OBITUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21324, 27 October 1932, Page 14

OBITUARY

MR. GEORGE H. MERTON A WELL-KNOWN MASTER DAYS AT CHRIST'S COLLEGE As already announced, tho death occurred in Christchurch on Saturday morning of Mr. George Henry Merton, ono of the best-loved figures of the scholastic life of Christ's College. For .many years Mr. Merton was headmaster of the preparatory department of the college and many boys who are now occupying important positions in various parts of the world passed through his- hands. Mr. Merton was the second son of Mr. Charles Merton, of Rangiora, and was born at Stoke, Suffolk, England, in 1855. He came to New Zealand wfth his parents in tho ship Egmont, the vessel which brought Bishop Harper and his family from England. His early education was received at his father's school at Rangiora and he gained a Government scholarship in 1866 which enabled him to attend Christ's College from 1868 to 1871. For some time he assisted in the conduct o{ hie father's school and graduated B.A. (N.Z.) in 1887. On the closing of his father's school, he joined the staff of Mr. C. L. Wiggins' school at Sumner and, in February, 1880, he established a private school on his own account at St. Michael's Church. On the establishment of the Cathedral Grammar School in May, 1881, Mr. Merton became headmaster and continued as such until the school, was merged in Christ's College early in 1895, becoming the lower department of the college. The Cathedral School was maintained by the Cathedral Chapter and was intendod primarily for tho education of the boys of the cathedral choir. On merging with Christ's Collcgo the boys became scholars of the college and Mr. Merton remained as headmaster of tho lower department. All through his work was outstanding. His staff, too, was a strong one, including such men as Mr. F. G. Gibson, Mr. L. F. Watkins and other well-known graduates of Canterbury College. It was not until 1920 that ho retired on pension. Mr. Morton was a very keep volunteer and was a lieutenant in tho Christ's College Rifles for many years and one of the stalwarts of the Volunteer Brigade. He took a great interest in school shooting and for many years gave a considerable amount of his timo to encouraging marksmanship among tho scholars. Ho was captain and adjutant of tho North Canterbury Infantry Battalion from 1901 to 1906 and gained a long service medal in 1904. Ho was a keen supporter of all the sports activities of his school and took a personal interest in their control. Mr. Merton leaves a widow and two daughters, Mrs. Herbert Recvo, of England, and Mrs. Maurice Fell, of Wanganui College. His only son, Charles, was killed at tho Great War.

MR. JOHN ALLEN The death occurred on Tuesday of Mr. John Allen, an old and respected resident of Auckland, who passed away at his residence in Sentinel Road, Hcrno Bay. Mr. Allen was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1844, and, after receiving a thorough training as a warehouseman, came to New Zealand with his wife. Ho arrived in Auckland in the middle eighties and started business on his own account in Queen Street, later removing to Elliott Street, where his wholesale business was known for 40 years. As a traveller he was widely known all oVer the North Island. He was one of the earliest and oldest members of the Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen's Association, having been a vice-president for many years. While in business he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. t Mr. Allen retired about six years ago and since then spent the greater part of his time at his summer residence at Takapuna. Mr. Allen was a member of the management committee of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church for many years. He was a non-playing member of the Ponsonby Bowling Club, where he spent many afternoons chatting with his friends. He is survived by one son, Mr. W. F. Allen, and two daughters. Mrs. Allen died four years ago. MRS. A. J. BARNETT The death has occurred of Mrs. Anna Julia Barnett wife of the late Mr. Arthur Wellington Barnett, of Raydale, Tuamarina, Marlborough. Mrs. Barnett, who, was 86 years of age, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Selines, of Mitcham, Surrey, and came to New Zealand with her parents in tho ship Venetia in 1848. Sho married in Nelson, where she was engaged in teaching. She was one of the founders of St. Luke's Church, Spring Creek. The family includes the Rev. N, S. Barnett, of Berhampore, the ltev. A. H. Barnett, of Rakaia, tho Rev. G. R. Barnett, of England, who was formerly vicar and dean of Hamilton, Mr. J. B. Bai'nett, of Tuamarina, Mesdames C. 1). Nicholls and E. C. W. Powell, of Chcistchurch, Misses P. A. Barnett ami E. M. Barnett, Raydale, K. A. Barnett, of Havelock North, and M. V. Barnett, of Nelson.