FORESAW HIS DEATH

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 177, 17 October 1927, Page 13

FORESAW HIS DEATH

TO RAMSGATE TO DIE Barrister, law-coach, author, playwright. journalist, composer, and song writer, Mr. Montague Horatio Mostyn Turtle Pigott. whose death was announced recently, was one of the most remarkable characters in London clubland, and one of the most versatile men of modern times. In addition he was a brilliant humorist and a clever impromptu speaker* while . according to his own definition in “Who’s Who.” his hobbies were “anything that comes along.” He might have achieved fame in any of the professions in which lie dabbled; but, unfortunately for the world, private means made it unnecessary for him to apply his great gifts. As a student he showed remarkable literary ability. He founded the Oxford “Isis" and became its first editor, he gave the world many short articles, but he never wrote a book. As a playwright, after the production of his first effort, “All Fletcher's Fault.” at the old Avenue Theatre, theatrical managers begged him to write more, but Mr. Pigott merely laughed. As a barrister his academic distinctions were many, but he never practised more than ho could help. Len d Birkenhead read in his chambers. In clubland. Mr. Pigott was one of the most familiar and popular figures of his ready wit making him an ide. I chairman and after-dinner speaker. He was unmarried, and practically made his home in the Savage and Beefsteak Clubs. Only a fortnight before his death he walked into the Savage Club. "I am go- | ing down to Ramsgate to die.” he told ' a friend, “and a damned decent place to die in.” He kept his word. Mr. Pigott was in his 63rd year.