Obituaries Australia

An identity in the development of eastern Riverina, N.S.W., in the person of Mr. James Ross, died at his home, Rosslyn, near Holbrook, early last month at the ripe age of 78 years.

Of Scottish birth Mr. Ross landed in South Australia when six years old. About 1867 his father moved to eastern Riverina and selected land. James was entrusted with the work of building the family's first homestead at Kinross, Holbrook, while the father returned for the other members. They remained at Kinross until the death of Mr. Ross, senior.

On the death of his father, James and his four brothers, Alexander, John, William and Robert entered into partnership and acquired and developed a considerable area of land in the Holbrook and Darlington Point districts. When Alexander, who was a member of the Legislative Council for New South Wales, died the partnership was dissolved and James carried on the Hillside and Rosslyn properties.

The late Mr. James Ross was a keen judge of stock and a particularly fine horseman. For many years he was a conspicuous figure at the Wagga and neighbouring shows with a four-in-hand that was seldom, if ever, beaten. He took a close interest in matters affecting his district. He leaves a widow, one daughter and four sons, Messrs. Gordon, Roy, Val and Douglas, all of Holbrook.