Obituaries Australia

The death occurred at his residence, Sloane Street, at 7.10 this morning, following a comparatively short illness, of Mr. Robert James Sidney Craig, aged 78, for many years a well-known resident of Goulburn.

Mr. Craig was born in Sydney, where his father, the late James Craig, was a teacher of Latin at the University. He resided in Sydney for several years, being connected for some time with the firm of the late Walter Stewart, funeral directors. He later came to Goulburn, where he was associated with his cousin, the late Robert Craig, a well-known Goulburn undertaker, and afterwards managed the business for the latter's widow, ultimately taking it over on his own account, thereby keeping it within the Craig family for almost a century.

Mr. Craig was of a retiring disposition, and on that account did not identify himself with the public life of the city. He had made a host of friends, however, and was regarded as a man of the highest character and ideals. He was a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and was an outstanding figure in Goulburn Freemasonry, being No. 2 on the lodge register at the time of his death. Since joining the Goulburn Lodge of Australia on September 15 1895, Mr Craig, had passed through all the chairs, being elected Worshipful Master in 1901. His services to Masonry were further recognised in September, 1925, when he was created a District Grand Inspector of Workings for the Grand Lodge of New South Wales. He was actively associated with the social life of the lodge and for some years was a member of the committee responsible for organising the Masonic Ball. He held office for many years as a trustee of the Masonic Hall. Mr. Craig was also a very old member of the United Ancient Order of Druids and to the time of his death was a trustee of the Icenl(?) Lodge.

The late Mr. Craig was twice married, and is survived by a widow, who was formerly Mrs Emily Jean Wall, a daughter, Mrs. J. A Corness, of Randwick, and an adopted son Mr. Arthur Craig, B.A. of the Mudgee High School staff. A son, Mr. Stewart Craig, predeceased him by five years. He also leaves four grand children, Nancy, Robert and Roy Craig (Goulburn), and Ross Corness (Randwick). Mr. J. W. Craig, of Goulburn, is a cousin.

The funeral will be preceded by a Lodge of Sorrow at the Masonic Temple.