George Hattley, 1918
Below also find: George Hattley and William Ryan, 1919,
George Hattley, 1921,
George Hattley, 1923,
George Hattley, 1924 – Indecent exposure
George Hattley, 1929,
George Hattley, 1933,
George Hattley, 1934,
George Hattley, 1935,
George Hattley, 1937,
George Hattley, 1939
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 10 Jan 1918 1
OURIMBAH.
———◦———
(From our Correspondent.)
It is with much regret that we report the death of Mrs Crawford, who passed away last Friday, 5th, and the remains were interred the next day.
Pte George Hattley 2 arrived home from the war last week. George tells many interesting anecdotes of the desert fighting, and has several valuable souvenirs which he took from the Germans.
Machine Gunner Freeburn, although expected home last week, is thought not to have arrived in port yet.
The holidays over, the screech of whistles, the hum of saws, and the rattle and clatter of machinery and falling timber, once more gives business-like tone to our little town.
It is thought that Caldicott’s new mill will soon be commencing work.
One of our local blacksmiths, “Friday” Jaques, was “stung” in the eye by a piece of hot ash a few days ago.
Mr Arthur Cotterill, late of Ourimbah, a son of Mr Bill Cotterill, has enlisted.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 23 May 1918 3
OURIMBAH.
———◦———
(From our Correspondent.)
————
collection. Reproduction: Peter de Waal
Mr William Crane, of Ourimbah, has every reason to be proud of his sons who have so nobly responded to the country’s call Three of his boys, William, Thomas and Phillip, have been in the firing line, the latter being killed in action on the western front last year William (the eldest) has been seriously wounded, a cable having been received last week to that effect. It is the second time that he has been laid low by an enemy bullet. Mr Crane’s fourth son, Walter David, volunteered last week, but was turned down by the doctor, though he made a special trip to Victoria Barracks in the hope of getting through. Hats off to Mr William Crane and his brave lads.
We are pleased to learn of the return to Ourimbah of the popular Gosford actors in “Confusion” next Saturday. They are sure of the usual reception given them—a bumper house. The dance afterwards will doubtless make patrons completely happy.
Another Ourimbah lad has answered the call—Clarence Bailey, of the Palmdale Bailey family. Good luck to you, Clarry.
It is said that our “rummy” friend made an unsuccessful attempt to enlist last week.
Five of the new recruits will go into camp on 27th May. They will be accorded a public send-off on 8th June, and presented with a leather wallet.
Corporal [George] Hattley will shortly go back to camp.
The Fancy Dress Ball, in aid of Red Cross funds, has been postponed to 31st May.
After being in hospital for eight months Master Clive Cottrell has returned home to Ourimbah.
Gillbirds are fairly plentiful this season.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 30 May 1918 4
OURIMBAH.
———◦———
(From our Correspondent.)
————
…
In the last issue of the Times it was stated that Corpl George Hattley would soon be going back into camp, but since then he has received notice that he is not in fit condition to return to the trenches, and that he will be discharged.
George Hattley and William Ryan, 1919
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 13 Nov 1919 5
GOSFORD POLICE COURT.
———◦———
At Gosford Police Court on Friday, before Mr CF Butler, SM,
George Hattley and William Ryan, for using obscene language, were fined 10s and 6s costs, and £1 and 6s costs, respectively.
George Hattley, 1921
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 6 Oct 1921 6
RETURNED SOLDIERS’ LEAGUE.
————
A meeting of returned soldiers and sailors took place in Mr Bourke’'s rooms, Woy Woy, on Thursday evening, September 29, for the purpose of considering the question of forming a local Committee of the Gosford Sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors’ Imperial League of Australia. Captain Adcock, President of the Gosford Branch, attended, and explained the objects of the League and pointed out the advantages that would accrue to returned men in the Woy Woy district by linking up with the main body in Gosford.
It was decided on the motion of Mr George Hattley, seconded by Mr Thos Maguire, that the Committee be formed, but as the attendance was disappointing, nothing further than this was done at the meeting.
It was also resolved that a further meeting be held in Woy Woy on Monday evening, October 10th, for the purpose of electing a chairman and secretary of the Committee.
Mr Bert Vokes, secretary pro. tem, asks all returned men in the Woy Woy district to attend this meeting for the purpose of organising a strong local Committee of the League.
The Minister for Education (Mr Mutch), in a brief speech at the unveiling of a Public School teachers’ memorial, remarked on the high percentage of teachers who had enlisted and died. No other department could show such a record. No teacher who had returned from the front had suffered in his position. He commented on the large number of Irish names on the honor roll.
George Hattley, 1923
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 1 Mar 1923 7
WOY WOY NEWS
———◦———
FIRE IN RAILWAY STREET.
————
A six-roomed weatherboard cottage in Railway Street, Woy Woy, was totally destroyed by fire at three o’clock on Wednesday morning. The building was owned by Mrs Rickard’s, whose loss is partly covered by insurance. It is said that just a week prior to the fire an attempt was made to break into the cottage.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 12 Apr 1923 8
A WOY WOY FIRE
———◦———
CORONIAL INQUIRY.
An inquiry was commenced at Gosford on March 29th by Mr WE Kirkness, District Coroner, into the destruction by fire of Mrs Rickard’s cottage in Railway Street, Woy Woy, in the early morning of February 28th. Subsequently the case was adjourned to April 5th at Woy Woy to allow of the evidence of the witness THL Ibbotson being taken.
Mr Montgomerie represented the City Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
William Jenkins stated: I am a Constable of Police, and am stationed at Woy Woy; from something I heard at 4.20 am on February 28, 1923, I went to Railway Street, Woy Woy, where I saw a cottage, said to be owned by Mrs Rickard, on fire; the cottage was almost destroyed when I arrived on the scene; I made inquiries as to whether the cottage was occupied or not, and ascertained that it was unoccupied for three or four days prior to the fire; I also made inquiries if there was any furniture in the building, and ascertained that there was linoleum only in two rooms, no other furniture, and that six or seven pictures that had been hanging on the wall had been taken away on the previous Sunday by a Mr Ronicles, who has a week-end residence near-by; I sent a report to the Metropolitan Superintendent, and asked that certain inquiries be made.
Caroline Rickard stated: I am a widow, and reside at 858 Rocky Road, Kogarah; I was living at Woy Woy from 1916 to October, 1921; I was the owner of the cottage at Woy Woy, the subject of this inquiry; it consisted of four rooms and kitchen, brick piers, two brick chimneys, weatherboard walls, and iron roof, lined with wood and ceiled throughout; I valued the cottage at £750; it was insured for £500 in the City Mutual Fire Insurance Co.; I acquired it from Mr Ibbotson, who built it for me, the price being £235; I paid a small deposit and 12/6 per week; there were additions made to the place afterwards, which cost about £335; the weekly payments were increased then to 25/2 per week; I was living in the cottage at the time the additions were made; I left the cottage about April, 1921. I rented the cottage to Mr Campbell when I left; there were then three rooms covered with linoleum, two home-made wardrobes, and about sixteen pictures; four of the pictures were oil paintings and belonged to Mr Phegan, of Woy Woy; the reason of Mr Phegans pictures being there was that I was acting as agent for him while I was there; the two wardrobes were worth £5 each; they were of wood and made by Mr Brierly, of Point Clare; the linoleum was worth £7 or £8; the pictures belonging to Mr Phegan were worth £4-4s per pair; the policy on the furniture effects was £75; but all the furniture with the exception of the linoleum and wardrobes (2) was removed some time before the fire; they were removed when Mr Campbell took possession, in 1921; when Mr Campbell left, about two weeks before the fire, I appointed Walter Saxby as caretaker; the arrangement was that he was to sleep on the premises for 10/- per week; I received word by letter on the Thursday before the fire from Mr Saxby that someone had tried to break into the house the night before; I heard from Mr Armytage that splinters had been broken off the door, that it looked as if someone had been trying to get into the house; I cannot remember whether I told the Sydney Police that Saxby had written that he found marks on the door, showing that someone had been trying to force the door; I did not report that matter to the Police, but I asked Mr Armytage, who was going to Woy Woy, to make the house secure, and remove the pictures to his own place for security; I saw Mr Armytage afterwards, who told me that he had made the house secure, and removed the pictures, and that I need not worry; he told me also that Mr Saxby had shown him a crushed match on the floor inside the door, and that a man was seen standing inside the building and had struck a match; after I was told that the place had bee broken into, I did not take any action by informing the Police; Mr Armytage told me that he had obtained the keys from Mr Saxby and had handed them to Mr Leon Gilan; there is still owing to Mr Ibbotson £435 on the property; if the insurance is paid, I am told by Mr Ibbotson that I will have the land and about £35; I have kept my payments up to the end of 1922, but have not been able to pay since; I have been trying for the past two years to sell the place, first for £700, then for £500; I have had a request for payment from the Building Society about three weeks since; I first heard of the fire on Sunday, the 4th March; I then wrote to Mr Gilan, who informed me of the fact; I have no idea as to what caused the fire nor have I heard anything since to help me form an opinion.
By Mr Montgomerie : I had no money when I came to Woy Woy; I paid a deposit on the land by selling a boat about the value of £4; I also paid other amounts, till, when Mr Ibbotson took the land over, there was £16 owing, bo I had paid £61; on 7th December, 1917, I signed a mortgage to the Equitable Permanent Land and Building Co. for £150; then a mortgage to THL Ibbotson for £85; I received no money at all; I understand that that amount covered all money due to Mr Ibbotson; I paid a separate amount for the securing of the mortgage; I kept the payments to Mr Ibbotson up from the commencement of the building; I agreed to Mr Ibbotson taking out a policy of £235 for the security of the mortgages; that policy was dated January 18, 1918; in January, 1918, I took possession of the property; on April 8, 1918, I instructed Mr Ibbotson to insure the furniture for the sum of £75– £25 on the furniture and £50 on the piano; that policy is in my name; Mr Ibbotson made the additions to the property just before October, 1921; in October, 1921, a new mortgage was signed for £350, and the old mortgage was then discharged; I then commenced to pay Mr Ibbotson 25/- per week; that covered 17/6 to Mr Ibbotson for his share, and 7/6 to the Building Society; I kept those payments up to the end of 1922; while I resided in the cottage I acted as agent for Mr Phegan for land; I had also three sales of furniture while acting for Mr Phegan; I bought secondhand furniture, took it to my cottage, and called an auction; I also sold pictures on commission for Mr Phegan; Mr Campbell took possession about April, 1921; he paid 25/- per week up to the last 12 months, then £1 per week; I have been too ill to make any claim on the Insurance Co.; I do not think I should make any claim on the furniture under my policy.
George Hattley stated: I am a laborer, and reside at Woy Woy; I knew the cottage, the subject of this inquiry, known as the property of Mrs Rickard; I live at the rear of this cottage, a street dividing her property and mine; at 3.35 am on February 28, 1921, I was awakened by my dog barking; I got out of bed and looked through the window and saw that Mrs Rickard ‘s cottage was alight; I went over at once and saw that the place was well alight; the fire was inside, in the large front room; I saw no one near the place at that time; Mr Davis came in a few minutes, then Mr Fisher; I sent a boy to inform the Police; I am satisfied that the fire started inside; I saw nothing to indicate the cause of the fire, nor have I heard anything since to help me form an opinion.
By Mr Montgomerie: I retired that night between 8 and 9 o’clock; I was disturbed somewhere about 2 am by the dog barking; I got up and looked out both back and front doors, but saw nothing, and went back to bed; I got up because the dog barked savagely.
Samuel Saxby stated: I am a clerk in Dunban & Dunban’s office at Woy Woy; I knew the cottage at Woy Woy, the subject of this inquiry; on 1st February, 1923, I agreed with Mrs Rickard to look after her cottage and sleep on the premises for 10/- per week; I took charge on February 12, and gave over my charge on Sunday, February 25; the fire occurred on February 28th; I gave the keys to Mr Armytage; I did so on account of a letter received from Mrs Rickard; when I left the premises there was no inflammable material whatever; there was only the floor covering on two rooms, the kitchen and a bedroom; there were also several pictures and two cupboards; I first heard of the fire on the morning soon after the fire occurred; I have heard nothing on which to form an opinion as to the origin of the fire; re an attempt at breaking in to the house on the morning of February 21, I was awakened by my dog barking about 2 am; I saw a glimmer through the crack above the door, and on going out saw someone run through the gate; I then found that had been forced by a chisel or like implement, and the catch bent back; I did not write to Mrs Rickard acquainting her of the house-breaking until after I received a letter from her ordering me to hand over the keys; I did not inform the Police because I forgot about it; on the night of the fire I was at my own home.
By Mr Montgomerie: While in charge of the building I did not light a fire there; there was no inflammable material on the floor of the front room or anywhere else in the house.
Thomas HL Ibbotson stated: I am a contractor, and reside at Rickard House, Pitt Street, Sydney. (This witness arrived later and the inquest was resumed on April 5th, at 11.30 in the forenoon). I knew the cottage, the subject of this inquiry; on November 12, 1917, Mrs Rickard made application for a loan of £235 for the purpose of adding to a kitchen and laundry on her property; that loan included £62, the balance owing on the land; on March 1, 1918, I sent Mrs Rickard a statement, showing how the transaction had been completed, and showing a balance due to me of £24-8s-2d, over the £235; in June, 1920, Mrs Rickard saw me with a view to further additions, which cost £235, which were completed in July, 1920; I further supplied material, £33-15s; the cost of mortgage was £5; on January 30, 1921, I sent a statement, setting out the position; a new mortgage was, on October 10, 1921, arranged for £350, and Mrs Rickard paid £3-15s in cash; the expenditure was £456-3s.
By Sergeant Toohill: Mrs Rickard had to pay me back at the rate of 25/- per week; Mrs Rickard paid up to January, 1923; Mrs Rickard paid in all £43-11s-9d off the mortgage; from that I paid to the Building Society on behalf of Mrs Rickard, £28-16s, which leaves £14-15s-9d paid to Ibbotson and Co; I have no idea of the value of the building when the first additions were commenced; the price of the land was £75, of which Mrs Rickard paid £13, and I paid £62; I took out the first insurance policy in the name of the Building Company, as the Company object to the name of a second mortgagee appearing in the policy; I took out a second policy to cover the difference between the amount due to the Company and the amount due to me; all payments are called rent; the total value of the property destroyed is £500; I have no knowledge of the origin of the fire, nor have I heard anything to help me form any opinion.
VERDICT.
The Coroner found that the cottage was maliciously set on fire and destroyed by some person or persons unknown to him.
George Hattley, 1924
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 8 May 1924 9
GOSFORD COURT NEWS.
———◦———
Friday, May 2.
————
Before Mr CJB Helm, PM, and Messrs H Wilcox and F Hadfield, J’sP.
…
OBSCENE EXPOSURE AND FILTHY LANGUAGE
Police v. George Hattley, charges of wilful obscene exposure and indecent language. The cases were taken together, under the Vagrancy Act. Hattley, for whom Mr AD Hickey appeared, pleaded not guilty to both charges. Sergeant Toohill prosecuted.
Evidence given by Mrs Dean, Phyllis Dean, and Constable Jenkins showed that on 8th April, at Moana Street, Woy Woy, Hattley was lying, with another man, in front of the house occupied by Mrs Dean. His clothes were disarranged; and on being told to go away and cover his person he used filthy language.
Defendant ‘s evidence, supported by that of his wife, was a general denial that he had either exposed himself or used bad language.
The Bench convicted on both charges. The police report showed two previous convictions for drunkenness. For the obscene exposure Hattley was sentenced to two months’ hard labor, and for the language he was fined £3, with 16/- costs, in default one month.
Mr Hickey asked for the suspension of the sentence under the First Offenders’ Act, which the Magistrate granted, amending the sentence to 3 months on defendant entering into a recognisance of £40, and finding one surety for a similar amount, to be of good behaviour for one year. Fourteen days were allowed in which to pay the fine.
George Hattley, 1929
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 7 Feb 1929 10
GOSFORD COURT
———◦———
Friday, 1st February.
————
Before Messrs JB Gibson, PM,
and FR Archbold and WC Grahame, Js.P.
NOT SERVED.
Police v. Henry Smith, charge of using indecent language.
Summons not served; continued.
LIQUOR FOR PROHIBITED PERSON.
Police v. Wm Thompson, charge of supplying liquor (brandy) to a person, George Hattley, against whom a prohibition order was in force, at Gosford on January 10.
Sgt Hamilton said it was a serious offence. Prohibition orders were of no effect if liquor was supplied to persons against whom it had been necessary to take out a prohibition order. In this ease it was particularly desirable that the person concerned should not get liquor.
Defendant [William Thompson] said he understood Hattley was allowed a certain amount of brandy and wine, on a doctor’s order.
Sgt Hamilton said there were previous convictions against defendant.
Defendant was fined £2, with Court Costs 8/-, in default 14 days; 14 days allowed for payment on security being given.
George Hattley, 1933
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 12 Jan 1933 11
THE LATE MR R COMPTON
———◦———
AN APPRECIATION.
————
Robert Compton was the eldest son of the late Joseph H Compton and Mrs Compton, of Narara. Born at Perth, WA, on 8th May, 1907, he has been a resident of this district for the past 12 years. He attended Gosford High School, and was employed as junior porter at the Narara railway station for five years before taking over the Ourimbah-Gosford ’bus service.
Always courteous and obliging, he endeared himself to all who knew him.
A young man, in the prime of his life, with all life’s enjoyment before him we most sincerely sympathise with Miss Lauris Wright, of Melbourne, his fiancee, and those others left to mourn their loss — his mother, two sisters (Ruby and Rachel), and four brothers (Herbert, Alwyn, Edward, and Joseph).
The funeral, the arrangements for which were in the able hands of Mr RH Creighton, was largely attended. The chief mourners were his mother, brothers and sisters, Mr J Johnson, of Sans Souci (an uncle), and Mrs E Rose, of Sydney (an aunt).
The pallbearers were Messrs Jack Gavenlock (Narara), Cecil Morris, and Reg Brown (Ourimbah), and Geoff Humphrey (Lisarow).
The graveside service was conducted by Mr Chas Hill, minister of the Christian Israelite Church, of Sydney, and an old friend of the family, assisted by Mr Clifton Gray. The M.U.I.O.O.F., of which deceased was a member, was represented in regalia.
The esteem in which the deceased was held was manifested in the following large number of floral tributes: Mother, Brothers and Sisters; Mr and Mrs Powell and family and cousin Joe, Mr and Mrs EH Dixon and family, Mr and Mrs J Mathews and Pat and Bill, Mrs Jeanneret, the Hawkins family (Niagara Park), Mr and Mrs Tate and Gladys, Mrs Beattie and Jean, Mr and Mrs Tom Pryor, Mesdames Olsen, Coull and Eaton, Mr and Mrs G Dunk and family, Mr and Mrs E Elliott, Mr and Mrs Thomas and family, Mr R Edmondson, Mr and Mrs AH Whetham, Mr and Mrs Allsopp and family, Mr and Mrs H Gavenlock and family, Mr and Mrs W White and H White, Mrs McMillan and family, Mr and Mrs C Gavenlock (Lisarow), Mr and Mrs CE Adams and family, Mr and Mrs Egan and family; Lucie, Grace, Beryl, Marge, Doris and Agnes; Mr and Mrs E Gale and family, Mr and Mrs Geo Gavenlock, Reg and Tom Brown, Mr and Mrs Grant and Rees, Mr and Mrs Gilbert and family, Mr and Mrs Kellett and family, Mr and Mrs Grigg and family, Adrian and Neville, Mr and Mrs Cowan and family, Mr and Mrs Genge, Mr and Mrs Humphreys and family, Herbert and Mrs Freeburn, Mr and Mrs Lamotte and Jack, Mr and Mrs A Eaton and family, Mr and Mrs PG Clayton, Mr and Mrs Sinclair and family, Mr and Mrs Hayward and family, M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge, Mr and Mrs Haynes and family; Geoff, Rene and Jack; Mr and Mrs Holcombe and family, Fruitgrowers’ Association of Lisarow; Wallace, Fred and Bert; Mr and Mrs A Hewson and family, Mr and Mrs WS Gavenlock and family, Jack Gavenlock, Mr and Mrs JN Swinson, Mrs J Young and Mrs JA Bell, Mr Ted Fuller, Mr and Mrs Griffin and family, Mr and Mrs Gosper and family, Mr and Mrs RT Olive, John and Katie, Mr and Mrs JH Lowe and family, Narara Cricket Club, Mr and Mrs Edmondson and Hazel, Mrs Tate and family, Mr and Mrs P Bronsdon and Don, Mr and Mrs R Hill, Mr and Mrs CF Howard and family, Mr and Mrs A Morris, Allen and Jim, Archie Lowe, Mr and Mrs H Lackie and Les, Mr and Mrs P Lowe, Mr and Mrs Joe Smith and Charlie, Mr and Mrs Drinan and family, Sterland Bros., Mr and Mrs Gossip, Mary and Arthur, Mr and Mrs D Pryor and Vern Clifton, Mr and Mrs W Lackie and Dawne, Mr and Mrs W Beattie and family and Ivy, Mr and Mrs OA Jaques and family, Doreen Jaques, Mr and Mrs George Hattley and family; Cecil, Claude and Don Morris, Mr and Mrs Sperring and family, Mr and Mrs Hulbert, Adelene and Joyce Gavenlock.
George Hattley, 1934
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 21 Jun 1934 12
KNOCKALONG CLUB
————
Discussion on Ducal Visit
————
(By “Perong”)
President P Tareed had radioed the message far and wide that the “Coming of the Duke,” would be the subject of discussion at (Saturday’s meeting, and the resultant attendance was a record. It eclipsed even that of the memorable occasion many years ago when Shire President Manasseh Ward laid the foundation stone of the existing Shire Chambers, and established the record “shout” for Gosford, by taking all and sundry to the Royal after the event, and poor old Arthur Lewis had to have his muscles massaged, so great was the strain of himself (and many assistants) in pulling so many pots. But the strain was as nothing compared to that on Manasseh’s banking account. But we digress, and we must got back to the Duke’s proposed visit.
George Hattley made inquiries as to the colors of the Royal one, so that he could paint his Hotdogs mobile of a similar hue, but he was silenced by Mr Phredweela, who informed him that a committee would be elected and any in formation would be derived therefrom. Then the President took a hand, or rather a voice, and in his well-known stentorian tone, he declaimed: “Gentlemen and others,—One of the well beloved (Royal Family is to visit our fair land. Are we to greet him (shouts of “too, right,” and “so say all of us”). Are we members of a Royal Club? (Rise of all present to sing with fervor the National Anthem). Then said the patriotic President, we will proceed with ways and means discussion to arrive at the method of our greeting to the Royal one.
…
PACKING HOUSE FIRE INQUIRY
———◦———
Open Verdict as to Cause
“I would very much like to have been able to determine the origin of this fire. It is my personal opinion that it started from the boiler-house, but the evidence is very conflicting, and very indefinite. After considering the weight of evidence that the fire originated near the railway siding and outside the building, I find that the Packing House was destroyed by fire on June 4, but whether of accidental origin or otherwise, I am not able to say. I also find that the five railway trucks were damaged to the extent of £900.”
This was the finding of Mr WE Kirkness as the result of his enquiry at the Gosford Court House on Mondav into the destruction by fire of the premises of the Gosford Co-operative Citrus Packing House, Ltd., in Mann Street, Gosford, on June 4.
Mr AD Hickey appeared for the Gosford Co-operative Citrus Packing House, Ltd., Mr WDA Campbell for the Standard Insurance Company, and Mr SF Nicholas for the Commissioner for Railways.
ESTIMATED LOSS £8654
Wallace T Fenton, secretaiy for the Gosford Packing House, Ltd., said that the estimated loss to the company by fire on that date was £8654. The premises and contents were covered by the Standard Insurance Company as follows:—Building £1500, plant £800, produce £1500, fruit £500, cases, case materials and wrapping paper £500. The processing plant was insured in the name of Richard Woolridge and Co., Ltd., for £2000, and that firm also had an insurance cover of approximately £500 on the sizing plant. The last mentioned insurance had nothing to do with the Packing House. Damage by fire had meant a considerable loss to the Society, a loss which could not be estimated in actual figures.
Continuing, Mr Fenton said that the assets of the company exceeded its liabilities to the extent of more than £1000.
To Sergt Lake: There was no evidence to indicate whether the fire had been accidental or deliberate. He had no idea how it originated.
Thomas Carlisle Morrison, managing director of the Gosford Co-operative Citrus Packing House, Ltd., and a resident at Green Point, said he had first heard of the fire at 1 am, and he immediately went to the Packing House to investigate. On arrival he found the building well alight and there appeared to be no prospect of saving it. At that time portion of the southern end was still intact. He proceeded to the part of the building facing the goods shed and found the greater part of it practically destroyed. It appeared as though the fire had started at that side of the building.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The fire might have originated in the trucks at the siding, said Mr Morrison, as men were stated to be in the habit of sleeping there. He said the fire in the boiler-room had been left banked on Sunday night, as had been the practise for some considerable time, but he did not think it possible that any sparks could have escaped from the boiler and set the building alight. It was unlikely that the fire could have been caused by electric wires as the building was protected by various safety devices.
To Sergt Lake: It is the intention of the company to re-build the packing house and equip it with the best possible plant. Plans for that purpose are now nearly completed.
George Hattley, night-watchman, resident at West Gosford, said he first saw the fire at 1 am. He was near Parsons’ garage aud ran up to see where the smoke was coming from. The fire seemed to be coming from the railway side. It was burning outside the building and not inside. He called the night officer at the railway and told him to ring the police. He also asked Mr Muller at the District Ambulance Depot to ring the police and Mr Billet, and then went along the footpath to wake up the residents in nearby houses.
To Mr Hickey: The walls of the building were just starting to burn; the lauding was alight, but the railway trucks had not started to burn at that time.
To Mr Kirkness: I do not think the fire started in the boiler-room, but on the outside of the building.
SOMEONE ON ROAD
Robert Boddenborg, laborer, living in Mann Street, Gosford, directly opposite the Packing House site, said he saw the reflection of the fire through a window at 12.55 am. It was burning between the railway side and the boiler. He saw someone pass down the road as he came out on to the verandah.
Leslie Charles Billet, foreman at the Packing House, and a resident in Bent Street, Gosford, said that he first heard of the fire at 1.10 am, and immediately went down to the shed. He tried to get into the front office, but could not do so because of the heat aud smoke. The fine was burning most fiercely on the railway side and near the centre of the building.
Continuing, witness said he had visited the Packing House at 4.30 pm on the Sunday to start the fire in the boiler and to bank it. There was no sign of fire in the shed at that time. When examining the boiler with Sergt Lake and Constable Brown on the day of the fire it was found that a plate at the back of the boiler had dropped down, and in his opinion something must have fallen against it and knocked it off. He could not have banked the fire if the plate had been off, because the room would have been filled with smoke. There was a cask of water for the injector standing near the boiler. After the fire this was found to be charred on the northern side and not on the side near the boiler. In his opinion that would prove that the fire had not started in the boiler.
To Mr Kirkness: I do not think it possible for a spark to have been blown from the furnace in any way, and I do not think that the fire could have started by spontaneous combustion.
NOT SET ON FIRE
Albert Brown, police constable stationed at Gosford, stated tluat he arrived at the fire at 1.20 am, and noticed that about one-third of the building at the southern end was well alight. He and several others went round to where the trucks were standing, and removed five of them. Of the remaining trucks, two were alight, and the other three could not be uncoupled on account of the heat. Owing to the slight southerly wind the fire was spreading northwards. He did not find anything which would indicate the origin of the fire, and did not think the building had been deliberately set alight.
To Mr Kirkness: I do not think that an escaped spark from the boiler could enter the building as it was boarded all the way up.
Samuel Francis Nicholas, District Inspector of Railways, stationed at Hornsby, said there were two bogeys and three single louvre vans damaged by the fire. The total value of the unexpired life of the trucks would be about £2000. The tracks were not insured, and the estimated loss by the fire was £900. The damage to the vans was a loss to the Railway Department. The fruit in the trucks was not consigned, therefore the Department did not accept any liability.
The enquiry was closed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 11 Oct 1934 13
PROHIBITION ORDER
————
Mrs Eva Maud Hattley asked Mr EA Mahony, PM, at Gosford Court on Friday to authorise the issuing of a prohibition order against her husband, George Hattley.
Mrs Hattley said her husband bad been drinking excessively since September 23, and such drinking had rendered him unable to work. She feared that if her husband continued drinking, his health would be seriously impaired.
Mr Mahony authorised the issue of the order for a period of 12 months.
George Hattley, 1935
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thu 17 Oct 1935 14
PROHITIBION [sic] ORDER
———◦———
Excessive Drinking Alleged
When the name of George Hattley was called at the Gosford Court on Friday to defend an action by his wife, Mrs Eva Maud Hattley, he failed to put in an appearance. Mrs Hattley desired Mr EA Mahony, PM, to bind her husband over to refrain from intoxicating liquor. When Mr Mahony inquired as to the whereabouts of defendant, Mrs Hattley said that he was home in bed.
Mrs Hattley said that her husband had been “on the drink” for a couple of months, and was unable to do his work. He was, she averred, drinking to excess and if he continued it was likely to impair his health.
Mr Mahony ordered that Hattley refrain from intoxicating liquor for a period of 12 months.
George Hattley, 1937
Man on the Land, Tue 14 Sep 1937 15
GEORGE HATTLEY DIES
In the early hours of yesterday morning, Mr George Hattley, 43, returned soldier, passed away suddenly at his home in West Gosford.
Organised by Mr J Lawn, President, members of the R.S.S.I.L.A. attended the funeral at the Point Clare cemetery this afternoon, the burial taking place in the Catholic portion.
George Hattley, 1939
The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Tue 26 Sep 1939 16
FOOTBALL NIGHT
————
Dance and Presentation of
Season’s Trophies
————
The Gosford Football Club held its annual presentation dance in the Masonic Hall on Friday night, when a merry crowd gathered to spend an enjoyable evening.
Shortly after 10 pm the Club President, Mr Jack Atkins, called upon Mr J Cunningham Speers to make the presentation of trophies won by members throughout the season.
…
Hattley Trophy: H Keenan, best all-round player, A Grade.
…
Mrs G Hattley, wife of the late George Hattley, former President of the Club, then presented Alf Goodwin with an inscribed whistle on behalf of herself and the club, for the capable manner in which he had refereed during the past two seasons.
1 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 10 Jan 1918, p. 8. Emphasis added.
2 There is a WWI service record for George Hattley (service number 2390, barcode 4768088) at www.naa.gov.au
3 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 23 May 1918, p. 14. Emphasis added.
4 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 30 May 1918, p. 8.
5 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 13 Nov 1919, p. 9. Emphasis added.
6 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 6 Oct 1921, p. 5. Emphasis added.
7 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 1 Mar 1923, p. 10. Emphasis added.
8 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 12 Apr 1923, p. 7. Emphasis added.
9 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 8 May 1924, p. 10. Emphasis added.
10 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 7 Feb 1929, p. 4. Emphasis added.
11 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 12 Jan 1933, p. 11. Emphasis added.
12 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 21 Jan 1934, pp. 2, 10. Emphasis added.
13 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 11 Oct 1934, p. 5.
14 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Thu 17 Oct 1935, p. 7.
15 Man on the Land, (Gosford, NSW), Tue 14 Sep 1937, p. 2.
16 The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, (NSW), Tue 26 Sep 1939, p. 6.