Obituaries Australia

The entire community of Wagga and district was greatly shocked when it was learned that Mrs. Elizabeth Snodgrass, wife of Mr. W. R. Snodgrass, of Sunshine avenue, Wagga, had been killed in a motor accident near Barmedman on Saturday afternoon.

Mr. William Snodgrass, accompanied by Mrs. Snodgrass, undertook to drive the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Fadden) to West Wyalong on Saturday, where Mr. Fadden was continuing his election campaign. They duly arrived at West Wyalong, and Mr and Mrs. Snodgrass were returning to Wagga when the accident occurred. Another motor car was travelling in front of Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass, but the occupants of this car did not know that Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass had not continued following them until after their arrival at Temora, when they were advised that an accident had occurred near Barmedman. When Mr. Snodgrass, who was driving, had reached a point about one and a half mites from Barmedman, on the northern side of the town, the tragedy occurred. It is believed that at a deviation, Mr. Snodgrass' car left the road, and that when Mr. Snodgrass endeavored to get the vehicle back on to the road, it developed a side skid which proved so serious that it caused the car to crash broad side into a tree. There were no witnesses of the accident, which is believed to have occurred about 10 minutes past four.

It is believed that Mrs. Snodgrass was killed instantaneously. Mr. Snodgrass was seriously injured, his injuries including a fractured left shoulder, probable fractured arm and shock. He had the sad and distressing experience of being alone for some time until assistance arrived. It is stated that in the vicinity of the spot where the accident occurred two airmen were killed in a motor smash some time ago. The Temora Ambulance was advised of the accident from Barmedman, and was quickly on the scene. The superintendent (Mr. Neville Thorpe) was on another engagement, but one of the assistants went to the scene of the tragedy and conveyed the body of Mrs. Snodgrass to Temora, and took Mr. Snodgrass to the Temora District Hospital, where he was admitted. Yesterday Mr. Snodgrass was conveyed by the Temora ambulance to Wagga and he was admitted to Rawson hospital. Mrs. Snodgrass had been a member of the Wagga Base Hospital board of directors for seven years, and president of the Hospital Women's Auxiliary for five years. She was also a foundation member, past president and treasurer of the Wagga Croquet Club, and last Wednesday was elected secretary of the club. Mrs. Snodgrass was also a member of the Red Cross Society, RSSAILA Auxiliary and was identified with many other organisations. She was a keen supporter of the United Country Party. Until war-time conditions interrupted the holding of the Wagga shows, Mrs. Snodgrass was a great helper at the show, especially during the time when Mr. Snodgrass was organiser of the south exhibit. Kind and courteous always, and of a generous and charitable disposition, Mrs. Snodgrass will be sadly missed from the community of Wagga and district. One of Mrs. Snodgrass' recent public actions was to come to the assistance of the Mayor (Alderman H. E. Gissing) when difficulties were encountered with the provision of public entertainment on the occasion of the visit of Lady Gowrie, wife of the Governor-General of Australia, to Wagga. Mrs. Snodgrass willingly undertook the organisation of the public entertainment and the providing of a banquet spread for the occasion. At the conclusion of that function, Mrs. Snodgrass was sought out by Lady Gowrie, who complimented her on the excellency of the work and asked Mrs Snodgrass to convey those expressions to all the ladies who had assisted. Lady Gowrie said that she was particularly pleased to find that Wagga had women, who were prepared to come forward in such a public-spirited way.

Mrs. Snodgrass, who was aged 66 years, was born at Urana and was married at Jingellic to Mr. Snodgrass at the age of 23 years. Before coming to Wagga Mrs. Snodgrass with her husband resided at Uranquinty for 20 years where Mr. Snodgrass carried on farming and grazing pursuits. During her residence at Uranquinty, Mrs. Snodgrass took a keen interest in all movements for the welfare of the Uranquinty district. Mrs. Snodgrass is survived by her husband and one brother, Mr. William J. Morrow, of Sunshine-avenue, Wagga. Mrs Oily Minty, Jun., of Sunshine avenue, Wagga, is a niece. The funeral will move from St Michael's Cathedral, Wagga, at 3 o'clock this afternoon for the Wagga cemetery. Mr. J. S. Rosevear, M.H.R., Speaker in the House of Representatives, and Ald. E. O'Dea, who were in Wagga on Saturday night, on learning of the death of Mrs. Snodgrass said that they felt that they could not do less than extend their deepest sympathy.