202 SIR DAVID GILL. 



The funeral took place at the (Jld Alachar Churchyard, 

 Aberdeen, on January 28th, and simultaneously memorial services 

 were held at St. Mary Abbott's Church, Kensington, and at the 

 Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Observatory Road, the 

 church at which he regularly worshipped while in South Africa. 



The large number of floral tributes, together with the full 

 attendance at these services testify to the world-wide respect 

 in which he was held. Several foreign Governments and scien- 

 tific societies all over the world sent representatives to pay their 

 last tribute to one who was universally beloved. 



His keen delight in handling a new instrument, or in discuss- 

 ing a new problem, or new methods of dealing with an old one. 

 could not fail to communicate to all who came in contact with 

 him somewhat of his own enthusiasm and zeal. 



To these inspiring qualities, combined with a geniality of 

 manner which gave him ready access to officials of all classes. 

 must be attributed his great administrative success. When Gill 

 wanted anything done, he always knew exactl}^ what he wanted, 

 and there were few in a position to meet his recjuirements who 

 could say him nay. He would permit of no shoddy work. 

 Every detail must be of the best. 



For instance, though the immediate re(|uirements of boundary 

 survey might l^e met at a small cost, he would eagerly press that 

 it might l)e conducted with geodetic accuracy, such as to ensure 

 that at no future time would there be likely to' be a call for 

 repetition. In astronomical measurements of all classes there 

 existed in his own mind no standard of accuracy short of " per- 

 fection."' and with this ideal in front of him no detail could be too 

 insignificant to be worthy of his attention. 



Outside his work he was an enthusiastic sportsman and a 

 keen golfer. He was excellent as a raconteur and will be well 

 remembered by many who were not brought into more intimate 

 contact with him as a racy after-dinner s])eaker. 



His domestic life, though clouded from time to time by the 

 shadow of his wife's ill-health, was of the happiest. To those 

 who were admitted to this inner circle his loss will be irre])aral~)le 

 while many others will share the feeling that they have lost a true 

 and warm-hearted friend. All will join in heart-felt sympathy 

 with the much-beloved and sorrowing widow who has sur\-ived 

 him 



S. S. H. 



