OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 68, 14 December 1944, Page 6

OBITUARY

Mr. W. H. Field The death occurred in Wellington yesterday of Mr. William Hughes Field, a well-known barrister and solicitor, who was for many years member of Parliament for the Otaki electorate. Mr. Field, who was 83 years of age, underwent a minor operation recently. Born at Aramoho. 'Wanganui, he was the son of 'Mr. Henry Claylands Field, C.E., was educated at Wellington College and was the winner of a junior university scholarship in 1880. He practised the law throughout his adult life in Wellington. for many years as senior partner in the firm of Field, Toogood and Luckie. At one time he occupied himself a good deal with Maori affairs, being well versed in Native law, and possessing a workable knowledge of the language. He represented Otaki in the House of Representatives for two periods, first from 1900 to 1911 and then from 1914 till bis retirement in 1935,

As a voting man. Mr. Field was a very active advocate of life in the open. He was for some years captain of the Star Boating Club, and was a successful senior oarsmen in many races in Wellington and Pieton. He was also. keen, on tramping, and even mountaineering. He was foundation member’ of the Tararua Tramping Club. With his father, a civil engineer. he made the original exploration of “Field’s Track” between Wanganui and the Knrioi plains. He also pioneered the trail from Otaki to Greytown which iiecame known as the Mt. Hector track. He occupied a seat on the Wellington Education Board for 20 years, was a member and sometime chairman of the Wellington College Governors, and for several years was on the board of the Wellington Technical College. His farm at Waikanae, between the township and beach, was a mecca for all lovers of nature, and there he showed, by prudent planting of the right shrubs and trees, how land might be reclaimed from the sandy stretches above high-water mark. He was also a member of the Tongariro National Park Board. Mr. Field leaves a widow, u sister of a distinguished artist. Miss Francis Hodgkins, England, and herself an artist of ability, two daughters. Miss I. Field and Mrs. AV. N. Phnrazyn (at present of Washington, D.C.), and three sons, Flight Lieutenant G. A. H. (“Peter”) Field. D.F.G. aiid Bar. Geoffrey and John Field, both of Waikanae. Mr. G. Springhall Mr. George Springhall, managing director of Armstrong and Springhall. Ltd., Wellington, died on Tuesday evening in the Dunedin Public Hospital. Mr. Springball, who was aged 58. was born in Sydney. where he was educated. He came to New Zealand 22 -cars ago as general manager of the Remington and Ronco Agency of N.Z., Ltd., the name of which was changed to Armstrong and Springhall. Ltd., in 1928. Mr. Springhall was chairman of directors or .Miller and Springhall. Ltd., Wanganui, and had interest iu several other companies. He was the second master of the AVilliam Ferguson Massey Lodge, No. 282, and was founder and first master of the Herbert Teagle Lodge of Freemasons, No. 300. He was a member of the AA clleslcy and Central Clubs, the Commercial Travellers’ Association, the council of the Automobile Association, and at one time the Rotary Club. Mr. Springhall made frequent trips to Australia. America and England. Air. Springhall leaves a widow and two children. Lieut. L. G. Springhall. at present on furlough in New Zealand, and Mrs. McQuarrie Bear, Australia.