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The Inverell Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954), Wednesday 30 April 1902, page 4
Story of the Fire
AS TOLD AT THE INQUEST.
The adjourned inquest touching the death of Charles John Wilson and his wife Eliza Wilson, was resumed before Mr. Walterus Brown, District Coroner, and a jury at the Court House on Monday.
Constable Jones stated that he was on street duty on the night of Monday, April 21. At about 12.25 a.m. on Tuesday his attention was attracted by a fire in Mr Wilson's premises. He saw flames coming from a room in the centre of Mr. Wilson's building upstairs nearest Hunt's, the saddler. He then went to Wilson's front door and found it open. The lower part of the building was full of smoke, and witness climbed up a verandah post to the balcony. He blew his whistle as soon as he noticed the fire, and told a lad to go to the police barracks and wake the police up, which he did. The boy's name was Thomas Coleman. Witness got up one of Hunt's verandah posts and climbed to the front balcony rooms of Wilson's. He found a door open and called out 'Is anyone there?' There was no reply. He then came down and roused the other people in the D.I.C. and other premises, and told all females to leave the buildings. By this time Wilson's was completely in flames. He told the people in adjoining premises the whole block was partly in flames.
To Sub-inspector Evans: He saw no one in Wilson's building. When he got on to the balcony the roof was in flames. He looked in and called out, but did not see or hear anyone. At that time there was a chance for anyone inside the front room to escape, but not from the back rooms. He knew where to staircase was. The stairway was in flames when he got to the building.
To the Coroner: He was present when the remains of Mrs. Wilson were recovered at the rear of the building about 7 a.m. the same morning.
To the Foreman: He reached the balcony about 12.25 a.m. The smoke and flames seemed to come from the centre of the building towards the balcony.
Dr: Vallee said that on Tuesday morning he was shown some bones by Sergeant Cowie in a box at the scene of the fire in Otho-street. He examined them and on account of their shape and structure he came to the conclusion that they belonged to an adult male human being. On the following Thursday he was shown another collection of bones by Sergeant Cowie. He examined them and came to the conclusion that they belonged to a female adult human being.
Sergt. Cowie, who was the next witness, said that between 12.30 and 1 o'clock on Tuesday morning April 22, he received a call to a fire in Otho street. He at once proceeded there and saw Mr. Wilson's shop in flames. The shop was totally destroyed. About 4 a.m. witness went to the rear of what had been Mr. Wilson's shop, and in the debris he found some bones, which he afterwards showed to Dr Vallee. Where the bones were would be about under the top of the staircase in Mr. Wilson's premises. He collected the bones and placed them in a box till daylight. About 10 feet from where he found the first lot of bones, further to the rear, which would be at about the foot of the stairs; he saw a quantity of charred bones, which he collected and subsequently showed to Dr. Vallee. A further search at the spot where the bones were found brought to light some keys, a half sovereign, two sixpences and a threepenny piece.
Bridget Hunt, wife of Michael Hunt, said she and her husband had a building next door to Wilson's premises in Otho-street. There was only a wooden pine wall between her bedroom and that of Mr. Wilson. Continuing witness said, 'I went to bed about 10 o'clock on Monday night, the 21st instant, and about 11 I heard someone going upstairs in Mr. Wilson's place. About a quarter past 12 I heard Mr. Wilson calling out "Ernie" several times, his voice getting louder each time he called. He had a son called Ernest. I did not hear any answer. The next thing I heard was a noise as if Mr. Wilson had knocked against his boots. He must have been out of bed and he seemed to be walking about. I did not hear anyone until I heard the noise of the fire about 12.30. When I first heard the roar of the fire it seemed to be in Mr. Wilson's bedroom. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson occupied separate rooms. Mrs. Wilson occupied the last room at the rear of the building. I jumped out of bed and went to the window and saw the light from the fire. I could not say whether the fire was coming out of the roof or through the wall at that time but part of the building was all in flames. I heard screams as I came down stairs but I could not say whether they were those of a male or female. I was very excited myself. I did not see any member of the Wilson family.
Ethel Wilson, who was apparently very weak and distressed and had to be assisted into court, was the next witness. She deposed that she was the daughter of the deceased. She lived with her parents in Otho-street. Continuing, she said, ' On Monday night, April 21, I and my mother were out visiting and got home about 11 o'clock. I went to my father's room when I returned and spoke to him. I took him a cup of coffee. He was awake and I left the coffee on the dressing table. He was sitting on the bed and was not undressed. I and my mother then went to bed. I did not look to see if the light in my father's room was out or not. I put out the light in my room and went to sleep. The next thing I heard was someone calling out "Oh, my God." I thought it was Mrs. Hunt. When I woke up I saw all the side of the bedroom in flames. The flames seemed to be coming from the children's bedroom, which adjoined mine. My father's room adjoined their room. My mother's room was towards the back. All the bedrooms, four in all, were upstairs. When I got out of bed I threw a bucket of water over the fire near the door so that I could get out. I got out into the hall, but the staircase was all in flames. I went to the hall window, which was up, and jumped through onto the roof of a shed below. From there I rolled onto the ground. I did not see anyone and no one called me. I screamed out when I got to the window. At the time I first saw the fire no one could have got away except through the window, it was a practice to keep a bucket of water in each room in case of fire.
To the Foreman : There was a lamp in my father's room when I took him up the coffee.
Sidney Wilson, one of the sons of the deceased, deposed : ' I resided with my parents in Otho street, and attended to the shop. I remember Monday night, April 21. I went to bed at 10 o'clock. I slept with my brothers Harry, Ernest, and Kenneth. We all went to bed together. There was a passage between our room and that occupied by my father. There was a skylight over the passage. My sister's room adjoined mine. When I went to bed my father was in his room and had a light burning. I went to sleep, but woke up later on and saw flames in the room. The flames were coming in from my father's room and had just caught the bed in which two of the boys, Harry and Kenneth slept. There was nobody in the room but myself when I awoke. I saw no one upstairs. I did not see my father or mother. The fire was in the hall upstairs, but I got down the stairs. Each room opened off a hall upstairs. When I got down stairs I did not see any of my family. I went to the dining room door downstairs, but saw no one. The building overhead was then all in flames. I saw my father last in the shop about 8 o'clock on the night of the fire. My father used a small glass hand-lamp in his room. I do not know how my sister or brothers escaped. I have no idea how the fire started. I did not hear anyone calling out during the night.
To the Foreman : ' When I got up the door of my room was open. I do not think that I heard a scream. I think it was about 1 o'clock when I made my escape. I recognise the keys produced as my father's. They were in my father's possession on Monday night. One key is the key of the cash box. The kitchen was under my mother's bedroom.
Harry Wilson, 13 years of age, another son of the deceased, also gave evidence. He said ' I went to bed with my brothers on the night of the fire about 10 o'clock. I heard my father 'snoring' in his room, in which there was a light. I was awakened by the roar of flames and saw a fire in my father's room. Kenneth and I were sleeping in the same bed. Ernie pulled Kenneth out of bed and I got hold of my boots and clothes and ran down stairs to the lane, Ernie and Kenneth following me. I did not hear anyone call out, and I did not do so myself. The fire was near the window in my father's room, and it was not very big then. I did not see anything of my father or mother. I did not hear my father calling Ernie during the night. I last saw my father about 2 p.m. on the Monday. I did not see my sister during the fire. Ernie and Kennie followed me out to the lane about 5 minutes after I got there. I do not remember anything else. Ernie is 11 years old and Kenneth 7. I think the keys produced were my father's.
To the Foreman: The back door and our bedroom door were open, and I think my mother's bedroom door was open too. I did not see my brother Sidney until a quarter of an hour after I got out. The bedroom doors were nearly always open. I did not see a light in any of the bedrooms. I do not think that the front door was open, but it was not unusual for the back door to be left open. When I got out the first persons I saw were Mr. Underwood and Mr. D. Grant.
To the Coroner: My father was shaving customers on Saturday night.
Ernest Wilson 11 years old, brother of the previous witness, gave corroborative evidence. The light in their room on the Monday night was put out by Sidney. He first heard the windows crack and then saw flames coming from his father's room. He caught his brother Kenneth by his pyjamas, pulled him out of bed and downstairs into the yard. He did not see Sidney, and his brother Harry was not in the room when he got up. He did not hear or see his father or mother, nor see anyone throwing water. When he was down in the yard he heard his sister Ethel screaming, but could not make out where she was at the time. When getting out he passed his mother's door, but did not notice if it was open. He did hear his father calling him at any time in the night.
Formal evidence was also given by James Charles Wilson of the R.A.A. Victoria Barracks, eldest son of the deceased, as to the age of his parents and other details.
Constable Jones, re-called at the request of the jury, said that when he got to the front door of Mr. Wilson's shop he found it open about six inches. It was shut when he tried it at a quarter past twelve on Monday night. He last saw Mr. Wilson near the Imperial Hotel about 8 o'clock on the Monday evening.
Sidney Wilson re-called, said that he locked the front door at 9.15 on Monday evening and then locked the back door with the same key and left it in the door. He also placed two shutters, as usual, against the inside of the front door.
The Foreman said that in order to clear up the apparent doubt as to whether the front door was open they might ask how Miss Wilson entered the building upon her return on Monday night.
The Coroner: Presumably through the back door.
Sub-Inspector Evans said that he thought Constable Jones might be making a mistake about the door being open when he went back after seeing the fire. A young man named Robert Wm. Warbrook was with Jones and he might be able to throw some light on the subject.
Robert Wm. Warbrook was then called and deposed that he had been in Mr. Wilson's employ as a hairdresser. On the night of the fire he was asleep at Mr. Thompson's two doors from Mr. Wilson's, and upon being awakened by the fire he aroused young Thompson and went out into the street. He saw Constable Jones running towards Wilson's. He went to Wilson's and looked through the windows. He could not say whether the front door was open or not.
Sub Inspector Evans said that one of the boys had gone down to the scene of the fire with a view to securing the lock of the front door so that they could see whether it had been locked or not. If it had been locked and was subsequently found open by Constable Jones, it must have been forced open by someone.
Sidney Wilson re-called, gave further evidence as to the fastenings on the door. On the Monday night he bolted the doors securely. There were bolts on each door and he was quite sure that they were shut home.
This concluded the evidence and the Coroner having summed up, the jury retired at 4.35 to consider their verdict.
After deliberating some time the jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased both died from burns received in a fire on their premises, but that there was no evidence to show how the fire originated. They found, however, that the fire first broke out in Mr. Wilson's bedroom shortly after 12 a.m. on Tuesday morning, April 22.
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The Inverell Argus (NSW : 1899 - 1904), Friday 2 May 1902, page 2
LOCAL AND GENERAL
Mrs. Clift, Miss Ethel Wilson, Mr. J, C. Wilson, and the children will leave Inverell for Sydney next week. Miss Wilson is slowly recovering from the effects of the severe fall she sustained, and the altogether terrible experiences she has gone through. We trust to see her return to Inverell before long restored to health. Mrs. Clift, who was prostrated by the shock of the news and the long journey from Sydney, is much better now. The great kindness and sympathy accorded to these ladies since the late unfortunate occurrence has in a measure atoned for the grievous losses they have otherwise sustained, and we are glad to think that their native town showed itself sympathetic at a time when it was so much needed. But it could not have been otherwise when the respect and popularity of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are called to mind.
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Bundarra and Tingha Advocate (NSW : 1900 - 1906), Saturday 3 May 1902, page 2
The Inverell Fire.
The damages by the recent fire at Inverell are now estimated at 15,000p, only about half of which is covered by insurance. Mr. Hunt lost 800p. The subscription list to date amounts to over 200p.
The charred remains of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were interred at Inverell on Sunday. the funeral being very largely attended.
It now transpires that the fire originated in Wilson's house at about 12.30 o'clock on Tuesday morning. It is supposed that the bed-curtains in Mr. Wilson's room caught fire from a candle or lamp, and that the flames spread very rapidly, cutting off retreat from the room. At the inquest, held on Monday, Mrs. M. Hunt gave some important evidence. Her room was separated from Mr. Wilson's room by only a dividing wall. At 12 o'clock she heard some one calling in Wilson's, upstairs ; a quarter of an hour later she heard Mr. Wilson call out ' Ernie' loudly, several times. There was no response to the call. Shortly afterwards she heard a noise as though Mr. Wilson, in walking about, had kicked his boots. At half-past 12 she saw the fire in Wilson's room. The noises alluded to may have been made by Mr. Wilson in trying to put the fire out.
Miss Ethel Wilson had a miraculous escape from death. When she awoke, the room, including the stairs, was in flame. She made her way to the window above the stairs, and jumped to a roof below, and then rolled to the ground. This window was the only means of escape. The jury agreed that the fire started in Mr. Wilson's room at 12.20 a.m. on Tuesday, but how the fire originated there was no evidence to prove. Most of the persons burnt out have started business again.
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The Inverell Argus (NSW : 1899 - 1904), Friday 29 January 1904, page 2
The Ellis Benefit.
On Tuesday the Oxford Hall was packed with people to hear the variety entertainment that was given as a benefit for Mr. Jack Ellis who has been an invalid for years.
The first part of the programme was devoted to nigger minstrelsy, Mr. H. A. Witton being the interlocutor and Messrs. G. Morrow and G. Cameron bones and M. Walsh and F. Bussell tambos. The stage was very tastefully decorated with greenery and presented a bright and pleasing appearance. Every item was warmly received and the performance was a distinct credit to all those who took part, each of whom worked very hard indeed to make the evening as pleasant as possible to the large audience. Their efforts were well rewarded by the manner in which they were appreciated. The programme was as follows : -
Part I. : Overture, Mr. Wilson's orchestra ; opening chorus, the company ; ballad, 'The Steeple on the Hill,' Mr. Joe Kelly ; comic song, 'Underneaf Dat Ole Umbrella,' Mr. F. Bussell ; song, ' Elsie of the Glen,' Mr. E. C. Kelly ; comic song, ' 'Blige a Lady,' Mr. T. S. Morrell ; ballad, ' Clorine,' Master E.Wilson ; comic song, ' Why Don't You get a Lady of Your Own,' Mr, G, Morrow; song, 'Ring Down the Curtain,' Mr. E. Elliott ; comic song, ' The Coon Club Raid,' Mr. G. Cameron ; song, ' Wearing My Heart,' Mr, A. Tilse ; comic song, ' Elegant Bertie,' Mr. Gus. Soltau. Part II. : Song, ' Annie Laurie,' Mr. J. F. Cullen ; comic song, Mr. T. Morrell ; baritone solo, Mr. F. Palmer ; clog dance, Mr. J. Patterson ; solo, Miss Maud Leseberg ; a German recitation, Mr. F. Buckle ; solo, Miss Gladys Leseberg ; comic song, Mr. G. Conway ; dance, Sailor's Hornpipe, Mr. M'Vicar ; comic song, Mr. Gus Soltau.
All the items were so well rendered that it is a difficult matter to particularize. We cannot, however, let the occasion pass without referring to the singing of Master E. Wilson. This little fellow has a very sweet voice which promises to be something above the ordinary when it develops. The Misses Leseberg who bear a great reputation as musicians made their debut before an Inverell audience and sang a solo each. These items were the gems of the evening and the young artistes were accorded the applause which they justly merited. Mr. J. Patterson proved himself a skilled dancer and his exhibition was much admired. Mr. J. F. Cullen's singing of 'Annie Laurie' was an excellent item and was favorably received. Mr. R. N, Meston, the musical director, worked early and late to make the entertainment a success and he is deserving of great praise for his energetic efforts in so good a cause. As stage manager Mr. J. C. Wilson displayed his usual skill and energy, and he is to be highly complimented upon the creditable way in which the programme was executed throughout. The bean guessing competition was won by Mr. J. Delaney who struck the exact number, 942.
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The Inverell Argus (NSW : 1899 - 1904), Saturday 24 September 1904, page 2
John Bull and His Trades
The production of this pretty operetta by the pupils of the Inverell Superior Public School in the Oxford Hall on Thursday and Friday nights drew large and appreciative audiences, especially on Thursday night it being hard to find sitting accommodation for everyone. Mr. W. E. James had got a strong orchestra together and the music was therefore all that could be required. Miss Bella Morrow presided at the piano, and was supported by the following : - Violins : Misses Birkett, Leseberg and Douglas and Messrs. W. Cloonan and C. Cowie ; cornet, Mr. A. M'Leod ; trombone, Mr. M. H. Girle ; double bass, Mr. E. C. Kelly. Mr. James was the conductor, and Mr. J. H. Humphreys stage manager. Mr. J. F. Cullen provided the lime light effects.
At intervals during the piece incidental items were introduced. These were 'The Awkward Squad;' by the competitors, who performed some amusing evolutions in the way of drill. They were followed by the cadets, who went through the manual exercise and a single stick display with great precision, and last but not least came the ' Floral March ' under the direction of Miss Black. This was really a spectacular triumph that does great credit to its author. The girls went through the many intricate movements like clock and the effect was very pleasing indeed.
The cast of characters in the operetta was as follows : - John Bull, Mr. G. Bruce ; Messenger, G. Fitzgerald ; Baker, Miss P. Elliott ; Grocer, Miss W. Leseberg ; Druggist, Miss E. Thorley ; Fruiterere, Miss I. Tewkesbury ; Draper, Miss M. Davey ; Dressmaker, Miss Leseberg ; Bookseller, Miss McLean ; Farmer, C. Rowland ; Mason, S. Davey ; Carpenter, H. Thomas ; Smith, G. Morrow : Ironmonger, E. Wilson ; Miller, R. Cowie ; Manufacturer, H. Bielby ; Tailor, L. Lyons ; Bootmaker, A. Lyons ; Hatter, C. Regan ; Tiler, Ehsman.
Mr. G. Bruce made an excellent 'John Bull' and every one of the pupils knew their parts perfectly and entered into the playing of them with their whole hearts and souls. Miss Leseberg was the prima donna of the company. She has a very sweet voice, that is wonderfully matured for her years. The next in order of merit was Miss Winnie Leseberg and among the girls she was followed by the Misses P. Elliott, M. Davey, E. Thorley, and I. Tewkesbury.
Master G. Morrow as 'Blacksmith' both sang and played well, and among the boys he was perhaps the lion of the piece. Master C. Rowland also showed to great advantage. The two duets in which Masters H. Thomas and S. Davey and Masters G. Morrow and E. Wilson took part were well received.
The whole production is a distinct credit to the perseverance of the teachers and the ability of the children, many of whom show promise of possessing considerable music talent in their after lives.
During one of the intervals on Thursday night His Worship the Mayor said that he had been asked by Mr. W. E. James, the principal of the School, to thank the large audience for their attendance, the members of the orchestra for their valuable services, and Miss Black, Mr. Humphreys and the other members of the school staff for the indefatigable manner in which they had assisted him in the production of the entertainment. The Mayor also referred to the packed state of the Hall as a proof of the necessity for the new Town Hall which the Council was about to build.
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The Inverell Argus (NSW : 1899 - 1904), Thursday 29 December 1904, page 2
I.O.G.T. SPORTS.
The above were held on the local show ground on Monday. Considering the large number of counter attractions , the attendance was very fair, over 20p being taken at the gates. The booths which were conducted by the sports committee did a roaring trade. The Austral Brass Band was in attendance and added greatly by their playing to the day's entertainment. The different events resulted thus : -
Opening Handicap, 75yds. - S. E. Hunt, 6yds, 1 ; J. White, 13yds, 2 ; J. J. Donovan, 7yds, 3.
Members' Handicap, 100yds.- E. Jones, 12yds, 1 ; G. Stacey, jnr., 16yds. 2: W. Skaines, 9yds, 3.
Boxing Day Handicap, 125yds.- S. B. Hunt, 7yds, 1 ; J. J. Donovan, 8yds, 2 ; A. G Saunders, 9yds, 3.
Good Templars Tug-of- War. - Warialda District v. Inverell District. Won by Inverell.
Boys Race, 14 years and under- E. Wilson.
Boys Race, 12 yean and under- H. Leslie.
Old Buffers Race.- J. M'Lean 1, M. Carney 2. :
Girls Race, 12 years and under- Lucy Stacey.
Lady Members Handicap.- Lucy Stacey 1, A. Stacey 2.
Balaclava Melee.- Winning team:- B. Kamsay, H. Hewitt, J. M'Lean, W. B. M'Lean.
Alarm Race- H Doust.
Grand Tug of War.- G. Preston's Inverell Team 1, Austral Band 2.
Consolation Handicap, 75yds. - W. A. Brown 1, T.Toomey2.
Guessing Competition, prize 3p 9s.
Number of beans in the jar 3,666. Winning guess 3,700 : Miss Rose Slack, Inverell.
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Military Records state:
Title Wilson Ernest Albert : SERN 1851 : POB Inverell NSW : POE Liverpool NSW : NOK B Wilson J C Series number B2455 Control symbol WILSON E A Contents date range circa 1914 - circa 1920
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The Inverell Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954), Tuesday 15 August 1916, page 2
Inverell Soldiers Wounded.
A great number of our own soldiers have been engaged in the fierce battles now raging on all fronts, and the casualty lists contain the names of several Inverell fighters who have been wounded. In addition to those already mentioned, we notice the following as having been reported wounded: Lance Corporal J. Lyall, Private C. E. McCarthy, and Private J. Abbott, all of Inverell, and C. H. Wells (Ashford), and G. E. Lute (Hawell). The Metropolitan papers report that Sergeant Ernest Wilson, son of the late Mr. Chas. Wilson, machine gun section, has been wounded in France (second occasion). He took part in the Lone Pine charge. His three brothers - Harry, Victor, and Kenneth - are in France, while his nephew, Trooper Noel Wilson, of Coonamble, was killed in Egypt last week. Sergeant Wilson is in hospital at Stockport, England.
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