OBITUARY

Evening Star, Issue 25679, 31 December 1945, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR F. H. STAKES The death occurred suddenly at, Wanganui on December 19 of Mr Frederick Herbert Stokes, aged 67 years.. A musician of talent, well-known to Dunedin, Mr Stokes was educated at the Christian . Brothers’ School in this city. He was appointed organist of St. Joseph’s Cathedral at the early age of 15, and occupied that position for many years. On leaving school he was appointed musical director of Messrs John Fuller and Sons’ theatrical enterprises, Dunedin, being stationed at the old Alhambra and later the Princess Theatre (now the St. James) for 27 consecutive years. In 1927 Mr Stokes was appointed musical director of the Majestic Theatre, Wanganui, a post he held until 1929, when progress in cinematograph- presentation brought the speaking voice and music to the screen. For tne past - 18 years he had been organist of St. v Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Wan-

ganui. In addition, he had been associated with many city dance bands and orchestras, and had given unselfishly of his time and talents to many deserving causes! Mr Stokes was also a painter of some talent. He is survived by his wife, a son (Mr S. J. Stokes, Wanganui), and a daughter (Mrs G. Bourne, Castlecliff). <

MR THEODORE DREISER

(Rec. 9 a.m.) HOLLYWOOD, Dec: 30. The death is reported of the author, Mr Theodore Dreiser, from a heart attack. Mr Dreiser, who was t 74, had had a distinguished literary career, and was associated with many of America’s leading journals. He was at one time editor of ‘ Smith’s Magazine,’ and editor-in-chief of the several But.terick publications Later ho became editor of the ‘ American Spectator.’ He wrote many novels, plays, essays, and other works, the best-known of which was ‘ An American Tragedy,’ which was filmed.