OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 30, 4 February 1916, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MB A.. E. T. DEVORE.

A PUBLIC-SPIRITED CITIZEN".

Mr. Albert Edward Tyrrell Devore died at a quarter-past twelve last night at his residence, St. Stephen's Avenue, Parnell. It wae known to many of his friends for the last day or two that his heart was co weak there was little hope of his recovery, he having recently suffered from ipneumonia. At the same time, it is only within the last ten days that Mr. Devore had not been able to get down to his office. Ho was a good citizen, having done a great amount of public work for the benefit of the people. It was not alone on public bodies that he gave much valuable tune in honorary service, as he wae ever ready to assidt in -other matters. An enthusiast in art, I he was for many years president of the Auckland Art Society, and an active one at that. He was a strong believer in healthy sport, and had been for the laet quarter of .1 century president of the Auckland Rugby Union. Mr. Devore was also a patron of many other outdoor amusements for the physical training of young people. In hie earlier days he was himself a very keen volunteer, and an excellent rille shot. 'Mr. Devore was born lit Devizes. Wiltshire, England, in IS-13, and wan educated at Marlborough. He came to Melbourne when a lad of sixteen in ISSO. and there started to study for the law. He crossed over to Punedin (New Zealand) in IS<>'2. and worked as a digger for six months on the Ota'-'O goldfields. He was also on oilier fields on the VTcst Ooaist during the timofl when life there was somewhat rough. In 1879 Mr. Devore removed to Auckland, and was admitted to the bar in 1871. Shortly afterwards lie entered into partnership with Mr. Theo. Cooper (present judge of the Supreme Court), and at the time of hi* death was head of the firm of Devorp, Martin, and Prrndergast. Mr. Devore resided for many years on Ponsonby Road, and took keen interest in the progress of what was then :i highway district. Whc* , Ponsonby merged into the citr. Mr. Devore was one of the three representatives for that ward on the Council, and ultimately became Mayor of Auckland. During his term of office, the finances were put on a sound footing, and the annual erpendituTC of the Corporation was reduced by some thousands of pounds. The Municipal Buildings and Free Public Library were opened during Mr. Devore\s term as Mayor by his Excellency Sir William Jervois. Mr. Devore was also for a long period Government nominated representative on the Auckland Harbour Board, and filled the office of chairman ably. He was also for years chairman of the Ponsonby School Committee, and a member of the trustees of the Auckland Savings Bank.

Although Mr. Devore did not often appear in Court he bore the reputation of a very sound lawyer. In his public life he was ever thorough, and privately had very- many friends who will regTet his death. He is survived by Mr*. Drvoro and the following children: Mrs. A. C. H. Collins. RJid Mrvt K. George. Misses K. Devore. H. Devore, and 1. Devore, also Mr. George Devore.