OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 23, 28 January 1924, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR. WILLIAM GARDINER.

Another link with old-time sport has been severed by the death of Mr. William .'Gardiner, who in his younger days .was a. prominent (footballer and cricketer.': In business circles the late Mr. Gardiner was also well known as a builder and contractor, having been connected with many important works of conißy all who came into contact ■with;him, jn business and private life, ' and by all who" knew him as a sportsTnaiViho'was held in high esteem, and 'widespread*, regret will be felt at the news', of hisr death, which occurred .at,,his late residence,' Harper street, "WellingtonSoufli,' 'yesterday morning as .the result ;of a. severe, illness. The "deceased was , torn in Auckland fifty-eight years ago, and it was in the Northern city that lie .gained prominence on the field of ' sport. He was a member of the Grafton ;Rugby Football. Club, and> his form in I club matches gained for him a place in the Auckland representative team. He jwas perhaps best known as a wing-for-iward, although he could take practically Iciiy place in a team. Prior, to the departure of the New Zealand Native team \3rilßßß his form was so good that he was ( 'lo6Ued upon as a probable member of (the New Zealand team, but he had the Tniafortune to injure a shoulder, and i,that had an effect upon his subsequent , career as a footballer. On the cricket :Held he was a member of the Parnell (Club, Auckland, and on coming to Wellington gome thirty years ago he joined jtho Midland Club and subsequently reipresented Wellington. Of the many con{etructional works with which he was con'nectod the most notable were: "The jJ3omiuion" newspaper offices, the Rona £B#y Wharf, the new Ferry Wharf, the '"Whangarei Wharf, and the Raglan '/Wharf. His_work also included the construction"'of "numerous bridges in both isla,iTdßT'"''He Was a man of retiring disposition, sterling character, and integrity, nnd at hia passing much sympathy ■will be felt for.his widow and his son, Mr. Norman Jacob Gardiner, of Wellington.