Obituary MR W. E. M. JACOBSON

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28425, 4 November 1957, Page 12

Obituary MR W. E. M. JACOBSON

Mr William Edward Moxley Jacobson, one of Canterbury’s best-known country journalists, who was editor of the “Akaroa Mail” for more than 40 years, died suddenly at Hororata yesterday. He was 70. Mr Jacobson was to have attended services yesterday afternoon at Hororata and Glentunnel and gatherings afterwards to which residents came to bid farewell to his son, the Rev. W. W. Jacobson, who will leave soon for England alter four years as vicar of Hororata.

The son of Mr and Mrs H. C. Jacobson. pioneer settlers on Banks Peninsula. Mr Jacobson was born and educated at Akaroa, and received his early training in journalism with the “New Zealand Herald,” “The Press,” and the “Canterbury Times” before becoming editor of the “Akaroa Mail” in 1911. HiS father had founded the newspaper in the early eighties when he came to New Zealand after service in the Royal Navy. One of tne best-known and most respected residents of Banks Peninsula, Mr Jacobson had a wide and varied record of service on public bodies in the Akaroa district. He was awarded in 1953 the Coronation Medal for public services.

He served for many years as churchwarden and synodsman of St. Peter’s Church, Akaroa, and at the time of his death was vicar’s warden. He was a past master of the Phoenix Lodge. Akaroa. Organisations in which he held office included the Akaroa Progress Association, the Akaroa Regatta Club, the Takamatua Horse Sports Association, the Banks Peninsula Cocksfoot Growers' Association, and the Banks Peninsula Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was a prominent Rugby footballer and was captain of the Banks Peninsula representative team for a number of years.

Mr Jacobson relinquished editorship of the “Akaroa Mail” in 1953. when he sold the newspaper to Mr E G. R. Dobbie. On retirement both Mr and Mrs Jacobson received a number of gifts from many residents of Banks Peninsula.

Tn 1913. Mr Jacobson married Miss Florence Corbett, of Invercargill. He is survived by his wife and by his youngest son. the Rev. W. W. Jacobson. Two elder sons. Flying Officer G. H. Jacobson and Sergeant Dennis Jacobson, were killed on active service in tb*> Second World War. The funeral will be held at Akaroa on Wednesday afternoon.

MR L. M. WILLIAMS (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. November 3. Mr L. M.->-.J7Vjlliams. assistant secretary of the -Treasury, died suddenly on Friday He was 55. Mr Williams had served with the department throughout his career, starting in 1918. He served for three years as finance officer with the High Commissioner’s Office in London. Mr Williams is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.