MR. H. W. SMITH

Evening Post, Issue 17, 20 July 1936, Page 11

MR. H. W. SMITH

Mr. Henry William Smith, whose death occurred at the end of last week, was one of New Zealand's early settlers. He came to New Zealand with his parents from London in 1858, landing at Lyttelton, and was one of the two youngest children on the sailing ship. Zealandia, under the command of Captain Foster. On arrival at Lyttelton his parents had to carry him over the Port Hills via the Bridle Track with such baggage as they could carry over to the city-to-be, Christchurch.- In common with fellow pioneers, the Smiths' first home in New Zealand was a tent.

The deceased, on leaving school, served for several years in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency, then later joined the publishing staff of the Lyttelton "Times" and Christchurch "Star," and later managed his brother's catering business until the death of the brother. Mr,. Smith then conducted the business as his own for some years.

The deceased was the founder of the St. John Ambulance Association inNew Zealand in Christchurch in September, 1884. A boy named Cooper fell off the rocks at Sumner and suffered facial injuries, and received firstaid attention from Mr. Smith. A meeting was held subsequently . and the association was formed, the Rev. Thos. Flavell, of Merivale, being the first secretary. Two certificates and a silver medal were held by Mr. Smith. In the eighties and nineties the deceased was a keen' Volunteer officer in the Linwood Rifles, and was a member of the Druids Lodge.. For twenty-two years he served in St. Luke's Anglican Church choir, Christchurch. The deceased resided in Wellington for many years and was a member of the Early Settlers' and Historical Association. The surviving members of his family are his eldest son, Mr. Fred H. C. Smith, Mrs. Frank McCormick, and Mrs. A. O. Thomson, all of Wellington.

The funeral took place at Karori Cemetery today.