Obituaries Australia

The death of Mr. Peter Kritsch, which occurred at Grafton, on Wednesday last, removes from the Clarence River district a representative of a highly respected pioneering family, and a man of sterling character. His demise was keenly regretted by a wide circle of friends, for it has been said of Mr. Kritsch that he never made an enemy.

Mr. Peter Kritsch was the son of the late Sebastian Kritsch, who was the founder of one of the oldest establishments carrying on business as wheelwrights and blacksmiths on the North Coast. About 30 years ago, the subject of this notice took over the business of his father and this he conducted successfully up to the time of his retirement, a few months ago.

In the course of a long and interesting career Mr. Kritsch played a noteworthy part in the public affairs of Grafton, his native town. For 11 years he represented the ratepayers of the South ward in the Grafton City Council and, on two occasions during that period he filled the Mayoral office. He was a great battler for Grafton, and in both public and private life he was frequently heard to remark: 'Grafton is good enough for me.' In addition to his civic activities, Mr. Kritsch closely identified himself with other prominent local institutions, he being a member of the committee of the Clarence River Jockey Club, a trustee of the Grafton Racecourse, and a committee man and ex-president of the Grafton District Hospital. He was also an active worker for the Clarence Pastoral and Agricultural Society and for many years he exhibited in the sections for coach-building and farming implements at the Grafton Show. Mr. Kritsch was a member of the Masonic Order, he being one of the foundation members and a P.M. of the Prince Leopold Lodge. He also identified himself with the Royal Foresters, which society merged into the M.U.I.O.O.F.

In private life Mr. Kritsch keenly interested himself, in industrial mining, having interests in the Grafton Mining Company and in mines at Fine Flower, Lionsville and. Solferino.

At his well-known wheelwright and coachbuilding establishment in Queen street he built many of the waggons that were seen on the roads in this district years ago; and when the motor car made its advent he added a motor repairing shop.

Mr. Kritsch was nominated an alderman to represent the South ward of the Grafton City Council by Messrs. Frederick Doberer and C. Duggan on February 4, 1897, and was elected unopposed. Other candidates for the same ward elected unopposed with Mr. Kritsch in that year were Messrs A. McC. Lobban and Frederick McGuren, sen. Mr. Edwin Francis acted as returning officer. The members of the council at that time were: Ald, McGuren (Mayor), Colis, Francis, Crispin, J. J. Trent, Jordan, A. McC. Lobban, S. See, P. Kritsch, Hockey, Doust, W. J. Hawthorne, and Maxted. Mr. Kritsch, who was mayor of Grafton in 1904 and 1905, remained in the council until January 22, 1908, when he retired. At a meeting of that date he expressed his thanks to the council for the kind and courteous treatment accorded to him during his term of office as alderman and Mayor. The council then, on the motion of Ald. Maxted, seconded by Ald. A. Eggins, decided to place on record its appreciation of the services of Alds Shore, Kritsch and Smith.

In 1908 the year of Mr. Kritsch’s retirement the council comprised Alds Shore, D. Bawden, Maxted, Riehards, Johnson, Eggins, Kritsch, G. Strauss, Smith, Crispin, Page, and D. McFarlane, the last mentioned then being Mayor. Mr. Kritsch was one of the aldermen who voted in favor of the establishment of the Nymboida water supply, which is in existence to-day.

In every way Mr. Kritsch was an admirable citizen, for in addition to the part he played in public affairs he was always noted for his genial personality and generous disposition.

Much sympathy will go out to Mrs. Kritsch and her two sons, Messrs. Walter (New Zealand), and Douglas (Walcha) and daughter, Mrs. K. Merrin (Coff's Harbor). The funeral last Thursday was very largely attended and furnished a striking tribute to the deceased.