OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23052, 21 June 1940, Page 2

OBITUARY

MR A. SKINNER ' (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGEAJI.) TAURANGA, June 20. The death occurred at Tauranga today of Mr Arthur Skinner, aged 66, formerly constable in charge at Tauranga. He was known throughout New Zealand. , . Bom in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, Mr Skinner came to New Zealand when 14. He lived first in Otago, and gained prominence in Caledonian games. In 1902 he created a double world’s record at Auckland-for throwing the hammer and weight. These records still hold under the same conditions, and at the time created comment throughout the world. His wrestling record was also noteworthy. He triumphed in more than 500 athletic contests, and held more than 100 medals. „ Mr Skinner joined the Police Force in 1899 at Wellington, and later moved to Auckland, where he saved four persons from drowning, and was granted one year’s seniority, a very singular and unusual reward. He was then promoted to the detective branch in 1907; but, at his own request, reverted to the uniform branch, taking charge at Tauranga until his retirement. He took part in several outstanding incidents, including the quelling of the Kaikohe surveying dispute with the Maoris in 1901, and also the Waihi strike in 1912. He was a member of the party which entered the Urewera in 1916 to arrest the prophet Rua. He was always interested in farming, and some of the best horses in the bay passed through his hands. He owned several properties in the district at the time of his death. He retired in 1935, and was given the largest and most representative farewell, and the greatest demonstration of goodwill that the town has ever seen. He is survived by his wife.