OBITUARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 218, 27 June 1938, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MR HENRY K. FRENCH. (Per Press Association.) * HASTINGS, This Day* Mr Henry Robert French, a prominent figure in Hawke’s Bay, died while attending a church service last evening. Mr French was 65 years of age. In his early days he resided in the North Auckland district. He was clerk to the Rodney County and subsequently town clerk of Warkworth. For a number of years he was editor of the “Rodney and Otamatea Times.” Mr French cable to Hawke’s Bay 24 years ago, and after being in Waipukurau for five years moved to Hastings, where he resided ever since, being in business as a bookseller up to a few years ago. He tool: a prominent part in public affairs. He evinced the greatest interest in the affairs of the Methodist Church, and in recognition of his services in this regard was last year appointed vice-presi-dent of the Methodist Church in New Zealand—the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a layman. Mr French was also a strong advocate of temperance.

Mr French is survived by his wife (formerly Miss Bertha Shepherd, of Port Albert), two daughters—Adjutant French, of Dunedin, and Mrs R. H. Craven, of Hastings—and three brothers, Charles (of Remuera), William (California), Albert (Rotorua) — and two sisters,' Mrs A. J. Stall worthy and Miss L. French, both of Auckland.

MR E. V. LUCAS. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Dav 9.40 a.in.) LONDON, June 26. Mr F. V. Lucas, (lie famous journalist, biographer, essayist editor and the most accomplished anthologist ol tine day, is dead, aged 69. He was editor of Lamb's letters and, published a biography of Hie essayist. Ho was a- regular contributor to “Punch.” A\ ith Mr C. L. Graves lie made England laugh heartily by the series ol skits, which begin with “Wisdom While You Waif.”