COLLIERY OWNER DEAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 914, 6 March 1930, Page 11

COLLIERY OWNER DEAD

PROMINENT NEWCASTLE FIGURE CAREER OF MR. JOHN BROWN SYDNEY, Wednesday. The death has occurred of Mr. John Brown, who was born in New South Wales 79 years ago. He was the owner of several of the richest coalmines in the Maitland district. Mr. Brown was the owner and breeder of classic racehorses, among which were Prince Foot, Duke Foot', Sir Foot, Prince Viridis, Prince Charles and Richmond Main. He also was a breeder of Shorthorn and Friesian cattle. He raced horses under the name of J. Baron. He died in his fine old mansion in the Maitland district, within a few miles of his coalmines. He and his younger brother, Stephen, were identified with coal interests for 50 years. They made a substantial contribution to the coal industry of Australia. Indeed, they were directly responsible for making Newcastle the outstanding coal export centre. Mr. Brown was a man who never courted publicity. He took no par* in public affairs. He had amassed great wealth and acquired several coal boats, a schooner and 10 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. He had a seizure on Monday, and graduallv sank, and died late this evening. His wife predeceased him many years ago.