Obituaries Australia

The following obituary notice from the Oxford Times of January 16, supplied to us by Lady Forrest, who was first cousin of the deceased gentleman, will be read with great regret by his numerous relatives, belonging to the Hamersley, Phillips, and Brockman families in Western Australia:

"We regret to record the death of Mr. E. S. Hamersley, J.P., of Pyrton Manor, which, took place on Monday, at Bournemouth, in his 70th year. Edward Samuel Hamersley was the second son of Hugh Hamersley, J.P. and D.L., and some time Chairman of Quarter Sessions for Oxfordshire, who died in 1884, by his first wife, Mary Anne Philippa (who died in 1877), daughter of the late John Shawe Phillips, J.P, and D.L., of Culham, Oxon. Mr. Hamersley was born in 1839, and married first in 1865 Alice (who died in 1875), daughter of W. Barton; secondly, in 1878, Louisa Maud, daughter of John B. Graham. Mr. Hamersley was educated at Eton and Exeter College, Oxford, and was a J.P., D.L., and County Alderman for Oxfordshire, and was on the roll for High Sheriff for 1896.

"Deceased went under an operation in the early part of last year for cancer, from which he recovered, or partly so, and was able to resume his multifarious public duties for a time. Subsequently, however, his health broke down again, necessitating change of air and surroundings. In consequence he removed to Bournemouth, where soon afterwards, his condition became still more serious, and after six weeks of intense pain and suffering he died on Monday evening. The deceased gentleman was a descendant of a very old and historical county family. In the grand jury room of the County Hall a portrait of the late Mr. Hugh Hamersley, his father, has been hung for many years, whilst the Manor House at Pyrton, full of relics of bygone days; testifies to the great interest, in public work which the Hamersleys have undertaken for this country and the county in which they resided.

"Our Watlington correspondent writes:—

"The sad news that Mr. E. S. Hamersley had passed away at Bournemouth on Monday night was received with the deepest possible regret by all classes. The serious news dating prior to Christmas prepared us for the end; Hope was entertained that a four, months' rest at Bournemouth would so benefit the squire as to enable him to renew the public duties which of late he had been unable to enter into on account of his ill-health: His loss will be irreparable in the immediate vicinity of Watlington, for there is no resident gentleman, owing to the many changes of late years, so qualified to fill the many offices. Mr. Hamersley was made a J.P for the county in 1877, and since 1896 has been chairman of the Watlingtou Petty Sessional Division. Only absence from home, or ill-health, prevented him from taking the chair at Petty or Special Sessions. His great ability in this direction has been the comment of not only the legal gentlemen who attended the Court, but others. He was a man of sound common sense, and always administered real justice, inflicting deserved punishment upon those of the criminal class, but showing marked consideration to the first offender. In cases he had been known to extend valuable assistance, which has checked the commencement of a downward career in many a one, placing him out of temptations way, and taking a kindly interest in his welfare in after years. Numerous instances might be quoted of his kind actions as a J.P. Mr. Hamersley was a deputy-lieutenant, a member of the County Licensing Committee, an Alderman of the CC, holding appointments on several committees, district councillor of the Henley Rural District Council, chairman of the Pyrton Parish Council, and a trustee of the Haseley charities.

"In politics Mr. Hamersley was a staunch Conservative. In 1885 he formed the Watlington and District Conservative Association, of which he was the first president. He worked most zealously at the general election; and made a capital chairman at public meetings. He was a member of the executive committee of the South Oxon Conservative Association. Mr. Hamersley was a member of the M.C.C, and was present at the most important cricket fixtures in connection with this famous club. At home he was an ideal squire, setting a splendid example to all around him in his home life. He was devoted to his old and beautiful manor; always willing to open his grounds to public and private gatherings, and acting the host as only the squire could. He was a sincere. Churchman, setting a noble example in the way of Sunday observance in its strictest sense. When at home he always read the lessons in his parish church, for which he had for years past acted as churchwarden, and also as a lay representative to the Oxford Diocesan Conference. His kindness to the poor was very considerable and his kind words to them, and especially the children, could not but be noticed. The squire will be sorely missed, not only by the poor, but others who now look with deep gratitude and thankfulness at the many kindnesses received at his hands. Mr. Hamersley was twice married, leaving no family, but a widow who is sister to Mr. H. R. Graham, the late Conservative member for West St. Pancras. The deceased's near relations are the Hon. Mrs. E. A. Holmes a' Court and Mrs. Ducat (sisters), Col. J. Hamersley (chief constable of Cheshire), Mr. Hugh Hamersley and Mr. Alfred St. Geo. Hamersley, prospective Conservative candidate for Mid-Oxon. (brothers).