OBITUARY.

Grey River Argus, 22 November 1927, Page 6

OBITUARY.

HON. MR JUSTICE ALPERS. WELLINGTON, Nov. 21. The death occurred to-day at his residence, 26 Aurora Terrace, of the Hon. Mr Justice Alpers, in his 61st year. His health began to fail about 18 months ago, but in spite of a serious illness, he continued his judicial duties until a few months ago. Oscar Thorwald Johan Alpers was born at Copenhagen in 1867, and came to New Zealand at the age of ten. He was unable to speak English, but attended a school in Napier and before he was actually thirteen, had learned English and qualified for a pupil teacher. He entered Canterbury College in 1884 on a scholarship, coming under the notice of Professor MacMillan Brown. He graduated for the Bar in 1887, and won the John Tinline Scholarship in English literature. Ho took his M.A. Degree in 1888 with first class honours in Latin and English literature. He assisted Professor Brown as lecturer in history. He wrote extensively for several notable English magazines and was leader writer for the Christchurch Press. He was assistant master for several years at the Christchurch Boys’ High School He edited the Canterbury College Ivhx mes. He was noted also as an amateur actor. The late Mr Justice Alpers took up law’ and was admitted to the bar in 1904. He practised successfully in Timaru and Christchurch, where he achieved distinction in criminal cases. He was prominent in recruiting ir. Canterbury during the War and he was made a life member of the ’Returned Soldiers’ Association. He married in 1911 a daughter of the late Henry Ruse, of Dunedin, w’ho is left w’ith two sons and - daughter.