Obituaries Australia

Mr. George Miller Gavel, of Gulgo Station, Condobolin, New South Wales, died in May, aged 84 years. Born at Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, in 1831, he spent his earlier days in seafaring, visiting all important parts of the world, and eventually gaining his master's certificate. In the early 50's he landed in Melbourne with a younger brother, and a few years later, 1857, settled in the Kyneton district of Victoria, and pursued farming and grazing. After twenty years he moved to Echuca, Victoria, where he spent fourteen years, and in 1890 purchased Gulgo Station, on the Lachlan River, New South Wales, residing there until the time of his death.

At all times Mr. Gavel took a prominent part in political matters, and his long experience and intimate knowledge of the disabilities of land settlement in dry areas made him a consistent opponent of the policy of the present Government in placing settlers upon insufficient areas at high values. Mr. Gavel was one of the first councillors and presidents of the Lachlan Shire, and he only relinquished his duties as councillor in his eighty-second year. He was also a director of the Condobolin P.P. Board for a number of years. He was a keen man of business, but at the same time a good friend and kind host. For many years his fat stock frequently topped the market in Sydney, and were always keenly sought after because of their quality.

Mr. Gavel was married sixty years ago, and his wife survives him, besides five sons and six daughters.