OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24405, 17 September 1940, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR S. T. SPAIN Mr S. T. Spain whose death occurred recently, was born at Mount Benger, Roxburgh, 78 years ago. He was the son of two of the very earliest pioneers of Central Otago, Mr and Mrs Thomas Spain, who were well-known and re- ■ spected residents of the district for many years. As a child he accompanied his parents to Ida Valley, where farming was commenced In the early days boys were soon literally in harness, and Mr Spain was no exception, for as a lad of tender years he was driving a team and carrying out ordinary farm work. This early education stood him in good stead during his long life. His knowledge of matters pertaining to agriculture was soon recognised, and he was the representative in Central Otago for Messrs Donald Reid and Co., stock and station agents, Dunedin, when quite a young man. Some 40 years ago he took over .the well-known Earnscleugh run, and since that date he had been one of the most prominent men in Central Otago. Of a generous disposition he was a liberal subscriber to any movement for the common weal, and in public life, tbo, he took a leading part. Besides being an ex-member for Dunstan Riding of the Vincent County Council, and chairman for many years, he /as a member of the Vincent Hospital Board and a foundation member of the Otago Central Electric Power Board.. Indeed, there are few societies, if any, in the district that havi not had the benefit of his assistance. A keen advocate of irrigation, he was a member of a commission that visited America to inquire into the subject of irrigation at first hand, while he also established the rabbit canning factory at Alexandra. Mr Spain dearly loved a racehorse, and for many years his stable at Earnscleugh contained several fine performers. His services to the sport were generally recognised, and he was a life member of the Vincent Jockey Club. His wife predeceased him in June of last year, and he leaves three sons—Eric, of Auckland; Cass, Alexandra; Vincent. Egypt (first echelon)—and also three daughters— Mrs Hunter Dennistoh, Earnscleugh; Mrs Russell Mawhinney, Vancouver; and Mrs Ford Watkins, Rotorua. The funeral, which was conducted by Father O’Connell, was largely attended. SISTER LENNA BUTTON Gaoled advice has been received of the death in an air raid on London on August 30 of Sister Lenna Button, formerly of the Methodist Central Mission. Sister Button was in England on the outbreak of war and offered her services to the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, in which she was a medical orderly. She was about 35 years old. and was a daughter of Mr Edmund Button, of Scottsdale, near Launceston, Tasmania, She came to New Zealand in 1927 and Joined the Methodist Deaconess Institute at Christchurch. After leaving the institution she worked for a time at the St. Albans Church, and was then transferred to the Dunedin Central Mission. She was one of the pioneers of the health camp movement in this city, where she spent about three years before going to Auckland in 1937 to join the Methodist Mission. She was a member of the New Zealand Council of the Federation of Health Camps Sister Button left New Zealand in 1939 1.0 further her experience in welfare work, and was studying at an English college when the war began. MR R. F. MARSHALL <Feb United Press Association! WELLINGTON, Sept, 16. While acting as manager of the Post Office Hotel. Wellington. Mr Robert Forest Marshall, aged 56, collapsed and died suddenly at the hotel about 6.45 this evening. He had been attended by a heart specialist. Mr Marshall formerly lived in Dunedin and Timaru. He is survived by his wife. Mrs Catherine Ann Marshall, of Hataitai, Wellington. SENATOR J. H. BANKHEAD (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) WASHINGTON, Sept. 15.

The death has occurred of Senator John Hollis Bankhead, aged 68 years. Senator Bankhead, who was engaged in the practice of law in earlier years, had a distinguished political career, and was a leading member of the Democrat Party. He was the father of Miss Tallulah Bankhead, the wellknown actress.