Cudgegong Valley History Project

Sad Drowning Fatality. Two Lives Lost. On Tuesday, about 3 o'clock p.m., word was brought to town by Mr. W. Menchin that two youths named Leonard Dykes and John Burns had been drowned in a hole in the Cudgegong River, about a mile below Wilbetree bridge. The matter was reported to the police, and an officer was despatched to the scene, but, before his arrival there, the bodies had been taken from the water. The sad news spread rapidly through the town, and expressions of regret at the untimely end of the lads were heard on every side. Mr. Charles Dykes, the father of Mr. Leonard Dykes, is well known and highly esteemed in the district, and he may rest assured - if it be any consolation to him in this, his dark hour of grief - that he has the deepest sympathy of the whole community. The sadness of the occurrence is intensified by the fact that the poor dead boy was making a brave attempt to save John Burns when he met his death. John Burns was the son of Mr. Robert Burns (also well known and highly respected), who resides at Wilbetree. His intellect was somewhat impaired, and this was probably the reason he ventured into deep water when he was unable to swim. The families of both youths can assure themselves of our sincere sympathy in their sad and awfully sudden bereavement. The funerals took place at different hours yesterday, a large concourse of people following each to the last long resting place so early gained. Details of the drowning appear in the subjoined magisterial enquiry, which was held at Wilbetree on Wednesday morning, before the district coroner, Mr. 0. A. Edwards, P.M. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 30 November 1905, p. 15. Charles Dykes Drowned

DYKES - FITTLER.

On 30th April the Right Rev. Monsignor O'Donovan united in the holy bonds of matrimony Mr. John Dykes, of Wilbetree, son of Mr. Charles Dykes, of Cullenbone, and Miss Elizabeth Mary Fittler, daughter of Mr. John Fittler, of Mudgee. (MudgeeGuardian and North Western Representative, Thursday 8 January 1931, p. 3)

Obituary

ELIZABETH JANE DYKES.

The death occurred on January 5 of an old and respected resident, Elizabeth Jane Dykes, wife of Mr. Charles Dykes. at her home, Lewis-street, Mudgee. The deceased was 70 years of age, and the cause of death was senile decay. Deceased, who was ofa most kindly disposition, lived with her husband at Cullenbone for 5O years and was always ready to assist any of her neighbors or friends. About twelve months ago she and her husband came to Mudgee, where they have lived since. Besides asorrowing husband she is survived by one son, Paul, Cullenbone, and the following daughters: Mrs; J. Malone, Marshfleld, near Mudgee; Mrs. J. F. Bevitt, Rylstone; Mrs. F. Kirkland, Brymair, Glen Alice; Mrs C. J. Munro, Cronulla. After a serviceat the Catholic Church on Tuesday the remains were interred in the Mudgee General Cemetery, the Rev. Father E. J. Flanagan officiating. Mr H. Barton had charge of the funeral arrangements. (Mudgee Guardian and North Western Representative,Thursday 8 January 1931, p. 3)