The Horsham Times, Friday 16 February 1906
(Victoria, Australia)

OBITUARY
We have to record the death of Mr Joseph Robins, of Horsham, which took place at three o’clock on Thursday morning, after only a week’s illness. Death was due to diarrhoea acting on a weak heart. Deceased, who had never been seriously ill before, was in his customary good health until Thursday morning after breakfast. He had partaken of a good meal, and was preparing to drive to Horsham from Wail (where he has property), when he became suddenly unwell. His condition becoming worse in the afternoon, he was driven to the railway station, and brought into Horsham by the 4,30 train, suffering great pain. On Dr Donald being summoned, he found Mr Robins suffering from an acute attack of diarrhoea, the effects of which were doubtless aggravated by the extreme heat. Under the dual care of Dr Donald and Nurse Cocks, deceased rallied a little, but subsequently became worse and succumbed. Deceased, who was 77 years old, was born at Truro, in Cornwall. He emigrated in 1854, landing in Melbourne, and had been in Victoria ever since. Removing with his wife and family to Port Fairy, he took up contracting for the borough, and selected land there, on which he resided for upwards of 16 years. He came to the Wimmera in 1872, and was the first to select land on what was then known as Edells’ Upper Regions Station, and which he has retained ever since. He also selected on Polkemmet and Kewell Stations. Deceased’s wife and the following sons and daughters survive him, viz:—Mr John Robins, of Wail; Mr Joseph Robins, of Korumburra; Mr Frank Robins, of Day Dawn (W.A.); Mrs John Barber, of Wail; Mrs Robt. Muir, of Portland; Mrs J. Wilkinson, of Kaniva; and Mrs J. Smith, of Kalkee. Deceased was a thorough farmer, and respected by all for his strict integrity and Christian character. He was a prominent member, and for some time a lay preacher, of the Methodist Church. About five years ago, owing to disability of Mr Robins from sciatica, and Mrs Robins as the result of an accident, they relinquished farm life and came to reside in Horsham. Mrs Robins was also prostrated by the severe heat lately experienced, but under the medical treatment of Dr Cookson she quickly rallied and is now quite recovered. The interment takes place to-day at Dimboola cemetery.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho