Obituaries Australia

Quite a gloom was cast over Kellerberrin and district on Wednesday when it became known that Constable William John Malone had died in the local hospital that morning. Constable Malone had not enjoyed the best of health for some considerable time and had just recently returned from an extended holiday in the Eastern States which he had taken in the hope that his health would improve. The trip did not have the desired effect and last week he was admitted to the hospital where he slowly sank and died. Constable Malone who was a native of Gippsland, Victoria, was born in April, 1871 and arrived in this State in August, 1896. He immediately joined the police force and has since been stationed at Coolgardie, Black Flag, Kookynie, Laverton and for the past 17 years at Kellerberrin. During his stay at the latter centre he has filled the duties of Clerk of Courts and bailiff. He was a fine horseman and is spoken of as a most capable and efficient officer. He was always dependable and reliable and retained the utmost esteem and confidence of his superior officers. Constable Malone's amiable disposition gained for him a nest of loyal friends wherever he was stationed and his long residence in Kellerberrin had endeared him to one and all; he could be truly said to have not a single enemy. His wife predeceased him some seven years ago and since the deceased gentleman had had the responsibility the upbringing of his seven children whose ages at present range from seven to 21 years. He was a loving father and a gentleman in his dealings with everyone.

The funeral which took place on Thursday afternoon was well attended and the cortege was one of the largest that has ever been seen in the district. Business was practically at a standstill in the town during the afternoon and farmers had travelled many miles to pay their last respects to one who had gained their esteem by his attentiveness to duty, his unassuming disposition, his honesty of purpose and his unostentatious charity. The funeral left the Catholic Church where the Rev Father Fahey conducted a short service. Between 50 and 60 motor cars followed the hearse which was covered with wreaths. The prayers at the graveside were also read by Father Fahey who delivered a touching address. He referred to the responsibilities which evolved on all officers of the law and the able manner in which the deceased had always shouldered his and carried out his duties. He had regarded Constable Malone as one of his most intimate friends and felt his loss keenly. The deceased had done his duty by all and he felt sure that the sympathies of the residents of Kellerberrin would go out to the sorrowing children in their great loss. The chief mourners were: Joseph, William, and Jack (sons), Nellie, Mary, Maggie and Connie (daughters). The Commissioner of Police was represented by Inspector Johnston who held the deceased in the highest esteem. Sergeant Tuohy represented the General President of the Western Australian Union of Police Workers, Sergeant N. McGown, and the general secretary was represented by Constable Lang. Constable Farrier represented the Northam branch of the union.

The pall bearers were: Inspector Johnston (Northam), Sergeant Tuohy (Northam), Sergeant Nesbitt (Merredin), Constables Lang (Meckering), Buckley (Cunderdin), and Farrier ( Northam).

The coffin bearers were: Constables Wrigley (Northam), Morgan (Kellerberrin), Williams (Bruce Rock), and Maloney (Goomalling).

A large number of wreaths, floral tributes, telegrams, cards and personal expressions of sympathy were received by the relatives.

The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. Purslowe & Sons, Northam.