Reuben Gill,
LONG and favourably known as an earnest advocate of temperance principles, and an energetic worker among the Rechabites, died at New Thebarton, January 11, 1884, aged 56. He was a Cornishman and a miner, and, like those born of poor parents in Cornwall sixty years ago, received but a scanty education. On reaching manhood, however, he saw the advantage of being able to read and write, and, by dint of hard study and a little friendly help, managed to master "the three R's," and secure a fair smattering of scientific knowledge. On arrival in South Australia he settled at the Burra, where he worked for some years. Subsequently he went to Victoria, but came back to this colony, and was employed at the Moonta Mines. About ten years ago, when what is known on the Peninsula as "the great strike" occurred, the miners looked to Mr. Gill to come to the front and advocate their cause. This he did with great warmth and effectiveness, and when delegates were appointed to bring the grievances of the miners before the directors of the Moonta and Wallaroo Mines, he was selected as one. In his advocacy of the working man's claims, though very zealous, he was much more moderate than others who took part in the proceedings, and when the miners were wrought upon to take extreme measures, "Reuben," by his good-humoured addresses and jocular remarks, caused them to be less unreasonable in their demands. He was a good-tempered and earnest speaker. His rough eloquence would fall from his lips in a rapid stream, and apt metaphor and racy extemporaneous rhyme follow each other with almost lightning-like rapidity, while the attention of his audience would remain enchained throughout his speech. Mr. Gill was regarded as one who might always be reckoned upon to take part in public meetings when matters affecting the interest of the community were discussed; consequently at the Hall's shaft
