OBITUARY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 95, 22 April 1908, Page 7

OBITUARY.

A WELL-KNOWN WELLINGTON JOURNALIST.

By Telegraph. — Press Association.— Copyright. (Received April 22, 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, 21st April. 'Mr. Rous-Marten, the New Zealand journalist, died suddenly from heart failure.

The late xMr. Charles Rous-Martco, the news of whose death will be received with general regret, was a manysided man. A 'journalist by profession, he gained also wide reputation both in music and mechanics. His father was Mr. William -Marten, a well-known Invercargill resident, who died a few years ago in Wellington. Mrs. William Marten is also dead, but two of her daughters reside in Bolton-street in this city. Mr. R.ous-Marten's earlier year 3 were- spent in Invercargill. Developing a great interest in railway mechanics, he joined the Railway Department, in which h© quickly rose, and for some time held an appointment as stationmaster in a country district. About thirty years ago ho left Invercargill and joined the literary staff of the Evening Post, rising by degrees to tho position of sub-editor, and afterwards of chief, in which position he was Succeeded in 1883 by the late Mr. E. T. Gillori. His next position was that of editor of the New Zealand Times, and while in this capacity he acted also as special correspondent to several leading newspapers. About tweniy-five years ago he married Miss Hickson, daughter of the late W. Hickson, an early Wellington merchant. There were no children of the marriage. Nearly twenty years ago he went to London, and there set up an office as Home correspondent, in which, capacity he acted for the Evening Post. He secured a sufficient connection, and continued at this work until his death. Mr. Rous-Marten's letters were always interesting, and incidentally reflected the many interests which occupied his mind— science in general, music, all matters concerning the Church of England, of which ho was a devoted member, and railways. In music he was an enthusiast, and his knowledge of the classics and their composers was very extensive. Naturally, his musical criticisms were of more than ordinary value. He was a member of St. Peter's Church choir in this city. In England he still continued to take great interest in railways, on which he was a' recognised authority, and a contributor of articles to the technical press. He enjoyed at times, both 'in England and on the Continent, a privilege granted, only to a chosen few— that of travelling on the footplate with the driver when engines were making trial trips. 'Altogether, Mr. Rous-Marten gave an example of tho •"strenuous,"- as well as the useful lifo.