Obituaries Australia

Mr. Peter Lawrence Murphy, senior lecturer-in-charge of modern languages at the Teachers’ College, died on Saturday, aged 47 years. Born at Mt Keira, he attended the Sydney High School, and entered the Department of Education in 1902. He was appointed to Fort-street in 1907. In 1909 he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts and was awarded the first departmental travelling scholarship. He studied educational matters in Britain, France and Italy. In 1914 Mr Murphy was appointed master of modern languages at the Newcastle High School and in 1918 at the Sydney High School. Professor John Adams, during a visit to Sydney, described Mr Murphy’s system of teaching as ‘a brilliant piece of original research work in education’. Mr Murphy’s book, ‘French Proses for Early Stages’, has run through thirteen editions in five years, being used in many British schools as well as in the schools throughout Australia and New Zealand. 

Two years ago Mr Murphy was appointed University lecturer in the principles and practice of modern language teaching, and acted for six years as chief examiner in French at the intermediate examination. Mr Murphy is survived by Mrs Murphy and two children. 

The funeral took place yesterday when the remains were cremated at Rookwood. The Rev. A. J. Rolfe conducted the ceremony at the Crematorium. 

The chief mourners were:—Master G. Murphy (son), Mr R. Murphy (brother), Mr F. F. Woods (brother-in-law), Messrs T. P. and J. M. Mitchell (cousins). 

Among those present were Mr W. J. Cleary (Chief Transport Commissioner), Mr B. C. Harkness (Chief Inspector of Schools and representing the Director), Mr A. C. McKibbin (representing Mr Selle, acting Vice-Chancellor of the University), Mr O.C. Saxby (Headmaster, Sydney High School), Messrs H. F. Halloran (president) and C. A. Fairland (hon. Secretary) of the Sydney High School Old Boys Union, Professor Mackie, principal, Dr Cole, vice-principal, Dr Mackaness, Major Cooke Russell, Messrs C. J. White, H. J. Meldrum,  J. Braithwaite, and T. T. Roberts, representing the Teachers’ College, Mr W. J. Elliott, ex-Chief Inspector of Secondary Schools, Messrs E. S. Davis and K. R. Cramp, Inspectors of Secondary Schools, Mr McGuinness (president), Dr Currey (deputy president) and Mr W. J. Hendry (secretary) of the Teachers’ Federation, and representatives of metropolitan High schools and many others.