OBITUARY.

SIR ROBERT McLEAN.

HAWKE'S BAY PASTORA.LIST,

WAR WORK IX ENGLAND

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NAPIER, Thursday. The death has occurred of Sir Robert Donald Douglas McLean. Sir Robert, who was the only sou of the late Sir Donald McLean, K.C.M.G., was born in Wellington in 1852, but spent most of Ins early years in Napier, lie was educated at the Auckland Grammar School, and subsequently at Clifton College, England. He was called to the Bar in England, but did not practice, returning to the Dominion to take up pastoral pursuits. His Maraekakaho Station is recognised as a model NewZealand station. He was the Dominion's foremost breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Welsh ponies, and was one of the leading breeders of draught horses. Linc-ln, English Leicester and Merino sheep. In public affairs Sir Robert took a keen practical interest, representing Napier in the House of Representatives from 1800 to ISO!) and serving on numerous public bodies, including the Hawke's Hay County Council and Hawke's Bay Hospital Board. He was president of the Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society. On all national questions he was a* staunch Imperialist. During the war he and Lady McLean were engaged in various patriotic activities ir London. Sir Robert was a member of the executive committee of Walton Hospital and the New Zealand War Contingent Association. He was chairman of the executive committee of the New Zealand Soldiers' Hostel and was a member of the executive council of the Royal Colonial Institute. With Lady McLean he returned to his estate after the peace was signed. Sir Robert was a strong supporter of the Navy League, was president of the Hawke's Bay branch for many years, and was later its patron; he was also vice-chairman of the executive in London. His only son, Captain A. McLean, died a few years ago as the result of war services' He is survived by Lady McLean and two daughters.

MR. WILLIAM HANDLEY. FORMER MAYOR OF DEVONPORT. One of the best known residents of the North Shore, Mr. William Handley, died this morning at Devonport. He occupied public positions at Devonport for eighteen years, being six years a councillor, four deputy-Mayor during the Hon. E. W. Alison's term as Mayor, and then eight years Mayor of the borough. He was recognised as a conscientious administrator and it was said that he had a better knowledge of standing orders than almost any other Mayor in the Dominion, having made a special study of that department of chairmanship. He was a well-known horticulturalist and was president for a period of the Auckland Horticultural Society. He was also very fond of horse racing and, although never a better, he owned several racehorses. Mr. Handley also reached high Masonic honours and was Grand Master of the Scottish constitution.

Mr. Handley arrived in New Zealand from England in 1874 and first of all went to the Taieri, in the South Island, where he went through many phases of colonial life with varying success. Ho was for a time in Wellington and Nelson districts, and for some years lived at Patea during the railway construction works there in the early 'eighties. When he came to Auckland many years ago he got connected with the leading lemonade manufacturing firms and for some years carried on a prosperous business. Fourteen years ago he retired from public life, chiefly through ill health, and for over eight years had been confined to his house, being a great sufferer through rheumatism. Right up to the last he was able to read the newspapers and took the keenest interest in all public affairs. He was deeply interested in politics and although never a strong party man. thought that it was a good thing to have a change of Government occasionally.

Ono of his last acts as Mayor was to help forward the installation of electricity for the borough. He was a warm supporter of the Fire Brigade and the local Orphans' Club. He did all he could to foster swimming and encourage yacht:ng, and was considered a man "of sound judgment, being always willing to foster anything which made for the "happiness of the people. A few days before his death lie sent messages of goodwill to patients in the public hospital, who, liko himself, were sorely stricken. Mr. Handley was 74 years *of age and has left, behind him a wonderful record of public service. He is survived by Mrs. Handley and a large family of grownup boys and girls. He was much cheered (luring his last days by the visits of former friends associated with him in public life and in Masonic work. He had wonderful faith in the future of the North Shore and said that he had always tried to develop the human touch in the public life of Devonport.

MRS. C. OLIVER. Mrs. C. Oliver, a former resident of Xew Plymouth, has died at Bethlehem, near Tauranga. Born jn Xew Plvmouth, she was married there to Mr. "diaries Oliver, and the couple settled on a farm at Mangorei, Taranaki, where they remained until about twenty years ago, when they moved to Bethlehem. Mr. aTul Mrs. Oliver celebrated the diamond anniversary of their wedding towards the end of last year. Deceased is isurvived by her husband, three sons and three daughters.