Obituaries Australia

After a serious illness of a few days' duration, the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Austin occurred today at her residence, "The Mansion," Barwon Park, Winchelsea.

The deceased lady came from Somersetshire with her husband about 50 years ago, and for the whole period up to the time of her death, lived at Winchelsea. During her widowhood she made some notable gifts. Early in the eighties she brought into existence one of Victoria's most useful hospitals—the Austin Hospital for Incurables, at Heidelberg. A very fine block of buildings was erected through her generosity, and since the incorporation of the institution on January 21, 1882, it has won for its benefactress the affection and gratitude of hundreds of unfortunate incurables who were denied admission to the general infirmaries. From time to time Mrs. Austin came to the assistance of the institution, with the result that it has been kept in the forefront of Victoria's medical establishments. In commemoration of the late Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1887, Mrs. Austin, at a cost of about £5,000 erected a fine terrace of building in South Geelong, known as the Austin House, in which accommodation is provided for gentlewomen with just sufficient means to see them through life.

Mrs. Austin's last signature last week was to a cheque for 100 guineas, a gift to the Geelong King Edward Memorial Clock fund. She observed that it would probably be her last public gift, and was determined to make it substantial. St. Thomas's Anglican Church, Winchelsea, was liberally supported by the deceased lady since its inception, and any deserving organisation in the district never appealed to her in vain.

Mrs. Austin, who was 89 years of age, had a family of five sons and six daughters. The surviving children are Mr. William Austin, of East Malvern; Mr. A. Austin. M.L.C. for the Western Province; Alderman H. A. Austin, of Geelong; Mrs. Embling, Mrs. Charles Umphelby and Mrs. Tom Umphelby. The late Mrs. Sidney Austin of Geelong, was also a daughter, and four of the deceased lady's grandchildren are Messrs. Edward A. and Arthur E. Austin, and Mrs. Alex. Gray (of Geelong), and Mr. Sidney Austin (of New South Wales).