OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 27, 27 October 1926, Page 10

OBITUARY

MR. F. PIRANI It is with very deep regret that wc record the death vesterday of Mr. bredcrick Pirani. Not so very many years ago there were few names better known to the public of New Zealand than that of Mr. Pirani. In those days—the early davs of the Seddon regime—Air. Pirani was one of the most incisive, and vigorous critics in our Parliamentary life. Even in a House distinguished for its debating power he was a recognised force, and maiiv a battle royal did he tight with the then Prime Minister. He sat in Parliament for several vears, but finally lost his seat and could never regain it, though he put up some strenuous fights against odds. Out of politics he rendered marked service on various local bodies, especially m the field of education, and more particularly as chairman of the Wanganui Education Board for a great many years. As a champion of progress in educational methods and administration, the value of his work was widely recognised and appreciated. He was a man of tremendous energy, fearlessly outspoken, and possessed of an amazing capacity for work. By profession a journalist, he was hampered to some extent Tn a successful advancement of his own interests by the extent to which he devoted his’ energies to public affairs. Mr. Pirani arrived in New •Zealand wtb his parents in 1864, and in due course served his. apprenticeship to the printing trade in the Wanganui “Herald” office under Mr. Ballance, afterwards Premier of New Zealand. With his brother he purchased the “Manawatn Standard” in 1891, and carried it on until 1903, when ill-health compelled him to retire. Later he purchased the Feilding “Star,” and later still became associated with the Newspaper Proprietors and Master Printers as their advocate in industrial disputes. A few vears ago he joined the literary staff of The ’DOMINION, and was a member of it at the time of- his death, which occurred somewhat unexpectedly after a brief illness. Mr. Pirani was twice married, and in addition to a grown-up family by his first marriage, leaves a widow and little son to mourn their loss.