258 ROBERT ANDREW BUNTINE 



Obituary. 



Robert Andrew Buntine^ B.M., M.L.A 

 (Foundation Member S.A, Biological Society.) 



The sinking of the Galway Castle has once again drawn 

 the attention of the members of the South African Bio* 

 logical Society to the horrors and tragedy of war, as 

 amongst the victims of this example of Hun brutality 

 was one of our prominent members. Dr. R. A. Bun tine, 

 M.L.A. 



Although the deceased gentleman did not take a very 

 active part in the affairs of this society, he took a keen 

 interest in Biology, and shortly before he last left S. 

 Africa, gave a very interesting lecture on this subject 

 to a Maritzburg audience. 



Dr. Bun tine was born in Australia on November 19th, 

 1868, and alter being educated there, and having taken 

 his medical degree at the Melbourne University, came 

 across to S. Africa. For a short period he held the post 

 of House Surgeon to Grey's Hospital, and tiien settled 

 down to private practice in Maritzburg, where^ owing 

 to his abilities and the affection Avith which ]je inspired 

 all his patients, he rapidly attained a very extensive 

 practice, w]iich he carried on until 1915, when he wa-; 

 selected during his absence in England to be the S.A.P 

 candidate for Maritzburg South. On his return to S. 

 Africa, Dr. l^untine agreed to accept nomination for elec- 

 tion, although this naturally entailed a very great pecu- 

 niary sacrifice, and at the following general election 

 came out at the head of the poll with a huge majority. 

 From this time onwards he devoted himself to politics 

 and, although not a frequent speaker in the House, was 

 always listened to with respect and attention, as when 

 he did take part in any debate his speeches showed that 

 he had a big grasp of the subject under discussion. 



Previously to taking up politics, Dr. Bun tine had given 

 up much valuable time to the welfare of the community. 

 He was for many years a member of the old volunteer 

 medical service of Natal, and served through part of the 



