OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26824, 1 September 1952, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR D. W. L. MEHRTENS Mr Deidrich Wilhelm Leonard (Dick) Mehrtens, a well-known farmer, died recently *at his home at Camside, Rangiora. The eldest son of pioneering parents who on arrival in New Zealand settled on the land at Camside, Mr Mehrtens was born in 1882 and educated at the Oxford and Southbrook schools. On leaving school he immediately began work on his father’s farm. He volunteered for the Boer War,

and left New Zealand with the 6th Contingent and became a member of General Plumer’s famous Night Owls—the Silent Sixths. After two years’ service overseas, he returned to Camside, where he carried on farming. On the death of his mother, in partnership with one of his brothers, he acquired the original farm and homestead where he remained for the rest of his lifetime. For many years after his return from the South African war Mr Mehrtens took a very active part as a member of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles. He was an excellent rifle shot, and was president of the Rangiora Defence Rifle Club for a number of years. In addition he took a great interest in the affairs of the Southbrook and Rangiora Miniature Rifle Clubs, and was an active member of both. He was a keen supporter of all sporting activities. but was always particularly interested in shooting. At the billiards table he had few peers, and it was by no means uncommon for him to record a three-figure break. He could always be relied upon to put up an excellent performance in the boxing ring. Mr Mehrtens was drum major of the Rangiora Brass Band for many years, and his fine upright figure clad in uniform and black busby will always be remembered by those who knew him. He was a director of the Cam Cheese Factory during the whole of its existence. He was a prominent Oddfellow and also served as chairman of the Southbrook School Committee. He was a very loyal member of -St John’s Anglican Church, and a member of the choir during the whole of his active years. The possessor of a fine bass voice, he was in great demand for public functions, and was always ready to give of his best for the entertainment of others. He is survived by his wife and daughter, Shirley. MR P. J. MCLEAN (From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, August 31. Mr Peter Joseph McLean, managing director of Duncan McLean,- Ltd., died at his home in Christchurch to-day, after a long illness. He was aged 78.He was a son of Mr and Mrs uuncan McLean, who arrived in Greymouth in 1884. He commenced his career with Duncan McLean, Ltd., at Greymouth. After his father’s death in 1919, he became managing director. Mr McLean took a prominent part in local body work. He was chairman of the Greymouth Harbour Board for 10 years, and a board member for 23 years. He was also a member of the Westland County Council for 20 years until his retirement before the last elections. He has also been a member of the Greymouth Borough Council and the Grev Hospital Board, of which he was chairman for some time, and a foundation member of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce, being chairman for a number of years. He was the treasurer of the Patriotic Society for many years. Mr McLean took a great interest in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the board of

managers of the St. John’s Church, Greymouth. He had been a Justice of the Peace since 1908.

He was also a member of the Greymouth jockey and trotting clubs, and as a youth took a prominent part in athletics. He was a foundation member of the Greymouth Rugby Club, and a keen supporter of the Greymouth Competitions Society and various debating societies. Mr McLean was keenly interested in farming, and was once a farmer in Hari Hari. He was a noted breeder of

Shorthorn cattle, Romney sheep, and Danish Berkshire pigs, and encouraged high-class breeding in South Westland. He js survived by his wife, formerly Miss Jean Dalrymple Gilmour, of Scotland. two sons, Duncan Gilmour and William Gilmour McLean, and one daughter, Miss Dorothy M. McLean, all of whom live in Christchurch.

MR F. WAITE (New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, August 30. The death occurred at Balclutha yesterday of Mr F. Waite, C.MG., D. 5.0., 0.8 E., well known in Otago as a farmer, member of the former Legislative Council, soldier, and historian. He was 67. Mr Waite was born in Mornington, Dunedin. He took up farming in Waiwera South. Soon after the outbreak of World War I he went overseas with the field troop of the New Zealand Engineers, Ist N.Z.E.F., and served on Gallipoli. He was twice wounded, twice mentioned in dispatches. and for gallantry was awarded the D.S.O. He was discharged with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

After the armistice Mr Waite was appointed an official historian, and wrote “The New Zealanders on Gallipoli.” He then resumed farming at Waiwera.

Mr Waite was elected as member of the House of Representatives for Clutha in 1925, and represented the electorate for six years. In 1934 he was appointed to the Legislative Council. FYom the outbreak of World War H he took a keen interest in patriotic work, becoming a member of the National Patriotic Council, and in 1940 was appointed Patriotic Funds Com - missioner ir the Middle East with the New Zealand Forces. For his services he was a orded the CMG. He was made a life member of Federated Farmers in 1948.

Mr Waite was installed as Master of Lodge Clinton in 1925, and he was also a foundation member of the Service Lodge. He is survived toy his widow and one daughter.

CAPTAIN A. T. NORTON (New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 30. Captain Albert Thomas Norton, a retired- Union Companv master, died in Wellington yesterday. He was 70. Captain Norton was born in London. His first command was the Koonya. in 1910. He was master of many of the Union Company's old and well-known ships, the Katoa, Paloona. Mokoia; the first Monowai, the first Wairuna. the Maheno, Moeraki, and the Tahiti. His last command was the Limerick. He retired in 1939. Captain Norton is survived by his widow.