OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 95, 16 January 1943, Page 7

OBITUARY

Mr. W. H. P. Barber

One of Wellington’s prominent citizens for over half a century, Mr. M illiain Henry Barber, died at a private hospital in Wellington yesterday morning at the age of 85. ... . Born in Wellington, Mr. Barber was educated at St. Petefs School. He began his business career in the firm Of llis father, Barber and Co., dyers, and ultimately took it over. His services to New Zealand and to Wellington included representation in Parliament of the Newtown, Wellington South, electorate from 1902 to JOOS, and be was defeated on a second ballot by Mr. K. A. Wright. Mr. Barber was a member of trie Wellington City Council for 20 years, and took a close interest in all municipal affairs. Ln addition, he was a member of (he Hutt Valley Electric Power Bonn! for many yours, retiring from that position in, 1933, Mr. Barber’s business interests, in addition to those of Barber and Co., were many. Up to the time of his death he was chairman of the Wellington M oolleu Manufacturing Co., of the former Wellington Deposit, and Mortgage Co., and of the Wellington Opera House Co. In all these enterprises he took an active ijiterest. His work for education was highly valued. He wits chttirmtin of the Wellington College Board of Governors front 1921 to 1931. mid wits also a member ol the Kauri Timber Royal- Commission. .It is said that Mr. Barber was the pioneer of motoring in New Zealand, for lie had the first, ear in Wellington. He was made a life member of Ute Automobile Association, and was an active motorist, holding and using his driver's licence right up to the last, lie was it line oarsman in his day, and a member of the Wellington Rowing Club. Mr. Barber married Miss Emily Clarke, of Somerset. England, in 1579. She predeceased him many years ago. Mr. Barber had three sons, Messrs. Allred. Leonard. of Auckland, and Roy Barber, Palmerston North, and two daughters;. Mrs. Atoniiticr. Wellington, and Mrs. Day, Palmerston North, who till survive him. He had lived for some years til Waikanae, where he was aide to enjoy fiis deep interest in horticulture.