ANOTABLE, COLONIST.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1273, 23 July 1886, Page 4

ANOTABLE, COLONIST.

In the death of the Hon. Angus Maokay, Victoria loses one of her ablest citizens, a prominent and thoroughly independent politician, and one of her best journalists. A native of Aberdeen, he arrived in Sjdney with his father’s family in 1824, receiving his education at the Australian College. It was intended that he should go to the Church j but it was evident that his talents and inclinations fitted him better for literary pursuits. Asa youth he contributed to tho * Atlas’ newspapir, aud in 1847 became its editor, which position he |H| for between two and three years. discovery of gold ho proceeded to the Ophir and Turon rush as special correspondent for the Sydney Empire.’ He proceeded on his own account to the Ovens diggings in 1853, and took a very active part in connection with the riggers license agitation. In the same year he was appointed correspondent in Sandhurst for tho ‘Argus’ His special knowledge acquired upon the diggings was so much thought of that he was called upon to give evi» dence before a select committee to investigate miners grievances. He, with Mr J. J. Oas-y, now Judge Casey, and the late Mr James Henderson in 1854 purchased the ‘Bendigo -Advertiser,’ now one ot the principal newspapers out of Melbourne, and he has held his interest in tho paper ever since. Ha assisted in tho establishment of the ‘M‘lvor Times’ in 1857 and, in conjunction with Sir Casey and Mr Haverfield (the present editor of the ‘ Bendigo Advertiser ’), founded the 4 Pdverino Herald,’ tiro leading journal in Echuca, in 1863. He was at this time looked upon as a coming man, and his name was published with others in a list of 4 likely men.” Tho great interest he took at all public matters, and Ins abilities were so well recognised that he was frequently asked to stand for the Sandhurst boroughs, but be as frequently refused until the year 1808, when ho defeated Mr Halfey ry a large majority. In April, IS7O, he accepted the portfolio of Minister of Mines in the M Culloch Administration, and subsequently that of Minister of Education. He held his Sandhurst seat until 1877, when ho was defeated by Mr Blackham, whoso election was upset on petition, and in the contest which followed he succeeded in regaining his s; at. His political career was an interesting one, and bis name is a household word upon the goldfields in connection with the splendid legislation ho brought about for tho regulation of mining. In the leasing regulations passed by him important privileges were granted to miners. A Contractors’ Debts Bill was also passed through Iris agency, as was also a Mining on Private Property Bii 1, which went through the Assembly, but was rejected by the Legislative Council. Tho M'Culloch Government were defeated in 1871 on the property tux, and were followed by the Uufiy Administration. These were in turn succeeded by tha Francis Government in 1873, in which Mr Ivfackay held tho position of Minister . of Mines. During the following year tire education .Bill was passed, which Act. by the way, was originally drafted by Messrs Mackay and Wrixon In the same year Mr Maukay’s wellknown Mining Bemulation Act was

passed, the provisions of v/liicli ao regulated mining operations that the percentage of accidents was wonder* fully reduced, whilst the works of the miner was made most bearable and wholesome. In 187-1 Hr Wilberforce Stephen, who was AitorneysGoneral in that Adminstralion, was appointed Judge, upon which occasion Mr lilac* kay took the po>ttolio o? Minister of Education. Ho held the dual offices in tiro re-constructed (Kerforcl) Go« verament. After tho loss of his scat in 1877, and his rei-election, he con** tinned a valuable representative of his district. He launched the ‘ Sydney Daily Telegraph’ in 1879, on which occasion he retired from public life : but in compliance with a mocster petition sent over to him from Sandhurst, he again a'lowed himself to be nomiur.tecl, and. was elected ia 1883 to represent his old constituency. At the last general election—despite the advice of his medical attendants—he aeead d to the wish of his friends, and again for hia election but was defeated. His health then very bad, gradually became worse, and culminated in an illness which terminated in bis decease. Mr Mackey was an enthusiastic supporter cf yachting and cricket, the famous yacht Mystery having been for years bis property.— * Telegraph.’