Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), Tuesday 21 June 1927, page 12


THE LATE SIR GEORGE BROOKMAN.

By the death of Sir George Brookman the State has lost a valuable citizen, who won distinction for himself in commercial and financial pursuits, in politics, and in

various forms of philanthropic work. The foundation of his fortune was laid by the success of his enterprise as one of the pioneers in the discovery and de-velopment of the auriferous resources of Western Australia. Early in the nine-ties of last century he organised the syn-dicate which laid bare the marvellous riches of the Golden Mile. Wealth gave him opportunities for service to the com-munity, of which his public spirit eagerly availed itself, and throughout a long and honorable career, largely devoted to busi-ness, he found both time and money for the promotion of the general interest of the State. In the cause of higher and technical education he was espe-cially interested, and he will always be gratefully remembered as a generous benefactor of the School of Mines and Industries and of the University. His splendid gift to the School of Mines was made at an opportune moment in the early history of that institution, and facilitated its removal from inconvenient and inadequate quarters in the Jubilee Exhibition Building to the fine edifice which now adorns the adjoining site on North-terrace. With other private bene-factions added to the Government vote, that magnificent structure now represents a total expenditure of about £50,000, and to this the contribution of Sir George Brookman was no less than £15,000. The hall of the School was named after him as a token of warm appreciation of his timely munificence, which so materially helped a useful institution to extend its activities and raise them to an unexcelled standard of efficiency. A friend also of the Univesity and for many years a member of its council, Sir George Brookman continued throughout life his practical support of education. Many of the benevolent institutions of the State, notably the Children's Hos-pital, also had the benefit of his willing aid, and the somewhat scant leisure per-mitted by a busy commercial and poli-tical career he filled with various acts of disinterested service to his fellow-citizens. Patriotic movements of all kinds could depend upon his patronage and during the war he was actively asco-ciated with the State Repatriation Board, the Red Cross Society, the Anzac Hos-pitality Committee, and other undertak-ings with kindred aims. Shrewd and keen as well as kindly and charitable Sir George Brookman was able to give to all the movements and causes with which he connected himself advice that had in itself substantial value. In the direction of such commercial and finan-cial enterprises as the Adelaide Electric Supply Company and the Bank of Ade-laide, he displayed a grasp of affairs and an organising ability which his colleagues in the management and the shareholders generally estimated, with justice, very highly As a member of the Legislative Council for some years Sir George en-joyed confidence of his constituents. He spared no effort to further the pri-mary interests of the State, and addressed a cool and sagacious mind to the im-provement of all measures designed in advance the public welfare. The honor of knighthood bestowed upon him after the war was a well-merited acknowledge-ment of distinguished service to the State, the Commonwealth, and the Em-pire. In every way, in domestic and social relations as well as in public life, Sir George Brookman proved himself a worthy citizen, a large circle of friends will sincerely mourn his passing.