OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 225, 19 June 1936, Page 12

OBITUARY

Mr. John Francis Wallis The death occurred at his residence, 194 Oriental Parade, Wellington, early yesterday morning of Mr. John Francis (Frank) Wallis, a member of an old Wellington family, aud a man of sterling character. Mr. Wallis, who was born in Nairn Street, was a son of the late Mr. William Wallis, who lived there for many years. On leaving the Te Aro School, Mr. Wallis became an apprentice to the engineering trade at S. Luke and Sons’ foundry, then situated at Luke’s Lane (off Manners Street). After serving his time there he went to Glasgow (Scotland) for further engineering experience, and later went to sea as an engineer. Ou his return to New Zealand lie was offered a. position in tile Railways Department, and became one of the heads of the signalling and electrical branch. While in that employ Mr. Wallis, was of nn inventive turn of mind, conceived several alterations in the system of tablet exchange, which were adopted by the department. Mr. Wallis, who was 65 years of age. retired on superannuation some five years ago, since when Ire has lived in retirement at Oriental Bay.

Mr. Wallis leaves a widow (nee U. M. Eglinton, daughter of Mr. Henry Eglinton, formerly of the Wairarapa and Hutt Valley). There is no family. Messrs. F. W. and A. Wallis, of Wellington. are brothers of deceased, and Miss Wallis, Mesdames Turner, Gilbert? R. Ramsay and A. Ramsay are sisters. Mr. Wallis was a member of (lie Victoria Bowling Club, the Savage Club ami the Ins(itufe of Marine Engineers.