DEATH OF MR. H.S.M'KELLAR

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 22, 25 July 1912, Page 8

DEATH OF MR. H.S. M'KELLAR

The death occuired" in Wellington this morning of Mr. Henry Scott M'Kellar, an old and much respected resident of Wellington for many years, who was for the greater part of his life in the Cue- j toms Service. Tha deceased geutleman, who was iv his 79th yeai, .was the second son of th« late Dr. Dugald M'Kellar, for some years medical officer at Madeira. Ho was born at Battersea, Surrey, and was educated at the famous Bluecoat School (Christ's College), Loudou. After being in commerciid life in London for some time he left for New Plymouth with hi» mother, and arrived there in December, 1852', in the barque St. Michael, Captain Prance. It was that vessel which brought out the Imperial despatches relating to the Constitution Act for New Zealand, the Hon. Edward Portman being in charge of them on the voyage. His father 'had died five yeaT« previously. • Mr. M'Kollar engaged in. farming pursuits in Taranaki for a time/ und then entered the Customs Department at New Plymouth. He displayed great tact and ability in the discharge of hi« official duties, and in the course of time he was promoted to the position, ol Collector of Customs at Christchurch, from which city he was transferred to Auckland, aud thence to Wellington. When the late Mr. William Seed re--tired on pension Mr. M'Kellar succeeded him sis Secretary of Ctifitoms, and held the appointment until he retired in 1892. After a trip to the Old Country Mr. M'Kellar settled at Palmerston North, and resided there until a, year ago, when he came back to live m Wellington. For some years he had been in delicate health, but he did not become seriously ill until a week ago. Death occurred this morning at tie residence of Mr. Charles Barraud, Gladstone-ter-race. The deceased gentleman was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Be took a keen interest in Anglican Church matters, and for over thirty years was a member of the Wellington Diocesan Synod. He was also secretary of the Melanesian Mission. He was a widower and leaves two daughters, Mrs. Noel Barraud, of Paekakariki, •formerly of Palmerrfton North, and Mrs. Oswald Ponritt, of tie latter town. Mr. Dugald M'Kellar, of Kelburne, who succeeded him as Collector of Customs in Wellington, Mr. Edward M'KeUar, of Brighton, England, Mr. Alfred M'Kellar, of Chrietchurch, and Mr. James S. M'Kellar, of New Plymouth, are his brothers. His only sister is Mrs. F. L. Webster, of New Plymouth.