Clarence Reginald R Rayner, 18951945 (aged 50 years)

Name
Clarence Reginald R /Rayner/
Given names
Clarence Reginald R
Surname
Rayner
Birth 1895 20

Birth of a sisterAlma Margaret Rayner
1895 (aged 0)

Birth of a brotherLeslie E Rayner
1897 (aged 2 years)

Birth of a sisterAmy Elizabeth Marzette Rayner
1899 (aged 4 years)

Birth of a sisterDoris A Rayner
1901 (aged 6 years)

Birth of a brotherJack Rayner
1904 (aged 9 years)

Birth of a sisterIvy M Rayner
1905 (aged 10 years)

Birth of a brotherHerbert C Rayner
1911 (aged 16 years)

Death of a sisterAlma Margaret Rayner
7 July 1912 (aged 17 years)
Note: THE FINDINGS.

THE FINDINGS. The Coroner found that "Deceased Alma Margaret Rayner, at the Mudgee District Hospital, on July 7, 1912, died from the effects of certain revolver shots, wilfully, feloniously, and maliciously inflicted upon her at "Tinja" by Claude Gilroy Phillips, since deceased." He also found "That Claude Gilroy Phillips, on the 8th day of July, died from the effects of a revolver shot in his head wilfully inflicted by himself on 7th July, at Mudgee." Mudgee Guardian, Monday 15 July 1912, p. 2. Inquest Result Alma Margaret Rayner

Note: Murder and Suicide

Murder and Suicide The Wilbetree Tragedy. Coronial Inquiry. Phillips Admits his Crime. The adjourned inquests into the deaths of Alma Margaret Rayner and Claude Gilroy Phillips were opened before Mr. Fincham, P.M., at the Mudgee Police Court on Friday. Sub-inspector Rank represented the police. Dr. Challands, of Mudgee, deposed: In conjunction with Dr. Lester I saw both deceased on Friday, July 7. First saw Phillips at his mother's residence, Perry-street, at 4.5 p.m. on that day. I was sent for, and on arrival found Phillips lying on the floor in a small room. Blood was issuing from a wound in the centre of the forehead. He was moving his arms about and moaning, "Oh, my poor head!" Could not rouse him or get him to answer questions. Dr. Lester arrived shortly afterwards, and we recommended his removal to the hospital. This was done. The wounded man arrived at 4.30 On examination I discovered a star-shaped wound in the centre of the forehead, and beneath a clearly-bored hole about half an inch in diameter, through the frontal bone. The probe passed through this hole, which reached almost to the back of the skull. In conjunction with Dr. Lester, we decided that surgical interference was useless. Proper treatment was given. The patient died at 10 p.m. on Monday, July 8. The wound resembled a revolver wound. The skin was blackened as if from powder-smoke. The wound inclined slightly upwards, but was almost straight. Deceased did not become conscious at any time from the moment I saw him at the house till his death. Saw deceased Alma Rayner at Dr. Lester's request at the hospital. She had three bullet wounds in the forehead. They resembled revolver wounds. She was not conscious at any time I saw her. There were black marks around the wounds in the head of the girl. Her death was due to laceration of the brain, consequent upon the revolver shot wounds. Phillips' death was due to the same cause. By the Sub-inspector: Either of the revolvers produced could have made the wounds in the heads of both deceased. Dr. Lester deposed: On Sunday afternoon, 7th instant, about 4 p.m., I received a telephone message to go to Mr. Wheeler's residence in Perry-street, that a man had been shot. Just as I was leaving the surgery a sulky drove to the gate of my residence. In it were two young men, named Teong and Crawford, and a young woman. Crawford said, "We found this young girl about four miles from Mudgee, on the Wilbetree road. She seems to have met with an accident." I examined her, found she had been mortally wounded, and requested them to take her to the Mudgee Hospital and inform the matron that I would be up in a few minutes. Said to Crawford, "It's strange that I have just received a telephone message to attend a man who had been shot." I mentioned the name Phillips, and Crawford said, "That's the fellow who evidently shot the girl; we passed him on the road as we were going out." Went to Phillips' residence, where I found Dr. Challands already in attendance on Phillips. At Dr. Challands' request I examined the case. I did so, and said, "This man is beyond surgical aid; you had better come to the hospital and see a young girl whom I have just sent up there." On arrival at the hospital we examined the girl. She was unconscious. I found three bullet wounds about half an inch apart extending from the centre to the outer and upper aspect of the forehead on the right side. Opened up the wound, and found the skull fracture. On removing some of the train tissue and a large clot of blood the breathing was temporarily relieved, but we both saw she was beyond human aid. Gave instructions to the matron, but the girl died at about 10.30 on the Sunday night. Saw Phillips at the hospital about 4.30. He had a wound in the centre of the forehead. He was unconscious, and beyond surgical aid. Either of the revolvers could have made the wounds. The wounds in the girl's head were made by a weapon held at very close range. By the Sub-inspector: It would be practically impossible for the girl's wounds to be self-inflicted. In my opinion they were inflicted within a very short time of one another - within a few seconds at most. The shots were fired almost together. Sub-inspector Rank deposed: Between 3.30 and 4 p.m. on the 7th instant a young man named Wheeler reported a shooting episode. Sen. Constable Guest proceeded on a bicycle to Mrs. Phillips' residence, in Perry-street. I followed on foot. On arrival at Mr. Wheeler's gate, which is next door to the house of Mrs. Phillips, I met Dr. Lester, who told me something with regard to Alma Rayner. Went into a small bedroom, and saw Claude Phillips lying on his back on the floor. He was struggling and throwing his arms about. Sen. constable Guest was holding him. He appeared to be in great pain, and was moaning and moving his lips. Sen. constable Guest said, "How are you feeling, Claude?" He replied, "Oh, bad! My head!" Guest said, "How did you do it?" Phillips answered, "I shot myself." The senior-constable said, "What did you do to the girl Rayner?" Phillips replied, "I shot her." The senior-constable asked, "What for?" The wounded man replied, "I had a reason for it - I had a reason for it." Did not hear him speak again. He seemed to lapse into unconsciousness. In accordance with doctor's instructions, had him removed to the hospital, where I saw him alive about 11 p.m. on the 8th instant. In company with the coroner. I saw the dead body of Phillips on the 9th. In the bedroom of Phillips there was blood on the floor and blood-splashes on the wall and on a mirror which was on a dressing-table. Senior-constable Guest, in the course of corroborative evidence, deposed: When I entered deceased Phillips' bedroom he was lying on his back on the floor, with his head towards the door. Dr. Challands was in attendance. Phillips' face, head, hair, and clothes were saturated with blood. There was blood on the floor and on the side of the bed. Near deceased's feet (i.e., near the window) there was a quantity of blood. The revolver produced was handed to me by Mr. Deane. It contained one empty shell. Deane said that he found the weapon along-side the body near deceased's right hand. The shell smelt as though it had been recently discharged. I also picked up five empty revolver cartridge shells on the floor, and one revolver cartridge which was dented. It had evidently missed fire. These empty shells belonged to a weapon different from the revolver picked up on the floor. They were .380, whereas the weapon on the floor was .320. The cartridge in the revolver found on the floor was a .320 size. I got hold of deceased by the hands. Drs. Lester and Challands arrived and viewed the injured man. The wound was strapped up, and the medical men left after giving orders for his removal to the hospital. Deceased then became violent, and the Sub-Inspector assisted me to hold him. Every time I spoke to him he ceased struggling. I thought he recognised my voice. I said, "How are you Claude?" He replied, "Very bad; my head," at the same time trying to get his hand up to his head. I said, "How did you do it?" He answered, "I shot myself." I asked, "What did you do to the girl Rayner?" He retorted, "I shot her." I asked him why he did it and he replied, "I had a reason for it; I had a reason for it." Spoke to him several times afterwards, but he made no reply. He then became unconscious, and was removed to the hospital. Next day I examined deceased's room, the door of which had been locked by Sub-Inspector Rank and the key handed to me. On examining deceased's bed I found a six chamber revolver. It was lying on the bed with a quilt thrown over it. It was loaded in five chambers and had one empty shell in it. The five cartridges with which it was loaded were dented and had miss-fired. They were the same size as the empty shells and the dented full cartridge I found on the floor the previous day. Found a N.S.W. Savings Bank book amongst deceased's possessions. It showed a credit to deceased of £12/1/5. Both deceased died intestate. The girl was 19 years of age on April 9th last. Phillips was 23 years old on December last. Deceased had no property or money other than that shown by the pass-book, a silver watch and chain, clothing and 3/3 in silver. He was a man of tem-perate habits. Knew him since he was a boy. He bore a good character. By the Sub-inspector: On the revolver picked up near Phillips' there was a piece of rag attached from the trigger-guard to the end of the cartridge extractor. There were blood-stains all over it. William Quinn, farm laborer, Wilbetree, deposed: On Sunday afternoon last I was coming from Wilbetree to Mudgee. When getting near Mr. Lowe's gate I saw a lady coming from the direction of Mr. Lowe's house. She was Alma Rayner. She was coming along just inside the fence. Also saw Phillips coming along the road on a bicycle. They met some 30 yards from the gate. They had been speaking before I arrived at the gate. He must have hailed her over the fence. He drew up his bicycle against the fence. He had one foot on the ground, and his hands on the top wire of the fence. The lady went over to him, and they spoke together. As I drew up opposite to them, I spoke to Miss Rayner. I knew Phillips by sight. This was about 2.30 p.m. I left them talking together. I saw nothing unusual to attract my attention. After I had ridden about a quarter of a mile I heard four shots fired. Was just out of sight of the gate. The reports came from the direction of Mr. Lowe's gate. One shot was fired, then there was an interval of a few seconds, then two reports came in quick succession; the fourth shot did not occur till after the lapse of several seconds. The whole four shots occurred in less than a minute. I left the roadway soon after passing Mr. Lowe's gate. Saw no other persons about. Lindsay M. Lowe, farmer, Tinja, Wilbetree, deposed: Know Alma Rayner. She was employed by my mother. She left the house on Sunday, 7th instant, about 2.15 p.m. She was then particularly bright and cheerful. After she had left the house about 15 or 20 minutes I heard four shots. The reports came from the direction of the main entrance. First came one shot, then an interval of perhaps two minutes; then came two shots in quick succession. Another interval of a couple of minutes occured, and then came a fourth shot. Some fifteen minutes later on the dogs began to bark furiously. I went outside to see what was the matter, and there saw a sulky containing two men near the back gate. Knew Mr. Tuong. He said, "Does this girl belong to here?" I went over, and saw the girl in the sulky. It was Miss Rayner. She was quite unconscious. Asked the men to bring the wounded girl to Mudgee. Mervine Spencer Wheeler, butcher, Mudgee, deposed: I reside with my parents in Perry-street. Live next door to Mrs. Phillips. There is direct communication between Mrs. Phillips' house and our backyard. About 10.30 on Sunday morning last Phillips asked me to lend my bicycle to him for the afternoon. He did not say where he was going. After dinner, about 2.15. he took the bicycle. He said, "Is your ber going out to take Miss Rayner for a drive?" I said, "I don't know." He said, "She has some jewellery of mine, and if she don't give it back I'll swing for her." I replied, "Don't be a fool." He said, "My God! I will." I saw a revolver in the inside breast pocket of his coat. I said, "What are you doing with the revolver?" He said, "I always carry one with me when going out. I don't feel frightened then when coming home late." I said, "Is it loaded?" He said, "No." He then went away on the bicycle. He had the revolver in his pocket at that time. It is the one found on the bed in Phillips' room. About 3.30 I again saw Phillips. He left the bicycle against the front fence, and went through into his house. After a couple of minutes he came into our house, and said, "I want you a minute, Mervine." I went over to him, and he remarked, "Let me have a look at your revolver; mine's gone wrong." He appeared calm and collected. I got my revolver and gave it to him. He appeared to have been riding fast, and remarked upon it. He said, "I have been riding fast." The revolver produced is mine. I handed it to him. He said, "I won't be a minute — I'll bring it back." He went into his bedroom. Shortly afterwards I heard the shot. His mother, with whom I had been talking, turned round and said, "What are you doing, Claude; you'll be getting into trouble shooting on a Sunday. His mother then walked to the door of his bedroom, opened it, and screamed. I looked inside, and saw Phillips on the floor, with one arm on the bed. Saw blood on his face. By the Sub-Inspector: When I lent deceased the revolver there was a full cartridge in it. He turned the cylinder round, and I noticed the cartridge and warned him. He said, "l'll look out for it." Daniel Teong, Taylor, Mudgee, deposed: Last Sunday I went out driving with Wiilliam Crawford. We left Mudgee about 2 o'clock. We went along Wilbetree road. About 150 yards Mudgee side of "Tinja" gate we met deceased Claude Phillips. I said "Good day." He was riding fairly fast on a bicycle. Just before we got to "Tinja" gate we saw a girl lying in a paddock. She was struggling to get to her feet. She was three or four yards from the fence. I said to Crawford, "What's up with the girl?" The girl got on to her feet, and fell back. Crawford went in to her, and called for me to follow. I got out of the vehicle, and went over. The girl was covered with blood. She was fully dressed. Could not see the wound for the blood. She did not speak. We lifted her into the sulky, and took her to Mr. Lowe's house. Did not know the girl. Went to Mr. Lowe's, and afterwards brought the girl to Mudgee. Percy L. Deane, coachbuilder, Mudgee, deposed: I reside about 50 yards from the house of Mrs. Phillips. About 6.30 on Sunday afternoon I heard the screams of a woman proceeding from the direction of Mrs. Phillips' residence. I ran over and met Mrs. Phillips who was still screaming. I said, "What's the matter?" She replied, "My God, Claude has shot himself." I went into the bedroom and saw the young man, Claude Phillips. He was lying on the floor, with his head resting against the bed. He was struggling violently, and then fell on his back on the floor. Saw him bleeding from the forehead. I picked up a revolver, which was lying on the floor near his right hand. I gave it to Constable Guest. Phillips appeared to be in great agony. I said, "Are you in pain." He replied, "My God, my head." Sent messengers for the police and the doctor. Clyde Travers Wheeler, a butcher's boy, Mudgee, deposed: I am 17 years and 9 months old. Last Sunday I had an appointment to go for a drive with deceased, Alma Rayner. We were to meet at "Tinja" gate on the Wilbetree road. Started off to keep the appointment about 2.30 p.m. in a sulky. About a mile from Mr. Lowe's gate I met deceased Claude Phillips. He was riding towards Mudgee on a bicycle. He looked at me, but I did not speak. He was riding faster than usual. About 200 yards this side of "Tinja" gate I met Teong and Crawford. I spoke to them and drove straight on. Did not notice anything in the sulky. Knew Phillips. Never had a quarrel with him. About two months ago Phillips called me over to his place, and began to talk about Miss Rayner. He referred to my going with Miss Rayner. He said, "I don't care about you going with her. I'll get even." I thought he meant he would get even with me. I was angry and walked away. Did not speak with him after that. After I passed the gate I waited, and Constable Geurin came down to me. Constable Geurin deposed: Was on patrol duty on Sunday afternoon. About 3½ miles out along the Wilbetree road I noticed a man riding towards me on a bicycle. As he passed he slackened his pace, and said ,"Good day, Geurin." Then recognised the man as Claude Phillips. A few minutes later I met Crawford and Teong driving in a sulky. They pulled up and showed me a girl shot in the head. The face and hair were covered with blood, and blood was oozing from a wound in the centre of the forehead. I said, "Who is it?" Teong replied, "Miss Rayner." I asked him what had happened, but he replied "We don't know." I said, "Did you notice anyone about?" Teong replied, "No, but a man passed us at a fast pace on a bicycle." He said he did not know the cyclist's name. I went to the spot where the girl was discovered, and about 6ft. from the boundary fence on the Wilbetree-road, I found four small patches of fresh blood about 18 inches apart. In one patch were two gold brooches. The clasps were undone. Also found a button and a handkerchief. The earth at this spot is covered with grass. It was freshly torn up as though a struggle had taken place. Close to the fence immediately opposite the place where I found the articles I saw the tracks of a bicycle coming off the main road in the direction from Mudgee. Reported the facts to the Sub-inspector. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 15 July 1912, p. 2. Inquest Result & Signs of Struggle Alma Margaret Rayner

Birth of a sisterDaphne Iris Rayner
1913 (aged 18 years)

Birth of a sisterLillian Mary Rayner
1916 (aged 21 years)

Death of a sisterDoris A Rayner
1920 (aged 25 years)

Death of a brotherWilliam J E Rayner
8 January 1924 (aged 29 years)

Note: YOUNG MAN'S DEMISE

YOUNG MAN'S DEMISE The sad death of William Rayner of West End, Mudgee, took place in a private hospital on Tuesday from Quinsy. The deceased only entered hospital the day previously, and it was not anticipated that there was any immediate danger. It is understood there was a breakage inside the neck and the patient choked. Deceased, who was 32 years of age, was a married man with a wife and four young children. He was a son of Mr. William Rayner, of Candinan. and although he lived at West End, he had a property at McDonald's Creek. Burial took place in the Mudgee cemetery yesterday. Mr. H. Barton having charge of the arrangements. The Rev. Father Cooney, in the absence of the Rev. Father Flanagan, read the burial service. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 10 January 1924, p. 17. Death William Rayner

Death of a motherMary Johanna Harvey
1945 (0 after death)

Note: DEATH

DEATH Mrs. W. Rayner Mrs. Mary Rayner, wife of Mr. William Rayner, of Dabee Road, Kandos, and formerly of Mudgee, passed away recently at her home after a lengthy illness, aged 69 years. Besides her husband, a grown-up family of sons and daughters are left to mourn, including: Arthur (Sydney), Leslie (Pilliga), Reg and John (Newcastle), Herbert (Moss Vale), Ivy (Mrs. C. McGrath, Casino), Daphne (Mrs. C. Mills (Cootamundra), Lilly (Mrs. R. Fitzgerald, Lithgow), Amy (Mrs. J. Matthews, Mudgee). Mr. James Harvey, Mrs. Buckley (Mudgee) and Mrs. Gudgeon (Gulgong) are ber and sisters. The large funeral moved from St. John's Church for Mudgee Cemetery, and the beautiful collection of floral tributes evidenced the high esteem in which, deceased was held by her wide circle of friends. The funeral was conducted by Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 8 March 1945, p. 2. Obituary Mary Rayner

Burial of a motherMary Johanna Harvey
1945 (0 after death)
Death 28 November 1945 (aged 50 years)

Note: DEATH

DEATH Mr. Reg Rayner Mr. Reg Rayner, son of Mr. William Rayner and the late Mrs. Rayner, of Dabee Road, Kandos, passed away at Newcastle on Wednesday, November 28. Deceased was an old Digger of the first war, and was held in very high esteem by a wide circle of friends, who will be sorry to hear of his very sudden passing. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Betty and Gwenie. Messrs. Arthur Rayner (Sydney), Herb (Robertson), John (Newcastle), Leslie (Pilliga) and Mrs. C. Mills (Daphne, Cootamundra), Mrs. C. McGrath (Ivy, Casino), Mrs. Fitzgerald (Lily, Sydney), Mrs. J. Matthews (Amy, Mudgee), are bers and sisters respectively. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 13 December 1945, p. 8. Death Clarence Reginaldg Rayner

Family with parents
father
mother
Marriage Marriage1891
2 years
elder brother
3 years
elder brother
1894
Birth: 1894 19
2 years
sister
18951912
Birth: 1895 20
Death: 7 July 1912Mudgee District Hospital, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia
1 year
himself
3 years
younger brother
3 years
younger sister
3 years
younger sister
4 years
younger brother
2 years
younger sister
7 years
younger brother
3 years
younger sister
4 years
younger sister
Family with Private
himself
wife
Private
daughter
Private
daughter
Private
Death

DEATH Mr. Reg Rayner Mr. Reg Rayner, son of Mr. William Rayner and the late Mrs. Rayner, of Dabee Road, Kandos, passed away at Newcastle on Wednesday, November 28. Deceased was an old Digger of the first war, and was held in very high esteem by a wide circle of friends, who will be sorry to hear of his very sudden passing. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Betty and Gwenie. Messrs. Arthur Rayner (Sydney), Herb (Robertson), John (Newcastle), Leslie (Pilliga) and Mrs. C. Mills (Daphne, Cootamundra), Mrs. C. McGrath (Ivy, Casino), Mrs. Fitzgerald (Lily, Sydney), Mrs. J. Matthews (Amy, Mudgee), are bers and sisters respectively. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 13 December 1945, p. 8. Death Clarence Reginaldg Rayner