Obituaries Australia

Yesterday at 5.30 a.m. at his residence, the Martintown Hotel, Tolga (says Wednesday's Atherton "News"), there passed away one of the oldest and most respected residents of Herberton and the Atherton districts, viz., Bernard Hayes. Barney, as he was generally called, had been suffering from an incurable disease for some time past, and within the past two or three months underwent two operations, but apparently the disease had got too strong a hold for them to be successful. A month ago deceased was removed from the hospital to his residence, when it was known to his numerous friends that all hope of recovery was gone, so that his end in the early hours yesterday morning was not unexpected. Arriving in Queensland over 40 years ago, Mr. Hayes came north and followed mining in all its ups and downs, being among the early arrivals from the Hodgkinson in the early 70's at the newly-opened Herberton tinfields. For a number of years he was employed at the Great Northern Tin Mine as tool pointer, leaving there to open a hotel at Rocky Creek, a hostelry in the coaching days famed for the excellent cuisine of Mrs. Hayes and genuine homeliness. With railway extension to Atherton, Mr. Hayes removed to Martintown, erecting and opening the hotel known by that name, and of which he was licensee at the time of his death. Always of a jovial nature, quaint and unassuming Barney Hayes leaves many friends who will regret to hear of his demise. Mr. Hayes was one of the first members of the old Tinaroo Divisional Board before separation from Herberton some 17 or 18 years ago, and in January of this year was returned unopposed as member for No. 2 Division of the Tinaroo Shire Council. He was also a member of the Hospital Committee and always took a lively interest in all local affairs. Deceased, who was about 64 years of age, leaves a widow and two grown up sons. Jack and Emmett. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, from Martintown, and was largely attended, the lengthy procession being a fitting testimony to the esteem and respect in which the late Mr. Hayes was held. En route to the cemetery at Carrington, the body was taken into the Catholic Church where a short service was held, the Rev. Father Doyle officiating there and at the grave. Numerous wreaths were placed on the coffin, including one from the chairman and members of the Tinaroo Shire Council. Mr. W. Goodall, undertaker, had charge of the funeral arrangements.