Obituaries Australia

Our Longford correspondent writes: It is my painful duty to record the death at the age of 77 of Mrs [Mary Ellen] Arthur, sen., who for a period of over half a century has resided on the picturesque estate of Norley, situated on the west bank of the Lake river here, the sad event taking place on Thursday shortly after 9 pm. The deceased lady, who was a daughter of the late Thomas Reibey, of Entally, and sister of the present proprietor and occupier of the estate (the hon. Thos. Reibey, M.H.A.), was married to the late Mr Charles Arthur, nephew of Sir. George Arthur, one of the first Governors of Tasmania, about 57 years ago, the issue being five sons and four daughters. Mr. Arthur died July 29 1884, at the age of 76, and it is a remarkable coincidence, noted by the relatives, that Mrs. Arthur died in a corresponding month, and almost at the same age as her husband. Norley is the birthplace of the majority of the family, three of whom have also departed this life at various periods, the survivors being Rev. C. R. Arthur, Carrick; Messrs. T. R. and G. H. Arthur, Longford; Mrs. Nelson, England; Mrs. Jakins, Victoria; and Mrs. Mason, Longford. With the exception of occasional attacks of neuralgia the deceased had been in the enjoyment of fairly good health up to within about a month ago, when a serious illness set in, and despite the combined skill of Drs. Haines, Anderson, and Maddox, and the careful and attentive nursing of Mrs J. B. Mason, the end came as stated. Mrs Arthur was the true type of an English lady, a devoted wife, an exemplary mother, and a faithful friend. Callers for aid at Norley Cottage were never allowed to go away hungry, and the sick of the neighbourhood never forgotten, the dispensing being carried out in a quiet, unostentatious manner; in fact her social qualities were of such a nature that her place will be hard to fill. Much sympathy is expressed for the numerous relatives in their bereavement.

Our Longford correspondent writes on Monday: — There was a large gathering of residents and others at Norley Cottage this afternoon to pay their last tribute of respect to the memory of the late Mrs Arthur, sen., by following her remains to their last resting place—the Church of England Cemetery. The chief mourners were Rev. C. R. Arthur, Messrs T. R. and G. H. Arthur, hon. Thos. Reibey, M.H.A., Dr. J. B. Mason, and several grandsons of the deceased. I also noticed in the cortege hon. W. Dodery, M.L.C., Messrs H. E. Dumaresq and W. Hartnoll, M.H.A's, Archdeacon Hogan (Westbury), Revs. J. Stafford, E. Jackson, J. F. Macallister, and J. J. M'Kernan the Warden and several councillors. The pallbearers were hon. W. Dodery, Messrs H. R. Dumaresq, W. H. D. Archer, Joseph Archer, T. C. Archer, and H. R. Falkiner. The service was conducted by the Revs. H. J. Edwards and J. M. Norman, Cressy. Hymns No. 277, "Nearer my God to Thee"; 24, "Sun of my soul" ; and 255, "Just as I am," etc., being sung by the choir, Miss Annear presiding at the organ. The coffin was of polished pine (without mountings), and brass handles. The plate, which was the shape of a heart, was also of brass, the name, etc., being engraved thereon. There was a beautiful collection of wreaths and other floral tributes which had been sent by relatives and sympathising friends. The coffin was placed in the family vault, making, I understand, the fifteenth member of the family interred there.