Obituaries Australia

A gentleman who gave remarkably good service to the Nepean district and particularly in the promotion of the co-operative dairy movement was Mr. Harry Joseph Lomas Davey, who died at his residence, "The Cottage", Mulgoa, on December 28, in his 90th year. He was one of the original workers for the establishment of what is now the Nepean Co-operative Dairy and Refrigerating Society Ltd.

About four years ago Mr. Davey suffered a seizure and since then had become increasingly incapacitated. His final illness lasted about six weeks.

BORN IN WALES

Mr. Davey was born in Cardiff, Wales, and came out to Australia in a sailing ship when about nine years of age, with his mother. His father, who was a ship's captain, had died before that. Mr. Davey was of seafaring stock — originally Devonshire people.

As an engineer Mr. Davey was employed in the Works Department of N.S.W. for a number of years, and in that capacity had much to do with the construction of sewerage works around Sydney—at Moore Park and else where.

When about 35 years old Mr. Davey relinquished that work and took on farming at Wyong, purchasing an original Wyong estate, near the town. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Wyong Co-operative Dairy Coy., of which he was the first chairman of directors. He was always a staunch worker for the co-operative movement.

Eventually he sold out at Wyong and lived for a number of years at Carlingford, where he started the Raby Jersey Stud 45 years ago, which is still being carried on at Mulgoa.

ORIGINAL COX HOMESTEAD

Mr. Davey sold out at Carlingford and took over "The Cottage", the original Cox homestead at Mulgoa.

Over 30 years ago he, with the late Mr. K. L. R. Keech, and others, started the movement that culminated in the establishment of the Nepean Co-operative Dairy and Refrigerating Society Ltd. The "spade" work was arduous and much credit is due to those pioneers of the scheme who devoted much time to a project that created a great asset for the district. First chairman of directors was the late Mr. E. L. R. Keech, who, on leaving the district, was succeeded by the late Mr. Davey. He was also appointed factory manager, but it was found that the chairman of directors could not at the same time be manager, and he resigned the chairmanship and retained the position of manager. He retired about eight years ago.

He is survived by Mrs. Davey. Brothers and sisters pre-deceased him. Private cremation took place at Rookwood Crematorium on December 30, the service being conducted by Rev. A. Miller, Rector of Mulgoa.