Spencer John Skipper

Spencer John Skipper

The Late Mr. S. J. Skipper - Very general regret will be felt at the death which we announce to-day of Mr. Spencer John Skipper, the Shipping Reporter of the daily papers, at the Semaphore. Mr. Skipper, who was 55 years of age, was the eldest son of the late Mr. John Michael Skipper, solicitor, and of his wife Frances Amelia, who was the eldest daughter of Mr. Robert Thomas one of the founders of The Register. Mr. J. M. Skipper, who was for many years clerk of the Court at Port Adelaide, came of a family at Norwich which had for generations been connected with the law, and he practised his profession for years in Adelaide before accepting a Government appointment. He was an artist of striking talent, and his son inherited to a large extent his capacity in this direction.

Mr. Spencer Skipper, who was born in South Australia, was educated at the Adelaide Educational Institution, conducted by Mr. J. L. Young, and afterwards for the law, but before completing bis training he becoming a contributor to Pasquin, and he afterwards joined the literary staff of The Register. He was a constant worker on that paper and the journals which are associated with it until, on the death of Mr Richard Jagoe he accepted the position of Shipping Reporter, in which capacity served the two morning journals in Adelaide until within a few weeks of his death. Mr. Skipper was an enthisiastic supporter of all manly sports, and was an adept in yachting, cycling, and rifle shooting. He was at one period a member of the local artillery, and in 1875, as secretary of the Rifle Association, he, with Capts. Gray and Scott, originated the Rifle Volunteer Force at a critical time when there seemed to be a prospect of the local defences entirely collapsing For years he was the "war correspondent" of The Register, if that term may be applied to a gentleman who recorded the doings of our military forces in, times of .peace. He.was an art critic of no mean ability, and his criticisms of dramatic performances, especially of those of higher class, were always able and often of a masterly character. His notice of "La Tosca" as first performed in Adelaide by Mrs. Brown-Potter and Mr. Bellew and company was probably the best he ever wrote. Mrs Potter sent the following little note to the Register office:— Dear Mr. Skipper- Your beautiful and clever notice of our work brought joy to our hearts.—Yours, with deep appreciation, Cora Urquhart Potter." Mr. Skipper was associated with the late Mr. John Howard Clark, a former Editor of The Register in "Echoes from the Bush, by Geoffrey Crabthorne, a series of clever satirical writings which were read with the greatest interest. For many years Mr. Skipper wrote, under the nom de plume of "Hugh Kalyptus." "Echoes and Re-Echoes" for The Evening Journal and The Adelaide Observer, and in this column gave constant evidence of his versatility and humour. As secretary of the Old Colonists' Association for years the deceased rendered valuable service.

It had been evident for some months that Mr. Skipper's health was failing, and in May last prolonged leave of absence from his duties had been granted to him in the hope that rest and a change of scene would-lead to his restoration. With Mrs. Skipper he took a journey by sea, to Brisbane, but to the great regret of his relatives and his numerous friends it was evident on his return that his condition had not improved. His sudden demise was, however, quite unexpected.

He was in the city last week, and was able to be in bis garden on Saturday, but. was seized with, acute illness on Saturday evening. His death took place this morning at his residence, Hewitt, avenue, Rose Park, whither he and his,family had recently removed from the Semaphore. He has left a widow (who is a daughter of the late Mr. Christopher Cox, of Gawler, at one time Mayor of that town), two sons (Stanley, who after' a brilliant course, at the Adelaide University was admitted to the Bar. and is the managing, partner of Messrs. Gordon, Anderson, & Bright's business at Port Adelaide; and Melrvyn, who has recentliy entered the service of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, and two daughters.

1903 'OBITUARY.', Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 - 1912), 8 September, p. 1. (4 O'CLOCK EDITION), viewed 12 Oct 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207984647