Obituaries Australia

Australia has lost another valuable son by the death, on the 25th ult., of James Alexander Robertson, M.R.C.V.S., F.R.C.S., one of the best authorities on live stock in Australia and the herdmaster of the N.S.W. Government, and one who had devoted his life to the betterment of the dairy breeds of cattle and the industry generally.

He "jackarooed" on Aston Station, in the Monaro, N.S.W., and subsequently commenced dairying on his own account, but in 1905 sailed for Scotland, where he entered the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College at Edinburgh, from which he graduated with honours in 1909, and also won the Williams Memorial Prize, and at the same time was offered a position on the staff at the College. However, he returned to Australia and commenced practising at Lismore, on the north coast of N.S.W.

In 1913 he was selected out of a large number of applicants and appointed to the position of herdmaster to the N.S.W. Department of Agriculture and Stock, taking full charge of all the Departmental herds in that State. This position he successfully held until his death.

He was a popular judge at all the Royal shows in Australia and New Zealand, giving his decisions in a fearless and accurate manner, and in every instance was able to back them up with practical facts.

James Robertson was a fellow officer of the writer's for many years, and was one to whom those in search of information and advice could apply, and at the same time know that the information would be readily given. His place will be extremely difficult to fill.