THREE MONTHS TO LIVE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16495, 30 July 1924, Page 8

THREE MONTHS TO LIVE.

LATE LAWRENCE BIRRS'.

A TRAGIC EXPERIENCE.

(Special to the Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day

The recent death of Mr. Lawrence Bii-ks, Chief Electrical Engineer of the Public Works Department, had elements of tragedy, though this was not disclosed by deceased, who, it, transpires, spent the last, three months of his busy life with a. definite knowledge that he must within three to six months succumb to an incurable internal trouble. This was disclosd by Mr. Fnrkert, Chief Engineer of the Departments Speaking to a motion of condolence with the late Mr. Birks’ relatives at the Rotary Club meeting, lie paid a- high tribute to Mr. Birks’ abounding energy and enthusiasm for his work, particularly irf popularising the use of electricity. Coming to- more recent events, he said that deceased was selected to represent New Zealand at the Industrial Electri-al Conference in London during June. Before leaving lie consulted his medical advisers regarding his health, which had been good until a- few days previously. Then lie was told definitely that an internal trouble' was evident-, which omfld not- be cured, and that a- fatal result would only be 7a- matter of a- few months, six. at the most. Hoping for a better verdict .from old medical friends in Adelaide, Mr. Birks commenced liis journey lo England, but the sentence of death, as Mr. Fuckert called 'it, was confirmed in Adelaide, and Mi'. Birks turned back to New Zealand, having been convinced that if he went (O' England lie would not see his family again. He courn,geon-s'lv kept U)i his keen interest -in tlie work on returning to New Zealand and cleared up private and public affairs, showing no other sign that he was facing his end ■it so early a date. Unfortunately the medical opinion turned mil in he correct. Hie end coming before the maximum period which expert medical diagnosis gave Ihc patient ns his term of life.