South Australian Advertiser/1878/Death of William Mower Akhurst

by J. Bond Phipson

Layout 2

DEATH OF WILLIAM MOWER AKHURST.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir—The death of this gentleman once well known in the literary circle of Adelaide and Melbourne deserves a passing notice. Mr. Akhurst was a pioneer of this colony,

and in the older times was reporter and sub- editor of the Adelaide Times when James Allen, better known as "Dismal Jemmy" on account of his doleful aspect and lugubrious articles, was the proprietor of that journal, and whose dullness was only relieved by Akhurst's racy leaders. Mr. Akhurst was subsequently editor of the Free Press, which, existed only about six months. Shortly after the decease of that journal Mr. Akhurst repaired with his family to Melbourne during the feverish height of the gold digging times, where his gifted powers soon ob- tained him employment on the staff of the Argus, where as journalist and burlesque writer for the stage he remained a popular man for some years. Latterly in England his witty and ludicrous pantomimes delighted crowded audiences at several of the leading theatres in London. He was again on his return to these colonies, but died on board the Patriarch, sailing vessel, on June 6th last, during her voyage from Lon- don to Sydney, some where about the age of 53 or 56. Old colonists will well remember his genial social qualities, amiable disposition, and kindly nature, that never made an enemy; his infinite jest and ready humor, that used to "set the table in a roar:" and they will give a sigh to the memory of "Poor Akhurst," to whom glad life seemed so sweet and joyous a boon.— I am, &c., J. BOND PHIPSON.
August 19th, 1878.