DR. H. WILLIAMS DEAD, DISTINGUISHED N.Z. MAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 515, 19 November 1928, Page 9

DR. H. WILLIAMS DEAD, DISTINGUISHED N.Z. MAN

BRILLIANT LINGUISTFOREIGN EDITOR OF “THE TIMES”

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 10 a.m. LONDON, Sunday. The death lias occurred of a New Zealander, Dr. Harold Williams foreign editor of “The Times.” He developed internal trouble months ago, and took three months’ rest. He resumed work, believing he had recovered; but he broke down after a month and underwent an operation in a London nursing home on November 10. He had a long battle for recovery. Blood transfusion was tried on November 15, but he died today. His greatest regret was that he was unable to revisit his aged parents in New Zealand, also a brother in Sydney. He was born in Auckland, and received part of his education at Auckland University College.

Dr. Harold Williams was a most distinguished New Zealander. A son of the Rev. W. J. Williams (president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference in 1S8S), he was first educated at the Christchurch Boys’ High School. He lived in Russia for many years, and was regarded before the revolution as a leading authority on that country. He wrote a book, “Russia and the Russians.” He was an exceptionally gifted linguist. A brother, the Rev. O. W. Williams, teaches at Christ's College, Christchurch. A Press Association message from Christchurch says Hr. Williams was born at Auckland 52 years ago and went to Christchurch in 1887. He was educated at the Boys’ High School there and at Auckland University College. He was in Russia from 1904 till 1919, first as a correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian” during the war. He was special correspondent of the “Daily Chronicle” and the “New York Times.” At the outbreak of the revolution in Russia led by Lenin, he was comuplled to leave Russia and went to live in London Fie then took up freelane# journalism for a short time, till he secured the ' position of foreign editor of the London