Western Argus (Kalgoorlie, WA : 1916 - 1938), Tuesday 28 June 1938, page 8


Sir Charles McNess Dead A Notable Giver Perth, June 22. Sir Charles McNess, who was noted for his many philanthropic actions, died after a long illness at the home of his son Mr. H. F. Mc-Ness, at Mt. Lawiey, early tonight. He was born at Huntingdon, England, in 1853, and came to Western Australia in the early sixties, where he set up in business as an ironmonger and tinsmith. The business prospered, and Mr. McNess extended his activities to investment in city properties. By judicious investment, he built up a large fortune, and of this he gave away over £150,000 to charity dur-ing his life. He began his philanthropic dona-tions in 1915, relatives and old friends being his first considera-tion. During the Great War he donated extensively to the patriotic fund and subsequently to religious bodies, hospitals, Government and municipal funds, and to many institutions. During the depression he founded the McNess Fund for the relief of distress caused by unemployment, and in February, 1932, gave £20,000 for this purpose. In June, 1931, he was made a knight bachelor in recognition of his services. Among his later benefactions were £11,625 for the construction of the road to Canning dam, and £3000 for uni-forms for members of the St. John Ambulance Corps.