OBITUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12085, 14 August 1917, Page 6

OBITUARY.

G. H". WHTTCOMBE. The death is announced of Mr George Hawkes Whitcombe, aged sixty-four. Mr Whitcombo was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1803. When a young man ho came out to New Zealand and served in tho Armed Constabulary in tho latter part of the Maori war in Taranaki. On his discharge from tho military forces he removed to Christchurch and opened a book selling business in a small shop in Market Square, now known as Victoria Square. The business grew rapidly and before long Mr Crerar was taken into partnership. The firm afterwards removed to business premises in th 0 Hereford Hotel buildings (now the United Service), in Colombo Street, where. Mr Crerar dropped out of tho business and Mr Tombs was taken into partnership, thus giving the linn its well-known name. The business premises were afterwards removed to tho present .site in Cashel Street. Some years ago Mr Tombs retired, and later the business was formed into a limited liability company with Mr Whitcombo as managing director. The company gradually extended its operations, and tho business of Lyons and Blair, Wellington, and Horsburgh and

Co., Dunedin, were acquired and formed the nucleus of the firm's branches in those centres- About two year* ago the printing and stationery business of Ferguson find Mitchell was purchased and the lirm erected palatial premises in Princes Street, Dunedin. j*n 1916 the business of Upton and Co., booksellers and e-tationers, Auckland, was purchased. An up-to-date establishment, was erected, into which tho firm has just moved. In addition to the four houses in New Zealand, tho firm has its publishing and distributing house for Australia in Littlo Collins Street, Melbourne, and a buyino- and publishing house m St"Andrew's Hill, London, and a purchasing agency in New York A teature of the publishing work o tho firm is the specially prepared educational text books which are used largely throughout New Zealand and i lie Commonwealth and in portions ot boutli Africa. The firm also specialises in. publications dealing with New Zealand, especially those, of an historical character the authors being the leading authorities in their various subjects Quite recently at the personal request of the Governor-General of New Zealand the firm published the "Countess ol Liverpool Gift Book." m aid or the patriotic funds, and latterly, a record of tho New Zealand hospital ships, the matter for which was supplied by lus Excellency. 1 ,_,,,■ Mr 'Whitcombo was devoted to his business and took very little part in public life. About six months ago he suffered a breakdown iu health, and in accordance with medical advice., that a sea trip would be beneficial, left for America. He returned :i fortnight ago and to outward appearances looked much better. Ho was taken suddenly ill while in his office yesterday afternoon and passed away last evening. Ho leaves a widow, seven sons and three daughters. Four of the sens on activo service. Lieutenant Eric Whitcombe with the Hoynl Horse Artillery, Lieutenant Alec Whilenmho with an Imperial regiment, and Private Hugh and Trooper Gerald Whitcombo with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The other three sons nro in charge of the New Zealand branches of the firm. Mr Bertie Whitcombo being at Auckland, Mr Louis Whitcombo at Wellington, and Mr Basil Whitoombe at Christchurch. Air S. F. Whilcombe, Traffic Superintendent for iho South Island Railways, and Mr W. E. 'Whitcombo, of Murray Place, St Albans, are brothers of the deceased.