UBHUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 167, 18 July 1927, Page 9

ÜBHUARY.

MR SIDNEY RHODES SPEilxiix.

A well-known figure in Auckland sporting and aquatic circles, Mr. Sidney Rhodes Speight, died at the Auckland Hospital on Saturday. He had been in failing health in recent years, and three years ago relinquished his business of watchmaker in Queen Street, Auckland, in order to visit Australia, where he remained two years. He was born at Inverell, New South Wales, but three years later his parents took over a business at Sydney, where he was educated and apprenticed to the watchmaking trade, in which he set up for himself on completion of his indentures. Crossingover to Auckland 27 years ago, he was engaged for eight years by the late Mr. Iph Kohn, jeweller, in Queen Street. He then again commenced on his own account, continuing this business untlj his retirement three years ago. He officiated as timekeeper for many racing and sports bodies, serving at Ellerslie racecourse for the Auckland Racing Club for about ten years, and for the Avon dale and Takapuna Jockey Clubs for almost a quarter of a century, for ter vears at the Auckland Anniversary Regatta, and the Northcote and Birken head recratta, besides at sports gather mtrs held in vears srone bv in connectior with the Auckland Grammar School Kings' College, and for several swimmin" clubs. He was also an enthusiastic vaclitsman, and formerlv owned the Minstrel and Reore. which were success ful in winning manv prizes. Deceased who had resided at Northcote for nearly °0 years, is survived bv Mrs. Spei?lit vo crrown-uo sons, and three dauchters ♦he latter beinsr all married. The inter "ient tok place vesterdav afternoon a< cemetery, Onehunira.