Mullewa Mail Saturday 24th February 1940
Mrs H. J. Stafford
The news of the death of Mrs Stafford, wife of Mr. H. J. Stafford, of Tenindewa, which occurred in Perth on Friday morning of last week will be received with very great regret by a wide circle of close friends.
Mrs. Stafford, who had not been in good health for some time, went with her husband several weeks ago to stay in Perth. A few days prior to her death news was received that she was seriously ill, and yesterday the information came that she had passed away.
She was held in the highest esteem by a large number of friends and is survived by her husband, one son (Mr. C. J. Stafford of Tenindewa), and four daughters –Matron Stafford (Narrogin) and Mrs. Dunkin, Mrs. Griffiths and Mrs. Hamilton. (all of Tenindewa)
March 1st 1940
Tenindewa Notes
The Township is quiet at present owing to a number of residents being away on a well-earned holiday.
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The heartfelt sympathy of the district is extended to Mr. H. J. Stafford of Tenindewa in the sad loss of his wife. Mrs. Stafford played a big part in the social life of the early days of the district and made a large circle of friends both at Tenindewa and Geraldton.
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CBH Ltd are roofing the bulk head at the siding, and when complete will be quite impressive
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The remaining young folk, who have either not yet taken the opportunity to take holidays or have returned endeavor to amuse themselves by holding dances at Mr. Groom’s home. [Formally Fry’s house]
June 7th 1940
Tenindewa Notes
It is with great regret that we report the death of of Mrs. E Johnson, wife of Mr. H. W. Johnson of Bindu. Mrs. Johnson underwent an operation recently, but slowly faded away, her death taking place at Geraldton this morning. The Johnson’s were among the earliest settlers to take up land in the Tenindewa district., where they reared their family. Mrs. Johnson was well and favorably known for her hospitality and kind gestures.
The countryside it beginning to look green once again and it is the hope of everyone that the which threatens will result in a good soaking rain so badly needed.
The local tennis club will play a Mullewa team at Mullewa on Sunday next and an enjoyable day’s tennis is anticipated.
June 1942
Holidaying in Tenindewa is Mr. H. J Stafford who is visiting members of his family, looks the picture of health in spite of his 77 years and seems as young as ever. Mr. Stafford retired from active farming pursuits in this district three years ago and has retired to his little orchard property in the hills near Mundaring.
Dave Bell paid a brief visit to see his parents, prior to him being drafted with the armed forces in the defense of Australia.
Other members of the forces on leave are Private Dick Dunkin, who is helping his dad with the seeding operation and Corporal Robbie Weir, who is doing some good work down Eradu way. Did someone say the wedding bells were being polished up?
Many fond farewells and good wishes have been extended to Mr. and Mrs. George Elliott, who having retired and are taking up residence in or close to Perth, so are near to the family. Mr. Elliott was the local Australian Bank inspector who was well and favorably received by all. The district regrets having to part with such genial people. (Their many friends in the Mullewa district also extend very best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Elliott.)
Geraldton Guardian and Express
Old Tenindewa Identity
Late Mrs. Eves F. A. Eves (Thursday 8th May 1947)
The ever-thinning band of early pioneers of the northern districts was still further depleted with the death at the Mullewa District Hospital on Saturday last of Mrs Francis Agnus Eves, wife of Mr. S. Eves of Ilma Station.
The deceased lady had been in ill health for some years, but despite this fact her death came as a painful shock to the members of her family and to her wide circle of friends and acquaintances scattered throughout the State.
The late Mrs Eves was born on the Greenough in the home of her parents (The late Mr. and Mrs J Gilmore) near the old Golden Sheaf Hotel. Her father was for a number of years in the employ of the late Mr. John Maley at the old Greenough Flour Mill and the deceased retained vivid memories of the Greenough in its heyday. Forty Five years ago she married Mr. Eves who was then engaged in the Western Australian Government Railways. She resided at various centres in the northern areas before making he home at Tenindewa, and recalled with pride her association with a banquet tendered at Nabewa to the then Premier (Mr. Frank Wilson), Mr. M. F Troy and others distinguished in the parliamentary life of the State on the occasion of the opening of the railway running through the Chapman Valley. Immediately following her arrival at Tenindewa the late Mrs. Eves entered wholeheartedly into the embryo community life of the district. Although denied the opportunity of what would be termed today an adequate education, her services were ever in demand by the early settlers to assist in the transaction of business affairs and she conducted the first Post Office at the siding.
Water was then, as now, a pressing problem. The early settlers, in carving farms out of virgin country, had been vouchsafed [sic] little opportunity of making provision for water supplies, and their needs were drawn from the condenser at Geraldton and railed to Tenindewa. Orders for water were accepted by the late Mrs. Eves who supervised its delivery to the settlers. She was charged with the ordering of railway trucks for the farmers and in the transaction of innumerable business details for members of the small but ever growing community.
In 1917 Mr. Eves moved to “Ilma” Station which is situated twenty-two miles [38 kilometers] south of Tenindewa and till almost the time of her death the deceased lady closely associated herself with the conduct of the property. She continued to take a live interest in the social life of the community and was prominently associated with the conduct of entertainments in the Railway Goods Shed for the purpose of raising funds for the building of the Tenindewa Hall. Despite her own family responsibilities, the late Mrs. Eves found time to bring happiness into the lives of the children of the district and was the organiser of Christmas Trees fetes [sic] held at Tenindewa for a number of years, whilst she assisted with the conduct of functions which resulted in the establishment of a school in the district.
She was ever a friend to those in need and many residents retain the happiest recollections of her ministrations in times of illness or misfortune. She is survived by a husband and two daughters (Mesdames M. Kember, of Geraldton and I. Lauder, of Perth) and two sons (Messrs. George of Ilma Station and Cecil Eves, of Bluff Point)
The funeral took place in the Anglican portion of the Utakarra Cemetery on Monday last, the prayers at the graveside being recited by the Rev. K. B. Halley.
Old Identity Passes
Greenough Sun (September 29th 1949)
One of the earliest settlers in the Tenindewa District, the late Mr. G. B. Valentine, passed away in Perth Hospital on March 12th at the age of 82.
The deceased had been in failing health for some time but had been able follow his usual pursuits until he had a seizure on the evening of his birthday, September the 7th. He was taken to hospital but lapsed into a coma from which he did not regain consciousness. His funeral took place at Karrakatta cemetery and was attended by a number of relatives and friends and the most of the latter being old Mullewa identities.
The pall bearers were Hon. C. H. Simpson, MLC, Messrs. R.G. Storey, C.J. Keeffe, R. Dunkin. J. McNamara and J. McCarthey.
The chief mourners were. Mr. and Mrs. Tansley (with whom the deceased had been living) Mrs. Cadman (niece) and R. J. Latto (nephew). Amongst others present who had been closely associated with Mr. Valentine in the pioneer days was Mr. H .J. Stafford late of Tenindewa.
Amongst the floral tributes were Wreaths from the Mullewa Masonic Lodge and the R.A.O.D. with both of which the deceased had been prominently associated.
Mr. Valentine came originally from Victoria bat had engaged in mining activities in various parts of W.A. prior to taking up land near Tenindewa about 40 years ago. [1909]
He was a progressive farmer, and a keen supporter of district activities, and had a wide circle of friends. He was one of the original Vice Presidents of the Agricultural Society and his trophy for the sheep section inspired keen competition for some years. His retirement from farming activities some fifteen years ago owing to failing health severed a link with his early associations, but his cheery good humour and his well developed fund of human sympathy will cause his memory to be cherished by his many friends amongst the older residents.
April 1949
Tenindewa Notes
Greenough Sun (Thursday 14th April 1949)
The second draw of the local Tennis Club’s handicap tournament was played on Sunday the 10 of April. Play was well up to standard and players were very keen. Following are the results of the days matches;
Men’s Singles
T. Foster defeated K. Butler
5-6, 6-1, 6-2
D. Heelan defeated G. Rumble
6-4, 6-1
L. Starling defeated F. Butler
6-4, 6-4
Men’s Doubles
A. Cream and D. Brenkley defeated P. Butler and J. Brenkley
6-5, 1-6, 6-3
E. Hearne and W. Cox defeated D. Heelan and F. Butler
6-4, 2-6, 10-8
Mixed Doubles
Mr. and Mrs. Oldham defeated W. Weir and Mrs. G. Rumble
6-5, 6-3
Mr. and Mrs. Oldham defeated Mr. and Mrs. Hayes
3-7, 7-5, 6-5
E. Hearne and Mrs. Foster defeated J. Brenkley and Miss Gloria Butler
6-0, 6-5
Girls Júnior Singles
Miss. Kitty. O’Brien defeated Miss Doreen Butler
6-1, 4-6, 6-2
Boy’s Junior Singles
(Final)
K. Butler defeated D. Brenkley
6-3, 6-5
Congratulations to our local cricketer who seems to have the habit of carrying his bat lately.
Mr. and Mrs. R. Weir and family are expected home this week after spending a short holiday in the City.
With the coming Easter tournaments in Geraldton, local entrants are hard at practice. Although their efforts have been in vain in previous years we wish them every success this season.
November 9th 1950
Geraldton Sun
Tenindewa Pars
Our local Hall was the scene of a happy gathering recently when all our folk got together and gave a send off to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hayes, who have been farming in this district for 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes will be greatly missed by our Tennis Club as they were both very enthusiastic members of the club for a number of years. Mr. Hayes was also a keen supporter of our Progress Association. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes had to give up farming on account of ill health, and they are now living at Safety Bay.
Some of the farmers are at it again. Saw some harvesters and tractors getting busy this week.
Weir Bros. recently took delivery of a new Lanz tractor.
Mr. Bill Cox and Miss Gloria Butler went to Perth on Wednesday’s Diesel to meet a young man named Paul St. John who has been on a trip to England. Believe Paul is an old resident of Tenindewa
June 7th 1951
Geraldton Sun
Tenindewa Pars
The siding is now getting back to normal again after the severe storm of New Years Eve. Most of the storm damage has been repaired and the debris removed.
A very enjoyable evening was spent last Sunday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Rumble, in aid of the candidature of the Tenindewa Queen (Miss. Kitty O’Brien). The time was passed in games and other activities and the evening was brought to a close with a delightful supper. many thanks to this popular couple (George and Roma) for their untiring work in the presentation of this successful evening.
Mrs. Heelan is now holidaying with her daughter , Mrs. Tom Foster of Tenindewa.
The friends of Mr. J. O’Brien of Kojarina, will be sorry to learn of his illness and many friends of this district join in wishing him a speedy recovery.
Congratulations to Miss Sheila Moore of Indarra who will celebrate her coming of age on Sunday next.
