OUTSTANDING FIGURE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20094, 14 November 1939, Page 6

OUTSTANDING FIGURE

LATE MR. G. C. ORMOND

POWER BOARD’S TRIBUTE

FUNERAL IN WAIROA (Special to the Herald.) WAIROA, this day. "I think I can safely say that Mr. Ormond was the outstanding man of the generation of Wairoa,” stated Mr. C. V. Chamberlain, chairman of the Wairoa Electric-Power' Board, when moving at the monthly meeting yesterday, that the board place on record its deep regret at the death of Mr. G. C. Ormond. Out of respect for the late Mr. Ormond the meeting was adjourned for a month after the passing of the accounts.

Mr. Chamberlain said that Mr. Ormond was the first chairman of the board, being appointed to mat position in 11)20, and was the pioneer of hydro-electricity in this district. It was mainly through his efforts that the Waikaremoana. scheme was estaotished. He remained a member of the board until 1935, when he retired because of health reasons. His work, added Mr. Chamberlain, not only lor the Power Board but for other local bodies over 40 years was deeply appreciated. In seconding the motion. Mr. E. H. Giendining said that Mr. Ormond had spent a great deal of his time and energy in getting an electricity supply established in Wairoa. He had always been a lower of strength in settling any difficulties the board had haci with the Public Works Department. Mr. Ormond also had taken a great interest in anything that was for the benefit of Wairoa, and sporting activities in the district owed him a deep debt of gratitude. He was one who would be missed for many .years in the Wairoa district. On the motion of Mr. M. ,T. Gemmell, seconded by Mr. D. D. Pryde, the meeting was adjourned for a month, the finance committee being given authority to deal with any important question which might arise in the meantime. Large Funeral On Sunday the body of Mr. G. C. Ormond was conveyed to Waihirere, where it lay in state in the Carroll Memorial Hall. Here, all day long, gathered groups of Europeans and Maoris, to pay tribute to the passing of a great friend. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at the Wairoa cemetery. Services at St. Paul’s Church and the graveside were conducted by the Rev. J. Talbot. The cortege was one of the largest seen in Wairoa, approximately 100 cars following the hearse to the cemetery. Every local body and organisation with which the late Mr. Ormond was connected was represented, and the casket, was entirely covered with beautiful wreaths.

The pall-bearers were: The Mayor, Mr. H. L. Harker, Messrs. A. G. Nolan, T. leC. Powdrell, C. V. Chamberlain, chairman of the Wairoa ElectricPower Board, A. T. Carroll, chairman of the Wairoa County Council, and RW. Pomare.