MR A. F. DRAYTON DEAD.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 19391, 17 August 1928, Page 10

MR A. F. DRAYTON DEAD.

-—♦- TRACJEDY FOLLOWS ILL-HEALTH AND WORRY. ! Last evening the body of a 'wellknown Christchurch citizen, Mr Arthur F. Drayton, -was found hanging by a i-ope from a rafter in the premises until recently occupied by Ltd. The discovery was made by Mr C. J* Jones, of Leinßter road, St. Albans, Mr Drayton's half-brother, who, on becoming aware that Mr Drayton had not been home since leaving 'Ashby, Bergh'b at 12 o'clock, instituted a search in company with Mr A. W. Jamieson, and discovered the body at 8 o'clock in the evening. - The premises were not occupied, the firm having been out of business.for some time past. Mr Drayton had held a controlling interest in it. He was also managing director of Ashby, Bergh and Co., Ltd., and took an active part in civic affairß, being a member of the Citizens' Association, the - Unemployment Belief Committee, and a member of the Canterbury Progress League. He had been' in ill-health lately, although normally he was a robust type of man and very energetic. The worry of> recent financial losses, however, had contributed to undermine his health. He was oyer 60years of age.' He leaves a widow, three sons, and a daughter., Mr A. F. Drayton commenced his career as a lad with Messrs J. Plaisted and Co., and was a traveller for that firm for many years. When Plaisted *s went into liquidation, being bought out by Ashby, Bergh and Co.; Mr Drayton also travelled for the latter company, for a lengthy period, and later became manager. He was, at the time of his death, managing director of the firm. He was, for a long time, chairman of the East Christchurch School Committee, and was identified with the East Belt Wesleyan Church.