Cudgegong Valley History Project

Rylstone News. (From Our Special.) UNTIMELY DEATH. The Rylstone death-roll for the past year has been unusually large, mostly old residents who have reached the end of life. Our district people have suffered many sudden shocks, notably the mill explosion, many years ago. But the sudden death of Mr. E. Howe., C.P.S. and Crown Land Agent here, on Monday night, September 23, at 12 o'clock, came as a great shock. The deceased caught a cold early in the previous week, and did not attach much importance to it, going about his usual work, being extra anxious to have matters fixed up for the Government Auditor, whom he expected; but he little realised the dreadful enemy that was within gnawing at his very life, and it was not until sheer exhausted that he went to bed, his last time, unfortunately, for despite all that Dr. Hansard's skilful attention could do, and a consultation with Dr. Challands, he never rallied, and succumbed, another victim to the awful pneumonia. The deceased gentleman was born on May 4, 1869, and was thus 49 years of age at the time of his death. He was a son of the late Mr. R. B. Howe, of Newtown, and Mrs. R. B. Howe, of Camberwell, Victoria. He was first appointed to the Lands Department in 1883, and was afterwards transferred to Tamworth, Armidale, and Dubbo. On July 24., 1907, he was appointed C.P.S., and Crown Land Agent at Rylstone. In his official capacity he won the esteem and respect of the whole district by his unvarying courtesy. We have had some good officials, but none better than the late Mr. Howe. He was a good townsman, an enthusiastic sport, and a man who attended to his own affairs. Taken away in the prime of manhood, robbed of this earth's good things while yet in the plentitude of its enjoyment, leaving behind him his three little children - whom he loved so well - and a sorrowing wife to face a cruel world, we can well ponder and reflect on the lot which matured lives enjoy, and feel in deep sympathy and sorrow with the widow and fatherless, whom God in His great wisdom has so suddenly bereaved. On Tuesday night the remains were placed in the Anglican Church to await the funeral at 10 o'clock on Wednesday. At that hour many people entered the church, and the occasion was most impressive. Evidences of regard were noticeable in the tokens of mourning displayed at business places, also in beautiful wreaths placed upon the coffin by combined public officials in town, whilst similar tokens of esteem were manifest in the beautiful wreaths from Dr. and Mrs. Hansard, from Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Fletcher, and one last, but not least - the card which bore the message From home, "In loving memory of our dear son and ber," from his mother, bers, and sisters. Besides members of the general public, members of the Golf Club showed their last respect in a marked manner. A short service was conducted at the church by the Rev. H. G. Chivers. The chanting of the Psalm, the reading of the chapter, followed by Mr. Maurice Hayward's rendering of the "Dead March in Saul." softly and pathetically, on the sweet-toned organ, all seeming as a message to the living from the grave. The coffin of polished cedar bore the plain inscription: "Ernest Howe, died September 23, 1912, aged 43 years." Amongst the congregation at the church and marching in the funeral procession were a good many members of the Golf Club, otherwise the procession was largely representative of all classes. Mr. Fincham. P.M., and Mr. Breakell, who is acting Crown Lands Officer, were also present. At the graveside the service was feelingly conducted by the Rev. H. G. Chivers, and the solemnity and uncertainty of life was fully realised by all who heard the service for the dead. Only the deepest sympathy is expressed for the young wife in her early widowhood with her three little fatherless children. He was all that a good husband, and father could be - loving, attentive, devoted. The Shadow Hand has fallen thus early on the lives of his beloved in the home. May Divine help be their shield in life's battles. Finally, peace be to the spirit taken hence, for the mortal had done no wrong. OFFICIAL CONDOLENCE. At the commencement of business in the Police Court, on Thursday last, Mr. Fincham, P.M., who presided, made reference to the great loss the Court and the community had sustained in the death of Mr. Howe. He said he knew how deeply affected the community had been during the past few days in consequence of the sad occurrence. The deceased gentleman was better known to most of them. From what he had personally observed and heard, the late Mr. Howe performed his official duties faithfully and with courtesy, without regard to private conveniences. They must deplore also the loss of a good citizen. His sympathy was in full measure for the widow and fatherless children. It redounds to the credit of those townsmen who in a way had shown splendid practical sympathy to the bereaved. He took the opportunity of expressing his admiration for such action - it was helping to relieve in a measure the sadness of the bereaved. Mr. Davidson (Mudgee) said, as a representative of the legal profession, he expressed regret for the loss sustained, and endorsed the sentiments of his Worship. When he heard the sad news it came as a shock and a surprise to him. The bereaved had his full sympathy. Sergeant Ferguson endorsed what had been said. In his duty he had come in contact with the late Mr. Howe daily, who was most obliging and courteous. He joined in the expressions of sympathy towards the bereaved wife and children. On the same day, in the Land Court, before commencing proceedings, Mr. Brierley, the now Chairman of the Board, said before commencing the business of the Court he desired, on behalf of himself and colleagues, to express regret at the death of Mr. Howe, Crown Land Agent. He had passed away in the prime of manhood. It was now some years since he first met "Ernie" Howe, then quite a lad, when he (Mr. Brierley) also was only a young man. He had been looking forward to this his first trip and the pleasure of meeting the deceased officer. Having had opportunities of watching his career, he knew in what high esteem Mr. Howe had been held by responsible officers of the Lands Department. He sincerely offered his consolation to the widow and young family in the sad loss they had sustained. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 3 October 1912, p. 36. Obituary Ernest Howe