16810/1867 Minnie AH YAN parents AH YAN & CATHERINE in TUMUT

8711/1870 George Ah Yan parents George Ah Yan & CATHERINE in COOMA

8937/1872 Barbara YAN parents A YAN & CATHERINE in COOMA

31094/1883 Mary Ann AH YAN parents AH YAN & CATHERINE in TUMUT

-

6844/1876 William AH YAN parents WILLIAM & ELIZA in ALBURY

677/1884 LAM YAN married Miss TURNSTALL MARIA in SYDNEY

2642/1897 YAN GEORGE H married Miss HETHERINGTON CLARA J in ADAMINABY

9048/1902 AH YAN ELLIOTT Miss FONG LOOK ELIZABETH A in NEWCASTLE

11328/1913 YOUNG YAN HARRY FONGLOOK ELIZABETH A in NEWCASTLE

12649/1913 TING YAN married MIss CHING SHE in SYDNEY

12649/1913 YAN TING married Miss SHE CHING in SYDNEY

17354/1953 YAN LOWELL ROSE married Miss HICKINBOTTOM COLLEEN ANNE in HURSTVILLE

19483/1959 YAN REGINALD GEORGE married Miss SKEERS HENRIETTA ALICE in TUMUT

19484/1959 YAN JOHN THOMAS married Miss SKEERS MARY ADELINE in TUMUT

15005/1957 YAN MOW married Miss CHEUNG JOAN in SYDNEY

17106/1956 YAN RONALD CHARLES married Miss LEE DOREEN ELIZABETH TUCK in PARRAMATTA

7753/1960 YAN TIMOTHY SHUI W married Miss SOO SARA SHUI L in SYDNEY

15750/1958 YAN C ALLAN MUI SHIU LORETTA YEE in SYDNEY

5700/1934 YAN REGINALD T married Miss BURGESS CATHERINE M in COOMA

8716/1936 YAN WILLIAM HENRY married Miss LANDOLT DORIS MAY in NORTH SYDNEY

20893/1937 YAN HERBERT CLARENCE married Miss OWEN JEANNE THERESA in NORTH SYDNEY

13639/1951 YAN ALBERT ERIC married Miss SUTTON VALMA KATHLEEN in TUMUT

5609/1889 BALL GEORGE W married YAN BARBARA E in COOMA

7151/1895 Peter QUINN married YAN, Catherine (Kate) in KIANDRA

3617/1900 Jacob WILSON married YAN, Margaret in Cooma.

25380/1959 HENDERSON, JOHN KENNETH married YAN ELVA LUCY in HURSTVILLE

5838/1958 SKEERS, THOMAS married YAN GWENDOLINE MARY in TUMUT

3617/1900 Clarence RUSSELLmarried Miss Catherine L YAN in Cooma. ..maybe lived Simpson St. Between Merrivale & Carey.St

7547/1934 HOWE WILLIAM M married YAN EVA F in NORTH SYDNEY

13208/1926 PATERICK WILLIAM H (Bill) married YAN IRENE F in TUMUT old Kiandra name

29413/1942 SHELLEY ARTHUR JOHN married YAN EDITH PEARL in COOMA

925/1943 Robert Claude LE FEVRE married Miss Phyllis Mary YAN, in ADELONG - Robert & Leslie sons

5845/1948 PUMPA EDWARD ALEXANDER married YAN IVY RITA in WAGGA WAGGA

28014/1949 MAN WILLIAM CHOCK married YAN JOYCE LEE in HORNSBY

6226/1869 YAN BO HEE parents UNKNOWN & UNKNOWN in TUMUT

22383/1953 YAN DEVELIN MIRIAM parents ALBERT ERIC & KATHLEEN in TUMUT

6084/1962 YAN CLARA JANE parents WILLIAM & JANE in TUMUT

41410/1966 YAN GEORGE ARTHUR H parents GEORGE HENRY & CLARA JANE in TUMUT

29378/1947 YAN FRANK WILLIAM parents THOMAS & CATHERINE JOHANNA in TUMUT

18744/1951 YAN GEORGE parents THOMAS & CATHERINE in TUMUT

55333/1973 YAN FRANCIS WILLIAM parents GEORGE HENRY & CLARA JANE in TUMUT

61443/1973 YAN LESLIE JAMES parents GEORGE HENRY & CLARA JANE in TUMUT

6403/1903 YAN MARY Parents & MARY in KIANDRA

5689/1875 FI YAN - BUN GEE & UNKNOWN in COOMA

Life Summary

Birth 1871 in Kiandra, New South Wales, Australia

Death - 29th July 1951 in Tumut, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death - stroke

Religious Influence - Anglican

Occupation - carter then farmer, then retire in Lobbs Hole, NSW

Yan, George (1871–1952)

An old identity of Kiandra and Yarrangobilly passed away at his home in Macquarie Street, Tumut, on Saturday afternoon last at 2:45 o’clock in the person of Mr. George Yan, at the age of 81 years.

The late Mr Yan who had previously suffered two strokes, had another seizure on the Saturday prior to his death and only regained consciousness for brief periods during the week, during which he gradually failed.

The late Mr. Yan was born at Kiandra and was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Yan, early settlers of that area. In early life Mr George Yan had a selection at Yarrangobilly and also drove horses and bullock teams, carting wood and also groceries and supplies to the Kiandra residents from Tumut and Cooma. He disposed of his original property about 28 years ago. About this time he suffered a slight stroke, which left him blind in one eye. Later he carried on grazing on his property at Lobb’s Hole, to which he added lease country. He retired about seven years ago and came to Tumut to reside with his wife, handing over the control of his grazing interests to his sons, Jink and Arthur.

Deceased married Miss Clare Jane Hetherington of Kiandra, and to the union was born a family of eleven children, all of whom survive, viz:

1. Les (Yaouk),

2. Thomas (Adaminaby),

3.Jink Kiandra

4. Arthur (Kiandra),

5. Eric (Tumut),

6. Millie (Sydney),

7. Florenc(Mrs. W. Patrick, Kiandra),

8. Rita (Mrs. E. Pumper, Wagga)

9. Pearl (Mrs. A. Shelley, Tumut),

10. Mary (Mrs. R. Le Fevre, Gilmore).

11. ?

There are also three sisters surviving:

Margaret (Mrs. J. Wilson, Tumut),

Mary (Mrs. Madrid, Queensland) and

Barbara (Mrs. George Ball, Wangaratta).

The late Mr Yan was one of Nature’s gentlemen and did not have an enemy in the world. No stockman or traveller ever passed his residence without receiving a bed or a meal, if required.

The funeral took place yesterday morning at 11 o’clock, leaving from All Saints’ Church of England for the Tumut cemetery, where interment took place. Rev. W. J. Conran officiated at the graveside and W. Beavan and Son had charge of the funeral arrangements. Pall-bearers were Messrs R. Le Fevre, B. Clee, B. Pearce, W. Patrick jnr, F. Tasker and E. Pumper.

Floral tributes were received from:

Mum; Jink; Lottie, George and boys; Bill Bridle; Lillian, Bert and Leslie Boyd; Alice and Harry Nancarrow and family; Tom and Hazel Dunn and family; Mr and Mrs Fred Le Fevre and family; Marj., Bob and family; Barbara and Emily Ball; Tops and Jack Heagerty; Pat and Adeline; Clarice and Bon; Margaret and Roley McAlister and family; Cecilia and Phylis; Cliff and Joan; Marie and Ray Neden; George, Lizzie and family; Rhonda and Dawn; Terry and John; E. and J. Brown and Ruth; Thelma, Eric and Margaret Rowling; Roy and Kit Wilson; Mr and Mrs Vic Johnson and family; Irene and children; Mr and Mrs Baden Piper and Colleen; Eric and Valmai; I. Bolte and staff; Mrs Kennedy and Allen; Robert and Leslie; Rube and Mrs Masters and family; Rose and Bevan Clee and family; Shinn family; Millie and Fred; Elsie, Arch and family; Enid and Alex Livingstone; Mrs Woodbridge and family; Florrie and Bill; Les; Sunny Brown and family; Stansfield family; Pat Bruce and great-grandson Roy; Ted and Ivy, Peter and family; Clarrie and Lila; Arthur, Albie and Dawn; Kath and Len Ballard; Pearl and Keith; Eth and Bill Moorehead and family; Lil, Walter, Cliff, June and Joyce and George Ball; Artie, Hannah and Peter Patrick; Max; Tom, Dolly and family; Mrs Ida Harris and family; Mr and Mrs Newman and family; Mrs McGrath and Mavis; Harold; Alex and Lex Webb; Bob; Nance and Rex Nuttall; Ron, Betty and Jim; Rita and Ned; Millie; Elsie, Glady, Fred, Betty and John; Mr and Mrs Eccleston; Mr and Mrs J. Scott; Mr and Mrs C. Rees and family; the Prowse family (Truro); Mr and Mrs P. Sutton; Harry and May Higgins and family; Ossie and Dot and family; Jack and Sarah Wortes; Pat Wilson and Calvin King; Maggie and Jacob; Minnie and Tom; Mr and Mrs Garner and family; Jack and Betty Le Fevre; I. and R. King and family; Mr and Mrs Harry Chave; Miss Cochran and Bung; George and Tom Clee; the Carr family.

Original publication

Tumut and Adelong Times (NSW), August 1952

Related Entries in NCB Sitesview family tree Yan, Clara Jane (wife)go to Obituaries Australia entry

Paterick, William (son-in-law)go to Obituaries Australia entry

Hetherington, Albert (brother-in-law)go to Obituaries Australia entry

Hetherington, Reginald Ingleburn (brother-in-law)go to Obituaries Australia entry Citation details 'Yan, George (1871–1952)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/yan-george-1679/text1802, accessed 30 April 2017.

To Thomas index - To Kinloch - ToWest Blowering - ToFront page

NEW INSOLVENTS, in Court. Ah Yan, of Kiandra, miner. Liabilities, £242 10a.; assets, £164 5s. Mr. Lloyd, official as- signee. - (Ref- The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893) Tuesday 23 December 1884).

SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS. - EVENTS AT KOSCIUSKO. City and Country Competitors.

FROM OUR SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE. - MT. KOSCIUSKO, Tuesday.

The Australian ski championship meeting was held on the Perisher Range, Mt Kosciusko, during the week-end Although snow conditions were not good around the usual course, the downhill slalom and jump events were decided on good courses, set by F. Picifer, of Austria.

The open championship events were held in conjunction with the amateur. Most of the competitors came from Sydney by car, and a strong contingent represented Kiandra

The downhill was the first event held. The course had a drop of 6OO feet in half a mile G. Doran, of Kiandra, won from L Yan and J. Pattlnson, also of Kiandra. Pattinson represented Australia against New Zealand and America last year. Doran, who is postmaster at Kiandra, has not raced for many years, and his success against younger men was meritorious.

The open downhill, held on the same course, was won by F. Pfeifer, of Austria, In 28.8s averaging 50 m.p.h., with Doran second, and Yan third. The slalom course set by Pfeifer was a good test of skill, and the event was won by George Day, with J. Pattlinson second, and R. Dowling third. Day's fastest run of 43.2s, compared favourably with Pfelfer's run of 39.2s Pfeifer was twice a winner in the Al-berg-Kandahar, one of the chief events in Europe. The open slalom went to Pfeifer, with Day second, and Pattlnson third

DIFFICULT CONDITIONS.

The racing committee and officials experienced some difficulty in finding a suitable jumping hill; but eventually the jump was held. The outside and hill were good, but the Inner was very rough and bent. The Australian championship went to G. Day, with J. Pattlinson second. J. Metcalfe third, L Yan fourth, and W Mobbs fifth. Day's longest jump was 21 metres. The open jump was won by G. Lambie, with a Jump of 22 metres. Day and Pattinson filled the places.

Owing to the difficulty in finding a suitable course of eight miles or more, the Ianglauf was abandoned, as was the "open." The usual falls accompanying a meeting of this sort were experienced. Because of lack of entries, the women's events were cancelled; but Miss Patsy Finlayson competed in the men's event and skied splendidly

Results:

Australian championship downhill: G. Doran, 34.4s, 1; L. Yan, 38.2s, 2; J. Pattinson 43.8s, 3; E. Mcllree, 48.4s, 4; Miss P, Finlayson, 52.8s, 5; R. Adams, lm 9s, 6; W Mobbs, lm 16s, 7; D. Gale, lm 16.2s, 8. Slalom: G. Day, lm 28.6s, 1; J. Pattinson, lm 33.6s, 2; R. Dowling, lm 57.8s, 3; E. Mcllree, 2m 2.8s. 4; Miss P. Finlayson, 2nd 10.8s, 5; R. Adams, 2m 10.8s. 6; L. Yan. 2m 30.6s 7; D Gale, 2m 33s, 8.

Jump: G. Day, 126ft 51n, 1; J. Pattinson. 123ft 3in, 2; J. Metcalfe, 114ft 4in. 3: L. Yan. 4; W. Mobbs, 5.

Open Events.Downhill. F. Pfeifer, 28.8s. 1; G. Doran. 34.8s, 2; L, Yan, 38.2s, 3; G. Lambie, 40.2s, 4; J. Pattlnson, 43.8s, 5; E. Mcllree. 148.6s, 6. Slalqm: F. Pfeifer, lm 20,2s, 1; G. Day, lm 28.6s, 2; J. Pattlnson, lm 33.6s. 3; G. Lambie, lm 37.2s, 4. Jump: G. Lambie, 1 : G. Day, 2; J. Pattlnson, 3; J. Metcalfe. 4 - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954) Wednesday 5 October 1938).

SNOW SPORTS. - Kiandra Pioneer Club. - KIANDRA, Monday.

The annual sports meeting of the Kiandra Pioneer Ski Club was held at the weekend. The Kiandra Club, which was formerly called the Kiandra Snow Shoe Club, is now 65 years old, and is probably the oldest ski club in the world.

W. Patrick, a veteran Kiandra ski-runner, who has not competed for several years, won both the orthodox down hill championship and the straight down hill race in the old Kiandra style for the Jeffries Cup.

Results: —

Jeffries Cup (straight down hill race): W. Patrick 1, J. Pattinson 2, G. Day 3. Championship Jump: W. Pattinson 1, J. Pattinson 2, W. Allen 3. Slalom: W. Pattinson 1, J. Pattinson 2, W. Patrick 3. Langlauf: J. Pattinson 1, W. Allen 2, L. Yan 3. Down hill championship race: W. Patrick 1, J. Pattinson 2, W. Pattinson 3. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954) Tuesday 20 August 1935).

A NOVEL SPORTS MEETING. - SNOW-SHOE RACES AT KIANDRA. - KIANDRA, MONDAY.

Show-shoe races were held on Saturday. The heavy snow caused the snow to settle very firm. Two heavy frosts and a slight fall of snow maed a splendid course. The day was beautifully fine, and the fast course caused a great number of falls, the thin layers of snow flying in showers owing to the sudden contact with the powdery element. This aâhcrbd to the person, and the fantastic shap«h assumed in falling presented a scenoe which caused endless mirth.

The terrific pace earned the riders, if they happened to fall on the shoes, past the winning-post, although tailing many yards in advance. The Chinese race, won by Ah Tat, was exceptional fun. Both ladies' races were won by Miss M. Yan, with Miss Pattinson and Miss Amy Pattinson seconds. The Champion Boys' Race ended with L. Pattinson, 1 , W. Thomas, 2. New Chum Raco II. Houghton, 1 , W. P. Bourke, 2.

Amateurs' Handicap Race F. Yan, ^ yards, 1 , Forester, scratch, 2. Champion Race W. Pattinson, 1 , T. Woisloman, 2. Tuno, 20 seconds, 2 seconds behind record time Weather permitting another meeting will be held next Saturday. A largo number of races were arranged for children from thr age of four. It is very dull and snowing. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954) Tuesday 7 August 1894).

SNOWSHOE RACE MEETING AT KIANDRA - KIANDRA, Tuesday.

The second snowshoe race meeting was held on Saturday last under anything but pleasant circumstances owing to a strong N.W. wind accompanied by snow storms and heavy drift. The course was in a very patchy condition. The Champion Race was again won by W. Pattinson, with W. Forrester second. Ball came a fearful cropper in front of the winning-post, turning four complete somersaults.

Children under 7; E. Scott, 1; J. Scott, 2. Boys under 10: W. Worts, 1; J. Bradley, 2. Girls under 10: Thomas, 1; M. Worts, 2. Boys under 12: A. Hetherington, 1; J. Scott, 2. Girls over 10: Mary Yan, 1; A.Thomas, 2. Boys Championship: F. Yan, 1; L. Pattinson, 2. Consolation: D. Thomas, 1: C. Scott, 2. Lady's Race: Miss M. Yan, 1; Miss C. Hetherington, 2. New Chum Race, W. P. Bourke, 1; Freebody, 2. Second-class

Amateurs: W. P. Bourke, 1; W. Larkins, 2. First-class Amateurs: L. Pattinson, 1; W. Forrester, 2. Jumping over three jumps, Geo. Ball and F. Weiselman a dead-heat. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954) Wednesday 15 August 1894).

SNOWSHOE RACING - TWO DEGREES BELOW ZERO. - KIANDRA, Sunday. '

One of the most successful day's snow-shoe racing held at Kiandra for many years was brought to a successful issue on Saturday. A number of visitors were present, amongst them being Dr Pockley and party. Some interesting and highly amusing contests were witnessed. The snow was exceedingly fast, owing to the heavy, continuous frosts. The minimum temperature on Friday night was 2 below zero, causing snow to be perfect for first class ski running. In the forenoon children's races were run, the afternoon being devoted to adults. Following are the results:-

Boys under 8 - Arthur Irwin, 1; R. Gray, 2; S.Doran, 3.

Boys under 10 years - Arthur Irwin, 1; R. Harris,2; S. Yan 3.

Boys under 11 - Jas. Burgess, 1; M. Harris, 2; Boys under 14 - W. Burgess, 1; A. G. Doran, 2.

Girls' Championship - T. Burgess, 1; May Hughes, 2.

Boys' Championship - Frank Fenwick, 1; G. Doran, 2.

New-chum Race - B. Holmes, 1; C. D. Paterson,2.

Amateur Race - A. Gray, 1; S. Cook, 2.

Second Amateur Race - Arthur Hetherington and Walter Wortz, dead heat, divided first.

Third Amateur Race - L. Gillespie, 1; Arthur Hetherington, 2.

International Race - Charles Menger (America), 1; R. Paterson (Australia), 2; Earl Prince (England), 3.

Messrs T. Brockoff, C. W. Bennett and C. D. Paterson leave here this morning for the Creel, via Jindabyne, to accompany a party of tourists to Kosciusko.

An additional winter attraction is being in- troduced. D. and J. Pockley and F. Sargood, after a considerable amount of exploring, have discovered a pond where ice-skating can be indulged in. - (Ref- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954) Monday 6 July 1908).

A KIANDRA SENSATION. - EXHUMATION OF W. HETHERINGTON.

RESULT OF THE INQUEST. - DEATH FROM STRYCHNINE. - NOT SELF-ADMINISTERED. - KIANDRA, Friday.

The adjourned inquest by the Coroner, Mr. F H. Galbraith, on the exhumed body of William Hetherington was held at the courthouse yesterday.

Senior Constable Bolton deposed that he had known deceased, William Hetherington, for about twelve months On October 5 he last saw Mr Hetherington alive at about 8pm Witness said 'Just back from Adaminaby. What did the doctor say to you P " Deceased replied that the doctor said his spinal cord was injured, which was causing the fits. Witness then said "Do you think you will be all right? " He answered " Oh, yes the doctor gave me medicine and told me to take care if myselt for a few days, so I have been down to a raoeting, but feel queer I could not a fit, and am going home" Hetherington walked a few paces,and witness said to him "Now are you quite well, Mr Hetherington? " Deceased said "Oh yes, I will be all right " Witness said " Because if you think you are going to be bad I will stay here with you" Deceased said "You need not bother, I will be all right as soon as I get home I can lie down".

Deceased then left in the direction of his home two hours and a half afterwards witness heard that Hetherington was dead and proceeded to the house with several others, and saw the body, which was fully dressed with the exception of coat und boots.

Witness felt for the beating of the heart, but found that life was extinct. A white sediment was showing at the corner of the mouth on the right side. Witness reported the matter to the Coroner

The next day he saw Mrs Hetherington, and said to her "Have you got the bottle of medicine Mr. Hetherington was taking before he died ?" She said "No, It got broken the night he died " Witness said "How did it got broken ' " ¿1iel sno Mid that it got knocked off the table in a scuffle that night Witness asked her if Mr Hetherington kept any chunii eula on the premises for retorting gold. She said " IWitness did not notice any bottles of syrup in the house on, October '") last, but saw a cup and spoon on the table in the room where deceased was lying. On the 4th last witness asked Mrs Hetherington if she could tell him where the medicine bottle or pieces of the bottle were, or tell him which door she threw them out of, and she replied that she could not remember properly which door she swept them out.

James Doran desponded that he was present at Mr. Hetherington's on the night of October 5 at 8 o'clock At his own house Mis TI then then asked witness "If Will (meaning her husband) takes ill would he come down.

About 10 pm deceased's son, Cecil, came running to witness's house, saying. "Father is dying" Witness immediately returned with Cecil, and found deceased in a fit, with both hands closed.

Mrs iib Hetherington deposed that the deceased was her husband. They bad been married for 26 years. He was not a ¿trune man, and for some time before her husband died he had severe fits. He got better, and obtained meJie.il adrice Witness gave him a drink of water while was sitting in a chair.

He went to get up from the chair, and fell down Witness helped him up and he said, "you are foolish to be frightened " He sat in the chair Witness undressed the child and nursed it to sleep, and put the child to bed.

A short while after she helped deceased to bed. After he got into bed he had another fit. Her husband never properly recovered from that fit, from which he died Mien us not aware that her husband had taken poison two years ago.

William Doherty, assistant Government analyst, stated that he had received jars containing portions of human remains, and had examined the whole. He found in a portion of the stomach about an ounce in weight 1-50 of a grain of strychnine The total quantity of strychnine he found in the stomach and other organs amounted to ¿-DU uf a gram He found a trace of hrueene, but only a small proportion. He did not find any other poison the presence of bru- cen» uiiL.ht in heute aux vi mica, or impure strychnine contains biuc-ue in small proportions

Dr Paton, acting Government medical officer, stated that at Cooma on "November 12 he placed a portion of the stomach and other or.ttiia of William Hetherington in jais Ile ha 1 just heard the evidence of the assistant Government Analyst giving the result of his examination of the contents of the jars. The quantitj c1 st-ychiiniB was not what he would expect to lind used loi iuedic.il purposes Ii» his opinion the quantity found indicated that Hetherington had had a iatil duso of ttrvchiiine The quantity found would not be sufficient to cause death, but the poison would hu evenly distributed throughout the body Ihefuctthit three fiftieths of a '.rain was lound in the portions placed in the jars indicated that a larger dose had been taken.

The jury returned a verdict that William Hetherington died on October 1st last from the effects of a deadly poison know us strychnine but there was no evidouce to how who idniiuisteied the poison, and that it was not self-administrated Ihevadted a rider complimenting benior-eon table Bolton on the conspicuous ability he had displayed in investigating the case. - (REf- The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954) Saturday 28 November 1903).

1860 - THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENTS BY LIGHTNING. - (FROM THE OVENS CONSTITUTION.) -

On Monday last, at 1 o'clock, an inquest was held in the new Court house, at the Camp, in the presence of the uncovered deceased, touching the death of John Pateman, Donald Mackinnon Daniel Williams, and William Longdon.

George Spires was sworn, and stated that the four deceased arrived from Sydney on Friday last, and started on Sunday, about 10 a.m., to see the Four-mile Diggings, in company with himself and four others. When they got about three miles on their way, they were caught in a tremendous thunderstorm, which induced them to take to the timber. The four deceased crouched under one tree, and four men, of whom he was one, under another. They had scarcely been there, two minutes when a fearful flash of lightning came, and he fell down insensible, in which state he remained about half an hour. On his recovery he felt giddy, and went climbing about the bush in an unconscious state. One of his mates came up, and found his face, arm, and hands blackened from the effects of lightning. He did not recognise the deceased at first. He carme into Kiandra shortly after for a doctor.

Job Johnson deposed that on Sunday last he went, in company with the four deceased and four others, towards the Four-mile. That about 10 o'clock there came on a tremendous storm, whioh induced them to make for the timber. The four deceased got under one tree, whilst he stood 10 yards off. They had been under the tree only two or three minutes when there come a fearful flash of lightning, illuminating the whole sky. He saw the four men who have recovered fall down at once, but the deceased did not fall down. He soon after went up to them, but only saw one dead, and fancied that one who has since recovered was also dead. He and one who was least hurt went to the Four-mile for assistance. He then came back to his tent, and sent another of his mates to the camp, to inform the police of the occurrence. Dr. Bickards proved that, after a post-mortum. examination, he found the appearance of the brain of the man who was lying nearest the tree was that usually found in cases of death by lightning, and that his opinion was that such was the cause of his death.

The jury, without any hesitation, gave a verdict that the four deceased came by their deaths from the effects of a stroke of lightening

We have gleaned the following particulars respecting the unfortunate deceased. Pateman came from the Clarence River, where he is reported to have some property; Longdon has land at Christchurch, New Zealand, and his father resides at Watnall, Nottinghamshire, England. He had only just arrived in the colony. Williams also came from New Zealand, in company with Longdon; he had a considerable sum of money on him in the shape of a bill of exchange. Mackinnon came from Port Napier, New Zealand where he and a mate of his, at present in that colony, have about 400 sheep depasturing on terms. - (Ref- The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956) Monday 1 October 1860).

Yan, Clara Jane (1878–1962)

The death occurred at Tumut District Hospital, where she had been admitted on the previous afternoon, on Saturday last of Mrs. Clara Jane Yan, wife of the late Mr George Yan, at the age of 88 years. She had been an invalid for some years and resided with her two sons, Frank and Arthur, in Macquarie Street.

The late Mrs. Yan was born at Bredbo and was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Hetherington. She accompanied her parents to Kiandra at an early age, her father being a teamster, and they resided at Kiandra for many years and then at Yarrangobilly and Lobb’s Hole, where they owned freehold land and grazing leases.

During her years at Lobb’s Hole (known as Ravine) Mrs. Yan was accustomed to riding twelve miles to Kiandra for supplies. There was no track cut into Lobb’s Hole as exists today and it was heavy going in traversing the steep mountain accent [sic] and descent.

About thirteen years ago Mr. and Mrs. Yan retired to Tumut to live and Mr. Yan died two years later.

A large family of eleven – five sons and six daughters – survive: Frank, Thomas, Arthur (Tumut), Leslie (Yoauk), Eric (Tumut), Lila (Mrs. C. Russell, Sydney), Miss Millie Yan (Bondi Junction), Florrie (Mrs. W. Patrick, Kiandra), Rita (Mrs. E. Pumpa, Wagga), Mary (Mrs. R. Le Fevre, Tumut), and Pearl (Mrs. Kennedy, Canberra).

There are also two brothers, George and Walter Hetherington, and one sister, Lottie (Mrs. Reynolds, of Wagga), surviving.

The funeral took place on Saturday last, leaving from All Saints Church for the C. of E. portion of the Tumut cemetery, where interment was made. Rev. J. Brain officiated at the graveside and W. Beavan & Son had charge of the mortuary arrangements. Pall bearers were Messrs. R. Le Fevre, E. Pumpa, T. Shelley and K. Kennedy.

Original publication

Tumut and Adelong Times (NSW), 20 February 1962

..

Paterick, William (Bill) (1893–1972)

The tiny township of Kiandra, Kosciusko National Park (permanent population 41, but which once boasted 15,000 residents during the gold boom of the 1860s) is in mourning.

Big Bill Paterick is dead.

Gold miner, Australian ski champion, and Postmaster, Bill was one of the identities of the town, who enthralled locals and tourists alike with his tales of the gold rush days.

Born on New Chum Hill, Bill could remember the days when Kiandra’s hills and flats yielded a million dollars in gold.

After mining for 40 years, Bill became the town’s Post Master until his retirement in 1969.

He was Australian ski champion from 1923 and was picked to represent the country in the 1924 Norway Olympic Games.

He recalled in a newspaper interview three years ago that he did not make the Games as he could not afford the £80 fare on his miner’s pay of 48s per week.

During recent years Bill’s health was not the best and he spent most of his time with his married daughters who live in Canberra and Tumut.

Bill passed away on Monday (January 22), just two days before his 80th birthday.

The townsfolk and the tourists to Kiandra will never hear his lively stories of the good old days or feel the warmth of friendship in his rugged handshake, but anyone who met him will cherish the memory of a true Australian.

During a visit from the Cooma-Monaro Historical Society last year Bill told the visitors about the great Chinese feasts at the Kiandra Cemetery.

He said the members of the Chinese community were buried outside the confines of the actual cemetery and were interred in a standing position. The depression of the Chinese graves are still visible.

Once a year the Chinese community laid a feast at the graveside and spread some of the food on the grave while chanting.

The old post office where Bill lived, which was built around 1860 may be torn down by the Kosciusko National Park authorities.

Original publication

Cooma Express (NSW), 13 February 1973

Additional Resources

'Snowbound Kiandra', Barrier Miner (Broken Hill), 8 May 1944, p 3 photograph, Australian Women's Weekly, 26 May 1954, front cover

'Our Cover', Australian Women's Weekly, 26 May 1954, p 2

'Ghost Town Comes to Life in Winter', Australian Women's Weekly, 26 May 1954, pp 16-15

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