Death Of Rev. Dr. W. Gunn

REV. DR. WILLIAM GUNN, a veteran medical missionary of the United Free Church of Scotland, died on June 9, at his residence in Bancroft Ave., Roseville, Sydney. He was 82 years of age.

Dr. Gunn was born in 1853, and graduated as Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Edinburgh.

After attending divinity classes, he was, in 1882, appointed by the United Free Church of Scotland, as its first medical missionary at Futuna, in the New Hebrides group, where he went with his wife in the same year.

For 35 years Dr. Gunn carried on his missionary work in Futuna and other islands adjacent to it, paying two visits to Scotland and making frequent trips to Australia in that time. During his term in the New Hebrides, Dr. Gunn translated portions of the Bible and a number of hymns into the native language. He also wrote two books, “The Gospel in Futuna,” and “Heralds of the Dawn,” which told the story of the people and of his work among them. He also edited, printed, and published “The New Hebrides Magazine.” This was largely a record of mission work, but also contained general Islands news for the information of white residents.

Dr. Gunn relinquished his missionary work in 1917, and with his wife and two daughters had resided in Sydney ever since. Mrs. Gunn died some years ago.