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MORTLAKE.

Still another link In the chain of those worthy pioneers who in the heat and burden of the day opened up and developed the famous West ern district has been broken, by the passing of Mr. Alexander (Sandy) Mc- Kay, at his residence in Carlton. He had not been ailing lor any length of time, and was SI years of age. In the seventies deceased was a well known figure in the Mortlake and Woorndoo districts, being employed by the late Mr. Robert Armstrong, of Salt Creek Estate. Desirous of be coming a settler, he. took up an area at St. Arnaud in 1574, where he con verted large areas of virgin scrub land into profitable wheat-growing country. Being a true Scot, as was naturally expected, he was a leading spirit in Highland gatherings and athletic sports. As a piper he was

one of the best, and in the athletic world his prowess was best exempli fied In such events as throwing heavy weights, tossing the caber, etc. He married Miss Campbell, of Gras mere. There was a family of eight sons and two daughters. Four of the sons rendered help to the Empire. One has returned disabled, whilst three are still on active service. De ceased's father (Donald M'Kay) was a Highland pioneer, being born at Rothshlre, Scotland, and upon coming to this country settled at Stony Rises, near Colac. In 1557 he was the man ager of Ceyeuk. then the property of the late Dr! M'Farland. Later he pur chased land near the Mortlake ceme tery, east of Mr. A. Whitson's farm. Together with his neighbors, Mr. Mc- Leod and Mr. Peter Tapp, they grew wheat, and were the last suppliers of grain for printing at the Mortlake flour mill. The wheat was taken ort by an old-time stripper. A surviving son in this part of the district Is Mr. G. M'Kay. of Wooriwyrite. The hearts of dairymen and grazi ers have been gladdened this week by the beneficent rains that have fal len. Up to 9 o'clock on Friday morn ing --B points had been recorded at Mortlake, which followiug on the :j inches fall of a couple of weeks back, assures to stock owners a good au tumn. For two or three years the autumn has been unfavorable. Al ready there is a splendid growth and there is every prospect of a good time ahead for the dairyman, particu larly with the high price prevailing for butter. The registrations for the week were: Tuesday. 92 points; Wednesday, SS: Thursday, 45. For the month of February 309 points fell, and 2G for January. which makes a total of 560 points for the year.

Digitisation generously supported by
State Library of Victoria
Digitisation generously supported by

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