A Pioneer Resident Called

The late Mr. John Newman

The death of Mr. John Newman, at his residence "Devon", Lawson Street Mudgee, takes from this community one who had in every way large claims to rank as a pioneer resident, very highly esteemed, and who had enjoyed great personal popularity as a citizen, and favours in special honours in the civic associations of Mudgee. Indeed, in his connection chiefly with the Municipality of Cudgegong the deceased gentleman has a record of special service to his credit. He had served as alderman for many years, and had filled the mayoral office with distinction. He was a man who guarded speech and action, and was punctual as well as tactful. The bump of caution was characteristic of the man. John Newman made no rash assertions, he thought well before uttering opinions, and, when differing from others, was courteous to a degree. A common expression oh (sic) his when differing with a brother alderman was "I differ with you my friend." He and the old "General" Wilton very often differed in council, but they never quarrelled. Such was the type of man our deceased townsman proved himself to be, through a long term of public services in this community. We must mourn the loss of such a townsman, and reverently proclaim "peace to his ashes."

The late Mr. John Newman came to the country and to this district a very young man. At the time of his departure from his native village in Devonshire, he could not have been more than 19 years of age, and because relatives had come to Mudgee earlier the young Devonshire townsman chose Mudgee as his first Australian homespot. And how very successful the deceased has been in his adopted home in Australia is borne out in many respects. His choice of McDonald's Creek and the eminent situation of his snug, nicely managed homestead property, popularly known as "Wattle Cottage", three miles from Mudgee, will remain his monument in the history of this district. The trim, well improved property is now possessed by Mr. Herbert May, who, like the deceased, has given meritorious service to the Municipality of Cudgegong. With the late William Wilton, De Courcy Brown, P.J. Rheinberger and a band of others, he was the promoter of the first Farmers and Settlers' Association (fee 5/- a member). The F. and S. motto was the beehive and the words "Unity is Strength". How well we remember their first exhibition on the old showground near Burrendulla. What a muster of farmers and free selectors, and families of the old cockles gathered that day. Later Mr. Newman and his brethren merged into the now Agricultural Society, and erected the present well-equipped show ground, their one mistake (if any) being that they were not land grabbers. Flirtation Hill, now a useless eyesore, should have been grabbed and made Nature's outlook, a panoramic grandstand off the hill. The deceased was happy in the choice, early in his career, of the partner who shared with him the domestic cares in the happy model homestead. His choice fell on the daughter of Mr. John Orchard, and Miss Orchard bore the distinction of being named after England's good Queen "Victoria". There are those amongst us left to tell of the pioneer band who remember the late Mrs. Newman in her girlhood days, as a charming personality and richly endowed with common sense and the graces of beautiful womanhood. Their union proved a long and happy mating. Indeed, the only break came a year or so ago (in 1921) when the grand old wife and mother was called. No break by death had previously entered the home of sunshine. The union proved also a happy issue in the twelve Australian born "wattle blooms" born at Wattle Cottage. All but one have taken their place in the duties of life, and the one remaining stayed on to be her late father and mother's home comforter. The first born of the family group is Mr. John Henry Newman, who early in life chose the railway service in preference to going on the land. Mrs. James Bayliss resides at McDonald's Creek near the old home spot. Mrs. James Buckley resides near Coonabarabran, Mr. Albert Newman, "Nealton", Collingwood Mr. Charles Newman, at "Ashby" Baradine Mrs. G. Buckley, at Tooraweenah Mr. George Newman, McDonald's Creek Mrs. Fraser, Queensland Mrs. George James, Grattai Mr. Stanley Newman, Queensland, Mr. Rupert Newman, Queensland, and Miss Kitty Newman, "Devon", Mudgee.

The late Mr. Newman had been, at intervals, in precarious health, due to heart affection. The end came in the early hours of Saturday morning last, at the good old age of 84, members of his family who were within call by telephone being at the death bed. Dr. Nickoll had been summoned, but ere the doctor had reached the home the spirit had gone to God who gave it.

Few men who followed up mixed farming were more successful than the late Mr. Newman. He was one of the first to take up crossbred lamb raising, and was responsible for an excellent type of lamb which found a ready market. The Merino-Lincoln was his choice of cross. The late Mr. Newman had no time for cant or humbug. His word was his bond, and no one ever found him deviating in this respect.

Burial took place in the Mudgee cemetery this afternoon. Rev. S. Bostock Jones read the burial service and Mr. J.C. Swords had charge of the funeral arrangements.

A short service at the late home of deceased was held by the Rev. Bostock Jones, of the Methodist Church. The funeral was attended by many old friends.