Sudden Death in Sydney

Mr. R. D, Bertie

NEWS of the death of Mr, Robert Dugald Bertie, the well-known legal practitioner, of Port Moresby, on October 2, came as a shock to Papuan people, to whom he appeared as a vigor ous, middle-aged man.

Mr. Bertie left Port Moresby, as an evacuee, in February, 1942. His nephew, a partner in the Sydney law firm of Gray and Perkins, was gone on active service, so Mr. Bertie entered the office to help the other partners. In addition, he still had much work to do in connec tion with his large Papuan practice. He was attacked by thrombosis, and died, very suddenly and unexpectedly, within a few hours, at the age of 63.

He was a member of a well-known New South Wales family. He was educated in NSW and practised as a solicitor there for a good many years before, in 1916, he established his law business in Port Moresby. For 25 years, he was a well known figure in Papua, liked and respected by everyone. He built up a very good professional connection, and his clients included most of the leading commercial houses.

Mrs. Bertie died several years ago, in Port Moresby. Their daughter is Mrs.

Gilliland, now a resident of Sydney. Mr, and Mrs. Gilliland lived for some time in Papua.