Notes |
- Prizes won by Frederick Joseph WALTER during his final year at Hamilton and Western District College.
1. Special Prize for Exemplary and Successful Diligence, 5th Form, Dec 1890, Donor C.M. Officer Esq. M.L.A.
2. Special Prize for Head of College, 5th Form, Dec 1890, Presented by the Warden.
3. Special Prize for Natural Philosophy, 5th Form, Dec 1890, Presented by W.B. Edgar.
4. General Prize for 868 in 1000 (daily), 5th Form, Dec 1890.
5. General Prize for 823 in 1000 Examination Marks, 5th Form, Dec 1890.
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The Casterton News, 26 Feb 1925
Death of Mr. Fred J. Walter
The death occurred last night of Mr. Fred J. Walter of Casterton who recently underwent an operation for internal trouble. The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving his late residence, Henty St., at 2:30 pm. for the Casterton New Cemetery.
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The Casterton News, 5 Mar 1925
Obituary
Mr. Fred Walter
The late Mr. F.J. Walter, whose death was announced in Thursday's issue, was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Walter. He was born at Barrabool Hills, Geelong, 52 years ago. When he was two years of age his parents removed to the Noradjuha district, but 38 years later they removed to this district, having acquired the "Heathfield" Estate near Lake Mundi. They resided at "Woodlands" on the Penola road, now owned by Messrs Chaffey Bros., and the members of the family attended the Casterton School, and consequently they are well known to many district residents. Mr. Walter had leased his Wimmera land, and after occupying "Heathfield" for four years he went back to Noradjuha, and "Heathfield" was leased until 20 years ago, when it was taken over by his son, the late Mr. Fred J. Walter, who successfully carried on the property till about 12 months ago when he sold it to Mr. Colin Cameron of "Dunan" Henty, and he himself purchased "Fernside" property at Bahgallah from Mr. D. McPhee, and also acquired the farm on the Wando Vale road known as "Sunny Hills" from the trustees of the late Mr. McLaughlin. The deceased was married 20 years ago, but 11 years ago last October his wife died unexpectedly whilst on a visit to his people at Noradjuha. She left two daughters and one son, as follows:- Freda, now aged 17 years; Alice, now 16 years; and Stanley, the baby, now 12 years. Mr. Walter, although busy with his property, did not neglect the interests of his daughters and son, and showered upon them a lavish affection. When they grew up to school age he purchased a house in Casterton and made his home in the town, and his main reason for disposing of "Heathfield" was that he could not be home as often as he wished. He usually enjoyed good health, but some years ago had been under an operation for appendicitis, from which he made a complete recovery. On the morning of Monday, 9th. ult. whilst milking his cow he was seized with severe pains in the stomach, and it was found necessary to operate on him. The operation was a serious one, and was performed by Dr. Douglas, of Hamilton, assisted by Drs. R.H. Hill and J.G. Sleeman. It appeared to be successful, and for several days the patient was reported to be holding his own, but was never pronounced out of danger, and early on Thursday morning last he suddenly passed away, having faithfully served his day and generation, leaving behind him a name honored throughout the district for uprightness of life and conduct.
During his illness, he was visited by several of his brothers, and everything that was possible was done for his comfort. In addition to his doubly bereaved children, he leaves three sisters and six brothers to mourn his loss. They are as follows:- Bertha (Mrs. Fowler, widow of the late Rev. H. Fowler); Hetty (Mrs. Nitschke), of Noradjuha, and Phenie (Mrs. L. Cranage), of Horsham; Bert, of Berwick, Gippsland; Thomas, of Coleraine; Ellis, of Ballarat; Sydney and Norman, both of Noradjuha, the latter being the owner of the original homestead.
The funeral took place at the Casterton New Cemetery on Friday afternoon, when there was a very large gathering, the outside districts being well represented. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. J.G. Searfe, in the absence of Rev. A. Bligh, who was attending the Methodist conference. Mr. Searfe said that all sections of the community would learn of the death of Mr. Walter with deep regret. He was a man of great integrity and would be sadly missed. He was a townsman whose cheerful kindness and Christian spirit was worthy of emulation. The body was enclosed in an oak casket with silver mountings, and was carried to its last resting place by four of his brothers: Ambrose, Norman, Sydney and Thomas and Messrs Cecil and Herman Hill, brothers of his late wife. Mr. W.J. Peden had charge of the mortuary [sic] arrangements.
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The Casterton News, 12 Mar 1925
In Memoriam
SERVICE TO LATE MR. F.J. WALTER
On Sunday evening, at the Casterton Methodist Church, an In Memoriam service to the late Mr. F.J. Walter was conducted by the Rev. A. Bligh. The pulpit had been draped with purple, relieved with bunches of white flowers, intermixed with purple. The singing was led by the male choir, of which Mr. Walter had been one of the prominent members, and Miss Ida Spurrell was the organist. The hymns chosen were most appropriate, and embraced some which the deceased had often lent assistance in rendering. Several of the brethren of the Sons of Temperance Lodge attended as a mark of respect to a deceased brother.
The Rev. A. Bligh read a biographical sketch of the deceased which stated that for many years he had been an active member of the Methodist Church. He took an active part in having a preaching place established at Lake Mundi, showing the value he placed on the preaching of the Gospel. His home was always open to ministers and local preachers, who were on innumerable occasions cheered by his hospitality. Eleven years ago his beloved wife was called Home to God, and during that trying time and in later years he proved his unfailing love and interest in the lives of his children, who were always dear to his heart, and he proved to be a "Father amongst Fathers." Ten years ago, largely in the interests of his family he moved into Casterton, during which time he had been a member and loyal worker in the Church. Sunday morning found him regular and punctual in his attendance at the services, and he helped in singing of praises to God. He had for some years been a trustee and the secretary of the Church Trust, and a more capable and thorough secretary one could not wish to find. At the last Quarterly meeting he was unanimously elected Circuit Steward. They looked forward to his term of office, but God had called him to a higher stewardship, and in this higher office he now served. Although we shall miss him, we would not (if we could) call him back, for God has designed some better thing for him. Mr. Walter also served the Church as a member of the male choir. He invariably took some prominent part, and his gifts and enthusiasm acted as an inspiration to the younger members of the choir. He sings no longer in the male choir, but rather in the choir of Heaven. With a new power he sings a new song. We are familiar with his last sudden illness. With a brave heart and grim determination he faced the operation from which he never recovered. In the days of his illness our brother held on to God in prayer, and having entered into this communion here, we are confident that he now enjoys a fellowship made perfect - that he is now with God in a brighter world. We cherish the memory of our late member. He speaks to us still. To the members of his family we extend our deepest sympathy, and pray that God who does not err, and Who is Love, will ever sustain and strengthen, and by His Holy Spirit give Divine comfort until the day break and the shadows of earthly limitations flee away.
Following this, the preacher delivered a most interesting address, the text being taken from Phil. 3:20 - "Our citizenship is in Heaven." He pointed out that there things that came to us that we never could get accustomed to, no matter how familiar. Death was one of these. Christ shared in our experiences as He wept over the grave of His friend Lazarus. It was only in the Christian faith that we found comfort when sorrows confront us. Life was a thoroughfare, leading to our heavenly home. The call comes to all to prepare for the grand inheritance, and as we enter this eternal kingdom and pass to the inheritance of our citizenship in heaven, we cannot fail to leave behind us a gracious influence - footprints that some forlorn and shipwrecked brother seeing shall take heart again. Nothing is more grand or noble than that others may so see Christ in us that when we have entered more fully into the inheritance of our heavenly citizenship it may be said of us - His God shall be my God, and his Saviour my Saviour.
To live for those who love you,
For those who think you true,
For the Heaven that lies above you,
And waits your coming too;
For the cause that needs assistance,
For the wrong that needs resistance,
And the good that you can do.
He hoped that all would have grace to follow in the footsteps of the Master, and win the citizenship of Heaven.
Mr. A.G. Finlayson feelingly rendered the solo "He wipes the tear from every eye", and at the close of the service the congregation stood with bowed heads while Miss Spurrell played "The Dead March."
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