OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 153, 2 December 1938, Page 13

OBITUARY

MR. JOHN SCLATER, SEN.

Mr. John Sclater, sen., .an old and highly-esteemed resident of Karori, died recently at his late residence, "Orkney," 44 Donald Street, Karori.

Mr. Sclater was born on May 5*^1861, in the Orkney Islands* After his marriage there in 1886 he left with his wife for Adelaide, South Australia, where the family resided until coming to Wellington in 1897. In 1911 Mr. Sclater took up residence at Karori, and engaged in poultry farming until 1929." His property was then subdivided into the sections that now form either side of Scapa Terrace —named after Scapa Flow, on the waters of which Mr. Sclater spent many hours as a youth, and which became famous during the Great War as the base for the Grand Fleet.

In industrious and energetic application to his tasks in life Mr. Sclater, with the ever-ready help of his steadfast wife, set an example over the years that was admired by all who had the good fortune to know him. In achieving success in life and in carrying the family responsibilities of his earlier years, however, he found time to engage in other activities. He took a very keen interest in the work of St. John's Presbyterian Church, to which he was introduced in 1897 by. the late Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, and to the day of his death remained a loyal member of that church, serving as an elder from 1911 to the time of his death. Philanthropic and humanitarian causes ever had his kindly sympathy ; and practical support. A foundation member of the League of Nation's Union, he availed himself of every opportunity personally to commend the work of peace to those with whom he came in contact. He was also one of the founders and for a time a director of the Wellington District Poultry Farmers' Association and for a number of years a member of the executive of the Karori Progressive Association. To these activities he applied equally the energy and effort that were characteristic of his whole attitude to life and remained so to the end.

The funeral took place at the Karori Cemetery in the presence of a large gathering of friends of the family. The Rev. J. R. Blanchard, of St. John's Church, officiated at the graveside and conducted the earlier service at the residence. The pall-bearers were David and John, the sons, and Messrs. W. A. Armour, H. Glover, Alexander Martin^ and Robert Fleming, fellow-office bearers of St. John's.

Mr. Sclater is survived by his widow, two daughters, Jessie and Bessie, and two sons, David and John, all resident at Karori.

MR. W. E. PAWSON

A well-known figure in -bowling and other sporting circles in the Hutt Valley and Wellington ~has been removed by the death of Mr. William Edward Pawson at the age of 63. The late Mr. Pawson was born at Wanganui in 1875. He was a pioneer member of the Dannevirke Brass Band, the Dannevirke Foresters Lodge, and . the Dannevirke Pirates Football Club. He lost a leg at the age of 21 years while in the service of the Railway Department. He was transferred to the goods office at Masterton, where ■ he leaves many friends, particularly among the older residents and bowlers. About seven years ago he retired on superannuation, being, at that time, chief clerk in the railway stationery stores at Wellington.

Mr. Pawson was a member of Jupp's Band, Wellington, for some years and also of the Petone Municipal Band. He was president of the Petone Association Football Club for fifteen years in the early stages of the club's life. He was also keenly interested in cricket, serving for many years as an umpire.

Mr. Pawson was perhaps best known for his interest in bowling. He played against Canadian, Australian, and English bowlers. He was a past president of the Central Bowling Club, Petone, and a member of the executive of the Wellington Bowling Centre. He took a leading part in organising the Hutt Valley bowling tournament from the earliest stages onwards, being a past-president of the tournament committee. Last year was the first when he was not associated with the tournament in an official capacity.

Mr. Pawson is survived by his wife, four sons, Messrs. Roy (Masterton), Leslie (Napier), Edric (Lower Hutt), and Cecil (Petone), and two daughters, Mrs. R. Flux (Petone) and Miss Nola Pawson (Petone). v