Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Chronicle (Adelaide, SA: 1895 - 1954), Thursday 13 May 1943, page 27 Out Among The People By 'Vox' —PREMIER ON TOUR NOW on the West Coast, Mr. Playford is the first Premier to visit Elliston. He was told so at chat town last week by the District Council chairman (Mr. D. C. Dearman) and clerk (Mr. A. E. Owen) that council possibly holds a record. The previous chairman (Mr. A. J Inkster) held that office for 25 successive years, and had been a councillor for 22 before that. The Premier was interested in a photo in the council chamber of the late A. H. Inkster (brother and ex-district clerk); he was MP for Flinders 38 years ago. Before afternoon tea Mr. Playford saw bowls of unusual crimson berries on the tables and went to the kitchen to find the grower. Mrs. George Brown was pouring tea from a large brown pot, but explained they were from an African holly tree which does well in her garden. It seemed to be a day of unusuals. At the Premier's table during afternoon tea was the RSL subbranch secretary (Mrs. Don Lewis, or Sister Grace Elliot in the last war) only woman League secretary in Australia. Mr. Playford sat with an old 27th Battalion friend. Mr. Bob Agars. of Oaklands.
Port Lincoln Times (SA: 1927 - 1954), Thursday 14 February 1946, page 1 DEATH OF MR. ROBERT AGARS Deep and genuine regret was ex-pressed throughout the Elliston district when it became known that Mr. Robert F. Agars, of "Oaklands," had passed away on Friday of last week. High tribute was paid to his memory on Sunday afternoon when the funeral took place. A large company of friends and relatives gathered at the Soldiers' Memorial in the centre of the town, when led by Rev. J. H. Pointon, of Port Lincoln, they took farewell of the mortal remains of one who for a long time had been honorably known among his friends. On behalf of the gathered company Mr. Pointon paid tribute to the memory of Mr. Agars and read a message from Mrs. Agars. He was a soldier of World War I, and ever since has kept his association with his comrades of that experience (a Company of the old 27th Battalion). Members of the 27th say that Mr. Playford (the Premier) probably owes his life to Bob Agars. Mr. Playford was seriously wounded at Flers on the morning of November 5, 1916, and Bob Agars and a couple of mates carried him at great personal risk for two or three miles across broken, muddy country. The late Mr. Agars was associated with the Sheringa and later the Elliston Methodist Church. The affectionate sympathy of the district is with Mrs. Agars and the sons and daughters who mourn their loss.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Tuesday 12 February 1946, page 6 OUT Among The PEOPLE By VOX "EVERY member of A Company of the old 27th Battalion will greatly regret the passing of Bob Agars, who was one of their finest comrades," said the Premier to me yesterday when we discussed the well-known West Coast pastoralist who died at Oaklands, Elliston, last Friday. "His upright character endeared him to all associated with him on active service." the Premier went on. "Very many soldiers have good cause to remember him, and I include myself ln this number." I have often heard members of the 27th say that Mr. Playford probably owes his life to Bob Agars. Mr. Playford was seriously wounded at Flers on the morning of November 5, 1916, and Bob Agars and a couple of mates carried him at great personal risk for two or three miles across broken, muddy country. Research undertaken by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion