Samuel Meech – “Rialto’s Saddest Tragedy”
“Ah!” was the final word heard from Mr Samuel Meech, nae, his final memory. When someone passes, their last words and memories are usually cherished and surrounded with the ones they love and sadly, the story of Mr Meech will be despairingly chronicled as one of the Rialto’s saddest tragedies.
The neo-Gothic architecture of the Rialto’s façade stands timeless on prestigious Collins Street, the intricate lead light windows and arches transport guests back to when the building was skilfully crafted in the 1890’s. Samuel Meech was among one of the draftsman who worked tirelessly to construct the Rialto before his tragic and mysterious demise on October 13th, 1898. That sad afternoon, Samuel was working on the Flinders Street side of the Rialto building when he fell to his death. Although there were no witnesses as to how Samuel fell, onlookers claimed to have heard a window crack, followed by a chilling outcry.
Mr Code, a colleague speaks highly of Samuel, stating “He was always in good health and spirits”, even Samuels’ sister claimed he never showed signs of mental illness. However, days leading up to his passing a few of his co-workers claimed Samuel displayed peculiar behaviour and was unsettled at work.
To this day, Samuel Meech’s death remains a mystery as no evidence was found to justify his doleful fall and he will be forever known as one of the Rialto’s saddest tragedies.
