Wednesday, September 16, 2026

PERCY JARRET WADE

Percy Jarret Wade, a bank manager, married Constance Columbia Davenhill in Victoria in 1901(VIC BDM 4668/1901). He died on 7 October 1932.

  • Violette Constance - (NSW BDM 30436/1903)
  • Enid Marcia Cecil - (NSW BDM 33711/1905)
  • Edith Yvonne Dorothy (NSW BDM 24551/1907) (died 1908) died in Gulgong Hospital aged 9 weeks and 3 days. Cause of death was "CARDIAC FAIL BRONCHO PNEUMONIA PERTUSSIS".
  • Percy Cecil Clive - (NSW BDM 4110/1909)

BIRTH NOTICES

1903 - WADE.—September 11, at the Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, the wife of Percy J. Wade, of a daughter (Violet Constance).

1905 - WADE.—October 22, at the Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, the wife of Percy J. Wade—a daughter (Enid Marcia Cecil). Melbourne and home papers please copy.

1907 - WADE.—June 14, at Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, the wife of Percy J. Wade, of a daughter (Edith Yvonne Dorothy). Melbourne papers please copy.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 27 Jul 1907 Page 12

1909 - WADE.—January 27, at Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, the wife of Percy .T. Wade, of a son (Percy Cecil Clive).

NEWS ITEMS

1900 - VALEDICTORY.
A farewell social was tendered to Mr. P. J. Wade, manager of the Bank of N.S.W., last night prior to his removal to Brewarrina to take up a similar position there. Mr. Wade was also presented with a travelling bag. Some 25 couples had a most enjoyable night's dancing, and a first class supper was provided, to which full justice was done. The toasts were numerous. Messrs. Wiesner, Solomon, H. S. Eldershaw, and Lamport passed high enconiums on the departing guest's sterling qualities.
Source: Wagga Wagga Advertiser (NSW : 1875 - 1910) Sat 24 Feb 1900 Page 6

1901 - [APPOINTMENT]
We learn that Mr. P. J. Wade, manager of the Bank of New South Wales at Brewarrina, has been appointed to succeed Mr. H. D. Voss at Gulgong. The new manager will arrive next week.
Source: The Gulgong Advertiser (NSW : 1898 - 1904; 1918 - 1919) Fri 28 Jun 1901 Page 5

1901 - [ABSENCE]
Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Wade returned to Gulgong on Saturday last. Mr. A. S. Hicks, who has been in charge of the local branch of the Bank of New South Wales during Mr. Wade's absence, returned to the head office on Tuesday.
Source: The Gulgong Advertiser (NSW : 1898 - 1904; 1918 - 1919) Fri 30 Aug 1901 Page 10
 
1901 - [HOSPITAL TREASURER]
Mr. P. J. Wade, manager of the local branch of tho Bank of N.S.W., has been elected a member of the
committee and also Hon. Treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 19 Sep 1901 Page 16

1910 - FELL DOWN STAIRS.
GULGONG, Thursday.— Miss Stella Garretty, a maid employed at the Bank of New South Wales, was carrying the little 2-year-old daughter of Mr. P. J. Wade, the bank manager, downstairs, when she slipped and fell, breaking her arm near the wrist in two places. The child received concussion of the brain, and her condition is very critical.
Source:  The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Fri 29 Apr 1910 Page 8

1911 - A FODDER PLANT.
GULGONG. After trying for some years Mr. P. J. Wade (manager of the Bank of N.S.W., who takes a interest in agricultural matters) has succeeded in obtaining from the Queensland Government some seed of the mazzagua fodder plant, which he has distributed among the farmers of this district for experimental purposes. Mazzagua is a native of Northern Nigeria, Africa, and has been cultivated with considerable success in Queensland. At the Warwick State Farm it has yielded 28 tons of fodder per acre. The best time for planting the seed is said to be in September, October, and November. The plant revels in heat, and is said to be a great drought resister, and to be capable of standing big spells of dry weather.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 27 Sep 1911 Page 7

1913 - A Gulgong Farewell. A Good Citizen Leaves. Mr. P. J. Wade Honored.
It was a very large and representative gathering of town and district citizens that met at the Town Hall, at Gulgong on Thursday afternoon to say farewell to Mr. P. J. Wade. The Mayor (Ald. Heard) presided. Apologies were received from Messrs. J. J. Dowd, W. Davis, E. C. Trouton, W. Morgan, L. Rowbotham, C. M. Lowe, C. Stoll, D. Rognini and E. J. Lowe.
The Mayor, after referring to the reason of the gathering that afternoon, said he sincerely regretted the departure of Mr. Wade, whose 13 years' residence among them had proved he was a sterling bank manager and worthy townsman and citizen.
He heartily congratulated Mr. Wade on his well-deserved promotion, and felt it was the forerunner of greater' success in the very near future.
Mr. J. Loneragan also regretted Mr. Wade's departure. What the Mayor had said of him was strong evidence of his popularity. The speaker did not like to hear of the removal of a bank manager for obvious reasons. A bank manager was a strong buffer between two springs. Those present would know what he meant. But while they sincerely regretted the departure of so able and conscientious a man as Mr. Wade, they all rejoiced to know that he was getting well deserved promotion. Personally, the speaker was exceedingly sorry Mr. Wade was going away because, although he (the speaker) was a much older man, Mr. Wade had often given him advice, which he had always found reliable and valuable. He was sure Mr. Wade would meet with the same esteem and respect from the people he was going among that he had received from the people of Gulgong and district. The speaker was pleased to be present to join in the congratulations, and hoped he would have success wherever he should go. (Applause).
Rev. Gribble endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker. He thought the large attendance was evidence of the popularity of the guest, and esteem and respect one and all had for him. (Applause). His was the excellent character and manliness of a true and thorough friend and gentleman. He had always conducted himself as a man should do. He had been a devoted worker for the Church, while as a citizen and townsman his manliness, integrity and high sense of honor, and also his application for duty won for him a wide circle of friends there as it would do for him in his new district. The speaker's wish was every success, happiness and prosperity be with Mr. and Mrs. Wade and family wherever their lot might be cast.
Mr. A. Baldwin said that the occasion marked the departure of one of Gulgong's best residents. For this he expressed regret, but joined with those present in congratulating Mr. Wade on his well-merited promotion, and his transfer to such an excellent district as Mansfield (Vic). Mr. Wade had not made enemies, but he had made many, many friends. The speaker also expressed sincere regret at the departure of Mrs. Wade, whose disposition and kindly manner, her charitable acts and numerous kindnesses won far her the high, esteem and regard for everyone.
Mr. M. H. Bennett agreed with Mr. Loneragan that Mr. Wade had acted as a very good buffer, smilingly adding that the strongest spring was on the side of the bank. (Laughter). A deep feeling of friendship existed between, the speaker and their guest, because Mr. Wade had given him an invitation to visit Mansfield on a fishing excursion. But he desired to know something about, the river before he went! Whether it be subject to rapid rises and if so, is there a cave handy wherein fishermen might get in out of the wet, and a boat available to bring strong and light refreshments. (Laughter). He, too, regretted Mrs. Wade's departure. She possessed a winning personality, which had won her the esteem of the people. In conclusion he expressed the hope that their life would be filled with happiness and prosperity.
Rev. E. P. O'Donnell regretted the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Wade from Gulgong. For some months past there had been an exodus from the town of good citizens. They could not afford to lose good citizens, whose actions were always in the interests of the town and district. If they did lose them they wanted to fill their places with men who would follow in their footsteps. Mr. Wade was highly esteemed and respected right throughout the district. He was sure there were many who were very sorry he was departing. He (Mr. Wade) had been a good friend to many people, and besides was a good man to have in the town. If any man knew the state of the district, its resources and its prospects, Mr. Wade did, and the speaker felt sure that if Mr. Wade was asked for his opinion, he would say it was one of the best. On behalf of the people of the Catholic Church, Father O'Donnell thanked Mr. Wade for his kind and considerate treatment they had received. Personally, he regretted the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Wade, and hoped that their time in Victoria would be one of greater success than that which they had spent in Gulgong, and that the promotion Mr. Wade was receiving would be the forerunner of greater official recognition of his services to the institution.
Mr. Stacy said that it came as a surprise to him to know that Mr. Wade was going away. He regretted very much his departure. Mr. Wade had watched the town pass through a transition stage. He came to Gulgong when it was a sleepy township, and was leaving it a progressive industrial and rural centre. The speaker did not think Mansfield would keep Mr. Wade for long, because he was a man who would climb the ladder of success rapidly, and, consequently, better things were in store for him. In Mr. Wade they were losing a man who was careful, painstaking, yet considerate, and whose honour and integrity was beyond question. They would all wish him and his good wife the success and happiness they deserved.
Mr. C. E. Hilton endorsed the remarks of previous speakers, adding that he was pleased to be present to join in offering his regrets at Mr. and Mrs. Wade's departure, and congratulated him on his well meritted promotion.
Mr. W. U. Gardner was glad to be present to add his quota. He did not like changes in bank managers, because when a man got to know the district and its people, and had earned their respect and esteem as Mr. Wade had done, they had confidence in him. Mr. Wade had taken an active part in charitable and religious matters, and had been a good townsman and citizen. The speaker expressed regret at Mr. and Mrs. Wade's departure, concluding by wishing them every happiness and success.
Mr. Arthur Croft was present to thank Mr. Wade publicly for his kindness, advice and assistance when the speaker was a young man. Personally, he. was deeply indebted to Mr. Wade, and was very sorry he was leaving the district. He was extremely pleased to know that the transfer meant promotion to Mr. Wade. In conclusion, he trusted that success might be with him wherever he might go.
Mr. E. O'Connell said that he had always found pleasure in doing business with Mr. Wade, for whom and his wife the speaker had the greatest respect. All were sorry to lose Mr. and Mrs. Wade, and they could say very regretfully, 'Mansfield, our loss is your gain.' 'May the sun of prosperity never set upon, you" were the speaker's concluding remarks.
Mr. H. C. Rouse, while regretting very much Mr. Wade's departure, was pleased to be present to congratulate him on his promotion. He had taken a deep interest in all movements that had for their, object the welfare of the town and district.
Mr. R. White was very sorry Mr Wade was going, not because he was a bank manager, but because of the friendship existing between them. The speaker would always be pleased to hear of Mr. Wade's success, and felt sure that he would get on wherever he went.
Mr. H. D. Richards expressed himself as being honored to be present at such a representative gathering to say good bye to so worthy a citizen and banking official. He congratulated Mr. Wade on his well-earned promotion, and, as he understood, his substantial increase in salary. Personally, the speaker was sorry he was going, because any business transactions he had had with Mr. Wade, as manager of the opposition financial institution, they were of the most cordial nature, and the speaker was indebted to Mr. Wade also for other acts of kindness. He would be missed by the people, the bank's customers and the officers of the bank. Everyone spoke well of him. Mr. Richards was sure that he would be respected and appreciated in Mansfield or wherever else he might go.
Mr. Bloore (Mudgee) said that he was present to do honor to Mr. Wade as a friend, and to congratulate him on his promotion. That Mr. Wade had obtained and made good friends and retained their friendship, and at the same time conducted the financial side of their business affairs redounded to his credit. The large gathering of visitors present that afternoon was eloquent testimony of the popularity of their guest, of the esteem and regard they had for him, and solid appreciation of his efforts as bank manager and citizen. Whatever success or credit accrued to him may be stated to have come from his wide knowledge of financial questions and broad views on matters affecting the welfare of the town and district. Mr. Wade had done his duty, and in extending to his successor a welcome he (the speaker) remarked that if they could say at the conclusion of Mr. Boulton's term that he had shown the same capacity for progress in business and citizenship they would not be the losers (Applause)
Mr. Gregory said that although practically a newcomer to the district, he regretted Mr. Wade's departure, because his business relationship with his had always been both pleasant and satisfactory. All the same, he was glad to be present to congratulate him on his success. The people would miss him when he had gone.
Messrs. Reg. Campbell and E. Allen endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers.
The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, presented Mr. Wade with a purse of sovereigns and an illuminated address. The address was as follows: —
TO PERCY JARRET WADE.
Dear Sir, — We, the residents of Gulgong, and surrounding districts, desire to express our sincere regret at your departure from our midst, but, while doing so, we beg to offer you our heartfelt congratulations upon your well-merited promotion.
We fully recognise the keen interest you have evinced in all matters affecting the welfare of the bank you so worthily represented, as well as those of a public nature during your thirteen years residence amongst us; particularly with regard to the hospital and Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
We wish you, Mrs. Wade, and family every success in your new sphere.
Signed on behalf of the residents,
Robert W. Heard. Rev. E. P. O'Donnell, H. D. Richards, M. H. Bennett, Frank L. Egan, R. Thame, C. E. Hilton, C. A. Russell, A. H. Gribble, J. J. Dowd. Hugh Spring, Jas. Loneragan, Jas. Clarke, E. Allen, John A. Campbell. Joseph Williardt, S. T. Bishop, A. C. Fyfe, B. J. Naughton, W. A. Bleechmore, Arthur Croft, John Tuxford and R. White.
Mr. Wade was given an ovation on rising to respond. He assured them that any regrets they had expressed as having felt at his departure was more than shared by him. Promotion did not always compensate one for the break in old associations. The thirteen years he had spent here were the happiest of his life. It was here that he had married and he felt that any success he had gained was no more due to himself than to his dear wife who had, no doubt, given more of her energies in public life than he had. He had not done as much as he would have liked to have done. He thanked them for their kindly remarks of appreciation of his wife, which seemed all the more appropriate because it was her birthday. (Applause.)
Gulgong had grown a great deal during the thirteen years he spent here. Many people had predicted that when the railway passed through the town and on to Dunedoo it would go back. Quite the opposite had happened. The line opened up good country, prosperous farmers with new ideas had come in, and the district prospered in consequence.
He was very sorry to leave them, but his regrets were tempered by reason of the knowledge that he and his wife had the respect and esteem of all present. His wish to them and other friends in the town and district was that happiness and prosperity be with one and all. He promised a warm welcome to any of his Gulgong friends who cared to visit Mansfield. In conclusion, Mr. Wade tendered his sincerest thanks or the kindly remarks of himself and wife and the present.
Before carrying the customary acclamatory vote of thanks to the Chairman, the Mayor accorded a hearty welcome to Mr. E. W. Boulton, Mr. Wade's successor. Mr. Boulton suitably responded.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 21 May 1914 Page 29


Monday, September 14, 2026

TOM SAUNDERS AVE

NEWS ITEMS

1970 - SHIRE OF CUDGEGONG.—Naming of Roads.
—Pursuant to the requirements of clause 53 of Ordinance 30, made under the Local Government Act, 1919, as amended, notice is hereby given that at the Council meeting held on 16th April, 1970, it was resolved to proceed with the naming of two roads, details of which are set out hereunder:
1. The road named as Bumberra Place, being the road running east and west between lots 1 and 6 on Deposited Plan 230074, Parish of Bumberra.
2. The road named as Tom Saunders Avenue, being the road running southeast from the corner of White and Robinson Streets, Gulgong, to the western entrance of the Gulgong Central School, situated on portion 64, Village of Gulgong, County of Phillip. R. H. SADGROVE, Shire Clerk, Shire Office, Mudgee, 21st April, 1970. 7757—$4.20 

Saturday, July 18, 2026

BERYL BRIDGE

A bridge has existed across Wyaldra Creek at Beryl since at least 1899 and likely much earlier as this was the main coach route from Guntawang to Cobbora.

In 1927, the current structure — 2 truss spans, 3 approach spans, total length approximately 70 m — was established. It is one of the last Allan Truss bridges built and unique for its cast-iron shoes at each end of the top chord, which feature additional holes not seen on any other bridge because the original design drawings did not detail them completely.
Source: Timber Truss Bridges


Beryl Bridge, early 1930s
Source: Barbara Gurney

Helen Campbell, Clara Campbell and Linda Campbell on Beryl Bridge, early 1940s
Source: Barbara Gurney



NEWS ITEMS

1899 - A NEW RUSH, 5 Miles from Town. One Oz. per Dish.
Latest reports from the new rush at the Diamond Mines are most encouraging. The scene of the find is
5 miles from Gulgong, and a half mile on this side of Beryl bridge.
There are five claims on gold, and 50 men are sinking. Yesterday Mr. F. Hill washed prospects which yielded from 6 grains to 1oz. to the dish The sinking is 30ft, and the height of dirt varies from 9 inches to 3 feet.
There are plenty of men on the place at the present time to thoroughly prove it, and miners are cautioned against coming any distance.

1908 - [PAINTING]
Tenders have been invited for the painting of Guntawang Bridge over the Cudgegong, Beryl bridge over
Wyaldra Creek on the Cullenbone Cobbora road, Belinfante bridge over the Cudgegong, and Wilbetree bridge. Specifications may be seen at the Court-house, Mudgee.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Jan 1908 Page 14

1909 - [DISTRICT WORKS]
Government Architect's Office, Bathurst, 5th July, 1909.
TENDERS addressed to the Clerk of Petty Sessions at Bathurst and endorsed "Tender for Purchase of
Old Material," will be received up to noon on MONDAY, the 19th June, 1909, for the purchase and removal of old decking recently taken off and stacked beside Beryl Bridge on road Cullenbone to Cobbora.
J. W. DOWELL, District Works Officer, Bathurst.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Jul 1909 Page 14

1910 - [COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE]
The following letters were read, and, on the motion of Cr. Bowman, seconded by Cr. Rouse, the same were received, and the following orders made thereon: —
From Mr. P. O'Connell, Tarawang, drawing attention to the condition of Beryl Bridge, which has some loose planks in it, causing the bridge to be in a dangerous state.
The matter was referred to the engineer, who stated that the bridge was a national work, and that he had already drawn the authorities' attention to its condition with a view of having the work made good.

1912 - [INSPECTION]
A few days ago two engineers from the Public Works Department were around the Gulgong district, on a tour of inspection of bridges that are classed as national works.
They visited and inspected Wilbetree, Belinfante, Guntawang, and Beryl bridges. The timbers of the later two are showing signs of decay, and for some time have been a source of anxiety. Some important repairs are evidently contemplated, as it would be a waste of money putting in tenporary props.
The officers also inspected the new bridge erected at Yamble.

1916 - [UNSAFE]
The Public Works Department has forwarded material for repairs to the Beryl Bridge, which badly needs to be put in order before the wheat carting starts. It is not now safe to take a heavy load across the bridge.

1927 - [ENGINEER'S REPORT]
The old bridge at Beryl will shortly be dismantled and I would recommend that the Public Works Department be asked to let your Council have any sound timber which may be suitable at that ridge to take and rebuild Doran's Bridge. If your Council could get the timber from Beryl Bridge I believe very little new timber would be necessary except decking to rebuild Doran's Bridge.

1927 - NEW BRIDGE AT BERYL
The new bridge at Beryl, which is a Government job, is practically completed. Attention is now being given to building the approaches.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Aug 1927 Page 10

1939 - [SIGNAGE]
On the erection of road direction signs, the acting shire clerk, Wyaldra Shire Council (Mr. A. A. Haworth), advised that the council had given consideration to the matter and had decided to erect a sign at Beryl bridge, as that was the only spot where an appropriate-sign did not exist.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

COMMONWEALTH BANK



CommBank’s first branch in Gulgong opened on 16 January 1956 in a leased premises on the corner of Mayne and Medley Streets ... where The Fiddlers Hame is located today. It was leased from Mr. C. A. Lund. The first manager was Frank Poulden.
In 1961 the branch relocated to its current location.
Source: Commonwealth Bank Group Archives

Frank and Val Poulden arrived in Gulgong in late 1955 and Frank opened the Commonwealth Bank in early 1956. They initially lived upstairs from the bank.
Source: Warwick Poulden
Glass-plated building, February 1974
Source: Commonwealth Bank Group Archives

Facade for film set, February 1974
Source: Commonwealth Bank Group Archives

In 1960 the Commonwealth Bank showed their faith in the town by building a new bank. At that time very few appreciated the need to preserve the authentic nature of the town. The CBA gave their building a high, modern, all plate-glass facade. When a film crew was shooting "Between Wars" in 1974 they found the glass front of the bank didn’t fit with 1924 aspect of the set. They disguised it by erecting a temporary verandah. This was later replaced by a permanent one after prompting from the Conservation Society.
Source: Goldfields Motor Inn Gulgong

110 Mayne Street, 1984
Source: Commonwealth Bank Group Archives

110 Mayne Street, 1985
Source: Commonwealth Bank Group Archives

International advertisement, 1986
Source: Commonwealth Bank Group Archives

110 Mayne Street Gulgong
Source: Vince Wang, Google Maps Photo Contributor

COULEY

James Couley married Elizabeth Cheetham. Their children 10 included:
  • ELIZABETH - born 1882 in Gulgong district (NSW BDM 22160/1882 (mistranscribed as COWLEY); married Alfred FITZGERALD 1899, near Gulgong
  • JAMES "Jim" COULEY - born in Gulgong district (NSW BDM 24080/1883) (mistranscribed as CONLEY); enlisted 19/7/1915
  • CHARLES - born 1885 Coonabarabran
  • MATILDA - born 1886 Coonabarabran
  • SOPHIA - born 1886 Coonabarabran
  • WILLIAM -  born 1888 Binnaway/Coonabarabran; enlisted 13/1/1916
  • GEORGE - born 1890 Coonabarabran
  • ALICE -  born 1892 Coonabarabran
  • MARY - born 1894 Coonabarabran
  • JOHN "Jack"- born 1896 Coonabarabran; enlisted 16/3/1918

Jim Couley (bn 1883) was one of 10 children, the eldest son and a younger brother to my great grandmother Elizabeth (bn 1882, married Alfred Fitzgerald 1899 near Gulgong). Their mother, also Elizabeth (nee Cheetham, Aboriginal, daughter of Matilda Murphy and I'm unsure if Wiradjuri or Gamilaroi nation) died in 1898 in Coonabarabran Hospital when her youngest child was just 2 years of age. 
Jim never married and was 55 years when he died (1936) from Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick after living his last few years at a health sanitorium in Sydney. Two of Jim's brothers also served in WW1, William enlisted 13/1/1916 and baby of the family Jack enlisted 16/3/1918 and all three returned to Australia in 1919. 
Source: Pauline Kuhner

Indigenous soldier

Representative of the broad cross section of men serving in the AIF is the next Indigenous MM winner James Couley. His occupation, as again with many Indigenous men, was in the rural sector: a shearer, his tallies often averaging 180 sheep a day. He was also a prominent bareknuckle fighter, his achievements in this regard being known to many in the Gilgandra and Coonamble districts.

Taken on strength by the 1st Battalion he was a tall man of 5’ 11½’ (181.6 cm), 168 pounds (76.2 kg) in weight and with an expanded chest measurement of 41¾” (106 cm). When the War broke out "Big Jim" was the first man in Coonamble to enlist for active service abroad.

Heroes do not fit any stereotype and James Couley has a record littered with being absent without leave, drunkenness, disobedience and using “improper language to a superior officer”. Yet when on active service it is a record which also displays the fighting qualities prized in a soldier.

In May 1917 the 1st Battalion was involved in heavy fighting, on this occasion at the Second Battle of Bullecourt. The battalion’s war diary records that on May 6 the Germans put down a “heavy barrage” and that the battalion on their right was driven back and that the position of the 1st had become “critical”. It was only after an hour’s heavy fighting that the position was restored. It then goes on to describe how the “fighting had been at close quarters” and that the enemy’s shelling had been “exceptionally heavy, destructive and constant”; it concludes with praise for how the men had “coped”.
These then were the conditions under which James Couley was to display “conspicuous gallantry”. As with Simpson, Couley’s bravery concerned the rescue of the wounded. He had been a bomb-thrower and stretcher bearer, sometimes carrying the men on his back and he had done so for 72 hours.

Awards for bravery in times of war seem paradoxically split between those who take and those who save life; for James Couley it was for the latter. In spite of what might appear to be a chequered time during his time in the army, he had at Bullecourt shown selfless heroism. On several occasions his name was mentioned in despatches, and among members of the 1st Batallion he was known as the "Uncrowned V.C."
Source: Brad Stubbs.
University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis: "My own darling laddie". In search of George Wenham: an Aboriginal Anzac and the history of denial (Pages 272-275) by Michael C. Wenham BA, Dip. Ed.




Tuesday, July 7, 2026

HEWSON

Edward William Hewson married Tamar Hildergarde Clark in Tallawang in 1893 (NSW BDM 3758/1893). 

Their children included:
  • Ida M - (NSW BDM 16051/1893)
  • Ethel - (NSW BDM 30340/1894); died aged 3 months on 12 February 1895 from exhaustion after gastro enteritis of 2 days' duration. 
  • Edith - (NSW BDM 7172/1896)
  • Vera A - (NSW BDM 8250/1899)
  • Emily A - (NSW BDM 2905/1900)
  • Charles - (NSW BDM 2619/1902)
  • Lola May - (NSW BDM 14288/1903)
  • Edward - (NSW BDM 25835/1905)


John "Brummy" Hewson, a sawyer at Tallawang 1869


Tuesday, June 9, 2026

SEIS

 
Harry Seis and Mari nee Williams, 1937-9
Source: Amber Hague

Mari Seis nee Williams, 1937-9
Source: Amber Hague

A prosperous grazier, who was a frequent visitor Brislington private hospital, ultimately married an employee of the establishment. These people were HARRY SEIS and MIRIAM MARY ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, known as Mari.