Augusta Mary Curr (1829-1917)

Biography
DEATH 0F MRS A. M. GURNER.

Mrs Augusta Mary Gurner who died at her residence, Prince's street St Kilda, on Thursday was one of the oldest of Ausralian born women. She was born at Circular Head Tasmania, in 1830, and was consequently 87 years of age

Mrs Gurner was the daughter of Mr Edward Curr, first manger of the Van Diemen's Land Company. Mr Currr induced his company to spend £30,000 on the importation from Europe of prime sheep, chiefly merinos, and further sums on pure cattle and high bred horses. About 1841 Mr Curr removed with his family to Victoria, then known as the Port Phillip district, where he engaged in pastoral pursuits. He represented the district in the New South Wales Parliament and took a leading part in the movement for separation from New South Wales.

When a little girl, Mrs Gurner went with her parents lo England having an adventurous voyage in a small schooner. She married Mt Henry Field Gurner in 1851.

Mr Gurner was from 1842 to 1883 Crown solicitor, first for the district of Port Phillip and afterwards for the colony of Victoria. In the sixties and seventies when hunting was very popular Mrs Gurner was an enthusiastic follower of the hounds. From the colour of her habit she was known as "the lady in grey". She took considerable interest in public affairs, and was for many years a vice president of the Women's Hospital. Until the last two or three months she was physically and mentally active. She leaves three sons and four daughters. One of the sons is Mr. John A Gurner, the senior Crown prosecutor of Victoria.

The eldest son, Mr. Sydney Gurner, is engaged in pastoral pursuits in the north east of New South Wales, while the youngest son is Captain Victor G. Gurner, of the Royal Navy.



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