DEATH OF MR. W. J. NAPIER.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 282, 28 November 1925, Page 10

DEATH OF MR. W. J. NAPIER.

■I » ■ , ' . . A PROMINENT CITIZEN. The death occurred to-day at a private hospital of one w.bo has taken a prominent part in the affairs of Auckland, Mr. W. J. Napier, barrister and solicitor. Mt. Napier had undergone an operation which ■ w _ as successful, and he was thought to! be on the road -to recovery. For many j years he had suffered from a weak heart. • He was born in Ireland in 1857, and came to Auckland with his'parents when about five years of age. At first he" attended . St. Peter's Catholic School in Hobson ' Street, and subsequently Went to tho '- Auckland Grammar School.'.. .''•-'. j . Later he became" a m-ttriculated student at St. John's. College during the time that the Rev. Dr.-. -R. Kidd was headmaster. Ear.ly in life Mr. Napier J took the keenest interest' in public affairs and was a disciple. of the late ! Sir George Grey, who frequently had bim to stay at Kawau Island. A fluent, forcible speaker, Mr. Napier soon made his mark in the various public bodies he, joined. He studied for the law and was called to the bar in 1883. At the time of his death Mr. Napier was senior partner of the, firm; of .'Napier,-Herman and Smith.- He .was for many years prominently connected with various societies of Auckland, In 1900 Mr. Napier organised the Garrison Artillery Volunteers, of which he was captain- for nine years. '■•"'.."•.'■ .'Mr., Napier Avar nominated to represent the Government on the Auckland ITarbour Board in 1889, and was elected Chairman on two occasions! During his term of office he did much to extend the AA'harf accommodation, and otherwise improA'e the harbour. He was also instrumental in getting the board to erect Admiralty House; which was afterwards pulled down to make room for street improvement-3. His aim on that occasion was to get Auckland made a naval station. At the general election in 1889, Mr. Napier was returned at head of the poll for Auckland city, which, at that time, returned three members. There were 11 candidates, and Mr. Napier polled 6070 votes, the other successful canfl.ida--C_ securing respectively 5004, and 4734 votes. , . Mr. Napier a. as legal adviser for two 'head chiefs of Samoa, Malietoa the elder, and Mataafa. He Avas also at one time solicitor : for the Government of

Tonga, while he also appeared for Te Kooti. J\ bis earlier years Mr. Napier bad a big practice at the Supreme Court. He was a fellow of the Colonial Institute, and president of the Navy League for a long period. An ardent Imperialist, he was ever an advocate of a strong navy for the defence of tbe Empire. Mr. Napier was an enthusiast in anything he undertook. He visited the principal harbours of tbe world to report upon the suitability of ferro-concrete for wharves. He founded the Navy League, and was also a foundation member of the Victoria League, having been president ;of both organisations for many years, lie initiated the movement for a memorial to the soldiers and sailors who fell jin the war with tbe Maoris, and was • president of the English-speaking Union, j president of tbe. British Red Cross Corri;niittee during the war. At one time he | was also a member of tbe council and ' filled the office of president of the Auckland Law Society. Mr. Napier also assisted to found the French Club in this city and tilled the office of president for many years. He was a member of the Empire Migration Committee, London; chairman of the Statutes Revision Committee in 1901; belonged to the executive of the Auckland Exhibition, and was founder of the Auckland Liberal Association. Mr. Napier is survived by his wife and two sons. A Requim Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Monday at 9.30 a.m., after which the interment will take place at Hjllsborq' Cemetery. ....