Obituaries Australia

One of Camperdown's best known and most highly respected citizens, Miss Catherine Jean McArthur, died on Friday, August 12, at the age of 78 years.

Born in 1871, the late Miss McArthur was the second daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter McArthur, of Meningoort, Camperdown. She received her education at Miss Chambers' ladies' school at Balaclava, Melbourne, and later at a private finishing school at South Yarra.

Widely known and extremely popular throughout the district, Miss McArthur's charm, kindly disposition and generosity endeared her to all with whom she came in contact.

She was keenly interested in all movements for the advancement of the town and district and was a willing worker for and contributor to all charities and worthy causes. She was a member of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union, Presbyterian Ladies' Auxiliary, Red Cross Society, Camperdown Hospital Ladies' Auxiliary, Camperdown Auxiliary for the R.V.I.B., Baby Health Centre committee, Country Women's Association, H.S. Ladies' Auxiliary, and R.S.L. Women's Auxiliary.

For five years during the last war she was a member of the Volunteer Observers and attended the observation post one night each week without break.

Keenly interested in sport, particularly tennis, the late Miss McArthur was an early member of the Camperdown Lawn Tennis Club. She became secretary of the club in 1899 and remained in office until 1946 with the exception of the years 1900 and 1915 to 1920, when she was abroad. She helped steer the club through many difficult periods and played a prominent part in organising the early Christmas tennis tournaments at Camperdown.

In her early days she excelled at the game and was considered a strong player. In the late eighties' she and her partner won the handicap doubles of the Geelong tournament. She played for a great many years at Camperdown and coached a number of young players.

In recognition of her 56 years of service, 46 of which were spent as secretary, the club made her an honorary life member in October, 1946, and presented her with two books.

For many years the late Miss McArthur was keenly interested in the welfare of Bookaar school and on many occasions presented the prizes. She was the sister of John (deceased), James (deceased), Sir Stewart McArthur (deceased), Campbell McArthur (Melbourne), Mrs. Geo. Dowling (deceased), Ernest (deceased), Dr. Norman McArthur, of Camperdown, Leslie McArthur (Rosedale), Gordon (deceased), and Dr. Douglas McArthur, of Melbourne. Mr. Gordon S. McArthur, M.L.C., and Graham ("Mick") McArthur, of Bookaar are nephews.