OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 96, 24 April 1935, Page 11

OBITUARY

MR. H. D. ATKINSON

An old and respected Wellington resident, Mr. Harry Dunstan Atkinson, died at his residence, York Bay, yesterday, at the age of 78 years. He was for many years clerk to the Hutt County Council and was the eldest soniof the late Sir Harry Atkinson, at- one time Premier of New Zealand. ■: Mr. Atkinson's fine,character and strict probity earned' for him the highest respect of all who came in contact with him. Before his retirement, in the 'various offices he held he gave very, valuable" service to the community. Of latter years he was an' invalid and more recently ; his health began to fail. The late Mr. Atkinson was born at Hurworth, in the Taranaki Province. He was educated at various private schools in New Zealand and in England, after which he took up farming in New Zealand, and later market gardening. In 1892 he was appointed inspector of works and clerk to the Hutt County Council and he held that position until August, 1917. Three years later he was elected a county councillor. He was re-elected in 1923 and for some-time was chairman. He retired ,in 1930. Mr. Atkinson was also secretary of the New "Zealand Counties' Association from its inception in 1894 and was treasurer for a long time as well. '

Mr. Atkinson had an, extensive knowledge of' county affairs and of the Hutt County". He was closely associated with a- number of' major works, including the bitumen-surfac-ing of the Hutt Road. :

' Mr. Atkinson is survived by his widow and two brothers, Mr. Alfred Atkinson, of York Bay, and Mr. H. T. Atkinson^ The funeral took place at Karori Cemetery this afternoon, a service being held in the crematorium.