OBITUARY

MR. W. H. P. BARBER

Mr. William Henry Peter Barber, a prominent citizen of Wellington, died this morning at a private hospital. He was aged eighty-five. The late Mr. Barber was a man of many civic and business interests, a conspicuous figure in the commercial life of Wellington for many years. He was born in Wellington in 1857 and educated at St. Peter's School. He began his business career in the firm of his father, Barber and Co., dyers, and ultimately took it over. His services to New Zealand and to Wellington included representation in Parliament of the Newtown, Wellington South, electorate from 1902 to 1908, and he was defeated on a second ballot by Mr. R. A. Wright, who survives him. Mr. Barber was a member of the Wellington City Council for 26 years, and took a close and active interest in all municipal affairs. In addition, he was a \ member of the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board for many years, retiring from that position in 1933. and, according to the chairman of that body, "he was of very great assistance to the board and to the public," and his views were recognised

as far sighted and progressive. Mr. Barber's business interests, in addition to those of Barber and Co., were many and varied. Up to the time of his death he was chairman of the Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Co., of the former Wellington Deposit and Mortgage Co., and of the Wellington Opera House Co. In all these enterprises Mr. Barber took an active interest. His work for education was highly valued; he was cKairman of the Wellington College Board of Governors from 1924 to 1931. He was also a member of the Kauri Timber Royal Commission. Mr. Barber may be considered as the pioneer of motoring in New Zealand, for he had the first car In Wellington. It was a tiller-steered model. He was made a life member of the Automobile Association and was an active motorist, holding and using his driver's licence right up to the last. He was a fine oarsman in his day, and a member of the Wellington Rowing Club. '

Mr. Barber was married to Miss Emily Clarke, of Somerset, England, in 1879. His wife predeceased him many years ago. Mr. B&x-ber had three sons, Messrs. Alfred, Leonard, of Auckland, and Roy Barber, Palmerston North, and two daughters, Mrs. Mountier, of Wellington, and Mi's. Day, Palmerston North, who all survive him. He had resided for some years at Waikanae, where he was able to enjoy his deep interest in horticultural matters, his beautiful gardens being freely shown to members of the public with an interest in gardening. Those who knew Mr. Barber personally can testify not only to his business acumen, but also to nis brisk, friendly, and genial manner.