Arthur Croft was born in 1870 in the Wollongong district to George and Emma Eliza Croft. Arthur moved to Gulgong in 1890, and bought the "Gulgong Advertiser," which he edited for 10 years.
- EMILY D G - born 1896 (NSW BDM 21912/1896)
- VALERIE E - born 1897 (NSW BDM 12632/1897)
- REGINALD A C - born 1898 (NSW BDM 21640/1898)
- ELEANOR A I - born 1909 (NSW BDM born 14682/1909)
The formal nominations for the vacancies in the Gulgong municipal council took place at the Council Chambers at noon, on Tuesday., Messrs F. L. Egan, John R. Fletcher, and Arthur Croft, were nominated, and were therefore declared elected. Mr. C. A. Russell having withdrawn. Mr. Croft is a new alderman, and having plenty of 'go' in him he should be an acquisition to the council.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Fri 9 Feb 1900 Page 141901 - That Horsewhipping Case.
At the Police Court this morning, before the Police Magistrate and Messrs. F. Cox and C. H. Tuckerman, J's.P., John Longmuir prosecuted Arthur Croft, and Val. McDonough, both of Gulgong, for assault. It appears that Longmuir, who owns and edits a newspaper, inserted a paragraph insulting to McDonough, who came into Mudgee and applied the whip. McDonough was accompanied by Croft, who is editor and proprietor of the Gulgong Adevertiser. Mr. David son appeared for Longmuir and Mr. Meares for the two defendants. Croft pleaded not guilty, and the case against him was dismissed, with costs against Longmuir. McDonough pleaded guilty under strong provocation, and was fined 40s and costs. Mr. C. Tuckerman made some remarks, from which we gathered that he had been reading the Gulgong Advertiser and other papers which had nothing to do with the case. Anyhow, Mr. Tucker man evidently wished to convey to his hearers his severe disapproval of his colleagues' leniency, and talked about men arming themselves with six shooters. Mr. Tuckerman's remarks were received with an audible titter.
1901 - That Horsewhipping Case. - Mr. A. Croft, J.P., Charged With Aiding and Abetting. - The Case Dismissed
At the Police Court this morning, before the Police Magistrate and Messrs. F. Cox and C. H. Tuckerman, Js.P., Arthur Croft, J.P., proprietor and editor of the Gulgong Advertiser, appeared in answer to a summons issued by John Longmuir, charging him with aiding and abetting Val McDonough to assault the plaintiff Longmuir, by flogging him with a greenhide whip. Mr. Davidson appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Meares for defendant.
It will be remembered that last week McDonough pleaded guilty, under great provocation, and Croft, who was also charged, pleaded not guilty, and the charge against him was dismissed.
Mr. Meares, for Croft, pleaded cause to show, and also that defendant had already been acquitted on the same charge. Mr. Meares then put in a certificate of the dismissal of the charge of assault against Croft on Monday last.
Mr. Davidson proceeded to argue that the charge of assault, which had been dismissed, and the charge of aiding and abetting were not the same. He then proceeded to refer to the evidence in the case against McDonough. The Police Magistrate said that he would not allow Mr. Davidson to dispute the decision in the case against McDonough.
Mr. Davidson: Of course, I know why you don't want me to go into the evidence, because it would show the absurdity of your decision. The Police Magistrate.: I won't allow you to insult the Bench. You must sit down.
Mr. Davidson: Yes, or go out of the court, and withdraw from the case by way of protest. Well I can do that. The Police Magistrate: I will compel you to respect the Bench, whose dignity you ought to uphold.
The incident afterwards closed. Mr. Davidson continued his argument. Mr. Tuckerman, J.P., made a few
remarks from which it was gathered that he again wished the public to understand that he was of opinion that Croft should have been convicted. Mr. Tuckerman's remarks did not seem to interest either the Bench, the bar, or the public, and shortly afterwards Mr. Davidson's argument concluded.
Mr. Meares then took the floor and calmly and deliberately commenced to quote authorities to show the bench that the charge of aiding and abetting was stopped by the chargo of assault having been heard and dismissed. One of the authorities quoted conclusively proved that there could be no charge of aiding and abetting a misdemeanor. If the bench had considered that Croft had aided and abetted the assault to which McDonough pleaded guilty, they could and should have found him guilty. As a matter of fact subsidiary charge of aiding and abetting had been heard when the assault case was heard, and it had therefore been dismissed and could not again come before the court.
The Bench, Mr. Tuckerman being understood to dissent, upheld the arguments put forward by Mr. Meares and dismissed the case.
Mr. Meares applied for professional costs and costs of two witnesses. Mr. Davidson objected on the ground that the Bench had no jurisdiction. Mr. Meares interjected saying that the jurisdiction of the bench was proved by the fact that the case had been dismissed.
Mr. Davidson said that a case of disputed title was parallel with the one before the court.
Mr. Meares mildly smiled, and this excited an outburst of wrath from Mr. Davidson, who wanted to know whether the smile was intended to influence the bench.
Mr. Meares protested. The Police Magistrate said he was there to do his duty, and would do it without fear of the disfavor of solicitors or the public.
Mr. Davidson: You've been absolutely partial in this case.
The Police Magistrate: Sit down or I'll remove you from this court.
Mr. Davidson, after hesitating a few minutes, sat down.
The Police Magistrate: At times you lose your temper and become abusive.
Mr. F. Cox, J.P., made a remark not audible to the reporters. Mr. Davidson: It's a pity you're on the Bench Mr. Cox, you ought to be pensioned.
The Police Magistrate then announced that the Bench awarded professional costs £1 1s and two witnesses £1 each, in all £3 1s or 14 days.
The costs were paid, and one of the most exciting court mornings came to a conclusion.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 8 Jul 1901 Page 21901 - The Gulgong libel Case.
The action for libel, in which Charles E. Hilton, auctioneer and life insurance agent, claimed £1,000 damages against Arthur Croft, of the Gulgong 'Advertiser', was heard in Sydney on Tuesday. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, awarding him £200 damages.
1902 - Mr. Arthur Croft.
By Tuesday night's train Mr Arthur Croft, late proprietor of the "Gulgong Advertiser," was escorted to the debtor's prison, Darlinghurst, by Warder Robinson. We have heard some people say that if Mr Croft went insolvent it would give him his liberty, but this is not true. If he gave up his very shirt the plaintiff could keep him in gaol for the full twelve months. It is, of course, a very unjust law, but so long as it is the law private vengeance can supersede justice and defy mercy.
Croft is as contented as could be expected, and no doubt any of his friends who are in Sydney will call and see him. He no doubt did wrong in publishing the libel, but the punishment he suffers is most grievous. He is in gaol because he is unable to pay the sum of £350, and yet we are told that imprisonment for debt is abolished.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 20 Mar 1902 Page 111903 - Mr. Arthur Croft
1903 - Gulgong Pleasantries. - Arthur Croft in Bankruptcy.
1933 - DEATH - Mr Arthur Croft
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 19 Oct 1933 Page 6Our Gulgong correspondent writes, that Mr. Richard White intends to proceed to Sydney to meet Mr. Arthur Croft on his release from the debtors prison Darlinghurst. Mr. Croft's term of 12 months detention has only a few weeks to run, and even his most determined opponents must surely admit, that he has suffered much for what he did. Mr. Croft will probably come straight up to the district, and he may rest assured that he will receive a hearty handshake from many an old friend.
Mr. Edwards, P.M., sat as Commissioner to-day to preside over the examination of Arthur Croft, late proprietor of the Gulgong 'Advertiser,' who has just finished twelve months in the Debtors' Prison, Darlinghurst. Mr. Davidson appeared for Mr. W. H. Palmer, official assignee, and Mr. C. E. Hilton, a proved creditor. Mr. C. D. Meares appeared for Mr. Conrad Stoll, who had been subpoenaed as a witness.
Arthur Croft, the bankrupt, was duly sworn, and answered a number of statutory questions. He deposed he was a journalist, and had kept the usual books of account; he had never contracted debts in other than his own name; he had never been bankrupt; he had not been able to hand over his books because they had been destroyed.
The Commissioner: When were they destroyed?
Bankrupt: I don't know — I've been in prison for 12 months!
Resuming, the witness said that the cause of his bankruptcy was an action for libel; during the last two years he had carried on business at Gulgong, and half the time had been at Gulgong and half the time in the debtors' prison, Darlinghurst; when he started business in 1894 or 1895 he had £50 capital; he had a partner named Wilson, and the partnership was dissolved in 6 months; to the best of his knowledge and belief the books were destroyed; the verdict given against witness in the action brought against him was for £200 and costs £121/3s 5d, and costs in an application for change of venue £10 1s 2, a total of £331 4s 7d: sold the 'Gulgong Advertiser' newspaper, plant, and good will for £250 in November, 1901, to Johann Conrad Stoll; it was a straight out sale; during the last twelve months I have pledged no property.
At this point Mr. Stoll came into court. Mr. Davidson objected to his presence, and Mr. Stoll then took a seat in the witness' room. Witness, resuming, said that he first became aware he was unable to pay his debts when they became due in Nov., 1901; since then he had contracted no debts; his income had been £127 to £147 up to the time he was incarcerated, when for twelve months his income was £1, and his expenditure a like amount; could not make any effort to pay his creditors by instalments; have not filed accounts according to the official assignee's request, because the books had been destroyed; had kept his bank account at the bank of New South Wales; neither his wife or children had any account; did not transfer, assign, or sell any proporty within 12 months of his bankruptcy.
To Mr. Davidson: I kept no cash book; did not use my bank book as a cash book, but made up my cash from the journal; I have my bank pass book which I produce; it goes back to 1899; am unable to make up my accounts from the bank books because I did not bank all my moneys; I used an 1s 6d exercise bank book in which to keep copies of my letters; the day book showed the current accounts; it contained the accounts for 3½ years; the journal was about the same size and contained accounts for the same period; when I sold the plant of the "Advertiser" in 1899 I kept the book debts; the same was put into writing and I signed the document; at that time the books were at my private house in my custody; I was arrested on Monday, 3rd March, 1902; on that day the letter book and journal were at my house, and I believe the day book was in the Gulgong 'Advertiser' office which I was managing until I was arrested; Val McDonough, George Cornish, Fred. Campbell, William Falvey, and myself were in the office; no one of the others would have a right to look at the day book; McDonough had no right; have enquired for the book from McDonough and Mr. Robert Cohen who is managing the business; they know nothing of the day book, and the only one they had was the bank pass book.
Mr. Davidson: Ah, there was no necessity to put that away.
Witness resuming, said he had left the little book and journal at his private house when arrested; he had enquired for them and Mrs. Croft said she had burnt them; when I sold the paper in November it was my proporty; previous to that I printed the news paper as the owner; I called myself Manager, Editor and Proprietor; the billheads I sent out were "Dr to Arthur Croft;" I sometimes appointed agents, and appointed them as 'Manager'; when I sold the paper in November, 1901, there was no charge or lien on it; cannot say whether I appointed an agent to collect my debts after I sold the paper; I collected some, and Mr. McDonough collected others, but Mr. McDonough did not collect after the sale; Stoll did not collect my debts; I received £250 for the plant and paper; Stoll gave me a cheque, which was paid into my account at the Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong; the item appears in the pass-book produced; at that time £213 was due to the bank by way of overdraft guaranteed to £200 by Stoll; the cheque wiped out the overdraft, but I cannot say whether the guarantee is existent: at that time I had no other creditors beyond the bank; Stoll is my father-in-law; at the time I was arrested very few book debts were due to me; could not approximate them; cannot give any idea of how much was due; it might have been £50, £100, or £150; I did not authorise my wife to burn the books, and do not know when they were burned; I was the owner of the 'Advertiser' in March, 1900; sometimes I signed as owner, sometimes as manager, and sometimes as editor; I admit writing the letter produced in 1901, in which I said I had had a conversation with the proprietor, re the price of advertising; I did not converse with the proprietor; I was the proprietor.
Mr. C. D. Meares, who was appearing for Mr. Stoll, had the depositions amended in a few minor, particulars.
To the Commissioner: After I sold the business and took the position of manager, I was to make my salary out of the business; I expected to leave at any time; I was to take profits just for a month or so.
To Mr. Davidson: I only know of one creditor; I do not think I owed Wimble anything; I believe I owed Gordon and Gotch something when I was arrested; it was perhaps £5, and not £40, and I believe that Mrs. Croft has paid it. This concluded the examination of bankrupt.
Conrad Stoll was then placed in the witness box. Mr. Meares, who appeared for the witness, objected that he had not been paid his expenses, and had come 30 miles.
Mr. Davidson said that 'When the subpoena was served he was tendered £1, and the Act stated that the sum should be a reasonable amount. Mr. Meares said that it was not a reasonable amount. The witness had had to come in the day before, and would be in all day. It was the proper time for the witness to protest and ask for his reasonable expenses, which he is entitled to be paid before he was sworn.
Mr. Davidson contended that inasmuch as Stoll was present he could be compelled to give evidence. He put in the affidavit of service, proving that when the subpeona was served £1 was tendered. The commissioner said that he thought £1 10s was a reasonable amount, and it was handed to witness by Mr. Davidson. Mr. Stoll said he would give it to the poor as he did not want it.
The witness deposed: I guaranteed Arthur Croft at the Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, for £200; Croft is my son-in-law and gave me no security for going guarantee for him; I bought the 'Advertiser' plant and goodwill from Arthur Croft in Nov., 1901; I paid Croft £250 by cheque; the £200 guarantee had nothing to do with this; Croft must have paid the bank off, for I didn't; the £250 didn't pay off the £200 guarantee; I sold the plant on the 20th May, 1902; after I purchased the 'Advertiser ' I put Croft in charge for a short time, until he was arrested; made no arrangements with him as regards salary; after Croft was arrested I put McDonough in charge, and he looked after it until it was sold; know nothing about the books of account which were in the office; I gave everything into the charge of McDonough after Croft's arrest; after I purchased the plant I did not pay any debts to Wimble and Co. and Gordon and Gotch on behalf of Croft; I did not collect any of Croft's debts; I believe I paid McDonough £2 or £3 due to him by Croft for back wages; the Bank of New South Wales has not called on me to pay the £200 for which I guaranteed Croft; after the sale of paper I paid wages; McDouough paid me no money; the wages were paid out of the business; the manager received all monies and paid all monies; I never drew anything from the business and that was why I sold it; it was no good to me.
The Court then adjourned.
1933 - Is Gulgong Slipping?
EVENTS OF THE PAST 40 YEARS - A Peep at the Old Town To-day
'PERMANENT PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY'
Arthur Croft, of "Bellambi," Gulgong, one of the best known district residents, in the following article writes most interestingly of Gulgong as he has known it for 40 years. He recalls the old coach days, the old identities (who were, he says, a happy, care-free, lovable people), and takes a peep at the town as it is to-day.
An ex-proprietor and editor of a former Gulgong news paper, ex-president of the Wyaldra Shire Council, an ex-president of the Gulgong Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and having been connected with various public movements, Mr Croft is well qualified to speak on the subject,
"Is Gulgong Slipping?" (By Arthur Croft).
IT will be 40 years next January (1934) since I first came to Gulgong. The great financial and industrial depression was on. The wild cat banks had closed up in 1893, and the sound, sanely run institutions were in the throes of financial disaster. That really great man—George Richard Dibbs—put things on a sound basis in one sitting of Parliament by placing on the statute book the 'Bank Issue Act,' wherein he made bank notes legal tender, backed by all the resources of the colony.
In 1893, if I remember aright, the area under cultivation in N.S.W. was 872,000 acres; in 1896 it jumped to 2,870,000 acres, and prosperity was with us once more. When I came here 40 years ago it was by coach from Mudgee terminus. Bill Oldfield's grandfather drove it; the mails came in via Home Rule by another coach, which mostly got set in the mud in Home Rule lane (about where Mrs Stacy's woolshed now is). Gold production had practically ceased—only the glorious traditions of the early seventies remained.
Every building required paint—tons of it. Wheat growing was in its in fancy; 16,300 acres of common and mining reserves surrounded the town; then came the stations. The only brick buildings I remember were the Town Hall (just built) the post office, and Bank of N.S.W. There were eight hotels. The Albion was on the corner where Loneragan's drapery department now stands, the rest of the block to Porter's shop was C. R. Young's commercial warehouse. At the rear was the Silver Dust flour mill— now skin and wool room and garage.
Egan's Hotel was Scully's Chambers and the printing office. Next was Dom's Theatre, with Stringybark walls. The P.O. Hotel—like nearly all the others—was slab, packing case and bag. The Courthouse was a slab building at the rear of the present nice structure. The Australian Joint Stock Bank was a cottage next to Harry Miller's residence. The hospital was on church Hill, and was conducted by a wards main and his wife — Mr and Mrs Tom Strange, I think.
The water supply was Tuxford's Dam; the washings of the streets. The Anglican Rectory was at the rear of the church, and was mostly packing case and hessian. The mail coach stables were alongside the town water supply—to give the water an additional flavor, one supposes. Taken at a glance, Gulgong at that day, looked down and out and falling to that decay which has been the fate of so many old allu vial gold field towns.
And now, the inhabitants. Bob Heard was mayor, later followed by Unity Russell. The town clerk, Edward McCulloch, was in receipt of the princely salary of £50 per year. The council owed the Permanent Trustee Co. £3000, and had an over draft of £700 at the bank. When the interest was about due the mayor would get the biggest ratepayer to cheque up, and all further worry would cease for the next six months. Thanks to the later efforts of the late A. E. Brigden, these debts have been completely wiped out.
Dick White kept the P.O. Hotel. "White all through" was the local description of him, and it was fiting. Johnnie Powell ran the house known still as "Powell's Hotel." Johnnie struck the stranger as a cranky little man, yet he was a very loveble character. Ray Naughton's grandfather ran the house now presided over by his grandson. Veteran Ald. Jack Hewitt ran the Belmore, and Mrs Foster the Albion. J. Gudgeon, J Egstow and B. J. Naughton were the smiths of the town. This was a flourishing trade in those days.
The stores were Young's, Ah Lum's and Unity Russell's. Mail coaches left about noon for Gilgandra (twice) and Coolah (three times) a week. Ploughing matches had just about ended and a P. and A. Association formed.
About May and June each year a great exodus took place, shearers and shed hands making outback for the work at the -----. These were --------- by hand? ----- ------- with --------------- by the shed workers.
-------- among those moving stores were ------ Bros, the ---elaney's, and ----- McGowen.
Among the old identities were P. Joyce the local newsagent, quite blind, but he always delivered correctly. The boys said he could tell the Herald from the Daily Telegraph by the smell. Then there was sturdy, independent little Mrs Whelan, who delivered the firewood in her tip dray; dear old Mrs Ellen Egan, who could build a stack or wield a hayfork with long Jim Morris himself. Ald. Katy, who burned lime and between-times would take contracts to empty nightsoil pits—the pan system had not been inaugurated at that day. And the local undertaker, who always asserted over his nightly beer that he could make a more comfortable "box" than any other man in the trade. (They call the "boxes" caskets these days).
Jack Paradise nightly watched over the goods and morals of the community. Long Bill and Tubby Byers were mine mates. Bill was over 6ft. tall; Tubby was about 4ft, but he was 7ft. round the girth. Scotch Tom bossed the threshing gang. When the engine or machine got bogged Tom (who was the strongest man in the west) lifted it out. Unity Russell never grew out of his boyhood, and was always ready for fun. There were no solicitors, but three usually came from Mudgee on Mondays and kept the court going all day. Dr. Bennett attended to the ills of town and district. Honest John Tuxford was another identity who fully deserved his prefix.
Now you have the names of many old timers of that day. They may not have been keenly progressive, but they were a happy, care-free, lovable people. The times did not warrant the rush and tear of the modern business life, but results show that the town and district was in a state of evolution—that state which turns the sordid looking ugly chrysalis into the most gorgeous butterfly.
Let us take a peep at the old town to-day.
In my time the rails have been extended. To-day, they stretch 200 miles either way, and the freight wagon has disappeared altogether.
Two new churches have been built. The Rectory is a handsome stone structure. The Presbytery, Convent, Convent school and class room would grace any town in the State, and a fine new army barracks replaces the old one.
I have mentioned that the old hospital was on Church Hill. In about 1900 the new building was erected, and was regarded as the last thing in modern cottage hospitals. So great has its name become that an entirely new building has become necessary—in fact, one capable of dealing with 500 to 600 patients per year is urgently required. From being run by a wardsman and matron the service now embraces a highly trained medical, surgical and nursing staff, cook, housemaid, wardsman, laundress etc. Last year some 400 patients were treated. The present institution contains public, private and infectious wards; is run on business lines, and is very sound financially. There is talk of adding a maternity ward, but I think that is for a different institution altogether. Why not give, say, the C.W.A. a chance to run the maternity business outright, assisted by funds from the baby bonus foolishness of the Commonwealth and the child endowment funds of the State? However this is a matter for the near future. The maternity business requires urgent attention, and I am pleased to note that two ladies (and leading members of the C.W.A. too) are seeking election to the Hospital Board. If my vote can put them there they have it; and it will be good experience for them in the future. Taken by and large, Gulgong Hospital holds its own with (and leads many) similar institutions in the State.
The theatre and Masonic Hall are handsome, solid and imposing; the Court House and Shire Hall quite in keeping with the requirements of a progressive town and district. The whole business part of the town been practically rebuilt, and this work. ---- proceeds apace. The ----- ------------ soldiers' monument in the --- is set in new and lovely. ------- set shrubberies, a fitting. ---- to those who gave their all for country and Empire.
In the residential parts hundreds of beautiful modern homes, many of them built for centuries, have replaced huts and vacant blocks. There is no better sports ground or show, ground in the west than Gulgong possesses; and by summer public tennis courts will be an established fact. Then the Golf Club has converted the stoney hills alongside the town into a most beautiful links, with a very fine club house dominating the whole of the course. Nor has the march of individual and collective enterprise been left alone — public utilities have come to the front, too. To-day Gulgong has electric light and power; ice works, freezing works; water to be laid on in a few weeks. And last, but not least, the most up-to-date flour mill in the State. So that when the people demand sewerage this will give Gulgong the final appanage of modern civilisation.
And it seems to me that in the stress of civic and individualistic progress the spiritual part has not been overlooked. There is in existence the Men's Brotherhood; and one notices that a parish hall has been mooted. These movements are surely in the right direction. You earnest churchmen should build your halls and recreation rooms. Gather in the youth from 8 to 18; teach them their duties to their homes and to the community in which they live; and you are building up the future stalwart and sturdy citizens of our country.
During my long illness some Gulgong visitors have told me that the old town is slipping. The foregoing facts show the statement to be true—it is slipping into the van of permanent progress and prosperity. Could I come back in ten years time I would find a garden town with crooked streets set in the most beautiful rural scenery, with a matchless climate.
The red dioritic clays of the old goldfield will grow roses that would make a Dean Hole arise from his grave to admire. But more trees are wanted— plant them. Don't bother with the pepper; put out a thousand Acacia Bayleyana a year; together with E. ficifolia and E. rosea in between. Then, when the wattles are getting towards old age, the crimson and rose eucalypts will be the glory of the place.
Now then you golfers, show committee men and park trustees, work for the night is coming. No! the old town will never look back, but will become a State-wide attraction. And now my final little boost, of our town and district is finished. Will you give me space, Mr Editor, to thank the people for their many kindnesses and their cheering helpfulness to me during the 40 years of living among them and working for and with them. They have been so generous that I do not know what I owe them. Any gift within their power they gave to me in loving faith and trustfulness; and as a cadger in public matters they, have never turned me down. A long farewell to you: may prosperity and happiness be your lot. Prosperity is only just around the corner; happiness lies in your selves. There is no real happiness without work— -------- you salt of the earth, work for the night is coming.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Aug 1933 Page 12MR. Arthur Croft, grazier, of Bellambi, Gulgong, passed away at his home last evening, aged 63 years. He was one of the foremost and best-known figures in the public life of the Gulgong district. He had been associated with all worthy movements, and was one time proprietor and editor of the Gulgong "Advertiser."
The funeral is to take place at Gulgong this afternoon. On account of his death the Church of England carnival, which was to commence to-night, has been postponed till next week.
1933 - DEATH OF MR. ARTHUR CROFT. - GULGONG, Thursday.
1943 - DEATH - Mrs. Arthur Croft
The death has occurred of Mr. Arthur Croft, a grazier, of Gulgong, at the age of 63 years. He was a native of Bulli. After interesting himself in gold mining at Aleck Flat and Peak Hill, Mr. Croft came to Gulgong in 1890, and bought the "Gulgong Advertiser," which he edited for 10 years. An action against Mr. Croft for defamation put him out of business. Although his friends were prepared to pay the damages, he preferred to go to gaol, and he served 12 months. When he returned to Gulgong the coach in which he travelled was met by the band and a large crowd, which warmly welcomed him. Some years later the public subscribed money enough to secure his discharge from bankruptcy.
For 17 years he was a member of the local land board, for 14 years deputy president or president of the Wyaldra Shire Council, for three years president of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and for many years a member of the hospital committee. As a valuer for the Repatriation Commission after the war he travelled in an honorary capacity more than 25,000 miles to value 200,000 acres of land.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 20 Oct 1933 Page 12 1943 - DEATH - Mrs. Arthur Croft
The death of a former very highly esteemed resident of Gulgong, Mrs. Croft, relict of the late Mr. Arthur Croft, of Bellambi, Gulgong, took place in Sydney recently. Since Mr. Croft's death deceased had resided with two unmarried daughters at Rose Bay, Sydney. She was 65 years of age. Since leaving Gulgong some years ago she maintained interest in the Gulgong district by being a subscriber to the 'Gulgong Advertiser.'
The folowing grown-up family are left to mourn: Mr. Reg Croft (Talinga, Gulgong), Mrs. Cecil Watt (Sydney) and Misses Gladys and Nellie Croft (Sydney). The remains were cremated. To the bereaved our sympathy is extended.
