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Pitts

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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.

Frederick Cox

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Fred Cox Methodist Section 1 Row 1 Plot 1

First Burial at Point Clare Cemetery 1916 and Auctioneer and Trader Extraordinaire

Methodist Section 1 Row 1 plot 1

Frederick Cox arrived in 1909 and bought a pre existing business from William Burns. It was a mixed business with branches in Gosford and Woy Woy. He traded in some land deals and was a licensed Auctioneer.

In 1911 we have Fred Cox proposing land sites with the council for a new cemetery. He was the President of the Progress Association and was one of the stronger voices of opposition when another proposed site on Presidents Hill was put forward.

15^th September, 1911

New Cemetery Sites.

Mr. T W Connelly, District Surveyor, visited Gosford on Tuesday last and, accompanied by Mr. F. Cox, President of the Progress Association, inspected two proposed sites for the new cemetery, both situated on the western side of Narara Creek — one on Crown land, and the other on land the property of Mr Fagan. We understand that Mr. Connelly favoured the latter site, and intends sending an officer to make further inquiries.

29 September 1911

Proposed New Cemetery For Gosford.

For a considerable time there has been a growing dissatisfaction with the site of the present cemetery, owing to the lower portion being so swampy that people object to burying their relatives and friends in graves that fill with water as soon as they are dug, with the result that the dryer portion, known as the general portion, is mostly used, and will in a few years become crowded. During last year the District Surveyor, Mr. T. W. Conolly, paid a visit to the cemetery at the invitation of some of the residents, and at once decided that something should be done in the way of securing a fresh site and closing the present one.

He recommended a position on the western slope of President’s Hill suitable as to dryness and elevation, but strongly objected to by the townspeople, for the reason that the locality was too valuable for residential purposes and was within the population area. The Progress Association then offered to submit to Mr. Conolly several sites more suitable for the purpose, and recommendations were accordingly made of several areas which were inspected by the Surveyor, the best in his opinion being selected, and the Assistant Surveyor sent to test the site for depth of soil and drainage. The Secretary of the Progress Association, Mr. W. E. Kirkness, is now in receipt of a letter from the District Surveyor, requesting that the public be asked to signify their approval or rejection of the proposed site, which is about 24 acres in area, being Government Subdivision Nos. 133, 134 and 142, adjoining Messrs. Fagan’s property on Cooranbene Creek, West Gosford.

Little did Fred Cox know that he would be the first to buried at Point Clare Cemetery in January 1916. There is a stone in the Catholic Section, RC 1,1,1 that mentions a death in 1915 (Cecil Morris at the battle of Lone Pine) but there was no body buried in that Grave at that time.

25^th January 1917

IN MEMORIAM.

COX. — In loving remembrance of our dear father, Frederick Cox, who died January 25th, 1916. Inserted by his loving sons, Gunner R. K. Cox and Driver C. A. Cox, A.I.F.

31 August 1922

MRS COX

OBITUARY.

MRS. FREDERICK COX

The community of Gosford were deeply Shocked on learning yesterday that Mrs. Susie Cox, relict of the late Mr. Frederick Cox, had passed away at her home, ‘Cora Lynn,’ East Gosford, about 9 a.m. The deceased lady complained of not feeling well last I Sunday, and later on Dr. Paul was called in unexpectedy — caused her relatives anxiety, serious symptoms being manifest, and, despite all that could be done by medical skill and expert nursing, she passed away* as above stated, at 9 o ‘clock on Wednesday morning, the cause of death owing to heart failure.

The late Mrs. Cox, who was 60 years of age, was a native of Kelso, Singleton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bailey, one of the district ‘s best known families. Mr. Bailey died some years ago, but Mrs. Bailey still resides at Dunolly, Singleton, in her 80th year. Miss Bailey married Mr. Frederick Cox at Singleton, and her husband passed away at Gosford in January, 1916, his death being a great loss to residents of town and district. The late Mr. Cox was a splendid townsman, and his memory will be treasured by relatives and friends for many years to come. Mr. and Mrs. Cox came to Gosford about 15 years ago.

Mr. Cox purchasing the storekeeping business then carried on, by Mr. William Burns. Some years later, Mr. Cox retired from active business life, and built a beautiful home, ‘Cora Lynn,’ at East Gosford. During the war period Mrs. Cox and her daughter, Miss Ivy Cox, took a prominent part in Red Cross work, and many a kindly and unostentatious deed stands to the memory of a kind arid charitable woman. Two of her sons served in the big war, and returned after the Armistice had been signed. Of the marriage there were three sons and one ‘daughter, all of whom survive their parents — Messrs Milton Cox (Parkes), Ray Cox (Gosford), Clare Cox (Sydney), and Miss Ivy Cox (Gosford). To them we offer our deepest sympathy in their irreparable loss, the funeral takes place this afternoon, in Point Clare cemetery, where the remains of Mr. *Cox were laid to rest some years ago.

Byron “Sonny”Baker

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Roman Catholic Section 1 Row 4 Plot 23

Sonny was the son of the Late owner of the Gosford Advocate and Wyong Times, Robert Baker. His mother Zoe’s maiden name was Mason and had a brother Lance who was mentioned in the previous post about Cecil Morris. Sonny was Aged 6 years.

23/2/1929

Tragic Accident at Terrigal

‘ ‘ SONNY ‘ ‘ BAKER KILLED.

Keen sorrow was occasioned throughout the district on Saturday afternoon, by the news of the tragic death of Byron Robert (“Sonny”),’ elder son of the late Robert James Baker and Mrs. Zoe Baker.

“Sonny,” who was six years of age, a splendid specimen of young boyhood, and a great favourite with relatives and friends, was playing with other youngsters near Mrs. Baker’s house at Terrigal. They levered a log into motion, and ‘ ‘ Sonny ‘ ‘ tripped and fell in its way, with the result that he received such injuries to the head that he died instantly. He was rushed to Hinemoa private hospital, but life could only be pronounced extinct.

Widespread sympathy was expressed for the bereaved mother and family, who were greatly upset by the fatality.

The funeral on Sunday afternoon was attended by a very large number of residents. After a short service at the Church, the cortege moved to Point Clare Cemetery, where Rev. Father Donovan conducted the last offices. Mortuary arrangements were carried out by Mr. R. H. Creighton.

Among the great number of beautiful wreaths and other floral tokens the following names were no: reed: —

Loving Mother, Bobbie and Loekie; Thelma and Edna; Lola and Boy; Beth; Auntie Pauline and uncle Era; Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Mason: and family; Ethel and Lance; Jackie, Babby, and Baden; Neville Ingall; Mr. and Mrs. Collits, Leo and Jack; Uncle Cyril, Auntie Zenie, and cousins; Sisters of St. Joseph, Gosford; Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Ogden; Frank; Mrs. E. J. White; Dr. and Mrs. Dunean; Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Jaques and family; Joan and Nora Hinder; Mr. and Mrs. R. C. King Kemp and family; Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Buscombe and children; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Parr; Mr. E. P. Mundy; Nellie; Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Paul; Mr. and Mrs. Creighton and family; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wheeler and family; Mr. and Mrs. Ryding and family; Nellie Wiggins; Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and Bill; Mr. and Mrs. Arden Fell; Bosanquet children; Mr. and Mrs. H. K. Wood; Muriel and Agnes; Percy and Rene; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Lees and family; President and Members Brisbane Water District Club; Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Muir; Mrs. C. J. Fenton and daughters; Mr. and Mrs. H. G. White and ‘family; Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Mortimer and family; Mrs. and Barbara Ironmonger; Breens and Mrs. Moase; Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Stephen son and family; David and Joan Prentice; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Coulter and son; G. Cronin; Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Brodie; McCarthy and Rayment families; Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Adrian and family; Major and Mrs. Hinder; Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Gollan and family; Dr. and Mrs. S. K. Dwyer; F. C. Scott; Mr. and Mrs. C.i Sotlieron; Mr. and Mrs. A. Gibson; Mrs. Lewis and ; rs. ‘ Gleeson ; Mr. and Mrs. G. Margin and family; Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Hickey; Alan Hamilton; W. S. Fenton; Mr. and Mrs. H. Pateman and Jean; Soldiers’ League; Mr. aud Mrs. W. Wright; Mrs. J. J. Stephen and Mavis; Mr. and Mrs. A. Eaton and family.

The District Coroner viewed the body and the scene of the accident; and evidence will be taken at the customary inquest on Monday morning next.

Hinemoa Private Hospital had two sites, I’m assuming that this is the Gosford site.

William Short Moase

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Roman Catholic section 1 Row 1 Plot 14

William Short Moase was the township’s blacksmith wheelwright and farrier there are many advertisements for Moase and Sons in the local paper. The family had three sons and four daughters. The eldest William Mark Moase had a distinguished career in World War One attaining the rank of Sergeant and awards.

Upon return William junior became the Secretary of the newly formed Gosford branch of the RSL. Ern another brother was active in the local theatre scene and Victor was a keen football and cricket player.

Only two of the Moase daughters regularly turn up in the local papers and were very active amongst the community with both Eileen and Lucy being mentioned often in the social pages.

William senior was 65 years of age in 1924, when his business moved further north along Mann street from its original site of just off the corner of Mann and Erina Streets.

I think he could see the writing on the wall as the horse and cart was making way for the advent of the automobile. William senior died a couple of years later aged 69.

Unless otherwise stated all excerpts are from the Gosford Advocate and Wyong Times

27^th October 1911

Whilst engaged shoeing a draught horse last Friday, Mr. W. S. Moase, local blacksmith, received a bump on one side, resulting in the fracture of two ribs. We are glad to say he is getting on well.

20^th March 1924

PROPOSED NEW GOSFORD HOTEL

The well-known site in Mann Street at present occupied by Mr. W. Moase, blacksmith, and Moane ‘s garage, has been purchased, we are informed, for the purpose of erecting a large residential hotel, built on the latest continental style. This building will be a great acquisition to the town of Gosford, as the position at the corner of Mann and Erina Streets will be a central one. We are given to
understand that the purchasers of the property are contemplating spending up to. £30,000 on the establishment to be erected on it. Mr. Bert Dalton is applying to the next Licensing Court for a license for the premises. The plan of the proposed building will be on view in Mann Street within a few days.

And in the next edition of the paper a poem was entered, note the poem makes mention of Mr Jack Weir the Butcher, and Father of the boys in the previous post. They were neighbours in life and 3 plots away from each other for eternity.

3^rd April 1924

FORGING.

For years and years in passing, we have watched the embers glow, ‘

As Billy plied the bellows to the fire;

And now we hear it whispered that the smithy has to go,

The Bilmose firm of wheelwright’s will re-tyre

To premises up further, near the Cresswell lighting crew,

Where daily will the anvil chorus ring;

And sparks will fly from dynamos, and from the anvils, too,

While noise around that neighbourhood will cling.

It’s ‘shoer’ to be lively, and Jack Weir-ily will say:

‘Oh, blast the furnace and the hammers, too

nit the blooming beef at Knight, and kept awake all day,

From this great noise, I’ll soon bid tooraloo.

And Bill says ‘Holy Moases, boy, ‘I cannot help the row,

For iron on to iron makes a clang;

Don’t steel away, dear Jacky for I hereby make a vow

I’ll get some rubber hammers for the gang.

So all will be quite peaceful and we close our little song,

And soon we set the stage for moving day;

So up the street a little, our old friend will come along,

And for the new hotel hip-hip-hooray.

13^th March 1928

Death of Mr. W. S. Moase

THE INQUIRY.

Mr. W. E. Kirkness, J.P., District Coroner, on March 12, at Gosford Court House, heard evidence concerning the death on the railway line on February 27 of Mr. W. S. Moase.

Constable W. R. Crotty, Gosford, stated that when he was called to the scene, a passenger tram was standing about ‘400 yards south of Gosford rail way station, and the body of deceased was lying on a stretcher. Dr. Paul came and made an examination, and pronounced life extinct. When going to the front of the engine witness found a pair of boat sculls, one of which was split through the blade, while the other was slightly damaged.

There was also a small bag of fishing tackle and bait. On the left side of the engine front there was some green weed bait, and on the buffer plate was portion of a pipe owned by deceased. With the assistance of others, witness carried the body to the residence of Ernest Moase, son of the deceased. Witness saw a notice on the northern end of the bridge, warning persons against crossing.

Dr. Paul deposed that there: was no life in deceased ‘s body when witness hurried to the railway line in response to a call. There was a wound on the point of the chin, but no other external marks of injury, except scratches on the back of the right hand. In witness’ opinion, death was due to fracture of the skull, the blow on the jaw would be communicated to the skull. Witness had known deceased for many years as an industrious and respectable man, whose hobby was fishing. Witness had no reason to suppose that intemperance had anything to do with the death.

Frederick Gaven, fireman, living at Lawson St., Hamilton, said he was firing on No. 68, Newcastle to Sydney, and shortly after leaving Gosford heard the engine whistle sounded. The driver shortly afterwards pulled the train up, saying as he applied the brakes that the train had run over a man. Their speed had been 25 miles per hour. At the time the warning whistle blew, a goods train was passing. The line was slightly curved at the soot, so that witness could not see far along it.

James Edmond Parkes, laborer, Railway Street, Gosford, was fishing near Gosford railway bridge, and saw the engine of the passenger .train strike the paddles carried by deceased; they were thrown up in the air. Witness’ further view was obstructed by the train. Deceased’s boat was moored on the western side of the line, and might have been reached without walking on the rails. Deceased was a retired blacksmith of good character, whose hobby was fishing.

James Stott, stationed at Broadmead was driver of the engine of the passenger train. About half a mile past Gosford he noticed a man walking on the left side of the line, carrying on his shoulder something which looked like a piece of timber. Witness sounded the whistle as a warning; deceased did not turn round till the engine was within 10 or 15 yards, when he turned as if to walk across the embankment, in front of the engine. Witness immediately applied the air brake, and brought the train to a standstill; it stopped in about 120 yards. Witness went to the sixth carriage, and saw a man lying on the ground. Witness did not actually see the engine strike deceased, as he stooped to apply the air brake as soon as deceased started to cross the line, immediately the goods train passed. It was not possible to do anything to avoid striking a person on the line under such circumstances. Ernest John Moase, son of deceased, related that the body was brought to his house. Deceased’s life was not insured; he had no property, and left no will. He was born at Bradford (England), aid was a retired blacksmith.

The Verdict.

The Coroner found that William Short Moase, aged 69 years, at Gosford on February 27, died from injuries accidentally received through being struck by a passing train. He also found that no blame whatever was attachable to the train crew.

Coroner’s Closing Remarks. Mr. Kirkness., at the close of the inquiry, called the driver and fireman and expressed his sympathy with them in the unfortunate circumstance that had been forced, on them. He said that his knowledge of railway drivers, gained through cases of this kind that had come before him, convinced him that drivers had to accept the responsibility of protecting thousands of lives, and the safety of their train.

Without exception these men lived right up to their responsibility. It must be nerve-racking to be involved in tragedies of this kind.

24^th October 1935

Flying Spark Caused Death of Noela Bird

Coroner Warmly Praises Dick Wells’ Brave Act

‘I find that Noela Bird, aged 5 years, died, in the Hinemoa Private Hospital. Gosford, on October 13, as the result of injuries accidentally received on October 12 in Erina Street, Gosford, as the result of ‘her .clothing becoming ignited from a spark flying from a blacksmith’s anvil.

This was the finding of Hon. W. E. Kirkness, District .Coroner, as the result of a coronial inquiry last Monday.

Addressing Richard Wells, the Coroner said: ‘I must compliment and congratulate you on the bravo thing you did. The subsequent death of the child was in no way due to any fault on your part. You are entitled to the thanks of the public- and the Department I represent.’

Proceedings were watched on behalf of the Police by Senior Constable A. Brown who was also present to assist the Coroner.

BROTHER’S STORY TO FATHER

Harry James Bird, living in Watt Street, Gosford, father of the child, said, that Noela, who was 4 years and 11 months, and had been born at Terrigal, was sent on a message with her brother Bruce, aged 7 years, about 9 o’clock on ‘Saturday morning. A little later Bruce ran home and said that Noela had been burned. He stated that his sister and lie had been near the door of Moase’s blacksmith’s shop, watching the sparks fly. Noela had said to him ‘My dress is alight!’ He had tried to put out the fire. With his wife, witness had hurried to the scene and had met Mr. Wells.

Noela had been taken into the home of Mrs Weir. They went with their daughter in the ambulance to the hospital in which Noela died next day. They had not ‘been able to find anyone who had seen the fire start.

Dr. G. M. Duncan, who treated the child at the hospital, stated that the burns were extensive, and the girl was suffering severely from shock. From the outset he ‘had considered the chance of recovery was slight.

‘RIPPED OFF CLOTHES’

Richard Wells, bread carter, deposed, that at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, he was delivering bread in Watt Street, when Ire heard a scream come from Erina Street and saw a child, running with her clothes afire. He ran to her and tried to put out the flames.

Failing to extinguish them, he had ripped off her clothes. The child was taken into the ‘house of Mrs. Weir and the Ambulance called. He could see that the girl had been, severely burned. About ten seconds only elapsed from the time he saw her until the clothes had been pulled off. He had received severe burns on both ‘hands.

The Coroner congratulated the witness, as stated above.
Ernest John Moase, blacksmiths of Erina Street, stated that he was welding iron in ‘his shop on the Saturday morning and the sparks were flying about. He heard a’ child scream and went to the doorway from which he could sec Mr. Wells pulling off the burning clothes from a child. In his opinion the clothes caught fire from a spark from the anvil. He had just noticed that two children were standing at the doorway.

Senior Constable Brown stated that as a result of his inquiries he was of opinion that the burns had been accidentally received, and that there was no evidence of neglect or carelessness on the part of anyone concerned in the accident.

Sometime soon after the death of Noela Bird Ern Moase shut the forge ending the blacksmithing era in Gosford, and left the district.

9^th October 1940

MRS. SARAH MARY M0ASE

The death has occurred at Drummoyne of Mrs. Sarah Mary Moase, of Gosford, at the age of 75 years. Sincere sympathy is expressed to her large family, all of whom are well known in this district were some of them still live.

The late Mrs. Moase’s, husband, Mr. William Moase, was killed in a railway accident at Gosford 12 years ago. The following are sons and daughters: — Mr. William Moase (Drummoyne); Mr. Ernest Moase (Port Kembla) ; Mrs. Breen (Gosford); Mrs. Chaseling (Tuggerah); Mr. Victor Moase (Five Dock); Mrs. Ridgewell (Lithgow); Mrs. Eden (Woollahra).

The funeral left Drummoyne after Requiem Mass and proceeded by road to Gosford where the remains were conveyed to the Point Clare Cemetery for interment.

The late Mrs. Moase was living with her son, William, at Drummoyne when her death occurred.

She had been devoting herself to the care of the children left motherless by the death of Mr. William Moase’s wife some years ago

11^th October 1940

Funeral of Mrs. Sarah M. Moase

Many Floral Tributes The Rev. Father Berkery officiated at the funeral of the late Mrs. Sarah Mary Moase, of Gosford, who died at Drummoyne recently. The remains were laid to rest in the Point Clare Cemetery.

Floral tributes were received from the following: — Mrs. Lewis, Mi’s. Gleeson, Miss Paterson and Bob; Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Parsons and family (Lightfoot); Lionel and Kit; Royal Hotel staff; Coulter family; Ada and Bill Phillips; Olwyn and Jack Little; residents of Drummoyne; Mrs. Hennessey and Roy; Mrs. Guerin and J. A. Guerin; Mr. and Mrs. Jollow; Mrs. W. H. Parry and family; Mrs. Benson and Doris; Mrs. Coull and family; Mrs. Rose and Etna; Kit and Walter; Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Chaseling; ‘Richards’ Avenue (Drummoyne) residents; Mr: and Mrs. C. R. McNiven (Drummoyne) ; Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Eden and family; Mr. and Mrs. H. Mitchell and family; Mrs. L. C. Hill and Mrs. J. E. King; Val, Lorna, Tom and Yvonne Jollow; ?Jim, Lloyd, Vera, Doreen; Miss C. Fry.

Keith Atkins

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Crash Graphics

Grave site Roman Catholic 1 Row 3 Plot 21

Keith Atkins, Bicycle messenger

8^th September, 1944

Newcastle Morning Herald

CYCLIST CRASHED INTO TAXI

Shortly after noon on August 10, a bicycle ridden by Keith Alwyn Atkins, 15, messenger, of Healy-st., Gosford, crashed into the side of a taxi cab, driven by Herbert Cowper Ranyard, at the intersection of York and Mason Parades’ Gosford.

Atkins died in Newcastle Hospital that night. The Coroner. (Mr. A. G. Chiplin) returned a verdict of accidental death.

Constable E. .A ‘ Albury, of Gosford, said Atkins: rode his own bicycle. There was no brake Thomas Walker gardener, of Point Clare, said it was raining’: heavily He saw ‘Atkins riding down the hill and trying to pull a cape over his knees.

The taxi driver said he veered to the right but could not avoid the impact.

Mr. H. L. O’Neill appeared for the relatives; Mr. A. G. Downey for the employer: and Mr. N. Booth for the taxi driver.

Gosford times

8^th August 1949

ATKINS.— In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Keith, who died August 10, 1944.

It does not need a special day to bring you to our minds;

The days we do not think of you are very hard to find.

Always remembered by dad, mum and Fay.

Olive, Walter and Malcolm Glass

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Crash Graphics

Olive’s Grave Site Roman Catholic Section 1 Row 1 Plot 18

Walter’s Grave Site Church of England Section 7 Row 1 Plot 21

Malcolm’s Grave Site Roman Catholic Section 1 Row 1 Plot 19

Olive Glass, Walter Glass and Malcolm Glass

Olive Glass, daughter of Walter Glass, died 11 December 1919, aged 7 years.

Walter Glass, Superintendent of Kariong Boys Home, died 8^th December, 1922, aged 39 years.

This sad tale just makes you feel for the poor mother who over a few years lost her whole family one by one.

First little Olive, the Walter the father and finally followed by her only son Malcolm. Take note of the dates of the memorial notices 1922 and the day of death of Walter.

Unless otherwise stated all newspaper referrals are from the Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (1906 – 1954)

18^th December, 1919

Obituary

It is with deep regret that we have to report the death of Olive Mary Glass, the 7-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Glass, of the Farm Home for Boys, Gosford, who died on Thursday last after a very short illness. The dear little child was deeply loved by all who knew her and the greatest sympathy is felt for her grief stricken parents. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at the Point Clare Cemetery on Saturday, the coffin being carried from the hearse to the grave by six of her young playmates and school-fellows, viz., Molly Egan, Cedric Wood, Lucy Moase, Georgina Wood, Marion Gillies and Mary Jopson.

Many beautiful wreaths and flowers were sent by those who knew and loved little Olive.

The cortege was met at Point Clare road by many of her former school mates, who marched at the head of the procession.

9^th December, 1920

IN MEMORIAM.

GLASS. — In sad but loving memory of our darling little daughter and sister, Olive Mary, who died 11^th December, 1919, aged 7 years and 1 month.

So sadly missed. We loved her in life, she is dear to us still, But in grief we must bow to God’s holy will.

Our sorrow is great our loss hard to bear, But Angel’s will tend to our darling with care.

— Inserted by her loving father, mother and brother, Malcolm.

7^th December, 1922

GLASS. — In sacred and loving memory of our darling little daughter, Olive Mary, who passed away December 11th, 1919.

In life, dearly loved, In death a beautiful memory — but so sadly missed.

Inserted by her loving father and mother, and brother, Malcolm.

21^st December, 1922

Return Thanks.

MRS. GLASS, of William Street, Gosford, wishes to express her sincere, heartfelt thanks for the many personal expressions, letters of sympathy, and floral tributes received in connection with her beloved husband’s (Mr. Walter Glass ‘s) death. Special thanks are due to all those kind, and loving friends for visits and sacrifices made to attend Mr Glass’s bedside throughout his long and painful illness, and to the Rector, Rev. Arthur Renwick. Also the devotion shown, sympathy and assistance extended to me by the late Mr. Glass’s Masonic Brethren of Woy Woy and Wyong Lodges, and to the Master and Brethren of his own Lodge —Lodge Rising Sun

9 December 1926

GLASS. — In sacred and loving memory of our dearly beloved husband, and Daddy, Walter Glass, who passed away 8th Dec., 1922; also, our dear little daughter and sister, Olive, who died 11th Dec., 1919.Their cheery ways and smiling faces, Are treasures to recall; And they both died beloved by all.

Inserted by their loved ones, Bessie and Malcolm Glass.

Then eight years later

21^st February, 1934

Obituary

DEATH OF GOSFORD BOY.

The sad death ‘occurred at his mother’s home at Stanmore on Wednesday last of Malcolm, only son of Mrs. ‘Elizabeth Glass, and the late Walter Glass, at the time an officer at the Gosford Training School, who died at Gosford several years ago. Misfortune seems to have dogged this family for years, the only daughter, Olive, passing away some time before her father. The news of last Wednesday ‘s sad happening has caused widespread regret among the residents of the Gosford District, where the family was held in the highest esteem. The interment took place in the Catholic portion of Point Clare cemetery on Thursday last when the remains were laid to rest alongside those of his little sister. The deepest sympathy of the people of Gosford is expressed for the bereaved mother.