Obituaries Australia

The death occurred at Armidale last month of one of the most highly respected pastoralists of New England, New South Wales, in the person of Mr. Thomas Fletcher.

The late Mr. Fletcher was born at Orandumbie, near Walcha, N.S.W., in the year 1845, and was the eldest son of Mr. John Fletcher, one of New England's pioneers, who owned Branga Plains and Orandumbie, both in the Walcha district, and various other properties. Mr. Thomas Fletcher inherited Branga Plains after his father's death, and only disposed of it some seven or eight years ago, when he purchased Eathorpe, Armidale. The best part of his earlier days was spent in Queensland, where he owned various properties. Always interested in stock, there was no keener judge than Mr. Fletcher.

He was a man of scrupulous integrity, generous and large hearted, and of a most kindly disposition. His death was very sudden. Though not a racing man, he was attending the Armidale meeting last month, and suddenly collapsed on the course, a blood-vessel having burst in the brain. Death took place the same evening. His loss throughout New England will be keenly felt.