OBITUARY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17697, 24 October 1919, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MW ALEXANDER McMINN. <

l Old residents will deeply regret t« [ learn of the death of Mr Alexander ; McMinn, who was well known ■ throughout New Zealand in journal- > istie circles. The sad event took ; place at his home in Devonpori, . Auckland, on Tuesday evening, after j a short illness caused by bronchial trouble. Mr McMinn, when a young; man of about twenty years of age, "\ came to New Zealand from Belfast f (Ireland), lauding at Auckland on i, St. Patrick's Day. He afterwards . removed to Wellington, but subsequently took up his residence in Wanganui, where he was headmaster of the' Grammar School. After a short career in the teaching profession he entered journalism on the; Wanganui Herald, which was thenconducted by the late Hon. John > Ballance. Mr McMinn proved him-, self a very vigorous and able writer, and in those days was recognised as one of the smartest journalists on this coast. After leaving Wanganui he joined the Rangitikei Advocate, but in 1880' Mr McMinn came to PalinerstpnNorth and founded the Manawatu Evening Standard. The paper Wasprinted on the sanKjs hand press which was used for|he first number of the Wanganui Herald and latter the Woodville Examiner, whichthe deceased gentleman also established. In 1891 he disposed of his^ interest in the "Standard" to Mr I*. Pirani (who /übsequently sold tp: the present proprietors), and remov^ ed a few years later to Mastertori,' where he occupied the position of sub-editor of the Wairarapa Dair)>" Times. -.■?: Having regxined something of his former robust constitution, Mr M<sMinn, about seven years ago, took up his residence at Auckland, where he occupied a post on the literarj/'. staff of the Auckland Star up to the* time of his disease. a The deceased gentleman leaves & widow and four surviving sons-4-Francis Alexander (Dannevirke};, Garnet (Taumarunui), Gordoia (Beudigo); Leslie (Taikorea), and one daughter—Mrs Whalley (Palnferston North). The late Mr Archt{bald McMinn, the well known footballer, was also a son. Mr McMinn jwas always of a most cheerful nature, and his natural courtliness of i manner and kindness in many wa'yls i endeared him to his many friends in J journalism and in other pursuits. i Their respect lor him wa^^kvays .of j that fine nature in which a gentle- "V ! man of his calibre is held, and hfs i death v/il\ be deeply regretted by, a j wide circle of friends.