DEATH OF MB. VERNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13486, 13 May 1907, Page 6

DEATH OF MB. VERNE.

'AN OLD- PUBLIC SERVANT. General regret was expressed on Saturday when it became known that Mr.' Francis Egerton Severne, governor of the Mount Eden gaol, had passed away somewhat suddenly early that morning, after an illness of only two or three days' duration. " The deceased, who by the zealous and conscientious discharge of his duties had made himself one of the most respected of public officials, had suffered about a year ago from a severe attack of angina, pectoris. He appeared to have almost recovered from this, but a'few days ago the complaint re-appeared in a mild form. Early on Thursday morning lie experienced a serious attack. He.was treated by Dr. Bull, and up till Friday night he appeared to be progressing favourably, but | that night he suffered a relapse, and he breathed his last early on Saturday morning. The late Mr. Severne had reached the age of 66 years, he having been bom in Derby in 1841. He was the son of Mr. Francis Severne, a barrister. He was educated privately in Pembrokeshire (Wales), and as a young man he came to New Zealand in the ship Queen of the Deep, landing at Auckland in 1864. Early in the following year ho went to Hokitika, and for a time carried on farming.; Agricultural . pursuits did not long claim his attention, for in 187:2 he joined the prison service. He filled the position of prison clerk at Auckland until 1883, when he'was appointed governor of the late Nelson gaol. He remained there for eight years, and was then transferred to Napier. He received the appointment of governor; of Mount Eden gaol on February 1, 1900. Mr. Severne was thoroughly devoted to his work, and during the whole period of his connection with the public service— 35 years -—he never took a holiday. He was also probation officer for the Auckland district, and in carrying out the duties of this office! as well as those of gaoler, he gained a considerable insight into the general characteristics of all classes of criminals. He was not an admirer of the prison camp system, but he was a strong supporter of the policy of instructing prisoners in useful trades, and thus affording them an opportunity of following useful and honest callings after paying the penalty of their misdeeds. The advantage of this system has been exemplified in many instances during the time of Mr. Severne's term of office at Mcunt Eden. Although a strict disciplinarian deceased had a kindly nature, which was manifested in many directions in his < dealings < with prisoners under his . charge. Others who were brought; into contact with him also never failed to be; impressed with' his largeness of heart and his many estimable qualities. The late Mr. Severne's wife, who survives him, is the daughter of Mr. J. J. Robinson, an English solicitor. He leaves four sons and one daughter (Miss Mabel Severne). The sons are Mr. F. L. Severne, of the staff of the Chief , Inspector of Schools, at Wellington; Mr. G. E. Severne, of the Auckland Inspector of Telegraphs' office Mr. C. H. Severne, .of the Bank of New Zealand, at Eltham; Mr. E. H. Severne, of the Auckland Grammar School staff.

The funeral of the late -Mr. Severne took place at Waikumeto yesterday. The interment was of a private nature.. The Revs. E. C. Budd and E. F. Wyatt were the officiating clergymen. Amongst the mourners were the members •' of the deceased's family, the gaol officials, represented by Chief Warder Scandon, and-14: warders. Sub-Inspector Gordon (in the absence of Inspector Cullen), Sergeants Hansen, Carroll, Murphy, arid Eales. arid Constable Blake, represented the Police Department, whilst Chief-Detective Marsack represented the detective branch. Numerous messages of condolence were received by the bereaved family, including one from the Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister for Justice. A large number of beautiful wreaths were also received.