Obituaries Australia

The death is announced of Mr. William Percival Sparkes, of Kuraby, a well-known Brisbane resident, and an original Anzac. The late Mr. Sparkes was a nephew of Mr. Alonzo Sparkes, and a grandson of the head of the old pioneer Rosetta family. Prior to the war he was advertising manager for Messrs. Allan and Stark, and was well known in musical and sporting circles. He was leading member and hon. secretary of' the Brisbane Dingy Sailing Club, and was associated in the production of light opera. In 1914, on the outbreak of war, he enlisted in the Artillery, and went to Egypt as a bombardier with the first Anzacs, subsequently participating in the historical landing at Gallipoli. Later he was promoted Quartermaster-Sergeant, served east of the Suez Canal, and then in France, whence he was sent in 1917 to an officers' school in England to qualify for a commission. His health however had been affected by the strain of his campaigns and he was invalided home. On his return he rejoined the old firm, but subsequently took up farming at Kuraby. His health did not improve and on Thursday he passed away at Rosemount Hospital. In 1918 he opposed Mr. Huxham for the Buranda seat in the Legislative Assembly, standing as a National Party candidate. Mr Sparkes was unmarried and lived with his mother at Kuraby. His funeral will take place to the Toowong cemetery at 3 p.m. to-day.