Obituaries Australia

The numerous friends of Robert W. Sharpe will regret to receive the tidings of his death in Sydney on Thursday week. Mr. Sharpe was a native of Lancashire, and spent his early days at sea. Some years ago he had command of the brig 'Triton,' and afterwards was appointed chief officer of the steamer 'Wonga Wonga.' Giving up the salt-water, Mr. Sharpe settled in this district, and married one of the Miss Ottons. For some time, he carried on a business in Bega, and on Saturday, December, 1864, issued the first number of the Bega Gazette[1] printed on a single sheet measuring fourteen inches by eighteen. Mr. Sharpe's tiny publication grew with the district, and in about three or four years it had grown into a property of considerate value, when it was sold to the Rev. J. L. Knight and others. Mr. Sharpe eventually disposed of his Bega business, and settled at Candelo, where he took an active part in promoting the prosperity of the township, and he will undoubtedly be missed by the Candelo people. His death adds another name to the roll of old residents so many of whom have gone to their their home during the present year. Deceased was about 45 years old, and has left a widow and a large family to lament his death.