OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 21581, 19 December 1931, Page 4

OBITUARY

MRS F. W. WADE. A gentlewoman of the old type which is fast dying out, Mrs F. W. Wade, died at her residence, Ness street, on Thursday. Her name is most closely associated with the early history’ of Invercargill and her memory will be cherished by a great many of the older generation of Southlanders who long ago learnt to love and admire her. Mrs Wade, whose maiden name was Ada Gresham Macloskey, was born in Victoria 73 years ago. When she was in her early twenties she paid a visit to New Zealand and met her future husband. The wedding took place in All Saints’ Church, St. Kilda, Melbourne, after which Mr and Mrs Wade took up their residence in Forth street, Invercargill. Their house (which has since been destroyed by fire) was one of the landmarks of the town. Both Mr and Mrs Wade were renowned for their hospitality and for their charming way of entertaining. Mrs Wade was particularly gifted in this direction, her gracious personality and her extraordinary’ charm of manner endearing her to everyone. Mr Wade was one of the best known lawyers of his time and was always to the fore in furthering any movement for the welfare of the town. His unbounded generosity and his exceptional organizing ability helped many good causes. Mrs Wade was deeply religious and always took a very active part, in St. John’s Church. She was present at the first meeting of the guild which she helped to form and with which she has been actively connected ever since. Until her health prevented her, she was very regular in attending church services. During the war she did a great deal of work for the Red Cross and for _ patriotic societies. She was also keenly’ interested in the Borstal Institute and was a vicepresident of the Women’s Auxiliary. It was very’ truly said of her that she brought sunshine into every home she visited, for despite the many vicissitudes which beset her she radiated cheerfulness and kindliness. During the last four years she had been in indifferent health, but she never lost her sweetness of disposition, her powers of entertaining and her optimism. Her daughter, Mrs F. C. Beere, survives her; and she also leaves several step-sons and step-daughters. MR FRANK McKILLOP. FORMERLY OF INVERCARGILL. The death occurred at his place of residence, Greenhill street, of Mr Frank McKillop, recently partner in the Castlemaine Mail (Victoria), after an illness extending over six weeks (states the Mail). The late Mr McKillop, who was 64 years of age, was bom at Invercargill, being the fifth son of the late James and Ann McKillop. He joined the staff of the Mount Alexander Mail 34 years ago, and on the retirement of Mr W. C. Halford, in 1917, entered into partnership with Mr C. R. Williams, when the name Mount Alexander Mail was changed to Castlemaine Mail. It was felt when the change was made that the name. Castlemaine, would bring the town and district more prominently under notice. Mr McKillop at all times was a brilliant journalist; and his leading articles were able and equal to those appearing in city papers, his remarkable foresight, and keen, analytical mind made his work widely read and discussed. He was ever ready with his pen to aid any' movement for the advancement of the town, and by investing his capital endeavoured to develop its industries. His advice on many matters of community interest was frequently sought and his sound judgment is in evidence in many parts of the town at the present time. He was an ardent and generous supporter of the Art Gallery, and was at the time of his death a trustee. In appreciation of his services rendered in the interest of the returned soldiers during the war period and subsequent years he was made an associate member of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors’ Imperial League, an honour conferred on him by the local branch. There was not a movement in the town that did not have his practical support. His greatest liking in sport was for cricket, and he had a wealth of cricket information always at his fingertips, but all branches of sport always had an interest for him. The town has lost one of its most respected and ablest men, who, though not a native, had a great love for Castlemaine and its many institutions. Two of the late Mr McKillop’s brothers reside in Southland, namely, Mr Daniel McKillop, Tees street, Invercargill, and Mr Alexander McKillop, of Fairfax. A third brother, Mr John McKillop, lives in the North Island.