LADY PARR’S DEATH

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 36, 6 November 1933, Page 10

LADY PARR’S DEATH

11l for Considerable Time PASSING IN AUCKLAND By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, November 5. The death occurred last evening of Lady Parr, wife of Sir James Parr. She had been ill for a considerable time. Lady Parr had been associated with her husband in the public life of New Zealand for over a quarter of a century and her attractive personal qualities gained her ti very wide circle of friends. She was born at Thames in 1875 and was a daughter of the late Mr. W. Cunbell Haszard, who, with his parents, came to New Zealand in 1859 from the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. The Ilaszards were among the American Loyalists who, at the conclusion of the War of Independence, refused to take the oath of allegiance to the new republic. They were given a grant of land by King George 111 at Prince Edward Island, to which they emigrated 150 years ago, and many of their descendants are still iu possession of these lands and are prominent in the life of the province. Lady Parr is well remembered as the young Mayoress of Auckland during the four years from 1911 in which her husband was mayor, and she took part in the ceremony of the opening of the 'Town Hall and many other civic activities. The Great War commenced during Sir James mayoralty and she played a considerable part in the formation of various patriotic committees, which were responsible for the raising of about £BO,OOO in the first year of the war. These committees subsequently developed under the regime of Sir James Gunson into the present Patriotic Association. She took a great interest in the work that fell to her lot as wife of a Cabinet Minister when Sir James Parr attained that rank in 1919, and for seven years she gave him efficient help. Again in London, where Sir James went as High Commissioner for New Zealand m 1920, her tact aaid charm as hostess at the receptions she inaugurated, extending hospitality to hundreds of New Zealand 'visitors, made her three and a half years’ term a memorable one. It is. on record that as many as 500 guests at a time attended some of these functions. Her untiring activities in London undoubtedly undermined her health and finally resulted in the severe illness which she suffered on a visit to Melbourne early this year. She had not recovered from this illness when she returned to Auckland recently. Lady Parr is survived by her husband, "a son, and four daughters. The son is Mr. John H. Parr, a member of the firm of Parr and Blomfield, Auckland, and the daughters are Mrs. Adrian Epps, of Brisbane, Mrs. Eric Stevens. Nelson. Miss Betty Parr, Auckland, and Miss Christina Parr, who is completing her education at Nelson. Mr. James Allan The death occurred at bis residence, King Edward Street, Lansdowne, Masterton, suddenly on Saturday morning of Mr. James Allan, principal of the firm of Allan aud Co., states a “Dominion” Special Service message. The late Mr. Allan, who was 53 years of age, was a native of the Orkney IsfandA Scotland. At the age of 15 years he went to Australia with his parents and about 30 years ago came to Masterton, where he lived until the time of his death. He took a keen interest in the Masterton Beautifying Society, of which he was treasurer, and was also a past president of the Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society. For a number of years he was president of the Masterton Park Tennis Club, and at the time of his death held the position of patron. He was also a delegate from its inception in 1925 of the Wairarapa Lawn Tennis Association, and always gave valuable assistance at the association’s annual tournament. As a foundation member, past president, and keen supporter of the Masterton Winter Sports Club he did a great deal to foster table tennis in the district. Other organisations with which he was connected include the Masterton Chamber of Commerce, Wairarapa Caledonian Society, Masterton Golf Club, Masterton A. and P. Association, and the Oddfellows’ Lodge. Being interested in educational affairs, Mr. Allan was a member of the Lansdowne School Committee for about 20 years. Mr. Allan’s wife predeceased him two vears ago, and he leaves a family of one son, Robert, and four daughters, Mrs. L. W. Gibbs, and the Misse-s D., N., and G. Allan, all of Masterton. Mr. Jacob C. Russell The death occurred at the Lister private hospital yesterday afternoon of Mr. Jacob C. Russell, who retired from the service of the Wellington City Council iu December last, after having been superintendent of overhead equipment of the city electric tramways since their installation. Mr. Russell had not been in good health for a few months past. Mr. Russell was born in Denmark during the Prussian-Danish war. at. the conclusion of which he accompanied his parents to Japan, where his father was employed in the installation of some of the first telegraph services in that country. When ten years of age he was sent to Denmark to be educated, and later rejoined his parents at Vladivostok, where he was employed by the Great Northern Telegraph Company. Subsequently he was transferred to Shanghai, and after being a year in that city was transferred to New-castle-on-Tyne in the same service.. Mr. Russell next decided to try his fortune in Australia, and was employed in the installation of electric tramways in Hobart in 1895. In 1900 he came to New Zealand, and was at once engaged by Messrs. Turnbull and Jones on electrical work in connection with the gold dredges then operating on the Clutha and Molyneux. In 1902 he joined the service of Messrs. J. G. White and Co.. who built the Auckland electric tramway system, and when that job was completed his services were secured by Messrs. McCartney, McElroy and Co., contractors for the WeUington electric tramways. In 1904 he was appointed by Mr. W. R. Wright, then tramways engineer and manager, overseer on construction work. Later, when the service commenced, Mr. Russell was appointed superintendent of overhead equipment, and, on the death of Mr. Gardiner, he was also made permanent way superintendent Mr. Russell was also engaged on work in connection with the city’s adoption of hydro-electric power, on the low-ten-sion reticulation, in connection with tlie change-over to the new voltage, and also on the installation of the many sub-stations in the city. Glowing tributes to his services to llw city wore paid by Mr. M. Cable j

(general manager of the department), Mr. G. Lauehlan (assistant general manager). Mr. R. 0., Petersen (chief accountant), and others on his retirement on superannuation a year ago. Mr. Russell leaves a widow. There is no family. Mr. W. T. Irvine The death occurred suddenly at Waipukurau ou Thursday of Mr. William Torrance Irvine, in his 80th year. He was for many years well known in the sawmilling business. Mr. Irvine was born at Gourock, Scotland, and came to New- Zealand at the age of 19 years, arriving at Napier. He began clerical duties with the firm of Robjohns and Irvine, the latter being an uncle, aud later he became a partner in the firm of Banner and Irvine, merchants. Later still Mr. Irvine was in business with Mr. Alexander Davidson. SubseqentJy he removed to Dannevirke, and. later again, to Palmerston North, practising in those two places as an accountant aud insurance agent. While in Dannevirke lie became interested in swamilling, lind he was the first secretary of the Dominion Federated Sawmillers’ Association. He was interested in the sawmilling business until he retired iu 1920 owing to ill-health. For some years bis health had not been good. Mr. Irvine married the daughter of the late Captain Russell, of Dunedin, in 1880. He has left two sons and six daughters—Messrs. W. T. Irvine (Masterton) and Russell Irvine (Dannevirke), Mrs. G. W. Wright and Mrs. G. C. Beckett (WeUington), Mrs. A. M Ryan (Taihape), Mrs. L. G. Harker (Waipukurau). Mrs. H. IJouglas (Napier). and Mrs. G. P. Natusch (Launceston). Another daughter, Mrs. 8. Tansley. of Wellington, died two years ago. The funeral took place at Dnnnevirke on Saturday.