OBITUARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2607, 17 July 1923, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MRS JAMES INGRAM. We regret to record the death of one of Foxton’s oldest residents, in the person of Mrs James Ingram, which took place at the residence : of her sister-in-law, Airs Corkery, of Feilding, on Sunday, 15th inst., at the age of 88 years. Deceased was born in Kent, England, and arrived in New Zealand in the year 1884, with her iate husband, and lesided in Buxton for t’-c whole period since * bat date, w : ?b the exception of 11:last three years, which has been spent with her sister-in-law, Mrs Corkery, at Feilding. The late Mrs Ingram’s husband predeceased her twelve years ago. Deceased was well and favourably known throughout this district and the news of her death will be received with general regret. The funeral will take place tomorrow, and will leave the residence of Mr W. Xye, Park Street, at 2 pan. for tlie Foxton Cemetery. SIR. WILLIAM FRASER. The Hon. Sir William Fraser, former Minister of Public Works, died at Wellington yesterday morning, after an i'lness which lasted only a few weeks. The deceased led -an active life until three weeks ago, when he was seized with illness in his office in Parliament Buildings, and was taken to a private hospital. As he appeared to he much better, lie left the hospital about a week ago. though he was obliged to return the next day. It had been apparent to his friends during the last few days that he had little hope of recovery, and they were not unprepared to learn of his death, at the age of 83 years. The late Sir William Fraser, Kt., M.L.C’.. was for many years an outstanding figure in the political life of New Zealand. He was one of the small band who fought side by side with Mr Massey through the long years of opposition, and lived to see the Reform Government returned to power. He was born in India, in 1840, a son of Captain Hugh Fraser, of the sth Madras Light Cavalry. His education was received at Elizabeth College, Guernsey, Victoria College, Jersey, and Lycee de St. Brieux, Brittany. He came to New Zealand as a youth of 18 years, and a fter some years took up land in the Dunstan district. He was first elected a' member of the Provincial Council of Otago in 1806. He was only 2(5 years of age at that time. In 1877 he became a member of the first Vincent County Council, and in 1883 he was chosen as chairman. This office he held continually until 18.03, when lie retired from farming pursuits. He was elected to the House of Representatives as memtier for Wakatipu in 1893, and held the seat until 1919, when he did not seek re-election, and was called to tlie Legislative Council. When the Massey Government took office in 1912, Air Fraser took the portfolio of Public Works, and this he held until the time of his retirement from the House. He was knighted ill 1918. At various times he held tlie portfolio of Mines. He remained a member of the Cabinet without portfolio after his retirement from flic House, and regularly attended tlie meetings of Cabinet and the Executive Council. Tn the absence of Sir Francis Bell last year he acted as Leader of the Legislative Council with conspicuous success. As a Minister he gained a reputation for frankness and straight dealing. One of his last journeys round the Dominion was made as the representative of the Government in the tour of the Prince of Wales.

On first acquaintance Sir William Fraser’s manner was brusque, but all who knew the Minister understood that this was only a mannerism veiling a most kindly and considerate disposition. Socially he was a charming companion, widely read and cultured. He made tnanv

strong personal friendships. He was married in 1871 to a daughter of the late Alfred Chctham-Strode, 8.Y., Dunedin. His wife died many years ago. Sir William is survived by a daughter. Miss Fraser, of Wellington. The flag was flown half-mast at tin* local Post Office yesterday as a last tribute to the memory of Sir William Fraser.