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Harry P. Ashburner

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Harry Patrick Ashburner Roman Catholic Section 2 row 4 plot 9

Harry Patrick Ashburner

160 000 enlisted for King and Country into the various Military Forces. At Point Clare there are several three digit Service numbers signifying these men were inside the first 1000 of enlistees. The following is a summery of Harry Patrick Ashburner ‘s war record.

Harry Patrick Ashburner

Service Number is Number 1.

Place of Birth Erskinville, Sydney NSW

Officially Aged 25 (but might be as young as 19 the is some discrepancy later on.)

Height 5 foot 9 inches

Complexion dark,

Hair Brown

Eyes Brown

Distinctive Marks “Vaccination Scar”

Religion Roman Catholic

His day job before the war was titled Clerk.

Place of Enlistment, Roseberry Park, Sydney NSW

Dated September 10, 1914.

Assigned to 13^th Battalion

Rank Private (10 September to 1 October 2014)

Annotations on his records that he is to be made a Sergeant as he had some prior military training.

Rank Sergeant from 1^st October 1914 until appointed on 2 December 1914.

He was at Gallipoli in late May 1915.

Returned to Australia via from the Port of Plymouth on 8^th October 1915.

Discharged 16^th January 1916.

In addition to other service medal it is noted that he is eligible for the “1914- 1915 Service Star Medal”.

Next of Kin Mother with a Randwick NSW address.

The Following is a Link to Harry Ashburner’s War record

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3036749

Renwick

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Arthur Renwick Church of England Section 1 Row 7 Plot 150

1 December 1927

DEATH OF REV. ARTHUR RENWICK

Widespread, sorrow was felt when the news became known of the death of Rev. Arthur Renwick, M.A, Rector of Christ Church, Gosford. This sad event, which took place on Saturday, cast a gloom not only over Gosford, but over every part of Erina Shire, for all over the area the late Rev. Renwick was well known and highly respected.

He had been a sufferer for years past, from heart trouble, but no matter how much he endured from this cause— and he suffered a great deal— he was always willing to assist anyone who needed his aid. Some weeks ago he was again severely attacked by his old complaint, and to the grief of a host of friends, this attack proved his last. It was thought he had passed the crisis, and general satisfaction was expressed at his apparent recovery; but on Saturday evening another seizure of the heart came upon him and the brave spirit passed from a weakened body between 6 and 7p.m. Rev. Renwick was an inspiration to all.

The Shire Council.

Erina Shire Council meeting on Monday, Cr. Taylor made regretful reference to the death of Rev. Renwick,

who he said was not only a fine Church man’, but took a prominent part in district Associations, at which meetings his advice and remarks were always attentively listened to. Most men in his position did not take such a keen and helpful interest in public affairs, and. the district had buffered a real loss in his sad death.

The speaker moved that a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs. Renwick. Cr. Pinkstone seconded, and Dr. Paul also paid a tribute to the deceased clergyman’s worth. The motion -was carried with Councillors and others present standing with bowed heads.

Fruitgrowers.

I wish to express, on behalf of the Fruitgrowers of our section, my family and myself, our deep sympathy with the family of Arthur Renwick.

The loss to this community is a very great one, for- every movement that had for its purpose the benefit of the community or individual had his active sympathy, His notable speeches and good advice to the children each Empire Day will have an abiding place in the hearts of the people;

His Christianity was larger than his creed, and his charity knew no boundary fences.

He has already built the monument to his memory, and adorned it with the fine gold of honor and the jewels of kindly deeds that have shown men the better way which is practical Christianity. Personally I have lost a dear friend. — W. E. Kirkness.

Before Rev. Renwick’s last illness, Mr. Perc Parry, on behalf of the Confirmation Candidates, presented him with a smoker’s stand.

The little ceremony took place at the Rectory, and Mr. Renwick was greatly pleased at the loving thought shown by his young friends. The junior parishioners will feel very keenly the loss of their loved and respected Rector.

8^th December 1927

The Good They Have Done Lives On

Memories which come poignantly at this time are this year deepened in pathos by, the death of another fine

district man — the Rev. Arthur Renwick, whose mortal remains were laid to rest a few days ago in the quiet of Point Clare Cemetery.

Two firm friends who had labored with him for the welfare of the community in which they lived — Robert James Baker and John Roe. It is fitting that they lie side by side. Each was a worthy man, whose death came as a sad blow to many relatives and friends: and loving remembrance of each softens such sorrowing recollections as come to us on the anniversary of R. .J. Baker’s death on December 5th, 1925.

According to a man’s true worth, so is the memory of him that remains long after the first shock of loss is as as uaged. It is two years since Robert James Baker passed from suffering to rest; and it is proof of his true man hood and the greatness of his heart that, his memory is still green with the leaders of his profession in the State, among those who lead the progress of the district, and with the writers who carry on the business that he built, as well as in the circle that was his glory and pride — his family.

Bob Baker has gone West — but he will long be remembered by those who valued his counsel in weighty affairs, by those who never asked in vain his help for district improvement, by those who looked up to him as an honored Chief of staff, and by his loved ones who never can forget an irreparable bereavement. The best of men must leave this life some are taken long before we would let them go. But a good man ‘s spirit never dies — it lives in the memory of those who knew him, inspiring them to honest effort as he was industrious, to fair dealing as he was just, to broad-mindedness as lie was tolerant.

Robert James Baker passed from this life on December 5th — at a typical season of his life, when his working hours were wont to be brimful of the cares of the business, and his brief hours of leisure were bright with glad plans for the happiness of others. The coming season’s thoughts are fittingly linked it with the memory of this man who gloried in the Christmas spirit of good will to men. Bob Baker, big-hearted, respected Chief, never-failing friend, devoted husband, loving father, has. gone Beyond; but his memory remains, a beacon. Well may he rest!

Reverend Renwick was one of the first to set an Honor roll up in the church and was instrumental in the dedicating and organising of the Gosford War Memorial Park.

Compton

Posted on September 11, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Joseph and Robert Compton General Lawn Section 3 Row 1 Plot 6

Joseph Compton was quite a character around town. He was an enthusiastic religious type who went about the district door knocking to spread the good word (ahead of his time really) He attempted to become the local member in 1922 as an independent and ran the local Ourimbah to Gosford Bus company.

24 November 1921

LOST IN THE BUSH.

While on his rounds as a Missionary for the Society of Christian Israelites on Wednesday of last week, Mr. Joseph H. Compton, of Narara, had a most trying experience.

Leaving Gosford early in the day, the weather being fine, though cloudy, he proceeded to Somersby on foot, visiting the different homes en route. Making the last call at Mr. Gambling’s, he started for his home for Narara, past ‘Sylvania,’ intending to keep to the old timber getters’ track, and so strike the Old Carrington Road.

But by some mischance, he missed the same, it being very indistinct in places, and until near six in the evening, passed an uncomfortable) time among the gullies and swamps. He states, however, that only momentarily did he have any uneasiness in mind, in 6pite of the depressing loneliness, feeling as if surrounded by the presence of the faithful departed ‘ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of- salvation.’

A good faith and quiet confidence are a great help when lost in the bush. Finding a track he followed it, only to discover its source, a pile of debris, deep down in a gully. It was now getting dark and drizzling rain falling.

Retracing his steps he, at last, struck the old Narara Road, and a further walk of five miles, in rain and darkness, brought him to his home, about half past nine at night. Our old friend was none the worse for his adventure, but, when speaking about the ‘lost sheep of the House of Israel,’ he will now be able to preach from personal experience.

23 August 1928

COMPTON.— In sad and loving memory of my dear husband and our father, Joseph Herbert, who passed away August 20th, 1927; aged 50 years.

Loving and true in all his ways, Upright and just till the end of his days, Ready to help in time of need, Loving in thought, and kind in deed.

Inserted by his loving wife, Lucy, and family — Robert, Herbert, Ruby, Rachel, Alwyne, Edward and Joseph.

Robert Compton was 20 when he took over his father’s bus company in 1927 and made a go of it by all accounts then this happened.

5 January 1933

Mr. R. Compton

SUDDEN DEMISE YESTERDAY.

A shock was occasioned his many friends in this district yesterday when it was learned that Mr. Robert Compton, proprietor of the Gosford Ourimbah bus service, had expired suddenly about noon. Mr. Compton, who is a single man, 26 years of age, appeared in his usual state of health to most passengers when he made his early morning trip to Gosford yesterday, although it is since known that he had complained of being ill the previous day, when on one of his trips to Ourimbah.

He met the 11.15 a.m. train at Gosford yesterday and then brought his ‘bus to its usual stand near’ the corner of Gregory’s refreshment rooms. He had occasion to go to the Union Hotel shortly afterwards, and a little later, was found dead in the yard of that hostelry. It is believed that death is due to what is known as an athletic heart. He was an amateur cyclist of considerable prominence, and took part in the last Goulburn to Sydney and Coolac to Melbourne road races.

Deceased enjoyed a wide circle

of friends, who will all deplore his sudden and untimely end. Sincere sympathy will be extended to his , mother, with whom he resided at Narara, .and also his two sisters and three brothers, one of whom (Herb.) is also a professional cycle rider and finished seventh in the last Goulburn Sydney road race, run on September 17th.

The funeral of the deceased will move from his mother’s home, Maitland ‘Road, Narara, at 4 o’clock, this

afternoon, for the general portion of the Point Clare cemetery, Mr. R. H. Creighton having charge of the arrangements.

An inquiry will be held in the course of a few days.

12 January 1933

The Late Mr. R. Compton

JUST APPRECIATION.

Robert Compton was the eldest son of the late Joseph H. Compton and Mrs. Compton, of Narara. Born at Perth, W.A., on 8th May, 1907, he has been a resident of this district for the past 12 years. He ttended Gosford High School, and was employed as junior porter at the Narara railway station for five years ‘before taking over the Ourimbah-Gosford ‘bus service.

Always courteous and obliging, he endeared himself to all who knew him. A young man, in the prime of his life, with all life’s enjoyment before him- we most sincerely sympathise with Miss Lauris Wright, of Melbourne, his fiancee, and those others left to mourn their loss — his mother, two sisters (Ruby and Rachel), and four brothers (Herbert, Alwyn, Edward, and Joseph).

The funeral, the arrangements for which were in the able hands of Mr. R. H. Creighton, was largely attended. The chief mourners were his mother, brothers and sisters, Mr. J. Johnson, of Sans Souci (an uncle), and Mrs. E. Rose, of Sydney (an aunt). The pall bearers were Messrs Jack Gavenlock (Narara), Cecil Morris, and Reg Brown (Ourimbah), and Geoff Humphrey (Lisarow). The graveside service was conducted by Mr. Chas. Hill, minister of the Christian Israelite Church, of Sydney, and an old friend of the family, assisted by Mr. Clifton Gray.

The M.U.I.O.O.F., of which deceased was a member, was represented in regalia.

25 January 1933

Bob Compton’s Death

DUB TO HEART OVERSTRAIN.

YESTERDAY ‘S INQUIRY.

Mr W E. Kirkness, District Coroner yesterday morning held an inquiry into the death of Robert Compton, aged 25 years, who expired suddenly on the morning of January 4th.

John Young fruit grower of Gosford, said about 9.10 a.m. on January 4thI received a telephone message, and was in the company with Sergt. McPherson, he went to the rear of the Union Hotel, Gosford, where he saw the body of a man lying flat on his back. It was the body of Robert Compton, who was well known to him.

He rang Dr. Paul, Government Medical Officer, who attended and pronounced life extinct after examining the body. Later, about 11.30 a.m., he was present at the morgue when the post mortem examination was made by Dr. Paul. The deceased’s stomach, kidneys and liver were removed, sealed, and sent to the Government Analyst, whose report on the same he submitted.

This stated that no trace of any poison had been found therein. Compton was a man of good character and a teetotaller to his knowledge.

There were no marks of violence on the body other than that his nose was broken, probably from a fall. It did not enter his mind that anyone else was the cause of his death. He made some inquiries to ascertain the cause of death.

He found that on the previous night the bus which he was driving broke down, and in pushing it up a hill he overstrained himself.

Deceased left home on the morning of his death, apparently his usual self. He had a good breakfast, arrived at Gosford, in his bus about 9 a.m., spoke to a man under Canning’s verandah, and walked to the letter box near Reed’s corner and posted a letter. He was quite happy in the bus and there- was no evidence that lie was not well. Deceased was a cyclist and might have overstrained himself riding without knowing it. He took part in two big road races last year.

Lucy Compton, widow, Narara, and mother ‘Of the deceased, said her son was 25 years of age. There was no indication he was in ill-health on the morning of his death. He did not tell her about pushing the bus the previous night.

Some time back the deceased went to Dr. Dwyer, who said his heart was all right. He had had no serious illnesses. His life was insured in the T. & G. Company for approximately £500. He owned no property and was a single man.

Arthur Joshua Hitchcock, barman at the Union Hotel, said on January 4th, from something he was told, he went to the back yard of the hotel where he saw deceased lying face downward in one of the lavatories, the door of which, was closed. His face was all blue, and be could not recognise him at first.

His face was doubled up right under his body. He reported the matter to Mrs. Gibson, housekeeper at the Union Hotel, who communicated with the police. He did not have any opinion about the cause of death. He knew deceased for years. He was of sober habits, and did not touch alcoholic drinks at all. He had not heard him complain about his health. It was between 9 and 9.30 when he found the deceased. Dr. Paul, Government Medical officer, said ‘he examined the body of the deceased at the hotel.

He had just died. There was a bruise on his left and and a bruise on the bridge of the nose, otherwise there was no evidence of injury. At the request of the Coroner he made a post mortem. He opened the thorax, found the lungs to be. healthy, the heart to be enlarged, the left ventricle being much hypertrophated. The heart was engorged with blood, having stopped in diastole. He opened the abdomen and found evidence of an old appendicitis operation, otherwise the organs were normal. He opened the brain cavity and found the brain to be normal.

To the Coroner, the witness said at that stage the heart was sufficiently enlarged to have been a possible cause of death. He removed the stomach, kidney and portion of the liver, which he handed to the police to forward to the Government Analyst. He had seen %, the Analyst’s report and had come to me conclusion malfunctioning and hypertrophated heart, causing heart failure. He thought deceased had what was known as an athlete’s heart.

This meant that the muscle’ wall was very much thickened. To his mind, there were no suspicious circumstances.

The Coroner found that the deceased died from natural causes with an, overstraining of the muscles of the heart.

The Gosford-Ourimbah Bus Service was purchased by Mr Robert Compton during 1927. After Robert’s death in 1933 Mrs Lucy Compton (Roberts mother)and Herbert, her son, became proprietors.

Later Herbert’s share was purchased by his mother who became sole proprietor. On 9/3/34 Alwyne Compton joined his mothers business as a driver and later became a partner. On her death during 1964 Alwyne became sole proprietor until his retirement on 1/2/1974 and the business was sold to Davis.

Appleton

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Jean Thelma Appleton General lawn Section 3 Row 3 Plot 2

Jean Thelma Appleton

28 April 1939

Cessnock Maitland recorder

GIRL STRANGLED AT SCONE

.lean Appleton. 24, of Gosford. was found dead in an outhouse at her parents’ home early yesterday. She was strangled by a girdle’ knotted round her neck.

Miss Appleton, who was holidaying with her parents, had been in ill-health for some time. She recently suffered from a nervous breakdown.

At the inquest yesterday afternoon a verdict of suicide during acute mental depression was returned.

Sad Happening at Scone A particularly sad case of despondency and nervous breakdown was revealed yesterday morning when Jean Appleton, aged twenty-four, a visitor to Scone, was found dead at White Park with the cord of her dressing gown tied tightly round her neck.

The deceased, who was a particular y fine a picture of Australian womanhood, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Appleton, of Gosford.

Mr. Appleton has recently been employed upon the construction of the treatment works at Scone.

We learn that the deceased girl had been in bad health for a considerable time, and was brought to Scone by her mother on Monday last for a change, following two weeks in hospital at Warrawee, on the North Shore line.

She was last seen alive on Wednesday night when the family retired for the night at the Golden Fleece Hotel, where they were staying, at about 10 p.m. On looking into her bedroom as he was starting out to work yesterday morning her father noticed that the bed had not been slept in. He went down stairs to the street and was informed him of the tragedy.

The District Coroner, Mr. W. T. Seaward, held an inquest yesterday afternoon, when evidence was given by Mr. Harold Burns and Constable Andrews concerning the finding of the body.

The girl’s father gave evidence as to the length of time the deceased had been ill, and how this had preyed upon her mind as she was unable to do any work, and felt that she was a burden upon her parents. A fare well letter from the deceased to her family, which was found in her bed room, was couched in loving terms, but stated that she could no longer sustain the burden of life, and she was feeling happy at the last.

The Coroner returned a verdict that the deceased died from suffocation wilfully caused by strangling herself with a cord of her dressing gown whilst in a state of severe depression and extreme mental distress, due to her being run down by overstrain.

Much sympathy is felt for the parents and family of the unfortunate girl in the tragic occurrence.

The body was taken to Gosford this morning for burial.

Her Grandfather is in an adjacent grave with an ornately carved stone, the inscription says,

James Appleton

Beloved husband of Mary Anne

“Cabo” Bertha Rd Cremorne

Who passed away in his sleep

October 4th 1923

At Gosford aged 73 years.

Dumbrell

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Randel William Dumbrell and Family Methodist Section 1 Row 4 Plot 18

Dumbrell

Stonework and the name Dumbrell have been associated in Australia since Arthur Phillip’ times. Randel Dumbrell was a fifth generation mason and had trained his only child, Raymond in the trade.

Randel worked for his father Stephen Dumbrell on a number of buildings in the upper hunter and Newcastle areas. He was the clerk of works on St Mary’y Church in Maitland in 1890. His handy work as a monumental mason is also present in Sandgate Cemetery. His workmanship is present on some of the earliest graves in this cemetery.

Dumbrell’s workshop was in Erina Street Gosford and he worked closely with Maynard Wright the quarry master at Gosford Quarries.

Examples of his work around Gosford include the stone work at Burns park near the railway station and the stone wall at the far end of Mann Street (up near the War Memorial site) that was once the residence of Dr Fielder.

After the death of his son Raymond in a shooting accident and then coupled with the loss of his good friend Maynard Wright (heart attack), he was subsumed with grief and turned to drink.

This family grave looks finished but for the grave of a master mason you know it was a work in progress that is incomplete. There are no headstones for any of the family members contained in here Raymond (1936), Randel (1945) and Maybel his wife (1954) and the family business had been drunken away.

10 April 1934

Unreturned Licenses

For failing to return his certificate Of registration and number plate, Raymond C. Dumbrell was fined 10/, with 5/6 costs, at Gosford Court last Friday.

Sydney Morning herald

29 January 1936

MAN FATALLY SHOT.

Companion’s Long Run for Aid.

GOSFORD, Tuesday.

Raymond Clyde Dumbrell, 31 of Mann-street, Gosford, was found in a pile of rocks In open country near Gloucester on Sunday, with a shotgun wound In his right leg, and he died In hospital yesterday morning.

A shotgun was found nearby.

Dumbrell, In company with Ernest Stephenson, Patrick Waters, and John Poster, of Gosford, and Roy Pile, of Stratford, was spending the week-end on a shooting trip in the bush near Gloucester. He had separated from the party earlier in the day, and when found he was bleeding in an alarming manner from the wound In his leg.

Efforts were made to stop the flow of blood, and Stephenson was sent for help. He ran seven miles through the bush to Patrick Keegan’s camp, and drove in Keegan’s car to Gloucester.

A doctor was picked up and conveyed back to the scene of the accident. Dumbrell was then taken to a hospital in Gloucester, where he died at 2 o’clock next morning. He leaves a wife and four children.

From the position of the gun found near the Injured man, it is believed that he had shot at something, and, In going forward a few steps, stumbled on a rock, the gun falling butt foremost on another rock and striking the hammer against the unexploded cartridge.

Family Notices

17 May 1949

DUMBRELL.— In loving memory of Randel William, who passed away, May 16, 1945.

In silence we remember.

Inserted by his wife.

27 January 1950

DUMBRELL.

— In loving memory of my dear son, Raymond Clyde, accidentally killed January 27,

1936

16 May 1950

DUMBRELL— Treasured memories of my dear husband, Randel William, who passed away May 16, 1945.

Always remembered by his wife.

6 October 1954

OBITUARY

Mrs. M. E DUMBBELL

Mrs. Mabel Ella Dumbrell, of Gosford, died in Newcastle on October 2 at the age of 75 years. The funeral left Mr. R. H. Creighton’s private chapel on Tuesday. proceeding to Point Clare Cemetery.

Mrs. Durabrell is the widow of the late Mr R. W. Dumbrell, formerly a monumental mason of Gosford.

Pitts

Posted on September 4, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Old Still Born Section way up the back in amongst the tree line.
Allan Brian Pitts Unmarked Stillborn Section.

The Cemetery at Point Clare has many unmarked graves, and as such they are not on the tour as I would be just pointing to plots of lawn space. But I will include the tale Of Allan Brian Pitts who is in an unmarked grave in the back section of the cemetery as he is not alone up there and is with many (many) other Still born, Premature or infant children.

A “failure to thrive” was one of the terms used for these birth/deaths. With failure being the operative word. Unless you have had it happen to you, it is hard to imagine the disappointment of having anticipated the birth of a life changing child only to have the child die within hours or days of the birth.

1933 Australia, it was a different place in time. Attitudes to Still born children and Premature births were treated so differently to nowadays, where acknowledgement is seen as part of the pathway to healing the sadness of the situation.

Often it was a case of get the paperwork done (birth/death register) and bury the child swiftly in an unmarked grave. The swift removal and burial of the child was just how it was. If there was no money for a funeral with all the trimmings or just the disappointment of the whole situation often it was a case of just get it done so we can all ignore the fact that it had happened at all. Unacknowledged pain and emotions was the order of the day.

24 May 1933

Baby’s Death at Way Woy

PREMATURE CHILD’S BURIAL

LEADS TO INQUIRY.

DEATH FROM NATURAL CAUSES.

CORONER’S REMARKS.

The District Coroner, Mr. W. E. Kirkness, at Gosford Court House on Monday last, held an inquiry into the death of an infant, Allan Brian Pitts, whose body was found in the bush at

Bull ‘s Hill, near Woy Woy, on the afternoon of Friday. April 28th.

Dr. J. H. Paul, Government Medical Officer, of Gosford, said that on the evening of April 28, with Constable Rutledge, of Gosford, he saw the body at Gosford morgue. It was in a state

of partial decomposition, and was wrapped in a copy of the April 3rd issue of the ‘Daily Telegraph’.

It was dressed and had a binder around the body and a napkin. It was encased in a small box. Witness said that next morning he made a post mortem examination of the body. He had found that the child had breathed. The hydrostatic test of the lungs was positive.

He judged that it had been a full-term child, and had weighed, when born, some six and a half pounds.

The Coroner: Did you form any opinion as to the cause of death?

Dr. Paul: I could form no opinion. It had not been neglected, and had obviously been fully eared for after it was born.

Robert Win. Munday, Det. Sgt., of Newcastle, described how he saw the body and its wrappings at Gosford Police Station with Constable McKenzie, of Woy Woy, on the morning of April 29.

There was a fruit case, a set of baby’s clothes, apparently new and consisting of a flannelette night dress, a knitted bonnet, a pair of booties, and a binder. Along with these, said Munday, was a lady’s handkerchief, bearing the name of ‘Fraser’ in indelible ink. The fruit case was wrapped, in grease-proof paper. From there, witness said, he went to Woy Woy, where, with Detective Sergeant James, of Sydney, and Constable. McKenzie, he saw a man named Harry Pitts at a butcher’s shop in Blackwall Road.

Witness said to him ‘We belong to the police, and are making of enquiries about the body of an infant which was found buried in the bush.

It is alleged that you or your son was given permission to bury the child, and I should like to kuow where.

Pitts replied, said Muuday, ‘ ‘ It was me. I had permission to bury the child, and it was all right. The child lived only a few hours.’ Munday said that Pitts then agreed to take them to- the spot on Bull’s Hill where he had buried the body.

Miss Morrisey and Clarence Peterson, Pitts had said, were witnesses to the burial.

Pitts then continued on with them to below Staples’ Look-Out, midway between Gosford and Woy Woy, on the main road, where he pointed out the spot where the grave had been dug and the remains of his infant son interred.

At the Gosford morgue that afternoon Pitts had told them that the baby had been born on April 18, and died on April 19, and had been buried at 2.30 p.m. on the day of its death.

Munday said there was in his opinion no suspicious circumstances attaching to the case. Pitts had been perfectly frank about the whole matter, and had responded freely to all questions asked him. Witness produced the death certificate of Dr. Delepine, of Way Woy, which testified that the infant had been born at 6 months, (as in x3 month premature) and had lived but a day.

In answer to a question by the father, witness said that the body did have cotton wool wrapped around it when first he viewed it fresh front its grave.

Arthur Edmund Debenham, Clerk of Petty Sessions and District Registrar, Gosford, said that on April 19 Nurse Prizeman, of Woy Woy, rang him up and stated that Mrs. Pitts had given birth to a child which she, the nurse, could tell had no hope of living, and that it had died that morning.

She asked him whether the father might bury the child without employing an undertaker. Witness said he had told her that the father could do so, providing that the birth and death were duly registered, and that the father filled in and signed the usual undertaker’s certificate.

That would be the usual procedure in such cases, Mr. Debenham explained. ‘In this district,’ he added, ‘parents often bury a new-born child, -or one that has lived a few hours, on their own premises. The nurse did not ask anything as to the place of burial.

Harry Pitts, the father, deposed to the birth of the child, by his wife, at Blackwall Road, Woy Woy, on April 18.

Nurse Prizeman had said the infant, though prematurely born, might pull through. ‘ Next morning it died.

Pitts said he had got the nurse to ring up the Registrar, because she ‘had told him a funeral was not necessary, and he, himself, did not think the death Was important enough to warrant a funeral.

No considerations of economy had actuated him in his course.

To the Coroner, witness said he had taken the body so far away from home to bury it, because it then would be away from his wife’s eyes. He had not tried to evade – anything.

‘Elizabeth Ann Pitts, wife of the previous witness, gave similar evidence.

Nurse Emily Sutherland Prizeman said she had attended the mother just after the event, and on that same day, as she was going to Sydney, had bought a set of clothes for the baby at Anthony Hordern ‘s.

In her experience, she said, it was unusual for a child born under seven months to live.

This one had lived only 26 hours.

Dr. Julius Delepine, of Woy Woy, admitted having given the death certificate. In December last, he said, he had told the mother that her condition probably dated back about three months. About June 22 or 23, he reckoned, would have been the due date of the new arrival. He had not at

tended the mother at the birth, and knew nothing of it except from what the nurse and the others had told him.

‘I gave a certificate,’ he said, ‘but it was not a proper certificate. I was told that the nurse had said everything would be all right if I gave a certificate. Mr. Pitts asked me for it. I said nothing binding in it.’

The Coroner: But the certificate says that the cause of death was premature birth?

Witness: I knew the fact that the woman had been pregnant.

The Coroner: 1 don’t think you ought to have given a certificate unless you saw the child. You may say it is not a certificate,’ but the Registrar took it for one.

Dr. Delepine: I gave a certificate, but I did not think it would be of any value. I did not look upon it as a valid death certificate. I gave it at the request of Mr. Pitts.

Witness (continuing) : I struck out the line ‘When last seen alive.’ I had never seen the child, dead or alive.

To Det.-Sgt. Munday, the doctor said he issued the certificate after the child had been buried, on April 20th. This did not strike him as being irregular.

Det.-Sgt. Munday: Ought you not have refused to give a certificate without having seen the child?

Witness: I did refuse to give a proper certificate.

Is it usual to issue a certificate on what people tell you? — I knew that the child was to have been born. They wouldn’t have told me it had died if it had not been true. Besides, if the child had not been born, they would not have wanted a certificate of death.

The doctor added that Nurse Prize man had told him that the child had been born, and that she had not thought it would live. He had at first refused to give a certificate. Then he had given the one in question, testifying that the primary cause of death was premature birth. He had thought the Coroner would have been told.

He had given the certificate for the information of the Registrar, and he had issued it with only good intentions.

Yes, I ‘d like to ask him a question, ‘ said Nurse Prizeman, when told that she might do so.

Isn ‘t it a fact that it was after I told you all about the case that you issued the certificate— ‘That is so,’ replied the doctor.

Evidence was also given by Hilda Florence Peterson and Chas. Leslie Peterson.

Constable Douglas McKenzie, of Woy Woy, told of getting a call on April 28 from Mr. Webber, Shire Engineer, of Woy Woy.

Webber told him that while surveying at Staples’ Look-Out he had discovered something buried which seemed to him to call for a police investigation.

Witness went along and took the fruit ease and its contents back to Woy Woy police station. There were some flowers, too, in the box.

The Coroner, having retired for a few minutes to consider his verdict, returned to say a little that was very much to the point. Often, he said, an inquiry was necessary as much to clear the character of a person as to establish guilt. Iu his action in burying the body where he did, Pitts unfortunately had brought upon ‘himself and his wife much needless and regrettable publicity.

The burying with it of a handkerchief bearing the name of a young woman of Woy Woy might, had the burial been discovered years later, been the cause of wrecking the character of a reputable person.

As to the doctor’s conduct in giving a certificate without having seen the body, this had left the ease open to grave suspicion. In the present case any suspicion in his mind had been allayed by the fact of the reputation of the nurse who had given Dr. Delepine his information.

He would make a recommendation to the Department of Public Health that in cases such as this, burial must take place either in a cemetery or on actual property of the parents. Rented property should not be included. A discovery years later might lead to all kinds of trouble.

He found that Allan Brian Pitts, aged one, had died at Woy Woy, from’ natural causes, viz., premature birth.

The Joyce Memorial

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Joyce

A monument commemorates seven workmen who perished when the Joyce sank.

In May 1948, a party of workmates from the Nielsen slipper factory (the 1907 built `old` Bayview Hotel) planned a weekend fishing trip. A 22 foot cabin launch “Joyce“, was borrowed from the father of one of the group. They left Ettalong anticipating a good catch. On Sunday 16th May a south-westerly gale blew up, which was described by fishermen as possibly the strongest in 10 years. On Monday morning of the 17th May it was reported that two launches with a total of 11 people were missing. Another launch Syd had left Patonga, and was last seen off West Head.

An extensive search involving RAAF Catalinas from Rathmines, and search and rescue vessels failed to find any trace of either the Joyce or the Syd. Eventually, all 7 men were believed drowned. A memorial to the victims of the Joyce disaster was eventually erected outside the Nielsen Slipper Factory in Railway Street. It is believed to have stood there up until the early 1960s. The memorial was moved to the Waterfront Reserve at Koolewong, where it was vandalised and neglected. Today, the restored monument stands at the entrance to Point Clare Cemetery. Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW), .

16 May 1949

GOSFORD, Sunday. A 12 foot high granite obelisk to the memory of the seven members of the 22-foot launch Joyce, which left Ettalong 12 months ago yesterday and has not been seen again, was unveiled this afternoon in the grounds where the men had worked in a slipper factory at Woy Woy. More than 500 relatives and friends of the men saw the unveiling by the Managing-Director (Mr. F. L. Neilsen), who contributed £1000 to the cost of the obelisk. On the same day 12 months ago the 16-foot launch, Sid, with three men and a youth on board, also vanished from Patonga, a few miles south.
17 May 1948

Two Launches,

11 People Missing

Two launches, containing fishing parties of 10 men and a boy, have been missing from Ettalong and Patonga since Saturday.

The police launch and other launches searched 40 miles of open sea and inlets to dusk last sight for the launches. The search will be resumed at dawn no-day. Planes and ships have been asked to keep watches.

A strong westerly wind blew all yesterday, and it is feared that if the engines broke down the craft may have been blown to sea.

A launch, with a fishing party of seven under the charge of Mr Norman Lester, Alpha-street, Woy Woy, is missing from Ettalong; the other, containing three men and a boy, from Upper Patonga, near Broken Bay.

Those missing from are.

Cecil Aubrey Murray, 43, of Carey Sreet, Marrickville.

Hugh Murray, 41, Belmore Street. Burwood.

Brian Murray, 14, same address.

Neville Harcourt Walters, 35, Pittwater-road, Manly.

Had Little Food The seven men in the launch missing from Woy Woy, a 22-foot raised deck, half-cabin type named Joyce. had food for only one meal. They left Woy Woy at 5.30 a.m. on Saturday. It is not known whether they intended to fish out side the Hawkesbury River Heads but they were seen in Jerusalem Bay in the river, on Saturday afternoon. The other launch, the Syd, a 16 root half-cabin type, is claimed by its owner to be unsinkable. It was seen near the Flint and Steel, a rocky reel running ont to sea from he north entrance to Palm Beach. about 12.30 p.m. on Saturday. An other local resident claims to have seen it about 4 p.m. There was plenty of petrol on board, but the party had only a small quantity of food.

Wants Plane Search Mr. T. J. Smith. from whom the Patonga boat was hired, said last night that it was imperative that an air search be launched at dawn to-day. He subscribed to the view of expert fishermen at Patonga that the launches might be 40 to 45 miles off the coast, making it necessary for planes to take part in the search.

Before Lester and his party left Ettalong in the Joyce. he was asked by the boatshed proprietor when he would return. Lester replied, “Expect us when you see us.”

A number of launches searched between Cowan Waters and Woy Woy yesterday, without success.

The Sydney Harbour pilot steamer Captain Cook stood by throughout the night to go to the rescue

if news of either vessel was reported.

18 May 1948

Air, Sea Launch Search Fails

An extensive search by flying-boat and launches was made without success for nearly

10 hours yesterday for the launches, Syd and Joyce, which have been missing from Patonga and Ettalong since Saturday.

A Catalina flying boat set out from Rathmines Base at 7 a.m. yesterday to search the coast from Palm Beach north. The plane also made an ocean sweep covering hundreds of miles without success. It returned to base about 5.30 p.m. Launches from Sydney and Ettalong also searched at sea and along the coast. A sharp lookout was kept from shore by lighthouse keepers and police.

Two Catalenas will continue the search to-day. Ten men and a 14-year old boy are in the launches.

Those in the Joyce are:-

Norman Eric Lester, 21, .single, Apha road. Woy Woy.

Brian Morris Parsons, 56, AlField road, Woy Woy.

Robert Hayes, 30, single, Broken Bay-road. Ettalong.:

Peter Broadfoot, 24, married, Ettalong.

Berty Cyril Law, 37, married Wallaby-street, Blackwall.

Norman John Tolley, 25, married, South-street, Ocean Beach.

Arthur Bowyer, 41, married, Alpha-road, Woy Woy.

Lighthouses and ships have been told to keep sharp lookouts for the lauches. The police in Newcastle have asked out stations in the south and north coastal areas to report immediately if they see the launches.

20 May 1949

‘Joyce’ Launch Victims Are Remembered

A monument was unveiled in the grounds of the C. P. and R. Nielsen Slipper Factory, Woy Woy. on Sunday and dedicated to the memory of seven employees of the firm who were lost on the launch Joyce twelve months ago.

The launch Joyce left Ettalong on Saturday, May 15, 1948, and no trace was found of her or her seven occupants after an extensive air and sea search for more than a fortnight.

The managing director of the firm (Mi- S. L. Nielsen) unveiled the monument after a service by the Rev R. W. L. Ayscough, of Woy Woy.

The Minister for Building Materials (Mr W. E. Dickson) was a guest at the function.

Staples

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Staples Church of England Section 5 row 1 Plot 28

Charles Jefferis Staples (ashes) shares the grave with Phillip Staples aged 27 died 1942, and wife Florence Millicent Staples (ashes).

C J Staples died in 1973 aged 88, and he lived a very full life. Born in 1885 he spent the first decades of his life as a real estate speculator working with his father sub dividing various parts of what are now well known suburbs of Sydney. His real Estate business was on the corner of Blackwall Rd and Railways street Woy Woy.

The first mentions of him in the local newspaper are in the early 1920’s he was a good mate of Robert James Baker, Proprietor of the local paper, (see previous posts). He was a part of the “Baker Team” on council and clearly learnt about the power of the press from Baker as he has 100’s of articles and snippets written of him and his exploits.

He kept close ties with the press and kept the journalists informed well after the death of Baker in 1925. He held the Editorship of the Gosford and Wyong Times for a short period.

He was a keen marker outer of roads, He had plans about how the Woy Woy Peninsula would be accessed by road, coupled with his team of V.J. Mackenzie and Charles Fenton the Council Engineer (up until 1927 when Fenton died).

He is best remembered these days as the name of a lookout as to drive along Woy Woy Road. This is the only place in the district that he is commemorated.

One has to remember that Gosford and the Brisbane water district started out as a waterside townships and was very reliant on boats for travelling about to Sydney and beyond. With the avent of motorised vehicles there was added pressure to develop link roads from Sydney to Newcastle and for roads to swing by Gosford and other towns on the way. Many of the roads to the Central Coast we take for granted and use today did not exist until the 1920’s.

In the below link to Trove newspapers, Staples is fighting for a road to join to the Newcastle Road via Patonga and Mullet Creek. This road did not eventuate.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/166836857?searchTerm=ANOTHER%20MOTION%20BY%20CR.%20STAPLES%20DEFEATED.%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&searchLimits=l-title=689|||sortby=dateAsc|||l-category=Article

The next link to Trove newspapers Staples is finding a route from Gosford to the Newcastle Rd this road did eventuate.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/result?l-title=689&sortby=dateAsc&l-category=Article&q=Mooney+Route+Inspected

When plans for an appropriate World War 1 Memorial were underway Staple put forth for a Memorial District Hospital, but got voted down for the Gosford Swimming pool and cenotaph. He continued to pursue the development of a hospital and it finally came to pass.

He became the district Coroner after the retirement of William Kirkness (who was 75 years of by that time) and his first case was a murder suicide at Ourimbah, this incident became known as the “Ourimbah Tragedy” and here is the newspaper accounts of that incident. This incident became national headlines but strangely was not reported at all locally.

24^th June 1937

Western Mail (Perth W.A.)

FAMILY WIPED OUT.

BODIES FOUND IN HOUSE

Theory of Murder and Suicide

SYDNEY, June 20.-A ghastly discovery was made in a small home on an orchard property at Ourimbah Creek, 13 miles from Gosford, this afternoon when a family of four was found dead. A woman and her two sons had their heads battered ia with an axe and their throats Were cut. The woman’s husband was lying dead in the kitchen with his throat cut.

The victims were:

HUMPHRIES, Leslie Hugh (43), temporary linesman.

HUMPHRIES, Martha Amelia (37), his wife.

HUMPHRIES, Owen Leslie (7).

HUMPHRIES, Clarence William (S).

When police and ambulance men from Gosford entered the house, they state, it resembled a shambles. The police are of the opinion that Humphries became suddenly demented, probably through financial worries, and smashed in the heads of his wife and two sons, then cutting their throats with a razor and before he killed himself with the razor.

It is believed that the tragedy occurred early this afternoon. When Miss Z. Lang, daughter of the postmaster at Palmdale, was cycling along the road to her home, she saw Humphries gesticulating wildly as he rushed about. When he saw Miss Lang, he shouted to her: “Will you call the sergeant. I have done it.”

Miss Lang hurried to her father and he, with two men, went to the home of Humphries. They were met with a ghastly sight The body of Mrs. Humphries was lying in the kitchen covered with a blanket and near her was the body of her husband. He apparently had been dead only a few minutes. The head of Mrs. Humphries was shockingly injured.

Soon afterwards, Sergeant Blackley and the Gosford ambulance arrived and in the bedroom they discovered the bodies of the two boys lying on a bed with their heads smashed in and then throats gashed so extensively that they appeared to have been almost decapitated.

Not all the cases were as dramatic as the Ourimbah Tragedy, he over saw many vehicle related deaths be they pedestrians, passengers or drivers many of these deaths were on the very roads he had marked out the decade before.

Staples observed that by 1937 vehicles had became faster by the year and that the grade of the hills and the number of curves and corners had remained the same, not changing with the speed of the vehicle speed leading to the increase of fatalities on the Central Coast roads.

He also noted that the Central Coast was approximately equidistant from both Sydney and Newcastle and was in what he called the sleep zone with many drivers dying asleep at the wheel. He dealt with x10 road fatalities in his first year.

He was a strong advocate for warning signage and speed limits and driving to the conditions.

Florence his wife was an active member of the CWA.

Staples only son Phillip, was a radio technician/repairman whilst in Gosford and one can not help but think he would have applied those skill when he join the armed forces during world War 2. The Australian War Memorial has not as yet digitised his war record but he died during that conflict in 1942. The Local newspapers did not report that death either.

Edith Gell

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Edith Gell Church of England Section 9 Row 1 Plot 2

Frank Gell joined the AIF in March 1916, he was 6 foot tall and 26 years of age. He was sent to the front in January 1917 and was killed in action By May 1917. Edel Gell, known as Edith was his widow.

Frank Gell’s war record
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4104373

Thu 15 Aug 1918 –

The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate

SOLDIER’S COTTAGE

Handed Over by Of fellows.

On Saturday afternoon last, in the presence of a very large gathering, the handing over ceremony was performed by the District Order of the I O O F.

The cottage erected by that Society for the widow and orphans of the late Private F. Gell,

who was killed in action in France last year. Since the outbreak of the War the Manchester Unity Oddfellows.

Of which the deceased soldier was a member the established a Fund for the purpose of assisting disabled members and their dependents, and Saturday’s function was a striking example of the practical work being done by the Society in this direction.

The local Branch of the Order has also given valuable assistance, with the organising of the entertainment for this event, given by “The Merrymakers”.

Mr. F. A. Stayner, Superintendent of the Boy’s Home, occupied the chair. He briefly outlined the noble work performed by the Society and Unit of the Gosford Branch, as instanced that day, and had much pleasure in extending n hearty welcome to the District Officers, who had come to take part in the opening ceremony for such a worthy a cause.

The Chairman then called on the President of Erina Shire to address the gathering, and in so doing Mr. Archibald stated that it gave him extreme pleasure to be present at such an auspicious occasion, although he hoped it would be the last, as he had no desire of his to see widows as a result of this terrible war.

But if such was to be the case he felt sure that Gosford could respond just as nobly in the future as in the past.

He had had the pleasure of knowing the deceased soldier (Private Gell) since he was a boy, and also his widow, and he was proud to have had their acquaintance. He also spoke highly of his associations with Mr. and Mrs. Hall and family, of whom Mrs Gell was a member Referring to Private Gell the speaker eulogized the spirit of duty which prompted him to enlist and go forth to fight for the protection of his wife and children and the freedom of the civilized world.

He sympathised with Mrs Gell in the loss of her good husband, but she had the satisfaction of knowing that she was residing among a hospitable people who would never see her in want. Mr, Archbold made reference to the healthy position at the front to-day, but advised his hearers not to

become overconfident. Everybody was expected to do their best to win this war. They had to prevent at all costs Germany from dominating the world.

Personally, he had no respect for a German no matter how long he had lived in this country, and the only way lie could regard a German us good was when he was dead. On the other hand he bad the greatest respect for our own soidiers, and asked everyone to give consideration to the returned hero.

Of this number 600 had made the supreme sacrifice, whilst 700 had been invalided home. He was proud to say that the Society had pledged itself to the last copper, and no member or ‘heir dependents would ever be in want while there was a pound left in the bank.

He was proud of the members of the Society and members of all other Societies who had nobly responded to the call.

Brother Purkins, Deputy Grand Master, supported the remarks of the previous speaker, and said it was with feelings of pleasure mingled with sadness that lie was present on an occasion such as this On Monday they would be carrying out a similar duty at Liverpool. He hoped it would I not be long before the Oddfellows had a big surplus, whereby they would lie in a position to help brothers ! returning from the war. He was pleased to see so man} of the members of the Gosford Branch present, and congratulated the people on the interest they had shown in coming forward that day. | Bro Muston, , D.G.M. of Cumberland District, also spoke.

Brother Trohair then called on Mr. Wallace Moore, the contractor, to hand over the key of the cottage, and in so doing complimented Mr. Moore on the excellence, of hia work, the report of the Society’s Inspector justifying him in saying that the contract had been well and faithfully carried out.

The Chairman then unlocked the door, and presented Mrs. Gell with the key Mr. Thomas Hail, on behalf of Mrs. Gell, sincerely thanked them for the assistance the Society had rendered in providing his daughter with a home, also the officers for their presence there that day, and particularly the members of the Gosford Branch, and all other kind friends who had in any

way assisted to bring about the occasion of that afternoon’s assemblage. He also tendered his thanks to the ladies of the Gosford Red Cross, and concluded by saying that he could not find words to adequately express his feelings of gratitude towards the people he had had the honor of living among for so long.

Inscribed medals were presented to the following returned soldier members of the local Lodge, with honors of the Order : — Drivers J. F. Sterland H. T May and W. Sterland, Trooper B. Ward, and Private W. Goodsir.

Cheers and the National Anthem brought an interesting afternoon to a close, after which refreshments were served.

Scotts

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Crash Graphics

Robert Donald Scott Church Of England Section 1 Row 1 Plot 6

The Scott Family.

23 November 1916

Death of Miss Scott.

Miss Sarah Maria Scott, who died at her residence, Point Clare, on Thurs

day last, was 83 years of age, and was the second daughter of the late Mr,

Thomas A. Scott, after whom the railway platform, ‘Tascott,’ is named.

The funeral took place on Saturday, the remains being interred in the

Church of England portion of the new cemetery at Point Clare.

Rev. A. Renwick, Rector of Christ Church, conducted the burial service, and

Messrs. Creighton & Sons had charge of the mortuary arrangements.

Robert Scott, another of T.A. Scott’s sons was making a living running a holiday home at the former family home called Waterview (it was situated on the small hillock near Tascott railway station, now called Waterveiw Place). When this happened.

16 December 1920

Railway Fatality at Tascott.

DEATH OF MR. R. D. SCOTT.

It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Mr. Robert Donald Scott, an old resident of Tascott, which occurred in tragic circumstances on Friday last. Deceased left his home that morning and was returning from over the line about mid-day while the storm was at its height. As the roads were impassible he was compelled to traverse the railway line and was walking between the rails when overtaken by the Brisbane express bound for Sydney. Death must have been instantaneous. The accident was not noticed by the driver or fireman of the train. The tragic circumstances surrounding Mr. Scott’s death are heightened by the fact that hi§ son was standing on the verandah of his home and witnessed the accident which he was powerless to avert.

At the inquest held at Gosford on Monday last a verdict of accidental death was returned. The late Mr. Scott was one of the oldest residents of the Brisbane Water district and was beloved and respected by all who came in contact with him. He was a son of the late Thomas Alison Scott, who was the original grantee of the land surrounding Point Clare and Tascott. He leaves a widow and one son, Mr. Thomas William Scott, who reside at Tascott. Two sisters, the Misses Martha and Jane Scott, reside at Point Clare, and another sister, Mrs. Annie Herbert, is at present in England, while his brothers are Messrs Archibald Scott, of Point Clare, and James William Scott, of Marrickville.

The funeral took place on Sunday at the Point Clare cemetery, the Rev. Arthur Renwick conducting the burial service.

Jane Scott was one other of the many children of Thomas A. Scott. To which whom the suburb TASCOTT is named after. Having lived all her life in the Brisbane Water district, she clearly was not coping with the move to a nursing home in Sydney, decides to escape.

22 February 1923

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.

A verdict of accidental death was returned by the Sydney Coroner, when he held an inquiry into the death of Miss Jane Scott, aged 81, who until recently resided at Point Clare. , Deceased was an inmate of the Nursing Home at Petersham, but appeared to be discontented, and on January 15, during the temporary absence of the matron, she apparently climbed over the balcony rail and slid down the verandah post to within a few feet of the ground, when she fell. She died on February 15 from her injuries.

22 October 1931

Death of Miss Martha Scott The death of the nonagenarian Miss Scott, which occurred on Oct. 11, and which was referred to in our last issue, recalls a number of interesting facts in connection ‘with the early history of the Brisbane Water district.

Her father, the late Thomas Scott, was the first man to grow sugar cane in Australia. He commenced its cultivation at Port Macquarie, and later, when he went to reside at Point Clare, he grew cane there, but soil and climatic conditions proved unsuitable. As the pioneer of the sugar industry in Australia, the Government granted Thomas Scott a pension. He was then a man of advanced age, but he continued to draw the pension until his death at the age of 105 years. His wife, Annie Scott, also died at the age of 105.

They reared a large family of 7 daughters and 5 sons. Three of their children are still living. They are Annie (Mrs. Herbert), who is in England; Mr. Archibald Scott (Point Clare), and Mr. James William Scott (Woy Woy). Strange is the fact that four of the family passed away on October 16, and all at Point Clare.There are 7 of the 12, of Thomas Allison Scott’s children buried here at Point Clare Cemetery, they are, Sarah, Jane, Robert, Martha, James, Harriet and Archibald.

Robert Donald Scott.

AN APPRECIATION.

On Friday, December 10, As the result of a train accident near his home and railway station, Tascott, there passed away one of the best known pioneers of Brisbane Water — Robert Donald Scott,

Born in the district where he had lived tor over sixty-eight years, Mr. Scott was probably one of the most widely-respected residents. To know him was to love him. The present writer has had the privilege of acquaintance with him for twenty years and of appreciating his sterling qualities. Of quiet and retiring character, ho nevertheless possessed shrewd judgment and business faculty in his dealings, but his kindliness of disposition and unswerving honesty of purpose, combined with a wholesome sense of humor endeared him to all with whom Le came in contact. It may be said ‘truthfully that he made no enemies, oven among those with whom he was not always in agreement

For a man of his years he accomplished more in the way of daily work than is usually done by many much younger men. Methodical habits and consistent energy, aided by a sound mind in a sound body, were the secret of this. He lived the simple life, carefully conserved the blessing of health which was bestowed upon him, and tried to do all the good he could in passing through life.

This outlook and object are surely noble, but with Robert Scott they were faithfully adhered to, and brought to him great peace of mind and contentment.

The late Mr. Scott came of excellent family, of Scotch descent. As most residents of the district now, his father, Thomas Allison Scott, was the first Clerk of Petty Sessions at Brisbane Water, and a man who made rely markable efforts early last century to J establish sugar-growing in New South Wales.

For his w ork in this direction honor to his memory has been accorded recently by the Royal Agricultural Society of N.S.W. He lived to the age of 105 years, and lies buried in the old cemetery at Point Frederick, Gosford.

His uncle was Sir James Scott, Admiral in the Royal Navy, and other members of his father’s family were distinguished in mercantile pursuits.

His mother came from England as a child, and after her marriage lived at Point Clare for over seventy years, dying at the mature age of 93.

Two brothers, Archibald and William, and three sisters survive him. Two of the latter, the Misses Martha and Jane Scott, have been resident at Point Clare for many years; the other sister married Dr. Herbert, and was once resident in Gosford, but has been long away from Australia.

The late Robert Scott spent the earlier years of his life at the place of his birth. In his thirties he went to y. the metropolis, and for a time engaged in business. While there he also married. His native hills called to him, however, and he soon returned to Point Clare, where Mrs. Scott established, and developed to a wonderful degree, the boarding-house so long known as Waterview, a name very familiar to holiday-seekers throughout the length and breadth of the State.

This famous house of accommodation, although Mrs. Scott retired from its management some years ago, remained in its old location until twelve months since, when unfortunately it was destroyed by fire. It was to serve the needs of this house that the Tascott platform was erected by the Railway Commissioners, the name being derived from the initials and surname of Mr.

Scott’s father. (T.A.Scott).

Mr. Robert Scott is survived by his Wife and son, who live near the old house.

The areas of the surrounding were his property, and at the time of his death he was actively engaged in preparing for sale a sub division, including the ‘Waterview’ property.

In closing this sketch, which it is? is all too imperfect to do justice sterling worth of its subject, what I write desires to record a profound sense of deprivation, both to himself and to the district, by the untimely removal of one who, had he been would have continued in the paths of large-hearted kindliness so lovingly followed, by him in the past.

His labors here have ended, and he is at rest, and so who remain are the

poorer by the loss of his benevolent and beneficient personality from amongst us, but his good works and legacy will not be readily forgotten by those who knew him, and will serve as his lasting memorial.

21July 1916

Obituary.

Mrs Burt, aged 77 years, passed away at the residence of her only daughter, Mrs Archie Scott, West Gosford, at 9 o’clock on Saturday night.

Deceased lady was the relict of the late Sydney Burt, who in the early days, was a Sydney lawyer and also developed into a prominent business man, doing a large trade in shipping horses to India. It is related that on one occasion he shipped over 200 head and did not insure them. The first night after their departure he dreamt that he saw the vessel wrecked and the horses drowned.

Next morning he went to an insurance office and insured the horses. Sure enough two days later the Shine was wrecked at the very place Burt dreamt about, and not a horse was saved. Mr. Burt spent some years in Fiji, and during his career made, speculated, and lost three fortunes.

The late Mrs. Burt was a resident of Gosford for about ten years, and had been- ailing for the past three months. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, the remains being interred in Point Clare cemetery.

Rev, A. Renwick read the burial service.