OBITUARY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 March 1945, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR. JESSE STEER.

The death occurred, yesterday, at lis residence, Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch of Mr. Jesse Steer, a re,ident of Greymouth for many years. He was born in Nelson 82 years ago, and after working in the grocery made for five years at Richmond he iame to Greymouth. In 1882 he en.ered the employment of Mr. A. lildebrand, butcher, and subsequenty became manager. Two years after ;he death of Mr. Hildebrand, in‘ 1894, Vlr. Steer joined the firm, which later became the Mawhera Meat. Company, of which Mr. Steer was principal until he retired some years ago, when he went to reside in Christchurch.

The late Mr. Steer was prominent in local body affairs in Greymouth and district for many years, being .Mayor of Greymouth in 1903, first chairman of the Greymouth Fire Soard, which position he retained un.ll his retirement. He was for many years Chairman of the Greymouth Barbour Board and stood for the' Vestland Parliamentary seat in the interests of the Reform Party in '.922. He was a Past Master of the Ireymouth Masonic Lodge and was D.G.M., Westland and Nelson, holding that office for about 40 years, which was probably a record for a similar office in the English Consti;ution. Mr. Steer was also a member of the Greymouth Bowling Club, of which he was President for several terms.

He is survived by his wife, two ;ons, 'William, of Greymouth Motors, Md., Greymouth, and a member of he Greymouth Harbour Board, and Walter (Auckland); also five daughters, Mesdames W. Armstrong (Nelson), L. E. Walker (Christchurch), A.. Stevens (Christchurch), H. Hartand (North Island), and Grant Timaru). A burial service will be ■eld at the Crematorium, Christchurch, to-morrow.

At a meeting of the Greymouth Borough Council last evening a moion of condolence was passed with he relations of the late Mr. Steer. Cne Mayor (Mr. F .A. Kitchingham) referred to the lengthy service given he custrict bv Mr. Steer as a member of local bodies, and also to the assistance given by his wife and •.amily in matters affecting public welfare.