Clipper Ship 'City of Adelaide'

Obituary

THE ADELAIDE OBSERVER, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1891

DEATH OF CAPTAIN A. BRUCE - We much regret to announce that Captain Alexander Bruce, wharfinger for the South Australia Company, died, at the age of forty-three years, at his residence, Military Road, Semaphore, early on Thursday morning. His death was due to an attack of inflammation of the lungs. Captain Bruce, who had apparently a long lease of life before him, by his genial disposition had endeared himself to all with whom he came into association. Prior to his appointment as wharfinger, which took place ten years ago, he had had charge of the ship South Australian, the command of which he relinquished in order to take the captaincy of a large steamer running between London and the Eastern ports. After having charge of several steamboats engaged in the Mediterranean and Indian trade, he decided to give up the sea life, owing to the health of his wife. His brother and his father are also well known here as masters of vessels that traded to the colonies in the days of the sailing clippers. in the service of the South Australia Company he was distinguished for his ability and zeal in the management of Port affairs. The late Captain Bruce married a daughter of Mr. W. C. Buik, and has left her a widow with four children.

Our Shipping Reporter writes:- The deceased gentleman served his time in the early wool liners with his father, Captain David Bruce, and in 1869 he was one of the officers of the City of Adelaide under Captain John Bruce, his brother. He was soon after promoted to be master, and on the death of the South Australia Company's wharfinger, Mr. John Anthony, he was selected to fill the position, and has carried out the duties for a long period with credit to himself and profit to the Company. He settled down to the enjoyment of shore life, having built a pretty house on the Military Road, where he was bringing up his family. During the last few days he had an attack of pleuro-pneumonia, which at first was very lightly treated, but subsequently the symptoms became worse, and after a couple of days in a semi-conscious state, he passed away on Thursday morning at 4 o'clock. He was a sterling specimen of a seaman, whose word was his bond, and those who had the privilege of his friendship appreciated his good qualities, and recognised in him one of the good men we can so ill afford to lose. In the Port especially he was highly esteemed by all sorts of and conditions of men, and it would be hard to find one word of antagonism for the memory of Captain Bruce. He was identified with the Masonic Fraternity, and was an active member, having for two years held office in the Lodge of Harmony. In whatever capacity the late Captain Bruce was met he had the confidence and regard of those having dealings with him, for he possessed a genial, happy, and generous disposition. Without doubt he will long be missed by every class of society with which he came in contact.