OBITUARY.

MR. S. THORNE GEORGE.

A well-known Auckland resident for many years. Mr. Seymour Thorne George, died yesterday at his residence, St. Stephen's Avenue, Parnell, aged 71 years. Deecased was the youngest son of Lieut.Colonel George Thorne George, who was captain of the 75th Regiment during the Kaffir War in 1836 and took part in the famous charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava during the Crimean war. Colonel Thorne George was a life-long friend of Sir George Grey, and was in Xew Zealand in the early days. Mr. Thorne George was educated at Cheltenham College, England, and intended to follow the military profession, but a football accident invalided him for nine months and interfered with his studies. Later he entered the office of a civil engineer in London. In 1869, when Sir George Grey returned to England, he advised Mr. George to come to New Zealand and learn farming. The advice was followed, and the same year Mr. Thorne George arrived in the Dominion. He stayed with Sir George at Kawau Island, where for many years he managed the estate. In 1872 he married the niece of Sir George Grey. Mr. George decided to enter the political arena, and in 187S was elected for the Hokitika seat, being a supporter of the Liberal policy of Sir George Grey. At the next general election he was the successful candidate for the Rodney seat, being succeeded at Hokitika by the late B. J. Seddon. Deceased was for a time Senior Whip for the Liberal party. Mr. George represented Rodney in two Parliaments, but was unsuccessful 'in an attempt to gain the Parnell seat. lie was Mayor of that borough for two terms. In 1903 Mr. George was called to the Legislative Council, and only retired in 1917.

When Sir George Grey Bold Kawau Island Mr. and Mrs. Thorne George came to reside in Parncll. Mr. George took great interest in gold mining, and was a director of a number of companies. H« was one of the original shareholders of the Waihi Company. For 22 years deceased had been a director of the New Zealand Insurance Company, and filled the position of chairman. He was until lately a director of the Devonport Steam Ferry Company. He was also on the directorate of various industrial companies at different times. Mr. Thorne George for a time carried on business as a stock and shareliroker in this city. He was a member of the Northern and also Auckland Clubs. Flags were flying at half-mast to-day on various buildings in the city. The interment will be private.

Deceased is survived by Mrs. Thome George, Messrs. George (Xapier), Murray (Waimarie), Godfrey (Wellington), Grey (Paeroa), and "Sidney Thome George (Auckland), also the following daughters: Mesdames W. B. Colbeck and F. Waller (Auckland), Vivian Riddiford and Gage-Williams (Wellington). MR. WILLIAM BRIERLY. Mr. William Brierly, who arrived at Auckland with his parents by the ship Berhampore in 1849, died on Thursday, aged 73. His father served with the British Army, and later received a military grant at Onehunga, where he made his, home. Mr. Brierly in his younger days served as a volunteer during the troublesome times with the natives. His wife predeceased him in Xovember. The deceased, who was well known in the city as a contractor, leaves a family of six sons and three daughters. Mr. Thos. Brierly. a younger brother, also resides in Auckland. The funeral took place yesterday at Purewa. Jffi. W. J. PHILLIPS". CBy Telegraph.—Press Association.) PALMERSTOX NORTH, this day. The death has occurred of Mr. VV. J. Phillips, a retired farmer, well-known in racing circles, and the owner of Nobleman, winner of the Wellington Cup and- Manawatu Cup (twice). Ht was a prominent member of the Rangitikei and Feilding Racing Clubs, and had held office in the Grand Lodge of Freemasons. MR. G. H. X. HEL.M.ORJS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) OHKISTCHUROH. L-Yiday. Advice was received to-day of the death in Kngland of Mr. G. H. N. Helmore, of the legal firm of Helmore and Van Asch. The deceased left on a visit io England on March 30.