OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24022, 22 January 1940, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR JOSEPH E. WIDDOP The death occurred at Wellington recently of Mr Joseph Edward Widdop, aged 65, who retired, from the position of chief of the records of the Railways Department in 1929 after 40 years’ service. He was a brother of the late Mr F. C. Widdop, a former chief engineer of railways, who died in Wellington a few months ago. All his life Mr Widdop was keenly interested in sport, particularly athletics, rowing, football and, later, bowls. His record in rowing was unique. For 36 years he was associated with the Star Boating Club, Wellington, being deputy captain and then captain for many years, and he was also a member of the Wellington Football Club, After his rowing days he continued to give valuable service as a member of the Wellington Rowing Association and of the New Zealand Rowing Council. After his retirement Mr Widdop became keenly interested in bowling, and as the popular secretary of the Kelburn Bowling Club was well known among bowlers in the Wellington Centre, He was also a member of the Masonic and Oddfellows’ Lodges. He is survived by his widow and one daughter.

MR M. C. FEATHERSTONE Cabled advice has been received that the death has occurred suddenly in London,- of Mr Miles Coverdale Featherstone, who was until recently manager in London for Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Ltd. He was also a director of the company. Mr Featherstone was the last member of a family well known in Southland, in the early days. After serving for a time in the mercantile marine, he took up a commercial career, and joined the staff of Tothill and Watson, Ltd. He later joined the staff of Wright, Stephenson, and Co, More than 30 years ago he went to London and opened a branch of the company. Mr Featherstone paid, several visits to New Zealand, and after his retirement about two years ago he lived in the south of England. MR FRANK FOSTER Mr Frank Foster, who died suddenly on Friday, was well known in local sporting circles, being a successful sprinter and swimmer in his younger days. He was full-back for the Alhambra senior fifteen for several years, and was later a prominent referee, being president of the Referees’ Association on two occasions. A member of the old Otago Rowing Club, Mr Foster retained a keen interest in this sport. Born in Tasmania, Mr Foster came to Dunedin at an early age, and was employed in the city engineer’s office for 35 years, retiring about six years ago. He was a past grand master of the M.U.1.0.0.F. In the early days he took an enthusiastic interesj, in the volunteer fire brigade. He is survived by his widow and one son.