Obituaries Australia

We referred briefly last week to the death of Mr. George Greentree, which took place on the 4th instant, at the age of 71 years. For many years the late Mr Greentree resided at Freeman's Reach, where he died, and was a native of the Hawkesbury district. He was one of the best of the Hawkesbury natives, and was a scion of a family whose name has been honoured in the district for close upon a century. Deceased was a son of the late Reuben Greentree, and a brother of Mr. Reuben Greentree, J.P., of Wilberforce, and was born on the farm now occupied by Mr Caterson, within a mile and a half of where he lived almost a life time. He was one of our most sturdy and industrious pioneers, and by thrift and capable management earned for himself a comfortable competence. A most unassuming man, though of a kindly disposition, was the late George Greentree, but he feared no man and spoke out plainly when occasion arose, and no one ever questioned his integrity. For several years he had been closely associated with the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association: he was a member of its Council at the time of his death, and at the annual show always gave valuable assistance. He was a breeder of superior draught stock, and competent authorities admitted that he was one of the test judges of draught stock in the State. He was nominated repeatedly by the H.D.A.A. to judge this class at many shows, and the Council of affiliated associations had him appointed a judge for the whole State. In local affairs he took a commendable interest, and took a prominent part in the establishment of the Freeman's Reach School of Arts, and was a trustee of the property. Altogether the late Mr Greentree was a man whom to know was to like, and the Gazette always had a big respect for him, albeit we did not always see eye to eye in times of political warfare. His wife died a few years ago, beloved by all. He leaves a family of eight sons and two daughters to mourn for a good father, and they, like him, are all held in high esteem. The family are — Albert, Herbert, and Clen., of Freeman's Reach; Mrs George Dunston, Wilberforce; Mrs P. G. Gilder, Richmond; Fred, who is teaching near Blayney; Archie, West Maitland; Percy, chemist, Cootamundra; Harry, New Zealand; and Athol, chemist, West Australia. The funeral took place on Tuesday of last week, when the remains were interred in the cemetery of old St. Matthew's Church of England — a church he loved, and where he regularly attended divine worship. It was an exceptionally large funeral — one of the longest ever seen in Windsor, and was attended by all classes and creeds. Rev. N. Jenkyn conducted, the burial, and in the church he paid an eloquent tribute to the memory of a worthy man, who set a noble example for his fellows. Mr J. W. Chandler was the undertaker.