A Tinonee Tragedy

On 12 January 1910, George Gollan, son of Captain Hector and Margaret Gollan married Harriett Mary Ann Polley (known as Artie).¹ Making their home in Tinonee, they had three children,² Margaret (known as Maggie), Constance, who died aged 6 weeks,³ and John (known as Jack).

Following in the footsteps of his father (who died in 1922),⁴ George was actively involved in community organisations and events.⁵ Often presiding over functions held in the Tinonee Federal Hall, such as welcome homes to soldiers, farewells and fundraising events, he was loyally supported by Artie. He purchased land in Washington Street and built a new house into which the family moved in 1930.⁶

On the morning of 4 August 1930, George attended a meeting of the Manning River District Hospital Board in Taree. He returned home and had eaten lunch when he was asked to take a local child to Taree for medical treatment.  With Artie waiting at the gate, George went to get the car from the shed.  When he cranked the car, it lurched forward, running completely over him and killing him instantly.  The community was shocked at the tragedy. George was well known, reportedly “respected, kind hearted, considerate of others and always ready to assist the less fortunate”.⁷ It was only five weeks since his mother, Margaret had died.⁸ Daughter, Maggie was aged 19 and son, Jack was 13 when this tragedy occurred.

George’s funeral was one of the largest seen in Tinonee.⁹ His death was reported in many newspapers statewide.¹⁰ He is buried in the Tinonee Cemetery, with daughter Connie. Artie, who lived until 1952, is buried beside him.

Author: Sue Langdown