OBITUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16635, 18 January 1922, Page 5

OBITUARY.

JAMES HAY. One of the earliest settlers of Canterbury, Air James Hay, diqd yesterday at his residence, 96, Bealey Avenue. Air Hay was born at Peton© in 1841, his parents having arrived in Wellington from Scotland during the previous year. In 1843, the Hays and the Sinclairs came south, and, selecting Pigeon Bay as their future home, became the first whit© settlers in that spot, which was then covered with native bush to the water’s edge. After the death of Air Hay, senior, the sons carried on the estate under the name of Hay Brothers, all of whom have now joined the great majority; Air James Hay having been the last survivor of the live sons. For several years the late Mr James Hay was chairman of the Akaroa County Council, and during his tenure of office he did much for the advancement of the Peninsula, displaying a wisdom and steadfastness of purpose which brought him into much repute and secured for him the esteem and affection of liis fellow councillors and the inhabitants of the district. He was also for some years a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. On retiring from Pigeon Bay in 1897, Air Hay settled in Christchurch and for many years, until his death, he resided in Bealey Avenue, occupying his leisure in cabinetmaking, which he took up as a hobby aud in which craft he acquired quite an extraordinary facility. A few years ago Air Hay published a book of reminiscences, giving many details of individuals who long ago crossed the bar, and of incidents long ago closed. This little book, apart from the charm of its simple and humorous style, is valuable ns’ an aid to the history of the earlier periods of New Zealand settlement. Air Hay was quiet and retiring in manner, nevertheless he was straightforward, determined and of untiring energy. His disposition was genial and kindly, and from the rich fund of a rare wisdom and a wide and varied experience, he was enabled to give advice and assistance to a large number who at various times sought his counsel, and who are to this dav his debtors. Mr Hay is survived by bis widow aud one son, Air J. C. Hay, of Pigeon Bay. S. C. OWEN. Mr S. C. Owen, ALA., Inspector of Schools for the Canterbury district, died yesterday morning at his residence, Cashmere Hills, of heart failure, following on a brief illness. He; leaves a widow, a son and a dnugbtei Mr Oven, who was born in London and came to the* Dominion in his boy-, hood, served his apprenticeship to the teaching profession at til© West Christchurch School and the Normal Training College, .returning after w:v»*ds to West Christchurch as assistant master. Later ho was appointed master to the Doyles*on School, and in 1894, lie came hack to Christchurch as first assistant at East Christchurch School, where subsequently he succeeded the late Mr J. G. L. Scott, 8.A., as head master Mr Owen graduated ALA. at Canterbury College and in 1911 was appointed Inspector of Schools for Canterbury which position he was still holding at the time of his unexpected death. For some vears Mr Owen was a member of the Board of Governor’s of the Christchurch Technical College, and on several occasions he represented the Canterbury teachers at the annual conference of the New Zealand Education Institute. In addition to his high scholastic abilities and his interest fn educational matters, All Owen was an enthusiastic ami skilled musician. For upwards of a quarter of a century he acted as honorary organist at the Trinity Congregational Church, and cal examinations for the Education Department. By his never-failing geniality and wide sympathy, Mr Owen endeared himself to tho‘ large body of teachers with whom lie worked so long ; while amongst his fellow-inspectors, his happy personality and kindly disposition will be long and sadly missed. DR JOHN BROWN. By Telegraph Pron? Association Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, January 16 The death is announced of Dr John Broun Congregation;!list Minister The* late Dr Brown was born in 1830, being the eldest son of Air William Brown. Bolton, Lancashire. He was educated in Manchester and graduated at London University In 1853. Ho received the honorary degree of D.L;. from Yale University in 1887, and subsequently acted as Minister of Park C'hapel, Manchester, and of the Bunyan Church, Bedford. Dr Brown was appointed chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales in 1891 : he was Congregational Union lecturer in 1898, mid Lyman Beecher lecturer at Yale University, V.S.A., In 1899. Among numerous hooks of which lie was the author, the best known are John Bunyan His Life. Times, and Works ’’ ; “ Puritan Preaching in England ' : “ History of the English i Bible.’‘ and “The Pilgrim Fathers of New England.”)