Mr. John Patrick Lawler, Storekeeper and Orchardist, Port Cygnet, is a son of the late Mr. John Lawler, who came to the colony about half a century ago, and settled down at Wattle Grove, he being one of the first settlers in that place. He always took an interest in local affairs until he died in 1895.

Mr. John P.Lawler was born at Wattle Grove in 1867, and, after leaving school, he assisted his father in horticultural pursuits. In 1891 he was engaged in the building trade at Zeehan, and remained there for twelve months, when he returned to farming operations and fruit-growing.

In August, 1894, he purchased premises in Port Cygnet, and opened a general store and fruit agency. Mr. Lawler keeps a large and varied stock, besides which he goes in for bacon-curing and butchering. He purchases fruit largely for Messrs. H. Jones and Co., of Hobart, besides buying for him-self for export.

He has a well appointed orchard of 15 acres on the township, in which he grows Sturmers, scarlet pearmains, French crabs, ribston pippins, New Yorks, and a varied assortment of pears. Small fruits, such as currants, raspberries, etc., engage a large amount of his attention.

Mr. Lawler was married on 8th February, 1893, to Mary, a daughter of the late Mr. Patrick O'Reilly, of Port Cygnet, and has three children.