Obituaries Australia

The death of Mr. Samuel Symons Bassett, sen., occurred yesterday at the age of 72 years (our Roma correspondent telegraphed on Dec. 26). He had been in indifferent health for the past 18 months, and during the last few weeks had been sinking fast. He was born at Penrose, in Cornwall, and at the age of 14 came to his uncle in Australia to engage in pastoral duties. Two years later he came to Roma with sheep. He was impressed with the district, and decided to settle here. At 18 years of age he managed Euthella station, and later engaged in business. He was a partner in the firm of Bassett and Skinner in the sixties. This business was eventually acquired by Bryant, McLean, Ltd., and is still existent. While in business he experimented in vine growing, of which he was the pioneer of forty years ago. His vineyards now cover 220 acres, which are growing 200,000 vines, whilst the wine manufactured is well and favourably known. The cellars contain 100,000 gallons of wine. Mr. Bassett leaves a widow and nine children, including three daughters—Mrs. Carlisle, whose husband is manager of the Bank of Australasia at Cairns; Mrs. Hector Care, wife of a dentist at Roma, who was Mayor of Roma during 1909; and Mrs. Nagel, who is married to the postmaster at Cairns. There are six sons, Samuel, William, Lionel, and Kenneth (who is engaged in assisting the industry commenced by his father), Frank (who is living at Toowoomba), and Robert (who is living in Sydney).