Obituaries Australia

The death is announced, at the advanced age of 86, of Mr. John Fyfe. To those colonists who remember the early progress of steam navigation in Australia the name of Mr. Fyfe (says the Echo) will recall many interesting recollections. The deceased gentleman came to this colony in 1841, from the engineering works of Sir William Fairbairn, in charge of the machinery of a pioneer steamer of the A. S. N. Co. (at that time the H. R. S. N. Co.), and was selected in 1846 to design and carry on the engineering works of the company at Darling Island, recently resumed by the Government. Mr. Fyfe severed his connection with the A. S. N. Co. in 1854, to engage in other pursuits, but subsequently resumed engineering practice, acting as consulting engineer for the H. R S. N. Co. Later in life he filled a responsible position in the Harbours and Rivers Department, which he relinquished a few years ago owing to failing health. Mr. Fyfe, at the inauguration of the Engineering Association was chosen as the first president. During the early struggles for political freedom he took a prominent position, fighting under the leadership of Dr. Lang and Sir John Robertson, being always chosen as the hustings nominator of the veteran knight. Mr. Fyfe's oldest surviving son has had charge of the Crown-street waterworks for many years.