SUDDEN DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 302, 20 December 1924, Page 11

SUDDEN DEATH.

MR. CHARLES MATTHEWS. CONTROLLER OF PRISONS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) - PALMERSTON N., Friday. Air. Matthews, Controller-General of Prisons, who arrived here last night from Wanganui on a visit of inspection to the local courthouse, died in his sleep during last night. No inquest will be necessary.

Mr. Charles Edward Matthews was born in Havelock in 1872, and as a lao. was educated at the local public school. He was the son of Mr. Francis J. Matthews, settler, Marlborough. After finishing his education he joined the Civil Service, being attached to the Treasury Department. In 1895 he was transferred to the Department of Justice. Having studied shorthand and getting a speed proficiency of 150 words per minute, he was appointed in March the same year private secretary to the Minister of Justice and Defence. He was also private secretary to the Minister of Public Works aq4 of other Departments, and in 1000 was appointed chief clerk of the Police Department, a position lie held for nine years, when he was promoted to chief clerk in the Justice Department and that of Inspector of Prisons. In 1012 lie became Inspector and Controller-General of Prisons, and from 1014 to 1921 he was Under-Secretary for Justice as well as Controller-General. He was a membei of the Prisons Board since 1915, and was author of the work, "Evolution of the New Zealand Prison System," published in 1923. Mr. Matthews took a keen interest in volunteering, being for six years a member of the Wellington City Pudes. He was also a member of the Wellinirtin Football Club and Star Boating Club, representing the latter at the regatta race* from ISOI to ISD3. Besides being a most able man for tbe public positions he ho.d. • Mr. Matthews was probably one of the most popular officers in the public service, his uniform courtesy being --.c----knowlodgcd by all with whom "u>- earae in contact, either officially or in private capacity. Mr. Matthews recently returned from a visit to Australia., where. ion behalf of the Government, he had [inspected the existing prisons system.