OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 257, 27 July 1936, Page 10

OBITUARY

Mr. Oswald S. Watkins The death occurred at the Hobson Street private hospital, Wellington, yesterday afternoon of Mr. Oswald S. Watkins, J.P., bead of the firm of Watkins, Hull, Wheeler and Johnston, auditors and accountants, Wellington. Mr. Watkins had not been well for the past year, and entered hospital on Monday last, where he had a seizure from which he did not recover. Mr. Watkins commenced his business career as county clerk to the Akaroa County Council, Canterbury. On leaving that body, he entered the service of the old Colonial Bank, and ou the business of that institution being taken over by the Bank of New Zealand, he entered the service of that bank and rose to be accountant of its Wellington branch. He relinquished his position to commence in business on his own account as an accountant and auditor, and was the founder of the firm of Watkins. Hull, Wheeler and Johnston. Mr. Watkins had many interests in the commercial life of this city, and by his probity, kindness and courtesy held the regard and respect of all who came in contact with him. Among the positions he held was the chairmanship of the Wellington Trust, Loan and Investment Company, Ltd., the Mutual Life and Citizens’ Assurance Company, the C. and A. Odlin Timber and Hardware Company, Ltd., the Victoria Laundry and the Kelburne-Karori Tramway Company. In racing circles he was also very well known, both as an owner and one who took an active part in the administration of racing in New Zealand. He was vice-president of the Wellington Racing Club, president and life member of the New Zealand Racing Conference, and a trustee of the general trust fund of the conference. Mr. Watkins was also one of the sinking fund commissioners of the Wellington Harbour Board, and local director of the Guardian Trust and Executors Company of New Zealand. He was a member of the Wellington Club, and a life member of the Wellesley Club. Mr. Watkins, who was 73 years of age, was one of a family of 10, and the first member of the family to die. Mr. Lawrence S. Watkins, organist and choirmaster at St. Mark’s Church, is a brother, and Miss Gladys Watkins, Wellington’s carillonist, is a sister. He leaves a wife, who was formerly Miss Margaret Mary Masefield, of Akaroa. She is a connection of the English poet. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s at 9.15 o’clock to-morrow morning, the interment, a private one, taking place afterward at Karori Cemetery. Mr. William Macalister The death occurred yesterday morning of Mr. William Macalister, aged 76 years, a former Crown solicitor and chairman of directors of the Southland Times Company, Limited, for the past ten years, reports a Press Association telegram from Invercargill. Mr. Macalister joined his brother, who was practising as a barrister and solicitor, in 1896, and in 1909 he was appointed Crown solicitor, a position which he held till 1925, when his son, Mr. Horace Macalister, succeeded him. He was a member of the Southland Education Board from 1597 to 1914 and was chairman in 1899 and 1905. He was a member of the High Schools Board from 1897 to 1914 and was chairman from 1902 to 1914. He also served a term on the Invercargill Borough Council. The Southland electric power scheme was also enthusiastically supported by him, and in the days preceding its adoption, when it was a burning public question, he addressed many meetings in Southland. The Ohai Railway Board, which today is in a flourishing state and which has done much for the development of the district in which its line operates, benefited considerably from Mr. Macalister’s advice and experience in local body legislation. As solicitor to the Southland County Council he framed the Southland Land Drainage Act, which was entirely new legislation and which overcame a great many legal difficulties relating to the drainage, of farm lands. He was the foundation president of the Invercargill Rotary Club, a foundation member of the Southland League, and in more recent years he founded the society for the study of economics. The League of Nations and the League of Nations Union also had his enthusiastic support. He is survived by his wife, one daughter and five sons. Mr. J. W. Boulton, Levin The death has occurred of Mr. John Weatherley Boulton, one of the oldest settlers of the district, states a “Dominion” Special Service message from Levin. Mr. Boulton, who was 73 years of age, was born at Lawrence, Central Otago, and after marrying Miss Elizabeth Burroughs, of Westland, where he lived for some time, ho settled in Levin 40 years ago. He was a member of the Rechabites Society and an active supporter of the Horowhenua A. and P. Association. Mr. Boulton is survived by one son, Harry, of Levin, and four daughters, Mrs. S. Hooper, and Mrs. J. Edlin. of Levin, Mrs. E. Joll, of Kuku, and Mrs. M. Cunliffe, of Wellington. One son was killed in the Great War.