The Death of Dr Maxwell – grave tales

Death of Dr. Maxwell. Death last Monday claimed one for whose demise this community is the poorer indeed Dr. Patrick Arthur Maxwell, such men as he, whose life as others knew it, was a conspicuous example of the most encouraging side of frail humanity, are but rare. and the close of Dr. Maxwell’s too brief career arouses feelings of keenest sorrow. It has been the privilege of a great many residents in and about Kalgoorlie to know the deceased as a friend, as an acquaintance, or as one of whom aid was sought in times of sickness, and all of this great number understand that it can in truth be said of him that he was one of God’s gentlemen.

Of his private life, echoes of only the most enviable eulogy sounded abroad, while of his work as a medical practitioner and as a participant to the extent allowed by heavy claims on his professional services and recurring ill health in moments of charity and of public benefit, only the best can be said. Whether it was to his fellow practitioners, to the highest in the social scale or to the lowliest, his conduct was ever gracious and considerate. Himself sorely afflicted with physical infirmity he uniformly manifested a convincing sympathy with sufferers. It was only when approached in a manner in the least suggestive that he would appreciate the early payment of fees due to him that he betrayed any sign of impatience.

Dr Patrick Arthur Maxwell 1902

During the term of the sickness which ended Dr. Maxwell’s life yesterday, one encountered on all sides people who gave expression to the sincere wish that he might be spared and that his sufferings might be lightened. The Rev. Father Robinson, who was latterly in daily attendance on the sufferer and others who had any tidings to give were constantly obliged to answer anxious enquiries. Dr. Maxwell, who had reached only to 32 years of age when he peacefully went away at his home in Porter-street yesterday, was born in Dublin,  the son of the late Sir Patrick Maxwell. He was a student at the Dublin University, where he took his degree of M.D. While a keen and diligent student he also shared vigorously in athletics, and particularly distinguished himself in cricket, being chosen to play against the English universities.

The residence of Dr Maxwell, Brookman Street, Kalgoorlie 1902 Now the Catholic Church Manse, Cnr of Brookman and Porter Streets, Kalgoorlie.

Catholic Church Manse, Brookman Street, Kalgoorlie 2017

His arrival in West Australia took place about six years ago, and he was for some time resident medical officer at the Fremantle Hospital. He came to Kalgoorlie about four and a half years since, and was here for about a year as assistant house surgeon at the Government Hospital. After that he entered into private practice, and in this connection a confrere expresses the belief that Dr Maxwell did more charitable work than all the other goldfields doctors combined. Further, it is said by those who should know that the deceased really hurried his own death by overworking himself in attending to the sick, and that he refused, while at all able to get about, to let any call for his services pass unheeded. Those who knew of his heroically borne affliction and a little of his studiously concealed acts of charity could not but feel something of reverence for a man who, conscious of his speedily approaching death, diligently spent his strength in ministering to suffering fellow beings in the spirit of a Christian.

Consumption was the cause of death, but it was not until about last Christmas that the disease was able to overcome his wish to keep uninterruptedly at his work. Two brothers of the deceased, both solicitors, are in this State. One has his home at Perth and the other at Menzies. A very pathetic feature of the present bereavement is that Dr. Maxwell’s mother is now on her way from Ireland to West Australia, hoping to see her son ere his death. The funeral on Tuesday afternoon, amidst every expression of public regret, the remains of the late Dr. Patrick Arthur Maxwell were committed to their earthly resting place. In the morning, at 10 o’clock, a solemn requiem mass in commemoration of the deceased Gentleman was held in St. Mary’s Church, the Rev. Father Robinson (Kalgoorlie) being chief celebrant, and the Rev. Fathers Brennan, Brereton, O’Donnell, and O’Reilly assisting. A large number of friends of the deceased attended the service, which was of a very impressive nature. Before the mournful procession started, the customary funeral service was held in the church, after which the body, encased in an oaken coffin, chased with silver, was reverently placed in the hearse, and the cortege moved off.

The Rev Father Robinson lead in a sombre coloured vehicle. Following the Rev. Father were many members of the district Hibernian Societies on foot, and then came the hearse, drawn by four black horses, the first mourning coach, containing the deceased gentleman’s brother and sister-in-law and Nurse Brown, and the second mourning coach, in which were the Rev. Fathers Brennan, Brereton, O’Donnell, and O’Reilly. Next in order marched the boys of St. Mary’s Convent School, wearing white sashes, emblematic of purity, and, in their wake came nearly 70 vehicles containing those of the late Dr. Maxwell’s friends able to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory, among whom nearly every class of the community was represented.

The cortege passed along Hannan street, by way of Porter street, and entered Maritana street, and so onward to the Kalgoorlie cemetery. It was exceptionally long, the hearse being near Piccadilly street when the last vehicle rounded the Maritana street corner, and probably no longer cortege has been seen on the goldfields. The impressively solemn service at the graveside was conducted by the rev  fathers,and the regretful demeanour of the crowds clustered in the little cemetery attested the, degree of affection and respect which the dead man had inspired in the many who had the good fortune to know him in life. The pallbearers were Messrs. Percy Mason, Kyran Brennan, James Brennan, Patrick Lynch. Dr. Kearney, and J. D. Connolly, M.L.C. The grave was adorned by many beautiful floral wreaths, sent by many. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. P. Cruse and Co.

Kalgoorlie Cemetery, Roman Catholic Section – Dr. Patrick Arthur Maxwell – Photo Danelle Warnock.