OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23494, 24 November 1941, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR W. J. HAMPTON Mr W. J. Hampton, whose, death occurred recently, was a resident of Sumner for nearly 40 years. He retired from the position as police officer in charge of the district 10 years ago. During the whole of this time he was a keen supporter of sports, particularly cricket and bowls. His parents came from Ireland 80 years ago, and he was born in Harrisville, Thames, in 1866. His early life was spent in the Paeroa district, but it was in Wellington in 1896 he joined the Permanent Artillery. The following year he was appointed to the police force in Christchurch. In 1898 he married Miss Kathleen Harper, of Pirongia. After four years in the city he was promoted to Sumner, and rer tired on superannuation in 1931. Mr Hampton started senior cricket in Sumner. ‘ About 1902 he supervised the construction of a blue clay pitch in Bury street opposite the present school, and was elected the first captain of a club that functioned till 1913 and which wen several of the city and suburban competitions. Players from this club were selected to represent the city in matches as far afield as Auckland. At the time of his death he was patron of the Sumner Bowling Club and a past president. He won the singles championship several times as well as the pairs and fours. In ■ the city contests he won the champion of champions pairs and fours several years ago.