Rendall, James

Accidentally drowned at Culloden Creek on the Culloden Run

A Magisterial enquiry was held at Arrilalah on the 28th March 1888 by W McMillian Esq JP

[Extract] – Senior-constable Fahey, Muttaburra, reports to the Commissioner of Police that James Rendall, the mailman between Muttaburra and Hughenden, was drowned on Friday morning last whilst crossing the creek near Culloden station. The mails were saved. The police have gone in search of the body. Further information is afforded by the postmaster at Muttaburra, who wired to the Under Secretary to the Post Office as follows :-“The mailman, James Rendall, on the night of the 23rd February, was camped with some Chinamen on the ridge close to a creek about thirty-three miles from Muttaburra. On the next morning the ridge was surrounded by water. Rendall and the Chinamen swam over to higher ground, apparently to get some horses. As the water was rising fast, Rendall decided to go back to get the mail and return to Muttaburra. In going back he was unable to reach the island, and the current carried him away. He was seen to rise two or three times and then disappeared. The mail was taken into Muttaburra on Monday night last (27th February) by the Chinamen who had witnessed the drowning of Rendall. The mails proved to be all secure, except that the loose letter pouch was missing:.”

[Source:Cite: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3469012 – The Brisbane Courier – Thursday 1 March 1888 Page 5 of 8]