DEATH OF MR. J. PETERS.

MR. JOHN PETERS, one of the oldest and best known residents of Dubbo district, died on Monday last at the age of 73 years.

Of direct Chinese descent, he had in early life attracted the attention of European visitors to his native land; and as a youth he (some fifty-five years ago) accompanied to Australia one of the returning missionaries.

He showed great aptitude for assimilating the Western civilisation, and was soon engaged as a trusted manager of the Wellington mills of that date. While in this district he married, and shortly afterwards entered into business on his own account, but relinquished this to accept the position of Government interpreter for the western Circuit and Sessional Courts.

His abilities in this respect were highly esteemed by the authorities, and even when later in life he settled permanently in Dubbo his services were largely in demand in connection with the administration of justice throughout the country.

He made his home in Dubbo some 32 years ago, and eventually built up a large store keeping business – his establishment being situated on the well-known corner of Wingewarra and Macquarie streets, now occupied by Davies’ buildings. Of late, chiefly as the result of unfortunate mining speculations, his business affairs became un-prosperous, and with the approach of age he retired to live with his widowed daughter, Mrs. Aitchison.

He was well-known from his standing as a Royal Arch Mason. His connection with the Order is believed to date back prior to his departure from his native country, and he was associated with the local lodge from its initiation. He leaves four children – two sons and two daughters – all (with the exception of one son) residents of this district. The funeral will take place at 5 o’clock to-day (Wednesday).

DEATH.

Dubbo, Wednesday.

Mr. John Peters, an old resident of Dubbo, died on Monday last. The deceased was a native of China, and came to Australia about 55 years ago, and resided in this district 32 years.

Some years ago he carried on a large business as general storekeeper at the corner of Macquarie and Wingewarra streets. He was a member of the Masons Lodge, and was 73 years of age. The remains were interred in the Dubbo cemetery this afternoon.