The Barrier Miner, Monday 11 July 1904
(Broken Hill, New South Wales)

DEATH OF MR. J. COLMER
Another of Broken Hill’s old identities, in the person of John Colmer, has passed away. Deceased was in failing health for a long time past, and on Saturday, at about 5 p.m., he died in Nurse Victoria’s Private Hospital. Mr. Colmer first arrived on the Barrier in 1884, when he worked at Duchatel’s Hotel, Silverton, which was then in the course of erection, as a carpenter and joiner. On the completion of that work deceased returned to South Australia, but shortly found himself in Silverton again, employed as foreman of Mr. T. C. Tait’s carpenter’s shop. He remained in that position for three years, and in 1888 took over Mr. Tait’s Silverton business. Mr. Colmer afterwards tried his fortunes in Adelaide and the West, but without success, and came back to Broken Hill in 1896. He started contracting, and met with phenomenal success, his chief work being, perhaps, the erection of the Zinc Company’s Works at West Broken Hill. About three years ago deceased went away to Adelaide, and bought a home at Edwardstown. He continued in a chequered career, however, and at the time of his death had lost nearly all he possessed. As a joiner, deceased was considered one of the best tradesmen that could be found. He was a native of Cornwall, where he served his apprenticeship as a cart and wheelwright. It is a grim fact that he made the first coffin used on the Barrier. Deceased leaves a widow and several children. A representative number of pioneers and those who had been associated with him in business attended his funeral yesterday.

The Barrier Miner, Thursday 14 July 1904
(Broken Hill, New South Wales)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES.—Probate Jurisdiction.—In the Will of JOHN COLMER, late of Broken Hill, in the State of New South Wales, Contractor, deceased.—Application will be made, after fourteen days from the publication hereof, that Probate of the last Will of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to WILLIAM JOHN COLMER, JOHN SWEENEY, and RICHARD BRAY, the executors name in the said will.
All persons having any claim against the estate are required within the time above limited to send particulars thereof to the undersigned, at whose office all notices may be served.
JUSTIN McCARTHY, Solicitor for the Executors, Argent-street, Broken Hill. By his agents, Creswell and Whatmore, 81 Pitt-street, Sydney.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho