OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 261, 4 November 1935, Page 9

OBITUARY.

MR. FRED FOLEY. The death occurred on Saturday of Mr. Fred Foley, at his home, Rose Road, Ponsonby. The deceased, who was 64 years of age, was for a long period of years well known in theatrical circles. Born in Christchureh, he became interested as a youth in magic and ventriloquism, and on the stage he toured not only New Zealand and Australia, but also China and India. He was for a ftime touring with Valdare's vaudeville company, and had also appeared under the Fuller management and "Jimmy" Bain. Mr. Foley was one of the first to conduct a moving picture entertainment in New Zealand, and on retiring from the stage he managed hotels in Wellington, Carterton and Stratford. A prominent veteran member of the New Zealand Society of Magicians, the deceased was ever ready to assist any charitable cause, and he and his pal "Joe" in»their ventriloquial turns were well known in the many public institutions in Auckland. The funeral of the deceased took place yesterday afternoon at Waikumete.

MISS IDA SPICER.

I Following an operation, Miss Ida Spicer, senior lady child welfare officer in Auckland, has died at Otahuhu. Born in Christchurch she was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Spicer, and entered the service of the depot in that city 23 years ago. About 20 years ago Miss Spicer was transferred to Auckland and was stationed at the receiving home at Mount Albert. Later she was appointed to take charge of the district which extended over most of. the Auckland Province. She was one of the Government representatives on the Auckland Women's Unemployment Emergency Committee and was also closely associated with movements for the vocational training of girls. She was an active fiiember of the Otahuhu Social Service Association and served on the board of managers of the Otahuhu St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for many years. Miss Spicer's valuable work was recognised this year in the award of the King's Jubilee medal.

Tributes to the splendid services rendered by Miss Spicer were expressed by many of her associates in State and voluntary welfare work. Major Annie Gordon, who had been intimately associated with Miss Spicer during the past 20 years, said she could speak with understanding and on behalf of the many social workers in Auckland. "She was a friend rather than an official," said Major Gordon, "and her rare tact won for her the confidence of many scores of young girls in the Auckland district."