Two covers were found to this husband and wife, the first to the husband William Moody Hyndman, Oriental Bank, Beechworth, Victoria and it had a blue imperforate ‘Chalon SIX PENCE’ stamp of Tasmania postmarked with the barred numeral ‘1′ of Melbourne (Figure 1).
The reverse had an unframed black BEECHWORTH/ FE 11/ 62/ VICTORIA postmark as well as a red illegible Melbourne postmark (Figure 2).
The second cover was sent to Mrs W.M. Hyndman, Oriental Bank, Sandhurst and the perf. 10 ‘Chalon SIX PENCE’ stamp of Tasmania was cancelled with a ‘killer numeral1’ of Melbourne (Figure 3).
The reverse had an unframed SANDHURST/ JN 24/ 67 and a blue MELBOURNE/ 7 Y/ JN 22/ 67 postmark (Figure 4).
The only worthwhile reference found on William Hyndman was his obituary which was found in The Argus (Melbourne) dated Monday 13 December, 1926 on page 17. It was headed DEATH OF MR. W.M. HYNDMAN: Many Business Activities. “Much regret was experienced in financial and mining circles at the death of Mr. William Moody Hyndman, which occurred early on Saturday morning at his residence, Dulbeth, Anderson street, South Yarra. Mr. Hyndman, who was in his 91st year, was one of the best-known business men of Melbourne. He was born at Roe House, Newtown, Limovedy, Ireland. He was the second son of Mr. Robert Hyndman, a West Indian planter, whose people went from Scotland in the 16th century, and settled in the north of Ireland. After having completed his education, Mr. Hyndman, who was of an adventurous nature, came to Australia in 1852 in the sailing ship, Enchanter….The gold rush had just broken out when the Emchanter had entered Port Phillip, and about 200 vessels were there, deserted by the crews”.
“Mr. Hyndman was associated for a time in business with his uncle, Mr. Lesley A. Moody, who was at that time civil commissary-general, an office which was abolished in 1855, and he was subsequently interested in other enterprises. He accepted a managership in the Oriental Banking Corporation……. the business of which was with the East and Mauritius. Owing to an error of judgement the bank closed its doors, but subsequently paid its liabilities in full. Mr. Hyndman was connected with the bank for more than 25 years, and subsequently wound up its affairs in Melbourne. Several banks later approached Mr. Hyndman, but he decided to take up accountancy work, and later he became a director of various institutions and companies”
At least 15 companies were listed, including the Broken Hill Company, Colonial Mutual
Fire Insurance Co., Zinc Corporation, Northcote Brick Co., Castlemaine Brewery, Carlton and United Breweries and the British and Australian Lead Manufacturers’ Association…. “He was so busy that his day was occupied in rushing from one meeting to another….(he) was a very old member of the Melbourne Club, and attended all his board meetings until this year, and was persuaded to relinquish active work because of failing health”.
“Mr. Hyndman leaves four daughters, three of whom are unmarried… Mrs Hyndman, died I December 1923, after a married life of more than 60 years. She was Miss Matilda Johnstone, eldest daughter of Mr. A.J. Johnstone of Launceston, Tasmania.”
A picture of William Moody Hyndman was taken from the same issue of the Argus, and is shown as Figure 5.