OBITUARY.

MR. NISBET McROBIE. KEEN INTEREST IN SPORT. A prominent member of the printing trade and an ordent follower of many sports, Mr. Nisbet Mcßobic, aged 55, died at, his residence, at 30, King George Avenue, Epsom, yesterday. Mr. Mcliobie was in business in several parts of Now Zealand, and had resided in Auckland for the last, 15 years. Ilis death occurred after a protracted illness.

Born at Invercrirgill in 1873, Mr. McRobie was apprenticed to the printing trade there, and at the conclusion of his apprenticeship obtained a position with the Christchurch Press, later going to the Timaru Post. His next move was to Wellington, and in 1904 ho was factory manager of the New Zealand Times. After serving for a time as manager of the Pahiatua Herald, Mr. Mcßobie returned to Wellington as general manager of the New Zealand Times.

Another country newspaper engagement followed in 1909, when Mr. Mcßobie bought tho Wailii Daily Times, disposing of his interests in 1915 to come to Auckland as secretary and manager of the Business Printing Works, Limited. Early during his residence in Auckland he bocame a prominent member of the Auckland Master Printers' Association, and was president of that body from 1916 to 1924. He was also president of the New Zealand Master Printers' Federation from 1922 to 1924.

Mr. Mcßobio was an energetic member of the Reform Party for many years, and if) 1911 unsuccessfully contested the Ohinomuri seat as a Reform candidate. There were few branches of sport in New Zealand that did not know Mr. McRobie as a keen and successful enthusiast. As a young man in Invercargill he was a prominent Rugby footballer and represented Southland for nine years, from 1888 to 1896. In the latter year he won All Black honours. More recently Mr. McRobie devoted his spare time to golf and bowls. In 1927 and 1928 he was captain of the Maungakiekie Golf Club, and lie was also a past president of the Remuera Howling Club. Mr. Mcßobio also devoted much of his energy to work for the Presbyterian Church, and lie took a keen interest in music, being at one time chairman of the Royal Auckland Choir. He was also a member of the Pacific Club for many years. Mr. Mcßobio is survived by his wife, who was formerly Miss Mary Dunlop, one daughter, Miss Mary Mcßobie, of Auckland, and two sons, Mr. Stuart McRobie, of Auckland, and Mr. Douglas McRobie, of Wellington.

MR. JOHN SNAITH. The death of Mr. John Snaith, aged 91, occurred yesterday at his residence at 8, Patey Street, Remuera. Mr. Snaith was born in Leicester, England, and came, to New Zealand in the ship Persia in 1860, landing at Auckland on August 21. He served in the Maori wars and saw much fighting. For several years he carried on business as a builder and contractor at Thames. On his retirement, 29 years ago, he returned to Auckland. His wife died several years ago. One son and one daughter survive.

MR. ROBERT ROSS. Oue of the early Albertland settlers, Mr. Robert Ross, aged 76, died at Topuni, North Auckland, yesterday morning. Mr. Ross came to New Zealand with his parents in 1863, the family settling at Kaiwaka. Mr. Ross was engaged in his usual farm work until within a few days of his death. He was recognised as an authority in handling stock,. especially sheep. Mr. Ross married twice, his first wife dying 25 years ago. He is survived by his second wife. There are no children. MRS. MARIA THOMPSON. The death has occurred at Birkenhead, in her 85th year, of Mrs. Maria Thompson, one of the oldest settlers in the district. With her husband, the late Mr. William Thompson, who died early in May of last year, she came out from Yorkshire, England, in the ship Countess of Kintorc in 1871. They settled at Birkenhead, establishing the well-known "Park Hill Orchard," some two miles back from the wharf, though at that period there was no jetty at Birkenhead, nor a sugar refinery at Chelsea, the only access being by a track, from Stokes' Point (now Northcote), from which the communication with Auckland was by means of an open pulling boat. During her 58 years' residence at Birkenhead Mrs. Thompson was associated with the social activities of the district and with the work of the Anglican Church. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson lived to celebrato the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding, which fell on December 30, 1927. Deceased is survived by a family of ten, and there are upwards of 80 descendants. MR. JOHN JAMES REDMOND. [BY TELEGRArii.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. 1 WHANGAREI. Friday. The death occurred unexpectedly yesterday of Mr. John James Redmond, aged 69 years, of Waikaraka. Mr. Redmond was born at Geelong, Victoria, and came to New Zealand when a boy. "With his parents he settled in Hastings. Later he became a jockey and was known throughout New Zealand. His name will bo remembered by many of tho older illowers of racing as tho winner of the Grand National Steeples in 1899. Mr. Redmond came to live in the Whangarei district about six years ago. He is survived by a widow and one son, Mr. T. F. Redmond, of Waikaraka.

MR, ARTHUR H. KITCHING. [BY TELEGRAPH.— I'IIESS association. ] WELLINGTON, Friday. The death occurred suddenly this afternoon of Mr. Arthur 11. Kitching, who was in chargo of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line's agency for Lloyds, and was for many years in charge of tho shipping department of Messrs. Bannatvne and Company, Limited. Mr. Kitching was sitting in his motor-car in a city street when suddenly ho collapsed with a heart seizure. He was immediately taken in the car to the ambulance station and in the ambulance to the hospital, but was dead on arrival. Mr. Kitching was 50 years of age. He was born at Nelson, and leaves a widow, three daughters and two sons.