Augustus
Mead Raymond who passed peacefully away early on Saturday morning,
March 7, at his residence, "Riverview", Bellingen, celebrated
his 85th birthday a couple of weeks prior to his death. He was
born at Pola Creek, Macleay River, and was a son of the late
Augustus and Catherine Raymond. He spent his early boyhood days
on the Macleay and Nambucca Rivers and had vivid memories of the
severe floods on the Macleay River, including one in 1864,
when it was necessary to spend a night in a loft, whilst furniture
floated beneath, and in which many people lost their homes.
At the age of 16
years he went to Sydney, where he spent five years, returning to
the Nambucca to take an
interest in the
cedar industry and
farming,
and later he took over the wheelwright business at Bowraville,
previously conducted by his brother, the late E .J. R. W. Raymond.
When the late Colin
Greer transferred his butchering business to Bellingen, and
Bowraville was left vacant. Mr. A. M. Raymond, together with his
brother (Mr. S. J. Raymond) re-opened the business. He relinquished
his interest in this business and came to Bellingen on July 16,
1897, having purchased the "Riverview" property, where he made
his home.
Here
he entered the
present business in which he
retained an interest till his death. There was no better
judge of quality beef cattle.
He greatly improved
his home property and acquired several other farming and grazing
properties on the Bellinger and Macleay Rivers.
He was a loyal member
of the Church of England, and occupied a seat on the Parocial
Council for many years. He was an ardent supporter of his
church and a generous contributor. His left hand knew not what
his right hand did. An early member of the local hospital
committee, he was keenly interested there. Also he was a member
of the show committee until his later years, when he was
elected a patron.
As a foundation member
of the Sevenoaks Drainage Union, Macleay River, he continued
in this capacity during the construction of the drain and
for many years afterwards.
He was a councillor
of the Bellingen Shire Council for twelve years from 1913-1919
and from 1922-28, and President for one term, during which
period the Urunga traffic bridge was commenced.
Mr. Raymond is
survived by Mrs. Raymond (nee Margaret Ann Grace) and a family
of two sons and three daughters -- Gladys, Walter, Rene, Lilian
and Harry, and two grandchildren (Elizabeth and John); also one
brother, Mr. S. J. Raymond, of Bowraville. A sister (Mrs. R.
Mackay) and a brother (E. J. R. W.) predeceased him.
Step-brothers and
sisters predeceased are: Alec and Charles Dornan, Mrs. E. Ball,
Mrs J. Connors, Mrs. J. Bradley, Mrs. E. Crispin, and
Mrs. W. Bradley.
The large funeral
cortage which left St. Margaret's Church of England at 2. p.m.
on Sunday, March 8, was attended by many relatives and friends
from the Macleay, Nambucca and Bellingen districts.
The last rites were
conducted by the Rev. P.F. Tilghman.
Among the beautiful
floral tributes were many from local organisations.
Members of the
deceased's staff acted as pall-bearers.
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