Obituary MR R. E. T. KIRK

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29263, 22 July 1960, Page 16

Obituary MR R. E. T. KIRK

One of the early pioneers of musical broadcasting in Christchurch and a man who was associated with many orchestras in the city, Mr Robert Edward Tasman Kirk, died recently in Auckland. He was 89. Born in Tasmania in 1871, Mr Kirk had a long association with music and played in orchestras such as the Savage Club’s, the Working Men’s Club, and the Linwood orchestra (Kennedy’s). He was the oldest member and soloist of this group, a position he also held in Derry’s Military Band.

During the First World War, together with his sons, Mr Kirk toured widely with “Kirk’s Lyric Orchestra” raising money for the Lady Liverpool Fund. Among his many other musical associations was the Crystal Palace orchestra, of which his late son, Mr Robert Kirk, was a conductor. Mr Kirk toured the country with such theatrical companies as the Annette Kellerman Show, J. C. Williamson and J. and N. Tait, and played at the Christchurch Exhibition in 1906. For many years Mr Kirk was a foreman cabinet . maker for W. Strange and Company. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. MR C. D. McCREADY , (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 21, A leading national wrestling administrator, Mr C. D. McCready, died in Auckland this week. He was 60. Mr McCready was president of the Auckland association for 15 years until his retirement three years ago, and was president of the Dominion Wrestling Union for several years. He was manag-ing-director of a soft furnishing firm with 34 stores throughout the North Island. He entered wrestling administration in the early 1920’s and, with American promoters, was responsible for bringing the world’s 'op wrestlers to New Zealand in the period before the Second ' 7or Id War. Mr McCready manage the New Zealand team to the world championships in 1954 ar d the wrestling section of the 19.16 Olympic Games in Melbourne. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.