OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23118, 18 February 1937, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR V. H. FAMA The death occurred at Wellington early yesterday morning of Mr Vincent Henry Fama in his fifty-sixth year. Mr Fama, who was well known as an engineer and astronomer, was born at Reefton and was the eldest son of Mrs Margaret Fama, of Wellington, and the late Mr Vincenzo Fama. After serving his time in Cable’s Engineering Works, Wellington, Mr Fama travelled the world as an engineer in various shipping lines. He eventually settled in Wellington aftei marrying Miss Norah Barry, of Napier. He was well known as a lecturer on astronomy at the Wellington Observatory and was the inventor and maker of the intricate mechanical device in the observatory which shows the synchronised movements of the sun, moon, and stars. He was also the inventor of several clever engineering devices Mr Fama was the engineer in charge, of the construction of the Wairoa Harbour and also the Patea Harbour. He was a contributor to the Scientific American. He found a way of getting local ironsand to mix with cement, obviating the necessity of bringing sand for concrete from a distance. Mr Fama’s cheery disposition endeared him to a great many acquaintances and friends. Hr is survived by his wife and two chil' dren, three sisters—Mrs A. J M'Govern, Te Awamutu. Mrs M Pool, and Miss Imelda Fama—am four brothers—Messrs Louis Farm Bernard * Fama. Fraud; Fama, o Wellington, and Mr Tano Fama. c Dunedin.