We greatly regret to report the death, which occurred at his residence in Kimbolton-road, Rushden, at half-past three on Tuesday afternoon, of Mr. John Smith Mason, at the age of 67 years. Mr. Mason belonged to an old Rushden family, and, like his father, the late Mr. Stewart Mason, was a native of the town. When just over 30 years of age he set up in business as an auctioneer and estate agent. A great deal of property in the town and district came under his management, and from the office in High-street the business continued successfully for 35 years. His health having broken down in October 1930, Mr. Mason gave up business last June, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Tusting. Mr. Mason never desired to take part in public committee work, and his position during the war as Military Representative on the Rushden Tribunal was one of the few appointments that he held. In sport, however, Mr. Mason added very definitely to the laurels that Rushden has gained, and he will always be remembered as one of the keenest cricketers that Rushden has produced. In the ’eighties, when Rushden has a very strong team, he was known as an all-rounder of great ability, with special talent for bowling. One of those who played with him wrote recently: “Mr John Mason was a good bat and fielder, but he was the mainstay in the bowling department and undoubtedly the finest as well as the fastest bowler Rushden ever had . . . He had not the heart to bowl his fastest when the wicket suited him, as he did not like to hurt anyone.” His brother, Mr. George S. Mason (the Clerk to the Rushden Urban District Council), Mr. Fred Knight and the late Mr. John Claridge were among the deceased gentleman’s contemporaries in those hey-days of Rushden sport. Mr. Mason was to the end a keen follower of cricket, being a member of the Northamptonshire C.C. and an occasional visitor at Lord’s. He was fond of country life and reputed to be a very good shot. Mr. Mason’s wife, who was the daughter of the late Mr. E. Claridge, died in 1918, and there are no children. The funeral takes place on Saturday morning, and it has been requested that no mourning shall be worn and no flowers sent.