OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25998, 29 December 1949, Page 6

OBITUARY

DR. N. K. COX The death occurred in Christchurch yesterday morning, after a long illness, of Dr. Norman Kershaw Cox. Dr. Cox. who was a noted sportsman in his younger days, was born at Preston. Lancashire, in 1869. He came to New Zealand with his family in 1880. landing in Auckland, where his father practised as a dentist. Receiving his early education at King Edward VI School in Birmingham. Dr. Cox' in New Zealand continued it at Auckland Universitv College. He later went to the United States, where he took degrees in both dentistry and medicine. On returning to New Zealand, Dr. Cox settled in Timaru, where he practised as a dentist for 45 years. A man of keen public spirit. Dr. Cox took a special interest in improving the amenities of the city of Timaru. He founded the Timaru Beautifying Society and was instrumental in having beautified a number of publicly-owned vacant areas. Improvement of the foreshore of Caroline Bay was one of ms projects. He organised the collection of money for forming the Terrace in Caroline Bay and saw the work started. Educational activities interested him, and he was a school committeeman for some years. He was an original member of the Timaru Orchestral Society. Dr. Cox took an active part in affairs associated with his own profession and was president of the New Zealand Dental Association in 1913 He originated and planned the school dental

system. In later years he was a keen advocate of State medicine and a resikindergarten system. A fine athlete. Dr. Cox interested, himself in a variety of sports. He was i a prominent footballer and reprei sented both South Canterbury and i Canterbury at cricket. He was cap- ■ tam of the South Canterbury team. He I also played golf, bowls, and croquet ; and was keen on hunting. Mountain | climbing was one of his hobbies. He was associated with Mannering. Graham. and Dixon in an early attempt on Mount Cook. The party climbed to within 800 feet of the summit when a blizzard compelled the climbers to abandon the attempt. Dr. Cox is survived by his wife (formerly Miss Nancv Elliott, of Timaru), his son, Mr N. D. Cox, and three grandchildren.