Obituaries Australia

The death occurred somewhat unexpectedly on Monday of Mr. Ernest Baynes, well known in recent years as the president of the Royal National Association. On September 13 Mr. Baynes underwent a minor operation and appeared to be making satisfactory progress. Late on Sunday afternoon, however, a relapse took place, he became unconscious, and his death occurred at 7 o'clock on Monday morning.

The late Mr. Baynes was born in South Brisbane in 1864 and spent his childhood there. His early education was entrusted to the late Major A. J. Boyd, and his secondary training was received in Horton College, Tasmania, and in the Grammar School, Toowoomba. On leaving school Mr. Baynes worked in various capacities on Queensland stations, and spent some years droving in the far West and in the North. Later he went to Western Australia to assist the Durack pioneers in establishing their cattle station in the Kimberley district. Subsequently he was one of a party sent out by Sir Thomas M'Illwraith to investigate the possibilities of sugar growing in the Western State. On his return to Queensland he joined his brothers in the business of the Graziers' Butchering and Meat Export Company, subsequently known as Baynes Brothers, who held properties on the Burnett and on the Darling Downs. The late Mr. Baynes had retired from active business, but he continued to be a most active and enthusiastic promoter of the interests of the Royal National Association, knowing that that body was doing most excellent work for the development of the resources of the State. The work of the Association absorbed practically the whole of his time. Not only in Queensland but in the Southern States, Mr. Baynes enjoyed a deservedly high reputation as a judge of livestock. As a judge of horses his services were always in request. He represented the association on many occasions at all the big shows in Australia, and has adjudicated at Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. He owned many famous ring champions, including Comet, a champion buggy horse of Australia, and Spondulix, the great high jumper. For many years he served as honorary Judge of the Queensland Turf Club, and was a member of that body for some time, and was a very popular and prominent participator for many seasons. He was also one of the founders of the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade. The deceased gentlemen lost his wife about 12 months ago. He is survived by two daughters, Mesdames B. G. Corrie and W. D. Merewether and four grandchildren.

Speaking on behalf of the council of the Royal National Association, the chairman (Mr. J. Hiron) stated that the members of the council deeply deplored the death of Mr. Baynes, as they considered the association had lost an earnest and valued worker who had appeared to have had many years of useful life before him. He watched the association making wonderful progress from a small show ground to its present position. Their high regard for him as president was due to his long service to the association. He had been an active member for 38 years, 10 years longer than any other member. For many years the deceased gentleman was ring master of the association, but relinquished that position when he became chairman in 1920. In 1923 he was appointed acting president, and on the death of Mr. C. E. McDougall in 1924 he became president and has occupied that position ever since. He was a great judge of live stock, especially horses, and was a member of the Stallion Board of Queensland when it was formed by the Government. He was also a keen and tireless worker in matters affecting the association, and always did his utmost to advance the welfare of the country.