Obituaries Australia

Mr. Malcolm Kenneth McKenzie, a well-known grazier and politician in Victoria, died in Melbourne on 15th June. A son of the late Alexander McKenzie, he was born at Reedy Creek Station, Broadford, Vic., in 1849, that property having been acquired by his father a few years previously. On the latter's death, he, with his elder brother, the late C. A. McKenzie, took the station over, and despite the fact that it was heavily encumbered, freed it of debt in three years. Both brothers were noted for their strength, and both, while still young men, lost their sight.

After some little time G. A. McKenzie left Reedy Creek, but Malcolm remained on and made it his home for the greater part of his life. Other Victorian properties that he was more or less interested in at different times include Canary Island, Pyramid Hill; Rosslyn, Taggerty; Goomalibei, Benalla; Cathkin, on the Yea-Mansfield line; Clifton, on the Big River; and Boonooke and Ensay, in the Omeo district.

His political career started in 1892, when he won the Anglesey seat in the Legislative Assembly from Mr. Thomas Hunt by seven votes. He held office as Minister for Lands from 1902 to 1904, but lost the seat in the latter year to Mr. Hunt. However, six years later he again won the constituency, which had then become Upper Goulburn, and held it until 1920, when he retired.

Mr. McKenzie was a man of remarkable memory, by the aid of which he was able to keep himself well abreast with events. As a Member of Parliament and a private citizen he was very highly esteemed and had a wide circle of friends. He leaves two sons.