Obituaries Australia

The death occurred suddenly in Goulburn last night of Mr. Elwyn Wilberforce Ledsam, one of the city's best known residents.

The late Mr. Ledsam, who was 58 years of age, collapsed in his dental surgery yesterday afternoon and was taken to hospital, where he died shortly before 7 p.m. He had been an indifferent health for some time past. Mr. Ledsam was a native of Goulburn, being the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Gurd Ledsam. His parents were also former well known residents of this city; his father being employed at the Post Office for many years. Mr. Ledsam spent his early days here, being a pupil at the old King's College for some time. He later attended a boarding school at Junee, where he resided for a short period before returning to Goulburn about 30 years ago. He became interested in dentistry at an early age and before acquiring his own practice was associated with the late Mr. E. C. Bryden.

Although he did not take an active interest in civic affairs, the late Mr. Ledsam was widely known and respected. He was always keenly interested in music and in addition to being a member of the 'Goulburn Liedertafel', was for many years a prominent member of St. Saviour's cathedral choir. For a short period he was deputy organist at the Cathedral and in recent years had officiated at the organ at Christ Church, West Goulburn, where a pair of organ lamps commemorate his parents, who were members of the congregation at that centre. He retired from this position about three months ago for health reasons.

In his early days Mr. Ledsam was a keen motor cycling enthusiast and was one of the first Goulburn residents to own a motor cycle. He was the first in Goulburn to attach a side car equipment to his machine. He was a foundation member of the Goulburn Motor Club and the Goulburn Amateur Bicycle Club, and held varying offices in the latter organisation, of which he was auditor at the time of his death. He was a very old member of the M.U.I.O.O.F. and Masonic Lodges and he was also an accomplished amateur photographer.

Mr. Ledsam was married at Goulburn, and his wife was formerly Miss Elsie Mabel Small. She survives him, together, with one son, Walter (Sydney) and two daughters, Thelma and Daphne (Goulburn).

The funeral will take place to morrow, leaving St. Saviour's Cathedral at 3.30 p.m; for the Church of England portion of the General Cemetery.