The Mercury, Hobart, 11 March 1897
SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. MATTHEW SEAL.
Surprise and extreme regret were expressed on all sides yesterday upon the painful news reaching Hobart of the sudden death at the Great Lake of Mr. Matthew Seal, Chairman of the Fisheries Board. A telegram conveying the sad intelligence, from Colonel Cox to the secretary of the Tasmanian Club, stated that the body had been found alongside the boat at the lake. It was the boat in which he was accustomed to go out fishing. It is understood that death resulted from weak action of the heart.
On receipt of the news the Hon. Alfred Pillinger (Minister of Lands) immediately wired to the Warden at Bothwell, requesting his kind assistance in arrangements for removing the body to Hobart, while Mr. A. G. Webster, his oldest friend, undertook to break the sad news to the family.
Last Monday fortnight, the 22nd Feb, His Excellency the Governor, Sir Francis Smith, Colonel Cox, and the late Mr. Seal went on a fishing trip to the Great Lake, and on the return of the rest of the party Mr. Seal decided to remain behind for a week or two. He was then in his usual health, and the news of his sudden demise has come as great shock to His Excellency, who has lost the genial companion of many a fishing excursion, and who sympathies keenly with those whom his death has bereaved. The deceased was a native of Hobart, and was a son of the late Chas. Seal, who was largely interested in whaling during the early days in Hobart. In con junction with his brother he carried on business pursuits at Ballarat, Victoria, but resided in Hobart since 1874. He took an active interest in the fishing industry of the colony, and in the acclimatisation of foreign fish, and introduced the English perch to Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, obtaining the fry from Hobart. He was one of the Salmon Commissioners while that body held office, and on its abolition, and the appointment via Fisheries Board, he was unanimously chosen chairman. He was also the Crown trustee of the Tasmanian Museum and Botanical Garden, Chairman of the Cornelian Bay Cemetery Trustees, and a member of the Board of Management of the Hobart Savings Bank. He brought to all his public duties a keen business intellect, combined with a consideration for others that earned the respect and esteem of those who had the privilege to work with him, and all who came in contact with him. He leaves a widow and five sons and three daughters. The deepest sympathy is felt for them in their bereavement.
It has been decided to close the Museum and Art Gallery today out of respect to the deceased.
This morning Mr. Alex. Morton will leave Hobart for Apsley, where he will meet Colonel Cox with the body. Hobart will be reached about 12.30. Mr. Back, the General Manager of Railways, upon returning to town last evening, kindly afforded special railway arrangements for conveying the body to Hobart, and the funeral will take place tomorrow at 9 a.m.

The AFFM has Matthew Seal’s rod and reel on display.