Obituaries Australia

The death of Mrs [Maria Lord] Armour has taken from the community one of the ablest and most self denying workers in the cause of philanthropy that Melbourne has ever known. A daughter of the late Mr Giblin, who was manager of the Bank of Van Diemen’s Land for many years; a cousin of the late Mr Justice Giblin, who was at one time the foremost politician in Tasmania, she belonged to one of the oldest Tasmanian families. About the year 1881 the first tentative efforts were made by the Scots Church congregation to remove neglected children from the slums of the city to the more wholesome atmosphere and more useful life of the country. Mrs Armour was one of the few who interested themselves in the first experiment, and to the day of her death her interest in the work was never abated. The Scots Church Neglected Children's Aid Society, to say nothing of other philanthropic associations with which she was connected, was never without her assistance And her assistance was of the most practical sort. Before the society could afford to provide a home for children that were to be provided for in the country, Mrs Armour took them into her own house, and fed and clothed them and disciplined them as far as was possible. Her house was open to the homeless She was an example of the charity that is not content with schemes of help but prompts to friendly actions. To many who have been in distress she was a friend and adviser, and among the poor, who unhappily exist in Melbourne, her memory should long be kept green. Those who have been rescued by her care from the temptations of the city and who are now looking forward to prosperous lives, will not forget her kindliness and her practical sincerity in doing good. The funeral service will be held in the Assembly hall, Collins street, at 3 o clock this afternoon.