Murray Pioneer (Renmark, SA : 1942 - 1950), Thursday 17 June 1943, page 4


OBITUARY

Mr. George Agars,

Pioneer of Irrigation

Areas

Mr. George Agars, who passed away at Renmark on June 5, was one of the pioneers of the River irrigation areas having originally settled at Mildura nearly 60 years ago. Mr. Agars was in his 80th year, having been born at Bowen in Queensland on May 7, 1864, where his father was on the land with his grandfather, the late Daniel Cudmore.

Deceased was educated at Mr. J. L. Young's school at Parkside, and first worked with his father on a sheep station at Courtibe on Eyre Peninsula. At the age of 18 he went to Avoca Station on the Darling where he was book-keeper for his uncle . He also tried his luck on the Teetulpa goldfields.

In 1891 Mr. Agars was married to Miss Annie Crowder, of Talia, EP. It was in the "nineties" that Mr. Agars with his brother Fred settled at Mildura, taking up land from Chaffey Bros. A few years after the brothers had launched out on this venture Fred was drowned in the Murray.

Leaving Mildura in 1905, Mr. Agars returned to SA and became manager of a property at Holder. In 1907 he acquired a block in Bookmark Avenue, Renmark, immediately be hind the old Tintra Tennis Courts, which he worked until about 12 years

ago, when he retired owing to in-different health. Since that time the pioneer had been laid aside with illness almost continuously. For a time he lived with his daughter at Monash, but about two years ago re turned to Renmark and had since lived in 26th Street.

Mr. Agars was a foundation mem ber of the Agricultural Bureau at Renmark, and was actively associa ted with the branch for a number of years. Mr. Agars was an ardent Catholic, and in his younger days he was a keen cricketer.

In addition to the widow, four of a family of six children survive. They are: Mrs. A. Johanson (Payne ham), Mrs. H. Black. (Werrimull) Vic.), Mrs. C. Telfer (Renmark), and Mr. George Agars (Red Cliffs). Two daughters, May and Marion, predeceased their father.

The funeral, which was conducted by, the Rev. Father Hughes, took place at Renmark. Mr. R. Douglass attended the necessary arrangements.

Mr. J. M. Douglas, Renmark

With the death of John Michael Douglas in the Renmark Hospital on Tuesday of last week after an illness extending over two years, there passed away a stockman well known on the River. Mr. Douglas was born at Kapunda and was 63 years of age at the time of his death. As a boy of 13 he was gate-boy on Mr. Fred Plush's mail coaches. After he left Mr. Plush he worked on Calperum station for the late Mr. John Rob ertson. He was overseer on Ned's Corner Station for over 20 years and worked under managers H. Pegler, .Tefferies, Turnlciy and McPhersoin. Jack knew "every tree and bush" on this large run and could find his way across it on the darkest night. Leav ing Ned's Corner he was overseer on Morna and in 1927 again worked on Calperum being in charge of all the back country. Mr. B. Butler (pres ent manager of the station) said of him, "He was one of the best men possible* to meet. I wish there were more like him."

John Douglas was a man of integ rity. He was a friend to every bushman and station hand, and' died deeply regretted by many along the River. Most of his life was spent in the sadde and he must have ridden thousands of miles. He thoroughly understood sheep and had had wide experience of them.

Mr. Douglas was married to Miss M. Bland, daughter of a River pioneer, who survives with the following fam ily: Ruby (Mrs. Arthur Hisgrove), whose husband is in the AIF, Eva (Mrs. C. Coombs) whose husband is also in the AIF, John and Lindsay (both AIP), Ada, and Ron, of Renmark.

The funeral which was well at

tended, was marked by the many beau- ! tiful wreaths placed on the graveside. \ In the absence of the Rev. C. Gray] (Church of England) the service was I conducted by the Rev. L. G. Kay. Bearers were Messrs. H. A. Coombs, Les Scadding, B. Butler, P. Plush Bert Maiden and J. Southall. Mr. R. Douglass attended the necessary

arrangements.

Mr. F. W, Hamdorf,

Meribah j

Mr. F. W. Hamdorf, an old resident of the Meribah district passed away in the Renmark Hospital on Wednes day of last week. His remains were interred in the Meribah cemetery on Saturday afternoon when a large num ber of residents paid their last res pects to an old pioneer of the dis trict. _ Mr. Hamdorf was born at Sutton, South Australia, 75 years ago and came to Meribah in 1915 with his wife and family. He has left a widow, six daughters and three sons and 31 grandchildren.