OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24896, 8 June 1946, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR F. THORNE Mr Frederick Thorne, N.DH (NZJ who died yesterday, was a weli-known figure at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and a prominent Druid Hii connexion with the gardens began in 1903 and he was appointed foreman 20 years later. On several occasions he acted as director of parks and gardens and was responsible for transforming some areas of the gardens from a wilderness to their present attractive state. He also directed the preparation grading and sowing down of the north and south Hagley Park playing areas. All large-scale improvements carried out at the gardens were under his direction. At times Mr Thorne had under his control up to 200 men working under employment promotion schemes. In 1929 he was awarded a national diploma in horticulture by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Mr Thorne joined the Lily of Richmond Druids’ Lodge in 1902. and since that time had held all the offices it was possible to hold in the lodge. He also held the office of district treasurer, and for more than 30 years was senior trustee of the lodge. Mr Thorne, who was 66 years of age, is survived by Mrs Thorne, two daughters and four sons.