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From: "Daryl John Crabtree" <>
Subject: [AUS-VIC-NorWest] WEST WIMMERA MAIL
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2003 01:47:26 +1000


November 16, 1917
Sad Death of a Young Girl
The "Murilla Express" (Miles Q) of October 30 writes--
It is with deep regret that the editor has to record the passing away of
little winsome May COATES (daughter of the proprietor of the "Murilla
Express") aged ten years and four months.
the sad occurrence took place in the Miles Hospital at about 8.30 p.m. on
the 22nd inst., both parents being in attendance.
The little lass was admitted on the 5th inst., suffering from septic throat,
but despite the unremitting care and attention of Drs GANDEVIR, CRAWFORD,
and the nursing staff, her spirit was called away. On Tuesday the body was
taken to St Luke's Church where the school children assembled and had a last
sorrow look at the still smiling features of their sweetly innocent little
school and playmate. After a prayer in the church the cortege moved to the
cemetery where Mr BRADBROOK (catechist) conducted a short and impressive
funeral service. The coffin and grave were literally covered with flowers
and wreaths including a permanent wreath in case from the teachers and
scholars of the Miles State School. Mr C. HUGHES carried out the funeral
arrangements.
Little May was a most affectionate child with delightful taking ways. For
instance she and the editor had become great chums and it was one of the
happiness of her life to be sent from home with a message to the editor. On
arrival she would creep stealthily into his den and her delight to surprise
our august person by getting in a dig in the editorial back was a pleasure
to behold. It heartened us many a time and was one of those happy
happenings that made us really realize that if such gave unbounded pleasure
to children, life for old fossils is worth the living. Mr and Mrs COATES
have our deepest sympathy in their affliction.

The father of the child, Mr W. COATES, is a son of Mr and Mrs George COATES
of Noradjuha, while the mother is a daughter of Mr and Mrs Isaac DICKERSON,
of Natimuk. They were married at Mt Arapiles.--Editor Mail

Daryl Crabtree
Gladstone
Qld
www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/



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