Obituaries Australia

Mr William Melrose McDonell died at his residence, Egan street, Richmond (Vic.), on November 20. At the time of the wreck of the Admella at Carpenter's Rocks in 1859, Mr McDonell was a sailor on board the Lady Bird, a ship which was conspicuous in attempts to rescue the survivers of the disaster. Mr McDonell, with others, put off in a lifeboat to the wrecked vessel. Out of a ship's company of 300, only 19 were saved. Amongst those rescued by Mr McDonell was the late Mr H. Fisher, afterwards well known in sporting circles. In recognition of his bravery Mr McDonell was awarded the board of trade medal, as well as a medal presented by Victorian colonists. The latter bore the following inscription: — "Awarded to William McDonell by the Victorian colonists for heroic exertions in saving life (under Divine providence) from the wreck of the Admella." For 55 years deceased lived at Carlton, and he was for 23 years one of the staff of the Carlton brewery.