The Tumut and Adelong Times 9 Dec 1919
DEATH OF MR. R. R. TIMMIS We received a telegram this morning from Mrs Timmis, of Batlow, conveying the very sad intelligence of the death of her husband, Mr R. R. Timmis, this morning. Mr. Timmis had for a long time past beeb under medical care, and quite realized that his lease of this life was drawing to a close. His demise marks, undoubtedly, the passing away of the pioneer chief of Batlow, and the information will come as a blow to the very many friends throughout the surrounding districts. The funeral takes place at 2 p.m. tomorrow. We extend deepest sympathy to the bereaved widow over the unfortunate loss of her life's partner. Obituary in next issue.
The Tumut and Adelong Times 18 Dec 1919
Gone to Rest. Delay in obtaining necessary particulars and the great amount of attention needed in following up the turmoil of the Federal election just completed has prevented the possibility of giving in an earlier issue an outline of the biography of that noble citizen, Mr. Robert Rex Timmis, who was possessed of high philanthrophic principles, being largehearted, of a particularly charitable disposition, and as a benefactor he had but few equals. By his de mise, which took place at his home, at Batlow, on Dec. 4th, it may justly be said that one of the links that joined the present generation to that of olden days has passed away, and with him was associated the building up of the thriving lo cality that the district of Batlow has now become. YWe were well acquainted with its history, having known the deceased gentleman intimately for the past 45 years. His age was 69 years, but by appearance could have been taken to be a much younger man. In his habits of life he was most consistent, and was full of activity until about a couple of years ago, when he contracted a pulmonary ailment that baffled the best medical skill in existence to cope with. He consulted eminent authorities in all States of the Commonwealth, but confessed that he got no better advice bearing on his case than that impacted by Drs. Browne and Clouston, of Tumut, whose treatment he had been under right up to the time of his demise. It came as a great surprise and disappointment to him, in the earlier period of his ailment, to be told by the doctors that his lungs were in such a state of disorder that all activities, which he took such great delight in following, had to be eschewed. However, as time went on he realised the accuracy of the instructions, for, only a few months back he found it very fatiguing to even walk on level ground. By the exercising of advised care and adopting remedial measures prescribed for him he undoubtedly regained strength and was encouraged for a time in the belief that he would eventually overcome his malady. But a few weeks before his end came he realised that life's journey was ending, and he passed quietly away, as stated above, leaving a widow, two sisters (Mrs. Strahan and Mrs. Dell), a brother (Mr. W. Timmis, of Sydney), and legion of friends to mourn the loss of one whose life could well be taken as a pattern most worthy of emulation. Deceased began his career at Batlow, where he followed mining pursuits for a time, until he got a little capital together, which he put into the purchasing of articles for starting a small store, following this venture up by combining a butchery with it. Being possessed of good business qualities, he soon made a success of his undertaking, and at the end of a long term, 35 years, he felt that he had amassed a fair competency, therefore he transferred his establishment to Mr. H. T. Phillips, who was eminently successful with the venture. To show the philanthropic nature the late Mr. Timmis was possessed of, some years ago, to encourage people to make use of the magnificent soil that was known to exit at Batlow, and is now being proved by handsome results being gained, he offered, free of cost, a large area of land, now mostly under extensive fruit orchards, to any persons who would improve and work same, and he would make them a present of the titles to their holdings as soon as they were able to effect stipulated small improvements. That was published in our journal and copied into other papers, but the only response that came was an inquiry as to whether the donor of the land would also be willing to find food and clothes for the applicants until such time as some returns may be coming in from their industries. This brought forth from Mr. Timmis a very sarcastic and amusing letter addressed to our editor. He was particularly apt at satirical writing and the numerous letters he favored our journal with were perused with great interest and merriment. The Tumut Bulter Factory, acknowledged to be the best wealth producing industry in the district, owes its origin to a very large extent to the beneficence of the deceased, who was a large shareholder, and incited others to assist with the starting of the concern. He acted as a direclor for a time, and his aid was much appreciated; but he suffered from deafness, which caused him lo withdraw from the directorate. The same affliction prevented him from taking any active part in public movements. When he sold out his interest in the factory he presented the Tumut Hospital with a cheque for accumulated profits beyond what the shares cost him, stipulating that part of the money should go towards making Mrs. Timmis a life member of the institution, he having long since purchased such right for himself. Every charitable appeal that was made to the subject of our obituary was handsomely responded to, according to the merits of what was sought to be benefitted ; and he was one of the most liberal gentlemen in the district in affording help to patriotic movements. Many advantages possessed by Batrow at present owe their origin or continuance to our late friend, particularly the fine water supply and the hydro-electric plant by which lighting and other electrical conveniences are supplied. Deceased speculated extensively in land properties at Batlow, which he sold to advantages small and great — it repeatedly occurred in olden times that areas parted with by hium were handed back again, through buyers being unable to carry out their undertakings, but he never was exacting in deals made. His first acquirement was a fine lot of buildings at Neutral Bay, Sydney, that he accepted in exchange for a grazing property at Brungle (known as French's which he purchased a few years back, and we believe the bargain is proving a very lucrative one. The late Mr. Timmis took periodical trips to various parts of the world, taking Mrs. Timmis with him, and saw as much of the main parts of Australia and the continent as any people we know of. We sincerely deplore the death of the worthily esteemed citizen, and extend sympathy to the widow and relatives over the bereavement they have been called upon to suffer. The remains were interred in the Ballow Cemetery, a large cortege of friends and admirers following same to the last resting place. Mr. J. Elphick prepared a fine oak coffin wilh silver mountings, sending it on to Batlow, and Rev. Thomas, of Adelong, officiated at the grave-side. |