THE LATE DEAN HARPER

Tho Very Rev. Walter Harper, formerly Dean of the Christchurch Cathedral, whoso death was reported yesterday, in his eighty-second year, was the fourteenth child of tho late Bishop Harper, first Bishop of Christchurch. Ho was born in Berkshire, England, in 1848, and was: educated at Christ's College Grammar School and-Trinity College, Oxford. He graduated as ' a Bachelor of Arts in 1872 and aa a Master of- Arts the following year. In 1874 ho was admitted to deacon's orders and was ordained as a priest in 1875 by the then Bishop df Chester. For two years he was curate of Bebingtbn, Cheshire^ Returning tp New' Zealand in 1877, Dean Harper was appointed curate at Ellesmere, a position that lie held until 1882, when he became ineumbont of St. Michael 'a, Christchnrch. He administered that parish for eleven years, when he was appointed Canon of Christehurclr Cathedral, head of the theological department of Christ's Collego, principal of College House, and Sub-Dean of the cathedral. In Novembor, 1901, some time after the death of Dean Jacobs, Dean Harper was appointed Dean of Christehurch, and was installed as such on 16th December, 1901. Ho retained the position of principal of College House until 1903, when the Bey. Charles Walter Carrington, who was to succeed Dean Harper as Dean of Christchurch, was appointed to that position. Dean Harper retained the appointment as Dean until 1913, when ho retired. The late Dean was first married in 1875 to Miss Emily Hope, a daughter'of Mr.:T.'A.. Hope, of Bebingtori, Cheshire? Mrs; Harper died in September, 1880, leaving a.son ; and two daughters. Twelve years ago Dean Harper married for the second time, his bride being Miss Boss, of Montreal street, Christchurch.