OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 98, 28 April 1941, Page 9

OBITUARY

' MR. LAURENCE F. WATKINS

Many friends in musical and ecclesiastical circles throughout the Dominion will regret to learn of. the death of Mr. Laurence Frederick Watkins, formerly organist and choirmaster of St. Mark's Church, Wellington, whim took place on Saturday evening.

Mr. Watkins, who was in his 77th year, w.as born at Akaroa, being a son of the late Mr. Stephen Watkins, the well-known artist. He was educated at Akaroa and at Canterbury College, where he graduated as bachelor of music, being the first organist and second musician in New Zealand to gain that distinction. For some years he was housemaster at the Cathedral Grammar School, Christchurch, and assistant organist at Christchurch Cathedral. His first church appointment Was that of organist at the Papanui Anglican Church. He was accompanist for the Christchurch Liedertafel.

He came to Wellington in June, 1896, when he was appointed organist and choirmaster £t St. Mark's Church, Dufferin Street, a position which he held with distinction for 43 years. On his retirement in September, 1939, he was given a farewell and presentation by the parishioners at a notable gathering. From 1896 to 1939 Mr. Watkins was music master at Wellington College, and also for some years at the Wellington Girls' College and at St. Pat-

rick's College, Buckle Street. He was one of the first presidents of the Wellington Music Teachers' Association, and was the composer of many compositions for choir, organ, and string quartet. Apart from being ■» skilful organist, Mr. Watkins pre* -d St. Mark's with many original .umpositions. These included a collection of chants and hymn tunes, the music for the Holy Communion Office (now used in many churches throughout New Zealand), the words and music for a special hymn sung at St. Mark's golden jubilee in 1926, the words and music of the church day school song, and an anthem sung not only at St. Mark's, but also in other churches, or the occasion of the late King George's Silver Jubilee in 1935. The music of Edith Howes's "Seasons" song cycle was also composed by him. He also acted as judge at many competitions throughout New Zealand.

In 1898 Mr., Watkins married Miss Minnie Hamerton, eldest daughter of the late Mr. R. C. Hamerton, former Public Trustee and organist of St Mark's. He is survived by his widow and two sons —Major Wynne Watkins, who is now on service with the Second N.Z.E.F., and the Rev. Neville Watkins, vicar of St. Luke's. Wadestown. Brothers and sisters of the late Mr. Watkms^are Mrs. T. Eastcott (Wellington), Mr. G.iWatkins (New Plymouth), Mrs. H. Beadel (Christchurch), Mr. I. Watkins (Tauranga), Mrs. R. A. Hamerton (Kelburn), Mr. H. Watkins (Sydney), and Mr. Eric Watkins (ftjjramar) The funeral service will be held at St. Luke's Church, Wadestown, at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.