BOON

Thomas and Alice Boon, 1923
Source: Phillip Boon

Thomas Lesley Cameron Clyde BOON (known as Les) married Alice McSpadden in 1923 in Balmain North (NSW BDM 12466/1923). Their son, Ronald CC Boon was born in 1924 in Lithgow (NSW BDM 23857/1924). Les served as a police constable in Gulgong from 1924 to 1928.

Boon wedding party, 1923

Source: Phillip Boon

NEWS ITEMS

1924 - Gulgong's New Constable.
Constable Boon has been transferred from Lithgow to Gulgong to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Constable Davidson.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 11 Aug 1924 Page 9

1924 - [NEWS AND NOTES]

Constable Boon, late of Bathurst and recently of Lithgow, has been promoted to Gulgong.

Source: National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954) Sat 8 Nov 1924 Page 1

1924 - [Vide Police Gazette, 1924, page 653.]

BERNARD HOWELL PAYNE, charged on warrant with wife desertion, has been arrested by Sergeant 1st Class McDonald, and Constables Boon and Stapleton, Gulgong Police. Remanded to Taree, and ordered to pay 15s. per week for six month's for the support of his wife, and £13 1s. 8d. costs.

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 28 Jan 1925 [Issue No.4] Page 59

1925 - [WON THIRD PRIZE]

Mr. J. Boon, of Portland, father of Constable L. Boon, of Gulgong, won third prize in the Police Art Union. Incidentally we might mention that members of the local police force sold £50 worth of tickets, and that amount will in due course come back to the Gulgong Hospital.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 May 1925 Page 7

1925 - [CHARGE OF VAGRANCY FAILS]

After the sergeant and Constable Boon had been cross-examined by Mr. Bootle, the police magistrate dismissed the charge against defendants.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 6 Aug 1925 Page 3

1925 - Apprehensions.

ALBERT JOHN GREEN alias BERT McPHELAMEY (28), charged on warrant with obtaining the sum of £1 10s. 6d, the property of Henry Langford, by false pretences, and with obtaining fruit and money, value £2, the property of Walter George Tweedie, by similar means, has been arrested by Sergeant 1st Class MeDonald and Constable Boon, Gulgong Police. Sentenced to twelve months’ hard labour on each charge (accumulative). 

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 26 Aug 1925 [Issue No.34] Page 459

1926 - [HOSPITAL]

Mrs. Boon, wife of Constable Boon, is also an inmate of the hospital. She expects to be leaving the institution soon.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Sep 1926 Page 2

1926 - Accident

Constable Boon of Gulgong, was returning home from duty on Saturday evening last, when he stumbled over his favorite dog, which was curled up on the steps at his home, and fell rather heavily with the result that he sustained painful injuries to his elbow. An x-ray examination in Mudgee on Sunday disclosed the fact that the bone of the elbow was chipped and the constable is likely to feel the effects for some time.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 11 Oct 1926 Page 7

1928 - Awarded a Stripe

CONSTABLE BOON PROMOTED - NUMEROUS CONGRATULATIONS.

The New Year opened up fairly well for Constable L. Boon, of the local police force. Constable Boon received word of his promotion to first-class constable, and now wears a stripe.

A capable officer, Constable Boon is very popular in this district, and he received numerous congratulations on his well deserved promotion.

The regrettable feature about it, though, is that it may mean a transfer any day,

—Gulgong Advertiser.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 12 Jan 1928 Page 15

1928 - [ILLNESS]
Mrs Boon, wife of Constable Les. Boon, is recuperating at Piper's Flat, where she is the guest of her
brother, Mr W. McSpadden. Mrs Boon's health gave way recently, her condition having been serious.
Constable Boon motored to Piper's Flat with Mrs Boon on Thursday last and went on to Lithgow, returning to Gulgong the same evening.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 12 Jan 1928 Page 15

1928 - [CONSTABLE BOON]

Constable Boon, who has been stationed at Gulgong for about four years, has received notice of transfer to another station, and will be taking his departure in the near future. As a police officer he has proved himself highly capable, while his many excellent qualities as a citizen has earned for him the esteem of the residents of the district, and his impending departure is much regretted. The good wishes of all is with him to his new station.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 Jun 1928 Page 33

WEATHERLEY

Cyril James Weatherley, son of George and Catherine Weatherley of Uarbry via Cassilis was born in Coolah in about 1892.

Cyril enlisted on 6 October 1916 at Bathurst and joined the 3rd Batallion. His full military record can be viewed here.

Cyril died in 1965 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 11639/1965) and is buried in Gulgong Cemetery.

NEWS ITEMS

1916 - New Recruits.

Amongst the latest to hear and obey their country's call are Frederick Charles Goodman and Cyril James Weatherley. Both are Mudgee district boys, and we hope they shall retain the good name they have gained in this locality while they are in camp.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 2 Oct 1916 Page 2

1927 - [WARRANT]

Vide Police Gazette, 1927, page 251.

CYRIL JAMES WEATHERLEY, charged on warrant with disobeying a magisterial order for the support of his child (£19 10s. due), lias, been arrested by Constables Boon and Cook, Gulgong Police. Charge withdrawn. Re charged with neglecting to pay the sum of £28 10s. and 8s. costs due. Discharged, amount paid.

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 31 Aug 1927 [Issue No.35] Page 504

1916 - Uarbry Mems. - FAREWELL TO PRIVATE C. J. WEATHERLY

A large number of friends of Uarbry and district assembled at the Uarbry Hall on Saturday, October 20, to bid farewell to Private. Cyril James Weatherley, prior to his departure for the front. The main feature of the evening was dancing which was indulged in by about 20 couples. Excellent music was provided by Messrs. Cohen, Carr, Robbins, Gjessing, Williams, and others. Supper was handed round at midnight after which dancing was proceeded with until the wee small hours of the morning, when all wended their way home thoroughly satisfied with the night's entertainment. Songs were rendered by Private Weatherley, J. McGrath, and C. J. Ross, which were greatly appreciated.

During the evening Mr. C. J. Ross, on behalf of the young hero's friends at Uarbry, presented him with a handsome wristlet watch and cheque for £4/16/. He also wished the departing soldier, who will sail on Saturday, November 4, all sorts of success and a safe return.

Private Weatherley, in a few well chosen words, thanked one and all for their presents and kind words.

The audience then sand "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." and terminated in three cheers for our soldier boy.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 2 Nov 1916 Page 21

1919 - RETURNING SOLDIERS BY THE KAROOLA.

The following is a list of officers, nurses, and men of the A.I.F. who are returning to Australia by the Karoola, which left England on May 6:-

... Cyril James Weatherley

91 MAYNE ST

 

1960s

Source: Barbara Gurney

1968-72

Source: Wes Stacey via NLA

72-74 HERBERT ST

 

Early 1960s
Source: Barbara Gurney

Source: Barbara Gurney

Source: Barbara Gurney

Source: Barbara Gurney

HENRY COOK LEE

 

Henry Cook Lee and Jane Riches

See also: BENJAMIN LORN CAMPBELL

DANIEL ERNEST WADE

Daniel Ernest Wade was born in 19890, the youngest child of Thomas Wade and Ellen nee Spradford.

Daniel Ernest Wade (front of first photo) with his father, brothers and sister.

The photo was taken on the day of his mother's funeral (Ellen Wade nee Spradford) - 29 May 1912

Source: Toni McIntyre

Ivy Beatrice Wade nee Watson on her wedding day, 1913

Wife of Daniel Ernest Wade

Source: Toni McIntyre

Daniel married Ivy Beatrice Watson (daughter of Mary Jane Hughes) in Gulgong in 1913 (NSW BDM 5261/1913) and they had 9 children. He died in Mudgee District Hospital, 31 July 1938 (aged 48 years).

Daniel Wade (right) was an apprentice at The Times Bakery.

Source: Toni McIntyre

NEWS ITEMS

1938 - DEATH - Mr. D. E. Wade

THE death occurred in the Mudgee Hospital last evening of Mr. Daniel Ernest Wade, a very highly respected citizen, aged 47 years. About a fortnight ago, deceased contracted pleurisy and pneumonia, and although a great fight was made to save his life, the effort proved unavailing. 

The late Mr. Wade was born at Tallawang, and spent the whole of his life in the Mudgee and Gulgong districts. The fates were very unkind to him during the past 18 months or so. While following his occupation as a laborer, he had the misfortune to pierce his foot with a pick, and, complications setting in, he spent a long time in the Mudgee and Sydney hospitals, where operations were performed, and portion of a toe removed. He battled on gamely in spite of this disability, and earned the reputation of being a capable and conscientious workmen while in the employ of the local council. 

He is survived by a sorrowing widow and nine sons and daughters, the youngest being four years of age. To these and other sorrowing ones the deepest sympathy of the whole district will be extended. A service was held in St. John's Church of England this afternoon by the Rev. A. G. Powell, and the funeral took place in the general cemetery. Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son were in charge of the arrangements.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 1 Aug 1938 Page 2

FREEMAN

John E Freeman had the Publicans Licence for the Commercial Hotel, Log Paddock. Mudgee District, 30 Nov 1878 - 30 June 1879

- FREEMAN John E residence Log Paddock, where situated Log Paddock.
Source: 1878-79 Electoral Roll Mudgee (from www.ihr.com.au)

NEWS ITEMS

1879 - [DEATH]

Mudgee. Thursday. John Edward Freeman, an innkeeper at Log Paddock, suddenly dropped dead lost evening. At the inquiry held on the body to-day, the medical evidence showed that death resulted from natural causes.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Fri 14 Feb 1879

1879 - [INQUEST]
MUDGEE. (From the Western Post, Feb. 14.)

An inquest was held before the coroner (Mr. D. Meares, P.M.) yesterday (Thursday) at the Commercial Hotel, Log Paddock, on the body of John Edward Freeman, the landlord of that hotel, then lying there dead. From the evidence of Mrs. Freeman it appeared that her husband had complained occasionally for some months, and particularly for a week past, and had consulted Dr.Newton twice within a few days. On the day of his death, however, he seemed better, and had not spoken of being ill. In the afternoon of Wednesday, his wife came to Mudgee, leaving him and a niece named Mary Pearce in the house. Shortly after her leaving home, Freeman said he had a very bad pain in his heart, but he got relief after a time, and went about his ordinary business. Between 4 and o o'clock he had several customers in the bar, and was sitting speaking to them, when he fell to the floor, exclaiming " Oh, my heart !" He was raised up and put on a sofa, but he never spoke again, and died in a few minutes. Dr. Newton stated that he had attended deceased at different times for about three years, and had seen him twice last week. He suffered from disease of the kidneys, which a post-mortem examination showed to have been the cause of his death. There was a large quantity of blood in the peritoneum, and an abscess in the left kidney. The jury gave a verdict in accordance with this evidence.

Source: Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser, Thu 20 Feb 1879

WOOL

Bales of LGC Gulgong wool in a woolstore, Yennora

Source: SLNSW, Date: Sep 1974 Author/creator: Jack Hickson

Local intel: LGC is Leslie Gordon Campbell of 'Argyll'

Bill Jones, Barry Hollow, John Rayner, John O'Brien, Roger Starr, Malcolm Dorman, Dallas Campbell all learned wool classing and the venue for the classes was the Gulgong Showground Pavilion.

Source: Ailsa Campbell

Wool display at Gulgong Show

L to R: Andrew Rayner, Clyde Donnelly and Percy Thompson

Source: Mudgee Guardian via Janice Donnelly Moore

CHARLES LONERAGAN

Charles Adrian Loneragan was born in the Mudgee district on 30 September 1913 to Richard J and Lulita M Loneragan (NSW BDM 51964/1913). He married Kathleen Brigid Shannon in 1936 in Sydney (NSW BDM 17192/1936). Their children included:

• Richard John - born 23.8.31
• Mary - born 25.10.39
• Michael Charles - born 2.11.42

Prior to joining the RAAF (called up under AFR 445, 11/3/1940), he was a farmer/grazier at "The Lagoon", Gulgong. He served in the Northern Territory north of parallel 14.5°  south latitude from 23 June 1944 to 2 July 1944 and from 3 July 1944 to 23 Jan 1945 with No 2 Squadron and No 1 Squadron.

He carried out 29 Operational Missions - total of 200 Operational Hours. For his Operational Service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; the 1939-45 Star and the Pacific Star.

Source: NAA: DGPS Records NSW 992/76.

GONDOLIERS

The Gondoliers was a popular band in Gulgong in the 1960s. Members included George Vukovich, Wayne Jones and Bob Carpenter.

NEWS ITEMS

2013 - Gondoliers to reunite, 45 years on

A favourite local band of the mid-1960s will reunite for the Back to Gulgong weekend.

The Gondoliers, consisting of Dave Brooker, George Vukovich, Wayne Jones, Bob Carpenter, Neville Roach and Peter Harkins, will play at the Prince of Wales Hotel on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as performing on the back of a truck in Saturday morning's parade.

It will be the first time the band has played together in around 45 years.

The Gondoliers began in the early 1960s with Peter Harkins, who now operates Tamworth's Cheapa Music, and George Vukovich, who is now a station manager in outback Queensland.

The duo was dubbed The Gongdalairs by Frank Halloran, a journalist at the Mudgee Guardian, where Harkins was an apprentice letterpress printer.

As the band grew, new lead singer Dave Brooker said the name didn't sound sophisticated, and the group developed into The Gondoliers.

Brooker, the band's blind sax-playing frontman, came from Muswellbrook, and worked at 2MG as a radio announcer and ad salesman.

He and Bob Carpenter lived in Mudgee, and would jump in Carpenter's MG to join the rest of the band in Gulgong for rehearsals.

The Gondoliers played B&S balls, weddings, dances and corporate events from Mudgee and Gulgong into the Hunter and as far west as Warren, and early in their career travelled to Canberra to take third place in the country championships of the 'Battle of the Sounds'.

The owners of the Prince of Wales Hotel invited the band to re-form for this weekend's reunion, and for the first time all six members - including drummers who served at different times - were brought together.

'I'm excited about getting together again,' said Carpenter, who hadn't picked up his bass guitar for 45 years until three weeks ago.

'Who would have thought there'd be an opportunity for the band to get together, not just to see each other, but to play together'?

He said his playing skills were coming back 'surprisingly well' - the brain knows what to do, and the fingers just have to catch up.

Carpenter said audiences could look forward to plenty of classic rock and roll from the '50s and '60s, with Brooker doing great versions of Roy Orbison's songs, as well as tracks from groups including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Band members began arriving in Gulgong on Thursday, and while Carpenter said the town had changed for the better, Harkins easily recognised his mother's old house and said Gulgong hadn't changed at all.

Source: Mudgee Guardian, October 3, 2013

GARDAM

Railey Gardam arrived in NSW aboard the "Herefordshire" in December 1853, aged 20. He was brought to Sydney by the Sydney Railway Company to work on the Sydney to Parramatta Railway which opened in 1855.

He met Elizabeth Walters at Cadia, the site of a copper mine and a copper smelter, marrying in 1862. Around 1867/8 the world price for copper declined and while the women stayed in Cadia, their men left to find work. 

In 1876, Elizabeth  Gardam nee Walters remarried in Newcastle, giving her conjugal status as "widowed" and her age as 31 (she was really 34). She never signed her name to any documents e.g. wedding and children's birth certificates which could suggest she was unsure about whether her first husband, Railey, was alive or dead.

In fact, Gardam had been living with Mary Jane McNamara near Gulgong and was charged with her murder at Yamble in 1873. The couple had produced two children:

• Stephen Gardam (NSW BDM 12951/1870)
• James Gardasm (NSW BDM 19124/1872)

After Railey Gardam was charged and presumably imprisoned awaiting trial, the two little boys were placed in care.

NEWS ITEMS

1873 - Willful Murder

Railey Gardam charged with the murder of May Jane McNamara, with whom he had been living as man and wife, at Yamble, Lowe’s Station on the Mudgee River, on the night of 30th December. The rum bottle was at the bottom of the mischief and it was proved from the man’s own admissions to his friends that he had struck the woman several blows on the evening of her death.

Dr. Ramsay stated the results of the post mortem showed the injuries cased by the beating was the cause of death. Remanded to Mudgee Sessions.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 145, 4 January 1873

1873 - APPREHENSIONS

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 15 Jan 1873 [Issue No.3] Page 23

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 12 Feb 1873 [Issue No.7] Page 53

1873 - STATE RECORDS
GARDEM Railey
Criminal Indictments Index 1863-1919
Citation: NRS 13492 [9/2630 p.114]; Reel 1860 | 

Offence: Murder | 

Place of Trial: Mudgee Circuit Court | 

Sentence: To be imprisoned in Mudgee Gaol for 48 hours

Number	INX-86-4975
Title	GARDEM Railey
Index Name	Criminal Indictments Index 1863-1919
Name	Railey
Surname	GARDEM
Index Number	86
ECommerce	Category B
Offence	Murder
Place of Trial	Mudgee Circuit Court
Verdict	Guilty of manslaughter
Sentence	To be imprisoned in Mudgee Gaol for 48 hours
Judge	STEPHEN
Citation	NRS 13492 [9/2630 p.114]; Reel 1860
Date of Trial	17 Apr 1873

Source: NSW state archives: criminal indictments index

1873 - POLICE NOTES

Transcription

369
Record
25/1/73

Henry Garden 5 years

“ __ destitute his mother dead (murdered) and his father in gaol under committal for trial for murder"

Gulgong 17 January 1873
T A Browne PM
Henry Tebbutt __

Age 5 years _ Protestant_ Henry alias Robert

Police Department
Mudgee 23.1.73

Mems

Charles Gardem the father of the two boys forwarded from Gulgong Bench has informed the Gaolers at Mudgee that the eldest boy’s name is Robert and the younger Stephen.

Charles Gardem is now awaiting trial on a charge of murdering the mother of the boys with whom he lived in a state of adultery.

Thos H Weble

Sergeant

___ and in ___ ___ ______


The Sup.t
Ships V-----

Returned from the Industrial School for girls 14 November 1874

Source: Gregory Archbold

MEBUL SCHOOL

Once named Cudgebegong School, after 1917 it was known as Mebul School.

NEWS ITEMS

1918 - [FUNDRAISING]
The employees of the Tallewang (near Gulgong) iron mines have presented the District Hospital with a cheque for £10. The Mebul subsidised school also made an appeal for funds for the hospital. This is the first school in the district to make an attempt to raise funds for the hospital, and although there are only nine children attending the school, they collected the sum of £2 6s. 6d. from the few people residing in the locality.

Source: The Voice of the North (NSW : 1918 - 1933) Fri 9 Aug 1918 Page 8

1922 - [STAFFING]

Mr. W. F. Dunn. M.L.A., has received information from the Department of Education that a teacher will be appointed to take up duties at the Mebul school as soon as possible. There is a shortage of teachers at present and it may be some time before one is available.

When a teacher has been appointed, if the attendance fall below ten the question of closing the school will be considered.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 28 Sep 1922 Page 5

1923 - Hospital Social. AT MEBUL

Some weeks ago the Gulgong Hospital Committee woke up to the fact that the credit balance was fast diminishing. It was then decided to try and rouse interest in outside centres, and a special committee was appointed to do the work. Several outside centres will hold functions in the near future. The little centre of Mebul held the first one on Wednesday last, and it was a huge success.

When the news was conveved to the Mebul and district folk that hospital finances were getting low, Mr. Chas. Wright, an ardent worker for the hospital, called a meeting. Miss Gladys Wright was appointed secretary. She went to work with a will, and in just two weeks the function was organised. The hospital benefits to the extent of about £60, truly a fine result for the Mebul district, when times are so bad for everyone. Evidently the people of Mebul and district forgot the drought for the time being, and spent freely. 

The little Mebul school was the scene of the gaiety. There are some 'live wires' at Mebul, particularly Mr. C. Wright and Mr. P. Tonkyn, while the ladies are ever ready to help a deserving cause. The secretary is deserving of great praise for the splendid result of her efforts, and she and the other people of the district have the warm thanks of the committee. Dancing was commenced at 8 p.m., and continued until 3 a.m. Splendid music was supplied bv Miss Rita Watts (Gulgong), while Miss Wright played a number of extras. The ladies who prepared the supper carried out the work in an excellent manner. Mr. C. Wright thanked all helpers, and praised the hospital, adding that whereas a private hospital cost four or five guineas a week, patients could go into the Gulgong hospital for £2/2/ a week. Of course, it is not compulsory to pay anything if a patient could not afford a fee. The hospital is a public institution, and is considered one of the best institutions in the State, thanks to the sterling qualities of Matron Snelson. Other centres will need to work hard to beat Mebul. — Gulgong 'Advertiser.'

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 7 Jun 1923 Page 9

1923 - MY HOME.
Nellie Lett writes: —

Dear Editor,—

My home is at Mebul, 16 miles West of Gulgong and 34 miles east of Wellington, which are our nearest towns. Mebul has an area of about 36 sq. miles, most of which is rich agricultural land, the remainder being good pasture land.

On this land many thousands of sheep and cattle graze peacefully through the day except in a drought such as we have just experienced, when the men have to lop oak, kurrajong, and other trees for them. The Mebul Creek has never been known to go dry by our oldest residents, so we always have a water supply for our stock, but it is too brackish for household use. We have a post and telegraph office about four miles from my home and two subsidised schools. The one I attend, at Upper Mebul, has nine pupils and the Mebul subsidised school has six. When the first public school was opened at Mebul (Cudgebegong, as it was then called), over 40 years ago, the class roll numbered 54. The population then was nearly 200, but death has claimed all but two of the early pioneers, while the younger people seek new homes near the towns or in the city. As a result our population is now only 80.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 24 Sep 1923 Page 1

BUSH

Nicholas Bush was the brother of Magdalena Williardt nee Bush. Nicholas married Sarah A Gallimore in 1892 (NSW BDM 5255/1892) and they lived at Kurri and had 12 children. These included:

• ISAAC C - born 1894
• HAROLD V - born 1895
• NOEL K - born 1896
• ALLEN L - born 1899
• WILLIAM H - born 1900 (maternal grandfather of ex Knights NRL player Paul Harragon)
• EDITH M - born 1902
• DULCIE M - 1903 - 1942
• DOUGLAS R - born 1905
• MURIEL E - 1909 - 1947
• VERA E - 1911-1981
• SARAH A (SADIE) - born 1912

In 1912, Sarah died in childbirth, delivering Sadie. Three of the children, Vera, Muriel and a boy were sent to live with their cousin Rosina O'Connell nee Williardt on a property outside Gulgong. Rosina had married Eugene O'Connell in 1904 and had no children in the intervening eight years. Another sibling, Dulcie Bush, went to Gulgong Convent to be raised by the nuns.

VERA

Vera Bush was 15 months old when her mother died. She lived at Goodiman with the O'Connells from 1912 to 1927. She grew up calling her cousin Rosina, "Madame". Rosina is said to have been very strict, and a bit mean to the girls, but they loved Rosina's mother, Christina and called her "Nanny" (actually their aunt). Vera had very long hair as a child and wore it in plaits. She went to a Catholic school and walked or rode 4 miles to get there [possibly Beryl?].

Wilfred O'Brien with a young girl - possibly Vera Bush.
Source: VO

Vera was very close to her sisters - Muriel and Dulcie - and despite the early tragic loss of their mother, they seem to have had happy childhood memories of Gulgong.

When she was 16, Vera moved to Balmain to live with her sister Dulcie. The following year, 1928, she married Samuel Lewis Solomons in Granville (NSW BDM 15833/1928). Samuel and Vera had 6 children and 14 grandchildren.

DULCIE

Dulcie died suddenly on 16 November 1942 at the age of 39. She lived at Merrylands, having married Stanley A Taylor at Kurri Kurri in 1922 (NSW BDM 3596/1922).

WILFRED O'BRIEN

In 1913, Wilfred's older brother, Eugene O'Brien, was working as overseer at Goodiman (listed on Census) but he later lived in Marrickville, Sydney, after their father (John Michael O'Brien) got a teaching transfer to Sydney. John Michael had taught for 28 years at Tallawang and the family was well known in the Gulgong district. Wilfred had a bank job lined up in Sydney but broke his arm so stayed with the O'Connell's at Goodiman while it mended. His brother Charles took the bank job. Wilfred stayed on at Goodiman, ultimately taking over management of the farm after Eugene O'Connell died in 1930. Wilfred's time at Goodiman would have overlapped with some of the years that the Bush children lived there but stories of their existence were not passed on in the family. There is one remaining photo that is thought to depict Vera Bush with Wilfred.

CRICK

Birth:1834, England

Death:12 Mar 1902 (aged 67–68) at  Petersham, Inner West Council, NSW, Australia

Burial: Rookwood General Cemetery, Plot Zone B Anglican Section AAA Grave 667-668

NEWS ITEMS

1902 - Death of an Old Gulgongite.

On Tuesday afternoon there passed away an old mining pioneer in the person of Mr. Robert Crick. The deceased gentleman had been ailing for a long time, the trouble being a cancer in the stomach. He was a familiar figure in Gulgong in the golden seventies, when the precious metal was taken to the banks in spring carts. For some years past he has been residing in his comfortable home near Sydney. Mr. Richard White (one of his old mining mates) was with him in his last moments.

The remains were interred in the Necropolis at Rookwood. One by one the hardy pioneers are crossing the Great Divide.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 13 Mar 1902 Page 11

BENSON

 

Ray Benson Bakery, Mayne St Gulgong, 1960s

Source: OSS

Mayne Street looking west towards Medley Street, 1960s

Source: Barbara Gurney

CUNNINGHAM

Allan Cunningham

Source: Queensland Museum

Allan Cunningham was a famous explorer and botanist who traversed the Gulgong terrain decades before the township was formed.

NEWS ITEMS

CUNNINGHAM'S LOCAL DISCOVERY

The Lower Hunter in days gone by was closely associated with the Mudgee district. Many of the farmers' sons made their way across to the Turon diggings and afterwards were in Gulgong and the Log Paddock in those roaring days when gold was won by the thousand, ounces. It was from the Lower Hunter that Cunningham, the famous explorer and botanist, set out and he discovered what are now known as the Liverpool Plains.

He then worked down the river and came to a hut, which the first of the Lawons or the first of the Coxes had established near Wilbetree. He did not know at the time that there had been any settlement there, and the hut came as a great surprise.... 

The Cox family have been a family of pioneers. They were the first occupiers of Guntawang, but they had to withdraw their cattle owing to the hostility of the blacks.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 12 Dec 1918 Page 11

PAGES FROM THE PAST - By W. M. CLARIDGE - ARTICLE 1

Although Gulgong and gold became almost synonymous terms in the latter decades of the nineteenth century, portions of the district had been occupied, and most of it traversed, for practically fifty years when the discovery of 1870 brought the name into prominence as one of the richest gold fields in the history of New South Wales.

As the present town of Gulgong is situated only about 20 miles from Mudgee, it is not surprising that the district was opened up during the early days when Mudgee itself was discovered. The claims of Lieutenant William Lawson as the discoverer of Mudgee have of recent years been discounted in favor of those of James Blackman, but the latter did not travel beyond the site of Mudgee. [Note: The argument over discovery ignores the fact that the land was already inhabited by the Wiradjuri people]

Lawson's title was founded on his descriptions of trips made northward from Bathurst in search of the Liverpool Plains. The original journey of this explorer are preserved in the Mitchell Library, Sydney and to be properly understood need to be read in conjunction with one another.

It appears that in the early 1820s Lawson made several trips from Bathurst, and two at least seem to have led him across some of the land later famed for the gold production of Gulgong's golden days. In November, 1821, and again in January of the next year, Lawson, with a small party, including some convicts and an aboriginal guide, passed beyond the present position of Mudgee, travelling down the Cudgegong River and leaving, that stream somewhere between its junction with Eurunderee (Pipeclay) Creek and Galambine, moved northwards across the hills between the Cudgegong and Wyaldra (Reedy) Creek. References in the journals of these expeditions point to the party reaching Reedy Creek, where the dogs with the expedition chased a large kangaroo to "a shallow hole of water" some three miles distant. This might easily have been the place known later as The Lagoon, near the junction of Reedy and Slapdash Creeks, and from which the property of Mr. C. Loneragan appears to have taken its name.

From here Lawson headed northwards again crossing over hills, which correspond to Barney's Reef, and then descending to the Talbragar River before returning to Bathurst. That these trips extended so far is confirmed by the records of Mr. Allan Cunningham, who closely followed Lawson in traversing this portion of Australia.

When William Lawson reported his trip after reaching Bathurst, his glowing account of the country through which he had passed stirred the ambition of George and Henry Cox, and these volunteered to join him in taking up the land. It was agreed that Lawson was to take the land on the north of the Cudgegong River near Mudgee, while the Cox brothers were to occupy the southern bank of the river. George Cox made his home at Burrundulla, and had an out station a few miles beyond Mudgee at Menah, or Munnar. It was this out-station that was reached by Cunningham on his return trip from the first exploration of the Liverpool Plains, and a sketch of his route indicates that he must also have traversed the Gulgong terrain, though he came to it from the opposite direction to that which Lawson followed.

This sketch is published in Geographical Memoirs of New South Wales, edited by Barron Field, and the account with it, tells of Cunningham's trip. After reaching the Liverpool Plains, Cunningham's expedition passed down the Coolah Valley to the Talbragar River, which was named Lawson's River by Cunningham. At a point somewhere north of the Gulgong district, the party left the Talbragar and moved southwards and crossed a low range of hills, which again would be the watershed between Reedy Creek and the Talbragar River ??? of which Barney's Reef is the most noticeable feature. From this point. Cunningham's description fits the topography of the district accurately. He mentions uninteresting open forest with some native cypresses and occasional clumps of honeysuckle, then a somewhat improved tract of land, the direction S.S.E., only one creek of any importance and his approach to some elevated lands, observed first from the pine ridge south of the Talbragar River.

This description accords fairly well with the country between Gulgong and Barney's Reef, and that it does belong to that area is confirmed when the remainder of the trip is compared with the land between Gulgong and Mudgee passing roughly along the present railway line. When Cunningham writes that he "prosecuted an irregular route easterly over some rising grounds, and along a ridge of' broken low hills, upon which were scattered large blocks of granite, whose decompositions being washed into the narrow intermediate valleys formed a base over which our horses travelled," he is presenting a picture which can be seen to-day from the top of Flirtation Hill looking towards Canadian, yet he wrote his description in 1823, only one year after the first white men of whom there is any record looked upon this section of the State.

Moreover, he writes that after ten miles he descended a ridge to a wet valley where cattle paths were found, which led the party to the out-station at Menah.

This ridge corresponds to that point on the railway where, between Munua and Warrobil, the line crosses a watershed separating the Cudgegong from Reedy Creek, while the location of the Cox out-station is quite definite, thus showing that the course taken by Cunningham must have led him from the north, as Lawson had come from the South, across the valley through which Reedy Creek passes, and establishing that first Lawson, in 1821 and again in 1822, and then Cunningham, in 1823, were the first wliite men to pass through the Gulgong district.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Oct 1941 Page 11

1834 Map of Gulgong-Mudgee area: all but two placenames are Aboriginal in origin

PAGES FROM THE PAST - By W. M. CLARIDGE - ARTICLE 2

It is not revealed whether settlement resulted directly from these early explorations, but the decision of Lawson and the Coxs to settle, along the Cudgegong opened up the Mudgee district, and soon holdings began to be taken up along the Cudgegong below Mudgee...

However, we do know that the first lands legally occupied in the Gulgong district were granted, apparently for his services, to Richard Rouse, who came to Australia in 1801 as overseer of works in New South Wales on behalf of the Imperial Government. On his retirement from that position, Rouse took up the land on the Cudgegong known as Guntawang and Biraganbil, but before this some of the land he occupied was visited by Cunningham, who, on another trip, followed the Cudgegong back from the Wellington Valley.

He writes in his journal (now in the Mitchell Library) that on December 1, 1825, "we came in again upon the bank of the Cugeegang opposite to a fine open or very thinly timbered tract named Gunterwong by the aboriginals." The aboriginal meaning of 'Gunterwang' now spelled 'Guntawang,' is 'meeting place,' from which it appears that the site approximates the junction of the Cudgegong River and Wyaldra Creek. Cunningham's position as he writes of Guntawang opposite would place him on the Biraganbil estate, which occupied the south bank of the river as Guntawang did the north.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 23 Oct 1941 Page 6

See ROUSE for the continuation of this article including details of the land Richard Rouse amassed in the district.

NIVEN - NONI CLARE

See also: NIVEN

NEWS ITEMS

1927 - IN MEMORIAM

NIVEN. — In ever loving memory of our infant daughter, Noni Clare, who passed away April 30, 1922, aged 5½ months.

Ever remembered by her loving parents, C. R. and A. Niven, Spring Ridge.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 28 Apr 1927 Page 26

CROSS

 

Alfred Cross married Martha Merrett in Gulgong in 1890 (NSW BDM 3953/1890). Their children, all born in Gulgong, included:

• Stella - (NSW BDM 15583/1891)
• Alfred E - (NSW BDM 16003/1893)
• James - (NSW BDM 22788/1895)
• Roy - (NSW BDM 3549/1898)
• Florence - (NSW BDM 22399/1900)
• Gordon - (NSW BDM 3446/1903)
• Nelson E - (NSW BDM 38832/1910)
• Winifred - (NSW BDM 15077/1913)

NEWS ITEMS

1873 - APPREHENSIONS

Henry Hamilton or Campbell, has been arrested by Senior-sergeant O’Donnell, Gulgong Police, on suspicion of stealing sixteen draught and saddle horses found in his possession (see Horses and Cattle). Four of the horses have been identified by Alfred Cross as the property of his brother, James Cross, a teamster, on the road between Muswellbrook and Inverell, and other towns in the Northern District, and for whom pressing inquires should be made.

Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 16 Apr 1873 [Issue No.16] Page 122

1880 - GULGONG MUNICIPALITY.

NOTICE is hereby given that Mr. Alfred Cross has been duly appointed Rate Collector to this Municipality, for the remainder of the municipal year.

JOHN SCULLY, Gulgong, 24th December, 1880. Mayor.

Source:  New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Wed 29 Dec 1880 [Issue No.510] Page 6705

1903 - Alleged Cattle Stealing

At Gulgong on Wednesday William Lett and George Niven were charged with stealing a bullock, the property of Alfred Cross. Lengthy evidence was taken, and the case was then adjourned till 1st July.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 22 Jun 1903 Page 2

1904 - EXTENSIVE BUSH FIRES

A big fire broke out yesterday In Rouse's Perseverance paddock, three miles from town. The strong wind blowing kept the flames going. Over 150 volunteers worked hard until night. James Cross, Alfred Cross, and James Smith's homestead and stacks and crops were saved after a great fight. The Guntawang woolshed had a narrow escape. A lot of fencing was destroyed.

Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Thu 8 Dec 1904 Page 8

1904 - [BUSH FIRES]

Yesterday afternoon a fire broke out in Rouse's Perseverance Paddock, three miles from town, and was carried by a strong south-westerly. Sergeant Ferris obtained over 100 volunteers, who had a hard battle until the evening, no water being available.

They saved Messrs. James Cross, Alfred Cross, and James Smith's homesteads, stacks, and crops. The heat was terrific. This morning fires again commenced on Mr. Thompson's selection. There was plenty of aid to beat it out. Guntawang woolshed paddock was also burnt, as well as a lot of fencing. The woolshed was saved by the men burning around it. On Mr. C. M. Lowe's Yamble station a quantity of grass was burnt. There are big fires at Canadian. A large number of persons are watching the fires, as the

wind carries portions of the burning trees a long distance.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 8 Dec 1904 Page 7

1908 - A Gulgong Wedding.

At the Methodist Church, Gulgong, on Wednesday last, the Rev. F. A. Malcolm celebrated the nuptials of James Frederick, eldest son of Mr. James Peck, of Beryl, and Ethel, second eldest daughter of Mr. Wm. Cross, of Reedy Creek.

The bride was attired in a grey voile gown, trimmed with lace and silver tassels, and wore a white lace hat, trimmed with white ribbon and white flowers. She carried a bouquet, and wore a gold brooch, gifts of the bridegroom. The bridesmaid, Miss Whitley, wore a gown of navy blue Sicilian, trimmed with white lace, and pale blue hat, trimmed with white ribbon and flowers, and carried a bouquet. Mr. Alfred Cross acted as best man. The church was prettily decorated, and the service fully choral. The organist, Mr. J. Bycroft, played the ''Wedding March.'' After the ceremony the party adjourned to the residence of the bride's sister, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of and the usual toasts honored.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 29 Oct 1908 Page 15

1927 - GULGONG.

Mr. Alfred Cross has died. He was common ranger for many years.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Fri 1 Apr 1927 Page 13

1927 - [PROBATE]

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales Probate Jurisdiction.

In the Will and Codicil of ALFRED CROSS, late of Gulgong, in the State of New South Wales, Farmer, deceased.

APPLICATION will be made after fourteen days from the publication hereof that Probate of the Will and Codicil of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to ALFRED ARTHUR CROSS and ROY CROSS, two of the Executors therein named, leave being reserved to JAMES CROSS, of Tully, Queensland, the other Executor therein named, to come in and prove the same. All persons having any claim against the Estate of the abovenamed deceased are hereby required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned, at whose offices all notices may be served.

JAMES JOSEPH DOWD, Solicitor for Executors, Gulgong.

By his Agent — C. Milbourne Marsh, 28 Martin Place, Sydney.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 28 Apr 1927 Page 26

1928 - IN MEMORIAM.

CROSS — In -loving memory of Alfred Cross who departed this life March 29. 1927

Your end came sudden, dad dear.

It made us weep and sigh,

But oh the hardest part of all.

You never said good-bye.

(Inserted by his loving son and, daughter-in-law and nephew, James Cross — Gulgong).

IN MEMORIAM

CROSS — In loving memory of Alfred Cross who departed this life March 29, 1927.

Deep down in our hearts,

Where love burns sweet and true,

There is a light that will burn forever,

In memory, dear dad, of you.

(Inserted by his loving daughter and son-in-law and nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Smith— Gulgong).

IN MEMORIAM

CROSS — In loving memory; of Alfred Cross who departed this life March 29. 1927.

The end came sudden, the shock severe,

We little thought dad's end so near.

To God alone his path was known

He loved him and he took him home. [remainder unclear]

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 29 Mar 1928 Page 14

1932 - WEDDING - CROSS— PERRY

At St. Luke's Church of England, Gulgong, on Wednesday evening of last week, Miss Annie Perry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Perry, of Home Rule, was married to Mr. Max. Cross, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Cross, of Gulgong. The Rev. L. V. Caldwell officiated.

The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. Frank Perry, Mrs. Redman, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Mr. Darcy Cross, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. The wedding breakfast was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Cross, where the usual toasts were honored.

The happy couple are residing in Gulgong.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 3 Nov 1932 Page 12

1933 - DEATH - Mrs Martha Cross

THE death occurred of Mrs. Martha Cross, relict of the late Mr. Alfred Cross, senr., at her residence, Dallydale, Gulgong, late on Saturday afternoon last.

Deceased, who was a native of Gulgong, was 64 years of age and had resided here all her life. Her late husband was attracted to the Gulgong goldfleld in his young days, and was later Common ranger and also owned a farm.

The late Mrs. Cross, who was formerly Miss Martha Merritt, was very highly esteemed and had many friends.

The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Gulgong cemetery on Sunday afternoon, the Rev. L. V. Caldwell officiating. Mr. R. S. Bayliss carried out the funeral arrangements.

The following family is left to mourn their loss: Messrs. Alfred Cross (Gulgong), James Cross (Tully, Q.), Roy Cross (Gulgong), Gordon Cross (Gulgong), Nelson Cross (Dubbo), Mrs. H. Smith (Sydney), Miss Winifred Cross (Sydney)). With the exception of Mr. James Cross, all the family were present at the funeral.

Our sympathy is extended.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Nov 1933 Page 12

1940 - Death - Mr. Edward Cross

ONE of the whitest and best men that anyone could have come in contact with in Gulgong, Mr. Edward Cross, of Black Lead, died last Sunday evening.

The late Mr. Cross, whose wife predeceased him a few years ago, was a native of Muswellbrook. He was married at Gulgong when a comparatively young man, and nearly all his lifetime was spent in and around the town.

The following grown-up family survive: — Messrs. Sam J. Cross, W. R. Cross (both of Gulgong), Jack Cross, Alfred Cross (Sydney), 'Mesdames J. Nute (Gulgong), G. Hands (Lakemba), Alf Wade (Lakemba), G. Webster (Croydon), P. Collins (Croydon), Reg Luraschi (Leichhardt).

The funeral took place on Monday afternoon to the Church of England portion of the Gulgong cemetery, the Rev. L. V. Caldwell officiating. The arrangements were carried out by Mr. R. S. Bayliss.

The late Mr. Cross was an accomplished horseman in his younger days, having ridden at amateur race meetings. His advice on horses was often sought.

News of the passing of Mr. Cross was received with profound regret around the town where his kindly nature will be missed. There was nothing petty or mean in his composition and he was regarded by everyone as a grand old man.

Our sympathy is extended.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 24 Oct 1940 Page 12