Obituaries Australia

After an illness extending just over forty-eight hours, Mr. Arthur Robert Pries, one of the oldest and most respected residents of Busselton, passed away between 9 and 10 o'clock yesterday morning. For some considerable time, indeed since his retirement from the civil service two and a half years ago, Mr. Pries has been in more or less indifferent health, but was able to attend to any matter requiring supervision about his properties. Recently be had a slight attack of influenza, and was left in a weakened condition. On Tuesday he was unwell, and decided to keep to his bed. Medical attention was requisitioned, and it was found that pneumonia was the cause of the trouble. Mr. Pries shortly after sunk into unconsciousness and never rallied, passing away as before mentioned. Deceased was a native of London, and came to Fremantle in the ship Dolphin in the year 1860, being at that time 10 years of age. With his parents and his brother Edward he immediately came to Busselton, where he has resided ever since. At an early age he joined the civil service of the then Crown Colony, and during a period of thirty-four years of unbroken service, filled the position of Postmaster, Clerk of Courts, Subcollector of Customs, Land Agent, Electoral Registrar, and numerous minor positions. He was also secretary of the Southern Districts Agricultural and Pastoral Society for a number of years, and an office-bearer almost since its inception. Mr. Pries took a keen interest in Masonic Lodge matters, and was ever ready to assist in any movement calculated to advance the interests of the town. Of a kindly and courteous manner, he made many friends, and during his long period of public service, was never the subject of a complaint. In addition to a widowed mother, three brothers, and a sister, deceased leaves a wife, one daughter, and a son. The latter, Mr. Ed. Pries, is unfortunately on a holiday to the Eastern States.

The funeral is timed to leave his residence at 3 o'clock to-morrow.