OBITUARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 154, 11 April 1930, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MR THOMAS EVERARD UPTON. WELL-KNOWN SHEEP BREEDER. There passed away at his residence, Moreton Saye, Alford Forest Road, today, Mr Thomas Everard Unton, an old and respected resident of the County, in his 85th year. Mr Upton was horn in Shropshire, England, in 1845, and after being educated at Market Drayton Grammar School and by private tutors, sailed for New Zealand in 1865. On liis arrival he went •as a cadet on the property of Sir Frederick Napier Broome, at Malvern Hills, Canterbury, where lie remained for two years. Mr Upton was afterwards manager for the late Sir Cracroft Wilson for 16 years. At the end of that time he came to Ashburton County, where he engaged in farming, which pursuit he followed lip to the time of his death, his interest during the last few years being passive. Mr Upton was well known as a breeder of purebred Shropshires, of which he liad at one time about 1200 in the New Zealand Stud Book. He exported: Shropshire sheep to Australia, and forwarded them all ove* - New Zealand. He acted as judge of this type of sheep at several agricultural societies. He was keenly interested in agricultural and pastoral matters, being president of the Ashburton Association in 1907. Mr Upton was on the Rakaia Road Board when Sir John Hall was a member. He also held other "hblic positions. He was a life member of the Ashburton Club and M.S.A., and held the offices of president and yice-president. He took an active interest in the Ashburton Racing and Trotting Clubs, being a life member of each body. For many years he was chairman of the committee of the Racing Club. Mr Upton’s death will be regretted by a large number of friends, by whom he was held in the highest esteem. He was twice married, and is survived by his wife and a large family. One son was killed in the Boer War, while another, Lieutenant F. C. R. Upton, M.C., gave his life in the Great War. The flag was flown at half-mast from the Ashburton Club as a mark of respect.