OBITUARY

Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 11

OBITUARY

MR WALTER BLAGKIE The Taieri district was deprived of one of its most generous and enthusiastic workers by the death early this morning of Mr Walter Blackie. Of a cheerful and optimistic disposition, Mr Blackie had for a long period of years interested himself in every movement that was for the benefit and expansion of the Taieri, and was one of its most respected residents. Born at Caversham 84 years ago, Mr Blackie shifted with his parents to the Taieri a few years later, and became ono of the first pupils attending the newly-opened East Taieri School. When his primary eclu-

cation was completed he entered the Otago Boys’ High School as one of its first students For a few years after he had left school he was engaged in carting produce from the Taieri to Dunedin, while later he purchased the wellknown “ Glasgow Farm ” in the district. On this he spent the greater part of his active life as a most successful farmer, entering and winning many farming competitions, and displaying his stock at the various annual shows. In the meantime ho had married Miss Grace Steele, by whom he had five sons and three daughters. One of his sons succeeded him at “ Glasgow Farm ” when he transferred his residence to “ Lochend Farm,” where he remained until his death. Mr Blackie was keenly interested in all public affairs connected with the Taieri, and for 21 years represented the East Taieri riding on the Taieri County Council, and his services to the district were suitably recognised at a social function held at the termination of that period. He was also for a term the county council’s representative on the Otago Hospital Board. His active interests also extended to several other bodies on the Taieri, including the local Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He was, in addition, a member of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Some years after the death of his wife he married Mrs Betsio Bewes, who, with four sons and one daughter, survives him. HR JOHN MAGPHERSON North Otago has lost a fine old pioneer as a result of the death of Mr John Macpherson, of Oamaru, and formerly of Totara. Born on March 30, 1850, at Strathtay, parish of Logierait, Perthshire, Scotland, Mr Macpherson was educated by his father, the late Mr W. Macpherson, at Daniel Stewart’s Free School, Strathtay, and

was brought up to a country life. Prior to coming to this country, he was a surveyor by profession and managed the Cambrian slate quarries at Llanberis, North Wales. In 1876, however, he decided to relinquish his position and come to New Zealand, arriving in the ship Desdemona, at Lyttelton. Mr Macpherson came under engagement to the Land Company, and his first position was as manager of the Levels and Pareora Estate, where he stayed for some time. After acting as temporary manager of the company’s property at Hakataramea, bo came to Totara in 1877, where ho settled for a number of years. He also managed the Ardgowan ’property until it was acquired by the Government in 1595, for closer settlement. The’ major portion of the Totara estate was also taken over, but Mr Macpherson acquired the homestead, and farmed it successfully until he disposed of it to live in Dunedin. However, he returned to this town a few years ago, where he lived in retirement up to the time of his death. Being an authority on land values, Mr Macpherson was called on to do a good deal of valuing for the Government. He was also one of the pioneers connected with the introduction of the Oamaru white stone for building purposes, being associated with Messrs John Gay, Perry, and Speight in one of the first quarries at Totara. His active association with the North Otago A. and P. Association was over a long period, and not only did he hold at one time the office of vicepresident, but also judged at many of the shows. He was the oldest member of the association, and had the proud distinction of being present at 61 successive shows. In view of the valuable services he rendered to the association, he was made the recipient of a handsome gift. Mr Macpherson represented the Kakamn riding on the Waitaki County Council for manv yours, and also served as a member of'the Oamaru Harbour Board. He was chairman and member of the Totara School and Hall Committees, and while in this district received a presentation of a canteen of silver and purse in recognition of his services to the community. Perhaps one of the most important gervices, no s only to the local com-

munity, but to the whole of New Zealand, was his close association with Mr Thomas Brydone and others in the establishment of the frozen meat industry in New Zealand. The first shipment of frozen mutton was arranged by the Land Company from Totara, and shipped by the sailing ship Dunedin in 1881, which was followed by consignments from Totara between 1881 to 1890 by the following ships:— Dunedin (three shipments from Port Chalmers and seven from Oamaru). Marlborough (five shipments from Oamaru), Oamaru (one shipment from Oamaru), and Mataura (one shipment from Port Chalmers), making a total cargo of 17 voyages and comprising a total cargo of 172,415 carcasses of sheep, lambs, and pigs, besides 120 carcasses of beef. Mr Macpherson was a justice of the peace, and in the early days served as a member of the Kakanui Road Board. Held in the highest esteem by the whole of the community of North Otago, Mr Macpherson was widely known for his understanding and sympathetic nature. His abilities and knowledge were given full outlet in furthering the interests of the various organisations with which he was connected. On April 24, 1889, ho married Miss Jane Sinclair Trotter, and is survived by two sons (Mr William Macpherson, of Oamaru, and Mr Stewart Macpherson, of Dunedin), and two daughters (Mrs Smith Morton and Miss Sheila Macpherson, of Oamaru). DR JULIUS COMBOS PRIME MINISTER OF HUNGARY Pre** Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

MUNICH, October 6. The death has occurred of Dr Julius Gombos, the Prime Minister of Hun-

gary. He suffered a long illness, t’ne cause of death being urasmia, MR CHARLES GRAY [Per United Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, October 6. The death occurred this evening at the age of 76 years of Mr Charles Gray, whose musical activities in Invercargill cover 50 years of unbroken service. He was active in assisting local and visiting performers, and his studio was the centre for those interested in music. He was an authority on orchestral and choral work and was organist at St. John's Anglican Church for many years. He was also a successful conductor.