DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN JOURNALIST.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 104, 3 May 1911, Page 5

DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN JOURNALIST.

MR. E. W. G. RATHBONE.

Genuine regret will be felt by a very Jars* number of Aueklanders »t the news o£ Mr. E. W. G. Kathbone's death, .which occurred at his residence, Giadstoner road, Parnell, yesterday afternoon, as the result of pneumonia, which attacked him only on Thursday last, and has struck him down at the comparatively early age of 44 years. The youngest son of the late Mr. Pihilip Ratbbone, a prominent shipowner and merchant of Liverpool, and a brother of the late Alfred R. Rathbone, who himself was for many years connected with journalism in Auckland, having founded the "Xew Zealand Observer," the late Mr. Wilfred Rathbone entered the ranks of journalism at an early age by j6ining the staff of the "London previous to which ■he spent some time ranching in South America, where his father had large interests. He arrived in Auckland in the year 1890, and joined the reporting staff of the "Auckland Star," with which paper and the ,f Ne\v Zealand Graphic" he had been associated ever since, holding the position of editor of the "Graphic" for a number of years. About two years ago indifferent health decided him to resign the editorship, and after a visit to the Old Country he returned - some months back greatly improved in his health and rejoined his old office, taking up a position on the editorial staff of the

"Auckland Star," on which paper he was engaged up to within a few days of his death. As a journalist he had a light and graceful pen, and was well known for his intimate acquaintance with art and drama, while as » man none in Auckland could claim such popularity among the fellow-members of his profession.

The late Mr. Bathbone identified himself actively with a number of local institutions, taking an especial interest in the development of the Auckland Society of Arts. Both as member.and president, which position he had held for the past two years, he was enthusiastic in furthering the welfare of the society, and was largely instrumental in Cfo establishment of a fund which the society now administers for the purchase of works painted by New Zealan* artists. For several years he was also president' of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists, while -he *a*s a keen yachtsman and angrer, and an enthusiastic supporter of rowing, having been a commodore of the St. George's Rowing Club. As a llason he was a prominent member of lodge Te Awamutu, Parnell, and at one time occupied a seat on the Parnell Borough Council. He was a member of the Auckland Club, the flag of which was flown at halfmast to-day as a mark of respect to the memory of its late member. But among those who will miss him none will feel greater regret than the many who have cause to remember his manifold acts of charity and Tcuidliness of heart. Each Christmas as it came roun-dt as surely visited the cots of the cnildren'at the Auckland Hospital with toys and good cheer, of which.Mr. Ba.tiiT>one/;waja the Santa Ciaus, while .his general disposition was such that never a case for :help that came under, his notice would be allowed to pass without what comfort he could render. Some years ago he married the second -daughter- of Major Lusk, his widow being left with two vouns daughters. ... j e>

The funeral will leave his late residence for Purewa Cemetery at half-past two to-morrow afternooii. ■>