Obituaries Australia

Mr. Archibald McCook, of Emu Vale, Chepstowe, Vic., died recently at the age of 86. He was born at Clintyfinnin, Armoy, Ulster, Ireland, and at the age of nineteen sailed for Australia in the Marco Polo, arriving in Melbourne early in 1859. He travelled up country by coach to Longerenong, Sir Samuel Wilson's first station, and after some years there was promoted to the overseership of Green Hills, an out station.

Mr. McCook then successively managed Marathon, Corangamite, Mt. Bute and Ercildoune, being for over 40 years in Sir Samuel's employ. While at Ercildoune he received a commission to purchase rams in New Zealand and Tasmania, founding the famous Ercildoune stud. During his management Ercildoune washed wool fetched the record price of 5s. per pound.

Starting on his own Mr. McCook resided for three years in the Murtoa district, finally returning to Ballarat district, and spent the remainder of his life on his property, Emu Vale. He was a fine judge of Merino sheep and often officiated at the country shows. He was well known for his generosity and honesty of purpose.