SPORTSMAN'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 268, 12 November 1928, Page 10

SPORTSMAN'S DEATH.

REFEREE AND SECRETARY.

MR. J. F. PEAKE'S SUDDEN END

LOSS TO CRICKET AND RUGBY.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

GHRISTCHURCH, this day,

Mr. John F. Peake, aged 49, secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council for the past 14 years, and a former wellknown Eugbv referee, died suddenly during the week-end.

Mr. Peake was highly estemed for his excellent personal qualities. In his day he was undoubtedly one of the leading Rugby referees in New Zealand, officiating at many international and interprovinqlal fixtures, as well as ita numerous club matches. On the field he was firm, just and prompt with his decisions, and he was trusted by public and players alike. During the past few years he had not done refereeing work at big matches, but he never lost his interest in the game,, and was regularly at Lancaster Park to see the -matches.

Mr. Peake had rendered even 'greater service to cricket. He was secretary to the New Zealand Cricket Council for the past 14 years, and he also played.

By Rugby players of the present day in Auckland Mr. Peake is remembered chiefly as referee in the Springboks' match against the Maori team .in Napier in 1921, and by his splendid exhibition of match control in the Auck-land-Hawke's Bay memorial match at the Auckland Domain in 1923.-

He became secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council in 1918, and rendered the game of cricket a great ser-. vice in 1924 by collecting and publishing a book of statistics and of New Jeams on tour. In the season 1925-26 he managed the New Zealand cricket team which toured Australia. Mr. Peake s death is believed to have been due to heart failure. He leaves a Widow and two young children, a son and daughter.. He was. assistant manager for New Zealand of the MasseyHarris Company. A 0 a cricketer he had a good record in Otago as a member of the Albion Club, and in Canterbury as a member of the West Christchurch Club. He came north from Otago in 1906.