Southbridge

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LX, Issue 18, 7 March 1939, Page 4

Southbridge

LATE MR SYDNEY RICHARDS

Old residents of Southbridge will be sorry to learn of the death of Mr Sydney Richards, a member of a family which was well-known in Southbridge forty years ago. He was farming at Pihama, in Taranaki, and was injured by a fall of earth at Inglewood, death taking place in New Plymouth Hospital a few hours later. Mr Richards, who was 59 years of age, leaves a widow and family of seven, the. youngest being 18 years. Mrs Richards and family intend to carry on the farm. Mr Richards, who left Christchurch for the North Island 34 years ago, was well respected by the residents ~pf the district in which he -lived, particularly by the Maoris. He was a director of the Pihama cheese factory and a steward of the Opunake Racing Club. Two of Mr Richards' 3 brothers, Joe (Christchurch) and Fred (Hornby)

flew to New Plymouth to attend the funeral last Thursday. Five of the Richards brothers visited Southbridge last year, and it is interesting to mention that the first position filled by the late Mr Sydney Richards was on the staff of The Guardian,, when the paper was conducted by the late Mr Zouch. Mrs Richards, sen., is still living and at the age of 85 years is able to get about. Mr Joe Richards has been for many years with the New Zealand Express Co., in Christchurch. The Rev. and Mrs L. G. B. Whitehead have returned from a holiday visit to the North Island. Mr and Mrs W. J. Kemp, Lyttelton, were week-end visitors to Southbridge. MEETING OF TOWN BOARD - Cmr. W. G. Hill presided over the monthly meeting of the Southbridge Town Board which was held last night. There were also present Crs R. B. Willis, W. J. Beamsley, W. J. Galvin, leave of absence being granted to the chairman (Cmr E. W. Hunt), Cmrs. M. H. Boyd, and H. G. Hubbard. . A number of minor matters were considered and action decided upon, but most of the business was deferred until next meeting. Accounts amounting to £16/19/8 were passed, for payment. The credit balance at the bank was f364/16/-. PERSONAL, The Rev. H. G. Hawkins, of Glenmark, North Canterbury, is among the visitors to the Rakaia Huts for the quinnat salmon fishing. Mr W. V. Rowan returned by air on Saturday from Blenheim after spending a holiday at Marlborough Sounds.