Obituaries Australia

Mr. Charles Beale, one of Mount Gambier’s most active old pioneers passed away on Wednesday morning at the grand age 95. The late Mr. Beale came to Australia 72 years ago. In England he had studied for practical Botanical knowledge, and had experience in flower culture and hot house culture, For several years he was employed in London by the Earl of Ducie, Being venturesome, he accepted the Earl’s invitation to take some prize cattle to the Paris Exhibition. It was in Paris he was asked by the late Mr. A. Fisher to take three prize Shorthorn cattle to Adelaide. This he accepted, and, liking Australia, decided to remain. It was not long before forestry was started, and on interviewing the first South Australian Conservator (Mr. C. E. Brown) he agreed to take charge of forestry in the South-East.

Mount Gambier and surrounding districts owe a lot to the veteran horticulturist and forester. His monument is the grandeur and sylvan glory of the Leg of Mutton reserve, Specializing in the growing of shrubs and trees his incalculable help in the early days will ever be remembered. With a determined, but kindly nature, and a will emphatic in its dictates Charles Beale's advice was practically accepted as law. It is said

"A great mind may change its objects, But cannot relinquish them,"

and Mr. Beale's love for trees and plant life was the soul of his existence.

Our records recall Mr. Beale's early association with the Mount Gambier A. &. H. Society and the untiring energy, help and advice which he freely gave, Cart-loads of flowering shrubs, ornamental plants, ferns, etc., embellished the benches–all at his own expense. Many a time he helped to make a show, and oft would the display have been lacking but for Mr Beales' energies.

Associated in the Show Society with Mr. Beale in those days were the late Rev. Dr. Craig, John Watson, Lienau, J. Bowd, F. Regan, A. Loutit, E. Lewis, Mrs. J. Wedd, and Mr. A. J. Wedd–the latter being the only one now alive of the galaxy of enthusiastic horticulturists. Throughout the district many a tree throwing its army shade was raised by Mr. Beale, and no better selection could have been made when the first Conservator appointed the late Charles Beale in charge of forestry in the South-East.