OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 18, 16 October 1933, Page 10

OBITUARY

Mr. G. P. Walters Days of the early coastal trade of New Zealand are recalled by the death on Friday of Mr. George Parsons Walters, aged 90 years, at the residence of his son, Mr. G. Walters, 22 Harcourt Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland. Born in Canterbury, Kent, Mr. Walters came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship Isabella Hercus, which arrived at Port Cooper, as Lyttelton was then known, on March 1, 1851, shortly after the first four ships to reach the port, under the Canterbury settlement scheme. Mr. Walters commenced his seafaring career in small cutters trading over the Heathcote Bar, and he later shipped in the Star of the, South, between Wellington and the South Island. He worked bis war northward, and served in a number of vessels trading out of Auckland, assisting in the shipping of horses, ammunition and provisions for the troops during the Maori War. In 1873 he retired from the sea at the time of his marriage, and settled in the Bay of Islands, living at Kawakawa for some 14 years, when the family returned to Auckland. During tlie construction of the Calliope Dock Mr. Walters was employed on the site, and made it a daily practice to walk from his home in Kingsland to the old Britomart steps, row across the harbour to the dock site, and later return home in the same manner, after a heavy day’s work. About 1892 Mr. Walters decided to take his three sons tb Russell, and the party left, Auckland in the schooner Norval, which was blown out to sea off Cape Brett, and was given up for lost. It was a week before land was sighted, but the vessel weathered the storm and the whole party ultimately landed safely. It was not until about eight years ago that Mr. Walters retired from active work on the waterfront. He is survived by three daughters.and five sons. They are: Mrs. W. Bowden, of Auckland ; Mrs. A. Hannah, of Christchurch; Mrs. R. Roycroft, of Auckland; and Messrs. George, William, James, Frederick and Frank Walters, all of Auckland. There are 29 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. J. H. S. Bree A “Dominion” Special Service message from Wanganui reports the death, following a short illness, of Mr. J. H. S. Bree, secretary to the Wanganui Education Board. Mr. Bree. who was 41 years of ago, was born in England, and came out to New Zealand as a youth. Following a short period with the gas department of the Wanganui City Council, he joined the 'Wanganui Education Board in August, 1914. Later, lie enlisted, but did not go overseas. He resumed duties with the board in 1919, and in October of that year was appointed accountant. In 1921 he was appointed assistant, secretary, and on Mr. W. H. Swanger.’s retirement from tbc secretaryship at the end of last year. Mr. Bree succeeded him. Mr. Bree was also secretary of the Board of Governors of the Wanganui Girls’ College. It was only two months ago that Mr. Bree was appointed secretary of the local committee to make arrangements for the New Zealand teachers’ summer school which is to be held in Wanganui in January next. Mr. Bree was a keen follower of cricket and Rugby. His sudden death will be regretted by a wide circle of friends. The chairman of the board. Mr. E. W. F. Hemingway., has received the following telegram from the Minister of Education, Hon. R. Masters: “it is with deep regret that I learned this morning of the passing away of the board’s secretary. Mr. Bree. I have sent a message t J Mrs. Bree, and sympathise also with the board in the loss of a valued offlcer.”

Mr. C. Gibbard The death occurred suddenly at Rapanui late on Friday afternoon of Mr. Charles Gibbard,, a well-known farmer, of Kai Iwi, states a Wanganui Press Association telegram. He was 73 years of age.