OBITUARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12252, 6 April 1935, Page 7

OBITUARY.

“GRANDMOTHER OF THE FILMS” (IJ.P.A, by Elec. Teh Cooyriglit) (Received April 5, 11 p.m.) LOS ANGELES, April 5. The death is announced of Mrs Ruby Curran, 91 years, known professionally a,s Ruby Lafayette, and often called “the grandmother of the films.”. She played character parts in hundreds of productions, the most recent being ‘‘Grand Hotel.’’ MR. JOHN HOLDSWORTH. The death occurred recently in England of Mr. John Holdsworth, father of Messrs. B. J. and C. G. Holdsworth, of Poverty Bay. The late Mr. Holdsworth was over 80 years of age and resided for most of liis life in Havelock North where he built the well-known Swarthmoor residence.

When living at Havelock North, Mr. Holdsworth was well known lor his great hospitality extended to all conditions of people, and lor this reason, together with his manifold other qualities, he was beloved of a wide circle of friends throughout New Zealand. During his lifetime he took a very great interest in the activities of the Friends of New Zealand, being a prominent figure at the conventions of that body. He was a keen gardener and horticulturist and the splendid grounds of “Swarthmoor” bear witness to his enthusiasm and zeal in this connection.

His first wife was a daughter of the late Mr. John Chambers, of Te Mata, and of this marriage there were three children —Mrs. E. V . Nairn, of Omakere, Messrs. B. J. and C. G. Holdsworth, of Gisborne His second wife, whom he married in England, was: Miss Hodgkins, of Treworgan, Cornwall, the daughter of Dr. Hodgkins, a well-known historian and writer and herself an artist and writer of repute.

To the surviving relatives the deepest sympathy in their sad bereavement will be extended.