Obituaries Australia

Mr. George Thorburn Melrose, of Rosebank, Mount Pleasant, South Australia, died in Adelaide on 11th May, after a long illness. He was the eldest son of a South Australian pioneer—Mr. George Melrose, who did so much to open up South Australia and prove its sheep country. Mr. Melrose was born at Rosebank on 18th June, 1855, and after completing his education at Prince Alfred College, devoted the whole of his life to the management of that property, and the stud of Merino sheep so well known throughout Australia. Although of a retiring disposition the late Mr. Melrose was beloved by a large circle of friends. He took a great interest in all the affairs of his district, and was not only a generous benefactor in helping movements close at hand, but gave freely to many institutions and charitable movements. As the result of travel he made inquiries into the sheep-breeding industry of various countries, and gave his fellow pastoralists the benefit of all the knowledge he gained.

It was natural that Mr. Melrose's study of sheep should gain him recognition as a skilful judge, and he acted in that capacity at the Adelaide and other shows. He was president of the Mt. Pleasant Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and of the Institute Committee in that town for many years, and gave service both personally and with money. Though he took much interest in political, industrial and social affairs, he sought no public position, and declined several requests to stand for election to Parliament. He was a director of Messrs. Elder, Smith and Co. from 1898 until 1901, during which period his advice on pastoral matters was of great service to the company.

Mr. Melrose made a hobby of books, and was one of the best read men in philosophy in South Australia. He was a remarkably good Shakespearian scholar, in which capacity his advice was welcomed by leading tutors in Adelaide. He was so unostentatious that few people knew the extent of his benefactions. His integrity, high ideals in private life, and great sense of duty to his country and to other men won him esteem in every circle. He left three sisters (Mrs. Ferguson, Burnside; Mrs. McDiarmid, Burnside, and Mrs. Higham Wigg, Adelaide), and three brothers (Messrs. John Melrose, Ulooloo; Alex Melrose, Adelaide; and the Hon. R. T. Melrose, Rosebank.)