The death occurred recently in Wellington of George Maynard Murch, formerly a widely-known and well-respected commercial lawyer specialising in the co-operative dairy company field where his opinion and advice was sought throughout the country.

He was born in Wanganui and educated at the Collegiate School. On completing his law professional exams he became the managing clerk for the Wanganui legal firm of Cunningham and Christie, coming to Wellington in 1928 with WH Cunningham (later Sir William Cunningham) to become managing clerk for the newly formed partnership of Luke, Cunningham & Clere, from which firm he retired as the senior partner in 1972 after more than 50 years in the law.

He was qualified in accountancy and was an associate member of the New Zealand Society of Accountants for 37 years.

During the Second World War he served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force with the rank of Flying Officer, undertaking administrative and special duties at Air Department, Wellington. For many years he was honorary solicitor to the New Zealand Home Servicemen's Association, and also to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its Wellington branch.

A fine pianist, he also assisted for many years as church organist at the Wadestown and Karori Presbyterian Churches.

He is survived by his widow.

This obituary was published in the February 1984 issue of Council Brief, the monthly newsletter of the Wellington District Law Society.