OBITUARY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 149, 10 June 1912, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR. F. BEE

Residents of Napier and district will sincerely regret to hear that Mr. F. Bee’s lengthy illness has at length terminated fatally. He rallied somewhat from the severe attack which took him some time back sufficiently to he able to sit up on his verandah, but friends and relatives could see that he was in a very precarious condition, and latterly all knew that he was sinking. The end came about 1 p.m. on Sunday. It may be said with perfect confidence that the keenest regret will be felt at Mr. Bee’s death, as his long association with Napier has made him many friends. He came out to Napier with his father and mother 60 years ago, and as he grew up was engaged in different positions as clerk and bookkeeper for the principal firms in Hawke’s Bay, Later he was employed as accountant by Mr. J. Orr, shipping broker, until that firm wound up. Mr. Bee was then engaged as accountant for Richardson and Company, and subsequently became a partner in the firm. It is largely owing to Mr. Bee's practical afid successful work that the business is in the position it holds to-day. He eventually retired from active employment and visited England to recoup his health. On returning to Napier he devoted most of his time to the New Zealand Trawling Company, land, and other interests. On March 2nd, 1910, Mr. Bee entered public life as a member of the Napier Borough Council, the retirement of several councillors making a by-election necessary. At the following ordinary election he was second on the poll, and his work since has shown that the confidence of the burgesses was not misplaced. He proved himself a levelheaded capable councillor, and was of great assistance in all matters ct finance.

At the time of his death Mr. Bee was 61 years of age. He was never a man who really enjoyed robust health. He was twice married, and leaves a son by his first wife.

Napier loses in Mr. Bee the kind of citizen who can be ill spared by the community, and his fellow councillors will be particularly grieved to hear of his passing. Flags on the Borough Chambers, shipping offices, and other place? are being flown half-mast. The funeral will take place to-morrow.