See also George James Plunkett
Auctioneers Licenses were granted to J. F. Plunkett and Joshia Davis.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 3 December 1874
Plunkett & Co's Auctioneering Business, Mayne Street
Source: SLNSW
Auctioneers Licenses were granted to J. F. Plunkett and Joshia Davis.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 3 December 1874
NEWS ITEMS
We learn from the Gulgong Guardian that a meeting convened by circular was held on Wednesday evening, at Selff's hotel, at which was present a large number of the mining and commercial inhabitants of the gold field. The object of the meeting was to consider the most appropriate mode of expressing in a public and substantial manner, the estimation in which Mr Plunkett is held by all classes on the gold-field. As all our readers are probably aware, Mr Plunkett has resigned the Commission of the Peace consequent on his private affairs being involved.
Mr. B. Benjamin was voted to the chair, and explained the object of the meeting. He felt sure all present sympathised with Mr. Plunkett in his reverse of fortune, and he was glad to see so many respond to the call made to consider the best way of shewing that sympathy. The following resolutions were put and passed unanimously: —
'That this meeting having heard of the resignation of Mr. Plunkett, of Talbragar, as a magistrate, desire to give expression of their regret at the loss of his services, and also record the confidence reposed in him as a magistrate of the commercial, as well as the mining community of Gulgong, not only for his indefatigable exertions, but also for his upright conduct on the Bench.'
Second resolution —
'That subscription lists be at once opened on behalf of Mrs. Plunkett and family, and that Messrs. Edward Tarrant and Cornelius Driscoll be hereby appointed trustees to dispose of the amount raised in such a manner as they shall deem best.'
Third resolution —
Fourth resolution —
'That this meeting is of opinion that an address, expressing the loss felt by the public at Mr. Plunkett's retirement from the Bench, be presented to him at a public dinner at Gulgong; and that the Committee do make all the necessary arrangements to carry out this resolution.'
A subscription list having been prepared, £100 was collected in a few minutes. The meeting, which was enthusiastic and unanimous throughout, then terminated. We need hardly say that the object of the meeting has our warmest support, and, as one of the speakers remarked, 'Though Mr. Plunkett is in one sense unfortunate, in another, he is very fortunate in being so highly appreciated by the populous community on the Gulgong Gold Field.' As a magistrate, Mr. Plunkett's absence will be a loss severely felt by the miners in the Court of Appeal, in which Court his aptitude for dealing with mining cases was strikingly apparent, and much appreciated. We feel certain that his friends and admirers will so respond to the call of the Committee as will enable the trustees to hand over a substantial token to Mrs. Plunkett of the estimation in which her husband is held on Gulgong, and throughout the district.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 7 Oct 1871 Page 31872 - MR. J. F. PLUNKETT.
Mr. Plunkett has, in reply to a large requisition, offered himself as a candidate for the Western Gold Fields. The Gulgong Guardian writes of him in the following terms :—
This gentleman has exhibited an intelligent interest in all matters relating to the welfare of the miners and the progress of the goldfield. As a magistrate sitting in the Court of Appeal, he gave it a character for judicial capacity it did not previously possess, and the want of his presence in that court has been keenly felt by the litigants since he retired from the Bench. Of his abilities, he has offered ample opportunities at the many important public meetings on the goldfield to enable the electors to form an opinion of them. His address explains his opinions on the various topics of mining interest; and if they are in accordance with those of the electors, it will be their duty to enable him to give practical effect to them.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 9 Mar 1872 Page 61875 - Funeral
The friends of Mr J F Plunkett are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of his late son William Bede Dalley, to move from his residence at Red Hill at 10 30 am tomorrow.
W T Lewis, Undertaker.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 13 May 1875
1875 - Affliction
Much sympathy is felt in Gulgong for Mr J F Plunkett, who has been visited with a severe affliction in the loss of his two sons. One a fine lad of about 7 years of age, died about four weeks ago and on Thursday another fine boy, four years old, succumbed to the prevailing epidemic. Two other members of the family are very ill, but while there is life there is hope, so we can only trust they may have a speedy recovery.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 15 May 1875
1875 - DEATH
PLUNKETT on the 13 instant of Typhoid Fever, Frederick Arthur, fifth son of James F Plunkett in the 18th year of his life.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 17 July 1875
1875 - Severe Affliction
Our townsman, Mr J F Plunkett and his family have been greatly afflicted during the past few months. Mr Plunkett’s residence is upon the summit of the Red Hill—considered one of the most healthy precincts of the town. Notwithstanding the favourable locality and the most scrupulous attention to sanatory arrangements, a malignant type of fever has intruded and three members of the family have fallen victims. On Thursday last the remains of Mr Frederick Plunkett, aged eighteen, were followed to the grave by a large concourse of mourning friends. He had been a member of the Fire Brigade, and this body, to the number of fifty, accompanied the remains to their final resting place in full uniform. The greatest degree of sympathy is felt in this community for Mr Plunkett and his family. We learn that another member of his family, who recently came on a visit from Bourke is now lying ill at his father’s house. Both Dr Bennett and Dr Barnard have been unremitting in their attention, and everything that could be done to alleviate the sufferings of the afflicted has been attended to. We need scarcely mention that Mrs Plunkett is widely know as one of the most kind hearted and benevolent ladies in the district—ever ready to visit and console with the sick and afflicted and contribute in every way to their wants and needs. There are hundreds in the community who sympathise with her in these sad afflictions. It is to be hoped that the change of weather will have a salutary effect and arrest the disease.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 17 July 1875
1875 - Fire Brigade Meeting
It was noted that the Brigade attended the funeral of Mr Frederick Plunkett and that the brigade was invited to attend in full uniform the up coming Centenary celebrations.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 20 July 1875
1875 - Death
Plunkett - On the 22 instant at Gulgong of typhoid fever JAMES HUGH CHAMBERS PLUNKETT, eldest son of J F Plunkett in the 27th year of his age.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 22 July 1875
1875 - IN MEMORIAM - James Hugh C Plunkett
It is our painful duty to announce the decease of the eldest son of Mr J F Plunkett. He came from Bourke a few weeks ago on a visit to his parents, and in the course of two or three days after his arrival was taken ill. The symptoms were the same that had attended the fatal illness of two other members of the family and which were fast hastening his brother Frederick to that long home to which he was borne but one short week ago. Medical skill and the most devoted attention by relatives and friends prove unavailing and the unfortunate young man expired this morning.
He was about 27 years of age and leaves a wife and friends at Bourke, where he had resided for some time.
This is the fourth member of Mr Plunkett’s family that has fallen victim to the fever within a few weeks. The feeling of sympathy in this community for the afflicted family is universal.
The Funeral will take place tomorrow [Friday] morning, leaving Mr Plunkett’s residence Red Hill, at 11 am. The respect and sympathy of the townspeople will no doubt be shown by a large attendance.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 22 July 1875
The remains of Mr James Hugh Chambers Plunkett were followed from his residences of his father—Mr James F Plunkett—to the cemetery yesterday morning by a large concourse of mourning relatives and friends. We regret to learn that Miss Plunkett, eldest daughter of her already bereaved parents, was taken ill with typhoid fever yesterday.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 24 July 1875
1875 - Progress Committee
The fortnightly meeting held in the Council Chambers Hotel, several members being present. Some arrived at the usual hour but there appeared to be a disposition on the part of some to keep others waiting. This was the subject of general remark in the room. However, by sending out scouts, a quorum was got together at 8.30 pm, and Mr Henry Tebbutt was appointed to the chair...
Mr Tebbutt then stated that he had an important matter to bring before the Committee by motion and would like someone else to take the chair. Mr Murphy took the chair on the motion of Messrs Harris and Arrowsmith.
Mr Tebbutt: He felt is duty to urge the committee to call attention of the Government to the fact that a malignant type of fever had made its appearance in Gulgong, baffling the skill of local surgeons and physicians and this had proved fatal to four children of our respected townsman, Mr J F Plunkett. he felt much delicacy in introducing the subject, but thought something should be done. His impression was that this disease is owing to some contagion introduced from distant countries and thought an investigation should be had. He said that he had conversed with Dr Cutting in Mudgee, upon the subject and from what he could learn, this enquiry should be asked for. Such things had to be done before in the interest of the public.
Several amendments were proposed to the effect that a general inquiry should be instituted into the sanitary conditions of the town, and it was pointed out that the case alluded to was not exceptional, as several families in the town and district had been visited by similar sorrowful calamities. It was decided by a small majority, that the motion should be passed.
Mr William Murphy called attention, in a few sensible remarks to the way in which the filth and sewerage was being turned from one premises to another, by lack of sufficient and systematic drainage and urged that something should be done to put an effectual stop to it. Mr C L Morris supported the proposition and the meeting concurred in the remarks made.
The secretary was instructed to write to Messrs Buchanan, Gould and Forster, urging them to press the reforms asked for, and draw them to the attention of the various heads of Government Departments.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 12 August 1875
1875 - CEMETERY.
I visited the cemetery a few days ago, and cannot help complimenting Mr. Bishop for the very tasteful and careful way in which the grounds are kept. Some of the monuments—particularly those in the Catholic part of the cemetery—are very imposing, and executed with great good taste. Among these I could not help noticing the one erected to the members of Mr. Plunkett's family—four in number who all died within a few months. This is really of classic beauty.
1876 - Destruction of Property
In accordance with the advice and report of the sanitary commission appointed by the Government some months ago to enquire into the causes of the mortality in the family of Mr Plunkett, the Colonial Secretary, acting upon the advice received, made arrangements for compensating the proprietor and destroying the dwelling house and outbuildings attached. On Monday evening last Sub-inspector Carter and the police acting under him, together with the members of the Fire Brigade proceeded to Red Hill about 8pm and the work of destruction was commenced by the CPS igniting the timbers. In a short time the main building was in flames and as the out offices were also fired a lurid gleam illumined the surrounding landscape. The wind blew fresh from the eastward and carried burning embers s considerable distance; but the vigilance of the police and fire brigade was equal to any emergency which might occur. In a short time the roof of the dwelling house fell in and the side walls stood up—a sheet of flame. Within a quarter of an hour they also fell in and all that remained was a pile of embers to mark the spot. A large crowd of persons assembled on the Red Hill to witness the fire; and much diversity of opinion existed as to the wisdom or otherwise of the procedure. Some months ago there certainly was some show of reason for it and we are not alone in thinking that the period of danger had passed away. At the same time, we are of opinion that the Government would not be justified in acting otherwise from in accordance with the opinion of their medical adviser.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 12 January 1876
1876 - [NEW MAGISTRATES]
Last Thursday’s Gazette contained a long list of newly appointed magistrates and we are glad to find that at last Gulgong can boast of a real live JP which is not a civil servant. The two fortunate recipients of this much-coveted honour—why we know not—are Mr Plunkett and Mr Cornelius Driscoll. The former gentleman is everybody knows not new to the office, having done good service as a magistrate in the early days of this goldfield when the ‘Mining Appeal’ was a local institution in great request. Mr Plunkett’s experience of the duties of the office, coupled with his undoubted ability will make his return to the Bench a public benefit in many ways. Mr Driscoll’s elevation from the ‘Bar’ to the Bench will no doubt prove beneficial to suitors as the scarcity of magistrates to transact the business of the Court of Petty Sessions regularly and methodically has been for years a want which is now happily provided for. We were in hopes that at least half-a-dozen magistrates would have been appointed to Gulgong. We hope now to hear of the Court being opened at 11am prompt.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS - Saturday October 7, 1876
1876 - Mr Plunkett
We regret to learn that Mr J F Plunkett is confined to his room suffering from a severe attack of rheumatism of the head.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS - Saturday October 14 1876
