Person:Walter Gadd (2)

1893 - Newspaper article in the Burra Record on 4 October: A Visitor — Mr. W. Smithers-Gadd, J.P., the ex-Mayor of the city of Fitzroy, Melbourne, arrived in Burra on Saturday last. This gentleman has been taking part in Congress of the Australasian Association for the advancement of science recently held with much success in Adelaide. It was with difficulty Mr. Gadd managed to tear himself away from the many pressing invitations from leading people in the city, but he had made up his mind to see the Burra, his birth place, which he left when quite a child. He inspected the old Burra mines, in which his grandfather (the late Mr. William Hill James) was the first assayer, and was greatly interested in the old works and buildings. Mr. Gadd also saw the Institute, Hospital, State school, and churches, and admired the durability of these buildings. He was received by the Mayor (Mr. W. T. Rabbich) who accorded a pleasant welcome to the visitor. Mr. Gadd takes a deep interest in irrigation and intense culture, and as a lecturer on this subject is anxious to obtain a thorough knowledge of the productive qualities of the land, climate, etc., wherever he visits. Mr. Gadd cordially thanked the Mayor for the information during his visit. The visitor who left on Monday was the guest of his brother-in-law, Mr. W. G.Martin, railway-station master.

1932 - Obituary: Walter Gadd who was believed to have been born in Adelaide, South Australia, is noted as being a member of the Fitzroy City Council serving a term as Mayor in the roaring 1880s “and was one of nine councillors who took place in the ceremony of laying the foundation at the main entrance of the Fitzroy Town Hall by Cr. G. Clauscen, then Mayor in 1887”.  An active member of the Old Pioneers’ Association, Gadd “was widely known in the metropolis as an active worker in support of progressive movements”.  On his death on 26 June 1932 representatives from the Fitzroy City Council attended his funeral service held at St. Mary’s Church, Camberwell.  In “Victoria and its Metropolis: Past and Present”, a brief entry reveals the “firm of auctioneers and house, land, and estate agents, consists of Messrs. W. S. Gadd and J. A. Ross.  Their business is carried on at 18 Market Buildings, Collins-street west, and at 375 Brunswick-street, Fitzroy”.  His wife Henrietta (d 1921) predeceased him. (brightoncemetery.com)