OBITUARY.

Evening Star, Issue 14688, 4 October 1911, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MR WILLIAM BRIDGMAN. One of the oldest identities of the Caversham district, in the person of Mr Wm. Bridgman, one. of the original members of the old Caversham Road Board, died tins morning in his 85rd year, lie was a member of the Caversham Council from its inception till its amalgamation with Dunedin City. For five years he occupied the mayoral chair, and was chairman of the Finance, Works, and Water Committees. He took a very active part in promoting an efficient drainage scheme for the borough, and in securing a plentiful and valuable water supply. It was largely owing to his efforts that Caversham obtained a. good gas supply and a convenient tramway service. For many years be was member and chairman of the Kensington _ School Committee, and at various times was a member of the Domain Board, Benevolent. Institution Trustees, Harbor Board, and the old Gas Commit-

tee. Mi- Bridgman was horn in Devonshire, England, in 3829, and at an early ago arrived in Melbourne by the Arabian, the lirst ship that tool; toa to Bristol. He came to New Zealand in 1859 in the s.s. Pirate, which was afterwards wrecked on the coast of Tasmainv.... Shortly alter his arrival in Dunedin Mr Bridgman (as junior resident partner) established a branch leather business for Messrs Peardon and Crooks. Melbourne, which he successfully conducted for some. time. In 1861 the partnership was dissolved, the senior partner retiring in favor of Mr Bridgman, who afterwards relinquished the business to Mr G. P. Farqu-irax. In 1863 he founded a tannery at the Glen,, Caversham, which he carried on for upwards of 26 years, and later on established a business in Dunedin as leather merchant. Mr Bridgman was married in 1866 to a Tasmanian lady, who. with three sons, still survives him. In the public life of the Fiat and Caversham 25 years ago he was particularly active and pronnnemt, r.nd throughout his long residence here he has enjoyed the esteem and respect of those who wore associated with him in his public, social, private, and church life.