Obituaries Australia

Information reached Portland yesterday through a private source that Mr Thomas Skene had died early that morning. Enquiries were made by us, but the only further information that could be obtained was that he died suddenly at his private residence, Sandringham.

Mr Skene was well and favorably known in Portland and its immediate district. Some thirty years ago he was a member of the Portland Shire, and when President a loan was floated, and which is known as the Skene loan. Subsequently he left the district, and for some years he had a property known as Marnoo, near Rupanyup.

Mr Skene, who was a cousin of Mrs A. Donald, of South Portland, was 64 years of age. His wife survives him, and he also leaves behind three daughters and two sons. It will be remembered one of his sons was lost in the Boer War. 

On the retirement of Mr D. N. McLeod as member of the Assembly for Portland Mr Skene became a candidate, and his opening speech took place in Portland. He did not, however, persevere long in the contest, and the late Mr Ewen Cameron was elected. He subsequently secured the seat for the Grampians in the House of Representatives.

The news of his death has been received here with much regret, particularly as his candidature for a seat in the Senate was looked upon in a very favorable light indeed.

Colonel McCay has been selected as his successor for the Liberal Party.