Obituaries Australia

One of Queensland's best known graziers, Mr. Richard Magoffin, of Melrose, Winton, died in Brisbane on 7th June. He was only 57 years of age, and although he had been in ill health for some months his death—from a heart attack— was unexpected.

The late Mr. Magoffin spent his early boyhood years on Melrose, which was selected by his father when the old Evesham holding was cut up, and completed his schooling at the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He then returned to the family property to gain further experience under his father before acquiring, with a partner, a station in the Camooweal district. Here he remained for about five years, and then returned to Melrose to take over the management of the sheep and cattle on this 28,000 acre property. On the death of his father, Mr. Magoffin assumed full control of Melrose, and later became the owner of Rosevale (Nelia) and Tonkoro (Stonehenge), as well as acquiring an interest in other grazing properties. He was recognised as an authority on all aspects of the grazing industry, especially the financial side, and his knowledge was readily available to all who sought it.

The public life of Richard Magoffin was devoted chiefly to a keen interest in the affairs of the Graziers' Association of Central and Northern Queensland, of which he was president for eight years. He resigned in 1954 to make way for a younger man, and at the annual meeting of the association in April of this year a presentation was made to him in appreciation of his services. He was also a member of the executive council of the United Graziers' Association of Queensland for many years, and at one time was a director of the Winton meatworks.

When at Camooweal Mr. Magoffin married Miss Edith Stone, of Toowoomba, and he is survived by his wife and one son, Gordon, who has a grazing property in the Longreach district.