OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 136, 11 June 1934, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MR. JOHN J. WOODS. COMPOSER OF NEW ZEALAND ANTHEM. (By Telegraph.—rress Association.) DUNEDIN, Saturday. The death occurred at Lawrence yesterday of Mr. John Joseph Woods, at the age of 85 years. He was appointed clerk °of the Tuapeka County Council when it was formed in 1877, and held the position until he retired two years arro, when he was given the honorary freedom of the county of luapeka, this being the first instance of such an honour being conferred in New Zealand. Mr. Woods achieved distinction in the musical world as the composer of the score to the words of the New Zealand national anthem, "Gocl Defend New Zealand," written by Thomas Bracken. Prior to becoming clerk to the Tuapeka county, Mr. AVoods was a schoolmaster in"the Otago district.

MR. THOMAS W. MAUNDER,

A former resident of Hamilton, Mr. Thomas W. Maunder, died at his daughter's residence, Mount Albert, aged 81 years. Born in London, Mr. Maunder landed in Auckland ill 18G7, and went to Hamilton 00 years ago. After sawmilling and farming, Mr. Maunder started a hardware and timber business in Hamilton in ISBB, retiring about 20 years ago. He leaves a son, Mr. A. T. Maunder, of Waihi Beach, and a daughter, Mrs. J. I'. Mason, of Mount Albert.

MR. J. G. ARMITAGE,

The death occurred at Christchurch 011 June 0 of Mr. J. G. Armitage, aged S-t years. He arrived at Lyttelton 72 years ago. He first got work in Christchurch in a saddlery establishment and then joined the staff of the tramways. For 30 years before he retired Mr. Armitage was with Dalgety and Company. He was a member of the Foresters' Order, and chairman of Richmond School Committee for a number of years. Mr. L. J. Armitage, of lakapuna, and ill". R. G. Armitage, of Mount Eden, are children of deceased.