News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954), Thursday 20 September 1934, page 8, Trove

Jubilee Memories Of Willamulka WEEK-END SERVICES A HANDFUL of people who attended the first services 50 years ago of the Willamulka Methodist Church then a bush tent composed of mallee, broom bush, tea-tree, and bags, were present at the jubilee services last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The Rev. Frank Bullock, who in 1887 was in charge of the Kadina cir-i cult, of which Willamulka formed a part, conducted the Sunday services. The church had been painted and decorated for the occasion, and a tablet placed at the entrance bore the names of the trustees who formed the church 50 years ago-Messrs. John Rothwell and G. E. Middleton, and thel late Messrs. W. H. B. Paterson, Joseph! Hore, John Mercer, Edmund White, and John Roe. At a public meeting on Monday Mrs. James Westlake gave by special request a recital she had rendered at the openiing services in 1884. Mrs. W. Griggs, of North Unley, formerly Miss Emily Middleton who presided at the organ at the laying of the foundation stone and at the opening ceremony 50 years ago, attended-all the jiubilee services. Sports, a concert, and a high tea were held on Saturday. On Monday the church members motored the visitors, who came from Adelaide, Salisbury,. Owen, Mallala, and the West Coast, to surrounding districts, and also to the spot where the first service was preached by the Rev. G. Varley.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Wednesday 19 September 1934, page 1, Trove

REMINISCENCES OF MR G. E. MIDDLETON.

The following recollections and reminiscences of Mr G. E. Middleton, one of the pioneers of the Willamulka district, .should be of interest in view of the Jubilee of the Willamulka Methodist Church.

In the course of his jottings, Mr Middleton says:—"With respect to the early days of Willamulka, perhaps I can call these to mind as well as any body left; but having kept 110 records i of what transpired in those times, I will relate all I know. First of all, I took up 861 acres of land in the Hundred of Ninnes, being Sections 82, 83, 139, 140, 142, 143 (being then only 18 years of age). This was on August 27, 1881 on a Saturday, and I took possession in September. Mr McEntee, on the next farm, selected his the day before, otherwise we would have been nearer to Kadina.

The Willamulka siding was put down by the Wallaroo Mining Co. about the middle of 1882, and just before then a siding was put in at the "seven mile" by the Railway Department. The farmers around the "nine mile" had to guarantee a large supply of firewood to the Company for the concession. The year 1882 being a dry season, only poor crops were gathered.

There was not much doing in the building line, but the next season, 1883, there was an extraordinarily good result, crops going as high as 16 bushels to the acre. Therefore, farmers put up decent houses; prior to that, only pine huts and wattle and dab houses were to be seen.

After that, their attention was directed to building a church in the locality. Several sites were spoken about, but nothing definite was done. The Wesleyans were then approached on the matter. The Rev. Newman, then minister, who was stationed at Kadina, was invited to inspect the district, and work Willamulka in with Wintanerta, which they had already going; but he informed us that he could not supply us with preachers, and turned the business down.

The Bible Christian minister of Kadina then took the matter up, and with Mr Thos. Rodda, who lived three miles north-east of Kadina, drove out in Mr Rodda's buggy and pair. They called at Mr Joseph Hore's, who then resided in a pine house on the boundary road, half or three-quarter mile north of the Ten Mile Crossing. Mr Hore was then building a new house on top of the hill against the railway, and so soon as it was completed he offered the use of it to Mr Varley to conduct Sunday services. The offer was gladly accepted by Mr Varley, and services were conducted there until the church was completed; this was early in 1884.

It was in the latter part of 1883 that Mt Varley visited the locality, and arranged with Mr Hore to hold a meeting in his pine house to see about fixing a site for the new church. I was not invited to the meeting, therefore I did not attend; but from what I was told there was a good muster, chiefly young folks, who were not allowed to vote on where the church was to be erected. Only the heads of families were allowed to vote, such as Messrs W. Hall, senr., who lived due south from the 12.75 mile crossing; Mr John Mercer, who resided one mile south-east of the 16 mile siding, now Mona; Mr C. March, senr., and Messrs Rothwell, Paterson and Matthews. These all voted for the 12.5 mile, which was carried at that meeting. Messrs Joseph Hore, senr., John Mercer, John Roe, junr.. Edmund White, W. H. B. Paterson, John Rothwell and G. E. Middleton were appointed trustees. Only three of us are alive today: Mr John Mercer, of Magill ; Mr Rothwell, of Goodwood; and myself. Mr Paterson presented one acre of land to the trust at that meeting, over which the Rev. G. Varley presided. Mr Varley had an offer of a wood and iron church from some other trust, which could be removed at a price to Willamulka; but the offer was turned down at the meeting. It was then agreed to put up a stone church.

Early in 1884, Mr and Mrs Paterson removed from Barunga and finally settled at Willamulka. The next meeting was heid at their residence, in August or September, 1884. The meeting was again presided over by the Rev. G. Varley. I was present, and agreed to let them have all the stone they required, also offered to cart a portion (three days with a dray and two horses). Mr W. Hail, senr., with Messrs Wm. and John Hall, also carted stone for three days. Messrs Hore, senr., Rothwell, C. March, senr., and Geo. Matthews each put in three days quarrying stone. Mr W. H. B. Paterson burnt and carted all the lime required. Mr Edmund White carted all the water from his farm to the church. The bricks were purchased at Hamley Bridge, and I am not sure who carted them from the Willamulka siding. The timber and iron were procured from Davies & Co., at Wallaroo, so also were the church seats, table, etc. Messrs Hore, senr., and Paterson put the roof on, also the floor and ceiling. I was the "boy" who handed the material up.

At that meeting it was decided to call tenders in the "Wallaroo Times" for the masonry work, labor only, the tenders to be sent to the Rev. Varley, Kadina. Only one tender was received, that of Mr F. Skipworth, at 3/ a yard. After some discussion this was accepted. They started the job in October, and the church was completed about the middle of December. A week before Christmas Day I carted the seats, etc., up from the siding. It was about 5 a.m. when I got there, having called at Mr Hore. senr's. to help us to load. I had my brother driving a dray, and I had the wagon, and we brought the lot on one trip. We were busy reaping, so also was Mr Hore, and that was how we got going so early.

It cost the trust £10 to get the church ground surveyed off. The surveyors came there and surveyed the acre of church land along the top of the sand hill, instead of taking a square from each road, as the trustees intended. In acting on their own, and without consulting any of us, the first mistake was made. The second error occurred when no ventilation was arranged for, making the church as hot as - when a crowd assembled inside.

Well, to go back to the building of the church. The foundation stone was laid early in October, 1884. Mrs Paterson was chosen to perform the ceremony, but owing to the masons being in a hurry to complete the job, they got going sooner than was expected, consequently the foundation was laid above the door frame, at least two feet to the right, and about one foot higher than the frame, towards Mona.

Mr W. H. B. Paterson ascended the ladder to the scaffold and fixed the stone. Mr Varley called it a "memorial stone.' a bottle containing the names of the Trustees and the Circuit Minister. Her Majesty the Queen, His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and Ministry, also the latest issue of "The South Australian Register" and "The Wallaroo Times," and a coin of the realm were placed beneath the stone. Donations were then handed up. We put in £10, the Rev. Varley also gave £1, and several others put in cheques, notes, etc.

Afterwards, we all went down the road to a marquee that the men had erected in the hollow amongst some high mallees, nearly opposite Mr T. McEntee's residence. A tea took place, and a good spread of the choicest of food was provided by Mrs Joseph Hore, senr. I think the other table was given by Mrs Edmund White. When that was over, the young people joined in games, etc.

A public meeting followed, presided over by Mr Joseph Hore, senr. Speeches were made by the Congregational minister stationed at Kadina, the Rev. T. Kyte; the circuit Minister, Rev. G. Varley; also Mr Hore, who could always find something to say to liven-up any meeting. The young people rendered excellent singing. Miss Nellie Langmead and Miss Fanny Cocks each gave a song, also a duet, and several anthems were sung in the real old Cornish stj'le. We lent them an organ, and my second sister (Emily) was the organist.

The church was formally opened for Divine Worship on the Sunday previous to Christmas Day. 1884. The Rev. G. Varley conducted afternoon and evening services to crowded congregations. On Christmas Day a public tea was held in the church. The trays were got up by subscriptions. Mrs W. Hall, senr., and Mrs Paterson were the collectors, and we gave them £1 towards it. The Rev. R. Jackson, who came to our place at the time, gave them 5/. Other donations were given, and altogether they got £9 or £10. They gave the order for catering to a Kadina baker.

It was the first, last and only time they ever patronised Kadina enterprise in that line all the time I was there, over 19 years. Well, the provisions would have turned a respectable dog from his breakfast had any of it been presented to him. After that, all provisions were procured from Mr Parks, Rundle street, City, or the ladies of the district suppfied ithem in their usual proficient style. Well, to go back to the tea fight. There were two or three wagon loads of friends from Wintanerta came there to help us, also spring carts, spring drays, and buggies and pairs brought their quotas from Kadina and elsewhere. Altogether it was a great turn-out (barring the provisions).

A public meeting followed. Seats were all full; standing room only, and then Mayer of Kadina, the late Mr R. J. Nobes. occupied the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. G. Varley, Mr Thos. Rodda (late of Port a number had to remain outside. The Broughton) and his son from Wintanerta. The old gentleman at that meeting said that his day was nearly over, and that he was leaving "a brighter star behind" him in his son. The old lad lived another 25 years after the speech he made at that opening of the Willamulka church. However, the "brighter star" gave a fairly long speech, chiefly about the early days many years before, when he was cutting wood and timber from there, to take to the Wallaroo Mines.

Mr Hore also gave a humorous address of his early experiences, and I took the credit of being the very first to start farming there. He remembered when he first saw the chapel hill, he saw an old man hanging to a pine tree against the railway, but it turned out to be a dummy placed there to frighten the men on returning from Kadina at weekends, whilst laying the railway line, and the result of too much beer, etc. Also that he felt so lonely there of a Sunday, that he invited an old tramp to dinner with him (the man was wending his way to Snowtown). This kind offer the tramp rejected. This is about what I can recall of Mr Hore's speech at the opening, and how rejoiced he was that the Lord had called him to render service in his vineyard by the way he had seen fit to offer his house to the Bible Christians to further the cause. Mr Nobes gave a short address: Mr W. Symons gave a recitation, and again Miss Nellie Langmead and Miss Fanny Cocks sang solos and duets. Christmas carols were sung by the choir in a very proficient manner. Miss Middleton (now Mrs Griggs, of Hughes street. North Unley) presided at the organ at all the services.

The Rev. G. Varley preached his farewell sermon at Willamulka in April, 1885, having been transferred by the B.C. Conference to Mount Lofty. The Rev. E. Hill was his successor, and remained three years. He was followed by the Revs. F. Bullock, Collins, Tiller, Raymont, Paynter, then Methodist Union. I left them, and have been a regular attendant at the Congregational church here, at Salisbury, ever since.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Wednesday 3 October 1934, page 1

TRIP TO METHODIST JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

[By G. E. Middleton.]

First of all I had an idea to make the journey on the railway, there and back, and being under the impression that the week-end excursion fares were still going strong, like they are about here, I took the liberty to write to the traffic manager. I informed him of the fact that the Willanmlka Methodist church jubilee celebrations were taking place on the 15th, 16th and 17th September, and that three of us were travelling; and would he allow us to return on the Tuesday in lieu of Monday, at excursion rates, and could we return on the old line via Brinkworth and Icy Bridge; and would he stop the rail car at the Willamulka chapel crossing?

The first question he ignored (about the excursions), but simply quoted the ordinary everyday fares that is for both routes £1 3/2 adult fare, return in two months; and that he would arrange tor the rail car to stop as requested. However, we decided to go by the straight and narrow path that cost us 19/7 each.

It being about the end of the school holidays, a train was on that morning going to Kadina. We got into a carriage, and had not gone far when we noticed Mr and Mrs Joseph Hore, at the other end also going back to Willamulka. Mr P. McEntee. the schoolmaster of Virginia, joined the tram at Two Wells, and at Mallala Mrs Watson and Miss F. March joined the train for the same purpose. At Bowmans we had to change trains. On the station there we met the Rev F. Bullock, the veteran Bible Christian Minister, who was stationed at Kadina in 1887; he also was on the "Back to Willamulka" stunt.

We eventually arrived at Snow town, and found out that we would hare to change into a rail car and wait one and a half hours for it to come along from Brinkworth. We had a good look around the town, which had grown since we used to attend the show, there in the '"eighties" and "nineties." We struck a restaurant in the principal street and enjoyed a meal, also the stay. A good number of voters was exercising the franchise it being polling day for the Federal elections. We had already voted as absent voters a few days before.

Eventually we got aboard one of Webb's old-fashioned Yankee pie carts (No. 4), one of the first that came out here. It had no rack or anywhere to place our luggage, only on our knees, and I thought it would stick us up going through the Barunga Gap and we would be late for our business. However, we arrived at the Willamulka church just 15 minutes late; it never stopped at Mona, and only two minutes at Bute. At the crossing, Mr M. McPherson met us and introdisced us to Mr and Mrs O. Bagshaw, who motored us to their home, which was formerly our "Possie," and where we spent 19 years of our young days.

After a luncheon and a good look around, we went over to the sports, and met old friends that we had not seen for 33 years. Unfortunately, the day previous a cyclone had passed over the district, and demolished a huge marquee that had been hired from Adelaide for the High Tea, concert and public meeting on Monday. It was capable of seating 450 persons, and was insured for £100. On the Saturday morning they had to cart everything down to Mr Harris' barn, which had been placed at the disposal of the church people in the emergency. A concert was held there in the evening.

The Sunday services were conducted at the church, outside in the afternoon, and inside in the evening. The local people stayed outside to allow the visitors a seat in the church. The Rev. F. Bullock conducted the services. The church had been painted and decorated and the windows were stained. Inside there was a Memorial Tablet, which had the names of the first trustees inscribed on it. A Scripture motto was painted above the pulipit, and on the porch, "Willamulka Methodist Church, 1884" was printed. Altogether it looked like a palace.

On the Monday morning the church members motored the visitors to various spots in the locality that they would like to see. I had a wish to visit Kadina by way of the Barunga road and return via Wintanerta. Mr M. McPherson kindly took us to the late Mr W. H. B. Paterson's home, also to the residence of the late Mr Alfred March. There we met Mrs A. March senr., who was formerly Miss M. Roe. also Mrs D. Adams and Mr and Mrs Fred March, the family of the late Mr March. On the way to Kadina familiar objects met our view, and which we knew of 40 years ago. I noticed that there were many new and up-to-date buildings erected since we left, also the streets and footpaths were asphalted: but the effect of the mines ceasing work can plainly be seen. We only stayed about an hour in Kadina. The trades people that we knew had all passed away, or removed elsewhere. I called at the Times Office and made myself known to the young lady in charge; but my time was up, and I could not wait to see the proprietors, who were away at luncheon.

We missed the affair they had in the afternoon, when they motored to the spot where the late Rev. G. Varley preached the first sermon in the late Mr Joseph Hore's pine hut, close to the ten mile crossing. In the afternoon an old-fashioned public tea was held in Mr Harris' barn, close to Thomas' Plains. This function was largely patronised. I again met old friends. I felt like the monkey did in a crowd ; everybody knew the monkey, but the poor monkey knew no one. I soon overcame that difficulty by asking them their names, and found representatives of the following families: Patersons, Hores, Rothwells, Whites, Roddas, Cocks, Langmeads, Brinkworth. Roes, Marchs, Avles, Jones. Fraser, McPhersons (2), Trengoves, Matthews, G. Ramseys, Pearces and Gills.

At the public meeting which followed, the large barn was crowded. There were fully 400 seated, and several had only standing room, with also a great number outside. The only surviving trustees alive today out of the seven of us are, Mr John Rothwell, of Goodwood Park, and myself. I am 71 years of age, Mr Rothwell being a few years ahead of me and as Mr Parrott said, as I appeared to be the strongest chap, he proposed me as I chairman, which honor I appreciate and shall never forget. Needless to say the chairman's address lasted I nearly two minutes.

On the platform with me were the Rev. Frank Bullock, who is 81 years of age and can preach and address a public meeting better than men half his age; the Rev. E. Lawson, of Saddleworth, who was the Bute circuit minister previous to last conference , and the present Bute circuit minister, Rev. G. Parrott. Each minster spoke, and addresses were also delivered by Mr Joseph Rodda, of Hyde Park, a former local preacher and his brother, Cr. A .Rodda, of Kadina. - Both these spoke of early days incidents and of the difficulties they went through on the journeys on horseback from Paskeville and Thomas Plains to conduct Sunday service at Bute and Willamulka. Mrs James Westlake, of Bute, gave a recital, "Curfew shall not ring tonight," by special request, a piece she had recited at the opening of the church 50 years ago, when she was a girl in her teens. She went through it remarkably well considering: her age Songs were rendered by Mr Keith Hore and Mrs Ramsey, and a recital by Mr W. Heinrich.

The Rev. G. Parrott proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all concerned, especially to the ladies committee, Mesdam.es Allan Paterson and M. McPherson, who had the oversight of the High Tea; also to Mr and Mrs Odium for musical selections on the Sunday and public tea on the Monday. My sister, Mrs W. Griggs, of Hughes street. North Unley, was present at all the services. She presided at the organ at the ]a3'ing of the foundation -stone and at the opening services in 1884. . My eldest sister. Mrs T. Cowling, who played the organ from 1885 until 1892, was also there.

Those I noticed who were in the choir when the church was opened, were Mrs Gilbert Roe (formerly Miss A. Paterson), Mrs Jas. Westlake (who was Miss F. Cocks). Mrs Charles Hore, of Kadina, who was then Miss Nellie Langmead, and whose marriage was the first held in the new church, in 1887, by the Rev. F. Bullock.

Mr and Mrs W. Griggs, Mrs Cowling and Mr H. T. Griggs, motored up from the city, and they and my sister and myself were the guests of Mr and Mrs M. McPherson and iamilv. My brother likewise was entertained by Mr J. McPherson during the festivities. Indeed it was the best holiday I ever experienced. I only wish I couid attend the next time it comes around, on the same joyous lines.

On the Tuesday morning Mr McPherson motored us to Bute, and on the station we met Messrs A. Paterson, J. A. McPherson, and Purdie. also the Revs. Parrott and Bullock. We were motored around the town, which seems to have gone ahead by leaps and bounds during the past 33 years that Ave have been away. After we had bidden farewell to everybody, we climbed up on one of the latest buses, No. 45, which had the seats facing one another. This was more comfortable, and there was not so much smoking going on as was the case in the other old cart. They are a long way from perfection yet, especially the smokers portion. We passed Mr and Mrs Baker's place. Mrs. Baker, who was formerly Miss L. Paterson and Mrs Roe were waving to us as the car went along. The Rev. Bullock was also a fellow-passenger, and took the salute.

At Snowtown I paid the excess and came back via Brinkworth, the other two came down in a stuffy rail car and tobacco smoke. Only three of us went to Brinkwortli. After a wait of an hour and a half a train came along. It is worth the extra money to have a comfortable ride without being smothered with tobacco smoke. The crops were much better on that line. Good crops were to be seen on the Condowie Plains, also at Hoyleton and Blyth; around Balaklava and Dalkey they were very backward. More good crops were at Roseworthy; between Gawler and Salisbury sowersobs and Salvation Jane predominated.

There were also fair crops around Willamulka and Bute, but only six weeks later than in ordinary seasons.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Wednesday 16 October 1935, page 3, Trove

The official opening of the new.-Willamulka Methodist Sundav ,school .iiall took place on. Wednesday, October. 2. The circuit minister; Rev. G. R. Parrott, presided. After. Mr Parrott had conducted a short service in the church, the superintendent of the Sunday school was invited on the platform to perform the ceremony of declaring the hall open, and in a short speech emphasised the necessity of the under taking, which the members and trustees had so willingly set about doing.

He then unfolded the large doors leading to the hall, which the visitors were invited to inspect

The secretary of the trust (Mr Butler) then gave the financial statement (which showed that the total cost amounted to £200. A sum of £50 had been placed on the foundation, stone, which had been laid, on July 10, 1935, by Mrs Malcolm McPherson (who was formerly Miss Nellie Paterson, daughter of the owner of the land, who gave the acre that the church was built on, in 1884). A very small amount remained to be paid off. Stone had been raised and sand, bricks, lime, and all materials carted by members and adherents of the church gratis.

At the opening ceremony there were present the chairman of the Bute District Council (Cr. W. N. Trengove), Dr. C. T. Piper, of Bute, the Rev. L. Bond (Anglican, Kadina), the superintendent of the Sunday school (Mr A. R. Ramsey) and Mr Butler (treasurer of the trust). The only one of the original trustees able to get about, Mr G. E. Middleton, of Salisbury, also had a seat oh the platform. The other trustee now living (out of the seven) is Mr John Rothwell, of Goodwood, who as 82, and is in the Unley Private hospital, at the present time. Both these men took an active part in erecting the church in 1884.

At the opening ceremony the original, trustees were represented by Mrs Alfred March, (for her brother the later Mr John Roe), Mr "Robt. Hore (for his father, the late Mr Joseph Hore), Messrs William and Allen Paterson, Mesdames' Baker (Bute), Malcolm McPherson , (Willamulka), and S. Trengove (Spalding), members of the family of the late Mr W. H. B. Paterson. The other trustees that have passed away were: Messrs John Mercer and Edmund White; their families have left the district.

Mrs R. Hore spoke for her father (Mr J. Rothwell) the only survivor except Mr Middleton. Cr. W. N. Trengove, on behalf of himself and the Bute Council, congratulated the Willamulka friends on their enterprise in erecting such a fine building. Dr. Piper, speaking for the Bute circuit, expressed joy at the success of the undertaking so well carried out by the local church folks, and the Rev, J. L. Bond gave the Methodist friends great praise on the prosperous, result of their efforts in building such a large room for such a noble object. The chairman (Rex,,jG. R.i.£a?rott) also, eulo.uised "the splendid work carried on; in the enterprise of extending the church in the shape of a "tee," which is fully! 10 feet long at each corner, and 30 feet wide, with a door at the; back and a door at each corner.

After the opening ceremony the Ladies of the Guild, assisted by the ladies of the church, prepared an excellent tea, when about 200 partook of the good, things provided. In the evening a concert, presided over by the Rev. G. R. Parrott, was given by visiting and local talent, the church being crowded. At the conclusion of the concert a supper was provided. The day's takings, at the tea, concert, and supper amounted approximately to £19.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Wednesday 7 April 1909, page 2

A. very pretty wedding was celebrated at the Willamulka Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 24, the contracting parties being Mr S. H. Pearce, of Cleve, and Miss R. H. White, daughter of the late Mr David White, of Willamulka, The Choir of which Miss White was a member, had previously made a presentation, and was in evidence on this occasion in the tasteful decoration of the Church,' and in the rendering of the Wedding Hymn. The whole country side was represented at the Church and subsequently at the reception and breakfast at Mrs. White's residence, when upwards of 150 took part. The Rev. J. Watson performed the ceremony. The bride who was given away by her brother, was attended by two brides maids, Miss Alma White (sister of the bride) and Miss Elsie Pearce (sister of the bridegroom). The bridal gown was of rich white Chiffon taffetta ; She wore a handsome embroidered veil with wreath of orange blossom, and carried a lovely bouquet of tuber roses and fern. Miss Alma White was gowned in shell-pink crepe-de-chine delicately trimmed with appliqué and net. Mrs Elsie Pearce's dress of pale blue, crepe-de-chine was wade to correspond with the former bridesmaid's, both carrying bouquet of pink lilies and white chrysanthemums. Their gifts from the bridegroom were dainty gold brooches set with amethysts, and pearls. The bride's gift to the bridegroom was a massive gold Albert, and the bridegroom's gift to the bride a handsome gold pendant set with rubies and pearls. The bridal pair were the recipients of numerous handsome and costly presents, included among which-were cheques for substantial amounts..

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Saturday 23 July 1910, page 2, Trove

AYLES—WHITE.

The Willamulka Methodist Church was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Thursday, June 30th, at 3pm., when Alma Matilda, daughter of the late David White, was joined in matrimony to; Hedley James, son of Mc J. Ayles, of Thomas Plains. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr Hedley White, looked charging in a soft cream satin Pait dress Court train, handsomely trimmed with appliqué, chiffon and sequins, and also carried a pretty bouquet. The usual veil and orange blossom completed the costume. The bridesmaids' were Miss Ida White and Miss Adelaide. Ayles who were dressed in cream, wore black picture hats, and carried bouquets of pink carnations and fern. The two little flower girls were Misses Dorothy Westphall and "Vera Paterson cousin and niece of the bride groom, who were dressed in pale blue silk and carried baskets of flowers. Mr Fred Ayles efficiently carried through the duties of best man. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Jas. Watson. The bridee's travelling dress was a pretty blue silk suitably trimmed and toque to match. About 150 guests assembled at the bride's mothers' residence, where a sumptuous tea was partaken of, and which was held in the barn where all available space was occupied and usual toasts were honoured, A programme of vocal and instrumental music was rendered and a supper brought an enjoyable evening to a close. The happy couple were the recipients of a large and elegant display of costly presents, - both useful and ornamental. Among them were several cheques, and a grand piano a present from the bride's mother. Miss White has bees the organist of the Methodist Church at Willamulka for 6 years.

Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 24 March 1938, page 50

Mrs. Tryphena Pearl Crosby, 60, who died at her home at Cleve on February 18, was born at Farrells Flat. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David White, applied for land in the Willamulka district, near Kadina, when she was five years old, and she spent her girlhood there. When 20 she married Mr. B. B. Crosby, who was then farming near Kadina. In 1905 Mr. and Mrs. Crosby bought a partly developed farm near Cleve and it is now a well improved farm with many modern conveniences. Mrs. Crosby lived on the farm with her husband and family for 33 years. She reared a family of 10 children. She left her husband, Mr. B. B. Crosby, of Cleve, and 10 children: — Mrs. D. C. MacCallum, of Rudall; Mrs. B. J. Weeding, of Booleroo Centre; Mrs. F. John Brooks, of Tuckey; Mr. D. K. M. Crosby, of Kadina; Mr. W. H. E. Crosby, of Cleve; Mrs. A. K. Ramsay, of Kilroo; Mrs. H. B. Robinson, of Urania; Messrs. B. W. M. Crosby and C. M. C. Crosby, of Cleve; and Mr. M. L. H. Crosby, of Rudall.

more

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Wednesday 12 February 1941, page 2

Mr. Hadley D. A. White, who died on Friday, 5 February 7, at Kadina, was the eldest son of the late Mr David and Mrs Sarah Ann White, of Willamulka, and was born on August 8th 1879. On reading manhood, he farmed at Willamulka, Port Lincoln and Cleve (West Coast). ; In 1921 he retired to live at Kadina. He never married, and was the brother of Spencer, Ida, Elliott, Rosa, Alma and Beatrice, and Pearl and Enid deceased. Of a quiet disposition, he took no active part in public affairs, but helped the needy, in an unostentatious way. He was a director of the Koonawarra hospital. Mr White was of an original and inventive turn of mind and a skilful amateur mechanic, making bicycles and similar vehicles from odd materials that showed considerable ingenuity, and which were always prominent at street procession and carnivals. Some of his inventions required real acrobatic skill to operate. He was a favorite with children, for whom he made many original playthings, The funeral took place on Saturday, February 8, at the Kadina cemetery, the bearers being Messrs W. Paterson, L. Jones, A. McKay and E. Bunney. The Rev. O. L. Noske officiated at the graveside.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Wednesday 24 June 1931, page 2

Mrs Enid Pearce, wife of Mr Frank Pearce, who died at Kadina on June 19th after a long and painful illness, was the second youngest daughter of the late Mr David and Mrs Sarah Ann White. She was born at Willamulka and her death, at the early age of 41 years, is greatly regretted by her many friends. She had lived at Port Lincoln and Cleve, and after her marriage farmed at Boothby and later moved to Rudall Centre, Eyre's Peninsula, and after many years of hard toil and good management she and her husband won through as successful farmers. She was of a cheerful disposition land had a wide circle of friends. She was a loyal supporter of the Methodist Church and filled the positions as organist and Sunday school teacher. She leaves a husband and four children, Max, Zeta, Nedra and Isabel, to mourn, their sad loss. Her sisters are Mesdames B. B. Crosby and G. E. Ramsey (Cleve), Mrs S. H. Pearce (Belvidere, Strathalbyn), Mrs H. J. Ayles (Willamulka), and Miss Ida E. White (Kadina). The brothers are Messrs H. D. A. White (Kadina),. S. W. White (St. Peters), and E. H. White (Willamulka). A large number of relatives, and friends attended the service at the home of her brother and sister at Kadina, and at the graveside on Sunday afternoon, conducted by an old friend of the family, Rev. Ernest Lawson, of Bute, assisted by Rev. Edgar Arnold, Kadina. The bearers were Messrs H. Bruce, R. Gill, H. Ayles and K. Crosby.. Mr G. R.. Haddy carried out the funeral arrangements.

KERSLAKE -PEARCE.

OBITUARY

Mr. Robert Charles Hore, who died recently, was born at Willamulka, near Kadina, in 1896, and was the son of the late Mr. Chas. and Mrs. C. Hore, of Kadina. His grandfather, the late Mr. Joseph Hore, was one of the earliest pioneers of the district, and a foundation member and original trustee of the Willamulka Methodist church. In his early manhood Mr. Hore achieved distinction as an athlete. During his later years he did much to promote the true spirit of sport among the young people of the district. His whole life was spent at Willamulka, where he was engaged in farming. Mr. Hore has left a widow, two sons, and two daughters.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Saturday 5 July 1941, page 2

Mr Arthur T. Middleton, passed away on Thursday, June 26th, at the Salisbury public hospital, in his 76th year, was an old identity of the Willamulka and Bute districts. When almost a iad he joined his brother George, who had selected from the Government 861 acres of scrub land in the Hundred of Ninnes, adjoining the railway line near Mona, when stump jumping ploughs were first invented. This property is now in the possession of Mr Bagshaw. Mr Middleton did his share of the pioneering work necessary in those thard times, such as clearing the mallee scrub, carting water, cultivating the land, and the usual harvest work, until April, 1901, when he returned to his old h'ome on the Para Plain Whilst at Willamulka he took an active part m the erection of the local Bible Christian churchy and was present at the jubilee in 1934. He also attended the Bute jubilee cele. brations in 1935 witih'his brother and sister, Miss A. L. Middleton. After taking up his residence in Salisbury, iii 1901, he became a constant attendant at ^ the local Congregational church, and' his funeral, which took place at the Spain's road cemetery on Saturday last, was largely attended. The Rev. W. J. Williams, of, Gawler, who has charge of the Gawler, Salisbury and Sandy Creek churches, officiated, and was assisted by the Rev. Wm. Hawke, of Glenelg, who is an old friend of the Middleton family for 35 years. The bearers were Messre H. J. White, Andrew Goodall, John Smith, and Mervyn Krollig.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Friday 18 September 1942, page 1

Mr G. E. Middleton, of Salisbury, writes:—

The passing of Mrs Mary J. Much, of Kadina, at the age of 86 years, removes the last of the Roe family, who were known and highly respected in the Willamulka and Bute districts in the early days. Mrs March was the youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John Roe, senr., of Pekina, whose sons—Messrs Joseph, John and Gilbert—selected about 800 acres of scrub land in the Hundred of Ninnes, in the year 1881, at the ten mile crossing, close to the Willamulka siding. Two of them camped in a pine hut there and got 100 acres in crop the first year. In July 1882, the Hundred of Wiltunga, having just been surveyed into sections, the whole lot was offered for sale at the old land auction sale room in King William street, Adelaide. The upset price was £1 per acre, and the bids started at sixpence. Most of the sections near Mona, Bute and Willamulka were purchased that da Messrs Joseph, John junr., and Gilbert Roe secured about 2,000 acres adjoining the Baninga road, about three miles north of Mona siding. Soon after they erected a substantial stone residence, and in 1883 Mr and Mrs John Roe, senr., and Miss M. J. Roe, drove down from Pekina with a buggy and pair of ponies, and they all resided together for a number of years in their new home in Wiltunga. The Roe family took a great interest in the erection of the Willamulka Bible Christian Churcih, which was built at the. 12 1/2 mile crossing, on the property of the late Mr W. H. B. Paterson, about four miles south of Messrs Roe's homestead. This church was opened in December, 1884, and the Roe family drove a buggy and ponies to the afternoon and evening services every Sunday. At the first meeting, held at the residence of Mr J. Hore, senr., in 1883, Messrs Joseph Hore, W. H. B. Paterson, Edmund White, John Mercer, John Rothwell, John Roe, junr., and G. E. Middleton were chosen trustees, and when the Jubilee of the church took place in 1934, a tablet had been erected inside the poroh and all the names were inscribed on it. I was the youngest of the crowd then, and my name is last of the list. Therefore, I am the only one now alive to tell the tale. Mr Rothwell and myself were the only two trustees (present at the jubilee turnout. Mr Rothwell had to be assisted into the church. Mrs A. March senr., and my sister were there, and they cut the birthday cake. Mrs Nellie Hore represented the Langmead family, and Mr Bert Hore the Hore family, and Messrs Paterson Brothers and Mesdames Annie Roe, Baker, and McPherson the Paterson family.

The homestead of the Roe family was sold after the death of the late Mr Joseph Roe, who only passed away about ten years ago. He was the last, of the brothers to go. Mr John Roe, senr., died suddenly in 1890, when as he was driving the cows home, he was tossed by a bull; and Mrs Roe, senr., lived eight years after. Miss Roe married Mr A. March, in 1902, and resided at the farm at the corner of Wiltunga, Ninnes and Tickera. Subsequently they retired and lived in Kadina, as also did Mr Joseph Roe. Mr and Mrs Fred March resided on the March homestead, whilst we were at the jubilee. We called there and they gave us a great welcome. Mrs March has left two nephews—Mr T. R. Brinkworth (director of the Farmers Union) and Mr Parker Parnell, who has a mixed farm at Shepherd's Hill, in the Marion district—said three nieces—Mesdames A. H. Paterson (of Bute), Mrs E. Saint and Mrs M. Monck (of Henley Beach). Mr A. March, senr., died at Kadina about 20 years ago.

Mr James Ayles, aged 83, late of Paskeville, died at the residence of his daughter (Mrs L. E. Dix, Croydon) recently. He was born here on the Para Plains, His father, the late Mr. Joseph Ayles, senr., who died at the home of his daughter (Mrs Stevens, at Wallaroo) about 30 years ago, at the age of 97 years, was one of the first settlers on the Parafield road. His farm joined the Levell's estate, which is now in possession of the auctioneers, who cater for the abattoirs. His son, James, selected about 800 acres of scrub land in the Hundred, of Kulpara, about three miles northeast of Paskeville, in 1880, when the stump-jumping scarifiers were, first used to work up the ground and scratch in the seed wheat, and before the ploughs came into general use. In 1882, Mr Ayles married Miss Lucy Vockins here in Salisbury, whose father held two sections of land adjoining the Lassogowrie road on the east side of the railway line, now opposite to Spain's road cemetery. Mr Vockins was also one of the earliest settlers in this locality. Mrs Ayles passed on about five years ago. Mr and Mrs Ayles retired from Paskeville about 15 years ago, and resided at Government road, Croydon. They have left a grown up family.

Mr James Westlake, who died suddenly at Clare a short time ago, aged 76, was an old resident of Bute. His father purchased land in the Hundred of Wiltunga, at the land sale in 1882, when James was only a lad. When he grew up he married Miss Fanny Cocks She was the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Cocks, senr., of Willamulka. They had a farm on the old Clare track, on the way to Ninnes Plain. Miss Cocks was one of our choir singers in the Willamulka Church. If it was a solo wanted, Miss Cocks was the one chosen for the job, and was otherwise a great help to the church. She was present at the Willamulka Jubilee services in 1934, and she recited the same item as she did at the opening of the church in 1884. Miss Cocks subsequently got the appointment as the first teacher to the Fairfield school, which was opened in the Bible Christian Church at Wiltunga, in the early nineties. After a while she married Mr James Westlake, who purchased the shop in Bute, which was then in the occupation of Mr J. T. Schroeter—the first general store put up before Mr Thomas erected his general store in 1889. Mrs Westlake took a great interest in the Primitive Church, and there she was always helping in some way or other. I went to a strawberry fete one evening, in November, when I learnt that Mrs. Westlake had purchased all the strawberries for the turn-out, and also paid the carriage to Bute from Adelaide. The fete brought in a good, round sum at the finish. Mrs Westlake managed the business, which included greengroceries, as well as other groceries, and their shop was open every night till 8 p.m.—no seven hours a day in those days—and we all lived through it. Mr Westlake has left a widow and grown-up family.

Mr S .Roberts, who recently passed out, was also a resident of Willamulka. Particulars of this life were published in your paper about a fortnight ago.

Kadina and Wallaroo Times (SA : 1888 - 1954), Friday 4 January 1946, page 4

A Christmas tree and concert was the happy function which marked the break-up of the Willamulka school for 1945. The Chairman of the School Committee (Mr A. V. Harrison) was in the chair. Credit is due to the teacher, Miss B. Green for arranging so many good items with only eight scholars. The scholars Maureen Langmead, Elaine Harrison. Allan Shrubsole, Viola Cowley, Fay Harrison, Betty Gear, Mary Shrubsole and Ruth Harrison all entered into the concert with great enthusiasm, being attired in suitable costumes for each item. Others who contributed to the program were Gwenyth Beare, Esme Langmead, Mervyn Beare and Glen Cowley. Elaine Harrison and Maureen Langmead received their Progress Certificates. Although very busy the parents and friends worked hard to prepare and light the building for the occasion.