Obituaries Australia

The announcement of the death of Mr George Lush which occurred at his residence Studley Park road, Studley Park, yesterday morning will be read with regret by a large circle of friends. Mr Lush who was the son of the late Rev G. P. Lush one of the first ministers of the Baptist Church in Victoria was born in Carlton 85 years ago He was educated at Jarrett’s school, Brighton, and as a lad he went into the office of Mr Andrew Newell, an early Melbourne merchant with whom he was associated for many years. He was a foundation shareholder and director of the Kauri Timber Company of which he became managing director in 1899 and chairman of directors in 1921. He retired from the position of managing director in 1927 but he was chairman till his death. It was largely owing to Mr Lush's strong personality and business ability that the Kauri Timber Company became so successful. Mr Lush was president of the Fourth Victoria Permanent Building Society to which office he was elected in November 1908. He was also a director of Permewan, Wright, and Co.

Mr Lush was the oldest member of the Melbourne Athenaeum which he joined in 1865. He had been a member of the general committee since 1878 and he was appointed a trustee in May, 1903. He was president in 1887 and 1925. He was also a very early member of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society. As a member of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia Mr Lush had a long and valuable influence on its development. He became a member of the general court of directors in 1878 when the society was the Victorian Humane Society. He was elected vice president in 1889 and president on July 26, 1893. He held office until his resignation on July 20, 1925. He was a member of the committee of the Eye and Ear Hospital with which he was associated for more than 30 years, and, next to Mr Godfrey Buckley was the oldest living member of the Australian Club winch he joined in 1881.

Mr Lush leaves a widow, two sons–Mr John Lush, of the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, and Mr R. F. Lush, of Camperdown–and two daughters–Miss Kate Lush, who was for many years a lecturer at Ormond College, and Miss Mary Lush, one of the leaders of the Free Kindergarten movement, who was for more than 20 years honorary director of the Carlton Free Kindergarten.

The funeral will take place this afternoon at the Melbourne General Cemetery.