Harold Barber
Bluff Pioneer Cemetery Devonport
Age 16 years, 8 months
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Master Harold Barber will leave his parents’ residence, East Devonport, this day (Tuesday), at 3 p.m., for the Mersey Bluff Cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation.
The North West Post 19th January 1915
DROWNING FATALITY
DEVONPORT YOUTH THE VICTIM
BATHING IN THE MERSEY
The eastern bank of the river Mersey between Stewart’s jetty and regatta Point was the scene of a tragic drowning
fatality yesterday afternoon, the victim being a bright and promising youth named Harold Barber, aged 16 years and
8 months. He left his house at 3.20 p.m. in company with another youth named Clarence Powell, intimating to his
parents that he intended to go bathing. The boy, who was unable to swim, unfortunately selected a part of the river
where the banks run down steep, while the water is over 50 feet deep a short distance from the shore. Shortly after
going in Barber got out of his depth, and his companion, observed his predicament, made a couple of unsuccessful
attempts to rescue him. On one occasion Barber seized hold of Powell, who can only swim a little, round the neck,
and the pair went under. Powell succeeded in getting free, and swam ashore. He then tried to get Mr. H. Milbourne’s
boat off the bank, but it was securely locked. About a quarter of an hour after leaving home, Powell ran up to
Mr. Barber’s residence with the boys clothes and informed the parents of the tragic happening.
Several parties under the direction of Detective-Sergeant Dwan, were soon out in boats dragging for the body,
which was brought to the surface at about 6.30 p.m. and taken to the morgue at the East Devonport Police Station.
An inquest will be conducted by the Coroner (Mr. H. H. McFie) at 11.30 o’clock this morning.
Considerable sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Barber, as the deceased was their only son. The family came to
Devonport from Rosebery in July last and Mr. Barber purchased Mr. W. Sayer’s property and carried on orchard and
farming pursuits. The deceased, for the past three months had been employed at the Devonport Council office as
junior clerk, and he had made himself very popular by reason of his courtesy and unassuming manner. The occurrence
was all the more tragic by the fact that about five chains away two men were fishing from a boat, with their backs
to the lads and as there were no cries for help their attention was not attracted. The funeral will take place
tomorrow afternoon.
The North West Post 18th January 1915
Thomas Barber
Bluff Pioneer Cemetery Devonport
Age 58 years
DEATH
BARBER – At his residence, “Ashill,” East Devonport, on Nov. 6, 1919, Thomas Barber, aged 58 years.
The Advocate 7th November 1919
FUNERAL
BARBER – The funeral of the late Thomas Barber will leave his late residence, Devonport, this afternoon, at 4 o’clock for the Bluff Cemetery. Jeffrey, Undertaker
Loyal Mersey Lodge, No. 6654, M.U. – Members are requested to attend the funeral of the late Bro. Thomas Barber, late member of the loyal Silver Star Lodge, Zeehan, leaving his late residence, Inlet Street, East Devonport
The Advocate 7th November 1919
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Mr. Thomas Barber took place yesterday afternoon, the cortege leaving his late residence, East Devonport, for the Bluff Cemetery. Rev. J. Williams conducted the service in the house and at the graveside.
The Advocate 8th November 1919
Profound regret was expressed at East Devonport today when it became known that Mr. Thos. Barber had been found dead in his bed yesterday morning from heart failure. Having purchased the late Captain W. Holyman's premises, he intended to take up his residence there. He was a native of Eden, New South Wales, but had lived on the West Coast for some years, coming to East Devonport a few years ago when be bought "Ashill" from the late Mr. W. Sayer, which he had recently sold to Mr. Lockett, of Railton. A widow and two daughters are left, an only son having been drowned whilst bathing in the Mersey since their arrival here.
The Examiner 7th November 1919
Rita Barber
Bluff Pioneer Cemetery Devonport
Age 26 years
FUNERAL
BARBER – The funeral of the late Rita Barber will leave her mother’s residence, East Devonport, on Sunday at
3.30 for the Bluff cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation.
The Advocate 4th February 1928
FUNERAL RITES
The remains of the late Miss Rita Barber were laid to rest in the Bluff cemetery yesterday afternoon, when the large gathering at the house and graveside showed the esteem in which the deceased young lady was held. There were many floral tributes, letters, cards and telegrams. Amongst the large number of wreaths, including some from Launceston was one from the firm of Messrs. McKinlay’s Pty. Ltd., also from the staff, with which a sister of deceased is connected. The East Devonport Methodist comrades and the East Devonport Methodist Sunday school, in both of which deceased took an active part, also sent tokens. Passing away at the early age of 26 years, deceased was of a cheerful disposition, which won her many friends, and was respected by all who knew her. Much sympathy goes out for the widowed mother and sisters, Mrs. A. Bishton and Miss Barber, in their deep sorrow. The Rev. G. T. Arthur conducted the service at the home and the Rev. F. J. Thomas at the graveside. The pallbearers were Messrs. J. Twibel, G. Ives, A. Choveaux, and R. H. Arnott. The chief mourners were deceased’s brother-in-law (Mr. A. Bishton), Mr. J. Potter, and Messrs. L. H. and C. J. Bishton.
The Advocate 6th February 1928