Journal #65 – December 2021

Aborigines and the Law

This article looks at how local magistrates dealt with Aborigines who came before the Courts of Petty Sessions in the Manning Valley. It references the local Bench Books (1863 to 1883) and contemporary newspapers of the time.

Rendezvous With Death

Professor Ramsland gives an insight into how he researched and wrote his latest book, Rendezvous With Death: ANZAC Stories of the Great War. Of particular interest is the life story of Dr Neville Howse, an early Taree doctor, who won the Victoria Cross during the Boer War and served as a medical officer in the Great War.

A Gold Mining Family

In an article written in 1997, Stan recalled his family’s experiences prospecting for gold in the Mummel River (Upper Manning) area during the Great Depression of the 1930s. His description of the mining processes used is very detailed.

A Glance at the Old “Times”

In an article written in 1949, Richard recalled his apprenticeship at the Manning River Times from 1885 to 1890, the work practices and machinery used. He also gave a glimpse of life in Taree at the time.

Wing-Commander Milton Moore

Milton, a local lad, joined the R.A.A.F. in 1940 and served with the 454 Squadron in the Mediterranean and Aegean areas. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his dedication to duty. Milton’s gas mask can be seen in our War Cabinet display.

Interesting Overland Trip

In an article written in 1915, Thomas recalled an epic journey he made with his three young sons over the Great Dividing Range, from Moree to Wingham. They made this journey with horses and a wagon, during a severe drought period.

A Tragic Drowning

Two years after this epic journey, the Connolly family suffered the tragic loss of their two daughters (Ellen May and Alice May) in a drowning accident at Jackson’s Falls, two kms. above Wingham.

The James Cross Memorial Plaque

World War One memorial plaques were commemorative medallions presented to the next-of-kin of service men and women of the British Empire killed in the war. The memorial plaque presented to Mrs Hannah Cross after her son, James, was killed in the battle of Messines, is in the museum’s collection.

In the Museum

Updates what is happening in Wingham Museum including the addition of ‘The New Perfection Wick Blue Flame Oil Cook-Stove’, a stove that could run on kerosene.

Cost: $10.00  32 pages  A4: 21cm x 29cm