Obituary - Mr. Walter T. Dickson

22 May 1945 The Tumut and Adelong Times

With the passing of Mr. Walter Thomas Dickson on 12th April last, as notified in the 'Express' of 4th May, another link with the early days of Batlow has been broken.

The deceased was born at Adelong Creek, and his whole life with the exception of the latter years was spent in the Batlow-Adelong area. 

A son of pioneers of Reedy Flat, as Batlow was then called, he was also a great grandson of Bassett Dickson, who came to Tasmania from Ireland in the early 1800s and founded the well-known 'Glen Ayr' and 'Plassey' estates at Richmond, near Hobart. 

Having seen service in the 1914-18 war and having disposed of his previous holdings, Walter Dickson took advantage of the opening of the Kunama area for soldier settlement.

However, his faith in the centre as being suitable for orchards was not justified and he felt his efforts would be better rewarded in amore favorable climate.

For some years after he successfully conducted an orchard at Young, but owing to failing health the property had to be disposed of and Mr. Dickson went to Sydney to live so as to be near expert medical attention. 

War service and a series of severe accidents in earlier years had, however, left their marks and the deceased spent the last six months or so in hospital. 

The funeral, which was largely at- tended, was at Botany Cemetery, the interment being in the Church of England portion on 14th April.

Besides members of the family many past residents of Batlow and Adelong were present. 

An enthusiast in all he undertook, the deceased was an ardent worker for all good causes and devoted much attention to church and other social activities.  

One of the pioneer cyclists of the district and an excellent rifle shot, he was also a keen cricketer and will be remembered for his medium slow bowling, with which he defeated many good batsmen. 

He received affection from all who knew him and his kindness and ready help will be long remembered.

Amongst orchardists he was acknowledged an expert pruner of fruit trees, and this amongst Batlow experts is no mean honor. 

Mr. Dickson is mourned by his widow, who before her marriage was Miss Jessie Brown, of Yaven, and by three sons and two daughters, Donald T. (Melbourne), George D. (A.I.F.), Williams O. (R.A.A.F.), Mary (Mrs George Alexander, Binya) and Hazel (Exeter). 

One sister, Julia M. (Mrs W. J. Pearce, 'Glenavy,' Adelong), Bassett D. (Appin) and D. Cecil (Elsternwick, Melbourne) survive the deceased.