Allen Laing				'Magnet' August 3, 1929 MR. ALLEN LAING The death occurred at the home of Mr. Hector Laing, Towamba, on the night of July 22, of Mr. Allen Laing, one of the oldest and best known identities of the Towamba district in which he had resided for some 40 years. For some years he resided at Rockton before moving to Towamba. He was a brother of Mr. Donald Laing, probably the oldest mail man in the state who for years conveyed the Eden-Pericoe mail by horse coach and who has since been running the Pambula-Nethercote mail by horse and sulky and for the last several years on horseback. Other brothers are Jim (deceased) and Will. Mr. Laing who leaves a large family, all married, was a native of Moruya and was 81 years of age. Internment took place at the Presbyterian portion of Towamba cemetery. The Reverend J. Allison officiating at the graveside.
Hector and Roberteena Laing				Hector and Roberteena's (nee Crawford) house in Burragate
Hector Laing				Robert Crawford. Dora and Roberteena's father
Alice, Florence and Ellen, children of Hector and Roberteena				Gladys Dent (nee Laing) and Muriel Russo (nee Laing)
Hector, Roberteena and family.				James, Lexie and Freda Laing.
Unknown Laing? Charlie Laing, Unknown Laing?				Charlie Laing 'Towamba Charlie' or 'Black Charlie' son of Donald Laing, Towamba
LAING FAMILY ENTRIES IN ELECTORAL ROLLS AND POST OFFICE DIRECTORIES
1863-64 BRAIDWOOD ELECTORAL ROLL Braidwood 978 James LAING Oak Hills Freehold 1870-71 EDEN ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 966 Allen LAING Towamba Residence 967 William LAING Towamba Residence 968 James LAING Towamba Residence 1872 GREVILLE'S OFFICIAL POST OFFICE DIRECTORY NSW Towamba Allan LAING Towamba Farmer Donald LAING Towamba Woodman James LAING Towamba Farmer William LAING Towamba Farmer 1875 EDEN ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 492 Allen LAING Towamba Residence 493 James LAING Towamba Residence 494 William LAING Rocky Hall Leasehold 495 Donald LAING Towamba Residence 1875-76 GREVILLE'S OFFICIAL POST OFFICE DIRECTORY NSW Towamba James LAING Sen Farmer James LAING Jnr Selector Allan LAING Selector Donald LAING Selector William LAING Selector 1878-79 EDEN ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 1218 Allen LAING Towamba Residence 1219 James LAING Towamba Residence 1220 William LAING Towamba Leasehold 1221 Donald LAING Towamba Residence 1882-1883 EDEN ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 204 Allen LAING White Rock Creek, Bondi Freehold 205 James LAING Towamba Residence 206 James LAING jnr. Towamba Residence 207 William LAING Towamba Leasehold 208 Donald LAING Towamba Freehold 1888-89 EDEN ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 275 Allen LAING Bondi Freehold 276 James LAING Towamba Freehold 277 James LAING jnr. Towamba Residence 278 William LAING Towamba Freehold 279 Donald LAING Towamba Freehold 1895-96 EDEN BOMBALA ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 1365 Allen LAING Bondi Farmer 1366 Charles LAING Towamba Labourer 1367 Donald LAING Panbula Labourer 1368 William LAING Towamba Farmer 1899-1900 EDEN BOMBALA ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 1550 Allen LAING Bondi Farmer 1551 Charles LAING Towamba Labourer 1552 Donald LAING Panbula Labourer 1553 William LAING Towamba Farmer YEWEN'S DIRECTORY OF THE LANDHOLDERS OF NSW 1900 Eden District Rockton Allen LAING Bondi Grazier Towamba Wm LAING Grows maize 1903 COMMONWEALTH ELECTORAL ROLL Bega 816 Charles LAING Brianderry Dairyman 818 Rachel LAING Spring Vale Domestic Duties Towamba 107 Robert LAING Towamba Labourer 108 William LAING senior Towamba Farmer Rocky Hall 37 Donald LAING New Building Labourer 38 Johanna LAING New Building D/Duties Pambula 181 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 182 Sarah LAING Pambula D/Duties Pericoe 33 William LAING Junior Pericoe Labourer 1906 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Pambula 174 Archibald LAING Pambula Labourer 175 Charles LAING South Pambula Labourer 176 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 177 Rachael LAING South Pambula Domestic Duties 178 Sarah LAING Pambula Domestic Duties Pericoe 37 Robert James LAING Pericoe Labourer 38 Sarah Jane LAING Pericoe Domestic Duties 39 William LAING junr. Pericoe Labourer Towamba 87 William LAING snr. Towamba Farmer Wyndham 94 Donald LAING Whipstick Labourer 95 Johanna LAING Whipstick Domestic Duties 1908 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 468 Robert James LAING Pericoe Labourer 469 Robert William LAING Yambulla Labourer 470 Sarah Jane LAING Pericoe Home Duties 471 William LAING senr Towamba Farmer 472 William LAING jnr. Pericoe Labourer Pambula 406 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 407 Charles LAING Honeysuckle, Wyndham Labourer 408 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 409 Donald LAING Whipstick Labourer 410 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 411 Johanna LAING Whipstick Home Duties 412 Sarah LAING Pambula Home Duties Bega 1917 Rachael LAING Bega St., Bega Home Duties 1909 EDEN MONARO ELETORAL DISTRICT Bega 1930 Rachael LAING Bega St. Bega Home Duties Eden 468 Allan LAING Towamba Labourer 469 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 470 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 471 Hector LAING Towamba Labourer 472 Robert James LAING Eden Labourer 473 Sarah Jane LAING Eden Home Duties 474 William Allan LAING Towamba Labourer 475 William LAING senr. Towamba Farmer 476 William LAING junr. Pericoe Labourer Pambula 394 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 395 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 396 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 397 Donald LAING Whipstick Labourer 398 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 399 Johanna LAING Whipstick Home Duties 400 Sarah LAING Pambula Home Duties 1913 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Bombala 501 Ellen LAING Rockton Home Duties 502 Emma Jane LAING Nungatta Home Duties 503 Hector LAING Nungatta Labourer 504 William Allen LAING Nungatta Farmer CONTINUED NEXT COLUMN ON RIGHT				Eden 462 Allan LAING Towamba Labourer 463 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 464 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 465 Robert James LAING Eden Labourer 466 Sarah Jane LAING Eden Home Duties 467 William LAING senr. Towamba Farmer 468 William LAING junr. Pericoe Labourer 1916 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Bombala 538 Ellen LAING Rockton Home Duties 539 Emma Jane LAING Nungatta Home Duties 540 Hector LAING Nungatta Labourer 541 William Allen LAING Nungatta Farmer Eden 418 Allan LAING Towamba Labourer 419 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 420 Charles Henry LAING Towamba Factory Manager 421 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 422 Isabella Ann LAING Towama Home Duties 423 Robert James LAING Eden Labourer 424 Sarah Jane LAING Eden Home Duties Pambula 399 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 400 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 401 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 402 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 403 Rachel LAING Pambula Home Duties 404 Sarah LAING Pambula Home Duties 1917 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Bombala 549 Ellen LAING Rockton Home Duties 550 Emma Jane LAING Nungatta Home Duties 551 Hector LAING Nungatta Labourer 552 William Allen LAING Nungatta Farmer Eden 408 Allan LAING Towamba Labourer 409 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 410 Charles Henry LAING Towamba Factory Manager 411 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 412 Isabella Ann LAING Towamba Home Duties 413 Robert James LAING Eden Labourer 414 Sarah Jane LAING Eden Home Duties Pambula 394 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 395 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 396 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 397 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 398 Rachel LAING Pambula Home Duties 399 Sarah LAING Pambula Home Duties 1921 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Bombala 604 Ellen LAING Rockton Home Duties Eden 368 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 369 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 370 Hector LAING Towamba Labourer 371 Isabella Ann LAING Towamba Home Duties 372 Robert James LAING Eden Labourer 373 Sarah Jane LAING Eden Home Duties Pambula 354 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 355 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 356 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 357 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 358 John LAING Pambula Labourer 359 Rachel LAING Pambula Home Duties 1922 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Bombala 1034 Ellen LAING Rockton Home Duties Eden 715 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 716 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 717 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 718 Donald LAING Bald Hills, Pambula Labourer 719 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 720 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 721 Hector LAING Towamba Labourer 722 Isabella Ann LAING Towamba Home Duties 723 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 724 Robert James LAING Pambula Labourer 725 John LAING Pambula Labourer 726 Rachel LAING Pambula Home Duties 1925 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Bombala 983 Ellen LAING Rockton Home Duties Eden 711 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 712 Allan LAING Towamba No Occupation 713 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 714 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 715 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 716 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 717 Dora Vernal LAING Pericoe Home Duties 718 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 719 Hector LAING Towamba Labourer 720 Isabella Ann LAING Towamba Home Duties 721 Ivy Muriel LAING Peak Vale Home Duties 722 James LAING Pericoe Labourer 723 John LAING Pambula Labourer 724 Rachel Louisa LAING Pambula Home Duties 725 Robert James LAING Pambula Labourer 726 Roberteena Margaret LAING Towamba Home Duties 1926 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Bombala 991 Ellen LAING Rockton Home Duties Eden 738 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 739 Allan LAING Towamba No Occupation 740 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 741 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 742 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 743 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 744 Dora Vernal LAING Pericoe Home Duties 745 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 746 Hector LAING Towamba Labourer 747 Isabella Ann LAING Towamba Home Duties 748 Ivy Muriel LAING Peak Vale Home Duties 749 James LAING Pericoe Labourer 750 John LAING Pambula Labourer 751 Rachel Louisa LAING Pambula Home Duties 752 Robert James LAING Pambula Labourer 753 Roberteena Margaret LAING Towamba Home Duties 1928 EDEN MONARO ELECTORAL DISTRICT Eden 663 Archibald LAING Pambula Butcher 664 Allan LAING Towamba No Occupation 665 Arthur LAING Pambula Labourer 666 Charles LAING Pericoe Labourer 667 Donald LAING Towamba Labourer 668 Donald LAING Pambula Mailman 669 Dora Vernal LAING Pericoe Home Duties 670 Emma Jane LAING Pambula Home Duties 671 Hector LAING Towamba Labourer 672 Isabella Ann LAING Towamba Home Duties 673 Ivy Muriel LAING Peak Vale Home Duties 674 James LAING Pambula Labourer 675 John LAING Pambula Labourer 676 Rachel Louisa LAING Pambula Home Duties 677 Roberteena Margaret LAING Towamba Home Duties 1968 IMLAY SHIRE COUNCIL "C" RIDING - ELECTORAL ROLL Arthur Charles LAING Towamba Farmer Donald LAING Towamba Farmer 1971 IMLAY SHIRE COUNCIL "B" RIDING - ELECTORAL ROLL Ivy Muriel LAING Pambula Home Duties John William LAING Pambula Labourer 1971 IMLAY SHIRE COUNCIL "C" RIDING - ELECTORAL ROLL Arthur Charles LAING Towamba Farmer Donald LAING Towamba Farmer
LAING DEATH REGISTERS AND MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS
EDEN COURTHOUSE DEATH REGISTER 1856 - 1918 Bertha Jane LAING died 18 June, 1905 at Pambula, aged 16 years. Born at Towamba and buried at Pambula. Isabella LAING died 10 March, 1891 at Towamba, aged 70 years. Born in Scotland and buried at Towamba. James LAING died 20 July, 1890 at Towamba, aged 75 years. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland and buried at Towamba. Ruth Ann LAING died 2nd March, 1901 at Bondi, aged 2 years. Born at Bondi and buried at Bombala. William LAING died 21 August, 1914 at Towamba, aged 74 years. Was a labourer, born at Moruya and buried at Towamba. MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS IN THE BEGA VALLEY - Book 1 Bega Cemetery Section L - C of E No.1480 William LAING born 1879 and died 1945 MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS, KNOWN GRAVES & WAR MEMORIALS IN THE BEGA VALLEY SHIRE - Book 2 Towamba Cemetery Presbyterian Section - Row 3 Marker 42 Dora LAING Born 1900, Died 14 Sept., 1949 Marker 43 James LAING Died 20 July 1890 In Memory of Allan LAING Died 23 July 1929 Aged 81 years Marker 41 and a rock William LAING Died 21 August 1914 Anglican Section - Row B2 In Loving Memory of Isabella Ann LAING Died 12 May 1965 aged 86 years. At Rest In Memory of Donald LAING Passed away 29 June 1973 R.I.P. In Loving Memory of Arthur LAING "Charlie" Born 30 April 1916. Died 30 October 1981. Rest in Peace CONTINUED IN NEXT COLUMN ON RIGHT				MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS KNOWN GRAVES & WAR MEMORIALS IN THE BEGA VALLEY - Book 3 Pambula Cemetery Section A Row 10 - 24 and 25 In Loving Memory Of Sybil Eileen LAING Died 29 Sept. 1923 Aged 4 months Frederick James LAING Died 25 August 1930 Aged 5 years And Colin LOVE Row 11 - 24 and 25 In Loving Memory Of Archibald LAING Died 9 Sept. 1949 Aged 65 years Joyce Evelyn LAING Died 29 Sept. 1935 Aged 16 years. Row 11 - 26 In Loving Memory Of Our Dear Mother Emma Jane LAING Who Passed Away 26 August, 1958 Aged 71 years. Section C Row 16 - 21 In Loving Memory Of A Dear Wife & Mother Ivy Murial LAING Passed Away 16 October, 1972 Aged 76 years. In God's Care Row 16 -22 In Loving Memory Of A Dear Father John William LAING Passed Away 19 October, 1981, Aged 84 years. In God's Care Row 23 - 1 and 2 Arthur & Mrs. LAING Row 25 - 26 In Loving Memory Of Irene Ellen LAING Passed Away 2.3.1993 Aged 74 Years Sadly Missed By Her Family MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS MONARO Bombala Cemetery 307 Hector LANG died 4 August 1956, aged 67 years, husband and father.
LAING FAMILY MARRIAGES AND BAPTISMS
ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH OF PAMBULA MARRIAGES 1894-1920 On 7 June, 1911 at St Peters Pambula, Samuel MAHONEY, store carter, residing Pambula, bachelor, born Wyndham, aged 32 years. Parents James Mahoney, labourer and Ellen Cusack. Married Florence Jessie LAING, domestic duties, residing Pambula, spinster, born Pambula, aged 20 years. Parents Donald LAING, mail contractor, and Sarah HIGGINS. Priest Father P. Kenny and witnesses Arthur LAING and Augusta Tucker. On 18 June, 1912 at St Peters Pambula, William James MONTGOMERY, labourer, residing Lochiel, bachelor, born Hillston NSW, aged 31 years. Parents John Montgomery Deceased, labourer and Mary McDonnell deceased.Married Florence May LAING, domestic duties, residing Lochiel, spinster, born Bega, aged 19 years. Parents Donald LAING, labourer, and Johann WHITTIKER. Priest Father P. Kenny and witnesses J. McCABE and S.A. LAING. ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH OF PAMBULA - BAPTISMS 1894-1920 Florence Jessie LAING born 19 February, 1899. Baptised 2nd June, 1911. Priest Father P. Kenny. Florence May LANG born ?? (aged 19 years) residing Pambula. Baptised 19 June, 1912. Priest Father P. Kenny. Gwendoline MAHONEY born 21 July, 1912. Parents Samuel Mahoney and Florence Jessie LAING, residing Pambula. Baptised 13 August, 1912 by Father P. Kenny. Sponsors John and Kathleen Kelly. John Robert MONTGOMERY born 6 October or 6 November, 1912. Parents William James Montgomery and Florry LAING, residing Lochiel. Baptised 6 December, 1912 by Father P. Kenny, sponsors Stan McCabe and Kitty McCabe. James Wm MONTGOMERY born 21 June, 1914. Parents Wm James Montgomery and Florence May LANG, residing Lochiel. Baptised 19 July, 1914 by Father P. Kenny, sponsors Jack McCabe and Mrs McCabe. Dorris MAHONEY born 23 June, 1914. Parents Samuel Mahoney and Florence Jessia LANG, residing Pambula. Baptised 19 July, 1914 by Father P. Kenny, sponsors Bert English and Lucy Cornell. Alexander MAHONY born 27 April, 1916. Parents Samuel Mahony and Florence Josie LANG. Baptised 21 May, 1916 by Father Patrick Walsh in Pambula, sponsors Margaret Jane English. Mary Ellen MONTGOMERY born 1 May, 1916. Parents William James Montgomery and Florence May LANG. Baptised 18 May, 1916 by Father Patrick Walsh at Lochiel, sponsors Bernard McCabe and Ellen Manion? Eileen May MONTGOMERY born 13 February, 1918. Parents William James Montgomery and Florence May LANG, residing Lochiel. Baptised 17 March, 1918 by Father Wm. J. Stevens, sponsors Patrick Smith and Mrs. B.J. McCabe Doris Francis MONTGOMERY born 18 February, 1920. Parents William Montgomery and Florrie LAING. Baptised 24 February, 1920 by Father C.J. McNeeve, sponsors Denis Foley and Mabel McNamara. BOMBALA ST MARY'S BAPTISMS 1865 - 1920 William James Rupert LANG born 2nd March, 1901. Parents Donald LANG & Johanna WHITTAKER, residence Mt Pleasant near Rocky Hall. Baptised 28 March, 1901 by Father James J. Norris, sponsors James Collins and Elizabeth Dunne. Donald LANG born 4 February, 1899. Parents Donald LANG & Johanna WHITTAKER, residence Mt Pleasant near Rocky Hall. Baptised 28 March, 1901 by Father James J. Norris, sponsors John Andrew Collins and Catherine Dunne. PARISH REGISTER INDEX C of E DIOCESE OF CANBERRA AND GOULBURN Albert Britten Pruss LAING baptised Pambula Parish on 22nd December, 1906. Parents Charles and Rachel. Allan LAING married 25 April, 1882 in Bombala Parish to Ruth ATKINS. Archibald LAING baptised Kameruka Parish on 10 December, 1884. Parents Donald and Sarah. Archibald John Thomas LAING baptised Bega Parish on 14 October, 1903. Parents Charles and Rachel. Arthur LAING married 30 November, 1910 at Pambula Parish to Rachel Louisa KOERBER. Charles LAING baptised Bega Parish on 8 October, 1872. Parents Donald and Sarah. Charles William LAING baptised Bega Parish on 26 March, 1901. Parents Charles and Rachel. Donald LAING married 8 October, 1872 in Bega Parish to Sarah HIGGINS. Donald LAING baptised Bega Parish 8 September 1875. Parents Donald and Sarah. Donald LAING married 2 November, 1921 in Bega Parish to Charlotte Alice McCORMACK. Isabel LAING baptised Bega Parish on 8 September, 1875. Parents Donald and Sarah. Isabella LAING married 18 April, 1906 in Bombala Parish to Robert Beatson DENT. Jane LAING married 14 February, 1867 in Bega Parish to Thomas RIXON. Sarah Amelia LAING baptised 10 September, 1901 in Bombala Parish. Parents Allan and Ruth. Sarah Ann LAING baptised 4 September, 1881 in Pambula Parish. Parents John and Sarah. Sarah Annie LAING married 7 May, 1917 in Bega Parish to Ronald Wallace ELLIOTT. Thelma Beryl LAING baptised 18 November, 1914 in Pambula Parish. Parents Arthur and Rachael Louisa. Thomas Henry LAING married 4 September, 1918 in Bega Parish to Miriam May HUNTER. Victor Vincent LAING baptised 19 October, 1911 in Pambula Parish. Parents Arthur and Rachael Louisa. 'Bega Standard' - 3rd December, 1909 Towamba: Although times are bad a young couple were brave enough the other day to face the difficulties. The contracting parties were Miss E. Rixon and Mr. Wm LAING jnr. The Rev. J.L. Forbes officiated. May good luck follow them. 'Pambula Voice' - 2 December, 1910 Wedding On Wednesday morning at 6 o'clock Arthur, son of Mr. Donald LAING, of Pambula, was married to Rachel, youngest daughter of Mr. Job Koerber, also of Pambula. The wedding was celebrated in St. John's Church of England by the Rev H.F.A. Champion. The bride who was given away by her father, wore satin striped ninon, richly braided, and a wreath and veil. She carried a shower bouquet, presented by Mrs. S. Covington. The only bridesmaid was the bridegroom's sister, Miss Florrie LAING, who was attired in a fancy silk crystaline, with hat to match. Mr. Jas Robertson acted as best man. The bride's present to the bridegroom was a handsome shaving companion, whilst the bridegroom's present to the bride and bridesmaid were a gold brooch and gold lace pin respectively. Miss Furnell played the "Wedding March" whilst the bridal pair left the church. The bride's travelling dress was brown shantung, with hat to match. The happy couple, after partaking of light refreshments with a few of their intimate friends, left for Eden, where the honeymoon will be spent. The presents were very numerous, and in every case most suitable for a young couple about to start in life. 'Pambula Voice' - 9 June, 1911 Wedding A very quiet wedding took place in the R.C. Church on Wednesday morning at 7 o'clock when Samuel son of Mr. James Mahoney of Pambula, was united in wedlock by Rev. P. Kenny to Florrie, youngest daughter of Mr. Donald LAING, of Pambula. The bride wore a dress of grey glace silk, trimmed with grey silk insertion, hat and feathers to match. Miss G. Tucker acted as bridesmaid, and wore a dress of cream silk, with insertion trimming and heliotrope hat and flowers. Mr. Arthur LAING (brother of the bride) was present in the capacity of best man. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a beautiful set of fox furs, and to the bridesmaid a gold photo pendant. The happy couple left for Merimbula to catch the steamer leaving for Sydney at 8.30 am. The Voice wishes them every success and happiness in their future life. 'Pambula Voice' - 21 June, 1912 On Tuesday last the Rev P. Kenny officiated at the matrimonial altar, and duly united in holy bonds Mr. Wm Montgomery, of Lochiel, to Miss Florrie LAING, daughter of Mr. Donald LAING junr. and grand daughter of Mr. D. LAING. Our congratulations to the happy couple. 'Pambula Voice' - 29 March, 1918 Wedding The marriage took place on Wednesday last at the Wesleyan Church, Pambula, by the Rev A.W. Searle, of Laurel May George youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. M.H. George, of South Pambula, to Mr. Peter C. Nielsen. The bride, who was given away by her father was dressed in figured crystaline. Miss Ivy LAING, niece of the bride, acted as bridesmaid, and wore cream silk. Mr. Jas George, brother of the bride, acted as best man. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a neck pendant set with diamonds and rubies and a gold brooch to the bridesmaid. After the wedding breakfast was partaken of at the residence of the brides parents, the happy couple left by car for Bega. 'Southern Star' - 11 September, 1918 Mr. Thomas LAING, son of Mr. D. LAING, was married on Wednesday last to Miss May Hunter, daughter of Mr. George Hunter of Wapengo. The Rev. B. Dore Bryant performed the ceremony, which took place at the residence of the bride's grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hunter, Bega. The bride was nicely attired in navy blue and was given away by her father, while Miss Annie Clynch was bridesmaid. Mr. James Collins was bestman. The wedding cake was the work of the bride's aunt, Mrs. A. Hunter, and was much admired. The honeymoon was spent at Eden. 'Pambula Voice' - 13 September, 1918 Mr. Tom LAING, son of Mr. D. LAING, was married to Miss May Hunter, daughter of Mr. Geor Hunter of Wapengo on Wednesday last by the Rev. B. Dore Bryant. 'Pambula Voice' - 23 May, 1924 The employees at the Whipstick mines have presented Mr. J. LAING with a silver teapot as a wedding present.
DEATH NOTICES
'Bega Standard' - 12 August, 1890 Mr. James LAING another old resident recently deceased left three sons and three daughters, who have all large families. The deceased was born on the day the Battle of Waterloo was fought, and although thousands of miles from his birthplace, strange to say he died while a rifle match was being shot off. 'Bombala Times' - 30 August, 1901 Mrs. LANG of Bondi, died on Sunday last and was buried at Bombala on Monday. The deceased was 41 years of age, and leaves a husband and family of eleven children to mourn their loss. 'Pambula Voice' - 30 August, 1901 The wife of Mr. Allan LAING of Bondi, near Wog Wog died on Saturday leaving a family of eleven children. 'Pambula Voice' - 6 September, 1901 Mrs. Allan LAING whose death at Bondi was reported in the last Voice, died in childbirth. The family I am given to understand are in very poor circumstances; and Mr. William Weatherhead when he heard of the sad occurrence and being aware of the circumstances, sent a cart load of things, also a cheque for their relief. May that grand old pioneer live long to do such noble acts. 'Pambula Voice' - 6 June, 1913 A Sad Fatality A fatal accident befell Mr. Edward LAWLESS at Eden on Sunday last while loading poles on to the s.s. Sydney. It appears that LAWLESS had fastened the steamers winch rope to a telegraph pole, 30 ft long, lying on the wharf. He then gave the order to haul away. The pole was being dragged along the wharf, when the end came in contact with a pile head, LAWLESS and Warren released it when the pole swung round, being then a few feet in the air. Warren ran out of danger, but the deceased being on the opposite side to get away from any danger tried to duck under the pole, when just in the act of stooping, the pole came down on his back breaking the spinal cord, when death was instantaneous. The deceased was 38 years of age, and leaves a wife and infant child. He was highly respected and was employed by the Melbourne s.s. Company at Eden. Mr. Coroner Martin held an inquiry on Monday when a verdict of accidental death was returned. The funeral was one of the largest in the district, fully 400 following the hearse. The local Oddfellows marched in procession and carried out the burial ceremony. The Rev. Upjohn officiated at the graveside. Mr. Alex Greig had charge of the funeral arrangements. The deceased was married to Annie, daughter of our popular mail contractor, Mr. D. LAING of Pambula. We extend our sympathy to the bereaved relatives. Donald LAING 'Pambula Voice' - 4 Sept, 1914 Towamba A terrible burning fatality happened here last Thursday Aug 20th, Mr. W. LAING being the victim. The old man had been subject to taking fits for some time. He was sitting by the fire and evidently had taken a fit and fallen in, and before his brother got to his assistance, his clothing was all in flames, and he was frightfully burnt about the head and body. Assistance was soon to hand, and all that could be to ease the poor sufferer was done. Dr. Fitzhardinge was sent for and arrived shortly afterwards, but could do nothing. The unfortunate man passed away at half past six on Friday morning. The deceased was 74 years of age. Mr. Coronor Martin held an enquiry on Saturday, when a verdict of accidental death by burning was returned. The remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the cemetery. Mr. Forbes conducted the burial service, and Mr .Summerill had charge of the funeral arrangements. 'Pambula Voice' - 6 August, 1920 We have to chronicle the death of Mrs. Donald LAING senr., at the age of 68 years, which took place at her residence Pambula, on Sunday night last. Deceased had been practically an invalid for a number of years. She leaves a husband seven sons and four daughters to mourn her loss. The funeral took place on Tuesday, when the remains were laid to rest in the Church of England cemetery. The Rev. H.E. Hetherington conducted the service and Messrs T. Manning & Son had charge of the funeral arrangements. We extend our sympathy to the numerous relatives. 'Eden Magnet' - 7 August, 1920 The death took place at Pambula on Sunday last of Mrs. Donald LAING senr. at the age of 68 years. 'Pambula Voice' - 13 August, 1920 RETURN THANKS Mr. D. LAING senr. and family desire to tender their sincere thanks to all those who sent cards, telegrams and letters of sympathy in their recent sad bereavement; also desire to thank Dr Macarthur for his kind and unremitting attention, also all those friends who assisted in many ways. 'Eden Magnet' - 7 August, 1920 The death took place at Pambula on Sunday last of Mrs. Donald LAING senr. at the age of 68 years. 'Cobargo Chronicle' - 18 June, 1921 Donald LAING a coachdriver of a lifetime in Eden district, and who has lived beyond the allotted three score and ten, gave evidence in the Fourter divorce case in Sydney. Donald was nothing abashed by the proceedings in Court and was quite hail fellow well met with His Honor and the members of the Bar. He said it was his first trip to Sydney and the first time he had ever seen a tram. "My word" he concluded, "it's an eye opener and a fellow like me has to keep his eyes skinned here alright". The Sydney papers literally "featured" the old man by printing his photograph. 'Eden Magnet' - 18 June, 1921 A Veteran Coachman On the occasion of his recent visit, with several other district residents, to Sydney, to give evidence in the Fourter case, Mr. Don LAING, of Pambula, was interviewed by several pressmen, who obtained a brief outline of his life history, which subsequently appeared in the "Sun" and "Evening News", the latter containing a splendid photo of the veteran South Coast coachman. From the "Sun" we take the following: "There are few New South Welshmen who haven't seen the city of Sydney and heard the interminable noise of its trams. Donald LAING, of Pambula, is an exception. Wearing a beard which the patriarchs of old might have envied, and with a toll of years more than threescore and ten, he gave evidence in the Divorce Court in the Fourter restitution suit. He knows much about horses and coaches - he drove a coach in the Pambula district - but little about electric trams and the bustle of a populous city. Mr. Toose (counsel for Fourter): "Mr.. LAING. this, I understand, is your first visit to Sydney?" "That's right" proudly declared the veteran. "It's my first visit to Sydney" he added, "and the first time I've ever seen a tram!" 'Pambula Voice' - 5 August, 1921 In Memoriam LAING - In loving memory of my dear wife and our mother, Sarah LAING, who departed this life Aug 1, 1920. Her cheerful smile and pleasant face Are pleasant to recall She had a kindly word for each And died, beloved by all. Inserted by her loving husband D. LAING and family. 'Pambula Voice' - 3 October, 1923 The four month old child of Mr. and Mrs. Archie LAING died on Saturday last, from pneumonia, and was buried in the Church of England cemetery on Sunday afternoon. 'Pambula Voice' - 12 October, 1923 RETURN THANKS Mr. and Mrs. Archie LAING and family desire to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Trenerry, Rev. W. Blackwell, Mr. and Mrs. Haywood, Mr. and Mrs. W. Henderson and all kind friends who sent wreaths, cards etc. in the recent sad bereavement in the death of their infant daughter and sister. 'Pambula Voice' - 1 August, 1924 In Memoriam LAING. In loving memory of my wife who departed this life Aug 1, 1920. I have lost my life's companion A life linked with my own God alone knows how I miss you As I walk through life alone. Inserted by her loving husband Donald LAING. 'Pambula Voice' - 7 August, 1925 In MemoriamI LAING - In loving memory of my dear wife, Sarah, who departed this life on August 1, 1920. Five years ago a message came From God who thought it best To take her from this weary world And give her peace and rest. Inserted by her loving husband Donald LAING. 'Pambula Voice' - 5 August, 1927 In Memoriam LAING- In loving memory of my dear wife Sarah, who departed this life Aug 1, 1920 None know how much I miss you No one knows the bitter pain I have suffered since you left me Home has never been the same. Inserted by her loving husband, Donald LAING 'Pambula Voice' - 3 August, 1928 In Memoriam LAING In loving memory of my dear wife Sarah who departed this life Aug 1, 1920. Though life brings much that is altered And time brings much that is new There is one thing that never alters That's my memory, dear wife of you. Inserted by her loving husband Donald LAING. 'Magnet' - August 3, 1929 MR. ALLAN LAING The death occurred at the home of Mr. Hector LAING, Towamba, on the night of July 22, of Mr. Allan LAING, one of the oldest and best known identities of the Towamba district in which he had resided for some 40 years. For some years he resided at Rockton before moving to Towamba. He was a brother of Mr. Donald LAING, probably the oldest mail man in the state who for years conveyed the Eden-Pericoe mail by horse coach and who has since been running the Pambula-Nethercote mail by horse and sulky and for the last several years on horseback. Other brothers are Jim (deceased) and Will. Mr. LAING who leaves a large family, all married, was a native of Moruya and was 81 years of age. Internment took place at the Presbyterian portion of Towamba cemetery. The Reverend J. Allison officiating at the graveside. 'Magnet' - November 19th, 1932 Mr. Donald LAING of Pambula, a well known identity in the Far South Coast, died in the district hospital at Pambula last Sunday aged 82 years. He was a native of Moruya and as a youth arrived with his parents at Eden by steamer. At the age of 21 Donald took up mail contracting, the first being the Eden-Towamba service on a bridle track over the mountain between the Towamba and Nullica valleys. Later he ran the Pambula - Nethercote mail, which he continued till the end of 1931, thus completing 61 years of continuous mail contracting service, most of it carried out on horseback. 'Pambula Voice' - 1 October, 1937 LAING In sad but loving memory of our dear daughter and our sister Joyce Evelyn, who was drowned in Merimbula Lake on 29 September, 1935, aged 16 years. Also Sybil Eileen, who died on 29 September, 1923 and Frederick James who died 25 August 1930. This is the day of remembrance. One we shall never forget. A day we shall always remember When the rest of the world forgets. Inserted by their loving mother, father, sisters and brothers. 'Magnet Voice' - 11 September, 1958 Another Old Resident Passes Late Mrs. Emma Jane LAING The death took place in the Pambula District Hospital on the 26th August of Mrs. E.J. LAING, a life long resident of Pambula at the age of 71 years. Deceased was a member of the well known and highly respected George family of the district. She married Mr. Archie LAING, deceased, a well known slaughterman of years ago. Of the marriage there was a large family of 12 children, Ivy (Mrs. E. Love, Narooma), Elsie (Mrs. D. Whitby, Pambula), Alma (Mrs. Stan McCabe, Fairy Meadow), Florrie (Mrs. Love, Pambula), Doris (Mrs. Twaddell, Sydney), Nea (Mrs. J. Dorl, Pambula) and sons John, Tim and Roy (Morwell, Victoria). Three of the children are deceased. The late Mrs. LAING was a true home lover and a real good mother to her children. Her kindness and bright disposition stamped her as one of Nature's ladies despite her sadness in life. Deceased enjoyed good health up to about two years ago when she became a victim to arthritis, and for the past 16 months suffered from this complaint. She had lived with her daughter and son in law Mr. and Mrs. John Dorl who gave her every care and attention. The funeral took place in the Anglican portion of the Pambula cemetery with Rev. M.B. Reeve, Methodist Minister administering the last rites before a large gathering of mourners who paid their last tributes to one who had done so much in life. To the members of the family we offer our sympathy. No date and paper unknown. DONALD LAING LIVED FOR TOWAMBA The death occurred in the Pambula District Hospital on June 27th, of Mr. Donald LAING. The late Mr. LAING was born at Rockton 84 years ago, the son of Allan LAING. He married the former Miss Annie HIGGINS of Towamba (who predeceased him) and on doing so took over and managed the well known HIGGINS farm for 58 years. This he did with his only son Charlie with marked success right up until the time of his death. Mr. Donald LAING was a good horseman and a dairyman always producing the best of pigs and stock of all kinds. He was also a very neat farmer in his work and keeping weeds down amongst his maize crop was a speciality for him. It was a well known fact amongst old hands that Donald LAING would discuss farming with anyone he knew was interested. His advice was only given freely where he knew it was going to be made use of. In his younger days he took part in all Towamba Valley requests for better deals in roads and bridges and right up till his last days Donald LAING knew of every local development that may take place. He was an ardent supporter of the Presbyterian Church always a familiar figure at the church door. He is survived by his son Charlie, four sisters, Mrs. Or, Sydney, Mrs. Lawson, Sydney, Mrs. Lewis, Bombala, Mrs. Dent, Bombala, one brother Charles, Inverell. Four brothers predeceased him, James, William, Hector and Thomas who was killed in the First World War in France. EDITOR'S NOTE: We are in debt to Mr. I.W. Ryan of Towamba for this obituary. Information from BDM Donald LAING died 1973 - father Allan and mother Ruth- registered Eden Reg. No. 55742/1973 'Magnet' - February 16, 1978 C.H. LAING Mr. C.H. LAING formerly of Towamba and Tenterfield passed away in the Armadale Hospital on January 26th, 1978. Mr. LAING was born 84 years ago at Rockton and was educated in Towamba. He commenced his first job as assistant to the late Mr. Alf Robertson in the Towamba Butter Factory. He served in WW1, was wounded and invalided home in 1917. He then went to the North Coast where he worked in various butter factories retiring as manager of the Tenterfield factory. Mrs. LAING passed away two years ago and a family of four children and twenty-nine grandchildren mourn his loss. Remaining members of the family are three sisters, Mrs. Lewis of Bombala and Ada and Sadie of Sydney. Brothers Jim, Hector, Donald, William and sister Bella all predeceased him. 'Imlay Magnet' - 24 September, 1992 Arthur LAING passed away in Sydney, September 3, after a long illness. He was well known in the Towamba area and will be sadly missed.
DONALD LAING'S MAIL CONTRACTS
'Bega Gazette' - 3 February, 1883 Mail Contracts The following mail contracts have been settled: Donald LAING, Eden and Towamba, 16 miles, once a week £26 per year, three years. 'Bega Gazette' - 24 January, 1885 Mail Contract Donald LAING - Eden and Towamba 16 miles, twice a week, horseback till Dec. 31, 1885 for 52 pounds. 'Bega Standard' - 11 February, 1888 Mail Contracts Donald LAING between Eden and Towamba twice a week, horseback, 50 pounds. 'Pambula Voice' - 6 January, 1899 Mail Contracts Mr. A.W. McCarthy commenced his contract for the conveyance of mails between Bega and Candelo, with the new year. Mr. S. Averell has also started on his contract between Pambula and Pipeclay Creek. Mr. D. LAING who has had the latter service for several years, retires with the good wishes of everybody, having good wishes of everybody, having proved most punctual and obliging during his entire term. 'Bega Standard' - 21 February, 1902 Merimbula Murmurs Mr. D. LAING, mailman between here and Pambula says that though the population does not increase yet the mails do, so that is something to have a comfortable murmur over. 'Twofold Bay Magnet' - 23 June, 1913 RETURN THANKS Donald LAING mail contractor, Pambula, desires to express his sincere and heartfelt thanks to all persons at Nethercote and surrounding district, who by their effort have raised and presented him with a purse of sovereigns - in appreciation of his efforts in carrying out his mail duties, which have evidently met with their approval. 'Pambula Voice' - 15 January, 1915 Nethercote: The mail contract from the New Year for three years has again been accepted by Mr. D. LAING from Pambula to Eden three times a week and back. 'Pambula Voice' - 5 March, 1915 Greig's Flat: Mr. Donald LAING recently secured the mail contract again at a good figure, and, needless to say, is as obliging as ever. 'Pambula Voice' - 12 March, 1915 Nethercote: Several people nearly came to grief travelling to Eden. Mr. LAING our mail man, was advised not to travel to Nethercote owing to the mountain road being on fire, he therefore started to Pambula along the Eden road and had got as far as Bellbird, where he found a huge tree blocking the road, he turned back and woke up the maintenance man so as to get it clear for the Eden mail car, and started out to see if he could get through by the old road. What with fire and floods the mail driver needs to be a man of courage. 'Pambula Voice' - 1 October, 1915 Our worthy mailman, Mr. D. LANG met with a painful accident recently caused through the splashing of dirty water and gravel off the sulky wheels into his eyes. 'Pambula Voice' - 7 July, 1916 A serious accident befell our worthy Nethercote-Eden mailman, Mr. Donald LAING. A few days ago he was breaking some limbs from a tree at Eden, when one struck him in the eye causing the services of the doctor. He is only making slow recovery. Mr. LAING has not had the sight of the other eye for some years, so he is completely laid up. If any person is missed on the road of his travels, it is "Donald" LAING. The obliging friend of everyone, and all hope to soon see him on the track again, from which he has not been off for over 25 years. 'Pambula Voice' - 21 July, 1916 A Deserving Case: We regret to again report that Mr. Donald LAING, mail contractor Pambula, Eden via Nethercote, is making very little progress towards recovery with his injured eye. As mentioned in a previous issue "Donald" is greatly missed from the road, as he was the friend of all roadside residents, ever ready and willing to carry parcels, etc. gratis. Seldom a day passed but on his arrival at Pambula, after delivering the mail he would be seen going from one store to another delivering orders for goods, and was seldom known to make an error. What did he get for all the trouble he has gone to, to oblige the public? Perhaps abuse if he did happen to forget a cake of tobacco, or the bit of trimming for the young lady's ball dress. Anyhow Mr. LAING has not been fully recompensed for his past valued services, and now a number of those "who have used him freely", desire to do something for him in his hour of trouble, and rightly so too. We have been requested to open a subscription list in the "Voice", and Mr.V. Herman has kindly taken the onerous duties of secretary to the movement. Now then all those who have any sympathy with the object are kindly reminded to come along. 'Pambula Voice' - 11 August, 1916 Nethercote: I am pleased to report that Mr. D. LAING, our mailman, is on the road to recovery. The collection taken up here amounted to five pound eight shillings. I wish it had been more for Mr. LAING'S services are worth it. (Grand total contributed from the whole area - 14 pounds 16/-d.) 'Pambula Voice' - 25 August, 1916 At the Red Cross meeting on Wednesday, Mr. Donald LAING was presented with the money collected for his past valued services to the public on his mail road line, Pambula to Eden via Nethercote. Mr. Wilkins made the presentation and handed Mr. LAING the sum of fifteen pounds ten shillings. Mr. English responded on behalf of Mr. LAING, who was not up to speaking. Mr. LAING is slowly gaining his sight, but it will be some time before it becomes normal again. 'Pambula Voice' - 1 December, 1916 On December 31 next, Mr. Donald LAING of Pambula, will have completed 41 years mail contractory, in these districts. During his long services he has never been reported or fined for failing to comply with the time table. How's that for a record! 'Pambula Voice' - 12 September, 1919 Mr. Donald LAING has again secured the mail contract to Nethercote for another three years. 'Pambula Voice' - 30 November, 1928 Mr. Donald LAING our veteran mailman had a sudden attack of illness during the week but now shows slight improvement. 'Pambula Voice' - 5 October, 1928 Mr. Donald LAING our veteran mailman has again been successful in securing the Pambula Greig's Flat, Nethercote mail service for another three years. We understand there were five tenderers including two for a motor car service.
WAR SERVICE
'Pambula Voice' - 28 January, 1916 Another batch of our boys are offering their services to defend the empire. Alf Beasley, G. Dickie, C. Roberts and C. LAING. When this lot go, Towamba has done almost all she can do as there are very few others left capable of going. 'Pambula Voice' - 10 March, 1916 Towamba: Ten more recruits left Towamba last Tuesday - Messrs R.H. & A. Beasley, G. Dickie, C. Roberts, C & T LAING, E. Hogg, E. Reed and W. McDonald. Prior to their departure they were tendered a send off in the Towamba Hall, when a great many friends and relations attended. Music and refreshments were gratuitously provided. The takings amounted to over twelve pounds. On Tuesday morning the young soldiers were conveyed to Eden in a coach kindly lent by Mr. Ambrose Parker for the occasion. All the recruits started from Mr. J. Hartneady's store, where a number of friends assembled to say "Aure-voir" we hope; but not goodbye to our boys. A social in the boys honor was arranged in Eden on Tuesday night, which was well attended. Word came through yesterday to say they had all passed with the exception of C. Roberts and R. Beasley, they having to be tested again. If every district answered the call as Towamba, there would be no need for conscription. 'Pambula Voice' - 27 April, 1917 The Rev. R. Upjohn did a seventy mile journey to Towamba and back on Wednesday to break the sad news of the death in action on April 9 of Pvte T. LAING, to his father. 'Pambula Voice' - 27 April, 1917 Towamba: Latest reports about Private C. LAING is that he is still improving. 'Pambula Voice' - 29 June, 1917 Towamba: Latest reports about Pvte Chas LAING, who was wounded some time ago, is that he is able to walk about the hospital grounds. 'Pambula Voice' - 23 November, 1917 Towamba On Friday night last November 16, one of the largest crowds seen in Towamba, assembled to welcome home Pvte C.H. LAING lately returned wounded from France. The welcome was in the form of a banquet, the hall and tables being tastefully decorated by willing workers, and the catering in the hands of the ladies. The success of the function was largely due to their assiduity. The committee and joint secs had their share to perform, and found in Mr. J.W. Dickie an efficient chairman. During the evening the following toasts were drunk with musical honors. Miss Lena Dickie presiding at the piano. "The King", the Chairman. "The Guest and Presentation" (a gold medal suitably inscribed), Cr. G. Keys. "The Parent", Cr. Mitchell; responded to by Mr. C.H. LAING "Our Boys at the Front", Mr. Thompson; responded to by Mr. J.W. Beasley. "The Press", Mr. W. Ryan; responded to by Mr. R.B. Morris. "The Visitors", Mr. Mitchell; responded to by Mr. Thompson "The Ladies", Mr. Ryan; responded to by Messrs Morris, Keys and Duncan. "Chairman", Mr. Alf Robinson. The chairman then gave a rousing address on present conditions of war and offered great praise to our returned soldier. "Charlie" was most popular everywhere and well may we call him a soldier and a man. During the banquet Mr. J.W. Dickie sang "Pack up your Troubles" in the chorus on which everyone joined and produced a hilarious effect, and brightened the young folk particularly. A dance was indulged in after the banquet, and was of the usual order. Music was voluntarily supplied by Mesdames Dickie, Misses Dickie, Hartneady, and Mr. Ryan (piano) and Messrs McDonald and Duncan (violin). The takings at the door amounted to about fifteen pounds. Mr. W. Targett acted as ticket seller and Mr. R.G. Beasley as door keeper. 'Pambula Voice' - 23 November, 1917 Kiah: Mr. C.H. LAING a returned wounded soldier, was given a great welcome home at Towamba on Friday last, and presented with a gold medal suitably inscribed. 'Pambula Voice' - 7 November, 1919 A welcome home banquet and social will be tendered to Private Hector LAING at Towamba on Friday night next. We acknowledge with thanks receipt of a complimentary ticket for same from the joint secretaries, Misses Robinson and Hartneady. 'Eden Magnet' - 8 November, 1919 Private Hector LAING was accorded a public welcome home at Towamba last night. Report of function in next issue. 'Eden Magnet' - 15 November, 1919 Towamba Private Hector LAING was accorded an enthusiastic welcome home at Towamba on Friday night last, the function taking the ever popular form of a banquet and social. The hall, as usual on such occasions, was gaily decorated with flags, flowers, ferns etc. and the attractiveness of the tables which almost groaned beneath the weight of the super abundant supply of edibles and drinkables, was enhanced by an artistically arranged display of choicest flowers. District residents in large numbers assembled to do honour to the returned soldier guest, and Councillor Dickie discharged the presidential duties with his accustomed ability. In an appropriate speech he extended a cordial welcome to Private LAING, and proclaimed the banquet open. The toast of "His Majesty the King" proposed by the Chairman was duly honoured. Councillor Mitchell, in masterly style, also extended a welcome to Private LAING. In so doing, he mentioned that he was to have presented their guest with a gold medal, but, as this had not been received from Sydney, he was unable then to do so. On its arrival it would be forwarded to him. The Chairman, on behalf of Private LAING, suitably responded, expressing his pleasure at being back, and his thanks for the cordial welcome. Mr. J.H. Ryan proposed the toast of "The parents of the guest" on whose behalf Mr. A. Robinson appropriately replied. Other toasts were "Our Returned Men" proposed by Mr. W. Beasley, supported by Mr. J.H. Ryan, and acknowledged by Private Ernie Hogg and Alf Beasley, "Our Allies" proposed by Mr. J.H. Ryan, "Our Navy" proposed by Mr. W. Beasley, "The Press" proposed by Mr. W.T. Hall and replied to by Pte Mitchell, "The Chairman" proposed by Mr. J.H. Ryan, acknowledged by Cr. Dickie. The singing of the National Anthem and Ald Lang Syne brought the banqueting part of the night's programme to a close. Dancing then supervened, and, to the strains of mellifluous music supplied by the talented Fell family and others, was kept going merrily until daylight next day. The proceedings throughout were most enjoyable and provided a fitting finale to what may fairly be described as a series of the most successful functions of the kind in this end of the State.
GENERAL ITEMS
'Pambula Voice' - 10 Jan. 1902 Narrow Escape: A sensational incident occurred at Merimbula on Wednesday, which fortunately was not attended with any serious consequence. Two men, named Amy and Rankin, employed at the Maizena Works, were taking between 3 and 4 tons of corn across from Pambula side in a small punt, when the latter foundered near the middle of the channel leaving the men struggling for their lives in the water. Mrs. Isaacs, the postmistress, was the first to notice the catastrophe and she immediately raised the alarm. Mr. D. LAING from Pambula side and Mr. W. Hanlon of Merimbula quickly manned boats and went to the rescue, and soon had the two puntmen safely on board little the worse for their immersion, though Amy was in a very exhausted condition when picked up. The punt has since been raised and the corn recovered. 'Bega Standard' - 10 July, 1903 Eden Mr. W.R. LAING who has been ill for some weeks past, left by the Wakatipu on Thursday to enter a city hospital for treatment. 'Bega Standard' - 24 July, 1903 Small Debts Court Tuesday 21st July Ah Poon Bros. V C. LAING and Rachael LAING This was a claim for five pounds 9 shillings and four pence. Mr. Richards appeared for plaintiffs and Mr. Bland for defendants. Mr. Bland said that the male defendant admitted owing the debt, but objected to Mrs. LAING being joined in the suit. Mr. Richards sought to show that she was liable, and quoted the Married Woman's Property Act. The P.M. said that if the wife had a separate estate, and contracted debts for the good of that estate, she would be liable; not otherwise. But he was not a lawyer, and did not profess to know everything. Mr. Bland: That's quite sound, your Worship. Mr. Richards said that he would accept a verdict against the husband. Verdict given for amount claimed, with 3 shillings costs of court. 'Pambula Voice' - 15 February, 1907 Mr. Robert LAING of Pericoe had the misfortune to have his right eye cut with a piece of bark a few days ago and Drs Howle and Stead performed a satisfactory operation upon the patient at the Pambula Hospital. 'Pambula Voice' - 15 May, 1908 Towamba - Mr. Wm LAING of Towamba is very ill, his trouble being epilepsy. 'Pambula Voice' - 11 August, 1916 Pambula Hospital: Mr. Arthur LAING applied for the grass right of a small allotment adjacent to the old premises at 1/6d. per month. Mr. McCabe opposed the idea stating that the amount would not pay for the wear and tear of the entrance. Mr. Wilkins considered it better to let it, as such properties only become the rendezvous of everybody's stock when not in charge of some person. Application accepted. 'Pambula Voice' - 6 October, 1916 Towamba: Mr. D. LAING'S baby boy who has been very ill necessitating Dr. Clara Fitzhardinge's attention is very much better. 'Pambula Voice' - 10 August, 1917 Eden: Mrs. R. LAING who has been under doctors in the city, is home and much better. 'Pambula Voice' - 12 April, 1918 Eden Mr. Robert LAING met with a nasty accident on Tuesday of last week, when the horse he was riding bucked, fell over and broke his neck. Robert had a narrow escape from breaking his neck also. 'Pambula Voice' - 19 April, 1918 Mrs. D LAING, wife of our esteemed mail contractor, returned home from Bega on Tuesday. She has been in a serious condition for the past few weeks and is slowly improving. 'Pambula Voice' - 19 April, 1918 Nethercote We are sorry to learn that Mrs. D. LAING, wife of our esteemed mailman, is in a very low state of health. 'Eden Magnet' - 9 July, 1921 Towamba Mr. Charlie LAING who is now manager of the butter factory at Gleniffer, has been spending a month's holiday with relatives and friends in this district. He is the same old "sport" as of yore, and nothing comes amiss to him. He likes the Gleniffer district well, but better still the friends of his youth who reside here. 'Pambula Voice' - 23 February, 1923 THANKS Mr. & Mrs. Archie LAING desires to thank Dr. Trenery, the matron and nursing staff of the Pambula District Hospital for their kind and unremitting attention to their daughter Elsie, while an inmate of the institution. 'Eden Magnet' - 15 August, 1925 Towamba The residence of Mr. Allan LAING was totally destroyed by fire but the occupants were fortunate enough to save their furniture and most of their belongings. 'Eden Magnet' - 3 July, 1926 THANKS D. LAING, Towamba, tenders his grateful thanks to his kind Towamba friends who assisted to harvest his crop during his absence in Sydney consequent upon the accident to his son. 'Pambula Voice' - 2 March, 1928 PAMBULA MILK RUN I am still supplying milk at purest quality at a reasonable price, and constant. Mrs. Art LAING 'Pambula Voice' - 28 May, 1937 Mr. Tim LAING who recently purchased a New Imperial motor cycle, had the bad luck to have it destroyed by fire on Monday night. With his brother Jack he had ridden down to Mr. Jack Cole's slaughteryards, and left the bike standing while they went into the shed. Soon afterwards they saw the machine blazing, but did not risk attempting to save it for fear of the petrol tank exploding. A short in the wiring is thought to have caused the blaze.
LAING FAMILY LAND OWNERSHIP
'Candelo & Eden Union' - 30 November, 1882 Eden Land Office - Thursday 16th November. Allen LAING, parish Genoa, 60 acres, on Bondi run, starting from the S.W. corner of measured portion No.7 of 104 acres, to run down the River to White Rock Creek, thence E to road, thence N along road, and W to starting point to take all the vacant land between the river and the road. 'Bega Gazette' - 1 December, 1883 Eden Land Office November 29 William LAING, parish of Towamba, 40 acres, commencing at south east corner of C.P. surveyed block 23, to run east 10 chains, then north about 40 chains, and west to a tree marked 59, near Benjamin Beasley's selection. 'Candelo & Eden Union' - 12 June, 1884 Eden Land Office - 22 May Allan LAING, 250 acres, parish of Genoa, commencing at a point on western boundary of C.P. of 40 acres, to run south to White Rock Creek, thence westerly and north to point of commencement to include Benjamin Silcock's 80 acres forfeited selection. 'Bega Gazette' - 27 August, 1884 Eden land Office August 14 Donald LAING, 40 acres, parish of Towamba, adjoining the southern boundary of measured portion 74. 'Bega Gazette' - 24 December, 1884 Eden Land Office Thursday 11th December, 1884 William LAING, 40a. County Auckland, Parish Towamba, sec. 21, to start from S.W. corner of his C.P., taken up on Dec. 22, 1881, to run south 15 chains, thence east, thence north to tree marked 63. 'Bega Standard' - 10 February, 1886 Conditional Leases The following are gazetted: Eden, A. LAING, 870 acres, parish of Genoa. 'Pambula Voice' - 14 June, 1918 Re auction of Club Hotel buildings. The residence on the hill near the school, occupied by Mr. LAING, brought 66 pounds. 'Pambula Voice' - 14 June, 1918 Towamba Mr. Chas LAING who has been working in the factory at Glen Innes, is back in Towamba, spending a few weeks with relatives and friends. 'Pambula Voice' - 21 June, 1918 Fowl stealing is becoming prevalent in Pambula. On Monday night Mr. D. LAING senr was out in time to hear the thief getting through the bush with two fine birds. He would be thankful if the guilty one would bring the feathers back. The person who would rob an aged man would, without hesitation, skin a louse for its hide. 'Bombala Times' - 21 June, 1918 Mr. Wm Rixon disposed of the Club Hotel and outbuildings at auction last Saturday. The whole of the stables and outhouses realised 110 pounds, and the main hotel premises 129 pounds. Mr. Brydon, of Bega secured the latter. The residence on the hill near the school occupied by Mr. LAING, brought 66 pounds, bought by Mr. J. Foley of Cathcart.
GLADYS WOLF nee LAING'S EARLY MEMORIES
My earliest memory of Pericoe is when we had a mob of wild pigs going through to Eden or somewhere. We had a little roof over the stove on the outside, so my mum put me and my uncle Clive on this roof out of harm's way until the pigs went through. Clive was about the same age as me. I must have been around five or six at the time. Another time I got sent to stay with Lizzy and Les Love, whilst Mum had a baby. We used to get farmed out to relatives when she had a baby. We then moved to Burragate when I was about six or seven. We lived in a little shack next to the General Store and hall. It only had two rooms, front and back as well as a verandah. Mum (Margaret Laing) and Dad (Hector Laing) eventually added two more rooms at either end of the back verandah. These were made out of old packing cases and hession for the ceiling. I have two photos of when we lived there. My sister (Daphne) still has the photo and it shows all the old boards of the packing cases. My twin brothers (now both 67) were born there in 1940. I remember wanting to see the babies but the nurse bundled me out the door and shut it. I found myself standing on an old couch looking in the window and trying to get in. I started school from Burragate and the first day we were late, so my sister Ellen and I hid behind a big log and waited for recess. When the other kids came out to play, we went over and mingled with them so the teacher wouldn't notice we were late. Our teacher came from Bemboka to teach us at Burragate. His name was William Thurgate. He lived in the school house with his wife and two daughters. My younger sisters and brothers were christened in the hall next to our house. They had a non local minister visiting occasionally to have a church service and to hold dances. In front of the school they dug trenches because it was war time and they feared we might get bombed. One time after school we played crawling through pipes under the road and I got stuck. My jumper had caught on a snag and I couldn't go forward or backward. My sister Lil had to come in and rescue me. Since then I've been claustrophobic. Another time we were mucking about down at the river during a flood and as I stepped between two rocks, the current swept me off my feet and clinging to the rocks, the current pulled me down. I managed to get back on my feet and was able to climb out. Soaking wet, my sister Alice, who was still living with us, dried my clothes by the fire so I could get back to school. At the culvert just down from the store, the creek was in flood and Patty Ryan was leaning over looking at it and she got giddy. She fell in and bobbed up twice before going under. The third time she came up, her sister Judy grabbed her by the hair and pulled her out. She was lucky she didn't drown. I ran up to the store for help and Mrs. Ryan came down and took her home. I can't remember Mrs. Ryan's name but they had four children: Judy, Patty, Frank and Gordon. There were heaps of Ryans living in Burragate. Viv Ryan ran the store. Laurel and Royce lived up past the school. Across the river, along the flat, I think they had dairies there. Across from the store, there were three houses, Gus Julin in one and opposite, up a bit, were two more houses. The next one was Ned and Charlotte Umback's. Up past the school and opposite was the Post Office run by Joss and Tilly Williams and their two daughters, Jean and Joan. Jean married Kevin McPaul. I'm not sure if Joan married. Next there were Ken Sawyers and Max (who might have been his brother). The last house was owned by Charlie Umback and we moved to this house after the twins were born in 1940. I remember I had Scarlet Fever and Rheumatic Fever and I was so sick I had to go to Pambula Hospital. Once there was a big flood and I remember all the people in a group with lanterns, and their oilskins shining in the light. They must have been watching to see if the water was coming over the bridge. The road ran past the school to Ryan's where Laurel and Royce showed us a plover's nest. Once we went up there next to the school where J.P.Ryan lived and I think he was a Justice of the Peace. Ted Butcher was the mailman and brought the mail from Wyndham or Bega and down to Towamba. Sometimes he would drive the bus and one time he rolled it, just around the corner from the hall (at Burragate). Mrs. Ryan was on the bus and she grabbed for Gordon. He was about six or seven and all she got was a small L shaped tear on the back of her coat. She showed it to me. No one got hurt much. Another time he was driving to Towamba and a car came around the corner in the middle of the road. Ted jammed on the barakes and managed to pull up just in front of the fence, with a steep drop down into a paddock. We were all lucky that time too. Ted was a mad reckless driver. He used to bring the mail three times a week. When the school closed down, my sister Alice moved into the school house for a while, then they bought a little house that was owned by the Sawyers', next to Charlie Umback's house. After she moved, they took the school and house away, I don't know where to. Hand drawn map of Burragate township when Gladys was a child. Courtesy of Gladys Wolfe nee Laing. We moved to 'The Ridges' (between Burragate and Towamba) then and Dad worked for Roger Boland. They ran mostly cattle. Dad trapped rabbits and struggled hard to work on the farm. He grew lots of vegies and the mail cart used to bring us eight loaves of bread, three times a week. We'd have to carry bread from the road to the house, which was about ½ a mile over the creek, past the Taskers' .If we ran out of bread before the next mail delivery Mum used to bake some in the big camp oven and she'd make scones and damper. If fruit was in season we'd take a picnic lunch, buckets and kerosene tins and pick blackberries. We'd spend all day carrying them hone. Mum would make heaps of jam and we'd eat as many as we could. They were lovely as I happen to love blackberry jam. When our tanks were dry, we had to cart water from the creek, about ½ a mile away. Mum used to take the washing down to the creek and place the copper on the rocks. She'd boil up the clothes and perform the washing at the creek. We'd hang them on lines stretched between two trees. Both my parents worked hard to rear us kids. We hardly ever went anywhere as we didn't have transport. Dad used to ride a horse to work but we had to walk everywhere. We made our own games with climbing trees and rocks, playing at the river and even cutting pictures of people out of catalogues. They were our 'paper thingo'. We'd also make little houses out of sticks and greenery from twigs. We'd have a block of wood and we'd push it along the road, going flat out. It was fun. For Christmas we'd get rag dolls (that the other girls had made), and maybe a book, some soap and talc. A few more memories about growing up at 'The Ridges' . When we were kids, we used to go barefoot most of the time. We couldn't afford shoes and we'd have big cracks under out toes and heels. We'd run around in the frost and then go inside and warm our feet by the fire. We had no electricity, no running water and just the old kerosene lamps for lights. Our water came from a tank outside. We owned two dogs, a male named Hallmark and the female was Whitenose. One morning they got off their chain and Dad had sent me out to fill the kettle but I was too afraid to come back inside. Mum and Dad built a big room out the back with bark. It had a big table in there so I got up on it till Dad came out of find me. I said Hallmark was loose and ran inside while Dad was there. He used to get up early at daylight and put on the radio. He would listen to the news and country music on 2TM Tamworth or 3TR Sale. We had three batteries about 10 inches square to run it. They'd last about three months, then we'd have to go without till we got new ones. He also listened to Dad and Dave, Mrs. Hobbs and Greenbottle. They were good shows. We'd send in a request and they'd play a song for us. It was a thrill for us to hear our names over the radio and sometimes we'd have a birthday call. Once we had a very windy day and it continued all day. The next morning it was eerily quiet with a green tinge in the sky and the roofs were covered in red dust from central Australia. It reminded me of "Blue Hills" another show on the radio. While at 'The Ridges' we had to walk to school, around three or four miles. Occasionally we'd get a lift to the gate with the mail car. Up to grade three or four we used pencils but graduated to pen and ink after that. It was the boys' job to fill the ink wells. They were little crockery pots that sat in a hole on the back of the desks. This was before biros were invented. The kids in attendance were the Ryans', Sawyers', Umbacks', Keevers' and the Laings'. I got the cane a few times but I don't remember what for. After we left 'The Ridges' we moved to Nangutta. Dad worked for Tom Napier. They lived in a big house and us, a little cottage down the hill. Harold Farrell didn't mention dad had worked there but they did go through a few managers. I don't remember the first man's name but there was one named Dunbar before Gil Macintosh came. Bill Kimber brought the mail three days a week in an old T Model Ford from Rockton to Nangutta. The Napier's then sold out to the Osbournes. They lived at Bungendore. They never lived at Nangutta. Tom and Mrs. Napier were fairly old and had one daughter, Ida. She must have been in her late 40s or 50s. They moved away and Ida married a man called Mr. Blue. They both moved to Palarang near Bukalong. We did have some correspondence lessons at 'The Ridges' and Nangutta but moved to Wangrabelle to go to school. It was only a one teacher school and his name was Don Kier. The kids at Wangrabelle were Ray Stevens, Brian Hall and Joyce Greneger. There were a few others but can't remember their names. I think one was Ray Stevens' younger brother. I'd just started sixth grade when I left school. There were no shops at Wangrabelle, just the school and a few houses. I think there was a store at Genoa, a few miles away. We used to get our groceries there. Mum used to pick up corn for the Hall's and we used to help shell it off the cobs and bag it. We couldn't lift the bags as they were too heavy. Annie Brown lived up the road and she used to give us big slices of bread with jam. Josie McKay and husband Dudley lived about half way between Burragate and Towamba on a farm. Then they came to live in Bombala, where Dudley passed away. Josie is still here in Bombala. The Browns, Allan and Evelyn, lived at the bottom of Nangutta and they had four boys, Allan, Andy, Roger and David. I stayed with them for a while and we went eeling one night and camped on the sand at the river. Dad used to ride his horse down to Wangrabelle to see us of a weekend. Then when Brickie Farrell got killed, his place at Rockton came up for sale. Dad bought it and we moved there. This must have been around 1948 or'49. I was around sixteen years old and I'd been sick a lot (not to mention very skinny). So I was sent to RPA in Sydney. I had to have an operation for goitre. They thought that was what was wrong. My dad passed away in 1956 and Mum moved to Bombala. We were all out working and from Towamba she was on her own, so Flo took over the farm. Wilf Ingram used to ride out to 'The Ridges' and Nangutta and bring us a big bag of lollies. We thought it was great because we hardly ever had any. We then moved to Nangutta and he would ride out there as well. I think he had an eye on the older girls but Dad was very protective and nothing ever came of it. We had a tennis court in one of the cattle yards and he used to play tennis with us. Flo had a photo of him with a racquet balanced on his nose. Whilst still at Rockton, there was a big snow fall in 1949. It buried the train coming to Bombala, so the men had to dig it out. My Auntie (Bella Dent), lived at the top of the mountain and Tom and Allen were there rolling big blocks of snow. I have an old page out of the Bombala Times, a supplement dated July 21st, 1904. One of the articles reads: "Skating. The weather being very severe for the last nine or ten days from harsh frost, the ice on the Bombala River was 3 to 4 inches think. There were as many as 30 to 40 people on at one time. A good many went in up to their necks, two pairs of ice skates brought from England by Mr. Phillips caused great fun for learners. The inhabitants of the town have never known it to freeze like this before. The ice being thick from Thursday to Monday. The oldest inhabitants paralyzed with cold." Our family (Laing) consisted of : (Note: Laing for the female means never married) NAME MARRIED LIVES/LIVED Alice Mary Farrell Burragate Florence May Brownlie Noorinbee Ellen Faichney Trangie Lily June Margaret Laing Goroken Gladys Doreen (me) Wolfe Bombala Muriel Elsie Russo Adelaide Roberteena Evelyn Harriet Leslie (and James) Cowra Thomas Hector Laing Ipswich Allan James Laing Ipswich Irene Mavis Philipse Grafton Daphne Lorraine Allen Cathcart Mum (Crawford, Roberteena Margaret) her sister, Dora, married Jim Laing. Mum's mother was Harriet Poulton and her father, Henry, had a farm at Bendoc. She married Robert Crawford and they had eleven children. There was also eleven in Dad's family. Some of our old relatives had big families, around fourteen or fifteen children. We've been doing a lot of research into the family. Our Great Grandfather Crawford came out from Scotland in the 1700's.