OBITUARY Miss C. D. Humphreys

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32209, 30 January 1970, Page 2

OBITUARY Miss C. D. Humphreys

Miss Clara Dorothea Humphreys, who for about 56 years ran her family’s large home in Fendalton Road, died in Christchurch recently. The family home, which is known as “Daresbury,” was built by Miss Humhpreys’ father, Mr George Humphrays, in 1899. At that time the property included about 25 acres of land and garden and extended through to Straven Road opposite the Christchurch Boys’ High School. Although she was only about 16 when her mother died, Miss Humphreys took over the running of the home and during her time there she helped to entertain a large number of well-known and distinguished visitors, including King George VI, when he was the Duke of York. The home was also for some time the unofficial residence of Goyernors-General in New Zealand, and two who stayed there were Sir Cyril Newail and Lord Freyberg. After her father’s death in 1934, she remained at the home until 14 years ago when she went to live with her younger sister, Mrs F. A P. Kingscote. The only son in the family, Mr W. A. Humphreys died soon after the First World War. Miss Humphreys travelled widely overseas. She also owned the second motor-car which came to Christchurch.