OBITUARY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 70, 6 March 1930, Page 5

OBITUARY

MR. JOHN BROWN

NEWCASTLE COAL KINC.

MAN WHO BUILT UP GREAT INDUSTRY.

(United Press Association—By CableCopyright. 1

(Received 6, 10.55 a.m.) Sydney, March 5. The death has occurred of Mr. John Brown, aged 79. He was a native of New South Wales and was the owner of several of the richest coal mines in the Maitland district. He was also the owner and breeder of classic racehorses, among which were Prince Foot, Dukefoot, Sii Foot, Prince Viridis, Prince Charles and Richmond Main. He was also a breeder of Shorthorn and Friesian cattle. Mr. Brown raced his horses under the name of “J. Baron.” He died in his fine old mansion in the Maitland district within a few miles of his coal mines.

He and his younger brother Stephen were identified with the coal interests for 50 years. They made a substantial contribution to the coal industry of Australia. Indeed they were directly responsible for making Newcastle the outstanding coal export centre.

Mr. Brown was a man who never courted publicity and took no part in public affairs. He had amassed great wealth and acquired several coal boats, a schooner and ten tugs. He had felt the strain of the prolonged coal dispute and expressed the hope a short time ago that he would live to see the industry once again on a sound economic basis. He had a seizure on Monday and gradually sank and died to-night. His wife predeceased him many years ago. MR SWEEN MACPHEE. The death occurred at Royston Hospital yesterday of Mr Sween MacPhee, of Mason Ridge, Hastings, in fils 75th year. Mr MacPhee war at one time engaged in a managerial capacity on the Maraekakaho on ate, and took possession of the Mason Ridge property some 20 years ago. He was widely known throughout Hawke’s Bay, where he was highly esteemed for his uprightness of chai actor, as well as for his practical knowledge of farming and of stock. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family of two spns and two daughiers, with whom general sympathy is expressed. The funeral will leave the Baptist Church, Hastings for the Havelock North Cemetery, to-morrow (Friday) at 3 p.m.

MR. O. A. BAKER-GABB. By the death of Mr. O. A. BakerGabb, which took place at his late residence, Warren street, Hastings, yesterday, in his 86th year, anothei pf the early colonists has been removed from our midst. Of a very well known Welsh family of Aberga venny and educated at Downside, he started his career as an apprentice in the mercantile marine, and saw life on the east coast of America during the American Civil War. The alluring attractions of the colony, however, outweighed the adventures of the sea. and so in the early sixties he became a permanent resident of New Zealand, settling in the Marlborough district, where he engaged in farming pursuits, and was well known in sporting circles. He later fanned in the Nelson district. Wanganui, and North Taranaki. In the latter province he was one of the prime movers in instituting the co-operative dairy factories, also taking an active part in public body affairs. The last 10 years he had lived in quiet retirement in Hawke’s Bay in somewhat indifferent health. A few weeks ago he fell and broke his arm, which hastened his end. He leaves a widow, five daughters, and one son (Mr. D. Baker-Gabb, of Hastings) to mourn their loss, and to whom the sympathy of a wide cirole of friends will be extended.