DEATH OF MR. R. J. BARTON

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 123, 27 May 1931, Page 10

DEATH OF MR. R. J. BARTON

A telegraphic message from Masterton states that Mr. R. J. Barton, of Upper Plain, who was well known in Wellington and the Wairarapa district, died suddenly yesterday morning, aged 51 years.

The late Mr. Barton, who was a son of the lato Mr. and Mrs. John Barton, of Trentham, was educated, in Wellington and at the Wanganui Collegiate School. Tor some years ho was engaged in farming at Mataikona, East Coast, and later acquired the Upper Plain property known as "Tapia." At the time of his death he was president of the Mas tor ton A. and P. Association, and a member of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union. Ho was a foundation member of the Tinui-Whakatahi Rifle Club, and a member of the Opaki Rifle Club. Mr. Barton was well known as a mountaineer, and his namo was given to Barton's Track, on the way to Mitre Peak in the Tararuas. "Earliest New Zealand," a book written by him, was founded mainly on journals and correspondence of his great grandfather, the Rev. John Butler. Ho was a member of the Masterton Chess Club. Mr. Barton married a daughter of the late Sir James Hector, and there is a family of five sons and ono daughter. Messrs. F. B.vrton (Lansdownc), Roy Barton (Featherstou), and Wilfred Barton (Trentham) are brothers.

One first offender for drunkenness Wiis convicted and discharged by Mr. T. 11. Collman, J.P., at the Mount Cook Police ■Court.