OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18261, 20 December 1924, Page 16

OBITUARY.

MR, C. E. MATTHEWS. (PEBSS association teligbam.) PALMERSTON N., December 19,

Mr 0. E. Matthews, Controller General of Prisons, who arrived last night from Wanganui on a visit of inspection to the local Courthouse, was found dead in bed at his hotel this morning, having apparently passed away in his sleep. An inquest will not be held. {bpeciat. to "the fuii.")

WELLINGTON, December 18. Mr Matthews entered the Civil Service as a cadet in the Treasury in 1889, and was transferred to the Department of Justice in 1895. Ho remained with this Department some time before being transferred to the ranks of private secretaries to Ministers of the Cabinet, and served the.Hon. J. McGowan, Minister of Justice, and tho Hon. T. Thompson in • this capacity amongst others. On February Ist;, 1910, he was appointed chief clerk of the Police Department, being again transferred to the Justice Department in 1912, but retaining the chief clerkship for some time. On the promotion of Mr C. B. Jordan to the position of Under-Sfecre-tary for Justioe in 1912, Mr Matthews was appointed chief clerk of the Justice Department. He resigned the position of chief clerk of the Police Department in September, 1912, and was appointed Deputy-Inspector of Prisons in November of that year and Inspector in 1914 on the retirement of Dr. Prank Hay. On the coming into operation of the Prisons Amendment Act in 1919, lie beoamu Controller-General of Prisons, and on January Ist, 1922. ho was appointed Under-Secretary to the Justice Department on' the retirement of Mr C. B. Jordan. Ho was a member of the Prisons Board and held several other official positions.

The Chief Justice. Sir Robert Stout, who knew tho late Mr Matthews well, to-day said it would be very difficult to get any person who could fill his position. Only one who had in close touch with him in relation to prisoners could fully appreciate and value his: great' ability and his intense anxiety to do the best he could for those unfortunate enough to be sent to prison or for reformative treatment. He was a man who took an immense delight in his work. He was anxious to help, and had always a kindly feelinc; even for the worst of offenders. He never spared himselt when any work was to be doms. and was especially anxious to do what lie could to help those who had fallen, so that they might he redeemed ; ,,h! citizens <<New Zealand ha.s 0 m llcr r:ivil Senvice. and Mr Matthews namo I am sure, will be revered by all who came in contact wj'tli him as an ideal servant of the Crown. fool"!/"} 0 a " knew him will feel the keenest sympathy with his fainiLlwVn*™ dc l" i '« d ° [ «r