Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), Sunday 1 December 1929, page 2


DEATH OF DR. ATHELSTAN SAW

A Distinguished Career

The death occurred early on Thurs-day morning of Dr. Athelstan J. H. Saw, M.L.C. one of the State's best known and highly respected public men. About two years ago be was found to be suffering from heart trouble, and on Wednesday night a haemorrhage suddenly occurred, having

fatal results.

The late Dr. Saw was Western Aus-tralian born, and during his lifetime. —he was 61 years of age at the time of his death—rendered admirable public service to his country. He was born in Perth and was a son of Henry Saw, a merchant of the city. He was a pupil of the High School, Perth, and from there went to Trinity College, Cam-bridge, obtaining his M.A. degree.

THE LATE DR. A. J. H. SAW.

Later he gained his M.D. and Fellow-ship of the Royal College of Sur-geons. Upon bis return to W.A. he became, at the age of 27, an honorary surgeon to the Perth Hospital., and continued as such until his death.

In 1915 Dr. Saw was first elected to the Legislative Council for the Metro-politan-Suburban Province, retaining his seat for 14 years. He was Hon-orary Minister in the Wilson Govern-

ment when he enlisted for war duty.

The late legislator's services to his nation during the conflict of 1914-18 are particularly meritorious. He en-listed with the Australian Army Medi-cal Corps, and in 1918 when occupying the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, was mentioned in despatches, and after-wards awarded the O.B.E. He was

senior surgeon in the 11th Australian Garrison Hospital.

Another sphere of public work which claimed much of the late doctor's at-tention and in which he played a dis-tinguished part, was the moulding of the University. He became a member of the original Senate of that insti-tution in 1912, and succeeded the late Archbishop Riley to the high office of Chancellor in 1921. He played an important part in the successful ne-gotiations regarding the Hackett be-quests.

No public man was held in higher esteem politically and privately. A fearless and original type of debater he always claimed the attention of the House, In his services as a medi-cal man be was sympathetic tireless and tolerant, his activities covering a wide field. The expressions of regret and tributes uttered by all sections of the community bear ample testimony to his popularity and the public re-gard tor him. By his death the State has lost a noble man who has played an outstanding part in this young

country's development. His wife sur-vives him, and to her a widespread sympathy is extended.

The remains were interred in the Anglican portion of the Karrakatta cemetery on Friday afternoon before a very large gathering of all sections of the community. The funeral cortege was estimated to be about a mile in length. The service at the graveside was conducted by. the Rev. C. L. Riley, assisted by the Rev. Canon Collick.