OBITUARY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14908, 23 February 1914, Page 8

OBITUARY.

MR CHARLES COOMBS

The late.Mr Charles Coombs, whose funeral took place at Temuka on Friday, cam© to New Zealand when ten years of age with his parents. He was a native of Reading, Berkshire, England, and was at tho time of his death sixty-nine years of age. Mr Coombs's parents settled in Auckland, and later, while Mr Coombs was a young man-, ho started in business in Christchurch as a grindery merchant. In thoso days he was part owner of Templeton, Traducer, and other wellknown racing stock. In 1881 he removed to DuDcdin, whero he represented several Home firms engaged in the boot and leather trado. The lato Mr Coombs was a musician of some note, and in the 'eightias ho was described as the best cornet player in the Australian colonies. He was the founder of the Christchurch Orchestral Society in the early 'eighties. Soon after his arrival in Christchurch Mr Coombs held tho position of principal cornotist to tho Christchurch Garrison Band. When tho Xew Zealand and. South Se?«s Exhibition was inaugurated at Dunedin in 1889-90. his services were secured as soloist, and ho was also entrusted with tho selection of most of tho members of tho orchestra, paying a visit to Australia for that purpose. He became bandmaster of the Dunedin Naval Brigade Band, a position he held from 1883 to 1900. His first appointment as bandmaster was to the Lyttelton Xaval Artillery Band, forty years ago. Mr Combs is survived by his mother (aged 90), his wife, two brothers, two sons, and four daughters.