OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26984, 9 March 1953, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR JOHN LANG (New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 8. Mr John Lang, one of the most brilliant scholars to study at the University of Otago, and a leading authority on constitutional history and law and licensing law, died in Dunedin on Friday. He was widely known as a solicitor, and had practised in Dunedin for more than 40 years. His association with Otago University extended from, his appointment as lecturer in constitutional history in 1912 until his retirement from that post about two years ago. Mr Lang was born in Scotland, and at an early age was brought to New Zealand by nis parents, who settled in the Dunedin 'district. He was dux of the Otago Boys’ High School about 1896, and subsequently graduated LL.B. and M.A. from Otago University. For his arts degree he took first-class honours in English and Latin. He was taken into partnership by. the late Mr J. A. Hislop, the firm being known as Hislop and Lang, and later as Hislop, Lang, and Paterson. For the last few years Mr Lang had been in practice on his own account. Throughout his life Mr Lang was an avid reader of the classics, and his grasp of languages was extraordinary. He was able to read the Norman French used by medieval lawyers, and his interest in constitutional law and history was inspired by this ability. Although his chief interest was in books and learning, Mr Lang in his early years was an outstanding chess and draughts player. He was also associated for some time with the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band and the Gaelic Society. He is survived by his widow, one son, and one daughter. MR THOMAS MARLOW The death occurred on Saturday of Mr Thomas Marlow, who was well known in the teaching profession in Canterbury. Mr Marlow arrived in New Zealand with his wife and family qf seven in 1912. He was then a retired schoolmaster. Born at Loughborough in 1863, he was educated at Cheltenham College, and was a headmaster in Yorkshire for several years before leaving for New Zealand. He was ardent church worker, and was an organist and lay reader for more than 40 years. Mr Marlow resumed teaching in New Zealand and after being headmaster of schools in North and South Canterbury, retired at, Clarkville. Mr Marlow is survived by three daughters living in Christchurch, two sons in Dunedin, and one son in New Plymouth.