OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23702, 9 January 1939, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR ANDREW KIRK '(Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH. Jan. 8. The death has occurred of Mr Andrew Kirk, who was widely known and highly respected in the legal profession in Christchurch. Born in Christchurch 69 years ago, Mr Kirk was educated at the Christchurch Boys High School and at Canterbury College He graduated with the degree of LL.B., and for many years was a practising barrister and solicitor in the city. He was one of the early members of the Canterbury Law Society, and was held in high esteem by its member.:. His popularity extended outside the field of his profession, for he had the gift of making lasting friendships. His energy and ability were directed in his early years to the development of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, swimming be in" his fir.: t choice as a recreation. He was champion of the Boys High School in his time, and naturally he gave his support to the promotion of the sport when the chance came for him to play a part as an administrator. He was a , member of the council of the association from 1901 to 1907. and was secretary from 1904 till 1907. , . , Mr Kirk wa,j also keenly interested in boxing, and was an administrator of this sport in Christchurch for several years, beim associated in the promotion of many successful amateur tournaments as well a: in the arrangement and control of a number of important professional matches. Lawn tennis, football, and athletics were other branches of recreation that claimed his attention and practical support. MR JOHN MILLAR The death has occurred at the age of 80 years of Mr John Millar, who for half a century was a well-known figure in the licensed trade in Otago. Mr Millar was born in England, and came out to New Zealand 60 years ago. He soon became interested in the hotel business, which was then playing an important part in the expansion of the new country. Shortly after his arrival in Otago, he went to Alexandra and took over the ownership of the Bendigo Hotel. He remained there for many years, and, although of a retiring nature, he became highly respected in the district. On returning to Dunedin 31 years ago, he purchased the Oban Hotel, which he owned at the time of his death. He was in charge of the hotel himself for a number of years, but then leased it until a short while ago. when he again assumed control. Mr Millar did not take an active part in public affairs, but he had a wide circle of friends, by whom he was held in high esteem. He is survived by his wife and six daughters—Mrs Austin and Misses Noni and Connie Millar, of Dunedin, Mrs R. Dansey (Auckland), Mrs J. Mercer (Christchurch), and Mrs W. J. McKitterick (Invercargill). MRS ELLEN McCOY Mrs Ellen McCoy, who passed away last month at her residence, Csrlton Mill road, Christchurch, was the widow of Mr Frederick H. McCoy, a barrister, of Otago, who predeceased her many years ago. Mr McCoy was a son of Professor Sir Frederick McCoy, of Melbourne. Mrs McCoy’s father, Captain Charles Edward Thompson, was killed in the Maori wars. Mrs McCoy was born in Chelsea. England, and came to New Zealand when a child. She possessed a great spirit of fortitude and a bright and generous disposition in spite of her afflictions of blindness and invalidity. She is survived by several members of her family —Mrs McElrea, of Dunedin; Mr F. H. McCoy, of Dunedin: Misses Blanche and Ethel McCoy, of Christchurch: and Mr Herbert L. McCoy, of Melbourne. One son, Mr Arthur McCoy, was killed in action on Gallipoli, and another son, Mr Claude A. McCoy, died in Christchurch some years ago. MR A. M. TAYLOR The death occurred < recently at Lower Hutt of Mr Alexander Matheson Taylor after a brief illness. Mr Taylor was well known in shipping circles, being chief engineer of the Rangitiki from the time that vessel made her maiden voyage to New Zealand up to his retirement three years ago. He saw active service at Gallipoli and was second engineer of the Wiltshire from 1912 to 1916. This vessel carried part of the Main Body of the Australian Contingent. Subsequently Mr Taylor joined the Somerset as chief engineer. He was in this ship when it was torpedoed by a German submarine and spent five days in an open boat before reaching the French coast. He leaves a wife and one son. MR ALBERT WARD LONDON, Jan. 6. The death has occurred of Mr Albert Ward, aged 74 years, the former Lancashire cricketer. He played in seven tests against Australia.