OBITUARY.

MR CHARLES ROBERT SMITH. The death occurred at Auckland on Tuesday morning of Mr C. R. Smith, general manager of tho New Zealand Alliance Assurance Company. Mr Smith was manager of the Alliance Company in Donedin for a number of years and during his shy here, which covercd the period of the Boer war, was prominently associated with pat riotic work, in connection with which, as in the case of two very successful flora fetes, his organising ability was of very great service. He was an exceedingly useful, poiblio-spirited citizen, whoso departure (on promotion) for Wellington left a distinct gap in Dunedin. Ho was keenly interested in cricket; took a prominent part in the management of the New Zealand Cricket Council before he came to Dunedin, and filled various offices in the Otago Cricket Association in Dunedin. Ho was also an activo member of tlio Kaituna

Bowling and Tennis Club. Mr Smith, who had boon in indifferent health for some time, received six months leuvo of absence, mid (in March 29 last ho hit on the Makura, i;i route for California.. Th? state of his health would not, however, permit him to complete fclie journey, and Jio disembarked at Honolulu, and returned to tho dominion. lie arrived in Auckland on Monday Inst, and succumbed tho following day. lie leaves a widow, but no family. The interment will take place in Sydney.