Obituary Mr J. W. K. Lawrence

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30653, 20 January 1965, Page 5

Obituary Mr J. W. K. Lawrence

The death occurred recently of Mr John William Kenneth Lawrence, well known as a public accountant in Christchurch. He was 88. The eldest son of Mr W D. Lawrence, a prominent early settler in the Ellesmere district, he was born at Ravensworth, near Leeston, and was educated at Leeston. In 1890 he began work with the Christchurch accountancy firm of Messrs Olliver and Grierson, and 20 years later began business on his own account. Mr Lawrence was one of the earliest members of the Christchurch Society of Accountants and of the Christchurch Stock Exchange. Later he was joined in partnership by two of his brothers and others, and the business continues today. Though not outstanding as a competitor, Mr Lawrence was an enthusiastic supporter of most athletic sports. Unfit for combat duty in World War I he joined with others similarly situated and privately assisted fighting men and their dependants. When a young man he was an enthusiastic member of the College Rifles, the Canterbury Rowing Club, and the Christchurch Football Club. He was one of the early sportsmen to appreciate the fishing attractions of the mouth of the Rakaia, then only reached by bicycle. An active member of the Christchurch Club for more than 40 years, Mr Lawrence took a responsible interest in Its management. He was a committee member for many years, and the club’s treasurer for a long period. Mr Lawrence is survived by two brothers—Mr H. S. Lawrence, of Christchurch, and Mr C. W. Lawrence, at present in South Africa.

PRAVDA, the Soviet Communist Party newspaper, has declared war on bureaucracy. Careless or crooked bureaucrats need more than a gentle scolding, It said, suggesting criminal prosecutions for bureaucratic juggling of figures and reports.