Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

We regret to announce the death of Mr. A.C. (Alan) Muir, well known and highly esteemed barrister of Perth, on Sunday last, 23rd April, after a short illness.
An Interesting Personality. Mr. Alan Muir was no stranger to many of the older residents of Southern Cross, and to many who have only resided for a few years he was a familiar figure.
Mr. Muir was one of Perth's leading barristers and for many years had been briefed in some of the great battles which have figured in legal history of this state.
Mr. Muir, at the commencement of his career, was articled in 1905 to Mr. John Nicholson and Hensman, which firm had a branch office in Southern Cross, whose manager at that time was Mr. A.J. Chick.
In the year 1908, while still an articled clerk, Mr. Muir arrived in Southern Cross to manage the country branch of Nicholson and Hensman for a period of six months. Two years later, in August 1910, he graduated and took over the business which he had been managing. At this time Bullfinch was booming.
His energy and attention to detail, particularly in mining cases, was such that in 1912 the business had grown to such an extent that Mr. Muir had opened branch offices at Merredin and Westonia.
On the outbreak of War in August 1914, Mr. Muir enlisted with the 10th Light Horse, and whilst in training his father died. Mr. Muir was discharged and returned to his office in Southern Cross, but again enlisted in June 1915, with the reinforcements of the 16th Battalion. In July 1916, he went overseas and rose to the rank of sergeant, second lieutenant and returned in November, 1918, with the rank of major. He was wounded three times. Shortly after being demobilised, he commenced practice in Boulder City, purchasing the practice of Balfour Scott. Seven years later Mr. Muir took into partnership Mr. Stables and shortly after left for a much needed holiday. Subsequently Mr. Muir went into partnership with Mr. G. Joseph, the firm being well known throughout the State today as Joseph, Muir and Williams. Mr. Alex Williams is the son of Mr. Mick Williams, who was the manager of the Edna May, Westonia, at the height of its production, and is well known in mining circles.
Mr. Muir's pleasing personality was one of his assets socially, whilst knowledge of the law, particularly mining law, was a great asset when fighting for his clients. He always put the whole of his energy and vast experience into all his briefs, whether great or small. His untimely death will come as a great shock to his host of friends; he will be sadly missed, his like are few and far between. The Southern Cross News, 28 April 1939, p.7

After an illness which lasted for a fortnight, Mr. Alan Campbell Muir, of the firm of Messrs. Joseph, Muir and Williams, barristers and solicitors, Perth, died last night in the Repatriation Ward at the Perth Hospital. Born in Perth, he was the son of the late Mr. Andrew Muir, one of the pioneer surveyors of the Great Western Railway. He was educated at Hale School (then known as the High School) and the Geelong Grammar School.
The late Mr. Muir was articled to Mr. John Nicholson and commenced practice as a solicitor on his own account at Southern Cross. He enlisted for war service and served with the 16th Battalion, leaving Australia as a private and finishing his service as a major in the Staff Corps. On returning from the front, he resumed practice at Boulder and after some years there returned to Perth, becoming a partner with the late Mr. G.H. Joseph in the firm of Joseph and Muir. On the death of his partner, the late Mr. Muir established the firm of Joseph, Muir and Williams, and of recent years has been a well-known figure in the law courts of Perth.
The funeral will take place at 4.15 o'clock this afternoon in the Church of England portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery. The West Australian, 24 April 1939, p.6