Obituaries Australia

The death occurred on Thursday night at his residence, St. Kilda road, Brighton, of Mr. William Grattan, owner of Gowangardie station, at the age of 62 years. Although expected, the sad event caused very deep regret amongst Mr. Grattan's friends, of whom there were many in this district. For some time Mr. Grattan suffered periodically from gout, but otherwise his health was good until about six weeks ago, when trouble in his throat began to develop, owing to a growth. A house was taken in Melbourne so that the best medical advice might be available, but the case was at once regarded as very serious, and little hope was held out. About a fortnight ago the medical attendant stated nothing more could be done, and that death was only a matter of a few days.

The late Humphrey Grattan, purchased Gowangardie station about 1863, and his son, Mr. William Grattan, lived there practically all his life. The deceased in the eighties held a lieutenancy in the old V.M.R. under Colonel Price, and he was highly popular with both officers and men. In 1893 he decided to contest Shepparton and Euroa electorate against Mr. George Wilson Hall, whom he defeated. As a politician, however, he did not remain long, and in 1897 Mr. J. T. Brown succeeded in winning the seat. For some years Mr. Grattan represented the North riding of the Violettown shire council. He succeeded his father as owner of Gowangardie Station about 15 years ago. The fattening properties of this estate are well-known, and on more than one occasion have bullooks topped on it taken the fat cattle prizes at the Melbourne show, and also at Benalla, Shepparton, and other district exhibitions. Mr. Grattan was a keen sportsman, and was a renowned field and trap shot. As a man he was kind and generous to a fault. He married Miss K. Newcomen, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Wm. Newcomen, J.P., of Taminick station, who survives him with two daughters (Misses Hilda and Sophie Grattan) and one son (Mr. Humphrey Grattan), for all of whom much sympathy is extended. The remains were interred privately in the Brighton cemetery on Saturday.