Obituaries Australia

We regret to announce the death of Captain Lamb, one of our most eminent, useful, and respected colonists. His age and weakness prepared his friends to expect this event. Formerly a member of the old nominee Council, he was afterwards elected twice as a representative of Sydney, when that position was filled by men like Lowe and Wentworth. Captain Lamb took a conspicuous part in the political affairs of the country. Like many other men of station and education, he joined in the efforts to obtain "free institutions," and was peculiarly opposed to a nominee Upper House. He warmly joined the opposition to transportation, and co-operated in the associations for its extinction. After the grant of a constitution, he retired for some years from public life, but on his last return from England accepted a seat in the late Legislative Council. He distinguished himself by the truly English tone of his opinions; and when liberty ran into licentiousness he gave his support to the conservative party. He was offered a seat in the present Council by Mr. Cowper, but under restrictions which he did not think it consistent with his honour to accept, and though not unfriendly to the Government, he protested in language full of dignity and patriotism. This was his last act in public life, which was respected for its purpose and conduct, as his private character was estimable for its purity. Captain Lamb was a commander in the Royal Navy. Having settled in this country he was distinguished in mercantile affairs for that honour which was once the prominent characteristic of the British merchant.