OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 4031, 16 June 1931, Page 51

OBITUARY.

The death occurred on June 12. at her residence in Como street, Maori Hill, of Mrs John Southey, widow of the Rev. John Southey, Home Director for.. Australia and New Zealand of the China Inland Mission, and only daughter of the late Mr William Brown, of this city, Mrs Southey was well known both at Home and abroad for her activities in church affairs. She is survived by her brother, Mr R. S. Cree Brown, of Dunedin. The funeral took place at the Northern Cemetery last Saturday. >AIR GEORGE RICHARDSON. The death is recorded this morning of Mr George Richardson,’-whose tall, spare figure has for very many years beeu a familiar sight in the streets of this city, in which he was one of the oldest of the “ old identities.” He suffered a serious heart seizure on

J une 7, which necessitated his removal to a private but he did not rally and expired late that night. He was a son of Sir John Larkins Cheese Richardson, who was Speaker of the Provincial Council of Otago in 1860-61, and was elected superintendent of the province in 1861

after a memorable contest in which Mr

James Macandrew was his principal opponent. Mr George Richardson was born in India, and apart from some years spent in Fiji lived the whole of his life in Dunedin. He took no part in public life and was of a very reserved disposition. He identified himself, however, with the local Theosophical Society, of which he became one of the most prominent members, being a frequent speaker at its meetings. He was unmarried and his nearest surviving relative is a niece (Mrs Herbert Macandrew), who resides in Christchurch. He was 90 years old, but throughout his life carried his years well and did not look his age. AIR DAVID BACON. The death occurred on Tuesday at his residence, “ The Crescent,” Broad Bay, of Mr David Bacon, in his ninety-first year. Mr Bacon was born in Debden, Essex, England, in 1841, and in company with his parents, brother and sister came to New Zealand in the Nourmahal, which arrived at this port on May 5, 1858, after a voyage of about three months from Plymouth. Dunedin was then a very small place, and the total European population of the whole province was stated to be less than 6000. As a young man Mr Bacon followed various occupations, the principal being lightering in the harbour, in which he was engaged for several years with a small vessel owned by himself. Mr Bacon was best known, however, as the founder of the well-known livery stable

business in King street, bearing the name of D. and J. Bacon. This business was established in 18G8, and was carried on under the personal supervision of Mr David Bacon until about 1904, when it was purchased by the late Mr James Jeffs.®, Mr Bacon paid very close attention to his business, and took < xtreme care to see that everything was in first-class order before any turn-out was allowed to leave the stables. Though business was carried on in a big way for nearly 40 years Mr Bacon was able to say after his retirement that not one of his patrons had met with an accident. When he retired he claimed to be the oldest livery stable proprietor in Australia or New Zealand. During the visit of the present King and Queen, then the Duke and Duchess of York, to Dunedin, in 1901, Mr Bacon supplied the horses and carriages used by the royal pair in their drives through the city. As a result of his long association with the livery stable business Mr Bacon acquired a great deal of knowledge of carriage and saddle horses, and was probably one of the best judges of these classes of animals in New Zealand. Apart from his ordinary business he did a great deal of trading in horses. He took several consignments, amounting in

the aggregate to approximately 1000, to Melbourne, where lie always found a ready market at remunerative prices for animals of outstanding quality. He was an exhibitor of horses at agricultural and pastoral shows for many years, and carried off honours on numerous occasions. Mr Bacon was a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been, a member of Lodge Otago Kilwinning, Scottish Constitution. For. a time after his retirement Mr Bacon lived in Dunedin, but for many . years he had resided at Broad Bay, where he owned a considerable amount of property. He is survived by two sons and three daughters.

MR WILLIAM CHARLES BROWN. A well-known resident of Mosgiel was laid to rest in the East Taieri Cemetery on June 8 in the person of Mr William Charles Brown, who died suddenly and peacefully at Geraldine on June 5 at the age of 75 years. He came to New Zea land from London 57 years ago, and married Miss Margaret Elizabeth Clements, of London, four years later. In 1890 he took up his residence in Mosgiel, and for a quarter of a century travelled in and out by train to Dunedin, where he was employed by Messrs M'Leod Bros. He retired some 15 years ago, and removed from Mosgiel to Geraldine about three years ago. During his time in Mosgiel he took an active part in public affairs, and was a member of the Borough Council when such important works as the installing of the water and drainage services were in hand. Mrs Brown predeceased her husband just three years ago, Mr Brown was of a very bright and cheerful disposition. Mr Brown is survived by Mrs F. Wallace (Geraldine), Mr W. H. F. Brown (Oamaru), and Mr Arthur G. Brown (Geraldine). MR J. R. THOMPSON. The death has occurred at Temuka of Mr James Richardson Thompson. He was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1866, and arrived in New Zealand when 17 years of age, landing at Port Chalmers. He commenced working for his elder brother, Andrew Thompson, who had come to New Zealand earlier, and who had a farm at West Taieri. After slaying with his brother for a few years he took a farm of his own at West Taieri. This he left a few years later and took up work as a shepherd to gain experience in the Mackenzie Country. There he worked on Birch Hill and Mount Cook Stations. On leaving the Mackenzie Country, Air Thompson took a farm at Albury in 1896 and later he went io Southland, where he successfully carried on as a sheep dealer, bringing his sheep to Canterbury markets for sale. In 1903 he purchased a property at Kenton, near Oamaru, and in the same year he married Miss Sutherland, of West Taieri. After some years in the Oamaru district, Mr Thompson removed to Blair Athol, a 1000-acre run at Clandcboye, where he stayed for only one year, then removing to “Riveiside,” Milford, where he remainedlor four years. Latterly he owned various properties in and around Temuka. His wife died in 1925, and he leaves two sons, Mr R. C. Thompson, of Waimate, and Mr J. H. Thompson.

MAJOR MOUNSEY’. The death occurred iu Palmerston North on June 8 after a long illness of Major John Mounsey, 0.8. E. He was born in Lancashire, England, in 1871, and came to New Zealand when nine years of age. Over 30 years ago he commenced business as an auctioneer and commission, agent, and was actively engaged in the business until his illness. Major Mounsey was one of the best-known military officers in the Dominion. He was prominently connected with the Volunteer movement in Palmerston North, and on the abandonment of the Volunteer Rifles was appointed the first captain of the Artillery Battalion. He was later promoted to the rank of major. He held the position of quartermaster at Trentham Camp during the war period, and for his services he was awarded the Order of the British Empire, as well as the long service medal for 16 years’ continuous service. He is survived by his wife.

MR HENRY MAXWELL. Mr Henry Maxwell, who passed away at his residence in Duncan street at the age of 79, was buried at the Northern Cemetery on Monday afternoon of last week, the Revs. H. E. Bellhouse and A. Waite conducting the service at the grave. Mr Maxwell, who was the son of a silk manufacturer, was born at Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, in January, 1852. He received the major part of his primary education in his native town, and he also attended the Glasgow High School. Mr Maxwell then became a pupil at the Andersonian University in Glasgow, with the intention of becoming a doctor, but the death of his father necessitated a change in this plan. Mr Maxwell’s health at the time was not very robust, and it was decided to send him to sea. He served first before the mast in sailing vessels trading to the East, and then sailed for New Zealand in the City of Dunedin, arriving in Lyttelton about 57 years ago. He tried farming life, and worked on the AlTlwraith and Deans estates, and in Christchurch he married Miss Janet Watsin. He came to Dunedin in 1885, securing employment on the Harbour Board’s dredge. Some time later he was appointed secretary of the Wharf Labourers’ Union, and took a lead-

ing part in the union’s affairs during the maritime strike. Mr Maxwell also took a very keen interest for some years in the business of the Seamen’s Union. In June of 1894 Mr Maxwell was appointed inspector of factories in Dunedin, and in June of 1902 hejjecame registrar of births, deaths, and marriages. He retired on superannuation on January 3, 1917, Mr W. E. Gladstone being appointed in his place. Shortly after Mr Gladstone was transferred to Wellington, and Mr Maxwell resumed his old position and held it till August of 1919. Air Maxwell, however, did not then sever his connection with the Government service, as he continued in charge of the electoral bureau till 1924, when he retired finally. Air Alaxwell is survived by his wife, five daughters—Airs Charles Bradfield (Invercargill), Airs S. Wynne (Auck land, Airs .H. Al’Alillan (Balclutha), Afiss Margaret Alaxwell (of Nelson Hospital), Afiss Doris Alaxwell (Dunedin) —and two sons, John and Henry, who both reside in Dunedin. MR JOHN LITTLEJOHN. Air John Littlejohn, whose death occurred at Alaori Hill on Saturday, was born in the parish of Old Aleldrum, in Scotland, on February 18, 1839. H>served his apprenticeship in Aberdeen a« a joiner, and became a journeyman at the early age of 19. In 1874 he married Aliss Alary Jane Godsman, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1875 on the ship Auckland. He did not settle in Dunedin but went almost immediately to Alilton, where he entered into partnership with his brother, Arthur Littlejohn, as a

builder. Here he made his home till the decease of his wife in 1928, when he came to reside with his eldest daughter. Airs F. W. Poole, at Alaori Hill. At Alilton he was a well-known and respected member of the community and was noted for his staunch support of Alilton Presbyterian Church. He is survived by a family of 10—five sons and five daughters, two of the sons being still in Alilton, where they are engaged in the building trade. The funeral will take place at Alilton to-day. AIR ROBERT WESNEY. The death occurred in Dunedin on Thursday of a former well-known resident of Invercargill in the person of Air Robert Wesney. Born at Rocheford, Essex, Air Wesney came out to Launeeston, Tasmania, with his parents when only a boy. After living there for some time the family left in 1863 for New Zealand in. the Afayflower, a vessel of 87 tons They were the only passengers on that trip, and landed at the lower pool, commonly known as Aloko Aloko. As a young man Air Wesney was a very keen cricketer, and travelled with the first Invercargill club, captained by Air W. Pick ford,-to play a match at’Riverton. He was also selected as one of the Southland team to play Lillywhite’s All England eleven. Also an ardent bowler, Air Wesney was one of the oldest members of the Southland Bowling Club. A few years ago he was elected a life member of the club. In his youthful days he worked for the late L. Rodgers and Co., and, with his brother William, eventually bought the business and changed the name to Wesney Bros. They carried on busi ness in the same premises for over 40 years. Air Wesney is survived by two sons and six daughters. COLONEL SHILLINGTON. SYDNEY, June 8. The death is announced of Colonel S. J. Shillington, a prominent soldier, who served with distinction at Gallipoli and in Palestine and France. He was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1919, and then became resident magistrate and acting judge at Rabaul, in 1926, ~ from which place, he returned last year owing to ill health. REAL J. J. LEWIS. Advice has been received by the Rev. H. E. Bellhouse of the death on Friday, at Auckland, of the Rev. J. J. Lewis, one of the best known of the older generation of Alethodist ministers in New Zealand and one who was highly respected for his personality, .his eloquence, and his scholarly preaching.; He came from England in 1870, and was stationed in some of the leading circuits, including Napier, Christchurch, Wellington; Auck-

land, Eltham, and Dunedin. He was appointed as the first minister of the Alornington circuit in 1878, and he was the minister of Trinity Alethodist Church from 1894 to 1899, at the conclusion of which term he was again appointed to Alornington, where he served for three years. SIR FREDERICK MILNER.’ LONDON, June 8. The death is announced of Sir Frederick Milner. Sir Frederick Alilner was 82 years of age. He first entered the House of Commons in 1883 as member for York. Afterwards he was elected for the Bassetlaw division of Notts, which constituency he represented for 16 years, being successful in four contests. He was a Conservative. Sir Frederick Alilner was a keen sportsman, deer stalking and hunting being his chief recreations. AIR ARTHUR TOWSEY. CAAIBRIDGE, June 9. The death is reported of Air Arthur Towsey, aged 85. He was well known in musical circles in the Dominion, particularly in Dunedin, Christchurch, Auckland. and Wanganui, where he held an appointment as organist. Mr Towsey was born at Henley, in Oxfordshire, in June, 1846. He studied the piano with E. 11. Thorne, and then with Sir Gore Ouseley, and subsequently under Sir John Stainer and other masters in London. He came to Dunedin in 1865 as organist at St. Paul's Cathedral, and remained until 1878, when he was given two years’ leave to visit England, where he further pursued his studies, and did so well that he was chosen to deputise for Stainer at the week-day services at St. Paul's, London. He returned to Dunedin in 1880, but resigned in 1883 from his connection with St. Paul's Cathedral and went to Christchurch, where he stayed for four years. In 1889 be returned to the Dunedin Cathed: and was appointed musical director at the Dunedin and South Seas Exhibition. He subsequently received an appointment as organist at Wanganui, and in 1891 he moved to Auckland, and accepted the post of organist at St. Alatthew’s Church. His services to music were of great value.

Reference to the passing of Air A. J. Towsey was made at last night’s rehearsal of the Dunedin Choral Society, of which the late gentleman had been a conductor. The Rev. W. A. Hamblett, Mr W. L. Logie, and Air R. Rae paid tribute to Air Towsey’s ability as a conductor, organist, and pianist. A motion of sympathy with the relatives was passed by the members standing in silence. LADY CULLEN. SYDNEY, June 10. The death is announced of Lady Cullen, wife of Sir William Cullen, a former Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales; aged 70. AIR WILLIAM DENNING. LONDON, June 10. The death is announced of Air William Frederick Denning, the amateur astronomer. Air William Denning, accountant, amateur astronomer, and writer on astronomical subjects, discovered five comets and some new nebulae. The study of the surface markings, rotation periods and phenomena of' Mars, Jupiter and Saturn engaged his attention, but his principal labour was in the meteoric department, in which field he accumulated a great number of observations and discovered some features of meteoric systems never previously recognised. LORD TRENT. LONDON, June 13. The death is announced of Lord Trent, who was formerly Sir Jesse Boot. He began life as a chemist’s boy in Nottingham, and became the millionaire proprietor of a chain of cash chemist stores.