OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 9, 6 October 1941, Page 8

OBITUARY

Mr. A. S. Ballinger Mr. Arthur Samuel Ballinger, a well-known Wellington business man and sportsman, died on Saturday. Mr. Ballinger, who was aged 80, was . one of the best rille shots New Zealand has produced, and during his career as a marksman won many major contests, including three New Zealand championship belts. His career started in the school cadets in 1872, and his national successes came nt Trentham in 1893, at Auckland in 1897, and again at Trentham in 1907. He tied also in 1895 with his brother, William H. Ballinger, who had previously won the title in 1879. William won the shoot-off. His third victory gave him flic belt outright. He then presented it again for competition. Today, the belt, known as the Ballinger Bell, goes each year to the winner of tlm King’s Prize at the National Rille Association's meeting. It can, however. no longer be won outright. The late Mr. Ballinger was a mem her of the Petoue club fur more than 30 years, and till a few seasons ago he was competing successfully in minor association meetings and club competitions. He was also a member for many years of the Wellington Bowling Club Mr, .1. J. Rodgers The death has occurred al his home in Upper Hutt of Mr. John Joseph Rodgd’rs. aged 65. He was a wellknown teacher and had retired from the lieadmastersliip of. I he Clyde Quay School at the end of lust year. Mr. Rodgers was Hirst assistant at. Island Bay School for a number of years, and then was successively headmaster at Upper Hutt. Kilbirnie. ami Clyde Quay, holding the last-mentioned position for seven years. In his younggr days Mr. Rodgets was a keen sportsman, playing football and winning Wellington representative honours on the cricket Held. In later years he devoted much of his leisure time to bowling, being a member of the Ilataitai Club for about 12 years. Mrs. Rodgers died some years ago. and there is one son and one daughter.