MRS. E. R. MCCOMBS. M.P.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day,

The death occurred early this morning of Mrs. Elizabeth E. McCombs, M.P. lor Lyttelton, aged 62. She had been in ill health for some months.

The late Mrs. McCombs leaves a record of national and civic service that will remain an inspiration lor generations, first as the wife and able helper of the late Mr. James McCombs, M.P., and then on her own account as a representative of the women of New Zealand in Parliament. . She gave of ■her best in public service during her years in Parliament, but her supporters and admirers saw with anxious eyes that on each successive public appearance this indomitable woman was becoming more and more fragile. The gallant spirit that had carried her so far in her brilliant career \vas undaunted, but many saw that her strength was being overtaxed and that she was sacrificing herself on the altar of service to her fellows. She was a greatly loved and respected woman, and her admirers of all shades of political opinion above all recognised her active sympathy for the less fortunate, and indeed this was what actuated her throughout her public life.

Mrs. McCombs is survived by a son, Mr. Terence H. McCombs, and one daughter, Miss Alison Patricia McCombs. Other members of Mrs. McCombs's family are Miss Alice Henderson, for nearly forty years a missionary of the Presbyterian Church in India, Miss Christina Henderson, a well-known social worker, and Mrs. E. F. Allan, lady editor of the Melbourne "Argus" (sisters), and Mr. A. G. Henderson, editor, of the "Christchurch Times" (a brother).

In the last forty-eight years there have been only four members representing the Lyttelton seat in Parliament, and each has died in harness, the passing of Mrs. McCombs within two years of her election being the fourth. - AIL. have .died .with tragic suddenness. Mr. John Joyce represented Lyttelton for twelve years from 1887, and was conducting his campaign in 1889 whe'rrfour days before the election he complained of feeling unwell. That'night he died in his. sleep. Mr. George Laurenson was his successor. He held the seat until 1913,.when he died comparatively suddenly. The electors of Lyttelton selected Mr. James McCombs. to succeed Mr. Laurenson, and he represented the constituency for twenty..years until on August 2, 1933, after a short illness, Which few suspected to be. serious, he died. His widow was elected to succeed him on September 13 of that year. Arrangements have been made for Mrs. McCombs to.be buried from the City Council Chambers on Sunday afternoon. The pall-bearers will be provided by. members of .the Parliamentary Labour Party and representatives of local bodies to wjrich she belonged. . "..■.:. ■; :, „■"..'.