George Dainty died in 1901, aged about 40yrs (date unknown). His remains were found in the bush by a prospector, Henry Frederick KESTEL when searching for lost donkeys, on the 5 Jul 1903 between Childe Harold, 7 miles from the mine and 12 yards off the travelled road in the Laverton district. The undertaker, James Blethyn, packed the remains in a blackened dynamite box which he carried under his arm to the cemetery, stopping in full view of the people in the street to hold a conversation with some people he met on the way. The remains were consigned to the ground as you would bury a dog. No service was read although a minister was available. Such was the fate and the end of a poor prospector in the benighted bush.
George Dainty stands outside his shop in Coolgardie in 1896 – Photo SLWA
George was a baker in the early days of Coolgardie, who became lost in the locality and although an extensive search was made for him, no trace of the man could be found. The Malcolm Chronicle later reported the remains were found near the ‘Brook’ in the Euro district, not far from where his cart was located by the police. It appeared the unfortunate man was without food and water and had wandered away in a weak state in search of succor when he succumbed.
He was a man who had led an active life, and experienced many ups and downs – mostly the latter in later years. As a young man, he went to the Mt Browne diggings in NSW. He arrived there with a 50lb bag of flour and started up a bakery, hewing his oven out of solid rock. From this small start, he became one of the most prosperous men in the town within six months. From then on he visited most of the colonies and was one of the first to arrive in Malcolm in WA after travelling there from Kalgoorlie. He took up a corner block where the Exchange Hotel stood and in 1896 he opened up a general store and bakery near the North Star Mine. From then on he mainly occupied himself with prospecting. He was to leave many friends by whom the news of his terrible end was received with the deepest sorrow.
North Coolgardie Herald and Miners Daily News – Menzies 23 July 1903, page 3
An inquest was held concerning the human remains that were found by Henry Kestel of Burtville supposed to be of George Dainty who was lost in the locality 2 years earlier. Hugh Cameron, who resided between Childe Harold and Mt Morgans, testified to the fact that Dainty had called at his place early in December 1900. Dainty’s horse subsequently returned without his owner. He identified the trousers show as those identical to those worn by Dainty. A ledger was also produced which belonged to Dainty and was found in March 1903 on Lake Carey and the writing in this corresponded to a list found on the skeleton. The jury returned a verdict that the remains were indeed those of George Dainty and that he perished in the bush from thirst.
George Dainty is buried in the Laverton Cemetery, he has no headstone. His death was registered in the Mt Margaret District Reg 27/1903.
References:- Lonely Graves by Yvonne and Kevin Coate
Malcolm Chronicle and Leonora Advertiser 30 March 1901, page 2
The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail Guide.
Moya Sharp
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