MINE OWNER DEAD

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1930, Page 5

MINE OWNER DEAD

A NOTABLE FIGURE.

(Australian Press Association)

(Received this day at noon.) SYDNEY, March 6,

Obituary—John Brown, aetat 79, i native of New South Wales. He was the owner of several of the richest coal mines in the Maitland District, and an owner and breeder of classic racehorses, among which were Princefoot, Dukefoot, Sirfoot, Prince Viridcs, Prince Charles and Richmond Main. He was also a breeder of Shorthorn and Friesian cattle. He raced horses under the name of J. Baron. He died in a fine old mansion in Maitland district within a few miles of his coalmines. He and a young brother, Stephen, were identified with coal interests for fifty years. They made a substantial contribution to the coal industry in Australia, and indeed were directly responsible for making Newcastle -the outstanding coal export centre.

Brown was a man who never courted publicity, and took no part in public affairs. He had amassed great wealth, ncquired several coaf boats, a schooner and ten tugs. He had felt the strain of the prolonged coal dispute and expressed the hope a short time ago that he would live to see the industry once again on a sound economic basis Ho had a seizure on Monday, gradually stink and died to-night. His wife predeeased him many years ago.