Obituaries Australia

James Sutherland, c1890

State Library of South Australia, B 16965

The late Mr. James de la Zouche Sutherland, who died at his residence, Norwood, early on Saturday morning, was for many years well known in Adelaide. He was a son of the late Mr. David Sutherland, of Dunrobin, South road, one of South Australia's early colonists, who occupied a seat in the House of Assembly from 1860 to 1868. Mr. J. de la Z. Sutherland was born in Scotland, and was in his 68th year. He arrived in South Australia in the ship William Nicol (Capt. William Elder) in July, 1840, and completed his education in Melbourne. He was articled to the firm of Fenn & Waring, solicitors, and was afterwards engaged in legal practice. Sir Josiah Symon, K.C., began his professional career in Mr. Sutherland's office at Mount Gambier. About 40 years ago he was one of the best rifle shots in Australia, and shared with Mr. F. R. Ayers the reputation of being the champion of South Australia. On one occasion he went to Victoria and won substantial prizes in a series of rifle matches in Melbourne, including a 105 guinea cup. The deceased gentleman had a fondness for a good horse, and when riding a flighty animal on the Bay road he met with a serious accident, which left him lame for the rest of his life. Mr. Sutherland never attempted to enter Parliament, but for many years he took a keen interest in public matters. He was a prominent member of the committee which was formed in the district of Victoria in 1865 to secure the election of the late Adam Lindsay Gordon, who represented the district for a little more than a year. In later years Mr. Sutherland was one of the most strenuous advocates of the system of land taxation propounded by Henry George. He was President of the Single Tax League for some time, and lectured on the subject of land taxation on numerous occasions. He was also a member of the Anti-Commonwealth Bill League, which was formed to oppose the Federal Constitution Act; and was supplied by the Government with a free railway pass to enable him to stump the country in the interests of that organization. Mr. Sutherland was unmarried. Two sisters and a niece were living with him at the time of his death. It was intended to cremate the body, but, owing, it is stated, to the inability to obtain the necessary signature of an official who was absent from the city, the relatives of the deceased decided that the interment should take place at West Terrace Cemetery on Saturday afternoon.