Cudgegong Valley History Project

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.- The District Coroner (Mr. R. Laing) conducted an enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Justin Menchin, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Menchin, of Gulgong, who was found drowned on July 1. The Coroner found that death was caused by asphyxia from drowning, caused by accidentally falling in a tank. Mudgee Guardian, Wednesday 9 July 1930, p.13. Death, Justin Menchin

CHILD DROWNED SAD DEATH AT GULGONG On July 1, a very sad death occurred at Gulgong, when Mr and Mrs Fred. Menchin lost their beautiful child Justin, aged 1 year 9 months. The bonnie little chap was playing as usual in the garden at his home, when he evidently climbed up on a small open tank containing about 15 inches of water, and overbalancing, fell into the water and was drowned. Drs. Allport and Tunley and also the nursing staff of a private hospital nearby were quickly on the spot, and though they worked hard for some considerable time - effort to restore life failed. The little spirit had fled. A great gloom fell over the town and district of Gulgong, when the sad news was circulated, and the expressions of sympathy which came from far and near, to the grief-stricken parents, testified to the high esteem in which they are held. The funeral, which was very largely attended, moved from the parents' residence the following day, and after a short service, conducted by the Rev. Father Brosnan, at the Catholic Church, proceeded to the local cemetery. Beautiful floral tributes covered the coffin, and a quiet sadness seemed to pervade as the procession moved along. The Rev. Fathers Brosnan and Coughlan conducted the service at the grave. On Sunday last at Mass the Rev. Father Brosnan made touching reference to the sad event. Mr R. Bayliss conducted the funeral arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Friday 11 July 1930, p. 11. Justin Menchin Obituary

Sudden Death Mr. Fred Menchin Mr. John Joseph Frederick Menchin, aged 73 years, died at his residence, Bowman Street, on the Saturday afternoon before last. Due to a heart attack, his passing shocked townspeople and district residents alike. Deceased was a native of Mudgee, but spent the greater part of his life in Gulgong. For very many years, until his retirement some 12 years ago, “Fred” as he was familiarly called was employed by Spears' bakery and was well known in and around the town as a bread carter for the firm. His familiar figure will be much missed. His keen sense of humor and qualities made him a lovable character. He took a keen interest in sport, especially football, and was a vice-president of the now defunct Coursing Club. The late Mr. Menchin is survived by his wife and the following grown-up sons: Ald. Trevor Menchin (Orange); Messrs. Noel Menchin (Lithgow) and Douglas Menchin (Boggabri). The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Gulgong cemetery on Saturday afternoon, Rev. S. Carr officiating. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 20 December 1951, p. 15. John J Menchin Obituary