MR A. WORSLEY DEAD

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28155, 19 December 1956, Page 16

MR A. WORSLEY DEAD

SERVICE TO MUSIC IN CHRISTCHURCH DISTINGUISHED CAREER For many years a well-known personality in Christchurch musical circles, Mr Alfred Worsley died in Christchurch this week. He was 79. Born at Chorton-upon-Medwick, a district of Manchester, Mr Worsley showed a remarkable aptitude for music as a child, and gave his first public performance at the age of eight, playing the organ at St. Christysom’s Church, Manchester. When he was 16, he was engaged professionally as organist at this church. At the age of 14, Mr Worsley won a scholarship to Manchester University, then called Owens College. He studied pianoforte playing under W. H. Dayas, a distinguished pupil of Liszt, and

became a member of the National Society of Professional Musicians. He gained a diploma, with distinction, in 1898, at the age of 22. Shortly afterwards, he was engaged to accompany the violinist. Sir Arthur Catterall, and he later accompanied other well-known artists, including Blanche Marchesi, Robert Radford, and Francis Harford.

Mr Worsley came to New Zealand in 1911 as assistant organist to Dr. J. C. Bradshaw, and from then on concentrated on organ playing. In 1929 he was elected an honorary fellow of the Royal Manchester College of Music

Mr Worsley held many musical appointments in Christchurch during his career. In 1916, he was appointed first conductor of the newly-formed Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, a male orchestra formed by a group of wellknown city musicians. This orchestra of 65 players accompanied a choir of 550 voices under Mr Worsley’s direction during the Peace Celebrations at the end of World War I in 1919. For 25 years, Mr Worsley was music master at St. Andrew’s College where he became well known for his productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, many of which he himself transcribed for boys’ voices. He was also organist and choirmaster at St. Mary’s Church. Merivale, for 20 years. He conducted the* Christchurch Liedertafel for 20 years, and the Christchurch Liederkranzehen for 17 years. In later years, Mr Worsley was organist and choirmaster at St. Mark’s Church, Opawa, from which position

he retired in 1954. . He was also a vice-president of the Christchurch Civic Music Council. Mr Worsley is survived by his wife, and two sons, Mr R. F. Worsley, of Papanui, and Mr C. E. Worsley, of Takapuna, Auckland. LT.-COL. W. HOLDERNESS The death of Lieutenant-Colonel William Holderness occurred recently ar Exeter, Devon, England. He was educated at Christ’s College and was a son of Robert Fitzroy Holderness, of Christchurch. He began his military career as lieutenant in the College Rifles in 1908, and in 1911 became a second lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment. He served in the 1914-18 war and rose to the rank of major. He saw further service in Afghanistan on the North-West frontier when he was awarded the Military Cross in 1919. Lieutenant - Colonel Holderness served in Palestine in 1937. During World War 11. he served in Egypt until 1941 as Lieutenant-Colonel with the Royal Sussex Regiment. He had special appointments from 1941 until 1946. when he retired. Lieutenant-Colonel Holderness was the brother of the late Mr Drummond Holderness who was formerly superintendent of the Auckland Harbour Board, and Mr Humphrey Holderness, a former chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board and a director of the New Zealand Shipping Company. Lieutenant-Colonel Holderness is survived by his wife. SIR NORMAN MYER MELBOURNE, December 18. One of Australia’s leading businessmen, Sir Norman Myer, died today, aged 59. He was chairman and managing director of the Myer Emporium, Australia’s largest department store. He was also a director of many companies. A World War I veteran. Sir Norman Myer received his knighthood in the last Queen’s birthday honours.