The majority of the Chinese who came to the Lambing Flat goldfields in the 1860s originated from Canton Province, from an area surrounding the Pearl River Delta – the Seiyap 四邑 (four districts of Xinhui, Taishan, Kaiping and Enping) and the Sam Yap (three districts of Nam Hoi, Poon Yee and Soon Tuk).
Ah Geang, Quey, Ah Sing and Seng Chai are names which remain entrenched in the history of early Young as the first freehold title holders of land within the Town of Young and surrounding areas.
In the 1901 Census taken on the night of 31 March, 29 Chinese men and 11 Chinese women were recorded as living in the Borough of Young, with seven men living in the surrounding area.
While many Chinese returned to China, there were a significant number who decided to stay on in Australia. Most of these were men, and while some became solitary figures, others married, had their own businesses and raised families here. Their descendants are members of our society today.
An article from the local newspaper the “Young Witness” Wednesday July 27,1955
105 and Still Going Strong
Although he celebrates his 105th birthday tomorrow, Mr George Moohong, of Wombat Rd., won’t stop working.
Georgie, as he is familiarly known to almost every resident at Young, walks over 200 yards to his garden on the property of his benefactor, Mr Tom Young. His trip involves crossing a creek on stepping stones and climbing through a fence.
Georgie does all this unaided, for with his spirit of independence he won’t even allow anyone to carry his hoe. He has been in the Young district, first at “Eurabba” station, for over 70 years. He was in Sydney, Grenfell and Temora during the preceding 10 years, having come from Canton at the age of 25 years.
Georgie is remarkably intelligent for a man of his age, and only semi-deafness and a gradual slowing of his activities have resulted from his many years on earth. His cheery nature, seen on his visits to town each Saturday, has made him a favourite with many people in the town, especially those in Main St. Until a few months ago he used to walk the two miles in and out, but confesses now that he gets a lift.
That is the only physical help he will accept, for otherwise he cares for himself. He was happy to have his photo taken, but discourages questions. However, when “Witness” representatives visited him, Georgie was receiving a visit from an elderly neighbour who had a box of eggs for Georgie’s birthday.
“Your birthday on Wednesday?” asked a newsman. “No fear,” said Georgie, “Thursday.” He was right. He keeps a check on his birthday, and looks forward to it.
He is a grand old man whose cheerful simplicity makes him a friend of all who meet him. We dips our lid, Georgie.”
On a separate page there are two photos.
Captions read: Mr George Moohong (pronounced Moyyong) of Wombat Rod interrupts his hoeing of cauliflowers to have his photo taken. Georgie, as he is know, will be 105 tomorrow. The plants are nearly as tall as their grower. (Below) How many people of 65 could climb through a fence unaided? But to 105 year old Georgie doing this several times a day is simple.
The general Chinese Heritage research was carried out & supplied by Margaret Hall & Rowie Griffiths both members of the Young & District Family History Group Inc.
Research & information about Mr. George Moohong was by Ivan Fitzgerald & Margaret Hall, again both members of the Young & District family History Group Inc.
