OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 8

OBITUARY

MATTHEW ERSKINE McLEAN. PROMINENT EX-INVERCARGILL RESIDENT. All those who were acquainted with Mr. Matthew Erskine McLean during his residence in Invercargill, will grieve to hear of his death which took place at Dunedin on Thursday. Mr. McLean, who was the eldest surviving son of the late Peter and Elizabeth McLean, Alexandra Street, Caversham, leaves a wife and one married daughter. Twenty-five years ago he conducted a tannery business at Seaward Bush and while attending to his business he devoted considerable time to religious and social work. At one stage he was leader of the Y.M.C.A.. Bible Class and open air preaching band at that time a well-known feature of religious life in Invercargill. As president of the Christian Endeavour movement he visited all parts of Southland. He possessed unusually brilliant natural gifts. His platform manner was quiet and unrestrained, but the matter of his discourse was always profoundly impressive. When the old men’s home was carried on in Bowmont Street some considerable time ago, the late Mr. McLean conducted Sunday morning services there which were attended by every member of the home. He entered the ministry late in life and his death leaves a gap in the memory of many who appreciated him.

The interment takes place this morning in the Anderson’s Bay cemetery, a short service being held in St. Stephen’s Church, North Dunedin, prior to the funeral.