I recently came across this wonderful photograph, while searching for something else entirely, of the two Padley brothers of Menzie’s and thought that here are two fellows with a great sense of humour. Inscribed on the photo are the words:
“Padley”ing my own canoe”.
Although many men had similar clothing to these two and often had moustaches, you will agree, I’m sure, that they are remarkably alike, although there were six years between their ages.
They were both born in Sheparton in Victoria, Henry in 1880 and Jack William in 1886. They were the sons of Henry Padley and Rebecca Amelia PAINTER of Lincolnshire, England, and the family travelled to Western Australia in early 1894 with two sisters, Clara Caroline, born 1882 and Effie Mary, born 1893.
Henry and Jack William Padley, Menzie c 1900 – Photo SLWA
The following article is from the newspaper from 1901- North Coolgardie Herald and Miners Daily News, 27 December 1901, page 2
WEDDING –
Miss Clara Padley and Mr Herbert Bolitho White
The wedding of Miss Clara C. Padley and Mr H B White took place at the Methodist Church, Menzies, yesterday. The church, which was very prettily decorated, was well filled with friends of the contracting parties and members of the congregation. The orchestra, of which Mr White is conductor, played the Wedding March, and the choir sang an appropriate hymn. The bride was given away by her father, Henry Padley, and looked very pretty in a dress of white tucked silk, with transparent chiffon sleeves and yoke, court train, wreath of orange blossoms and veil.
Wedding of Clara Padley to Herbert Bolitho White – Menzies 1901 – Image Ancestry.com
The bridesmaids were Miss Murdoch and Miss Winnie Crothers (Kalgoorlie). Miss Murdoch wore grey silk voile, trimmed with lace, and pink chiffon toque, and Miss Crothers was dressed in cream silk, with lace and ribbon trimmings. Miss Effie Padley, in pale blue silk with chiffon streamers, and Master James Padley, acted as trainbearers. Mr Henry Padley was the best man, and Mr Jack Padley groomsman.
The Padley Brothers outside of the family home in Menzies ‘Sign says ‘Crows Nest’ – c 1901 – Photo SLWA
After the ceremony, a wedding breakfast was partaken of at the residence of the bride’s parents, when the usual toasts were honoured. The Rev J R. Thrum proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom. By the afternoon train, the newlywedded couple left for Perth, proceeding thence on a trip to Victoria. The bride’s travelling dress was of green Bengaline, with a tucked bodice and gold trimmings, and she wore a cream toque. The Wesley orchestra played the wedding march at the station to farewell the couple.
Both the Padley and White families were very musical, with Henry Padley being the band master of the Menzie Town Band and Herbert White the conductor of the orchestra. Both provided musical accompaniment for the many social functions in the town. The brothers were also involved in the rifle club and the cricket and football clubs. Henry Padley also served on the council and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
A bush picnic with the family and friends of the Menzie Town Band, 1907 – Photo SLWA
Kalgoorlie Miner 5 November 1907
MENZIES TOWN BAND PICNIC SPORTS.
The members of the Menzies Town Band, with their friends, who numbered about 40, were conveyed in drays to a picturesque spot at Springfield, about five miles east of Menzies, on Sunday morning, when a most enjoyable picnic was held. The prospectors of the district thoroughly appreciated the visit and took a keen interest in the various programs of events, such as races and a tug of war.
In 1908, Henry Padley and his wife, Selina, nee COHEN, left Menzies and took up farming on acreage in Wagin. The couple had one son, Valentine Jack Woolf Padley, born in 1916. Henry is buried in the Wagin Cemetery. Henry’s brother, Jack William Padley, enlisted in WW1 in the 16th Battalion, and later transferred to the 48th Battalion. Sadly, he was killed in action at Pozieres Ridge, France, on 7 August 1916, aged 30. He has no known grave, he never married.
Jack William Padley – Image AWM
Moya Sharp
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