W Percy Lyons

W Percy Lyons

One of the best-known early names in Adelaide's early musical history was that of Lyons. One' by one those gifted musicians have passed away, and now the Misses Lyons, of Victor Harbour, are the last link with that esteemed family. On Friday night there died the remaining male representative— Mr. W. Percy -Lyons. For the past few years he had returned to his native city, there to finish his span of life. But, for many years, Mr. W. P. Lyons lived abroad, and was well known in the Pacific Islands, For more than 20 years he was connected with the firm of Lever Brothers there, and was general supervisor of Lever's Pacifc plantations, as well as their special representative at Fiji. His second son (Stewart) elected to follow in the same line, and was understudy, taking charge whenever his father had occasion to travel through the vast domain upon a tour of inspection. Mr. Lyons was justly held in the highest esteem by Lever Brothers, for instance, he realized that too much loss was made in the antiquated process of copra-drying in the sun, for the weather was too pre carious. So he set to work and evolved a scheme whereby the product could be dried in Luge sheds with subterranean furnaces that heated the trays artificially Other firms adopted the idea, which was proof of its value. A member of the Council of Planters, Mr. Lyons was keen upon obtaining a federation of the islands of the Pacific, so that they might settle their own political affairs without interference from outside sources. An out- sider, it was wisely contended, could not get the same grip of island problems as the leaders resident there. Hurricanes, earthquakes, and labour troubles were unable to shake the love of this South Australian for the life of the islands. Their beauty and freedom got Into one's blood, be declared, some years ago to a representative of The Register when re-visiting Adelaide. But the homing instinct subsequently brought him back to end his days amid scenes made precious by boyhood memories. In the early 'sixties' he was well known here, and was the first amateur to appear at the Theatre Royal, in conjunction with the late- Mile St. Denis. In these days A.. J. Diamond's Christy Minstrels were a feature, and other notabilities included Charlie Lyons (leader of the Wedertafel - and Philharmonic Society), Jack Lyons— whose Shylock was the best amateur role of the time— and Tom Lyons. Mr. W. P. Lyons was also secretary of the Norwood Cricket Club, which, at that period, held the premiership for seven years. Among the players were John Hill. Tom Cole, George, Charlie, and Jimmie Gooj!'- . Y .Mr Lyons was twice 'married, and the second wife survives. By the first union there were three sons— George (an.SM. and Assist ant Administrator in South Africa). Stewart. -(who took his father's place at the islands), and R. S. Lyons, (who has his own plantation in the Pacific.

OBITUARY. (1927, April 4). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), p. 11. Retrieved August 9, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54099718

BIRTHS. LYONS.— On the 7th March, at Loma Loma, Fiji Islands, the wife of W. P. Lyons, of a son.

South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900) Saturday 28 April 1877 p 4 Family Notices https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/40779796