OBITUARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17341, 14 June 1918, Page 3

OBITUARY.

SIR CHARLES J. JOHNSTON. A Press Association telegram states that tile death occurred in Wellington yesterday afternoon of Sir Charles .John Johnston, Speaker of the Legislative Council. Sir Charles was elected Speaker of the Legislative Council in July, 1915, in succession to Sir Charles Bowen. Ho was appointed a lito member of the Chamber in 1891. He was bom in Wellington in 1845, the son of ono of Wellington's pioneers, the Hon. John Johnston. Ho hogtui his education in Wellington, but in those early days educational facilities w-to not so highlv develojK'd in tho colonies as they now aro, and ho was sent to England to school and college. In Rnglrmd ho attended St. Mary's Col login, Dorbysliiro, and Kensington College. Mr Johnston, as he then was. took a live interest in tho affairs of his native city, and in his early manhood he sat as representative for lie Aro in tins Houso of Representatives for four years—lßß2-1886. In 1890 he was Mayor of Wellington, in which capacity he rendered speciallv valuable servioo in putting the finances of tho city on a sound basis. Ho was interested in Defence matters keenly, and when he oamo back to New Zealand after completing his education he joined tho Wellington Na.va.ls. _ He became commo-ndant of the brigade in duo course, and retired with tho rank of commandant. New Zealand was even less peaceful in thosia times tlian it is to-day, and Mr Johnston served in the Native wars, one of his adventures being with the Parihaka expedition. Sir Charles, who had boon ailing for mp ' considerable time, was granted leave of absence during tlie parliamentary session of last year in orck>r that he should be enabled to visit America in tho hope that ho might recover his health. Ho -was unable, however. to attend tho recent short session of Parliament. Towards the end of last month the honour of Knight Bachelor was conferred on him, the King specially commanding that in view of his illness, tho announcement be mode then instead of on his Majesty's birthday. Sir Charles married Miss Alioo Featherston, daughter of tho Into Dr Featherston, the first Superintendent of Wellington, who died in London, where he ably represented New Zealand as its first Agent-general. In tho present war the Johnston family havo played their part ns men. and paid a heavy price—as some men must. _ The youngest son of the familv, Captain O. R F. Johnston, was lulled in the battle of the Somme. 1916. He joined a British regiment (the Middlesex) at tho outbreak of war, as a subaltern, and was promoted captain in the fiold. Brigadiergeneral F. E. Johnston, of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, was shot dead by a German sniper on the west front last year. General Johnston was in the British army, having the rank of major, and he was in New Zealand on furlough when the war broke, on the world. ITo joined up with the New 'Zealand Main Body as a battalion commander, and on Gallipoli he became a brigade commander, having served with distinction in that campaign. Other sons of the family are still serving with the colours.