OBITUARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 244, 12 September 1935, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR C. E. DEMPSY. Business circles in Palmerston NortK suffered a very severe loss when there passed away, shortly before midnight fast evening Mr Charles Dempsy, at the age of 73 years. News of his demise came as a shock tins morning to his numerous tads m this district and further afieid H was taken suddenly ill last Jmaay and his condition subsequently became nropressivelv worse until it cuimm FFed ni his death, which is deeply re f\Fr t over forty years the late Mr Dempsy has been a familiar and p minent figure in commercial circles at this centre, though reserved and. entirelv unostentatious in demeanou . He had an infinite capacity for solid application io the affairs of his business, was well-known to the older residents of Palmerston North, and. enjoyed an enviable reputation ror his integrity and probity. He was held in the highest respect for these qualities and his general capabilities, and, when it was sought, was always very ready to impart the benefit or his" counsel and wide knowledge to younger members of his profession. The late Mr Dempsy was n° m o at lloscrea, Tipperary, Ireland, in 1862, and was educated in Dublin. Entering mercantile life in the capital city ot his native State he qualified as a, book-keeper, and for nine pears field the position of accountant for different periods with two large Dublin firms. Leaving Britain, ■ the late Mr Dempsy then went to New Calabai, on the AVest Coast of Africa, as trading representative for Harrison and Co., merchants, of Liverpool, remaining there for two years. In 1889 lie came to New Zealand, travelling bv the steamer Orient to Sydney. "Early in the following year he bntered the service of Messrs J. Nathan and Co., Ltd., in Palmerston North, as accountant, but on the incorporation of the Manawatu .1 aimers Co-operative Association he was appointed secretary to that, company, a position which lie retained until the amalgamation with the united Farmers’ Alliance and the establishment of the United Farmers Cooperative Association, Ltd., of which he became secretary and subsequently. manager. AVhen this firm, ceased operations he commenced business on his own behalf as an accountant about twenty years ago, and rapidly built up a substantial practice. For many years he was connected with the Palmerston North (StarrBowkett) Building Society as a director and he lias had a long association witk tlie Manawatu Permanent Equitable Building and Investment Society both in that capacity and as secretary. It was due to his prudent management and able direction that the Manawatu Building Society built up splendid reserves and “was placed in a strong financial position. His firm undertook extensive auditing work for private businesses and for dairy companies. AVitli the demise of the late Mr G. J. Scott some sixteen years ago, the late Mr Dempsy was appointed DeputyOfficial Assignee for the district, retaining that responsible position ever since. He was joined in business partnership by Mr E. G. Litchfield in December of 1921. Tho late Mr Dempsy, as a member of the Masonic craft, was initiated in Lodge United Manawatu, No. 1721, E.C., being a past master, and he also belonged to the local lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, having been with both Orders for many yeans. He was formerly a member of the Palmerston North Bowling Club for a period. The late Mr Dempsy was married in 1890 to a daughter of the late Mr Francis Falkner, merchant, of Sandy Cove, Dublin, but his wife predeceased him on October 12, 1927. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs E. C. Shortt (AA'anganui) and Mrs I. 1. Hickson (Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North). There are two grandchildren, Miss Ethel Hickson and Peter Shortt. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends will be extended to the bereaved members of the family. The interment will take place at tlie Palmerston North cemetery to-morrow afternoon.