OBITUARY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11172, 30 March 1922, Page 3

OBITUARY

MR HERBERT JAMES WILLIAMS. WELL-KNOWN CITIZEN AND DISTINGUISHED AIASON. A well-known and highly-respected Wellington citizen passed away yesterday morning in the person of Mr Herbert James Williams, of No. 10. Davis street. The deceased, who was 74 years of age, was born in Kent, hpt when 21 years of age came out to New Zealand in the ship Electra. He settled in Wellington, following for some years his profession -as an engineer, and being for years a partner in the firm of Smith Bros, and Williams. He then became licensee of the Aletropolitan Hotel, of which for many years' he was the popular host. He entered in 1889 into business as a broker, land, estate, financial and general commission agent. This he carried 'on successfully till some 20 years ago, when he was appointed secretary of the Wellington Freemasons’ Hall Company, Ltd, and editor of the “New Zealand Craftsman” (the AXaeonic journal), and for some years he was secretary of the Now Zealand Licensed Victuallers’ Association.

For five years the late Air Williams represented' the Thomdou ward on the Wellington City Council; and he was one of the original members nominated by tlio Government to the Wellington Hospital Committee. He was elected bv the City Council to represent it on the District Charitable Aid Board and the United District Board, and became chairman of both these hoards; and he was also appointed by the council to the Hospital Board. Being keenly interested in military matters, he served in the old Volunteer Force as lieutenant and captain of the Thorndon Rifles; and later, on the requisition of fifty members, lie accepted the captaincy of the Wellington Rifles. He was best known, however; ab a member of the Alasonfc Order. Initiated into Lodge St. Andrew, No. 32, Wellington, jn 1579, he became Wor. Master of St. John, Featherston, No. 37, in 1881. He joined Lodge New Zealand Pacific, No. 2, Wellington, in 1882, and remained a memebor of this until his death. He bore the distinction of being' Wor. Provincial Grand Master from 1891 to J9QI. and Grand Master of tho Grand Lodge of New Zealand from 1902 to 1904. He also held the office of Grand Scribe of the Supreme Grapd Royal Arch Chapter from the time of its inception in New Zealand, and was Inspector-General of tho Supreme Council of England and Wales 33 degree. For throe years also lie was Grand Sire of Australasia in tile American Order of Oddfellows, tlio highest position attainable beyond the limits of the United States. He leaves a widow and four sons and one daughter to mourn their loss. Ilie funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral this afternoon at 2.30, and the interment is to take place in the Bolton street cemetery. Afcmbers of tho Masonic craft are requested to assemble at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral at 2.30 this afternoon.