OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 September 1938, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR MORTIMER BLACKETT . (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The death occurred in Johannesburg last month of Mr Mortimer C. Blackett, a well-known South African journalist who toured New Zealand with the Springboks of 1921 as a representative of the “Johannesburg Star” and associated newspapers. Born in Tasmania in 1881, Mr Blackett was subsequently in New Zealand, but at the age of 20 left Christchurch with the New Zealand contingent for the South African War and remained there after hostilities had closed. When the Great War broke out, he served as a lieutenant in the Natal Light Horse in SouthWest Africa, and was wounded at Gibson. He then went to England, and there joined the Australian forces, in which he served as a captain on the Headquarters Staff of General Monash and was awarded the 0.8. E. Mr Blackett had visited Australia in 1911 as Reuter representative with the South African cricket team. It is believed he has nieces in New Zealand. MR THOMAS USHER. NELSON. This Day. The death has occurred of Mr Thomas Usher, who was formerly well-known in business circles, but has been living in retirement in Nelson for many years. he came to N6w Zealand with his parents in 1859, and was one of the prime movers in re-establishing the first Monday in August holiday, which in New Zealand Nelson alone enjoys. Mr Usher leaves a widow and three sons, Dr . Victor Usher (Auckland), Dr Noel Usher and Mr Randall Usher, both of Wellington.