Obituaries Australia

The announcement of the death of Mr George Pringle Robertson made in another column will be received with deepest regret.

Mr Robertson, who was the only surviving son of the late Mr William Robertson, of Colac, has been ailing for many years, and was compelled to spend most of his time in travel, Davos, in Switzerland, being his headquarters for a greater part of his sojourn. He returned to Victoria a few years ago and latterly resided at the Grand Hotel, where he was under the advice of Mr Fitzgerald and Dr Maudsley. In spite of never-failing attention, however, his condition became hopeless, and he died on Sunday afternoon, on the same day of the year, at the same hour, and at the same age (53 years) as his late brother William, who once represented Polwarth in the Legislative Assembly. Mr Robertson was born in Hobart, and when his father removed to the Western district he and his brothers were sent to Rugby. He graduated thence to Oxford, where, in addition to a very satisfactory scholastic career, he gained his "blue" as one of the University eleven, and he was one of the best batsmen in England and was at one time placed second only to W. G. Grace in the estimation of the authorities on the game. On returning to Victoria he settled at Colac, and with his brothers administered the celebrated estate with which the name of Robertson is associated. He was particularly concerned in the management of the fine Lincoln flock in respect of which the partners became known among the leading sheep-breeders in Australia. Though devoted to business, he still retained his love of cricket, and had the distinction of captaining the Victorian eighteen which defeated Grace's first eleven on the Melbourne Cricket Ground in one innings. Mr Robertson did not aspire to Parliamentary life, but he placed his services at the disposal of his neighbours for municipal duty. He was twice president of the shire of Colac. He married Miss Murray, daughter of the late Mr Andrew Murray of Wool Wool, and she, with three children, survives him. His remains will be interred in the family vault at Colac.