Obituaries Australia

Mr. William Newcombe, who was Receiver of the Colonial Treasury for many years, died yesterday at his residence, St. Catherine, Dowling-Street, Moore Park, at the age of 85 years. He was born in Sydney, and was educated at the old Sydney College, now the Sydney Grammar School. Mr Newcombe joined the service in 1849, when instructions came from Downing-street, and retired from the Treasury in December, 1893. His father, the late Mr George William Newcombe, was also in the service, and before his arrival in Australia was an officer in the Imperial Yeomanry, receiving his commission from King George IV.

The late Mr Newcombe was an encyclopedia of knowledge in regard to matters connected with the Treasury and various Acts of Parliament. He was also extremely fond of outdoor recreation. In his day he was a first class shot, having won a silver cup in a match at Tempe, the last survivor who participated being Mr Fred Gannon, the well-known solicitor. During Mr Newcombe's career in the Service, many men now occupying distinguished positions passed through his hands. Of his seven children, the only one surviving is the wife of Mr. Ernest C. V. Broughton.

He was always a great admirer and supporter of Sir George Reid. In 1870, when Sir George (then Mr.) Reid was clerk of correspondence at the Treasury (Mr. Newcombe being chief clerk), he sometimes had occasion to stimulate the flagging energies of Mr. Reid who confessed that he was more cut out for politics than for the life of a Civil servant.

The funeral will take place to-day at Randwick General Cemetery Long Bay, being preceded by a service at St Michael's Church, Flinders-street, commencing at 1.30 p.m.