OBITUARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18515, 28 March 1922, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MR JOHN M'DONALD STEVENSON. The residents of Port Chalmers have suffered a severe loss by the death of their popular Mayor, Mr John M'Donald Stevenson, which took place at his home, at. St. Leonards, late on Sunday ni<rht. The news came as a shock to the community, for Mr Stevenson' was well liked and Highly respected. He was born at Carey Bav 39 years ago, and was brought up at Port Chalmers, where he learned engineering in the Stevenson and Cook Engineering Company, of which his father; Mr Isaac Stevenson, of Mount Royal, was senior partner As his natural ability unfolded itself he was gradually nromoted to positions of responsibility, and for several years past had been managing director of the firm. He helped to carry out much important work in connection with shipping transport during the war, and the Government, recognising his ability, sought his expert advice in various matters of national importance. Mr Stevenso.i took" a keen incerest in sport, and he lent uer.erous help to all endeavours to promote healthy sports, which he believed to be an important factor in the development of the youth of the community. He held membership in the Boxing Association, in rowing clubs, sailing clubs, football clubs, and other similar institutions. _ The active part which he took in interprovincial yacht racing was very marked in connection with the 14footer yacht races. He owned two 14footers, which he had specially built for the Sanders Cup contests. Although these boats did not qualify to represent "the province, he expressed no regret. In fact, he said that it was a good investment, for it helped to develop a love of boat management and yachting, which were valuable to youths who came of the sea 6tock. Sport, however, did not claim nil his attention apart from business. He was greatly interested in the welfare of Port Chalmers, and was a member of the Borough Council from 1509 to 1917. In 1919 he was elected Mayor, and was returned unopposed for a second term. Mr Stevenson was married to Miss Margaret M'Farlane, of Bright. Victoria. He leaves a young familv of four boys. For some time past, Mr Stevenson had not been enjoying his usual vigorous health. On Sunday, not feeling too well, he went out for a stroll about lunch time. While out he had a stroke, probably apoplectic, and. falling down at the steps of his father's old residence, the base of his skull was fractured. Ke was taken to his home, which was not far away, but, did not recover, and passed away about 11 p.m. on Sunday. The funeral, which takes place to-morrow, is semi-private, but Port Chalmers people will join the cortege as it passes through their town in the forenoon. The deceased -Fas the eldest and only surviving son of Mr and Mrs Isaac Stevenson. MR W. G. FOX. TNTEROARGILL-. Mr W. G. Fox, who was a notable figure in the early sixties, passed away at the Park Hospital, Jnvercargill, on Friday, at the age of. S2 years. His genial disposition made him very popular, and his death will recall to those few of his early, comrades who are still left some of the outstanding events of the pioneer days. Mr Fox in tho days of his youth was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary, but in 1862 came out to New Zealand under engagement to the Government as a police constable. lie emigrated by the ship Queen of Australia, and landed at Dunedin, but proceeded directly to Southland. He was first stationed at the Queenstown diggings, but after a comparatively short, term there he was transferred lo Ihvorcargill. His promotion was rapid, and in the early seventies he received the appointment of inspector of police for the Invercargill district. As a police officer in the early gold mining days heihad some oxciting experiences. After severing his connection with the force, Mr Fox joined the staff of the Southland County Council as rate collector, und resigned only last year with 30 odd years' service to his credit. He was also principal clerk in that department and valuation officer for the county for many years. Some 30 years ago ho valued tho Mataura Riding, and as a result the Gore Farmers' Club hold a couple of meetings of protest, and dubbed themselves '"Fox's Martyrs." In his younger days Mr Fox was very fond of boating, and spent many a. happy clay on the Estuary. He was also an exceptionally well-read and active man, and his death followed on a very short illness. He is survived by a widow, seven daughers, and one son.