Obituaries Australia

Gloom was cast over Cooktown on Thursday last when news of the accident in which two well known men of the district lost their lives, reached the town.

Mr. James Doolan (30), mine manager for the Big Tableland Tin Coy. at Jubilee Creek, was returning home from Cooktown when the blitz waggon he was driving skidded in loose gravel, struck a rock on the side of the road, and overturned, pinning both men beneath. It is thought that Doolan was killed instantly, but the passenger, Mr. Neily Jenkins, was alive when found 12 hours later.

The men left Cooktown about 8 o'clock on Wednesday night to drive 30 miles to their home at Jubilee Creek. Their plight was not discovered until Thursday morning about 8.30 o'clock when Mr. R. Chatfield and Mr. F. Cross, who were travelling to Helenvale, came upon the capsized vehicle, about half a mile on the other side of Black Mountain, on the main road. Mr. Jenkins was conscious when extricated, and asked for water, but he died shortly after.

Jim, as he was affectionately known to all, was very popular, and his loss will be keenly felt. He is the fourth son of Mrs. N. G. Doolan and the late Michael Doolan of Cooktown. He leaves a sorrowing young widow, and two small children. George (6) and Margaret (2). His four brothers, Michael and Frank, of Cairns, Jack (Malanda), and George (Brisbane), arrived by special charter plane, and all night overland travel respectively.

His mother and three sisters, Mesdames Herb. Savage, E. Dyer, and L. Elms, reside in Cooktown.

A Requiem Mass was solemnised at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 7-30 am by Very Rev. Father Breen. The cortege which was the largest seen in Cooktown for many years, moved from St. Mary's at 10 a.m. and the many floral tributes completely covered the casket.

Deepest sympathy is felt for the bereaved family.

Mr Neily Jenkins. (63), was interred in the Church of England portion two hours later by Rev. A. Walker. Mr. Jenkins, who was well liked for his kindly disposition, owned and operated a small tin mine at Mt. Borneo. He has lived all his life in the district, with the exception of his years of service in World War I. He was buried with all due honours by the members of the R.S.S.A.I.LA. The four brothers Doolan acted as his pall bearers.