Obituaries Australia

Another old identity in shipping circles, in the person of Captain Thomas Summerbell, passed away this morning. Death occurred suddenly at his residence, 10 Fitzroy-street, North Sydney, at 7.20, and when the sad news was received in the city genuine expressions of sympathy and regret were heard on all sides. The deceased captain will be well remembered as the energetic manager of the North Shore Ferry Company, having taken charge, exactly twenty-one years ago, on last Anniversary Day. During that time the company has grown into one of the largest institutions of this city, and it was undoubtedly due to his wonderful shrewdness and business capacity that the company enjoys its present position. Prior to entering the North Shore Ferry Company, or, as it is now known, the Sydney Ferries, Limited, he was associated with the new Hunter River Steamship Company, and had command of several of the vessels of that fleet, and also held the position of marine superintendent. A few weeks since Captain Summerbell was granted leave of absence by the directors of the Sydney Ferries, Limited, prior to his relinquishing his post, and last night only the employees of the company, by way of recognising their appreciation of his services, during the long years of his management, made him several presentations. The deceased captain was 72 years of age, and resided with his wife and daughter at the address stated above. It is supposed that apoplexy was the cause of death.