OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 20586, 10 September 1928, Page 7

OBITUARY

MR EUGENE STOCK. London, September 8. The death is announced of Mr Eugene Stock. —Australian Press Association-United Service. The late Mr Eugene Stock was born on February 26, 1836, and in 1862 married Miss Eliza Mann. Upon her death in 1882 he married in 1902 the Hon. Mrs Isabella Emily Frinnes. Educated privately the late Mr Stock was engaged in mercantile life until 1873 when he became secretary of the Church Missionary Society, holding that position until 1906. He was also editor to the Church of England Sunday School Institute from 1867 to 1875 and from 1873 to 1902 was editor of the Church Missionary Society’s publications. He visited the colonies in 1892 and 1895, India in 1892 and 1893, and the United States in 1900. He was a member of the London Diocesan Conference from its establishment in 1883, a member of the House of Laymen from its establishment in 1885 and a member of the National Church Assembly from its establishment to 1925. In addition he was Diocesan Lay Reader for the Diocese of London from 1891, also for the Dioceses of Rochester and Winchester. In 1908 he became a Hon. Doctor of Civil Law. He also wrote a considerable number of books in connection with the Church. MR G. A. WATKINS. CRIMEAN VETERAN PASSES. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, September 8. The death is announced of Mr George Alfred Watkins, a Crimean War veteran, aged 96. Mr George Alfred Watkins, who, at the age of 96 years, died in Dunedin on Thursday last, has for a very long period been a well-known figure in that city, states the Evening Star. This has been so chiefly on account of his striking and lovable personality, his splendid record as a Crimean War veteran, and his career in Otago as a particularly versatile pioneer. The late Mr Watkins was born in Brompton, Kent, and when a young man joined the regular forces, which were engaged in Eastern waters and in the Crimean War. He saw service on H.M.S. Cleopatra in China and Borneo, and took part in the Rangoon War. During the Crimean War he was on the H.M.S. Diamond. His medals the dates of which range around the years 1854-55, include Rangoon (with Pegu clasp), Crimea (with Balaclava, Inkerman, and Sebastopol clasps), and a Turkish medal. In 1864 Mr Watkins settled in Otago, and up till within two years of his death had enjoyed remarkably good health. Scarcely two years have passed since he went to live at the Ross Home. The feature of his old age was the keen interest he maintained in all matters—social, political, municipal, and martial. There was nothing that did not claim his attention. He was happy, contented, and full of energy. It is interesting to note, moreover, that he shook hands with the present King when as Duke of York he visited New Zealand, and also with the Prince of Wales in recent years. Shortly after peace was declared at the end of the Great War he was made an honorary member of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and was presented with a wallet of sovereigns. His sterling character was also much appreciated by the Governor (Sir Charles Fergusson) when, during a visit to Dunedin some years ago, he met Mr Watkins at the Montecillo Home.