Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA : 1866 - 1954), Thursday 25 April 1935, page 4


OBITUARY.

Mr. H. C. F. Kruse, who died recently, was an old and highly respected by resident of Milang, where he was born 71 years ago. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. H. F. Kruse, and went to school at Milang and after-wards helped his father, who was one of the first traders on Lake Alexandrina. His father built several vessels, the last

being the "Ada & Clara," which still trades on the lakes, between Milang and Narrung. As a deck hand on the old "Despatch," Mr. Kruse was employ-ed by A. H. Landseer, Ltd, running a daily mail service across the lake, and it was during that period he had the unique experience of chatting with the present King of England and the late Duke of Clarence. As will be remem-bered, the two boys visited Australia many years ago, and when in Adelaide, wished to have a kangaroo hunt. This was arranged for at Campbell House, as Bowman's station was then called. The lads were taken across the lake in the "Despatch." They were then about Mr. Kruse's own age. The Royal pair became friendly with those on board. In 1885 Mr. Kruse became a fireman on the "Queen" for the late Captain Oliver, who was an early Murray trader, and remained in his employ for 25 years. He afterwards was engineer on the S.S. Jupiter, owned by W. & H. Dunk, of Milang, which travelled and carried mails between Milang and Meningie. Mr. Kruse was employed by this firm for about 20 years. The boat ceased trading several years ago, and Mr. Kruse retired, and interested himself in the affairs of the town. He was chairman of the District Council of Bremer at the time of his death. A past president of the Milang Football Club. The Boys' Club, which was

formed in Milang some years ago, had much for which to thank Mr. Kruse, he being one of those mainly respon-sible for its existence. He was treasur-er of the Milang Band of Hope Society, and had been a member since its in-ception, nearly 60 years ago. Forty-nine years ago, Mr. Kruse married Miss Kate M. Millar, third daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Millar, of Littlehampton, who survives him. There were three children of the marriage : Henry J. Kruse (deceased), Fred E. Kruse (Western Australia), and Mary (Mrs. Ray Perry, of Sandergrove). Mesdames H. Hoare and George Bur-gess, of Adelaide, are sisters.