Obituaries Australia

Corporal Arthur M. Pearce, who is reported killed, was the son of Mr. Pearce, a State school teacher at Bendigo, and was a nephew of Mr. F. C. Mueller, Echuca. At the outbreak of the war he was a clerk in the Australian Mutual Provident Society. He was a noted footballer, having played with the Melbourne team for ten years. He was the 'full back' of the team and his dashes from goal were always features of the Melbourne play. He was a bona-fide amateur, never accepting his expenses. 'Joe' Pearce, as he was known to all interested in football, was one of the most popular players, and before he left Victoria the Melbourne team and supporters entertained him. In replying to the toast of his health he said: "I have thought this thing over, and have considered it every way, I am young, strong, healthy, athletic, and I think I ought to go, and if I don't come back, well, it won't much matter.' As a mark of respect to his memory the Melbourne team wore crepe arm-bands on Saturday.