Cudgegong Valley History Project

Mainly About People Mudgee District Personalities By the death of Mr. Walter Thomas Rayner, which occurred in the local hospital this morning, the Mudgee district has lost one of its most progressive and best liked citizens. A member of a fine old pioneering family, he spent practically the whole 56 years of his life in the district, following pastoral pursuits for the greater portion of the time. Like most of the Rayners, he was a great lover of cricket, and played a leading part in the game when the old Limestone team was a mighty power in the land. He also interested himself in public affairs, and was for a period a valued member of Cudgegong Shire Council. Always a great lover of horses, it seemed only natural that he should enter the racing game. He was fortunate in possessing some sturdy bloodstock, and horses bred by him have raced with marked success on country and metropolitan courses. He was also very closely associated with the management of the sport, and as a member of the Mudgee Race Club proved his worth as an administrator. He took a leading part in the effort to establish the new race track at Bombira. Altogether the late Mr. Rayner was a man of fine character, and his place in the community will be extremely difficult to fill. He is survived by a widow and following sons and daughters, viz., Thelma, Freda, Cora, Merle, Lola, Gordon, Nelson, Neil, Brian and Walter. To the bereaved ones the sympathy of the whole community is extended. The funeral will take place to the Catholic portion of the Mudgee cemetery at 11 o’clock tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, Messrs. Eastaugh and Carroll being in charge of the arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 26 May 1958, p. 2. Obituary Walter Thomas Rayner

Killed in Accident A well-known Mudgee woman was killed in a car accident on the Sydney Road five miles south of Cudgegong yesterday afternoon. She was Mrs. Merle Mulley, wife of Mudgee butcher, Mr. Jack Mulley. Mrs. Mulley was driving alone towards Mudgee when the accident occurred at about 1.30 pm. Her car had just passed a low-loader travelling in the same direction when it swerved off the road, broadsided, overturned and hit a tree. It is believed Mrs. Mulley died instantly. Mudgee Guardian, Wednesday 7 June 1967, p. 1. Accident Merle Mulley

Around the Town With Suzie Death Mrs. Merle Esther Mulley The funeral of Mrs. Merle Esther Mulley, 51, who lived at 38 Douro Street, Mudgee, took place yesterday following a service in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11am. The ladies of the Mudgee Bowling Club, of which Mrs. Mulley was President, formed a guard of honour from the church. Interment was at Mudgee Cemetery. Requiem Mass was celebrated at 7 am. Mrs. Mulley is survived by her husband Jack and daughters Joan, Diana and Lesley. Mudgee Guardian, Friday 9 June 1967, p. 2. Death notice Merle Esther Mulley

Death Notice RAYNER Nelson, 4th January 1989, at Mudgee District Hospital, late of 179 Denison Street and formerly of River-Lea Mudgee. Loving husband of Gladys and loved father of Tim and Sue (Mrs. Michael Kearins). Mudgee Guardian, Friday 6 January 1989, p. 16. Death Notice Nelson Rayner

Funeral Notice RAYNER - The friends of the late Nelson Rayner, late of 179 Denison Street and formerly of River-Lea Mudgee, are respectfully informed that his funeral service will take place on Friday, 6th January at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mudgee at 2 p.m. after which the casket will be conveyed to Orange for private cremation. Eastaugh & Carroll, Funeral Directors, Mudgee Phone 722384. Mudgee Guardian, Friday 6 January 1989, p. 16. Funeral, Nelson Rayner