Obituaries Australia

The rather belated news of the death .if our old and highly esteemed Member, Mr Robert Scobie, was not notified in Balranald until Friday afternoon last, although his death took place on the Wednesday previous, and the sudden and sad information was received with profound expressions of sorrow at the loss of an old friend, and general and deep regret at the loss of a valued member of the constituency. From the particulars to hand it appears that he died suddenly at his residence Halycon, Kambala Road, Edgecliff. He had been confined to his bed for the past fortnight suffering from rheumatism. Feeling better he rose on Wednesday morning with the intention of going for an outing in a taxi cab, and while in the act of dressing he suddenly collapsed and died. Dr. Chenhall was sent for, and on his arrival he expressed the opinion that death was due to heart failure. He was in his 69lb year. He is survived by a widow, two sons, and four daughters. Of the former, Trooper Robert Scobie, who fought at Gallipoli, is now with the Camel Corps in Palestine, and his brother is a Western lessee between Menindie and Broken Hill. Another son, Captain Walter Farms Scobie, who left Australia with reinforcements, and was present at the landing at Suvla Bay, was killed at Pozieres on August 21st last year. The daughters of the deceased are Miss Grace Scobie, who is a well-known figure on the recruiting platform, and Misses Elizabeth, Agnes and Octavia Scobie.

The name of Robert Scobie was a household word throughout his vast electorate, and during his sixteen years of Parliamentary life he was faithful to his trust, and did all in his power to further the interests of the Western Lessees. It was through his instrumentality in a great measure that the condition of the Western Lands was brought before Parliament, which afterwards resulted in the passing of the Western Lands Act of 1901. The deceased gentleman was a splendid local representative, and with his intimate knowledge of local conditions he was always able to get most favorable consideration to all matters brought under his notice from those in power. Everything submitted to him received his prompt and personal attention, whether from a body or an individual. Our loss is a serious one, and is deeply regretted by everyone in the community, and widespread sympathy is expressed for his bereaved widow and family.