OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 189, 9 May 1934, Page 10

OBITUARY

Mr. Francis Kitto, J.P. At his home at 21 Laing's Road, Lower Hutt, the death occurred last night of Mr. Francis Kitto, aged 81. Mr. Kitto came to Wellington about 57 years ago, and for a long time lie was well known in his business of tailor. He was at one time secretary of tlie Trades and Labour Council, and was president of the Victoria Bowling Club and the old St.. James Football Club, and was connected with several other sports bodies. Up to his death he was one of the oldest members of the Independent Order of Rechabites. His widow predeceased him. _ He leaves three sons, Mr. A. C. Kitto, of Wellington; Mr. Erie Kitto, of Petone; and Mr. Keith Kitto, who is stationed as a surveyor in Borneo. Mr. J. L. Morrison Mr. John Laird Morrison died on Sunday at the residence of bls son, Mr. William Morrison, King's Crescent, Lower Hutt. The late Mr. Morrison, who was 83 years old, was born in Scotland, and arrived in Wellington from Liverpool about 62 years ago. He at once interested himself in the New Zealand flax industry, and was connected with ropemaking ventures in Petone, Island Bay, and Kent Terrace. He acted as hemp grader for the port of Wellington on behalf of Wellington merchants prior to tlie grading-being taken over by the Government. Mr. Morrison also owned flaxmills at Spring Creek. Blenheim, Foxton, and Bulls. In later years he had a stock and station agency business in tlie Hutt Valley in the days when stock sales were regularly held at the rear of the Grand National Hotel, Petone, the Taita Hotel, Lower Hutt, and the Provincial Hotel, Upper Hutt. Mr. Morrison was also well known as a land valuer, and acted as an assessor in many cases, notably for landowners when the Government took over the Wellington-Manawatu railway. lie was a well-known figure in the Native Land Court aud had many friends among the Maori race. Later lie was interested in farming in the Nelson district. being the owner of the Patuke station of 20,000 acres at D’Urville Island. French Pass, where the family still possesses mining rights. In the’ early days of cricket Mr. Morrison played for tlie Petone senior team and afterwards was a well-known patron of the sport. Mr. Morrison is survived by his widow and five sons and four daughters, tlie sons being Messrs. J. H. Morrison (Miramar), William Morrison (Lower Hutt). F. R. Morrison (Wellington), C. S. Morrison (Petone), and R. H. Morrison (Heretaunga). The daughters are Mrs. M. E. Morrison, Mrs. McSeverney.. Miss Edith Morrison, and Mrs. B. M. Black, all of Wellington. Mr. Ronald Keith Lyon Widespread regret will be expressed at the news of the dentil of Mr. Ronald Keith Lyon, which took place at his residence, 228 The Terrace, yesterday morning. Mr. Lyon, who was born in Wellington, was a son of Mrs. Lyon and the late Mr. W. D. Lyon (one of the most, accomplished amateur actors amt entertainers Wellington lias known) He was accountant and manager to tlie firm of Aubrey (limiter and Company. of Featherston Street, witli which firm ho was associated for nearly thirty years, dating back to tlie time when the firm was known as Gualtcr. Dykes aud Company. When Mr. Janies Dykes resigned the secretaryship of tlie Wellington Savage Club, Jlr. Lyon was appointed in his stead, and carried on witli credit up till recently. Mr. Lyon did not aspire to follow in his father’s footsteps as a performer, but he was happy in the congenial atmosphere of tlie Savage aud “Charley’s Aunt” Clubs, and was always conscientious and courteous when entrusted witli official duties He is survived by his widow. Mrs. Edith 11. Lyon.