Obituaries Australia

Death of mon who solved many murders

THE LATE DR MOLLISON

Dr Crawford Henry Mollison, Government pathologist at the City Morgue for 55 years, who died yesterday morning at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, aged 85, was known for many years as "the doctor who solves murders."

He was associated with police investigations into most of Victoria's famous murders during the last half-century, notably the Deeming and "Pyjama Girl" cases.

Deeming was convicted of the murder of his wife. Emily. He was sentenced to death on May 2, 1892. and was executed three weeks later.

During the "Pyjama Girl" inquest Dr Mollison was bombarded with questions, and lost his temper for the first and only time on record.

This was remarked upon jokingly by magistrates, police, doctors, and solicitors when he retired as Government pathologist in June, 1947.

Quiet and kindly

This was no mean record for a man who conducted an average of 500 post mortems a year. He was a quiet and kindly witness always.

Dr Mollison gave long service to the Victorian branch of the BMA, of which he was former treasurer.

Dr Mollison was also former treasurer of the Medical Society of Victoria, surgeon to the Victoria Racing Club, lecturer in medicine at the Melbourne University, pathologist at the Women's Hospital, chairman of the British Medical Association's Insurance Co, and of the British Medical Agency. Following a service at 2.15 this afternoon at Bathurst's chapel, corner of Glenhuntly and Kooyong rds, Elsternwick, the funeral will leave for Springvale Crematorium.