OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26614, 10 November 1947, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR W. D. RICHARDS

Mr Wiliam Davies Richards, who had been the Dunedin city tramways engineer for over 20 years, died suddenly yesterday morning. He played a prominent part in engineering and sporting affairs over a long period of years.

Born at Invercargill in 1883, Mr Richards was educated in that city and at the Glasgow School of Engineering. He was a member of the Institute of Marine Engineers, the New Zealand Institute of Engineers and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He joined the Electric Power and Light Department of the City Council 33 years ago, and was appointed to be tramways engineer over 20 years ago. He was recently commissioned to visit Australia on tramways business. Mr Richards was, in his youth, a Southland representative cricketer, and at various times was president of the Dunedin Cricket League, the Roslyn Bowling Club, and the, Dunedin Bowling Centre, and treasurer of the Dominion Bowling Council. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Gwyn and Alan, a daughter, Mrs O. T. Baragwanath, and three grandchildren.

The regret of the City Corporation at the sudden death of Mr Richards was expressed by the Mayor, Mr Cameron, last night. “Mr Richards had a bright, happy personality and was highly respected by councillors, employees and all who knew him. He

was employed in the service of the City Council for a long period of years, and all his duties were performed with great loyalty and efficiency,” said Mr Cameron. “We heard the news of his passing with deep sorrow,” he added. “Not only has the city lost an excellent officer, but many people have lost one whose friendship was highly valued. To Mrs Richards and the family we extend our sincere sympathy.” MRS R. MACDONALD PA. AUCKLAND, Nov. 8. The wife of Mr Ritchie Macdonald, Member of Parliament for Ponsonby, Mrs Gertrude Macdonald died to-day, aged 52. She studied physiotherapy at the Otago University and also at St. Mary’s Hospital, London. She was physiotherapist at the services’ hospital, Hanmer, during the First World War and also at King George Hospital, Rotorua, and later at the Auckland Hospital. She married Mr Macdonald in 1932. ARCHDEACON EVANS P.A. NEW PLYMOUTH, Nov. 9. The death has occurred of the Ven. Archdeacon Frank George Evans, at the age of 91. LORD MOTTISTONE Rec. 8 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 7. The death has occurred of Lord Mottistone, formerly Major-general John Edward Bernard Seely. Lord Mottistone had been Lord Lieutenant of Harts and Isle of Wight since 1918. He was 79 years of age and served with the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa, 1900-01. He was mentioned in despatches five times in the 1914-18 war. He was Under-Secretary for the Colonies, 1908-1910, Under-Sec-retary of State for War, 1911-14, and Under-Secretary of State for Air and president of Air Cabinet in 1919. He was the author of several publications. SIR ALEXANDER PATERSON

Rec. 10.30 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 8. Sir Alexander Paterson, whose death has occurred, was Commissioner of Prisons for 25 years. He originated “ prisons without walls.” He was born in 1884.