Born:

OBITUARY

LATE MR. D. L. ROSS

The death occurred yesterday morning of Mr. Douglas Lawrence Ross, well-known townsman, who for many years was prominent in public activity and progressive movements in this district.

Deceased was born in Birkenhead, England and was educated at Liverpool College.  His father was a prominent merchant in Liverpool and educated deceased with the object of entering on a business career.  Deceased had an inherent desire to go to sea and made an attempt to join a sailing ship.  His father, realising that deceased's ambition was to roam the seas, agreed to have him apprenticed on a sailing vessel.  For a number of years he rambled the world and called at Sydney on several occasions during his voyages, which generally were to America.  Subsequently he was impressed with the possibilities of Australia, and remained here.  

He worked on sheep properties and after a visit to West Australia took up a selection.  The sheep run was not a success and he returned to the East coast.  He worked on several properties in NS Wales and also engaged in droving.  One of the droving engagements brought him north through Queensland and up to the Gulf country.  He had passed through Clermont on the way north and learned of the prospects offering in Mackay.  

On completing the trip he came to Mackay and engaged in farming at West Plane Creek.  While there he took a keen interest in the development of the sugar industry and was actively associated with the establishment of Plane Creek mill.  Leaving Plane Creek he was a cane inspector at Racecourse and then entered business as a commission agent in Mackay.  While in that business he was the valuer for much of the sugar land then being taken up.  Disposing of this business he went to Featherstone Station, in the Nebo district, which he conducted for a number of years.  Later he returned to Mackay and engaged in farming at Homebush at what is still known as the "Home Farm" and is carried on by his son, Mr. Douglas (Jim) Ross.  After many years at Homebush he returned to Mackay and lived in retirement until the time of his death.

For a lengthy term he was a member of the Pioneer Shire Council and occupied the position of Chairman.  He also took an active interest in canegrowers' organisations and the Show Association.  For several months recently he had not enjoyed robust health.

He is survived by his widow, four sons, and three daughters.  The sons are: Henry (J. A. Michelmore & Co. Pty. Ltd.), Douglas ("Home Farm" Homebush), Stanley (Homebush), and George of the AIF (who recently returned from overseas and is now in a southern station).  The daughters are: Mrs. R. Manley (Sydney), Mrs. E. Bilham (Mackay), and Mrs. C. W. (Dr.) Taylor (Brisbane, formerly of Mackay and Ayr, Dr. Taylor having returned a few weeks ago from active service overseas). 

The funeral will take place from the Holy Trinity Church at 3 p.m. today.

Source:

The Daily Mercury, June 5, 1942.