OBITUARY

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26265, 9 November 1950, Page 3

OBITUARY

MR H. S. VESTEY

A cablegram received in Christchurch this week announced the death in England on Sunday morning of Mr H. S. Vestey, for many years a wellknown citizen of Christchurch. Mr Vestey was a son of the late Mr Sidney Vestey. of the Union Cold Storage Company. Ltd., London, and of the Blue Star Line Ltd. Mr'H. S. Vestey was born in North America but was taken to England when he was a child and was educated at Dulwich College and Cambridge University. Because he suffered from ill health he and his wife came to New Zealand several years ago and lived for a time at Wanaka, afterwards moving to Christchurch. In May, 1946, when his health was still far from satisfactory Mr Vestey. accompanied by his wife, left the Dominion and lived for a time in California. Eventually he returned to England and made his home at Mapleton, Four Elms, Edenbridge. Kent. During the years Mr and Mrs Vestey were in Christchurch they took an active part in the affairs of the city. They worked most cheerfully and efficiently for patriotic societies, for the British Sailors’ Society, the children’s health camp at. Glenelg, the Tuberculosis Association, and Mr Vestey was an enthusiastic member of the legion of Frontiersmen and of the North American Society, and was also a member of the Christchurch Club. He will long be gratefully remembered at the Cashmere Sanatorium where he got in touch with, friendless seamen, visited them and provided them with comforts.

He is survived by his wife, who lives at Edinburgh, and by his mother, whose home is in London.

MR E. GRAY

The passing of Mr Eric Gray, a former Mayor and borough councillor of Kaiapoi, on Tuesday, ended a notable career of public and community service. Born at Belfast, Mr Gray went to Kaiapoi as a boy in 1904. He was connected with the grocery trade in both Kaiapoi and Christchurch on his own account.

Mr Gray took a keen interest in public life and organisations in the community. He was one of the first Boy Scouts in New Zealand, joining the first Dominion troop, formed in Kaiapoi in 1908. under Mr Mallasch. Later he held the position of District Commissioner for Canterbury. He took a leading part in St. John Ambulance work, and was awarded the Order of St. John. During Mr Gray’s period as chairman of the Kaiapoi Patriotic Committee during the Second World War. £lO.OOO was raised. Mr Gray served overseas in the First World War. Mr Gray is survived by his widow, one son. Mr Gavin Gray (Kaiapoi). and t\Vo daughters. Mrs A. S. Farquhar (Styx), and Mrs M. W. Stanley (Kaiapoi).