OBITUARY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XL, Issue 11190, 4 March 1915, Page 8

OBITUARY.

FRANCIS ARKWRIGHT, M.L.O. Mr Francis Arkwright, whose death we announced yesterday, was at one time a personality in this district, where he resided for many years and took part in public life in many capacities. In standing against the late Mr McArthur for the district, it was thought, being educated at Eton, that his career had not fitted him to represent the small farmers and labourers, who mostly comprised the population of the district, but he soon disabused the electors of this when he at nis meetings openly declared he was descended from a barber who was the happy inventor of the spinning jenny, which besides laying the foundations of fortunes of thb family had conferred an immense benefit on the world and especially the British nation by cheapening the cost of clothing and other fabrics, and had relieved a great number of workmen from a somewhat irksome and unhealthy job. Holding some property in Derbyshire and living near Overton in that county he sought the anffrage of the people, and for several years represented the Parliamentary division of East Derbyshire in the Conservative interest in the British Parliament. Being fond of sport during his young days, he ran a pack of harriers himself. On his defeat at the general election, he came to New Zealand with his wife and only child (Miss Margaret Arkwright), and purchased the property wbioh he renamed “Overton,” from Mr H. Death, and enlarged it by purchase of some absentee sections. Here he bnilt the present charming residence now belonging to his nephew, Mr Henry Arkwright. The plantations which he laid out are quite a feature in the neighbourhood. Being dissatisfied with the policy of the “Advocate” he was instrumental in establishing the “Marton Mercury,” in opposition to ns, and edited by Mr Chas. Wilson, now Parliamentary Librarian. Shortly after he, as above stated, ran against Mr McArthur, but was unsuccessful, though on one occasion running him pretty close. When the Ballanoe Government came into power he was raised to the Upper Housa, and remained a member for many years, although not showing great activity in Parliament, he spoke with authority on several subjects, and was listened to with attention when he did so. A omnivorous reader, bis library at “Overton” was the finest in the district, and be spent muob of bis leisure time among his beloved book:. Besides bis Parliamentary labours be was a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and held other public positions, besides being a strong supporter of the Church. A great lover of sport, the Old Country held out snob temptations in fishing and shooting to which he was devoted that some years ago he left New Zealand and lived at Bournemouth; making yearly journeys to the Scotch sporting districts. To the younger people of the district his name is not familiar, but those who were his intimates regarded him highly as an able man, but his reserved disposition caused him to be less known than ihe position he took in the district warranted, though he was greatly respected by one and all. He is survived by. the Hon, Mrs Arkwright (daughter of the late Lord Sid. month), and his only daughter, Mrs Whit Monoktou, Who lately also left New Zealand to live in England. To bis relations and many friends both here and at Home we offer our respectful sympathy.