Obituaries Australia

The death is announced of Mr. John E. Dargin, who at one time owned Timberabungie run on Macquarie and the Gilgeon property on the Marra. He was well known to very many in these parts. The "Bathurst Times," in its obituary notice, says:— He was a man of very lovable disposition, and most popular, especially among children, who would cling around him and manifest the most affectionate regard. He was a son of Mr. John Dargin, whose name was familiar in the district as far back as the 30's, and who was one of the pioneers of civilisation in the district. Consequently, the deceased was a brother of Mrs. John McPhillamy, sen., and Mr. W. Dargin. As a young man he saw much of life in the Australian bush, and made some notable journeys overland with cattle in the days when blacks might be encountered by thousands, and when travelling was surrounded by the greatest perils. The experiences then gained formed the subject of interesting reminiscences which he published in the columns of the "Bathurst Times" fifteen years ago, and furnished him with information which enable him to speak with authority on questions affecting the early history of the colony. Throughout his life, and at a time when abstinence was not the rule, he was a man of most temperate habits, and enjoyed capital health till a few years ago when he was attacked by Bright's disease. It came upon him as somewhat of a shock, "because," as he said, "I have never had to go to a doctor, and don't at all relish the idea of yielding so far as to consult one now." However his complaint got worse, and the result was that he had to consult a medical man, who diagnosed his ailment. For a time it was thought he would not succumb, but he rallied, and twelve months since felt so well that he thought he had conquered the disease. But during the last few weeks his indisposition returned, and death took place on Wednesday. Mr. Dargin was 68 years of age and was born at Parramatta. He lived in Bathurst for most of his life, but removed to Sydney with his wife and family some years since. With his widow and children, and other relatives, the sincerest sympathy will be felt in the bereavement that has overtaken them.