Obituaries Australia

Michael Joseph Cavanagh, well-known district grazier, of "East View" Mulligan's Flat, Ginninderra, died at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, North Sydney, on Saturday, at the age of 61 years.

The late Mr. Cavanagh was the son of the late Patrick Cavanagh, one of the pioneers of the district, who came to Canberra 91 years ago as a lad of 14 years.

Michael Cavanagh was a prominent figure in the Canberra district, where he had lived all his life. He was one of a family of nine sons and two girls, the surviving members being Thomas (Deepwater, Glen Innes), James (Newcastle), Patrick (Tennants Creek, Queensland), George (Attunga), Erin (Ginninderra, F.C.T.), and Miss Jane (Ginninderra).

Always ready to lend a hand in anything for the benefit of the district, the late Mr. Cavanagh, was a staunch worker for the Roman Catholic Church, and was actively interested in the building of St. Francis Church at Hall. He was one of the original members of the Farmers' Union Show at Ginninderra, which was the forerunner to the F.C.T.P. and A. Association. Mr. Cavanagh was a Vice-President of the Association at the time of his death. As a member of the F.C.T. Rural Lessees Association he took a keen interest in its functions, but was compelled to retire from the Executive on account of ill health. Cricket and racing were other interests to claim his attention, and as a member of the Canberra Race Club and St. Patrick's Race Club he rarely missed a meeting, while on many occasions he acted as judge or starter.

He is survived by a widow, who will have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends. The funeral will take place to the Roman Catholic portion of the Queanbeyan Cemetery to-day.