POPULAR LICENSEE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20074, 21 October 1939, Page 7

POPULAR LICENSEE

MR. FRED G. STAFF

CAPABLE BUSINESSMAN

DEATH OCCURS IN NAPIER

Many Gisborne friends of Mr. Frederick G. Staff will regret to learn of his death, which occurred to-day in Napier. He was formerly well known in business here, and was one of the most popular licensees of the district. The late Mr. Staff came to Gisborne shortly after the Great War. and for a time was associated with Mr. Frank Harris in the management of the Albion Club Hotel, the license of which he took over after Mr. Harris’ death.

Subsequently he left that hotel to become chief steward and secretary of the Cosmopolitan Club, in which post his genial personality and capable business mind quickly made their mark. When he left the club to take over the license of the Masonic Hotel, Gisborne, its affairs were in an extremely flourishing condition, every phase of club activity having been stimulated by his personal interest. After a period in the Masonic Hotel, he went to Napier to occupy the license of the Masonic Hotel there, and subsequently he left Napier for Auckland, where he spent two or three years. He returned to Napier to become licensee of the Central Hotel there, and was in control of that house at his death.

A keen follower of sport in general, and a good patron to amateur sport in particular. 'Mr. Staff found his personal relaxation in later years on the bowling green. He was a fine bowler, and as a member he represented the ideal of all club executives, punctual, courteous, comradely, and energetic in the interests of the sport.

A few months ago Mr. Staff was bereaved by the death of his wife, who throughout his stay in Gisborne and his subsequent ventures in Napier and Auckland was a splendid helpmeet, and personally most popular. The bereavement was a bitter blow to him, one from which he did not fully recover.

His Gisborne friends will extend their deep sympathy to Miss Eileen Staff, Napier, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Staff, who also is well known in this district.