Cudgegong Valley History Project

DEATH OF MRS. HARDWICK.

Quite a gloom was cast over the community of Rylstone on Friday last, when the news was received that Mrs. Rebecca Hardwick, relict of the late John William Hardwick, had passed away on Thursday night, at her daughter's home at Haberfield, after a lingering illness which had afflicted her for two years. Mrs. Hardwick, who was 74 years of age at the time of her death, was a native of Hampshire, England. She came to Australia with her parents when a child, and has been a resident of Rylstone for over 50 years. The bereaved relatives include five sons and two widowed daughters, namely, - Messrs George Hardwick (Rylstone), E. F. Hardwick (Sydney), W. B. Hardwick (at present on a voyage to England), Harold Hardwick (Mudgee), Reginald Hardwick (Sydney), Mrs. White (Haberfield), and Mrs. James. The funeral services were conducted at the Rylstone cemetery yesterday afternoon by Rev. J. B. Penman, of Mudgee, in the presence of a large concourse, and a panegyric of the late Mrs. Hardwick was preached by the Rev. Penman in the Rylstone Methodist Church last evening. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 14 April 1910, p. 17. Rebecca Hardwick Obituary

Mr. H. E. A. Wells. Death in Mudgee. Mr. H. E. A. Wells, one of the oldest and best-known men in this district, died in Mudgee on Friday last, and was buried in the local cemetery yesterday. The old gentleman had been ill for a considerable time, he having sustained a paralytic stroke which sent him to his bed many months ago. Despite all that could be done, he gradually sank and passed away. Deceased was one of the most capable men in the North-West, and was universally respected. He leaves a wife and family to mourn. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 12 June 1916, p. 2. Obituary Henry Wells

Death of a Pioneer. Late Mr. H. E A. Wells On Thursday evening last one of the oldest and most respected residents of the district, in the person of Mr. Henry Edward Alexander Wells, died at his residence, Lewis-street, at the age of 66 years. Deceased had been very unwell for a long period. About 18 months ago he was suddenly stricken down with a paralytic stroke, and, although he rallied at times, still nothing that medical care or careful nursing could do enabled him to shake off the effects. Of late months he was bedridden, and gradually grew more and more feeble, till at last death supervened and he passed away, mourned by the whole district. The deceased was born in Castlereagh-street, Sydney. He was the son of the late Mr. William Henry Wells, who was for years a prominent member of the State Survey Department, and whose name is perpetuated in the parish of Wells (Rylstone), and William Henry Street, and Wells Street, Sydney. His father was one of the best known Government officers in the State, and, in his spare time, devoted his attention to the compilation of a New South Wales "Gazeteer," the manuscript of which was, after many years, purchased by the State Government, and is now lodged in the State Museum. The late Mr. H. E. A. Wells was educated at St. James' School, and at Kane's Academy, Sydney. The latter institution was one of the foremost schools of its day, and taught some boys who afterwards became famous in the annals of the Commonwealth. On leaving school he entered the office of Messrs. Want, Johnson, and Want, who, at that time, was one of the biggest firms in the metropolis. Here he received a thorough grounding in law, which stood him in good stead in later life. On reaching the age of 20 years he came to Mudgee, and took up a position as clerk in the office of Messrs. Brodribb and Clarke, who practiced their profession in the offices later on occupied by the junior member of the firm (the late Mr. Edward Clarke), and which are now occupied by Mr. H. J. McPhenson. This position had become vacant owing to the death of the occupant, Mr. Bayliss Ramsay (son of the late Dr. Ramsay, and a ber of Mrs. Herbert Lowe, of Goree), who was thrown from a horse and killed. Two years after reaching Mudgee Mr. Wells married a sister of Mr. Edwin Richard, ex-M.L.A. for Mudgee and now proprietor of the Rylstone "Express," and Mrs. F. Leslie, of Mudgee. This lady's father was the first school teacher chosen by the late Ven. Archdeacon Gunther for the old St. John's Denominational School, which had some brilliant teachers, and yet more brilliant scholars. After some years spent in the legal profession, Mr. Wells about 35 years ago, forsook it, and turned his energies into land dealing and general auctioneering. He read up the land laws, and soon became recognised as one of the leading authorities on land matters in New South Wales. In the settlement of the Mudgee district he took a leading part, and knew the history of almost every one of the old estates for many miles around. In this connection his knowledge of law stood him in good stead. Not one of his articles has ever been found faulty in construction, while the cases he had before the Land Appeal Court were so lucidly and carefully prepared that he invariably won them. Such a leading authority as Mr. George Briner, M.L.A., once took a case for deceased, and remarked at its conclusion that the preparation of the case was so thorough and comprehensive that success was absolutely assured. Old hands will recall the big case of James Dixon Little and the A.J.S. Bank, the hearing of which occupied several days. The late Sir Frederick Darley was the counsel for the bank, he being instructed by the late Mr. Edward Clarke, who had Mr. Wells to assist him. The plaintiff was represented by the late Mr. "Jack" Want, instructed by Mr. Geo. Davidson, of Mudgee. The case was keenly fought out, but it was a point suggested by Mr. Wells in reference to a cheque that gained the day for the bank. The deceased started business first in premises in Lewis-street, near the Royal Hotel, and built up a large connection by keen business acumen and fair dealing. Some years later he purchased premises which stood on the site which his market has occupied for years past. This was at one time the Mudgee Post Office and Town Hall, and was two stories high. A quarter of a century ago a big fire gutted the building, and Mr. Wells bought the destroyed place, rebuilt it, and started business therein. He had an abiding faith in the future of this town and district, and dealt extensively in properties. He owned a number of residences and business places, including the Miners' Arms and Railway Hotels, and the Mudgee Motor Garage at the time of his death. The late Mr. Wells always took a keen interest in public matters, For a time he was a councillor of the Meroo Shire. Just prior to the last State election he was appointed returning officer for the electorate of Mudgee, vice Mr. A. S. Tuckerman. He conducted the last elections, but, shortly afterwards, was stricken down with paralysis, and had to resign his post. He was one of the oldest trustees of the Mudgee Race Course, and, in politics, was a leading organiser for the late Mr. A. G. Taylor, M.L.A., and Mr. W. C. Wall, M.L.A. His great organising capacity gained his man the victory, on almost all occasions. Hundreds of people have been freely assisted with advice by the deceased. His advice was always sound. He was generous in assisting charitable objects, many of those in necessitous circumstances being quietly and unobstentatiously helped in time of trouble. He was a great believer in building societies, and was a director of several during his lifetime. Besides a sorrowing widow, the following children are left to mourn: Mrs. Hairt (Fiji), Mrs. Francis (Fiji), Mrs. Harold Hardwick (Mudgee), Mrs. T. Nicolls (Cremorne, Sydney), Mr. P. G. Wells (Mudgee), and Mr. V. H. Wells (Justice Department, Sydney). The remains were laid to rest in the Church of England portion of the Mudgee Cemetery on Sunday last, the Rev. W. J. Dunstan officiating at the graveside. The funeral cortege was very large, being headed by members of the Mudgee Friendly Societies Association, including the Oddfellows, of which lodge he was a member for 45 years, and the alderman of the Mudgee Council, who were the pall-bearers To the sorrowing family and relatives we extend our sympathy. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 15 June 1916, p. 12. Obituary Henry Wells

Death of Mrs Laura Wells OLD AND RESPECTED MUDGEE NATIVE. The death occurred early on Tuesday morning last of Mrs. Laura Wells, relict of the late Mr. H. E. A. Wells of Mudgee. The deceased, who was one of the oldest Mudgee natives, was born in Mudgee 67 years ago. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Evan Richards, who were old and respected residents of the town, Mr. Richards being the first school teacher in Mudgee. The deceased lady has been ailing for some time, and her death was not altogether unexpected. She was very widely and popularly known right throughout the district, and has numerous friends. She is survived by the following children: - Mrs. J. S. Hart (Fiji), Percy George Wells (Mudgee), Mrs. Harold Hardwick (Mudgee), Mrs. Francis (Fiji), Mrs. T. H. Nicholle (Cremorne), Vincent Wells (District Court, Sydney). She is also survived by the following bers and sisters: Mrs. Moore (Sydney), Mr. E. Richards (Rylstone), Mrs. F. Leslie (Mudgee), and Messrs. David and Evan Richards. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery yesterday afternoon. Rev. R. C. Johnston officiated at the graveside. Mr. J. C. Swords had charge of the funeral arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 2 June 1921, p. 14. Obituary Laura Wells

HARDWICK -

May 30 at Mudgee, Harold Robert architect, of Mudgee, son late J. W. Hardwick of Rylstone and Leeds, Yorkshire, husband of Adele and father of Mrs. Frewin (Dorrigo), George (Northbridge), William (South Grafton), and Adele (Mudgee), aged 68 years. Sydney Morning Herald, 1 June 1935, p. 14. Harold Hardwick Death

OLD CITIZEN PASSES

LATE MR. H. R. HARDWICK Town's Great Loss BY the widely lamented death on Thursday evening of Mr. Harold Robert Hardwick, at the age of 68, Mudgee has lost one of its oldest and most well known citizens. The cause of profound regret throughout the Mudgee district. Mr. Hardwick's death followed a long period of ill health. He had been confined to his spacious home in Lewis street for about two weeks owing to heart trouble, an illness about six or eight months ago having had a very adverse effect on his general condition. He passed away in his sleep shortly after 6 o'clock in the evening. Mr. Hardwick was born in Rylstone and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John William Harwick. His father, who was born in Leeds (England) was a well known store-keeper in Rylstone. Coming to Mudgee about 40 years ago. Mr. Hardwick soon established an enviable reputation as an architect, and, in 1898, married his now sorrowing widow, Miss Adele Florence Wells, a member of a very well known local family. Mr. Hardwick lived for the last 40 years in Mudgee, establishing a widespread fame as an architect and popularity as a man. Both his excellent architectural work and his many fine qualities as a man and a citizen were known to a vast army of people for many miles around Mudgee, his work having taken him a considerable distance from this town, and even as far north-west as Coonabarabran. In Mudgee Mr. Hardwick was respected as a fine type of public spirited citizen, an honorable and upright businessman and kind and courteous gentleman. He was formerly an alderman of the local municipal council, and, at the time of his death was a prominent Mason, and one of the staunchest supporters. of the Methodist Church. The following children survive: Mrs Norman Frewin (Dorrigo), George (Kogarah), William (Grafton), and Adele (Mudgee). One son, Charles, died in babyhood. To the sorrowing relations and friends the "Guardian" extends its deepest sympathies. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 3 June 1935, p. 1. Harold Robert Hardwick Obituary

DEATHS Florence Adele Hardwick The death occurred in the Mudgee Hospital on Thursday afternoon last of Mrs. Florence Adele Hardwick, widow of the late Mr. Harold Hardwick, aged 65 years. Deceased met with a serious accident, quite recently, sustaining a fractured thigh, and apparently she never recovered from the shock. The late Mrs. Hardwick was a member of the widely-known and highly-respected Wells family, and resided in Mudgee for practically a lifetime. She was a kindly, cheery lady, and made friends on all sides, being always ready to help those less fortunately situated than herself. Her passing will be very deeply deplored in town and district. She is survived by two sons and two daughters, to whom the sympathy of the whole community will be extended. The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, the remains being interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery. The Rev. A. G. Powell officiated at the graveside, while the arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 21 June 1943, p. 8. Obituary Florence Adele Harwick

DEATHS FREWIN, Norman Wemyss. - August 4, 1968, (suddenly), at hospital, of Roseville, dearly beloved husband of Effie, loved father of Robert, Geoffrey and Margaret (Mrs. Woods) and a beloved grandfather. Funeral arrangements will be appointed on Tuesday. Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 5 August 1968, p. 31. Norman Wemyss Frewin Death

FUNERALS FREWIN. - The funeral of the late Norman Wemyss Frewin, of Roseville, will leave St. Andrews Church of England Church, corner Bancroft Avenue and Hill Street, Roseville, This day (Tuesday), after a service appointed to commence at 9.30 a.m. At the conclusion of the service a private cremation will take place. By request, no flowers. Gregory and Carr Pty. Ltd., Gordon. 49-4455 A.F.D.A. 49-4422.

FREWIN. - East Roseville Bowling Club, The Officers and Members of the above Club are kindly invited to attend the Funeral service at St. Andrew’s Church, Roseville, for their late esteemed member , Norman Wemyss Frewin. For further particulars, see family notice. C. Thorne Pres.,C. Nicholls Hon. Secty.

Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 6 August 1968, p. 26. Norman Wemyss Frewin Funeral