OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22532, 28 March 1935, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR J. J. MALLARD A prominent figure in the life of the city, Mr J. J. Mallard, passed away yesterday morning at his residence, 34 Royal terrace. Mr Mallard was born in Australia and came to Dunedin with his parents by the ship Gothenburg in 1864. He was educated at the Otago Boys’ High. School, which he attended in 1874 and 1875, and on leaving school he entered the insurance business. He was employed by the Victoria Insurance Company for some time, but joined the head office staff of the National Insurance Company of New Zealand, Ltd., on September 1, 1888. In September, 1880, he was transferred to the Victorian branch as chief clerk, and on June 1, 1899, he was transferred to Wellington as branch manager. He retain_d that position until February 1, 1914, when he was appointed secretary of the company. On Mr Henry Williams’s retirement in January, 1919, he was appointed general manager, and retired on superannuation in June, 1926.

Mr Mallard always took a keen interest in the affairs of the city in general and the High School and the Otago Early Settlers’ Association in particular. He was three times president of the Otago High School Old Boys’ Association and was at the time of his death one of the vice-governors. As a parents’ representative, he served for a lengthy period on the High Schools’ Board of Governors, and was treasurer for some years. He joined the Early Settlers’ Association in 1919, and became president in 1930, occupying that office until the time of his death. For many years he was one of the most familiar figures at the Early Settlors’ Hall, and was most attentive in directing visitors and describing ■ the countless historic treasures which are housed in the building. His extensive knowledge regarding the early settlement made him an ideal guide. Mr Mallard was the possessor of a unique and valuable card index record which covered much local history and many notable events. In addition to their range and completeness the records arc also remarkable for accuracy as regards dates and localities, and they con-* stitutc tangible evidence of his unceasing care in their preparation and preservation. In his youth Mr Mallard was a prominent athlete. He played for the High School first cricket eleven while at the school and was a prominent fives player, as well as being a good quarter-mile, halfmile and mile runner. In ISSO he represented Otago against Canterbury at Rugby football; and in 1881 he played for Otago against Canterbury in an exciting cricket match at Christchurch, which Canterbury won by four runs, • while in the following year he played for Otago against Auckland in a cricket carnival at Christchurch.' Mr Mallard was president of the Old Boys’ Cricket Club from its formation until the last annual meeting, when lie declined to accept office for another term on account of the state of his health. His wife predeceased him several years ago, and a son was killed in action at Gallipoli. He is survived by one son, Mr S. Mallard, and one daughter, Miss L. Mallard, both of Dunedin.

MR C. F. MURRAY (hf.i; United I’kesh Association) .BLENHEIM, March 27. The death is reported of Mr Charles Frank Murray, of Wharanui,