The late Mr. William Murray, who died in London on 6th March, came to Australia in 1869 to join the late Mr. John Sanderson, who had established the firm in Melbourne of John Sanderson and Co. in 1855. He was the son of the late Mr. John Murray, who, with his brother-in-law, Mr. William Sanderson, established the firm of Sanderson and Murray, wool merchants, in Galashiels in 1836. This firm later opened an office in London. Various changes were made in the name of the firm; after Mr. John Armytage was taken in as a partner the style was altered to Armytage, Sanderson, Murray and Co., and again changed in 1876 to Sanderson, Murray and Co., a name it still retains.
Mr. Murray assumed the management of the business in Melbourne in 1870, Mr. John Sanderson leaving for London in 1871 at the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War.
In addition to being a partner in both the London and Australian business, Mr. William Murray was identified with the firm of Murray, Roberts and Co. Limited, of New Zealand, a business established there in 1868 by Mr. John Robert's, C.M.G., and was also associated with Mr. Charles Shannon, of Geelong, in establishing the business of Shannon, Murray and Co., which eventually amalgamated with Strachan, Bostock and Co., and is now known as Strachan, Murray and Shannon Prop. Limited.
Mr. Murray was actively connected with the extensive operations of John Sanderson and Co. for twenty years, leaving for London to assist in the management there in 1889. His expert knowledge of the colonial wool markets made him eminently fitted to watch the interests in the London wool sales of the firm's numerous clients who had confidence in the London market.
By Mr. Murray's death the pastoral industry has lost one of its foremost pioneers; his expert knowledge of all matters pertaining to wool placed him in the front rank as a wool valuer. The late Richard Goldsbrough, the founder of the original firm of R. Goldsbrough and Co., frequently declared that Mr. Murray had no superior as a judge and valuer of wool, and his services were frequently requisitioned as an arbitrator, his decisions seldom being questioned or upset.
In addition to his interest in Victorian stations, he was instrumental in the foundation in 1882 of the Western Queensland Pastoral Company Limited, and later of Manfred Downs Limited, both companies owning large properties in Queensland. His connection with the first-named company continued for thirty-seven years, being only terminated by his death; he occupied the position of chairman for several years.
He was a keen lover of the country, and immediately the wool season terminated invariably made his home at "Brie Brie," Glenthompson, Victoria, a station now owned and occupied by his eldest son, Mr. J. H. Murray.
Mr. Murray will be missed by all who were privileged to enjoy his large-hearted friendship. His hand was ever open to the necessitous, as his advice was always available to those who sought it. His wife survives him, also his six sons and one daughter.
'Murray, William (?–1919)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/murray-william-760/text761, accessed 4 December 2024.
from Pastoral Review, 16 April 1919