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Walter Augustus Gale (1864–1927)

from Herald

Walter Augustus Gale, by Vandyck, 1913

Walter Augustus Gale, by Vandyck, 1913

National Library of Australia, 23432105

Mr Walter Gale, Clerk of the House of Representatives, died suddenly from heart failure at Parliament House at 10.45 today.

Mr Gale, who has been in failing health for some months, died with painful suddenness in the arms of Major C. Griffith of the Social Service Association. Major Griffith was one of his best friends, and acted as best man at his wedding.

"We were sitting in Mr Gale's room chatting," said Major Griffith. "He seemed perfectly natural and rational, but suddenly he gave a shudder and a paroxysm seemed to pass over him. I cried, 'The room is too hot for you, Walter, and opened the window, and turned off the heater, but when I took hold of him he was already unconscious, I called in the others, and we sent for Dr. C. Finlay, of Eastlake, but Mr Gale was dead before he arrived."

Mr Gale, made the transfer to Canberra with the rest of the Parliamentary staff. He had weakened greatly since he arrived and during the last few weeks was unable to climb the stairs without assistance.

His widow and family are still living at their old home in South Yarra.

The news of the death made a deep impression on the new capital city and flags were immediately flown at half-mast from all the official buildings.

In his younger days Mr Gale was an athlete of note and it is thought that his strenuous college efforts had a bad effect on his heart.

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Citation details

'Gale, Walter Augustus (1864–1927)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/gale-walter-augustus-6370/text37117, accessed 10 November 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Walter Augustus Gale, by Vandyck, 1913

Walter Augustus Gale, by Vandyck, 1913

National Library of Australia, 23432105

Life Summary [details]

Birth

22 December, 1864
Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia

Death

27 July, 1927 (aged 62)
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Cause of Death

heart disease

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

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