OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 161, 9 July 1926, Page 9

OBITUARY.

CAPTAIN CHARLES FLEMING.

OLD IDENTITY IX SHIPPING.

After a career on the sea which extended over a period of more than 60 years death, this morning removed one of the most popular and efficient sea captains who has graced the seas, in Captain Charles Fleming. Born in Kingstown. Ireland, in January. 1859, Captain Fleming died after a life that has left behind manyfriends made during his long association with people of all countries. At an early age he was apprenticed to the sea, and was first engaged in sailing vessels on the other side. Keen attention to detail and an undoubted enthusiasm in his work saw him advance rapidly in his chosen career. In November, 1884, he came to New Zealand as chief officer of the Union Steam Ship Company's vessel, the Tekapo He took up residence in Dunedin. and was engaged in the Dunedin-Wellington-West Coast run. He was also engaged on the intercolonial run, and visited Calcutta and other famous sea ports.

On February 27, 1889, Captain Fleming was transferred to the Mararoa as chief officer, and in May of that year was appointed master of the Taupo. His merits were recognised by the company, which gave him, in succession, command of the following vessels: Tavinui, Ovalau, | Pukaki, Omapere, Hauroto, Flora, Rotorua, Tarawera, Whakatipu, and Wanaka. It was a proud boast of the deceased that with all the vessels he commanded he never had an accident. On June 9, 1899, Captain Fleming resigned from the service of the company he had so faithfully and diligently served. The Government, in that year, appointed him to the position of Superintendent of the Mercantile Marine at Dunedin. He held this position with distinction until 1905. when he was transferred in a similar capacity to Auckland. He retired about five years ago, and resided at Stanley Bay until about eighteen months ago, when he came to live on the town side of Auckland. During his residence at Stanley Bay, the deceased took a keen interest in church matters, and was an office bearer of the Anglican Church there. While he was Superintendent of Marine the deceased was known as a man who was noted for his absolute fairness both to the seamen, the Seamen's Union, and the shipping companies. He was looked upon as a man who called for the highest regard from everyone, and his work for the Department was such that it made him the most popular figure in years. The deceased's wife predeceased him about ten years ag~o. He leaves a son, Mr. C. L. Fleming, and a daughter, Miss Nora Fleming.

MRS. W. McKEEVER. The oldest member of the Onehunga Methodist Church, Mrs. W. MeKeever. died last evening at her residence in Haslet Street, after being an invalid for five years. Mrs. McKeever was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1847. and came to New Zealand in 1863 with her brothers and sisters to join their father, who was then in charge of the Mechanics' Institute at Auckland. Her marriage with the late Mr. W. McKeever took in 1865, and together they had an eventful career, including exciting experiences in the Waikato War. Mr. McKeever was employed to drive the commissary wagon between Auckland and the seat of war, and Mrs. McKeever was engaged in the Postal Department in Waikato. Afterwards they settled in Onehunga, where Mrs. McKeever has resided for 00 years. The deceased lady is survived by three sons and one daughter.