MR. JOSEPH LAKING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 97, 24 April 1940, Page 11

MR. JOSEPH LAKING.

SERVICE TO ONEHUNGA. The death occurred yesterday afternoon at his residence. Grey Street, Onehunga, in hi* seventy-ninth year, of Mr. Joseph Laking, who for the "past 54 years was a well-known resident of Onehunga. He was born at Graintliorpe, Lincolnshire, in 1861, and arrived at Auckland by the ship Ashmore in 1882. A tailor by trade, Mr. Laking found employment at Thames and Mangawhare and in lbß6 established the tailoring business in Onehunga now carried on by his son, Mr. R. G. Laking. In his younger days, Mr. leaking, sen., took an active part in public activities and served for a number of years on the Onehunga Borough Council. A staunch supporter of the Methodist Church, he was, in 1937, presented with

the diploma of the Methodist Conference in grateful appreciation of his long services as lay preacher extending over a period of 48 years. He preached his first sermon in the Westney Road Church, Mangere. in He also held the commission as justice of the peace for upwards of 30 years. During the past 33 years Mr. Laking had acted as the. Onehunga correspondent for the "Auckland Star." He was married by the Rev. R. F. NcNicol in 1883, and Mr. and Mrs. Joking celebrated their golden wedding in 1933. He is survived by his wife, two sons and one daughter, Messrs. R. G. and W. S. Laking and Miss F. I. Laking. There are live grandchildren.