OBITUARY.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18350, 9 June 1931, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MR ARTHUR TOWSEY. WELL-KNOWN MUSICIAN PASSES. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CAMBRIDGE, Tuesday. The death has occurred of Mr Arthur Towsey, aged 85 years. The late Mr Towsey was born at Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England, In 1846, and at an early age showed marked talent for music. At the age of seven years he commenced the study of pianoforte under the tuition of the parish organist, and, two years later, went to the College of Sir F. A. Gore Ouseley at Tenbury, Worcestershire, as a probationer. Here he gained a scholarship for singing, and from this he studied the pianoforte and organ under Sir John Stainer and Mr Langdown Colborne. In 1865 he was appointed organist and choirmaster of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dunedin, remaining in that capacity and also as a teacher of various branches of music until 1878, when he returned to England. Here he pursued his musical studies. During his stay in England he deputised for Mr Fred Archer at Alexandra Palace, giving daily organ' recitals, and he also frequently took the week-day services at St. Paul's Cathedral for Sir John Stainer. In 13S0 he returned to Dunedin, but resigned his appointment three years later, to accept a similar position at Christchurch, where lie remained for four years. During his sojourn in Christchurch he conducted with marked success the three principal musical societies in that city, the Liedertafel, Musical Society, and Amateur Comic Opera Company. In the latter part of 1888 Mr Towsey visited Melbourne, and gave organ recitals in the Exhibition buildings. The following year ho returned to take up his old appointment In Dunedin, where he was elected the musical director at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. At the close of this Exhibition, in 1900, he received an offer to undertake the duties of organist and choirmaster at Ail Saint's, St. Hilda, Melbourne, but he declined. In IS9I he moved to Auckland, where, at the Invitation of the Orchestral Union, he took up the duties of organist and choirmaster at St. Matthews. During his many years In Auckland deceased took a prominent part in musical activities, and produced a number of plays and operas. He was well-known as an adjudicator at the musical and elocutionary competitions. For a number of years Mr Towsey has lived in comparative retirement at Cambridge. As organist and choirmaster at Trinity Presbyterian Church he was a familiar and well-loved figure, while as a member of the Cambridge Bowling Club lie was popular with all bowlers. He was also a life member of the Cambridge Orphans' Club.

The late Mr Towsey was married in IS7G at Dunedin lo Miss Jessie McKay, who predeceased him in 1 Sf>s. There are two children. Mr Cyril Towsey. of Auckland, and Mrs .1. 1. Monfries, of Hautapu, and live grandchildren.