OBITUARY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 November 1924, Page 4

OBITUARY.

MR CHARLES POTTS, ELTHAM. One of Eltham’s oldest and most respected citizens, Mr Charles Potts, passed away quietly yesterday morning at his residence in London street, after a short illness, at the age of 76. Mr Potts was well known in all parts of Taranaki as a builder and an hotelkeeper, and had made many friends because of his sterling character and integrity. The late Mr Potts was horn in Kent in 1848. With his wife and two children Mr Potts arrived in New Zealand 45 years ago. For three years he carried on his trade in the AVairarapa, and then went to Patea. In his 14 years’ stay there he interested himself in the welfare of the town, and took a keen interest in all sports. He was a most prominent member of the Patea Rifles, in which he held the rank of sergeant. _ He was a crack shot with the rifle, winning many valuable trophies. Twenty-seven years ago Mr Potts and his family came to Eltham. AVithin five years he erected over 60 houses in the town and district. He ivas .a member of the first Eltham Borough Council, on which body he did much good service for the town. About 18 years ago Mr Potts bought the Branch Hotel, now, the Central, and was later the licensee of the Coronation ' Hotel. Ultimately he lived in Tauranga for a time, where he was licensee of the Star Hotel. After leaving Tauranga he kept the Imperial Hotel, New Plymouth, where, as in the other towns, he was exceedingly popular. When he disposed of the Imperial Hotel Mr Potts returned to Eltham, where he had lived since. During his occupation of the Branch Hotef he spent much time and money in ,■ the formation of the Eltham Bowling Club. He was also an active howler. He owned a farm fit Mata. A little over a week ago Mr Potts suffered a heart attack, from which he failed to recover. In his death Eltham has lost a splendid type of citizen. Mr Potts is survived by a widow and a grown-up family—Mrs AA 7 orthington (Stratford), Mr Joseph Potts (Eltham), Mrs Coleman (Te Roti), Mr Win. Potts (Australia), Mrs, Campbell (Patea), Mrs Stent (Plimmerton). Mr George Potts (Auckland), Mrs Wakelin (Carterton) and Mrs Foley (Auckland). Two daughters died years ago, a son, AValter, lost his life at the war, and another son, Fred, died at Cambridge a tew years ago. The deceased gentleman is also survived by over 50 grandchildren.—Argus.