Sydney Morning Herald 10 Jan 1918
DEATH OF MR. E. H. WILLS-ALLEN.
A cable was received in Sydney yesterday announcing the death in America of Mr. Edwin Herbert Wills-Allen, the well-known pastoralist, of Gunnedah, New South Wales. The late Mr. Wills-Allen was a son of Mr. T. P. Wills-Allen, of Gunnible, Gunnedah, and was born at Gunnedah 43 years ago. He was educated at the King'a School, Parra- matta, and on leaving school took up pastoral pursuits, settling down in the district in which he had been born. He was an en- thusiastic sportsman, his hobbies in this direction being polo, boating and sailing, and horseracing. As a polo player he was looked upon as in the first class In New South Wales. He occupied the position of captain of the Dindemah Club, and in 1913, playing No. 3, led the Dindemah Club against Sydney and other teams at the Quirindi polo carnival. As a racehorse owner his name was associated with Former, and in partnership with one of his greatest friends, Mr. Frank M'Donald, the well-known solicitor, be raced Nombi. The late Mr. "Bert" Wills-Allen, as he was more popularly known, was a crack ' pigeon shot, and his presence at the Gun Club meet- ings in Sydney and elsewhere was always welcomed.
Mr. Wills-Allen, though not taking any prominent part in local or State politics, was closely associated with all patriotic movements in his district, and his generosity was proverbial. He married Miss Kathleen King, daughter of the late Mr. George Gidley King, of Goonoo Goonoo. Some time ago Mr. Wills- Allen became ill and decided to visit America to obtain the advice of an eminent specialist. He left Australia, accompanied by his wife and little boy, in November. Subsequently word was received that there was no hope of a cure, and Mr. Wills-Allen died at Balti- more on the 7th inst. It is probable the body will be brought to Australia for interment.
The late gentleman was a member of the Warrigal Club, and yesterday the flags from the stalls of the Warrigal and Australian Clubs were flown half-mast as a mark of respect. Mr. Wills-Allen was a brother of Mrs. Antill, wife of Colonel J. M. Antill; of Major Leslie Wills-Allen,who was last week awarded the D.S.O., and who himself was a prominent polo player; and of Mr. Percy Wills-Allen. |