THE STAFF (Railway and Tramway News)
September 22, 1930.

When, in the March issue, `The Staff' announced Mrs. Jane Clarke's retirement, it was stated that her service - thirty-two years - probably constituted a record for female employees. The claim was disputed in last month's issue by a correspondent on behalf of Mrs. M.A. Stewart, of Belford, whose services will total thirty-three years at the end of this year. This month Mrs. E.M. Atkins, writing of her mother, Mrs. Ellen Wall, says that lady entered the service in July, 1888, and had charge of the gates until they were closed in 1926, a period of employment of thirty-eight and a half years. "Even now," concludes Mrs. Atkins, "mother is interested in all concerning the railways. She reads `The Staff' every month from cover to cover, and can still do so without the aid of glasses."

OBITUARY.
Mrs. E.C. Wall. Died 3 January 1942.

The death occurred in the Glen Innes District Hospital on Saturday morning last of Mrs. E.C. Wall of Ben Lomond, at the age of 81 years. Mrs. Wall, who was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor, of Uralla, was born at the Rocky River where she lived until she married the late John Wall, 62 years ago. John Wall was working on the construction of the railway line when he met Ellen, and he continued in that work for many years. The line had not
yet reached Uralla when John and Ellen were married and they made their home in Uralla until the line was beyond Armidale, then they moved to Ben Lomond where the work on the line took the men a long time, particularly making the long, deep `blue cutting' and then the long build up of the valley beyond. It was while the men were working in this area that Ellen and her children settled in to the cottage near the `Blue Cutting' and Ellen accepted responsibility for the railway gates where the road crossed the line at this point. That was in 1888 and Mrs. Wall has lived there ever since.

The deceased lady was of a quiet, peaceful disposition and was always ready to do a kindly deed or help anyone in trouble. She was loved and respected by all and will be greatly missed. She was devoted to her church, which she attended on New Year's morning and it was when she was returning home from the Mass that she collapsed and was brought in to hospital where she was devotedly cared for by the matron, sisters and nursing staff, and the doctor. The Right Rev. Monsignor Tobin watched her spiritual welfare until she passed away on Saturday Morning. Her husband predeceased her by forty years. Her daughter, Kathleen spent the last nine years devotedly attending her mother.

The late Mrs. Wall is survived by four sons and seven daughters. The sons are Messrs. William (Queensland), John (Ben Lomond), Edwin (Queensland) and Fred (Ben Lomond). The daughters are Mrs. Alf Thomson (Queens-land), Mrs. Alf Dawson (Glen Innes), Mrs. Taylor (Queensland), Mrs. Sway (Wee Waa), Mrs. J. Parrington (Narrabri), Mrs. M. Moloney (Sydney), Mrs. Tutton (Ben Lomond). One son, Joseph, was killed in the 1914-18 war. Mr. M. O'Connor of Armidale is the only surviving brother. There are 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The funeral took place to the Catholic Cemetery at the church at Ben Lomond. Father O'Brien of Guyra, reading the .at service. R.T. Lightfoot and Co. had charge of the funeral arrangements.

Death of Private J. Wall. - Mrs. Wall of Ben Lomond has received a cable from the Defence Department, stating that her son, Joseph had been killed in action in France, between the 22nd and 27th July. The deceased soldier who was 25 years of age, was a fine type of young Australian, and by his amiable disposition and upright and manly principles, had won the esteem of all with whom he became associated. He was particularly highly respected in the Ben Lomond district and much sympathy is felt for his widowed mother, Mrs. Ellen Wall, and his brothers and sisters, in the loss they have sustained. Deceased was a good horseman and rifle shot, and was a prominent member of the Ben Lomond Rifle Club. He enlisted a little over twelve months ago with the 4th Battalion and first went into action at Gallipoli and then was transferred to France, where he met his untimely death.

`They died that we might live.'

Joe Wall. Son of "Wood" and brother of "Weasel", of Ben Lomond, NSW.

A letter was received by Fred Wall some time after the news of his brother's death had saddened the family. It was written from France, 17/6/1916.

Dear Freddie, Just a few lines hoping they find you well as this leaves me. We are having splendid weather over here. I suppose you are getting plenty of cold weather there now. This is all this time. Remember me to Mother and all at home. I remain Yours truly, Joe.'

WEDDING CHERRY-DAWSON

A quiet wedding took place at St. Cyprian's Church, Narrabri, recently, when Veronica Marie, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Dawson, of Glen Innes was married to Thomas Thwaites, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Cherry, of Narrabri. The bride, who was given away by Mr. J.H. Clarke, was gowned in an ankle length frock of white georgette and lace. Her veil of cut tulle was held in place with a wreath of orange blossoms and silver ribbon. Mrs. D. Stewart of Quirindi, attended the bride as matron-of-honour. Mr. W. McLean was best man. The reception was held at the home of Mrs. J.H. Clarke.



WEDDING THOMSON-POPP

On Saturday afternoon, 30 May, the marriage was solemnised at St. Mary's Cathedral, Warwick, by Father Michael, of Allan, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Alf Thomson, O'Mara Estate, Stanthorpe, and Marjorie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Popp, Inglewood.

The bride, who was given away by her father, was frocked in white satin and wearing an embroidered veil, cap fashion. The bride was attended by her sister wearing green georgette and Miss Lovell (Toowoomba) in pink georgette. Mr. Hedley Clifford was best man and Mr. Popp, brother of the bride was groomsman. After the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride's aunt, Mrs. Sutherland. After the honeymoon the young couple will reside at Warwick.

OBITUARY.

Ellen Marie Parrington. Died 28 June 1981

A Requiem Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Kemps Creek, preceded the funeral of the late Ellen Marie Parrington, who died recently at Ann's Private Hospital, Meadowbank. (Sydney).

Mrs Parrington, aged 88 years, was the daughter of the late Ellen and John Wall of Ben Lomond and a granddaughter of Mary and John O'Connor late of Uralla, who were among the first pioneers of that area. Mrs Parrington lived in Narrabri West most of her married life. She was a dedicated Church woman who worked hard for the Church and was devoted to the Rosary and the Mass. She was a Carmelite Tertiary and was buried in the Carmelite Habit. Her husband predeceased her by 30 years. He having died at Narrabri 2 February, 1952. She will be greatly missed by Joseph (Joe) of Eastwood and John at Taree, and by a daughter, Georgina Mrs. D. Rosewarn of Panania; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, all of whom she loved greatly. Her only surviving brother and sister are Fred Wall of Guyra and Mrs. Kath Tutton of Brisbane.