OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 213, 8 September 1926, Page 9

OBITUARY.

MR. W. TOWNSON

The death recently at Thames of Mr. William Townson, removes one who was highly thought by all who knew him and _ was respected throughout the Dominion. He was a botanist of no mean powers, and did much valuable research work as a student of natural science. Most of his botanical work was done on the West Coast of the South Island, particulars of the flora of that district being furnished by him for the "Manual of New Zealand Flora" by the late Mr. Thomas Cheesman. Mr. Townson was an enthusiastic mountaineer, having explored in all 22 peaks. He was a member of the New Zealand Institute. Several species of New Zealand flora bear his name a> the discoverer, amonzst them being Euphrasia. Gentian, Mysotis, Veronica and Oiearia. fie was also well versed in native birds and donated a valuable collection of them to South Kensington Museum.

Mr. Townaon was also a student of Maori lore and traditions, and several specimens of native birds, moa bones. and native* curios collected by him, are in the Auckland Museum.

Mr. Townson was the son of Dr. Benjamin Townson and was born in 1855 in Britain. For nearly 40 years he carried on business as a chemist in various parts of the Dominion. He is survived by Mrs. Townson, a married daughter, an adopted son and two grandchildren.

His death was practically the result of his hard work in the chemist's shop during the epidemic of influenza and he fell a victim to the pneumonic form of that disease. The interment took p'.ace at Purewa Cemetery.