Obituaries Australia

Another of our pioneers has gone the way of all flesh. Mr. Michael Zwar who, with the exception of the past few years, has played a very important part in the affairs of the district, passed away yesterday morning at the residence of his son. Cr. J. Zwar, at the ripe old age of 72 years. Deceased has been ailing for some time, but latterly has been more particularly under medical care, the diagnosis being that the heart was in a very weak state as well as other complications being present, and near relations were advised to be prepared for the event at any time. Some time prior to his demise Mr. Zwar appeared more hearty than usual, even partaking of light food with apparent relish, and those attending on him were hopeful that this was a sign of approaching recovery, but as indicated by the doctor the end came suddenly through heart failure. Not only was the late Mr. Zwar a pioneer in this district but was one of those venturesome men of the early days who came to Australia's shores to make a home in this wide free land. Soon after arrival in 1849 — 51 years ago — the great gold rushes broke out in various parts of the colony, and our late citizen in company with others braved the privations and uncertainty of a gold-fields life in order to mine for the wealth deposited so richly throughout this colony. His labors met with varying success, and in 1856 Mr. Zwar came and settled in Broadford, selecting land which he has ever since held, its splendid locality being an evidence of his judgment in selection. For about 12 or 15 years Mr. Zwar held a seat first on the Road Board then in the Shire Council, and took an active interest in many of the public works carried out by the goverment and through governmet grants. The late Mr. Zwar leaves a large grown up family of 10 children, most of whom are married. The late Mr. Zwar was a native of Germany and was an exceptionally well read man, with considerable theoretical and practical knowledge on may subjects, his geological bent being exceptionaly marked. We are sure that the large and highly respected family who are left to mourn their loss have the deep sympathy of the whole of the district folk. The funeral will start from the residence of Mr. John Zwar at 2 p.m. to-morrow.