Obituaries Australia

Joseph Gill, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 15 May 1926

Mr. Joseph Gill, who died at his station home, Winderradeen, Collector, N.S.W., on 10th April, was a very well-known figure in wool buying and shipping circles in Victoria. He migrated to Australia in 1876, and settled in Melbourne at once. Although only 27 at the time he had already been in the wool business for a matter of eleven years, and made somewhat of a name for himself. He attended his first London sale as a buyer in 1868 to represent one of the biggest firms in Bradford. At the initial series 300,000 bales were offered, but Mr. Gill only bought three, prices being above his limits. However, at the next sale a drop of 3d. occurred and he bought over 3000 bales, out of which big profits were made. Those purchases, he used to say, assured his future.

Mr. Gill set up in business as a wool buyer in Melbourne in 1876, and was for very many years the principal buyer on Yorkshire account at that centre. By sheer hard work and outstanding ability he created a wide connection, a connection that was maintained throughout his career. The shipping side of his firm, Joseph Gill and Co., started in 1891, when the agency for the Gulf Line of steamers was secured. About 20 years ago he purchased Winderradeen, over which he maintained a close personal interest until the day of his death.

A man of exceptionally strong personality, the late Joseph Gill will be greatly missed by all with whom he came in contact. He was noted for his integrity, and his yea was always yea and nay, nay.