Hamilton Spectator (Vic. : 1870 - 1918), Friday 12 June 1914, page 6


DEATH OF MR. L. M'KENNA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

DUNKELD, Thursday.

The death of Mr. Lawrence M'Ken

na, of Curlew Hill, which took place last week, removes from our midst one of the oldest and most highly respeetod pioneers of the district. De-

ceased. who was 84 years of age,

was born in West Meade, Ireland, in 1830. He came out to Australia in 1861. On arriving at Adelaide, Stuart was then making his second visit to the northern portion of South Aus-

tralia, and, as the explorer was short of men, deceased joined the

party remaining with them till they

finished their exploration. He then spent about ten years on the New Zealand and Victorian goldfelds with varying success. In 1872 he came to Woodhouse, and entered the employ

of the late Mr. James Alexander. In

1874 he took a trip to Ireland, and returned the following year. Shortly afterwards he married Miss Eliza-heth Irwin, and settled down at Cur lew Hill, near Dunkeld, where he re-sided and followed pastoral pursuits till the time of his death. He en-joyed excellent health and vigour till the occasion of the disastrous bush fire on January 28, 1900, when, in attempting to save his property, he was badly burnt, from the effects of which he never recovered. Despite the fact that he was frequently un-der the best medical treatment ob-tainable, about four weeks ago he took a stroke, and was taken to Nurse Slipper's private hospital. No hope of his recovery was entertain-ed, and he passed away to his long home on Thursday morning. Mr. M'Kenna was of a retiring disposi tion. He took no part in public mat-ters, but possessed many sterling qualities, and was highly respected by a large circle of friends. He was a well-informed man, and took

deep interest in politics. Having a retentive memory he could trace the history of Parliament for years past being always a staunch Liberal. He was a great advocate of pure merino wool, and his flocks were among the best in the district. He leaves one son, Mr. J. I. M'Kenna. His remains were interred in the Boram Boram cemetery, and the funeral was well attended.