A member of Rushden Rotary Club and past master of the Pemberton Lodge of Freemasons, Mr. Herbert Thomas Mackness, died suddenly at his 37 Park Avenue, Rushden, home on Friday. He was 71.

Shortly after the First World War, in which he served with the Army overseas, he founded the business of H. T. Mackness, Ltd., shoe sock manufacturers, which is now continued at modern premises in Beech Road by his nephews, Messrs. G. B. and D. H. Mackness.

Mr. Mackness is survived by his second wife, Mrs. Olive Mackness, and a brother, Mr. C. F. Mackness.

Many Freemasons and Rotarians were at the funeral service –conducted by the Rev. W. G. Muir – at St. Peter’s Church on Monday morning. Cremation followed at Kettering.