LADY RANFURLY DEAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21247, 29 July 1932, Page 9

LADY RANFURLY DEAD

FORMER GOVERNOR'S WIFE. POPULARITY IN NEW ZEALAND LONDON, July 27 The death is announced of the Countess of Ranfurly, wife of the Earl of Kanfurly, a former Governor of New Zealand. The Earl and Countess of Ranfurly both enjoyed a wide popularity during their seven years' residence in New Zealand. Lord Ranfurly became Governor of tiie colony on August 10, 1897, succeeding the Earl of Glasgow, and was succeeded by Lord Plunket on June 19, 1904. , , , , It was during Lord Ranfurly s term as Governor —June, 1901—that the present King and Queen, then Duke and Duchess of York, arrived at Auckland by the Ophir on their memorable toijr of New Zealand. , , Lady Ranfurly was the only child of James Alfred, seventh Viscount Charlemont, and her mother, who died in 1888, was the youngest daughter of the third Lord Castlemaine. One of her ancestors, Sir Toby Caulfield, fought for Queen Elizabeth against the valiant O'Neil, Earl of Tyrone, and his heir was created Lord Charlemont by James I. in 1620- When the appointment of Lord Ranfurly to be Governor of New Zealand was announced the London correspondent of the New Zealand Herald wrote:—"Lady Ranfurly is thought certain to be very popular in New Zealand, She is generally regarded as one of the ornaments ana favourites of London society." About the samo time the Gentlewoman paid thd following tribute:—" Lady Ranfurly's delicate, patrician beauty, sweet and gracious presence and youthfulness, kindliness of heart, vivacity, conversational powers and perfect taste in dress will assuredly render her as beloved and popular in New Zealand as in English society." The hopes thus raised regarding the charm of Lady Ranfurly were fully realised, and she was one of the most popular vicereines New Zealand has had. She was popular among all classes and was keenly interested in. all the activities of the colony. Lord Ranfurly, as is well; known, took a great interest in the Maori War veterans and founded the Veterans' Home in Auckland. Lady Ranfurly shared her husband's concern for the welfare of the veterans. She will also be remembered for her encouragement of the arts. Lord and Lady Ranfurly had one son, who was killed in the war, and two daughters.