DEATH OF BARONET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 27 May 1944, Page 5

DEATH OF BARONET

PRIEST SUCCEEDS TO TITLE ' Christchurch. May 26. The death occurred to-day of Sir Walter Lovelace Clifford. The heir to the baronetcy is the Rev. Father Lewis Clifford. S.J., Sir Walter's nephew, who is at present serving as a chaplain with the British Army in the Middle East. The next heir to the title is Father Clifford’s brother. Mr Roger Clifford, formerly of Christchurch, and now of Waipukurau. Sir Walter Clifford celebrated his ninety-first birthday on 20lh May. He was 85 when he succeeded his nephew, the late Sir Charles Clifford. Sir Walter, who was a civil engineer by profession, was born in Wellington and educated at Beaumont College. England. He was the engineer of a particularly difficult section of the Midland Railway line beyond Springfield. On the death of his father he became part-owner of Flaxbourne Station, with which his family had been so long associated, and he managed it with success till the greater part of it was acquired by the Government for closer settlement. Sir Walter was a member of the Centerbury Jockey Club for over 50 years and a member of the committee from 1920 to the time of his death. He raced horses many years ago. but had not figured as an owner for a long time. His wife died before Sir Walter succeeded to the baronetcy and there were three daughters—Mrs W. Wallis, who lives near London. Mrs Shirreff-Holton. Christchurch, and the late Mrs A. Brustad, Christchurch.—P.A.