Obituaries Australia

Mr. Edward Rock Garnsey, of the High Commissioner's staff, Australia House, London, who died last week, was born in 1864, at Windsor, where his father, the Rev. C. P. Garnsey, was then keeping a private school. He was educated at the Sydney Grammar School, and Sydney University. After reading his law in the chambers of Mr. C. B. Stephen, he was admitted to the Bar. In early manhood he published a volume of light essays, entitled, The Australian at Home, and illustrated with sketches drawn by himself. He made a thorough study of Greek and Roman literature, following which he published three books, a translation and exposition of the Odes of Horace, a volume of Epilegomena, and an edition for schools of Books I.-III. Later on he published also a brochure on the Fall of Maecenas. Having gone to London to arrange for the publication of the first edition of his Horatian studies, Mr. Garnsey entered the service of the Agent-General for New South Wales, and became emigration officer. During the war he was transferred to the Intelligence Department of the High Commissioner's staff, and as a postal censor he read regularly letters in six European languages, and in five others occasionally.

For some time he held the post of librarian in Australia House, but later he was regarded as the authority to whom were referred all questions requiring a knowledge of Australian law. He frequently lectured in different parts of Britain about Australia and its resources. His many-sided knowledge of art, literature, history, and science led to his being chosen from time to time to decide the authenticity or the value of documents, manuscripts, paintings, or relics alleged to have some connection with the early history of Australia.