Obituaries Australia

Mr. Peter Mackay, of Hereward, Longreach, Q., and formerly of Glenure, Argyllshire, Scotland, who died at Gloucester House, Sydney, on 11th September 1954, was keenly interested in Central Queensland since he began there in partnership with his brother-in-law, the late Robert Maclntyre, in 1912. He took part in church and public affairs, being an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. Also, on a number of occasions he was the judge of sheep dog trials at Longreach shows, and even after retiring to Sydney some years ago kept up his interest in Central Queensland through his son Duncan, who still resides at Hereward. At the time of his death he was in his 82nd year.

Mr. Mackay's early years were spent in the Western Highlands of Scotland and his way of life seemed set at Glenure, following his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather there. However, he always had a wish to carve out something in a new country, and with his wife and two children went to Queensland in 1912. He was a Gaelic scholar, had a great knowledge of his country's history, and was very much in tune with the ancient spirit of his people. At Glenure he kept a herd of pedigreed Highland cattle and was a life member of the Highland Cattle Society. He also acted as judge for Blackface sheep and Highland cattle. It was no easy decision for him to leave Scotland, but he made a home at Hereward where all were welcome, as it had been at Glenure.

He is survived by his wife, the second daughter of the late Donald Maclntyre, of Dalgonally, North Queensland; two sons, Duncan (Hereward), Peter (Sydney); and three daughters, Mrs. McDonald (Young, N.S.W.), Joanne (Sydney), and Mrs. Farnham (U.S.A.). There are also 11 grandchildren.