[Mr. Robert Wardle Kirby i Shanghai, Jan. 0.
The death is, reported with regret lor Mr, R. W. Kirby, which occurred jon January 4 at his resid Jenco in Bubbling Well Road. "Mr, icirby was at his business during the day trid appeared to be in his usual good health, The sad news has come 50 unexpectedly and is a great shock his many friends and associates.
'Mr, Kirby was a native of South Shields, Durham "County, 'England, where he was educated and spent his Jearly days. He took a very keen interest in sport and for many years played in' the three quarter position for Westoe Rugby Union Club. Serv-ug his apprenticeship as a shipbuilder with Messrs. Wood Skinner & Ca. of Neweasile-on-Tyne, Mr." Kirby pro-Jeeded to Armstrong College (Ducham University) where he passed a course lof naval architecture, after which he obtained '2 responsible position. with Messrs. William Doxford é Sons, the welt known Sunderland shipbuilders, With whom he remained from 1913 to 026, during this time he was asso-elated with the construction of many types. of ships "for the mercantile rmatine? also light craft and destroyers {for the British Navy. Tu the summer Jot 1926, Mr. Kirby came to Shanghai {o take up a position on the shipbuilding start of the Shanghai Dock Engineering Ca, and on the form: tion of the Shanghai Dockyards Lita {two years ago, ne was appointed to similar "position" with the new company.
Mr. Kirby was well-known in shipping circles, was of a very cheerful and. enthusiastic disposition, and did his best to brighten the lives of those around him, and was always very helpful and will be sadly missed.
Mr. Kirby is survived by his wife Jand two young daughters to. whom his many friends extend their deepest sympathy on their sad loss.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.