OBITUARY

FORMER M.P.

MR. GEORGE WITTY

A Press Association message from Christchurch reports the death of Mr. George Witty, former M.P. and M.L.C., at the age of 85. Mr. Witty arrived from England 66 years ago with 5/ in his pocket and a full kit of clothing made for him by his mother. He served on many local bodies, but never experienced defeat in elections. The first time he stood for Riccarton, in 1902, he was successful and retained the seat for 23 years, when he retired from the House and began a term of seven years in the Legislative Council. During the formation of the Mackenzie Ministry in 1912 he refused Ministerial rank four times. Mr. Witty, although elected as a Liberal in 1902, was a great admirer of Mr. Massey. Although opponents in the House, he and Mr. Massey were firm friends in the lobbies. When the election of 1922 resulted in the Government and Opposition parties being returned at equal strength he crossed the floor of the House with two other Liberals and gave his support to Mr. Massey.