OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20177, 4 March 1931, Page 13

OBITUARY.

v - MR H. CHILDS, ASHBURTON. • The death occurred at Ashburton on Monday evening of Mr Harry Childs, a resident of Canterbury ; for sixty years, of which 42 were spent in Ashburton. tie was born at Chetriole, Dorsetshire, on February Ist, 1852. the age of 18 years he sailed for New Zealand, arriving at lyttelton on November 30th, 1869. Having learned the blacksmithing trade in England, he entered the employ t>f Henry Wagstaff at the ''Troloway" works, and later Andersons foundry and Scott Brothers, Christchurch. Early in his life in the Dominion, Mr Childs made a name for himself as an efficient and daring fireman in the service of the Christchurch Volunteer Pire Brigade. In 1872 Mr Childs left for Ashburton, and although he resigned from the Fire Brigade, he was asked to reconsider his decision, and was given leave of absence in the hope that he would eventually return to the City. However, Mr Childs remained in Ashburton a short period before setting up business as a general blacksmith and wheelwright in Chertsey. This he carfried on successfully for twelve years and then moved to the larger centre of Ashburton. With the expansion of business Mr Childs took his five sons into partnership m 1922 under the name of Harry Childs and Sons, Ltd. During his business career, he has been actively interested in the operation of combines, chafFcutters, and farm implements, and has patented several improvements. Mr Childs was chairman of the Chertsey Cemetery Board and School Committee and was an English Church warden for some years. He had the distinction of being a member of the Oddfellows Lodge, Manchester Unity, for a longer period than any member in Ashburton, having joined in Christchurch over sixty voars ago. Mr Childs, who was a widower, leaves five sons—Messrs E. H. Childs, W P. Childs, L. Childs, C. H. Childs, and R. Childs; and two daughters—*' Mesdames M. Baker and F. Rose. He had 36 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren.

MR JOHN W. BELGRAVE. The death of Mr John Walter Belgrave, of Kirwee, occurred on Sunday evening. He was born at Lyttelton on January 6th, 1861, and was educated at public and private schools in Lyttelton and Ohristchurch. He was apprenticed to the blacksmithing trade in Christchurch, where he worked for ten years. In 1884 he established a business at Kirwee, where he has resided ever since. Early in life Mr Belgrave showed promise of musical ability, and later developing it. On taking up residence in Kirwee Mr Belgrave organised and i conducted a brass band. For thirty years he engaged in teaching music. He also conducted a glee club, church choirs, aild two- brass bands. He also helped vocally and instrumentally at concerts and dances for many.years. He was a member of the local school committee for seventeen years, beiilg chairman for ten years. He was also a member of the Canterbury A. and P. Association |or many years, and was elected an honorary life member. He .was president for two years, and was treasurer up till the time of his death. .He was president of the Band of Hope for many years. Mr Belgrave took a> keen interest in Freemasonry and was a Past Master in the Masonic Lodge, also secretary of the local Foresters' Lodge, and C.R. of the A.O.F, Canterbury District, ana a prominent Orangeman. He was auditor for the Courtenay .Agricultural and Pastoral Association f0r.25 years, and for the Saleyards Company for 29 years. He was also chairman of directors for the latter, company for several years.. He took an active part in cricket in the early days, and was a member of the old.'"Hagley Oak. Leaf" Cricket Club, Christchurch. Mr Belgrave was created a. Justice of the Peace in 1916, and .was president of the Canterbury Blacksmithing and Engineering .Executive Council in 1918-19-20. Shortly after coming to .Kirwee in 1884, hej married Miss Elizabeth Clarke, of TJpper 1 Riccarton, who' survfvesi him. There are, also Mr B. E. Belgrave, who carries on the business at Kirwee, Mrs R. Wright (The Peaks); Mrs E. Moffat (Kirwee), Mrs Hardy (Aucklan<l), Mrs. Wilson (Christchurch), and Mrs* T, D. Jarman (Hororata); 14 grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren; ''

CAPTAIN G. S. HOOPER! ,I ' ' V *V ' . ' 1 • (HUMS tSSOCUTIOa TSLXO&AX.) WELLINGTON. March 3. Captain. (George - Samuel Hooper, R.N.R., nautical adviser to- the Government 1 and chief examiner for masters and matea, died last night, aged 57. 1 ' ' Captain Hooper ifras borfi in London m 1876, and' was apprenticed to the,sea in 1888, trading to South America, -the East Indies, .and Australia qnd New Zealand. In 1800 he joined the New Zealand Govern^ fient lighthoose service,..and .in 1906 e was r |apiK>inied commander of the training ahip Amokura. He later made 1 nautical adviser to the Government. • f ■" REV. BROTHER BASIL.

(SHB PREBB Speolal Serrtes.l - AUCKLAND, March 8. The death o£ the Eev. Brother Basil, First Director of Sacred Heart College, and -Senior Adviser to the Order, occurred at Tuakau Training College to-night. „ In. the obituary notice o£ Mrs Elizabeth Morriss, o£ Waikuku, which appeared in Thb Prebs yesterday, it wnsstated that Mrs Morriss had an elder giater, Mrs Connell, living in Australia, Advice was received yesterday that. Mrs •Connell, had died on February 15th, at the age of 96. ' ,