The Press. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1908. THE LATE MR STEAD.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13103, 30 April 1908, Page 6

The Press. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1908. THE LATE MR STEAD.

It is with very great regret -wo have to announce tho doath of Mr Gco. G. Stead, managing director of "The Press," who expired yesterday afternoon after a comparatively brief illness. A man. of commanding ability, and great energy in tho commercial world, he was, jiip to the timo of his cLeaith, aasocdated with a largo number of important enterprises which owed much to his progressive spirit and sound judgment. He was a strong Imperialist and sterling patriot, who did a great deal at tho timo of tho South African War to arouso New Zealaaidors to the importance of tho crisis, and to direct thoir patriotic impulses into a practical channel. In tho world of Eport in New Zealand he may bo said to have been tho acknowledged Icing, and, although'opinions differ on the subject of horso-racing, there is not among tlio strongest opponents of tho tarf one who will not admit that Mr Stead, by I»is high ideals of honour and strict integrity, did much toraiso the standard of racing ethics in New Zealand to a level which in few otJier countries has been attained. The manifold expressions of sympathy received from all quarters during his illik*s show the groat and widespread esteem in which ho was held, afid wo foel sure that that sympathy will now lie extended in double portion to his bereaved and Borrowing family. Tho employees of tho Pros, Company -feel that they have lost a true friend. Although always c. great striver after efficiency, Mr Stead, by his consideration for tho workers in every grade, and- his unvarying spirit of justice to all, gained the warmest admiration and esteem from those ywlio woro most closely associated with . him, and who, therefore, knew him •Sf'Beei ' • "