OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18409, 16 June 1925, Page 11

OBITUARY.

ME J. P. WATT. ISnciAL TO "TnV TKESS.") WANGANUI, June 10. The death'of Mr John T. Watt, which occurred this-morning at his residonce, Nelson street, removes yet another of Wanganui Voidest settlers. Deceased was t'he eldest son of the latn Mr "N . H. Watt, who was associated withthc late Captain Taylor under the firm name of Taylor and" Watt in one of Wanganui \s earliest biggest eon:mercinl ventures, a general wholesale and'retail business. The late Mr John Watt received his early schooling in Wanganui, where ho was born in 1547, and, was subsequently sent to England to complete his education. 0:i returning he 1 joined his father's firm, about 1S6(«, and iu JS7I he and the late Mr T. 0. Taylor (son of Captaiu Taylor) took over the business, which they conducted with success for a period of ten years, when the partnership was severed. Of recent years the deceased was borough valuer, which position ho relinquished when the amalgamation of Gonville and Castlecliff . town districts with the borough was effected. The late Mr John Watt's principal activity was with the volunteer movement. As captain of the old Wanganui Rifles and later on as Major Commanding the Wanganui District the deceased played no unimportant part. Under his able • captaincy the Wanganui Rifles for markma.nship and general efficiency held a position second to none in New Zealand, quite, a number of its members winning the New Zealand rifle championship, while the forces under his forceful, commanding personality subsequently also attained a, high state of efficiency." Mr Watt took a very keen interest in local affairs generally and was a member of the Harbour Board for some years, as also its chairman, and in the earlier days was an'active and prominent member of the Wanganui Jockey Club. MR G. A. BUTTLE. (r-RESS ASS.OCI.WICK TBLEOBIM.) AUCKLAND, June 15. Tho death is announced of Mr G. A. Buttle, a prominent Auckland stockbroker, at the age of .70 years.

MR P. E, SCHMIDT. Mr P. E. Schmidt died, after a long illness, at his residence at "Golan," Bealey avenue, on Saturday.„Mr Schmidt was among the early settlers in Christchurch, and for many years was architect to the Board of Education. He was better known to a largo group of men who arc- now holding big positions ' throughout New Zealand. He was attached to the Y.M.C.A. in tho early days of its history, and many men of the present day look back and are thankful to Mr Schmidt for,the help.he gave them in their earlier ; life. ". He looked upon business in a Christian light, persuad-ing-all young men: to bo honourable and honest in their business relations. His home was an; open house to; all his friends and especially to travelling evangelists and missionaries.

I Clarence W r ilmot Mason, an actor ! wellknown in New- Zealand as Charles Howard; died in Sydney , recently. Years ago Charles Howard was a prominent artist in vaudeville theatres tinder the Dix and, Fuller banners. Of late years ho has been a member of J. C Williamson companies, notably pantomime and musical' comedy. One of his recent appearances here was with the Josie . Melville Company in At the time of his death ho was playing with Miss Melville in the musical comedy "Kid Boots." Ho was 50 years of age.