Obituaries Australia

Dr. Edwin J. Bennett, the father of Dr. Arthur Bennett, of the Hamilton Hospital, died early on Wednesday morning, at Stawell, at the advanced age of 72 years. The deceased gentleman had the misfortune to fall down a deserted shaft, when returning home on a wet and dark night, and remained in the shaft all night before he was rescued. The exposure to the cold and wet affected his health, and he never recovered his accustomed strength, but gradually grew weaker and weaker, until the end came. The deceased gentleman settled in Stawell in 1859, and continuously resided there until his death. Dr. Bennett was identified with nearly every local public movement, and was held in the highest esteem by his fellow-townsmen. Up to January last he filled the position of resident medical officer at the Stawell Hospital, when failing health compelled him to resign. His public labours were continuous in connection with the cause of education, and furthering the interests of the local Mechanics' Institute. Some years since he was a member of the Stawell Shire Council. He was also Coroner for the district, and a Member of the Board of Advice. Dr. Bennett was kind and charitable in the extreme, and in him the poor of the town have lost a good friend, who was ever ready to succour the needy and distressed. The remains of the deceased gentleman were interred in the Stawell cemetery on Friday afternoon, and were followed to the grave by a large number of sorrowing friends.