Obituaries Australia

Mr Charles Webb, one of the oldest architects, as well as, perhaps, the longest practising in Melbourne, died at his residence, 'Farleigh,' Park street, Middle Brighton, last Sunday. Deceased had been in poor health for some time, and the recent hot weather hastened his death. He was 75 years of age, being born at Sudbury, England, in 1822. He came to Melbourne in 1849, and at once began the practice of his profession, which he continued until a month or so ago. He prepared the plans and supervised the erection of some of the most important buildings in Melbourne, including the Grand Hotel, the Alfred Hospital, the Melbourne Orphan Asylum, the Royal Arcade, South Melbourne Town Hall, Church of England Grammar School, Wesley College, and many of the city warehouses. Deceased settled in Brighton in the early 'fifties,' and though he took no prominent part in public affairs, interested himself a great deal in the work of the churches and charitable institutions. He had been a member of St. Andrew's Church of England, Brighton, for over 40 years, and had acted as treasurer of the local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society since its formation in 1856. Mr Webb was one of the founders of the Brighton Free Library, being a trustee of that institution at the time of his death. Many years ago he gave a piece of land in New-street, near Park street, on which was erected the old Brighon Mechanics' Institute, now known as the Assembly Hall, and used as a private school. This was the nucleus from which grew the present library, in the management of which Mr Webb always took a very lively interest. Deceased leaves a family of five sins and three daughters. His remains were interred in the Brighton Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.