OBITUARY.

Grey River Argus, 8 June 1922, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MICHAEL POWLEY, REEFTON. A well-known and highly respected Reefton pioneer has just joined the great majority, in the person of Mr Michael Edward Powley, one-time champion wrestler of New Zealand, at the comparatively early age of 54 years. The late Mr Powley was at the time of his death proprietor of the Gladstone Hotel, Reefton, and many years ago held the license of the Duke of Edinburgh, Greymouth. He always took a great interest in all forms of sport. He leaves a widow, four sons and two daughters. The late Michael Powley, whose death has just been recorded at Reefton, was a native of Milton, Otago, and he was one of the best-known wrestlers in years gone by. After starting at the lowest branch, he became the champion of the Dominion for all-comers and all weights, finally defeating- the 16st champion Robertson, although his (Pawley’s) own weight never exceeded list. Mr Powley came to the Coast 16 years ago, and went to Wallsend, conducting a hotel there. He went to Reefton about 12 years ago, and during- the intervening period he had been a very active citizen, doing his best 1o advance anything pertaining to the benefit of the town. He was a steward of the Inangahua Trotting Club, and a member of the Reef ton Jockey Club, as well as belonging to Inangahua Rugby Union and other local societies. Ho was 54 years of age. General sympathy will be extended to the widow and family of four sons (John, Robert, Richard, and Chris, of Rocfton), and two daughters, Mrs Fletcher (Auckland), and Mrs J. Watt (of Mawheraiti). The funeral takes place to-morrow afternoon, leaving the Gladstone Hotel (of which deceased was proprietor), at 2 p.m.