Obituaries Australia

The death of Mr. Joseph McCarthy, owner of Uaroo Station, W.A., which took place at Onslow Hospital on the 16th June, has deprived the Ashburton of one of its most picturesque, popular and respected pioneer identities. He was also a partner in the well-known Wooramel Station, in the Gascoyne district.

The late Mr. McCarthy was a true horse lover; his knowledge of the animal was extensive, and his memory of pedigrees and racing events marvellous in the extreme. Since its inception, Mr. McCarthy has been a member of the Ashburton Race Club, and at different times has been president, judge and handicapper.

Mr. McCarthy was one of the first members of the Ashburton Road Board, and was never out of office until he resigned two years ago. He was also a member of the Ashburton Vermin Board for the full term of that body's existence, and attended his last meeting a few hours before his death, and his public activities were prominent in many other avenues also. Broadminded and patriotic, the deceased gentleman was altogether an excellent citizen.

Born at Fremantle in 1865, his pioneering experiences were many and varied, and his fluent tongue was vastly entertaining in whimsical recital of old-time doings. He acted as interpreter between whites and natives at Roebourne at the early age of nine years, and landed with Alex. Forrest's party at Hooley's Creek, near Beadon, while still in his early teens. It was with this party that he saved the life of the surveyor, John Carey.

Mr. McCarthy is survived by a widow, one daughter, and one son.