Cudgegong Valley History Project

DONE TO DEATH MUDGEE RESIDENT'S SKULL FRACTURED SATURDAY AFTERNOON FRACAS Charge of Murder After being knocked into the gutter in Lewis street by a violent blow, Michael Halpin, of Denison street, was conveyed to hospital on Saturday afternoon and died in the early hours of Sunday morning from haemorrhage of the brain. Later a man was arrested by the police. From what can be gathered, it appears that Pat and Michael Halpin, two bers, were proceeding from Market street up Lewis street, and on passing the yard of the Royal Hotel some twenty yards from the intersection of Market and Lewis streets, a number of men came out and accosted them. Pat Halpin's story is that one of the men attacked his ber without provocation, and knocked him into the gutter with a terrific punch. He himself was then attacked and knocked about, but eventually escaped from the men and rushed up to the Oriental Hotel to get help. There he met a relative, J. Lennox, and both returned to where Michael Halpin was lying helpless. It is alleged that both men were then assaulted by five men, Lennox being knocked down and receiving a wound in the head. Pat Halpin is alleged to have been punched and kicked about the body. Other people coming on the scene it was found that Michael Halpin was unconscious, and he was placed in a car by the doctor who had been summoned and taken to the District Hospital. Though all was done that could be done the unfortunate man died in the early hours of Sunday morning. Later the same night a man was arrested by the police, whose age was 38, was a native of Cumbo, near Wollar, and for many years has been a well-known resident of Mudgee. He was a tall, thin man about 6ft in height, and was working on the Mudgee sewerage undertaking. Both he and his ber are spoken of as quiet, inoffensive men. The funeral took place this morning, and was very largely attended. The Rev. Father O'Herlihy conducted the funeral services in the R.C. portion of the cemetery. Deceased leaves to mourn a widow and eight young children. The eldest child is still attending school; the youngest is only seven months old. McKay, who is accused of causing the death of Halpin, is a newcomer to Mudgee. He is a cousin of the McKay family who have lived in the town for some years. That the fracas was more serious than appears on the surface is evidenced by the fact that J. Lennox, who received a head wound, went to hospital this morning for an x-ray of his injuries. Pat Halpin is also considerably knocked about, and a man named Conlan was kicked in the stomach. The police are naturally reticent, but it may be presumed that other charges than the major one against McKay will be preferred. YOUNG MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER At the Police Court this morning Mervyn James McKay, a young man of 18 years, short in stature, with light sandy hair, and wearing a white sports shirt, was presented on a charge of feloniously and maliciously slaying Michael Lawrence Halpin. In anticipation of some such development the Court House was filled in the lower portion, and there was some scrambling for seats, calling the remark from the Magistrate, Mr H. H. Farrington, that if people couldn't find room to sit down they must go outside. Some eight were accommodated in the gallery. The proceedings were of the briefest. Sergeant O'Brien formally asked for a remand until the 7th December, and this the magistrate granted. No application was made for bail, and the accused was removed (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Monday 30 November 1931, page 5).

A REAL PIONEER Passing of Mrs. Margaret Egan By the death of Mrs. Margaret Egan, of Wollar, the district has lost a fine old character. The sad event occurred on Saturday last, and, although not unexpected, the end came as a great shock to relatives and friends. Born in the district 81 years ago, the late Mrs Egan resided at Wollar practically all her life. A woman with the true pioneering instinct, it was only natural that her interest in the pastoral and agricultural progress of the district should be keen. She was wonderfully energetic and capable, and was of great assistance to her husband in the management of the splendid property on which they lived. She acquired a remarkably sound knowledge of stock, and in other directions proved worthy of the title of pioneer. In her home life she was a model wife and mother, while to the sick and suffering her help was never denied. It can truly be said that her passing will be deeply regretted right throughout the district, and in many a home her memory will be kept green for years to come. She reared a family of two sons, and seven daughters, who, with a sorrowing husband, survive. Jas. (Sydney) and John (Wollar) are the sons, and both had the honor of serving with distinction in the world war. The daughters are as follow: - Mrs T. Finucane (Junee), Mrs J. Halpin (Wollar), Mrs J. Sheehan (Wollar), Mrs. M Halpin (Mudgee), Mrs Rowland (Sydney), Mrs C. Lynch (Botobolar), and another who resides at Newcastle. The funeral took place to the Catholic portion of the Wollar cemetery to-day (Monday) the Rev. Father Barrow (Gulgong) officiating at the graveside. To the bereaved ones the "Guardian" extends sincere sympathy (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Monday 23 January 1933, page 1).

LATE MR. W. EGAN A Fine Old Settler THE death of Mr. William Egan, at the age of 81, which was briefly reported in the last issue of the Guardian, robbed the Wollar district of one of its oldest and best residents. The late Mr. Egan, who was born and reared in the Hunter River district, came to Wollar about 50 years ago, and settled down as a farmer and grazier. One of the fine old type of bushmen, he soon endeared himself to all with whom he came into contact, and it was not long before he gained a reputation for hospitality as high as that of any one in the north-west. No person in necessitous circumstances ever visited his property in vain, and his generosity will be remembered by the many who have benefited by it. The late Mr. Egan is survived by two sons, James (Sydney), and John (Mudgee), both of whom served at the war and the following six daughters, Mesdames Finucane (Junee) Blanche (Newcastle, district), J. Halpin (Wollar), M. Halpin (Mudgee), Rowlands (Parramatta), and C. Lynch (Botobolar). The late Mrs. J. Sheehan, of Wollar, who died not long ago, was also a daughter. His wife died about three years ago. Bers are Charles (Merriwa), and John, Jack and Tom (Sydney) (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Monday 13 May 1935, page 3).

Death Notice HALPIN: Michael Thomas. - At his home, 4 Magnolia Avenue, Epping. Suddenly, August 23. Aged 49 years. Mudgee Guardian, Wednesday 1 September 1971, p. 10. Death Michael Thomas Halpin

Obituary Florence Agatha Halpin The death of Mrs. Florence Agatha Halpin (90), occurred at her Lawson Street, Mudgee home on October 24. Mrs. Halpin was predeceased by her husband, Michael and children Marie, Michael (Tom) and Desmond. She is survived by daughters, Miriam (Mudgee) and Margaret (Mrs. Mellor of Tregear); and sons Douglas (Bargo), Leon (Fairfield); Eric (Mudgee) and Athol (Tamworth) and sister Kathleen (Mrs. Lynch of Wollar). She was also predeceased by sisters Mary (Mrs. Finucane), Margaret, Ellen (Mrs. Sheehan), Ethel (Mrs. Blanche) and Rosina (Mrs. Rowlands) and brothers Jack and James Eagan. Mrs. Halpin’s funeral took place on October 26 in the Mudgee Cemetery after a service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mudgee. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 9 November 1982, p. 6. Obituary Florence Agatha Halpin