OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25607, 23 September 1948, Page 2

OBITUARY

MRS J. F. STUDHOLME

Mrs Hersey Studholme, widow of Mr Joseph F. Studholme, formerly one of the leading residents of Canterbury, died at Masterton on Tuesday. Mrs Studholme, formerly Miss Hersey Wauchop, was of Scottish descent and came to New Zealand many years ago to visit her cousin, Lady Glasgow, whose husband had been appointed Governor of New Zealand in 1892. Lady Glasgow was a daughter of Sir Edward Hunker-Blair, of Blairquhan, Ayrshire, and her brother, Captain (later Major) R. S. Hunter-Blair, Gordon Highlanders, was one of her husband’s aide-de-camps. While she was staying at Government House Miss Wauchop became engaged to Mr Joseph Studholme, and the wedding took place from Government House, Wellington. After her marriage Mrs Studholme’s home was at Ruinanui, near Taihape, and there, for many years, she and- her husband dispensed generous hospitality, entertaining on many occasions Vice-Royalty and distinguished overseas persons who visited New Zealand. During the 1914-18 war Ruinanui was sola, and Mr and Mrs Studholme visited England. On their return to the Dominion they settled in Christchurch, their home being in Helmore’s lane, Fendalton.

While she lived in Christchurch Mrs Studholme was president of the newly-formed Queen’s Club, and there her charm of manner and her gifts as a gracious hostess helped to ensure the success of the club. She was also a member of the executive of the Canterbury Navy League and for several years was president of the women’s auxiliary of the league. Her outstanding personality and her grace and dignity, as much as her kindness of heart and ready wit, won her hosts of friends of different generations in many parts of New Zealand. After her husband’s death during a visit to London Mrs Studholme made her home in Masterton, though retaining ownership of a large property, Te Horoa, near Taihape, which was recently sold to the Government.

She is survived by sisters in England. and Mr Derek Studholme, of Coldstream, is her husband’s. nephew. The funferal will take place in Wellington to-morrow.