Obituaries Australia

Mr. James Slee, one of the eldest residents of Mitcham, died at his residence, Park Street, Lower Mitcham, on Monday. He was 63 years of age, and was born in the district where he lived his whole life. Few men were better known in in locality, and his genial personality gained him a wide circle of friends. For years he represented the Mitcham ward on the Mitcham District Council and had also filled the office of chairman. As a justice of the peace he frequently presided over the Mitcham Police Court proceedings, but perhaps his greatest labors had been in connection with the Manchester Unity Lodge, not only in the Mitcham branch, but in the State administration of the Oddfellows' Lodge. All seats of honor in the Mitcham Lodge had been held by him during his long connection, and he was also closely identified with the Grand Lodge of South Australia. As a trustee of the Mitcham Institute he took a keen interest in its development, and its present flourishing condition is largely due to his personal untiring efforts. As a sportsman he showed fine ability as a marksman, but better still as a cricketer, and was a prominent member of the old Mitcham Cricket Club, which a score of years ago was one of Adelaide's foremost sporting clubs. His activities also embraced membership with the Masonic Lodge. During his earlier years he was in the service of Mr. Robert Barr Smith at Torrens Park, but some years ago he retired from active work to concentrate on all matters of public concern in the district, among these being an interest in the Mitcham Band. He leaves a widow, two sons, Messrs. Les. G. Slee and J. G. Slee, and two daughters, Mrs. H. H. Rofe Mrs. C. A. M. West. There are five grandchildren. Mesdames K. Saltmarsh, Nicolson, and Roebuck are sisters of Mr. Slee.