<General regret will be expressed at the news of the death of Mr Louis Goldsmith, KC, which occurred yesterday at his residence, East Melbourne.

Mr Goldsmith, who was born in Melbourne in 1846, and was thus 65 years of age, was a survivor of a brilliant trio of barristers, the other two being Mr Jeremiah Dwyer (brother of the present police magistrate) and Mr St John Topp.

Mr Goldsmith was educated at St James's Grammar School, and on leaving school entered the Audit department, where, under the late Messrs C S Symonds and A J Agg, he advanced until he was head of the correspondence branch, and was known as one of the best officers in the service.

He had meanwhile been studying for the bar, and, having passed his examinations and qualified, was admitted on July 8, 1872.

He read with Mr Webb (afterwards Mr Justice Webb), who, with Mr Holroyd (now Sir Edward Holroyd), was then leader of the equity bar. Mr Webb's clerk was a young man, St John Topp, who subsequently qualified, and was admitted.

Mr Dwyer, who was already at the bar, recognised the worth of these two, and between them there sprang up a friendship which was lifelong.

Mr Dwyer was a brilliant man and renowned as a wit; and Mr Webb's chambers, where the three friends foregathered, became a centre of attraction every afternoon to many of the leading barristers of the day, amongst them the late Messrs J B Gregory and R A Billing, QC.

Messrs Goldsmith and Topp forged ahead in their profession, until, with Mr H B Higgins (now Mr Justice Higgins), who had read with Sir Edward Holroyd, they became the leaders of the equity bar.

Mr Goldsmith had a splendid practice, and his services were in great demand.

On one occasion he was briefed in an important equity case in Tasmania, and the fee marked on his brief - 1,000 guineas with 500 guineas refresher - is said to be the largest paid to any equity lawyer for a case in Australia.

About five years ago, Mr Goldsmith "took silk", but failing health prevented him reaping the benefits of his appointment as King's counsel.

Mr Goldsmith was equally famous as a cricketer.

In the seventies he was regarded as the most dashing batsman in Victoria, and one of the most brilliant outfields.

He played against W G Grace's English team in 1873, and always lamented that one of the few men he had missed in the field was W G Grace.

He was a "long handle" man, holding his bat at the extreme end of the handle.

He was the Trumper of his day.

In the East Melbourne team the two G's (Goldsmith and Gaggin) always opened the innings, and the partnership was the most famous in Victorian cricket.

So well-known was "the firm", that on one occasion when two burglars had been arrested for a series of offences at Brighton they gave the names of "Goldsmith and Gaggin", but the cricket alias did not save either of them from conviction or a sentence of five years in Pentridge.

Mr Goldsmith represented the Melbourne University in the match with Sydney in 1870, and one of his opponents in the game (Sir Edmund Barton) has been his friend ever since.

He represented Victoria on several occasions in intercolonial matches, and was a contemporary of such well-known East Melbourne players as Messrs Dan Wilkie, T Horan, W W Gaggin, C Forrester, and the late H F Boyle, C G Allee, and E Elliott.

He was a hero of the famous "lost ball" match, when East Melbourne beat Melbourne by 1 run in November, 1871.

Ford (of Melbourne) hit a ball from D Wilkie out of the East Melbourne ground into Jolimont road. Boundaries were unknown in those days, and as L Goldsmith vaulted the fence, in chasing the ball, he fell on his head, and was stunned. As he lay unconscious the batsmen ran on until 8 runs were scored. Meanwhile the East Melbourne captain had called "lost ball", and the scorers entered 6 as a result. The question as to what should have been credited is still a subject of argument.

Off the cricket field Mr Goldsmith was most popular with his comrades; and in various trips to the country taken by the East Melbourne team "Goldie" was always invited.

He was a charming companion, a most erudite man, with a fund of story only equalled by his marvellous memory and knowledge on a wide range of subjects.>

<He was an excellent chess player, a notable exponent of the game.

In Steinitz's book one of his games is given and described as most brilliant.

An excellent story of his ability as a chess player is told by one of his comrades.

He says "We were playing cricket at Ballarat, and the local chess champion came to the hotel, having heard of Goldie's prowess. He challenged Goldie to a game, but he for a long time demurred. Goldie was lying on a couch, and we urged him to play. At length without rising, he said 'Oh, all right; get the men and set them out.' He gave the Ballarat man first move, and directed one of our fellows what moves to make. He still reclined on the couch, and never looked at the board, but in four or five moves had the other man checkmated."

As a companion he was sought by a large circle of friends, all of whom will miss him.

He was a renowned schnapper fisherman, and with Mr A J Agg, who always accompanied him on his trips, he was known at Queenscliff as the champion fisherman.

On the Melbourne Cricket ground, and at the Yorick Club, where he had always been closely associated with the committee, and had been chairman, he was equally well-known and respected, and his death will be widely regretted.

The funeral will leave his late residence, 161 Grey street, East Melbourne, at 3 pm tomorrow for the Melbourne General Cemetery.>