Obituaries Australia

We deeply regret to have to record the death of Mr. James Octavius Machattie, of Rocky Station, which sad event occurred some time on Sunday morning, at the residence of Mr. R. Davidson, of Elong Elong. The deceased gentleman had driven out on the previous day with Mr. James Holmes, manager of the Commercial Bank, Dubbo, under the impression that Mr. Davidson was seriously ill; but they found on their arrival at Elong that such was not the case. Mr. Machattie retired at night in apparently his usual health, but on Mr. Holmes going to his room to call him on Sunday morning about 9 o'clock, he found that he was dead, having evidently passed away peacefully some time during the night. No surprise was felt at this sudden termination of Mr. Machattie's life, for it has been generally known for some time past that his heart was so seriously affected that death might occur at any moment; this was well known to Mr. Machattie, who was prepared for the end. Mr. Machattie, who was 41 years of age at the time of his death, was married thirteen years ago to the third daughter of Mr. T. Baird, of Dundullimal, and leaves four children, the eldest being 12 years of age and the youngest three. He was a son of the late Dr. Machattie, of Bathurst, and brother to the present Dr. Machattie, of that town. For some years he was engaged in pastoral pursuits in Queensland, but about 11 years ago came to Rocky station, near Eschol, where he has since resided. He was a justice of the peace, and a member of the local Land Board. He took a very active interest in public affairs, and was a prominent member of the P. A. and H. Association. The greatest sympathy is felt for his relatives, who have been severely stricken of late years.

The funeral procession arrived at the Dubbo cemetery at 3 p.m. on Monday, and the remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the ground. The service was most impressively read by the Rev. J. T. Main, M.A. Amongst those assembled at the grave were Messrs. T. Baird, J.P., W. W. Baird, T. Baird junior, D. D. Baird, H. Baird, Dr. Machattie, Mr. G. E. Machattie, Rev. R. M. Laverty, H. Strahorn, J. Strahorn, J. Tink, R. B. Mackenzie, R. G. Dulhunty, T. B. N. Sloman, G. H. Taylor, Sub-Inspector Cameron, J. Stevenson, J. Stevenson, jun., J. Holmes, R. H. Jackson, R. Booth, D. Cameron, W. B. Wilkinson, W. C. Cardew, L. S. Donaldson, J. A. Busby, W. Leslie, A. Würfel, S. Phillips, M.P., H. B. Pinnington, J. D. Fisher, A. H. Fearon, J. W. Sillar, F. Mack, R. Holl, jun., and — Thomas. The hour fixed for the funeral was 6 o'clock, and under that impression very many who would gladly have paid the last tribute of respect to the deceased were not present when the interment took place at 3 o'clock. The reason for the change was that Dr. Machattie had several urgent cases to attend in Bathurst and had to catch the mail train back to that town.

On the opening of the sittings of the Land Board on Tuesday morning, Mr. W. C. Cardew, chairman, said they had to express their regret at the loss of their friend and colleague, Mr. Machattie. In a case of death they could be of little help or do any real good, though it was not from want of feeling on their part. Their deceased friend was physically weak in heart, but it beat truly and kindly for his fellows, and they would always continue to miss him.

Mr. R. Booth, on behalf of the legal profession and those practising before the Court, said he could say how very much they regretted Mr. Machattie's death. He was a sterlingly honest man, of good abilities, one who, notwithstanding that he was always in delicate health, possessed a strong will and character—so much so that he (Mr. Booth) thought his courage might pull him through for a number of years. Mr. Machattie and himself were boys together, and men together, and he knew him. He must express the great regret he felt at his demise.