OBITUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6731, 28 February 1900, Page 3

OBITUARY.

THE LATE MR H. V. m^fiTveoX. [Froji Our Correspondent.] WELLLnuIUa, i'cu. 28. The death is announced of Mr H. P. Higginson, a, gentleman well known allover New Zealand as an eminent engineer, who" 'took a prominent part in connection with the public works of the colony. Mi Higginson had suffered from ill-health for some years past, so that his demise did not. come as a shock to his relatives and friends.. ■ He was a native of Yorkshire, and having a liberal and excellent professional education, was articled to the celebrated engineering firm of Sir W. Fairbairn, of Manchester, whose reputation is world-wide. Having been admitted as a member of the Institute of Civl Engineers, London, he was engaged for three years in constructing railways in Russia and for five years after wards he was connected with hydraulic works in India. In 1872 he came to New Zealand to take up the office of Superintending Engineer to the Public Works Department, and held the appointment for five years. " He then went into private practice in (Dunedin, and amongst many important public works which he designed while a resident of that city were the Waimea Plains railway, the Balclutha traffic bridge, the Lyttelton water-works and ths I Waimakariri Gorge bridge. When tho Manawatu Railway Company was formed, Mr Higginson was selected to build the line, and he carried out the work with his I usual ability. In 1889 he succeeded the late Mr J. E. George as manager and engineer of the Wellington Gas Oompany, and continued to hold the dual positions until illhealth compelled his retirement abdut two years ago. The deceased gentleman, who was sixty-bwo years of age, leaves a widow and family. His funeral yesterday morning was largely attended.