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Death
of Mr. Chas. Downing 25
July 1950 The Tumut and Adelong Times |
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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. Death was due to natural causes
and the Adelong Coroner (Mr. N. Mackay) has dispensed with an
inquest. The late Mr. Downing had been in Tumut
for a few days spell and had complained of not feeling well, suffering from
an attack of flu. He left Tumut by train on Thursday and
had got out at Gadara Siding, intending to walk to his home. He had evidently followed a water course
which led towards Adelong instead of towards his home and may have lost
his way in the gathering dusk. He had sat down in a blind gully
near the watercourse and had passed away whilst in that position. Relatives at Gadara thought Mr. Downing
was still in Tumut and it was not until Saturday that it was discovered
he was missing. Search parties, headed by Sergeant
Shelley, of Adelong, were quickly organised, but it was not until Sunday morning
that deceased was found by Mr. Ron. Howe near Deep Creek. The late Mr. Downing, who was 83 years
of age, was born at Gadara, where he followed grazing pursuits all
his life. He was a son of the late Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Downing, who owned a large area of country in that part of
the district, extending practically to Batlow. Later this was reduced to
comprise the Gadara and Killarney properties. Deceased resided on the old home
property all his life, living with his late brother Fred and
family. The late Mr. Downing never married and
was a quiet living man. He enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. and
served overseas. There is only one sister, Nellie (Mrs.
W. Thorn, of Sydney), surviving. Brothers and sisters who predeceased the
late Mr. Downing were Robert, Thomas, Matthew, Michael, Frederick,
Marjorie (Mrs. Sheahan), Kate (Mrs. Thom),
Margaret (Mrs. McDonald) and Johanna (Mrs. Nash). The funeral took place yesterday afternoon,
interment being made in the Catholic portion of the Adelong cemetery. |