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Post by NZBC on Jun 13, 2010 14:14:01 GMT 12
DEATHS
CHUNG GON.-On February 23 1952, at his residence, 104 Elizabeth St., Launceston, James, loved husband of the late Mary Chung Gon, and loved father oí Rose (Mrs. Chuey, Sydney) Violet (Mrs. Loon, Sydney), Lillian (Mrs. Chau, New Zealand), Esther (Mrs. Wong, Sydney), Ann (Mrs. Foon, West Australia), Dolly, Joseph, Albert, Samuel and Edward, in his 98th year.
The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860-1954) Monday 25 February 1952
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Post by NZBC on Jun 13, 2010 15:05:38 GMT 12
CHINESE PATRIARCH DIES IN HIS 98th YEAR
MR JAMES CHUNG GON, patriarch of the Chinese community in Tasmania, died at his home in Launceston on Saturday in his 98th vear.
Mr. Chung Gon, wiho was born in Kwantung Province, Souifh .China, set out for Australia as an 18-year-old boy with 20 dollars in his pocket. An old Chinese told him that he would need only 1/, so he sent the 20 dollars home again.
Hire of a cab in Melbourne absorbed ail the capital he brought into the country.
After a short time on the Bendigo goldfields, he came to Tasmania where he has lived ever since, except for occasional trips to China.
He first worked in a tin mine near Branxholm, and then in a market garden near the Lefroy goldfields.
He later laid down big market gardens in Launceston.
He went back to China to be married and shortly after his return bought 200 acres of land at Turners Marsh and established the first commercial orchard in Northern Tasmania.
Most of his 11 children were born there.
He sold the property and opened a fruit and vegetable shop in Launceston. He was associated in a number of civic activities.
He was 97 on July 23, 1951.
Until about three years ago Mi. Chung Gon worked in his vegetable garden.
The 10 surviving members of his family are Rose (Mrs. Chuey, Sydney), Violet (Mrs. Loon, Sydney), Lillian (Mrs. Chau, New Zealand), Esther (Mrs. Wong, Sydney), Ann (Mrs. Soon, West Australia), Miss Dolly Chung Gon and Messrs. Joseph, Albert, Samuel, and Edward Chung Gon.
The funeral will leave the Memorial Baptist Church, Launceston, after a service at 3.30 pjm. today, for Carrvilla.
The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860-1954) Monday 25 February 1952
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