OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24627, 7 June 1941, Page 10

OBITUARY

MR PETER McSKIMMING The death occurred at his residence, " Lesmahagow," Benhar. last night at the age of 69 years of Mr Peter McSkimming, who had many business interests in the main centres of the South Island and was widely and favourably known. Mr McSkimming was born in Dreghorn (Scotland) and accompanied his parents to New Zealand in 1878. He was educated at Lawrence and commenced his commercial career in the pottery business with his father In 1890. he took over J the business of Mr John Nelson, of Benhar, trading in partnership with his father, as Peter McSkimming and Son. The firm expanded in later years and works werfalso established or acquired at Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch. Mr McSkimming was associated with a

number oi public companies and held the position -of chairman of directors of the South Otago Freezing Company, the Kaitangata Coal Company, and the Dominion Fertiliser Company. Other companies with which he was identified over a long period were the Wingatui Brick Company. Todd and Sons, the Benhar Coal Company, the Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association, the South Otago Starr.-Bowkett Society. A. and T. Burt, and the Bruce Woollen Manufacturing Company. He was also interested in farm properties at Benhar. Stirling and Puerya. Mr McSkimming successfully contested the Clutha seat in 1931 against Mr F. Waite, whp is now serving overseas as Commissioner for the National Patriotic Fund, but he did not seek re-election in 1935. As an employer he was held in high regard by the members of his staff, while his broad sympathies and desire to help his fellowmen were features of his upright character. He was a staunch Presbyterian and for many years an ardent worker in the Prohibition cause. Ho is survived by his wife, a daughter of Mr John Lowery, of Stirling, whom he married in 1904. and a grown-up family ■•';.' :MR ARTHUR FLEURY The Mr Arthur Fleury, who was well known in Rugby football circles, occurred on' . Thursday. Mr Fleury, who was 48 years of age, was held in - high regard, and his reputation as a Rugby referee was well known outside the orovince. He was "a member of the Zingari-Rich-tnond Club for many years and after playing in the junior grades did .fine work as a coach. His ability in" this direction was revealed by the marked success which attended his efforts as coach of the ingari-Richmond Fifth Grade side. During the period that he coached this team it won the Fifth Grade premiership for seven years in succession. Mi Fleury subsequent.) tools up rtlereeing. and soon became recognised as ont of Olago's best referees. He officiated tn many representative games, including Ranfurly Shield fixtures. He took a keen interest in all the activities of the Zin-gari-Richmond; Club, being a committeeman for many years and a vicepresident. His services were fittingly recognised at the annual meeting this year by election to life membership. A keen member of the Otago Rugby Referees Association he was ejected as president of the association- this year. He was also a member of the Management Committee of the Otago Rugby Football Union from 1936 to 1938 Mr Fleury, v/ho in the employ of Messrs Coulls, Somerville, Wilkie, Ltd., is survived by . his wife | and a family of six.