Obituaries Australia

The death has occurred at the age of 89 of Mr. Robert Leslie, of Willowan, Walgett, N.S.W., for many years a well known and highly respected figure in grazing circles throughout western New South Wales.

He was born at Tumbarumba, N.S.W., and after being educated in Melbourne became a bank officer. Subsequently he took up land in the Condobolin district, N.S.W., and from there went to Haddon Rig, Warren, N.S.W., which at that time was owned by his uncle, the late Mr. James Richmond. Mr. Leslie left Haddon Rig in 1894 to become overseer at Meramanah, in northern New South Wales, and held that position until he was appointed manager of Gingie Station, Walgett, where he stayed until the property was sold in 1916.

While at Gingie Mr. Leslie bought Eurabah, in the same district, from the late Mr. Harry George Crowthers, but because of the large number of rabbits he only held it for about a year. In 1917 he purchased Willowan from his brother-in-law, the late Mr. A. E. Scott, and remained there until he died.

The late Mr. Leslie married Miss Eva Murray, of Milrea, Walgett, in 1908, and they had two daughters, Molly and Betty. Mrs. Leslie and the elder daughter, Molly, predeceased Mr. Leslie some years ago. He took an active interest in local and pastoral affairs, being a keen member of the Graziers' Association of N.S.W. and an enthusiastic worker for the local Picnic Race Club. He was also a director of the Walgett North P.P. Board for 32 years and chairman from 1908 until 1937.