OBITUARY.

Otaki Mail, 15 December 1919, Page 3

OBITUARY.

DR. HUTHWAITE, The news of the death of Dr. Huthwaite, which occurred at Wellington on Friday afternoon last, came as an awful shock to residents of Otaki and the entire district. Dr. Huthwaite had been ill for some time past, but he had borne his illness with great fortitude, performing his arduous duties up to within a few weeks of his death, and it was not generally known that he was in such a serious condition. Some little time ago Dr. Huthwaite was removed to Wellington, to Dr. Hardwick Smith’s private hospital, where he succumbed, aged 52 years. Wc cau safely say, without fear of contradiction, that Dr. Huthwaite was the best known and best loved man in the entire district. For the past thirteen years he has acted as medical practitioner here, and in addition to his wide practice extending over the extensive district between Devin and Fackakariki, had charge of the Otaki Hospital and Sanatorium. He was recognised as a doctor of exceptional ability, being specially skilful in his treatment of tubercular troubles. 'Through his death, the district has not only lost an exceedingly skilful and tactful medical man, but ouo of the noblest, most humane, self-sacrificing, and lovable men that ever breathed—one of nature’s gentlemen, who, wc believe, never made an enemy, but was beloved by all for his many sterling qualities. There is scarcely a family throughout the entire district but what sincerely mourns the death of Dr. Huthwaite as a personal friend, and his loss is one which can never be filled.

During the epidemic last year Dr. Huthwaite did heroic, self-sacrificing work such as few realise, while during a lengthy term, when suffering from a severe illness, he attended to his medical duties at extreme personal discomfort.

Dr. Huthwaite was also a splendid citizen. Ho was a generous giver for crory descrying local object, a zealous patriot, and he and Mrs Huthwaite were always to the fore in promoting and assisting anything for the welfare of the town and district. Among many offices worthily filled by the deceased, he was patron of tho local Bowling Club, and chairman of the Otaki Peace Memorial Committee.

Dr. Huthwaite was born in London in tho year 1867, and received his early education in Nottingham, England. He obtained his degree of M.B.C.S. and L.R.C.P. at London University College Hospital. Ho practised at Lewisham, England, and later at Sandiaere (near Nottingham) and at Skipton. For nine months ho was engaged in fighting the bubonic plague at Capetown. Afterwards he went to Phillipstown, in South Africa, where he remained for some years. He arrived in New Zealand in 1906, and came to Otaki, where he has remained in practice over since. He was appointed medical superintendent of the Otaki Hospital on arrival here, and on the opening of the Otaki Sanatorium, in June, 1907, was appointed medical superintendent of that institution, both of which positions he 'filled with great success. Dr. Huthwaite always took a great interest in tubercular treatment, and was one of tho best authorities in New Zealand in this disease.

Although very little notice had been given of the funeral, which took place yesterday afternoon, the attendance was very large, and representative of all parts of the district. The pallbearers were members of the Masonic Lodge, of which deceased was a valued member. . The casket and hearse were literally covered with wreaths, whilo a motor ear was practically filled with I others, many magnificent floral tributes being sent by sorrowing friends from near and far.' Among the number were beautiful wreaths sent by members of J the Bowling Club, the Masonic Lodge, ■ and the Horticultural Society. The remains were laid to rest in the Otaki public cemetery, and the ceremony was conducted by the Kcv. Father "Vibaud. Mrs HuthwnLte has received numerous messages of condolence, and the hearts of many sorrowing friends go out to her in her great grief. MB W. SOTTTHEE. Mr W. Soutlree, a well-known and highly-esteemed resident of Manukau, died at Wellington on Saturday, after a lengthy illness. Deceased was in business ns a grocer in Tinakori road, Wellington. for a number of years, after which ho came to Manukau to live, some fifteen years ago. Soon after coming to Manakau lie met. with a nasty accident lo his back, which affected his spine, and as a result he was an invalid for many years. This trouble eventually caused his death. He was an inmate of a hospital in Wellington for about a month prior to his death. Hr Sonthee was a man of very fine faracter. He led a quiet, retired life Manakau. but won the esteem of all. pis death is much regretted. He ■•ves a widow and two sous (Walter ri : ,Tack), with whom much sympathy .' felt. The funeral took place at tv, Uington to-day. MISS BENNETT. Word has-been received that Mrs? I,b- Bennett, eldest daughter of Mr and Mr* V 7. H. Bennett, late of Manakau. -Btcr to Mr Percy Bennett, ot r\; died at her home, Bussell, yesMiss Bennett had been ill for a Ipse' time, and was a great sufferer, rrlic v is a popular young lady when re- . ;.livin this district for many years, .-/ad her untimely death will cause general regret. MISS MONA COOK. Mi-5 Mona Cook, fourth daughter or Mr and Mrs Patihona Cook, of Otaki. y: 1 awav on Saturday last. Ceased had been ailing for a long time, and death was not unexpected. • ie was a bright, clever girl of great promise, especially as a musician, and wH. be greatly,