OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21384, 29 January 1935, Page 12

OBITUARY

* MR M. F. BARNETT The death occurred early yesterday morning of Mr Matthew Frank Barnett, a well-known citizen of Christchurch, and a keen bowler and sportsman, at his home "Wharetiki," Colombo street. Mr Barnett, who was 75 years of age, will be remembered for his gift to the city, two years ago. of the Captain Cook statue, and in bowling circles his name will be perpetuated by the Barnett Tiki, a handsome trophy which he gave some years ago for annual competition between the Wellington and Christchurch bowling centres. » Mr Barnett was born in Avoca, Victoria, coming to New Zealand with his parents at the age of six. His father established an auctioneering business

in Dunedin, where Mr Barnett was educated, and later apprenticed to the printing trade. Here he worked alongside Thomas Bracken, the poet, a l'act of which he was very proud. Subsequently Mr Barnett followed several occupations, but he never lost interest in printing and journalism. He started a weekly journal in Christchurch called "Daylight," which was later acquired by the Christchurch Press Company. For a time after he left the printing trade in Dunedin, Mr Barnett followed farming, eventually returning to Melbourne, where he remained for two years. There he married Miss Whelan, of Lawrence, Otago, and returned to New Zealand, where he again followed farming pursuits in the South Island.

Subsequently Mr Barnett became associated in the partnership of Barnett and Grant, from which he retired about 25 years ago. While in the partnership he took part in establishing the well-known drapery firm of Arthur Barnett, Ltd., of which lie was chairman of directors at the time of his death. As a young man, Mr Barnett was a very keen sportsman, being especially interested in cycling and swimming. After his retirement he made bowling and motoring his hobbies, and was well known in bowling circles both as a player and administrator. He was president of tiie Canterbury Bowling Club for many years, and since its inception had been president of the Returned Soldiers' Association Bowling Club. He was also a former president of the Canterbury Centre, on which he had represented his club for about 20 years, and of the New Zealand Bowling Association. Mr Barnett was president of the New Zealand bowling team which visited Great Britain several years ago As a player he won many prizes, including the Canterbury Club championship singles on several occasions, and had also been lead in the club's champion doubles and champion rinks. He was the patron of the Pioneer Amateur Sports Club, of which he had been a member for very many years, and was a member of the Midland Club and of the Automobile Association (Canterbury). Mr Barnett was generous to marked degree, and assisted any worthy object. He made many donations to clubs engaged in sporting and recreation activities, and was a generous supporter of the Mayor's Coal and Blanket Fund, and other worthy causes.

Mr Barnett's wife died four years ago, and he is survived by a family of one son, Mr M. O. Barnett, a solicitor, of Wellington, and five daughters, Mcsdames L. Brinkman (Sydney), C. Mills (Wyndham), J. Bridgman (Wellington), E. Bridgman (Christchurch), and A. Taylor (Christchurch). His surviving sisters and brothers are Mrs S. Bailey (Papanui), Miss K. Barnett (Dunedin), Mr Arthur Barnett (managing director Arthur Barnett, Ltd., Dunedin), Mr T. Barnett (Dunedin), Mr C. Barnett (Dunedin), Cr. J. S. Barnett (Christchurch), and Mr D. Barnett (Melbourne). The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Bromley Cemetery. City Council's Tribute The death of Mr Barnett was referred to by the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) at the meeting of the Christchurch City Council last night. The council passed a motion of regret and expressed its sympathy with Mr Barnett's relatives. ■ A motion of sympathy with the relatives of Mr Barnett was carried at a meeting last evening of the executive of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association.