Obituaries Australia

William Frederick Bassett, who died at his residence in Bathurst on Friday, was the eldest son of Thomas Prichard Bassett, of Wales, and was born in London in 1824 (writes a correspondent). He graduated in 1849-50, came out to Australia in 1852, and settled in Parramatta, where he occupied the position of assistant colonial surgeon. He went to Bathurst in 1865, and took a great interest in many public movements. His love of science led him to form public classes in chemistry and geology at the school of arts. Mr. James Rutherford and several prominent citizens, went to his assistance financially, and under Dr. Bassett's charge the classes grew rapidly, and required more time than he could spare. This led to the appointment of Mr. John Clunies Ross, B.Sc. (Lond.), as lecturer, in 1882. It was this movement which first led to technical schools being formed in country districts. It was very largely due to his exertions that Machattie Park was dedicated as a recreation ground instead of being used as the Public school site, as was originally intended. He was appointed one of the trustees, acting in conjunction with the late Mr. John N. McIntosh and Mr. Benjamin Lee. He was long connected with the Bathurst District Hospital and the School of Arts, and for many years was a member of the Licensing Bench. He was also one of the original trustees of All Saints' College in conjunction with Bishop Marsden and the late Mr. T. M. Sloman; and he was for 43 years Government Medical Officer and Visiting Surgeon to the Bathurst Gaol. Dr. Bassett, who married Maria Theresa Sutherland, widow of Mr. Henry Sutherland, barrister, of Sydney, leaves the following family:—Mr. H. Sutherland (stepson), Dr. Prichard Bassett (Bathurst), Mr. John Prichard Bassett (Wellington), Mr. Edward Prichard Bassett (Sydney), Mrs. Harding (Brisbane), and Misses E. B. and A. B. Bassett.