Cudgegong Valley History Project

MR. ROBERT HENRY SMITH. By the death of Mr. Robert H. Smith in Sydney at the end of last month, a link with the history of New South Wales and Queensland is severed. In 1892 the late Mr. Smith was managing Danganally Station in Northern Queensland and later also managed Savannah Downs, for the late Mr. Mcintyre. Deceased, who was 68 years of age at the time of his death, was a native of Mudgee, New South Wales, being the eldest son of the late William Smith, Esq.. of Carleon. As a young man he went to Perth, Western Australia. where he was on the staff of one ci the leading banks. Later, leaving that institution, he joined up with Alexandra Forrest (later Sir Alexandra Forrest, for many years Premier of Western Australia), in an exploring trip to the central part of that State. After that he returned to Mudgee for some time, before coming to Queensland to live, and many were the exciting stories he could relate of those days spent on the stations. Owing to the climate not suiting his wife, Mr. Smith gave up the management of the stations and, returning to his home town, he established an auctioneering business in partnership with the late Mr. George Stewart, who was also a most well-known man in both States. The firm of Stewart and Smith was a most flourishing one. He and his wife, who also belonged to a pioneer family of the Mudgee district, made their home at the renowned "Putta Bucca," one of the most beautiful and oldest homes in the Mudgee district, which was built in the early part of last century, by the late William Lawson, Esq., whose family did so much pioneering work in the Mudgee district and Blue Mountains. Failing health ultimately brought about Mr. Smith's retirement from business. The deceased gentleman, who had legions of friends all over Australia, rightly earned the good will of his fellows Those who knew him best loved him best, and many will deplore his passing. His benevolence was a real, a very real, thing, and many hearts were made lighter for it. His memory will be cherished in many hearts through the land. He leaves a widow, three sons and one daughter. One son (Lyndon) predeceased him less than twelve months ago. The interment took place in Mudgee, the funeral moving from the Methodist Church, and despite the pouring rain the cortege was one of the largest seen in Mudgee for many years. Two of his greatest friends. Very Wor. Bers D. H. Spring, M.L.A.. and E. Hume, recited the Masonic service at the graveside (Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette, Saturday 15 April 1933, page 12).

LATE ROBERT SMITH Member of Pioneer Family By the death of Mr. Robert Henry Smith the Mudgee district has lost one of its best known men. Deceased, who was a member of a pioneer Mudgee family, spent the greater portion of his life in this district. Very many years ago he entered the stock and station agency business in town, and, with the late George Stewart as a partner, carried on successfully for a lengthy period. Open handed and generous hearted, he naturally formed a large circle of acquaintances, among whom he was held in the very highest regard. After relinquishing business in town he travelled fairly extensively in the back country of this State and in Queensland, and his expert knowledge of stock was largely availed of by many interested in the grazing industry. Some years ago he returned to Mudgee and recommenced business, with offices in the Town Hall building. Failing health, however, brought about his retirement, and some months ago he took his departure for Sydney, where he remained until his death, which occurred at Marrickville on Saturday last. He was 68 at the end, The late Robert Smith rightly earned the goodwill of his fellows, and many of the old brigade will deeply deplore his passing. His great delight was in doing a good turn to those who were most in need of it, and many a heart has been made lighter as a result of his benevolence. he has gone from amongst us, but his memory will be cherished in homes right throughout the land. To his widow (also a member of a pioneer family) and three sons and one daughter the deepest sympathy is extended. The remains were brought to Mudgee on Monday morning and, despite the pouring rain, many old friends attended the funeral, which took place to the Methodist portion of the cemetery. Two of his bosom companions, Very Wor. Bers D. H. Spring, M.L.A., and E. Hume recited the impressive Masonic service at the graveside (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 30 March 1933, page 6).