Obituaries Australia

John Burns, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 March 1921

Captain John Burns, second son of Sir James Burns M.L.C., principal of the firm of Burns, Philp and Co. Limited, died at his residence, Shaftesbury, Cootamundra, New South Wales, on 25th February, in his 35th year.

After studying at King's School, Parramatta, Mr. Burns entered commercial life for a period, but relinquished it in favour of pastoral pursuits, acquiring interests in various New South Wales and Queensland station properties.

Upon the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted, and served three years at the front—at Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine—rising to the rank of captain. At Gallipoli he was General Walker's A.D.C., and held the Gallipoli Star.

The late Captain Burns was a partner in the firm of Burns and Johnston, and his pastoral interests were mostly confined to Queensland, the first property owned by him being Pike's Creek, in the Stanthorpe district, while later on he was interested in Cotherstone, Consuelo, Tilpal, and Tarbrax Stations, and also Bunda Bunda Station, Richmond, at which property he resided for a time. At the time of his death he was also interested in Nelia Ponds, Bushy Park, Turn-off Lagoons, and Egilabria, all cattle properties situated in North Queensland, while recently he acquired Shaftesbury Estate, in the Cootamundra district, where he was residing at the time of his death.

He returned from the war in indifferent health, and his death was due to a series of complications, arising from the illness caused by his services at the front. The late Captain Burns was most popular, and enjoyed a wide circle of friends, both in Queensland and in New South Wales.