Chch Journalist, Mr L. R. Hobbs, Dies

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31540, 30 November 1967, Page 16

Chch Journalist, Mr L. R. Hobbs, Dies

A well-known Christchurch journalist and author, Mr Leslie Raymond Hobbs, died suddenly at his home last evening. He was a member of the literary staff of “The Press” for 25 years, and for the last seven years was cable subeditor of the Christchurch “Star.”

Mr Hobbs, who was educated at St Bede’s College, joined “The Press” in 1933 and resigned in 1958 to join the New Zealand “Free Lance.” He was on the staff of the Southland “Times” between 1936 and 1937. In the Second World War Mr Hobbs served in the Middle East and Italy with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. He left! New Zealand with the 10th I Reinforcements in 1942. Ini Italy he was editor of the! | “2nd N.Z.E.F. Times,” the j weekly newspaper produced I for the troops. From 1947 to 1949 Mr Hobb represented “The Press” in the Parliamentary Press Gallery. When he returned to Christchurch he was cable sub-editor. Mr Hobbs was the author of three books. His first, “The Wild West Coast,” published in 1959, was reprinted several times. He wrote of some of his war-time experiences in “Kiwis Down the Strada,” which was illustrated by the photographer George Kaye and the cartoonist Nevi ille Colvin, who had also i served in Italy. Mr Hobbs’s third book, “The Thirty Year Wonders.” was published last week. It

is a study of the great men of the New Zealand Labour Party between 1935 and 1965. For nearly 20 years Mr Hobbs was the New Zealand correspondent of “Time” and “Life.” He was also New Zealand correspondent of the "Daily Mail,” London, for several years. Mr Hobbs was a past presi-

dent of the Canterbury-West-land Journalists’ Union and of the New Zealand Journalists’ Association. He wrote the 50th anniversary history of the N.Z.J.A., and was awarded its gold badge for notable service. Mr Hobbs is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters.