OBITUARY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27495, 1 November 1954, Page 12

OBITUARY

MR J. GOFTON Mr John Gofton, formerly wellknown as a member of the Christchurch musical firm of Webley Sons and Gofton, Ltd., died in the Christchurch Public Hospital yesterday morning. He was aged 84. Born at Woolston in 1870, Mr Gotten was educated at the Woolston School. He was apprenticed to the musical trade with Milner and Thompson, Ltd., more than 70 years ago. After serving his apprenticeship, he spent some years in Australia in the same line of business. On his return to New Zealand he represented a number of South Island firms as a traveller in musical instruments, specialising in pianos.’ With the late Mr Will Webley, he founded the firm of Webley Sons and Gofton, Ltd., early this century. From its original premises in Gloucester street toe firm moved to High street in 1920. The firm went out of business 1939 after the death of Mr Gardening was Mr Gofton’s main hobby. In his earlier days he took an active interest in racing on the old penny-farthing bicycle. He is survived .by his wife, three daughters—Eleanor (Mrs Kirkbride, Auckland), Alice (Mrs C. A. MacFarlane. Wellington) and Edie (Mrs H. E. Westwood, Greymouth)—and a son, Mr John Gofton. MR W. G. MACDONALD Mr William George MacDonald, who has been a resident of Ashburton for 80 years, died bn Saturday. Mr. MacDonald was born at Elgin, Scotland, in 1869 and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1874. His father, Mr James MacDonald, set up business as a tailor which was carried on by his son, William, who later took into partnership Mr R. M. Dunlop. The firm specialised in making band uniforms and received orders from all over New Zealand for making the kilt. Mr MacDonald was one of the early pupils of the Ashburton Borough School. He was a competent cornetist and was a foundation member of toe Ashburton Orchesttal Society, a member of the Ashburton Temperance Band, one of the founders of the Ashburton Scottish Society in which he took a very active interest. Mr MacDonald was a member ot the Ashburton Volunteer Rifles, in which he served for more than 21 years and held the rank of colour-sergeant. He had a particular interest in foe St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. He was on its board of managers, was an elder for many years and for a period he was conductor of the choir.

He is survived by his widow, two sons and a daughter.