OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 29, 4 February 1931, Page 14

OBITUARY

MR. A. J. RUTHERFURD

Widespread regret will be felt at the death of Mr. Alexander John Rutherfurd, which occurred at his • residence, Moroa, Alfredton, on Monday night. The late Mr. Rutherfurd, who was 79 years of age, had been in indifferent health for some years. The son of the late Lieut.-Colonol Henry Rutherfurd, of tho Bengal Artillery, ho was born in England in 1852, and came to New Zealand in 18G0. He was educated at Dunedin, and attended Otago University. After engaging in farming in Otago for some years he removed to Alfredton, where he had resided ever since. For 36 years Mr. Rutherfurd was employed in tho Civil Service, and was for many years Assistant Clerk of the House of Representatives, in which capacity he proved himself to be a thoroughly efficient and popular officer. When he resigned in 1913 the House in Committee was deprived of the presence and services of one who had been an integral part of the Parliamentary machine. Mr. Rutherfurd joined the House stafi as a junior clerk in 1879, and then became Record Clerk, and in 1889 second clerk assistant. In 1898 he was promoted clerk assistant and held that position until he resigned in 1913. During the whole of his connection with Parliament he was regarded as an authority on Committee procedure and as one of the most capable and popular of the numerous band of Parliamentary officials. Of a kindly and retiring disposition, the late Mr. Rutherfurd took a keen interest in nature in its various phases, and contributed many interesting notes on his personal observations to various papers and journals. He was actively associated with the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, of which he was secretary for many years. He was later elected, a -life member of the society in recognition of his invaluable work and persistent efforts to further its interests over a lengthy period of years. The late Mr. Rutherfurd is survived by a widow and three daughters—Mrs. F. Harden (New York), Mrs. B. M'Kay (Alfredton), and Miss A. Rutherfurd (Alfredton).