Most of the obituaries in this section are of people who lived and mostly died in the Towamba, Burragate and Pericoe areas. Some I retrieved from the local recycling centre and have included these as they may be of interest to someone researching their family tree.
Obituaries are very informative and some include a lengthy history of the deceased and their family.

The excerpt below is from the Bega Valley Genealogy Society's introduction to Towamba Cemetery Inscriptions, Vol. 2
Towamba is a small village in the heart of the Towamba River valley, 30 kilometers from Eden on the Far South Coast and about the same distance from the Pambula-Bombala Road via Burragate. It was on the original road from the coast to the Monaro installed by Ben Boyd in the 1840s.
The first cemetery was situated on a property to the east of the village beside a creek. There were 10 graves, but the passage of time and the ravages of floods over the years have left only one tombstone to mark a burial place. The tombstone is reported to be the work of Thomas Blaze, an early settler, who came to Australia with Ben Boyd. He is buried in the present cemetery.
The tombstone remaining in this early cemetery is that of Jane Mitchell and her daughter. It was cracked in the 1971 flood, but is still in quite good order (this is now incorrect as the headstone has crumbled, Editor 2006) with the inscription in part as follows:
Amelia Mitchell, died 2 July 1864, aged 5 years; also
Jane Mitchell, mother of the above, died 13 Sept 1865, aged 36 years.
There was a footstone still in place with the initials J.M. on it. (This has now almost disappeared, Editor 2006)
It was decided to move the cemetery to higher ground and the present site, west of the village, was dedicated in June 1886.
The tombstones were transcribed on 9 March, 1988 and checked in June 1989. (Checked again by editor in 1998)

This early cemetery has no official burial records connected to that site but a list of early burials in Towamba between 1860 - 1918, recorded at the Bega Court House, has nine burials between 1860 and 1886, the year the present site was dedicated.
As the original site had ten burials, (Amelia and Jane are in the same grave) perhaps these early burials, dated before 1886, were those interred in the original cemetery.
Note that the above mentioned headstone, the only one remaining in the original cemetery, for Amelia and Jane Mitchell, is the same Amelia Mitchell mentioned below in Table One.

BURIALS ON PRIVATE PROPERTIES NEAR WYNDHAM

There are several burials in the Wyndham district which have taken place on private properties, but have no headstones. These internments took place before the Cemetery was opened in 1881. This information has been supplied by Mr. Bernie Cornell, whose family all came from the Wyndham/Pambula area.
The burials on "Willow Glen", now owned by Mr. John Love, situated on the present Pambula/Bombala Road, west of the Wyndham village, were those of John Power and his wife, Mary Donovan, according to Mr. Cornell's mother. We understood there was also a child buried there, a son of this couple, who then owned the property.
On Bruce Grant's property, on the opposite side of the main road, James Callaghan Senior was buried after being killed under a moving dray.
There is some doubt about some members of the Love family being interred there also, certainly not John Love or his wife Ellen as John Love's grave is in the Cemetery and most likely that of his wife beside him, although her name does not appear on the headstone. This couple were married on 29/4/1845 and moved to Wyndham in 1860 where they built the Stockyard Inn. It was burnt down in 1865 and it was rebuilt when the main road was changed to its present position, but never licensed. Mrs. Love was asked to open the new bridge over the Mataganah Creek at Pretty point on the Rocky Hall Road (New Buildings Road).

HART GRAVES AT LOCHIEL

On the property of Mr. Alan Elton, "The Highland", just 5.2 kilometers west along the Pambula-Wyndham-Bombala Road from its junction with the Princes Highway at South Pambula, there are four grave sites, unmarked but clearly visible approximately 200 meters north of the homestead.
They are the graves of Richard and Mary Anne (nee Loney) Hart, who arrived in Sydney from England on the Ship "Beyapore" on 9th February, 1853. The couple travelled down to Pambula and took up land at Lochiel, where they reared a large family. The other two graves are those of two of their children who died of diphtheria.

1. HART Richard Hart, died 21 June 1885, aged 54 years.
2. HART Mary Anne Hart, died 10 Nov 1884, aged 52.
3. HART Emma Hart, born 12 March 1856, died 14 May 1865.
4. HART William Hart, born 3 Nov 1861, died 15 May 1865.

This information was received from Dennis Hart and his mother, of Pambula, by Mr. K. Umback in August 1988. Dennis is a direct descendant of Richard and Mary Anne.

WANGARABELL BURIAL SITES

There is a lone headstone in the middle of the bush about 60 meters off the road, 1.1 kilometers from the junction of Sarah Allen Lane with the Wangarabell Road. Apparently this was to be the site for Wangarabell Cemetery, but digging on top of the hill was found to be too hard, so it was decided to move the cemetery to Wangarabell Station where there were a few graves already. These two graves were left and the inscription reads as follows:
In memory of our parents -
(a) Robert Bridle, died 11 May 1917, aged 78 years.
(b) Susan Bridle, died 1 Dec 1917. aged 78 years.

Wangarabell Station is 20 kilometers from the Princes Highway and is just outside the Bega Valley Shire within Victoria. The cemetery is within sight of the Wangarabell Road and not far from the homestead. It is surrounded by a fence, but we found the gate broken allowing cattle to get in and damage the headstones. The area was settled late last century (19th) and the cemetery was used until 1954 for people connected with the Station. This cemetery has been overrun by stock.
Transcription of the tombstones was carried out on the 24th March, 1988.

1. MURRAY Edith Murray, my wife & our mother, died 16 May 1940, aged 72 years; also Henry V. Murray, died 14 Feb 1954, aged 89 years, mother & father reunited.
2. MURRAY Peter Herbert Murray, died 3 Aug 1929, aged 36 years. Erected by his father & mother, brothers & sisters.
3. STEVENSON Isabella Stevenson, our mother, died 8 Aug 1931, aged 93 years.
4. STEVENSON William Stevenson, died 20 Oct 1898, aged 62 years. Erected by his wife & children.
5. STEVENSON Elizabeth, died--,--,--. The inscription was almost illegible and the headstone was lying on the ground.
6. WILCOX John Wilcox, native of England, died at Wangarabell Station, Victoria, 6 Aug 1873, died 61 years.
7. MITCHELL Jane Mitchell, died 5 July 1907, aged 85 years. This was a cast-iron headstone and the inscription was very faint.
8. TASKER Charles Tasker, died 24 June 1925, aged 68 years.
9. TASKER Charlotte Tasker, our mother, died 20 June 1948, aged 78 years.

Source: Book 2 - Monumental Inscriptions, Known Graves and War Memorials in the Bega Valley.
Pambula Genealogy Society Inc.

TABLE ONE

Following is a list of names related to burials in Towamba that are not listed in the Surname Index of Burials in the Present Towamba Cemetery 1890- (Table Three) These graves are without headstones and are unmarked or identified by a number.

TABLE TWO

The index below (Table Three) shows the names of those buried in the present Towamba Cemetery, the earliest burial is dated 1890.
NOTE:Thomas Blaze*, below, (Table Three) who is credited with the masonary of some headstones in the Towamba Cemetery, is listed in Table Two as Thomas Blarje. (same burial dates)

TABLE THREE

'Magnet' August 16, 1930
SEVEN NEW TRUSTEES
The following persons nominated by Mr. Bate, M.L.A., on behalf of a public meeting at Towamba have been appointed as trustees of the portion of the General Cemetery at Towamba, dedicated 11th June, 1886. Set apart for burial ground for other Denominations:Messers Thomas Joseph Doyle, Edmund Clements, Donald Laing, Arthur Charles Beasley, George Thornborough Dickie, Henry William Mitchell and Benjamin Daniel Beasley (in the places of Messers W. Ryan, G. Martin, S. Martin, J. McPaul, W. Laing and T.Hite, deceased.)

'Magnet'
August 24, 1972
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
FIRST TOWAMBA CEMETERY
Sir, I was very interested to read of the work of the Apexians at Pambula's first cemetery.
I was wondering how many residents of the district are aware that on my property at Towamba here is also a portion of ground once used as a cemetery prior to the opening of the present Towamba Cemetery.
Old residents have told me that there were ten graves but the passage of time and the ravages of floods etc., have left only one marked grave.
It is that of Jane Mitchell, grandmother of Mr. R. Mitchell and Mr. A.J.Clements well known residents of this area. The date of burial was 1863. The grave is marked by a headstone reported to have been the work of Thomas Blaize an early settler who had come out with Ben Boyd.
The inscription on the stone is as easily read today as it was 109 years ago.
The 1971 floods cracked the stone, heavy logs being the cause but otherwise it is as good as the day it was placed there. The scroll work on this headstone would have to be seen to be appreciated.
The work of these early tradesmen was really good.
signed, Charlie Laing, Towamba.

Sacred to the memory of
Robert Alexander
born at Pericoe 18th September, 1866,
died 23rd September 1866.
Also Ernest Alexander,
born 16th December 1880,
died 31st May 1881.

'Pambula Voice' January 12, 1894
Death has recently visited the home of Mr. W. Clements of this locality and took away a baby boy about two months old. The funeral was conducted by the Reverend J. L. Forbes, the remains being interred in the Towamba cemetery on the 31st of December. Some sixty persons attended and had to be conveyed across the river by boat, the water being high from the previous rains. The deceased was the second son in a family of eleven children. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the community.

'Pambula Voice' April 22, 1898
EDEN ITEMS
I deeply regret having to record the sad death of Mr. Jno (John) Alexander, the well-known proprietor of Pericoe Station, which occurred at the Great Southern Hotel at Eden during last night. Mr. Alexander was very widely known and respected and used many acts of kindness and generosity to those in need will not be soon forgotten. He was one of the pioneers of the district and did a great deal for its advancement. His loss will be keenly felt. The funeral takes place tomorrow, Thursday.

'Pambula Voice' April 29, 1898
PERICOE
The news of Mr. John Alexander's death was received in this locality with expressions of deepest regret. The cause of his death was heart disease, supervening on dropsy. Mr. Alexander was a native of the colony having been born at Moruya. He was the first selector to take up land at Pericoe and resided here for thirty-four years. He was about sixty years of age. By his clear foresight and sound judgement he got together a fine estate at Pericoe consisting of over six thousand acres of fair pastoral and some agricultural land. The deceased gentleman leaves a wife and thirteen children, most of whom are grown up to mourn their loss and they have the sympathy of the whole community. The funeral took place on Thursday, the remains being interred in the Eden cemetery in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends.

'Pambula Voice' June 17, 1898
ROCKY HALL
I regret to have to chronicle the death of a very old and respected resident here and one who may be justly termed a pioneer of this district. I refer to Mr. Jno Sherwin Snr., who succumbed at his residence New Building on Wednesday evening the 8th instant. The deceased octogenarian for such he was, having just attained his 87th birthday, enjoyed very fair health until within a week or two of his death. His remains were interred in the Roman Catholic portion of the Wyndham cemetery on Saturday. A large number of relatives and friends assembled at the grave to pay their last tribute of respect.

'Bombala Times'
May 22, 1921
JANE BINNIE
The death at Burragate on Wednesday last of Mrs. Jane Binnie Snr., (widow of the late Mr.Alexander Binnie) aged 87 years. She and her husband were both natives of Scotland, from which country they both arrived while they were still very young, she herself being no less than two. She was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dave Bell, of Spring Flat, and had five sisters and two brothers, her sisters being, Mrs. John Hyde, Mrs. John Mudie (Delegate), Mrs.Thomas Barber (Bega), Mrs. McKeachie and Mrs. Godber both deceased; her brothers were Robert (deceased) and David. In their early married life she and her husband lived on the Monaro tablelands, and later moved to Burragate, where they established their home over half a century ago. Mrs. Binnie was the mother of eight sons and three daughters (all but one survive), the sons being: David ("Dunblane" Burragate), Alexander (Towamba), James (died 1914), Robert (Qld), Andrew (Burragate), Albert (Nimbin), and Arthur and Herbert (Burragate). Daughters are Mrs. Joseph Keys (Eastwood. Sydney), Mrs. George Keys (Big Hill, Burragate) and Miss Jane Binnie (Janco, Burragate).

MR. J. T. MITCHELL, J.P. (Died 21 September, 1921)

'MAGNET'
Mr. John Thomas Mitchell, J.P., whose death, as briefly reported in last week's issue of the 'Magnet', took place at his home at Lower Towamba last Saturday at the age of 58 years, was one of the best known and most respected, as well as one of the most popular men in this corner of the State.
Born at Towamba, on the farm known as "Tyrone" (now owned by Mr. E. Clements) he made his home in the district of which he was a native, and followed the occupation of farmer and stock buyer with very much more than an average degree of success. From his youth upwards, his nature was marked by a kindliness of disposition and straight forward manliness of character that earned for him the life-long goodwill and esteem of all with whom he became associated, both in business dealings and in social acquaintance.
He married Miss Fanny Bridle, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bridle, and their union was blessed with a family of nine children, of whom the members surviving are Messers. Edmond, John Thomas, Albert Leslie, Henry William and Walter Roy, and Misses Ethel Alice, Pearl Alma, and Evelyn Jane. Wife and family are left alike bereaved, to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and affectionate father.
His sisters now living are Mrs. W. Clements (Towamba), Mrs. R. Hazelgrove (Bega), and Mrs. S. Chamberlain (Wroxham). A step-sister Mrs, John Ryan, resides on the North Coast.
For six or seven years he occupied, as a representative of C Riding, the position of Councillor in the Imlay Shire Council, from which, however, he recently resigned on account of the increasing severity of his illness. Until a few months ago he appeared to be in perfect health, but an insidious and previously unsuspected malady subsequently manifested itself and developed with alarming rapidity. Medical aid was sought, but in vain, and in a short time, conscious of eh inevitableness of his fate and facing with calm and manly resignation, he passed peacefully from the scene of his earthly labours, amid the regrets of all who knew him.
The funeral took place at Towamba on Sunday last, and was very largely attended, the procession being one of the largest ever seen in the district. The Imlay Shire Council was represented by Councillor J.W.Dickie and Mr. E.P.Rodd, Shire Clerk. The Reverend Blackwell impressively conducted the burial service at the graveside. To the bereaved the 'Magnet' extends sincere sympathy.

'Magnet' June, 1924
THE LATE MR. CLEMENTS - A TYPICAL PIONEER
As mentioned in last issue of the 'Magnet', Mr. William Clements Snr., one of the oldest and most highly respected pioneers of the district, passed peacefully away on Tuesday in last week (June 24th) at his home "Model Farm" Towamba, at the age of 80 years. The following brief additional reference to his career will doubtless be of interest to many of our readers.
Mr. Clements was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland. Strongly imbued with the spirit of pioneering, he, as a young man, embarked for Australia and arrived in New South Wales on October 9, 1863, in the sailing ship 'Severn'. His shipmates included Messers B. H. McCabe (Lochiel), R. Cunnane (Eden) and M. McMahon (once of Merimbula), all now deceased. He first went to the Shoalhaven district, where he worked for a couple of years. He then came on to Eden, where he spent eight years in the employ of Barclay & Co., who at that time were merchants here in a big way. during his employment he saved a few hundred pounds, which he invested in the purchase, from Mr. Stiles, a block of land at Towamba. This he made his home and he resided there for close on 51 years. He married in 1874, a daughter of the late Mr. Edmund Mitchell, of Lower Towamba and thereafter, with undeviating purpose, and by hard work, good management, and careful saving, he, assisted by his wife, developed on of the best farms in the Towamba district. Mr. & Mrs. Clements reared a family of nine daughters and three sons. The daughters are Mrs. R. Gordon (Kyogle), Mrs. J. Jaggers (Tweed River), Mrs. A. Whitby (Parramatta), Mrs. A. Parker (Towamba), Mrs. W. Parker (Towamba), Mrs. J. N. Harris (Kiah), Mrs. Heathcote (Sydney), Mrs. Jones and Mrs. E. Love (deceased). The sons Messers Edmund, Arthur, and William Clements reside in Towamba. There are 44 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. At the funeral, which took place at Towamba, the Reverend J. L. Forbes, who officiated, referring to the deceased gentleman, spoke of him as a man of exemplary character, honest, straightforward and upright, a pioneer of the right type, one who had helped to make the district and one who the district could ill afford to lose. He was a steadfast adherent of his church, and regularly attended divine service as long as his health permitted. The very large attendance at the funeral, the arrangements which were in the hands of Mr. W. Ryan, Bega, evidenced the general esteem in which the deceased gentleman was held, and some beautiful wreaths were placed upon the coffin, which was of polished oak. all the deceased's children now living, with the exception of Mrs. Jaggers (Tweed River), were present at the graveside.

'Magnet' October 3, 1925
The Late Mr. GEO. MARTIN
Towamba's Centenarian
Mr. George Martin, whose death at almost 105 years of age, took place at his home at Towamba on Thursday in last week, was born at Liverpool, Lancashire, England, on October 29, 1820.
He distinctly remembered seeing the first railway train run between Manchester and Liverpool, and the first steamer to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Of a roving disposition, he followed the sea for many years, on vessels trading to Russia, Denmark, America (mostly to New York), Japan and China. Finally he became imbued with the idea of emigrating to Australia and on Christmas Day in the year 1849 he arrived in Sydney Harbour. A week later - New Years day - he arrived at Boydtown.
On the voyage from Sydney to Eden the ship's company was filled with admiration of a beautiful northward-bound yacht, which, on arrival at Twofold Bay they learned was Benjamin Boyd's yacht, the Wanderer, bearing her owner to the Solomon Islands on his ill-fated cruise. The colony at Twofold Bay was at that time administered by Mr. Plunkett (a relative of the well-known Keon family of Eden) and afterwards by Governor Bligh, whose son, Dr. Bligh, a very nice gentleman, lived in Pambula for many years. Mr. Martin shortly proceeded to Pambula, where he was employed by a Mr. Breen, a bootmaker, the wages at that time being £10 a year and food; but six months later, being himself a bootmaker by trade, he set up in business on his own account.
Some time later he moved to Bombala, but soon returned to Pambula, acquired a property, and opened a store business there. Those were stirring times; the Kiandra gold rush was in full swing; settlement was proceeding apace; convicts were numerous and cruelly treated, and some known to Mr. Martin on the Monaro, goaded into lawlessness, became bushrangers.
When free selections became available practically everyone able to leave Pambula did so and Mr. Martin, having perforce to follow suit, took up farming and later opened a store at Towamba, where he resided ever since.
His wife died fifteen years ago, and his son - the only child - died twenty-five years ago.
Of amazing strength and energy, Mr. Martin, at 85 years of age, built the accommodation house now owned by Mrs. Ambrose Parker, and at 95 he built a small room. He only retired from business 13 years ago.
Of a long-lived family, he lived a plain, wholesome, simple life, and enjoyed wonderful health (it was said that he never required a doctor) until about two months ago, when bronchitis, which was the principal cause of his death, confined him to his bed and caused him much suffering.
He had long been prepared for the end, and honored and esteemed by all who know him, Towamba's Grand Old Man was finally laid to rest in the Church of England portion of Towamba cemetery. "Vale, George Martin, Vale"

'Magnet' June 15, 1929
MRS. ARTHUR BINNIE
We were saddened on Wednesday last by the news that Mrs. Arthur Binnie, one of Towamba's most highly esteemed and respected residents had during the night succumbed to an illness of some month's duration. She was under the care of a Sydney specialist and was subsequently under treatment by Dr. Stafford of Berry and Dr. White of Candelo. All efforts to check the malady failed however, and the prospect of recovery being hopeless. She endured the affliction with cheerfulness and truly Christian fortitude until death released her and she passed peacefully at the age of 54 years of age to the Great Beyond. Prior to her marriage the deceased lady was Mary Jane Chegwidden, a daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. William James Chegwidden of Candelo. She leaves surviving her husband, a sister, Mrs. Herbert Binnie of Berry and two brothers, Mr. Ernest Chegwidden, Berry and Mr. H. J. Chegwidden of Inverell. The funeral took place on Thursday in the Presbyterian portion of Eden cemetery where a very large number of relatives and friends from all parts of the district assembled to pay their last sad tributes of respect to the memory of the deceased. The funeral service was read by Reverend J. L. Forbes M A., D. D., who also gave an address in which he extended sympathy to the bereaved and feelingly referred to the loss which the people of Towamba and district had sustained by the death of one who was held in the highest esteem for her many exemplary good qualities and of whom it might in very truth be said that hers had been a blameless life. The greatest sympathy is felt throughout the district for Mr. Binnie and his sad bereavement. There were many beautiful floral tributes from friends far and near. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. M. J. Ryan of Bega.

'Magnet' August 3, 1929
MR. ALLAN LAING
The death occurred at the home of Mr. Hector Laing, Towamba, on the night of July 22, of Mr. Allan Laing, one of the oldest and best known identities of the Towamba district in which he had resided for some 40 years. For some years he resided at Rockton before moving to Towamba. He was a brother of Mr. Donald Laing, probably the oldest mail man in the state who for years conveyed the Eden-Pericoe mail by horse coach and who has since been running the Pambula-Nethercote mail by horse and sulky and for the last several years on horseback. Other brothers are Jim (deceased) and Will. Mr. Laing who leaves a large family, all married, was a native of Moruya and was 81 years of age. Internment took place at the Presbyterian portion of Towamba cemetery. The Reverend J. Allison officiating at the graveside.

'Magnet' September 21, 1929
MISS ETHEL SAWERS
Miss Ethel Sawers aged 21, youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Sawers of Burragate died on Thursday night after an illness of brief duration. She had been staying with her sister, Mrs. W. Love at Pericoe and on Thursday became seriously ill. She was taken home and her condition was so critical that she was taken on to Pambula Hospital where she died a few hours after admission. The funeral which was largely attended took place at Rocky Hall yesterday.

'Magnet' January 4th, 1930
MR. JOHN CHARLES ROBERTS
On Saturday night last there past to his well earned rest one of the oldest of the Far South Coast pioneers in the person of Mr. John Charles Roberts Snr., aged 88 years. He was the second son of the late Mr. James Roberts and was born in Melbourne on October 1st, 1841. He arrived with his parents at Twofold Bay in 1845 at which time Boydtown, the building of which had been commenced in 1843 by Benjamin Boyd, was a flourishing settlement and a scene of great activity. Mr. Robert Snr., had much to do in those busy times. He knew Boyd well and was familiar with many of the details of his local enterprise and helped him carrying some of them out. He later kept a Hotel at Eden and was here during the great rush to the Kiandra goldfields for which Eden was then the main port of access and a town of considerable importance. Mr. John Charles Roberts was liberally endowed with the hardiness and enterprise of the earliest pioneers.
He was the first mail man who traversed in that capacity, the track from Eden to Bega. This journey he used to make on foot and for each trip there and back, was paid the princely sum of £1. In one emergency on reaching Bega, he without resting, turned around and walked straight back. It was a common experience for him to have to swim every creek and river met with on the road. In his early years he was a foot stockman and one of the finest of bushmen. He once made a wager for a nominal sum that he would strike across country from Towamba and travelling through the dense forest country, come out at an old stockyard at Genoa in a given time, an undertaking that he punctually performed. He was an indefatigable worker and up to quite recently could be seen engaged in light yet constant work on the farm at Towamba where the family home has been for the last 65 years.
His wife, who as recorded in the 'Magnet' several weeks ago died on December 9th, was a daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Pendergast of Mowarra. He leaves surviving three sons and four daughters. There has passed from the district one of its oldest residents, a man of genial disposition and sterling worth of character. His loss will be deeply mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives. Internment took place in Towamba cemetery on Sunday afternoon. The funeral was largely attended and the Reverend Father Leanne officiated at the graveside.

'Magnet' January 25, 1930
MRS. J. V. SLATTERY
Quite a gloom was cast over Kiogle on Wednesday, 8th instant, when the sad news became known of the death of Mrs. J. V. Slattery (nee Miss Thelma Gordon) as very few knew of her serious illness. She spent Christmas with the other members of the family complaining only of not feeling too well. She was at once taken to the Lorretto Private Hospital where the best nursing and medical aid was sort. Also a special sister and doctor secured from Casino but despite all that was done to save her, she gradually sank and after a serious operation had been performed as a last resort, she passed away. Prior to burial a most impressive service was conducted in the Anglican church which was crowded to overflowing, there scarcely being a dry eye. The Minister also conducted an impressive service at the graveside. The funeral was very largely attended and numerous lovely wreaths, representing almost every citizen in Kiogle were laid on the grave. The deceased was 28 years old and born at Towamba being the second daughter of Mr. & Mrs. R. A. Gordon now residing near Kiogle. Before her marriage the deceased was attached to the nursing staff of Ballina Private and Kiogle Memorial hospitals where her sympathetic nature and kindness of heart won her the affection of patients with whom she came in contact. She is survived by a sorrowing husband and two young sons for whom the deepest sympathy is felt. Mr. James Slattery is also from Towamba and is a son of Mrs. E. and the late Mr. J. Slattery. Mrs. J. Painter, Cedar Point, Mrs. E. Parker, Kiogle, Mrs. W. Lavelle, Roseberry, are sisters and Mr. M. Gordon and Master Stan Gordon are brothers.

'Magnet' February 22, 1930
MR. G. HITE
The death took place at Wonboyn on Wednesday last of Mr. George Henry Hite aged 60 years. Mr. Hite had, for a considerable time, presented the appearance of being in indifferent health, nevertheless he continued to carry out the ordinary duties and on the morning of his death appeared to be as active and cheerful as usual. At about four in the afternoon, when he ceased work on which he had been engaged in the vicinity of the house, shortly afterwards had a violent fit of coughing which bought on a severe haemorrhage. Mrs. Hite went for her son-in-law Mr. Tom Hall and on her return with him a few minutes later found that her husband had gone to the nearby bush and laid down and died. For the last three years or so Mr. Hite had, with his wife, been managing the Wonboyn Lake
accommodation house. Prior to that he was dairy farming at Towamba and before that, during the later years of Yambulla goldfield, kept the Yambulla Hotel. His wife was Miss Ada Greer, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. T. Greer of this town. The family surviving consist of six daughters, Dorothy, (Mrs. G. Brooks) Cann River, Elsie, (Mrs. R. Warren), Eden, Lena, (Mrs. T. Hall), Wonboyn, Veronica, Molly and Nola. A brother is Mr. T. Hite Snr., of Platts, Bombala and Mrs. H. Greer, Eden, is a sister of the deceased. The deceased's parents, the late Mr. Tom Hite and Mrs. Hite died several years ago. Internment took place at the Eden cemetery yesterday afternoon. The Reverend Mr. Genge officiated at the graveside.

'Magnet' October 4, 1930
MR. DAVID BINNIE
The death occurred at his home 'Dunblane' Burragate on Monday September 29th, when Mr. David Binnie, J. P. one of the district's most highly respected and esteemed residents, at the age of 76 years. The late Mr. Binnie was the eldest of a family of eleven of the late Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Binnie and was born at Spring Flat, Monaro. He came with his parents to live at Burragate when he was ten years of age and he resided there until the time of his death. In those days, the days of the wild blacks, he early displayed the hereditary spirit of the pioneers, adapting himself to his environment and gaining practical knowledge and experience that materially contributed to his success in later life. As a mere lad he was fearless and adventurous and before the country was opened up by road he used to ride alone from Burragate up what was called the Old Mountain Road but was really an apology for a bridle track, to Spring Flat. He also used to go frequently with his uncle Mr. D. J. Bell of Bairnsdale, with mobs of horses for sale. He was a great horseman and a keen judge of horses and cattle and was frequently called upon to officiate as judge at various shows in Victoria and New South Wales. He devoted considerable time and money to the breeding of Jersey cattle and the Dave Binnie breed of Jersey became favourably known far and wide. A man of integrity, hospitable, neighbourly and commanding general respect, Mr. David Binnie will be greatly missed in the district of which he was almost a lifelong resident. Forty-nine years ago he married Miss Eliza Jane Keys second daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. John Keys of Candelo. He is survived by his widow and son Mr. D. H. Binnie, Burragate, a daughter Mrs. J. T. Mitchell, Pericoe and two grandchildren, Gwen and Ella Mitchell. The funeral on Thursday was attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Internment took place in the family burial ground in the Eden Cemetery and the graveside service was conducted by the veteran Presbyterian Minister and friend of the family, the Reverend J. L. Forbes.

'Magnet' August 22, 1931
MRS. I. STEVENSON
It is with regret that we record the death of Mrs. Isobel Stevenson, widow of the late Mr. William Stevenson of Wangrabelle. This grand old lady passed away on the 8th instant at the great age of 93 years and 11 months. She had been confined to her bed for the last three months and during the last three weeks suffered much pain. She was the eldest of the family of the late Mr. & Mrs. W. A. Weatherhead and was the last surviving member of that family. She was born at Moruya on August 23, 1838 and it is said that her mother was the first while woman to cross the Shoalhaven River. When she was two years old her parents took her with them to Nungatta where her father was overseer for Mr. Mort. When Mr. Mort sold Nungatta Station the Weatherhead family shifted to Wallagaraugh and then to Timbillica at which place Isobel celebrated her sixth birthday. When she was thirteen years of age she went with her parents to Merrimingo, there they lost their home with floods in 1851. In 1856 Mr. Weatherhead bought Nungatta Station and from there Isobel was married at 22 years of age, to Mr. William Stevenson. Mr. & Mrs. Stevenson went to live at Wangrabelle and Mrs. Stevenson afterwards familiarly and affectionately known as 'Granny' lived there till her death. She had a family of eleven comprising one son, Mr. William Stevenson, Wangrabelle and ten daughters, namely, Mrs. Middleditch, Wangrabelle, Mrs. C. Tasker, Wangrabelle, Mrs. H. Murray, Wangrabelle, Mrs. C. Fairweather, Ballarat, Victoria, Mrs. D. Jones, South Coast, New South Wales, Mrs. P. Pendergast, South Coast, Mrs. G. Young, Cann River, Mrs. T. Stevens, (deceased), Mrs. Falkner, (deceased), and Elizabeth who died of burns when a child. Granny had 44 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Until the last three months before her death she had enjoyed excellent health and only once in her life had she received medical attention. Dr. Nettleton of Orbost attended her two days previous to her death. She was endowed with a most cheerful disposition and was highly respected by all who knew her. She was greatly attached to her home and in later life derived much happiness from attending to her pet birds and animals. During the latter part of her life she was attended with untiring devotion by her daughters Mrs. Middleditch and Mrs. Tasker and her granddaughters Misses Emolene and Annie Tasker whose loving care and health coupled with Mrs. Kiernan's skilled nursing did much to alleviate the suffering which preceded a peaceful passing into the Great Beyond. The funeral which took place at Wangrabelle on the 10th was largely attended by people from Towamba, Genoa, Kiah, Cann River, Timbillica and Ballarat. The Reverend F. James of Cann River officiated at the graveside.

'Magnet' October 10, 1931
MRS. MARY SAWERS
The death took place in Pambula District Hospital on Tuesday last, October 6th, of Mrs. Mary Sawers at the age of 83 years.
Mrs. Sawers as a member of the well known family of Whitbys and as a native and life long resident of the Far South Coast, experienced many of the vicissitudes of the hardy pioneers. Born on August 18, 1848 at Pambula, then a diminutive settlement, occupied by ten or a dozen residents, she was brought up by her parents on their farm until she attained the age of about 13 years when she went to stay at Mrs. White's hotel at Bega. While there she noted various incidents she readily recollected in later years. She mentioned as an unforgettable impression of a black woman whom she had instructed to scrub a veranda and had finished her work went for her reward, a glass of whiskey, but not being able to immediately obtain it, threw a half brick at Miss Whitby (as she then was) and hit her in the back disabling her for several weeks. On another occasion an old black fellow, named Black Charlie, was out shooting when the gun exploded and blew a hand almost off, the doctor completing the severance by amputation.
Leaving Mrs. White, she returned to Pambula and was employed at the old Roan Horse Hotel by the proprietor, Mr. Hibburd and two years later she went to the Rocky Hall Hotel in employment of the proprietor, Mr. Heritage. There she remained two years and later married James Sawers - son of Mr. Peter Sawers. Her husband became stock-keeper for Mr. Hibburd and held that position for 15 years. Subsequently they took up a selection at Rocky Hall and after a time sold their holding and went dairying for Mrs. Sawers' brother, Mr. James Whitby continuing in that occupation for 15 years. While there, during one season she milked 40 cows twice daily by herself, churned three times a week and packed all the butter in 1 cwt kegs and after milking in the evening, cut wattle bark off the farm till 11 o'clock. At this time, her husband and brother were away fencing Mr. Underhill's property.
Later they went dairying for Mr. Jack Ramsey at Wog Wog and later the same for Mr. J. H. Martin at 'Lyndhurst' at Burragate. Finally to Mr. King's property which they bought and where she lived upwards of thirty years. After leaving Burragate, Mrs. Sawers came to Eden where she enjoyed the best of health until the recent death of her daughter Alice, an event that gave her such a shock that her health rapidly failed and she entered the district hospital for treatment which, however, proved of no avail and she passed peacefully away as previously stated on Tuesday last. It is a remarkable coincidence that she died on the same day, same month (6th Oct) at precisely same hour (8 am) as her husband - twenty years previous. They had 13 children.
Children still living are Sarah, (Mrs. A. L. Binnie), Lismore, Jack, Burragate, Mary Ann, (Mrs. Powers), Granville, Eliza Jane, (Mrs. Young), Bankstown, Caroline, (Mrs. Jack Kennedy), Marylands, George Edward, Bodalla, Agnes, (Mrs. Powers), New Zealand, Henry Charles, (Mick), Burragate, Lilian, (Mrs. E. Keevers), Bukajo, Arthur Peter, Coogee. Three daughters deceased were Margaret, Alice Emily, and Janet Emma Rachel, and a son Robert, was killed in action in France, in 1918. Brothers of Mrs. Sawers are Mr. Edward Whitby, Eden, Mr. Harry Whitby, Sydney. Sisters are Mrs. Thomas Copeland, Eden and Mrs. James Pheeney, Wolumla. Internment took place in the cemetery at Rocky Hall on Wednesday in the presence of a large assembly of relatives and friends. The Reverend Mr. Maidment officiated at the graveside.

'Magnet' November 19th, 1932
Mr. Donald Laing of Pambula, a well known identity in the Far South Coast, died in the district hospital at Pambula last Sunday aged 82 years.
He was a native of Moruya and as a youth arrived with his parents at Eden by steamer. At the age of 21 Donald took up mail contracting, the first being the Eden-Towamba service on a bridle track over the mountain between the Towamba and Nullica valleys. Later he ran the Pambula - Nethercote mail, which he continued till the end of 1931, thus completing 61 years of continuous mail contracting service, most of it carried out on horseback.

Towamba cemetery looking North with Jingera Mountain in background. Photo K. Clery

'Magnet' October 28, 1933
MR. SAMUEL PARKER
Mr. Samuel Parker, whose death occurred at Delegate on the 19th instant, was born at Rocky Hall on April, 23, 1853 and was thus aged 80 years and 6 months. He lived at Towamba all his life. Years ago he used to drive a horse team between Pericoe and Eden and later when the Yambulla-Eden mail was run by coach, he had the contract for nine years. At times when carrying gold to Eden from the Yambulla mine he was escorted by police officers Campion and Meek. Afterwards he took up farming on one of his father's farms at Towamba. He leaves a wife, two children, Mrs. G. Lewis, Dungay, and Walter William Parker, Towamba, 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Two brothers are also living, Ambrose, Towamba and John, Bega.

'Magnet' November 18, 1933
MR. ROGER DOYLE
Mr. Roger Thomas Doyle whose death briefly reported in the last issue of the Magnet whose death took place at Pambula District Hospital on Wednesday, 8th instant, was a member of a well known and respected pioneering family and was a lifelong resident of the Eden district.
He was born at Wog Wog on the 21 July 1853 and as he grew up he took an active interest in all matters associated with the life of a man on the land. Like his brothers he had a good knowledge of stock and was a good judge of cattle. For some years he went in for dairying from which, however, he retired several years ago and has since resided quietly at Towamba.
His wife who survives him was miss Dorothy Whelan a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Whelan pioneers of the Kiah River settlement. He is also survived by a brother, Michael Dennis at Kiah and a sister, Mrs. R. Bruce at Kiah. Brothers who predeceased him were James Bernard, John, and sisters, Mrs. John Boland of Rocky Hall and Mrs. Jack Harrington. Children living are Thomas Joseph, and Roger Vincent, (Towamba) Bertha Theresa, (Towamba) Esther Eugene, a daughter Mary Margaret died some years ago.
The father and mother of the late R.T.Doyle came from Ireland and were identified with the early history of the Eden district, the father being sometime storekeeper for the Imlay brothers at their Towamba Station property and the mother taking her full share of the pioneering work of those times. They later moved to Wog Wog where they lived for some time then shifted to Monaro subsequently to Narabarba and then to Kiah where they resided for the remainder of their lives.
The body of the late Mr. R. T Doyle was conveyed from Pambula to Towamba and burial took place at the cemetery there on Thursday afternoon in the presence of relatives and friends who assembled to pay their respects to the memory of the deceased gentleman. Rev Fr. Donnelly officiated at graveside.

'Magnet' June 9, 1934
MR. JACK McLEOD
Death of a well known Towamba ex-soldier.
District wide regret was expressed at the announcement of the death at his home in Towamba on Monday evening of Mr. Jack McLeod a well known returned soldier and a popular and esteemed member of a well known family. The deceased who was only 42 years of age enlisted in 1915 and at Bullecourt in 1917 received a severe head wound, this necessitated him being invalided home and despite the most skillful treatment caused him considerable suffering at intervals up to the time of his death which nevertheless came as a great shock to all who knew him. A wife, formerly Miss Inez Dickie, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Dickie, Towamba. Two daughters Elva and Roma and a large number of other relatives, many of them in the Towamba district are left to mourn a great loss.
The funeral which was very largely attended took place on Tuesday, internment being made in the Church of England portion of the Towamba cemetery. Many returned soldiers were present to pay their last tributes of respect to the memory of a gallant comrade and returned men acted as pole bearers. Rev H.T. Genge conducted the last rites. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. C. Phillipps of Bega.

'Magnet' June 23, 1934
MR. ALFRED TASKER SNR.
As briefly announced in the last issue of the 'Magnet', Mr. Alfred Tasker Snr., died at his home at Towamba on Thursday, 14th instant. He had for a long time been suffering from a weak heart, a trouble that was responsible for his sudden though not altogether unexpected demise. He was born at Bombala 67 years ago and when quite young came to the Towamba district where he followed farming pursuits until within the last few years. A fine type of man he was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a son of English parents who settled in the Bombala district and had a family of eighteen of whom only two now survive. Mrs. Ken McLeod, Towamba and Mr. Thomas Tasker, Wyndham. The deceased left surviving three sons, Alf, Harry and Jack and two daughters, Rene, Mrs. Collins, Queensland and Dorothy, Mrs. King, Pericoe. The funeral took place at Towamba cemetery on Friday and the Rev. H. T. Genge impressively officiated at the graveside.

MRS. HERBERT BINNIE
Mr. Herbert Binnie of Berry and formerly a widely known and respected resident of Towamba has sustained a sad bereavement in the death of his wife who passed away on Thursday of last week.

'Magnet' August 11, 1934
MR. THOMAS POOLE
An old district identity in the person of Mr. Thomas Poole died suddenly at one o'clock on Friday, Aug. 3 at 'Freshwater' Kiah at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. W. Switzer where he had lived of late years. Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1857, he came to Australia 50 years ago finally selecting land at Nungatta he settled in this district with his cousin Mr. T.P. Shelley. Always of a bright and genial nature he was loved and respected by old and young and was greatly admired for his sterling qualities. He leaves brothers George (Brisbane), James (West Wyalong), and the Shelley and Switzer families of Kiah to mourn the loss of a devoted cousin. Burial took place at Kiah on Saturday in the presence of his many friends and relations. Reverend Father Donnelly officiated at the graveside.

MRS. GEORGE KEYS
The death of Mrs. George Keys an old and respected resident of Burragate occurred on Monday last. Mrs. Keys, who prior to her marriage was a member of the well known Binnie family, was the widow of the late Mr. George Keys, for some years a 'C' Riding councilor in Imlay Shire. Internment took place at Kameruka on Tuesday alongside the remains of her late husband who predeceased her by many years.

'Magnet' March 16, 1935
MRS CLEMENTS SENIOR.
Profound regret was caused throughout the district by the news that Mrs. Wm. Clements Snr, had, after having been in failing health for some time, passed away in her 79th year. Death occurred in the Pambula District Hospital on Monday last and internment took place in the cemetery at Towamba on the following day, the remains being laid to rest alongside those of the deceased's late husband.
The deceased lady was the eldest daughter of the late Edmund Mitchell, a well known pioneer of the district. She was born at Pambula on the 29th of July, 1856, and was married at Lower Towamba at the early age of 16 years to Mr. William Clements who was also a direct descendant of early pioneering stock. He pre deceased his wife nearly eleven years ago at their home at what it is now known as 'The Model Farm'. Mr. & Mrs. Clements established their always hospitable home and developed one of the finest properties in the district. Their family consisted of thirteen children, three of whom are deceased, vis, Hannah (Mrs. John Jones, Lakemba), Ruth, (Mrs. E. Love, Towamba) and William David who died in infancy. Daughters living are Jane, (Mrs. R. A. Gordon, Kyogle), Rebecca, (Mrs. Joseph Jaggers, Tumbulgum), Alice, (Mrs. A. Whitby, Towamba), Edith, (Mrs. A. Parker, Towamba), Adeline, (Mrs. J. N. Harris, Kiah), Mary, (Mrs. W. Parker, Towamba), Elsie, (Mrs. E. Heathcote, Canterbury). Sons surviving are Edmund, Towamba, Arthur, Lower Towamba, William, Cobargo. Their are forty-six grandchildren and thirty-five great grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. R. Hazelgrove, Bega and a step sister, Mrs. S. Chamberlin, Eden. She had two brothers, Messers J. T. and E. Mitchell, both now deceased.
Mrs. Clements was highly respected and widely esteemed on account of her quiet friendly disposition and her many homely and neighbourly good qualities. Always sympathetic with others in their trouble, she was ever generous in giving help to those in misfortune or distress. She was also a staunch adherent of her church taking throughout her life the Christian example as her ideal. She was a most estimable lady, a devoted wife and mother and a considerate and sympathetic and constant friend. At the funeral there was a large and representative gathering of relatives and friends and the Reverend H. T. Genge and Reverend R. Maidment officiated at the graveside. Six grandsons acted as pall-bearers. At the service in the Church of England the Minister spoke of Mrs. Clements as a woman of sterling worth, a good church woman who conscientiously did her duty in this life and held fast to her belief in the world hereafter and one who had set an example of goodness to those left to mourn her departure.
Mrs. Heathcote came from Sydney by 'plane and she and her sisters and brothers attended their mother doing all that was possible to soothe and ease her in her dying hours.
Messers Manning & Son, Bega had charge of the funeral arrangements. The coffin was of polished oak with heavy silver mountings and was covered with a profusion of beautiful wreathes.

'Magnet' August 17, 1935
Mr. John McLeod, 93, died at his home at Mila, near Bombala on Friday in last week. He had lived for 83 years in that district. He was born in the Isle of Skye, Scotland and came to Australia when he was ten years of age. Three daughters and four sons are living. The Towamba McLeods are relatives.

'Magnet'
May 30, 1936
OBITUARY
MRS. E. J. BINNIE
District wide regret was occasioned by the news that Mrs. Eliza Jane Binnie widow of the late Mr. David Binnie had after an illness of considerable duration passed away at her home 'Dunblane', Burragate on the morning of Monday last. For some time she had been under medical treatment and in the hope of enhancing her chances of recovery, she spent one week in Candelo Private Hospital and five weeks in Bega District Hospital but the malady proved to be beyond remedial skill and she returned home last Saturday and at 2.15 am on Monday, passed peacefully away.
Prior to her marriage she was a Miss Keys, a member of the well known district family of that name. She was married at Candelo to Mr. David Binnie in 1887 by the C of E Minister, Reverend Mr. Newth. Children were David Harold and Ethel (Mrs. John Mitchell) and grandchildren are Gwen and Ella Mitchell all of whom survive her.
Mrs. Binnie's husband died at the family home 'Dunblane' in 1930. Brothers and sisters of the deceased lady were seven boys and two girls namely, Margaret Lilly and Mary, and boys, William, David, James, Joseph, John, George and Tom. The brothers have passed away but the sisters are living, Mary (Mrs. J. T. Collins, Queensland) and Margaret Lilly (Mrs. Morton, Sydney).
Mrs. Binnie's father and mother were both born in Ireland, they were married there and came to Australia ninety odd years ago. At first they stayed at Wollongong went to Pambula where most of the family were born and their last home was at Candelo. The father and mother of the deceased lady came in a sailing boat to Australia and the voyage occupied six months. Mrs. Binnie's death has caused a very keenly felt family bereavement and has created a deeply deplored gap in the life of the local community. On account of her neighbourly good qualities, Mrs. Binnie was most highly esteemed. Her home, 'Dunblane' was noted for its hospitality which she and her husband dispensed with open-handed and open-hearted liberality. In the illness of others she was truly wonderful, she spared no effort to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and administer relief. There are few in the locality in which she lived who were not under a debt of gratitude to her for her kindly help to themselves or to relatives in time of need. Her goodness of heart was proverbial. She was well known as a judge in the food section of all district shows in the Far South Coast and at Orbost and Cann River in Victoria. She was a great supporter of the Bush Nursing Association and took a leading part in the establishment of the Burragate branch and promoting its welfare.
Internment took place in the cemetery at Eden on Tuesday morning when the remains were reverently laid to rest beside those of her deceased husband in the presence of a large gathering of town and country residents who had assembled to pay by their presence a farewell tribute to the memory of one who will be sadly missed by a very large circle of sorrowing relatives and sympathising friends. The burial service of the Church of England was impressively conducted by the Reverend R. Upjohn who also paid a splendid tribute to the fine personality and lovable nature of the deceased.

'Magnet' February 4, 1939.
MRS. BERTHA JANE HARTNEADY
Towamba and district residents were greatly shocked to hear of the sad death in Pambula District Hospital on Thursday morning of Mrs. Jack Hartneady of Towamba, at the age of 69 years. Although Mrs. Hartneady had been in indifferent health for some time, and had been a patient in the hospital on several occasions, her demise was entirely unexpected, and widespread sympathy is expressed for the bereaved relatives.
Born at Jellat Jellat, in the Bega district, she was a daughter of the late Mr. John Richards. Mrs. Slattery, of Towamba, is her only surviving sister, and the late Constable Henry Richards, who was a policeman at the time when the Kelly gang of bushrangers was in action, was her brother. Mrs. Hartneady was married at Eden at the age of 21 years, where her husband, a noted footrunner, in his time, had a storekeeping business. Among her many charitable and social activities one of the most notable was her work as organist for Church services for many years at Station Hill, Towamba.
Her husband and one daughter, Thelda, (Mrs. Jack McLeod) survive the deceased lady.
After service in the Church of England at Towamba on Friday morning the large funeral cortege wended its way to the Towamba cemetery, where the Rev. A.W. Tonge, of Pambula conducted the last sad rites. The floral tributes were both numerous and beautiful.

Magnet
July 22, 1939
MEMORIAL TO REV. J.L. FORBES
A memorial fund had been opened by the Rev. H. Perkins for a memorial to the late Rev. J.L. Forbes who was for many years Presbyterian Minister for this district.
The memorial will be in the form of a Communion Table to be placed in the church at Eden.
It is expected that the State Moderator Right Reverend A.D. Marchant B.A., B.D., will be able to make the trip down to dedicate the memorial.
Any friends of the late Mr. Forbes desirous of contributing to the fund may do so and the contributions will be appreciated and accepted by Mr. J.A. Ireland, Eden or Rev. H. Perkins at the Manse, Bega.

Magnet November 9, 1972 DEATH OF MRS. LIZZIE TASKER

The death occurred in the Pambula District Hospital on Wednesday of last week of Mrs. Lizzie Tasker of Eden.
The late Mrs. Tasker was aged 74 and her funeral took place in Pambula last Friday.
The deceased was a member of the early pioneering family of the late Thomas Love in the Kiah and Pericoe district and lived most of her life in the Towamba area.
She married the late Mr. Alfred Tasker a veteran of the First World War who predeceased her by some years.
Mrs. Harry Tasker of Eden is a sister of the deceased and Mr. Oscar Love of Towamba is a brother.

Magnet
November 23, 1972
DEATH
The death occurred at the weekend of Mr. Thomas Doyle an elderly resident of the Narrabarba district and the last decendent of the pioneering Doyle family in the Kiah and Towamba area.

Magnet
December 7, 1972
DIED IN CANBERRA
The death occurred at Canberra on October 27, of Mr. R.J. (Ron) Whitby at the age of 83 years. Ron Whitby was born at Rocky Hall in 1889 and worked on his father's property. He later worked in Bega where he enlisted for duty in the first world war.

Magnet
May 30, 1974
DIED IN HOSPITAL
The death occurred on May 16, in Bega Hospital of Mr. Leo Thomas Ryan aged 76 years of Burragate. Burial took place in Rocky Hall Cemetery after a service at Wyndham on Monday, May 20th.

Magnet
April 11, 1974
JOHN VINCENT SLATTERY
John Vincent Slattery died in St.Vincents Hospital, Sydney at the age of 74. 'Jack' as he was known was born at Towamba where he spent all his youth being very prominent in all sporting activities in the district.
He left Towamba to go to the North Coast where he married a Miss Gordon, a relative of the Clements family.
On the death of his wife he moved to Sydney where he joined the staff of the New South Wales Railways, a position he held until his retirement. He also remarried and lived at Miranda. In his retirement he was a staunch supporter of the Labor Movement .
His many friends on the South Coast will regret the passing of one of 'nature's gentlemen'.

Magnet
October 3, 1974
DIED IN SYDNEY
Mrs. Doreen Whelan long time resident of Kiah and Eden passed away in Sydney recently at the age of 72 years. The late Mrs. Whelan was a member of the well known Geraghty family. She was a woman with a pleasant personality who had the happy knack of making visitors immediately feel at home. In her younger days she was a noted tennis player. She is survived by her husband George and children, Isobel (Mrs. J. Rhatigan) and Nicholas both of Sydney and Anne (Mrs. Stuart) of Brisbane and brothers Jack (Eden), Bill and Dan (Sydney) and sister Mrs. Jean Buckland of Merimbula.
They have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their sad loss.

Magnet
April 14, 1977
DEATH OF OLD TOWAMBA RESIDENT
The death occurred recently in Sydney of Mr. Jennings, one time mounted policeman stationed at Towamba during the Yambulla gold mining days. Mr. Jennings married the Towamba publican's daughter Maggie McKee.

Bega and District Times
August 17, 1977
DEATH OF MR. JAMES SAWERS
The late Mr. James Henry Sawers who died suddenly last month did much for the community during his life.
The late Mr. Sawers who was in his sixties, born at Burragate and later began farming at Towamba where he became prominent in the Progress Association, the Fire Brigade and sporting bodies.
His many friends throughout the district were made sad by his death.
The late Mr. Sawers known to all as Jim, was to become a director of the Pambula Co Operative Dairy Co., representing the Towamba and Kiah districts and was later appointed a director of the Merimbula Co Operative Bacon Society.
He retired about eight years ago and settled in Pambula where he became a committee member of the Pambula Show Society and vice President of the Pambula Progress Association.
His sporting activities covered cricket, tennis and shooting, always retaining a keen interest in local football.
For many years Mr. Sawers was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. A staunch supporter of the Presbyterian Church he worked hard for it, in fact it can, be said without doubt that much of his time was given to the church and to the community.
Whenever possible he went out of his way to assist anyone who needed help. No job was ever too hard for him to take on and he will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his widow, a son Max of Pambula and a daughter Barbara (Mrs. Grant of Wyndham.)

No date
No Paper
DONALD LAING LIVED FOR TOWAMBA
The death occurred in the Pambula District Hospital on June 27th, of Mr. Donald Laing. The late Mr. Laing was born at Rockton 84 years ago, the son of Allan Laing. He married the former Miss Annie Higgins of Towamba (who predeceased him) and on doing so took over and managed the well known Higgins farm for 58 years.
This he did with his only son Charlie with marked success right up until the time of his death.
Mr. Donald Laing was a good horseman and a dairyman always producing the best of pigs and stock of all kinds. He was also a very neat farmer in his work and keeping weeds down amongst his maize crop was a speciality for him.
It was a well known fact amongst old hands that Donald Laing would discuss farming with anyone he knew was interested. His advice was only given freely where he knew it was going to be made use of.
In his younger days he took part in all Towamba Valley requests for better deals in roads and bridges and right up till his last days Donald Laing knew of every local development that may take place.
He was an ardent supporter of the Prebyterian Church always a familiar figure at the church door.
He is survived by his son Charlie, four sisters, Mrs. Or, Sydney, Mrs. Lawson, Sydney, Mrs. Lewis, Bombala, Mrs. Dent, Bombala, one brother Charles, Inverell. Four brothers predeceased him, James, William, Hector and Thomas who was killed in the First World War in France.
EDITOR'S NOTE: We are in debt to Mr. I.W. Ryan of Towamba for this obituary.

Magnet
February 16, 1978
C.H. LAING
Mr. C.H. Laing formerly of Towamba and Tenterfield passed away in the Armadale Hospital on January 26th, 1978. Mr. Laing was born 84 years ago at Rockton and was educated in Towamba.
He commenced his first job as assistant to the late Mr. Alf Robertson in the Towamba Butter Factory.
He served in WW1, was wounded and invalided home in 1917. He then went to the North Coast where he worked in various butter factories retiring as manager of the Tenterfield factory.
Mrs. Laing passed away two years ago and a family of four children and twenty-nine grandchildren mourn his loss.
Remaining members of the family are three sisters, Mrs. Lewis of Bombala and Ada and Sadie of Sydney.
Brothers Jim, Hector, Donald, William and sister Bella all predeceased him.

'Magnet' October 4, 1978 DEATH Ben Beasley

The death occurred at Towamba on Monday, September 25, of Mr. Ben Beasley aged 85 years.
A funeral for the late Mr. Beasley was held last Friday at Bombala. Obituary to follow.

Magnet
March 29, 1979
MALLACOOTA WILL MISS JACK McLEOD
The death occurred on March 5th of Mr. John Thomas (Jack) McLeod and took from Mallacoota one of the town's best known and respected citizens. Jack 69 is survived by his wife Thelda (nee Hartneady) and daughter Kitty.
He will be remembered for a number of reasons by Mallacoota residents not the least of which was his ability as a pianist which put him in demand for many dances and functions.
Jack spent his early years at Towamba and from there moved with his wife to Genoa to take over the Genoa Hotel.
After several years in his business they moved to Mallacoota and built their home which is now the Fisheries and Wildlife residence.
Together with his late brother Ken he followed a professional fishing pursuit and conducted the local ice works.
From fishing, Jack McLeod made one more change to take employment with the Orbost Shire Council and finally retired from the shire several years ago.
A very good golfer he was a well known figure in the local club. He was also a staunch member of the Senior Citizens Club which will surely miss him and his music.
Burial took place at Mallacoota on March 9th.

Magnet
April 5, 1979
The death took place at her home at Towamba last Saturday of Mrs. Grace Clements aged 86 years. A funeral for the late Mrs. Clements was held at Towamba on Tuesday. She is survived by her husband Arthur, sons Vern (Eden), Ronald (Towamba), Clive (Towamba) and Gordon and one daughter Gloria (Dapto).

Magnet
October 11, 1979
DEATH OF MISS RYAN
Miss Minnie Ryan died in the Bega District Hospital on Sunday, September 30, aged 79 years. A requiem mass was held at Rocky Hall on Wednesday October 3, with burial in Rocky Hall Cemetery.
Miss Ryan is survived by her brothers Gilbert, Henry, Issy (Bega), Ted (Burragate) and sisters Elsie (Burragate), Maria McMahon (Merimbula) and Josie McMahon (Gerringong).

Magnet
October 25, 1979
CEC McDONALD DIES
The death occurred in the Pambula Hospital on Saturday last of Mr. Cecil McDonald aged 71 years. He is survived by his wife and adult family. 'Apparantly he lived in Towamba' (added in pencil)

Magnet
August 7, 1980
MR. ARTHUR JAMES CLEMENTS
The death occurred on Monday July 28, at his home in Towamba of Mr. Arthur James Clements aged 85 years following a lengthy illness.
For most of his life Mr. Clements was on the land at Towamba and together with his family built their property 'Model Farm' into a truly model farm and one which was admired by all. There never seemed to be a blade of grass out of place. The property specialised as a dairy and stud venture up until about ten years ago. It also boasted some excellent maize crops.
Mr. Clements made a name for himself as a cattle buyer and seller and was a familiar figure at district sales where he often represented the Huttons company in buying stock.
Another of Mr. Clements' interests was in purchasing wattle bark for the Craig Mostyn Mill at Eden.
About 25 years ago when Mr. Clements suffered a serious injury to his left eye which resulted in him losing its sight and fate dealt him a further blow soon after when glaucoma began to rob him of sight in his other eye.
Despite his suffering and declining health over recent years Mr. Clements remained an uncomplaining sufferer and displayed courage to the end.
His wife, formerly Grace Stevens of Wangrabelle whom he married over sixty years ago predeceased him six months ago.
Of the marriage there are four sons, Verner (Eden), Ron and Clive (Towamba) and Gordon (Kyogle) and one daughter Gloria (Wollongong). His funeral took place at Towamba on Wednesday, July 30.

Magnet
September 4, 1980
DEATH OF RONALD ERNEST CLEMENTS
The death occurred in the Bega District Hospital on Thursday, August 28, of Ronald Ernest Clements aged 62 years. Mr. Clements lived at 'Model Farm' Towamba and the funeral service was held in the Towamba Church followed by burial in the Towamba Cemetery on Monday, September 1. Mr. Clements is survived by a wife and adult family.

Eden Magnet
January 24, 1980
PASSING OF WELL RESPECTED CITIZEN
The death occurred in Bega district of Eric Oliver Parker on January 1, 1980 aged 72.
Eric was born at Towamba and was the eldest son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Walter Parker formerly of Towamba until they retired but lived the latter part of their life at Bega.
Eric went to school at Towamba but later assisted his parents on the land. He later worked for the late Reg Johnstone, the late Os Gutherie and many more. He served with the C.M.F. during W W 11.
Eric is survived by two daughters of his first marriage. They are Thelma (Mrs. Shelley, Cobargo) and Joyce (Mrs. Payne) of Nowra and two grandsons, Peter and Trevor.
Eric is survived by a widow of his second marriage Rachel and six adult step-children.
Up until the time of death of this well respected man who was a keen sportsman, he had the title of champion shooter of the Bega Rifle Club and also champion bowler with the Candelo-Kameruka Bowling Club.
Even after his major operation of having his legs amputated he was presented with a special chair from Cronulla Bowling Club.
Many a time, Eric was called away from his dinner to assist a motorist who had broken down at Wolumla.
Eric has six sisters and one brother. He was also a member of the Wolumla Bushfire Brigade and Wolumla Hall Committee and held his driving licence up until his passing.
In all that time he was not involved in one traffic accident.

Magnet
September 17, 1981
PATRICK FRANCIS WHELAN
One of the best known identities of the local community, Patrick Francis Whelan passed away at his residence at Wonboyn Lake recently.
Pat, or Paddy as he was called, was the third son of Will Whelan whose father Patrick Whelan settled at Corcoran's Flat at Kiah about 1834 a far cry from his native Tipperary.
The property remained in the family for over 140 years. It was situated on the banks of the Kiah 'where the river takes a bend in the shape of a silver horseshoe…a horseshoe that has no end.'
In his school days, Pat was an outstanding athlete and represented the Far South Coast against Monaro in Cooma where he won the hop, step and jump.
PLAYED LEAGUE FOR NULLICA
As a young man he played with the Nullica Rugby League Club where his speed proved a great asset. Pat was also a member of the strong Kiah cricket team.
He worked on the family property for some years and after working in Sydney he enlisted in the AIF and saw service in New Guinea. After his discharge he followed his profession as a dental mechanic on the North Coast for a time before returning to Kiah to join his brothers Greg and George on the farm.
Pat made many friends in the time when he was the Eden 'milko' and after the sale of the milk run be bought Kiah Store and Post Office which he and his wife Francis run for many years when it was located on the bend of the old highway just north of the old tennis courts.
When he sold out he spent a period of business on the Central Coast before coming back to the district and building a home on the shores of Wonboyn Lake.
He did relieving jobs in various local businesses. Pat's friendly manner won him many friends and played a major part in his successive business.
Pat had a great love of children and having none of their own he and his wife took Gaylene Bell into their home following the death of her mother and treated her with the same love and affection as if she had been their child.
An illustration of his own unselfish nature was shown during the Depression of the 1930's when the dairy farmers were only receiving 6 ½ pence a pound for their butter.
Following a series of floods in 1934 when the roads were badly damaged Pat took a temporary job with the DMR using two horses and a dray. When he came home each week he used to put the whole of his pay in a container and any member of the family was free to take whatever they needed.
As one mourner stated "There maybe men as good as Pat but there would be none better."
He will certainly live on in the minds and hearts of those who knew him.

Magnet
October 7, 1982
TOWAMBA PIONEER LADY PASSES
Towamba district lost one of its oldest and most respected pioneer women by the death in the Bega District Hospital on the morning of Sunday last week, September 26th when following a short illness Mrs. Gertrude Alice Ingramof Widden Farm, Towamba passed away, she was 89 years of age.
Born at Quidong, Bombala district, she was a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Smith and was the only surviving member of the family, her brothers and sisters having all predeceased her.
Ernest Smith had been a noted horseman in his day and was well known all over the Monaro for his ability to handle all kinds of stock.
Alice married Robert William Ingram in 1914 and their only child Wilfred was born at 'The Laurels' Parsonage Creek, Bombala in the old building which Mrs. Groves had converted into a Nursing Home.
Shortly after this in 1916 the Ingrams moved to Nangutta Station where Robert was employed as head stockman for Phippard & Sons and took up duties there in November of that year.
Apart from neighbours, the nearest of whom lived six miles distant, other visitors were rare; but like all the fine pioneering women of her time, Alice made the best of a frequently lonely life, her time being occupied by cooking, preserving fruit, baking bread (she was famous for her bread) and cooking for other workers on the big station property.
News of the outside world came on the recently installed telephone but mostly from the menfolk who meeting with other district stockmen and travellers making their way through to Bombala from Genoa side were able to pick up news of relatives and friends together with such foreign news as came in occasional newspapers.
Robert died in Bombala District Hospital in 1942 and was buried in Bombala Cemetery. His son Wilfred then 27 years of age had to shoulder all the heavy farm work at 'Oaklands' on the borderline between Towamba and Pericoe to which property they had shifted after eleven years at Nangutta.
Besides coping with household chores Alice always helped with such outside work as was within her capability.
The move to 'Oaklands' had been made so Wilfred could get proper schooling.
Alice Ingram as predicted a daughter of Ernest Smith, was a good judge of horses as well as cattle and sheep and had for thirty years or more ridden in every week to collect mail and groceries from Ira Parker's Post Office Store at Towamba village. Then, packing groceries and mail on to her pony, she would ride three miles home to 'Oaklands'. The loads varied of course, and at one time Alice brought home a portable gramophone and a supply of records, while to improve a strain of poultry she had amongst other things, eight lively pullets. The saddle pony knew every tree, stump and creek on the way but for a reason known only to itself, ignored the rider's efforts to keep it on the regular track and made a little detour always at the same place before obeying the rider's orders. Apart from this idiosyncrasy the pony was quiet and dependable.
In 1963 Wilfred and his mother purchased the present home 'Widden Farm' at Towamba. Then came the time when Alice's sight began to fail and she was taken to Wollongong Hospital where she underwent operations which unfortunately were not successful.
For more than twenty years she had been completely blind. A serious affliction which folk with good vision cannot readily understand but despite this she managed to prepare vegetables for cooking and to clean kitchen utensils.
Now confined to the house Alice evinced a lively interest in national and district matters and took to listening into Current Affairs programmes on radio.
Neither Alice or Wilfred ever lived in a town, that is apart from a few short days in hospital. They had always been in an environment where stock, mainly cattle, horses and sheep were their livelihood. That was a life, healthy country living, good neighbours and always some job to occupy both body and mind which suited them both.
Robert Ingram had been a great and good influence during his son's early years and Alice's example of thrift and honesty played a big part in preparing him for the regular employment with people who valued those qualities.
In her earlier years Alice had been active in church affairs a fact which had been commented upon by the Reverend Keith Stephens (Anglican) who conducted the funeral service at Towamba Cemetery on Tuesday, September 28th.
Manning & Son of Bega had charge of the arrangements and relatives and friends from Bonang and Canberra were among those gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to one whose courage in the face of adversity, all had admired.

Bega District News
October 29, 1982
ONE OF FIRST TO WALK TO TOP OF
MOUNT IMLAY
The death last week of Isobella May Hopkins, 92 , brought to an end part of the pioneering spirit that helped establish this district. In the year 1911 the late Mrs. Hopkins walked to the top of Mount Imlay with a party of other women making them the first people climb the mountain.
She was born at Kiah to Robert and Elizabeth Jane Hazelgrove in 1890 and spent her school years at Lower Towamba. She often told how she had to be rowed across the flooded rivers to school.
Her parents were children of early pioneering families living most of their lives in isolation, their only contact with the outside world being by horse. Her mother gave birth to some of her children unassisted.
On one occasion Mrs. Hopkins and her sister drove a sulky from Lower Towamba to Cooma for a dance making it a three day ordeal.
SIX CHILDREN
She married James Hopkins, a PMG linesman and settled in Bega where she gave birth to six children. They were James (deceased), Kevin, Elizabeth, Betty "Giddy", Noel, Esma (Fisher) and Irene (Watson). In 1930 they moved to Orange and six years later Mr. Hopkins was transferred to Dubbo after promotion to line inspector.
During the war years. Mrs. Hopkins entertained the troops including Bega boys at her home which was open house to them.
The late Mrs. Hopkins was involved in assisting many public charities up until she left Dubbo to settle back in Bega. On returning she sheltered four young children for various periods to help mothers having difficulty in providing a suitable home environment.
NURSED MOTHER
The couple's return to Bega in 1946 was in order for Mrs. Hopkins to nurse her mother who was suffering severely from ulcers. She died nine years later.
She was a Justice of the Peace having received this honour for her work for the Labor Party over many years. Mrs Hopkins, even at 92, always had a twinkle in her eye and was 'good fun'. She enjoyed a talk and a joke and was deeply involved in her faith. She always sat in the front row of St.John's Anglican church Bega in what she jokingly called the 'sinners' seat'.
Her impact on the local community was demonstrated last Monday at her funeral when St.Johns' church was filled to capacity with people ranging from the very young to senior members of our community.

No Date
No Paper
OBITUARY
MRS. EMILY ALICE CHAMBERLIN
The sad death accurred in Pambula Hospital on Tuesday morning of Emily Alice, beloved wife of Mr. Stanley Chamberlin of Eden at the age of 73 years. She had been suffering for a lengthy period and the end came as a happy release to her.
Mrs. Chamberlin was the youngest daughter of late Mr. Edmund Mitchell and his second wife and was born at Lower Towamba where at the age of 18 she married Mr. Chamberlin. Her husband who came from Wroxham, Norfolk, England in the ship 'Cairnburg' in 1878 visited Tasmania before coming to Eden in 1880. The couple took up residence at Lower Towamba on a holding now owned by Mr. Martin McMaster. Later they bought a property at Wangrabelle and engaged in farming pursuits besides conducting the Post Office. The locality was later named Wroxham after Mr. Chamberlin's home town.
About thirteen years ago they had the misfortune to lose their home by fire then came to Eden to reside. A house in Maling Street was purchased and they had lived quietly in retirement up to the present time.
Mrs. Chamberlin had a wonderful disposition which indeared her to her neighbours and all who came in contact with her. She was a devoted wife and in earlier years helped many people in the Towamba district in time of trouble.
She is survived by her husband and two step-sisters, Mrs. R. Hazelgrove (Bega) and Mrs. M. Ryan (Combulgum), two step-brothers Messrs. Edward and John Mitchell and one step-sister Mrs. W. Clements predeceased her.
Internment took place at the Eden Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of relatives and friends. Reverend A.W. Tonge (Anglican) who officiated, delivered a very fine graveside address paying tribute to Mrs. Chamberlin's many good qualities aand great fortitude in time of suffering. Many fine floral tributes were laid reverently on the grave at the conclusion of the service. Arrangements were in the hands of Mr. T. McMahon Snr., and pall bearers were Messrs. H. R. and J. Mitchell, H. C. Hartup, A.J. Clements and J.P. McMahon.

Bega District News April,1965 BURRAGATE FIRE KILLS RIDER

A prominent show ring rider, Mr. Leslie James "Copper" Farrell, was burnt to death on Friday night.
The tragedy occurred when the house in which Mr. Farrell was sleeping, at Burragate, was completely destroyed by fire.
The late Mr. Farrell's father, Mr. David John Farrell, 74, who was in the same house, escaped from the fire with minor burns.
The two men had been to a cattle sale at Wyndham, on Friday, and had returned home later that evening. Mrs. Farrell, the wife of Mr. Farrell snr., was in Sydney on holidays.
The two men cooked a meal and sat by an open fire, Mr. Farrell snr., going to bed first in a room in the front of the house. His son slept in a room at the rear of the house.
Mr. Farrell said that his son had gone outside to attend to the horses and after they had gone to bed, they talked for a while through the room partitions. Later, at about 10 o'clock, Mr. Farrell heard his son call out and he went to investigate. He found that the house was ablaze and he could do nothing to help his son.
The small weatherboard house had tanks for a water supply and was about one and a half miles outside the small settlement of Burragate. Mr. Farrell attracted the attention of Mr. Stan Umback who lived about half a mile away, but there was nothing that could be done.
Constable J. Trent, who investigated the tragedy with Detective J. Avery, of Bega, said the house burnt fiercely, being lined with a light inflammable type of lining. The fire may have started from the open fireplace as electric power was not connected.
The date of the coroner's inquest into the tragedy had not been fixed yesterday.
The late Mr. Farrell, who was 39 years of age, was a very well known show-ring rider.
This tragedy has taken one of the most popular personalities from the local show rings, for "Copper" was everybody's friend through his friendly manner, courage and splendid sportsmanship.
He rode with tremendous natural ability and was never worried by the difficulties and height of the obstacles, although his eyesight was somewhat impaired.
The last image of "Copper" will be a solid, little man - becoming a little rotund - strolling into the ring leading his pony high jumper 'Robin', filled with quiet expectancy for the contest ahead.
If he won he was reserved in his elation, and if he lost he celebrated with the winner.
"Copper" took some unnerving bumps when he crashed to the ground in a mix-up with horse and bars, but had to be incapable of rising from the ground before he would submit to first-aid attention. This son of the bush, and disciple of hard riding, never accepted the modern equestrian style, but he appreciated the technique and enjoyed watching the events.
The young, modern riders were his great champions, and he was not one to become lugubrious about the days before "the fancy riding" took over.
Perhaps everybody took this good chap too much for granted, and now that he has gone his unostentatious strolling into the local rings will be missed, and show-ring people will recall his deeds when the horses assemble for the high jump.
His funeral left the Church of England Church, Towamba, after a Presbyterian service, for the Towamba Cemetery. The Rev. R. G. McKinnon conducted the services.

OBITUARY
Harold Leo Farrell
1942 - 2003
On Sunday, September 7, Leo Farrell died suddenly at his home in the village of Towamba. He was 61.
Born in Bombala in 1942 he spent most of his pre school years living with his parents and younger brother on Nangutta Station. After moving to Burragate he attended the local primary school and later Bega high school. He grew up experiencing a lifestyle that was based on hard work. While his father was cutting sleepers in the bush, Leo and his brother, William, trapped rabbits, wallabies, wonga pigeons and currawongs for food.
"Those black currawongs...I'll never forget them. The stink of the things! God, they were terrible! And tough!"
When old enough, he helped his father in the bush and learned that if you wanted something, then you had to work for it.
Leo had a deep respect and love for the bush and was aware of the necessity to maintain a natural balance.
"Mum was always a conservationist, probably where I got it from, she was reared in the bush too. She never went to school a day in her life. She taught herself to read and write and so she taught me to read and write, and my brother."
In 1967 while working at a saw mill in Bombala, Leo was caught up in the drive shaft of a machine and was severely injured. He spent three years in hospital in Canberra and Sydney undergoing further operations and treatment.
In 1978 while over in Perth, a car ran him down and again he was severely injured. Six months in hospital and many operations later Leo, in telling the story, could still find something to laugh about.
"After I got smashed up and I eventually got out of hospital, no money, stayed with the Salvos, and then I hitch hiked home on broken legs from Perth back to Bombala. That's one thing...if you're going to hitch hike, take crutches! No worries about getting a lift then!"
Surviving two horrific accidents which would have finished off most men, Leo had a strong spirit, a life saving humour and determination that got him through those years of operations and hospitalisation.
For several years he worked on a logging crew in the local and northern forests of New South Wales and through that involvement he eventually became a committed conservationist, brought on by his deep dissatisfaction at the lack of sustainability of the environment by the process of extracting timber from the south east forests for the chip mill.
His property Fulligans was built up and improved by hard physical labour. Its unique buildings, the huge dam, the bush golf course, horse rides for the kids, bush walks or sitting around the kitchen table talking or playing cards into the night; anyone who visited left with a laugh and a good memory.
He was passionately Australian and was determined to preserve what he believed was being lost to Australians. He rescued whaler horses and brought them back to Fulligans where he continued the breed so they would live on for future generations.
Although Leo was raised into a simple life style he was also a man who could still move with the times. He saw many changes in his life time and although he would acknowledge the modern pace, he preferred to live a simple, basic life.
In later years Leo became interested in camels and travelled interstate and brought back camels and knowledge. Leo's ideas were never confined within a boundary; he was an innovative and free thinker. He introduced to the district, and freely promoted the soft-footed camel as a method of weed control much to many property owners' amusement until the proof was for the eye to see.
Leo was a committed community member. He was the instigator behind efforts to gain a bicentennial grant to build a mud brick extension to the old Towamba hall. The result is the present mud brick hall built by members of the Towamba community. He kept the recycling center at the local tip going for the Towamba P & C. He was the character and a major attraction that led to the continuing success of the Annual Towamba Stockman's Ride.
Leo will be remembered for his stories, his open house, his bush philosophies and his colourful descriptions and language. He had a genuine interest in people and when giving an opinion, he shot from the hip. He was a dependable friend, mate and chronic story teller. His passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him but this space will hold memories of the laughs, stories and home-spun philosophies that will be treasured by his friends. He was a unique and popular identity.
Sally, his eldest daughter, remembers the four words that her father never wanted his children to say: 'I can't' and 'I'm bored.'
Leo is survived by his children, Debbie, Russell, Sally, Lorna, Ruby and Lily. Grandchildren Hayley, Colin, Anthony, Kerryn, Jack, Abbey, Felicity and Jemma and by the rest of those who loved him.
Leo was a legend in his own lifetime.

Leo Farrell	Leo Farrell and camels at Candelo	Leo yarning

'MAGNET' (excerpt) PHYLLIS CLEMENTS - October 1913 - September 2003

Family, relatives and friends gathered at the Uniting Church, Merimbula on Wednesday, September 24 to celebrate and farewell the life of a well known and respected Tura Beach citisen, Phyllis Clements.
Phyllis was born to Alice and Frederick Hyde in Eden on October 1, 1913.
She was the youngest of three children. Her early life, schooling and adolescence, was spent in Eden. Her father passed away when Phyllis was eight years old but she was nurtured by her loving mother and two brothers and extended family of aunts, uncles and grandparents in her young years.
From school Phyllis took up a governess position on a station on the Monaro and later was a companion to two sisters in Eden.
During WW11 Phyllis worked in the Department of Security in Canberra. She also helped run a newsagency with her mother in Captain's Flat and later returned to Eden to work in the old Ramsey's Store.
During the mid 1940's, Phyllis' sister-in-law Nancy died unexpectedly leaving her brother Dudley and two young children alone.
Phyllis and her mother undertook the care of Annette and Julie at this time resulting in a strong bond developing between them through the years.
Phyllis married Verner on July 14, 1949 and they set up house at "Model Farm" Towamba, a dairy farm at that time. Rhonda and Glenn were born to them in the early 50's.
They worked on the farm until 1964 when circumstances saw the family move to Eden.
Phyllis ran a boarding house for five years there while Verner worked between Eden and the farm.
In the early 1970's Phyllis and Verner purchased a smaller home and settled there for the next 20 years both involving themselves in the Eden Presbyterian Church and other community organisations.
While a very conservative and private person, Phyllis had a keen sense of humour and particularly enjoyed aspects of English comedy. She was a truly a kind, gentle and gracious lady and will be greatly missed by her loving husband Verner, children Rhonda and Glenn, son-in-law Hans, daughter-in-law Rosemarie and grandchildren Olivia and husband Matthew, Tania and husband Phillip, Cherie, Lisa, Christopher and Katrina, nieces Annette and Annabelle and nephews Bradley and Rodney.

Bill McDonald

'Magnet' March 10, 2005
Bill, expert bulldozer driver
Walter William (Bill) McDonald 4.1.1939 - 27.2.2005
Bill McDonald was born in Bega on January 4, 1939, the eldest son of Walter and Mabel McDonald of Towamba.
He was raised at Towamba and attended school until the age of 13.
Bill went trapping rabbits and then sleeper cutting with a crew from Towamba.
In about 1958 Bill went to work for sawmills at Club Terrace and Cabbage Tree in Victoria with his brother Don and his uncle Charlie.
He then worked for a short time with the former Department of Main Roads from their Eden depot.
At about the age of 24 Bill started work with LW and CK Cocks in Eden where he remained until his recent illness.
In his earlier years he was a very keen sportsman who enjoyed the pleasures of tennis, football and fishing.
On one recent fishing trip to remember with his brothers Don and David, Bill managed to catch the only two fish for that trip. David remarked humorously, "Just because you're dying, you don't have to catch all the bloody fish!"
Bill married Maree Heather in 1961 and they had two children, Peter and Elizabeth.
Later in life Bill met his soul mate Pat. They had a very fulfilling life shareing their loving children and grandchildren.
Bill will best be remembered for his expertise as a bulldozer operator in many varied situations.
All his workmates and the general community of this area held him in very high esteem.
Bill's family would like to take this opportunity to thank Lloyd, Mary and Stephen Cocks and the ladies of the Eden CWA for all their help and kindness in this tine of sorrow.
Bill's funeral took place on Wednesday, March 2, and he was buried at the Eden Cemetery.

The following memorial notices were found in the local recycling centre. There are no dates or names of newspapers.

IN MEMORIAM

In memory of our dear little baby, who died
on September 23rd, 1909.

Another little lamb has gone
To dwell with Him Who gave;
Another little darling babe
Is sheltered in the grave.
God needed one more angel child
Amidst His shining Band,
And so He vent with loving smile
And clasped our darling's hand.
Inserted by her loving parents, G. and A. Hite.
Dulcie Hite died 1909 aged 3 years. Buried in Towamba Cemetery.

GRANT. In memory of our dear
granddaughter, Coralie Grant, who
died on August 24th, 1906; aged 13
years.

"'Tis hard to break the tender cord,
When Love has bound the heart,
'Tis hard, so hard to speak the word,
We for a time must part.
Dearest loved one, we have laid thee
In the peaceful grave's embrace,
But they memory will be cherished
Till we see they heavenly face."
Deeply regretted by her loving grand-
parents, J. and M.A. Robinson.


IN MEMORIAM

ALEXANDER.-- In sad but loving
memory of my dear husband, Arthur N. Alexander, who departed this life on October 5, 1900.

Friends may think I have forgotten,
When at times they see me smile,
But they little know the aching heart
That smile hides all the while.
I mourn for you, dear husband,
But not with outward show----
For those who mourn sincerely
Mourn silently and low.
Inserted by his loving wife, Ethel Alexander.

IN MEMORIAM

In sad but loving memory of our dear
son and brother, HAROLD BOYD GOWARD, who departed this life March 6, 1908.
We loved him, yes, no tongue can tell
How deeply, how dearly, and how well.
Inserted by his loving parents, brothers, and sisters.

McLEOD.--- In loving memory of my
dear wife, Elizabeth Mary, who
departed this life September 5, 1930.

I am lonesome, dear, without you,
And sad am I to-day,
For life is not the same to me
Since God took you away.
Inserted by her loving husband, James.


In affectionate remembrance of our darling
twin-son, Frederick William (Freddy) who
de parted this life at Nethercote on the 9th day
of September, 1908, aged 3 months 16 days.

A little flower of love
That blossomed, but to die,
Transplanted now above
To bloom with God on high.
You are not forgotten, Freddy dear,
Nor will you ever be;
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
Inserted by his loving father and mother,
W.T. and E. Hall.


GREER.----- In loving memory of our
dear mother, who passed away July
13th, 1935; also our dear father, who
died September 23rd, 1930.

In our home there is a beautiful photo,
To us it is more precious than gold.
It's the photo of our dear mother and father
Whose memories will never grow old.
Inserted by their loving daughters
Dorrie and Hellena.
..............................................