John Sutherland, better known as the ‘Duke of Sutherland’, died on the 26th of February 1895 in his own camp at Nannine, in the Meekatharra district. His age was not known. 
He was a miner who was shot dead by an old friend, Henry Augustus Muller, who then killed himself. Both men were old identities at Nannine. Sutherland was well known on the Murchison Goldfields and was widely respected for the honest and fearless nature of his character. He was a regular contributor in his own name to the ‘Victorian Express’ (a Geraldton Newspaper), and it was believed he did much to make the paper popular among the digging community. He was an avid campaigner for the rights of the Diggers and his efforts to improve the living conditions of these men. Both men are buried in the Nannine Cemetery, which partly overlooks Lake Annean
The following are some of the things that JohnSutherland was trying to get to improve the miners’ lot.
Victorian Express – Geraldton 18 May 1894, page 3
LIST OF WANTS ON THE GOLDFIELDS.
As supplied to us by Mr John Sutherland
1. — The common necessaries of life and mining machinery, should be admitted free of duty into the colony.
2. — Water conservation. Well-sinking should be let by contract.
3. — A chain pump and tank for the Nannine well
4. — Total exclusion of Asiatic and African aliens from mining camps and townsites on the Goldfields
5. — Right of appeal from a Warden’s Court to the Supreme Court upon payment of £10 into Court by the aggrieved party, to cover costs.
6. — Reduction of Miners’ Rights to 10 shillings and Registration fees to 5 shillings.
7. — Miners’ Rights should be obtainable at any police camp on the goldfields.
8 — The amendment of all schedules of the Regulations by striking out the word ” fees, “‘otherwise all objections are eligible.
9. — Labour conditions: One man to hold a three-acre lease or any part thereof as a leaseholder.
10.— Exemption fees are to be paid in proportion to the actual time the exemption is granted.
11 –The Under Secretary of Mines should be a person with some knowledge of mining. Milling Inspectors should be appointed as soon as possible.
13. — An Employers’ Liability Act.
14. — Transfer of votes from one district to another.
