DEATH OF NOTED LAWYER

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27263, 2 February 1954, Page 10

DEATH OF NOTED LAWYER

Sir Arthur Donnelly EMINENT RECORD IN SPORT

Sir Arthur Telford Donnelly, K.8.E., C.M.G., one of the most eminent figures in law, business, and sport in New Zealand, died yesterday morning after an operation. He was 63 years of age. Big in physique and broad in his outlook, he was a popular figure throughout the Dominion, and for many years was a distinguished member of the legal profession in Christchurch.

The elder son of the late Mr Michael Donnelly, also an able barrister and a genial figure, Sir Arthur Donnelly was born in Christchurch and educated at the Marist Brothers’ school (now Xavier College), St. Mary’s Convent School, the Christchurch Boys’ High School, and Canterbury University College, where he graduated bachelor of laws. Admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1911, he was in partnership with his father from 1913 to 1916, when he left for France as a sergeant in the Otago Regiment, with which he served until 1919. He was one of the few New Zealanders who escaped without harm from the Battle of Passchendaele.

On his return to New Zealand he joined the firm of Raymond, Stringer, Hamilton, and Donnelly, now Raymond. Donnelly, and Brown, and in 1920 at the early age of 31 was appointed Crown Solicitor, a position he held at the time of his death, sharing cases with his partner, Mr Alan Brown. Perhaps his most celebrated criminal case was the Mouat trial, in which a verdict of manslaughter w*as returned* He had a reputation for complete fairness and a desire to see justice done. He also took a prominent part in many important civil cases, and ranked high among the. commercial lawyers of the Dominion. With a robust voice and a superb command of language, gained by deep reading, he was a distinguished figure in the courts.

Nationally-Known Figure Although his character and ability were long established in Christchurch, it was not until 1932 that Sir Arthur Donnelly became a nationally-known figure. He was appointed arbitrator in the Christchurch tramway strike in that year. In 1935 he was appointed by the Forbes Government to the directorate of the Bank of New Zealand. He became chairman in 1937 and held the position at the time of his death. As chairman of the Economic Stabilisation Conference in 1940, his prestige grew because of his patience in obtaining harmony among the divided interests represented. He was later chairman of the Stabilisation Commission during the war, and also acted as a special tribunal for the South Island for conscientious objectors.

In 1939 Sir Arthur Donrielly was created a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. He was knighted in 1949, being created a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Sir Arthur Donnelly’s record as a sporting administrator was exceptional. Although only an average cricketer, he gave fine service to cricket. Except when he was away at the war, he was a member of the manegement committee of the New Zealand Cricket Council from 1913 to 1937. He was chairman from 1928 to 1937 and retired from the presidency of the council in 1949. He was one of four life members appointed by the council. One, Mr D. E. Wanklyn, died recently.

When chairman of the management committee Sir Arthur Donnelly joined T. C. Lowry’s New Zealand team during its tour of England in 1931 as supervising manager. With Sir Arthur Sims he represented New Zealand at the Imperial Cricket Conference. By his contacts, and his personality and diplomacy, he succeeded in removing difficulties affecting visits to New Zealand by M.C.C. teams. He was a member and president of the West Christchurch Cricket Ciub for raaxy years, having joined when he left school, and was patron at the time vt his death.

Interest in Racing I Racing and trotting also benefited from his enthusiastic association with them. He was for a term chairman of tile Canterbury Jockey Club, after acting as a steward and treasurer for many years. At the time of his death he was a steward of the club and frequently acted as chairman of its judicial committee. He was at one time a steward of the New Zeaf land Metropolitan Trotting Club. In ’ addition he sat as an appeal judge for L both the Racing and Trotting Coni’ ferences. In partnership with the i late Mr Wanklyn, Sir Arthur ; Donnelly raced Re volte, and their 1 colours were also carried successfully p some years ago by Lockit. The last : horse they raced was a Faux Tirage 1 two-year-bld, Duel. Beside being chairman of directors : of the Bank of New Zealand, Sir Arthur Donnelly was also chairman of the board of Beath and Co. Ltd., a director of New Zealand Newspapers Ltd.; and New Zealand Breweries, Ltd.. ; Charles Begg and Company., Ltd., Norvic Shoes, Ltd., and a Canterbury director of the trustee department of theJiew Zealand Insurance Company, i Ltd.Sir Arthur Donnelly was unmarried. His brother. Mr lan Donnelly, has been eaitpr of the “Timaru Herald” since 1939; and he is also survived by his sister, Miss Jane Donnelly. ME HOLLAND’S TRIBUTE “AN EMINENT SON AND KINDLY FRIEND” “New Zealand has lost one of its most worthy citizens, and Christchurch in particular, has lost an eminent son who was also a genial and kindly friend to all,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holland), in a tribute yesterday to Sir Arthur Donnelly. Mr Holland described Sir Arthur Donnelly as an eminent man of law and a keen sportsman, but above all a man who never spared himself when there was a service to the community to be carried out. Recalling Sir Arthur Donnelly’s work during the depression and in the war years. Mr Holland said that sucn was his modesty that few persons knew the extent of those services. There were no reservations, political or otherwise, in his public service, he said. Mr Holland, who is at present at his farm, “Greta Paddock,” will come to Christchurch today. / Tomorrow he will attend Sir Arthur Donnelly's funeral. The Government will also be represented at the ‘funeral by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr J. T. Watts). MR S. B. SIMPSON : The death occurred suddenly on Thursday last of Mr Sidney Barton Simpson. He was 58. Mr Simpson, a son of Mr and Mrs William Simpson, who both predeceased him, was born in Ashburton in 1896 and was educated there. He served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the 191418 war and on his return to New Zealand joined the firm of A. S. Paterson and Company, Ltd., in Christchurch. He resigned from that company to make a trip abroad, during which he visited the united Kingdom and the Continent. Returning to New Zealand, Mr Simpson set up in business on his own account as an importer. In his younger days Mr Simpson was a keen tennis player and was a ‘foundation member of the Elmwood Tennis Club, with the organisation of to do - He belonged xe inland Club and was for wtnany years interested in debating as •K? member of the Forensic Club. In r years his main sport was golf. | slr'K V ' a P°P ular member of the I ch Golf Club for many I Simpson, who was widely 13r ked rss P ected » was unmarried.