OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 283, 27 August 1935, Page 16

OBITUARY

Mr. George W. Bowron

One of the best-known men in the commercial circles of New Zealand, Mr. George William Bowron, passed away at Dunedin this morning, aged 65, says a Special Service message. Mr. Bowron was born at. Fernside, near Rangiora. When 18 years of age he entered the employ of the National Bank.- In 189 S he joined Mr. Harry Guthrie, the mercantile firm of Guthrie and Bowron being thus started. Some years later the business was formed into a company and rapidly expanded throughout New Zealand, having an office in each of the chief centres and owning its buildings in Wellington and Auckland. Mr. Bowron looked after the sales, and by general consent did that duty very capably. It is no exaggeration to state that he knew every toivii and village in the Dominion. He retired from the company in 1929, but continued to take an active interest in goldmining, being a director of the Okarito, Waitahu, Nokomai and other companies. He married Miss Catherine Yorston, who survives her husband. There are also two sons.

Mr. Barry Coney The death occured at Auckland of Mr. Barry Coney, who was for forty years a well-known figure in the musical life of the Dominion, says a Press Association message. He was vicepresident of the Society of Musicians and a member of the Teachers’ Registration Board. He was an adjudicator at many competitions, and his baritone voice was well-known to radio listeners.

Mr. Coney was well known in Wellington, writes “H.P.,” and had sung in oratorio and concert in this city on many occasions within the last quarter of a century. One of his best performances years ago was that of “Lucifer” in Sullivan’s “The Golden Legend,” which he sang on three occasions in Wellington. He also sang the role of Hiawatha in the first theatrical presentation of Coleridge Taylor’s work of that name here in 1929. He was also the leading baritone in Berlioz’s “Damnation of Faust,” Vincent Wallace’s “Maritana,” Handel’s “Messiah,” and Verdi's opera, “Aida.” Mr. Coney was a pianist of ability, but was really at his best as a ballad singer. His artistry was of finer quality than his vocal equipment, and that quality of mind and heart served him as an interpreter of German lieder, French Chansons, and English ballads. He had a robust Bohemian disposition; a keen sense of humour, and a nice gift of narrative. Wherever musicians and singers meet in New Zealand. Barry Coney will be missed.