Deakins Prayers - No 9. Walter Murdoch, great uncle to Rupert Murdoch of News Corp

Walter was a young man and a journalist for the Argus when he met Alfred Deakin. Deakin was also journalist for the Age during his 20's, due to his friendship with David Syme. In 1923 just 4 years after Alfred's death, Pattie asked Walter to write a biography on her husband. "Alfred Deakin: A Sketch" became a masterpiece of writing. Murdoch who became a close family friend and admirer of Deakin writes: "Some piece of writing of mine had the good fortune to please him; and it was entirely characteristic of the man that he should at once sit down and write me some generous words of praise; for he was ever the helper and encourager of young men..." "It was impossible to spend a dull moment in his company...he had the power of loosening the tongues of others...men showed themselves at their best in his presence. He understood before you had half finished your sentence...his talk, when at his best, was like sparkling wine. I think his charm as a companion was due not so much to the richness and brilliancy of his talk, but to the fundamental friendliness that shone through what he said, - there was something winning and affectionate in his nature" (page 289 "Alfred Deakin: A Sketch" by Walter Murdoch)

Walter Murdoch at Alfred's retreat - Pt Londsdale

Pattie, Alfred and grandson Wilfred - Pt Londsdale retreat

Older Sir Walter Murdoch - Melbourne Uni

Alfred Deakin Prayers No 9

"God grant me the virtue of sincerity and the voice of truth that without fear or falsity I may speak the word and do the deed best for this country and its people. Let me shake off self and ignore success, let me be guided sufficiently to guide others and gifted to perform the most necessary service. To this make my private aims absolutely subordinate and my private life sure and harmonious as a sure pedestal from which I may utter my message. Let this be Thy message and Thy will and grant that as it's mere mouthpiece I may repeat it without admixture and without regard to the welcome it may procure for me. God help me to help" 13th Feb 1892