OBITUARY

Grey River Argus, 16 June 1936, Page 4

OBITUARY

An old and highly respected resident of Christchurch, who had many friends on the West Coast., passed away late on Sunday night, when Mrs Maria O’Connor, of 1-17, Barbtidoes Street, died. Deceased, who was (ho relict Of Edward O’Connor, was inlier S2nd year, and had been in failing health for a number of year.'. In the last few mon.hs, her illness took a turn for -the worse, and her passing was not unexpected. The deceased lady's husband for many years taught in the Catholic- schools in Christchurch, later opening uhe Catholic Depot, opposite the Cathedral f the Blessed Sacrament, which depot is still carried on by the family. The late Mrs O’Connor leaves to mourn her loss five sons. Rev. Father John O’Connor, S.M. of Whangarei, Messrs Patlick, Leo, Bernard and Josepir O’Connor; and two (laughters, Misses Mary and Katherine (all of Christchurch). The daughters, who are choirmistress and organist respectively at the Catholic Cathedral at Christchurch, are noted for their musical attainments and were frequently heard in Greymouth. The interment, following Requiem Mass at the Cathedral, takes place to-morrow ar. 9.30 a.m., and will be attended bv a number of the West Coast clergy. MR Q. K,. CHESTERTON. (Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, June 13. Thp death has occurred of Mr G. K. Chesterton, the author, journalist and lecturer, aged 62 years.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton, F.R.S.L., was born at C’ampden Hill, Kensington in 1874, and received his early education at St. Paul’s School, later attending classes at the Slade School. He reviewed art publications for “The Bookman” for “The Speaker” when he completed his college education, and later contributed articles to almost every London publication of standing. Hn has published a great number of books, embracing satire, poetry, novels and auto-biographies and religious subjects. Many of his subjects are treated epigramatically, and he has for years enjoyed a large following in Britain, the Dominions and America. In 1911 he produced his first play. “Magic”. He founded and edited “G.K.’s Weekly,” a popular English publication, and recently had also edited “The New Witness.” Chesterton undertook lecturing tours in the United States in 1921 and 1931. and his ready wit has won for him a great reputation as a speaker. In 1925 the honorary degree of L.L.D.. was conferred upon him', by Edinburgh University, and in 1934, the Pope created him Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory, an honour rarely conferred on laymen. In 1934, he became a member, ns a distinguished man, of the Anthenaeum. In 1901 the latp Mr Chesterton married Miss Francis Blogg. His stories of “Father Brown,” detective novels are amongst his best-known works. Probably he will best he remembered by his historical polemic and politico-economic writings, which are remarkably voluminous. His political philosophy rendered him a powerful critic of modern capitalism, and he 1 more than perhaps any other writer gave an impetus to the movement in Britain known as Distributism, which ■aims at a restoration of relatively small properties among all sections, in place of present-day monopolies.