BIRTHS
17067/1868 DOWNING MARGARET R ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
17741/1870 DOWNING MARY A E ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
18248/1871 DOWNING SARAH B ROBERT J REBECCA in TUMUT
18356/1872 DOWNING ROBERT ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
20097/1874 DOWNING UNNAMED ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
20478/1875 DOWNING ELLEN M ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
21143/1876 DOWNING THOMAS ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
23074/1878 DOWNING KATHLEEN B ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
24330/1879 DOWNING FREDERICK PHILIP ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
27548/1881 DOWNING JOHN ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
28482/1882 DOWNING JOSEPHINE MAUD ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
31077/1883 DOWNING ANNE ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
34705/1886 DOWNING FLORENCE A ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
36565/1888 DOWNING MONA R ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
35071/1889 DOWNING JOHN G ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
BIRTHS.
32698/1884 DOWNING ROBERT W MICHAEL JOSEPH ELIZABETH in TUMUT
36573/1888 DOWNING ADELAIDE E MICHAEL ELIZABETH in TUMUT
34408/1890 DOWNING EDITH M MICHAEL J ELIZABETH in TUMUT
35446/1892 DOWNING JOHN MICHAEL J ELIZABETH in TUMUT
35565/1893 DOWNING MATTHEW MICHAEL ELIZABETH in TUMUT
37431/1895 DOWNING ELIZABETH MICHAEL J ELIZABETH in TUMUT
26155/1898 DOWNING ARTHUR MICHAEL J ELIZABETH in TUMUT
1901 DOWNING, MICHAEL parents MICHAEL J & ELIZABETH M in TUMUT, NSW - (Ref- NSW BDM 8000/1901) - In 1939 - COMMITTED FOR TRIAL ON MURDER CHARGE - Inquest Into Tumut Tragedy, SYDNEY. February 28 - Norman Niddrie, 23. labourer, was committed for trial from the Tumut Coroner's Court today on a charge of murdering Michael Joseph Downing, at the rear of the Woolpack Hotel. Tumut, on January 28. In two signed statements which were alleged to have been made to the Police by the accused and which were tendered in evidence during the inquest on Downing, Niddrie admitted being in the comnany of Downing in the yard adjoining the hotel on the night of January 28. According to the alleged statements. Downing asked him whether he had any money and then put his hand in Niddrie's pocket. Niddrie swung around and knocked him over. He fell against an iron fence. Returning later, Niddrie found that Downing wes badly hurt. He called assistance and took bini to a doctor and then to the Tumut Hospital. He asked Downing twice who had hit him. but be said he did know who his assailants were. They had robbed him of 12s. Dr J. Meson said that death was due to shock and hamorhage of the left lung. The lower right jaw was fractured in several places and there were severe head and body injuries. In his opinion the injuries could not have been caused by a punch or by falling on a stone or a stump, but could have been caused by several kicks.- (Ref- Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Wednesday 22 February 1939).
1939 - THREE YEARS' GAOL FOR MANSLAUGHTER .AFTERMATH OF FIGHT IN TUMUT. Norman Niddrie, 29, labourer, at Sydney Criminal Court -yesterday, was sentenced to imprisonment for three years for manslaughter. He had been, charged with having murdered Michael Joseph Downing at Tumut on January 29, but the jury returned a verdict of manslaughter and recommended mercy. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr McKeen, K.C.) said that Niddrie was drinking in the Woolpack Hotel on January 28, and left when the licensee told him the Police were coming. He met Downing near the hotel. According to Niddrie, Downing asked for money, which was refused. Several blows were struck when Downing went to put his hands in Niddrie's pocket. Downing was taken to hospital where he died. Dr. John Mason said Downing's jaw was broken in two places, and there were heavy bruises on his ribs. Niddrie, from the dock, said he did not know the man who attempted to put his hand in his pocket was Downing until he had fallen to the ground. On recognising Downing he took him to the doctor and later to the hospital. He would not have hit Downing had he known who he was. He had been acquainted with him for 12 years, and Downing had done his mother many good turns. He was very sorry Downing was dead. Mr Justice Maxwell directed that the sentence date from February 29, Nidarie having been in gaol since then. - (Ref- Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954) (about) Previous issue Friday 17 March 1939).
1930 - Man Found Dying. SYDNEY, Jan. 29. - Police believe that thieves savagely attacked Michael J. Downing (40), single, of Simpson street, Tumut, in the yard at the rear of an hotel in Tumut on Saturday night and, after striking and kicking him about the head and robbing him of 12 shillings, left him dying on the ground.
He died an hour after he was found. Mr. Downing was well known in the Tumut township, where he had lived for some time. Detectives are trying to trace his movements on Saturday night but they are handicapped by the incomplete story he was able to tell before he died.
About 11 p.m. Harold Meddrie, of Tumut, was passing the hotel yard when he heard a man moaning and, on investigation, he discovered Mr. Downing. His face and head were covered in blood. Mr. Meddrie summoned the Police and Mr. Downing was carried to the Tumut Hospital. Between lapses into unconsciousness he was interviewed by detectives and he said that during the night he had been in the company of men whom he did not know. He had 12/ in his pockets and suddenly, when he was at the rear of the hotel, he was attacked. He remembered being knocked down but before he could be questioned concerning the identity of his attackers he became unconscious again and a few minutes later he was dead. - (Ref- Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954)(about) Previous issue Thursday 2 February 1939).
BIRTHS
8383/1905 DOWNING, ROBERT R parents ROBERT & FRANCES J in TUMUT
18847/1907 DOWNING, FRANCIS G parents ROBERT & FRANCES J in TUMUT
19406/1908 DOWNING, REBECCA M parents ROBERT & FRANCIS J in TUMUT
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13020/1859 DOWNING, CHARLES parents ROBERT & MARGARET in TUMUT
13539/1861 DOWNING, FEMALE parents ROBERT & MARGARET in TUMUT
15817/1865 DOWNING, ELLEN parent MARGARET in TUMUT
16809/1867 DOWNING, CHARLES E parents ROBERT & MARGARET in TUMUT
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8032/1896 DOWNING DOROTHY L MATHEW S & LILLIAN in TUMUT
26634/1897 DOWNING ROBERT M MATHEW S & LILIAN F A in TUMUT
35177/1898 DOWNING ALLEN J MATHEW S & LILIAN F A in TUMUT
17250/1900 DOWNING MARGARET E MATHEW S & LILLIAN F A in TUMUT
7603/1902 DOWNING MAUD MATHEW S & LILIAN F A in TUMUT
34910/1903 DOWNING MATHEW MATHEW S & LILIAN F A in TUMUT
18786/1906 DOWNING KATHLEEN M MATHEW S & LILIAN A F in TUMUT
18787/1906 DOWNING JOSEPHINE F MATHEW S & LILIAN A F in TUMUT
19410/1908 DOWNING GERTRUDE M MATTHEW S & LILIAN F A in TUMUT
20735/1910 DOWNING PATRICK MATTHEW S & LILLIAN F in TUMUT
DEATHS - Downing
10001/1875 DOWNING JOHN BARTHOLOMEW BRIDGET in TUMUT
14587/1891 DOWNING ROBERT BARTHOLOMEW BRIDGET in TUMUT
12884/1892 DOWNING JOHN MICHAEL J ELIZABETH in TUMUT
3285/1901 DOWNING JOSEPHINE M ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
11391/1910 DOWNING LILIAN F SAMUEL ELIZABETH in TUMUT
11399/1910 DOWNING REBECCA M ROBERT FRANCES J in TUMUT
14260/1893 DOWNING ROBERT ROBERT MARGARET in TUMUT
8151/1896 DOWNING ADELAIDE K MICHAEL J ELIZABETH in TUMUT
7334/1898 DOWNING ROBERT M S MATHEW S LILLIAN in TUMUT
11665/1898 DOWNING ARTHUR MICHAEL J ELIZABETH in TUMUT
10895/1881 DOWNING JOHN ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
11811/1883 DOWNING ANNIE ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
10806/1905 DOWNING MARGARET THOMAS ANNE in TUMUT
22413/1954 DOWNING MARY THOMAS MARY in TUMUT
5358/1955 DOWNING MATTHEW SYLVESTER MICHAEL JOSEPH ELIZABETH in TUMUT
5756/1957 DOWNING MARY ANNE MICHAEL JOSEPH ELIZABETH in TUMUT
35417/1969 DOWNING MATTHEW SYLVESTER MATTHEW SYLVESTER LILLIAN in TUMUT
14081/1949 DOWNING FREDERICK JAMES MICHAEL JOSEPH ELIZABETH in TUMUT
10556/1948 DOWNING FREDERICK SIMON ROBERT MARGARET in TUMUT
21412/1947 DOWNING ROBERT WILLIAM MICHAEL JOSEPH ELIZABETH in TUMUT
6425/1919 DOWNING MAUD MATTHEW S LILLIAN F in TUMUT
11541/1920 DOWNING ROBERT FREDERICK FLORENCE in TUMUT
11545/1920 DOWNING REBECCA THOMAS MARGARET in TUMUT
3179/1923 DOWNING ELIZABETH WILLIAM H BRIDGET in TUMUT
12318/1915 DOWNING THOMAS J ROBERT MARGARET in TUMUT
6159/1951 DOWNING ALLAN JOHN MATTHEW SYLVESTER LILLIAN FRANCES in TUMUT
13166/1951 DOWNING FREDERICK PHILLIP ROBERT REBECCA in TUMUT
25516/1935 DOWNING JOHN H ALLAN J VERA M in TUMUT
11263/1936 DOWNING MATTHEW SYLVESTER ROBERT MARGARET in TUMUT
6295/1939 DOWNING MICHAEL JOSEPH MICHAEL JOSEPH ELIZABETH in TUMUT
25840/1939 DOWNING MICHAEL JOSEPH ROBERT MARGARET in TUMUT
71303/1971 DOWNING ROBERT PATRICK FREDERICK SIMON MARY in TUMUT
Marriage - Downing males
3114/1867 DOWNING ROBERT married Miss GELLING REBECCA in TUMUT
7233/1884 DOWNING JOHN married Miss CONNOLLY ELIZABETH in TUMUT
6917/1894 DOWNING MATHEW S PEMBROOK LILIAN F A in TUMUT
6917/1894 DOWNING MATTHEW L PEMBROOK LILLIAN F A in TUMUT
6663/1910 DOWNING FREDERICK S married Miss QUILTY MARY J in TUMUT
6664/1910 DOWNING FREDERICK P married Miss KILEY, FLORENCE C in TUMUT
12135/1952 DOWNING MATTHEW SYLVESTER married Miss WILKINSON JEAN MARGARET in TUMUT
11813/1920 DOWNING ALLAN J married Miss BARBOUR VERA M in TUMUT
8700/1925 DOWNING MATTHEW S married Miss PETHER EDITH M in TUMUT
Marriage - Downing females
4297/1876 SHEAHAN JEREMIAH married DOWNING MARY ANN in TUMUT
6679/1882 MACDONALD JOHN married DOWNING MARGARET MARY in TUMUT
6679/1882 MCDONALD JOHN married DOWNING MARGARET MARY in TUMUT
7223/1884 NASH WILLIAM C DOWNING JOHANA M in TUMUT
7126/1889 THOM JAMES married DOWNING KATE in TUMUT
7675/1891 THOM WILLIAM married DOWNING ELLEN in TUMUT
7302/1892 MACNAMARA JAMES married DOWNING MARY A in TUMUT
2259/1900 O'SULLIVAN THOMAS married DOWNING SARAH B in TUMUT
4824/1900 BEALE JOHN married DOWNING KATHLEEN in TUMUT
6992/1903 EMERY JAMES E married DOWNING MARGARET A in TUMUT
7568/1912 MILLER JAMES married DOWNING ELLEN M in TUMUT
9321/1909 NAUGHTON THOMAS H married DOWNING MARGARET R in TUMUT
5471/1915 MACGUIGAN WILLIAM S married DOWNING EDITH M
5471/1915 MCGUIGAN WILLIAM S married DOWNING EDITH M in TUMUT
6512/1921 GILLINGHAM JOHN C married DOWNING MARGARET E in TUMUT
6519/1916 BARBER ROBERT E married DOWNING FLORENCE A in TUMUT
3179/1926 COOKE ROBERT W married DOWNING KATHLEEN M in TUMUT
Tumut, NSW
DOWNING Annie
DOWNING Bartholomew
DOWNING Charles
DOWNING Elizabeth
DOWNING John
DOWNING John
DOWNING Josephine Maude
DOWNING Lilian Frances
DOWNING Margaret
DOWNING Michael Joseph
DOWNING Rebecca
DOWNING Robert
(Ref- http://hodgeswebsite.tripod.com/Pioneer%20Cemetery.htm).
1893 - Tumut. Death, of a Pioneer. - At the Killarney Inn, Gilmore, Mr. Robert Downing, grazier, of Rosebank, departed this life. The deceased, who was 48 years of age, was a native of this district and a member of a very large family circle. He was a well-known man, and deeply respected by all who knew him. A short time since he went to St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, to bo treatod for tumor on tho brain, but his case was hopeless, and he waa brought home to live. He leaves a widow and 13 children-three sons and 10 daughters, for whom much sympathy is felt. The remains were interred in the Catholic Cemetery. An immense cortege attended the funeral. - (Ref- Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907)(about) Previous issue Saturday 2 September 1893).
REPORT FROM RUTH
Robert Downing (Snr) was my Great great Grandfather.
Robert Downing Snr married Miss Margaret Quilty
Robert Downing was born 1810 Co.Kerry Ireland,transported on Convict ship " Andromeda 2"
Margaret Quilty was born April 1826 Co.Limerick Ireland,arrived on the "Aliquis" in 1839 with parents Thomas and Ann Quilty and 6 siblings, Robert & Margaret married on20/03/1843 at Gobarralong.
Robert was 18 years old when he departed Cork Ireland on the transport ship " Andromeda 2 " his brother John aged 19 was also on the ship.
Both had been sentenced for 7 years in the colony for stealing money. They arrived in NSW on 8/12/1830. Robert was assigned to Richard Tress of Appin NSW.
A few years later he entered the employ of Mr Broughton who then owned Bombowlee Run.
Robert was a man of strong physique and determination and was known around the district as " Kerry Bob".
He took up land on the Gilmore, the portion of land then fronting the GilmoreCreek. The aboriginal name being Doolyalah.
In 1848 Robert acquired a run of 6400 acres No. 41 Murrumbidgee Pastoral Area. In the same year, in partnership with Richard Heavers, he acquired grazing Run No. 62 Murrumbidgee Pastoral Area on the Gilmore Creek.
Robert built the Killarney Hotel near the subsequent site of Gilmore railway station and which before it closed was kept by Mrs Rebecca Downing, his daughter-in-law until she purchased The Star Hotel Tumut.
In about 1857 he purchased Riley's Hotel upper Adelong during the Gold Diggings.
In 1861 Robert in partnership with his brother-in-law, Timothy O'Mara purchased freeholds of 321 & 325 Acres at Rosebank on the Gilmore Creek.
He followed up grazing pursuits & during his lifetime secured broad acres in no less than 5 parishes in the county of Wynyard.
In 1862 he purchased Gadara Estate, which served as a comfortable home for the rest of their life.
Robert took a deep interest in politics and in the days of the hustings platform orations, his stenorian voice would be heard urging the claims of candidatures whose cause he espoused.
Robert Died 13/10/1891 Gadara
Margaret Died 23/7/1905 Gadara
Both are buried in Pioneer Cemetery Tumut.
They left a lineage of Immense proportions, more than half of the people in the district being related in some way.
Three children died young and the remainder introduced the direct descendants of 60 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Probate on Roberts estate sworn 18thFebruary 1892 at £5726.
15 Children of Robert and Margaret
25/2/1844 - Gilmore Bartholomew Died 1845
1845 - Gilmore Robert - 1867Tumut - Rebecca Gelling - Died 27/8/1893 Tumut 9/8/1846 Thomas J - 22/5/1871 Gundagai - Catherine M Riley - Died 17/8/1915 Tumut 1/3/1848 John - 1884 - Tumut - Elizabeth Connelly - Died 7/6/1922 Temora 11/2/1851 Ann Died 11/6/1856 3/11/1852 Maryanne - 1876 Tumut - Jeremiah Sheahan - Died 1939 Gundagai 25/4/1854 Michael Joseph - 1878Tumut - Elizabeth Cassidy- Died 22/8/1939 Tumut 1858 Margaret Mary - 1882Tumut - John McDonald- Died 5/11/1939 Albury 1859 Charles Died 2/3/1861 Tumut 1861 Johanna Mary - 1884Tumut- William Nash - Died 12/12/1944 Adelong 1863 Catherine Cecilia -1889 Tumut - JamesThom - Died 1936 Temora 1865 Ellen - - 1891 Tumut- William Thom - Died 15/4/1951 Bondi 1867 Charles Edward - Died 21/7/1950 Adelong 1870 Mathew sylvestor - 1894Tumut - 1. Lillian Penbroke - 2.KathleenFennell Died 1936 5/3/1872 Frederick Simon - 1910Tumut - Mary J Quilty Died 1948 Tumut ==============================================================================================================
Thomas Quilty - Ann Hayes
Thomas Quilty was born in 1786 in Shanagolden Co. Limerick.
Ann Hayes was born abt 1799 in Shanagolden Co. Limerick.
They married in 1817 Limerick.
Thomas and Ann arrived per " Aliquis" 16/3/1839 with Children Thomas (20 Carpenter) Mary 16, Johanna 14, Margaret 12, Michael 10, Ann 7 and Edward 7 months.
Their eldest daughter Ellen had married Jeremiah Kennelly 5/10/1838 just before they left and did not accompany them.
On arrival in Australia the family made their way to Gobarralong area where they appeared to stay for a few years before settling on the Gilmore Creek.
Thomas later bought blocks in Tumut after its relocation following the disastrous floods of 1852. His assets provided him with a comfortable living in his old age.
In electrol roll of 1859 Thomas Jnr appeared as a freeholder at Bombowlee and younger boys Michael and Edward held licences of the Tumut and Woolpack Inns respectively.
Allexcept Michael remained in the area for the rest of their lives marring into local families.
Margaret married Robert Downing (1st).
Johanna's first husband was Timothy O'Mara from Tipperary who commenced the first public house The Woolpack together with his brother-in-law Robert Downing.
He bought Rosebank estate, held a squatters licence (partnership with his brother-in-law John McNamara) for 40,000 acres at the head of the Gilmore and owned 1090acres at the junction of the Goobraganda and Tumut rivers. On Timothy's death 1860, Johanna married John Henry Cassidy, an American miner.
Her brother had already taken over the licence of The Woolpack but died aged 23 following combined effects from a fall off a horse and a fist fight in which he was knocked out.
Following a letter from Thomas (1st) in 1851 Ellen and her husband Jeremiah Kennelly and five children joined the family and had a further 7 children in Australia, they settled in Lacmalac where Jeremiah donated land for the first school. Although Jeremiah and Ellen were late in emigrating, the discovery of gold at Lacmalac is credited with assisting them to early prosperity.
In the late 1850's the Quilty family headed the list of donors to the fund to build Tumut's first catholic church.
Thomas Quilty died 5/16/1870 Tumut
Ann Quilty died 1/2/1881 Tumut - Both buried in the Pioneer Cemetery
8 children of Thomas and Ann Quilty
25/12/1818 Limerick Thomas - 18/10/1846Tumut - 1. Johanna Walsh 8/4/1860
2. Mary Clifford Died 29/12/1893 Windowie
1820 Limerick Ellen- 5/10/1838 Limerick - JeremiahKennelly Died 6/9/1888 Gadara
1822 Limerick Mary - 8/4/1840 Gobarralong - John McNamara Died 5/3/1897 Tumut
5/1/1824 Limerick Johanna - 2/5/1843Gobarralong- 1. Timothy O'Mara Jan 1870 Tumut- 2.
John Henry Cassidy Died 30/10/1881 Tumut
April1826 Limerick Margaret- 20/3/1843 Gobarralong- Robert Downing 1st Died 23/7/1905 Gadara
29/9/1829 Limerick Michael - 1857Gobarralong - Sarah Quilter Died 21/1/1892 Sydney Rookwood
27/12/1831 Limerick Ann - 21/5/1851 Tumut- Hugh O'Niel Tumut Died 24/3/1915 Tumut
Sept1838 Limerick Edward- 7/8/1859 Tumut - Ellen Bow Died 17/1/1862 Tumut
Regards Ruth via Ali ====================================================================================================
The PRESIDENT: I regret to inform the House of the death on 9 September 1994 of Robert Reginald Downing, AC, QC, aged 89 years, a former member of this House.
The Hon. J. P. HANNAFORD (Attorney General, Minister for Justice, and Vice President of the Executive Council) [2.43]: I move:
(1) That this House express and place on record its deep regret in the loss sustained to the State by the death on 9 September 1994 of Mr Robert Reginald Downing, AC, QC, former Attorney-General and Leader of the Government in this House.
(2) That this resolution be communicated by the President to the family of the deceased.
I express my regret at the death of Reg Downing, Esq., a former Leader of the Government in this House and the State's longest-serving Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Reg Downing was Page 2874 born in Tumut in 1904. He was educated at Tumut Convent School and later at St Patrick's College, Goulburn. Honourable members would be interested to know that over the past 60 years St Patrick's College has produced four Attorneys General - Joseph Lamaro, from 1931 to 1932; Billy Sheahan, from 1953 to 1956; Reg Downing, from 1956 to 1965; and me. One might say that St Patrick's record is extraordinary. Later this month the school had planned to honour Reg Downing. It was proposed to give him the college's Age Quod Agis award in recognition of his living out the full meaning of the college motto: "Idealism in action and the reward for its pursuance". I know it will be a matter of great sorrow to both his family and his school that he did not live to have the honour conferred upon him.
After leaving school at the age of 15 Reg Downing's first job was sorting rabbit skins. He later came to Sydney and worked in a textile factory where he developed an interest in trade union affairs. Through hard work and an ability to totally represent the needs of the people he worked with he became President of the Australian Textile Workers Union in 1928. By that time Reg Downing was already a member of the Australian Labor Party. He stood for preselection, and in 1940 was duly elected a member of the Legislative Council. During this time Reg Downing was, quite remarkably, halfway through a four-year course in law, having matriculated in 1938 after putting in long hours of study while at the Australian Textile Workers Union. His dedication to hard work and his willingness to improve himself in order to better serve the people of this State is a mark of the type of man he was.
As a third-year law student Reg Downing became Minister of Justice and Vice-President of the Executive Council in the McKell Government when it came to office in 1941. He was admitted to the bar in March 1943. In 32 years as a member of the Legislative Council he served as Leader of the Government and Vice-President of the Executive Council for 24 of those years, Minister of Justice for 19 years, Attorney-General for nine years and Leader of the Opposition for seven years. This was a remarkable personal achievement. It was also an achievement for the serving Government to have found and to have held a man of such profound commitment. His singular contribution to the law included pioneering measures in consumer law, women's rights and uniform national companies legislation. He played a major role in establishing the Suitors Fund and law reform committees, which became the precursors of the Law Reform Commission, and he actively pursued the abolition of capital punishment in New South Wales.
As Minister of Justice, Reg Downing was extremely active. He travelled overseas to examine many aspects of prison systems in operation in other countries. He will be remembered for never losing sight of the humanitarian aspects of prison control. He implemented new training and educational opportunities for prisoners in New South Wales gaols that were the forerunners of the systems in place today. After his departure from government in 1965 Reg Downing returned to active practice at the bar, taking silk in 1973 and thereafter appearing in a number of celebrated High Court and Privy Council cases prior to his retirement. He was a Fellow of the Senate of the University of Sydney for 18 years and received an honorary doctorate of laws from that university in 1972.
Reg Downing was also a foundation member of the New South Wales Cancer Council and was very active within the Australian Cancer Society. The naming of the Downing Centre in Elizabeth Street, Sydney, in 1991 honoured a man who devoted 32 years to making and practising law in New South Wales. On behalf of the New South Wales Government and this House I convey to members of his family, some of whom are close personal friends of mine, that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. I should like to note also the passing of the former New South Wales Minister of Justice and member of the Legislative Assembly from 1952 to 1971, Jack Mannix, who passed away on 17 June. To his wife, his children and grandchildren, I extend the condolences of this House.
The Hon. J. R. JOHNSON [2.48]: I speak on behalf of the Opposition. Robert Reginald Downing, Esq., AC, QC, died on 9 September 1994. He was the last of the original McKell Ministers. Today we pay honour to this great Australian. Reg Downing, inter alia, was the quintessential politician; indeed, the quintessential parliamentarian. We who knew him well were singularly honoured, for he could always be relied on. He loved his family; he loved his God; he loved this institution. He cherished his Irish ancestry. He loved his trade union; he had much love for his beloved Australian Labor Party. Above all, he loved his fellow men and, in turn, was loved by all who knew him. He was a man of singular virtue. In the almost 40 years that I knew him I never once heard an unkind remark or word made about him. In a parliamentary context, he was the original cedar of Lebanon. He was a giant of a man; he was a dedicated visionary.
Reg Downing entered the portals of this institution on 23 April 1940 and exited them on 4 February 1972 after 32 years of glorious service. From 1941 to 1956 he was the Leader of the Government in this Chamber, Minister of Justice, and Vice-President of the Executive Council. From 1956 to 1960 he was Attorney-General, Minister of Justice, and Vice-President of the Executive Council. From 1962 to 1965 he was Attorney General and Vice-President of the Executive Council, as well as being the Leader of the Opposition. Reg Downing had an extraordinary influence on people, particularly me. During the time in the 1950s when I was State President of Young Labor, Reg was always, and in all ways, prepared to open his door to me and the then Secretary of Young Labor, the Hon. Deirdre Grusovin. He attended our functions and conferences. He was always prepared to lend a willing ear to the young and was ever ready with sound practical advice. I try to emulate him by never closing my door to the young.
Page 2875
This Chamber was fortunate in the extreme to have a man of such capacity as its leader of government or opposition for such a long period of great change. The 40-hour week, long service leave, up-to-date workers' compensation, update of the industrial laws, prison reform, protection for the rights of people entering hire-purchase contracts, lay-bys and cash order agreements were part of Reg Downing's glory. Prior to entering Parliament he was schooled at the convent at Tumut and, for one year, at St Patrick's in Goulburn. After leaving school at 15, he started, as the Attorney has said, sorting rabbit skins. He moved to Sydney and was employed in the lowest paid section of Bonds Limited: in the scouring room.
As with most young fellows who have Irish mothers and who leave home, Reg followed the great traditions of joining a union, joining the Labor Party, banking Commonwealth, attending mass on Sunday and marrying a Catholic. His union was the Textile Workers Union. He rose to every position that union could offer. He served on the Federal Executive of the Australian Labor Party. He served on the executive of the New South Wales branch of the Textile Workers Union. He was a trustee of the Labor Council, president of his union, and acting secretary of the State branch in 1934, and later in that year he became the general secretary. Some years ago he was honoured for his service to law and justice in this State when the Downing Centre was named after him.
His wife and daughter predeceased him and he is survived by two sons. He had a brother, Frank, who was a former member for Ryde. His cousin was Thomas O'Mara, who from 1882 to 1889 was the member for Tumut and then Monaro. Another two of his cousins became Attorneys General of this State: the Hon. Terry Sheahan and the Hon. Billy Sheahan. It was indeed a remarkable family. I can remember Reg telling me on one occasion how he came to do law. When he was elected as a trade union official he had an accident at Marrickville. During his long period of convalescence in hospital he was visited by his long-time friend W. J. McKell. McKell said to him, "Mate, you have got to matriculate". He matriculated in one year. He was not a good student but he put his head down.
McKell then said to him, "Do law". He did law. He rose to the highest position offered by the law in New South Wales. McKell nurtured him. On one occasion he suggested that he should nominate for the Legislative Council. McKell said to him, "I haven't got the numbers. So-and-so will win if you don't nominate, but if you nominate, you will win". Downing won with McKell's support. As I said, he first entered this institution on 23 April 1940. By 1941 he was a Minister. For more than 25 years he served as a Minister, and he served well. McKell and Downing were a unique couple. They knew all the greats of the Australian Labor Party. They had a very close association with Curtin and Chifley.
Indeed, when the seat of Werriwa was about to become vacant it was proposed that Reg Downing take the seat of Hubert Peter Lazzarini, the then member for Werriwa. However, that was not to be so. Reg decided to continue here, and Edward Gough Whitlam filled that position. Reg Downing did not get the proposal through this House that a referendum be held to abolish the Legislative Council, which was in accordance with then Labor policy. Following the constitutional requirements being fulfilled, the question was subsequently put to the people and was defeated, one of the only defeats he ever suffered. He had one other defeat, and that was in relation to the appointment of the Chief Justice of New South Wales, the former leader of the Australian Labor Party in the national Parliament, H. V. Evatt. Under no circumstances did McKell want him, but he was rolled in Cabinet and H. V. Evatt became the Chief Justice of New South Wales.
I am sure a considerable number of honourable members will recall that some years ago I had a young man named Tim Mitchell working for me. One day I said to him, "I want you to have lunch with me and one of the greats of the Australian Labor movement, Reg Downing". At the time Tim was a little aimless and did not know where he was going. Downing poked his finger at him and said to him, "Son, do law". Tim graduated earlier this year and is now working at Freehills. He has a lot to thank Reg Downing for. Reg Downing had a unique habit in which he often indulged in this House and up until a short time ago when I visited him in hospital. He would remove his glasses, clasp them in his hand and wave them at the person to whom he was speaking. At times one would see his staff take his glasses from him, and Reg would wonder what had happened. There was so much hand grease on the glasses that it was almost impossible to see through them.
Reg Downing was one of those unique beings who do not cross our paths often. This nation is the poorer for his passing. The Australian Labor Party will be forever grateful to him, for there is no doubt that he and Archbishop James Carroll, during the split in the Australian Labor Party, played the greatest part in keeping it together in this State. There is no doubt that in the annals of Labor history Reg Downing is, indeed, one of the cedars of Lebanon. I have expressed these remarks with deep regret, but he is worthy of them all. He was a great man. May he rest in peace.
The Hon. M. R. EGAN (Leader of the Opposition) [3.01]: It was appropriate that the Hon. J. R. Johnson, a former President of this House and a man who knew the late Reg Downing very well, should have led for the Opposition in this condolence motion this afternoon. I do, however, want to be associated personally with the tributes that have been paid to the late Reg Downing. In 1991, when I was elected Leader of the Australian Labor Party in this House, amongst the people who contacted me to congratulate me were four very eminent persons. One of them was the late Jack Mannix, a personal friend of mine and a former Minister of Justice whom I was
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very glad the Minister mentioned in his earlier remarks. The other three were Pat Hills, a former Leader of the Opposition in the other place, and two former Labor Party leaders in this House, Barrie Unsworth and Neville Wran. What struck me was that all four of them said exactly the same thing, "Son, you have now got Reg Downing's job". It was a tribute to Reg Downing that, 20 years after his departure from this Parliament, these eminent former members of Parliament still regarded the party leadership in this place as being Reg Downing's job. It was a recognition of the pre-eminent role that Reg Downing had played in this House for so many years.
Reg was not merely a great figure in this Parliament; he was also a great figure in the Australian Labor movement. As the Hon. J. R. Johnson has pointed out, he was a loyal son of the Australian Labor Party and a very loyal son of the trade union movement. An occasional scan of past editions of Hansard will often produce contributions made to debate by the Hon. Reg Downing. Any contribution by him was noteworthy for its brevity, for the conciseness of its logic and clarity and for the elegance of its language. From all that I know about him, have heard about him and have read about him Reg Downing was, without doubt, the major figure in this Chamber during this century. I am very pleased to join with the Leader of the Government and with the Hon. J. R. Johnson in extending my condolences to his children and to his grandchildren, and in congratulating them on the great life that Reg Downing had.
The Hon. R. J. WEBSTER (Minister for Planning, and Minister for Housing) [3.03]: On behalf of the National Party in this House, I wish to express my condolences to the family of the former Labor Attorney-General and member of this House Reg Downing. In occupying the office of Minister of Justice and Attorney-General for a total of 24 years, he held the distinction of being the longest serving Minister in the history of the New South Wales Parliament. His career spanned an often tumultuous period in the political history of New South Wales and Australia, a period in which he played a prominent role. He was regarded by many in his day as an ALP fixer and king-maker. At the time of his resignation from this House in 1972 he was described as the grey eminence of the New South Wales branch of the Australian Labor Party. He was involved in the removal of the former New South Wales Premier, Jack Lang, from the leadership of the party.
The Hon. Reg Downing served under five Labor Premiers during and after the war and in the 1950s he was a key player, as the Hon. J. R. Johnson has said, in the factional troubles of the ALP, helping to keep the split from damaging the New South Wales branch. He was a pallbearer at the funeral of perhaps Australia's best-loved Prime Minister, Ben Chifley. Reg Downing represented the type of Labor politician rarely seen these days. From a poor family, he left school at 15 to start his first job, sorting rabbit skins. He later became involved in the union movement through his direct experience as a textile worker, then went on to lead the Textile Workers Union before entering politics in 1940 as a member of this House, beginning his long and distinguished career in New South Wales political life.
I had the pleasure of knowing Reg Downing personally. He was a constituent of mine during the time I was the member for Goulburn. Whenever I saw Reg Downing, as the Hon. J. R. Johnson has said, he was unfailingly friendly, and, indeed, gave me quite a lot of support and encouragement - which is not to say that he gave me his vote. His sons Bob and Frank are also well known to me. I still see them regularly manning polling booths in the far-flung reaches of the Hume and Burrinjuck electorates. Reg Downing did not lose his touch. When it was proposed, indeed by the last Labor Government in New South Wales, to build the Goulburn bypass, with possible affect upon land he owned, he took the Government to court and compelled it to conduct an environmental impact study. This somewhat delayed the construction of that bypass. It was the talent he had. On behalf of the National Party, I offer my sincere commiserations to the family of Reg Downing. He was, indeed, a great Australian.
The Hon. ELISABETH KIRKBY [3.06]: On behalf of the Australian Democrats I pay tribute to Mr Reginald Downing, AC, QC, a member of this Chamber for 32 years from 1940 to 1972. As has already been pointed out by previous speakers, 24 of those years were spent as a Cabinet Minister. From what I have read and from what I have heard today it is obvious that Reg Downing leaves us a shining example of how a man or a woman can rise from humble beginnings to very great heights. He left school at the age of 15. His first job was as a sorter of rabbit skins, but he then went on to work in the textile industry and became a member of the trade union movement. He achieved an award for knitwear workers, rights for pieceworkers, proportion of juniors to adults in the industry and the inclusion of annual holidays in the textile workers' awards. My father and my grandfather were in the textile industry in Lancashire and I know how important those awards must have been to textile workers in New South Wales. Certainly, prior to World War II the working conditions for textile workers in the Lancashire textile mills were no matter for pride.
As has been explained already, Mr Downing also showed remarkable determination and ability, completing his education while working as a union secretary. He then became a member of this Chamber and finally, Minister of Justice. Mr Downing's achievements as Minister of Justice and also as Attorney-General are very dear to my heart. He was known for keeping the humanitarian aspects of prison control firmly in his sights. He promoted schemes for the rehabilitation of prisoners during their term of imprisonment and after their release. It was Mr Downing who introduced education programs to gaols, allowing prisoners to sit for the intermediate and leaving certificate examinations. I believe that it must have been as unheard of for him to introduce that legislation then as it is difficult for us today to achieve proper training for prisoners in gaols.
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Mr Downing was also responsible for introducing legislation to protect the rights of persons entering into hire-purchase, lay-by and cash order agreements - again, well before his time - to protect ordinary people from being disadvantaged. During his term in public office, Reg Downing was actively involved in the community. He was a trustee of Taronga Park from 1942 to 1972. He was an honorary member of the New South Wales State Cancer Council and he was also, eventually, president of the Australian Cancer Society from 1969 to 1972. He was a Fellow of the Senate of the University of Sydney from 1949 to 1967 - a singular honour for a man who matriculated later in life and who took his law degree late in life when he was already engaged in full-time work. From all this and from all that we have heard today it is very clear that Reg Downing served the people of New South Wales well by his compassion, diligence and determination to succeed. He certainly set an example from which we should all be able to learn. On behalf of my party, the Australian Democrats, I extend condolences and sympathy to his family and close associates, who will now mourn his passing.
Reverend the Hon. F. J. NILE [3.10]: It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the Call to Australia party to support the condolence motion moved by the Attorney General, Minister for Justice, and Leader of the Government in this House, supported by the Hon. J. R. Johnson on behalf of the Opposition. As other honourable members have said, the late Reginald Downing, AC, QC, was a great Australian achiever. It is no mean achievement for someone to commence his working life at the age of 15 having just left school, to be involved in odd jobs sorting rabbit skins at Tumut and from that very humble and harsh beginning to rise to the positions which he held as a member of this House from April 1940 to February 1972 when he resigned: Attorney-General of this State from March 1956 to May 1965, Minister of Justice from May 1941 to May 1960, Vice-President of the Executive Council from May 1941 to May 1965 and Leader of the Opposition in this House from 1965 to 1972. As I said, he certainly deserves the title of great Australian achiever.
Next I refer to his history of achievement. After several years of employment, he returned to university, matriculated and achieved his Bachelor of Laws. That was a great achievement. In 1941, while doing that law course and still in his third year of studies, he was appointed Minister of Justice and Vice-President of the Executive Council under the McKell Government. In 1956 he was appointed Attorney-General and completed a record term of 19 years and five days as Minister of Justice. He again held this post after the change of government in 1965. For four years he held two law ministries.
His achievements included prison reform and protection of the rights of people entering into hire-purchase, lay-by and cash order agreements. On the day of his retirement from the Legislative Council, aged 67, he said that the greatest achievement of Labor during his term, one in which he played a major role, had been the improvement in working conditions, including the 40-hour week, long service leave and workers compensation. It is with great pleasure that Call to Australia supports the condolence motion and expresses sympathy to his children and other family members. They must be very proud of the achievements of Robert Reginald Downing.
The PRESIDENT: I take the opportunity to be associated with this motion. I am the only member of this House who was a fellow member of Reg Downing from 1970 until the time of his retirement in 1972. During that period he was the Leader of the Opposition. I was a very young member and his performance in that role made a very significant impression upon me. He was an absolute gentleman in his dealings with members on both sides of the House and on the crossbenches, they then being the people who had brought him undone over the referendum for the abolition of this House.
He was a giant of a parliamentarian. It was at the end of his parliamentary career that I saw him in practice, after he had acquired many years of accumulated knowledge as a politician, parliamentarian and Minister of the Crown. Since then I have not heard any member perform in this Parliament with the depth of knowledge of the law, of legislation, and of the practice and procedure of Parliament, as I was privileged to hear from Reg Downing in that short period. I count it a singular honour to have been able to serve in this place in his company for at least that short time.
Out there in the wide world I disagreed on only one occasion with what he did in this House. At the first referendum in which I ever voted I voted against the abolition of this House. Even at that age I had the embryonic idea of coming into this place. I told him that on one occasion. He said to me with a wry smile, "Well, Max, self-interest is always the ultimate interest". I join with honourable members in extending to his sons and to other members of his family my sympathy in his passing after a great and long life of service to this State and to this nation. I count it a singular and very special honour to have known this great man and to have been with him a member of this distinguished and honourable House.
Members and officers of the House standing in their places,
Motion agreed to.
(Ref- http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LC19940913007).
Obituary Extracts - OBITUARY EXTRACTS FROM THE TUMUT AND ADELONG TIMES
DOWNING, Charles after being missing since Thursday last Mr. Charles Downing, of Gadara, was found dead on Sunday near Mr. F. Howe's property at Deep Creek. July 25, 1950
DOWNING, Frances notwithstanding the bright hopes of Mrs. Mat. Downing from the cruel affliction of blood poisoning, necessitating the amputation of an arm. Tumut Advocate 16 August 1910
DOWNING, Mrs. Michael having occurred on Monday forenoon, the cause being a heart affection. Her kind and persevering nature as a nurse had won for her great admiration. March 23, 1923
DOWNING, Florence C. a very sad death took place at Lewisham Hospital, Sydney, on Monday morning last when Mrs. Florence Catherine Downing, wife of Mr. Frederick Downing of Carey Street, Tumut, passed away at the age of 73 years. Adelong and Tumut Express August 4, 1950
DOWNING, Frederick J. the death occurred suddenly at his home in Simpson-Street, Tumut on Monday morning last. The late Mr. Downing went to Victoria after his schooling at Tumut and joined the 8th Light Horse on the outbreak of the 1914-'18 War. June 17, 1949
DOWNING, Frederick P. the death occurred suddenly on Sunday morning last at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Emery, Russell Street, Tumut, of Mr. Frederick Phillip Downing, at the age of 72 years.April 10, 1951
DOWNING, Frederick Simon death occurred at the Tumut District Hospital on Wednesday May 13, of Mr. Frederick Simon Downing, of Gadara, Gilmore. Was the youngest of the family of fifteen of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Downing, The Gap, Wondalga, one of the earliest pioneering families of the district. May 18, 1948
DOWNING, John he died at his home in De Boos Street, Temora. He was born at Gilmore, near Tumut in 1848 and lived till 14 years of age, with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Downing, and was then taken with a batch of boys, home to Karnton College in Ireland, by the late Dr. Bermingham. June 9, 1922
DOWNING, John deep sympathy is felt on all sides in and around Tumut for Mr. and Mrs. Allan J. Downing at being bereft of their infant son John, Aged 9 months. October 1, 1935
DOWNING, Maud great was the anguish occasioned in the hearts of the community of Killarney, and likewise of residents of the surrounding districts, even beyond Adelong and Tumut, when it became known that Mess Maud Downing, daughter of Mrs. R. Downing, of Killarney Hotel, had been borne away from us by the stern Reaper "Death." Tumut and Adelong Express February 1, 1901
DOWNING, Mrs. Robert The cold hand of Death, had removed from our midst one of the very old pioneers of the district in the person of Mrs. Robert Downing sr., of Gadara. The deceased lady, who was 78 years of age, fell into ill-health towards the end of last December. Tumut Advocate, July 25, 1905
DOWNING, Mary Ann another member of one of Tumut's pioneering families, Miss Mary Anne Downing of Simpson, Street, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday last ay the age of 74 years. January 4, 1957
DOWNING, Mrs. Mary the death occurred at Tumut District Hospital on Tuesday last of Mrs. Mary Downing, wife of the late Mr. Frederick Downing, of Gadara, at the age of 85 years. She had been in failing health for some months. August 31, 1954
DOWNING, Michael up till a late hour last night the police had not been able to solve who caused the death of Michael (“Dixie”) Downing, who was found in a dying condition at the rear of the Woolpack Hotel last Saturday night and died shortly after admission to hospital, allegedly as a result of brutal kicking. Adelong and Tumut Express February 3, 1939
DOWNING, Rebecca relict of the late Robert Downing, which took place at her residence, the Star Hotel, Tumut, on Wednesday morning last. The late Mrs. Downing was one of the sterling women of her day. Adelong & Tumut Express. September 10, 1920.
DOWNING, Robert deceased was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Downing, of “Rosebank,” Gilmore, and Star (now Tumut) Hotel. August 16, 1935
DOWNING, Thomas J the death took place under very distressing circumstances, the body of deceased having been found by Mr. A. L. Reid, on morning of Tuesday last, and life had then apparently been extinct for some hours. August 19, 1915