OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21221, 30 December 1930, Page 7

OBITUARY

MR THOMAS GRAY YOUNG. Air Thomas Gray Young passed away yesterday morning at the age of 78 years, after. an illness extending over a period of about six months. Mr Young was a very old resident of Dunedin, having arrived here in 1569. The business with which his name was associated for such a lengthy period was one of the oldest of its kind in New Zealand. It was founded by Mr George Young, who established himself in Dunedin as a watchmaker, jeweller, and opieian soon after the early discoveries of gold in Otago, and dates back to 1862. The first premises were situated in . Rattray street adjoining the old Shamrock Hotel, and consisted of a small shop and workroom, which would appear .cry diminutive if compared with the substantial premises occupied by the firm today. The firm's present site in Princes street was first occupied in 1865, and the freehold was acquired subsequently. For a few years Air George Young carried on the business on his own account, but in 1867, by which time it -was firmly established, he went Home to .Scotland, and two years later he returned in company with Mr T. G. Young, who, apart from three or four trips to the Old Country, had had his home hero ever since. The firm has gone under the present name since 1870. In the following year Mr George Young went Home again, and after that he took up his quarters in the English’ and Scottish capitals so as to be in - direct contact with tlie actual manufacturers, but he paid periodical visits to New Zealand, where Air T. G. Young was looking after the interests of the partnership.

Apart from his business activities, A.r Young-.was probably best known in bowling circles, in which his genial manner and keen ‘interest in the welfare- of the game won for him a host of warm, friends; He joined the Dunedin Bowling Club in 1877, and had taken an active , interest in its activities ever since. At the time of his death- he was the oldest playing member of /the club. In his younger .days he was a skilful player, and- took a pnminent part in numerous competitions, both amongst club members anil in outside tournaments. He also took his. fuij share in carrying on the' administrative side of bowling. He acted as treasurer of the Dunedin Club from 1879 till 188 b and after serving for: several; terms as ii member of the committee he was elected president in 1900. He won the.singles championship, of his club in 1879. His valuable services to the club were recognised some years ago, \\hen the honour of life membership was conferred upon him; When the New Zealand Bowling Association, which was then purely a South Island organisation, was formed, he was one; of the first members of the committee of management,; and.,he. rendered useful service in that- capacity for several ycars. f -- . ,Hc ■ took ; considerable interest in the question bf bowl testing, and on a small three-rink green at his country, residence at. Warrington, where he delighted to entertain his friends, vho carried out I'a -number .of; experiments, the knowledge thus acquired being passed on to Mr Taylor, the wellknown maker of bowls In Glasgow.Mr Young,was an office-bearer of Kuqx Church fo? a very long period, and ht the time of his death was the oldest deacon connected with the church.

On. August 23, 1877,-Mr Young married Miss Mary Darliiig, the third daughter of Mr John Darling, of Kaitangata. He is survived by his widow, two sons—Mr William Crawford Young (Auckland) and Mr Thomas Gray Youag (Dunedin) —and four daughters—-Mrs James Armstrong (Dunedin), Mrs Murray (Palmerston North), and the Misses Young (Dunedin). ’ MR S. R. MURRAY. An old resident of Wellington, Mr Samuel Robertson Murray, late of the firm of Messrs Murray and Forbes, ironfounders, of Wellington, died recently. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, and arrived iu Otago by the ship Nelson,' in 1875. After spending a short while here lie went to Wellington, where he resided until his death. Mr Murray is survived hy a brother, two sons, apd six daughters. MR H. D. EDWARDS. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, December 29. Private advice has been received in Wellington that Mr H. D. Edwards, who retired last April from the position of Controller of Savings Banks and Accounts, i died suddenly in Paris on Boxing Day, Mr Edwards joined the Post and Telegraph Department as a cadet in the Learners’ Gallery in Wellington in 1890, and was sent to Westport for special service at the time of the great strike iu that year. Subsequently be served at Lawrence and Greymontli, and was transferred to the Chief Post Office, Wellington, in 1907. He was appointed Controller in 1925. In 1920 Mr Edwards was appointed to go to. Samoa to open a post office savings bank and bring the postal arrangements into'line with the New \ Zealand regulations. He always took a great interest in the educational side of his profession, and was one of the first officers of the department to qualify as a member of the Incorporated Institute of Accountants. The funeral took place at. Versailles on December 27. Mrs Edwards, who was accompanying her husband, will return to New Zealand as soon as possible.