OBITUARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 10, 12 January 1929, Page 7

OBITUARY.

MR. ARTHUR EADY.

PIONEER IN MUSIC BUSINESS.

-V 2 YEARS IN QUEEN STREET.

One of Auckland's moM highlyrespeeted pioneer business men. in the person of Mr. Arthur Eady. died in his sleep early this morning at his home. ■'Rangi Marie,"' 6. Domain Drive, after a wcek'e illness.

In the death of Mr. Eady Queen Street loses one who wae a gentleman in the full sense of the word. As one of the heads of the business which bears his name he wa«* widely known, not only in the city and province, but in other parts of New Zealand and ako in Australia. His natural frraiMousnecss and kindly disposition endeared him to a large circle within and without the commercial world, and there are many who remember him for countless acts of charity aud help.

Born at Newlands, Northampton, on May 29, IS.>6, Mr. Eady came to New Zealand with his father,"mother and two brothers in the ship Andrew Jackson in 1865. The voyage occupied 84 days and was uneventful, except that manv icebergs were passed close to the ship.* With his father, the late Mr. Wm. Eady, who entered into business, Mr. Arthur Eady settled in Auckland, and his love of music led him into the business in which he was eo successful in later years. The late Sir (then Mr.) Henry Brett found difficulty in procuring music and decided to import on hie own account. A shop was o}>ened in Queen Street and Mr. Eady, together with the late Mr. E. Triphook, undertook the management. After a time Sir Henry sold his business to Messrs. Milner and Thompson, and Mr. Eady and his co-worker decided to go into partnership. They opened a music store in Queen Street, several doors below the site of the present establishment of Arthur Eady, Ltd.. The business of Messrs. Milner and Thompson was not carried on long, and when the shop at the corner of Vulcan Lane became empty Mr. Eady and his partner moved in. Mr. Triphook died 38 years ago.

Hard Work and Thrift. It was in 1876 that the present busi ness of Arthur Kady, Ltd., was founded. Mr. Eady, like most young men, was not Messed with great financial means, nor was his partner, and there were times in the early days when it was a struggle to make ends meet. However, both were ambitious, and worked very long hours in the development of their business. They made extra money, most of which went into the business, by playing at concerts and dances.

Thirty years ago and more, the late Mr. Kady was one of the best-known professional musicians in New Zealand. He was a finished violinist, and his playing was much in demand. He founded an orchestra, which was known by his name, and this combination of musicians was always engaged for State balls at Government House and other big assemblage* of that colourful social age. Mr. Eady was the leader of Herr Nehniitt's wellremembered orchestra, and played at the Auckland Exhibition of 1898.

When Mr. Triphook died 38 years ago, Mr. Eady carried on tlie business, which, in the ;V2 years since its foundation has developed to its present large dimensions. To-day the name of Arthur Eady, Ltd., is known to music dealers the English world over. Mr. Eady took in Mr. John A. Wilson ae jmrtner 20 years ago, and some 18 months ago the firm became a limited liability company.

Prominent as Freemason. The late Mr. Eady wae an ardent Freemason, and rose to positions of prominence. He was a member of Lodge Prince of Wales (E.C.), of which he was a Past Master. He was also Past District Senior Grand Warden of the District Grand Lodge of English Freemasons. Members of the craft throughout New Zealand will learn with deep regret of the loss of one who, throughout a crowded lifetime, lived up to the best ideals and traditions of British Freemasonry.

Early in life Mr. Eady started the collection of Maori curios which has reposed in the Auckland Museum for a number of years. He brought a fund of enthusiasm to this hobby, which was his chief diversion apart from music, and as the years passed he gathered a valuable array of greenstone such as few private collectors can display.

The late Mr. Eady married Miss Melina Berquist on February 16, 1000, the Rev. J. Wilkins, of the Congregational Church, performing the ceremony at Auckland. Mre. Eady is still in good health. There are two sons and a daughter, Mr. Trevor Eady, of Auckland; Mr. Clifford Eady, of Taumarunui: and Miss Phvllie Eady, of Auckland. Mr. Lewis Eady. of this city, is a brother of deceased, and the other brother. Mr. William Eady. for many years a member of the Auckland Harbour Board staff, died some time ago. The funeral will he on Monday, at 2 p.m. Officers of the lodge will be present at the reading of the Masonic burial service at the graveside at Purevra cemetery.