Mrs Maureen Tasker

Press, 24 February 1987, Page 7

Mrs Maureen Tasker

Mrs Maureen Elizabeth Tasker, a newly elected Christchurch Drainage Board member, died suddenly at her home at the week-end, aged 53.

Mrs Tasker was in many community organisations, and worked especially for the less fortunate in society.

She was the treasurer of the Co-ordinating Council for the Handicapped,

and helped establish the "Be Mobile” bus, and the Leithfield Horse Trust for handicapped riders. She was also the Labour Women’s - Christchurch branch delegate to the National Council of Women. The chairman of the drainage board, Mr Newton Dodge, said Mrs Tasker had grasped the background of the board very quickly and participated fully in board decisions since her first meeting.

“She was a very valuable member, she was always pleasant, co-opera-tive and helpful. I’m sure everyone is as shocked and saddened as I am that this has happended,” he said.

The chief administra-

tion officer for the board, Mr Norman Kelly, said the board would either hold' another election for a new member, or make its own appointment. If it chose to appoint someone, this would be advertised, and electors would have the opportunity of demanding an election.

“If there is no reaction from the public then the board can appoint anyone, so long as they are an elector, but it is usual to look at the next-highest polling candidate,” said Mr Kelly.

The board will decide at tomorrow’s meeting what course of action to take.

Mrs Tasker is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters.