Obituaries Australia

The awfully sudden death on Friday night of Mr. A. J. [Alfred John] Bawden, one of the best-known men in Rockhampton, and well-known in the Central-West, especially in A.O.F. circles was heard with the deepest regret by all sections of the people. Mr. Bawden in the afternoon had attended a special meeting of the City Council to discuss water supply matters and was then to all appearances in the best of health. He returned to his residence at Thozet's Creek, North Rockhampton, at about 10 p.m., and walked across to his neighbor's (Mayor Hartley), residence. In going into the house he asked Mrs. Hartley for a drink of water. Mrs. Hartley noticed he looked very pale and remarked, "You do not look well." Mr. Bawden replied, "I do not feel well. Where is Mr Hartley." Almost immediately he collapsed on the floor and expired. Dr. A. A. Parry was quickly in attendance and pronounced life extinct.

Mr. Bawden was born in 1866, and came out to Queensland when a boy. He went through the foundry of Walkers Ltd., Maryborough, and became a duly qualified engineer. In the 90's he restored to Rockhampton where he was employed by Messrs. Burns & Twigg, and Messrs. Walter Reld & Co. In 1885 he established himself at Thozet's Creek, North Rockhampton, and went in largely for horticulture and poultry. Some two years ago his beautiful home and fernery were destroyed by fire, and it is only recently, a new residence was completed. Mr. Bawden made a success of his two hobbies, which be turned to practical use. Mr. Bawden had secured many prizes for his birds, some of them finding their way to these parts.

Mr. Bawden was a most useful and conscientious townsman. As a member of the North Rockhaimpton Shire Council (Chairman in 1918) he handled affairs admirably. He, with another member, Mr. A. F. Kent, set about the destruction of prickly pear within this municipality, and did splendid work. At the time the Greater Rockhampton Council was formed, of the numerous ' candidates Mr. Bawden was second on the list, which testified to his popularity. It was a disappointment to many he did not top the poll and become Mayor of Rockhampton.

Mr. Bawden was best known out here as a Friendly Society man, and for many years he took a keen interest in Forestry, and as a District Secretary had few equals. He attended two District meetings in the Central-West and made many friends, who admired him for his kindly nature and his general obliging disposition. The Ancient Order of Foresters will miss a most worthy member. His two sons have made a name for themselves in the football field, Albert having had the honor of representing Queensland in the old Union game. The latter has played in Central Queensland under both codes.

Mr. Bawden is survived by Mrs. Bawden, two sons and two daughters, all grown up. Says the Morning Bulletin:-"Mr. Bawden was a type of public man that could ill be spared, more especially in the critical period ahead for the city. Rockhampton is all the poorer for his death."

A post mortem examination pronounced the heart and kidneys were affected, the causes of death being returned at arteriosciersis, chronic nephritis, and heart failure.

The funeral was one of the largest in Rockhampton and fully a mile in length. As the hearse turned into William-street the end was on the north side of the Fitzroy Bridge. The ceremony at the grave, conducted by Canon Kenny, was most impressive and was followed by the Forester's oration, read by Bro Cumming, C R. of "Court Robin Hood " Representatives of all public bodies were present, including a large body of Foresters and representatives of kindred societies.

Among the very many messages of condolence was one from the Chairman of the Barcaldine Shire Council.