Obituaries Australia

Throughout the length and breadth of Tasmania deep regret will be expressed at the news of the death of Mr William Gunn, which took place at his residence, Invercarron, Broadmarsh, on Monday. The deceased was a prominent figure in the municipal life of Tasmania, particularly in the Brighton district, where for many years in succession he was Warden, having been first appointed to that position in 1870. He was a native of Hobart, where he was born in June, 1832. After tuition at the Rev. P. Campbell's seminary, he completed his education at the Glasgow and Dublin Universities, and whilst in the former place was on the staff of 'The North British Daily Mail,' the first daily paper established in Scotland. On returning to Tasmania in 1853, (says 'The Mercury') Mr Gunn became a resident of Broadmarsh, where two years later he acquired an estate of 930 acres, and remained there until his death. He was a most successful breeder of pure Merino sheep, and his stock always commanded high prices. He was the president of the Brighton Jockey Club from its inception until a year or two ago, when his son, Mr W. J. Gunn, succeeded him. In 1855 he was appointed a magistrate, and afterwards a coroner, and in 1863 he made his entry into the Brighton Municipal Council, where he served as a useful and progressive member for many years. He was the leading spirit in the erection of the local Congregational Church, which is built on ground belonging to his estate. Mr Gunn was married in 1857 to a daughter of the late Mr James Brown, of George-street, Edinburgh, and had four daughters and three sons, one of whom (Mr R. R. Gunn) is a well-known resident of Launceston.