OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 256, 29 October 1929, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MR. ROBERT MEHRTENS

A colonist of CO years' standing, Mr. Robert Mehrtens, died at New Plymouth on October 28. He had lived in T a rail aki for the last 27 years. When 21 years of age Mr. Mehrtens arrived at Christclnirch, and for the next 30 years was employed on the Trevann-i station at Temuka. He took up land at Ngaera in 1902 and later retired to live in New Plymouth. He is survived by the following children: —Mesdamcs Thackbell (Christchurcli), D. McKee (Lepperton), Penniall (Waimea), H. Billing (Waimea), Roberts (New Plymouth) and Parker (Auckland), and Messrs. G., F. J., 11. and W. Mehrtens.

MR. J. McGILL BROWN,

The death lias occurred at Hamilton of Mr. J. McGill Brown, who was born at Jnvercargill 43 years ago. He went to Hamilton 20 years ago, and for the last 17 years had been a member of the staff of Hallenstein Bros., Ltd., in that town. He was interested in bowling and Rugby but ill-health prevented him from active participation in games. He was successful in a pairs bowling tournament at Hamilton some years a to. Deceased is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Ruby Booth, of Ngaruawaliia. There are seven children, the eldest being 15 years of age.

MR. J. M. JOHNSTON,

MANAWATU RACING SECRETARY. The death occurred at a private - hospital at Palmerston North yesterday of Mr. J. M. Johnston, secretary of the Manwatu Racing Club. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in the 'eighties and took a keen interest in racing and hunting. He was for some time secretary of the MartonRangitikei Hunt Club, and subsequently removed from Marton to Palmerston North, where he became hon. treasurer of the Manawatu Racing Club. Later he was elected secretary of the club, and it was in a large measure clue to his efforts that the'Manawatu Racing Club holds the high position it does to-day. He was mainly instrumental in laying out the Awapuni course and its appointments, which is one of the most up-to-date courses in the Dominion. Mr. Johnston was for many years connected with the Manawatu A. and P. Association, which holds one of the largest shows in New Zealand.

MR. THOMAS BELL.

FORMERLY OF THE KERMADECS. (By Telegraph. —Own Correspondent.) PAHIATUA, this day. The death has occurred here of Mr. Thomas Bell, aged 90, a member of the Bell family who lived alone on Sunday Island, in the Kermadec group for ten years. Mr. Bell for a long time waged a claim with the Now Zealand Government for a freehold title of the land he occupied. He had an interesting caieer in the South Seas. One daughter, Mrs. Gelderd, resides here.

MR. C. G. WIGHTMAN,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) TIMARU, this day. Mr. Cressie Graham Wightnian, secretary of the Timaru Harbour Board, died after a short illness.