OBITUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21794, 8 May 1934, Page 12

OBITUARY

MR. W. P. McGIRR WELL KNOWN IN SPORT DISTINGUISHED AS CRICKETER [by telegraph—own correspondent] WELLINGTON, Monday The death has occurred at his residence at Seatoun of Mr. W. P. McGirr, who was well known in New Zealand for over half a century as a sportsman. Mr. McGirr, who was one of Wellington's outstanding and best-known cricketers in the 'eighties, was the father of H. M. McGirr, the Wellington and New Zealand representative cricketer, and L. W. McGirr, the tennis player and New Zealand Association football representative. Mr. McGirr. who was born in 1859. came to New Zealand with his parents when 10 years of age. Ho was a compositor by trade, and for several years worked on the Clutha Leader, which was founded by his father. He joined tho staff of the Government Printing Office in Wellington about 1875, remaining there until he retired in 1915, after 4.0 years' service. As a "cricketer, Mr. McGirr was widely known. He represented Wellington for several years, and had many fine performances to his credit. Bowling was his strong point, the pace of his deliveries being similar to that of his son, H. M. McGirr, As a batsman and fieldsman, too, he was an asset to any team. One of his most outstanding performances was registered when ho played for Wellington against the Australian team in 1886. In the first innings Australia scored 475, Jones and Palmer being responsible for 202 runs. McGirr sent down 248 balls, off which only 58 runs were scored, and he captured the wickets of Jones and Palmer. Among his best bowling performances for Wellington were four wickets for 17 against Hawke's Bay in 1886, and five for 30 and one for 23 against Nelson in the same year. In 1889 ho captured two wickets for 21 runs and four for 37 against Canterbury. In later life Mr. McGirr took a great interest in bowling, being one of the foundation members of the Seatoun Bowling Club, which was opened shortly before the war. In t the first year he won the singles championship of the club, tho trophy being the Crawford Cup. Prior to the opening of the Seatoun Club, he was a member of the Victoria Club. In 1927 Mr. McGirr was very proud of the fact that two of his sons had the distinction of representing New Zealand on the field of sport at the same time. H. M. McGirr was playing in England with the New Zealand cricket team, and L. W. McGirr was representing the Dominion in the Association football match against the Canadians in New Zealand. Mr. McGirr was a life member of the Wellington Working Men's Club and secretary of the Wellington Typographical Union. Ho is survived by his wife and three sons. Messrs. D. G., H. M. and L. W, McGirr. MR. W. G. GEARY [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] TAURANGA, Monday The death has occurred of Mr. William George Geary, aged 69 years. Sir. Geary was born at Earori, Wellington! being tho eldest son of Joseph Geary, who served in the .Maori War under Major von Tempsky and was killed in the Battle, of To Ngutuotemanu, which engagement von Tempsky also fell. Later Mr. Geary was;in business in Levin. He then moved to the King Country, where he was well known in. the livestock business. In 1920 ho camo to Tauranga, where he had sinco resided, with the exception of two years at Otorolianga. Sir. Geary is survived by his wife, three sous and one daughter. One son was killed in the Great War.

MR. R. H. TURTON [by TELEGRArn —PRKSS ASSOCIATION] MASTERTON, Monday The death has occurred at Greytown of ]\lr. R. H. Turton, formerly a magistrate, aged 58. He was appointed magistrate at Masterton in 1907, being the youngest ever appointed in New Zealand. He retired some years ago to enter privato practice. Mr. Turton was educated at the Southland and Ota go Boys' High Schools and Otago University. Ho.was a well-known Otago footballer, and served in the war with the Otago Mounted Rifles. He is survived by his widow.