OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24268, 27 May 1944, Page 6

OBITUARY

SIR WALTER CLIFFORD The death occurred at his home at Fendalton yesterday morning of Sir Walter Lovelace Clifford, Bart, a member of one of New Zealand s most historic families. The new baronet is the Rev. Father Lewis Clifford, S.J., an Englishman, and Sir Walter Clifford's nephew. Sir Lewis Clifford (who is a son of the late Mr Charles Clifford, of Market Drayton. Shropshire) is serving as a chaplain with the British Army in the Middle East. His heir is his brother, Mr Roger Clifford, formerly of Christchurch. and now of Waipukurau, Hawke’s Bay. Sir Walter Lovelace Clifford, the fourth baronet of Flaxbourne (who was a son of Sir Charles Clifford, the first baronet) celebrated his, ninetyfirst birthday on May 20. Hr was 85 years of age when he succeeded his nephew. Sir Charles Lewis Clifford, in 1938. and had been a resident of Christchurch for many years. Educated at Beaumont College, in England. Sir Walter Clifford was trained as a civil engineer. For some time he was engaged in surveying for the

underground railways in London. Later, he was an engineer on the Swansea Docks Thovrh a New Zealander by birth (for he was born in Wellington) he spent many years out of this country. He returned to New Zealsnd as engineer of a particularly difficult section of the Midland railway line beyond Springfield. On the death of his father he became a part-owner of Flaxbourne station with which his family had' been so long associated, and he managed it with success until the larger part of it was required by the Government for settlement. The area disposed of by *the Clifford familv included the site of the present township of Ward. Sir Walter Clifford was a member of the Canterbury Jockey Club for more than 50 years, and was elected to the committee in T920, a position he held at the time of his death. He raced horses some years ago, but had not figured as an owner for a long time. He was. however, always keenly interested in the sport, and seldom missed attending race meetings at Riccarton and neighbouring courses. He was also associated with fox-hunting, cricket, and angling. Sir Walter Clifford was in England during the last war, after which he returned to New Zealand _nd took up his residence in Christchurch. Mrs Clifford (who died before he succeeded to the baronetcy) was formerly Miss Catherine Bath, of Swansea. There were three daughters: Mrs W. Wallis, who lives near London (who has two daughters); Mrs Shirreff-Hilton (who has a son. and resided with her father until his death); and the late Mrs A. Brustad, of Christchurch. Clifford is a famous name in England. and renowned as ont of the, old Catholic families. Its head is Baron Clifford of Chudleigh. whose title goes back to 1672. The first baron was Sir Thomas Clifford, who. in the reign of Charles 11. was a member of the “Cabal” Ministry, which desired to strengthen the Royal prerogative by moderating the uniformity laws. In this he was not successful the King being compelled by Parliament to withdraw the Declaration of Indulgence and to assent to the Test Act. which, by excluding all Catholics from office, obliged Clifford and his colleague. Lord Arlington, to resign. The New Zealand branch of the family is descended from the, third Lord Clifford of Chudleigh Sir Charles Clifford (the father of Sir Walter Clifford) was born in 1813, and he was not only a pioneer, but he played an important part in the inauguration of responsible government in New Zealand He arrived in the colony in 1843. and with the late Sit Frederick (then Mr) Weld, established the first sheep station in the Wairarapa district: he was also the first to enter into pastoral pursuits in the South Island, having taken up a licence for depasturing stock on Maori grass lands in the Marlboroueh district. In the management of the station he was assisted by Mr Weld (who became Prime Minister of New Zealand in 1864-65). The property at one time approximated 200.000 acres. With Eldward Gibbon Wakefield, he battled successfully for “the reality of local self-gO'’ernment.” and oecame a member of the first Parliament under the new 'Constitution. In 1854 he became Speaker of the House of Representatives and four years later was knighted. Sir Charles Clifford resigned thf Speakership in 1860. and he returned to England. . He was succeeded on his death m 1893 by his son. the second baronet. Sir George Hugh Clifford, who was for 34 years president of the New Zealand Racine Conference. He in turn was succeded by his son. Sir Charles Lewis Clifford, the third baronet, who was also most prominent in racing circles in New Zealand. Sir Walter Clifford succeeded his nepnew on the latter s death in 1938. MR CHARLES RAY Mr Charles Ray, who had occupied the position of head storeman for 41 years with Pyne and Company, and later with Pyne, Gould Guinness Ltddied at his home on Thursday evening at the age of 72. Mr Ray had an expert knowledge of wool and was highly respected by a large circle of friends, including woolgrowers throughout Canterbury and Marlborough. Mr Ray is survived by his widow and one son. Mr George L. Ray.