Mary Findlater Smith – Boulder cemetery Photo Danelle Warnock
Mollie Findlater SMITH was born in 1905 in Boulder, Western Australia, the youngest of three children of parents John Cruickshank Findlater SMITH and Mary Jane Smith nee MORGAN. Prior to his marriage Mollie’s father was the licensee of the Railway Hotel at 63 Burt Street, Boulder. he then went on to become the factory manager at the Horseshoe Mine.
Mollie was affectionally called ‘Girlie’, which is written on the foot of her grave. Before taking up her teaching post in Menzies, she lived with her parents at 8A Moran Street, Boulder, this house is still there.
(NOTE: In various documents and articles the surname is hyphenated to FINDLATER-SMITH)
Western Argus 29 July 1924, page 30
THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE
MISS FINDLATER SMITH
The funeral of Miss Mary (Mollie) Findlater SMITH, of the Education Department, who succumbed to injures received through being accidentally burned in her classroom at Menzies State School, took place on Saturday, July 6. The long cortege left her parents residence in Moran street for the Boulder Cemetery, preceded by the girl students of the senior classes of the Boulder Central School, the Girl Guides forming up to the right of the cemetery gates, and the High School senior students on the left.
The pall bearers were Messrs. A. J. Irvine, B.A., principal of the E.G. High School, R. A. Johnstone, acting headmaster of the Boulder Central School, F. M. Reidy, and H. G. Shepard, of the High School staff, H. Kahan, secretary of the goldfields branch of the Teachers’, Union, and G. Mitchell. The large assemblage at the graveside was an expression of the deepest sympathy for the family and a tribute to the great affection in which the deceased was held. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. J. Haynes, of the Presbyterian Church. The many beautiful floral tributes received were conveyed to the cemetery by motor car.
Mary Findlater Smith – Boulder cemetery Photo Danelle Warnock
Geraldton Guardian 10 July 1924, page 2
TEACHER FATALLY BURNED
WHILST TEACHING INFANTS
At Menzies on Tuesday. July 1st, Miss Mollie Smith, assistant teacher at the local school, met with severe burning injuries. She was giving a lesson to the infants class and was standing in front of a fire in an open fireplace, when by some means her clothing became ignited and almost instantly was in flames. A boy named Cyril Templeman, aged 9 years, rushed to Mr Williams, the head master, whose room is at the extreme end of the building, and gave the alarm. When Mr. Williams reached the room he could not see Miss Smith, but found her near the wall in the adjoining room. She was enveloped in flames. He grasped some flags and other material which he wrapped round her and thus extinguished the flames. He then sent for Dr. Clark and Matron Motley, who were speedily in attendance and rendered instant assistance. Miss Smith was removed to the hospital, when on examination the serious nature of her injuries was seen, and despite all the medical skill and attention and careful nursing could do, she passed away on Thursday morning.
Moya Sharp
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What a shocking story!