OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1935, Page 5

OBITUARY

MRS E. R. MCCOMBS

FITTING TRIBUTE PAID.

(Per Press Association, Copyright)

CHRISTCHURCH, June 7

Mrs E. R. McCombs, M.P. for Lytteltcn, aged 62. Slie had been in ill-heaith for some months. Mrs McCombs leaves a record of national and civic service, that "'ill remain an inspiration for generations. First ,as a wife and able helper of the late Mr James McCombs, and then, on her own account, as the representative of the women of New Zealand in Parliament.

She gave of her best in public service during her years in Parliament. Her supporters and admirers—and tlmy ran into mayy thousands —saw with anxious eyes that, on each successive public appearance, this indomitable woman was becoming more and more fragile. The gallant spirit that had carried her :so- far in her brilliant career was undaunted, hut many saw her strength wa.s being overtaxed, that she was sacrificing herself on the altar of service to her fellows.

She was a greatly loved and respected woman, -and <her admirers, of all shades of political opinion, above all recognised her active sympathy for the less fortunate, and indeed this was what actuated her throughout her public life.

Mrs McCombs is survived by a son, Terence H. McCombs, and one daughter, Alison Patricia. .McCombs. Other members of Mrs McCombs’ family are Miss Alice Henderson, for nearly forty years a missionary of the Presbyterian Church in India; Mis s Christina Henderson, a well-known social workers; ami Nil’s E. E. .Allan, lady editor of the -Melbourne “Argus,” sisters; and Mr A. G. Henderson, editor of the Christchurch “Tinms,” a brother.

Mrs McCombs,the first -woman to gain a seat in the New Zealand. Parliament, was the widow of Mr J. McCombs M.P., whose scat in the House she gained at the by-election following his death. She was a veilknown social and church worker, aird lmd.been a member of several local bodies in Christchurch.

LONDON, June 6

The death is recorded of .Viscount Byng, of Viniy, a noted soldier and, a former Go vernor-Ccneval of Canada. Be had a distinguished war record in Egypt and Europe. He was horn in 1862.

The death has occurred at Gore of. Mr Janies Beattie, aged -95 - ybnrs, Southland pioneer, who arrived in New Zealand in 1862. He was one of tWe founders of the firm of Thomson and Beattie, and was an ex-Mayor of Gore.

AIRS. W. PATRICK

The death took place yesterday afternoon at the residence of her daughter, Airs Patrick, widow of the late Mr William Patrick, l>oth well-known residents of Okarito district over a large period of years. After retiring from business in Okarito for some years the deceased had resided at Hokitika, but after the dvath of her husband, she returned to Okarito where she has since resided. Deceased had suffered a stroke j some six months ago and had been in very frail health since. She was a native of Dublin and 85 years of age. She leaves a family of one son (Mr Maurice Patrick of TetahoV and four daughters (Mrs .Tame 3 Donovan of Okarito, Mrs T. Condon of Tatare, Mrs Autheman of Watnroa and Mrs T. Wallace of Stillwater). Many friends throughout the district will regret bypassing and extend sympathy to the family.