T.I.’S “Pearl King”

Sudden Death of Mr. Farquhar

From Our Own Correspondent

Thursday Is., April 16.

THE sudden death of Mr. T. J. Far quhar on March 21 removes one of the outstanding figures of Thursday Island, and deprives many people throughout the Pacific of an old friend.

Mq Farquhar was undoubtedly a link with the past, and to men of his type a certain amount of romance always attaches itself on account of an adventurous career and associations with the days when Thursday Island

was not quite the same peaceful, not to say tame spot, it is to-day.

Mr. Farquhar arrived at Thursday Island in 1893 in connection with the Queensland Pearling Co., and has been a prominent pearler ever since. Like most courageous men, he took risks in business at times and had his ups and downs, but in the main his shrewdness and capable management brought him success. He was essen tially a lucky man and won through where a lesser man might have failed.

He shone in the difficult art of pearl dealing, being one of the chief local buyers, and many fine gems from Tor res Straits passed through his hands.

In character he was marked by tol erance and good nature, qualities which made him a master man in dealing with natives, and there are many islanders who, having served him well, will regret the passing of an old “boss.” His readiness to help white men in distress was well known, and he had a special bias in favour of re turned soldiers, having lost his eldest son in the war.

He was constantly to the fore in civic matters during his long residence and was instrumental in establishing the telephone on the island by giving a personal guarantee that at least 25 subscribers would come forward.

Socially, too, he will be missed: his striking personality, stock of local lore, and his genial manner attracted attention amongst all visitors. Many a writer features “Tommy, the Pearl King,” as he was called.

In matters of sport he thoroughly deserved that typically Australian title of honour—“ a good sport.” He at tended and supported every form of game on Thursday Island, and had been himself a noted football player and amateur sculler in New Zealand.

The firm of Farquhars Ltd. will be carried on by his only surviving son, Donald Farquhar, but the pearling game will be the loser of one of ite keenest and brainiest followers.