OBITUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22544, 8 October 1936, Page 14

OBITUARY

MR. J. S. FAIRGRAY OLD DEVONPORT RESIDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LEADER The death of Mr. J. S. Fail-gray, which occurred at his residence, Queen's Parade, Devonport, on Tuesday, deprives the Presbyterian Church of one of its most prominent lay leaders. Mr. Fail-gray was born at Lockerbie, Scotland, 75 years ago. Forty-seven years ago he came to New Zealand and joined the staff of the Bank of New Zealand. After a few years at Thames and at Paeroa lie was transferred to the Auckland office, where ho continued until his retirement about 15 years ago. For over 40 years he had resided at Devonport. Mr. Fairgray gave himself wholeheartedly to the service of the Presbyterian Church. He had been a member of S't. Paul's, Devonport, since 1896. He became a member of tho board of management in 1808, and in 1903 lie was ordained an elder. He was treasurer of the congregation from 1902 to 1913, and superintendent of the Stanlev Bay Sunday School from 1913 to 1920. He had been session clerk of St. Paul's for the past 23 years. During a period of 27 years he had attended the General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, on at least 15 occasions representing tho Auckland churches; and ho represented tho Devonport church continuously on. the Auckland Presbytery for 20 years. In 1895 Mr. Fairgray married Miss Elizabeth Renshaw, daughter of the late Mr. James Renshaw, a well-known early Thames identity. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and seven sons. There are 13 grandchildren. A service will be conducted at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church at 2 o'clock this afternoon prior to tho funeral, and a special memorial service will bo held at the church on Sunday morning. MRS. S. H. FLAVELL [FROM OUR OWN' CORRESPONDENT] PUKEKOHE, Wednesday An association of almost 40 j'ears with Pukekohe terminated to-day with tho death of Mrs. Sarah Heron Flavell, wife of Mr. Thomas Flavell, of Manukau Road, Pukekohe. Mrs. Flavell was a lifelong resident of the Franklin district. The deceased is survived by her husband, a son, and two daughters.

MRS. A. S. CLIFFE [most our own corrkstondent] HAMILTON, Wednesday The death lias occurred in Hamilton of Mrs. Ruby May ClifTe, wife of Mr. Albert Stephen ClifTe, headmaster of tho Frankton school, at the age of 40. Mrs. ClifTe, who was born in Auckland, was the daughter of Mr. John Cottingham. Sho became a members of the Richmond Road school staff in 1906 and was infant mistress at Putaruru in 1909. She married Mr. Cliffe in 1910. For the last 12 years .Mrs. Cliffe had been a resident of Hamilton. Sho was keenly interested and an active worker in the Plunket Society and was a member of tho Whitiora Croquet Club. Mrs. Cliff? is survived by her husband, three sons and five daughters. MRS. SAMUEL HEATH [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] DARGAVILLE, Wednesday The death occurred at the Northern Wairoa Hospital to-day of Mrs. Samuel Heath, a pioneer of the district. Mrs. Heath, who was formerly Miss Doolev, arrived in Waipipi in the very early days and later came to Northern Wairoa with her husband. They settled at Tutamoe ovei* 40 years ago. Mrs. Heath took an active part in tho social life of the community and was postmistress for 26 years. Sho is survived by her husbancf, three sons and one daughter. MR. A. V. STEPHENS [iir TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] KAITAIA, Wednesday The death has occurred at Waihopu of Mr. Arthur Vincent Stephens, an old resident of the North. He spent the greater part of his lifo in the Far North, and was at one time a wellknown gum buyer and storekeeper. He is survived by Mrs. Stephens and seven children MR. H. M. WEBSTER [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] KAIKOIIE, Wednesday The death has occurred of Mr. Harold Montrose. Webster, aged 70 years. Born at Kohukohu, he was the fifth son of the late Mr. John Webster, who was well known throughout the North. Mr. Harold Webster was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and later joined tho staff of Messrs. Archibald Clark and Sohs, Auckland, aftor which ho returned to Hokianga, whero he was engaged in timber carrying and storekceping. Later, ho became interested in farming. In his youth Mr. Webster was .1 prominent footballer and cricketer and a keen yachtsman. His funeral was very largely attended.

MR. JOHN BOYNTON [BV TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WIIAKATANE, Wednesday The death has occurred of a pioneer of the Whakatane district, Mr. John Frederick Johnstone Boynton, of Waimana, agetl 76. Born at Firey Creek, Victoria, Australia, Mr. Boynton came to New Zealand with his parents at the ago of two years. Ho later took up farming on the Waimana Estate, where he married tho lato Maria Netana, a nioco of Paora Kingi, who foughi against tho Hauhaus. Mr. Boynton is survived by three sons and two daughters. MR. WALTER BLAOKIE [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION] DUNEDIN, Wednesday Tho death has occurred of Mr. Walter Blackie, farmer, of Lochend, Mosgiel. Ho was : born in Caversham in 1853, being the second son of Captain William Blackio. For sovoral years Mr. Blackie was the winner of tho challenge shield for tho best-managed farm of 100 to 400 acres in Otago and Southland. During the last 29 years he was a member of the Taieri County Council, and at various times had been a member of the District Highway Conn-, cil. Mr. Blackie was also connected with tho Patiehta and Prisoners' Aid Society of Otago. Ho was a life member of the Taieri Agricultural and Pastoral Association. •

MR. CHARLES GRAY [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] , INVERCARGILL, Wednesday The death occurred last evening at the ago of 76 of Mr. Charles Gray, whose musical activities in Invercargill cover 50 years of unbroken service. He was an authority on orchestral and choral work and was organist at St. John's Anglican Church for many years. He was a successful conductor.