Obituaries Australia

The funeral of the late Mr. Stephen Stanley Parker took place last Saturday afternoon, and was largely attended. The cortege moved from the deceased's late residence, 325 Adelaide-terrace, and proceeded to the Church of England Cemetery, East Perth, where the remains, which were enclosed in a massive polished jarrah casket, with heavy black mountings, were interred. Dean Goldsmith officiated at the graveside. The pall-bearers were–Mr. Richard Sholl, Mr. J. Morrison Mr. Robert Sholl, Mr. Cecil Clifton, Mr. J. Cowan, and Sir Edward Stone. The chief mourners were–Mr. James Parker and Mr. John William Parker (sons of the deceased), Masters Frank Parker, Wilfred, Godfrey, and Edward Stables and Harold Hillman (grandsons). Mr. T. P. Draper, Mr. L. H. Gwynne, Mr. O. P. Stables, and Mr. G. F. Hillman. Wreaths and floral tributes were sent by Lady Lee Steere and Miss Steere, ‘Rose, Mabel, Ethel, and Hilda,’ ‘Madeline and Howard,’ Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Parker, Mr. and Mrs Fraser, Miss Cooke and Mrs. E. Darlot, Misses Burgess, Mrs. F. E. Green, Mr Wittenoom, Miss Amy Brown, Mr. O. P. Stables, ‘Margery,’ ‘Janet,' Mr. and Mrs J. W. Parker, Mrs. George Stone, Mr. Hardey, Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Chase, Sir Edward and Lady Stone, ‘George and Ada,’ Sir George Shenton, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Shenton, Mr. and Mrs. James Parker, Mrs. Phillips (Claremont), Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Saunders, Mr. E. Parker, Mrs. E. Courthorpe, Mrs. Shenton. Mr. and Mrs Frank Parker, Mr T. Percy Draper, Mr. and Mrs. James Cowan, Miss Isabel Stables, and others. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Bowra and O'Dea. Mr. Parker was a native of Lyminge, Kent, England, and was born on May 24, 1817. With his late father, Mr. Stephen Parker, he came to Western Australia in February, 1830 Mr. Parker, senr., acquired land at Guildford, but subsequently went to York, where he combined grazing with general farming. He erected his home at Northbourne, ten miles from York, and there he continued until his death, when Mr. S. S. Parker came into the property. Prior to this, however, or in 1844, Mr. S. S. Parker had married a daughter of Mr. John Rowell, of Northam, and immediately afterwards branched out in business for himself. He went grazing and farming at York, and, by fair seasons and good management, was soon able to increase his acreage. He bought a property near his original holding, but, after five years' time, he relinquished it, to purchase 4,000 acres from Mr. R. H. Bland, then Government Resident at York. A year later Mr. Parker acquired several leases, and in about 1853 he erected a steam flour mill in York, which he conducted in connection with his pastoral and farming pursuits. From that year he continued in business until February, 1882, when he retired and took up his abode in Perth. Mr Parker was created a Justice of the Peace by Governor Weld in the sixties. He rendered considerable assistance to local government in York, was eight years chairman of the district Roads Board, and was also a member of the Town Council. He was esteemed as one of the prominent men of the country, and Governor Robinson, during his first term of office, appointed him a nominee member of the Legislative Council. For eight years he sat in the Council under Governors Robinson, Ord, and Broome, retiring during the last-named’s term of office. Mr. Parker was a member of the Aborigines Protection Board, and, because of his sympathy for and experience among the natives, he was able to render material assistance in their government and protection. He was a diocesan trustee in the Church of England in Western Australia. The many years of Mr. Parker's life were borne with quiet dignity, and none was more highly respected in the colony and State. His sons, too, have prominently identified themselves with the history of Western Australia. Foremost is Mr Justice Parker. Mr. Edward Parker manages the old estate at York Mr. George Parker is the senior member of the legal firm of Messrs. Parker, and Messrs. James and John W. Parker are in the Eastern districts.