OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23951, 28 October 1939, Page 12

OBITUARY

MR ROBERT DUNCAN The death occurred suddenly at Wellington on Thursday of Mr Robert Duncan, who had gone north at the beginning of the week to attend the annual conference of the Boys’ Brigade, of which he was Dominion president. Mr Duncan was born at Glasgow in 1868, and obtained his early business training in that city. Ho afterwards lived in Sydney and Brisbane and, on coming to Dunedin, entered the service of 'Messrs Ross and Glendining, with which firm he re-

mained for over 30 years as departmental buyer and later as factory manager. He subsequently joined the firm of Messrs Alex Thompson and Sons, Ltd., of which he became managing director. Mr Duncan became a member of the City Council in 1909, and served for a term, but he took no further pari in local politics until 1932 when, upon the resignation from the Harbour Board of Mr J. H. Duncan, he was appointed by the Government to the vacancy. At the following local body elections he again offered his services and secured election, and was again returned for a further term last year. Mr Duncan took a prominent part in the affairs of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association, and for three years was a vicepresident of that body. He was also a member of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, on the council of which he served for three years. He was an enthusiastic bowler, having for many years been a member of the Kaituna Club. He was deeply interested in youth work, and as well as being a former superintendent of the St. Clair Presbyterian Sunday School, he took a prominent part in the administration of the Boys’ Brigade, his death taking place while he was attending the conference in Wellington as Dominion president. He is survived by his wife and by three daughters—Mrs A. D. Brice (.Wellington), Mrs J. A. Scouler (Dunedin), and Mrs Oliver Gregory (Athol). MR A. W. TYNDALL The death of Mr A. W. Tyndall, of Falkirk street, Dalmore, who was a well-known member of the teaching profession for many years, occurred at his residence on Tuesday of this week. Mr Tyndall was born in Victoria in 1856 and in 1883 he came to New Zealand as one of a group of Aus-tralian-trained teachers, all of whom played an important part in the educational development of the province. His first appointment in New Zealand was to open a new school at Waianakarua. Later, he was successively headmaster at Evans Flat, Blue Spur, and Strath-Taieri. He retired in 1921 and after a visit to Australia and the South Sea Islands decided to settle m Dunedin, taking up his residence in Dalmore. m ~, , , For many years Mr Tyndall took a prominent part in the work of teachers’ organisations and in all matters pertaining to education, and was well known for his radical views and originality of thought. He was alls? a prolific contributor to technical journals and the press, and his writings were conspicuous for their vigorous style and clarity. For many years he wrote the leading articles for the Tuapeka Times and in these, too. he revealed a well-stored mind and a wide grasp of current affairs. He took an active part in Masonic affairs. His hobbies were gardening and angling. Mr Tyndall is survived by his widow, three daughters and two sons. The daughters are Miss Nesta Tyndall, infant mistress of the Normal School, Mrs Cicely Richards, of Dunedin, and Miss Clarissa Tyndall, of the staff of the Wellington Girls College The sons are Mr A. Tyndall, C.M.G., Director of Housing, Constraetion and Under-secretary of Mines, Wellington, and Mr E. L. Tyndall, postmaster at Hampden.

MR D. M. MAWSON The death occurred at his residence on Monday of Mr David Millar Mawson. who resigned from the office of Mayor of Milton about _ a fortnight previously owing to failing health, aggravated by a fall about four inonths ago. Educated at Purakanui and Port Chalmers Schools, the . deceased assist' father on his farm after completin'* his education, and after his marriage to Miss Margaret Cochrane, of Purakanui, 43 years ago. the young couple took up a farm at Palmerston which thev successfully earned on for some years. Removing to Port Chalmers. Mr Mawson became manager ot the dairy factory there, a position he held for over 20 years. In April, 1922. he was appointed town clerk at Milton, and he held that position for 12 years when he defeated the retiring Mayor Mr James Gray in a straight-out contest for the Mayoraltv He held the office against Mr P. M. Keppel at the last municipal elections. He was also clerk to Toko River Board for about 18 years. The deceased’s experience of local body administration was not confined to Milton, as he was an excouncillor and ex-Mayor at Port Chalmers. Of a auiet disposition. Mr Mawson accomplished much good work amongst the poorer classes in the district. and his Christian character is reflected in the fact that at Port Chalmers and Milton he held the position of elder, deacon and session clerk in the Presbyterian Church, He was one of the original members of the Port Chalmers Early Settlers’ Association, and about two years ago was exce ed a life member He is survived by his widow. MR JOHN HERBERT SYME MELBOURNE, Oct. 27 (Received Oct. 28. at 0.15 a.m.) The death has occurred of Mr John Herbert Syme, part proprietor and general manager of the Melbourne Age newspaper aged 80