Obituary

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 407, 16 July 1928, Page 12

Obituary

MRS. MARY COURT Mrs. Mary Court, who died at her home, Clark Road, Oneliungra, yesterday, at the age of 77, was born in Birmingham, England, and in ISSS came to New Zealand with her husband, the late Mr, James Court. Mr. Court’s four brothers also came to New Zealand about the same time. The late Mr. Alfred Court settled at Thames, and with the other three brothers Mrs. James Court commenced a business in Liverpool Street, which was the forerunner of the great drapery establishments which are so well known in Auckland to-day. Air. Fred Court and Mr. John Court are the only two of the brothers still alive. Mrs. Court returned to England with her husband some years ago, and they spent eight years abroad before again coming to New Zealand. Mrs. Court, who lived a comparatively retired life, was a willing helper of those in distress, There are no children. MR. GEORGE BRUCE A spectator or the historical Charge of the Light Brigade and one who came into personal touch with Florence Nightingale, Mr. George Bruce died at his home in Takapuna early yesterda}' morning at the age of 89. Born in Dundee, Scotland, Mr. Bruce went to sea as a boy. He made his first voyage in 1854 in the sailing ship Sutlej, a, vessel of 782 tons, which was commissioned to carry stores to the troops in the Crimea. He was thus afforded an opportunity of seeing some of the episodes of the war and as well as witnessing the great charge, when working as an hospital assistant came into contact with Florence Nightingale. Coming to New Zealand in 1867, Mr. Bruce engaged at any work that offered and for a time tried golddigging but without profit. He settled at Oamaru as accountant and cashier to an auctioneering firm and he was also the secretary to the Oamaru Hospital Board for some years. Later he moved to Auckland, living at Birkenhead and finally at Takapuna. When on the Sutlej, Mr. Bruce had as a ship-mate a lad who was afterwards Sir Charles Barrie, an important Dundee ship-owner and Lord Provost of that city. When his son. the second Sir Charles, was visiting the Dominion a few years ago, he went to see his father’s old ship-mate at Takapuna. Mr. Bruce, who was a widower, is survived by his only daughter, Miss Mary Bruce, Park Avenue, Takapuna. MRS. ANNE COOMBES A resident of New Zealand for over 30 years, Mrs. Anne Coombes died at her home, Vincent Stret, on Friday, at the age of 90. Mrs. Coombes was born in Devonshire, England. For a number of years she was the proprietress of the Foresters’ Arms Private Hotel in Albert Street. Her husband, the late Mr. John Coombes died shortly after his arrival in the Dominion. Of the family 11 children the only survivor is Mrs. Mudge, of England. CAPTAIN J. N. M. STEWART Captain James Neil McPherson Stewart, who died at his home, Parau Street, Mount Eden, last Friday, at the age of 38, had been a searfarer since he was 12 years of age except for two years of war service. He had been ill for 18 months, the result of wounds received on active service. Born at Opito Bay on the Coromandel Coast, Captain Stewart was associated with coastal vessels, being master of a number. He was with the Northern Company for some time, being captain of the Pono, and he also served with the Richardson Company, being in charge of the Awahou and later the Ripple. Captain Stewart was married nine years ago and he is survived by his wife.