Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John CARRUTHERS and Eliza Grahm nee PIZEY

A well known figure in railway circles, Mr. Charles Carruthers, of the Auditor of Receipts Department, passed away at his home, Semaphore, after a  severe attack of gastric influenza on Friday night. Mr. Carruthers had a very wide circle of friends. He was of an artistic temperament, and the many  little water and oil colours which he distributed among his acquaintances were gems. Deceased was 70 years of age, and was to have retired from the  Railway Department on June 30. Prior to entering the South Australian Railways in 1879, he spent several years at sea on sailing-ships, and saw many  out-of-the-way places of the world. His first railway position was that of timekeeper and storekeeper in the locomotive branch at Port Wakefield, and he  was shortly afterwards transferred to Port Pirie. He came to Adelaide as a clerk on September 26, 1877, and was transferred to the Traffic Auditor's  branch in December, 1878, and to that department had been attached ever since, filling various responsible posts. In 1899 Mr. Carruthers enlisted with  the Imperial Bushmen's Corps, and saw active service under Col. J. Rowell, C.B., in South Africa, and attained the rank of sergeant. An incident of  conspicuous bravery on his part was greatly praised by the war correspondents. Mr. Carruthers joined the old South Australian Volunteer Militia Force in  its early years, and was reckoned one of its best shots. He married a Miss Pyzey, of New Zealand, and his wife died about 35 years ago. Deceased had  no children. He was a brother of Messrs. Cuthbert Carruthers (Mitcham), John Carruthers (Gippsland), and Mesdames Price (Mount Barker), and Barry  (Henley Beach).