 - 1906, in Sydney in partnership with Macartney Abbott in Abbott, Tout and Dales 1903 - 1906, Abbott, Tout and Company 1907; soon afterwards ceased practice to manage Wanbunamba station, of father's estate, sheep and wheat and Aberdeen Angus stud; owned other properties; president of Australian Mutual Provident Society from 1928 - 1933, vice president in 1933, chairman of Goldsborough Mort and Company Limited, president of Bank of New South Wales 1945 - 1950, director 1938 - 1950, director of Associated Newspapers Limited, Union Insurance Society of Canton, Indemnity Marine Insurance Company., Graziers' Co-operative Shearing Company; Commonwealth Representative of Australian Wool Board, Australian Meat Board; delegate to Economic Imperial Conference, Ottawa 1932; president of Australian Economic Advisory Council 1933; member of Farmers and Settlers' Association in 1921; councillor of Graziers' Association 1913 - 1941, president from 1928 - 1933; member of Pastures Protection Board; committee member of Young Hospital; member of Repatriation committee; director of Sydney Hospital 1938 - 1941; fellow of Senate of University of Sydney 1940 - 1949; director of McGarvie Smith Institute; Australian and Union Clubs.