Burra Record, 28 August 192962186

DEATH OF MR. E. W. CREWES

The news of the death of Mr. Ernest William Crewes, which occurred at the Burra Hospital on Sunday evening, after a short illness, came as a tremendous shock to the whole community, many of whom were unaware that he was seriously ill.
For some days previously he had been suffering from influenza and on Friday afternoon was removed to the Hospital. He was then able with his son’s assistance to walk out to his car. However, on Saturday morning complications set in and Sunday midday the distant members of the family and his only sister, Mrs. Hetty Richards, were hastily summoned and with the exception of his youngest daughter, who resides in New South Wales, were present at his bedside before he passed away.
Born at Bridgewater, Somersetshire, he afterwards lived in London until he was nine years of age, then, on the death of his father, he went to Cornwall. When about 19 years of age, in company with his mother and only sister, he left Cornwall for Australia in the ship, “Hesperus” and on arrival at Port Adelaide came direct to Burra, where with the exception of three years at Euriowie, near Broken Hill, the remainder of his life was spent.
Their first home was at Aberdeen where he went to work for H. Gartrell and Co, (in premises now occupied by Mr. Tiddy) in whose employ he remained for a few months. He then entered the employ of Messrs Samuel Drew and Co. After being with the firm for some years he was sent to take charge of a store Drew and Co. had started at Euiowie. While there he was made a Justice of the Peace and often had to marry and bury people. When he returned to Burra the Messrs Charles, John and Thomas Drew retired from the firm and in April 1889, he with Mr. John Drew jun. was made a partner under the firm of Drew and Crewes. Later on the firm merged into a Limited Company and in 1912 it was changed to Drew and Crewes Pty. Ltd. when Mr. Crewes was appointed Managing Director.
A man of unusual ability he, apart from a busy business life, found time to interest himself in all matters pertaining not only to the town but the district. Municipal matters possibly occupied the biggest share of the time he devoted to public affairs. For ten years he occupied the mayoral chair. His first term was from 1901 to 1902, the second 1914 to 1919 and the third from 1921 too 1922. Strange to relate he held office during the period of the Boer War and right through the period of the Great War, 1914 to 1918. In both struggles Burra was to the forefront in patriotic work, particularly in the latter when much of the enthusiasm and devotion of the Burra and District was due to the indefatigable and self-sacrificing work of the “War Mayor” who neither spared himself of his well organized committees and proved himself not only a loyal citizen but a capable and safe leader. In the Great War it would probably be safe to say that no individual in Australia did more than he.
His fame as a speaker and above all as an appealer went far and wide and in this direction he traveled hundreds of miles even speaking in other States. Apart from Municipal matters he was a member of every society or Committee that had the welfare of the town or district at heart, his business ability making him a valuable asset to any organization. His long experience as Justice of Peace was also appreciated by many folk and his advice freely and courteously given. He was a member, officer and local preacher of the Methodist Church and his ability as a lay preacher was far above the ordinary. His death will create an immense blank in the town and he will be greatly missed. He practically retired from public life after the war and it was only under pressure and for the purpose of raising the balance required to complete the monument, the erection of which was largely due to this initiative, that he consented to take the Mayoral chair in 1921-1922.
He married on June 16th, 1881, Miss Eliza Tickle, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Tickle of Yongala who survives. Of a family of eight, one daughter Evelyn, and one son, Ernest, predeceased their father. The family comprise: Mrs. J. L. Sandland, Peterborough; Mrs. J. Statton, Lower Mitcham; Mrs. J.P. Steele, Westboure Park; Mrs. P.A. McBride, Glen Osmond; Mr. K. R. Crewes, Burra and Mrs. J. Bishop, Grenfell, N.S.W., and several grandchildren. His sister, Mrs. P. Richards, resides at Prospect.
The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon when over 100 cars followed the remains to their last resting place. The hearse and coffin were simply covered with a beautiful lot of floral tributes from all parts and various organizations and the attendance at the grave an eloquent tribute to the esteem and worth of such a citizen.
At their own request men of the R.S. and S.I. League in khaki acted as bearers, this touching tribute showing plainly how our soldiers appreciated his efforts during the war. Could anything have pleased his more? The bearers were: Messrs L.M. Gordon (Lieut.), G. H. Dow, J. H. Murison, F. Spencer, W.R. Lee, and J. F. Stephen. Following the chief mourners were the Mayor and Councillors. A further token of respect was the fact that all business places in Kooringa and Aberdeen closed for one hour to enable their employees to attend the funeral. A short service was first held at he home conducted by the Rev. E. Lawson who also officiated at the grave assisted by the Rev. Ralph Lee. A very moving address was delivered by the Rev. W.O. Harris, Redruth, and Chairman of the Middle District. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs, C.J. Pearce and Son.