Stories of Ernest Leslie Ireland
Ernest worked in the men's wear dept of Fidler & Webb. Later he opened his first shop in Commercial Street opposite the Cave Garden. Still later he moved his shop further west to a shop on the South side of the street near Gray Street.
Mr. Ernest Leslie Ireland of Boandik Lodge, who died at the Mount Gambier Hospital after an illness of four and a half months, conducted a men's and boys' wear shop in Commercial Street for many years. He retired from business in 1952.
He had a shop opposite Jens hotel for about 20 years and then moved to the site now occupied by Cox-Foys.
In 1906 he was manager of the men's wear department at Fidler and Webb Ltd.
Mr. Ireland was born at Woodville on July 4th, 1878, the son of the late George and Meloira Ireland. Four brothers and two sisters pre-deceased him and his wife died 10 years ago. One sister, Mrs N Newell, is ill in the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Mr. Ireland was married at the Church of England, Mount Gambier, to Miss Clara Crissie Coates, on October 21, 1907. Their children are Mr. Cyril Ireland, of Mt. Gambier; Mrs C. R. (Jean) Kilsby, of Geelong; Mrs E.M. (Estelle) Barrows of Mount Gambier; and Mrs W.G. (Crissie) Stolz of Clapham. A son Mr. Keith Leslie Ireland, is deceased.
The late Mr Ireland was a member of the Church of England, The Order of Rechabites and a past member of the Mount Gambier Bowling Club.
Rev. Collas conducted the funeral service at the Church of England and Messres. Richard and Bruce Barrows, John Ireland and Kevin Kilsby, all grandsons, were pall-bearers.
Border Watch Tuesday 21st January 1964
Died on Sunday January 19th 1964, aged 85 years. Buried on Tuesday 21st in the Mt Gambier Cemetery. Ern James, Funeral Director.