OBITUARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 297, 15 December 1934, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR. F. D. THOMSON. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE. I Per Press Association. 7 WELLINGTON. (Dec. 14. The death occurred at 2 o'clock this morning in the Bowen Street Private Hospital, of Mr. Frank David Thomson. C.M.G., permanent head of the Prime Minister’s Department, clerk to the Executive Council, and secretary to the Cabinet. By his death the Dominion loses one of her most distinguished public servants, Mr. Thomson was at his office in Par liament Buildings last Saturday morning, but went home at about mid-day feeling unwell. A doctor was called in and later Mr. Thomson was removed to hospital, where he was operated on during the afternoon. He was a#ed 57 and leaves a widow.

Mr. Thomson, who was born in Wellington, was educated at the Napier Boys’ High School, Canterbury College, and Victoria College, graduating B.A. in 1901. He entered the Civil Service in 1895 as a cadet in the Education Department. He was appointed private secretary to the Rt. Hon. R. J. Scddon in 1901 and accompanied him to the Colonial Conference in 1902 and the coronation of King Edward. Mr. Thomson was private secretary to the Hon. A. M. Myers in 1912. in that year he became chief private secretary to the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey, which position he held until Mr. Massey’s death in 1925.’ Mr. Thomson then became secretary to the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and in 1926 was made the first permanent secretary to the Prime Minister’s Department. Mr. Thomson was secretary to the New Zealand delegations to the seven Imperial Conferences held between 1917 and 1930. He was a member of the British Empire secretariat at the Peace Conference in 1919 and a member of the Imperial Conference secretariat since 1917. He was honoured with a C.M.G. in 1920. Mr. Thomson had «, genial personality, and even in the midst of very heavy work he was most courteous and helpful, specially to journalists whose duties often brought them in contact with him. WARM TRIBUTE BY PREMIER. ( Per Tress Association ). DUNEDIN, Dec. 14. Prior to going north, this morning, the Hon. G. W. Forbes paid a warm tribute to the service and personality of Mr. F. D. Thomson (late head of the Prime Minister’s Department), who, he said, was held in the highest esteem and affectionate regard by Ministers, members, and officers. “It would perhaps be difficult to find throughout the Empire a public servant who had given such unique service,” said Mr. Forbes, “and both as an officer and a man he measured up to the highest traditions.” DR. JULIUS MARTIN, S.M. [ Per Press Association ] WELLINGTON, Dec. 14. The death occurred at the Home of Compassion to-night of Doctor Julius Martin, S.M., one of the most brilliant theologians in Australia or New Zealand. He came to New Zealand in 1903 and for 31 years taught theology at the Meanee seminary, Hawke’s Bay. He was 59 years of age. WILLIAM R. WILLIAMSON [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, Dec. 14. The death occurred at Wellington today of William Reith Williamson, aged 53, well known in the printing and paper trade throughout the Dominion. For a considerable time he was attached to the firm of Storer, Meek and Co.