OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18923, 11 February 1927, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MRS A. M. BURNS. At tlio Lewisham Private Hospital the death occurred last evening, after a long illness, of Mrs Mary Elizabeth Burns, wife of Mr Alex. M. Burns, manager of the Cliristchurch Press Company. and one of the best-knowu journalists in Xew Zealand. In August last the late Mrs Burns underwent a severe operation, from the effects of which she appeared to rally, and for a few months her family and friends were confident of licr ultimate complete recovery, but in November alarming symptoms developed, and tho most devoted and skilful nursing and medical attention proved unavailing, and she gradually became weaker, until the end came peacefully last night. The deceased lady was a native of Scotland, but came to Wellington at an early age with her father, step-mother, and aunt. After her marriage she resided for a time in Xclson, where Mr Burns represented tho United Press Association at the cable station at Wakapuaka. Later, when her husband was appointed Press Association's representative in the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Mrs Burns returned to Wellington, where she lived for a few years until the family removed to Christchurch twenty years ago. Mrs Burns was a woman of charming personality, who made hosts of friends wherever she went. Clever, cultured, and observant, she had a broad and tolerant outlook on life, and her judgment was sound and discriminating, while her keen sense of humour and her ready wit made her a delightful companion to people of all ages. She was generous in thought and deed, and was always cheerfully responsive to appeals made lo her for deserving causes. She followed with the kindliest interest the careers of many newspaper men—and their names are legion—whom her husban"', by his training and advice, has helped along the thorny road of journalism, and she was always pleased and proud to learn of the success achieved by them in various parts of New Zealand and Australia. During her last trying illness, she showed the snme kindly consideration for others, and she bore her sufferings with indomitable courage and cheerful fortitude. The sympathy of a larjo circle of friends in all parts of the Dominion will be extended to her stricken husband and to her two sons,"Mr M. J. Burns, barrister and solicitor, of Hereford street, and Master Graham Burns, who is a pupil at Christ's College. The funeral, which will be private, will be held at 12.30 to-morrow.