OBITUARY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 5 April 1941, Page 7

OBITUARY

MR T. T. L. AUSTIN Mr Thomas Talbert Leon Austin, of Tasman, whose death occurred at Russell, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs Leon Warne, and was interred at Longbeach cemetery. He was prominent in a period of Otago sport that is beyond the memory of all but a few living enthusiasts. A useful all-round cricketer, he was, with his brother, E. J. Austin,* an original member of the Carisbrook Club; a contemporary of such players as Henry Rose, G. Paramor and H. McNeil. The late “Tal” Austin made his first appearance for the province as a member of a team of 18 players which met Lillywhile’s English eleven at the Dunedin Oval in 1877. It contained such famous players as A. Shaw, G. Ulyett, J. Southerton and T. Emmett. A year later he was one of an Otago team of 22 which played an Australian eleven including F. R. Fpofforth. the “demon bowler,” as well as W. L. Murdoch, D. Gregory and J. Blackham. As a footballer he played for the Dunedin Club and represented Otago on five occasions between 1879 and 1883. Born in Melbourne he came to New Zealand as an infant. He was sent to Hobart to be educated but returned to become a pupil of the Otago High School. He obtained his first employment in Dunedin with Butterworth Bros. Subsequently he joined the service of Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen, Ltd., being employed at its branches in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. He retired from the position of manager 21 years ago and settled on his orchard at Tasman. In the fruit world, with others, he inaugurated the Bluffs Fruitgrowers’ Company, Ltd., and as secretary steered the company to its present sound position. He was a foundation member and first president of the Hills Fruitgrowers’ Union, and earned the high respect of all with whom he came in contact. Mr Austin is survived by his wife, two daughters and three sons.