OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 41, 12 November 1936, Page 12

OBITUARY

Mr. A. W. Newton

KNIGHT OU ORDER OT ST. OLAV

The dentil occurred tit. his residence. 62 Bowen Street. Wellington, tit 7 o’clock yesterday morning of Air. Alexander AV. Newton, of the firm of Alessrs. John Newtou and Son. Ltd., Kaiwarrti.

The lute Air. Newton, who was 69 years of age. was born at Glasgow. Scotland, and came to New Zealand with his parents in LSB4. Tlie following year the late Air. John Newton, betid of the family, initiated at Kaiwarrti Hie business which still bears his name and in which his descendants are still interested. When Air. .John Newton, through increasing years, was compelled to give up the more arduous duties it was his son, the late Air. A. AV. Newton, with his partner, Mr. Berger Lynneberg, who carried on. The business was formed into a limited liability company in 1903. Mr. Newton was a gifted member of a very talented family which played an important part in the cultural and social life of AVellington at the end of the last century and later. In 1906 Mr. Newton was appointed Consul for Norway for New Zealand and island possessions, and the mandated territory of AVestern Samoa, a position he held until 1935, when, through failing health, he had to resign. The position was then assumed by Air. John Halligan. Mr. Newton was prominent in the field of athletics. He was an expert racing rider in the days of the tall “penny-farthing” bicycles, just before the inventions of tlie “safety” bicycles (as Hie new low-wheeled and pneuma-tic-tired cycle was called), and was the winner of several road events and also races on the Basin Reserve. But his prowess in Hie field of sport was best shown in his ability as an oarsman. A man of splendid physique, and with the right spirit behind it. lie rose to be Hie stroke of the Star Boating Club’s senior regatta crew, and worthily upheld the honour of that club in many regattas all over the Dominion. He was afterward made captain of the club, by which his memory will long be revered, for not only was Mr. Newton a first-class oarsman on the sliding seat, but he was also always one who looked on the sunny side of things and lie was held in deep affection by all who rowed with or against him. Air. Newton was also a talented entertainer and one of that bright group of amateurs which included the late Air. Alorris Fox. Air. Tom Sayers, Air. ¥. J. Hill. Air. H. E. Nicholls and Air. AV. D. Lyon. Air. Newton was a member of the first AVelliugtou Amateur Operatic Society and made a distinct hit on liis first appearance with an eccentric dance as the Goblin Steward in I’la liquet te.'s opera "Rip Van AVinkle.” In later years lie played the leading comedy roles in such operas As "San 'Toy,” ‘Ta it I J ones,” "Trial by Jury” and “The Geisha.” .Members of the Newton family were also prominent in a performance of "Roll Roy.” Air. New!on was a prominent member of the old AVellington Dramatic Students. who played many delightful comedies by Tom Robertson and A. AV. Pinero. He was one of tlie happiest chiefs that the AVellington Savage Cluli has ever had. His wit and raillery in the chair and his perfect bonhomie on all. occasions always stood him iu good stead. Ho played many parts in Savage Club entertainments and for some years was a leading performer and a member of the committee. Air. Newton was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. In return for his faithful service as Consul for Norway, Air. Newton was created a knight (first grade) of the Order of St. Olav.

Tlie name of Newton will long be perpetuated in AVellington. for it was Mr. John Newton who donated Hie “Rest un’ l>e Tliant'u’” garden seats one mi'ets in Hie parks and reserves of Wellington. That gift to the people of tliis city typified tlie kindliness of heart and thought for others that was natural to both father and sou. Air. Newton leaves a widow (formerly Aliss Wastney, of Nelson), one son. Mr. Donald Newton (a director of the firm), ami Misses Ailsa and Helen Newton. His only brother, Mr. John Newton, died about five years ago. His sisters were Mrs. McDuff Boyd. Hastings. and Misses Nellie, Mary and Jessie Newton. Of these only Airs. Boyd and Miss Alary Newton survive. The funeral will leave the residence for Karori at: 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.