Obituaries Australia

In the Solomon Islands on August 14, died a man well known in New South Wales and Queensland especially to those interested in art—Mr Geoffery H. Statham. Deceased was born in Grafton and was the youngest son of the late Mr. E. J. Statham, of New South Wales, who died in 1921. Deceased was educated first at Sydney Grammar School, and then at Kings School, Parramatta. He was then trained in wool classing, but, not liking this work he moved to the Solomon Islands about 16 years ago under engagement to the Solomon Islands Developing Company. After being with this company for several years he began trading and planting on his own account and in 1915 he moved to the Manova Lagoon, where he worked till the time of his death. He was an artist in desire and instinct, and his idea was always to take up art seriously as soon as circumstances permitted him to leave the islands. He had exhibited with the art societies in Sydney and Brisbane. Deceased had been out of health for some time, but he was unable to go away for the needed change. He developed blackwater fever on August 13, and died next day. It was deceased's third attack of the fever, and his wife—who incidentally is a Queenslander—had no help or advice. She sent for a neighbour but the patient died an hour or so before assistance arrived. Deceased leaves one child—a son eight years of age. The late Mr Statham was married in Sydney, in 1914 to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. Francis West, well known on the Darling Downs in the early days. He lived latterly at St Helens, Pittsworth, and Pilton.