Obituaries Australia

Mr John Henry Prowse, former MHR for Forest, died suddenly at his home in Donnybrook early on Saturday aged 72. Accompanied by his wife he attended a children's fancy dress ball in Donnybrook on Friday night when he was apparently in good health and spirits. He passed away in his sleep about 3 am.

[The late Mr Prowse was born at Adelong (NSW) and, on completing his education in Melbourne, joined the staff of the United Insurance Co, Ltd. In 1903 he came to WA as manager of the company for this State, a position he held until 1919. He lived at Subiaco and became Mayor of that municipality. In 1913 he was elected Mayor of Perth and was re-elected unopposed in 1914. He entered politics by winning the Swan seat in the House of Representatives in 1919 and in the next election, in 1922, he won the newly created division of Forrest, which he held without a break until his defeat in 1943. In 1940 he was elected Chairman of Committees of the House of Representatives. The late Mr Prowse. who was interested in properties at Doodlakine (until five years ago) and at Donnybrook was one of the first directors of The Westralian Farmers, Ltd. He married twice and is survived by his widow (whom he married in 1941) and by the six children of his first marriage. The funeral will take place today at 10.45 am in the Methodist cemetery at Karrakatta.]