“Tommy” Horne

Death in Sydney in January

THERE passed away at his home in Roseville, Sydney, on January 16, Mr. Thomas Horne, one of the best known of the older generation of Fiji merchants. He was 73 years old, and he had been in failing health for some months.

In 1883, Mr. Walter Horne, of Glasgow with his wife and family, in the course of a world wander, looked in on the newly estabhshed town of Suva, saw its possi bilities and immediately established the firm of Walter Horne & Co., drapers and soft-goods merchants. The firm flourished and still is flourishing, in the centre of Suva. The family consisted of three daughters and one son—Thomas.

The founder and his family, in 1899. had retired, to live in Sydney; but Tommy as he was known to the end of his life, who entered Fiji as a small boy, spent all his early years, and a large part of his adult life in the Colony.

As a young man, he travelled much abroad, and at one period he held an important position in the Canadian salmon-canning industry. After his father died, in 1912, he took a prominent part in the management of the firm. He retired, to reside with his sisters in Syd ney. about ten years ago. He was twice married.

During his residence in Fiji, “Tommy”

Horne took an active interest in all the Colony s activities, and he was very well known and popular. He was an authority on the early history of the Colony, and on this subject he wrote a good deal and, when radio came in, he broadcast several memorable addresses. Right to the end of his life, he was famous for his hospitality, and for his charming quali ties. Few men of this generation dress as smartly or carry themselves with such distinction as did handsome old “Tommy”

Horne at 70.

It was “Tommy” Horne who es tablished the weekly luncheons of the “Old Fijians” in Sydney—still held every Friday at the Wentworth Hotel. He never missed a meeting until the latter half of 1948, when—to his outspoken disgust—a heart that refused to function properly obliged him to remain at home.

His interment, on January 17, was private; but many family friends gathered at his home to say a last farewell to one who was greatly loved and esteemed.

Mother Ina Donovan, the new Mother Superior of St. Joseph’s Convent, Suva, accompanied by Sister Louis Woodnutt and Sister Rosalie Flannery, has arrived in Fiji. Mother Ina has spent 25 years in the West Indies, while Sister Louis comes from Sierra Leone 'and Sister Rosalie from England.

To Aid British

Orphans

A committee comprising Lady Ragg, Mesdames Butler, Trotter

and Gatty, Messrs. Stansfield,

Phillips, W. E. Donovan and D.

Collins, organised a ball at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva, on November 5, in aid of the London Lord Mayor’s Appeal for Children.

Photograph shows the “top table.’’ Left to right: Mrs. Trotter, HE the Governor (Sir Brian Free ston), Lady Freeston, Sir Hugh Ragg, and Mr. Howard Hayden.